JP2007124068A - Operating device for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operating device for an image forming apparatus capable of quickly attaining desired menu operations or the like by relieving an initial operation to the utmost extent. <P>SOLUTION: The operating device is used by the image forming apparatus provided with a display section 20 including at least an image transmission function and an image copying function and displaying an operating menu corresponding to the functions and a display control section for switching the operating menu displayed on the display section 20 on the basis of a selected function, and includes an initial menu setting means for selecting and setting in advance an operating menu displayed on the display section 20 at start of the image forming apparatus, and the display control section displays the operating menu selected and set by the initial menu setting means on the display section 20 at the start of the image forming apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes at least an image transmission function and an image copying function, a display unit that displays an operation screen corresponding to these functions, and a display control that switches an operation screen displayed on the display unit based on a selected function The present invention relates to an operation device for an image forming apparatus including a unit.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as an image transmission function and an image copying function has been developed. In such a multifunction device, it is necessary to select and operate various functions in each of the image transmission function and the image copying function. A plurality of menu keys are displayed on a display unit using a touch panel type liquid crystal device, and an operator's operation is performed. It is configured to operate according to the menu set by.

  For example, as a menu related to the image transmission function, setting of the original type such as whether the transmission original is a photo original or a text original, setting of the original image quality such as whether the transmission original is a color original or a monotone original, Multiple setting menus such as settings are displayed on the display, and as a menu related to the image copying function, setting of the original type such as double-sided or single-sided, setting of the copying type such as double-sided or single-sided, the size and magnification of the original or copy paper A plurality of setting menus such as a setting for the same are displayed on the display unit.

  The menu related to the image transmission function and the menu related to the image copying function are not displayed in a mixed manner on the display unit from the viewpoint of ease of operation or the like, but function settings provided separately in the operation unit The display is selectively switched by the key. For example, when the “facsimile” key is pressed, the menu related to the image transmission function is switched and when the “copy” key is pressed, the menu related to the image copying function is switched and displayed by the display control unit. It is.

  The image copy function stores a combination of a plurality of menus corresponding to one program key, and an operation having a program function for setting a combination menu requested by the operator as soon as the program key is pressed. Department has also been proposed.

  In order to further improve the operability of such an operation device of the image forming apparatus, Patent Document 1 discloses a desired program key relating to a copy function and / or a facsimile function as an initial screen on the display unit of the operation unit. Providing a multifunction device that includes a means for simultaneously displaying an image within a predetermined number of ranges, and that allows the user to shift directly from the initial screen to an operation state corresponding to the key by selecting a key on the initial screen. Has been.

  Similarly, in Patent Document 2, an image forming apparatus having an image communication function for transmitting and receiving an image via a communication line and a copy function, an initial copy screen for copying and image communication are provided. In accordance with the numerical value detected by the input numerical value detecting means, the display means for displaying the image communication initial screen, which is the initial screen in the case of performing, the input numerical value detecting means for detecting the numerical value input via the numerical value input means There has been proposed an image forming apparatus having screen switching control means for switching the display on the display means to the initial copy screen or the initial image communication screen.

JP 2000-151870 A JP 2002-57828 A

  However, in the operation device described in Patent Document 1 described above, when it is necessary to perform a menu operation that does not correspond to any of the plurality of program keys displayed on the initial screen, the image transmission function or the image copying function is used. There is a problem that it is necessary to perform an operation to display any of the initial screens, and an extra operation is required.

  Further, the operation device described in Patent Document 2 described above also has a disadvantage that it is difficult for an operator who is not skilled in operation to input some numerical values when using the copying function.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an operation device for an image forming apparatus capable of quickly performing a desired menu operation or the like by reducing initial operations as much as possible.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the first characteristic configuration of the operation device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is provided with at least an image transmission function and an image copying function as described in claim 1 of the claims. An operation device for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display unit that displays an operation screen corresponding to those functions; and a display control unit that switches an operation screen displayed on the display unit based on a selected function. An initial screen setting unit that preselects and sets an operation screen displayed on the display unit when the image forming apparatus is started up, and the display control unit is selected and set by the initial screen setting unit when the image forming apparatus is started up. The operation screen is configured to be displayed on the display unit.

  In general, a multi-function peripheral having an image transmission function and an image copying function has a low probability of selecting any function equally, and tends to select any function independently. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, the initial screen setting unit selects an operation screen having a function with a high selection frequency so that it is displayed when the apparatus is started up. It becomes unnecessary and becomes an operation device with higher usability.

  In addition to the first feature configuration described above, the second feature configuration includes an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality of the image forming apparatus, and when the image forming apparatus is started up, When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means, the display control unit is configured to display an abnormality monitor screen in preference to the operation screen selected and set by the initial screen setting unit. .

  According to the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus and the apparatus cannot be operated immediately, the abnormality monitor screen is displayed with priority over the operation screen selected and set by the initial screen setting unit. Will be able to take appropriate actions quickly.

  In the third feature configuration, in addition to the first and second feature configurations described above, the frequency of use of the setting screens of the image transmission function and the image copy function is counted. A frequency detection unit, wherein the display control unit has one of the operation screens based on a use frequency within a predetermined period detected by the frequency detection unit in preference to the operation screen selected and set by the initial screen setting unit. Is displayed on the display unit.

  According to the above-described configuration, the operation screen of the frequently used function detected by the frequency detection unit is displayed in preference to the operation screen selected and set by the initial screen setting unit as the initial screen, so the operation screen is switched. The extra operation frequency of the selection operation is greatly reduced.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operation device for an image forming apparatus capable of performing a desired menu operation and the like quickly by reducing initial operations as much as possible.

  The case where the operation device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital color multifunction machine having an image transmission function operating as a facsimile machine and an image copying function operating as an original image copying apparatus will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a color multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present invention sequentially reads a series of originals set on an operation unit 2 positioned as an operation device according to the present invention and an original placement unit 3 and converts them into electronic data. An image reading unit (also referred to as a “scanner”) 4 and four upper and lower paper feed cassettes 6 (6a to 6d) that are provided below the image reading unit 4 and store different sizes or types of paper. An electrophotographic image forming unit 5 that forms and outputs a toner image based on the image data read by the image reading unit 4 on the fed paper, and image data read by the image reading unit 4 And a mechanism block including an image transmission processing unit 7 for decompressing image data received from the outside, and the like.

  Each mechanism block is configured such that a predetermined operation preset by a plurality of control units each having a microcomputer is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, an operation control unit 200 that controls the operation unit 2, a scanner control unit 400 that controls the image reading unit 4, and input image data read by the image reading unit 4 are output. An image processing unit 800 that converts to image data, an image formation control unit 500 that controls the image forming unit 5, an image transmission control unit 700 that controls the image transmission processing unit 7, and an overall control of each of the control units described above. The system control unit 900 is connected to each other via a command bus and, if necessary, an image bus so that they can communicate with each other.

  For example, when a copy menu is set in the operation unit 2 and activated, report information is sent from the operation control unit 2 to the system control unit 900 via the command bus. In response to this, the scanner control unit 400 is activated based on a document reading command output from the system control unit 900 to read a document image, and the read input image data is processed by the image processing via the image bus. The image data is sent to the unit 800 and converted into output image data. On the other hand, the image formation control unit 500 is activated based on a copy command output from the system control unit 900, and a toner image is generated based on the output image data input at a predetermined timing, transferred to a sheet, and fixed. It is output after it is done.

  Each control unit is provided with a self-diagnosis unit that detects whether or not its own control target mechanism is operating normally. When an abnormality is detected, an abnormality report is sent to the system control unit 900 via the command bus. Is configured to be sent. The system control unit 900 that has received the abnormality report is configured to stop the copying operation being executed when necessary, and to transmit abnormality information to the operation control unit 200, and the operation control unit 200 receives the abnormality report. The abnormal information is stored in the internal RAM 250 and the display unit 20 is controlled to display the abnormal state. For example, the scanner control unit 400 detects an abnormality such as a reading lamp out, and the image formation control unit 500 detects an out of toner, a paper jam, or a heater out.

  That is, a self-diagnosis unit provided in each control unit, and an abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the color multifunction peripheral 1 by the internal RAM 250 of the operation control unit 200 in which abnormality information diagnosed by each self-diagnosis unit is stored Is configured. The abnormal state detected by the self-diagnosis unit is held while the state continues, and is reset when the state is eliminated and a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when a paper jam occurs during a copying operation, the operator opens the machine door, removes the paper in the machine, and closes the door again. It is reset when the remaining is not confirmed. When a failure requiring replacement of parts such as a lamp burnout occurs, an on-timing of a reset switch (not shown, but provided on either the control unit board or the operation unit 20) operated after replacement of the parts by a service person To reset.

  The operation unit 2 is attached in front of the image reading unit 4, and as shown in FIG. 1, a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 20 and a function selection key 26 arranged on the left side with the display unit 20 in between. A numeric input key 21 for setting the number of copies, etc. arranged on the right side, a start key 22 for starting a copying operation, an image transmission operation, etc., stopping the started operation, or canceling the input processing set immediately before A stop / clear key 23, a reset key 24 for returning the display state to an initial value, an initial setting key 25 for setting various initial values such as management information and initial screen setting information related to the color multifunction peripheral, and the like. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation control unit 200 that controls the operation unit 2 described above includes an input processing unit 220 that detects various key input operations including a touch panel arranged in the operation unit 2, and the input processing unit. Based on the key input detected by the control unit 220, the display control unit 210 that controls turning on and off various LEDs provided in the operation unit 2 and switching the operation screen displayed on the display unit 20, and the color An initial screen setting unit 230 that preselects and sets an operation screen displayed on the display unit 20 when the MFP 1 is started up, and a frequency detection unit that counts the use frequency of the setting screens of the image transmission function and the image copying function. 240 and an internal RAM 250 constituting a part of the abnormality detection means.

  The display control unit 210 is configured to switch an operation screen displayed on the display unit 20 based on a function selected by the function selection key 26 among an image copying function and an image transmission function. Hereinafter, switching display control of both functions by the display control unit 210 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the function selection key 26 includes an image copying function selection key 27 and an image transmission function selection for selecting whether the color multifunction peripheral 1 is operated as a document image copying apparatus or a facsimile apparatus. The key 28 is composed of two function selection keys, and monitor LEDs 27a and 28a are arranged on the left side of each key.

  When the monitor LED 27a is lit, it indicates that the image copying function is selected, and when the monitor LED 28a is lit, it indicates that the image transmission function is selected. The display control unit 210 turns on the monitor LED 28a instead of the monitor LED 27a to switch to the image transmission function when the image transmission function selection key 28 is pressed when the image copying function is selected. If the image copy function selection key 27 is pressed when the image transmission function is selected, the monitor LED 27a is turned on instead of the monitor LED 28a to switch to the image copy function.

  When the image copying function is selected, the display control unit 210 switches the display unit 20 to a corresponding operation screen. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 4A, a plurality of menu keys are displayed on a plurality of tabs for setting a copy menu and a tab selected by the operator. The default value of the tab is the “Easy Setting” tab. For example, by selecting and setting the paper setting key and copy density key displayed on the “Easy Setting” tab, you can select the paper size and set the copy density. It becomes possible to do. When the operator selects a desired copy menu and presses the start key, information to that effect is transmitted to the system controller 900.

  When the image transmission function is selected, the display control unit 210 switches the display unit 20 to a corresponding operation screen. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 4B, a plurality of tabs for setting a transmission menu are displayed, and menu keys displayed on the selected tab are displayed. For example, the destination list is scrolled by operating the up / down key displayed when the “destination” tab is selected, and the destination can be set by touching the displayed destination destination. .

  Further, the display control unit 210 is configured to display an operation screen selected and set by the initial screen setting unit 230 on the display unit 20 when the color multifunction peripheral 1 is started up. Here, “at the time of starting” means a so-called auto-reset time when a power switch of the color multifunction device 1 is turned on, when the reset key 24 is operated, or when a predetermined time elapses after the requested job is completed. .

  The initial screen setting unit 230 converts the operation screen displayed on the display unit 20 at the above-described “starting time” into any one of an operation screen corresponding to an image copying function and an operation screen corresponding to an image transmission function. It is activated by operating the initial setting key 25.

  When the initial setting key 25 is operated, various initial setting menu keys are displayed on the display unit 20. When the initial screen setting key is operated from among them, the initial screen setting screen shown in FIG. Is displayed. The function selected by selecting one of the image copy function selection key and the image transmission function selection key displayed on the initial screen setting screen is displayed in negative / positive inversion. The figure shows a state where the image copying function selection key is selected.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the display control unit 210 displays an abnormality monitor screen for notifying an abnormal state on the display unit 20 when any abnormality information is stored in the internal RAM 250. The abnormality monitor screen is configured to display an abnormality occurrence location (scanner, printer, etc.) and a release method key for displaying a countermeasure message so that the operator can appropriately respond. For example, when a paper jam occurs, a message indicating a paper jam is displayed in the printer display field, and the location of the paper jam is displayed in the machine configuration diagram displayed in the center. Remove the paper. "Message is displayed.

  Here, the display control unit 210 can be operated by operating the function selection key 26 if either the image copying function or the image transmission function is operable regardless of the abnormality that has occurred. An operation screen corresponding to the function is displayed. For example, when the image transmission control unit 700 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the communication interface unit for image transmission, the image copying function selection key 27 displays an operation screen related to the image copying function. When the image forming control unit 500 detects that the toner has run out, the image transmission function selection key 28 displays an operation screen related to the image transmission function.

  Therefore, even when the color multifunction device 1 is activated, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit, the display control unit 20 has priority over the operation screen selected and set by the initial screen setting unit 230. And an abnormal monitor screen is displayed.

  The display control unit 210 displays the initial screen if the function corresponding to the initial operation screen set by the initial screen setting unit 230 can operate regardless of the abnormality that has occurred. Is also possible. In addition, if a function corresponding to an operation screen different from the initial operation screen set by the initial screen setting unit 230 is operable regardless of the abnormality that has occurred, the different operation screen is displayed as the initial screen. It is also possible to do. In either case, when the selection operation is performed to display the other operation screen by operating the function selection key 26 in that state, the abnormality monitor screen is controlled to be displayed.

  The frequency detection unit 240 includes a counter that counts the number of executions of a job corresponding to a request made within a predetermined period, here, an image copy job and an image transmission job. When the frequency setting key is operated from various initial setting menu keys displayed on the display unit 20 by operating the initial setting key 25, a frequency setting screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed, and the frequency is counted. The detection period for performing the job and the job ratio of the image copying function and the image transmission function are displayed so as to be inputable by the numerical value input key 21, respectively. The figure shows a state in which the detection period is “10” days and the job ratio is “60”%.

  The number of executions of each job within a predetermined period from the present based on the input value of the detection period is counted, and the job ratio of the image copying function and the image transmission function is used based on the respective count values when the predetermined period elapses. And is stored in a storage means (not shown). A default value of 50% is stored as the use frequency until the predetermined period elapses, and the calculated use frequency is stored after the predetermined period elapses.

  The display control unit 210 is based on the usage frequency within a predetermined period detected by the frequency detection unit 240 in preference to the operation screen selected and set by the initial screen setting unit 230 when the color MFP 1 is started. Any one of the operation screens is displayed on the display unit 20. Specifically, when it is determined that the use frequency of the image transmission function of the image copying function and the image transmission function exceeds the job ratio set on the frequency setting screen after the predetermined period has elapsed, Even when the image copy function is selected and set by the initial screen setting unit 230, the setting screen corresponding to the image transmission function is controlled to be displayed on the display unit 20 as the initial screen.

  As a result, it is possible to improve the operability by eliminating the trouble of switching from the operation screen corresponding to the initially displayed image copying function to the operation screen corresponding to the frequently used image transmission function. Such a function is selected when the initial screen is used when a reverse phenomenon occurs in which one of the functions is regularly selected, but the frequency of use of the other function increases within a predetermined period. This saves the trouble of setting the initial screen again by the setting unit 230. Note that the values of the detection period and the job ratio are values that are appropriately set according to the situation of the office where the color multifunction peripheral is installed.

  Hereinafter, a display control procedure for the display unit 20 by the display control unit 200 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the color multifunction device 1 is started up (when the power switch is turned on, when the reset key 24 is operated, or when it is automatically reset) (Sa1), the display control unit 210 is first selected by the initial screen setting unit 230. The selected operation screen is selected as the initial screen (Sa2).

  When any abnormality is stored in the internal RAM 250 (Sa3), the display control unit 210 selects the abnormality monitor screen as the initial screen in preference to the operation screen selected by the initial screen setting unit 230. (Sa6), displayed on the display unit 20 (Sa7).

  When no abnormality is stored in the internal RAM 250 (Sa3), the display control unit 210 uses the use frequency set by the frequency detection unit 240 and the image within a predetermined period detected by the frequency detection unit 240. When the use frequency of the copy function and the image transmission function is compared and it is determined that the use frequency set by the frequency detection means 240 is exceeded (Sa4), the operation screen selected by the initial screen setting unit 230 is prioritized. Then, one of the operation screens that are determined to be higher is selected (Sa5) and displayed on the display unit 20 (Sa7).

  Hereinafter, the procedure for frequency detection by the frequency detection means 240 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the job requested by the operator is executed, after the job is finished (Sb1), the frequency detection unit 240 determines whether the executed job is an image copying job or an image transmission job. (Sb2) If the image copy job has been executed, the image copy job count is incremented (Sb3). If the image transmission job has been executed, the image transmission job count is incremented (Sb4). Each count is stored in the storage means of the frequency detection means 240.

  Another embodiment will be described below. In the above-described embodiment, the color multifunction peripheral having the image copying function and the image transmission function has been described in which the display control unit preferentially displays the operation screen corresponding to any function at the time of activation. The functions are not limited to these, and can be handled even when other functions are provided. For example, when a scanner function or the like for reading a document image as electronic data and storing it in a predetermined storage unit is set as an independent function, a display screen corresponding to which function among a plurality of functions is set at the time of activation. It becomes possible to set whether to display with priority.

  In the above-described embodiment, the use frequency is determined based on the preset job ratio of the image copying function and the image transmission function. However, in order to determine the use frequency, the count of both jobs is used instead of the job ratio. A threshold value for the value difference may be set. Further, when setting the job ratio, the job ratio of individual jobs for all jobs may be set when there are three or more functions.

  In the above-described embodiment, the color multifunction peripheral including the initial screen setting unit, the abnormality detection unit, and the frequency detection unit has been described. However, these are independent functions, and the color multifunction peripheral must have all these functions. It is not something that cannot be used. For example, among these functions, only the initial screen setting unit can be provided in the color multi-function peripheral, and two of the initial screen setting unit and the frequency detecting means can be provided in the color multi-function peripheral. In other words, these functions may be selected as necessary and provided in the color multifunction peripheral.

  Each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the description. The specific configuration of each part is appropriately changed within the scope of the effects of the present invention. It goes without saying that it can be done.

(A) is an explanatory diagram of an operation unit of a color multifunction peripheral in which an operation screen relating to an image copying function is displayed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of an operation part of the color multifunction peripheral in which an operation screen relating to an image transmitting / receiving function is displayed. Overall configuration diagram of a color multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus Block diagram of color multifunction device (A) is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen related to the image copying function, (b) is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen related to the image transmission function, and (c) is an explanatory diagram of an abnormality monitor screen. (A) is an explanatory diagram of a setting screen for setting an initial screen, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of a setting screen for setting a detection period and a job ratio of an image copying function and an image transmission function. Flowchart for explaining display control procedure for display unit by display control unit Flow chart for explaining the procedure of frequency detection by the frequency detection means

Explanation of symbols

1: Color MFP 2: Operation unit 4: Image reading unit (scanner)
5: Image forming unit 6: Paper cassette 20: Liquid crystal display unit (display unit)
26: Function selection key 27: Image copying function selection key 28: Image transmission function selection key 200: Operation control unit 210: Display control unit 230: Initial screen setting unit 240: Frequency detection means 220: Input processing unit 400: Scanner control unit 500: Image formation control unit 700: Image transmission control unit 800: Image processing unit 900: System control unit

Claims (3)

At least an image transmission function and an image copying function, a display unit that displays an operation screen corresponding to these functions, and a display control unit that switches the operation screen displayed on the display unit based on the selected function An operation device for an image forming apparatus,
An initial screen setting unit that preselects and sets an operation screen displayed on the display unit when the image forming apparatus is started up, and the display control unit is selected and set by the initial screen setting unit when the image forming apparatus is started up. An operation device of an image forming apparatus configured to display an operation screen on the display unit.   An abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality of the image forming apparatus, and when the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality when the image forming apparatus is activated, the display control unit is selected and set by the initial screen setting unit; The operation device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation monitor screen is configured to display an abnormality monitor screen in preference to the operation screen.   Frequency detection means for counting the frequency of use of the setting screen for each of the image transmission function and the image copying function, and the display control unit detects the frequency in preference to the operation screen selected and set by the initial screen setting unit. 2. The operation device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of the operation screens is displayed on the display unit based on a use frequency within a predetermined period detected by the means.