JP2007266745A - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a control method that can immediately start a job the operating condition of which requires no revision, without the need for displaying menus for confirmation and revision or the need for operation of a start button, thereby improving the convenience, such as reduction in a wait time of the user. <P>SOLUTION: When a template button 17 is depressed, a liquid crystal display section 10 displays a template display pattern, corresponding to each template information as a list. Designation information of template information, corresponding to a template display pattern selected by the user among displayed template display patterns designates which of valid automatic start or invalid automatic start is discriminated. When the result of the discrimination indicates valid automatic start, a job of the template information, corresponding to the selected template display pattern, is executed immediately. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a composite image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions.

  In addition to the normal copy function, there is a composite image forming apparatus (referred to as MFP) having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function, a scan function, and a network print function.

  As an example of such a composite-type image forming apparatus, there is an apparatus in which operation conditions of a large number of jobs by each function are stored as template information, and each template information is displayed on a display unit and selected by a user. (For example, patent document 1).

The user can confirm and change the contents of the selected template information on the confirmation and change screens by selecting any one of the displayed template information.
JP 2004-280163 A

  For jobs that are frequently executed, it is often unnecessary to check and change the operating conditions. Even in such a situation, each time the template information is selected, a confirmation screen and a change screen are displayed. Then, the job is started when the user operates the start button while the confirmation and change screens are displayed.

  The present invention takes the above circumstances into consideration, and for jobs that do not require confirmation and change of operating conditions, it is not necessary to display a confirmation and change screen, and it is not necessary to operate a start button. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can start a job immediately, thereby reducing the waiting time of the user, and to improve convenience, and a control method thereof.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention designates a display unit, a start button and a template button, operating conditions of a plurality of jobs, and whether automatic start of each job is valid or invalid. The storage unit stores the specified information as template information for each job, and displays each template display pattern corresponding to each template information in the storage unit on the display unit according to the operation of the template button. Among the template display patterns displayed by one control means and the display unit, it is determined whether the designation information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern selected by the user is valid or invalid. If the determination means and the determination result of this determination means are valid, the selected template A second control unit that immediately executes a template information job corresponding to the display pattern, and a template information corresponding to the selected template display pattern when the determination result of the determination unit is invalid. And a third control means for displaying a change screen on the display unit and executing the template information job in response to the operation of the start button.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the control method thereof of the present invention, it is not necessary to display a confirmation and change screen for a job that does not require confirmation and change of operation conditions, and it is not necessary to operate a start button. The job can be started immediately. Thereby, the user's waiting time can be shortened and the convenience can be improved.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, a document table 2 is provided on the top of a main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 3 is provided on the document table 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. A control panel 4 shown in FIG. 2 is provided at the same height as the document table 2 as display means and operation means for setting operating conditions. The control panel 4 includes a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 10, a numeric keypad 11, a start button 12, a filing box button 13, a scan button 14, a copy button 15, a fax button 16, a template button 17, a setting / registration button 18, and the like. Yes.

  A plurality of cassettes 5 in which paper sheets of various sizes, which are image forming media, are accommodated are provided at the bottom of the main body 1. A tray 6 for receiving the printed paper sheet is provided below the document table 2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body 1 is provided with a CPU 20 which is a main control unit. The CPU 20 includes a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a non-volatile management memory 24, a hard disk device 25, a panel control unit 31, a copy control unit 32, a scanner control unit 33, a printer control unit 34, a facsimile (Fax) control unit 35, and a network control. A unit 36 and a telephone line control unit 37 are connected.
The RAM 22 is for storing various data. The ROM 23 stores various control programs necessary for the operation of the main body 1. The management memory 24 stores a template information table. The hard disk device 25 stores image data scanned by the main body 1.

  The panel control unit 31 controls the control panel 4. The copy control unit 32 controls a normal copy function using the scanner 38 and the printer 39. The scanner control unit 33 controls a scan function (scan to box function, scan to file function, scan to e-mail function) using the scanner 38. The printer control unit 34 controls a network print function using the printer 39.

  The network control unit 36 controls data transmission / reception with the communication network 40 via the network interface 51. External devices such as personal computers 41 and 42 are connected to the communication network 40. The personal computers 41 and 42 each have a unique E-mail address. These e-mail addresses are registered in the management memory 24 together with the name (destination name) of the company or the person in which the personal computers 41 and 42 are installed.

  The telephone line control unit 37 controls communication with the public telephone line 53 via the telephone line interface 52. The public telephone line 53 enables connection between the main body 1 and the facsimile machine 54. A unique telephone number is predetermined for the facsimile apparatus 54. This telephone number is registered in the management memory 24 together with the name (destination name) of the company or individual in which the facsimile apparatus 54 is installed.

  The facsimile control unit 35 controls facsimile transmission using the network control unit 38 and the telephone line control unit 37.

The CPU 20 has the following means (1) to (5) as main functions.
(1) A plurality of job operating conditions and designation information for designating whether to enable or disable automatic start of each job are stored in the template information table of the management memory 24 as template information for each job. Storage means for storing.

  (2) First control means for displaying a list screen of template display patterns corresponding to each template information in the template information table on the liquid crystal display unit 10 when the template button 17 is operated.

  (3) Of the template display patterns displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10, whether the specification information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern selected by the user's touch operation is valid or invalid is specified. Determination means for determining.

  (4) Second control means for immediately executing a job of template information corresponding to the selected template display pattern when the determination result of the determination means is valid designation.

  (5) Confirmation and change of template information corresponding to the selected template display pattern on condition that the password input by the user is proper when the determination result of the determination means is invalid. Third control means for displaying a screen for use on the liquid crystal display unit 10 and executing a job of the template information in accordance with the operation of the start button 12.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  First, registration of template information will be described.

  The user operates the control panel 4 to operate frequently used job conditions such as “copy”, “scan”, “print”, “fax”, “network”, “enlarge / reduce”, “number of copies”, “paper sheet size”, “ Set duplex printing, monochrome printing, color printing, scan resolution, print resolution, finisher, staple, hole punch, book binding, etc.

  When the user presses the template button 17 and further presses the setting / registration button 18, the group selection screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10.

  In addition to the explanation “Select a GROUPE” on the group selection screen, a call button (RECALL) button display pattern, a setting / registration (REGISTRATION) button display pattern, a shared group template display pattern, Useful template display patterns, multiple unregistered template display patterns, delete button display patterns, edit button display patterns, CANCEL button display patterns, setting button display patterns, next page (NEXT) button display patterns, etc. are displayed. . The setting / registration button display pattern is lit and the lit state is indicated by hatching. Hereinafter, similarly, the lighting state is indicated by hatching.

  When the shared group template display pattern is touch-operated on this group selection screen, and the setting button display pattern is further touched, the touch-operated shared group template display pattern and setting button display pattern are lit as shown in FIG. To do. Subsequently, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the administrator password input screen shown in FIG.

  When the password button pattern on the password input screen is touch-operated, the password button display pattern is lit, and then the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the character input screen shown in FIG. When the administrator password is input on this character input screen and the setting button display pattern is touched, the setting button display pattern is turned on, and then the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is a template selection screen shown in FIG. Switch to.

  In addition to the explanation “Select a TEPLATE” on the template selection screen, a call button display pattern, setting / registration button display pattern, copy mode (COPY MODE) template display pattern, unregistered A plurality of template display patterns, a delete button display pattern, an edit button display pattern, a cancel button display pattern, a registration (SAVE) button display pattern, a next page button display pattern, and the like are displayed. Then, the setting / registration button display pattern lights up.

  On this template selection screen, when one unregistered template display pattern is touch-operated, and when a registration button display pattern is further touched, the unregistered template display pattern and registration button display pattern are lit. Subsequently, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to a template detail input screen shown in FIG.

  On the template details input screen, call button display pattern, setting / registration button display pattern, name (NAME) button display pattern, owner name (USER NAME) button display pattern, password button display pattern, automatic start (AUTOMATIC START) Explanation of Enable (ENABLE) button display pattern, Disable automatic start (DISABLE) button display pattern, and “This icon is indicated when an automatic start is enable” The same display pattern S, cancel button display pattern, registration button display pattern and the like as the icon display pattern attached to the start button 12 are displayed.

When the name button display pattern is touched on this template detail input screen, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the character input screen of FIG. When a template name, for example, “COPY MODE” is entered on this character input screen, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 returns to the template detailed input screen shown in FIG. 10 and “COPY MODE” is placed in the horizontal position of the name button display pattern. Is displayed. Further, when the owner name button display pattern is touched on the template detail input screen, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the character input screen of FIG. When an owner name, for example, “GUEST” is entered on this character input screen, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 returns to the template detail input screen shown in FIG. 10, and “GUEST” is displayed in the horizontal position of the owner name button display pattern. Characters are displayed. In addition, on the template details input screen, as the initial mode, the autostart invalid button display pattern is lit.After the owner name is input, if the password button display pattern is touched on the template details input screen, The password button display pattern is lit, and the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the character input screen of FIG. When an arbitrary password is input on this character input screen, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the password input screen in FIG. 11, and the input password is displayed in a window next to the password button display pattern. When the set button display pattern is touched in this state, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the password re-input screen shown in FIG. When the password confirmation button display pattern is touch-operated on this template re-input screen, the password confirmation button display pattern is turned on, and the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the character input screen of FIG. When the password is re-entered on this character input screen, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the password confirmation screen in FIG. 12, and the entered password is displayed in the window next to the password confirmation button display pattern. When the setting button display pattern is touch-operated in this state, the setting display button pattern is lit and the password input is completed. Subsequently, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the input confirmation screen of FIG.

  When the automatic start effective button display pattern is touched on the input confirmation screen, the effective button display pattern is turned on. Then, when the registration button display pattern is touch-operated, the registration button display pattern is turned on, and the template detail input is completed.

  The automatic start valid button display pattern and the invalid button display pattern are prepared for designating whether the automatic start of the job of the template information input this time is valid or invalid. That is, when the valid button display pattern is touched, designation information for designating the validity of the automatic start is generated. When the invalid button display pattern is touched, designation information for designating invalidity of the automatic start is generated.

  In this way, the operation conditions of a plurality of jobs and the specification information for specifying whether to enable or disable the automatic start of each job are registered in the template information table of the management memory 24 as template information for each job. Is done. The format of the template information to be registered is shown in FIG. That is, the template information is formed by the job name, operation conditions, and designation information.

  Next, selection of template information will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When a document is set on the document table 2 and the template button 17 on the control panel 4 is pressed (YES in step 101), a group selection screen shown in FIG. In addition to the explanatory text “Please select a group” on this group selection screen, a call button display pattern, a setting / registration button display pattern, a shared group template display pattern, a useful template display pattern, and a plurality of unregistered Template display pattern, cancel button display pattern, next page button display pattern, etc., and the call button display pattern lights up.

  When the shared group template display pattern is touched on the group selection screen, the shared group template display pattern is turned on. Subsequently, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the template display pattern list screen shown in FIG. 17 (step 102).

  On the template display pattern list screen, the template display patterns corresponding to all the template information registered for the shared group in the template information table of the management memory 24 are displayed in an array. That is, two copy modes (COPY MODE), one store-to-efiling mode (STORE TO E-FILING MODE), and one saving as file mode (SAVING AS FILE MODE) 1 FAX mode, 1 Scan to E-FILING MODE, 1 Scan to File mode, 1 Scan to E mode Mail mode (SCAN TO E-MAIL MODE), one scan-to-file and box mode (SCAN TO FILE & BOX MODE), one scan-to-email and box mode (SCAN TO E-MAIL & BOX MODE) ) There is one scan-to-file and e-mail mode. Each template display pattern corresponding to the template information of these jobs is arranged and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10.

  Among the displayed template display patterns, the copy mode template display pattern in the upper left corner includes the same display pattern S as the icon display pattern attached to the start button 12 of the control panel 4. This display pattern S is an indicator that the automatic start of the job in the copy mode is valid. A display pattern S is also included in each of the template display pattern in the fax mode and the template display pattern in the scan-to-file and box.

  When any template display pattern is selected by a user's touch operation on the list screen of FIG. 17 (YES in step 103), the selected template display pattern is turned on and the selected template display pattern is displayed. It is determined whether the designation information of the corresponding template information designates whether automatic start is valid or invalid (step 104).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when a copy mode template display pattern having the display pattern S is selected, the designation information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern designates valid. The determination result is a valid designation (YES in step 104). In this case, the template information job corresponding to the selected template display pattern (that is, the copy mode) is immediately executed (step 105).

  On the other hand, when a copy mode template display pattern having no display pattern S is selected as shown in FIG. 18, the specification information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern specifies invalidity. The determination result is invalid (NO in step 104). In this case, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the password input screen of FIG.

  When the password button display pattern is touch-operated on the password input screen, the password button display pattern is turned on, and then the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is switched to the character input screen shown in FIG. When the user's password is input on this character input screen and the setting button pattern is touched, the setting button pattern is turned on, and then the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 returns to the password input screen of FIG. At this time, the input password is displayed in a window next to the password button display pattern on the password input screen. When the setting button pattern is touched in this state, it is determined whether or not the input password is a registered proper password, and if it is appropriate, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 10 is as shown in FIG. The screen for checking and changing the template information. If the input password is not appropriate, a screen prompting the user to re-enter the password is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10.

  On the template information confirmation and change screen, the content of the template information (that is, the operating condition of the copy mode) is changed according to the user's touch operation (step 106). If the start button 12 of the control panel 4 is pressed in the state where the template information confirmation and change screens are displayed (YES in step 107), the template information job to be confirmed and changed is displayed. (That is, the copy mode) is executed (step 105).

  As described above, the operation information of a plurality of jobs and the specification information for specifying whether to enable or disable the automatic start of each job are used as template information for each job as a template information table in the management memory 24. When the template button 17 is pressed, the template display patterns corresponding to the stored template information are displayed in a list on the liquid crystal display unit 10, and the user can select from the displayed template display patterns. It is determined whether the specification information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern selected by is specified as valid or invalid. If this determination result is valid, it corresponds to the template display pattern selected above. Since the template information job is executed immediately, the operating conditions can be confirmed. And for unnecessary job changes, without requiring the display of the screen for confirmation and change, and that without requiring the operation of the start button 12, it is possible to immediately start the job. As a result, the user's convenience is greatly improved, such as shortening the waiting time of the user.

  In particular, since the template display pattern includes the same display pattern S as the icon display pattern attached to the start button 12 as an index indicating that the automatic start of the job is valid, the automatic start is valid and invalid. It is possible to accurately inform the user of which one is.

  In the above embodiment, the case where registration and selection of template information is performed by display and operation of the control panel 4 has been described as an example, but is performed by display and operation of external personal computers 41 and 42 connected to the network. It is also possible.

  The contents of the registered template information can be changed by displaying and operating the control panel 4 or the personal computers 41 and 42.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

The external appearance perspective view of the main body of one Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the control panel in one Embodiment. The block diagram of the control circuit of one Embodiment. The figure which shows the group selection screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the operation state with respect to the group selection screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the password input screen for administrators in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the character input screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the template selection screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the template detailed input screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the state by which information was input into the template detailed input screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the password input screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the password re-input screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the input confirmation screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the format of the template information in one Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the control at the time of selection of the template information in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the group selection screen in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the list screen of the template display pattern in one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of operation with respect to the list screen of the template display pattern in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the password input screen for users in one Embodiment. The figure which shows the screen for a confirmation and change in one Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main body, 4 ... Control panel, 10 ... Liquid crystal display part, 12 ... Start button, 17 ... Template button, 20 ... CPU, 24 ... Management memory, 25 ... Hard disk drive, 31 ... Panel control part, 32 ... Copy control , 33 ... Scanner control unit, 34 ... Printer control unit, 35 ... Facsimile control unit, 36 ... Network control unit, 38 ... Scanner, 39 ... Printer, 40 ... Communication network, 41, 42 ... Personal computer

Claims (12)

A display unit;
A start button and a template button;
Storage means for storing, as template information for each job, operating conditions of a plurality of jobs and designation information for designating whether automatic start of each job is valid or invalid;
First control means for displaying each template display pattern corresponding to each template information in the storage means on the display unit in response to an operation of the template button;
Determining means for determining whether the designation information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern selected by the user among the template display patterns displayed on the display unit is valid or invalid;
A second control unit that immediately executes a job of template information corresponding to the selected template display pattern when the determination result of the determination unit is a valid designation;
When the determination result of the determination means is invalid, a screen for checking and changing template information corresponding to the selected template display pattern is displayed on the display unit, and a job of the template information is displayed. Third control means executed in response to the operation of the start button;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control panel having the display unit, the start button, and the template button. The start button has a display pattern of an icon indicating that it is a start button,
Of the template display patterns, the template display pattern corresponding to the template information having valid designation information includes the same display pattern as the start button display pattern.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The said 1st control means displays the list screen of the template display pattern corresponding to each template information in the said memory | storage means on the said display part, when the said template button is operated. The image forming apparatus described. The display unit is a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit,
In the determination means, the specification information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern selected by the user's touch operation among the template display patterns displayed on the liquid crystal display unit is either valid or invalid. To determine,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   When the determination result of the determination unit is invalid, the third control unit is configured to store the template information corresponding to the selected template display pattern on condition that the password input by the user is appropriate. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a confirmation screen and a change screen are displayed on the display unit, and a job of the template information is executed in accordance with an operation of the start button. In an image forming apparatus including a display unit, a start button, and a template button,
A first step of storing, as template information for each job, operation information for a plurality of jobs and designation information for designating whether automatic start of each job is valid or invalid;
A second step of displaying each template display pattern corresponding to each template information in the storage means on the display unit in response to an operation of the template button;
A third step of determining whether the designation information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern selected by the user among the template display patterns displayed on the display unit is valid or invalid;
A fourth step of immediately executing a template information job corresponding to the selected template display pattern when the determination result is a valid designation;
When the determination result is invalid, a screen for checking and changing template information corresponding to the selected template display pattern is displayed on the display unit, and a job of the template information is displayed on the start button. A fifth step executed in response to the operation of
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 7, further comprising a control panel having the display unit, the start button, and the template button. The start button has a display pattern of an icon indicating that it is a start button,
Of the template display patterns, the template display pattern corresponding to the template information having valid designation information includes the same display pattern as the start button display pattern.
The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 7.   The said 2nd step displays the list screen of the template display pattern corresponding to each template information in the said memory | storage means on the said display part, when the said template button is operated. Image forming apparatus control method. The display unit is a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit,
In the third step, the designation information of the template information corresponding to the template display pattern selected by the user's touch operation among the template display patterns displayed on the liquid crystal display unit is either valid or invalid. Determine if there is,
The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 7.   The fifth step is for confirming and changing the template information corresponding to the selected template display pattern on condition that the password input by the user is appropriate when the determination result is invalid. The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 7, wherein a display screen is displayed on the display unit, and a job of the template information is executed in accordance with an operation of the start button.

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