JP2008078903A - Composite machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composite machine capable of displaying a help screen in such a form that a user more easily understands an operation method. <P>SOLUTION: The composite machine is constituted as a device where an operation screen is displayed on a touch screen 23 of an operation panel unit 11, when an extension LCD unit 15 is attached to the operation panel unit 11 and which operates in a state with the help screen being displayed on an LCD 25 of the extension LCD unit 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction machine.

  As is well known, in recent years, multifunction devices on the market set copy conditions, etc. by operating the operation screen displayed on the touch screen on the operation panel (with a transparent touch panel on the LCD). It is a device to do. And if the number of items that can be set on the operation screen is large, it becomes difficult to understand the operation method. Therefore, a help screen can be displayed on the MFP to explain the usage of various setting items to the user. There is also a composition.

  However, an existing multifunction machine capable of displaying a help screen (for example, see Patent Document 1) is a device that causes the operation screen to become invisible when the help screen is displayed (a help screen pops up on the operation screen). Display device, device that displays a help screen instead of an operation screen).

JP 2006-15594 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function machine that can display a help screen in a form in which a user can easily understand an operation method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the multifunction peripheral of the present invention displays a control screen on a touch screen, an expansion LCD unit slot for mounting an extended LCD unit including an LCD, and an operation screen on the touch screen. A control unit that allows the user to make settings for various setting items, and is set by operating the operation screen displayed on the touch screen on the LCD of the extended LCD unit installed in the slot for the extended LCD unit. And a control unit having a help screen display function for displaying a help screen in which an explanatory text related to the setting item is displayed.

  That is, the multifunction machine of the present invention is an apparatus that operates in a state where an operation screen is displayed on the touch screen and a help screen is displayed on the LCD of the expansion LCD unit when the expansion LCD unit is mounted. Therefore, this multifunction device functions as a device that can display the help screen in a form that allows the user to understand the operation method more easily than the existing multifunction device in which the operation screen becomes invisible when the help screen is displayed. become. In addition, since the multifunction machine of the present invention can be manufactured by slightly improving the existing multifunction machine, if the extended LCD unit is sold as an option, the existing multifunction machine can be used for a user who does not need a help screen. It will be possible to provide (sell) multi-function machines at the same price as the machine.

  When realizing the multifunction peripheral of the present invention, in order to make settings more easily, the help screen display function of the control unit is used as each help screen, and some settings for setting corresponding setting items are performed. It is desirable to have a function for displaying a screen including the setting item.

  Further, when realizing the multifunction peripheral of the present invention, the help screen display function of the control unit is set as a function for displaying a screen on which each explanatory screen regarding the corresponding setting item and an explanation image are displayed as each help screen. You can also In addition, when a document is set, the help screen display function scans the document, displays a help screen showing an image corresponding to the scan result as an explanatory image, and the document is not set May have a function of displaying a help screen in which an image prepared in advance is shown as an explanation image.

  In addition, data defining the configuration of the help screen may be stored in the multi-function peripheral. In such a configuration, it is necessary to provide a larger capacity non-volatile storage means (ROM, etc.) in the multi-function peripheral. Therefore, the extended LCD unit is assumed to be a unit having a ROM that stores various data defining the configuration of various help screens, and the help screen display function of the control unit is stored in the ROM of the extended LCD unit. It is desirable to use a function that displays the help screen using existing data.

  In addition, the control circuit for controlling the LCD in the expansion LCD unit is the same circuit as the control circuit for controlling the touch screen in the multifunction device, thereby reducing the price of the multifunction device / expansion LCD unit. Is also possible.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
First, an outline of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that includes an operation panel unit 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, and a FAX unit 14. The multifunction machine 10 is an apparatus in which an extended LCD unit 15 is prepared as an option.

  The scanner 12 used in the multifunction machine 10 is a color scanner that can be used by connecting to a computer (without connecting to the operation panel unit 11). The printer 13 is a color laser printer that can be used by being connected to a computer, and the FAX unit 14 is a unit having a FAX transmission / reception function.

  The operation panel unit 11 is a unit that operates the multifunction device 10 as a device having a copy function, a facsimile function, a scan mail function, a scan file function, and the like. Here, the scan mail function is a function that scans a document set on the scanner 12 and stores an image data file of the document in a designated location (such as on a HDD of a computer connected to a network). It is. The scan mail function is a function that scans a document set on the scanner 12 and transmits an email attached with an image data file of the document.

  The operation panel unit 11 includes a touch screen 23 (a touch panel 22 arranged on an LCD 21 which is a monochrome LCD of 640 × 240 pixels), a plurality of switches, a plurality of LEDs, an ASIC for an operation panel [LCD 21, touch panel 22 control, etc. FIG. 2 includes an operation panel board on which an ASIC having a function is mounted, and a main board on which a network IF, a parallel IF, an IO control ASIC, a RAM, a ROM 24, an ASIC for a multifunction machine, a CPU, and the like are mounted. The unit has the shape shown.

  The extended LCD unit 15 is a unit having the shape shown in FIG. 3 that is mounted in the extended LCD unit slot of the operation panel unit 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the extended LCD unit 15 is composed of an LCD 25, a ROM 26, a plurality of switches, a plurality of LEDs, an ASIC for extended LCD, and the like. The LCD 25 used in the extended LCD unit 15 is a 640 × 480 pixel color LCD that is substantially the same size as the LCD 21 in appearance, and the ASIC for extended LCD has a control function of the LCD 25 having such specifications. In addition, the ASIC has a control function for the ROM 26, the switch, and the LED.

  Based on the above, the configuration and operation of the multifunction machine 10 (operation panel unit 11) according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically below with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the LCD 25 of the extended LCD unit 15 will be referred to as an extended LCD.

  In order to cause the operation panel unit 11 (CPU in the operation panel unit 11) to execute the processing of the procedure shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 on the ROM 24 of the multifunction machine 10 (operation panel unit 11) according to the present embodiment. Firmware is recorded.

  That is, when the power is turned on, the operation panel unit 11 first determines whether or not the extended LCD unit 15 is installed in the extended LCD unit slot (FIG. 4; step S100).

  If the extended LCD unit 15 is not installed in the extended LCD unit slot (step S100; NO), the operation panel unit 11 displays the first type basic screen for the copy function on the LCD 21 ( Step S101). Here, the first type basic screen for the copy function is a screen having the configuration shown in FIG. In addition to the copy function screen, the first type basic screen includes a facsimile function screen and a scan mail / scan file function screen. Each of the first type basic screens for the facsimile function and the scan mail / scan file function also has a copy button, a FAX button, and a mail file button (hereinafter referred to as the first type basic screen for the copy function) on the left side thereof. , Indicated as a screen transition button).

  The operation panel unit 11 that has finished the process of step S101 monitors the operation of buttons on the first type basic screen, start buttons, and the like (various switches provided on the casing of the operation panel unit 11). (Step S102). When the screen transition button is operated (step S102; screen transition), the operation panel 11 is a help screen corresponding to the operation button, more specifically, the first type basic screen (the operation button is changed to the transition destination). A help screen showing a description of the usage of the corresponding first type basic screen) is displayed on the first type basic screen (step S103). Note that the process of step S103 is performed only when the screen transition button displayed in the normal form (display form of the FAX button and mail file button in FIG. 7) is operated. Further, the help screen displayed in the process of step S103 is a screen in which a cancel button and an OK button are displayed together with an explanation of the usage of the first type basic screen at the transition destination, as shown in FIG. Yes.

  Thereafter, the operation panel unit 11 waits for the cancel button or the OK button on the help screen to be operated (step S104), and when the cancel button is operated (step S104: cancel), the first type basic After erasing the help screen on the screen (step S105), it again enters a state of monitoring the operation of various buttons (buttons on the first type basic screen, start button, etc.) (step S102).

  Further, when the OK button on the help screen is operated (step S104: OK), the operation panel unit 11 displays the first type basic screen (another first type basic screen) corresponding to the operation button on the LCD 21. Is displayed (step S106), and then it is in a state of monitoring the operation of the newly displayed button on the first type basic screen, the start button, etc. (step S102).

  Further, the operation panel unit 11 performs a step when a button that is not a screen transition button on the first type basic screen or a numeric keypad on the casing of the operation panel unit 11 is operated (step S102: other). In S107, processing corresponding to the operation button (operated button) is executed. Note that “processing according to the operation button” in this step is a process for changing the display form of the operation button on the first type basic screen (the display form of the full color button is reversed and the display form of the monochrome button is normally set). Processing to return to form), processing to set special conditions by displaying another screen on the first type basic screen (performed when the “Others >>” button is operated, etc. The process of ending the screen after erasing it), the process of displaying the value (number of copies, etc.) input by the numeric keypad in the first type basic screen.

  Then, the operation panel unit 11 that has finished the process of step S107 returns to a state (step S102) in which various buttons are monitored.

  Further, when the start button is operated (step S102; start), the operation panel unit 11 executes processing (copy processing or the like) of contents specified by the user (step S108) and then operates various buttons. The process returns to the state of monitoring (step S102).

  When the extended LCD unit 15 is installed in the extended LCD unit slot (step S100; YES), the operation panel unit 11 starts the process of the procedure shown in FIG. 5 (and FIG. 6).

  That is, in this case, the operation panel unit 11 displays the second type basic screen for the copy function on the LCD 21 (step S111). Here, the second type basic screen for the copy function is a screen having the configuration shown in FIG. That is, the second type basic screen for the copy function is provided with a preview button 34 in the portion where the sort OFF button 32 is provided in the first type basic screen for the copy function (FIG. 7). In the first type basic screen, the help button 35 is provided in a portion where the button is not provided. The first type basic screen for the copy function is a screen in which the sort ON button 31 and the sort OFF button 32 function as a sort ON setting button and a sort OFF setting button, respectively. The two types of basic screens are screens on which the sort button 33 functions as a button that can set sorting ON / OFF in a toggle format.

  There are two types of basic screens, one for the facsimile function and one for the scan mail / scan file function. The second type basic screen for the facsimile function is the first for the facsimile function. A help button is added to the seed basic screen. The second type basic screen for the scan mail / scan file function is obtained by adding a help button and a preview button to the first type basic screen for the scan mail / scan file function.

  The operation panel unit 11 that has finished the process of step S111 is in a state of monitoring the operation of the buttons on the second type basic screen, the start button, and the like (step S112). When the screen transition button is operated (step S112; screen transition), the operation panel 11 has almost the same processing as the processing of steps S103 to S106 [only the type of basic screen displayed on the LCD 21 is different. After the screen transition process (step S113) is performed, the state of monitoring various buttons again is entered (step S112).

  In addition, when the preview button on the second type basic screen (eg, the preview button 34 on the second type basic screen for copy function) is operated (step S112; preview), the operation panel unit 11 reads the document. By scanning, a process of displaying a preview screen showing the scan result of the original under the current setting conditions on the extended LCD (LCD 25 of the extended LCD unit 15) is performed (step S114). In the process of step S114, when a document is not set, a preview screen is not displayed on the extended LCD, and a dialog box indicating that is displayed on the second type basic screen (on the LCD 21) for a certain period of time. Is displayed.

  Then, the operation panel unit 11 that has finished the process of step S114 returns to the state of monitoring the operation of various buttons (step S112).

  When a button other than the screen transition button, the help button, the preview button, the numeric keypad, or the like is operated on the second type basic screen (step S112: other), the operation panel unit 11 performs step S115 and step S107. After executing the same process as in step S112, the process returns to the state in which various buttons are monitored (step S112).

  Further, when the start button is operated (step S112; start), the operation panel unit 11 executes processing (copy processing or the like) of contents specified by the user (step S108), and then operates the various buttons. The process returns to the state of monitoring (step S112).

  When the help button on the second type basic screen is operated (step S112: help), the operation panel unit 11 first changes the display form of the help button to the inverted form as shown in FIG. The process (step S121) to perform is performed. That is, in step S121, the operation panel unit 11 performs, for example, a process of changing the second type basic screen in the state shown in FIG. 9 to the one shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the operation panel unit 11 enters a state of monitoring the operation of the buttons on the second type basic screen, the start button, and the like (step S122). The operation panel unit 11 is a button (full color button, monochrome button, etc. in FIG. 10 etc.) prepared so that conditions on a specific item can be set / selected on the second type basic screen simply by operating it. When a character / photo button or the like (hereinafter referred to as a setting selection button) is operated (step S122; setting selection), a help screen related to the item corresponding to the operated setting selection button is displayed on the extended LCD. Processing (step S123) is performed.

  The processing of this step S123 is a help screen configured as shown in FIG. 11, that is, several buttons for selecting conditions (in the figure, a full color button and a monochrome button; hereinafter, a setting selection button on the help screen) 2), a display switching button, an explanatory text area where an explanatory text of the operation of the multifunction device 10 when each condition is selected, and an explanatory diagram of the operation of the multifunction device 10 when each condition is selected. This is a process for displaying a help screen having a preview area showing. In the process of step S123, when a document is set on the scanner 12, the document is actually scanned, a help screen showing the result in the preview area is displayed, and the document is set on the scanner 12. If not, the processing is to display a help screen in which sample data prepared in advance is shown in the preview area. Further, the processing in step S123 is performed by reading out necessary data (data defining the configuration of the help screen and sample data) from the ROM 26 in the extended LCD unit 15.

  The operation panel unit 11 that has finished the process of step S123 is in a state of monitoring the operation of the button on the second type basic screen, the button on the help screen, the start button, and the like (step S122).

  Then, when the setting selection button on the help screen is operated (step S122: setting selection on the help screen), the operation panel unit 11 stores the condition set by the user, and the condition is displayed on the second type basic screen. It changes to what shows that it is set, and the process (step S124) which erases a help screen is performed. Thereafter, the operation panel unit 11 changes the display form of the help button to the normal form (step S125), and then starts the processes after step S112 (FIG. 5). Further, when the help button is operated (step S122: help), the operation panel unit 11 changes the display form of the help button to the normal form (step S125), and then starts the processes after step S112. .

  The operation panel unit 11 is operated by a button on the second type basic screen that needs to be displayed on another screen (such as “Others >>” button) or a button on the help screen that is not a setting selection button on the help screen. If it has been detected (step S122: other), processing corresponding to the operation button is performed in step S126.

  Various processes are executed by the operation panel unit 11 in step S126.

  For example, when the display switching button on the help screen shown in FIG. 11 is operated, the operation panel unit 11 changes the help screen on the extended LCD to the help screen having the configuration shown in FIG. Then, the processing is performed to remove the preview area from the normal help screen (FIG. 11) and to change to a help screen corresponding to the one added with the preview button.

  Further, when the preview button on the help screen shown in FIG. 12 is operated, the operation panel unit 11 displays the help screen on the extended LCD as a help screen having the configuration shown in FIG. Remove the explanatory text area from the screen and change it to the help screen equivalent to the one with the help button added. If the help button on this help screen is operated, the help screen on the extended LCD is displayed. Then, a process of changing to a normal one (FIG. 11) is performed.

  The operation panel unit 11 displays the screen shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 16 on the second type basic screen when a button on the second type basic screen that requires display of another screen is operated. Process to be displayed. When the help button on the screen shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 is operated, the operation panel unit 11 displays a help screen as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 on the extended LCD, respectively. Process.

  When the start button is operated (step S102; start), the operation panel unit 11 executes processing (copy processing or the like) of contents specified by the user (step S116), and then operates various buttons. The process returns to the state of monitoring (step S112).

  As described above, in the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the extended LCD unit 15 is installed in the slot for the extended LCD unit, the operation screen (for each function) is displayed on the touch screen 23 (LCD 21). The first type / second type basic screen) is displayed and the help screen is displayed on the LCD 25 of the extended LCD unit 15. Therefore, it can be said that the multifunction device 10 is a device that can display the help screen in a form that is easier for the user to understand than the existing multifunction device in which the operation screen becomes invisible when the help screen is displayed. I can do it. The extended LCD unit 15 is an option of the multi-function device 10, and the multi-function device 10 has a configuration that can be manufactured by slightly improving an existing multi-function device. Therefore, the multifunction device 10 is a device that can be provided (sold) to a user who does not need a help screen at a price similar to that of an existing multifunction device.

<< Second Embodiment >>
As shown in FIG. 18, the multi-function device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus including an operation panel unit 51, a scanner 52, a printer 53, and a FAX unit 54. The multi-function device 50 is a device in which an extended LCD unit 55 is prepared as an option.

  The scanner 52, the printer 53, and the FAX unit 54 that are components of the multi-function device 50 are the same devices / units as the scanner 12, the printer 13, and the FAX unit 14 that are components of the multi-function device 10, respectively.

  The operation panel unit 51 controls the touch screen 63 (LCD 61 and touch panel 62) provided in the own unit and the LCD 65 of the extended LCD unit 55 attached to the own unit in the same manner as the operation panel unit 11. (Unit capable of executing processing for displaying various help screens on the LCD 25).

  However, the operation panel unit 51 is a unit in which the same LCD 61 as the extended LCD unit 55 is used as the LCD 61 constituting the touch screen 63. Further, the operation panel unit 51 is a unit in which the data stored in the ROM 26 (data defining the configuration of various help screens and sample data) and firmware are stored in the ROM 64. The extended LCD unit 55 is a unit that does not include a ROM equivalent to the ROM 26 and uses the same operation panel ASIC 50 as the operation panel ASIC 60 used in the operation panel unit 51 for controlling the LCD 25 and the like. It has become a unit.

  In short, the multi-function device 50 and the extended LCD unit 55 according to the second embodiment include a control circuit (ASIC 60 for operation panel) for controlling the LCD 65 in the extended LCD unit 55, a touch screen 63 in the multi-function device 50, and the like. Although the cost is reduced by using the same circuit as the control circuit for controlling the multi-function device 50, the multi-function device 50 also has a touch screen 63 if the extended LCD unit 55 is installed in the slot for the extended LCD unit. The operation screen (first type / second type basic screen for each function) is displayed on the (LCD 61) and the help screen is displayed on the LCD 65 of the extended LCD unit 55.

  Therefore, the multifunction device 50 functions as a device that can display the help screen in a form that allows the user to understand the operation method more easily than the existing multifunction device in which the operation screen becomes invisible when the help screen is displayed. become.

<Deformation>
The multifunction machine 10/50 and the expansion unit 15/55 described above can be variously modified. For example, the multifunction peripheral 10/50 can be transformed into a device that displays a help screen that does not show an explanation image. Further, when the multifunction machine 10/50 is transformed into such a device, the expansion unit 15/55 can be transformed into an LCD 25/65 having a monochrome LCD. In addition, the multifunction device 10/50 is a device that displays a help screen that does not include a setting selection button (full color button, monochrome button in FIGS. 11 to 14) on the LCD 25/65 of the expansion unit 15/55. It can also be transformed. However, since the setting is easier if the help screen has a setting selection button on the help screen, it is desirable to adopt the configuration of the embodiment.

1 is a configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external view of an operation panel unit of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view of an extended LCD unit that can be mounted on the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of an operation panel unit. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of an operation panel unit. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of an operation panel unit. Explanatory drawing of the 1st type basic screen displayed on LCD of an operation panel unit. Explanatory drawing of the help screen displayed on the 1st type basic screen at the time of screen transition button operation. Explanatory drawing of the 2nd type basic screen displayed on LCD of an operation panel unit. Explanatory drawing of the 2nd type basic screen displayed on LCD of an operation panel unit. Explanatory drawing of the help screen displayed on extended LCD. Explanatory drawing of the help screen displayed on extended LCD. Explanatory drawing of the help screen displayed on extended LCD. Explanatory drawing of the screen displayed on LCD of an operation panel unit. Explanatory drawing of the help screen displayed on extended LCD at the time of the help button operation on the screen of FIG. Explanatory drawing of the screen displayed on LCD of an operation panel unit. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a help screen displayed on the extended LCD when a help button on the screen of FIG. 16 is operated. The block diagram of the multifunctional device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 50 MFP, 11, 51 Operation panel unit 12, 52 Scanner, 13, 53 Printer, 14, 54 FAX unit 15, 55 Extended LCD unit, 21, 25, 61, 65 LCD
22, 62 Touch panel, 23, 63 Touch screen 24, 26, 64 ROM, 60 ASIC for operation panel

Claims (6)

Touch screen,
A slot for an extended LCD unit for mounting an extended LCD unit with an LCD;
A control unit that allows a user to make settings for various setting items by displaying an operation screen on the touch screen, on the LCD of the expansion LCD unit installed in the expansion LCD unit slot And a control unit having a help screen display function for displaying a help screen for each setting item that can be set by operating the operation screen displayed on the touch screen. A multifunction machine characterized by comprising. The help screen display function of the control unit is
The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein each of the help screens has a function of displaying a screen including several setting items for performing settings related to the corresponding setting item. The help screen display function of the control unit is
The multifunction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the help screens has a function of displaying a screen on which a description and a description image regarding a corresponding setting item are displayed. The help screen display function of the control unit is
When a document is set, the document is scanned, and a help screen is displayed in which an image corresponding to the scan result is displayed as the explanation image. The multifunction device according to claim 3, wherein the image has a function of displaying a help screen displayed as the explanation image. The extended LCD unit is a unit including a ROM that stores various data defining the configuration of various help screens,
The help screen display function of the control unit is
The multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which has a function of displaying the help screen using data stored in a ROM of the extended LCD unit. The extended LCD unit is
The control circuit for controlling the LCD is a unit in which the same circuit as the control circuit used in the control unit for controlling the touch screen is used. Item 5. The multifunction device according to any one of Items 4 to 6.