JP2009145903A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of switching the layout of function selection keys displayed on a function list screen which has increased to an immense number following an increased range of functions of the image forming apparatus, and the number of screens of the function list screen according to a user's favor and level of skill, and of setting the function selection keys displayed on the initial screen of the function list screen. <P>SOLUTION: In the function list screen, by alternatively selecting two kinds of modes of a normal display mode to arrange many function selection keys on one screen and a simple display mode to display the function selection keys which are often used, the function may be selected in the normal display mode when complicated function setting is performed, and in the simple display mode when only simple function setting is performed. Thereby, it is enough only to make selectable the function selection keys displayed initially on the function list screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a composite apparatus having a copy function, and more particularly, an image having a function list screen for displaying a plurality of function keys for selecting a display screen for job setting. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus.

  In recent years, office machines such as copiers, scanners, facsimiles, and printers have become multifunctional, high-speed, and low-priced as stand-alone dedicated machines, but complex devices that combine these functions into one are generally used. It's becoming a reality. In addition, the job contents are enriched as a single copying machine, and it is common to be able to perform image rotation processing, frame deletion, 2 in 1 output, 4 in 1 output, overlays such as “secret” and “important”, and slip sheet mode. . Further, some of these composite devices have a simple bookbinding function by attaching a post-processing device as an option so that punched holes can be made in the printed matter or stapling can be performed.

  As another scanner function, it is also possible to send an image to a designated personal computer via a network line. Facsimiles and printers can be used in the same way as before, and of course the above-described processing can be performed for facsimiles and printer output. As described above, in recent complex apparatuses, complicated job setting by a user has become possible.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a composite apparatus having various functions as described above, many functions can be selected. However, a function list screen for displaying a function selection key for switching to a function screen has a considerable number of function selection keys. Is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the function list screen of the composite device of the prior art has many function selection keys. Therefore, each function selection key is small and the function list shown in FIG. Various functions are selected by operating the scroll key from 1 and switching to the function list 2 shown in FIG.

The problem is that the number of items displayed on the screen increases as the number of functions increases. In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the abbreviated display with a small number of items displayed on the basic screen and the display items are displayed. There are two basic screens with expanded display, and in this abbreviated display, when one item is selected, other items related to that item are displayed in the vicinity. Can be reduced. In addition, a user who can perform complicated operations can display the expanded display as a basic screen.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-194669

  However, since the above technology changes the display items of the basic screen according to the user, the settings of the basic screen are changed according to the user when many users share it and use it like a multifunction machine. The basic screen changes frequently, which makes the user feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, since the basic screen itself displays only necessary functions in the first place, the necessity of changing the basic screen is not felt so much.

  According to the present invention, the layout of function selection keys displayed on a huge number of function list screens and the number of function list screens according to the user's preference and skill level as the number of functions of the image forming apparatus increases. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of setting a function selection key to be displayed on the first screen of the function list screen.

In order to solve the above problems, the first image forming apparatus of the present invention switches and displays a plurality of display screens for job setting, and the plurality of display screens can be switched from the basic screen to the basic screen. In an image forming apparatus having an operation display unit composed of a plurality of function screens,
A function list screen that displays a plurality of corresponding function selection keys for switching to the plurality of function screens, and a function list screen that displays a large number of function selection keys on one screen of the function list screen and covers a small number of screens. A normal function display mode, and fewer function selection keys are displayed on one screen of the function list screen than the function list screen of the normal display mode, and a function list screen display that covers more screens than the function list screen of the normal display mode. Display mode switching means for switching between simple display modes in which function selection keys frequently used when this function list screen is displayed and the selected function selection keys are displayed on the first screen of the function list screen And a function for displaying an unselected function selection key on the second screen of the function list screen. An image forming apparatus, comprising a strike changing means.

  In the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, the size of the function selection key or the character displayed in the simple display mode is larger than the size of the function selection key or the character displayed in the normal mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit configured to display that the simple display mode is in the simple display mode.

  If the first image forming apparatus of the present invention is used, the function list screen in the normal display mode includes a large number of relatively small function selection keys per screen. Although an operation error is likely to occur for free users, the number of function list screens is reduced, which is convenient for skilled users who use various complicated functions. On the other hand, the function list screen in the simple display mode increases the number of function list screens, so when searching for functions that are not frequently used, the screen is switched over many times, so experienced users who use various complicated functions Although it is inconvenient for the user, a relatively large number of function selection keys are arranged per screen, and frequently used functions are on the screen that is displayed first. For users who use only simple functions, search for the function selection keys. Easy operation and fewer operations. You can switch the features of each of these display modes according to your preference and set what functions to use for the function selection keys displayed at the beginning of the function list screen. It is easy to use.

  By using the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, the size of the function selection key in the simple display mode and the size of the character on the key can be increased so that even a visually impaired user can easily operate. Can do.

  If the third image forming apparatus of the present invention is used, the simple display mode is displayed in the simple display mode, so that the user is informed that the function selection keys are not only those displayed in the simple display mode. Can do.

  An image forming apparatus employing the present invention will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. In the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 is a composite apparatus having functions of a copy, a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, and mail creation. Means 5, printer controller 6, printer unit 7, post-processing device I / F 8, post-processing device 9, operation panel 10, scanner I / F 11, scanner unit 12, DF (automatic document feeder) 13, buffer memory 14 A bitmap memory 15, a CODEC (compressor / decompressor) 16, a modem 17, an NCU (network control unit) 18, a public line 19, a network I / F 20, a bus 21, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) (24, 25) and a printer 23 via a network cable 22.

  Specifically, the CPU 2 controls each component of the image forming apparatus 1 and is connected to the ROM 3 storing various programs, the RAM 4 storing user choice data, setting information, total count data, various font data, and the like. Has been.

  The mail creating means 5 is a means for creating an e-mail when the image data read by the scanner unit 12 is attached to an e-mail and transmitted to a destination registered in advance.

  The printer controller 6 analyzes the print command (PDL) and job information transmitted from the connected personal computer and stored in the reception area of the buffer memory 14, and generates intermediate language information. This intermediate language information is stored in an intermediate language information storage area of the buffer memory 14.

  The printer unit 7 sequentially writes the image data developed in the bitmap memory 15 into a latent image such as an LSU (laser scanning unit) or LPH (LED print head) of the image forming unit of the printer unit 7. The image forming unit forms a toner image, which is sequentially transferred from a sheet feeding cassette to a sheet that is fed and conveyed, and is fixed and discharged.

  The post-processing device I / F 8 and the post-processing device 9 perform post-processing for performing post-processing such as stapling and punching, sorting, sorting and grouping, etc., on the printed matter printed and discharged from the image forming apparatus 1. An interface 9 and a cable for connecting the apparatus 9 to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The operation panel 10 includes a large LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) device 101 as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of operation keys such as a start key 102, a stop / clear key 103, and a reset key 104. ing. A start key 102 is a key for starting copying, starting reading a scanner, and starting fax transmission. A stop / clear key 103 is a key for canceling the previous setting or interrupting the job. A reset key 104 is a key for clearing all settings and returning the screen and the screen being displayed on the LCD display unit 101 to the basic screen from any screen. An initial setting key 105 is a key for switching to a screen for performing each initial setting of the image forming apparatus. Others such as numeric keypad, interrupt key, power saving key, department management key, and this image forming device is a composite device, so the operation display section is a copy function screen, printer function screen, facsimile function screen, and scanner function screen. It can be switched by key. The screen displayed on the LCD display unit 101 will be described in detail later.

  The scanner I / F 11 is an interface for controlling the scanner unit 12 and the DF 13 by connecting to the scanner unit 12 placed on the image forming apparatus 1 via a cable.

  The scanner unit 12 feeds one sheet at a time with the DF 13 or illuminates a document placed on a contact glass with a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp and reads the reflected light with a CCD (charge coupled device) sensor. This analog signal is converted into a digital signal by A / D conversion, and image processing is performed by the image processing unit, which is developed in the subsequent bitmap memory 15. The bit map memory 15 includes intermediate language information generated by analyzing the print command transferred from a personal computer connected via a network in addition to the image data from the scanner unit 12 by the printer controller 7, and the other party. The image data sent from the facsimile 26 via the public line 19, the NCU 18, and the modem 17 is decompressed by the CODEC 16 as needed, and is expanded and held as full bit map image data. The CODEC 16 is also used for decoding the encoded image data included in the print data.

  The buffer memory 14 encodes and stores the image data read by the scanner unit 12 with the CODEC 16 when performing normal memory copy, facsimile memory transmission, and reserved transmission in addition to the above-described received image area and intermediate language area. . When the scanner function is used, the image data read by the scanner unit 12 can be read from an external personal computer encoded by the CODEC 16, and similarly, the facsimile polling function can be read from the other party's facsimile. Is also possible. A relatively large capacity hard disk for storing image data can be installed in the image forming apparatus to form an image memory.

  The modem 17 converts an analog signal transmitted from the public line 19 into a digital signal, and conversely converts the digital signal into an analog signal and transmits it through the public line, and performs modulation and demodulation. Or receiving only HDLC (High Level Data Link Control Procedure) frames. The NCU 18 performs connection to a public line, switching between facsimile and telephone, transmission of an on-hook signal to the line, ring detection, and the like.

  The network I / F 20 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 1 to a network. Here, it is connected via a network cable 22 to a personal computer (24, 25), a printer 23, and other connection devices not shown.

  The bus 21 is a bus for exchanging data and signals of each configuration described above. Although there are buses for image data and buses for control signals, they are represented by one for short here.

  The characteristic part of the present invention will be described. The screen displayed on the LCD display unit 101 of the operation panel 10 shown in FIG. 2 is the basic screen shown in FIG. 3, and when “User Function” is selected from a plurality of tabs below this screen, the screen shown in FIG. The user function screen shown is displayed. Further, when the “function list” tab is selected, a first function list screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In the black band display portion at the top of the screen that is displayed in common for all of these screens, “Copying is possible”, selected cassette 1, magnification, and number of sets are displayed. The basic screen of the copy function shown in FIG. 3 displays only basic functions of the image forming apparatus such as paper selection, exposure, and magnification. For this reason, it has a function list screen as shown in FIG. 5 which is separately displayed from this basic screen. Many function selection keys are arranged on the first function list screen shown in FIG. 5. For example, when one “aggregation” key is selected, the aggregation function screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. When the “close” key in the upper right is operated, the screen returns to the first function list screen. When the cursor key on the right side of the first function list screen is operated, the second function list screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. Various function selection keys and a cursor are also arranged on the second function list screen.

  Since both the first function list screen and the second function list screen are function lists in the normal display mode, all the functions related to the copy function of the image forming apparatus are displayed on the two function list screens. A “simple display” key corresponding to the display mode switching means of the present invention is provided at the lower right of these function list screens. When this key is operated, the third function list in the simple display mode as shown in FIG. A screen is displayed.

  This third function list screen is the first screen displayed when the function list screen is displayed in the simple display mode of the present invention. Function selection keys corresponding to commonly used functions are arranged, The key of FIG. 1 employs a key with a large character on it and corresponds to the second image forming apparatus of the present invention. A “normal display” key corresponding to the display mode switching key of the present invention is provided at the lower right of the screen. When this key is operated, the first function list is switched. When the cursor on the right side of the screen is operated, a fourth function list display screen shown in FIG. 9 and a fifth function list display screen shown in FIG. 10 are displayed. In this simple display mode, the function selection keys arranged on this one screen are limited to the number of function selection keys that are easy to search for functions and that do not cause erroneous operation. In the black band display portions of the third to fifth function list screens, a display notifying that the mode is the simple display mode is displayed, which corresponds to the third image forming apparatus of the present invention. In this way, the function list screen in the normal display mode is a two-screen display, but each function selection key is displayed small, and the function list screen in the simple display mode spans three screen displays. Each function selection key is displayed large.

  When the function selection keys arranged on the third to fifth function list screens are operated, the function screen is the same as when the selection keys arranged on the first function list screen or the second function list screen are operated. Switch to For example, when the “aggregation” key is operated, the aggregation function screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in the same manner as when the “aggregation key” on the first function list screen is operated. When the aggregation function is set and the “close” key at the upper right of the screen is operated, the screen returns to the third function list screen which is the screen immediately before switching to this screen, and the “aggregation” key is displayed in black and white.

  A method for changing the function selection key displayed on the first screen of the function list screen of the present invention will be described. When the initial setting key 105 in FIG. 2 is operated, when a password input or the like is performed, a function list change (simple display mode) screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.

  In the function list change screen, an icon obtained by reducing the function list screen in the simple display mode is displayed on the left side of the screen. Here, the function selection keys 1 to 9 are displayed in large size, and below that, the “10th” The function selection keys corresponding to the functions set thereafter will be displayed on the second and subsequent pages. ”, Except that the function selection keys 1 to 9 will be displayed on the second and subsequent sheets in the function list. Represents. A list of registered functions is displayed in the center of the screen. Here, the function selection keys for the first to ninth functions from the top are displayed at the positions of the numbers corresponding to the icons obtained by reducing the function list screen. To express. In the list, the tenth and subsequent numbers are displayed on the second screen in the function list screen in the simple display mode. In the current setting of this screen, the third function list screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. If you touch the function of this list directly or select it with the cursor on the right of the screen and operate the “Previous” key or the “Backward” key, the order in this list will be changed, The display position on the actual function list screen and the display on the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen are changed. For example, in FIG. 11, “9. Frame erase” is selected, and if the “backward one” key is operated, the tenth rank is displayed in this list as shown in FIG. The mixed loading function is the ninth. When the setting is completed, as shown in FIG. 13, the changed third function list screen is displayed with the function selection key for the frame erasing function displayed on the second and subsequent screens. Instead, the function selection for the mixed document function is selected. The key is displayed on the first screen.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus and peripheral devices that employ the present invention. 3 is an operation panel of an image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 4 is a basic screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 4 is a user function screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 4 is a first function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 10 is a second function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 4 is an aggregation screen displayed by operating an aggregation key on a function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 12 is a third function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. It is a 4th function list screen displayed on the LCD display part of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus which employ | adopts this invention. It is a 5th function list screen displayed on the LCD display part of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus which employ | adopts this invention. 7 is a screen for changing a function list (simple display mode) displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. FIG. 5 is a screen for changing a function list (simple display mode) displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention, after changing the setting. FIG. 12 is a third function list screen after changing settings displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. FIG. 3 is a function list screen 1 displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus employing a conventional technique. 3 is a function list screen 2 displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus employing a conventional technique.

1; Image forming apparatus 2; CPU
3; ROM
4; RAM
5; Mail creation means 6; Printer controller 7; Printer unit 8; I / F for post-processing device
9; Post-processing device 10; Operation panel 11; Scanner interface 12; Scanner unit 13; Automatic document feeder (DF)
14; buffer memory 15; bitmap memory 16; CODEC
17; modem 18; NCU
19; Public line 20; Network I / F
21; bus 22; network cable 23; printers 24 and 25; PC
26;

Claims (3)

A plurality of display screens for job setting are switched and displayed. In the image forming apparatus having an operation display unit composed of a basic screen and a plurality of functional screens that can be switched from the basic screen,
A function list screen that displays a plurality of corresponding function selection keys for switching to the plurality of function screens, and a function list screen that displays a large number of function selection keys on one screen of the function list screen and covers a small number of screens. A normal function display mode, and fewer function selection keys are displayed on one screen of the function list screen than the function list screen of the normal display mode, and a function list screen display that covers more screens than the function list screen of the normal display mode. Display mode switching means for switching between simple display modes in which function selection keys frequently used when this function list screen is displayed and the selected function selection keys are displayed on the first screen of the function list screen And a function for displaying an unselected function selection key on the second screen of the function list screen. An image forming apparatus, comprising a strike changing means.   The size of the function selection key or the character displayed in the simple display mode is larger than the size of the function selection key or the character displayed in the normal mode. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit configured to display that the simple display mode is in the simple display mode.

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