JP2010050727A - Image forming apparatus and data customize method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability of an image forming apparatus and reduce discomfort feeling of an operator, by enabling the operator to customize any report, such as changing a character size for displaying setting items included in the report, adding a help display for displaying detailed information related to the setting items to the report including the predetermined setting items, adding a setting item of high use frequency to the report including the predetermined setting items, and deleting a setting item of low use frequency from the report including the predetermined setting items. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a control unit, for customizing the setting item included in a setting item confirmation page to make the operator confirm the setting items, which are items related to the setting of the image forming apparatus. The control unit is provided for generating an image data for the setting item confirmation page, including the customized setting item, to make the operator confirm the data of the setting items. Further, the image forming apparatus includes a display screen 1b1 for outputting the image data generated by the control unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a setting item confirmation page displayed on a display screen for allowing an operator to confirm setting items that are items related to setting of a main body, in other words, an image forming apparatus and data customization capable of customizing items included in a report Regarding the method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus capable of generating a report including data related to predetermined items in accordance with an operation instruction from an operator and printing the generated report (see cited document 1).

JP 2006-088536 A

  However, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot change any data related to setting items included in the report.

  That is, in such an image forming apparatus, only a report including a predetermined setting item is printed. Therefore, when the operator wants to change the character size for displaying the setting item, for example, an elderly person is included in the report. If you want to increase the font size for displaying the setting item, or want to reduce the font size for displaying the setting item in order to display the setting item included in the report without scrolling on the display screen Even in such a case, it is not possible to change the character size for displaying a predetermined setting item in the report.

  Further, since such an image forming apparatus only prints a report including predetermined setting items, even if the user wants to know the details of the setting items included in the report, detailed information regarding the setting items is required. A help display for displaying information cannot be added to a report including predetermined setting items.

  Further, since such an image forming apparatus only prints a report including a predetermined setting item, a setting item that is frequently used is added to the report including the predetermined setting item, or a predetermined setting item is determined. Even if an operator wants to delete a setting item with low usage frequency from a report containing setting items, a setting item with high usage frequency can be added to a report with a predetermined setting item, It is not possible to delete a setting item with a low use frequency from a report including a predetermined setting item.

  As a result, in such an image forming apparatus, the operator who wants to change the character size for displaying the setting item, the operator who wants to know the details of the setting item included in the report, and the predetermined Discomfort for operators who want to add frequently used setting items to reports that include setting items, or delete setting items that are not frequently used from reports that include predetermined setting items There is a possibility that.

  According to the inventor's examination of the report displayed on the display screen of the image forming apparatus, the help for changing the character size for displaying the setting item included in the report or displaying detailed information regarding the setting item is displayed. Add a display to a report that includes a predetermined setting item, add a setting item that is frequently used to a report that includes a predetermined setting item, or use a report that includes a predetermined setting item An image forming apparatus capable of improving the operability of the image forming apparatus and reducing an unpleasant feeling given to the operator by enabling some report customization such as deleting a low setting item. There is a growing demand for the industry.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and a data customization method capable of reducing discomfort given to an operator.

  The essence of the present invention is to improve the operability of the image forming apparatus with a configuration in which “setting items included in a setting item confirmation page for confirming setting items can be customized by an operator's operation”. It is to achieve a remarkable effect peculiar to the present application that makes it possible to reduce discomfort given to the operator.

  In this specification, “customize setting item by operator's operation” means “change the character size of the setting item to display on the display screen or print it”, “check the setting item `` Set the setting item included in the page and the help display related to the setting item in association with each other and display them on the display screen or print them '', `` It means either “adding or deleting and displaying on the display screen or printing”.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting item customization means for enabling customization of setting items included in a setting item confirmation page for allowing an operator to confirm setting items that are items relating to settings of the image forming apparatus main body, and setting item customization means Image data generating means for generating image data of a setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to check the data of the setting item, and image data generated by the image data generating means. An image forming apparatus including image data output means for outputting.

  The second invention relates to any one of the setting items included in the setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to confirm setting items that are items relating to the setting of the image forming apparatus main body. A data customization method including an image data generation step for generating image data of a setting item confirmation page including a setting item customized by the method, and an image data output step for outputting the image data generated by the image data generation step.

  According to the present invention, the font size for displaying the setting items included in the report is changed, or a help display for displaying detailed information about the setting items is added to the report including the predetermined setting items. Allows you to customize some kind of report, such as adding frequently used setting items to reports that include predetermined setting items, or deleting less frequently used setting items from reports that include predetermined setting items By doing so, it is possible to improve the operability of the image forming apparatus and to reduce discomfort given to the operator.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus 100 configured as shown in FIGS.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a well-known personal computer (not shown) or another multifunction device (not shown) via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), for example. A setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to confirm setting items which are items related to settings, as shown in the perspective view of the outer appearance of the multifunction device having various functions such as a function, a copy function, and a printer function. In other words, it has a function of displaying a report on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b of the apparatus main body 1.

  In the report displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b, that is, the setting item confirmation page, setting information set by the operation of the operator, for example, the apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 100 by a DHCP server apparatus (not shown). Information about the remaining amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge provided in the apparatus main body 1, and the recording paper for each paper feed stage (paper feed tray) provided in the image forming apparatus 100 It includes at least one piece of information relating to the remaining amount, information relating to firmware installed in the apparatus main body 1, and the like.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, from the viewpoint of further improving the operability of the main body, the setting items included in the setting item confirmation page described above are customized by the operation of the operator of the panel unit 1b, for example, the character size of the setting item To display on the display screen, print it, display the setting item on the setting item confirmation page in association with the help display related to the setting item, display it on the display screen, print it, or set it The setting item included in the item confirmation page can be added or deleted by the operation of the operator, and can be displayed on the display screen or printed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a power switch 1a, a panel unit 1b, an interface unit 1c, a toner remaining amount detecting unit 1dY, 1dM, 1dC, and 1dK, and a sheet remaining level detecting unit. Units 1e1 to 1en, paper feed stage counters 1f1 to 1fn, IP address storage memory 1g, report setting item storage memory 1h, display item setting storage memory 1i, remaining toner storage memory 1j, and paper feed stage Separate sheet remaining amount storage memory 1k, number of printed sheet storage memory for each paper feed stage 11l, firmware data storage memory 1m, program storage memory 1n, occupant data storage memory 1o, discharge tray data storage memory 1p, and paper type Data storage memory 1q, paper feed stage data storage memory 1r, scheduled job storage buffer 1s, print job history data storage And Mori 1t, the template file storage memory 1u, an image generator 1 v, and a printer engine unit 1 w, and includes a setting item database 1x, and DBMS1y, and a control section 1z.

  The control unit 1z of the image forming apparatus 100 is realized by a computer in which an image forming program is written in a built-in memory (not shown) at the time of manufacture or the image forming program is installed via a recording medium or a communication network. Further, it goes without saying that each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured by any one of software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software.

  The power switch 1a is a mechanical switch that can be turned on and off by an operator's operation. When the power switch 1a is turned on by an operator's operation, the power switch 1a indicates that the apparatus main body 1 has been turned on. A closing signal is output to the controller 1z.

  The panel unit 1b is displayed before the start-up process of the apparatus main body 1 executed when the power switch 1a of the apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 100 is switched on by the operator's operation, and A status display screen including at least one piece of data related to an IP address, toner remaining amount, recording paper remaining amount, and firmware version, which is setting information set in advance by a setting operation on a menu screen described later. After the start-up process executed in the apparatus main body 1 is completed when the power switch 1a of the apparatus main body 1 is turned on, in other words, after the status display screen described above is displayed, and , Reciprocal switching among FAX function, scanner function, copy function, and printer function, resolution when reading document data, creation Format of electronic file containing document data, image quality, scanning density, scanning magnification setting, setting information to be displayed on the status display screen, setting information to be displayed on the ready screen described later, report screen Menu screen for customizing the setting items to be displayed and setting of each mode, etc., and when the job can be accepted, the remaining toner as setting information set by the setting operation on the menu screen A ready screen that indicates that the job can be received, including the amount, the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed tray, etc., and a text size setting reminder screen for setting the setting items to be displayed on the report screen Item search prompting screen, setting item additional prompting screen, no setting item message display screen, to let the operator confirm the setting item Display screen displaying the port window and a (display means).

  When the power is turned on by an operator's operation, the control unit 1z accesses a DHCP server device (not shown) provided outside by a procedure compliant with the well-known DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Then, the IP address assigned to the image forming apparatus 100 for a certain time by the DHCP server apparatus is acquired via the interface unit 1c.

  Also, the interface unit 1c is transmitted from a well-known personal computer (not shown) connected via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), or another multifunction device (not shown) A header part including a job ID assigned to each terminal and a MAC address assigned to a terminal on the network, a payload described in a page description language, etc., and an FCS (Frame Check Sequence) used for error detection and parity check Is received, the data of the received packet is subjected to processing such as parity check and error correction, and the data included in the received packet is output to the control unit 1z.

  Toner remaining amount detection units 1dY, 1dM, 1dC, and 1dK detect the remaining amount of toner for each YMCK (Yellow / Magenta / Cyan / black), and each remaining toner amount detection unit A toner sensor ID assigned to 1dY to 1dK is added, and a set of the remaining amount of toner and the toner sensor ID is output to the control unit 1z1o.

  The paper remaining level detection units 1e1 to 1en for each paper feed stage are installed for each paper feed stage, detect data relating to the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed stage, and add the paper feed stage to the detected data relating to the remaining amount of paper. A paper sensor ID assigned to each of the remaining paper remaining amount detection units 1e1 to 1en is added, and a set of the detected remaining paper amount and the paper sensor ID is output to the control unit 1z.

  The sheet feed stage counters 1f1 to 1fn are installed for each sheet feed stage, count the number of printed sheets for each sheet feed stage, and are assigned to the counted sheet counts for the respective sheet feed stage counters 1f1 to 1fn. The identification ID is added, and the set of the counted number of printed sheets and the counter identification ID is output to the control unit 1z.

  The IP address storage memory 1g stores an IP address that is assigned to the image forming apparatus 100 for a predetermined time by a DHCP server device (not shown) provided outside.

  The display item setting storage memory 1h stores data of display items input from the panel unit 1b by the operation of the operator.

  In the toner remaining amount storage memory 1i, the remaining amount of toner, the toner sensor ID, and the detection time are stored correspondingly.

  The remaining paper amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage stores the remaining amount of paper, the paper sensor ID, and the detection time correspondingly.

  The number of printed sheets, counter identification ID, and detection time are stored in correspondence in the number-of-sheets printed sheet number storage memory 1k.

  The firmware data storage memory 1l stores data relating to the version of firmware installed in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The program storage memory 1m stores software including a plurality of programs installed in the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the occupant data storage memory 1n, at least the MAC address assigned to each terminal device connected on the network and the data relating to the name of the individual who occupies each terminal device to which the MAC address is assigned correspond to each other. It is remembered.

  In the discharge tray data storage memory 1o, data relating to the paper size and data relating to the discharge tray to which the paper size is assigned are stored at least in correspondence.

  The paper type data storage memory 1p stores at least the paper feed stages and the paper types assigned to the respective paper feed stages by the setting operation from the terminal device described above.

  The paper feed stage data storage memory 1q is set for each paper feed stage by the data of the counter identification ID assigned to the paper feed stage-specific counters 1f1 to 1fn set in advance for each paper feed stage and the operation of the operator. Data relating to the size of the printed paper is stored at least correspondingly.

  In the scheduled job storage buffer 1r, bitmap data, mac address data corresponding to the bitmap, file name data, print job ID, paper size, and capacity data are sorted according to the execution order. A print job list including the print jobs is stored in a writable / readable manner.

  The print job history data storage memory 1s can write / read print job ID, mac address data, file name data, paper size, capacity data, print job execution start time, and print job end time. It is remembered.

  In the setting item list storage memory 1t, the setting item data selected on the setting item addition prompting screen by the operator, the help message data related to the setting item, the setting item and the help message are displayed in the report. Character size data, help message ID, and data related to the presence / absence of display of a help message related to the setting item are stored in association with each other.

  In the template file storage memory 1u, execution scheduled job presence / absence information related to the presence / absence of a scheduled print job, executed job presence / absence information related to the presence / absence of an executed print job, a display time set by an operator's operation, Menu screen, status display screen, ready screen, text size setting prompting screen, setting item search prompting screen, setting item additional prompting screen, setting with at least predetermined items including display items, display format, and display item layout data An itemless message display screen, a change confirmation screen, a report generation prompt screen, and a report screen template file are stored.

  The image generation unit 1v receives the print data described in the page description language from the control unit 1z, expands the received print data to generate bitmap data, and sends the generated bitmap data to the control unit 1z. Return it.

  The printer engine unit 1w visualizes an image by an electrophotographic method based on the bitmap data received from the control unit 1z, and generates an image on the surface of paper that is an information recording material. In addition, the printer engine unit 1w replaces the order of jobs scheduled to be executed when there is an interrupt job based on the priority of the job included in the data received from the control unit 1z. A list is generated and output to the control unit 1z. Further, the printer engine unit 1w outputs a job start notification indicating that job processing has started at the start of the job to the control unit 1z, and also indicates job end indicating that job processing has ended when the job ends. The notification is output to the control unit 1z.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the setting item database 1x includes a setting item, a character size, a help message related to the setting item, a message ID of the help message, data on whether or not the help message is displayed, and a default. This is a relational database in which data relating to the presence / absence of setting is stored correspondingly.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the setting item database 1x in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The setting item (a) is an item related to the use environment of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The help message (b) related to the setting item is a message for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and the setting item in relation to the setting item.

  The size of the character (c) is the size of the character for displaying “setting item” and “help message related to the setting item” in the report which is an installation item confirmation page for allowing the operator to check the setting item. Yes, for example, any one of the first size (small), the second size (medium) larger than the first size (small), and the third size (large) larger than the second size (medium) It is possible to classify the data into character size data.

  The message ID (d) of the help message is an ID unique to the help message that is predetermined for each help message.

  “Data on presence / absence of display of help message (e)” is data indicating whether the help message is displayed in association with the corresponding setting item in the report (setting item confirmation page) for allowing the operator to confirm the setting item. It is.

  The data (f) regarding the presence / absence of the default setting is data indicating whether each setting item is set as a setting item included in a report (setting item confirmation page) for allowing the operator to confirm the setting item.

  The DBMS 1y is a system that executes various types of management such as management of the setting item database 1x, transaction management, failure recovery management, and the like.

  The control unit 1z includes the power switch 1a, the panel unit 1b, the interface unit 1c, the toner remaining amount detecting unit 1d, the sheet remaining level detecting unit 1e, the sheet feeding level counter 1f, and the IP address. A storage memory 1G, a display item setting storage memory 1h, a remaining toner storage memory 1i, a remaining paper storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage, a printed sheet storage memory 1k for each paper feed stage, a firmware data storage memory 1l, Program storage memory 1m, occupant data storage memory 1n, discharge tray data storage memory 1o, paper type data storage memory 1p, paper feed stage data storage memory 1q, scheduled execution job storage buffer 1r, and print job history Data storage memory 1s, template file storage memory 1u, image generation unit 1v, printer engine unit 1w, setting items And database 1x, controls the DBMS1y.

  The various memories 1g to 1t provided in the image forming apparatus 100 are composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown). Drive) or the like, and can be divided into a plurality of areas in the same semiconductor memory or HDD.

  The control unit 1z provided in the image forming apparatus 100 having such a configuration performs the following control operation related to the customization process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  Note that data related to a display item that the operator desires to display during execution of the activation process of the image forming apparatus 100 selected on the menu screen (not shown) by the operation of the panel unit 1b is displayed in the display item setting storage memory (setting information). Storage means) It is assumed that it is stored in advance in 1h. In addition, it is assumed that data on the remaining amount of recording paper immediately before the power is turned off last time is stored in the paper remaining amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage. Furthermore, it is assumed that data relating to firmware installed in the image forming apparatus 100 is stored in the firmware data storage memory 1l.

  In this image forming apparatus 100, when the power switch 1a is switched to the on state, the activation process is executed, and the menu screen is displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b, the installed program is activated. The following series of processing is executed.

  First, the control unit 1z customizes setting items included in a setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to confirm setting items that are items related to the settings of the image forming apparatus 100 by an operation of the operator of the panel unit 1b. Report customization for customizing the setting items included in the setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to confirm the setting items, which are items related to the settings of the image forming apparatus 100, depending on whether the setting item customization request is received from the panel unit 1b. It is determined whether the button is operated on the menu screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b (ST1).

  The control unit 1z operates the report customization button for customizing the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to confirm the setting item which is an item related to the setting of the image forming apparatus 100 in step ST1 described above. When it is determined that the setting has been made on the menu screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b (ST1: Yes), a setting for causing the operator to confirm setting items that are items related to the setting of the image forming apparatus 100 The template file of the character size setting reminder screen that prompts the user to set the character size for displaying the setting items included in the item confirmation page is read from the template file storage unit, and the character size setting reminder screen is read from the template file of the read character size setting reminder screen. After generating the data, the generated text size setting prompt Displaying the surface on a display screen 1b1 of the panel portion 1b (ST2).

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a character size setting prompt screen displayed on the display screen 1 b 1 of the panel unit 1 b of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the text size setting prompt screen according to the present embodiment, a display “Report Design” indicating that the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page is customized, and a setting included in the setting item confirmation page A setting button for setting the character size for displaying the item to the first size (small), and a setting button for setting the second size (medium) larger than the first size (small) described above , A setting button for setting the third size (large) larger than the second size (medium) described above, and a character for displaying the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page with the selected character size A confirmation button for inputting a size setting request is provided.

  On the other hand, the control unit 1z uses a report customization button for customizing the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to confirm the setting item which is an item related to the setting of the image forming apparatus 100 in step ST1 described above. If it is determined that the operation is not performed on the menu screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b (ST1: No), the operator confirms the setting items that are items related to the settings of the image forming apparatus 100. The determination processing regarding whether or not an operation of a report customization button (not shown) for customizing the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page to be performed has been performed on the menu screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b is repeated.

  In step ST3, the controller 1z controls the first size (small), the second size (medium) larger than the first size (small), and the third size larger than the second size (medium). Depending on whether a data size setting request for displaying the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page with the selected character size is displayed from the panel unit 1b. Operation of the character size confirmation button for displaying the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page with the selected character size in a state where the data relating to any character size is selected on the character size setting prompting screen described above Determine whether or not

  The control unit 1z has a first size (small), a second size (medium) larger than the first size (small), and a third size larger than the second size (medium). When the panel unit 1b receives a set of data relating to a character size of one of the large sizes and a character size setting request for displaying the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page with the selected character size In other words, the character size for displaying the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page with the selected character size in the state where the data related to any character size is selected on the character size setting prompting screen described above. If it is determined that the confirm button has been operated (ST3: Yes), the data relating to the character size among the data relating to the setting items stored in the setting item list storage unit The first size (small) received from the panel unit 1b, the second size (medium) larger than the first size (small), and the third size (large) larger than the second size (medium) After updating with any of the data on the character size, the template file of the setting item search prompting screen that prompts the search for the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page is read from the template file storage unit, and the read setting item search prompting screen Data of the setting item search prompting screen is generated from the template file, and then the generated setting item search prompting screen is displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b (ST4).

  Here, an example of the setting item search prompting screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b of the image forming apparatus 100 is shown in FIG.

  In the setting item search prompt screen shown in FIG. 6, a display “Report Design” indicating that the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page is customized, and a setting item included in the setting item confirmation page. And a search button for starting a search of the setting item database 1x using the keyword input in the blank.

  On the other hand, the control unit 1z displays a set of data relating to any character size in step ST3 described above and a character size setting request for displaying the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page with the selected character size. Which is not received from the section 1b, in other words, which character size data is not selected on the character size setting prompt screen described above, or which character size data is displayed on the character size setting prompt screen described above. When it is determined that the confirmation button for displaying the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page is not operated with the selected character size in the selected state (ST3: No), the character size described above With any character size data selected on the setting prompt screen, the setting item confirmation page will be displayed with the selected character size. It repeats the process for determining whether or not the operation of the confirmation button for displaying the setting items is made contained.

  In step ST5, the control unit 1z sets a set of a keyword for searching for a setting item included in the setting item confirmation page and a search start command for starting a search of the setting item database 1x using the input keyword. The setting item database 1x with the entered keyword as a search key in a state where the keyword is entered in the blank for prompting the entry of the keyword for searching for the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page depending on whether it is received from the panel unit 1b. It is determined whether the operation of the search button for starting the search is performed on the setting item search prompting screen described above.

  The control unit 1z sets the set item using the input keyword as a search key in a state where the keyword is entered in the blank for prompting the input of the keyword for searching for the set item included in the set item confirmation page in step ST5 described above. If it is determined that the search button operation for starting the search of the database 1x is performed on the setting item search prompting screen (ST5: Yes), the keyword received from the panel unit 1b and the received keyword are searched. A pair with a query for starting the search of the setting item database 1x is output to the DBMS 1y (Database Management System) as a key (ST6).

  When the DBMS 1y receives a set of a keyword from the control unit 1z and a search start command for starting a search of the setting item database 1x using the received keyword as a search key, the DBMS 1y sets the keyword received from the control unit 1z as a search key. Search the item database 1x.

  Then, as a result of the search, when there is a setting item corresponding to the keyword received from the control unit 1z, the DBMS 1y reads out the setting item corresponding to the received keyword from the setting item database 1x as a record.

  Next, the DBMS 1y outputs a set of a setting item presence response indicating that a setting item corresponding to the keyword received from the control unit 1z exists and a record read from the setting item database 1x to the control unit 1z.

  On the other hand, if there is no setting item corresponding to the keyword received from the control unit 1z as a result of the search described above, the DBMS 1y indicates that there is no setting item corresponding to the keyword received from the control unit 1z. No response is output to the control unit 1z.

  On the other hand, the control unit 1z uses the entered keyword as a search key in a state where the keyword is entered in the blank for prompting the entry of the keyword for searching for the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page in step ST5 described above. When it is determined that the operation of the search button for starting the search of the setting item database 1x is not performed on the setting item search prompting screen (ST5: No), the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page is displayed. When the keyword is entered in the blank for prompting the input of the keyword for the search, the operation of the search button for starting the search of the setting item database 1x using the input keyword as a search key is the setting item search prompt described above. The determination process regarding what has been done by the operator on the screen is repeated.

  In step ST7, the control unit 1z determines the type of response received from the DBMS 1y and the presence / absence of a record.

  As a result of the determination made in step ST7, the control unit 1z is a response with a setting item indicating that the type of response received from the DBMS 1y includes a setting item corresponding to the keyword received from the control unit 1z. When there is a record read from the setting item database 1x (ST7: record exists), setting item addition that prompts the user to add the data related to the setting item obtained as a result of the search to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page After the template file of the reminder screen is read from the template file storage unit, the setting item addition prompting screen data is generated from the read template file of the setting item additional prompting screen, and the generated setting item additional prompting screen is displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b. (ST8).

  An example of the setting item addition prompting screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b of the image forming apparatus 100 is shown in FIG.

  In the setting item addition prompt screen shown in FIG. 7, a search key input receiving area for receiving a search key input when searching the setting item database 1x, and a keyword input in the search key input receiving area are set as search keys. A search button for starting the search of the item database 1x, an additional candidate display area for displaying data related to the setting items obtained as a search result of the setting item database 1x, and setting items displayed in the additional candidate display area Add button for adding to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page, and completion for completing the additional processing for adding the setting item displayed in the addition candidate display area to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page Buttons and help messages corresponding to the setting items displayed in the additional candidate display area are included in the setting item confirmation page. And the help display on the button to be displayed in association with the setting items, are included and report generation button to generate a report (setting item confirmation page) in order to confirm the setting item.

  The setting item addition prompting screen includes a search key input receiving area for receiving a search key input when searching the setting item database 1x, and a keyword input in the search key input receiving area as a search key. A search button for starting a search, an additional candidate display area for displaying data relating to a setting item obtained as a search result of the setting item database 1x, and a setting item confirmation for the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area An addition button for adding to the setting item included in the page, a completion button for completing the addition processing for adding the setting item displayed in the addition candidate display area to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page, The help message corresponding to the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area is included in the setting item confirmation page. Help display ON button for displaying in association with the item and report generation button for generating a report for confirming the setting item (setting item confirmation page) were included. A deletion button for executing a deletion process for deleting the setting item displayed in the candidate display area from the preset setting item included in the setting item confirmation page may be further included.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination made in step ST7 described above, the control unit 1z indicates that the response type received from the DBMS 1y is a setting item no response indicating that there is no setting item corresponding to the keyword. When the read record does not exist (ST7: no record), the template file of the setting item no message display screen including the setting item no message indicating that the setting item corresponding to the keyword does not exist is read from the template file storage unit. After generating the data for the no setting item message display screen from the read template file for the no setting item message display screen, the generated no setting item message display screen is displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b (ST9). , Steps mentioned above Similar to T4, the setting item search prompt screen template file is read from the template file storage unit, the setting item search prompt screen data is generated from the read setting item search prompt screen template file, and then the generated setting item The search prompting screen is displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b.

  An example of the setting item absence message display screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b of the image forming apparatus 100 is shown in FIG.

  In the setting item no message display screen shown in FIG. 8, there is a display “report design” indicating that the setting item is included in the setting item confirmation page, and a setting item corresponding to the keyword. Search for the setting item database 1x is started with a no setting item message indicating that the setting item is not displayed, a blank prompting the user to enter a keyword for searching for the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page, and the keyword entered in the blank described above. And a search button for making it appear.

  In step ST10, the control unit 1z adds data related to the setting items displayed in the additional candidate display area and data related to the setting items displayed in the additional candidate display area to the setting items included in the setting item confirmation page. An additional button for adding the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page depending on whether a pair with the additional provisional request has been received from the panel unit 1b. It is determined whether the operator has operated on the screen.

  The control unit 1z has an additional button for adding the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area in step ST10 described above to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page on the setting item addition prompting screen described above. If it is determined that the operation has been operated (ST10: Yes), depending on whether a setting item addition confirmation request for adding the selected setting item to the setting item data included in the predetermined setting item confirmation page is received from the panel unit 1b. Then, it is determined whether or not the completion button has been operated by the operator on the setting item addition prompting screen (ST11).

  On the other hand, the control unit 1z has an additional button for adding the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area in step ST10 described above to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page on the setting item addition prompting screen. When it is determined that the operator has not operated (ST10: No), the additional item for adding the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page is the setting item described above. The determination process regarding whether or not the operator has operated on the additional prompting screen is repeated.

  On the other hand, the control unit 1z determines that a setting item addition confirmation request for adding the selected setting item to the setting item data included in the setting item confirmation page predetermined in step ST11 is received from the panel unit 1b. In other words, if it is determined that the completion button has been operated by the operator on the above-described setting item addition prompting screen (ST11: Yes), the data regarding the setting item received from the panel unit 1b is stored in the setting item list storage memory. It is stored in 1t (ST12).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7 described above, a setting item that displays the setting items “read document size” and “output document size” obtained as a result of searching the setting item database 1x using the word “size” as a key. When one of the setting items “read original size” and “output original size” is selected on the additional prompting screen and the add button is operated by the operator, the control unit 1z reads “read original size”. The data of the setting item selected by the operator among the setting items “output document size” and “output document size” is stored in the setting item list storage memory 1t.

  The control unit 1z of the image forming apparatus 100 receives a setting item addition request for adding the selected setting item to the predetermined setting item data included in the setting item confirmation page from the panel unit 1b. In other words, when it is determined that the completion button has been operated by the operator on the setting item addition prompting screen described above, the data relating to the setting item received from the panel unit 1b is stored in the setting item list storage memory 1t. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a setting item deletion request for deleting a setting item selected from predetermined setting item data included in the setting item confirmation page is received from the panel unit 1b. In other words, the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area by the operator on the setting item addition prompting screen described above, When it is determined that the delete button for executing the deletion process for deleting from the preset setting item included in the fixed item confirmation page is operated, the data relating to the setting item received from the panel unit 1b is stored in the setting item list storage memory. After executing the process to be stored in 1t, regarding the data related to the setting item received from the panel unit 1b, the default setting indicating whether the setting item is a setting item predetermined as the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page The setting item in which the setting item is included in the setting item confirmation page from “with default setting” indicating that the setting item is a setting item predetermined as the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page. Changed to "No default setting" to indicate that it is not a preset setting item The default setting item change instruction because it may be output to DBMS1y course.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus 100 executes a deletion process for deleting the setting item displayed in the addition candidate display area from the preset setting item included in the setting item confirmation page. When the delete button is operated by the operator on the setting item addition prompting screen described above, the setting item selected from the setting items predetermined as the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page is deleted. And the report file template file read from the template file storage unit, the first size (small), the second size (medium) larger than the first size (small), the second size ( Data of setting items having the same character size as any one of the third (large) character size larger than (medium) and setting item list storage memo 1t or a help message associated with the data of the setting item having the same character size as the character size stored in the setting item database 1x, and all the setting items stored in the setting item list storage memory 1t. Of the data, the setting item list storage memory 1t or the setting item is displayed for the setting item whose display state of the help message is “hidden” indicating that the help message is not displayed in association with the setting item data included in the report. A first size (small) stored in the database 1x, a second size (medium) larger than the first size (small), and a third size (large) larger than the second size (medium). Generate report screen data that includes setting item data with the same character size as any of the character sizes. It is possible to display the over data on the display screen of the panel section 1b.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 1z determines that it has not received a setting item addition request for adding the selected setting item to the setting item data included in the setting item confirmation page predetermined in step ST11 described above, If it is determined that the completion button has not been operated by the operator on the setting item addition prompting screen, the determination processing regarding whether the completion button has been operated by the operator on the setting item addition prompting screen is performed. repeat.

  In step ST13, the control unit 1z displays data relating to the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area, the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area, and the help message related to the setting item in association with each other. It is determined whether a help message on button for displaying a help message is selected on the above-described setting item addition prompting screen depending on whether the help message display request is received.

  In step ST13 described above, the control unit 1z displays the data relating to the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area, the setting item displayed in the additional candidate display area, and the help message related to the setting item in association with each other. If it is determined that a combination with a request to display a help message has been received, in other words, if it is determined that the help message on button for displaying a help message has been selected on the setting item addition prompting screen described above (ST13: Yes) With respect to the data of the setting item stored in the setting item list storage memory 1t, “display state” data indicating whether the setting item is displayed in association with the setting item confirmation page is displayed as the setting item. Confirm the setting item from "Hide" indicating that it is not displayed in association with the setting item confirmation page. After changing to “display” indicating that the data is displayed in association with the page, the data of the setting item in which the “display state” data is changed is stored in the setting item list storage memory 1t (ST14), and then changed. Read the template file of the change item confirmation screen for confirming the data related to the setting item from the template file storage memory 1u, generate the change item confirmation screen data from the read template file of the change item confirmation screen, and then the generated change item A confirmation screen is displayed on the display screen of the panel section 1b (ST15).

  An example of the change item confirmation screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b of the image forming apparatus 100 is shown in FIG.

  The change item confirmation screen shown in FIG. 9 includes a display “Report Design” indicating that the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page is customized, and a default setting as a setting item included in the report. In addition to the setting items set in the settings, "Scanned document size (Help ON) added" indicates that data related to the scanned document size and related help messages are displayed for the scanned document size data. Message, a completion button for finishing the customization of the setting items and displaying the above-described menu screen, and a report generation prompt screen display button for displaying a report generation prompt screen for prompting the operator to generate a report ("Next" button).

  On the other hand, when the control unit 1z determines in step ST13 described above that the help message on button for displaying the help message is not selected on the setting item addition prompting screen described above (ST13: No), The determination process regarding whether the help message on button for displaying the help message has been selected on the setting item addition prompting screen is repeated.

  In step ST16, the control unit 1z uses the setting item confirmation page depending on whether a report generation prompting screen display request for displaying a report generation prompting screen for prompting the operator to generate a report as the setting item confirmation page is received. It is determined whether or not a report generation prompt screen display button for displaying a report generation prompt screen for prompting the operator to generate a report has been operated by the operator on the change item confirmation screen described above.

  In the control unit 1z, the report generation prompt screen display button for displaying the report generation prompt screen for prompting the operator to generate a report as the setting item confirmation page in the above-described step ST16 is displayed on the change confirmation screen described above. If it is determined that the operator has operated (ST16: Yes), a template file for a report generation prompting screen for prompting the operator to generate a report as a setting item confirmation page is read from the template file storage memory 1u and read. After generating the report generation prompt screen data from the report generation prompt screen template file, the generated report generation prompt screen is displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel section 1b (ST17).

  An example of the report generation prompting screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b of the image forming apparatus 100 is shown in FIG.

  The report generation prompting screen shown in FIG. 10 includes a message “Would you like to generate a report?” That is a message for prompting the operator to generate a report that is a setting item confirmation page, and a setting item confirmation page. A report generation button (“Yes” button) for generating a report and a menu screen display button (“No” button) for terminating the processing and displaying a menu screen are included.

  On the other hand, the control unit 1z has the above-described change item confirmation screen displayed on the report generation prompt screen display button for displaying a report generation prompt screen for prompting the operator to generate a report as a setting item confirmation page in step ST16 described above. If it is determined that the operator has not operated the above (ST16: No), a report generation prompting screen for displaying a report generation prompting screen for prompting the operator to generate a report as a setting item confirmation page. The determination process regarding whether the display button has been operated by the operator on the change item confirmation screen described above is repeated.

  In step ST18, the control unit 1z receives the report generation request (“Yes” button) for generating a report depending on whether a report generation request for generating a report is received from the panel unit 1b. It is determined whether it was operated by the operator above.

  If the control unit 1z determines in step ST18 described above that the report generation button ("Yes" button) for generating a report is operated by the operator on the report generation prompting screen (ST18: Yes), the information regarding the presence / absence of the default setting is determined based on the preset setting item “default setting exists” indicating that the setting item is an item set in advance as a setting item displayed in the report. After the query for reading the setting item after deleting the setting item selected by (1) is output to the DBMS 1y, the information on the presence / absence of the default setting read by the DBMS 1y is selected by the operator having "default setting exists" After receiving a response containing the data of the setting item after deleting the setting item, the template Read the template file of the report screen (setting item confirmation page) from the file storage unit, the data of the setting item whose information regarding the presence or absence of the default setting is “default setting exists”, the template file of the report screen (setting item confirmation page), From among all the setting item data, for the setting items for which the display status of the help message is “display” indicating that the help message is displayed in association with the setting item data included in the report, the setting item The first size (small) stored in the list storage memory 1t, the second size (medium) larger than the first size (small), and the third size (large) larger than the second size (medium) ) And setting item data having the same character size as the character size and the setting item list storage memory 1t. Data of all setting items stored in the setting item list storage memory 1t, including the help message associated with the data of the setting item and the message ID of the help message having the same character size as the selected character size Among the setting items, the setting item of which the display state of the help message is “hidden” indicating that the help message is not displayed in association with the setting item data included in the report is stored in the setting item list storage memory 1t. Any one of the first size (small), the second size (medium) larger than the first size (small), and the third size (large) larger than the second size (medium) Data on the setting screen with the same font size and data on the report screen including the message ID of the help message related to the setting item. The generated report screen data is displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b (ST19), and the execution process is terminated.

  An example of a report screen displayed on the display screen 1b1 of the panel unit 1b of the image forming apparatus 100 is shown in FIG.

  In the report screen shown in FIG. 11, the setting item A set with the character size “large”, the help message related to the setting item A, the message ID of the help message related to the setting item A, and the character size Is set to “medium”, the help message related to the setting item B, the message ID of the help message related to the setting item B, and the setting item C set to the character size “small”. And a message ID of a help message related to the setting item C.

  In the report screen of the image forming apparatus 100, the setting item A set with the character size “large”, the help message related to the setting item A, and the message ID of the help message related to the setting item A , The setting item B set with the character size “medium”, the help message related to the setting item B, the message ID of the help message related to the setting item B, and the character size set “small” Although the setting item C and the message ID of the help message related to the setting item C are included, it is needless to say that the message ID is not necessarily displayed.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 1z determines that the report generation button ("Yes" button) for generating a report in step ST18 is not operated by the operator on the report generation prompting screen described above. (ST18: No), depending on whether a menu screen display request for displaying the menu screen has been received from the panel unit 1b, the menu screen display button for displaying the menu screen ("No" button) generates the above-described report. It is determined whether the operator has operated on the prompting screen (ST20).

  When the control unit 1z determines that the menu screen display button ("No" button) for displaying the menu screen in step ST20 described above has been operated by the operator on the report generation prompt screen described above (ST20). : Yes), the template file data of the menu screen is read from the template file storage memory, the menu screen data is generated from the read template file data of the menu screen, and the generated menu screen data is stored in the panel section 1b. After being displayed on the display screen 1b1 (ST21), the execution process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 1z determines that the menu screen display button (“No” button) for displaying the menu screen in step ST20 is not operated by the operator on the change item confirmation screen described above. (ST20: No), until the report generation button for generating the report which is the setting item confirmation page is executed by the operator on the report generation prompting screen described above in the execution process of the above-described steps ST5 to ST20. Repeat for a while.

  In this image forming apparatus 100, the report screen that is the setting item confirmation page is displayed on the display screen (display means). Needless to say, it may be printed.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 100, the help display for changing the character size for displaying the setting item included in the report or displaying detailed information regarding the setting item is set in advance. Add to a report that contains items, add settings that are used frequently to reports that contain preset settings, or delete settings that are used less frequently from reports that contain preset settings By making it possible to customize some kind of report, it is possible to improve the operability of the image forming apparatus and reduce the discomfort given to the operator.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 100, the character size for displaying the setting items included in the report can be changed. Therefore, the character size for displaying the setting items included in the report can be changed to a large size. This makes it possible to improve the visibility of the report by the operator.

  Furthermore, according to the image forming apparatus 100, the character size for displaying the setting items included in the report can be changed. Therefore, the character size for displaying the setting items included in the report can be changed to a small size. This makes it possible to reduce the consumption of paper.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 100, setting items that are frequently used are added to a report that includes predetermined setting items, or setting items that are not frequently used are deleted from a report that includes predetermined setting items. Since only the items that the operator feels necessary can be displayed on the report, it is possible to easily acquire only the items that the operator feels necessary and to consume paper. It becomes possible to control the amount.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 100, the help display for changing the character size for displaying the setting item included in the report or displaying detailed information regarding the setting item includes the predetermined setting item. Any report that adds to a report, adds a frequently used setting item to a report that includes a predetermined setting item, or deletes a less frequently used setting item from a report that includes a predetermined setting item By enabling customization, it is possible to change the report layout flexibly.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention in the implementation stage. Further, the above embodiment includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be generated by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, when an invention is generated by omitting some requirements from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the omitted portion is supplemented by a well-known common technique at the stage of implementing the generated invention. It is.

  In addition, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a multifunction machine to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the setting item database 1x memorize | stored in the image forming apparatus which concerns on the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of execution processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a character size setting prompt screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting item search prompt screen displayed on a display screen of a panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting item addition prompting screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting item absence message display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a change item confirmation screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a report generation prompt screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the report screen which concerns on the same embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Apparatus main body, 1a ... Power switch, 1b ... Panel part, 1b1 ... Display screen, 1c ... Interface part, 1dY, 1dM, 1dC, 1dK ... Toner remaining amount detection part, 1e1-1en ... Paper remaining level detection by sheet feed stage , 1f1 to 1fn... Paper feed stage counter and 1g... IP address storage memory, 1h... Display item setting storage memory, 1i. Number of printed sheet storage memories for each paper stage, 1l ... firmware data storage memory, 1m ... program storage memory, 1n ... occupant data storage memory, 1o ... discharge tray data storage memory, 1p ... paper type data storage memory, 1q ... paper feed stage Data storage memory, 1r ... scheduled execution job storage buffer, 1s ... print job history data storage memory, 1t ... setting item list storage memory 1u ... template file storage memory, 1 v ... image generating unit, 1 w ... printer engine unit, 1x ... setting item database, 1y ... DBMS, 1z ... controller, 100 ... image forming apparatus

Claims (18)

A setting item customizing means for customizing the setting items included in the setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to confirm the setting items which are items related to the settings of the image forming apparatus main body;
An image data generating unit that includes setting items customized by the setting item customizing unit, and that generates image data of a setting item confirmation page for allowing an operator to check the data of the setting item;
An image forming apparatus comprising: image data output means for outputting image data generated by the image data generation means. The setting item customization means includes
At least character size setting means for setting the character size of the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to confirm the setting item that is an item related to the setting of the image forming apparatus main body;
The image data generating means
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data of the setting item confirmation page including the setting item is generated with the character size set by the character size setting unit.   The character size setting means is one of a plurality of sizes including at least a first size, a second size larger than the first size, and a third size larger than the second size. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a character size of a setting item included in the setting item confirmation page can be set. The setting item customization means includes
A setting item storage means in which a keyword and data related to a setting item related to the keyword are stored correspondingly;
A keyword input receiving means for receiving keyword input by an operator's operation;
Searching the setting item storage means using an item related to the input keyword as a key, and a setting item reading means for reading out the setting item obtained as a result of the search from the setting item storage means,
The image generating means includes
When a setting item addition request for adding the setting item read by the setting item reading means to the setting item included in the preset setting item confirmation page is input, a predetermined setting item, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data of a setting item confirmation page including the added setting item is generated. The setting item customization means includes
A setting item storage means in which a keyword and data related to a setting item related to the keyword are stored correspondingly;
A keyword input receiving means for receiving keyword input by an operator's operation;
Searching the setting item storage means using an item related to the input keyword as a key, and a setting item reading means for reading out the setting item obtained as a result of the search from the setting item storage means,
The image generating means includes
When a setting item deletion request for deleting a setting item included in a setting item confirmation page set in advance from the setting item read out by the setting item reading unit is input from a predetermined setting item, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus generates image data of a setting item confirmation page including a setting item obtained by deleting a requested setting item from a predetermined setting item. The setting item customization means includes
A setting item storage means in which a keyword and data related to a setting item related to the keyword are stored correspondingly;
A help message storage means that stores at least a help message related to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page and data related to a display state of the help message;
Means for accepting keyword input by an operator's operation;
Searching the setting item storage means using the input keyword as a key, and a setting item reading means for reading out the setting item obtained as a result of the search from the setting item storage means;
When there is a request for displaying the help message from the operator, among the help messages corresponding to the setting items read by the setting item reading means, the display state data is set to display the help message. A help message reading means for reading only the help message being read from the help message storage means,
The image data generation means
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data of a setting item confirmation page including setting items is generated from the help message read by the help message reading unit and setting items corresponding to the help message. The setting item customization means includes
A setting item storage means in which a keyword and data related to a setting item related to the keyword are stored correspondingly;
A help message storage means for storing at least the help message related to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page, data related to the display state of the help message, and the ID of the help message;
Means for accepting keyword input by an operator's operation;
Searching the setting item storage means using the input keyword as a key, and a setting item reading means for reading out the setting item obtained as a result of the search from the setting item storage means;
When there is a request for displaying the help message from the operator, among the help messages corresponding to the setting items read by the setting item reading means, the display state data is set to display the help message. And a help message reading means for reading out only the help message ID from the help message storage means,
The image data generating means
A setting including a setting item, a help message related to the setting item, and a help message ID from the help message read by the help message reading unit, the setting item corresponding to the help message, and the help message ID. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data of an item confirmation page is generated. The image data output means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data of the setting item confirmation page generated by the image generating unit is displayed on a display unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body. The image data output means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data of the setting item confirmation page generated by the image generation unit is printed. A setting item customized by the operator's operation with respect to any of the setting items included in the setting item confirmation page for allowing the operator to check the setting item that is related to the setting of the image forming apparatus main body. An image data generation step for generating image data of a setting item confirmation page including:
A data customization method including an image data output step of outputting the image data generated by the image data generation step. In the image data generation step,
A setting item including a setting item of a character size set by an operation of the operator with respect to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page for causing the operator to confirm the setting item which is an item relating to the setting of the image forming apparatus main body The data customization method according to claim 10, wherein image data of a confirmation page is generated. In the image data generation step,
One of a plurality of sizes including at least a first size, a second size larger than the first size, and a third size larger than the second size is set by an operation of the operator The data customization method according to claim 9 or 11, wherein the image data of the setting item confirmation page including the setting item of the set character size is generated. A keyword input acceptance step for accepting keyword input by an operator's operation;
The setting item storage means in which the keyword and the data related to the setting item related to the keyword are stored correspondingly is searched using the item related to the input keyword as a key, and the setting item obtained as a result of the search is A setting item reading step for reading from the setting item storage means,
In the image generation step,
When a setting item addition request for adding the setting item read by the setting item reading step to the setting item included in the preset setting item confirmation page is input, a predetermined setting item, The data customization method according to claim 10, wherein image data of a setting item confirmation page including the added setting item is generated. A keyword input acceptance step for accepting keyword input by an operator's operation;
The setting item storage means in which the keyword and the data related to the setting item related to the keyword are stored correspondingly is searched using the item related to the input keyword as a key, and the setting item obtained as a result of the search is A setting item reading step for reading from the setting item storage means,
In the image generation step,
When a setting item deletion request for deleting the setting items included in the setting item confirmation page set in advance from the setting items read in the setting item reading step is deleted in advance, The data customization method according to claim 10, wherein image data of a setting item confirmation page including a setting item obtained by deleting a requested setting item from a predetermined setting item is generated. An input accepting step for accepting keyword input by an operator's operation;
Using the input keyword as a key, a search is made for a setting item storage means in which the keyword and data relating to the setting item related to the keyword are stored correspondingly, and the setting item obtained as a result of the search is stored in the setting item storage A setting item reading step to read from the means;
When a help message display request is received from an operator, the help message storage means stores at least the help message related to the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page and the data related to the display state of the help message. A help message reading step for reading only the help message set to display the help message among the help messages corresponding to the setting item read by the setting item reading step. In addition,
In the image data generation step,
From the help message read in the help message reading step and the setting item corresponding to the help message, the setting item customized by the operator,
The data customization method according to claim 10, wherein image data of a setting item confirmation page including at least a help message related to the customized setting item is generated. An input accepting step for accepting keyword input by an operator's operation;
Using the input keyword as a key, a search is made for a setting item storage means in which the keyword and data relating to the setting item related to the keyword are stored correspondingly, and the setting item obtained as a result of the search is stored in the setting item storage A setting item reading step to read from the means;
When there is a request for displaying the help message from the operator, at least the help message regarding the setting item included in the setting item confirmation page, the data regarding the display state of the help message, and the ID of the help message correspond to each other. Among the help messages corresponding to the setting items read out by the setting item reading step from the stored help message storage means, the help message set to display the help message in the display state data; And a help message reading step for reading the ID of the help message.
In the image data generation step,
The setting including the setting item, the help message related to the setting item, and the ID of the help message from the help message read by the help message reading step, the setting item corresponding to the help message, and the help message ID The data customization method according to claim 10, wherein image data of an item confirmation page is generated. In the image data output step,
The data customization method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the image data of the setting item confirmation page generated by the image generation step is displayed on a display unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body. In the image data output step,
The data customization method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the image data of the setting item confirmation page generated by the image generation step is printed.

Images