JP2011035562A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an electronic apparatus which does not spoil the convenience to a user even if an error has occurred in a function and a countermeasure for disconnection is executed. <P>SOLUTION: An error management part 75 performs such management that, when an error occurs in at least one function of a plurality of functions, a countermeasure for disconnection of this function can be implemented. When the countermeasure for disconnection is executed, a display control part 77 displays error countermeasure information 101 stored in an error countermeasure information storage part 73, on a touch panel unit 53. Consequently, when an error occurs in one function and a countermeasure for disconnection is executed, even a user who does not know the state where the countermeasure is executed can learn the outline of the function which has been disconnected by the countermeasure because of the error, only by looking at the error countermeasure information 101 displayed on the touch panel unit 53. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus provided with a display device for displaying various information, and more particularly to an electronic apparatus capable of displaying error measure information.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus called an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having multiple functions such as copying, scanning, facsimile communication, or data communication has been provided.

  In such an MFP, for example, when an error occurs in a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing such as punching or stapling on a sheet after copying and the post-processing function becomes unavailable, the other functions are not affected. In spite of being available, there is a case where the entire device cannot be used.

  As one approach for solving such inconvenience, when an error occurs in a non-essential function in a program or the like stored in a storage device, a function related to the error (hereinafter referred to as “error function”) is described. ) Is tentatively separated, an image forming apparatus that can avoid a situation in which the entire device cannot be used has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  According to the error function separation technique according to Patent Document 1, even when an error occurs in a non-essential function, it is possible to avoid as much as possible a situation in which the entire device cannot be used.

  By the way, when an error function separation measure according to Patent Document 1 is implemented for an electronic apparatus that is shared and used by a plurality of users and has a display device for displaying various types of information, such as an image forming apparatus. The fact that the error function has occurred at the time of disconnection is deleted from the display content of the display device.

  However, as described above, when the fact that the error function has occurred is deleted from the display content of the display device, for example, the user who was present when the error function occurred or the management that implemented the error function disconnection measures There is no way for a user other than the user to know that an error function has occurred and that measures are taken to tentatively disconnect it.

  Then, in a situation where the error function is being separated, the user who tries to use the error function cannot simply use the error function, but the reason why it suddenly became unavailable is unclear. There was room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving convenience.

JP 2009-90508 A

  The problem to be solved is that, in the situation where error function isolation measures are implemented, the user who wants to use the error function cannot simply use it but suddenly becomes unable to use it. It is unclear and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving user convenience.

  An object of the present invention is to obtain an electronic device that does not impair user convenience even when an error occurs in at least one of a plurality of functions and a separation measure is implemented.

  An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a display device for displaying various types of information, a storage device for storing data, and an error function related to an error when an error occurs in at least one of a plurality of functions. An error management unit that manages the implementation status of the detachment measure, and an error measure information storage that stores error measure information related to the error function in the storage device when the error management unit determines that the detachment measure has been implemented. And a display control unit that displays the error measure information stored in the error measure information storage unit on the display device.

  By adopting the above-described configuration, the present invention enables a display to be displayed on a display device even when a user who does not know the situation in which such a measure is implemented when an error occurs in a certain function and a disconnect measure is implemented. If you take a quick glance at the error handling information, you can get an overview of the functions for which the error isolation measures are implemented. As a result, an electronic device that does not impair user convenience can be obtained.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external view of an operation panel in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the warning display example of the error occurrence information immediately after post-process error generation | occurrence | production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the display mode of the error measure information after predetermined time progress from the time of implementation of a post-processing error isolation | separation measure, FIG.5 (1) is a display of the error measure information immediately after implementation of post-processing error isolation | separation measure FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display mode of error measure information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the post-processing error isolation measure is implemented. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the display mode of the error measure information before and after the slide touch operation, FIG. 6 (1) is an explanatory diagram showing the display mode of the error measure information before the slide touch operation, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display mode of the error measure information after a slide touch operation.

  Even if an error occurs in a certain function and an isolation measure is implemented, an error occurs in at least one of the functions for the purpose of obtaining an electronic device that does not impair user convenience. This is realized by a configuration in which the error measure information stored in the error measure information storage unit is displayed on the display device when the separation measure is implemented.

Hereinafter, an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, illustrating an image forming apparatus as an example of the electronic apparatus.
[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus According to Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external view of an operation panel in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment uses various functions including a copy function, a print function, a facsimile communication function, a data transmission function, a document box function, and a post-processing function such as a staple function, a punch function, or a half-fold function. Yes, it is controlled by the main control unit 11.

  The main control unit 11 is a computer having an information processing function, and comprehensively controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The main control unit 11 will be described in detail later.

  As an input / output device connected to the main control unit 11 and responsible for various functions, the electronic device includes a scanner 21, a print engine 41, a post-processing device 43, an operation panel 51, a facsimile communication device 61, a storage device 63, and a NIC ( Network Interface Card) 65.

  The scanner 21 reads an image from a document and outputs image data corresponding to the read image to the image processing unit 31.

  The NIC 65 controls transmission / reception of various data to / from a client PC (not shown) connected via a communication network (not shown). For example, the NIC 65 receives (1) print data and outputs it to the image processing unit 31. (2) The image data processed by the image processing unit 31 is sent to the client PC by e-mail.

  The print engine 41 prints an image on paper using image data or the like image-processed by the image processing unit 31 (details of the image processing unit 31 will be described later).

  The facsimile communication device 61 transmits the image data processed by the image processing unit 31 to another facsimile device or the like, or receives the image data transmitted from the other facsimile device or the like.

  The post-processing device 43 includes a stapler unit 45 for stapling the printed paper, a punch unit 47 for punching the printed paper, and a middle folding unit 49 for folding the printed paper at the center. Prepare.

  The storage device 63 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk drive. In addition to the image data read by the scanner 21, the storage device 63 stores data such as error measure information described later, a priority for each function, and a display mode of the error measure information.

  Each function of the image forming apparatus 1 is realized as follows by using the above-described components.

  The copy function is realized by subjecting the original image read by the scanner 21 to image processing by the image processing unit 31 and printing by the print engine 41.

  The print function is realized by printing the print data received by the NIC 65 with the image processing unit 31 and printing with the print engine 41.

  The data transmission function is realized by performing image processing on the document image read by the scanner 21 or image data stored in the storage device 63 by the image processing unit 31 and transmitting the image data to the client PC by the NIC 65. The

  The box function is realized by subjecting the original image read by the scanner 21 or the print data received by the NIC 65 to image processing by the image processing unit 31 and storing it in the storage device 63.

  The facsimile communication function performs image processing on the original image read by the scanner 21 or image data stored in the storage device 63 by the image processing unit 31 and transmits image data by the facsimile communication device 61 or other image data. This is realized by receiving image data transmitted from a facsimile machine or the like.

  The post-processing function is implemented by stapling (stapling function), punching (punching function), or center folding (center folding function) by the post-processing device 43.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 51 includes a touch panel unit 53 and an operation key unit 55. The operation panel 51 is used by a user to perform operations related to functions and errors, and gives an operation command and the like by the user to an operation information acquisition unit 71 described later.

  The touch panel unit 53 that functions as a display device in the present invention is the display device of the present invention, and includes a touch panel and a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The touch panel unit 53 is used to display error occurrence information as a warning when a machine error occurs, or to display error measure information as a reminder when an error occurs in a certain function and a separation measure is implemented.

  The operation key unit 55 includes a plurality of operation keys for receiving user operation inputs.

  Specifically, the main control unit 11 is a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The CPU is an arithmetic processing unit that sequentially executes processes according to the description of the program. The ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores programs and the like. The RAM is a memory that temporarily stores the program and various data when the program is executed and uses it as a work area.

  The main control unit 11 executes a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby causing the image processing unit 31, the operation information acquisition unit 71, the error measure information storage unit 73, the error management unit 75, and the display control unit 77. Function as.

  The image processing unit 31 performs predetermined image processing on the data output from the scanner 21 or the NIC 65 and outputs the data to the print engine 41, the NIC 65, or the facsimile communication device 61.

  The operation information acquisition unit 71 acquires operation information of a user's operation keys or touch panel via the operation panel 51 and notifies each unit.

  The error measure information storage unit 73 causes the storage device 63 to store error measure information related to the error function for which the disconnection measure has been implemented. The error measure information includes information such as the date and time when the detachment measure was implemented, the type of error function for which the detachment measure was implemented, and the scheduled return date and time from the error.

  When an error occurs in at least one of the plurality of functions, the error management unit 75 manages the implementation status of the error function separation measure related to the error. Specifically, when an error occurs in a certain function and a separation measure is implemented, the error management unit 75 performs overall management of error measure information of the error function.

  Here, the “separation measure” in the present invention is a measure executed by the main control unit 51 in accordance with a predetermined operation on the operation panel 51. For example, when any error occurs in the stapler unit 45 of the post-processing device 43 that is connected to the main control unit 11 and is under management thereof, the remaining function (function other than the staple function) can be continuously used. Thus, it means a setting operation on software for rewriting the device connection setting information on the assumption that the stapler unit 45 is not connected (however, it is physically connected).

  The display control unit 77 displays the error measure information stored in the storage device 63 by the error measure information storage unit 73 in association with the priority of the error function when an error occurs in a certain function and the separation measure is implemented. The touch panel unit 53 is displayed according to the mode.

  The storage device 63 stores priorities associated with a plurality of functions that the image forming apparatus 1 has. The priority is set in advance in the image forming apparatus 1, and can be changed as appropriate according to the usage status of each user's function. In general, a print function, a copy function, or the like is set as a high-priority function, and a post-processing function or the like is set as a low-priority function. However, depending on the user, a usage situation in which the priority of the post-processing function is as high as the printing function or the printing function is assumed. In such a case, a print function, a copy function, and a post-processing function may be set as functions with high priority.

  The storage device 63 stores the display mode of the error measure information on the touch panel unit 53 when an error occurs in any of the plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus 1 and the separation measure is implemented, in association with the priority. . Here, the display mode is stored in the storage device 63 every predetermined elapsed time (for example, 5 minutes) after the separation measure. Therefore, the priority is associated with the display mode for each predetermined elapsed time. The display mode is preset in the image forming apparatus 1 and includes the display position or display area size of the error measure information on the touch panel unit 53.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus According to Embodiment]
Next, with regard to the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, an example in which an error has occurred in the stapler unit 45 of the post-processing device 43 (hereinafter, an error that has occurred in the stapler unit 45 is described as a “stapler error”). This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the image forming apparatus 1 when a stapler error occurs, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a warning display of error occurrence information immediately after the stapler error occurs, and FIG. FIG. 5 (1) is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the display mode of error measure information after a predetermined time has elapsed from FIG. 5, and FIG. 5 (1) is an explanatory diagram showing the display mode of error measure information immediately after the implementation of the error isolation measure, FIG. ) Is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode of error measure information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the error isolation measure, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing transition of the display mode of error measure information before and after the slide touch operation. 6 (1) is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode of error measure information before a slide touch operation, and FIG. 6 (2) is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode of error measure information after a slide touch operation.

  As shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that some error occurs in the stapler unit 45 while a certain user is using the stapler function among the functions of the post-processing device 43 (step S11).

  In response to this, the error management unit 75 starts monitoring whether or not the “separation measure” of the post-processing function has been implemented (step S12).

  If the error management unit 75 determines that the “separation measure” is not implemented during the monitoring in step S12 (see “No” in step S12), the display control unit 77 generates an error in the stapler unit 45 as in the conventional case. The error occurrence information indicating that the error has occurred is displayed as a warning (see FIG. 4) over the entire surface of the touch panel unit 53 (step S13). At this time, the image forming apparatus 1 is in a state where the entire apparatus cannot be used even though functions other than the post-processing function can be used.

  After displaying the warning in step S13, the main control unit 11 returns the process flow to step S12, and sequentially executes the following processes.

  On the other hand, if the error management unit 75 determines that the “error isolation measure” has been implemented during the monitoring in step S12 (see “Yes” in step S12), the display control unit 77 searches the data in the storage device 63. To determine the priority associated with the stapler function. Further, the display control unit 77 searches the data in the storage device 63 and determines the display mode associated with the determined priority. Next, the display control unit 77 causes the touch panel unit 53 to remind the touch panel unit 53 of error measure information 101 indicating that a stapler error has occurred and the separation measure is being implemented, according to the display mode based on the priority of the stapler function. Specifically, the display control unit 77 displays a reduced display (see FIG. 5A) near, for example, the upper right part of the touch panel unit 53 (step S14).

  In the present embodiment, the post-processing function has a lower priority than the print function, the scanner function, and the like, so that the post-processing function is a more conservative display mode than the display mode corresponding to the higher priority. In this case, when a print error occurs and the separation measure is implemented, the print function is set to have a higher priority than the stapler function, so the error measure information 101 of the print function is displayed in a more conspicuous display mode on the touch panel unit 53. Is displayed.

  At this time, remaining functions (facsimile communication function, data transmission function, document box function, and copy function and print function not using the post-processing function) other than the post-processing function can be used. For the purpose of clarifying this, the display control unit 77 displays the available remaining function list 103 on the touch panel unit 53 (see FIG. 5 (1)). It should be noted that among the functions listed in the function list 103, the unusable function (in this example, the “sort / finish” function corresponding to the post-processing function) 105 is gray for the purpose of clarifying that it cannot be used. Displayed (cannot be used even if you try to select it).

  After displaying the memorandum in step S14, the error management unit 75 starts monitoring whether or not a predetermined time (for example, a time that can be appropriately changed, such as 5 minutes) has elapsed since the separation of the post-processing error (step S15). . If the error management unit determines that a predetermined time (5 minutes in this embodiment) has not elapsed since the separation of the post-processing error during this monitoring (see “No” in step S15), the error management unit steps the process flow. Return to S14.

  On the other hand, if the error management unit 75 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the separation of the post-processing error during the monitoring in step S15 (see “Yes” in step S15), the error management unit 75 notifies the display control unit 77 accordingly. To do.

  Upon receiving this notification, the display control unit 77 displays the error measure information 101 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time point when the post-processing error is cut off, as a display mode corresponding to the priority associated with the error measure information 101 (immediately after the error cut off and The error measure information 101 is displayed on the touch panel unit 53 (step S16). That is, the display control unit 77 reads from the storage device 63 the display mode of the error measure information 101 after the elapse of a predetermined time from the separation point of the post-processing error. Next, the display control unit 77 displays the error measure information 101 in a size that occupies about one third of the entire display area on the right side portion of the touch panel unit 53, for example, according to the read display mode (FIG. 5 (2). )). At this time, the available remaining function list 103 is reduced to a size that occupies about two-thirds of the entire display area from the left side portion to the right side portion of the touch panel unit 53 (see FIG. 5B). .

  After the change of the display mode in step S16, the main control unit 11 ends the flow of a series of processes.

  In the above embodiment, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when an error occurs in the post-processing device 43 with low priority has been described. However, when an error occurs in the print engine 41 with high priority, The problem is whether to adopt the action. Specifically, in step S14 in the above-described embodiment, the error measure information 101 indicating that the print engine error has occurred and the separation measure is being implemented is displayed in any display mode, and then the remaining function is displayed by any means. Whether to secure the use of is a problem.

  From such a viewpoint, when an error occurs in the high-priority print engine 41 and a measure for separating the print engine error is performed (corresponding to “Yes” in step S12), the display control unit 77 generates a print engine error. Then, the error measure information 101 indicating that the separation measure is being implemented is displayed on the touch panel unit 53 in full screen (see FIG. 6A). At this time, since the remaining functions (facsimile communication function, data transmission function, document box function, and post-processing function) other than the copy function and the print function using the print engine 41 can be used, a message to that effect is also displayed. 6 (1)). This notifies the user that the remaining function can be used.

  However, if the error measure information 101 related to the print engine error is displayed on the entire touch panel unit 53, the user cannot use the remaining function.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) used when the full display of the error measure information 101 is canceled and the remaining function list 103 is displayed, a touch-and-and-feel capable of realizing an intuitive operation feeling is realized. A slide (hereinafter referred to as “touch slide”) operation was adopted.

  When a slide touch operation for enlarging or reducing the display area size of the error measure information 101 is performed on the touch panel unit 53, the display control unit 77 enlarges or reduces the display area size of the error measure information 101 according to this operation. Perform display control.

  Specifically, the user who wants to reduce the display area size of the error measure information 101 to about one third of the display screen size touches the left frame portion of the error measure information 101 shown in FIG. Then, with this touch continued, slide it to the right until it is about two-thirds of the display screen size, and then release the touched finger.

  Then, according to such a slide touch operation, the error measure information 101 is reduced to about one third of the display screen size, while the remaining function list 103 is enlarged to about two thirds of the display screen size. (See FIG. 6 (2)).

  If a GUI (Graphical User Interface) related to such a slide touch operation is adopted, it is possible to perform a required operation with a very intuitive operation feeling, and as a result, it greatly contributes to an improvement in user convenience.

[Effect of Example]
In the electronic apparatus (image forming apparatus 1) according to the present embodiment, when an error occurs in at least one function among a plurality of functions, the error management unit 75 performs an implementation status of the error function separation measure related to the error. Manage. When it is determined by the error management unit 75 that the separation measure has been implemented, the display control unit 77 causes the error measure information storage unit 73 to display the error measure information 101 stored in the storage device 63 on the touch panel unit 53.

  Accordingly, when an error occurs in a certain function and a separation measure is implemented, even a user who does not know the situation in which such a measure is being implemented, glimpses the error measure information 101 displayed on the touch panel unit 53. For example, it is possible to get an overview of the functions for which error isolation measures are implemented. As a result, an electronic device (image forming apparatus 1) that does not impair user convenience can be obtained.

  It should be noted that after implementing the error isolation measure, it seems that the error itself has been solved, and the error recovery process tends to be delayed due to forgetting the return request. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the error measure information 101 is continuously displayed as a memorandum while the display mode is flexibly changed according to the priority, so that the error recovery process is delayed due to forgetting the return request. Can be avoided in advance.

  In the electronic apparatus (image forming apparatus 1) according to the present embodiment, the display control unit 77 includes the display position of the error measure information 101 on the touch panel unit 53 or the size of the display area based on the priority of the error function. The display mode may be determined, and the error measure information 101 may be displayed on the touch panel unit 53 according to the determined display mode. With this configuration, when an error occurs in a certain function and a separation measure is implemented, the priority (importance for the user) of the error function for which the separation measure has been implemented can be understood at a glance from the display mode. Is possible.

  Further, the display control unit 77 displays the error measure information 101 in the touch panel unit 53 in a display mode that is more conspicuous when the priority of the corresponding error function is high, or in a more conservative display mode when the priority of the corresponding error function is low. May be displayed. With this configuration, it is possible to further improve the apparent graspability related to the priority of the error function for which the separation measure is implemented.

  The conspicuous display mode includes a mode in which the display area size of the error measure information 101 is enlarged over time (see FIGS. 5 (1) to (2)) or a mode in which the speed of the zooming in is increased. The configuration can also be adopted. Note that the aspect of increasing the speed of enlargement means that the display control unit 77 expands the display area size to the full screen area size in a short time when the priority of the error function for which the separation measure is implemented is high. Means that. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to further improve the apparent graspability related to the priority of the error function for which the separation measure is implemented.

  Further, when a slide touch operation is performed on the touch panel unit 53 to enlarge or reduce the display area size of the error measure information 101, the display control unit 77 enlarges the display area size of the error measure information 101 according to this operation. Or you may reduce. With this configuration, it is possible to perform a required operation with a very intuitive operational feeling, and as a result, it greatly contributes to improving the convenience for the user.

  In addition, the display control unit 77 may display, on the touch panel unit 53, the remaining function information 103 related to the available functions among the plurality of functions together with the error measure information 101. With this configuration, the outline of the unusable function and the outline of the usable function are displayed on the common display screen in an easy-to-understand manner, which greatly contributes to improving the convenience of the user.

[Others]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the invention and the technical idea that can be read from the claims and the entire specification. Are also included in the scope of the technical scope of the present invention.

  That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, the post-processing error is exemplified as the machine error related to the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, error measure information regarding all machine errors such as engine errors such as the time to replace the photosensitive drum or toner replenishment time, scan errors such as scanner malfunctions, data communication errors such as malfunctions in data communication functions, etc. Applicable for display purposes.

11 Main control unit 43 Post-processing device 45 Stapler unit 51 Operation panel 53 Touch panel unit 63 Storage device 71 Operation information acquisition unit 73 Error measure information storage unit 75 Error management unit 77 Display control unit 101 Error measure information 103 Remaining function information

Claims (8)

A display device for displaying various information;
A storage device for storing data;
When an error occurs in at least one of the plurality of functions, an error management unit that manages the implementation status of the measures for separating the error function related to the error;
When it is determined by the error management unit that the separation measure has been implemented, an error measure information storage unit that stores error measure information related to the error function in the storage device;
A display control unit that causes the display device to display the error measure information stored by the error measure information storage unit;
An electronic device comprising: The electronic device according to claim 1,
The storage device stores priorities associated with the plurality of functions,
The display control unit determines a display mode of the error measure information on the display device based on the priority of the error function stored in the storage device, and the error measure information is determined according to the determined display mode. Display on a display device,
An electronic device characterized by that. The electronic device according to claim 2,
The storage device stores the display mode of the error measure information on the display device in association with the priority,
The display control unit searches the storage device and determines a display mode associated with the priority of the error function.
An electronic device characterized by that. The electronic device according to claim 2 or 3,
The display mode is a mode in which the display area size of the error measure information is enlarged over time.
An electronic device characterized by that. The electronic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The display control unit causes the display device to display the error measure information by a more prominent display mode when the priority of the error function is high, or by a more conservative display mode when the priority of the error function is low.
An electronic device characterized by that. The electronic device according to claim 5,
The display mode is a mode of expanding the display area size of the error measure information over time,
The conspicuous display mode is a mode of increasing the speed of the expansion.
An electronic device characterized by that. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The display device has a touch panel function,
When a slide touch operation for enlarging or reducing the display area size of the error measure information is performed on the display device, the display control unit enlarges or reduces the display area size of the error measure information according to the operation. ,
An electronic device characterized by that. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The display control unit causes the display device to display residual function information related to an available function among the plurality of functions together with the error measure information.
An electronic device characterized by that.