JP2011066500A - Image forming device, image processor, and control method, program, and recording medium in image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate setting about an image forming operation or an image reading operation to reduce setting mistakes, in addition, to reduce careless setting mistakes. <P>SOLUTION: In an image forming device 100, a controller 13 computes the operating frequency for setting about an image forming operation stored at a setting memory 12. When a setting different from the setting with the computed high operating frequency is detected, information prompting confirmation of the setting is outputted to the outside by an announcement output portion 15 before an image forming portion 14 executes the image forming operation. Moreover, the controller 13 computes the operating frequency for setting about an image reading operation stored at the setting memory 12. When a setting different from the setting with the computed high operating frequency is detected, information prompting confirmation of the setting is outputted to the outside by the announcement output portion 15 before an image reading portion executes the image reading operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”), a copying machine, and a facsimile machine, an image reading apparatus such as a scanner installed in the image forming apparatus, or an image forming apparatus or a PC (personal computer). ) And other OA equipment connected by a cable or the like to a single scanner device or the like, a control method in the image forming device, a function necessary for the image forming device or a computer that controls the image reading device (in the present invention) The present invention relates to a program for executing a related function) and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  For example, copiers (copiers) have a wide variety of functions in recent years, and various settings have become complicated accordingly, and copy operations such as magnification, density, single-sided / double-sided mode, etc. for unaccustomed users (users) Various settings such as condition setting and mode setting related to (consisting of reading operation and image forming operation) are not easy, and miscopying is likely to occur. Also, miscopy due to careless setting mistakes such as unintentionally touching the operation panel or the like is likely to occur. When the place of use is an office, several hundred copies may be made in one copy operation. Miscopying due to a setting error is not good for resources and the environment, such as wasting paper.

As a technique for dealing with the above problem, a method has been already known in which copying is simplified and mis-copying can be reduced by preferentially setting frequently used settings in accordance with user use. Yes.
However, the above method makes it easy to set the copy mode, which can reduce miscopying due to setting mistakes, but inadvertently touches the operation panel, etc. When the setting is different from that of the user, there is a problem that a miscopy occurs without notifying the user that the setting is different.

Therefore, for example, what is found in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.
In Patent Document 1, in an image forming apparatus having a storage device, priority is given to means for detecting the frequency of copying conditions, means for storing the frequency in the storage device, and high-frequency copying conditions stored in the storage device. And a copy condition corresponding to the use history of the user is preferentially set, thereby simplifying the copying operation and reducing the number of miscopying.

However, even the one described in Patent Document 1 can certainly set the copy mode to reduce setting mistakes and reduce miscopying, but the problem of reducing miscopying caused by inadvertent setting mistakes is the problem. It has not been resolved.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and facilitates settings related to image processing operations (image forming operations and image reading operations) to reduce setting mistakes and reduce setting mistakes due to carelessness. The purpose is to reduce malfunctions.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, an image reading apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, a program for causing a computer that controls the image forming apparatus to execute the control method, and a program for recording the program A computer-readable recording medium is provided.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that executes an image forming operation, a setting unit that performs settings relating to the image forming operation, a setting detection unit that detects a setting made by the setting unit, and the setting detection unit An image forming apparatus having a setting storage means for storing the settings detected by the use frequency calculation means for calculating the use frequency of the settings stored in the setting storage means, and calculated by the use frequency calculation means. Confirmation information output means for outputting information prompting confirmation of the setting to the outside before the image forming means executes the image forming operation when a setting different from the setting with high use frequency is detected by the setting detecting means Are provided.

In the case where the confirmation information output means sets the setting with the highest use frequency as the default setting among the use frequencies calculated by the use frequency calculation means, and a setting different from the default setting is detected by the setting detection means. In addition, information for prompting confirmation of setting may be output to the outside before the image forming unit executes the image forming operation.
Further, it is preferable that display means for displaying information is provided, and the confirmation information output means causes the display means to display information for prompting confirmation of the setting.

In addition, voice output means for outputting information by voice may be provided, and the confirmation information output means may be provided with means for causing the voice output means to output information prompting confirmation of the setting.
Furthermore, the display means may include means for displaying an operation screen, and the confirmation information output means may be means for causing the display means to display an operation screen including information for prompting confirmation of the setting.

  In this case, an icon screen display control unit that causes the display unit to display an operation screen that includes icons corresponding to the settings of the top several types having the highest usage frequency among the settings in which the usage frequency is calculated by the usage frequency calculation unit, Setting control means for causing the setting means to perform the setting corresponding to the designated icon when the designation is notified by an operation for designating any of the icons corresponding to the top-of-the-frequent types of settings. And may be provided.

  Then, setting designation means for designating an arbitrary setting as the setting of the image forming operation by an instruction from the outside is provided, and when the setting is designated by the setting designation means, When an operation screen including icons corresponding to arbitrary settings and the most frequently used settings is displayed on the display unit, and a request for registering the settings for the icons is made from the outside, Means may be provided for updating the icon display on the operation screen so as to include an icon corresponding to the designated arbitrary setting.

The confirmation information output unit is set before the image forming unit executes the image forming operation when a setting different from the setting corresponding to the icon on the operation screen is detected by the setting detection unit. An operation screen including information for prompting confirmation may be displayed on the display unit.
Further, after the information for prompting the confirmation of the setting is output by the confirmation information output means, when the notification of the confirmation of the setting is given from the outside, the image forming operation is performed on the image forming means. It is desirable to provide an operation execution permission means to permit.

  An image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit that executes an image reading operation, a setting unit that performs settings relating to the image reading operation, a setting detection unit that detects a setting made by the setting unit, and the setting detection unit An image reading apparatus having a setting storage means for storing the settings detected by the use frequency calculation means for calculating the use frequency of the settings stored in the setting storage means, and calculated by the use frequency calculation means. Confirmation information output means for outputting information prompting the user to confirm the settings before the image reading means executes the image reading operation when a setting different from the setting with high use frequency is detected by the setting detection means Are provided.

In the case where the confirmation information output means sets the setting with the highest use frequency as the default setting among the use frequencies calculated by the use frequency calculation means, and a setting different from the default setting is detected by the setting detection means. In addition, before the image reading unit executes the image reading operation, information for prompting confirmation of setting may be output to the outside.
In addition, display means for displaying information may be provided, and information for prompting confirmation of the setting may be displayed on the confirmation information output means by the display means.

In addition, voice output means for outputting information by voice may be provided, and the confirmation information output means may be provided with means for causing the voice output means to output information prompting confirmation of the setting.
Furthermore, the display means may include means for displaying an operation screen, and the confirmation information output means may be means for causing the display means to display an operation screen including information for prompting confirmation of the setting.

  In this case, an icon screen display control unit that causes the display unit to display an operation screen that includes icons corresponding to the settings of the top several types having the highest usage frequency among the settings in which the usage frequency is calculated by the usage frequency calculation unit, Setting control means for causing the setting means to perform the setting corresponding to the designated icon when the designation is notified by an operation for designating any of the icons corresponding to the top-of-the-frequent types of settings. And may be provided.

  Then, a setting designating unit for designating an arbitrary setting as the setting of the image reading operation by an instruction from the outside is provided, and when the setting is designated by the setting designating unit in the icon screen display control unit, When an operation screen including icons corresponding to arbitrary settings and the most frequently used settings is displayed on the display means, and a request for registering the settings for the icons is made from the outside, Means may be provided for updating the icon display on the operation screen so as to include an icon corresponding to the designated arbitrary setting.

The confirmation information output unit is set before the image reading unit performs the image reading operation when a setting different from the setting corresponding to the icon on the operation screen is detected by the setting detection unit. An operation screen including information for prompting confirmation may be displayed on the display unit.
Further, after the information for prompting the confirmation of the setting is output by the confirmation information output means, when the notification of the confirmation of the setting is given from the outside, the image reading operation is performed on the image reading means. It is desirable to provide an operation execution permission means to permit.

  The control method according to the present invention includes an image reading unit that executes an image reading operation, an image forming unit that executes an image forming operation, a setting unit that performs settings relating to the image reading operation and the image forming operation, and a setting unit that A control method in an image forming apparatus having a setting detection means for detecting a setting made and a setting storage means for storing a setting detected by the setting detection means, wherein the setting stored in the setting storage means is used. When the setting detecting unit detects a setting that is different from a setting with a high use frequency calculated by the use frequency calculating step and a use frequency calculating step for calculating the frequency, the image reading unit and the image forming unit are respectively A confirmation information output step for outputting information for prompting confirmation of settings before executing the image reading operation and the image forming operation. It is intended to.

In the case where the confirmation information output step uses the setting with the highest use frequency among the use frequencies calculated by the use frequency calculation step as a default setting, and a setting different from the default setting is detected by the setting detection unit. In addition, the image reading unit and the image forming unit may output information for prompting confirmation of settings before executing the image reading operation and the image forming operation, respectively.
The confirmation information output step may display information for prompting confirmation of the setting. In addition, information for prompting confirmation of the setting may be output by voice.

Furthermore, the confirmation information output step may be a step of displaying an operation screen including information for prompting confirmation of the setting.
In this case, an icon screen display control step for displaying an operation screen including icons corresponding to the settings of the top several types having the highest usage frequency among the settings for which the usage frequency is calculated by the usage frequency calculation step, and the usage frequency A setting control step for causing the setting means to perform the setting corresponding to the designated icon when the designation is notified by an operation of designating any one of the icons corresponding to the high-order several types of settings. Also good.

  A setting designation step for designating an arbitrary setting as the setting of the image forming operation according to an instruction from the outside, and when the arbitrary setting is designated by the setting designation step in the icon screen display control step, After displaying an operation screen that includes icons corresponding to any of the settings and the most frequently used settings of the above-mentioned frequently used settings, when a request to register the settings for the icons is made from the outside, any of the specified A step of updating the icon display on the operation screen so as to include an icon corresponding to the setting may be included.

Further, in the confirmation information output step, when the setting detection unit detects a setting different from the setting corresponding to the icon on the operation screen, the image reading unit and the image forming unit respectively perform the image reading operation. The operation screen including information for prompting confirmation of the setting may be displayed before the image forming operation is executed.
Further, after the output of the information for prompting the confirmation of the setting in the confirmation information output step, when the outside is notified that the setting has been confirmed, the image reading unit and the image forming unit are respectively It is desirable to provide an image execution operation and an operation execution permission step for permitting execution of the image formation operation.

The program according to the present invention is a program that causes the computer that controls the image forming apparatus to execute the control method.
A recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, when the image forming apparatus calculates the use frequency of the setting related to the image forming operation stored in the setting storage unit, and detects a setting different from the calculated setting with the high use frequency, the image forming unit Output information that prompts the user to confirm the settings before executing the image forming operation, thereby facilitating the settings related to the image forming operation to reduce setting mistakes, and to reduce setting errors due to carelessness. Can be reduced.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus (which also includes an image reading unit) or the image reading apparatus calculates the use frequency of the setting related to the image reading operation stored in the setting storage unit, and the setting is different from the calculated high use frequency setting. When the image is detected, the information that prompts the user to confirm the setting is output to the outside before the image reading unit executes the image reading operation, thereby facilitating the setting related to the image reading operation, reducing the setting mistake, and inadvertently. By reducing setting mistakes, malfunctions can be reduced.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation panel 120 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing main parts of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of control related to a copy operation by a control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen including a message for prompting confirmation of settings displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 illustrated in FIG. 2.

It is a figure which similarly shows the other example of the operation screen containing the message which prompts confirmation of a setting. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of control related to a copy operation by the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the 3rd example of control regarding copy operation | movement. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the 4th example of control regarding a copy operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen containing the icon corresponding to the setting of the past use frequency displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth example of control related to a copy operation by the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen when registering an icon of an arbitrary setting selected by a user displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a figure which similarly shows an example of the operation screen after registering the icon of the arbitrary settings which the user selected.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
The following embodiments have the following characteristics in setting copy conditions when the image forming apparatus is used, that is, in various settings such as condition settings and mode settings related to a copy operation (consisting of an image reading operation and an image forming operation). In short, the setting (setting information) at the time of the copy operation is detected and stored as a history, and if the setting at the time of the copying operation is different from the most frequently used setting in the setting history, the setting is changed. The difference is that information that informs the user of confirmation of the setting (announcement) is transmitted to the user, or the setting that is used most frequently in the setting history is registered as the default setting.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The image forming apparatus 100 is an MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) capable of realizing various functions including a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function (service) as a copying machine, a printer, and a scanner. An MFP capable of realizing a function as an image forming apparatus other than a printer may be used. Further, it may be an MFP capable of realizing a function as an image reading apparatus other than the scanner.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller board 110, an operation panel 120, an FCU (fax control unit) 121, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) / I / F 122, and an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). 1394 · I / F 123, engine 124, and peripheral unit 125. These configurations are hardware resources for performing an image reading operation and an image forming operation described later. Since the image forming apparatus 100 performs an image reading operation, it can function as a scanner.

The controller board 110 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 100 in an integrated manner. Various functions can be realized by the control.
The operation panel 120 is an interface for an operator (user) who operates the image forming apparatus, and various operation keys (operation switches or operations) for performing various information inputs and instructions (requests). A display device that displays various types of information, and an audio output unit such as a speaker that outputs various types of information as audio. The display device and the sound output device correspond to display means and sound output means, respectively. Note that a touch panel is provided on the surface of the display, and information can be input by a touch operation on the touch panel.

The FCU 121 controls communication with an external device, for example, a fax machine or an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having a modem function (fax communication function) or another MFP via a public line.
The USB I / F 122 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 123 are USB standard and IEEE 1394 standard interfaces (direct interfaces) for directly connecting to an external device for communication.

  The engine 124 scans an original image by a scanner unit (image reading unit), image data read by the scanner unit, image data received by the FCU 121, or received by the NIC 116 from an external device such as a PC (not shown). And a printer unit (image forming means) that performs an image forming operation of printing (image forming) the print data as a visible image on a print medium such as paper. If the print data received from the external device is not print image data but character code or drawing data, the controller board 110 converts the print data into print image data.

The peripheral unit 125 corresponds to a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as sorting (sorting), punching (punching), and stapling on the sheets printed by the engine 124.
The controller board 110 includes a CPU 111, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 112, an SDRAM 113, a flash memory 114, an HDD 115, a NIC 116, and the like.

  The CPU 111 is arithmetic processing means that performs data processing (control of each function) via the ASIC 112. The CPU 111 activates (executes) a boot program in the flash memory 114 via the ASIC 112 to read an OS (operating system) image, loads the SDRAM 113 to the SDRAM 113, expands the OS, and activates the expanded OS. Thereafter, each application program (hereinafter simply referred to as “application”) and service program in the flash memory 114 (or HDD 115) is read as necessary, loaded into the SDRAM 113, expanded, activated, and controlled by the device. As a result, the setting means, setting detection means, setting storage means, use frequency calculation means (use frequency calculation process), confirmation information output means (confirmation information output process), icon screen display control means (functions related to the present invention) Various functions including functions as an icon screen display control process), a setting control means (setting control process), a setting designation means (setting designation process), and an operation execution permission means (operation execution permission process) can be realized. .

The ASIC 112 is designed to share a device to be controlled by the CPU 111 and to support high efficiency of development of applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture.
The SDRAM 113 is a memory used as a program memory for storing various programs, a work memory used by the CPU 111 during data processing, or the like.
In addition to the boot program and the OS image, the flash memory 114 stores non-volatile memory (NV) that stores various non-volatile data (contents of various settings such as condition settings and mode settings related to image reading operation and image forming operation). -RAM).

The HDD 115 is a hard disk device (storage means) that is a non-volatile storage medium, and can store various programs including applications.
The NIC 116 is a network interface unit connected to communicate with an external device such as a PC or another image forming apparatus via a network. The NIC 116 corresponds to a communication unit.

FIG. 2 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation panel 120 of FIG.
The operation panel 120 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 201, a numeric keypad 202, a clear / stop key 203, a start key 204, a reset key 205, an interrupt key 206, a reservation key 207, a setting key 208, a registration key 209, and a function switching key 210. I have. For convenience of illustration, the audio output device is not shown.

The liquid crystal touch panel 201 is a display device having a touch panel on the surface of the liquid crystal display, and can display a function key, the number of copies, a message indicating the state of the machine, and an operation screen including such information.
A numeric keypad 202 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies (number of copies) and magnification.
A clear / stop key 203 is a key for clearing a set number (number of copies to be printed) or stopping an operation (an image reading operation or an image forming operation) being executed.

In the image forming apparatus 100 including the operation panel 120, the interruption mode 206 is entered when the interruption key 206 is pressed. The interrupt mode is a mode used when, for example, another copy operation is temporarily interrupted during execution or operation of a copy operation started by pressing the start key 204 (operation instruction).
Therefore, when the interrupt key 206 is pressed, the copy mode before the press or the progress information in the middle of the copy operation is written and stored in the flash memory 114 (or HDD 115), and then the interrupt mode. , And initialize the copy mode.

  Then, the interrupt copy operation is started by pressing the start key 204. After the copy operation is completed, the interrupt mode is canceled by pressing the interrupt key 206, and the copy mode stored in the flash memory 114 or the progress of copying is in progress. The information can be read to return to the state before the interruption mode, and the copy operation can be resumed in the copy mode before the interruption by pressing the start key 204.

The reservation key 207 is used when it is desired to make a reservation copy.
A setting key 208 is used when various settings such as condition setting and mode setting relating to a copy operation (image reading operation, image forming operation) are desired.
A registration key 209 is used to register an icon with an arbitrary setting.
The function switching key 210 is a key for switching between selection of a copy function (copy mode), a printer function (printer mode), and a scanner function (scanner mode).

The copy function is a function that causes a scanner unit to read an image of an original, sends the image data to a printer unit, and prints it as a visible image on a print medium (image reading operation + image forming operation). It is.
The printer function is a printer operation (image forming operation) in which print data from an external device such as a PC is processed as needed, sent as image data to a printer unit, and printed as a visible image on a print medium. It is a function.

The scanner function is a function for causing a scanner unit to read an image of an original, and writing a memory (SDRAM 113, flash memory 114, or HDD 115) and storing (accumulating) the image data to perform a scanner operation (image reading operation). That is. By pressing the start key 204 after the operation, the image data in the memory can be called (read), and the image can be printed on the print medium based on the image data.
The operations as a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function are collectively referred to as an image processing operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally showing the main part of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, the image reading unit (scanner unit) is omitted.
The image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 11, a setting storage unit 12, a control unit 13, an image forming unit 14, and an announcement output unit 15.
The operation unit 11 corresponds to the operation panel 120 illustrated in FIG. 2, and can perform operations for performing various settings related to the above-described image processing operation (copy operation or the like). Note that settings relating to the copy operation include settings such as printing paper size, magnification, density, single-sided / double-sided mode, and aggregation mode.

The setting storage unit 12 corresponds to a part of the flash memory 114 (or HDD 115) in FIG. 1 that stores a setting history detected by the control unit 13 when the image processing operation is executed.
The control unit 13 performs setting by operation on the operation unit 11 among the functions of the CPU 111 in FIG. 1, transmits information based on the setting to the image forming unit 14, detects setting by operation on the operation unit 11, The frequency of the usage history of the setting stored in the setting storage unit 12 is calculated. For example, when the detected setting is different from the setting having the highest frequency ratio in the calculated usage history, the setting is set from the announcement output unit 15. This is a part that controls to output an announcement (information) that prompts confirmation.

The image forming unit 14 corresponds to a printer unit in the engine 124 of FIG. 1 and is a part that performs an image forming operation based on the setting based on information based on the setting from the control unit 13.
The announcement output unit 15 is a part that outputs an announcement that prompts confirmation of settings among the functions of the CPU 111 and the operation panel 120 in FIG. 1.
In the following, an embodiment of control relating to the present invention will be described by taking a copy operation when using the copy mode (copy function) as an example. However, when using the scanner mode (scanner function), the part relating to the image reading operation is the printer mode (printer function). ) Since the parts related to the image forming operation are the same at the time of use, their descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of control related to a copy operation by the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG.
When the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the copy mode to ON in step S1 of FIG. 3 by an operation on the operation unit 11 by the user (for example, operation of the function switching key 210 of FIG. 2), step S2 is performed. Then, a setting with a high frequency of use is calculated from a history of settings related to operations in the past copy mode (copy operations) stored in the setting storage unit 12. The settings that are frequently used may be settings of several types, such as the top three types.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3, and various settings relating to the current copy operation (settings such as printing paper size, magnification, density, single-sided / double-sided mode, aggregation mode, etc.) are performed according to the operation on the operation unit 11 by the user. As the operation unit 11, it is desirable to use an operation panel 120 having a liquid crystal touch panel 201 that can display an operation screen as shown in FIG. When the operation panel 120 is used, the control unit 13 can detect the current setting displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 by a user operation by touching (pressing) the setting key 208. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the operation panel 120 shown in FIG.

Then, the current setting made according to the operation on the operation panel 120 is detected in step S4, and the detected current setting is compared with the previously calculated setting in step S5, and both settings are the same. In step S6, the copy operation is permitted, and the process proceeds to step S6. When the start key 204 is pressed, information based on the current setting is notified to the scanner unit or the printer unit to start the copy operation. Is stored in the setting storage unit 12.
On the other hand, if the current setting is different from the previously calculated high-use setting, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, the announcement output unit 15 outputs an announcement prompting confirmation of the setting and the setting to be communicated to the user. As an output of the announcement output unit 15, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, it is desirable to display an operation screen including an announcement for prompting confirmation of settings on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the contents of the setting made on the operation screen may be displayed, and the user may confirm whether or not the current setting is acceptable (OK). When the printer mode (printer function) is used, an operation screen as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be displayed on the external device side such as a PC that is actually operated by the user.

In the next step S9, it is confirmed whether or not the current setting is OK. If it is not OK, that is, if the notification indicating that the setting OK has been confirmed has not been received, or if the setting NO has been confirmed. If the message is received, the process returns to step S3, the user performs the operation on the operation panel 120 again, and performs the same control as described above, such as performing various settings relating to the current copy operation again according to the operation.
If it is confirmed that the current setting is OK in step S9, the copying operation is permitted and the process proceeds to step S6. By pressing the start key 204, information based on the current setting is notified to the scanner unit and the printer unit. Then, the copy operation is started, and the setting history is stored in the setting storage unit 12 in step S7.

Here, when considering use in the same person and the same office, the copy operation is often performed under the same conditions as the previous or previous copy conditions (for example, color, A4, equal magnification, duplex mode, etc.) ). Therefore, if the settings in the copy mode are different from the settings that are frequently used in the past history, the user may make a mistake in the settings or may touch the operation panel 120 unconsciously. It is highly possible that the setting is unintentionally different from the user's intention.
Therefore, in such a case, an error due to a setting mistake is made by prompting confirmation of the setting using an operation screen on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 (in the printer mode, an operation screen on the external device side such as a PC). Copying can be reduced, and waste of print media can be reduced.

5 and 6 are diagrams showing different examples of the operation screen including a message for prompting confirmation of settings displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 shown in FIG.
In the copy mode, the user performs an operation for setting using the operation panel 120 in front of the image forming apparatus 100, but the control unit 13 frequently uses the setting detected by the operation and the calculated use frequency. When the setting is different, an announcement (confirmation announcement) is made on the operation screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 (hereinafter, also referred to as “operation screen on the operation panel 120”), or an announcement (confirmation announcement) prompting confirmation of the setting. Since the user may overlook it simply by displaying it on the output unit 15, including voice announcements as shown in step S <b> 8 ′ of FIG. 7 makes it easier to understand and can reduce miscopy due to setting mistakes. .

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second example of control related to the copy operation by the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 3, and differs from FIG. 4 only in step S8 ′.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third example of control related to the copy operation by the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 3, and includes processing for registering a mode with the highest use frequency ratio as a default setting.

  When the copy mode is set to ON by the operation on the operation panel 120 by the user in step S11 of FIG. 8, the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S12 and is stored in the setting storage unit 12. The setting with the highest frequency of use is calculated from the setting history related to the operation in the past copy mode (copy operation), and the setting is set as the default setting in step S13.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14, and various settings relating to the current copy operation are performed according to the operation on the operation panel 120 by the user.
In step S15, the current setting made according to the operation on the operation panel 120 is detected. In step S16, the detected current setting is compared with the default setting (the setting with the highest use frequency), and both settings are the same. In this case, the copying operation is permitted and the process proceeds to step S17. By depressing the start key 204, information based on the current setting is notified to the scanner unit and the printer unit to start the copying operation. In step S18, the current setting is set. The history is stored in the setting storage unit 12.

On the other hand, if the current setting is different from the default setting, the process proceeds to step S19, and the announcement that prompts the user to confirm that the setting is different or the setting is the same as step S8 in FIG. 4 or step S8 ′ in FIG. The output unit 15 causes the user to be notified by using an operation screen or sound.
The subsequent control is different from that described with reference to FIG. 4 or FIG.

Here, when considering use in the same person and the same office, the copy operation is often performed under the same conditions as the previous or previous copy conditions. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the setting most frequently used in the past history is the setting that the user wants to perform in the next copy.
Therefore, by registering the most frequently used setting as the default setting, the user can set the most frequently used setting without doing anything, and the copy setting can be facilitated.
In addition, when the current setting is different from the default setting, the setting has been changed unintentionally, for example, the user may unintentionally touch the operation panel 120 by outputting an announcement to confirm the setting. It is possible to make the user aware of setting mistakes caused by. Thereby, setting mistakes and miscopy due to carelessness can be reduced.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth example of control related to the copy operation by the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 3, and processing for displaying a setting having a higher past use frequency as an icon on the operation screen. Is included.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen including an icon corresponding to a setting having a higher past use frequency displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 illustrated in FIG.

  When the copy mode is set to ON by the operation on the operation panel 120 by the user in step S21 of FIG. 9, the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S22 and is stored in the setting storage unit 12. After calculating frequently used settings from the history of settings related to operations in the past copy mode (copy operations), the process proceeds to step S23 and corresponds to several types of frequently used settings (for example, the top three settings). The operation screen including the icon to be displayed is displayed on the operation panel 120 as shown in FIG. 10, for example, so that the setting and the contents can be confirmed with one touch. In the example of FIG. 10, icons corresponding to the top three settings are displayed as shown by being surrounded by broken lines.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24, and various settings relating to the current copy operation are performed according to the operation on the operation panel 120 by the user. At this time, when a user selectively touches an icon as shown in FIG. 10 surrounded by a broken line, setting corresponding to the touched icon (icon setting) can be performed.
In step S25, the current setting performed according to the operation on the operation panel 120 is detected. In step S26, the detected current setting is compared with the setting corresponding to the icon on the operation panel 120 (icon setting). If both settings are the same, the copying operation is permitted and the process proceeds to step S27. By pressing the start key 204, information based on the icon setting which is the current setting is notified to the scanner unit and the printer unit to start the copying operation. In step S28, the setting storage unit 12 stores the history of the current setting.

On the other hand, if the current setting and the icon setting are different, the process proceeds to step S29, and the announcement that the setting is different or confirmation of the setting is announced as in step S8 in FIG. 4 or step S8 ′ in FIG. The output unit 15 causes the user to be notified by using an operation screen or sound.
Subsequent control is different from that described with reference to FIG. 4 or FIG.

  Here, when the same copy is used by multiple people, the setting used by each person may be different, but by enabling the setting by touching the icon, the multiple frequently used daily Can be easily set, and when copying with a setting different from the top few settings (settings that do not have an icon displayed), an announcement that prompts you to confirm the setting is output. Copying can be reduced.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth example of control related to the copy operation by the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 3, and includes a process of registering an arbitrary setting selected by the user on the operation screen. .
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen when registering an icon of an arbitrary setting selected by the user displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen after registering an icon of an arbitrary setting selected by the user displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201 of the operation panel 120 illustrated in FIG. 2.

  When the copy mode is set to ON by the user on the operation panel 120 in step S31 of FIG. 11, the control unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S32 and is stored in the setting storage unit 12. After calculating frequently used settings from the history of settings related to operations in the past copy mode (copy operations), the process proceeds to step S33 and corresponds to several types of frequently used settings (for example, the top three settings). An operation screen including an icon to be displayed is displayed on the operation panel 120 as shown in FIG. 10, for example, so that settings and contents can be confirmed with a single touch.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S34, where it is determined whether or not an arbitrary setting to be registered in the icon has been performed. If No, the process proceeds to step S35 as it is, but if Yes, the arbitrary setting is handled in step S43. The icon to be displayed is also displayed on the operation screen.
Here, if the setting that the user wants to register in the icon is not in the higher-level setting in the past (the usage frequency is low, but the user wants to be able to set it easily), the user can operate the operation panel 120. By making an arbitrary setting and specifying the setting, an icon corresponding to the setting can be displayed on the operation screen.

Then, the process proceeds to step S35, and various settings relating to the current copy operation are performed according to the operation on the operation panel 120 by the user. At this time, when an icon on the operation screen is selectively touched by the user, setting corresponding to the touched icon (icon setting) can be performed.
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the registration key 209 has been pressed.
If the registration key 209 is not pressed and the setting key 208 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S39.

If the registration key 209 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S37 to determine whether or not to register the current setting in the icon. At this time, although omitted in FIG. 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, an operation screen for designating whether or not to register the current setting as an icon is displayed on the operation panel 120.
If it is specified that the current setting is not registered in the icon (for example, when “No” in FIG. 12 is touched), the process proceeds to step S39 when the setting key 208 is pressed.

  In addition, when it is specified that the current setting is registered in the icon (for example, when icon registration is requested by touching “Yes” in FIG. 12), the current setting is an arbitrary setting to be registered in the icon. In step S38, the icon display on the operation screen is updated to include an icon corresponding to the setting (an icon that has not been used yet). At this time, an arbitrary setting is registered as an icon, and the arbitrary setting is stored in the setting storage unit 12 in association with the icon information. When updating the icon display, you may simply add icons corresponding to the current optional settings to the icons corresponding to several types of settings that are frequently used on the operation screen. Of the corresponding icons, the icon corresponding to the lowest setting may be updated to the icon corresponding to the current arbitrary setting.

When the setting key 208 is pressed after updating the icon display, the process proceeds to step S39.
In step S39, the current setting made according to the operation on the operation panel 120 is detected. In step S40, the detected current setting is compared with the setting corresponding to the icon on the operation panel 120 (icon setting). If the settings are the same, the copying operation is permitted and the process proceeds to step S41. By pressing the start key 204, information based on the icon setting which is the current setting is notified to the scanner unit and the printer unit to start the copying operation. In step S 42, the setting history is stored in the setting storage unit 12.

On the other hand, if the current setting and the icon setting are different, the process proceeds to step S44, and an announcement prompting confirmation of the setting being different or setting is made, as in step S8 of FIG. 4 or step S8 ′ of FIG. The output unit 15 causes the user to be notified by using an operation screen or sound.
Subsequent control differs from that described with reference to FIG. 4 or FIG.

In the example of FIG. 13, among the top three settings that are frequently used, the lowest icon “3” is updated to the icon “3 ′” corresponding to the setting registered this time, as indicated by the dashed line. ing. In this case, the control unit 13 can perform the following processing. In other words, the setting corresponding to the updated icon is stored in the setting storage unit 12, and when the copy mode is turned on next time, the icons “1” and “2” are displayed with settings with a high past use frequency, and “3 ′”. Preferentially displays the settings arbitrarily selected by the user as icons. If the user registers any two settings as icons, the settings that the user has arbitrarily selected the icons “2 ′” and “3 ′” are displayed as icons, and the most frequently used frequency is displayed. Is displayed on the icon “1”.
The control described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 allows the user to easily perform setting even when the setting is not frequently used, when necessary, and to reduce miscopy due to a setting mistake.

  As described above, the embodiment has been described by taking the image forming apparatus as an example. However, for an image reading apparatus having a scanner function, the setting at the time of the image reading operation is often complicated. Setting errors can be reduced and effects such as prevention of deterioration of work efficiency can be obtained.

[Program related to this invention]
This program is stored in a computer (CPU) that controls the image forming apparatus (or image reading apparatus), setting means, setting detection means, setting storage means, use frequency calculation means (use frequency calculation step), confirmation information related to the present invention. Output means (confirmation information output process), icon screen display control means (icon screen display control process), setting control means (setting control process), setting designation means (setting designation process), and operation execution permission means (operation execution permission process) ), And the above-described effects can be obtained by causing the CPU to execute such a program.

Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM provided in the image forming apparatus (or image reading apparatus) from the beginning, a nonvolatile memory (flash ROM, EEPROM, etc.), or an HDD (hard disk device). A CD-ROM or a non-volatile recording medium such as a memory card, flexible disk, MO, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD-RAM. (Memory) can also be recorded and provided. By installing the program recorded on the recording medium in the image forming apparatus (or image reading apparatus) and causing the CPU to execute the program, or reading the program from the recording medium and executing the program on the CPU, each procedure described above Can be executed.
Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in the storage unit.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the setting errors by facilitating the settings related to the image forming operation and the image reading operation, and to reduce the erroneous operations by reducing the setting errors due to carelessness. . Therefore, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and an image reading apparatus that are convenient for the user.

11: operation unit 12: setting storage unit 13: control unit 14: image forming unit 15: announcement output unit 100: image forming apparatus 110: controller board 111: CPU 112: ASIC 113: SDRAM
114: Flash memory 115: HDD 116: NIC
120: Operation panel 124: Engine 201: LCD touch panel 208: Setting key 209: Registration key

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 02-058068

Claims (29)

An image forming unit that executes an image forming operation, a setting unit that performs settings related to the image forming operation, a setting detection unit that detects a setting made by the setting unit, and a setting detected by the setting detection unit An image forming apparatus having a setting storage unit,
Usage frequency calculation means for calculating the usage frequency of the settings stored in the setting storage means;
When the setting detection unit detects a setting that is different from the setting with the high use frequency calculated by the use frequency calculation unit, the information that prompts the user to confirm the setting before the image forming unit executes the image forming operation. An image forming apparatus comprising: confirmation information output means for outputting to the outside. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The confirmation information output means uses the setting with the highest use frequency among the use frequencies calculated by the use frequency calculation means as a default setting, and when a setting different from the default setting is detected by the setting detection means, An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit outputs information for prompting confirmation of settings before executing the image forming operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
A display means for displaying information;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the confirmation information output means causes the display means to display information for prompting confirmation of the setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
Provided with an audio output means for outputting information as audio;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the confirmation information output unit includes a unit that causes the audio output unit to output information prompting the confirmation of the setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The display means has means for displaying an operation screen,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the confirmation information output means is a means for causing the display means to display an operation screen including information for prompting confirmation of the setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
An icon screen display control unit that causes the display unit to display an operation screen that includes icons corresponding to the settings of the top several types having the highest usage frequency among the settings in which the usage frequency is calculated by the usage frequency calculating unit,
Setting control means for causing the setting means to perform setting corresponding to the designated icon when the designation is notified by an operation for designating one of the icons corresponding to the high-frequency types of settings that are frequently used. And an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
Setting setting means for specifying any setting as the setting of the image forming operation by an instruction from the outside is provided,
The icon screen display control means, when an arbitrary setting is designated by the setting designation means, the display means displays an operation screen including icons corresponding respectively to the arbitrary setting and the setting of the top several types having a high use frequency. Means for updating the icon display on the operation screen so as to include an icon corresponding to the designated arbitrary setting when a request for registering the setting with respect to the icon is made from the outside An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7,
The confirmation information output means confirms the setting before the image forming means executes the image forming operation when a setting different from the setting corresponding to the icon on the operation screen is detected by the setting detecting means. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that an operation screen including information prompting the user is displayed on the display means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
After the information for prompting the confirmation of the setting by the confirmation information output unit is output, the image forming unit is allowed to execute the image forming operation when the setting is confirmed from the outside. An image forming apparatus comprising an operation execution permission unit. An image reading unit that executes an image reading operation, a setting unit that performs settings relating to the image reading operation, a setting detection unit that detects a setting made by the setting unit, and a setting detected by the setting detection unit An image reading apparatus having a setting storage means,
Usage frequency calculation means for calculating the usage frequency of the settings stored in the setting storage means;
When the setting detection unit detects a setting that is different from the setting with the high use frequency calculated by the use frequency calculation unit, the image reading unit prompts the user to confirm the setting before executing the image reading operation. An image reading apparatus comprising: confirmation information output means for outputting to the outside. The image reading apparatus according to claim 10.
The confirmation information output means uses the setting with the highest use frequency among the use frequencies calculated by the use frequency calculation means as a default setting, and when a setting different from the default setting is detected by the setting detection means, An image reading apparatus, wherein the image reading unit outputs information for prompting confirmation of setting to the outside before executing the image reading operation. The image reading apparatus according to claim 10.
A display means for displaying information;
The confirmation information output means causes the display means to display information for prompting confirmation of the setting. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
Provided with an audio output means for outputting information as audio;
The image reading apparatus, wherein the confirmation information output unit includes a unit that causes the audio output unit to output information prompting the confirmation of the setting. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
The display means has means for displaying an operation screen,
The image reading apparatus, wherein the confirmation information output means is a means for causing the display means to display an operation screen including information for prompting confirmation of the setting. The image reading apparatus according to claim 14.
An icon screen display control unit that causes the display unit to display an operation screen that includes icons corresponding to the settings of the top several types having the highest usage frequency among the settings in which the usage frequency is calculated by the usage frequency calculating unit,
Setting control means for causing the setting means to perform setting corresponding to the designated icon when the designation is notified by an operation for designating one of the icons corresponding to the high-frequency types of settings that are frequently used. And an image reading apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to claim 15.
Setting setting means for specifying an arbitrary setting as the setting of the image reading operation by an instruction from the outside is provided,
The icon screen display control means, when an arbitrary setting is designated by the setting designation means, the display means displays an operation screen including icons corresponding respectively to the arbitrary setting and the setting of the top several types having a high use frequency. Means for updating the icon display on the operation screen so as to include an icon corresponding to the designated arbitrary setting when a request for registering the setting with respect to the icon is made from the outside An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus according to claim 15 or 16,
The confirmation information output unit confirms the setting before the image reading unit executes the image reading operation when a setting different from the setting corresponding to the icon on the operation screen is detected by the setting detection unit. An image reading apparatus, wherein the display means displays an operation screen including information prompting the user. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 17,
After outputting the information prompting the confirmation of the setting by the confirmation information output unit, the image reading unit is permitted to execute the image reading operation when notified that the setting has been confirmed. An image reading apparatus comprising an operation execution permission unit. An image reading unit that executes an image reading operation, an image forming unit that executes an image forming operation, a setting unit that performs settings related to the image reading operation and the image forming operation, and a setting that detects a setting made by the setting unit A control method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a detection unit; and a setting storage unit that stores a setting detected by the setting detection unit.
A use frequency calculating step of calculating the use frequency of the setting stored in the setting storage means;
When the setting detection unit detects a setting different from the setting with the high use frequency calculated by the use frequency calculation step, the image reading unit and the image forming unit perform the image reading operation and the image forming operation, respectively. And a confirmation information output step for outputting information for prompting confirmation of settings to the outside before execution. The control method according to claim 19, wherein
In the confirmation information output step, a setting having the highest use frequency among the use frequencies calculated by the use frequency calculation step is set as a default setting, and when a setting different from the default setting is detected by the setting detection unit, A control method characterized in that the image reading means and the image forming means output information for prompting confirmation of settings before executing the image reading operation and the image forming operation, respectively. The control method according to claim 19, wherein
The control method characterized in that the confirmation information output step displays information for prompting confirmation of the setting. The control method according to claim 19, wherein
In the control information output step, the information for prompting the confirmation of the setting is displayed and output as voice. The control method according to claim 21, wherein
The control information output step is a step of displaying an operation screen including information for prompting confirmation of the setting. The control method according to claim 23,
An icon screen display control step for displaying an operation screen including icons respectively corresponding to the setting of the top several types having the highest usage frequency among the settings in which the usage frequency is calculated by the usage frequency calculation step;
A setting control step for causing the setting means to perform setting corresponding to the designated icon when the designation is notified by an operation for designating any of the icons corresponding to the top-of-the-highest types of settings. The control method characterized by having. The control method according to claim 24, wherein
A setting designation step for designating an arbitrary setting as a setting of the image forming operation by an instruction from the outside;
In the icon screen display control step, when an arbitrary setting is specified in the setting specifying step, an operation screen including icons respectively corresponding to the arbitrary setting and the setting of the top several types having a high use frequency is displayed. A step of updating an icon display on the operation screen to include an icon corresponding to the specified arbitrary setting when a request for registering the setting with respect to the icon is made from the outside. Control method to do. The control method according to claim 24 or 25,
In the confirmation information output step, when the setting detection unit detects a setting different from the setting corresponding to the icon on the operation screen, the image reading unit and the image forming unit respectively perform the image reading operation, A control method comprising a step of displaying an operation screen including information for prompting confirmation of settings before executing an image forming operation. The control method according to any one of claims 19 to 26,
After the output of the information for prompting the confirmation of the setting in the confirmation information output step, when the notification of the confirmation of the setting has been made from the outside, the image forming unit and the image forming unit, respectively, A control method comprising an operation execution permission step for permitting operation and execution of the image forming operation.   A program that causes a computer that controls the image forming apparatus to execute the control method according to any one of claims 19 to 27.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 28 is recorded.

Images