JP2011164836A - Display device, electronic apparatus including the same, and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To present suitable preview information to a user according to a degree of progress of scan processing. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU in an image forming apparatus executes a program which includes: a step (S10110) for displaying a preview in a first virtual mode before setting a document (NO in S10080) in an operation mode requiring scanning (YES in S10070); a step (S10120) for displaying the preview in a second virtual mode by using dummy data before scanning after setting the document (YES in S10080 and NO in S10100); and a step (S10130) for displaying the preview in a scan-in mode by using scanning data after the scanning (YES in S10100). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device that allows a user to accurately grasp information displayed in each operation mode even when the screen is switched by changing the operation mode of the electronic device or the image processing apparatus, and in particular, a preview. The present invention relates to a display device that can appropriately present preview information to the user by changing the content of the preview information in accordance with the progress of the process and the user's request when displaying information. The present invention also relates to an electronic device and an image processing apparatus provided with such a display device.

  As one type of image processing apparatus that is an electronic device, an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) that forms an image on a recording sheet is introduced in many offices (company, office, etc.). In such offices, there are many cases where an image forming apparatus having a printer function or a copy function is connected to a network, and these are used (shared) by a plurality of users. In addition, a multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)), which is one type of such an image forming apparatus, has a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter, a facsimile is sometimes referred to as “FAX” or “fax”), and a network compatible printer. A plurality of basic operation modes are provided, such as a mode and a scanner mode. In these image forming apparatuses, each user selects an operation mode and sets functions such as double-sided printing and aggregation (2 in 1 to make 2 pages into 1 and 4 in 1 to make 4 pages into 1). The image is formed on the recording paper in a desired manner. Furthermore, these multiple functions are often used in appropriate combinations.

  When using such an image forming apparatus, for example, the user inputs image data in the scanner mode, inputs various instructions from the operation panel, performs image processing (eg, aggregation), and records the results. You are printing on paper. At this time, the operation panel which is the operation unit and the display unit functions as an interface between the image forming apparatus and the user. In general, the operation panel displays function setting screens in each operation mode so that the user can easily set various functions, and during job execution, the progress of the job is displayed and the user is displayed. May be able to easily grasp the progress of the job. With respect to the printer mode executed by receiving data from an external device, the progress of the job may be displayed according to the data received from the transmission source external device.

  As such an operation panel, recently, a touch panel display in which a touch panel is superimposed on a liquid crystal panel (display panel) is often used. For example, an item (software button) for selecting an operation mode in the image forming apparatus is displayed on the touch panel display, and a user who views the display presses the position of the item displayed on the touch panel display (software button) To set the operation mode.

  Such a touch panel display is excellent in that the display unit and the operation unit may not be provided separately because the display function and the operation function can be used together. Further, recently, attention has been paid to the point that if a user can select a command by a locus moved by pressing the touch panel display with a finger, the command can be selected in relation to the user's sense. An example of selecting a command based on such a trajectory is as follows.

  For example, the following operations are performed when a plurality of pages are displayed on the touch panel display as a print preview. Select a command to enlarge or reduce the page by the user's operation by tapping twice with a finger at the previewed position of the page (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a double tap), A user's operation trajectory that expands between two fingers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “pinch out” or “pinch open”) selects a command for enlarging the page, or a user who contracts between two fingers. A command for reducing and displaying the page can be selected by an operation trajectory (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pinch-in or pinch-close). In the following, these operations are described as gesture operations, but the gesture operations are not limited to the above-described operations. This gesture operation includes tapping the item displayed on the touch panel display with a finger, dragging the item with a finger, flicking with a finger when scrolling the item, pinching with two fingers, etc. . Note that the tap and the double tap do not accurately detect the user's operation locus on the touch panel display (for other gesture operations), but only detect the position, not the locus. ) In the present invention, the gesture operation including the tap and the double tap is an operation for detecting the user's request based on the user's operation trajectory with respect to the touch panel display in relation to other gesture operations. .

  Furthermore, in the present invention, operations other than such gesture operations are described as touch operations. It is assumed that this touch operation is an operation for detecting a user request based on a user operation position on the touch panel display. This touch operation typically includes an operation in which the user presses the position of an item displayed on the touch panel display (presses a software button).

  In an MFP equipped with a touch panel display capable of such touch operations and gesture operations as an operation panel, for example, settings related to various image processing such as margin size, finishing processing such as stamping processing, stapling processing or punch punching processing are performed. The user can set it. In the printing process in which such a finishing function is set, the user cannot confirm the finished state until the printing result is obtained. For this reason, when printing is actually performed after setting a finishing process for punch holes, the position of the punch holes overlaps with the output image, resulting in miscopying, and consumables (toner and recording paper) are wasted. Can occur.

  In order to solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-3568 (Patent Document 1) allows a user to check a finished state before executing printing, and to perform an accurate and simplified setting operation. An image forming apparatus is disclosed.

  The image forming apparatus includes a finish information generating unit that generates predicted finish screen information when image data processing and print finishing processing are performed, and an operator based on the predicted finish screen information generated by the finish information generating unit. An input screen information generation unit that generates input screen information that accepts setting input by a display unit, a display unit that displays an input screen based on an input screen information generated by the input screen information generation unit, and a predicted output based on the predicted final screen information A setting unit that receives a setting input including a setting input by an operator from an input screen displayed on the unit.

  According to this image forming apparatus, predicted finish screen information when image data processing and print finishing processing are performed is generated, and input screen information for accepting setting input by an operator is generated based on the generated predicted finish screen information. It generates and displays a finish prediction based on the predicted finish screen information and an input screen based on the input screen information, and accepts a setting input including a setting input by the operator from the displayed input screen. With this configuration, expected screen information and setting screen information that can be input by the operator are generated from the input image data, and the print prediction and setting input screen are displayed. Efficient and convenient setting work because it allows you to select and display setting items for necessary functions from complicated menu items and presents an intuitive and easy-to-understand setting menu that is accurate and simplified. Therefore, an image forming apparatus having a high image quality can be provided.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-188044 (Patent Document 2) makes editing settings easy by performing editing settings such as insertion sheet insertion, document insertion, page insertion, and page deletion from the preview screen of a large liquid crystal touch panel. An image processing apparatus that can be performed is disclosed.

  The image processing apparatus includes an image input unit that inputs image data, an image storage unit that stores image data input by the image input unit, an image output unit that reads out and prints out image data stored in the image storage unit, Provided with a touch panel that can set the input mode of the image input unit, the print output mode of the image output unit, etc., and display the image data stored in the image storage unit, the image data stored in the image storage means on the touch panel It has a page editing section for giving a page editing instruction from a preview screen to be displayed.

  According to this image processing apparatus, editing settings such as insertion sheet insertion, document insertion, page insertion, and page deletion can be easily performed from the preview screen of the large liquid crystal touch panel.

  Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-150597 (Patent Document 3) discloses an image reading apparatus capable of efficiently creating actual image data in which image processing performed on preview-displayed image data is effective. To do.

  This image reading apparatus is an image reading apparatus equipped with an automatic document conveying device that continuously conveys a plurality of documents, and includes an original reading unit that reads an original conveyed by the automatic document conveying device, and an original reading unit An image data creation unit that creates actual image data and preview image data corresponding to a document based on the read output, and a display unit that displays a preview image corresponding to the document based on the preview image data created by the image data creation unit It is characterized by doing.

  According to this image reading apparatus, it is possible to select whether or not a preview display is made by a user in an image reading apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder, and when preview display is enabled, preview image data is created simultaneously with actual image data. Since the image processing for the preview-displayed preview image data is accepted and the actual image data reflecting the image processing content is created, the desired actual image data can be created efficiently.

JP 2006-3568 A JP 2006-188044 A JP 2007-150597 A

  Various electronic devices including an image forming apparatus and an image processing apparatus include a touch panel display as a display device. Various information is displayed on such a touch panel display as disclosed in the above-described patent document. An image forming apparatus which is one of such electronic devices has a plurality of function modes or processing functions (operation modes). When the user selects this operation mode, an initial screen of the selected operation mode is displayed on the touch panel display. In the above-described patent document, a preview after image processing and before printing is displayed on a screen in a copy mode which is one of operation modes. The user sets the editing function while viewing this preview.

  However, in order to perform preview display using actual image data, it is necessary to finish scanning the document, and preview display using actual image data cannot be performed before scanning. Preview display using actual image data is preferable in that it can display the state closest to the actual finish, but the user may not need to display the state closest to the actual finish depending on the importance of the document. There is also. Even in such a case, the meaning of always displaying a preview using actual image data is low.

  For such a problem, Patent Document 1 merely discloses an image forming apparatus that presents predicted finish information as preview information in a presentation area whose size is fixed. Only an image processing apparatus that directly transitions from a preview screen to an insertion sheet setting or page deletion or document insertion setting screen is disclosed, and Patent Document 3 simultaneously creates actual image data and preview image data after scanning. It is only disclosed. For this reason, the most appropriate preview cannot be displayed in view of the progress of the scanning process (preview using real image data cannot be displayed before scanning) and / or the importance of the document. The problem that the preview information cannot be transmitted cannot be solved.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when previewing the processing results performed based on the functions set in the electronic apparatus and the image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus) before the processing, the preview information required by the user is accurately obtained for the user. It aims at providing the technology which can be transmitted to.

  A display device according to an aspect of the present invention is provided in a device to be controlled. The display device includes display means for displaying preview information, which is a result of processing executed by a function set in the control target device, before execution, and first processing before specific processing in the control target device is executed. Display control means for displaying one of the preview information and the second preview information after the specific processing is executed.

  When the control target device executes a process composed of a plurality of processes, one of the first preview information before the specific process is executed and the second preview information after the specific process is executed Is displayed according to the progress of the process. For this reason, preview information corresponding to the degree of progress of processing in the control target apparatus can be transmitted to the user.

  The control target device can be configured to execute a first process for reading image data by an optical mechanism and creating image data, and a second process for processing the created image data. In this case, the display control means includes means for displaying either the first preview information before the first process is executed or the second preview information after the first process is executed. It can be configured to include.

  The first preview information is displayed until the first process (scan process) for reading an original by the optical mechanism and creating image data is executed. When the first process is executed, the scan process is performed. The first preview information using the result can be displayed. For this reason, preview information corresponding to the degree of progress of the scanning process in the control target apparatus can be transmitted to the user.

  The control target device can be configured to execute a first process for reading image data by an optical mechanism and creating image data, and a second process for processing the created image data. In this case, the display control means displays the first preview information before the first process is executed and the second preview information after the first process is executed, and the first preview information. It is possible to configure to include means for displaying the second preview information whose display mode has been changed based on an instruction to the above.

  The second preview information whose display mode has been changed is displayed by reflecting the instruction (function setting) given by the user while viewing the first preview information. Since the instruction is reflected, it is possible to confirm the instructed result before executing the second process without instructing the second preview information again.

  The display control means displays either the first preview information based on the size of the document before the first process is executed or the second preview information based on the image data after the first process is executed. It can be configured to include means for displaying.

  Even before the first process is executed, the size of the document is detected and a first preview based on the size of the document is displayed. When the first process is executed, the result of the scan process is used. Second preview information can be displayed.

  The display control means detects the size of the document in response to the setting of the document on the optical mechanism, displays first preview information based on the size of the document, and the document is read by the optical mechanism. In response to this, a means for displaying the second preview information using the result of the scanning process can be included.

  When the user sets a document on the optical mechanism, the first preview information based on the size of the document is automatically displayed, so that the user can confirm that the document has been set by looking at the preview information. In addition, since the second preview information based on the image data of the document is automatically displayed when the document is scanned by the optical mechanism, the user can check the actual finished state by viewing the preview information.

  The first preview information can be configured to be information based on the size or orientation of the document set on the optical mechanism. The second preview information can be configured to be preview information obtained by reducing and displaying image data.

  A first preview based on the size of the original detected by the optical mechanism is displayed even before the first process, and when the first process is executed, the image data resulting from the scan process is reduced. 2 preview information can be displayed.

  The first preview information can be configured to be based on either information before the document is set on the optical mechanism and information on the size or orientation of the document set on the optical mechanism. .

  It is possible to display different preview information before the scanning process and before and after the document is set on the optical mechanism.

  The control target apparatus can be configured to further execute a process of outputting image data to a sheet. In this case, the information before the document is set on the optical mechanism can be configured to be information about the paper.

  Before the scanning process and before the document is set on the optical mechanism, it is possible to display information about the paper on which the image data is output (information on the selected paper type).

  The display device can be configured to further include setting means for setting functions in the control target device while displaying preview information. In this case, the display control means can be configured to include means for displaying preview information reflecting the set function.

  When the user sets a function while viewing the preview information, the function set in the preview information is reflected, so that the result of setting the function in the preview can be confirmed before the process is executed.

  An electronic device according to another aspect of the present invention includes the display device described above, and an image processing apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes the display device described above.

  According to the electronic apparatus and the image processing apparatus, when these apparatuses execute a process including a plurality of processes, the first preview information and the specific process before the specific process is executed are executed. Any of the later second preview information is displayed according to the progress of the process. Therefore, preview information corresponding to the progress of processing in the electronic device and the image processing apparatus can be transmitted to the user.

  According to the present invention, when previewing the processing results performed based on the functions set in the electronic apparatus and the image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus) before processing, the preview information required by the user is accurately displayed to the user. Can communicate.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the display area of the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the home screen displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen displayed by the regular mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the mail mode initial screen displayed by the regular mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the FAX mode initial screen displayed by the regular mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the document filing mode initial screen displayed by the regular mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (before function selection) displayed in the 1st virtual mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (after function selection) displayed in the 1st virtual mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (before function selection) displayed by the 2nd virtual mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (after function selection 1) displayed in the 2nd virtual mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (the 2 after function selection) displayed by the 2nd virtual mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (after function selection 3) displayed in the 2nd virtual mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (before reading a book and function selection) displayed in the 2nd virtual mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (after reading a book and a function selection) displayed by the 2nd virtual mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (before function selection) displayed by the scan-in mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy mode initial screen (after function selection) displayed by the scan-in mode displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  An electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that is a kind of image processing apparatus. The display apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to an image processing apparatus or an electronic apparatus other than such an image forming apparatus. Electronic device according to the present embodiment has a plurality of operation modes, and preview information (information displayed in preview area 3000 described later) is displayed on the touch panel display in at least one of the operation modes. In this case, even a device having a display device having two or more preview display modes may be used so that preview information can be appropriately transmitted to the user in accordance with the progress of the scan and / or the importance of the document. That's fine. In the following description, there are three preview display modes: a first virtual mode before document setting, a second virtual mode after scanning after document setting, and a scan-in mode after scanning.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a touch panel display that can be operated by a gesture operation method and a touch operation method that does not depend on a gesture operation, but includes a touch panel display that can perform only a touch operation. It may be a device, and further may be a device provided with a display panel capable of only display that cannot be operated and buttons for operation.

  This image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus has, as operation modes, a copy mode, a FAX mode, a document filing mode (a mode in which a scanned image is stored in a storage device inside the image forming apparatus) and a mail mode (a format in which the scanned image is attached to an e-mail). Mode to transmit in). The image forming apparatus may further include a network printer mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is an image forming apparatus having one or more operation modes among four operation modes of a copy mode, a FAX mode, a document filing mode, and a mail mode, and at least one Any image forming apparatus that displays preview information on the touch panel display in two or more display modes in the operation mode may be used. Further, the printing method is not limited to the electrophotographic method.

[Image forming device: function]
An image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 100.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a document reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a paper feeding unit 106, a paper discharge processing device 108, and an operation unit 120. The operation unit 120 includes a touch panel display 130 and a display operation unit 140. The touch panel display 130 includes a display panel 132 configured by a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel 134 that detects a position pressed by a user's finger disposed on the display panel 132. The display operation unit 140 is a home for returning the display screen of the touch panel display 130 to the home screen for selecting the indicator lamp 142, the power key 144, the energy saving key (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving key”) 146, and the operation mode. And a key 148.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the touch panel display 130 as a main operation device and the display operation unit 140 including hardware keys and indicator lights. The keys (the power key 144, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148) of the display operation unit 140 are characterized in that they are configured as hardware buttons in contrast to the software buttons configured by the touch panel display 130. The image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the display operation unit 140 having such a configuration, and may include only the touch panel display 130. If the user selects the operation mode on the home screen displayed on the touch panel display 130, the screen may be switched to the initial screen in the selected operation mode. An operation mode of such an image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

-Copy mode-
Hereinafter, the operation in the copy mode will be described. In this copy mode, a document reading unit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a scanner unit) 102 and an image forming unit 104 operate mainly.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a document placement table is read as image data by the document reading unit 102, and the read image data is input to a CPU 300 including a microcomputer shown in FIG. Thus, various image processing is performed on the image data, and the image data is output to the image forming unit 104.

  The image forming unit 104 prints an image of a document indicated by image data on a recording medium (in many cases, a recording sheet). The image forming unit 104 includes a photosensitive drum 222, a charging device 224, a laser scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as “LSU”). 226, a developing device 228, a transfer device 230, a cleaning device 232, a fixing device 234, a static eliminator (not shown), and the like.

  The image forming unit 104 is provided with a main transport path 236 and a reverse transport path 238, and the recording paper fed from the paper feed unit 106 is transported along the main transport path 236. The paper feed unit 106 pulls out the recording paper stored in the paper cassette 240 or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 242 one by one, and sends the recording paper to the main conveyance path 236 of the image forming unit 104.

  While the recording paper is being conveyed along the main conveyance path 236 of the image forming unit 104, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum 222 and the transfer device 230, and further passes through the fixing device 234 to be recorded. Printing on paper is performed.

  The photosensitive drum 222 rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 232 and the static eliminator and then uniformly charged by the charging device 224.

  The LSU 226 modulates a laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 in the main scanning direction with the laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222. To do.

  The developing device 228 develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 222, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222.

  The transfer device 230 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 onto a recording sheet that passes between the transfer device 230 and the photosensitive drum 222.

  The fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller 250 for pressing the recording paper. The recording sheet is heated by the heating roller 248 and pressed by the pressure roller 250, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is fixed on the recording sheet. The heater is heated by the electric power supplied to the fixing device 234 so that the temperature of the heating roller 248 becomes a temperature suitable for fixing. Note that when shifting to the energy saving mode, for example, the power supplied to the heater is stopped or reduced.

  A branching claw 244 is disposed at a connection position between the main conveyance path 236 and the reverse conveyance path 238. When printing is performed only on one side of the recording paper, the branch claw 244 is positioned, and the recording paper from the fixing device 234 is guided to the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108 by the branch claw 244.

  When printing is performed on both sides of the recording paper, the branching claw 244 is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the recording paper is guided toward the reverse conveyance path 238. The recording sheet passes through the reverse conveyance path 238, is reversed on the front and back, and is conveyed again to the main conveyance path 236. During the re-conveyance of the main conveyance path 236, printing on the back surface is performed and the recording paper is discharged. It is guided toward the paper tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108.

  The recording paper printed as described above is guided toward the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 246, or the recording paper on each paper discharge tray 110 of the paper discharge processing device 108. Discharged to either.

  In the paper discharge processing device 108, a process for sorting and discharging a plurality of recording papers to each paper discharge tray 110, a process for punching each recording paper, and a process for stapling each recording paper are performed. For example, when creating a plurality of printed materials, each recording sheet is sorted and discharged to each paper discharge tray 110 so that a part of the printed material is allocated to each paper discharge tray 110. In addition, punched processing or stapling processing is performed on each recording sheet on the paper discharge tray 110 to create a printed matter.

-Facsimile mode-
Hereinafter, the operation in the facsimile mode will be described. In this facsimile mode, the document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 and the FAX communication unit 160 operate mainly in the transmission operation, and the FAX communication unit 160 and the image forming unit 104 operate in the reception operation.

Transmission Operation In the image forming apparatus 100, the facsimile mode is designated, the document placed on the document table is read as image data by the document reading unit 102, and the read image data is the microcomputer shown in FIG. The image data is subjected to various kinds of image processing, and the image data is output to the FAX communication unit (FAX communication unit 160 in FIG. 3).

  The FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmission side connects the designated transmission line to the designated transmission destination, converts the image data into communication data that conforms to the facsimile communication standard, and receives on the reception side. To a facsimile apparatus (for example, image forming apparatus 100 having a facsimile function).

Communication operation When the line is connected, the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side detects a communication request signal from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmitting side and transmits a response signal. To do. After that, for example, the FAX communication unit 160 transfers the capability information installed on the transmission side and the reception side, and determines the communication speed at the maximum available capability and the encoding / code correction method of the image data. To set the modem communication method. Data is transmitted from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmission side to the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the reception side using an image signal format adapted to this communication method. When transmission is completed, the line is disconnected.

Reception Operation The FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side converts the received data into image data and sends it to the image forming unit 104. Note that the image forming unit 104 may convert the received data into image data. The image forming unit 104 prints the image of the document indicated by the image data converted from the received data on the recording paper, similarly to the operation in the copy mode described above.

-Document filing mode-
Hereinafter, the operation in the document filing mode will be described. In the document filing mode, the document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 and the image forming unit 104 mainly operate.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a document placement table is read as image data by the document reading unit 102, and the read image data is input to the CPU 300, where various image processing is performed on the image data. The The image data is stored in a storage device (a hard disk 302 described later) provided in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The stored image data is read from the hard disk with a file name designated by the user, and printed on a recording sheet by the same operation as the copy mode described above.

-Mail mode (scan to mail)-
The operation in the mail mode will be described below. In this mail mode, the document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 and the network interface 304 mainly operate.

  As the image communication mode provided in the MFP 300, the above-described facsimile mode in which image data is transmitted / received via a public line via the FAX communication unit 160, and the Internet in a format in which the image data is attached to an e-mail via the network interface 304. There is an e-mail communication mode (mail mode) in which data is transmitted and received via a line. In addition, an Internet facsimile mode in which image data is transmitted and received via the Internet line via the network interface 304, or an image transfer mode (scan to PC) in which the image data is transferred to a folder of a specific personal computer (PC) using the network line. Folder) or the like.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a document placement table is read as image data by the document reading unit 102, and the read image data is input to the CPU 300, where various image processing is performed on the image data. . This image data is attached to the e-mail and transmitted.

  In the facsimile mode, the telephone number of the destination is designated, whereas in the mail mode, the destination mail address is designated.

[Image forming apparatus: control block configuration]
Referring to FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 100 further includes an operation unit 120 capable of setting functions relating to a copy mode, a facsimile mode, a document filing mode, and a mail mode, a ROM 306 for storing a program, and the like, Includes a hard disk 302 that is a non-volatile storage area capable of storing programs, data, and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 308 for providing a storage area when executing the program. .

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a document reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a FAX communication unit 160, an operation unit 120, a ROM 306, a hard disk 302, a bus 310 connected to the RAM 308, and an image forming unit connected to the bus 310. CPU300 for implement | achieving the general function as an apparatus is included.

  The hard disk 302 stores image data files of originals scanned by the image forming apparatus 100 together with a save date and a save user name for each folder. The hard disk 302 also stores initial screen data for each operation mode.

  The ROM 306 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. As the data stored together with the program in the ROM 306, initial screen data of each operation mode may be stored. The CPU 300 controls the image forming apparatus 100 according to the program and data stored in the ROM 306 and executes control related to each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a public line is connected to the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 for transmission / reception of image data, and a network line is connected to the network interface 304. A computer or the like using the image forming apparatus 100 as a network compatible printer is connected to the network line, or a computer or the like specified by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) designated via the Internet is connected. . When connected to the Internet in this way, the image forming apparatus 100 can acquire necessary information via the Internet.

  The RAM 308 provides a function as a working memory that temporarily stores the results of calculation and processing by the CPU 300 and a function as a frame memory that stores image data.

  Control of the document reading unit 102, the image forming unit 104, the touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 constituting the operation unit 120, the ROM 306, the hard disk 302, and the RAM 308 is performed by the CPU 300 executing predetermined programs. Note that the operation unit 120 communicates with the CPU 300 via an input / output interface.

  The operation unit 120 is configured by a plate-like panel that is provided so as to be easily viewed by the user. On the surface of the operation unit 120, the touch panel display 130 is in the left area, and the display operation unit 140 (the indicator lamp 142 and the power key 144 that is a hardware button, the energy saving key 146 and the home key 148) is in the right area. Is provided. The touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 are configured so that the operation unit 120 is integrated as a whole.

  As described above, the touch panel display 130 includes the display panel 132 and the touch panel 134 disposed on the display panel 132. In the touch panel display 130, a home screen for selecting an operation mode in the image forming apparatus 100, a current state of the image forming apparatus 100, a destination designation state, a job processing state, and the like are displayed on the display panel 132. A selection button which is a software button is displayed on the display area of the display panel 132. When the area where the selection button is displayed is pressed with a finger, the touch panel 134 detects the pressed position. By collating the display position of the selection button and the position where the touch panel 134 is pressed on the program, the operation mode selection, function setting, operation instruction, and the like of the image forming apparatus 100 are performed. In addition to such a touch operation (command input operation based on a pressed position by a user), the image forming apparatus 100 supports the above-described gesture operation (command input operation based on an operation locus by a user).

  Further, the indicator lamp 142 of the display operation unit 140 is configured by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the CPU 300 controls lighting / extinguishing (/ flashing). When the user presses a power key 144 provided separately from the main power switch, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from a standby mode (for example, only a FAX reception operation is possible with the main power on) to a normal mode. All the operation modes of the image forming apparatus 100 can be used. The indicator lamp 142 lights up in conjunction with this state. Further, when a predetermined period of time that the user does not operate elapses or when the user presses the energy saving key 146, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the normal mode to the energy saving mode, and the image forming apparatus 100 Only some of the operation modes can be used. The indicator lamp 142 blinks in conjunction with this state. Further, when the user presses the energy saving key 146 in the energy saving mode, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. The home key 148 is a hardware key for returning the display on the touch panel display 130 to the initial state (home screen). Note that processing when the power key 144, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148 are pressed is not limited to these.

  It should be noted that a key lamp whose lighting / extinguishing (/ flashing) is controlled by the CPU 300 may be embedded in the hardware buttons (the power key 144, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148) of the display operation unit 140. For example, this key lamp shines around a circular key in a ring shape, or shines at the center of the key. This key lamp lights up at a timing when it is permitted to use the hardware button as an operation device (when the hardware button is used, processing is executed).

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described four operation modes (copy mode, fax mode, document filing mode, and mail mode). On touch panel display 130, software buttons for setting functions in the respective operation modes and buttons for setting previews or destinations as image forming images are displayed as necessary.

  When the operation mode is different, the touch panel display 130 displays a different screen. Even in such a case, the touch panel display 130 is divided into a plurality of areas (and the size of the area is variable) so that information requested by the user can be easily found. It comprises the essential part of the invention of displaying information. In particular, in the image forming apparatus 100, when an operation mode is selected on the home screen of the touch panel display 130 provided as a main display operation device, an initial screen of each operation mode is displayed. In this initial screen, (1) the basic layout is divided into five areas (“system area”, “function selection area”, “preview area”, “action panel area”, “task trigger area”) and arranged appropriately. Therefore, when the user operates from the upper left to the lower right (because the flow line of the user's viewpoint and the flow line of the fingertip are realized in the same manner as a conventional machine that does not include such a large touch panel display 130. (2) Easy to set, (2) Even in different operation modes, the concept displayed in each of the five areas is the same, and even if the operation modes are different, the user can operate without confusion (3) Two or more display modes of “preview area” appropriately arranged on the touch panel display 130 are provided, and the contents of the preview information are displayed. As a result, the most appropriate preview is displayed according to the progress of the scanning process and / or the importance of the document, and (4) the user who sees the “preview area” appropriately arranged on the touch panel display 130 For example, even if a monochrome copy is changed to a color copy, processing that does not require rescanning is possible. Hereinafter, the configuration of the basic layout will be described.

[Basic layout configuration]
FIG. 4 shows a basic layout in the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 4, the basic layout is as follows. In horizontal touch panel display 130 (for example, horizontal 1024 pixels × vertical 600 pixels), system area 1000 is arranged at the top, and preview area 3000 is arranged at the center of the screen. , A function setting / confirmation area 2000 (hereinafter referred to as a function selection area 2000) arranged on the left side of the preview area 3000, an action panel area 4000 arranged in the upper right part of the preview area 3000, and a right side of the preview area 3000 The task trigger area 5000 is arranged at the bottom. Note that the number of regions is not limited to five, and the left and right arrangement is not limited to this, and can be customized so that the user can easily operate. Further, the position of the system area 1000 may be at the bottom.

  In the system area 1000, the current state of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed, the title of the operation mode being operated, and the status / state of the image forming apparatus 100 are displayed. For example, the system area 1000 displays an operation mode name, an interrupt key, a login user name, a job status being processed, a built-in memory usage status, a time, and the like.

  In the function selection area 2000, function selection menus (icons, buttons, etc.) operated by the user for setting each function, switching the display, and confirming the settings are displayed in icon mode, regular mode, and express mode. Change and display. In the icon mode, only function setting icons are displayed in the function selection area 2000 so that the preview area 3000 is the largest. In the express mode, even if the preview area 3000 is the narrowest, the function selection area 2000 displays a large screen on which functions can be set at one time. In the regular mode, the size of the preview area 3000 is an intermediate size between the icon mode and the express mode, and the function name is displayed in the function selection area 2000 together with the function setting icon.

  In the regular mode, only the function name may be displayed in text (no function setting icon is displayed).

  Switching between these icon mode, regular mode and express mode is based on the user's operation. That is, the size of the preview area 3000 is changed and displayed according to the user operation. In this way, since the icon can transmit information to the user in a small area, it is preferable that the preview area 3000 can be displayed in a large size by preparing for all functions.

  The function selection area 2000 is provided with a change button group 2010 for changing the display style of the function selection area 2000 at the lower part thereof. The change button group 2010 includes an icon mode transition button 2012 for displaying a function selection area 2000 in the icon mode, a favorite button 2014 for displaying a function registered as “favorite”, a check button 2016 for displaying a function whose setting has been changed, and a selection. A list button 2018 for displaying a list of all functions that can be set in the operation mode being set, a regular mode transition button 2020 for displaying the function selection area 2000 in the regular mode, and an express for displaying the function selection area 2000 in the express mode. A mode transition button 2022 is arranged.

  If there is a lot of information displayed in the function selection area 2000, the information is displayed in the function selection area 2000 so as to be scrollable in the vertical direction. In this case, the change button group 2010 is not scrolled and is always displayed at the bottom of the function selection area 2000.

  In preview area 3000, an output (finished) image of the document is displayed. An image is displayed using dummy data or scan data, and the image displayed in the preview area 3000 is changed every time the user instructs finishing. This preview area 3000 has two modes: a finish display with a dummy image in a virtual mode before scanning, and a finish display with a real image in a scan-in mode after scanning. There are two types: before setting (first virtual mode) and after document setting (second virtual mode). Details of these three display modes (first virtual mode, second virtual mode, and scan-in mode) will be described later.

  The preview area 3000 is provided with a preview change button group 3010 for changing the display style of the preview area 3000 below the preview area 3000. The preview change button group 3010 includes a left rotation button 3016 for rotating the preview 90 degrees to the left, a right rotation button 3018 for rotating the preview 90 degrees to the right, and a zoom bar 3020. In addition to these, for example, a color change button 3012 and a preview operation button 3014 are arranged.

  Here, when the left rotation button 3016 is touched once, the preview is rotated 90 degrees to the left, and when touched twice, the preview is rotated 180 degrees to the left (upside down). Also, even if the finished document image displayed in the preview area is operated by a gesture (even if the document image is rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise with the fingertip), the preview is rotated 180 degrees to the left and turned upside down.

  When the right rotation button 3018 is touched once, the preview is rotated 90 degrees to the right, and when touched twice, the preview is rotated 180 degrees to the right (upside down). Also, even if the finished document image displayed in the preview area is operated by a gesture (even if the document image is rotated 180 degrees clockwise by the fingertip), the preview is rotated 180 degrees to the right and turned upside down.

  When the plus button 3020A of the zoom bar 3020 is touch-operated or the bar 3020C is gesture-operated (slid) toward the plus button 3020A, the preview is enlarged and displayed. In addition, even when a gesture operation is performed on the finished document image displayed in the preview area (the document image is pinched out / pinch open with a fingertip), the preview is enlarged and displayed.

  When the minus button 3020B of the zoom bar 3020 is touched or the bar 3020C is gesture-operated (slid) toward the minus button 3020B, the preview is reduced and displayed. In addition, even if a gesture operation is performed on the finished document image displayed in the preview area (the document image is pinched in / pinch closed with a fingertip), the preview is reduced and displayed.

  When the number of pages of the document image displayed in the preview area 3000 is large, a display page selection button (page number input button, page forward button, page return button, single page display button, multiple page display) that can be touch-operated is displayed. Button, etc.) may be displayed. It should be noted that even when a manuscript operation (flick) is performed on a document image, page feed and page return of the document to be previewed can be performed. Further, when the document image displayed in the preview area 3000 is large, a scroll bar capable of touch operation or gesture operation may be displayed.

  In the action panel area 4000, information on assistance, advice, and proposals for operations is displayed. In this action panel area 4000, for example, when a certain user selects a specific function, a function related to the function is displayed, or other functions regarding the function are displayed in a purpose-oriented manner. A function selected in combination in the past by a user of a group to which the user belongs is displayed as a “recommended function”.

  In the task trigger area 5000, all the settings in the operation mode are completed, and a trigger item operated by the user to actually operate the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. For example, it is a start button (software button) for starting processing. It should be noted that in the operation mode with printing (other than fax transmission), the information about the out of consumables is also displayed in this “task trigger area” because it relates to the inability to execute the task.

  In this case, it is also preferable to display the start button only when the start button can be pressed. The state in which the start button can be pressed is an operation mode in which all settings are completed and consumables (recording paper and toner) are not exhausted and printing is not performed in an operation mode with printing. In the fax mode (transmission), all transmission parameters including the destination are set.

  Even if the operation mode is changed (in the initial screen of any operation mode), the positions where these five areas are arranged are not changed. In addition, the area is expanded and contracted in the horizontal direction (longitudinal direction) of the screen of the touch panel display 130 as shown in the icon mode / regular mode / express mode switching display in the function selection area 2000 (and the preview area 3000).

  Such an arrangement of the five regions is arranged by paying attention to the user's viewpoint flow line and the operation flow line while taking into account the user interface in the conventional machine. With this arrangement, on the touch panel display 130, the user's line of sight moves from the upper left to the lower right, and the user's operation (the fingertip of the dominant hand) moves from the upper left to the lower right. Thereby, the effect that user-friendly operation is possible is expressed.

  In order to change from one operation mode to another operation mode, the home key 148 is pressed to select another operation mode on the home screen. In this way, the operation mode is switched via the home screen.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 includes the touch panel display 130 that displays information by paying attention to the flow line of the user's viewpoint and the flow line of the operation. In this touch panel display 130, the preview area 3000 has at least two display modes (three display modes in the present embodiment), and these display modes are displayed according to the scan progress status and / or the importance level of the document. The mode is switched to appropriately transmit the preview information to the user. Such display processing is realized by software executed using the hardware configuration described above. In the following, this software configuration will be described.

Software configuration
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by CPU 300 of image forming apparatus 100. Note that the CPU 300 of the image forming apparatus 100 executes a program that realizes a general function as the image forming apparatus in parallel with such a program. However, the program is not directly related to the essential part of the present invention, and details thereof will not be described here.

  Referring to FIG. 5, at step (hereinafter referred to as “S”) 10000, CPU 300 (hereinafter simply referred to as CPU 300) of image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. It is determined whether or not. Here, it is assumed that the main power for operating the CPU 300 is turned on, and the CPU 300 determines that the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on when the power key 144 is pressed. However, it may be determined as YES in S10000 when the main power is turned on. If it is determined that power of image forming apparatus 100 is turned on (YES in S10000), the process proceeds to S10010. If not (NO in S10000), the process returns to S10000 and waits until it is determined that the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on.

  In S10010, CPU 300 displays a warm-up screen on touch panel display 130. When the warm-up screen is displayed on the touch panel display 130, for example, a system check process and a process of energizing the heater to raise the temperature of the heating roller 248 are executed.

  In S10020, CPU 300 determines whether or not the warm-up has been completed. If it is determined that the warm-up has been completed (YES in S10020), the process proceeds to S10030. If not (NO in S10020), the process returns to S10020 and waits until the warm-up is completed.

  In S10030, CPU 300 displays a home screen on touch panel display 130. In S10040, CPU 300 determines whether or not an operation mode has been selected. At this time, for example, when an icon (an icon simulating an operation mode) displayed on the home screen is touched, tapped, or double-tapped, CPU 300 determines that the operation mode has been selected. If it is determined that the operation mode has been selected (YES in S10040), the process proceeds to S10050. If not (NO in S10040), the process returns to S10030 and continues to display the home screen. Note that touching, tapping, or double-tapping an icon does not mean that other gesture operations are excluded, and is any operation of touch operation and gesture operation on the touch panel display 130. It is also good. Further, even when simply described as “press”, any of these operations may be indicated.

  In S10050, CPU 300 reads the initial screen data stored in hard disk 302 or the like and in the selected operation mode. In S10060, CPU 300 displays the initial screen of the selected operation mode on touch panel display 130 using the read initial screen data.

  In S10070, CPU 300 determines whether or not the mode requires scanning. At this time, in addition to determining that the mode needs to be scanned when the copy mode is selected, the CPU 300 attaches, for example, image data scanned from now (not saved image data) to the e-mail. Even in the case of transmission in a format, it can be determined that the mode requires scanning. If it is determined that the mode requires scanning (YES in S10070), the process proceeds to S10080. If not (NO in S10070), the process proceeds to S10090.

  In S10080, CPU 300 determines whether or not a document has been set on document placement table of document reading unit 102. If it is determined that the document has been set on the document table (YES in S10080), the process proceeds to S10100. Otherwise (NO at S10080), the process proceeds to S10110. In addition to the case where a document is set on the document placing table (contact glass surface) of the document reading unit 102, the document is set on the document placing table even when the document is set on the document tray of the automatic document feeder. It is determined that it has been completed.

  In S10090, CPU 300 executes processing in each operation mode. Note that the processing in S10090 is not directly related to the essential part of the present invention, and the details thereof will not be described here.

  In S 10100, CPU 300 determines whether or not the document has been scanned by document reading unit 102. If it is determined that the document has been scanned (YES in S10100), the process proceeds to S10130. Otherwise (NO at S10100), the process proceeds to S10120.

  In S10110, CPU 300 displays preview information on currently selected paper cassette 240 on touch panel display 130 in the first virtual mode because no document is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S10140.

  In S10120, CPU 300 displays the preview information using dummy data on touch panel display 130 in the second virtual mode because the document is set but not scanned. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S10140.

  In S10130, since the original is set and scanned, CPU 300 displays preview information using scan data (original image data) on touch panel display 130 in the scan-in mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S10140.

  In S10140, CPU 300 determines whether or not a request is input in the selected operation mode. If it is determined that a user request has been input (YES at S10140), the process proceeds to S10150. If not (NO in S10140), the process proceeds to S10160.

  In S10150, CPU 300 executes the process requested by the user in image forming apparatus 100. Thereafter, this process ends.

  In S10160, CPU 300 determines whether or not the home key has been pressed. If it is determined that the home key has been pressed (YES in S10160), the process proceeds to S10030. If not (NO in S10160), the process returns to S10140 and waits until it is determined that a user request has been input.

  Note that when the warm-up is completed (YES in S10020), a login screen may be displayed. In the following description of the operation, the login operation after completion of such warm-up is not described, but it will be described that the user using the image forming apparatus 100 needs to log in.

  Further, in the request input by the user in S10140, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the function selection area 2000 display mode, sets the function selection area 2000 function, changes the preview display mode in the preview area 3000, and the like. A request before printing without actually printing is also included. When such pre-printing processing is requested, the request is executed in S10150, and after S10150, the processing is advanced to S10140 in order to wait for further request input (final print request). Will return.

[Operation]
The operation of image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described using display examples of touch panel display 130 shown in FIGS.

  -Home screen display operation-

  When the user presses power key 144 of image forming apparatus 100 (YES in S10000), a warm-up screen is displayed on touch panel display 130 until warm-up is completed (NO in S10020) (S10010). . At this time, information that can be displayed as a warm-up screen even during the system check by the image forming apparatus 100 and that is useful for the user who intends to use the image forming apparatus 100 is prepared and displayed on the touch panel display 130. It is preferable to do.

  When the warm-up is completed (YES in S10020), the home screen is displayed on touch panel display 130 (S10030). At this time, for example, home screen 6000 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on touch panel display 130. As shown in FIG. 6, the home screen 6000 does not display all the five areas of the layout configuration described above, but selects an operation mode for most of the touch panel display 130 regardless of the five areas. Icon (an icon simulating an operation mode) is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 6, home screen 6000 includes a home system area 6100 corresponding to the above-described system area, icon display area 6200, icon display switching tab button 6300, and memo display area 6400.

  The home system area 6100 includes an area 6102 for displaying an icon indicating a home screen, an area 6104 for displaying the name of the displayed screen, an area 6106 for displaying a login user name, and a logout button (software button). An area 6108 to be displayed and an area 6110 to display the current time are arranged.

  In the icon display area 6200, icons 6210 to 6274 simulating the operation mode are displayed together with the name or abbreviation of the operation mode. Note that the name or abbreviation of the operation mode is not essential. In this embodiment, since at least four operation modes (copy mode, fax mode, document filing mode, and mail mode) are provided, an icon 6242 for selecting a copy mode, an icon 6232 for selecting a fax mode, An icon 6254 for selecting the document filing mode and an icon 6240 for selecting the mail mode are displayed in the icon display area 6200. In FIG. 6, an icon for selecting an operation mode other than these, an icon for selecting another setting mode (for example, system setting, language setting), and an icon for displaying another screen (for example, job status) Is also displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the icon display area 6200, the icons in the center column (for example, icon 6240, icon 6242, and icon 6244) correspond to the left and right icons (for example, icon 6230 and icon 6250 for icon 6240, icon 6242). The icon 6232 and the icon 6252 are displayed larger than the icon 6234 and the icon 6254). Further, in this icon display area 6200, the icons in the middle row (for example, icon 6232, icon 6242, icon 6252) are the upper and lower icons (for example, icon 6230 and icon 6234 for icon 6232, icon 6240 and icon for icon 6242). 6244, the icon 6250 for the icon 6252 and the icon 6254). In this way, in the icon display area 6200, the size of the icon is displayed so that the size of the icon arranged in the central stage at the center is the largest, and left / right symmetrical and vertically symmetrical.

  Further, when the user flicks the icon display area 6200 displayed on the screen of the touch panel display 130 to the left with the fingertip, the icon displayed on the screen moves so as to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow 6010, and the user When flicking to the right with the fingertip, the icon displayed on the screen moves so as to flow in the direction indicated by arrow 6020. The movement amount at this time may be determined by the movement width of the fingertip in the flick operation, or may be a predetermined amount set in advance for one flick operation. Further, when the icon display area 6200 is configured to be displayed on the virtual cylinder, the icons can be switched and displayed in an endless manner.

  In the memo display area 6400, maintenance information or the like desired to be notified to all users of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed.

  − Initial screen display operation in each operation mode −

Copy Mode When the user touches, taps, or double taps the icon 6242 shown in FIG. 6 with the fingertip, it is determined that the operation mode is selected (YES in S10040), and the selected operation mode is the copy mode. It is determined. The initial screen of the copy mode is displayed on the touch panel display 130 using the copy initial screen data read from the hard disk 302 or the like (S10050, S10060). At this time, for example, the touch panel display 130 displays a copy mode initial screen 7100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the copy mode initial screen 7100 is divided into five areas having the layout configuration described above and information is displayed. The function selection area 2000 on the copy mode initial screen 7100 is displayed in the regular mode.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in system area 1000 of copy mode initial screen 7100, area 1102 indicating the selected operation mode (here, copy mode), and an area for displaying sub-information associated with the selected operation mode. 1104, an area 1106 for displaying a login user name, an area 1108 for displaying a logout button (software button), an area 1110 for displaying the current job status, and a button (software button) related to the job status are displayed. An area 1112, an area 1114 for displaying a communication state, and an area 1116 for displaying the current time are arranged.

  In area 1102, a name or / and an icon indicating the operation mode are displayed. When this area 1102 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, a menu indicating the operation mode is preferably displayed in a pull-down manner so that the operation mode can be switched (the same applies to other operation modes).

  In area 1104, an interrupt key (software button) is displayed as sub information. When this interrupt key is touched, tapped or double-tapped, interrupt processing can be executed in the copy mode.

  In the area 1106, the status of the job currently being executed is displayed as an icon. When this job status is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailed job status information is displayed. Furthermore, it is preferable to display a button for stopping the selected job in the area 1112.

  In the function selection area 2000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100, a function selection menu that can be selected by the user in the copy mode and the above-described change button group 2010 are displayed. In the screen shown in FIG. 7, the function selection menu is displayed in the regular mode.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the function selection menu displayed in the regular mode includes an icon group 2100 and a text group 2120. As a function selection menu displayed in the function selection area 2000, an icon 2102 for setting the number of copies, a text 2122 for displaying the set content, an icon 2104 for setting the color mode, and a text 2124 for displaying the set content, An icon 2106 for setting the copy density and a text 2126 for displaying the set content, an icon 2108 for setting the copy magnification and a text 2128 for displaying the set content, an icon 2110 for setting the document type, and the set content Text 2130 to be displayed, icon 2112 for setting the paper type and text 2132 for displaying the set content, icon 2114 for editing the image and text 2134 for displaying the set content, and an icon for editing the layout Text 2136 that displays the configuration 2116 and the set contents are displayed.

  As described above, further items in these function setting menus can be displayed in a vertically scrollable manner with the display position of the change button group 2010 fixed. Switching the display items of the function setting menu including items that are hidden and not displayed in the vertical direction can be performed by either touch operation (scroll operation) or gesture operation (flick operation in the vertical direction). .

  Here, image editing refers to image editing for a one-page document, and further lower layer menus include frame deletion, print menu, watermark, user stamp, etc., and layout editing refers to a multi-page document. In the image editing, lower level hierarchical menus include page aggregation, margin, page movement, centering, and the like. These further lower menus are displayed on the touch panel display 130 when a touch operation, a tap operation, or a double tap operation is performed on the icon 2102 to the icon 2116 or the text 2122 to the text 2136.

  In the preview area 3000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100, an output (finished) image 3100 of the original and the above-described preview change button group 3010 are arranged. At this time, the image 3100 is displayed using dummy data or scan data, and whenever the user changes the function setting menu of the function selection area 2000, the image 3100 is changed and displayed in the preview area 3000 (display preview). Changed).

  In the action panel area 4000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100, information on assistance / advice / suggestion regarding the copy operation is displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the recommended functions in the copy mode selected by the user are displayed. At this time, the action panel area 4000 is provided with an area 4100 indicating the content of the displayed information, and areas 4102 to 4106 for displaying recommended functions as text buttons themselves as software buttons.

  When the area 4102 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, more detailed information about the energy saving copy is displayed in a pull-down manner. For example, at this time, a software button that transitions to the double-sided copy function setting screen with the text that double-sided printing can save paper, and a page aggregation function with the text that multiple papers can be printed together to save paper A software button that transitions to the setting screen and a software button that transitions to the function setting screen for saddle stitching are displayed together with text that can be printed as if bound in a book.

  An execution button group 5100 is displayed in the task trigger area 5000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100. As the execution button group 5100, a scan-in key (software button) 5102 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to scan the document and acquire image data, a clear all key (software button) 5104 for clearing the set function, and the document A monochrome start key (software button) 5106 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to scan the document and execute monochrome copying, and a color start key (software button) 5106 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to scan the document and perform color copying Software button) 5108 is arranged.

  Thus, when the user inputs a request on copy mode initial screen 7100 in which information is displayed divided into five areas (YES in S10140), the copy process is executed in accordance with the request (S10150).

Mail Mode When the user touches, taps, or double taps the icon 6240 shown in FIG. 6 with the fingertip, it is determined that the operation mode has been selected (YES in S10040), and the selected operation mode is the mail mode. It is determined. The mail mode initial screen is displayed on the touch panel display 130 using the mail initial screen data read from the hard disk 302 or the like (S10050, S10060). At this time, for example, a mail mode initial screen 7200 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the mail mode initial screen 7200 is divided into five areas of the layout configuration described above and information is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in system area 1000 of mail mode initial screen 7200, area 1202 indicating the selected operation mode (here, mail mode) and an area for displaying sub-information associated with the selected operation mode are displayed. An area 1206 for displaying a login user name, an area 1208 for displaying a logout button (software button), an area 1214 for displaying a communication state, and an area 1216 for displaying the current time are arranged.

  In area 1204, a key (software button) for adding a job is displayed as sub information. When the interrupt key is touched, tapped or double-tapped, a process for specifying a job to be added in the mail mode can be executed.

  In the function selection area 2000 of the mail mode initial screen 7200, a function selection menu that can be selected by the user in the mail mode and the above-described change button group 2010 are displayed. In the screen shown in FIG. 8, the function selection menu is displayed in the regular mode.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the function selection menu displayed in the regular mode includes an icon group 2200 and a text group 2220. As a function selection menu displayed in this function selection area 2000, an icon 2202 for setting a color mode of a document to be transmitted as an email attachment file, text 2222 for displaying the set contents, and a document to be transmitted as an email attachment file are displayed. Icon 2204 for setting the density and text 2224 for displaying the set content, icon 2206 for setting the magnification of the document to be transmitted as a mail attachment file, text 2226 for displaying the set content, and transmission as a mail attachment An icon 2208 for setting the document type and a text 2228 for displaying the set contents are displayed.

  As described above, further items in these function setting menus can be displayed in a vertically scrollable manner with the display position of the change button group 2010 fixed. Switching the display items of the function setting menu including items that are hidden and not displayed in the vertical direction can be performed by either touch operation (scroll operation) or gesture operation (flick operation in the vertical direction). .

  Further, in addition to the function selection menu, the function selection area 2000 of the mail mode initial screen 7200 includes a button 2240 for displaying an address book for designating a mail address, a button 2242 for designating a mail subject, A button 2244 for designating a file attached to the mail and a button 2246 for inputting the text of the mail are displayed.

  When the button 2240 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, an address book in which only the address where the mail address is stored is extracted from the address book stored in the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed.

  When the button 2242 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, a text input screen is displayed and the subject of the mail can be input. When the button 2244 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, a file name designation screen is displayed. The file name can be specified, and when the button 2246 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, a text input screen is displayed and the body of the mail can be entered.

  In the preview area 3000 of the mail mode initial screen 7200, a document output (finished) image 3200 is arranged. At this time, the image 3200 is displayed using dummy data or scan data, and whenever the user changes the function setting menu in the function selection area 2000, the image 3200 is changed and displayed in the preview area 3000 (display of preview). Changed).

  Further, in addition to the image 3200, a button 3202 for inputting a mail destination is displayed in the preview area 3000 of the mail mode initial screen 7200. When the button 3202 is touched, tapped, or double tapped, a text input screen is displayed, and a mail destination can be directly input or selected from the address book.

  In the action panel area 4000 of the mail mode initial screen 7200, information on assistance / advice / suggestion for mail operation is displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the recommended function in the mail mode selected by the user is displayed. At this time, in the action panel area 4000, an area 4200 indicating the contents of the displayed information, and areas 4202 to 4204 for displaying recommended functions as text as software buttons are arranged.

  Touching, tapping, or double-tapping the area 4202 displays more detailed information about the broadcast mail transmission. If touching, tapping, or double-tapping the area 4204, the data attached to the mail is displayed. More detailed information on the operation of saving the original to be attached to the e-mail to be sent to the hard disk 302 when pulling down more detailed information about the operation for reducing the size or touching, tapping or double-tapping the area 4206. Pull down information.

  An execution button group 5200 is displayed in the task trigger area 5000 of the mail mode initial screen 7200. As this execution button group 5200, a scan-in key (software button) 5202 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to scan a document and acquire image data, a clear all key (software button) 5204 for clearing a set function, a document A transmission start key (software button) 5206 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 so as to execute a process of scanning and attaching to a mail is transmitted.

  Thus, when the user inputs a request on mail mode initial screen 7200 in which information is displayed divided into five areas (YES in S10140), mail processing is executed in accordance with the request (S10150).

-FAX mode When the user touches, taps or double taps the icon 6232 shown in FIG. 6 with the fingertip, it is determined that the operation mode is selected (YES in S10040), and the selected operation mode is the FAX mode. It is determined. The FAX mode initial screen is displayed on the touch panel display 130 using the FAX initial screen data read from the hard disk 302 or the like (S10050, S10060). At this time, for example, the FAX mode initial screen 7300 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the touch panel display 130. As shown in FIG. 9, the FAX mode initial screen 7300 is divided into five areas having the layout configuration described above, and information is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in system area 1000 of FAX mode initial screen 7300, area 1302 indicating the selected operation mode (in this case, FAX mode), and an area for displaying sub information associated with the selected operation mode. 1304, an area 1306 for displaying a login user name, an area 1308 for displaying a logout button (software button), an area 1310 for displaying an on-hook volume adjustment button, an area 1312 for displaying the remaining amount of memory, and a communication status display An area 1314 to be displayed and an area 1316 to display the current time are arranged.

  In area 1304, a key (software button) for adding a job is displayed as sub information. When this interrupt key is touched, tapped or double-tapped, processing for specifying a job to be added in the FAX mode can be executed.

  When the volume adjustment button displayed in area 1310 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, a slide bar for volume adjustment when on-hook is displayed.

  In the function selection area 2000 of the FAX mode initial screen 7300, a function selection menu that can be selected by the user in the FAX mode and the above-described change button group 2010 are displayed. In the screen shown in FIG. 9, the function selection menu is displayed in the regular mode.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the function selection menu displayed in the regular mode includes an icon group 2300 and a text group 2320. As a function selection menu displayed in the function selection area 2000, an icon 2302 for setting the density of the FAX document, text 2322 for displaying the set content, an icon 2304 for setting the type of the FAX document, and the set content are displayed. Text 2324 for editing, image 2306 for editing the image and text 2326 for displaying the set content, icon 2308 for editing the layout and text 2328 for displaying the set content, icon 2310 for displaying the FAX communication result table, and its A text 2330, an icon 2312 for printing information of the FAX transmission source on the FAX original and the text 2332, an icon 2314 for displaying information stored in the memory box, and the text 2334 are displayed.

  As described above, further items in these function setting menus can be displayed in a vertically scrollable manner with the display position of the change button group 2010 fixed. Switching the display items of the function setting menu including items that are hidden and not displayed in the vertical direction can be performed by either touch operation (scroll operation) or gesture operation (flick operation in the vertical direction). .

  Further, in addition to the function selection menu, a button 2340 for displaying an address book for designating a FAX destination telephone number is displayed in the function selection area 2000 of the FAX mode initial screen 7300.

  When the button 2340 is touched, tapped, or double-tapped, an address book in which only the address where the FAX telephone number is stored is extracted from the address book stored in the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed.

  A document output (finished) image 3300 is arranged in the preview area 3000 of the FAX mode initial screen 7300. At this time, the image 3300 is displayed using dummy data or scan data, and whenever the user changes the function setting menu in the function selection area 2000, the image 3300 is changed and displayed in the preview area 3000 (display of preview). Changed).

  Further, in addition to the image 3300, a button 3302 for inputting a FAX destination is displayed in the preview area 3000 of the FAX mode initial screen 7300. When the button 3302 is touched, tapped, or double tapped, a text input screen is displayed, and a fax destination can be directly input or selected from the address book.

  In the action panel area 4000 of the FAX mode initial screen 7300, information on assistance / advice / suggestion for FAX operation is displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the recommended function in the FAX mode selected by the user is displayed. At this time, in the action panel area 4000, an area 4300 indicating the content of the displayed information, and areas 4302 to 4304 for displaying recommended functions as text buttons themselves are arranged.

  When the area 4302 is touched, tapped, or double-tapped, more detailed information about the broadcast fax transmission is displayed in a pull-down manner, or when the area 4304 is touched, tapped, or double-tapped, the size of data to be faxed When pulling down more detailed information about the operation to reduce the size, or by touching, tapping or double-tapping the area 4306, more detailed information about the operation of saving the FAX document to be transmitted to the hard disk 302 is displayed in a pull-down. Or

  An execution button group 5300 is displayed in the task trigger area 5000 of the FAX mode initial screen 7300. As this execution button group 5300, a scan-in key (software button) 5302 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to scan the document and acquire image data, a clear all key (software button) 5304 for clearing the set function, and the document A transmission start key (software button) 5306 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 so as to execute a process of scanning and FAX transmission and a check box 5308 for direct transmission are arranged.

  Thus, when the user inputs a request on FAX mode initial screen 7300 on which information is displayed divided into five areas (YES in S10140), FAX processing is executed in accordance with the request (S10150).

Document filing mode When the user touches, taps or double taps the icon 6254 shown in FIG. 6 with the fingertip, it is determined that the operation mode is selected (YES in S10040), and the selected operation mode is the document filing mode. It is determined that

  In this case, the file list stored in the hard disk 302 may be read and a file reading process screen in the document filing mode may be displayed on the touch panel display 130. Hereinafter, an initial screen of the document filing mode displayed on the touch panel display 130 after the user selects a file to be read from the hard disk 302 on the file reading processing screen will be described.

  The document filing mode initial screen is displayed on the touch panel display 130 using the document filing initial screen data read from the hard disk 302 or the like (S10050, S10060). At this time, for example, the document filing mode initial screen 7500 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the document filing mode initial screen 7500 is divided into five areas having the layout configuration described above and information is displayed. The function selection area 2000 on the document filing mode initial screen 7500 is displayed in the regular mode.

  Referring to FIG. 10, system area 1000 of document filing mode initial screen 7500 includes area 1502 indicating the selected operation mode (here, document filing mode), area 1506 displaying the login user name, logout button ( Software button), an area 1510 for displaying the status of the job currently being executed, an area 1512 for displaying a button (software button) related to the job status, an area 1514 for displaying the communication status, and the current time An area 1516 in which is displayed is arranged.

  In area 1506, the status of the job currently being executed is displayed as an icon. When this job status is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailed job status information is displayed. Further, it is preferable to display a button for stopping the selected job in the area 1512.

  In the function selection area 2000 of the document filing mode initial screen 7500, a function selection menu that can be selected by the user in the document filing mode and the above-described change button group 2010 are displayed. In the screen shown in FIG. 10, the function selection menu is displayed in the regular mode.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the function selection menu displayed in the regular mode includes an icon group 2500 and a text group 2520. As a function selection menu displayed in the function selection area 2000, an icon 2502 for setting the number of copies of the document read in the document filing mode, text 2522 for displaying the set contents, and the color of the document read in the document filing mode. An icon 2504 for setting the mode and text 2524 for displaying the set content, an icon 2506 for setting the density of the document read in the document filing mode, and a text 2526 for displaying the set content, and the document read in the document filing mode Icon 2508 for setting the magnification, text 2528 for displaying the set content, icon 2510 for setting the type of document read in the document filing mode, and the set contents , A text 2530 for displaying a document, an icon 2512 for setting a paper type on which a document read in the document filing mode is printed, a text 2532 for displaying the set contents, an icon 2514 for editing an image of the document read in the document filing mode, and A text 2534 for displaying the set content, an icon 2516 for editing the layout of the document read in the document filing mode, and a text 2536 for displaying the set content are displayed.

  As described above, further items in these function setting menus can be displayed in a vertically scrollable manner with the display position of the change button group 2010 fixed. Switching the display items of the function setting menu including items that are hidden and not displayed in the vertical direction can be performed by either touch operation (scroll operation) or gesture operation (flick operation in the vertical direction). .

  A document output (finished) image 3500 and the above-described preview change button group 3010 are arranged in the preview area 3000 of the document filing mode initial screen 7500. At this time, the image 3500 is displayed using dummy data or scan data, and whenever the user changes the function setting menu of the function selection area 2000, the image 3500 is changed and displayed in the preview area 3000 (display of preview). Changed).

  In the action panel area 4000 of the document filing mode initial screen 7500, information on assistance / advice / suggestion regarding document filing operation is displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, recommended functions in the document filing mode selected by the user are displayed. At this time, the action panel area 4000 is provided with an area 4500 indicating the contents of the displayed information, and areas 4502 to 4506 for displaying recommended functions as text buttons themselves as software buttons.

  An execution button group 5500 is displayed in the task trigger area 5000 of the document filing mode initial screen 7500. As the execution button group 5500, a print start key (software button) 5502 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to print a document and a check box 5504 for deleting a file from the hard disk 302 after printing are arranged.

  In this way, when the user inputs a request on document filing mode initial screen 7500 in which information is displayed divided into five areas (YES in S10140), the document filing process is executed in accordance with the request (S10150). .

  -Operation in copy mode-

  Although the case where the operation mode is the copy mode will be described below, the same operation is performed in other operation modes (e-mail mode, FAX mode, and document filing mode that require scanning as described above). In the following description, it is assumed that the function selection area 2000 is displayed in the icon mode in which the preview area 3000 is displayed in the largest size. 7, when the icon mode transition button 2012 is touched, tapped, or double-tapped on the initial screen of the copy mode in which the function selection area 2000 is displayed in the regular mode, the touch panel display 130 in the regular mode. The initial screen of the function selection area 2000 displayed on the screen transitions to the initial screen displayed in the icon mode. In addition to this, when the CPU 300 detects that the display mode of the preview area 3000 shifts to the first virtual mode, the second virtual mode, or the scan-in mode, the transition from the non-icon mode to the icon mode may be performed. I do not care.

Preview display operation in first virtual mode In the case where a scan operation is performed (YES in S10070), until a document is set on the document table of document reading unit 102 (NO in S10080), A preview is displayed on the touch panel display 130 in the first virtual mode (S10110). A display example of the touch panel display 130 at this time is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the preview area 3000, a preview showing the type of paper set in the currently selected paper cassette 240 is displayed. A preview 3110 showing the size and direction of the paper and a text display portion 3110A of the paper that has been set are displayed.

  In this state, when the user sets the aggregation function (2 in 1) and the staple function (YES in S10140, S10150), the display on touch panel display 130 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, a preview 3112 corresponding to the function set by the user is displayed. Note that “1” and “2” in the preview 3112 in FIG. 12 are not scanned image data but default character data indicating a page.

  In this way, until a document is set on the document table of the document reading unit 102 (without using dummy data), the preview is based on the selected paper cassette and the function set by the user. Preview is displayed. The finished state can be confirmed most simply.

-Preview display operation in the second virtual mode (Part 1: Aggregation)
In the case where the scanning operation is performed (YES in S10070), the document is set on the document placing table of the document reading unit 102 but is scanned until the document is scanned (YES in S10080, NO in S10100). A preview is displayed at 130 in the second virtual mode (S10120). A display example of the touch panel display 130 at this time is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the preview area 3000 displays a preview using dummy data corresponding to the size and direction of the document set on the document table. A preview 3120 using dummy data including “ABC 1”, a bar graph, and a pie chart is displayed. Note that “ABC 1” or the like is a display based on dummy data stored in advance in the hard disk 302 or the like instead of scanned image data.

  When a document is set on the document placing table of the document reading unit 102, the preview displayed in the first virtual mode shown in FIG. 11 or 12 is changed to the preview displayed in the second virtual mode shown in FIG. . Therefore, the user can confirm that the CPU 300 of the image forming apparatus 100 has detected that a document has been placed.

  In this state, when the user sets the aggregation function (2 in 1) and the staple function (YES in S10140, S10150), the display on touch panel display 130 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, a preview 3122 corresponding to the function set by the user is displayed. Note that “ABC 2” and the like in the preview 3122 of FIG. 14 are not scanned image data but dummy data stored in the hard disk 302 or the like in advance.

  In this way, a preview using dummy data and a preview corresponding to the function set by the user are displayed until the document is set on the document placement table of the document reading unit 102 and scanned. Although dummy data is used, the overall finished state can be easily confirmed.

-Preview display operation in the second virtual mode (2: double-sided)
When the user sets the double-sided function in the state shown in FIG. 13 (YES in S10140, S10150), the display on touch panel display 130 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, a preview 3124 corresponding to the function set by the user is displayed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, a page feed button 3124A for previewing the back side and a display bar 3124B indicating the displayed page are displayed together with the preview 3124.

  When the page advance button 3124A displayed in the preview area 3000 shown in FIG. 15 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, the display on the touch panel display 130 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, a preview 3126 on the back surface corresponding to the function set by the user (preview 3124 is the front surface) is displayed. At this time, a page return button 3126A for displaying a preview of the surface and a display bar 3126B indicating the displayed page are displayed together with the preview 3126, as shown in FIG.

  Note that a page advance or page reverse may be performed by flicking the preview 3124 or the preview 3126. Further, the non-display page may be displayed by touching the non-display side of the display bar 3124A or the display bar 3126A.

  In this way, a preview using dummy data and a preview corresponding to the function set by the user are displayed until the document is set on the document placement table of the document reading unit 102 and scanned. Although dummy data is used, the overall finished state (front and back) can be easily confirmed.

-Preview display operation in the second virtual mode (Part 3: Book)
When scanning operation is performed (YES in S10070), a wide-open book or a thick original (hereinafter collectively referred to as a book) is set on the original table of the original reading unit 102. Until this is done (YES in S10080, NO in S10100), a preview is displayed on touch panel display 130 in the second virtual mode (S10120). A display example of the touch panel display 130 at this time is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the preview area 3000 displays a preview using dummy data corresponding to the size and direction of the book set on the document table. A preview 3128 using dummy data including “ABC 1”, a bar graph, and a pie chart is displayed.

  At this time, it is assumed that the set document is a book and has a thickness, and the document cover cannot be closed. In this way, the CPU 300 detects that the document cover is not closed, and the surrounding shadow 3128A is displayed in the preview 3128. At this time, frame deletion is displayed in the area 4108 of the action panel area 4000 as a recommended function. When a book is set on the document table of the document reading unit 102, a preview 3128 with a shadow 3128A displayed in the second virtual mode shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, and a frame erasing function is displayed as a recommended function. The

  In this state, when the user sets the frame deletion function (YES in S10140, S10150), the display on touch panel display 130 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, a preview 3130 corresponding to the function set by the user is displayed. A preview 3130 shown in FIG. 18 is obtained by deleting the shadow 3128A from the preview 3128 shown in FIG.

  In this way, a preview using dummy data and a preview corresponding to the function set by the user are displayed until the document is set on the document placement table of the document reading unit 102 and scanned. In particular, if it is determined that the book is copied with the book open (if the document is set but the document cover cannot be closed), the preview using dummy data is shaded and the frame erase function is recommended. Is displayed in the action panel area 4000.

Preview display operation in scan-in mode When a scan operation is performed (YES in S10070) and a document is set on the document placement table of document reading unit 102 and scanned (YES in S10080, S10100) YES), a preview is displayed on the touch panel display 130 in the scan-in mode (S10130). A display example of the touch panel display 130 at this time is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the preview area 3000 displays a preview using image data of a document set on the document table and scanned. A preview 3140 using scan data labeled “general catalog” or the like is displayed. Note that the preview 3140 is based on scanned image data and is not dummy data.

  When a document is set on the document table of the document reading unit 102 and the scan-in key 5102 in the task trigger area 5000 is pressed, a preview displayed in the second virtual mode shown in FIG. 13 is displayed in the scan-in mode shown in FIG. Changes to the displayed preview. Therefore, the user can confirm that the CPU 300 of the image forming apparatus 100 has detected that the document has been scanned.

  In this state, when the user sets the aggregation function (2 in 1), the punch function, and the staple function (YES in S10140, S10150), the display on touch panel display 130 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, a preview 3142 corresponding to the function set by the user is displayed. Note that the position of the staple 3142B in the preview 3142 is intentionally set at an incorrect position for convenience of explanation.

  The user who sees FIG. 20 notices that the position of the punch hole 3141A overlaps the information of the document and that the position of the staple 3142B is incorrect. For this reason, since the user can know that a mis-copy occurs before printing on paper, the problem of wasteful use of consumables (toner, recording paper, and staple) can be avoided. The user who has confirmed that there is no such a miscopy presses the scan-in key 5102 used when requesting the scan process again, and executes the copy. That is, the scan-in key 5102 is used both when a scan process is requested and when an image forming process is requested.

  In this way, when a document is set on the document table of the document reading unit 102 and scanned, a preview using the scan data and a preview according to the function set by the user are displayed, and the finished state is further improved. It can be confirmed in detail.

  As described above, in the scan-in mode in which the image data of the actually scanned document is used and a preview is displayed, a part of the document is set by setting punch holes or staples even though the margin is small. The preview can specifically confirm an error that the copy original cannot be opened when filing using the punch hole because the positional relationship between the punch hole and the staple is incorrect and filing using the punch hole. In addition to this, it is possible to check the finished state when frame deletion, user stamp, date, etc. are designated in the image editing function. As a result, it is possible to avoid miscopying that is not noticed by confirmation in the virtual mode.

Reflecting operation of function set in virtual mode to scan-in mode As described above, the preview 3142 shown in FIG. 20 is set in the scan-in mode shown in FIG. 19 by the user to set the aggregation function (2 in 1) and the staple function. Then, it demonstrated that it displayed on the touchscreen display 130. FIG. However, in the first virtual mode or the second virtual mode, the user sets the aggregation function (2 in 1) and the stapling function, sets the document on the document table of the document reading unit 102, and sets the task trigger area. Even if the 5000 scan-in key 5102 is pressed, the function set in the virtual mode is inherited. When the punch function is further set in the state shown in FIG. 12 or the state shown in FIG. 14 and the scan-in key 5102 is pressed, the preview shown in FIG. 20 is displayed (however, for convenience of description, the position of the staple is different). )

  As described above, the function set in the display mode other than the scan-in mode is reflected in the preview display in the scan-in mode.

[effect]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, different initial screens are displayed on the touch panel display by switching the operation mode. In this case, the touch panel display displays information having a common concept in each divided area according to a basic layout divided into a plurality of display areas. The preview area in the five areas of this basic layout (system area, function selection area, preview area, action panel area, and task trigger area) has three display modes, depending on the progress of the scanning process (scanning). Previously, a preview using scan data cannot be displayed), and an appropriate preview can be displayed. For this reason, the user can confirm the finish with a preview in an appropriate display mode in view of the importance of the original that he considers. For example, if the distribution destination includes company directors (high importance), check the finished status in scan-in mode to ensure that miscopying is eliminated, otherwise virtual mode is used. Check the finished state.

[Modification]
The PCU 300 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment may execute a scan process as follows.

  Before pressing the scan-in key 5102, set the scan resolution (default is low resolution / medium resolution / high resolution medium resolution), duplex scan / single scan (default is single scan) For example, the monochrome start key 5106 is pressed, and for color scanning, the color start key 5108 is pressed. Apart from such user settings (including default), the CPU 300 executes the scan process with the highest function (high resolution, double-sided, color).

  That is, regardless of the user settings, the CPU 300 scans both sides with high color resolution and stores the image data in the hard disk 302 or the like. Thereafter, a preview is displayed in the preview area 3000 before printing. At this time, even if the user changes the low resolution to the high resolution, the single-sided scan is changed to the double-sided scan, or the monochrome copy is changed to the color copy, the image data stored in the hard disk 302 is Since the data is obtained by scanning both sides of the document with high color resolution, there is no need to rescan. As described above, even if a difference occurs between the actual printing process and the process originally assumed by the user, the image forming apparatus 100 automatically recovers, so that it is not necessary to rescan.

  In addition, when printing and transmitting at low resolution using scan data stored at high resolution, when printing and transmitting at monochrome mode using scan data stored at color mode, When only one side is printed or transmitted using the scan data stored by the duplex scanning, the image data is converted so as to satisfy the specifications required by the user.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 120 Operation unit 130 Touch panel display 132 Display panel 134 Touch panel 140 Display operation part 142 Indicator lamp 144 Power key 146 Energy saving key 148 Home key 300 CPU
302 Hard disk 304 Network interface 306 ROM
308 RAM
310 bus

Claims (12)

A display device provided in the control target device,
Display means for displaying preview information, which is a result of processing executed by the function set in the control target device, before execution;
Display control means for displaying either the first preview information before the specific process is executed in the device to be controlled and the second preview information after the specific process is executed, Display equipment. The device to be controlled performs a first process of reading an original by an optical mechanism to create image data, and a second process of processing the created image data,
The display control means includes means for displaying either the first preview information before the first process is executed or the second preview information after the first process is executed. The display device according to claim 1. The device to be controlled performs a first process of reading an original by an optical mechanism to create image data, and a second process of processing the created image data,
The display control means displays first preview information before the first process is executed and second preview information after the first process is executed, and the first preview information is displayed. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying second preview information whose display mode has been changed based on the instruction.   The display control means includes first preview information based on a document size before the first process is executed and second preview information based on image data after the first process is executed. The display device according to claim 2, comprising means for displaying one of them.   The display control means displays first preview information in response to the document set on the optical mechanism, and second preview information in response to the document read by the optical mechanism. 5. A display device as claimed in claim 4, comprising means for displaying.   The display device according to claim 5, wherein the first preview information is information based on a size or an orientation of a document set on the optical mechanism.   The display device according to claim 5, wherein the second preview information is preview information obtained by reducing and displaying the image data.   5. The first preview information is based on any one of information before the document is set on the optical mechanism and information on the size or orientation of the document set on the optical mechanism. The display device described in 1. The control target device further executes a process of outputting the image data to a sheet,
The display device according to claim 8, wherein the information before the document is set on the optical mechanism is information about the sheet. The display device further includes setting means for setting functions in the control target device while displaying the preview information,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit includes a unit for displaying preview information reflecting the set function.   The electronic device provided with the display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-10.   An image processing apparatus comprising the display device according to claim 1.

Images