JP2011197926A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a message in a different state according to the level of the message, to draw attention from a user, to enable the user to easily recognize the message, and to surely transmit information.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is provided with: an input part to receive an operation input; a storage part to store each of messages while classifying those messages based on a plurality of levels; and a display part equipped with a message display area for displaying the state or picture of the apparatus, and displaying the message stored in the storage part, and to display the message on the message display area in a state different in level according to the level of the message, and to display the message with a change as the level of the message becomes higher.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multi-function peripheral, a printer, and a FAX apparatus having a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and an input unit such as a touch panel.

  For example, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a multifunction peripheral may be provided with a display unit that displays an operation state such as a warning or an abnormality. In order to notify the contents of warnings and abnormalities, for example, indicators such as lamps and LEDs may be provided on the display unit. However, in recent years, image forming apparatuses are becoming multifunctional. In response to this, warnings to inform the user increase, and a large number of lamps and indicators may be required. If too many indicators are provided, the operation panel cannot be downsized. Therefore, a liquid crystal display unit or the like for displaying an image may be provided to display icons and messages on this screen.

  Specifically, Patent Document 1 includes a display unit that displays an icon and a text message indicating a warning or abnormality notification, and an operation unit that operates to instruct the operation of the apparatus. The display unit is operated by the operation unit. If so, a recording device is described that erases the text message and leaves the icon displayed. With this configuration, the size of the operation panel is reduced, the text message is not disturbed in the operation, and the icon is kept displayed to maintain a state in which a warning or abnormality notification can be confirmed (Patent Document 1: Claim). 2. See paragraph [0009], FIG.

JP 2000-267515 A

  As described above, a liquid crystal display unit or the like may be included in the display unit of the image forming apparatus. A high-end model (high-priced model) image forming apparatus may be equipped with a liquid crystal display unit having a large panel size. However, in order to realize a low price, a liquid crystal display unit having a small panel size may be mounted on the image forming apparatus.

  In general, the smaller the panel size, the smaller the amount of information that can be displayed in one screen. For this reason, an area for displaying a message such as a warning may be narrowed. Even if the panel size is small, information such as setting screens and operation procedures may have to be packed in one screen. In this case, the display configuration of the screen is likely to be complicated, and messages and the like are difficult to see. . As described above, since the area for displaying the message is narrow and the message or the like is difficult to visually recognize, there is a problem that the user overlooks the message and it is difficult to convey the information reliably.

  Here, according to the invention described in Patent Document 1, the operation panel can be surely downsized. However, if the operation panel is miniaturized, the display unit for displaying the screen on the operation panel becomes smaller, and the area for displaying icons and messages becomes smaller. In addition, contents other than icons and messages are also displayed on the display unit described in Patent Document 1 (see each figure of Patent Document 1), and icons and messages may be difficult to visually recognize. Moreover, the message displayed on the display part of patent document 1 is only displayed, and there is no change. Therefore, it is impossible to solve the problem that information cannot be reliably transmitted due to oversight of the user's message.

  It is an object of the present invention to draw a user's attention, display a message in a different state depending on the level of the message, easily recognize the message, and reliably convey information.

  In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is configured to display an input unit that receives operation input, a storage unit that stores each message while being classified at a plurality of levels, a state of the device, and a screen. A message display area for displaying the message stored in the storage unit is displayed. The message is displayed in the message display area in a state that varies depending on the message level, and the higher level message is displayed with a change. And a display unit.

  According to this configuration, the message is displayed in a different state depending on the message level, and the higher level message is displayed with a change. Thereby, a change due to the message being displayed in a different state (expression) depending on the level can be provided, and the message can be watched. In addition, for example, higher-level messages can be more closely watched, such that important messages are positioned at a higher level. Therefore, even if the size of the display unit is small, the message is easily recognized, and information can be reliably transmitted to the user.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, the storage unit stores each message while classifying it at three levels, and the display unit stores messages classified at the lowest level. It is displayed without blinking, the message classified into the middle level is blinked and displayed, and the message classified into the highest level is blinked and displayed with an emphasis image.

  According to this configuration, messages classified into the lowest level are displayed in a non-flashing manner, messages classified into the middle level are displayed in a blinking manner, and messages classified into the highest level are assigned with an emphasis image. While blinking. In this way, the higher the message, the more the display changes due to blinking or the addition of an emphasis image, making it easier to watch. Therefore, by setting a message having a high importance level to a higher level, it is possible to easily select and recognize a message that is considered important, such as an error notification.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the display unit blinks and displays the highlighting image at a blinking cycle different from a message blinking cycle.

  According to this configuration, the emphasis image is displayed blinking at a blinking cycle different from the message blinking cycle. Thereby, it is possible to make the user gaze at the highest level message.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the invention, when the display unit requires one line for displaying a message, the message display area has a width corresponding to one character string, When a plurality of lines are required to display a message, the message display area is expanded to a width corresponding to a plurality of lines of character strings.

  According to this configuration, when one line is required for message display, the message display area is the width of one line of character string, and when multiple lines are required for message display, the message display area has multiple lines. Expanded to the width of the string. This makes it possible to display a message without interrupted display or reduced display even with a long message extending over a plurality of lines, such as a slightly complicated operation description. In addition, the size of the message display area is changed, and the message is more easily watched. Therefore, information can be reliably transmitted to the user.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the storage unit classifies and stores messages for explaining operations on the input unit at a level higher than the lowest level. It was decided to.

  According to this configuration, the message for explaining the operation on the input unit is classified into a higher level than the lowest level. This is an example of leveling, which makes it easy to visually recognize a message that assists and guides the user, and can eliminate troubles in the user by operation and setting.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the storage unit sends messages relating to device errors and maintenance to a higher level than messages for explaining operations on the input unit. It was decided to classify and memorize.

  When the image forming apparatus cannot be used, a message related to the error and maintenance of the apparatus is displayed. According to this configuration, the message related to the error and maintenance of the apparatus is more than the message for explaining the operation on the input unit. Are classified into higher levels. This is an example of leveling. As a result, messages with higher importance, such as error elimination, are set at higher levels, and messages with higher importance are more easily recognized.

  As described above, each message displayed in the message display area is leveled, and the display unit displays it in different states according to the message level. Thereby, the user's attention can be drawn and the message can be easily recognized. Therefore, the message (information contained in) can be reliably transmitted to the user.

It is a front model sectional view showing an example of a compound machine concerning an embodiment. It is a top view which shows an example of the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral or the like according to an embodiment. It is an example of the function selection screen displayed on the liquid crystal display part which concerns on embodiment, (a) shows an example of the function selection screen of a copy, (b) shows an example of the function selection screen of transmission. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message level classification table in the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the message of the level 2 which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the message of the level 3 which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the expansion of the message display area which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the display control of the message which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, in the present embodiment, description will be given by taking the multifunction peripheral 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of MFP 100)
First, an outline of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 1 for performing various settings related to the multifunction device 100 is provided in front of the multifunction device 100 (illustrated by a wavy line, details will be described later). In the upper part, an image reading unit 2 and a document conveying device 3 are provided. In addition, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a sheet feeding unit 4a, a conveyance path 4b, an image forming unit 5, an intermediate transfer unit 6a, a fixing unit 6b, a sheet discharge unit 7a, a double-side conveyance path 7b, and the like.

  The document feeder 3 has a document tray 31 on which a document to be read is placed. Then, the document conveying device 3 automatically and continuously conveys the documents one by one from the document tray 31 to the reading position (feed reading contact glass 21). The document conveying device 3 is attached to the image reading unit 2 so that it can be opened and closed in the vertical direction with the back side of the sheet of FIG. 1 as a fulcrum, and the contact glass of the image reading unit 2 (the contact glass 21 for feeding reading and the loading reading). It functions as a cover for pressing the contact glass 22) from above.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 2 includes a feed reading contact glass 21 on the upper surface and a placement reading contact glass 22 on which a document is placed when reading a document such as a book one by one. Including. In the image reading unit 2, a lamp, a mirror, a lens, an image sensor, and the like (not shown) are arranged. The image sensor reads the original based on the reflected light of the original passing through the feed reading contact glass 21 or the original placed on the placement reading contact glass 22. Then, the image sensor converts the reflected light into an analog electrical signal corresponding to the image density, and then performs quantization, and as a result, image data of the document is obtained. Note that the image reading unit 2 of the present embodiment can also read in color, and can also read in black and white.

  Each of the plurality of paper feed units 4a in the MFP 100 main body has a size (for example, A type, A type such as B4, B type paper, etc.), various types of paper (for example, copy paper, recycled paper, cardboard, OHP sheet). Etc.). Each paper feed unit 4a includes a paper feed roller 41 that is driven to rotate, and feeds paper one by one to the transport path 4b during printing.

  The conveyance path 4b is a path through which the sheet is conveyed from the sheet feeding unit 4a to the image forming unit 5 in the apparatus. In the conveyance path 4b, a guide plate for guiding the sheet, a pair of conveyance rollers 42, 43, and 44 that are rotationally driven during the conveyance of the sheet, and the sheet to be conveyed are put on standby in front of the image forming unit 5 to form the sheet. A registration roller pair 45 and the like for sending out the paper in accordance with the transfer timing of the toner image is provided.

  The image forming unit 5 includes a plurality of image forming units 50 (50 Bk for black, 50 Y for yellow, 50 C for cyan, 50 M for magenta) and an exposure device 51. The exposure device 51 outputs laser light while turning it on and off based on image data read by the image reading unit 2 and image data stored in a storage device 92 described later, and scans and exposes each photosensitive drum. The image forming unit 50 includes a photosensitive drum that is rotatably supported, and a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, and the like disposed around the photosensitive drum. Then, a toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum by each image forming unit 50 and the exposure device 51.

  The intermediate transfer unit 6a receives the primary transfer of the toner image from each image forming unit 50, and performs the secondary transfer on the sheet. The intermediate transfer unit 6a includes primary transfer rollers 61Bk to 61M, an intermediate transfer belt 62, a driving roller 63, a plurality of driven rollers 64, a secondary transfer roller 65, a belt cleaning device 66, and the like. Each primary transfer roller 61 </ b> Bk to 61 </ b> M sandwiches a corresponding photosensitive drum and an endless intermediate transfer belt 62. A transfer voltage is applied to each of the primary transfer rollers 61 </ b> Bk to 61 </ b> M, and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 62.

  The intermediate transfer belt 62 is stretched around a drive roller 63 and the like, and rotates around the drive roller 63 connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor. The driving roller 63 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 62 with the secondary transfer roller 65. The toner images (black, yellow, cyan, and magenta) formed by each image forming unit 50 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 62 in a superimposed manner without misalignment, and then applied with a predetermined voltage. The image is transferred onto the sheet by the secondary transfer roller 65.

  The fixing unit 6b fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 6b is mainly composed of a heating roller 67 containing a heating element and a pressure roller 68 in pressure contact therewith. When the paper passes through the nip between the heating roller 67 and the pressure roller 68, the toner is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the paper.

  The paper discharge unit 7a is provided on the downstream side of the sheet conveyance of the fixing unit 6b. Further, when performing double-sided printing, the paper discharge unit 7a is connected to a double-sided conveyance path 7b for conveying the single-sided printed paper to the upstream side of the registration roller pair 45 again.

  The paper discharge portion 7a has a discharge roller pair 71 that can rotate forward and reverse. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 6 b is conveyed toward the discharge roller pair 71. The discharge roller pair 71 rotates in the direction of transporting the paper in the direction of the discharge tray 72 at the time of single-sided printing or when double-sided printing is completed. As a result, the printed paper is discharged to the discharge tray 72.

  On the other hand, when a single-sided printed sheet is fed during duplex printing, the discharge roller pair 71 rotates in the direction of discharging the single-sided printed sheet to the discharge tray 72, but reverses before discharging the single-sided printed sheet. Rotate. By this switchback, the paper that is fed back in the in-machine direction is guided to the duplex conveying path 7b.

  The double-sided conveyance path 7b is provided with a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 73, 74, and 75 for double-sided printing. Each double-sided printing conveyance roller pair 73 to 75 rotates and guides the single-side printed paper upstream of the registration roller pair 45.

(Operation panel 1)
Next, an example of the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation panel 1 is provided above the front surface of the multifunction device 100, and includes menus and keys (see FIG. 5) for setting the multifunction device 100 and giving operation instructions, It has a liquid crystal display unit 8 (corresponding to a display unit) for displaying various images such as messages in a state such as 100 and a screen. The user can press various keys displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 to perform various settings and operation instructions for copying of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In addition, a touch panel unit 11 (corresponding to an input unit) is provided on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display unit 8, and the touch panel unit 11 detects the position and coordinates of the portion of the liquid crystal display unit 8 pressed by the user. Is. The detected coordinates using the touch panel unit 11 are compared with the positions and coordinates of various keys shown on the liquid crystal display unit 8, and the key selected by pressing by the user is specified. In addition, as the touch panel part 11, those of each system such as a resistive film system, a surface acoustic wave system, an infrared system, a capacitance system, etc. can be adopted and there is no particular limitation.

  The operation panel 1 is provided with the following hardware keys (buttons). For example, a numeric keypad 12 for inputting numbers, a start key 13 for instructing to start a job such as copying after various settings, a stop key 14 for stopping a started job, and the like are provided. Further, a copy key 15 that is pressed when using the copy function, a transmission key 16 that is pressed when using the scanner function, and the FAX function are provided. As described above, the operation panel 1 includes the touch panel unit 11 and various hard keys. The touch panel unit 11 and various hard keys function as an input unit that performs various settings, mode selections, and the like for each function of the multifunction peripheral 100. To do.

(Hardware configuration of MFP 100 etc.)
Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the like according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main body side of the multifunction device 100 will be described. A control unit 9 is provided in the MFP 100 main body. The control unit 9 is connected to, for example, the operation panel 1, the document conveyance device 3, the image reading unit 2, the paper feeding unit 4a, the conveyance path 4b, the image forming unit 5, the fixing unit 6b, and the like, and performs these controls.

  The control unit 9 includes elements such as a CPU 91, for example. The CPU 91 is stored in a storage device 92 (corresponding to a storage unit), performs calculations based on a developed control program, and controls each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100. The control unit 9 is configured for each function, such as a main control unit that performs overall control and image processing, an engine control unit that controls printing by performing ON / OFF of a motor that rotates an image forming and various rotating bodies, and the like. Multiple types may be provided by dividing. In this description, a mode in which these are combined as one control unit 9 will be shown and described.

  The storage device 92 is connected to the control unit 9. The storage device 92 is configured by combining nonvolatile and volatile storage devices 92 such as ROM, RAM, and HDD. The storage device 92 can store various data such as a control program, control data, setting data, and image data for the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The control unit 9 is connected to an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as I / F unit 93) including various connectors, sockets, a FAX modem, and the like. The I / F unit 93 is connected to a plurality of external computers 200 (for example, personal computers) and a counterpart FAX apparatus 300 (only one is shown for convenience in FIG. 7) via a network, a public line, or the like. For example, the image data obtained by the image reading unit 2 can be stored in the storage device 92 or transmitted to the external computer 200 or the counterpart FAX device 300 (scanner function, FAX function). It is also possible to perform printing, FAX transmission, etc. based on image data transmitted from the external computer 200 or the partner FAX apparatus 300 and input to the multifunction peripheral 100 (printer function, FAX function).

  In addition, the control unit 9 recognizes the input made on the operation panel 1 and controls the multi-function device 100 so that copying or the like is performed according to the setting of the user. For example, when it is set on the operation panel 1 that the paper feed unit 4a to be used is designated and copied, the control unit 9 feeds paper from the designated paper feed unit 4a. or. The control unit 9 causes the I / F unit 93 to transmit the image data to the transmission destination specified on the operation panel 1.

  Further, for example, the control unit 9 performs image processing on image data obtained by reading a document by the image reading unit 2 or image data input to the multifunction peripheral 100 via the I / F unit 93. A processing unit 94 is provided. For example, the image data processed by the image processing unit 94 is transmitted to the exposure device 51, used for scanning / exposure of the photosensitive drum, and transmitted to the I / F unit 93 and transmitted to the outside.

  The operation panel 1 of this embodiment includes a display control unit 10, a memory 17 (corresponding to a storage unit), a driver circuit 18, a liquid crystal display unit 8, and a touch panel unit 11. The display control unit 10 is configured by a CPU, an IC, and the like, controls the display of the liquid crystal display unit 8, receives the output of the touch panel unit 11, and specifies the coordinates pressed on the liquid crystal display unit 8. Data such as a table indicating the correspondence between the output of the touch panel unit 11 and the coordinates is stored in the memory 17. The display control unit 10 identifies and recognizes the key selected (pressed) on the setting screen by comparing the coordinates of the pressed position with the image data of each setting screen.

  Specifically, in order to select setting items for each function of the multifunction peripheral 100 and set the setting values, the selection of keys displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 from the top layer display on the liquid crystal display unit 8 is repeated. Then, each time the key is selected, the display control unit 10 switches the display of the liquid crystal display unit 8, and finally the setting value of the function to be selected and set is set. The display control unit 10 recognizes that this function has been selected and set, and transmits the content to the control unit 9 of the main body. Accordingly, the control unit 9 causes each unit such as the image forming unit 5 to perform an operation reflecting the function selected and set on the operation panel 1. Then, the user's intention is reflected in printing, transmission, and the like (for example, density setting and enlargement / reduction).

  The screen and image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 are stored in, for example, the memory 17 in the operation panel 1. Accordingly, the display control unit 10 reads the image data of the screen to be displayed next from the memory 17 every time the setting item selection screen or a key in each setting screen is pressed.

  The screen and image data displayed by the liquid crystal display unit 8 may be stored in the storage device 92 on the main body side, for example. In this case, the operation panel 1 receives image data for displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 8 from the storage device 92 via the control unit 9. Upon receiving this image data, the display control unit 10 gives an instruction to the driver circuit 18 that actually controls the display of the liquid crystal screen. The operation panel 1 may not be provided with the display control unit 10 and the memory 17, and the functions of the display control unit 10 and the memory 17 may be substituted for the configuration of the control unit 9 (the CPU 91 and the storage device 92).

(Display on the liquid crystal display 8)
Next, an example of display on the liquid crystal display unit 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4A and 4B are examples of a function selection screen DS displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows an example of a copy function selection screen DS, and FIG. 4B shows a transmission function. An example of the selection screen DS is shown.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment has a large number of functions that can be set. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays a function selection screen DS for selecting a function to be set from a plurality of functions. The user selects a function (setting item) used for printing or transmission. For example, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays each function as a key. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays a setting screen related to the selected function.

  For example, FIG. 4A is an example of a copy function selection screen DS1 displayed when the copy key 15 is pressed. For example, in the copy function selection screen DS1 shown in FIG. 4A, a paper selection key K1 for selecting the type of paper to be used among the papers stored in the paper supply unit 4a, and enlargement / reduction in copying are performed. An enlargement / reduction key K2 for setting, a density key K3 for setting a print density, a duplex / division key K4 for setting double-sided printing and a divided printing function, and reducing a document for a plurality of pages. A page aggregation key K5 for setting an aggregation printing function for laying out one page (for example, 2 in 1) and a document image quality key K6 for setting the image quality of the document are arranged.

  On the function selection screen DS1, keys of some extracted functions among the functions related to copying are displayed. The keys extracted and displayed on the function selection screen DS1 can be arbitrarily set according to the actual usage of the user. Accordingly, the user can quickly open a setting screen for frequently used functions.

  When selecting a function other than those indicated by the above six keys, the user presses a function list key K7 disposed below the function selection screen DS1. Then, a list of functions that can be used for copying of the multifunction device 100 is displayed. For example, with regard to copying, the MFP 100, for example, document image quality (characters, photos, characters + photos, etc.), copy density, paper selection, magnification, eco print, margin, center shift, frame erase, duplex / split ( Single side → double side, double side → single side, spread page → double side, etc.), booklet, cover attachment, original set orientation, original size, sorting, sorting, black and white reversal, mirror image printing, pagination, image composition, aggregation (2in1, 4in1, etc.), Functions such as margin addition, continuous read batch printing, trial copy, recopy, stapling and punching can be used and set. Details of each function are omitted for convenience.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4B is an example of a function selection screen DS2 relating to transmission of image data such as scanning and FAX displayed when the transmission key 16 is pressed. For example, in the function selection screen DS2 for image data transmission shown in FIG. 4B, a plurality of transmission destinations are displayed, and addresses to be pressed when using the address book function for narrowing down and setting the transmission destinations. Book key K8, enlargement / reduction key K9 for setting enlargement / reduction in transmission, transmission density key K10 for setting the density of image data to be transmitted, originals printed on both sides and spread pages A double-sided / two-page spread original key K11 for setting the reading in the document, a reading resolution key K12 for setting the reading resolution of the original, and the file format of the image data to be transmitted (for example, PDF, TIFF, JPEG, etc.) A file format key K13 for setting is arranged.

  Also on this function selection screen DS2, keys of some extracted functions among the functions related to transmission are displayed. The keys extracted and displayed on the function selection screen DS2 can be arbitrarily set according to the actual usage of the user.

  When selecting a function other than those indicated by the above six keys, the user presses the function list key K7 arranged below on the function selection screen DS2. Then, a list of functions that can be used for transmission of the multifunction peripheral 100 is displayed. For example, regarding scanning, document size, transmission size, resolution, document orientation, saved file format, image quality (density, color mode, compression rate, image quality of documents such as photos and characters, etc.), division, frame erasing, and output per page Functions such as continuous reading, file name input, center movement, destination selection, destination registration, password, e-mail transmission, and other party reception confirmation can be used and set.

  Also, regarding FAX, local station information registration (FAX number, ID, etc.), direct transmission, memory transmission, rotation communication, batch transmission, F-code communication, reception when out of paper, shortened number, document density, document size, destination selection , Destination registration, redial, duplex transmission, enlargement / reduction transmission, reserved transmission, interrupt transmission, timed communication, polling communication, relay transmission, transfer of received image data, encryption communication, communication result notification, paper size confirmation, aggregation (2 in 1 etc.), functions such as double-sided reception can be used and set. The details of the scan and FAX functions are omitted for convenience.

  As described above, the user selects keys displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8, keys displayed on the setting screen for the selected function, and various hard keys arranged around the liquid crystal display unit 8. Etc., and various functions can be selected and set.

(Outline of message display area F)
Next, the outline of the message display area F according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In each figure, a message display area F is provided in the liquid crystal display unit 8 so as to be surrounded by a broken line. The message display area F is an area for displaying a state of the multi-function device 100 and an explanation of operations in settings to the user. In the message display area F, the left side is a character message area F1 that displays a character message, and the right side is an icon display area F2 that displays icons and time.

  The message display area F is fixedly displayed not only on each function selection screen DS but also on each function setting screen. In other words, the message display area F is always displayed even when the display screen (display content) of the liquid crystal display unit 8 is switched.

(Message level)
Next, an example of message level classification in the MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message level classification table in the MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Many messages are displayed in the character message area F1 in the message display area F. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, regarding the state of the MFP 100, “Can copy”, “Can send”, “Cancel”, “Printing”, “Sending”. , “Jam has occurred.”, “Document reading error.” And the like are prepared. Further, for example, regarding the setting operation on the operation panel 1, messages such as “It is an address book” and “Please enter the fax number of the other party using the numeric keypad” are prepared. These messages are examples, and there are many types of messages. As shown in FIG. 5, message display conditions are determined in advance, and the message is displayed according to the state of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation status on the operation panel 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the multi-function device 100 of this embodiment, each message is classified according to the level of importance. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the larger the level number, the higher the level, and the example of the level is three stages. The level may be further multi-stage or two stages.

  The level at which each message is allocated is arbitrary. In the example of the present embodiment, a message (error message or maintenance message) displayed in a state in which an operation or operation on the multi-function peripheral 100 cannot be performed or does not proceed such as an error state or out of toner is assumed to have a high importance level 3 Assigned to the highest level.

  Further, in the example of the present embodiment, messages such as the job execution status of the device and the explanation of the setting on the operation panel 1 are assigned to level 2 (medium level) as relatively important. That is, the storage unit (storage device 92, memory 17) classifies and stores messages for explaining operations on the input unit (touch panel unit 11 and the like) at a level higher than the lowest level (level 1). . The storage unit (storage device 92, memory 17) classifies and stores messages related to device errors and maintenance at a higher level than messages for explaining operations on the input unit (touch panel unit 11 or the like). .

  In the example of the present embodiment, level 1 (the lowest level) is assigned to messages not corresponding to level 2 or level 3. For example, level 1 is an urgent or user confirmation such as a level 3 or level 2 message that does not interfere with job execution or setting on the operation panel 1 even if the user does not confirm the message. Assigned to messages that have a low need for recognition.

  As shown in FIG. 5, message data (for example, text data, for example) expressed in a table format and defining a message, display conditions, and level is stored in the memory 17 of the operation panel 1. The message data may be stored in the storage device 92. Then, when displaying the message, the display control unit 10 confirms the message data and confirms the level of the message to be displayed.

(Message display status level 1)
Next, an example of a display mode of a level 1 message according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  Messages classified as level 1 are only displayed, for example. In other words, the liquid crystal display unit 8 does not change the display state of the level 1 message. For example, in the example of FIG. 4A, the message “can be copied” remains displayed while it is necessary to display, and in the example of FIG. 4B, the message “can be sent” It remains displayed as long as it needs to be displayed.

(Message display status level 2)
Next, an example of a display mode of a level 2 message according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of a level 2 message according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, as an example of the level 2 message, the message “Cancel” is described.

  A message classified into level 2 is provided with a change in the display state of the message, for example, blinking. In other words, the liquid crystal display unit 8 repeats the display state and non-display state of the level 2 message. The liquid crystal display unit 8 repeats display for a certain time (for example, 1 to several seconds (for example, 1.5 seconds)) and non-display for a certain time (for example, 1 to several seconds (for example, 1.5 seconds)). Humans tend to watch for changing points. Therefore, it is possible to direct the user to confirm the content of the message by changing the display state of the message.

  For example, FIG. 6 shows a display example of a message “Aborting” classified as level 2. When start of copy or image data transmission is instructed by the start key 13 and job execution is started, but the stop key 14 (see FIG. 2) is pressed to instruct to stop job execution, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays “ “Cancel” message is displayed in the message display area F.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the liquid crystal display unit 8 repeats display and non-display of the level 2 message. In other words, the liquid crystal display unit 8 blinks and displays the level 2 message.

(Message display status level 3)
Next, an example of a display mode of a level 3 message according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode of a level 3 message according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, a message “Jam has occurred.” Will be described as an example of the level 3 message.

  A message classified into level 3 is provided with a change in the display state of the message, for example, blinking. Further, an emphasis image i is attached to the message. In other words, the liquid crystal display unit 8 repeats the display state and non-display state of the level 3 message while attaching the enhancement image i.

  Here, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, “→” is exemplified as the emphasis image i. However, the image is not limited to the arrow, and may be any image such as “!” Or “◎”. Can be used as the emphasis image i.

  The liquid crystal display unit 8 displays a level 3 message for a certain time (for example, 1 to several seconds (for example, 1.5 seconds)) and a certain time (for example, 1 to several seconds (for example, 1.5 seconds)). Repeat hiding. Further, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays the emphasis image i for a certain time (for example, 0.5 to several seconds (for example, 0.75 seconds)) and a certain time (for example, 0.5 to several seconds (for example, 0). Repeat for 75 seconds)). As a result, more change points and display modes can be provided than the level 2 message display that is simply blinked, and the content of the message can be confirmed by the user as compared to the level 2 message display. .

  For example, FIG. 7 shows a display example of a message “Jam has occurred” classified into level 3. This message is displayed when a paper jam occurs during printing.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 is provided with a sheet detection sensor S1 for detecting arrival and passage of a plurality of sheets along the sheet conveyance path (see FIG. 1). For example, the output of the sheet detection sensor S1 varies depending on whether or not the presence of the sheet is detected (for example, an optical sensor, see FIG. 1).

  The output of each paper detection sensor S1 is input to the control unit 9 (see FIG. 3). The control unit 9 grasps the conveyance state of the paper, and when it should detect the arrival of the paper but does not detect the arrival, when it should detect the passage of the paper but does not detect the passage, it jams in the conveyance path 4b in printing. Recognize that (clogging) has occurred. When recognizing the occurrence of a jam, the control unit 9 stops printing in order to prevent further paper jam.

  Then, the control unit 9 instructs the display control unit 10 to display on the liquid crystal display unit 8 that the jam has occurred, and prompts the user to perform jam processing (removal of paper from the transport path 4b and the like). A document detection sensor S2 similar to the sheet detection sensor S1 is also provided in the document conveyance path 32 of the document conveyance device 3 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The control unit 9 receives the output of the document detection sensor S2, and based on this output, recognizes the occurrence of a document reading error due to a document feed error or a jam in the document transport path 32. When this document reading error occurs, the control unit 9 instructs the display control unit 10 to display a message “document reading error” (level 3) on the liquid crystal display unit 8.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the level 3 message, the liquid crystal display unit 8 repeats the display state and the non-display state of the emphasis image i and the message. FIG. 7 shows a change in display in the message display area F when the display / non-display period of the emphasis image i is 0.75 seconds and the display / non-display period of the message is 1.5 seconds. ing.

  As shown in the uppermost diagram of FIG. 7, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays the enhancement image i and a message at the same time. Thereafter, as shown in the second drawing from the top in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays a message and does not display the enhancement image i. Further, when time elapses, as shown in the third drawing from the top in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays the emphasis image i and does not display the message. Then, as shown at the bottom of FIG. 7, the liquid crystal display unit 8 stops displaying the enhancement image i and the message. Then, again, as shown in the uppermost drawing of FIG. 7, the liquid crystal display unit 8 simultaneously displays the enhancement image i and the message.

  As described above, the display in the message display area F changes to four modes by changing the display / non-display cycle of the emphasis image i and the display / non-display cycle of the message.

  That is, the storage unit (storage device 92, memory 17) stores each message while classifying it at three levels, and the display unit (liquid crystal display unit 8) stores the message classified at the lowest level (level 1). Is displayed without blinking, the message classified to the middle level (level 2) is blinked and displayed, and the message classified to the highest level (level 3) is blinked with the emphasis image i attached. To display. The display unit (liquid crystal display unit 8) blinks and displays the emphasis image i at a blinking cycle different from the message blinking cycle.

(Expansion of message display area F)
Next, an example of expansion of the message display area F according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an enlargement of the message display area F according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the setting of image data transmission in the address book will be described as an example.

  The screen shown in the upper part of FIG. 8 is an address book screen DA displayed when the address book is opened. When the address book key K8 is pressed on the function selection screen DS2 shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays the screen shown in the upper part of FIG.

  On the address book screen DA, destination information including the name of the destination of the image data and the destination address (e-mail address or FAX number) is displayed in a list format. A first refinement key group KG1 is arranged below the address book screen DA. The transmission destination information is stored in, for example, the memory 17 of the operation panel 1 (the storage device 92 in the multifunction peripheral 100 may be used).

  The first narrowing key group KG1 includes a plurality of keys in which the first character, numbers, and alphabets of each line of hiragana are arranged. Then, when a key in the first narrowing key group KG1 is pressed, the display control unit 10 narrows down the destination information included in the address book with the initial letter of the name and displays the narrowed result. The screen shown in the upper part of FIG. 8 shows an example of a state in which the destination information is narrowed down by pressing the “ka” key in the first narrowing key group KG1 and “ka row”.

  A second narrowing key group KG2 is provided below the first narrowing key group KG1. The second narrow-down key group KG2 transmits image data obtained by reading a document by transmission methods (e-mail, storage in a folder in the storage device 92 in the multifunction peripheral 100, FAX, Internet FAX, etc.). This is a key group for narrowing down the previous information.

  Further, an OK key K14 and a cancel key K15 are arranged at the bottom of the address book screen DA. The OK key K14 is pressed when the designation of the transmission destination is completed, and the cancel key K15 is depressed when the designation of the transmission destination is stopped.

  On the right side of the address book screen DA, a key for performing transmission to unregistered transmission destinations (not listed in the address book screen DA) that is not stored is arranged. When the new mail key K16 is pressed, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays an e-mail address input screen for sending image data. In addition, when the new folder key K17 is pressed, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays a folder input screen for sending image data. Further, when the new FAX key K18 is pressed, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays the FAX number input screen DF of the partner FAX apparatus 300 to which image data is sent. Further, when the new i-FAX key K19 is pressed, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays an address input screen of the partner Internet FAX apparatus 300 to which image data is sent.

  8 illustrates an example of a state in which the new FAX key K18 is pressed and the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays the FAX number input screen DF of the counterpart FAX apparatus 300. The FAX number input screen DF is provided with a FAX number display field B1 for displaying the FAX numbers input so far. A registration key K20 that is pressed when registering the input FAX number in the address book, a cancel key K21 that is pressed when input of the FAX number is stopped, and an OK key K22 that completes the input of the FAX number are provided. Arranged.

  In the display state of the FAX number input screen DF shown in the lower part of FIG. 8, the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays a message “Please input the other party's FAX number using the numeric keypad” in the message display area F. indicate. Since this message is a message explaining the operation method, it is classified into level 2 (see FIG. 5).

  The message “Please enter the fax number of the other party using the numeric keypad” cannot be displayed on one line. Therefore, the liquid crystal display unit 8 enlarges the message display area F and displays a message over two lines. Thereby, even if the number of words of the message is large, the message can be displayed without being reduced.

  That is, the display unit (liquid crystal display unit 8) sets the message display area F to the width of one line of character string when one line is necessary for displaying a message, and when a plurality of lines are necessary for displaying a message, the message is displayed. The display area F is expanded to a width corresponding to a plurality of lines of character strings.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, an example in which the message display area F is expanded to a width of 2 lines is shown, but the liquid crystal display unit 8 has a width of 3 lines or more according to the number of words (length) of the message. The message display area F may be enlarged.

(Message display control)
Next, an example of message display control according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of message display control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 shows an example of display control for one message. Therefore, the display control shown in FIG. 9 is performed every time the message is switched. In other words, the display control of FIG. 9 is performed every time the message to be displayed changes due to the input to the operation panel 1 by the user, the state change of the multifunction device 100, or the like.

  The start shown in FIG. 9 is a point in time when there is a need to display a message or switch display. Then, the display control unit 10 confirms the message to be displayed and the table, and confirms the message level (step # 1).

  Next, the display control unit 10 confirms the number of characters (length) of the message, and confirms whether or not the message display area F should be expanded beyond the width of two lines (step # 2). When the message display area F is to be enlarged (Yes in step # 2), the liquid crystal display unit 8 enlarges and displays the message display area F (increases the display width, step # 3). Then, the process proceeds to step # 4. On the other hand, if it is not necessary to enlarge the message display area F (No in step # 2), the process proceeds to step # 4 without enlarging the message display area F.

  Then, the display control unit 10 confirms whether the message to be displayed is level 1 (the lowest level) (step # 4). If it is level 1 (Yes in step # 4), the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays the message in the message display area F without changing it (step # 5).

  Then, the display control unit 10 causes the liquid crystal display unit 8 to continue displaying the currently displayed message until a new input to the operation panel 1 or a change in the state of the multifunction device 100 is made. When there is a new input to the operation panel 1 or a change in the state of the multifunction device 100, the display control unit 10 ends the display control (end).

  If the message to be displayed is not level 1 (No in step # 4), the display control unit 10 confirms whether the message to be displayed is level 2 (intermediate level) (step # 6). If it is level 2 (Yes in step # 6), the liquid crystal display unit 8 displays the message in the message display area F while blinking (step # 7).

  Similarly to the display of the level 1 message, the display control unit 10 displays the blinking display of the currently displayed message on the liquid crystal display until there is a new input to the operation panel 1 or a change in the state of the multifunction device 100. Continue to Part 8. When there is a new input to the operation panel 1 or a change in the state of the multifunction device 100, the display control unit 10 ends the display control (end).

  On the other hand, if it is not level 2 (No in step # 6), the message to be displayed is level 3 (the highest level) in the case of the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment. Therefore, the liquid crystal display unit 8 attaches the emphasis image i to the message and blinks the message and the emphasis image i in the message display area F (step # 8).

  Similarly to the display of the level 1 and level 2 messages, the display control unit 10 blinks the currently displayed message until there is a new input to the operation panel 1 or a change in the state of the multifunction device 100. Is continued on the liquid crystal display unit 8. When there is a new input to the operation panel 1 or a change in the state of the multifunction device 100, the display control unit 10 ends the display control (end).

  In this manner, the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction peripheral 100) of the present invention includes an input unit (touch panel unit 11 or the like) that receives operation inputs, and a storage unit (storage) that stores each message while being classified at a plurality of levels. Device 92, memory 17) and a message display area F for displaying messages stored in the storage unit (storage device 92, memory 17) as well as the status and screen of the device, depending on the level of the message In the state, a message is displayed in the message display area F, and a display unit (liquid crystal display unit 8) for displaying a message with a higher level message is provided.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, messages are displayed in different states depending on the message level. Thereby, a change due to the message being displayed in a different state (expression) depending on the level can be provided, and the message can be watched. In addition, for example, higher-level messages can be more closely watched, such that important messages are positioned at a higher level. Therefore, even if the size of the display unit (liquid crystal display unit 8) is small, the message is easily recognized, and information can be reliably transmitted to the user.

  Messages classified into the lowest level (level 1) are displayed in a non-flashing manner, and messages classified into the middle level (level 2) are displayed in a blinking manner and classified into the highest level (level 3). The message is displayed blinking with an emphasis image i attached. As described above, the higher the message, the more the display is changed by the blinking or the addition of the emphasis image i. Therefore, by setting a message having a high importance level to a higher level, it is possible to easily select and recognize a message that is considered important, such as an error notification. Further, the emphasis image i is displayed blinking at a blinking cycle different from the message blinking cycle. Thereby, it is possible to make the user gaze at the highest level message.

  In addition, when one line is required for displaying a message, the message display area F has a width corresponding to one line of character string. When multiple lines are required for displaying a message, the message display area F has a plurality of character strings. Widened to the width of minutes. This makes it possible to display a message without interrupted display or reduced display even with a long message extending over a plurality of lines, such as a slightly complicated operation description. Moreover, a change is given about the magnitude | size of the message display area F, and it becomes easy to watch a message more. Therefore, information can be reliably transmitted to the user.

  Messages for explaining operations on the input unit (touch panel unit 11 and the like) are classified into a higher level than the lowest level (level 1). This is an example of leveling, which makes it easy to visually recognize a message that assists and guides the user, and can eliminate troubles in the user by operation and setting.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction peripheral 100) cannot be used, a message regarding the error and maintenance of the apparatus is displayed. According to this configuration, the message regarding the error and maintenance of the apparatus is displayed on the input unit ( The message is classified into a higher level than the message for explaining the operation on the touch panel unit 11 or the like. This is an example of leveling. As a result, messages with higher importance, such as error elimination, are set at higher levels, and messages with higher importance are more easily recognized.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, as an example of changing the display state of the message depending on the level, an example of blinking is shown, but in order to change the display state of the message depending on the level, the display color of the message may be changed, You may carry out in the mode of black-and-white reversal, and the message display state should just differ according to a level.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus having a display unit such as a liquid crystal display unit and an input unit such as a touch panel unit.

11 Touch panel section (input section) 13 Start key (input section)
12 Numeric keypad (input unit) 14 Stop key (input unit)
15 Copy key (input part) 16 Send key (input part)
17 Memory (storage part) 8 Liquid crystal display part (display part)
92 Storage Device (Storage Unit) 100 Multifunction Device (Image Forming Device)
F Message display area

Claims (6)

An input unit for receiving operation inputs;
A storage unit for storing each message while classifying it at a plurality of levels;
In addition to displaying the status of the device and the screen, the message display area for displaying the message stored in the storage unit, the message is displayed in the message display area in a different state depending on the message level, An image forming apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays a message with a level being changed. The storage unit stores each message while categorizing at three levels,
The display unit displays the message classified at the lowest level without blinking, displays the message classified at the middle level blinking, and attaches the highlighting image to the message classified at the highest level. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus blinks and displays the image.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit blinks and displays the highlighting image at a blinking cycle different from a message blinking cycle.   The display unit sets the message display area to a width corresponding to one line of character string when one line is required for displaying a message, and when the message display area requires a plurality of lines, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is widened to a width of a character string.   5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit classifies and stores messages for explaining operations on the input unit at a level higher than the lowest level. 6. Image forming apparatus.   6. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit classifies and stores messages related to device errors and maintenance at a higher level than messages for explaining operations on the input unit. The image forming apparatus described in the item.

Images