JP2012029008A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus enabling a user to easily recognize the condition of a manuscript to be sent at the time of FAX transmission.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 100, designed to function as an image transmitter which has an operation unit 120 including an original reading section 102, storage means 105 for storing image data, image output means 107, display image generation means 137 for generating display images, a display panel 132 and an operation unit side control section 131 that guides and displays the situation of input of image data on the display panel 132, is provided with display image displaying means 1310 for displaying the display images on the display panel 132 when FAX transmission is started, display image rotation means 1316 for changing directions of the display images, and output image displaying means 1315 for moving/displaying the display images toward the end part of the display panel 132 after the directions of the display images are changed, as a configuration of the operation unit side control section 131.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus such as a facsimile that transmits an image, and more particularly, to an image transmission apparatus including an image display operation apparatus capable of preview display of a plurality of pages of document images.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus equipped with an image editing function for selecting a desired editing function from a variety of editing functions for an original image (input image) and completing an output product is known. In particular, in a so-called digital multi-function peripheral having a printer function, a copy function, a FAX function, and the like, a manuscript image (input image) is handled as image data, and thus a digital image forming apparatus capable of editing various images. It is realized as.

  In such an image forming apparatus, a display operation unit such as a liquid crystal touch panel is provided in order to perform settings when executing the various functions described above. Recent digital MFPs have multiple functions and a large number of items to be set, so it is required to display an easy-to-understand setting screen and reduce the burden of setting operations by users. ing.

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when various functions are provided, when a function desired by a user is selected and output as an image, in what form the output product is provided, combined functions increase. Each time it becomes difficult to imagine a finished product, and in some cases, the output product does not become the desired output, and is output as a waste image recording product.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus including an image display operation device that can display a preview image of a plurality of pages of a document is known. According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to confirm the read original document before outputting it by displaying the processing result obtained by scanning the document in advance (pre-scan) before executing the job on the display screen. it can.

  As a conventional technique, for example, an image forming apparatus includes display processing means for displaying setting items used for image processing and preview information indicating an outline of the result of image processing on the same screen of the display means, and displays preview information. What is displayed on the means is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

  According to the image forming apparatus described above, when the pre-scan button is selected, it is possible to confirm on the screen a preview of a processing result obtained by scanning a document in advance (pre-scan) before executing a job. On the other hand, when the cancel button is selected, the prescan is canceled and the original screen is restored. When the OK button is selected, the screen returns to the job execution screen that displays a preview image to which the pre-scanned original image is applied. At this time, the pre-scanned image is stored in a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and the information stored when the OK button is selected is passed to the next screen. When a multi-page document is scanned, preview images of previous and next pages can be confirmed by selecting an arrow button.

JP 2007-221729 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the display processing unit does not display the progress of processing when executing image processing, for example, so that, for example, the image forming apparatus functions as an image transmitting apparatus that performs FAX communication. In this case, there is a problem that it is impossible to grasp how the document is transmitted.

Here, FAX communication in an image transmission apparatus such as a facsimile will be described.
In the image transmission apparatus, the transmission condition on the transmitter side during FAX transmission is determined by determining the “recording width capability” included in the “capability identification signal (DIS)” received from the receiver side. In addition to “recording width capability”, DIS includes various information such as “encoding capability” and “resolution”.

  Normally, when transmitting a document from the transmitter side, for example, when transmitting A4 document data by FAX, the A4 document is fed in A4 portrait mode (A4 document is landscape-oriented in consideration of the “recording width capability” on the receiver side). To the receiver), and output at the receiver side by A4 vertical feed.

  Therefore, on the transmitter side, when the preview is displayed in a state where the document is read in the display processing means, the A4 portrait state is displayed in A4 landscape depending on the document description format, so it may be difficult to confirm the document. There was a problem that there was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image transmission apparatus that can easily check the state of a document to be transmitted when performing FAX transmission.

  The present invention includes input means for inputting image data, storage means for storing image data input from the input means, and output means for outputting an image based on the image data stored in the storage means. A display image generating unit that generates a display image based on the image data stored in the storage unit, a display unit that displays the display image generated by the display image generating unit, and an input from the input unit In an image transmission apparatus comprising an image display operation device having a display control means for guiding and displaying an input state of image data on the display means, image output by the output means is started as a configuration of the display control means. Sometimes, after changing the orientation of the display image displayed in the predetermined display area of the display means, the display image is moved toward the end of the display means. It is characterized in further comprising a function of displaying.

  In addition, the present invention includes a preview display area that allows a preview display of a finished image based on image data as a display image as a configuration of the display means, and is displayed in the preview display area as a configuration of the display control means. It is preferable to have a function of moving and displaying the displayed image toward the end of the display means.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control unit, when image output by the output unit is started, a display image displayed in a predetermined display area of the display unit is directed toward an end of the display unit. It is preferable to have a function of deleting the display image after moving and displaying.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the present invention includes a function of deleting the display image while gradually changing the display control means.

  Further, the present invention provides a display reference unit (meaning image output) serving as a reference position for moving and displaying a display image from a predetermined display area of the display unit toward the end of the display unit. It is preferable to have a function of displaying a line (for example, a yellow line) on the display means and a function of moving and displaying a display image displayed in a predetermined display area of the display means toward the display reference portion.

  Further, in the present invention, as the configuration of the display means, it is preferable that the preview display area is enlarged when an image output by the output means is instructed.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the display control unit has a function of erasing a display image related to the image output when the image output by the output unit is completed.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control unit, a display image based on the image data input from the input unit is displayed from one end side of the display unit and directed toward a predetermined display area of the display unit. It is preferable to provide a function for displaying after moving display.

  According to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control unit, a function of displaying the display image in a display area on one end side of the display unit when the display image is generated by the display image generation unit, and the display A function of displaying the display image displayed in the display area on one end side of the means after being moved and displayed toward the predetermined display area; and after displaying the display image in the predetermined area of the display means It is preferable to provide a function of changing the direction.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control means, when the display image is displayed in the display area on one end side of the display means, the display image gradually becomes clear toward the predetermined display area. And a display image in a clear state when the display image displayed in the display area on one end side of the display means is moved and displayed toward a predetermined display area of the display means. It is preferable to provide a function.

  According to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control unit, a function of displaying a boundary line indicating a boundary between a display region on one end side of the display unit and a predetermined display region, and a display of the boundary line on the one end side When the display image displayed on the boundary between the region and the predetermined display region and displayed on the display region on the one end side is moved and displayed toward the predetermined display region, the display exceeds the boundary line. It is preferable to have a function of moving and displaying an image.

  Further, the present invention employs a scanner unit that reads an image of a document as image data as the input unit, and the display control unit is configured based on the read image data of the document read by the scanner unit. It is preferable that the reading state of the document image is guided on the display unit when the display image is generated by the display image generation unit.

  In addition, the present invention includes, as the configuration of the display unit, an instruction unit (for example, a function setting region) that enables an instruction to set a function of image formation for a display image displayed on the display unit, and the display control It is preferable that the instruction means is displayed in the vicinity of the display image when the guidance display of the reading status of the image data by the means is completed.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the display means is configured to enlarge the preview display area when an instruction to input image data is given.

  Further, the present invention includes, as the configuration of the image transmission unit and the output unit, a document size detection unit that detects a size of a document from which image data is read by the input unit (for example, a document reading unit such as a scanner), When the document size detected by the document size detection unit is a predetermined size (for example, A4R or B5R), the display image is moved and displayed in a predetermined display area of the display unit. Therefore, it is preferable to have a function of changing (rotating) the orientation of the display image.

  Here, A4R or B5R means that an A4 size or B5 size document is set horizontally in the document reading direction (document feeding direction), and the document is read by so-called “A4 portrait feed” or “B5 portrait feed”. It is a thing.

  Further, the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data of a document read by the input / output unit as the configuration of the output unit, and the display control unit includes the image forming unit. In the case of forming an image by this, it is preferable to have a function that does not change (rotate) the orientation of the display image displayed in the predetermined display area of the display means.

  According to the present invention, input means for inputting image data, storage means for storing image data input from the input means, and output means for outputting an image based on the image data stored in the storage means A display image generating means for generating a display image based on image data stored in the storage means, a display means for displaying the display image generated by the display image generating means, and an input from the input means In an image transmission apparatus comprising an image display operation device comprising a display control means for guiding and displaying the input status of image data to be displayed on the display means, image output by the output means is started as a configuration of the display control means When changing the orientation of the display image displayed in the predetermined display area of the display means, the display image is directed toward the end of the display means. By providing the function of moving and displaying, the orientation of the display image displayed on the display means when, for example, transmitting an A4 size document by A4 portrait feed (set to A4 landscape) when performing FAX transmission is provided. The contents of the original can be easily confirmed by rotating and displaying 90 degrees, and the state in which the original is transmitted can be confirmed by moving and displaying the display image toward the end of the display means. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the FAX communication state.

  Further, according to the present invention, the display means includes a preview display area that allows a preview display of a finished image state based on image data as a display image, and the display control means includes a preview display area in the preview display area. By providing a function of moving and displaying the displayed display image toward the end of the display means, when editing processing is performed on an image based on the input image data, the contents of the editing instruction are reflected. A preview image displayed as a finished image is displayed in the preview display area, and when the FAX transmission is started, the FAX image is transmitted by moving the preview image toward the end of the display means. That the user can easily recognize.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control means, a display image displayed in a predetermined display area of the display means is displayed at an end of the display means when image output by the output means is started. By providing the function of deleting the display image after moving and displaying in the direction, the user can visually recognize that FAX transmission is being performed.

  In addition, according to the present invention, as a configuration of the display control means, a function of erasing while gradually changing the display image is provided, so that it is visually recognized that FAX transmission is being performed gradually. Can do.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control means, a display reference portion serving as a reference position for moving and displaying a display image from a predetermined display area of the display means toward an end of the display means is provided as the display means. And a function of moving and displaying the display image displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit toward the display reference unit, so that the display reference unit is regarded as the output unit. It is possible to make the display easy for the user to understand the situation in which the image is output from the output means.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display means, when the image output by the output means is instructed, the preview display area is enlarged so that the display image is output (transmitted) from the preview display area. You can make your way to stand out.

  Further, according to the present invention, the display control means includes a function of erasing the display image related to the image output when the image output by the output means is completed, so that the display image is the output means. Thus, the user can visually recognize the situation being output (transmitted).

  According to the present invention, the display control means is configured such that a display image based on the image data input from the input means is displayed from one end side of the display means and displayed in a predetermined display area of the display means. By providing the function of displaying the image after moving toward the user, the user can visually confirm that the image data is taken into the apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, as a configuration of the display control unit, a function of displaying the display image in a display area on one end side of the display unit when the display image is generated by the display image generation unit; A function of displaying the display image displayed in the display area on one end side of the display means after moving the display image toward the predetermined display area; and displaying the display image after displaying the display image in the predetermined area of the display means. With the function of changing the orientation of the image, when image data is taken into the apparatus, for example, when an A4 size document is read in A4 portrait feed (set to A4 landscape orientation), it is displayed on the display means. By displaying the display image with its orientation rotated by 90 degrees, it is possible to easily check the content of the document.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control means, when the display image is displayed in the display area on one end side of the display means, the display image gradually becomes clear toward the predetermined display area. The display image in a clear state is moved when the display image displayed in the display area on one end side of the display means is moved toward the predetermined display area of the display means. With the display function, the display image can be enlarged and displayed gradually from a small image to a large image, from a light image density to a dark image, or from a blurred image to a clear image, By displaying the display part from the state with few display parts and displaying it in a normal state, it is possible to visually confirm that the image data has been read and the reading has been completed. That.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display control means, a function of displaying a boundary line indicating a boundary between a display area on one end side of the display means and a predetermined display area, and the boundary line on the one end side When the display image displayed in the boundary between the display area and the predetermined display area and displayed in the display area on the one end side is moved toward the predetermined display area, the boundary line is crossed. By providing the function of moving and displaying the display image, the input state of the image can be grasped more clearly by moving and displaying the boundary line.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the input unit, a scanner unit that reads an image of a document as read image data is employed, and the display control unit is configured based on read image data of the document read by the scanner unit. When the display image is generated by the display image generation unit, the reading state of the document image is guided on the display unit, so that the reading state by the scanner unit can be easily confirmed. .

  In addition, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display unit, an instruction unit (for example, a function setting region) that enables an instruction to set a function of image formation for a display image displayed on the display unit is provided. By displaying the instruction unit in the vicinity of the display image when the display control unit completes the guidance display of the reading state of the image data, the function by the instruction unit displayed when the input (scan-in) of the image data is completed Setting can be performed easily.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the display means, when the image data input instruction is performed, the preview display area is enlarged so that the preview image is captured in the preview display area. Can do.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the output unit includes a document size detection unit that detects a size of a document from which image data is read by the input unit (for example, a document reading unit such as a scanner). When the document size detected by the document size detection unit is a predetermined size (for example, A4R or B5R), the display image is moved and displayed in a predetermined display area of the display unit. By providing the function of changing (rotating) the orientation of the display image, the orientation of the display image displayed on the display means is displayed by being rotated by 90 degrees, so that the content of the document can be easily confirmed.

  According to the invention, the output unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data of a document read by the input output unit, and the display control unit includes the image When an image is formed by the forming unit, a function is provided that does not change (rotate) the orientation of the display image displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit. Differently, since there is no restriction due to the function on the receiver side in image data transmission, the user can easily recognize that the image is output without changing (rotating) the orientation of the display image.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display area of the touchscreen display of the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen displayed on the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which changed the preview area | region displayed on the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display mode of the display panel which comprises the said touchscreen display. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the preview display area of the said touch panel display. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an operation unit in the image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touchscreen display which comprises the said operation unit. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when displaying guidance on a touch panel display of a document reading state by a document reading unit and an image output (FAX transmission) state by an image output unit in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of Example 1 showing a display mode at the time of reading a document on the touch panel display in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state at the time of the document reading start in the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which set the original to A4 vertical feed and has displayed the image of the 1st original in the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displayed the 2nd image in the 1st display area after the 1st image moved to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image displayed on the said 2nd display area rotates. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the rotation transition of the 1st image displayed on the said 2nd display area was complete | finished. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image moved behind the 1st image of the 2nd display area of the said touchscreen display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image displayed on the said 2nd display area rotates. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the rotation transition of the 2nd image displayed on the said 2nd display area was complete | finished. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image moved behind the 2nd image which moved to the 2nd display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image displayed on the said 2nd display area rotates. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the rotation transition of the 3rd image displayed on the said 2nd display area was complete | finished. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display immediately after completion of pre-reading by scanning in all originals in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display in an instruction waiting state after completion of pre-reading by scanning in all originals in the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state at the time of the FAX transmission start in the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image rotates in the preview area | region of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image by which rotation transition was complete | finished moves from the preview area | region of the said touchscreen display toward an output line. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displayed the 1st image from the preview area of the said touchscreen display through the output line, and displayed the 2nd image in the preview area. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image by which rotation transition was complete | finished moves from the preview area | region of the said touchscreen display toward an output line. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image from the preview area | region of the said touchscreen display passed the output line, and displayed the 3rd image in the preview area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image by which rotation transition was complete | finished moves from the preview area | region of the said touchscreen display toward an output line. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state from which the last 3rd image passes the output line from the preview area | region of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of the said touch panel display immediately after the 3rd image passes the output line from the preview area | region of the said touch panel display, and the output of all the images was completed. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display in an instruction waiting state after completion of FAX transmission of all images in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of Example 2 showing a display mode at the time of reading a document on the touch panel display in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state at the time of the document reading start in the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which set the original to A4 landscape feed and displayed the image of the 1st original in the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displayed the 2nd image in the 1st display area after the 1st image moved to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displayed the 3rd image in the 1st display area, after the 2nd image moved behind the 1st image of the 2nd display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image moved behind the 2nd image which moved to the 2nd display area of the said touch panel display. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display immediately after completion of pre-reading by scanning in all originals in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display in an instruction waiting state after completion of pre-reading by scanning in all originals in the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state at the time of the FAX transmission start in the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image moves toward an output line from the preview area | region of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displayed the 1st image from the preview area of the said touchscreen display through the output line, and displayed the 2nd image in the preview area. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image from the preview area | region of the said touchscreen display passed the output line, and displayed the 3rd image in the preview area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state from which the last 3rd image passes the output line from the preview area | region of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of the said touch panel display immediately after the 3rd image passes the output line from the preview area | region of the said touch panel display, and the output of all the images was completed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of the said touch panel display just before the 3rd image passes through an output line from the preview area | region of the said touch panel display, and the output of all the images is completed and it returns to an instruction | indication waiting state. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display in an instruction waiting state after output of all images is completed in the image forming apparatus. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a preview display area of a touch panel display of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel display. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the preview area displayed on the touch panel display is changed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a document reading unit (input unit) 102 for inputting image data, an image output unit 107 for outputting an image based on the image data, and an input by the document reading unit 102 are used. An image forming unit 104 that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data, a display panel (display unit) 132 that displays a preview image based on the image data, and image data input from the document reading unit 102 It functions as an image transmission device including an operation unit (image display operation device) 120 including an operation unit side control unit (display control means) 131 (see FIG. 8) for guiding and displaying the input status on the display panel 132. In the image forming apparatus 100, the configuration of the display panel 132 and the operation unit side control unit 131 is used as the configuration of the image transmission apparatus according to the present invention. It is obtained by use.

  The plurality of document images displayed on the display panel 132 displays a preview of the form of the document image captured from the document reading unit or the like of the image forming apparatus 100 and is formed on the recording paper from the image forming unit. The output form of the image is displayed as a finished preview image.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus that is a kind of image processing apparatus. The image display operation device according to the present invention may be applied to an image processing device or an electronic device other than such an image forming device.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of operation modes, and when the operation mode is switched and the screen of the display device is switched, the user does not have to remember the screen configuration. Any device provided with a display device for displaying information may be used so that the user can easily obtain the information required by the user.

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

The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic method.
In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes, as operation modes, a copy mode, a facsimile mode (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 scanned image is stored). Mode for sending in a format attached to an e-mail). The image forming apparatus 100 may further include a network printer mode.

  The present invention is not limited to this, and any image forming apparatus can be used as long as the screen is switched for each operation mode. Further, the printing method is not limited to the electrophotographic method.

First, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment 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 and the like, and a touch panel (touch operation recognition unit) 134 that detects a position pressed by a user's finger disposed on the display panel 132. . The display operation unit 140 includes an indicator lamp 142, a power key 144, an energy saving key (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving key”) 146, and a home key for returning the display screen of the touch panel display 130 to a home screen for selecting an operation mode. 148.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 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 of the image forming apparatus 100 in the copy mode will be described.
In this copy mode, the document reading unit (hereinafter referred to as “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 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.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 104 prints an image of a document indicated by image data on a recording medium (in many cases, recording paper), and includes a photosensitive drum 222, a charging device 224, and a laser. A scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as “LSU”) 226, a developing device 228, a transfer device 230, a cleaning device 232, a fixing device 234, and a static elimination device (not shown) are provided.

  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. In addition, when it transfers to energy saving mode, the electric power supplied to this heater will be stopped or reduced, for example.

  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 so that the recording paper is once guided to the paper discharge tray 246 side, and then is switched back and transported toward the reverse transport path 238. It is guided. 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 a plurality of printed materials are created, 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, a punching process by the punching unit 111 or a stapling process by the staple unit 112 is performed on each recording sheet on the paper discharge tray 110 to create a printed matter.

(Facsimile mode)
Hereinafter, an operation in the facsimile mode will be described.
In the facsimile mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 and the FAX communication unit 160 operate mainly for the transmission operation, and the reception operation is performed by the FAX communication unit 160 and the image forming unit 104. Operate.

(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 includes the microcomputer shown in FIG. Here, various image processing is performed on the image data, and this image data is output to the FAX communication unit (FAX communication unit 160 in FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the FAX communication unit 160 of the transmission-side image forming apparatus 100 connects the specified transmission-side line to the specified transmission destination, and the image data is communication data that conforms to the facsimile communication standard. And transmitted to a receiving facsimile machine (for example, the 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. After that, for example, the FAX communication unit 160 transfers the capability information implemented on the transmission side and the reception side, and determines the communication speed and the encoding / code correction method of the image data at the maximum available capacity. 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 a static image signal method that matches 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.

Next, a control block configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 is further cut off from energization with the operation unit 120 capable of setting functions installed in the apparatus as a copy mode and a facsimile mode, and a ROM 306 for storing programs and the like. Even if it is a case, the hard disk 302 which is a non-volatile storage area which can memorize | store a program, data, etc. and RAM (Random Access Memory) 308 for providing the storage area at the time of executing a program are included.

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

  The hard disk 302 stores an image data file of a document scanned by the image forming apparatus 100. The hard disk 302 also stores initial screen data for each operation mode. (It is possible to store in the ROM 306 without using the hard disk 302)

  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 and 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 preview 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 also supports the above-described gesture operation (command input operation based on an operation locus by a user).

  In addition, 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 the power key 144 provided separately from the main power switch, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the standby mode (for example, only the FAX reception operation is possible with the main power on) to the 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 the circular key 5 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 two operation modes (copy mode and fax 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 Is possible.
The configuration of such a basic layout will be described below.

First, a basic layout in the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 4, the basic layout of the touch panel display 130 is a horizontally long touch panel display 130 (for example, horizontal 1024 pixels × vertical 600 pixels), a system area 1000 arranged at the top, and a central part of the screen. Preview area (preview display area) 3000, function setting / confirmation area 2000 (hereinafter referred to as function selection area 2000) arranged on the left side of preview area 3000, and action panel area 4000 arranged in the upper right part of preview area 3000 , And a task trigger area (operation key display area) 5000 arranged at the lower right of the preview area 3000.

  Note that the number of areas in the touch panel display 130 is not limited to five, and the left and right arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement of the left and right areas may be reversed according to the user's dominant hand. . Further, the position of the system area 1000 may be at the bottom. Also, it may not be displayed depending on the state or setting.

  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.

  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.

  When there is a lot of information displayed in the function selection area 2000, the information is displayed in the function selection area 2000 so that it can be moved in the vertical direction. In this case, the change button group 2010 is not moved and displayed, but 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 changes the finish. This preview area 3000 has two modes: a finish display with a dummy image in the virtual mode before scanning, and a finish display with a real image in the scan-in mode after scanning. There are two types before and after document setting.

  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 touched or the bar 3020C is gestured (dragged or 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 gestured (dragged or slid) to the minus button 3020B side, 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 the page of the document to be previewed and page return can be performed by sliding touching (flicking) the document image. 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 one trigger item operated by the user in order 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 is related 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.

  In these five areas, even if the operation mode is changed (the position where the operation mode is arranged is not changed in the initial screen of any operation mode. Also, the icon mode / regular mode in the function selection area 2000 (and the preview area 3000). / The area changes in size by expanding and contracting in the horizontal direction (longitudinal direction) of the screen of the touch panel display 130, as in the switching display of the express mode.

  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.

  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.

(Copy mode initial screen display operation)
When the copy mode is selected, the initial screen of the copy mode is displayed on the touch panel display 130 using the initial copy screen data read from the hard disk 302 or the like.
At this time, for example, a copy mode initial screen 7100 is displayed on the touch panel display 130 as shown in FIG. The copy mode initial screen 7100 is divided into five areas having the layout configuration described above and displays information.

  In the system area 1000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100, as shown in FIG. 5, an 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 1112, 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 2100 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. 5, the function selection menu is displayed in the regular mode.

  As shown in FIG. 5, 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 this function selection area 2000, an icon 2102 for setting the number of partial copies, a text box 2122 for displaying the set content, an icon 2104 for setting the color mode, and text for displaying the set content 2124, 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 Text 2130 for displaying content, icon 2112 for setting paper type and text 2132 for displaying set content, icon 2114 for editing image and text 2134 for displaying set content, editing layout Text 2136 that displays the icon 2116 and set contents are displayed.

  As described above, further items in these function setting menus can be displayed so that they can be moved and displayed in the vertical direction 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, binding 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 box 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. 5, 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, together with the text “Two-sided printing can save paper” and a software button that transitions to the double-sided copy function setting screen, and “Multiple documents can be printed together to save paper” A software button for transitioning to the function setting screen for page aggregation and a software button for transitioning to the function setting screen for saddle stitching together with the text “Can be printed like a book” are displayed.

  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 perform monochrome copying by scanning the image, and a force start key for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to perform color copying by scanning the document (Software button) 5108 is arranged.

  In the facsimile mode, a start key 5110 is displayed instead of the monochrome start key 5106 and the power start key 5108 (see FIG. 12).

  In this way, when the user inputs a request on the copy mode initial screen 7100 in which information is displayed divided into five areas, the copy process is executed in accordance with the request.

  Next, the preview page changing operation when the function selection area 2000 is displayed in the icon mode and the preview area 3000 is expanded will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the preview image 3118 is displayed, when the user flicks the preview-displayed screen to the left, the input locus is analyzed. At this time, the gesture operation by the user is analyzed as a request to turn the page, and a pre-pup image including another page not displayed according to the flicked direction is displayed.

  Further, in order to move the page on which the preview image is displayed in this way, the page advance button 3118G, the page fast forward button 3118H, the page reverse button 3118E, and the page fast reverse button 3118D can be touched. Furthermore, the page on which the preview image is displayed can be moved by touching the page direct designation button 3118F and inputting the page to be moved directly.

  As described above, when the function selection area 2000 is displayed in the icon mode, the preview area 3000 is expanded, and the preview image is displayed so that the visibility and the operability for the user are improved as shown in FIG. Can do. In particular, a desired preview can be displayed by moving to a preview image to be displayed by a touch operation or a gesture operation.

  Note that the trash can icon 3118A shown in FIG. 6 can be deleted by dragging the selected page to the trash can icon 3118A.

  Also, by pressing the 1-page display icon 3118B, for example, a preview that has been displayed on 3 pages becomes 1-page display (in this case, one page is displayed larger), and by pressing the multiple-page display icon 3118C, for example The preview that was displayed on one page is now displayed on three pages.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode of a display panel constituting the touch panel display of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode of a preview display area of the touch panel display.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a preview area 3000 is arranged in the center of the screen on the touch panel display 130, and a function selection area 2000 is arranged on the left side of the preview area 3000. An action panel area 4000 is arranged at the upper right part of the preview area 3000, and a task trigger area 5000 is arranged below the action panel area 4000.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the touch panel display 130 has a first display area 151 formed at a position corresponding to the action panel area 4000 in a state where the preview area 3000 is enlarged, and is substantially at the center in the preview area 3000. The second display area 152 is formed in a wider range than the first display area 151.

  In the first display area 151, a display image generated based on the input image data is displayed. In the second display area 152, the display image displayed in the first display area 151 is displayed after being displayed in the first display area 151.

The first display area 151 and the second display area 152 are arranged adjacent to each other.
A boundary line 161 indicating the boundary between the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 is displayed.

  The boundary line 161 is a reading line for performing an operation of reading a document image displayed in the first display area 151 when performing “screen guidance display” at the time of reading a document. The situation to be read is simply expressed on the touch panel display 130. In the present embodiment, the boundary line 161 is displayed as a straight green line in the vertical direction of the touch panel display 130.

  Further, on the touch panel display 130, an output line (display reference portion) 171 serving as a reference position for moving and displaying the display image displayed in the preview area 3000 toward the left end portion of the display panel 132 is displayed.

  The output line 171 serves as a reference line on the display panel 132 when the image displayed in the second display area 152 is output when performing “screen guidance display” at the time of image output. The situation in which an image is output by the output means 107 (see FIG. 9) is simply expressed on the touch panel display 130. In the present embodiment, the output line 171 is displayed as a linear yellow line in the vertical direction of the touch panel display 130.

  When the preview area 3000 is enlarged and displayed, the task trigger area 5000 is always displayed near the boundary line 161 in the lower right portion of the preview area 3000 without being reduced.

In the task trigger area 5000, an execution button group 5100 is displayed.
As the execution button group 5100, a scan-in key 5102, a clear all key 5104, a monochrome start key 5106, and a power error start key 5108 are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the scan-in key 5102 interrupts the operation of the apparatus (stops reading) when the document is scanned by the scan-in instruction and acquisition of image data is started (operation key). It is changed to 5109 and displayed.

Next, an electrical configuration relating to a characteristic screen display of the operation unit 120 in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the operation unit in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a touch panel display constituting the operation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the operation unit 120 according to the present embodiment includes processing / processing in the operation position detection unit 135, screen display unit 136, display image generation unit 137, and operation unit 120 in addition to the display panel 132 and the touch panel 134. An operation unit side control unit (display control means) 131 for controlling the operation is provided.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an original reading unit 102 for inputting image data, an image processing unit 103, an accumulation unit 105 for accumulating image data input from the original reading unit 102, and an image output for outputting an image of a printer, a transmission unit, or the like. Means 107 is provided, and the operation is controlled by the main control unit 101.

The operation position detection unit 135 detects an operation position performed on the touch panel 134.
The screen display unit 136 displays the image formed by the display image generation unit 137 on the display panel 132. Further, the screen display unit 136 has a function of displaying the display image generated by the display image generation unit 137 on the display panel 132 when image output (FAX transmission) by the image output unit 107 is started.

The display image generating unit 137 forms a predetermined image according to an instruction from the operation unit side control unit 131 based on the image data input to the image forming apparatus 100 main body.
The operation unit side control unit 131 is connected to the main control unit 101 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and functions as a control unit in the touch panel display 130.

Here, the operation unit side control unit 131 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 10, the operation unit side control unit 131 has a preview display function for previewing a plurality of pages of document images on the display panel 132, and a scroll display function for moving and displaying the previewed plurality of pages of document images. An input status guidance function for displaying and guiding the input status of the image data input from the document reading unit 102 on the display panel 132 and the output status of the image output from the image output means 107 are displayed on the display panel 132. The output situation guidance function is provided.

  Further, the operation unit side control unit 131 displays the display image generated by the display image generation unit 137 in the first display area 151 as the display image display unit 1310 that displays the display image on the display panel 132. Display area display means 1311 and a second display area display for displaying the second display area 152 after the display image displayed in the first display area 151 is moved and displayed toward the second display area 152 Means 1312.

  In addition, the operation unit side control unit 131 displays a display area (first display area 151) before image data is input to the document reading unit 102 and a display area (after display of image data is input to the document reading unit 102). Boundary line display means 1313 for displaying a boundary line 161 indicating the boundary with the second display area 152) is provided.

  Further, the operation unit side control unit 131 is displayed in the output line display means 1314 for displaying the output line 171 serving as a reference position for moving and displaying the display image to the left end of the preview area 3000, and in the second display area 152. Output image display means 1315 for moving and displaying the displayed image toward the left end of the display panel 132, and display image rotation means 1316.

  The display image display unit 1310 has a function of displaying the display image generated by the display image generation unit 137 on the display panel 132 when image output by the image output unit 107 is started.

  The first display area display means 1311 has a function of displaying the display image so as to gradually become clear toward the second display area 152 when the display image is displayed in the first display area 151.

  The second display area display means 1312 has a function of moving and displaying the display image in a clear state when the display image displayed in the first display area 151 is moved and displayed in the second display area 152. ing.

  The second display area display means 1312 moves and displays the display image across the boundary line 161 when the display image displayed in the first display area 151 is moved and displayed toward the second display area 152. It has a function to let you.

  The output image display means 1315 has a function of moving and displaying the display image displayed in the second display area 152 in page units toward the end of the display panel 132, and the display image toward the end of the display panel 132. A function of displaying the display image while changing the display image so as to be gradually unclear toward the end of the display panel 132.

  This change in the display image is caused in the image processing by gradually reducing the display image from a large image to a small image, from a dark image to a thin image, or from a clear image to a gradually blurred image. Or, it may be displayed so as to reduce the display part by gradually erasing from the normal state.

  The output image display means 1315 has a function of erasing the display image from the display panel 132 after the display image is moved and displayed beyond the output line 171 when the display image is moved and displayed toward the end of the display panel 132. Yes.

  The display image rotation unit 1316 displays the image displayed in a predetermined area of the display panel 132 (for example, approximately the center of the preview area 3000) when image output by the output FAX communication unit 160 serving as the image output unit 107 is started. The function of changing the orientation of the display image by rotating the image by 90 °, and the display image generated by the display image generation means 137, the display image is displayed in a predetermined area (for example, the preview area 3000). And a function of changing the orientation of the display image after being displayed in a substantially central portion).

Next, the guidance display of the document reading status and the image output status on the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described along a flowchart.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when displaying guidance on the touch panel display of the document reading status by the document reading unit and the image output (FAX transmission) status by the image output means in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the image forming apparatus 100, a scan start key 5102 displayed on the touch panel display 130 is touched to start reading (step S1), and the document size is A4 portrait or B5 portrait. Is determined (step S2).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the document size is A4 portrait or B5 portrait, the document image is read by the document reader 102 and stored in the storage means 105 as image data (step S3).

  Then, a reduced display image is generated by the display image generation unit 137 based on the image data stored in the storage unit 105 (step S4).

  The display image generated by the display image generation unit 137 is displayed in the first display area 151 of the preview area 3000 of the display panel 132 in the touch panel display 130, and then from the first display area 151 to the second display area 152. Moved to be displayed. Then, it slides in behind the image displayed in the second display area 152 and is rotated by 90 ° to change the direction (rotating slide-in), and the images are displayed in a superimposed state (step S5).

  Then, the FAX communication unit 160 determines whether or not to transmit by A4 vertical feed (step S6). In step S6, if it is determined (instructed) to transmit in A4 vertical feed, the display image is displayed by 90 ° for each page of the display images displayed superimposed on the second display area 152 of the preview area 3000. After rotating and changing direction again, it is displayed to slide toward the end of the display panel 132. The display image is moved and displayed through the output line 171 and then is slid out from the display panel 132 to be erased (step S7).

  On the other hand, if it is not determined (instructed) to transmit in A4 vertical feed in step S6, the display image in the second display area 152 of the preview area 3000 is moved and displayed through the output line 171 without rotating. Later, it is slid out from the display panel 132 and erased (step S8).

  Returning to step S2, if it is determined in step S2 that the document size is not A4 portrait or B5 portrait, the process proceeds to step S9, where the document image is read by the document reading unit 102 and stored in the storage means 105 as image data. Remembered. Then, a reduced display image is generated by the display image generation unit 137 based on the image data stored in the storage unit 105 (step S10).

  The display image generated by the display image generation unit 137 is displayed in the first display area 151 of the preview area 3000 of the display panel 132 in the touch panel display 130, and then from the first display area 151 to the second display area 152. Moved to be displayed. And it slides in behind the image currently displayed on the 2nd display area 152, and the image is displayed in the superimposed state (step S11).

  Then, it is determined by the FAX communication unit 160 whether or not transmission is performed in the vertical feed (step S12). In step S12, when it is determined (instructed) to transmit in the vertical feed, the display image of the second display area 152 in the preview area 3000 is rotated by 90 ° to change its orientation, and then the end of the display panel 132 is displayed. It is displayed to slide toward. The display image is moved and displayed through the output line 171 and then is slid out from the display panel 132 and erased (step S13).

  On the other hand, if it is not determined (instructed) to transmit in the vertical feed in step S12, a display image is displayed page by page from the display images displayed superimposed on the second display area 152 of the preview area 3000. The screen is displayed so as to slide toward the end of the display panel 132. The display image is moved and displayed through the output line 171 and then is slid out from the display panel 132 and erased (step S14).

  In this way, the “screen guidance display” at the time of FAX transmission is performed by repeatedly moving and deleting the display image until the FAX transmission by the image output means 107 (FAX communication unit 160) is completed.

  Next, the guidance display of the document reading status and the image output status on the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings with specific examples.

Example 1
First, a description will be given of a case where the image forming apparatus 100 performs document reading and image output with the document set to A4 vertical feeding.
FIGS. 12 to 28 are explanatory views showing the transition of the preview image displayed on the touch panel display at the time of reading the original when the original is A4 longitudinally fed in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, and FIGS. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing transition of a preview image displayed on a touch panel display during FAX transmission in the image forming apparatus.

  First, guidance display of a display image (read image) displayed on the touch panel display 130 when reading a document in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the original is set in the original reading unit 102 in A4 vertical feeding. When reading a document, the user selects the FAX mode on the home screen displayed on the touch panel display 130, and touches the scan-in key 5102 to start reading the document as shown in FIG.

  When the scanning of the document is instructed by the scan-in key 5102, as shown in FIG. 13, the display information of the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 of the touch panel display 130 is drawn in the left and right sides in the directions of the arrows respectively. The area 3000 is expanded, and a boundary line 161 indicating the boundary between the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 set in the preview area 3000 is displayed. The boundary line 161 is simply referred to as a “reading line” in the following because the boundary line 161 simply expresses on the touch panel display 130 the state in which the document is read by the document reading unit 102.

  When the original is read by the original reading unit 102, a reduced display image is generated by the display image generation means 137 from the image data of the first original read, and as shown in FIG. The first image P1 is displayed in the first display area 151 on the right side.

  The first image P1 is displayed so that the image gradually becomes clear toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side).

  The first image P1 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. 15, and passes through the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The display is moved to the second display area 152 on the left side of 161. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the first image P1 is rotated 90 ° in the clockwise direction in the second display area 152, and is arranged at the A4 vertical position as shown in FIG. .

  At this time, in the first display area 151, the second image P2 generated by the display image generation unit 137 from the image data of the second document read by the document reading unit 102 is displayed in a reduced size. The

  The second image P2 displayed in the first display area 151 gradually becomes clearer toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side). Is displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the second image P2 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161, passes through the reading line 161, and the second image P2 on the left side of the reading line 161. The second display area 152 is moved and displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the second image P2 is arranged so as to overlap behind the first image P1, and as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, they are arranged in the A4 vertical position. At this time, the second image P2 is arranged in a state where a part thereof is exposed from below the first image P1 so that the existence can be confirmed on the display screen.

  At this time, the third image P3 generated by the display image generation unit 137 from the image data of the third original read by the original reading unit 102 is reduced in the first display area 151. Is displayed.

  The third image P3 displayed in the first display area 151 gradually becomes clearer toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side). Is displayed.

Then, the third image P3 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161, and passes through the reading line 161 to the left of the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The second display area 152 is moved and displayed.
At this time, the third image P3 is further overlapped behind the second image P2 as shown in FIG. 24 and rotated 90 ° clockwise as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, they are arranged in the A4 vertical position. At this time, the third image P3 is arranged in a state in which a part thereof is exposed from below the second image P2 so that the existence can be confirmed on the display screen.

  As described above, the display and movement of the display image of the original read by the original reading unit 102 are repeated, and as shown in FIG. 26, when the pre-reading by scan-in of all the originals is completed, FIG. As shown in FIG. 28, the display of the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 is returned to the original state, and the reading line 161 is erased.

  Next, guidance display of a display image (image transmitted by FAX) displayed on the touch panel display 130 during FAX transmission in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 28, when FAX transmission is instructed by the start key 5110, as shown in FIG. 29, the display information of the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 of the touch panel display 130 is displayed in the directions of the arrows on both the left and right sides. Each is pulled in, the preview area 3000 is expanded, and an output line 171 is displayed at the left end of the preview area 3000.

  When the first image output is executed by the FAX communication unit 160, as shown in FIG. 30, the first image P1 is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. , A4 is arranged in the vertical feed state and moves toward the output line 171. Then, as shown in FIG. 32, the first image P1 is gradually obscured and erased while moving to the left side of the output line 171 through the output line 171. At this time, a second image P2 read by the document reading unit 102 is displayed in the preview area 3000.

  Then, when the second image output is executed by the FAX communication unit 160, as shown in FIG. 33, the second image P2 is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise, and A4 Arranged in the vertical feed state and moves toward the output line 171. Then, as shown in FIG. 34, the second image P2 is gradually obscured and erased while moving to the left side of the output line 171 through the output line 171. At this time, the third image P3 read by the document reading unit 102 is displayed in the preview area 3000.

  When the third image output is executed by the FAX communication unit 160, as shown in FIG. 35, the third image P3 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise as described above. , A4 is arranged in the vertical feed state and moves toward the output line 171. Then, while moving to the left side of the output line 171 through the output line 171, it gradually becomes ambiguous and is erased.

  As described above, when the FAX transmission by the FAX communication unit 160 is repeated and the final image output is completed, the touch panel display 130 displays the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 as shown in FIGS. The display is returned to the original state, and the output line 171 is erased to return to the screen display in the instruction waiting state.

  In this way, when the original is set to A4 vertical feed, the situation in which the original reading unit 102 reads the original by A4 vertical feed and the situation in which the image output unit 107 outputs an image by A4 vertical feed is displayed on the touch panel display 130. Can be easily confirmed.

(Example 2)
Next, a description will be given of a case where the image forming apparatus 100 performs document reading and image output with the document set to A4 landscape feed.
FIGS. 39 to 48 are explanatory views showing the transition of the preview image displayed on the touch panel display at the time of reading the original when the original is A4 vertically fed in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIGS. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing transition of a preview image displayed on a touch panel display during FAX transmission in the image forming apparatus.

  First, the guidance display of the display image displayed on the touch panel display 130 when the document is read in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the document is set to the document reading unit 102 in A4 landscape feed. When reading a document, the user selects the FAX mode on the home screen displayed on the touch panel display 130, and touches the scan-in key 5102 to start reading the document as shown in FIG.

  When reading of the original is instructed by the scan-in key 5102, as shown in FIG. 40, the display information of the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 of the touch panel display 130 is drawn in the left and right sides in the directions of the arrows, respectively. The area 3000 is expanded, and a reading line 161 indicating the boundary between the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 set in the preview area 3000 is displayed.

  When the original is read by the original reading unit 102, a reduced display image is generated by the display image generation means 137 from the read image data of the first original, and as shown in FIG. The first image P11 is displayed in the first display area 151 on the right side.

  The first image P11 is displayed so that the image gradually becomes clear toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side).

The first image P11 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. 42, and passes through the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The display is moved to the second display area 152 on the left side of 161.
At this time, in the first display area 151, the second image P12 generated by the display image generating unit 137 from the image data of the second original read by the original reading unit 102 is reduced and displayed. The

  The second image P12 displayed in the first display area 151 gradually becomes clearer toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side). Is displayed.

Then, the second image P12 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. 44, and passes through the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The display is moved to the second display area 152 on the left side of the reading line 161 and displayed.
At this time, the second image P12 is arranged so as to overlap behind the first image P11, and a part of the second image P12 is displayed below the first image P11 so that the existence of the second image P12 can be confirmed. Arranged in an exposed state.

  At this time, the third image P13 generated by the display image generating unit 137 from the image data of the third original read by the original reading unit 102 is reduced in the first display area 151. Is displayed.

  The third image P13 displayed in the first display area 151 gradually becomes clearer toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side). Is displayed.

  Then, the third image P13 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161, and passes through the reading line 161 to the left of the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The second display area 152 is moved and displayed. The third image P13 is further overlapped behind the second image P12, and a part of the third image P13 is displayed from below the second image P12 so that the presence of the third image P13 can be confirmed. Arranged in an exposed state.

  As described above, when the display and movement of the display image of the original read by the original reading unit 102 are repeated and all of the originals are pre-read by scan-in, as shown in FIG. 47 and FIG. The display of the setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 is returned to the original state, and the reading line 161 is erased.

  Next, guidance display of a display image (image transmitted by FAX) displayed on the touch panel display 130 during FAX transmission in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 48, when FAX transmission is instructed by the start key 5110, as shown in FIG. 49, the display information of the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 of the touch panel display 130 is displayed in the directions of the arrows on both the left and right sides. Each is pulled in, the preview area 3000 is expanded, and an output line 171 is displayed at the left end of the preview area 3000.

  When the first image output is executed by the FAX communication unit 160, the first image P11 moves toward the output line 171 as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 51, the first image P11 is gradually obscured and erased while moving to the left side of the output line 171 through the output line 171. At this time, the second image P12 read by the document reading unit 102 is displayed in the preview area 3000.

  Then, when the second image output is executed by the image output means 107, the second image P12 moves toward the output line 171 as shown in FIG. Similar to the image P11, the image gradually disappears and is erased while moving to the left side of the output line 171 through the output line 171.

  When the third image output is executed by the FAX communication unit 160, as shown in FIG. 53, the third image P13 moves toward the output line 171 as described above, and the output line 171 is moved. As it moves to the left side of the output line 171, it gradually becomes obscured and erased.

As described above, when the image output by the image output means 107 is repeated and the final image output is completed as shown in FIG. 54, the touch panel display 130 is displayed in FIGS.
As shown, the display of the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 is returned to the original state, and the output line 171 is erased to return to the screen waiting for instructions.

  In this way, when the document is set to A4 landscape feed, the situation in which the document reading unit 102 reads the document in A4 landscape feed and the situation in which the image output means 107 outputs an image in A4 landscape feed are displayed on the touch panel display 130. Can be easily confirmed.

  With the configuration as described above, according to the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 100, as the configuration of the touch panel display 130 of the operation unit 120, the operation unit side control unit 131 includes the display image display unit 1310 and the output image display. The display unit 1321 and the display image rotation unit 1316 include the display displayed on the display panel 132 when, for example, an A4 portrait document is sent by A4 portrait feed (set to A4 landscape orientation). Since the image is rotated by 90 degrees and displayed, it is possible to easily check the content of the document transmitted by FAX. In addition, since the display image on the display panel 132 is moved and displayed toward the end of the display panel 132 and then deleted, the FAX transmission status (elapsed) by the FAX communication unit 160 can be easily displayed on the touch panel display 130. Can be confirmed. Thus, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 100 has received a FAX transmission instruction and is performing FAX transmission.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, as a configuration of the display panel 132, the preview area 3000 displays the display image generated by the display image generation unit 137, and previews the finished state of the image based on the image data as a display image. When the editing process is performed on the image based on the input image data, the preview image displayed as the finished image reflecting the content of the editing instruction is displayed in the preview area 3000. When the FAX transmission is started, the preview image is moved and displayed toward the end of the display panel 132, so that the user can easily receive the FAX transmission instruction for the image subjected to the editing process. Can be recognized.

  In the above-described embodiments and examples, the example in which the operation unit 120 according to the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 has been described. However, a document image is displayed on a display panel or the like before FAX transmission. Any device that functions as an image transmission device including an operation unit capable of preview display is not limited to the image forming device and the copying machine having the above-described configuration, and can be expanded to other image transmission devices. It is.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, that is, changes are made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. Embodiments obtained by combining technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Main control part 102 Document reading part (input means)
103 Image Processing Unit 104 Image Forming Unit (Image Forming Unit)
105 storage means 107 image output means 120 operation unit (image display operation device)
130 Touch panel display (display control means)
131 Operation unit side control unit 132 Display panel (display means)
134 Touch Panel 135 Operation Position Detection Unit 136 Screen Display Unit 137 Display Image Generation Unit 151 First Display Area 152 Second Display Area 161 Reading Line (Boundary Line)
171 Output line 1000 System area 1310 Display image display means 1311 First display area display means 1312 Second display area display means 1313 Boundary line display means 1314 Output line display means 1315 Output image display means 1316 Display image rotation means 1000 System area 2000 Function selection area 3000 Preview area 4000 Action panel area 5000 Task trigger area 5100 Execution button group 5102 Scan-in key (operation key)
5104 Clear all key (operation key)
5106 Monochrome start key (operation key)
5108 Color start key (operation key)
5109 Interrupt key (operation key)
5110 Start key (operation key)
P1, P11 First image P2, P12 Second image P3, P13 Third image

Claims (16)

The storage unit includes an input unit that inputs image data, a storage unit that stores image data input from the input unit, and an output unit that outputs an image based on the image data stored in the storage unit. Display image generating means for generating a display image based on image data stored in the means, display means for displaying the display image generated by the display image generating means, and input of image data input from the input means In an image transmission device comprising an image display operation device comprising display control means for guiding and displaying the situation on the display means,
The display control means changes the orientation of the display image displayed in the predetermined display area of the display means when image output by the output means is started, and then places the display image at the end of the display means. An image transmitting apparatus comprising a function of moving and displaying the image. The display means includes a preview display area in which a finished state of an image based on image data can be preview-displayed as a display image,
The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit has a function of moving and displaying the display image displayed in the preview display area toward an end of the display unit.   The display control means moves the display image displayed in the predetermined display area of the display means toward the end of the display means when image output by the output means is started, and then displays the display image. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of deleting the image.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit has a function of deleting the display image while gradually changing the display image.   The display control means displays on the display means a display reference portion serving as a reference position for moving and displaying a display image from a predetermined display area of the display means toward an end of the display means; and the display means 5. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of moving and displaying a display image displayed in the predetermined display area toward the display reference unit. 6.   6. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit enlarges the preview display area when an image output is instructed by the output unit.   The said display control means is provided with the function to erase | eliminate the display image which concerns on the said image transmission at the time of the image output by the said output means being completed. Image transmission device.   The display control unit has a function of displaying a display image based on the image data input from the input unit after displaying the display image from one end side of the display unit and moving the display image toward a predetermined display area of the display unit. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image transmission apparatus according to claim 1.   The display control means has a function of displaying the display image in a display area on one end side of the display means and a display area on one end side of the display means when the display image is generated by the display image generating means. A function of displaying the displayed display image after moving it toward a predetermined display area; and a function of changing the orientation of the display image after the display image is displayed in the predetermined area of the display means. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image transmission apparatus is an image transmission apparatus.   The display control means has a function of displaying the display image so as to gradually become clear toward the predetermined display area when the display image is displayed in a display area on one end side of the display means; And a function of moving and displaying the display image in a clear state when the display image displayed in the display area on one end side of the means is moved and displayed toward the predetermined display area of the display means. The image transmission device according to claim 8 or 9.   The display control means has a function of displaying a boundary line indicating a boundary between a display area on one end side of the display means and a predetermined display area, and the display area on the one end side and the predetermined display area are displayed on the boundary line. A function of moving the display image across the boundary line when the display image displayed on the one end side display area is moved and displayed toward the predetermined display area. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: an image transmission apparatus according to claim 8. The input means is a scanner means for reading an image of a document and using it as image data,
The display control means guides the reading state of the original image on the display means when the display image generating means generates a display image based on the read image data of the original read by the scanner means. The image transmission device according to claim 8, wherein the image transmission device is an image transmission device.   The display unit includes an instruction unit that enables an instruction to set an image forming function for a display image displayed on the display unit, and when the display control unit completes the guidance display of the image data reading status. 13. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the instruction unit is displayed in the vicinity of a display image.   The image transmission apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the display unit enlarges the preview display area when an instruction to input image data is given. The output means includes document size detection means for detecting the size of a document from which image data is read by the input means,
When the size of the document detected by the document size detection unit is a predetermined size, the display control unit is configured to display the orientation of the display image when the display image is moved and displayed in a predetermined display area of the display unit. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of changing the function. The output unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data of a document read by the input / output unit,
The display control unit has a function of not changing (rotating) the orientation of a display image displayed in a predetermined display area of the display unit when an image is formed by the image forming unit. The image transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images