JP2013030965A - Display input device and image forming device with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display input device capable of improving user friendliness in switching a set language.SOLUTION: The display input device comprises a liquid crystal display part 11 which displays plural national flag icons NI in a function screen image FS. When one of the national flag icons NI undergoes pressing operation, the liquid crystal display part 11 switches the language of the displayed names of function setting keys to a language corresponding to the national flag icon NI having undergone the pressing operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a display input device and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a display input device that displays various menus, messages, and the like is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a copying machine and includes an operation panel as a display input device. The operation panel displays a setting screen for accepting various settings relating to copying from the user when copying is executed.

  By the way, in an office or the like, there are cases where a plurality of users having different language spheres use one image forming apparatus together. For example, assume that English-speaking users and Japanese-speaking users are mixed. In this case, if the setting language of the image forming apparatus is set to English, the menus and messages displayed on the operation panel are in English, so the usability of the apparatus is deteriorated for Japanese-speaking users. On the other hand, if the setting language of the image forming apparatus is set to Japanese, the user-friendliness of the apparatus becomes worse for English-speaking users.

  In consideration of this, many image forming apparatuses having an operation panel can switch the setting language. For this reason, even in an environment in which a plurality of users having different language spheres use the same image forming apparatus, each user can switch the set language to the language desired by the user.

JP 2006-119176 A

  Normally, when switching the setting language, the user performs some operation for switching the setting language on the operation panel. For example, a system menu key is provided on the operation panel. When the user presses the system menu key, a plurality of setting items including language settings are displayed on the operation panel, and then when the user selects a language setting from among the plurality of setting items displayed on the operation panel, A plurality of languages that can be set as display languages are displayed in a row on the operation panel. Then, the user selects his or her desired language from a plurality of types of languages.

  As described above, the user performs a number of operations on the operation panel when switching the setting language. However, the menus and messages displayed on the operation panel at this time are expressed in the language set at the present time. For example, if the currently set language is English, the languages such as menus and messages displayed on the operation panel before the switching of the set language is English. In this case, it is not convenient for Japanese-speaking users to read English menus and messages when switching the setting language from English (the currently set language) to Japanese. The same inconvenience arises when an English-speaking user switches the setting language from Japanese to English.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a display input device capable of improving the convenience of the user at the time of switching the set language and an image forming apparatus including the display input device. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, a display input device of the present invention stores an operation display unit that displays a function screen including a function setting key that accepts function settings, and function screen information for displaying the function screen. A storage unit that stores language switching image information for displaying a plurality of language switching images corresponding to a plurality of types of languages. Then, the operation display unit displays a plurality of language switching images on the function screen, and when the language switching image is pressed among any of the plurality of language switching images, the language of the display name of the function setting key is displayed. Are switched to the language corresponding to the language switching image that has been pressed.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the operation display unit displays a plurality of language switching images on the function screen and receives a pressing operation on any one of the plurality of language switching images. The language of the display name is switched to the language corresponding to the language switching image that has been pressed. As a result, when switching the language of the display name of the function setting key, the user selects a language switching image corresponding to his / her desired language from a plurality of language switching images respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of languages that can be switched. Therefore, even if the current setting language cannot be read, the language of the display name of the function setting key can be easily switched. That is, with the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user when switching the setting language.

  In the above configuration, the language switching image is preferably a national flag icon indicating a national flag of a country whose corresponding language is an official language. With this configuration, it is possible to make the user recognize a plurality of types of languages that can be easily understood and switched.

  In the above configuration, preferably, when the operation display unit receives a pressing operation of the function setting key, the operation display unit shifts the display screen from the function screen to the setting value input screen, and displays the display name of the function setting key that has received the pressing operation. The same language as the language is used as the display language for the setting value input screen. According to this configuration, the language desired by the user becomes the display language of the setting value input screen, so that the convenience of the user when inputting the setting value can be improved.

  In the above configuration, preferably, when the language of the display name of the function setting key is switched, the operation display unit includes a language switching image corresponding to the initial setting language, and a language switching image corresponding to the current setting language. Is displayed in the language switching history column provided in the function screen. With this configuration, the user can recognize the initial setting language and the current setting language in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In the above configuration, preferably, when the operation display unit receives a pressing operation of the language switching image in the language switching history column, the language of the display names of all the function setting keys in the function screen is displayed in the language switching history column. The language is switched to the language corresponding to the language switching image that has been pressed. With this configuration, the user can switch the languages of the display names of the plurality of function setting keys with one operation (pressing operation of the language switching image), which is convenient.

  In the above configuration, preferably, the operation display unit sets the language of the display name of the function setting key to the initial setting language when a job executed after switching the language of the display name of the function setting key is completed. return. With such a configuration, the language of the display name of the function setting key is not changed and left unattended. Further, when a user who has switched the language of the display name of the function setting key does not need to perform an operation for returning the switched language after switching the language.

  Further, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the display input device. If comprised in this way, the convenience of the user at the time of switching of a setting language can be improved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain a display input device and an image forming apparatus including the display input device that can improve the convenience of the user when the set language is switched.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including an operation panel (display input device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure of the operation panel (display input device) by one Embodiment of this invention Schematic diagram showing an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Illustration for explaining the layout of the function screen (Figure of the function screen in English) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel shown in FIG. 2 (a diagram of a setting value input screen in which the display language is English) Diagram for explaining the layout of the function screen (Japanese function screen) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel shown in FIG. 2 (a diagram of a setting value input screen in which the display language is Japanese) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel shown in FIG. 2 (a diagram of an English function screen displaying a flag icon) Fig. 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel shown in Fig. 2 (Japanese function screen showing a national flag icon). The figure when the flag icon of the predetermined function setting key on the function screen shown in FIG. 9 is pressed (the figure when the flag icon as the language switching key is displayed) The figure when the language of the display name of the predetermined function setting key on the function screen shown in FIG. 11 is switched from English to Japanese The figure when the flag icon of the function setting key other than the predetermined function setting key on the function screen shown in FIG. 12 is pressed The figure when the language of the display name of the function setting keys other than the predetermined function setting keys on the function screen shown in FIG. 13 is switched from English to Japanese The figure when the flag icon of the predetermined function setting key on the function screen shown in FIG. 12 is further pressed The figure when the flag icon in the language switching history column of the function screen shown in FIG. 12 is pressed (the figure when the language of the display names of all function setting keys is switched from English to Japanese) The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement (operation | movement when switching language setting) of the operation panel by one Embodiment of this invention.

  First, an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is, for example, a tandem color multifunction peripheral, and can execute a plurality of types of jobs such as copying, printing, scanning, and faxing. Further, for example, the image forming apparatus 100 permits only the logged-in user to use the apparatus (or use a specific function). In this case, the user receives user authentication for login when using the image forming apparatus 100. The logged-in user is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 100 within the range of the given authority.

  The configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 101, an image reading unit 102, and an engine unit (a paper feeding unit 103, a conveyance path 104, an image forming unit 105, an intermediate transfer unit 106, a fixing unit 107, and a double-side conveyance path 108). Etc.

  The operation panel 101 corresponds to a display input device, and is disposed at a location indicated by a broken line in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 101 is provided with a liquid crystal display section 11 as an operation display section. The liquid crystal display unit 11 displays a menu and various setting keys (soft keys) for performing various settings, and also displays a message indicating the device status and the like. The user can perform various settings by pressing a setting key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. The liquid crystal display unit 11 takes a form in which the display surface is covered with a touch panel. Thereby, when the setting key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is pressed by the user (when the touch panel is pressed), the coordinates of the pressed position can be detected based on the output of the touch panel.

  The operation panel 101 is provided with hard keys such as a numeric keypad 12 and a start key 13. The numeric keypad 12 is a hard key for accepting a setting instruction that requires numerical input from the user. The start key 13 is a hard key for receiving an instruction to start execution of various jobs from the user.

  Further, the operation panel 101 is provided with hard keys such as a copy key 14, a transmission key 15, and a box key 16. When the copy key 14 is pressed by the user, a function screen including setting keys necessary for setting the copy function is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. When the transmission key 15 is pressed by the user, a function screen including setting keys necessary for setting the scanner and fax functions is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. When the box key 16 is pressed by the user, a function screen including setting keys necessary for setting the function of the box (for example, a storage area provided in the storage unit 113 described later) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. Is done. The function screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 when any of these keys (copy key 14, transmission key 15 and box key 16) is pressed by the user will be described in detail later.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the image reading unit 102 reads a document and forms image data of the document. Although not shown, the image reading unit 102 is provided with optical system members such as an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor. The image reading unit 102 irradiates a document placed on the contact glass 21 with a beam, and A / D converts the output value of each pixel of the image sensor that receives the reflected beam of the document, thereby converting the image data. Generate. Accordingly, printing can be performed based on the image data obtained by the original reading operation by the image reading unit 102 (copy). In addition, image data obtained by a document reading operation by the image reading unit 102 can be stored (scanner). Note that when the original is read by the image reading unit 102, the original placed on the contact glass 21 can be pressed by the original cover 22.

  The paper feed unit 103 includes a plurality of cassettes 31 that store paper P as recording media, and supplies the paper P stored in the plurality of cassettes 31 to the conveyance path 104. In addition, the paper feed unit 103 is provided with a pickup roller 32 that pulls out the stored paper P, a separation roller pair 33 for suppressing double feeding of the paper P, and the like.

  The conveyance path 104 conveys the paper P inside the apparatus. More specifically, the paper P supplied from the paper supply unit 103 passes through the intermediate transfer unit 106 and the fixing unit 107 in this order by the conveyance path 104 and is guided to the discharge tray 109. The conveyance path 104 is provided with a pair of registration rollers 41 for waiting the paper P in front of the intermediate transfer unit 106 and feeding it to the intermediate transfer unit 106 in time.

  The image forming unit 105 forms a toner image based on image data. The image forming unit 50 for four colors (an image forming unit 50Bk that forms a black toner image, an image that forms a yellow toner image) The image forming unit 50Y includes an image forming unit 50C that forms a cyan toner image, an image forming unit 50M that forms a magenta toner image, and the exposure device 5. The image forming units 50Bk, 50Y, 50C, and 50M form toner images of different colors, but all have basically the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, symbols (Bk, Y, C, and M) representing each color are omitted.

  Each of the image forming units 50 includes a photosensitive drum 1, a charging device 2, a developing device 3, and a cleaning device 4, as shown in FIG.

  Each photosensitive drum 1 carries a toner image on its outer peripheral surface, has a photosensitive layer on its outer peripheral surface, and is supported so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. Each charging device 2 charges the corresponding photosensitive drum 1 with a constant potential. Each developing device 3 stores a developer of a corresponding color and supplies toner to the corresponding photosensitive drum 1. Each cleaning device 4 cleans the corresponding photosensitive drum 1. Then, the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 1 is exposed by the exposure device 5. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 1.

  Although not shown, the exposure apparatus 5 includes a semiconductor laser element, a polygon mirror, a polygon motor, an Fθ lens, a reflection mirror, and the like. Then, one set of the constituent members of the exposure apparatus 5 may be provided for each color image forming unit 50. Alternatively, only one set of the semiconductor laser element, the Fθ lens, and the reflection mirror is provided for each color image forming unit 50, and the polygon mirror and the polygon motor are provided in the image forming unit 50 for two colors (or four colors). May be shared.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer unit 106 performs the secondary transfer onto the paper P after receiving the primary transfer of the toner image from the image forming unit 105. The intermediate transfer unit 106 includes at least an intermediate transfer belt 61 and primary transfer rollers 62Bk, 62Y, 62C, and 62M assigned to the image forming units 50, respectively. The primary transfer rollers 62Bk, 62Y, 62C, and 62M sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 61 with the corresponding image forming unit 50 (specifically, the photosensitive drum 1) and also transfer voltage (transfer bias). ) Is applied.

  The intermediate transfer unit 106 also includes a driving roller 63 and a driven roller 64. The driving roller 63 and the driven roller 64 stretch the intermediate transfer belt 61 together with the primary transfer rollers 62Bk, 62Y, 62C, and 62M. For this reason, when the driving roller 63 is driven to rotate, the intermediate transfer belt 61 circulates and moves.

  Further, the intermediate transfer unit 106 includes a secondary transfer roller 65. The secondary transfer roller 65 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 61 between the drive roller 63 and a transfer voltage (transfer bias) is applied.

  The toner images formed by the image forming units 50 are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by the primary transfer rollers 62Bk, 62Y, 62C, and 62M to which a transfer voltage is applied. Is done. That is, the full color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 61. Thereafter, the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 61 is secondarily transferred to the paper P by the secondary transfer roller 65 to which a transfer voltage is applied.

  The intermediate transfer unit 106 also includes a belt cleaning device 66. The belt cleaning device 66 cleans the intermediate transfer belt 61 after the secondary transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 61 to the paper P.

  The fixing unit 107 heats and presses the toner image secondarily transferred onto the paper P to fix it. The fixing unit 107 includes a fixing roller 71 having a built-in heat source, and a pressure roller 72 that is pressed against the fixing roller 71. Then, the sheet P on which the toner image is secondarily transferred passes between the fixing roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 and is heated and pressed. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper P.

  The paper P passes through the fixing unit 107 and is then discharged to the discharge tray 109. Thereby, the image forming process is completed.

  The duplex conveyance path 108 enables duplex printing. The double-sided conveyance path 108 branches off from the conveyance path 104 on the downstream side of the fixing roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 and merges with the conveyance path 104 on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 41. In the double-sided conveyance path 108, a switching claw 81 disposed at a branch point with the conveyance path 104, a discharge port 109a connected to the discharge tray 109, and a discharge roller pair 82 that can be switched between forward and reverse rotations. , And a conveyance roller pair 83 that conveys the paper P is provided.

  When performing duplex printing, the switching claw 81 is in a position to close the duplex conveyance path 108 and guides the paper P sent from the fixing unit 107 to the discharge tray 109. Further, the discharge roller pair 82 first rotates forward to discharge a part of the paper P to the discharge tray 109. Thereafter, the discharge roller pair 82 rotates in the reverse direction before the paper P completely passes through the discharge roller pair 82. At this time, the switching claw 81 rotates in a direction to open the double-sided conveyance path 108. As a result, the sheet P printed on one side is guided to the duplex conveyance path 108.

  The sheet P guided to the duplex conveyance path 108 is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 83 and reaches the upstream side of the registration roller pair 41. Then, it is sent again from the intermediate transfer unit 106 to the fixing unit 107. At this time, since the front and back of the paper P are reversed, the secondary transfer process and the fixing process are performed on the back surface (unprinted surface) of the paper P. Then, the paper P on which double-sided printing is completed is discharged to the discharge tray 109.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 includes a CPU 111 and an image processing unit 112 which are central processing units. The main control unit 110 includes an operation panel 101, an image reading unit 102, an engine unit (a paper feeding unit 103, a conveyance path 104, an image forming unit 105, an intermediate transfer unit 106, a fixing unit 107, and a double-side conveyance path 108). It is connected. The main control unit 110 performs control and calculation of each unit based on various programs and data stored in the storage unit 113. The main control unit 110 may be divided into a main control unit that performs overall control and image processing, and an engine control unit that controls on / off of a motor that rotates the image forming and various rotating bodies.

  The storage unit 113 includes a volatile storage device such as a ROM 113a, a RAM 113b, and an HDD 113c, and a nonvolatile storage device. Various programs and data stored in the storage unit 113 are stored, for example, in the ROM 113a and expanded in the RAM 113b.

  The programs stored in the storage unit 113 include a plurality of application programs for executing a plurality of types of jobs, for example, a copy application for executing a copy, a print application for executing a print, and a scanner. Examples include a scanner application for executing, a fax application for executing a fax, and a box application for executing a box. Various applications other than the applications corresponding to these basic jobs may be stored.

  The main control unit 110 is connected to the communication unit 114. The communication unit 114 is communicably connected to the external computer 200 via a network (or a cable), for example. Thus, printing can be performed based on the image data transmitted from the computer 200 (printing). Further, the image data obtained by the original reading operation by the image reading unit 102 can be transmitted to the computer 200 (scanner). Further, for example, a modem or the like may be incorporated in the communication unit 114. In this case, fax communication can be performed with the external fax machine 300 via a network such as a telephone line (fax).

  The operation panel 101 connected to the main control unit 110 has a display control unit 17. The display control unit 17 includes a CPU and an IC, and controls the display operation of the liquid crystal display unit 11. Specifically, when a soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 (touch panel) is pressed by the user, the display control unit 17 receives the output of the touch panel and specifies the coordinates of the pressed position. As a result, the position pressed by the user (pressed soft key) on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is specified. For example, data such as a table indicating the correspondence between the output of the touch panel and the coordinates of the pressed position is stored in the storage unit 18 (or the storage unit 113).

  Further, the display control unit 17 reads information stored in the storage unit 18 (or the storage unit 113) based on an operation performed on the operation panel 101 by the user, and displays an appropriate screen on the liquid crystal display unit 11. Let Taking the case where the user presses the copy key 14 as an example, the display control unit 17 receives a pressing operation of the copy key 14 by the user, and receives a setting instruction for a function relating to copying, as shown in FIG. The function screen FS is displayed. The function screen information for displaying the function screen FS on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 18 (or the storage unit 113), for example.

  The function screen FS includes, for example, paper selection (Paper Selection), reduction / enlargement (Zoom), density (Density), double-sided / division (Duplex), page aggregation (Combine), and sorting / sorting (Collate / Offset). A plurality of function setting keys FK each having a function name are provided. The plurality of function setting keys FK are software keys for allowing the user to select a function to be set. That is, when setting the function, the user presses the function setting key FK having the name of the function to be set as a display name among the plurality of function setting keys FK.

  For example, when the function setting key FK for paper selection (Paper Selection) is pressed by the user, the display control unit 17 displays a set value input screen IS including a plurality of paper setting keys SK as shown in FIG. Display on the unit 11. As a result, the user performs an input operation on the set value input screen IS (an operation to press any one of the plurality of paper setting keys SK), thereby setting a function related to paper selection (Paper Selection). be able to. For example, when printing on A4 size paper P, the user presses the paper setting key SK with the display name “Cassette 1 (Cassette 1)”.

  When the user finishes setting on the setting value input screen IS, the user presses the confirmation key (OK key) DK. As a result, the setting relating to paper selection is confirmed, and the liquid crystal display unit 17 displays the function screen FS shown in FIG. 5 on the liquid crystal display unit 11 again. Thereafter, when the user presses the job start key (OK key) JK, the job is started with the setting contents set by the user. Alternatively, the job is started when the user presses the start key 13 as a hard key.

  By the way, when one image forming apparatus 100 is shared by a plurality of users having different language spheres, the display language of the operation panel 101 (for example, the language used for display names of various soft keys) is fixed. If this is the case, some users will find it less convenient. For example, in the function screen FS shown in FIG. 5, the display names of the plurality of function setting keys FK are in English, which is convenient for English-speaking users, but convenient for Japanese-speaking users. The nature is bad. That is, for a Japanese-speaking user, for example, it is more convenient that the display name of the function setting key FK for paper selection (Paper Selection) is “paper selection” instead of “Paper Selection”.

  Considering this, the display language of the operation panel 101 can be selected by the user from a plurality of types of languages.

  For example, the operation panel 101 is provided with a system menu key 19 (see FIG. 2). When the system menu key 19 is pressed by the user, the display control unit 17 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display a plurality of setting item selection keys with names of a plurality of setting items (including language settings), respectively. When the user presses a setting item selection key related to language setting, a plurality of language selection keys each having names of plural types of languages that can be set are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. Thereafter, the user presses a language selection key corresponding to a desired language from among a plurality of language selection keys. Then, the display control unit 17 sets the language corresponding to the language selection key pressed by the user as the display language.

  Thereby, for example, when the setting language is set to English, the display control unit 17 displays the display names of the plurality of function setting keys FK in the function screen FS when displaying the function screen FS on the liquid crystal display unit 11. Is English (see FIG. 5). Then, when one of the plurality of function setting keys FK in the function screen FS is pressed by the user, the display control unit 17 displays the set value input screen IS on the liquid crystal display unit 11 and displays at that time. The language is English.

  When the setting language is switched from English to Japanese, the display control unit 17 displays a plurality of functions in the function screen FS as shown in FIG. 7 when the function screen FS is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. The display name of the setting key FK is Japanese. Further, when any one of the plurality of function setting keys FK in the function screen FS is pressed by the user, the display control unit 17 displays the set value input screen IS on the liquid crystal display unit 11 as shown in FIG. The display language at that time is Japanese.

  As described above, when the language of the display names of the plurality of function setting keys FK in the function screen FS is switched, the user selects an appropriate key from among a plurality of soft keys (setting item selection key, language selection key, etc.). Then press. However, the display name of each soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 at this time is expressed in the language set at the present time. That is, if the currently set language is English, the language of the display name of each soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 until the setting language switching is finished is English. Therefore, for example, when a Japanese-speaking user switches the setting language from English (language currently set) to Japanese, each soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 until the setting language is switched. Due to the fact that the language of the display name is English, the contents of each soft key may not be understood and incorrect settings may be made, or the settings themselves may not be made.

  In addition, the user must perform a number of operations when switching the setting language. Therefore, from the user's point of view, the setting language switching operation is cumbersome and inconvenient.

  Accordingly, in the present embodiment, when the display control unit 17 displays the function screen FS on the liquid crystal display unit 11, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the language switching of the display name of the function setting key FK is performed by the user. A plurality of language switching images for reception are displayed together in the function screen FS. Note that language switching image information for displaying a plurality of language switching images on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is stored, for example, in the storage unit 18 (or the storage unit 113). The plurality of language switching images are respectively associated with a plurality of types of languages.

  The plurality of language switching images are displayed in the function screen FS in the form of a national flag icon NI indicating the national flag of the country whose official language is the corresponding language. Examples of the flag icons NI displayed in the function screen FS at this time include the flag icons NI of the United States, Japan, Germany, France, China, and Brazil. The American flag icon NI is associated with English (American official language), and the Japanese flag icon NI is associated with Japanese. Similarly, each flag icon NI of Germany, France, China, and Brazil is associated with German, French, Chinese, and Portuguese (official language of Brazil), respectively.

  Note that English, Japanese, German, French, Chinese and Portuguese are settable (switchable) languages, and languages other than these six languages can be added as an option.

  For example, when displaying the function screen FS, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays a national flag icon NI having the current set language as an official language superimposed on each of the plurality of function setting keys FK. That is, if the current setting language is English, the liquid crystal display unit 11 superimposes the American flag icon NI on the function setting key FK as shown in FIG. On the other hand, for example, if the current setting language is Japanese, the liquid crystal display unit 11 superimposes the Japanese flag icon NI on the function setting key FK as shown in FIG. As a result, when the American flag icon NI is superimposed on the function setting key FK, the user can visually understand that the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK is English. When the national flag icon NI is superimposed on the function setting key FK, it can be visually understood that the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK is Japanese.

  For example, assume that the user presses the American flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK for paper selection on the function screen FS shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays a plurality of flag icons NI other than the American flag icon NI around the American flag icon NI. In the function screen FS shown in FIG. 11, the Japanese flag icon NI, the German flag icon NI, the French flag icon NI, the Chinese flag icon NI, and the Brazil flag icon NI around the American flag icon NI. An example in which is arranged is shown.

  Here, the plurality of national flag icons NI arranged around the American national flag icon NI function as language switching keys for accepting language switching from the user. That is, the user can visually understand a language that can be switched from the current set language. Then, when one of the plurality of national flag icons NI as the language switching key is pressed by the user, the liquid crystal display unit 11 changes the language of the display name of the function setting key FK for paper selection (Paper Selection) to the user. The language is switched to the language corresponding to the national flag icon NI that has been pressed.

  For example, it is assumed that the Japanese flag icon NI as the language switching key is pressed by the user on the function screen FS shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the liquid crystal display unit 11 switches the language of the display name of the function setting key FK for paper selection from English to Japanese. In other words, “Paper Selection” is switched to “Paper Setting”. At this time, the language of the display name of the function setting key FK for paper setting is Japanese. Accordingly, the liquid crystal display unit 11 superimposes the Japanese flag icon NI corresponding to Japanese as the currently set language on the function setting key FK for paper setting.

  In addition, when displaying a plurality of function setting keys FK in the function screen FS, the liquid crystal display unit 11 receives language switching of display names of the plurality of function setting keys FK separately from the user. That is, when the Japanese flag icon NI as the language switching key is pressed by the user on the function screen FS shown in FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 12, the function setting key FK of the paper selection (Paper Selection) Only the language of the display name is switched to Japanese, and the language of the display name of the other function setting keys FK is not switched (leave it in English).

  Then, for example, from the state shown in FIG. 12, if the user presses the American flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the density function setting key FK, the liquid crystal display unit 11 As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of national flag icons NI (Japan, Germany, France, China and Brazil flag icons NI) other than the American flag icon NI are displayed as language switching keys around the American flag icon NI. . After this, for example, when the Japanese flag icon NI as the language switching key is pressed by the user, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays the language of the display name of the density function setting key FK as shown in FIG. Only the language is switched to Japanese, and the language of the display name of the other function setting key FK is not switched (however, the display name of the function setting key FK for paper selection has been previously switched to Japanese).

  In the function screen FS shown in FIG. 12, when the Japanese flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the paper setting function setting key FK is further pressed by the user, the liquid crystal display unit 11 As shown, a plurality of national flag icons NI other than the Japanese national flag icon NI are displayed as language switching keys around the Japanese national flag icon NI. At this time, the American flag icon NI, the German flag icon NI, the French flag icon NI, the Chinese flag icon NI, and the Brazil flag icon NI are language switching keys. When one of the plurality of national flag icons NI as the language switching key is pressed by the user, the liquid crystal display unit 11 performs a pressing operation on the language of the display name of the paper selection function setting key FK from the user. Switch to the language corresponding to the received flag icon NI.

  In addition, in the function screen FS displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11, a language switching history column C for indicating a history of language switching is provided. Then, when the language of the display name of any of the plurality of function setting keys FK in the function screen FS is switched, the liquid crystal display unit 11 corresponds to the initial set language (for example, at the time of device shipment). The icon NI and the flag icon NI corresponding to the currently set language are displayed in the language switching history column C.

  For example, it is assumed that the language of the display name of the function setting key FK for paper selection (Paper Selection) is switched from English to Japanese as in the function screen FS shown in FIG. In this case, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays the function name (“paper selection” in this example) in the language setting history column C in the current set language, and also includes an American flag icon NI and an arrow (“→ ]) And the Japanese flag icon NI are displayed in this order. Thereby, the user can visually understand that the language of the display name of the function setting key FK for paper selection has been switched from English to Japanese. On the other hand, the liquid crystal display unit 11 does not display the national flag icon NI in the language switching history column C unless switching from the initially set language is performed.

  When the flag icon NI in the language switching history column C is pressed by the user, the liquid crystal display unit 11 sets the language of the display name of all the function setting keys FK to the flag icon NI that has been pressed by the user. Switch to the corresponding language.

  For example, assume that the user has pressed the Japanese flag icon NI in the language switching history column C on the function screen FS shown in FIG. In this case, the liquid crystal display unit 11 switches the language of the display names of all function setting keys FK from English to Japanese as shown in FIG. At this time, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays in the language switching history column C the switching history related to the languages of the display names of all the function setting keys FS. However, depending on the size of the language switching history column C, not all histories may be displayed at once. Therefore, in this case, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays, for example, an arrow key AK for accepting scrolling of the display in the language switching history column C from the user.

  On the other hand, for example, assume that the user has pressed the American flag icon NI in the language switching history column C from the state shown in FIG. In this case, the liquid crystal display unit 11 switches the language of display names of all function setting keys FK from Japanese to English. That is, the state shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. At this time, the liquid crystal display unit 11 only returns the language of the display names of all the function setting keys FK to the initial setting language (that is, English), so that the flag icon is displayed in the language switching history column C. The NI is not displayed.

  Further, when the liquid crystal display unit 11 receives a pressing operation of the function setting key FK from the user, the liquid crystal display unit 11 switches the display screen from the function screen FS to the set value input screen IS. At this time, the liquid crystal display unit 11 sets the same language as the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK that has been pressed down as the display language of the setting value input screen IS.

  For example, if the language of the current display name of the paper selection (Paper Selection) function setting key FK is English, the liquid crystal display unit 11 accepts a pressing operation of the paper selection (Paper Selection) function setting key FK from the user. The display language of the set value input screen IS is English (see FIG. 6). For example, if the language of the current display name of the paper selection (Paper Selection) function setting key FK is Japanese, the liquid crystal display unit 11 receives a pressing operation of the paper selection function setting key FK from the user. The display language of the set value input screen IS is Japanese (see FIG. 8).

  The liquid crystal display unit 11 switches the language of the display name of the function setting key FK, and then returns the language of the display name of the function setting key FK to the initial setting language at a predetermined time. For example, when the job executed after the language switching of the display name of the function setting key FK is completed, the liquid crystal display unit 11 returns the language of the display name of the function setting key FK to the initial setting language.

  By the way, a certain language may be used as an official language in a plurality of countries. Therefore, each flag icon information for displaying each of the plurality of flag icons NI may be stored in the storage unit 18 in association with the same language.

  For example, English is used as an official language in several countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Therefore, flag icons NI of a plurality of countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia are associated with English which is the same language. Then, it is preferable that the user can select which of the flag icons NI of the plurality of countries is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 as a language switching key.

  Thereby, for example, if the user is British, the user replaces the American flag icon NI with the liquid crystal display unit 11 instead of the American flag icon NI on the function screens FS shown in FIGS. Can be displayed. In this case, when the British flag icon NI as the language switching key is pressed by the user, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays the function setting key FK in the same manner as when the American flag icon NI is pressed by the user. Switch the display name language to English.

  Hereinafter, the operation when the liquid crystal display unit 11 switches the language of the display name of the function setting key FK will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, at the start of the flow of FIG. 17, when the user executes any job, the function screen FS regarding the job to be executed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. Then, when the user performs an operation for displaying the desired function screen FS on the liquid crystal display unit 11, the flow of FIG. 17 starts. For example, when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on by the user (including restarting) and the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays a preset function screen FS as an initial screen, the flow of FIG. 17 starts. Alternatively, when any one of the copy key 14, the transmission key 15, and the box key 16 is pressed by the user, the pressed key (any one of the copy key 14, the transmission key 15, and the box key 16). The liquid crystal display unit 11 displays a function screen FS corresponding to the above. Therefore, also in this case, the flow of FIG. 17 starts.

  In step S1, when the display control unit 17 displays the function screen FS including the function setting key FK on the liquid crystal display unit 11, the flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK is also displayed on the liquid crystal display unit. 11 is displayed.

  In step S2, the display control unit 17 determines whether or not the user has pressed the national flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK. If the flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK is pressed by the user, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the display control unit 17 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display the flag icon NI corresponding to the switchable language as a language switching key. If there are a plurality of types of languages that can be switched, the display control unit 17 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display a plurality of national flag icons NI corresponding to the plurality of types of languages that can be switched as language switching keys.

  In step S4, the display control unit 17 determines whether or not the language switching key (flag icon NI) has been pressed by the user. If the language switch key (national flag icon NI) is pressed by the user, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the display control unit 17 determines the language corresponding to the language switch key (flag icon NI) pressed by the user. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 11 receives the discrimination result of the display control unit 17 and switches the language of the display name of the function setting key FK. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 11 switches the language of the display name of the function setting key FK to the language corresponding to the language switching key (flag icon NI) pressed by the user.

  Subsequently, in step S6, the display control unit 17 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display a switching history related to the language of the display name of the function setting key FK. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays the flag icon NI corresponding to the initial set language and the flag icon NI corresponding to the current set language in the language switching history column C of the function screen FS.

  In step S7, the display control unit 17 determines whether or not the national flag icon NI in the language switching history column C is pressed by the user. If the flag icon NI in the language switching history column C is pressed by the user, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, the display control unit 17 determines the language corresponding to the flag icon NI in the language switching history column C pressed by the user. And the liquid crystal display part 11 switches the language of the display name of all the function setting keys FK in response to the discrimination result of the display control part 17. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 11 switches the language of the display names of all the function setting keys FK to the language corresponding to the national flag icon NI in the language switching history column C pressed by the user. Then, it returns to step S1. Note that if the flag icon NI in the language switching history column C is not pressed by the user in step S7, the process returns to step S1.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2. In step S2, the display control unit 17 determines whether or not the language switching of the display name of the function setting key FK is accepted again from the user. That is, the display control unit 17 determines whether or not the flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK is pressed by the user. When the flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK is pressed by the user, the operations in steps S3 to S8 are repeated. On the other hand, if the flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK is not pressed by the user, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S4, when the language switch key (flag icon NI) is not pressed by the user, for example, when the flag icon NI indicating the language of the current display name of the function setting key FK is pressed by the user. The process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, the display control unit 17 determines whether or not job execution has been started by the user. Then, when the execution of the job is started by the user, the process proceeds to step S10. If job execution has not been started by the user, the process returns to step S2.

  Thereafter, in step S10, when the job executed by the user is completed, the display control unit 17 notifies the liquid crystal display unit 11 to that effect. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 11 returns (resets) the language of the display name of the function setting key FK to the initial language.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the liquid crystal display unit 11 (operation display unit) displays a plurality of national flag icons NI (language switching images) in the function screen FS, and any one of the plurality of national flag icons NI. When the user presses the national flag icon NI, the language of the display name of the function setting key FK is switched to the language corresponding to the national flag icon NI that has received the press operation. Accordingly, when the language of the display name of the function setting key FK is switched from the user, the flag icon NI corresponding to the language desired by the user is selected from the plurality of flag icons NI corresponding to the plural types of languages that can be switched. Since it is only necessary to select and press the button, even if the current set language cannot be read, the language of the display name of the function setting key FK can be easily switched. That is, in this embodiment, the convenience of the user at the time of switching the setting language can be improved.

  Further, the plurality of national flag icons NI are national flags of a country whose corresponding language is an official language. Therefore, it is possible to make the user recognize a plurality of types of languages that are easier to understand and can be switched.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the liquid crystal display unit 11 receives a pressing operation of the function setting key FK, the liquid crystal display unit 11 shifts the display screen from the function screen FS to the setting value input screen IS and receives the pressing operation. The same language as the display name of the function setting key FK is set as the display language of the set value input screen IS. According to this configuration, the language desired by the user becomes the display language of the setting value input screen IS, so that the convenience of the user when inputting the setting value can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the language of the display name of the function setting key FK is switched, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays the flag icon NI corresponding to the initial setting language and the current setting language. The corresponding national flag icon NI is displayed in the language switching history column C provided in the function screen FS. With this configuration, the user can recognize the initial setting language and the current setting language in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the liquid crystal display unit 11 receives a pressing operation of the national flag icon NI in the language switching history column C, the display names of all the function setting keys FK in the function screen FS are displayed. Is switched to the language corresponding to the national flag icon NI that has been pressed in the language switching history column C. With this configuration, the user can switch the language of the display names of the plurality of function setting keys FK by one operation (pressing operation of the national flag icon NI), which is convenient.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the operation panel 101 changes the language of the display name of the function setting key FK when the job executed after switching the language of the display name of the function setting key FK is completed. Restore the default language. With this configuration, the language of the display name of the function setting key FK is not changed and left unattended. In addition, if the user who has switched the language of the display name of the function setting key FK does not need to perform an operation of returning the switched language after switching the language.

  It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above-described embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope.

11 Liquid crystal display (operation display)
18 Storage Unit 100 Image Forming Apparatus 101 Operation Panel (Display Input Device)
C Language switching history field FK function setting key FS function screen NI flag icon IS setting value input screen

Claims (7)

An operation display unit for displaying a function screen including a function setting key for receiving function settings;
A storage unit that stores function screen information for displaying the function screen and stores language switching image information for displaying a plurality of language switching images respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of languages;
The operation display unit displays the plurality of language switching images in the function screen, and displays the function setting key when an operation of pressing one of the language switching images is received. A display input device that switches a language of a name to a language corresponding to the language switching image that has undergone the pressing operation.   The display input device according to claim 1, wherein the language switching image is a national flag icon indicating a national flag of a country whose corresponding language is an official language.   When the operation display unit receives a pressing operation of the function setting key, the operation display unit shifts the display screen from the function screen to a setting value input screen, and the same language as the language of the display name of the function setting key that has received the pressing operation The display input device according to claim 1, wherein a display language of the set value input screen is used.   When the language of the display name of the function setting key is switched, the operation display unit displays a language switching image corresponding to the initial setting language and a language switching image corresponding to the current setting language in the function screen. The display input device according to claim 1, wherein the display input device is displayed in a language switching history column provided in.   When the operation display unit receives an operation of pressing a language switching image in the language switching history column, the operation display unit displays the languages of display names of all the function setting keys in the function screen as the languages in the language switching history column. The display input device according to claim 4, wherein the language is switched to a language corresponding to the language switching image that has been pressed.   The operation display unit returns the language of the display name of the function setting key to the initial setting language when a job executed after switching the language of the display name of the function setting key is completed. The display input device according to claim 1.   An image forming apparatus comprising the display input device according to claim 1.

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