JP2013055561A - Image forming apparatus, setting method, and setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate an operation for setting a setting value.SOLUTION: An MFP includes: a setting screen display unit 15 for displaying a setting screen for fixing a processing condition and having display areas corresponding to setting items for fixing the processing condition on a liquid crystal device (LCD); an input screen display unit 45 for displaying an input screen on the LCD; an input value reception unit 47 for receiving an input value to be fixed with an indicated input key among multiple input keys included on an input screen on the basis of a position to be detected by a touch panel; and a display value control unit 19 for displaying a value in the display area on the setting screen. The display value control unit 19 includes: a default value display unit 25 for displaying a default value corresponding to a setting item in the display area in response to displaying of the input screen; and a first input value display unit 27 for displaying an input value in the display area after the input value is received.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a setting method, and a setting program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that executes processing according to a set value, and a setting method and a setting program that are executed by the image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, a soft keyboard is used as a user interface in an image forming apparatus represented by a multifunction peripheral (MFP) (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). By using this soft keyboard, the number of physical hard keys can be reduced, so that the device can be reduced in size, or the display screen can be displayed using the area conventionally used for providing hard keys. Can be bigger.

  According to the first prior art, when a numerical value that has already been set is displayed before the setting value is input using the soft keyboard, the scale of the numerical value that has already been input is changed and input to the soft keyboard. The set value is set to the 1's place. For example, a case where “50” is input using a soft keyboard will be described. For example, “1” is set as a default value, and “5” is input to the soft keyboard in the order of “5”. The setting value becomes “15” at the time when “0” is input, and when “0” is subsequently input, the setting value becomes “150”. Therefore, in the first prior art, the user must press a clear key, for example, to clear the default value before inputting the set value.

  As a second prior art, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-234449 (Cited Document 3) discloses an information processing apparatus that displays input items on a screen of a display device and inputs information to selected input items. , A numeric key for inputting the number of copies of an image on the screen of the display device, a clear key, a judgment unit for judging whether or not the input by the numeric key is the first time, and a judgment result by the judgment unit is the first time In addition, there is described an information processing apparatus including a control unit that replaces the set value of the current number of copies with an input value when the input value by the numeric key is other than “0”.

However, in the second prior art, the default value remains displayed as the setting value when the soft keyboard is displayed. Therefore, a user who is accustomed to the operation of pressing the clear key according to the first prior art must use the default value. The clear key may be pressed to clear For this reason, there existed a problem that operation became complicated.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-221169 JP 2004-252727 A JP 2004-234449 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates an operation for setting a set value.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a setting method that facilitates an operation for setting a set value.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a setting program that facilitates an operation for setting a set value.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays an image, and a position detection unit that detects a position instructed by a user on the display surface of the display unit. A process execution means for executing the process, and a setting screen for determining a processing condition for the process execution means to execute the process, and a setting screen having a display area corresponding to a setting item for determining the process condition is displayed on the display means The setting screen display means to be different from the setting screen, based on the input screen display means for displaying the input screen including a plurality of input keys on the display means, and the position detected by the position detection means, Input value receiving means for receiving an input value determined by an input key instructed by the user among a plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen, and a value in a display area of the setting screen Display value control means for displaying, and the display value control means displays a default value predetermined as a setting value corresponding to the setting item in the display area in response to the input screen display being displayed. And a value display means and an input value display means for displaying the received input value in a display area after the input value is received by the set value receiving means.

  According to this aspect, a setting screen having a display area corresponding to a setting item for determining processing conditions is displayed, and an input screen including a plurality of input keys is displayed as a setting value corresponding to the setting item. A predetermined default value is displayed in the display area, and after the input value is accepted, the input value is displayed in the display area. For this reason, since the default value is displayed in the display area when the input screen is displayed, the user can be notified that the operation of clearing the set value is not required before the input value is input. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates an operation for setting a set value.

  Preferably, the setting instruction by the user in the state in which the input setting screen is displayed on the display means and the item setting means for setting the setting value corresponding to the setting item that defines the processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute the processing. A setting instruction accepting unit that accepts the setting item. When the setting instruction is accepted, the item setting unit accepts the input value by the setting value accepting unit and sets the setting item with the accepted input value. Update means for updating the set value set correspondingly is included.

  According to this aspect, when the input value is received after the input screen is displayed, the set value is updated, so that the set value can be changed.

  Preferably, the updating unit does not update the setting value set corresponding to the setting item when the input value is not received by the setting value receiving unit.

  According to this aspect, when the setting instruction is accepted without accepting the input value after the input screen is displayed, the setting value is not updated, so that the setting value can be maintained even after the input screen is displayed. it can.

  Preferably, there is further provided set value display means for displaying a set value set corresponding to the set item while the input screen is displayed.

  According to this aspect, since the setting value set corresponding to the setting item is displayed while the input screen is displayed, the setting value set so far can be notified to the user. For this reason, the user can input a new set value while referring to the set value.

  Preferably, the set value display means displays the set value set corresponding to the setting item in a display mode different from the display mode of the default value or the input value in the display area.

  According to this aspect, the setting value is displayed in a display mode different from the display mode of the default value or the input value displayed in the display area, so that the user can input the setting value and the value input on the input screen. And can be distinguished.

  Preferably, the set value display means displays the set value within a predetermined range from the display area outside the display area.

  According to this aspect, since the set value is displayed within a predetermined range from the display area outside the display area, it is possible to notify the user of the set value set so far. For this reason, the user can input a new set value while referring to the set value.

  Preferably, the input screen includes an input value display area for displaying a default value or an input value.

  According to this aspect, since the input screen includes the input value display area, the user can check the value input on the input screen while looking at the input screen.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises display instruction detecting means for detecting a display instruction for displaying the input screen by the user in a state where the setting screen is displayed, and the input screen display means is responsive to detection of the display instruction. The input screen is displayed on the display means.

  According to this aspect, the input screen is displayed in response to detection of a display instruction for displaying the input screen by the user while the setting screen is displayed. Therefore, the user can be notified that the input screen is for inputting a value corresponding to the display area of the setting screen.

  Preferably, the display instruction detection unit detects the display instruction in response to detection of a position in the setting item included in the setting screen by the position detection unit.

  According to this aspect, since a display instruction is detected in response to detection of a position in the setting item included in the setting screen, the input screen is for inputting a setting value corresponding to the setting item. Can be notified to the user.

  Preferably, it is provided separately from the position detecting means, further comprising a key operation accepting means having a plurality of keys, wherein the display instruction accepting means is in response to an instruction of a predetermined key by the key operation accepting means. Detect display instructions.

  According to this aspect, since a display instruction is detected in response to an instruction of a predetermined key among a plurality of keys, an operation for displaying an input screen can be facilitated.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the setting method is a setting method executed by the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus displays the image on the display surface of the display means by the user. A setting screen for defining processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing, and corresponding to setting items for determining processing conditions. A setting screen having a display area to be displayed on the display means, a step different from the setting screen, the input screen including a plurality of input keys being displayed on the display means, and a position detection means A step of receiving an input value determined by an input key instructed by a user from among a plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen based on the position of Including a step of setting a setting value corresponding to a setting item that defines a processing condition for executing the display condition, and a display value control step of displaying a value in a display area of the setting screen. The display value control step includes: In response to the display being displayed, after the input value is received in the step of displaying a default value predetermined as a setting value corresponding to the setting item in the display area and the step of receiving the input value, the input value is received. Displaying the inputted input value in the display area.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting method which made the operation for setting a setting value easy can be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the setting program is a setting program executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays an image, and a display surface of the display unit. A position detection means for detecting a position designated by a user, and a process execution means for executing a process. A step of displaying on the display means a setting screen having a display area corresponding to the set item to be determined; a step of displaying on the display means an input screen which is a screen different from the setting screen and includes a plurality of input keys; Based on the position detected by the detection means, an input value determined by an input key instructed by the user among a plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen A step of accepting, a step of setting a setting value corresponding to a setting item for defining a processing condition for the processing execution means to execute processing, and a display value control step of displaying a value in a display area of the setting screen The display value control step includes a step of displaying a default value predetermined as a set value corresponding to the setting item in the display area in response to the input screen display being displayed, and a step of receiving the input value. After the input value is received in, the step of displaying the received input value in the display area is included.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting program which made easy operation for setting a setting value can be provided.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an MFP in the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a top view of an operation panel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen displayed superimposed on a setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an input screen display process. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between a user's operation and display content. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the setting process in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the input screen display process in a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, MFP 100 functioning as an image forming apparatus includes a main circuit 110, a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, and an automatic document transport device for transporting a document to document reading unit 130. 120, an image forming unit 140 that forms an image on a sheet or the like based on image data that the document reading unit 130 reads and outputs the document, a paper feeding unit 150 that supplies the sheet to the image forming unit 140, and a user interface The operation panel 160 is included.

  The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a mass storage device, a facsimile unit 116, an external storage device 117, including. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, sheet feeding unit 150, and operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The automatic document feeder 120 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document feed tray one by one to the document reading position set on the platen glass of the document reading unit 130, and the document reading unit 130. The document on which the document image is read is discharged onto the document discharge tray. The document reading unit 130 includes a light source that irradiates light to the document conveyed to the document reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected from the document, and scans a document image corresponding to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the CPU 111.

  The image forming unit 140 forms an image by a well-known electrophotographic method, and the image data after data processing is obtained by performing various data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the document reading unit 130. Alternatively, an image is formed on a sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 150 based on image data received from the outside. The paper feed unit 150 conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 140.

  The facsimile unit 116 is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits / receives facsimile data. The facsimile unit 116 converts image data read by the document reading unit 130 or data stored in the HDD 115 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile apparatus connected to the PSTN. Further, the facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 115 or causes the image forming unit 140 to form an image of the facsimile data on a sheet.

  Communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to a network. The communication I / F unit 112 communicates with other computers or image forming apparatuses connected to the network using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Note that the network to which the communication I / F unit 112 is connected is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The RAM 114 temporarily stores image data output from the document reading unit 130.

  The operation panel 160 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 165, a display control unit 161 that controls display on the LCD 165, a VRAM (Video RAM) 163, a touch panel 169, a hard key unit 170, a touch panel 169, and a hard key unit. An input control unit 167 for controlling 170. LCD 165 and hard key unit 170 are provided on the upper surface of MFP 100.

  The display control unit 161 is connected to the CPU 111, the VRAM 163, and the LCD 165. The VRAM 163 is used as a work area for the display control unit 161 and temporarily stores an image to be displayed on the LCD 165. The display control unit 161 is controlled by the CPU 111 to control the LCD 165 and cause the LCD 165 to display an image stored in the VRAM 163. The display control unit 161 displays an operation screen and an input screen described later on the LCD 165.

  The hard key unit 170 includes a plurality of hard keys including at least a start key and a keyboard call key. The hard key is connected to the input control unit 167 and outputs an ON signal to the input control unit 167 while being pressed by the user, and outputs an OFF signal to the input control unit 167 while not being pressed by the user.

  The touch panel 169 is provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the LCD 165, and outputs the coordinates of the position designated by the user to the input control unit 167. Touch panel 169 detects the position indicated by the user with a finger or a stylus pen, and outputs the coordinates of the detected position to input control unit 167. Touch panel 169 is preferably the same size or larger than the display surface of LCD 165. Since the touch panel 169 is provided so as to overlap with the LCD 165, the touch panel 169 outputs the coordinates of the position designated by the user on the display surface of the LCD 165 to the input control unit 167 when the user indicates the display surface of the LCD 165. As the touch panel, for example, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a capacitance method can be used, and the method is not limited.

  When there is a hard key that outputs an ON signal in the hard key unit 170, the input control unit 167 outputs identification information of the hard key that outputs the ON signal to the CPU 111. Further, when the touch panel 169 detects the position designated by the user, the input control unit 167 outputs the coordinates output from the touch panel 169 to the CPU 111.

  The external storage device 117 is controlled by the CPU 111, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 118 or a semiconductor memory is mounted.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operation panel 160. Referring to FIG. 3, operation panel 160 includes an LCD 165, a touch panel 169 provided so as to overlap with LCD 165, and a hard key unit 170 in which a plurality of hard keys are arranged on the right side and the lower side of LCD 165. Hard key portion 170 includes a keyboard call key 171 and a start key 173.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP. The functions shown in FIG. 4 are functions realized by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 4, CPU 111 includes a setting unit 11, an input receiving unit 41, and a process execution unit 61. The process execution unit 61 controls the communication I / F unit 112, the facsimile unit 116, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the image forming unit 140, and the paper feeding unit 150, and a setting unit The processing is executed under the processing conditions set by 11.

  The process execution part 61 performs a process according to a process condition. The processing condition includes one or more setting items and is determined by setting values corresponding to each of the one or more setting items. The RAM 114 has a setting register for storing a setting value for each of one or more setting items for determining processing conditions. The process execution unit 61 reads from the RAM 114 the setting values set in the setting register that the RAM 114 has for each of a plurality of setting items, and executes the process according to the setting values corresponding to each of the one or more setting items.

  An example of processing executed by the processing execution unit 61 is scan processing, copy processing, print processing, facsimile transmission / reception processing, and the like. The processing execution unit 61 controls the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, and the communication I / F unit 112 when the scan processing is set as one of the processing conditions. Then, the image of the document read by the document reading unit 130 is output to at least one of the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, and the communication I / F unit 112 according to the processing conditions. The process execution unit 61 stores an image in the HDD 115 when a process condition in which the output destination is the HDD 115 is set as one of the process conditions. The process execution unit 61 stores an image in a semiconductor memory attached to the external storage device 117 when a process condition in which the output destination is the external storage device 117 is set as one of the processing conditions. The process execution unit 61 transmits an image via the communication I / F unit 112 when a process condition in which the output destination is the communication I / F unit 112 is designated as one of the process conditions. The transmission method is e-mail transmission, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block), or the like, for example. When e-mail transmission is set as the transmission method, an e-mail attached with an image is generated, and the generated e-mail is transmitted.

  The process execution unit 61 controls the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the sheet feeding unit 150, and the image forming unit 140 when the copy processing is set as one of the processing conditions. The image of the original read by the original reading unit 130 is formed on the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 150 to the image forming unit 140 in accordance with the set processing conditions.

  Further, the processing execution unit 61 sets the communication I / F unit 112, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, the image forming unit 140, and the paper feeding unit 150 when the print processing is set as one of the processing conditions. And control the image forming unit 140 to form an image on the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 150 in accordance with the set processing conditions. The image formed by the image forming unit 140 is set according to one of the processing conditions, and is an image of print data received from a computer connected to the network via the communication I / F unit 112, the HDD 115 or the external storage device 117. Is an image of data stored in

  Further, the processing execution unit 61 controls the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, and the facsimile unit 116 when the facsimile transmission processing is set as one of the processing conditions. Then, the image of the facsimile data is transmitted to the facsimile unit 116. The facsimile data transmitted by the facsimile unit 116 is an image that is set according to one of the processing conditions, and is an image that the document reading unit 130 reads and outputs the document according to the processing condition, or an image stored in the HDD 115 or the external storage device 117. .

  The process execution unit 61 controls the facsimile unit 116, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, the image forming unit 140, and the paper supply unit 150 when the facsimile reception process is set as one of the processing conditions. Output data. When a processing condition in which the output destination is the image forming unit 140 is set as one of the processing conditions, the processing execution unit 61 sends an image of facsimile data to the paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 150 to the image forming unit 140. And formed in accordance with the set processing conditions. The process execution unit 61 stores the facsimile data in the HDD 115 when a process condition in which the output destination is the HDD 115 is set as one of the process conditions. The process execution unit 61 stores the facsimile data in a semiconductor memory attached to the external storage device 117 when a process condition in which the output destination is the external storage device 117 is set as one of the process conditions. If the processing condition that the output destination is the communication I / F unit 112 is set as one of the processing conditions, the process execution unit 61 generates an e-mail attached with facsimile data, and the communication I / F unit 112 Send an email through.

  The setting unit 11 includes a setting screen selection unit 13, a setting screen display unit 15, a setting item selection unit 17, a display value control unit 19, a setting value display unit 21, and an item setting unit 23. The setting screen selection unit 13 selects one of a plurality of setting screens stored in advance in the HDD 115 and outputs setting screen identification information for identifying the selected setting screen to the setting screen display unit 15.

  The plurality of setting screens respectively correspond to a plurality of processing conditions for the processing execution unit 61 to execute processing. For example, a setting screen for determining processing conditions for causing the process execution unit 61 to execute scan processing, a setting screen for determining processing conditions for causing the processing execution unit 61 to execute copy processing, and a processing execution unit for performing print processing 6 is a setting screen for determining processing conditions for causing the processing execution unit 61 to execute processing for causing the processing execution unit 61 to execute facsimile transmission / reception processing. The setting screen is a screen for setting a setting value for each of one or more setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution unit 61 to execute processing. The setting screen has a set of an item name and a display area for each of one or more setting items. The plurality of setting screens may include a setting screen with a transition function. The setting screen with a transition function has one or more transition buttons for selecting another setting screen.

  For example, the setting screen selection unit 13 displays a menu screen including a plurality of setting screen identification information for identifying each of the plurality of setting screens on the LCD 165, and the user operates the touch panel 169 or the hard key unit 170 to select the menu. If one of the plurality of setting screen identification information displayed on the screen is selected, the setting screen of the selected setting screen identification information is selected. In addition, when a setting screen with a transition function is displayed on the LCD 165, if the user operates the touch panel 169 or the hard key unit 170 to point to a transition button included in the setting screen with a transition function, the instructed transition Select the setting screen associated with the button.

  The setting screen display unit 15 displays the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information on the LCD 165 in response to the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13. Specifically, the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information is read from the plurality of setting screens stored in the HDD 165, the read setting screen is output to the display control unit 161, and the display control unit 161. The image of the setting screen is displayed on the LCD 165. The setting screen display unit 15 displays setting values corresponding to each of one or more setting items included in the setting screen in the display area. Specifically, the setting screen display unit 15 reads setting values corresponding to each of one or more setting items included in the setting screen from a setting register included in the RAM 114. For a setting item for which no setting value is set, a default value predetermined for the setting item is read from the HDD 115. Next, the setting screen display unit 15 displays the setting value read from the setting register in a display area corresponding to each of one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165. Specifically, the setting value and the position of the display area are output to the display control unit 161, and an image of the setting value is displayed in the display area of the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  The setting item selection unit 17 selects a setting item selected by the user from among one or more setting items included in the setting screen as a processing target. When the user indicates with one finger one or more item names displayed on the LCD 165 or a display area corresponding to the item name, the position designated by the user is detected by the touch panel 169. The item selection unit 37 specifies one or more item names or a display area corresponding to the item name based on the coordinates of the display surface of the LCD 165 detected by the touch panel 169, and is specified. Select the setting item corresponding to the item name and display area. The item selection unit 37 outputs the item name of the setting item selected from one or more setting items to the input receiving unit 41, the display value control unit 19, the setting value display unit 21, and the item setting unit 23.

  The input reception unit 41 includes a display instruction detection unit 43, an input screen display unit 45, an input value reception unit 47, and a setting instruction reception unit 49. The display instruction detection unit 43 detects a display instruction for displaying the input screen. Specifically, the display instruction detection unit 43 detects the display instruction when an item name is input from the setting item selection unit 17. Alternatively, the display instruction may be detected in response to detecting that the keyboard call key 171 provided in the hard key unit 170 is pressed after the item name is input from the setting item selection unit 17. The display instruction detection unit 43 outputs a display instruction signal to the input screen display unit 45 in response to detecting the display instruction. The display instruction signal includes an item name input from the setting item selection unit 17.

  When a display instruction signal is input from the display instruction detection unit 43, the input screen display unit 45 displays the input screen superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165. Specifically, the input screen is output to the display control unit 161, and the display control unit 161 generates a composite image in which the input screen image is given priority over the setting screen image, and the display control unit 161 generates the input screen. The image is displayed on the LCD 165. Further, when the display instruction signal is input from the display instruction detection unit 43, the input screen display unit 45 sets a blank in the input register included in the RAM 114. In other words, at the stage of displaying the input screen, the input register included in the RAM 114 is set to blank.

  The input screen includes an image of a soft keyboard including a plurality of input keys. When the input screen is displayed on the LCD 165, the input screen display unit 45 outputs a display state signal indicating that the input screen is displayed to the display value control unit 19 and the set value display unit 21. The input screen display unit 45 displays the input screen on the LCD 165 until a setting instruction signal is input from a setting instruction receiving unit 49 described later. When the setting instruction signal is input from the setting instruction receiving unit 49, the input screen display unit 45 Cancel the display.

  The input screen display unit 45 includes a soft keyboard display unit 51. The soft keyboard display unit 51 displays a plurality of input keys superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165. A value assigned to each input key is assigned as a key name to each of the plurality of input keys. Specifically, the key names of each of the plurality of input keys are output to the display control unit 161, and the display control unit 161 generates an image in which the key name image of the input key is prioritized over the setting screen image. Then, the image generated by the display control unit 161 is displayed on the LCD 165.

  A plurality of input keys include 10 input keys each representing a number from 0 to 9, two input keys assigned with symbols “*” and “#”, and “C” It includes a cancel key representing characters and a setting instruction key representing characters “OK”. The soft keyboard display unit 43 outputs, to the input value receiving unit 47, a set of a key name and a position in the key name image setting screen for each of a plurality of input keys.

  The input value receiving unit 47 receives an input value based on an input key instructed by the user among a plurality of input keys. If the user indicates with a finger one of a plurality of key name images represented by numbers 0 to 9 displayed on the LCD 165, the position designated by the user is detected by the touch panel 169. Based on the coordinates of the display surface of the LCD 165 detected by the touch panel 169, the input value receiving unit 47 identifies which of the plurality of key name images in which numbers 0 to 9 are indicated by the user, The input key corresponding to the identified key name image is selected. The input value receiving unit 47 outputs the value assigned to the selected input key to the item setting unit 23, the display value control unit 19, and the setting instruction receiving unit 49 as an input value. Here, the input value receiving unit 47 sets an input value in the input register included in the RAM 114, and the item setting unit 23, the display value control unit 19, and the setting instruction receiving unit 49 refer to the input register included in the RAM 114. , Get the input value.

  When the input value receiving unit 47 sequentially selects a plurality of input keys representing numbers 0 to 9, the input value is a value in which a plurality of values respectively assigned to the plurality of input keys are arranged in the selected order. Is set in the input register included in the RAM 114. For example, the numbers “0” to “9” are respectively assigned to 10 input keys representing numbers 0 to 9, and the input key to which the number “1” is assigned first is assigned. When an input key that is selected and assigned the second number “2” is selected, the setting value is “12” in which the second “2” is arranged to the right of the first “1”. And the set value “12” is set in the input register.

  Further, the input value receiving unit 47 outputs a cancel signal to the display value control unit 19 when detecting that the cancel key is instructed among the plurality of input keys. Further, the input value receiving unit 47 outputs a setting instruction detection signal to the setting instruction receiving unit 49 when detecting that a setting instruction key is instructed among a plurality of input keys.

  The setting instruction receiving unit 49 receives a setting instruction from the user. The setting instruction receiving unit 49 receives a setting instruction from the user when a setting instruction detection signal is input from the input value receiving unit 47 or when a press of the keyboard call key 171 included in the hard key unit 170 is detected. When receiving the setting instruction, the setting instruction receiving unit 49 outputs a setting instruction signal to the item setting unit 23, the first input value display unit 27, and the input screen display unit 45. A setting instruction may be received when a predetermined key other than the keyboard call key 171 of the hard key unit 170 is instructed.

  The display value control unit 19 sets a setting item among one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15 in response to the input of the item name from the setting item selection unit 17. The setting item specified by the item name input from the selection unit 17 is determined as a processing target. The display value control unit 19 includes a default value display unit 25 and a first input value display unit 27.

  The default value display unit 25 displays a default value in a display area corresponding to the setting item included in the setting screen and determined to be processed in response to the display state signal input from the input screen display unit 45. . Specifically, the default value display unit 25 is a display area included in a setting screen that is read from the HDD 115 and is displayed on the LCD 165 for a setting item determined to be processed. The read default value is displayed in the display area corresponding to the setting item determined as the processing target. The default value and the position of the display area are output to the display control unit 161, and an image of the default value is displayed in the display area of the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  Before the display state signal is input from the input screen display unit 45, the setting value is displayed by the setting screen display unit 15 in the display area corresponding to the setting item determined as the processing target of the setting screen. . When the display state signal is input from the input screen display unit 45, in other words, when the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen, the default value is displayed in the display area. Therefore, when the input screen is displayed, the display in the display area of the setting screen changes from the setting value to the default value, so that the user sees the default value displayed in the display area of the setting item selected on the setting screen. Thus, it is possible to know that it is not necessary to press the clear key before inputting the input value.

  The first input value display unit 27 displays the input value in the display area corresponding to the setting item included in the setting screen and determined to be processed in response to the input value input from the input value receiving unit 47. To do. Here, since the input value receiving unit 47 sets the input value in the input register included in the RAM 114, the first input value display unit 27 reads the input value from the input register of the RAM 114 when the value of the input register is rewritten, The input value is displayed in a display area included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 and corresponding to the setting item determined as the processing target. The input value and the position of the display area are output to the display control unit 161, and an image of the input value is displayed in the display area of the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  The input value input from the input value receiving unit 47 is a value input by the user on the input screen. The user can confirm the operation input on the input screen by looking at the input value displayed in the display area of the setting item selected on the setting screen.

  The first input value display unit 27 sets a default value in the input register included in the RAM 114 in response to a cancel signal input from the input value receiving unit 47, and sets the setting items determined as processing targets. Display the default value in the corresponding display area. Specifically, the first input value display unit 27 reads out a default value predetermined for the setting item determined to be processed from the HDD 115, sets the default value in the input register included in the RAM 114, and the LCD 165. The read default value is displayed in a display area included in the setting screen displayed on the display area corresponding to the setting item determined to be processed. The default value and the position of the display area are output to the display control unit 161, and an image of the default value is displayed in the display area of the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  The user can confirm that the input value that has been input by mistake is canceled by looking at the default value displayed in the display area of the setting item selected on the setting screen. Then, the operation of re-inputting the input value on the input screen can be continued.

  Further, the first input value display unit 27 is determined to be a processing target when the setting instruction signal is input from the setting instruction receiving unit 49 without receiving either the input value or the cancel signal from the input value receiving unit 47. The set value is displayed in the display area corresponding to the set item. Specifically, the first input value display unit 27 is a setting register included in the RAM 114, reads the setting value set in the setting register corresponding to the setting item determined to be processed, and displays the setting value on the LCD 165. The setting value read out is displayed in a display area included in the setting screen that corresponds to the setting item determined to be processed. As will be described later, the update unit 29 updates the setting value when the setting instruction signal is input from the setting instruction receiving unit 49 without receiving either the input value or the cancel signal from the input value receiving unit 47. Because it does not.

  The setting value display unit 21 receives an item name from the setting item selection unit 17. The setting value display unit 21 processes a setting item specified by the item name input from the setting item selection unit 17 among one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15. Decide on the target. The setting value display unit 21 is set in the setting register for the setting item determined to be processed among the setting registers of the RAM 114 in response to the display state signal input from the input screen display unit 45. And the read setting value is displayed in the display area corresponding to the setting item determined to be processed.

  In the stage where the display state signal is input from the input screen display unit 45, in other words, in the stage where the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen, the display area corresponding to the setting item determined as the processing target is displayed in the display area. The default value is displayed by the display value control unit 19. For this reason, the set value display unit 21 displays the default value in a display mode different from the default value display mode and the default value display mode in the display area corresponding to the setting item determined to be processed. The set value is displayed next to the set position. The difference in display mode may be a luminance difference, a color difference, or a background color difference. Here, the default value is displayed in white with high luminance, and the set value is displayed in gray with low luminance. The set value display unit 21 displays the set value continuously while the display state signal is input from the input screen display unit 45.

  Since the set value is displayed together with the default value when the input screen is displayed, it is possible to continue to notify the user of the set value that has been set so far. While the input screen is displayed, the default value or input value is displayed in the display area corresponding to the setting item determined as the processing target, but the setting value should be displayed separately. Thus, the setting value set before the input screen is displayed can be notified to the user.

  The set value display unit 21 may display the set value at a position outside the display area and within a predetermined range from the display area.

  The item setting unit 23 receives an item name from the setting item selection unit 17. The setting item setting unit 23 processes a setting item specified by the item name input from the setting item selection unit 17 among one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15. Decide on the target. The setting item setting unit 23 includes an updating unit 29.

  The updating unit 29 receives an input value from the input value receiving unit 47 and a setting instruction signal from the setting instruction receiving unit 49. When the setting instruction signal is input, the updating unit 29 updates the setting value of the setting item determined as the processing target on condition that the input value is input from the input value receiving unit 47. The updating unit 29 determines whether or not an input value is input from the input value receiving unit 47 by referring to the value of the input register included in the RAM 114. If a value other than a blank is set in the input register included in the RAM 114, it is determined that an input value is input from the input value receiving unit 47. If a blank is set in the input register included in the RAM 114, the input value is determined. It is determined that no input value is input from the receiving unit 47.

  When a setting instruction signal is input from the setting instruction receiving unit 49 after the item name is input from the setting item selecting unit 17, the updating unit 29, if a value other than blank is set in the input register included in the RAM 114. The setting value set in the setting register included in the RAM 114 and corresponding to the setting item determined to be processed is updated with the input value set in the input register included in the RAM 114. Even if the setting instruction signal is input from the setting instruction receiving unit 49 after the item name is input from the setting item selecting unit 17, the updating unit 29 does not set a blank in the input register included in the RAM 114. For example, the setting register provided in the RAM 114 does not update the setting value set in the setting register corresponding to the setting item determined to be processed.

  The update unit 23 is a setting register included in the RAM 114 and updates a setting value set in the setting register corresponding to the setting item determined to be processed until an execution instruction is input by the user. The execution instruction by the user is input by, for example, pressing a start key 173 provided on the operation panel 160. When the item setting unit 23 detects that the start key 173 has been pressed, the execution instruction by the user is issued. Judge that it was input. When the item setting unit 23 determines that an execution instruction from the user has been input, the item setting unit 23 outputs the execution instruction to the process execution unit 61. The execution instruction includes a processing condition including a setting value set in a setting register included in the RAM 114.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting screen. Referring to FIG. 5, setting screen 201 includes an area 203 for displaying the item name of the setting item of item name “Numeric”, an area 203 for displaying the setting item of item name “Numeric”, and an item name “ A display area 204 corresponding to the setting item “number”, a preview image display area 205, and transition buttons 207A to 207G. In the display area 204, the set value “3” is displayed. In the preview multi-image display area 205, an image of an original and an output image are displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. A setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 5 shows a state immediately after the input screen 301 is displayed. A default value “1” is displayed in the display area 204. The input screen 301 has 10 input keys assigned with numbers 0 to 9, 2 input keys assigned with symbols “*” and “#”, and a letter “C”. A clear key represented, and a setting key represented by characters “OK”.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of setting processing. The setting process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118.

  Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 111 determines whether a setting screen has been selected (step S01). When the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 165 and the user selects any of a plurality of setting screen identification information included in the menu screen, or when the setting screen with a transition function is displayed on the LCD 165 When the button is instructed by the user, it is determined that the setting screen has been selected. CPU 111 is in a standby state until a setting screen is selected (NO in step S01). When the setting screen is selected (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02.

  In step S02, the selected setting screen is displayed on LCD 165. When any of a plurality of setting screen identification information is selected by the user while the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 165, the setting screen specified by the selected setting screen identification information is displayed on the LCD 165, and a transition function is displayed. When the transition button is instructed by the user while the attached setting screen is displayed on the LCD 165, the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information assigned to the instructed transition button is displayed on the LCD 165. The setting screen has item names and display areas corresponding to one or more setting items that define processing conditions.

  In the next step S03, the set value is read. Of the setting registers of the RAM 114, the setting values set in the setting registers corresponding to each of one or more setting items included in the setting screen selected in step S01 are read. Then, the read set value is displayed in the corresponding display area (step S04). A setting value corresponding to each of one or more display areas corresponding to one or more setting items included in the setting screen is displayed. Therefore, at the stage where the setting screen is displayed, the setting value set at that time is displayed in the display area.

  In the next step S05, the first setting item is set as a processing target. In step S02, the first setting item among the one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 is set as a processing target. It should be noted that a predetermined setting item may be set for processing, even if it is not the first setting item among one or more setting items included in the setting screen.

  In the next step S06, it is determined whether or not the keyboard call key 171 has been pressed. If it is detected that keyboard call key 171 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S09; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S07. In step S07, it is determined whether an item name has been designated. If any of a plurality of item names or display areas corresponding to one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on LCD 165 is instructed, the process proceeds to step S08; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S08. Return to S06. In step S08, the setting item of the instructed item name is set as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step S09.

  In step S09, an input reception process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S10. Although details of the input reception process will be described later, this is a process of updating the setting value set in the setting item set as the processing target.

  In step S10, it is determined whether an item name has been designated. Of the item names of one or more setting items included in the input screen, it is determined whether an item name different from the item name corresponding to the setting item that has been set as the processing target has been designated. If another item name is specified, it is determined that the setting item has been changed, and the process proceeds to step S11. If not, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S11, the setting item corresponding to the item name instructed in step S10 is set as a processing target, and the process returns to step S09. In step S09, an input reception process for updating a setting value set in a setting item newly set as a processing target is executed.

  On the other hand, in step S12, it is determined whether or not the start key 173 has been pressed. If start key 173 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S13. If not, the process returns to step S10. In step S13, the process is executed in accordance with the process conditions, and the process ends. The processing executed in step S13 is determined by the setting screen displayed in step S02. If the setting screen is a copy condition setting screen for setting processing conditions for copy processing, copy processing is executed. If the setting screen is a scan condition setting screen for setting processing conditions for scanning processing, scan processing is executed, and print processing is performed. If it is a print condition setting screen for setting the processing conditions, print processing is executed. If it is a facsimile transmission condition setting screen for setting processing conditions for facsimile transmission processing, facsimile transmission processing is executed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of input reception processing. The input reception process is a process executed in step S09 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 111 displays an input screen on LCD 165 in step S21. Since the setting screen is displayed on the LCD 165, the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. The input screen includes a plurality of input keys.

  In the next step S22, a blank is set in the input register. The input register is a storage area to which a predetermined address of the RAM 114 is assigned. Then, a default value is read (step S23). A default value predetermined for the setting item set as the processing target in any of step S05, step S08, or step S11 in FIG. Next, the read default value is displayed in the display area (step S24). Here, a default value is set in the display register included in the RAM 114, and the default value set in the display register is displayed in the display area. The display area is one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165, and includes the setting items set as processing targets in any of step S05, step S08, or step S11 in FIG. The corresponding display area. Further, the background color of the display area is black and the default value is displayed in white.

  In the next step S25, the set value is displayed in gray. A setting register included in the RAM 114, which reads a setting value set in a setting register corresponding to a setting item set as a processing target, and reads the read setting value at a position where a default value is displayed in the display area. Displayed in gray in the vicinity. Thereby, the set value and the default value are displayed in the display area, the set value is displayed in gray, and the default value is displayed in white.

  In the next step S26, it is determined whether a setting instruction has been accepted. When a setting key on the input screen is instructed or when the keyboard call key 171 of the hard key unit 170 is pressed, the setting instruction is accepted. If a setting instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S34; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S27, it is determined whether an input value has been accepted. If any one of the input keys 0 to 9 included in the input screen is designated, it is determined that the input value has been accepted. If an input value is accepted, the process proceeds to step S28; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S28, the input value accepted in step S27 is set in the input register included in RAM 114. Then, the input value is displayed in the display area (step S29), and the process returns to step S26. Here, an input value is set in the display register included in the RAM 114, and the input value set in the display register is displayed in the display area. Since the input value is displayed in the display area, the user can confirm the operation input on the input screen. The display area is a display area corresponding to a setting item set as a processing target among one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  On the other hand, in step S30, it is determined whether a cancel instruction has been accepted. If a clear key in which the character “C” is displayed is designated among a plurality of keys included in the input screen, a cancel instruction is accepted. If a cancel instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S31. If not, the process returns to step S26. In step S31, a default value is set in the input register included in the RAM 114. The default value is a predetermined value for the setting item set as the processing target, and is the default value read from the HDD 115 in step S23.

  In the next step S33, the default value is displayed in the display area, and the process returns to step S26. Here, a default value is set in the display register included in the RAM 114, and the default value set in the display register is displayed in the display area. The display area is a display area corresponding to a setting item set as a processing target among one or more setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165. Further, the default value is displayed in white as in step S24. Thereby, in step S27, the input value input by the user on the input screen is accepted, and the input value is displayed in the display area in step S29. However, when the user notices that the input is incorrect, or another value is displayed. Can be known that the operation for inputting another value has been completed.

  In step S34, it is determined whether or not a blank is set in the input register. If blank is set in the input register, the process proceeds to step S35. If a value other than blank is set, the process proceeds to step S36. When blank is set in the input register, after the input screen is displayed, both the 10 keys assigned with the numbers 0 to 9 and the clear key with the letter “C” indicated This is a case where a setting instruction is accepted without being performed. In this case, the setting value set in the setting register corresponding to the setting item set as the processing target among the setting registers included in the RAM 114 is displayed in the display area (step S35), and the process proceeds to step S37. Proceed. The process proceeds to step S37 without updating the setting value set so far.

  On the other hand, in step S36, the setting value set in the setting register included in the RAM 114 is updated with the input value or default value set in the input register, and the process proceeds to step S37. Thereby, an input value or a default value input by the user is set as a setting value.

  In step S37, the display of the input screen displayed on LCD 165 in step S21 is terminated. As a result, the setting screen is displayed on the LCD 165. Then, the display of the setting value displayed in gray in step S25 is terminated (step S38), and the process returns to the setting process.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a user operation and display contents. Referring to FIG. 9, the values of the display register, the setting register, and the input register corresponding to one setting item to be processed are shown corresponding to the user's operation. The default value corresponding to the setting item to be processed is “1”. Further, it is assumed that the default value “1” is set in the setting register at the stage when the setting screen is displayed.

  First, in step 1, when the user performs an operation of selecting a setting screen, the setting screen is displayed on the LCD 165. At this stage, the default value “1” is set in the setting register, nothing is set because the input register is not used, and the display register has the same “1” as the setting value set in the setting register. Is set.

  In step 2, when the user performs an operation of selecting an item name included in the setting screen, the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. At this stage, there is no change in the setting register and the default value “1” remains set, “blank” is set in the input register, and the default value “1” is set in the display register.

  In step 3, when the user performs an operation to designate an input key in which the numeral “5” is represented, the setting register is not changed and the default value “1” remains set, and the input value “5” is stored in the input register. "Is set, and" 5 "that is the same as the input value set in the input register is set in the display register.

  In step 4, when the user performs an operation to designate the setting key indicating “OK”, since the input register is not blank, “5” which is the same as the input value set in the input register is set in the setting register. There is no change in the input register and display register.

  In step 5, when the user performs an operation of selecting the same item name as selected in step 2, the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. In this case, the setting register is not changed and the setting value “5” remains set, “blank” is set in the input register, and the default value “1” is set in the display register.

  In step 6, when the user performs an operation to designate the setting key indicating “OK”, since the input register is blank, the setting register is not changed and the setting value “5” remains, and the input register is not changed. Instead, “5”, which is the same as the setting value set in the setting register, is set in the display register.

  In step 7, when the user performs an operation of selecting the same item name as selected in steps 2 and 5, the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. In this case, the setting register is not changed and the setting value “5” remains set, “blank” is set in the input register, and the default value “1” is set in the display register.

  In step 8, when the user performs an operation to instruct the clear key with “C”, the setting register is not changed and the setting value “5” remains unchanged, and the default value “1” is set in the input register. The same “1” as the default value set in the input register is set in the display register.

  In step 9, when the user performs an operation to designate an input key in which the numeral “3” is represented, the setting register is not changed and the setting value “5” remains, and the input value “3” is stored in the input register. The same “3” as the input value set in the input register is set in the display register.

  In step 10, when the user performs an operation to designate an input key in which the numeral “2” is represented, the setting register is not changed and the setting value “5” remains, and the input value “32” is stored in the input register. The display register is set to “32”, which is the same as the input value set in the input register.

  In step 11, when the user performs an operation to instruct the clear key with “C”, the setting register is not changed and the setting value “5” remains unchanged, and the default value “1” is set in the input register. The same “1” as the default value set in the input register is set in the display register.

  In step 12, when the user performs an operation to designate a setting key indicating “OK”, since the input register is not blank, the same “1” as the default value set in the input register is set in the setting register. There is no change in the input register and display register.

<Modification>
MFP 100 according to the modification has an input screen having an input value display area in addition to a plurality of keys. In the input value display area, the same value as that displayed in the display area corresponding to the setting item set as the processing target included in the setting screen is displayed. When the input screen is displayed at a position away from the display area, the distance to move the line of sight is shortened when confirming the input value.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP according to a modification. Referring to FIG. 10, the difference from the function shown in FIG. 4 is that a second input value display unit 53 is added. The other functions are the same as those shown in FIG. 4, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

  When the display instruction signal is input from the display instruction detection unit 43, the second input value display unit 53 sets a predetermined default value for the setting item specified by the item name included in the display instruction signal to the HDD 115. The default value is superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 and displayed as the input value display area of the input screen. Specifically, an image of the input value display area including the image of the default value is output to the display control unit 161, and an image obtained by combining the image of the input value display area with priority over the image of the setting screen is displayed. And the image generated by the display control unit 161 is displayed on the LCD 165.

  In addition, the second input value display unit 53 receives the display instruction signal from the display instruction detection unit 43 and then the input value reception unit 47 until the setting instruction signal is input from the setting instruction reception unit 49. The input value to be input is displayed in the input value display area of the input screen. Specifically, an input value display area including an input value image is displayed so as to be superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165. Overwrites the image of the input value display area displayed so far. Further, when a cancel signal is input from the input value receiving unit 47, the second input value display unit 53 displays a default value in the input value display area of the input screen. Specifically, an input value display area including a default value image is displayed so as to be superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  The CPU 111 provided in the MFP 100 in the modified example executes the setting process shown in FIG. 7, but the input reception process executed in step S09 is partially different.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of input reception processing in the modification. Referring to FIG. 11, the difference from the input receiving process shown in FIG. 8 is that step S25A is added after step S25, step S29A is added after step S29, and step S33A is added after step S33. . Since other processes are the same as those shown in FIG. 8, the description thereof will not be repeated here. In step S25A, the default value read from HDD 115 in step S23 is displayed in the input display area of the input screen. In step S29A, the input value accepted in step S27 is displayed in the input display area of the input screen. In step S33A, the default value read from HDD 115 in step S32 is displayed in the input display area of the input screen.

  As described above, MFP 100 in the present embodiment functions as an image forming apparatus, and is a setting screen for determining processing conditions for MFP 100 to execute processing, and a display area corresponding to setting items for determining processing conditions Is displayed on the LCD 165. If the user specifies the item name or display area of the setting item, the setting item corresponding to the display area is selected as the processing target, and the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. When the input screen is displayed, the default value is displayed in the display area corresponding to the setting item set as the processing target of the setting screen, and after the user inputs the input value on the input screen, the input value is displayed in the display area. To display. For this reason, since the default value is displayed in the display area when the input screen is displayed, the user can be notified that the operation of clearing the set value is not required before the input value is input.

  In addition, if the user specifies the item name or display area of the setting item, the input screen is displayed. Therefore, the input screen is for inputting a setting value corresponding to the setting item selected by the user on the setting screen. Can be notified to the user.

  If the user specifies the item name or display area of the setting item, the setting item corresponding to the display area is selected as a processing target, and then the keyboard call key 171 is pressed, the input screen is displayed. You may make it display. In this case, if the predetermined keyboard call key 171 is pressed, the input screen is displayed, so that the operation for displaying the input screen can be facilitated.

  In addition, when the input value is input by the user after the input screen is displayed, MFP 100 updates the setting value that has been set so far with the input value. Input of an input value includes input of a default value by an operation instructing a clear key and input of a value by an operation instructing an input key representing characters 0 to 9 once or more. Therefore, the user can change the setting value using the input screen.

  In addition, after the input screen is displayed, if the setting instruction is accepted by the operation of instructing the setting key without accepting the input value, the setting value is not updated. Can be maintained.

  Further, while the input screen is displayed, the set value set corresponding to the setting item is displayed in the display area in a display mode different from the display mode of the default value or the input value. For this reason, it is possible to notify the user of the setting values that have been set so far. As a result, the user can input a new set value while referring to the set value. In addition, since the set value is displayed in a display mode different from the display mode of the default value or input value displayed in the display area, the user distinguishes the set value from the value input on the input screen. be able to. Further, the set value may be displayed within a predetermined range from the display area outside the display area.

  Furthermore, in MFP 100 according to the modification, the input screen includes an input value display area for displaying a default value or an input value. Therefore, the user can check the value input on the input screen while looking at the input screen.

  In the above-described embodiment, MFP 100 has been described as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, a setting method for causing MFP 100 to execute the setting processing illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 or FIGS. It goes without saying that the invention can be specified as a setting program for causing the CPU 111 that controls the MFP 100 to execute the setting method.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the user selects a setting item while the setting screen is displayed on the LCD 165, or when the user presses the keyboard call key 171 after selecting the setting item, the input screen is displayed. However, the input screen may be displayed when the setting screen is displayed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input screen display unit displays the input screen in response to the setting screen being displayed.
(2) The item selection unit selects a setting item corresponding to item information selected by a user from the plurality of item information included in the displayed input screen. ).
(3) The item selection unit is configured to detect a position where any one of the plurality of item information included in the input screen is detected by the position detection unit, among the plurality of setting items. Select a setting item corresponding to the item information displayed at the detected position,
The set value receiving means is determined by the input key displayed at the detected position in response to the same position as the position where each of the plurality of input keys is displayed being detected by the position detecting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a value is received.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP, 11 setting part, 13 setting screen selection part, 15 setting screen display part, 17 item setting part 41 input reception part, 33 setting item acquisition part, 35 input screen display part, 37 item selection part, 39 setting value reception part , 41 Item information display unit, 43 Soft keyboard display unit 61 Processing execution unit, 110 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD, 116 facsimile unit, 117 external storage device, 120 Automatic document feeder, 130 Document reading unit, 140 Image forming unit, 150 Paper feed unit, 160 Operation panel, 161 Display control unit, 163 VRAM, 165 LCD, 167 Input control unit, 169 Touch panel, 170 Hard key unit, 171 Keyboard Call key, 173 Start key, 201 Setting screen, 211 Input screen

Claims (12)

Display means for displaying an image;
Position detecting means for detecting a position instructed by a user on the display surface of the display means;
Processing execution means for executing processing;
A setting screen for setting processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing, and a setting screen display means for displaying on the display means a setting screen having a display area corresponding to a setting item for determining the processing conditions;
An input screen display means for displaying an input screen including a plurality of input keys on the display means, the screen being different from the setting screen;
An input value receiving means for receiving an input value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen based on the position detected by the position detecting means;
Display value control means for displaying a value in the display area of the setting screen,
The display value control means is a default value display means for displaying a default value predetermined as a setting value corresponding to the setting item in the display area in response to the display of the input screen.
An image forming apparatus comprising: an input value display unit configured to display the received input value in the display area after the input value is received by the set value receiving unit. Item setting means for setting a setting value corresponding to a setting item that defines a processing condition for the processing execution means to execute processing;
A setting instruction receiving means for receiving a setting instruction by a user in a state where the input screen is displayed on the display means;
When the setting instruction is received, the item setting means is set corresponding to the setting item with the received input value on condition that the input value is received by the setting value receiving means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an update unit configured to update a set value that is present.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the update unit does not update the set value set corresponding to the setting item when the input value is not received by the set value receiving unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting value display unit that displays a setting value set in correspondence with the setting item while the input screen is displayed. .   The setting value display means displays a setting value set corresponding to the setting item in a display mode different from the display mode of the default value or the input value in the display area. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the set value display unit displays the set value within a predetermined range from the display area outside the display area.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input screen includes an input value display area for displaying the default value or the input value. A display instruction detecting means for detecting a display instruction for displaying an input screen by the user in a state where the setting screen is displayed;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input screen display unit displays the input screen on the display unit in response to detection of the display instruction.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the display instruction detection unit detects the display instruction in response to a position in a setting item included in the setting screen being detected by the position detection unit. A key operation receiving means provided separately from the position detecting means and provided with a plurality of keys;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the display instruction receiving unit detects the display instruction in response to an instruction of a predetermined key by the key operation receiving unit. A setting method executed in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes display means for displaying an image;
Position detecting means for detecting a position instructed by a user on the display surface of the display means;
A process execution means for executing a process, and a setting screen for determining a process condition for the process execution means to execute the process, the setting screen having a display area corresponding to a setting item for determining the process condition, Displaying on the display means;
A screen different from the setting screen, and displaying an input screen including a plurality of input keys on the display means;
Receiving an input value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen based on the position detected by the position detection unit;
Setting a setting value corresponding to a setting item that defines a processing condition for the processing execution means to execute the processing;
A display value control step of displaying a value in the display area of the setting screen,
The display value control step includes a step of displaying a default value predetermined as a setting value corresponding to the setting item in the display area in response to the input screen display being displayed;
After the input value is received in the step of receiving the input value, the setting method includes a step of displaying the received input value in the display area. A setting program executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes display means for displaying an image;
Position detecting means for detecting a position instructed by a user on the display surface of the display means;
A process execution means for executing a process, and a setting screen for determining a process condition for the process execution means to execute the process, the setting screen having a display area corresponding to a setting item for determining the process condition, Displaying on the display means;
A screen different from the setting screen, and displaying an input screen including a plurality of input keys on the display means;
Receiving an input value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen based on the position detected by the position detection unit;
Setting a setting value corresponding to a setting item that defines a processing condition for the processing execution means to execute the processing;
Causing the computer to execute a display value control step of displaying a value in the display area of the setting screen,
The display value control step includes a step of displaying a default value predetermined as a setting value corresponding to the setting item in the display area in response to the input screen display being displayed;
After the input value is received in the step of receiving the input value, a setting program including the step of displaying the received input value in the display area.

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