JP2013101473A - Image formation apparatus, setting method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus capable of improving operability of setting operation.SOLUTION: A setting screen where a plurality of setting keys for each setting function are displayed is displayed on a touch panel (S101). When swipe operation on the touch panel is accepted (S103), it is determined that two or more setting keys included in a track of the swipe operation are selected (S107), and the setting order of setting items corresponding to the selected setting keys is determined (S113). According to the setting order, determination screens each for determining a parameter are displayed, and specification of parameters for the setting items on the respective determination screens is accepted.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a setting method, and a control program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a touch panel, a setting method in the image forming apparatus, and a control program for causing the image forming apparatus to execute setting processing.

  2. Description of the Related Art Some image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) that are multifunctional devices thereof have an operation panel including a touch panel as an instruction input device. In such an image forming apparatus, setting at the time of job execution is performed by operating a setting key on the operation panel.

  Setting keys are classified according to their contents. For example, when setting the color for printing, pressing the “Color” setting key opens a window that summarizes the settings for printing color, including setting parameter keys such as full color and black and white, where the user makes color settings. be able to.

JP 2009-169938 A

  Conventionally, when changing a setting, it is necessary to press a setting key to be changed, open a setting window, input a setting value, press an OK key to reflect the setting change, and close the setting window. For this reason, when changing a plurality of setting items, it is necessary to repeat the operation of pressing the setting key to be changed as many times as the setting to be changed, which is troublesome for the user.

  As a technique to solve the above problem, there has been proposed a technique in which a plurality of setting items are combined into one window and a batch setting screen is used. On this screen, operations are performed to place a plurality of setting keys in a limited space. There was a problem that it was difficult to use, and it was difficult to use because of the key arrangement and key display different from the normal setting window.

  As a technique for coping with this problem, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-169938 (Patent Document 1) selects a key that has passed through a finger, selects a key that has passed through a finger, or passes a key that passes through first depending on a setting item area. Although a technique for selecting a selected key is disclosed, it is difficult to solve the problem that it is difficult to use.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus, a setting method, and a control program capable of improving the operability of a setting operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a touch panel and a control device connected to the touch panel. When the control device receives a process of displaying a plurality of setting keys for each setting function on the setting screen of the touch panel and an operation of moving the touch position while maintaining the touch state on the touch panel, the control device When the display of at least one of the setting keys is included in the movement locus of the touch position, a process for determining one or more setting keys as a selected state and a parameter of a setting item corresponding to the selected setting key are determined. The process for displaying the determination screen for performing the process and the process for determining the parameter designated on the determination screen as the parameter of the setting item are executed. When two or more setting keys of the displayed plurality of setting keys are selected by the movement of the touch position, the control device performs setting items corresponding to each of the two or more setting keys in the process of displaying the determination screen. When the display order of the decision screen is determined and the parameters are determined on the previously displayed decision screen, the next decision screen is displayed according to the display order, and the parameters of the corresponding decision items are determined in order according to the display order. To do.

  Preferably, the control device determines the display order of the determination screen in the order touched by the movement of the continuous touch position on the setting screen of the setting key.

  Preferably, the control device has a dependency relationship in which the parameter determined in the first setting item is changed by the parameter determined in the second setting item among the setting items corresponding to the selected two or more setting keys. When a certain first setting item and second setting item are included, the determination screen for displaying the determination screen for the second setting item before the determination screen for the first setting item is displayed. Determine the display order.

  Preferably, in the setting item corresponding to the two or more selected setting keys, the control device changes the parameter determined in the first setting item by the parameter determined in the second setting item, and When the first setting item and the second setting item having an influence relationship in which the change of the parameter is not permitted are included, the determination screen for the second setting item is changed from the determination screen for the first setting item. The display order of the determination screen is determined so that the first screen is displayed first.

  Preferably, in the setting item corresponding to the two or more selected setting keys, the control device changes the parameter determined in the first setting item by the parameter determined in the second setting item, and When the first setting item and the second setting item having an influence relationship in which the change of the parameter is not permitted are included, the determination screen for the first setting item is not displayed.

  Preferably, when the position where the touch state has been released is not included in any of the display positions of the plurality of setting keys, the display of one or more setting keys is included in the movement locus of the touch position. Even in this case, one or more setting keys are not determined as the selected state.

  Preferably, the control device displays the one or more setting keys determined to be in the selected state in a display mode different from the display before the selection.

  Preferably, when the control device accepts an operation for moving the touch position while maintaining the touch state on the touch panel, the touch of the setting key in the selected state is included in the movement track of the touch position. Cancels the selected state of the setting key included in the position movement locus.

  Preferably, the determination screen includes a cancel key for instructing cancellation of parameter determination. When the cancel key is selected on the displayed determination screen, the control device displays the parameter selected on the determination screen. In the decision screen displayed before the decision screen in which the cancel key is selected without displaying the decision screen after the decision screen in which the cancel key is selected according to the display order without determining the parameter of the setting item The specified parameter is determined as the parameter of each setting item.

  Preferably, the determination screen includes a cancel key for instructing cancellation of parameter determination. When the cancel key is selected on the displayed determination screen, the control device displays the parameter selected on the determination screen. In the decision screen that was displayed before the decision screen where the cancel key was selected without displaying the decision screen after the decision screen where the cancel key was selected according to the display order. Cancels the determination of the specified parameter.

  Preferably, the determination screen includes a cancel key for instructing cancellation of parameter determination. When the cancel key is selected on the displayed determination screen, the control device displays the parameter selected on the determination screen. The setting screen is not determined as the parameter of the setting item, but the decision screen next to the decision screen with the cancel key selected is displayed according to the display order, and specified on the decision screen displayed before the decision screen with the cancel key selected. Maintain the determined parameters.

  Preferably, the determination screen includes a cancel key for instructing to cancel the parameter determination, and the control device performs (1) the determination screen as an operation when the cancel key is selected on the displayed determination screen. The parameter selected in is not determined as the parameter of the setting item, the determination screen after the determination screen in which the cancel key is selected according to the display order is not displayed, and before the determination screen in which the cancel key is selected Operation to determine the parameter specified in the displayed decision screen as the parameter of each setting item, (2) The parameter selected in the decision screen is not determined as the parameter of the setting item, and is canceled according to the display order The confirmation screen after the confirmation screen from which the key was selected is not displayed, and the screen is displayed before the confirmation screen from which the cancel key is selected. The operation of canceling the determination of the parameter specified on the determined determination screen, and (3) the determination that the cancel key is selected according to the display order without determining the parameter selected on the determination screen as the parameter of the setting item. Displays the next decision screen of the screen, and the operation to maintain the decision of the parameter specified in the decision screen that was displayed before the decision screen for which the cancel key was selected. Determined according to the operation input from.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a first sensor for detecting a document size, and the control device displays a plurality of setting keys on the setting screen of the touch panel in a process of displaying a plurality of setting keys according to the document size. The setting keys are arranged, and a plurality of setting keys are arranged according to the decision.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a second sensor for detecting the size of the printing paper, and the control device sets a touch panel setting screen in a process of displaying a plurality of setting keys according to the size of the printing paper. The arrangement of the plurality of setting keys is determined, and the plurality of setting keys are arranged according to the determination.

  Preferably, the control device stores a setting history for each size, and determines an arrangement of a plurality of setting keys according to the size based on a setting frequency represented in the setting history.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a storage device for storing in advance information defining an arrangement of a plurality of setting keys on the setting screen of the touch panel for each document size and / or printing paper size, and the control device includes: In the process of displaying a plurality of setting keys according to the document size and / or the size of the printing paper, the arrangement of the plurality of setting keys on the setting screen of the touch panel is determined based on the information specified above, Arrange multiple setting keys according to the decision.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the setting method is a setting method in an image forming apparatus having a touch panel, the step of displaying a setting screen displaying a plurality of setting keys for each setting function on the touch panel, and the touch panel On the other hand, when an operation for moving the touch position is accepted while maintaining the touch state, two or more setting keys are displayed when the display of two or more setting keys of the plurality of setting keys is included in the movement locus of the touch position. The parameter is determined in order from the step of determining the selected state, the step of determining the setting order for the setting items corresponding to each of the two or more setting keys determined to be the selected state, and the setting item having the earlier setting order. Display the decision screen to determine the parameter specified on the decision screen as the parameter of the setting item, and set the next setting in the setting order. And a step of repeating a process of displaying the determination screen items.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the control program is a control program for causing an image forming apparatus having a touch panel to execute a setting process, and a setting screen displaying a plurality of setting keys for each setting function is displayed on the touch panel. When the display step and an operation for moving the touch position while maintaining the touch state are received with respect to the touch panel, the display of two or more setting keys of the plurality of setting keys is included in the movement locus of the touch position In addition, a step of determining two or more setting keys as a selected state, a step of determining a setting order for setting items corresponding to each of the two or more setting keys determined as a selected state, and a setting with a fast setting order In order from the item, display the decision screen to decide the parameter, and set the parameter specified on the decision screen Determines that eye parameters, to perform the steps in the image forming apparatus repeats the process of displaying the determination screen for the next setting item setting order.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to remarkably improve the operability particularly when setting a plurality of setting items.

1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an apparatus configuration of an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 6 is a diagram for describing a specific example of a configuration of a screen displayed on an operation panel of the MFP. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating transition of a setting screen during copying in the MFP. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating transition of a setting screen during copying in the MFP. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating transition of a setting screen during copying in the MFP. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the dependence relationship between setting items memorize | stored. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the influence relationship between the setting items memorize | stored. 5 is a flowchart showing a specific flow of a setting operation in the MFP. 5 is a flowchart showing a specific flow of a setting operation in the MFP. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of the function structure of MFP concerning the modification.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of a device configuration of an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) 100 as an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, as an example, MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 that is an arithmetic device for controlling the whole, and a ROM (Read that stores programs executed by CPU 10, etc. Only Memory) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 for functioning as a work area when the program is executed by the CPU 10, and a document placed on a document table (not shown) is optically read to obtain image data. Scanning unit 13 for printing, a printing unit 14 for fixing image data on printing paper, an operation panel 15 including a touch panel for displaying information and receiving operation input to the MFP 100, and image data Memory 16 for storing the document size, the document size set on the document table (not shown), and the document size (not shown) And a sensor 17 for detecting the like set paper size into the tray. In addition, when communication with other apparatuses is possible, a network interface (I / F) unit for communicating via a network such as the Internet or a dedicated line may be included.

  The touch panel included in the operation panel 15 is configured by overlapping a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and a position indicating device such as an optical touch panel or a capacitive touch panel, displaying an operation screen, and displaying instructions on the operation screen. Identify the location. CPU10 displays an operation screen on a touchscreen based on the data for displaying the screen memorize | stored beforehand.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the configuration of the screen displayed on the operation panel 15. The display in FIG. 2 represents a setting screen at the time of copying.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the setting screen at the time of copying includes an area for displaying scanned image data as an original image, and an image when image processing is performed with settings accepted based on the image data. A finished display area for display is included.

  Further, as an example of various setting keys, there are a plurality of setting keys such as a color setting key 51, a paper size setting key 52 for a paper feed tray, a magnification setting key 53, a setting key 54 for whether to perform consolidated printing, and a finishing setting key 55. Is displayed.

<Overview of operation>
In MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when setting a plurality of setting items represented by a plurality of setting keys among setting keys 51 to 55, the setting key is pressed for each setting, and the setting is performed. The setting of the setting items is completed, and a complicated operation of pressing the next setting key is not required, and the setting of the plurality of setting items can be efficiently performed.

  3 to 5 are diagrams for explaining the setting flow in the MFP 100, and show the transition of the setting screen at the time of copying.

  In FIG. 3, the white thick arrow represents the movement of the touch position on the operation panel 15 which is a touch panel, and the touch position is moved along the arrow while maintaining the touch state. It shows that a swipe operation has been performed.

  When setting a plurality of setting items using the setting screen of FIG. 2, first, as shown in FIG. 3, a swipe operation is performed on a plurality of setting keys corresponding to the item to be set. That is, when performing color setting, paper feed tray setting, magnification setting, presence / absence of aggregate printing, and finish setting, color setting key 51, paper size setting key 52 of paper tray, magnification setting key 53, aggregate printing The setting key 54 for the presence / absence of the image and the finish setting key 55 are swiped. As a result, these setting keys are selected, and the display screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 4 with the corresponding setting item as a setting target.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 described later, the display mode may be different from the state in which the setting key selected by the swipe operation is not selected. For example, it may be displayed in a color different from that before selection, the shape of the setting key may be different, blinked, or animated. In the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, the selected setting key is represented by a double line. Accordingly, the user can confirm which setting key has been selected, that is, which setting item is the setting target.

  Referring to FIG. 4, when the above-described swipe operation is performed, a window 56 for color setting corresponding to color setting key 51 is displayed on the screen. The window 56 displays a plurality of parameter keys for color setting, for example, representing parameters such as auto color, full color, black and white, and binary color.

  In the window 56, for example, when a parameter key representing "full color" is selected and the enter key is pressed, the display screen changes to the screen of FIG.

  That is, referring to FIG. 5, as described above, when the parameter of one setting item among the plurality of swiped setting keys is determined, among the setting items corresponding to the plurality of setting keys, A window for setting items for which parameters have not been completed is displayed. In the example of FIG. 5, a window 57 for setting a paper feed tray is displayed. The window 57 displays a plurality of parameter keys each representing a paper feed tray.

  When any parameter key is selected in the window 57 and the enter key is pressed, a window for the next setting item is similarly displayed. Thereafter, the same setting is repeated, so that setting windows are displayed in order for the setting items corresponding to all setting keys selected by the swipe operation, and each setting item can be set by operating the relevant window. Become.

  Note that when the cancel key included in the setting window is pressed, the parameters determined in the window are canceled. At this time, when the setting of other setting items has already been completed, as an example, the parameters determined by these other setting items may be valid as they are.

  For example, when color setting, paper setting, finishing setting, and aggregation setting are selected by a swipe operation, as an example, a color setting window is first displayed, and when the enter key is pressed on the window, the paper setting A window is displayed, and then a window for finishing setting and then a setting for aggregation is displayed.

  Here, when the cancel key is pressed in the finish setting window, the parameters determined in the finish setting are canceled, and the parameters of the color setting and the paper setting determined so far are left as they are. Further, in this case, the aggregate setting that was scheduled to be set next may be removed from the setting target. In other words, the aggregation setting window may not be opened thereafter. This is in consideration of the case where the color setting and the paper setting are intended, but the finishing setting is to be set again.

  As another example, when a cancel key is pressed in a setting window, all parameters set in the setting items so far may be canceled.

  For example, when color setting, paper setting, finishing setting, and aggregation setting are selected by swipe operation, as described above, for example, the color setting windows are displayed in order, and the parameters can be determined in each window. . If you press the cancel key in the finish setting window here, the parameters determined in the color setting window and the parameters determined in the paper setting window are canceled and returned to the parameters before selection, Parameters selected in the finish setting window may be canceled. Also at this time, a window for setting the subsequent aggregation may not be opened. This is in consideration of the case where it is desired to cancel all the set contents and reset them from the beginning.

  Alternatively, at this time, a setting window may be displayed after the setting window in which the cancel key is pressed. That is, in the above example, after the cancel key is pressed and the parameters determined in the finish setting window are canceled, the subsequent window for setting the aggregation is displayed, and the setting is accepted in that window. May be. This is in consideration of a case where, among a plurality of selected settings, a user wants to return to a state before the change while changing a setting, but wants to continue other setting changes.

  The MFP 100 may perform any one of the above-described methods for canceling the parameter determined by pressing the stop key, or may perform the above determination by operating an operation setting key (not shown). The user may be able to specify which of the methods for canceling the set parameters is to be performed.

  As yet another example, when a setting window corresponding to a setting key selected by swipe operation is displayed, pressing a setting key that has not been selected causes operations in the currently displayed setting window. (Parameter determination) may be canceled and the display may be closed, and a new setting window corresponding to the pressed setting key may be displayed.

  For example, when the setting key for color setting, paper setting, and magnification setting is selected by swipe operation, and the window for color setting is displayed, the finish setting key not selected by swipe operation is pressed And At this time, the display of the color setting window disappears, and the selection state of the setting keys for color setting, paper setting, and magnification setting is cancelled. Then, a finish setting window is displayed. Also, the operation on the color setting window is cancelled.

  When a parameter is selected in the finish setting window and the enter key is pressed, the change in the finish setting is reflected. At this time, the parameters determined in the setting window displayed before the finish setting key is pressed may be validated as they are or may be canceled.

  Note that the setting window may not be opened when the swipe operation is not ended on any setting key. This is the case when a swipe operation is started for a setting key, but the selection is canceled because it includes an unintended one, and the user wants to select the setting key again. In this case, the user started By ending the swipe operation at a position other than the setting key, selection of the setting key by the operation can be canceled.

  As another method of canceling the selected setting key, the selection state of the swiped setting key may be canceled by performing a swipe operation again on the selected setting key. This corresponds to the case where the user wishes to cancel the selection of the unintended setting key because an unintended item is included after the setting key is swiped and selected. In this case, the user can cancel the selection of the setting key by swiping the unintended setting key again.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a functional configuration of MFP 100 for realizing the above operation. Each function shown in FIG. 6 is a function mainly formed in the CPU 10 when the CPU 10 reads out a program stored in the ROM 11 and executes it on the RAM 12. However, at least a part of the functions may be formed by the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, CPU 10 of MFP 100 has an operation input unit 101 for receiving an input of an operation signal corresponding to an operation on operation panel 15, a determination unit 102 for determining the operation content, and operation panel 15. When it is determined that the swipe operation is performed on the display screen, the specifying unit 103 for specifying the swiped setting key, the storage unit 104 for storing the swiped setting key, and the swiped setting key A setting unit 105 for determining the setting order of setting items corresponding to the setting item, a display processing unit 106 for displaying a setting item setting window corresponding to the swiped setting key on the operation panel 15, and a setting A setting unit 10 for setting a parameter selected for a setting item displayed in response to an operation input to the window. Including the door.

  The specifying unit 103 compares the touch position in the swipe operation with the display screen, assumes that the setting key is selected when the touch position reaches the setting key, and sets the setting key to a selected state. Here, selection / non-selection for each setting key may be distinguished by setting a flag indicating a selection state, for example.

  Further, as described above, when the setting state is canceled by swiping the setting key again, the specifying unit 103 determines that the setting key is not selected when the touch position reaches the setting key that is in the selected state. The selected state is canceled.

  The identifying unit 103 identifies the selected setting key by performing the above determination for each displayed setting key.

  For example, the determination unit 105 determines the swipe order of the setting keys as the setting order. This is because the specifying unit 103 specifies the swipe setting keys and also specifies the order thereof, and the storage unit 104 stores the setting keys in association with the swipe order, thereby referring to the storage unit 104. It becomes possible to specify the setting order.

  As another example, the determination unit 105 may store the dependency relationship between the setting items in advance and determine according to the relationship. In other words, if a setting item corresponding to a plurality of swiped setting keys includes a setting item having a dependency relationship that changes in accordance with the setting of another setting item, the dependency source changes to the dependency destination. Determine the order of setting.

  For example, when 2in1, which is a setting for printing two originals on one print sheet, is set in the aggregation setting, the magnification is set according to the setting. For example, when A4 paper is selected when copying an A4 document and 2 in 1 is set, the magnification is automatically set to 70.7%. By automatically setting the magnification in this way, it is possible to print a document image on a sheet with an appropriate size without requiring an operation for setting the related magnification for a user who has set 2in1.

  However, if 2in1 is set in the aggregate setting after setting the magnification setting, the previously set magnification setting parameter is automatically changed to the magnification associated with the 2in1 setting, and the previous setting operation is wasted. Therefore, even when swipe in the order of magnification setting → consolidation setting, the determination unit 105 determines the setting order as aggregation setting → magnification setting in this case.

  As the dependency relationship between the setting items, for example, the dependency relationship shown in FIG. 7 may be stored. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the determination unit 105 stores in advance a combination of setting items whose later setting depends on the previous setting, that is, a combination of setting items whose previous setting is changed by the later setting. Keep it. In the example of FIG. 7, the previous magnification setting is changed by the later aggregation setting, the previous Z folding setting is changed by the later middle folding setting, and the output setting for each previous copy is changed by the later aggregation setting. The relationship of being changed is specified.

  The determination unit 105 determines the setting order with reference to this relationship when there are a plurality of swiped setting items. That is, when both setting items defined to be changed in the relationship of FIG. 7 are swiped, the setting item that is set later in the relationship of FIG. 7 is set as the previous setting. The setting order is determined so that the setting items are set before the existing setting items. By determining the setting order in this way, it is possible to suppress waste of setting such as, for example, the aggregation is set after the magnification is set, and the value of the previously set magnification is changed.

  As another example of determining the setting order in the determining unit 105, the determining unit 105 may store the influence relationship between the setting items in advance and determine according to the relationship. In other words, among the setting items corresponding to a plurality of swiped setting keys, when it is determined that a parameter is valid for a certain setting item, other setting parameters are changed and there are settings that cannot be changed other than that parameter. In such a case, the setting items that cannot be changed by enabling them are determined as the previous setting order.

  For example, if it is set to enable use of an OHP (Over Head Projector) sheet as a print medium, the color setting needs to be black and white (black). In this case, when the paper (inserted paper) setting is set to OHP paper, the color setting is automatically changed to black and white. At this time, when the order of swipe is the order of color setting → paper setting, if this order is the setting order, if the paper is selected as OHP paper after setting the color, the color setting made previously will be Since it is automatically changed, the previous setting operation is wasted. Therefore, even when swipe in the order of color setting → paper setting, the determination unit 105 determines the setting order as paper setting → color setting in this case.

  As an influence relationship between setting items, for example, an influence relationship as shown in FIG. 8 may be stored. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the determination unit 105 stores in advance combinations of setting items in which the previous setting is changed by the subsequent setting and cannot be changed thereafter. In the example of FIG. 8, a relationship is defined such that when OHP is set later in the paper setting, the previous color setting is changed, and thereafter the color setting cannot be changed.

  The determination unit 105 determines the setting order with reference to this relationship when there are a plurality of swiped setting items. That is, when both setting items specified to be changed in the relationship of FIG. 8 are swiped, the setting item that is set later in the relationship of FIG. 8 is set as the previous setting. The setting order is determined so that the setting items are set before the existing setting items. By determining the setting order in this way, for example, by setting the paper to OHP paper after the color has been set, the previously set color is automatically changed to black and white. be able to.

  As another example of determining the setting order in the determination unit 105, when there is a setting item that cannot be set by enabling a certain setting, the setting item that cannot be set when the certain setting is made. The setting order may be excluded from being determined, that is, setting items that cannot be set may not be accepted.

  For example, when an OHP sheet is set as the aforementioned sheet, the color setting parameter is automatically fixed to black and white. In the above example, the determination unit 105 determines the setting order of paper setting → color setting even if the swipe order is color setting → paper setting. However, as another example, the paper is set as OHP paper. At that point, remove the color setting from the setting target. By doing so, a setting window for setting items whose settings cannot be changed is not displayed.

  The determination unit 105 may determine the setting order by combining the above-described setting order determination methods.

<Operation flow>
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing a specific flow of the setting operation in MFP 100. FIG.

  9 and 10 is realized by causing the CPU 10 to read out a program stored in the ROM 11 and execute it on the RAM 12 to cause the respective units shown in FIG. 6 to function.

  With reference to FIG. 9, in step S <b> 101, the CPU 10 displays the operation screen of FIG. 2 on the operation panel 15. On the operation screen, a plurality of setting keys 51 to 55 are arranged as described above. The user can change settings of a job to be executed in the future by operating the screen.

  If the start of the swipe operation is detected on the screen (YES in step S103), the CPU 10 compares the locus of the touch position with the display content, and whether the displayed setting key has been swiped, that is, It is determined whether the setting key is selected by a swipe operation. If the setting key is selected (YES in step S105), the CPU 10 specifies the swiped setting key, and stores information related to the setting key in step S107. Here, information specifying the setting item corresponding to the setting key is stored in association with the setting key as information on the setting key.

  Steps S105 and S107 are repeated until the end of the swipe operation is detected. Therefore, when a plurality of setting keys are swiped, the setting keys are stored together with the swipe order in step S107.

  The end of the swipe operation is detected when, for example, the finger is released from the operation panel 15 or the touch pen is released, and the release of the touch state on the operation panel 15 is determined.

  When the swipe operation is completed (YES in step S109), the CPU 10 checks whether or not information related to the swipe setting key is stored. If it is stored (YES in step S111), in step S113, the CPU 10 determines the setting order for the selected setting item represented by the information related to the stored setting key by the method described above.

  When the setting order is determined, in step S115, the CPU 10 selects a display window count indicating the number of setting items to be set thereafter by the number of setting key information stored in step S107, that is, a swipe operation. Set to the number of set keys.

  Next, referring to FIG. 10, in accordance with the setting order determined in step S113, an undisplayed setting window to be displayed next as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. When an instruction to end the setting is given in the window (YES in step S119), in step S121, the CPU 10 sets the parameter selected in the window as the setting item, and closes the setting window displayed in step S123. In step S125, the display window count is decremented by 1, and the process returns in step S117.

  Thereafter, the processing in steps S117 to S125 is determined in step S113 until the display window count reaches 0 (NO in step S127), that is, the number of setting items selected by the swipe operation in step S105. The setting window is displayed according to the setting order, and settings are made in order.

  When the display window count becomes 0 (YES in step S127), that is, when the settings for all selected setting items are completed, the CPU 10 clears the setting key information stored in step S107 in step S129. The series of operations is finished.

<Effect of Embodiment>
By performing the above operations, when setting each of a plurality of setting items, it is possible to select a plurality of setting keys in one operation, and for setting each setting item. Windows are displayed automatically and continuously.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat the operation of selecting and setting the setting key for each setting item and ending the setting of the item, and the operability can be greatly improved.

<Modification>
The arrangement of the setting keys on the setting screen may be determined according to the document size and the paper size to be subjected to image formation processing. This is because, as described above, since the setting key to be set is selected by the swipe operation, it is easier for the user to swipe all at once if the keys that the user wants to change the setting are arranged continuously.

  As an example, a setting history is stored for each document size and paper size, and setting keys representing setting items with a high setting frequency are sequentially arranged according to the detection result of the document size and paper size by the sensor 17. May be. This history may be stored for each user, and the corresponding user history may be referred to according to the login user. Alternatively, the CPU 10 refers to the history at a predetermined timing or at a certain cycle, generates a table defining setting items having a high setting frequency for each document size and / or paper size, and stores the table in the memory 16 or the like. You may do it.

  For example, when an A3 size document is set on a document table (not shown), and the magnification is set to A4 and the color is set to black and white, the CPU 10 sets A3 as the document size set by the sensor 17. When detected, the color setting key and the magnification setting key are arranged adjacent to each other.

  Also, for example, when A3 size paper is set in a paper feed tray (not shown), the CPU 10 causes the sensor 17 to use the sensor 17 to set the paper to A4 size, aggregation to 2 in 1, and color to black and white. When A3 is detected as the size, the document setting key, the aggregation setting key, and the color setting key are arranged adjacent to each other.

  As another example, a predetermined user such as a user or an administrator predefines the setting key layout according to the document size or paper size, and the sensor 17 detects the document size or paper size detection result. Accordingly, a prescribed arrangement may be adopted. The definition of how the setting keys are arranged for each document size and / or paper size may be stored in the memory 16 or the like in a table format, for example.

  For example, when an A4 size document is set, it may be defined that color and magnification setting keys are arranged adjacent to each other. Further, when A3 paper is set, it may be specified that the setting keys for finishing and aggregation are arranged adjacent to each other.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the MFP 100 according to the modification. In the modification, MFP 100 further includes a sensor input unit 108 for receiving an input of a sensor signal from sensor 17 in addition to the functions shown in FIG. Further, in the modification, the memory 16 includes a history storage unit 161 that is an area for storing the above-described user setting history, and a regulation storage unit 162 that is an area for storing the user arrangement regulation. included. Either one of these regions may be included, or both may be included as illustrated.

  In addition, the display processing unit 106 includes an arrangement determining unit 1061 for determining the arrangement of setting keys.

  The layout determination unit 1061 identifies the document size and / or the paper size based on the input sensor signal, and refers to the history storage unit 161 or the regulation storage unit 162, so that the specified document size and / or paper size is obtained. The setting key to be arranged is specified accordingly. And arrangement | positioning is determined so that the specified several setting key may adjoin.

  For example, on the setting screen at the time of copying, as shown in FIG. 2, the color setting key 51, the paper size setting key 52 of the paper feed tray, the magnification setting key 53, the setting key 54 for whether to perform consolidated printing, and the finish setting. Assume that the keys 55 are arranged in this order. At this time, when a document of a certain size is set and / or when a sheet of a certain size is set, the setting frequency of color, magnification, aggregation, and finish is high. In this case, although there is a high possibility that these setting keys are selected by the swipe operation, if they are arranged as shown in FIG. 2, there is a possibility that they will be selected between the color setting key 51 and the magnification setting key 53. A paper size setting key 52 for a low paper feed tray is arranged. Therefore, if a setting key for setting the color, magnification, aggregation, and finish is to be selected by a swipe operation, it is necessary to swipe away from the setting key 52, and the operation becomes complicated.

  At this time, the MFP 100 according to the modified example refers to the setting history based on the document size and / or the paper size detected by the sensor 17 when the screen is displayed in step S101, so that the color, magnification, aggregation, It is determined that the setting frequency of the finish is high, and it is determined that these setting keys 51, 53, 54, and 55 are arranged adjacent to each other. Thereby, these setting keys can be easily selected by a series of swipe operations.

  Furthermore, a program for causing the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 to execute the above-described operation can be provided. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. You can also. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  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.

  10 CPU, 11 ROM, 12 RAM, 13 Scan unit, 14 Print unit, 15 Operation panel, 16 Memory, 17 Sensor, 51-55 Setting key, 56, 57 Window, 100 MFP, 101 Operation input unit, 102 Judgment unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Identification part, 104 Storage part, 105 Determination part, 106 Display processing part, 107 Setting part, 108 Sensor input part, 161 History storage part, 162 Regulation | regulation storage part, 1061 Arrangement determination part.

Claims (18)

A touch panel;
A control device connected to the touch panel,
The controller is
A process for displaying a plurality of setting keys for each setting function on the setting screen of the touch panel;
When an operation of moving the touch position while maintaining the touch state is received with respect to the touch panel, when the display of at least one of the plurality of setting keys is included in the movement locus of the touch position , Processing for determining the one or more setting keys as a selected state;
Processing for displaying a determination screen for determining parameters of the setting item corresponding to the selected setting key;
Execute the process of determining the parameter specified on the determination screen as the parameter of the setting item,
When two or more setting keys of the displayed plurality of setting keys are selected by moving the touch position, setting items corresponding to each of the two or more setting keys in the process of displaying the determination screen When the display order of the determination screen is determined and the parameters are determined on the previously displayed determination screen, the next determination screen is displayed according to the display order, and the parameters of the corresponding determination items are sequentially displayed according to the display order. Determining an image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines the display order of the determination screen in an order touched by a continuous movement of the touch position of the setting key on the setting screen.   The control device has a dependency relationship in which the parameter determined by the first setting item is changed by the parameter determined by the second setting item among the setting items corresponding to the two or more selected setting keys. When the first setting item and the second setting item are included, the determination screen for the second setting item is displayed before the determination screen for the first setting item. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display order of the determination screen is determined.   In the control device, the parameter determined in the first setting item is changed by the parameter determined in the second setting item among the setting items corresponding to the selected two or more setting keys, and the control device When the first setting item and the second setting item having an influence relationship in which parameter change is not permitted are included, a determination screen for the second setting item is displayed for the first setting item. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display order of the determination screen is determined so that the display is performed before the determination screen.   In the control device, the parameter determined in the first setting item is changed by the parameter determined in the second setting item among the setting items corresponding to the selected two or more setting keys, and the control device 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein a decision screen for the first setting item is not displayed when the first setting item and the second setting item having an influence relationship in which parameter change is not permitted are included. Forming equipment.   When the position where the touch state is released is not included in any of the display positions of the plurality of setting keys, the control device includes display of one or more setting keys in the movement locus of the touch position. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more setting keys are not determined to be in a selected state even in a case where the setting is made.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device sets the display of the one or more setting keys determined as the selected state to a display mode different from a display before selection.   When the control device receives an operation for moving the touch position while maintaining the touch state on the touch panel, the display of the setting key in the selected state is included in the movement locus of the touch position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection state of the setting key included in the movement locus of the touch position is canceled. The determination screen includes a cancel key for instructing to cancel parameter determination,
When the cancel key is selected on the displayed determination screen, the control device does not determine the parameter selected on the determination screen as the parameter of the setting item, and the stop key is selected according to the display order. The determination screens after the determination screen are not displayed, and the parameters specified on the determination screen displayed before the determination screen on which the cancel key is selected are determined as the parameters of the respective setting items. Item 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 8. The determination screen includes a cancel key for instructing to cancel parameter determination,
When the cancel key is selected on the displayed determination screen, the control device does not determine the parameter selected on the determination screen as the parameter of the setting item, and the stop key is selected according to the display order. The determination of the parameter designated in the determination screen displayed before the determination screen in which the cancel key is selected is canceled without displaying the determination screen after the determination screen. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. The determination screen includes a cancel key for instructing to cancel parameter determination,
When the cancel key is selected on the displayed determination screen, the control device does not determine the parameter selected on the determination screen as the parameter of the setting item, and the stop key is selected according to the display order. The determination screen next to the determination screen is displayed, and the determination of the parameter specified in the determination screen displayed before the determination screen in which the stop key is selected is maintained. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The determination screen includes a cancel key for instructing to cancel parameter determination,
The control device, as an operation when the cancel key is selected on the displayed determination screen,
(1) The parameter selected on the determination screen is not determined as the parameter of the setting item, and the determination screen after the determination screen in which the cancellation key is selected according to the display order is not displayed, and the cancellation key is not displayed. An operation for determining the parameters specified in the determination screen displayed before the determination screen selected as the parameters of the respective setting items;
(2) The parameter selected on the determination screen is not determined as the parameter of the setting item, the determination screen after the determination screen in which the cancellation key is selected according to the display order is not displayed, and the cancellation key is not displayed. Canceling the determination of the parameter specified in the determination screen displayed before the determination screen selected
(3) The parameter selected on the determination screen is not determined as the parameter of the setting item, and the determination screen next to the determination screen in which the cancel key is selected according to the display order is displayed. An operation for maintaining the determination of the parameter specified in the determination screen displayed before the selected determination screen;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein which of the operations is determined according to an operation input from a user. A first sensor for detecting a document size;
The control device determines an arrangement of the plurality of setting keys on the setting screen of the touch panel in a process of displaying the plurality of setting keys according to the document size, and the plurality of setting keys according to the determination. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed. A second sensor for detecting the size of the printing paper;
In the process of displaying the plurality of setting keys according to the size of the printing paper, the control device determines an arrangement of the plurality of setting keys on the setting screen of the touch panel, and the plurality of setting keys is determined according to the determination. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a setting key is arranged. The control device stores a setting history for each size,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein an arrangement of the plurality of setting keys is determined in accordance with the size based on a setting frequency represented in the setting history. A storage device for preliminarily storing information defining the arrangement of the plurality of setting keys on the setting screen of the touch panel for each document size and / or printing paper size;
In the process of displaying the plurality of setting keys according to the document size and / or the size of the printing paper based on the specified information, the control device displays the plurality of setting keys on the setting screen of the touch panel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an arrangement of setting keys is determined, and the plurality of setting keys are arranged according to the determination. A setting method in an image forming apparatus having a touch panel,
Displaying a setting screen displaying a plurality of setting keys for each setting function on the touch panel;
When an operation to move the touch position while maintaining the touch state is received with respect to the touch panel, when the display of two or more setting keys of the plurality of setting keys is included in the movement locus of the touch position, Determining the two or more setting keys as a selected state;
Determining a setting order for setting items corresponding to each of the two or more setting keys determined as the selected state;
A determination screen for determining a parameter is displayed in order from the setting item with the earliest setting order, the parameter specified on the determination screen is determined as the parameter of the setting item, and the next setting item in the setting order is And a step of repeating the process of displaying the decision screen. A control program for causing an image forming apparatus having a touch panel to execute a setting process,
Displaying a setting screen displaying a plurality of setting keys for each setting function on the touch panel;
When an operation to move the touch position while maintaining the touch state is received with respect to the touch panel, when the display of two or more setting keys of the plurality of setting keys is included in the movement locus of the touch position, Determining the two or more setting keys as a selected state;
Determining a setting order for setting items corresponding to each of the two or more setting keys determined as the selected state;
A determination screen for determining a parameter is displayed in order from the setting item with the earliest setting order, the parameter specified on the determination screen is determined as the parameter of the setting item, and the next setting item in the setting order is A control program that causes the image forming apparatus to execute a step of repeating a process of displaying a determination screen.

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