JP2013115507A - Manipulation device and manipulation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manipulation section 102 in which contents of a setting item which may be reset by a user can be confirmed or corrected easily by relating the setting item to a tab of a screen.SOLUTION: The manipulation section 102 is provided which includes item relating means 402, item display means 404 and screen display means 405. A resetting tab indicating a resetting candidate to which a setting item is not related is set among tabs, and the item relating means 402 relates a predetermined setting item to the resetting tab as a resetting item in response to user manipulation. When the resetting tab key is pressed by the user, the item display means 404 switches display from an initial screen 700 on which the setting item key is displayed to a resetting candidate screen 803 on which the resetting item key is displayed to be pressed. When the resetting item key is pressed by the user, the screen display means 405 switches display from the resetting candidate screen 803 on which the resetting item key is displayed to a setting value input screen 900 reflected with a setting value of the resetting item.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation device and an operation method, and more particularly, a setting item that may be reset by a user is associated with a tab on the screen, and the contents of the setting item can be easily confirmed or corrected. The present invention relates to a possible operation device and operation method.

  The trial copy function in a digital copying machine is a function that performs copying of only one sheet in order to confirm an image forming state on a recording sheet before copying a plurality of sheets. According to this function, even if a plurality of copies are set, only one copy is experimentally copied without suddenly copying, so that the user (or operator) can make a copy beforehand. It can be confirmed, and a lot of useless copies can be avoided.

  On the other hand, in recent years, the functions of digital copiers have been diversified, and various types of copying have become possible with many functions. The functions range from basic functions such as copy density adjustment, document type selection, and paper selection to application functions such as enlargement, reduction, scaling, double-sided, aggregation, and division, and additional functions such as sort, stack, staple, and punch. Over. As functions diversify in this way, the setting work also becomes complicated, so the necessity for determining whether it is correct or not is increasing, and trial copy by the trial copy function is also performed.

  By the way, as the functions of digital copiers diversify and increase, the number of function settings also increases, and the settings must be made in a small LCD screen, that is, in an environment where users are likely to make mistakes in function settings. . Therefore, even if it seems that a setting error seems to have occurred as a result of the trial copy, it is not possible to immediately recognize how and where it was set, and it took time to set the correct function. There is a problem that.

  As a technique for solving such a problem, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-268947 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus capable of performing a trial copy for determining whether a set copy item is correct. The image forming apparatus includes means for displaying a set copy item column, copy item input means for inputting a copy item selected from the displayed set copy item list, a copy item, and a question relating to the copy item. Storage means correspondingly storing the item list. The image forming apparatus includes means for searching and extracting a list of question items related to the copy item from the storage unit based on the input copy item, and means for displaying the extracted list of question items. Then, the image forming apparatus cancels the setting of the question item input means for inputting the question item selected from the displayed question item list and the copy item erroneously set based on the inputted question item or Means for correcting. As a result, even if the copy item setting is wrong, the wrong setting can be easily corrected.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-166016 (Patent Document 2) discloses a reading unit that reads a document as image data, a display unit that displays image data read by the reading unit, and a display unit that displays the image data. A copying machine is disclosed that includes editing information setting means for setting editing information for editing image data. The copying machine includes a one-touch operation unit that calls pre-registered information by a one-touch operation, a registration unit that registers editing information set by the editing information setting unit in association with the one-touch operation unit, and the registration unit The one-touch information storage means for storing the correspondence between the one-touch operation means registered in the above and the editing information. As a result, if there is a high possibility that the contents (editing information) once set for complicated copying (copying that requires complicated procedures) are likely to be used in the future, the editing information should be registered in association with the one-touch operation means. The editing information can be saved.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-301825 (Patent Document 3) discloses an image in which one or a plurality of parameter groups each including a plurality of setting information related to an operation instruction to the image output apparatus can be assigned to each of one or a plurality of operation keys. An output device is disclosed. The image output device analyzes the parameter group acquired by the acquisition unit that acquires the parameter set from a recording medium that stores one or a plurality of parameters including the plurality of setting information, and the parameter group acquired by the acquisition unit. And a first control means for assigning and controlling each operation key. Thereby, a key in which a plurality of complicated setting information is combined can be easily registered in the image output apparatus.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-141655 (Patent Document 4) discloses an input unit that receives input of job setting information and a job process based on the job setting information in the input unit. An image forming apparatus having a control unit that controls the apparatus, an image processing unit that performs image processing under the control of the control unit, and a printing unit that performs printing under the control of the control unit is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a job setting information recording unit that records and stores the setting information of the job, and job setting information that outputs the setting information of the job recorded by the job setting information recording unit based on a user operation An output unit, and the control unit controls the image processing unit and the printing unit based on the setting information of the job output by the job setting information output unit. As a result, the setting information of a job that has been executed once can be automatically recorded and reused.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-188628 (Patent Document 5) discloses an operation display unit that displays a screen for setting job processing conditions and receives an operation, and a processing condition set by an operation on the operation display unit. An information processing apparatus is disclosed that includes a generation unit that generates the job and a storage unit that stores job information including processing conditions for the job generated by the generation unit. The information processing apparatus includes a measuring unit that measures an elapsed time from the generation time point of the job generated by the generating unit, and a plurality of jobs generated in the past on the operation display unit using the job information. In addition to displaying in order, the display includes control means for switching the order of the plurality of jobs based on the operation content on the operation display means when the processing conditions are set and the elapsed time. As a result, when the job processing conditions are reset using the past settings, display suitable for the user needs can be performed in consideration of the operation content and the elapsed time.

JP 2005-268947 A JP 2007-166016 A JP 2007-301825 A JP 2009-141655 A JP 2009-188628 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary for the user to cancel or correct the setting of the copy item that is erroneously set based on the question, there is a problem that the operation is troublesome for the user.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 2, although editing information can be registered in association with a one-touch operation, the user can easily confirm the detailed contents of the registered editing information. There is no problem.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 3, a plurality of complicated setting information can be registered in a specific key. However, as in Patent Document 2, detailed contents of the registered setting information are stored. There is a problem that the user cannot easily confirm.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 4, if the execution process is not performed once, the job setting information related to the execution process cannot be recorded, and the job setting information is stored before the execution process. There is a problem that it is not suitable for checking and correcting.

  Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 5, like the Patent Document 4, there is a problem that the processing conditions cannot be reused unless the job processing conditions are set once.

  In addition, the setting conditions described in Patent Documents 1-5 are usually configured by a plurality of setting items, and setting of specific setting items (setting value input) is performed through a plurality of layers and screens. Sometimes. Therefore, for example, when the user confirms or changes the setting again after completing the setting of a specific setting item, for example, there is a problem that it is necessary to go through a plurality of layers and screens again, and the operation is troublesome.

  On the other hand, with respect to the problem, conventionally, a specific registration condition or setting item is temporarily stored in a predetermined memory, and a shortcut registration function or program registration for calling the specific setting condition or setting item by a user operation Function exists. However, the shortcut registration function and the program registration function are not suitable for confirming or correcting each setting item corresponding to the detailed contents of the setting conditions, as in Patent Documents 2 and 3. There is a problem.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. A setting item that may be reset by the user is associated with a tab on the screen, and the contents of the setting item can be easily confirmed or corrected. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation device and an operation method that can be performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the operating device according to the present invention displays a plurality of tab keys and a plurality of setting item keys associated with a predetermined tab on a predetermined screen in a pressable manner. Based on the operating device, the following configuration is adopted.

  The operating device is provided with a reset tab indicating a reset candidate to which no setting item is associated among the tabs, and an item for associating a predetermined setting item with the reset tab as a reset item by a user operation Related means are provided. In addition, when the user presses the reset tab key, the operation device switches from a screen on which the setting item key is displayed to a screen on which the reset item key is displayed so that the reset item key can be pressed. Means. Further, when the resetting item key is pressed by the user, the operation device switches from the screen on which the resetting item key is displayed to a setting value input screen reflecting the setting value of the resetting item. Screen display means for displaying is provided.

  As a result, the user can associate (aggregate) predetermined setting items as reset items with the reset tab, and can easily check the reset items associated with the user by pressing the reset tab key. Become. If the user presses the reset item key, the setting value input screen corresponding to the reset item is directly displayed, so that the setting value of the reset item can be easily confirmed or changed. It becomes possible to do.

  The item association unit may be configured to associate the setting item with the reset tab when the setting item displayed on the screen is dragged and dropped onto the reset tab by a user operation. I can do it.

  In addition, when the setting value input screen corresponding to the setting item is displayed, the item-related unit can press a reset candidate key for associating the setting item on the setting value input screen with the reset tab. When the reset candidate key is displayed, the setting item corresponding to the setting value input screen can be associated with the reset tab.

  The item relating means may be configured to associate a setting item corresponding to the set value input screen with the reset tab when a predetermined set value is input on the set value input screen.

  In addition, when the resetting item is associated with the resetting tab, the item-related unit is configured to execute the resetting tab at a predetermined time when processing is executed based on a predetermined setting condition including the resetting item. It can be configured to release the association of all reset items to.

  In addition, the predetermined time point includes any one of a time point when the power of the apparatus is turned off, a time point when the user logs out, and a time point when the clear key for releasing the association of the resetting item is pressed by the user. It can be configured as follows.

  In addition, when the resetting item is associated with the resetting tab, the item-related means, when a predetermined valid period is input by the user, the elapsed time from the input of the valid period is the valid period When the period is exceeded, it can be configured to cancel the association of all reset items with the reset tab.

  The operation device can be applied to an image forming apparatus.

  The present invention can be provided as an operating method of an operating device that displays a plurality of tab keys and a plurality of setting item keys associated with a predetermined tab on a predetermined screen in a pressable manner.

  That is, the operation method includes a reset tab indicating a reset candidate to which no setting item is associated among the tabs, and a predetermined setting item is set as a reset item to the reset tab by a user operation. The related item related step is provided. In addition, when the user presses the reset tab key, the operation method switches from a screen on which the setting item key is displayed to a screen on which the reset item key can be pressed. Comprising steps. Further, when the resetting item key is pressed by the user, the operation method switches from the screen displaying the resetting item key to a setting value input screen reflecting the setting value of the resetting item. A screen display step for displaying is provided. Even with the configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as described above.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the operation device and operation method of the present invention, it is possible to easily check or correct the contents of the setting items by associating the setting items that the user may reset with the tabs on the screen. Become.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device and operation part concerning this invention. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral and an operation unit in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a 1st flowchart for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7A shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, and an example in which setting items are dragged and dropped on the initial screen of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown (FIG. 7 (B)). FIG. 8A shows an example of an item relation list according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 8A), and FIG. 8 shows a first example of an example of a reset candidate screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. (B)). A second diagram (FIG. 9A) showing an example of a reset candidate screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention and a set value input screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention FIG. 10 illustrates an example (FIG. 9B). FIG. 10A shows an example of an effective period input screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention, and a reset candidate screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention. It is the 3rd figure (Drawing 10B) which shows an example.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus provided with an operation device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming apparatus and operation apparatus>
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus provided with an operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multi-function machine including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like. Function as an image forming apparatus. The operation of the MFP 100 (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) when using the copy function will be briefly described below.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 provided on the upper surface of the multifunction device 100, and a copy function setting is input from the operation unit 102. The operation unit 102 displays an operation screen (such as an initial screen) related to the copy function provided by the multifunction peripheral 100, and a plurality of setting item keys related to the copy function are displayed in a selectable manner. On the operation screen, function item keys for each function are displayed so as to be selectable in a tab format. The user inputs setting conditions related to the copy function via the operation screen.

  When the user completes the input of the setting conditions, the user presses the start key 205 provided on the operation unit 102 to cause the multifunction peripheral 100 to start the copy function process.

  When the multifunction peripheral 100 starts processing of the copy function, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the image reading unit 103 on the document placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108 and subjected to basic correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like, and image data corresponding to the document is generated.

  An image forming unit 109 is a drive unit that transfers the image data as a toner image. The image forming unit 109 is provided with a photosensitive drum 110. The photosensitive drum 110 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum, the exposure unit 112, the developing unit 113, the transfer unit 114, the cleaning unit 115, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 111 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. The exposure unit 112 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 113 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the conveyed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, a sheet) by the transfer device 114. The cleaning unit 115 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 110.

  The sheets are conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 116 provided in the multi function peripheral 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 116 to the conveying path by a pickup roller 117. Each of the paper feed cassettes 116 stores sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on the settings relating to the output conditions.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer device 114 by the conveyance roller 118 and the registration roller 119. When the sheet is fed, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 114 and conveyed to the fixing device 120. Note that the sheet conveyed to the conveyance roller 118 may be conveyed from the manual feed tray 121 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the sheet on which the toner image is transferred passes between a heating roller 122 and a pressure roller 123 provided in the fixing device 120, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed to the sheet. Is done. The heat amount of the heating roller 122 is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the sheet, the image formation is completed, and the sheet on which the visible image is fixed is conveyed to the folding device 124 via the fixing device 120.

  The conveyed sheet is subjected to folding processing by the folding device 124 in accordance with the setting conditions set by the user. When the folding process is not input, the sheet only passes through the folding device 124. Further, when the user inputs post-processing (for example, stapling, punching, bookbinding, etc.) as a setting condition, the passed sheet is conveyed to the bookbinding device 125 and subjected to post-processing, and is stacked and stored in the paper discharge tray 126. The

  Through the above procedure, the multifunction peripheral 100 provides a copy function to the user.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 102 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions are input, a touch panel 201 (operation panel), a touch pen 202, and operation keys 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, by pressing an item key in the screen displayed on the touch panel 201, a setting condition corresponding to the pressed item key is input.

  A display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the back surface of the touch panel 201, and the display unit displays an operation screen such as the initial screen, for example. A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and when a user brings the tip of the touch pen 202 into contact with the touch panel 201, a sensor provided under the touch panel 201 detects the touch destination.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the MFP 100 and the operation unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 102 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, and a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit. They are connected by a bus 306. The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, etc., and receives data and instructions from the driver 305 and the operation unit 102 (not shown) based on the execution result. The operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled. In addition, each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing the program.

  An internal interface 307 is also connected to the internal bus 306 of the control circuit, and the internal interface 307 connects the control circuit of the operation unit 102 and the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The control circuit of the operation unit 102 includes an internal bus 315, a CPU 309, a ROM 310, a RAM 311, an LCD 312, operation keys 313 (203), a touch panel 314 (201), and an internal interface 308. When the user operates the operation key 313 or the touch panel 314, the CPU 309 transmits a command signal based on the operation to the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100 via the internal interface 308. The functions of the CPU 309, the ROM 310, and the RAM 311 are the same as described above, and each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later is realized by the CPU 309 executing a program. The ROM 310 stores programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP and the operation unit of the present invention. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for illustrating the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the multifunction device 100 and the operation unit 102 are activated, and the display receiving unit 401 of the activated operation unit 102 is stored in advance in a predetermined initial setting condition memory. Setting conditions are acquired (FIG. 5: S101).

  Here, the initial setting condition includes an initial value for each setting item constituting a setting condition of a function (for example, a copy function) that can be provided by the multi-function peripheral 100. For example, if the setting item is “paper size”, the initial value is preset as “A4 (size)”.

  When the display receiving unit 401 acquires the initial setting condition, the display receiving unit 401 temporarily stores the initial setting condition as a setting condition in a predetermined setting condition memory, and displays an initial screen (operation screen) on which the setting condition is reflected. It is displayed on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S102).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the initial screen 700 includes a plurality of tab keys 701 and a plurality of setting item keys 702 associated with a predetermined tab 701a (for example, “original / paper / finish”). It is displayed so that it can be pressed.

  Here, the plurality of tab keys 701 are displayed so as to be pressed in common on various screens, and one tab 701 has a configuration in which a plurality of setting items are associated in advance. For example, when the tab 701 shown in FIG. 7A is “Original / Paper / Finish” 701a, the setting item 702 associated with the “Original / Paper / Finish” 701a includes basic settings for the copy function. “Original size” 702a, “paper size” 702b, “page aggregation” 702c, and the like constituting the conditions are associated in advance, and the setting item keys 702 are displayed so that they can be pressed.

  Further, when the display receiving unit 401 displays the initial screen 700, it notifies the item-related unit 402 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the item-related unit 402 includes a reset tab 701b indicating a reset candidate to which no setting item is associated among the tabs 701 displayed on the initial screen 700.

  For example, in the initial screen 700 shown in FIG. 7A, among the plurality of tab keys 701, a “resetting candidate” key 701b arranged at the right end is provided in the item-related means 402 as the resetting tab key.

  Further, the item-related unit 402 sets the setting item key 702 displayed on the initial screen 700 by the display receiving unit 401 to a drag-and-drop state by a user operation.

  Now, while viewing the initial screen 700, for example, the user does not press the predetermined setting item key 702 (FIG. 5: S103 NO), as shown in FIG. 7B, the predetermined setting item key 702 ( For example, when the “paper size” key 702b) is dragged and dropped and the “paper size” key 702b is overlaid on the “resetting candidate” key 701b (FIG. 5: S104 YES), the item-related means 402 When it is detected that the “paper size” 702b is dragged and dropped onto the “resetting candidate” 701b, the “paper size” 702b is associated with the “resetting candidate” 701b as a resetting item (FIG. 5). : S105).

  Any method may be used for the item association unit 402 to associate the “paper size” 702b with the “resetting candidate” 701b. For example, the following method is used.

  That is, the item relation unit 402 refers to the item relation list stored in advance in the item relation storage unit 403.

  In the item relation list 800, as shown in FIG. 8A, a reset tab 801 indicating the “reset candidate” 701b and a reset item 802 associated therewith are stored. At this time, no setting item is stored in the resetting item 802 of the item relation list 800.

  Here, the item-related unit 402 stores the drag-and-dropped “paper size” 702 b in the reset item 802 of the item-related list 800. Thus, the user can associate (aggregate) the setting item key 702 displayed on the initial screen 700 with the reset tab key 701b corresponding to the predetermined tab key by a simple operation. That is, the user can freely aggregate desired setting item keys 702 into the reset tab key 701b that is constantly displayed, and confirm or change (correct) the setting values of the setting items that have been aggregated later. (This will be described later).

  When a plurality of reset items 802 are stored in the item relation list 800, each reset item is sequentially stored from the upper level to the lower level.

  Further, when the “paper size” key 702b dragged and dropped is associated with the “reset candidate” key 701b, it returns to the original position.

  When the user presses the “reset candidate” key 701b while looking at the initial screen 700 (FIG. 5: S106 YES), the item-related means 402 accepts the press of the “reset candidate” key 701b. This is notified to the item display means 404. Upon receiving the notification, the item display unit 404 refers to the item association list 800 of the item association storage unit 403, and refers to the reset item 802 (“paper size” 702b in the above example) stored in the item association list 800. get. Next, the item display unit 404 switches from the initial screen 700 on which the setting item key 702 is displayed to a resetting candidate screen on which the acquired resetting item key can be pressed (FIG. 5: FIG. 5). S107).

  In the reset candidate screen 803, as shown in FIG. 8B, a plurality of tab keys 701, a “paper size” key 804 (702b) which is a reset item key associated with the above, and the reset item. An effective period key 805 for inputting the effective period of the key and a clear key 806 for canceling the association of the reset item are displayed so as to be pressed.

  Thereby, the user can easily display (call) the resetting item 702b associated with the resetting tab 701b by pressing the tab.

  In the case where a predetermined setting item is not stored in the resetting item 802 of the item relation list 800, the resetting item key 804 is not displayed.

  On the other hand, when a plurality of setting items are stored in the resetting item 802 of the item relation list 800, the item display unit 404 displays a plurality of resetting item keys as shown in FIG. 804 is arranged in a list at equal intervals and displayed so as to be pressed. With this configuration, the user can confirm at a glance the resetting item associated with the tab.

  In S107, for example, when the user presses the “paper size” key 804 on the reset candidate screen shown in FIG. 8B (FIG. 5: S108 YES), the item display unit 404 displays the “paper size”. The press of the key 804 is accepted, and the screen display means 405 is notified accordingly. Upon receiving the notification, the screen display unit 405 acquires a setting value (“A4”) corresponding to the “paper size” among the setting conditions in the setting condition memory, and displays the “paper size” key 804. The resetting candidate screen 803 is switched to a setting value input screen reflecting the setting value of the “paper size” 804 (FIG. 6: S201).

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the setting value input screen 900 includes a plurality of tab keys 701, a selection item key 901 corresponding to the setting value of the “paper size” 804, and the “paper size” 804. As reset items, a reset candidate key 902 and an OK key 903 for associating with the reset tab are displayed so that they can be pressed.

  Of the selection item keys 901, the background color of the selection item key 901a corresponding to the current setting value “A4” is, for example, another selection item key 901 such as an “A3” key 901b and an “A5” key 901c. Are displayed in a color (for example, gray) different from the background color (for example, white).

  As a result, the user depresses the resetting item key 804 (“paper size” key) to directly display the setting value input screen 900 corresponding to the resetting item key 804, so that the resetting item ( It is possible to check or change the set value set in “paper size”).

  Note that the display of the set value input screen 900 is the same even when the user presses the “paper size” key 702b of the initial screen 700 in S103 (FIG. 5: S103 YES). The display receiving unit 401 notifies the screen display unit 405 to that effect, and the screen display unit 405 that has received the notification displays a setting value input screen 900 corresponding to the “paper size” 702 b on the touch panel 201. (FIG. 6: S201).

  Here, in the above description, the “paper size” 702b, which is a resetting item displayed through a single screen, is taken as an example. However, a setting item displayed through a plurality of screens, for example, “staple / punch” ”Or the like, as described above, when it becomes possible to associate the setting item with the“ resetting candidate ”key 701b that is a tab key, the user intentionally displays a plurality of screens at the time of resetting. Since it is not necessary to display the setting items, it is very effective in such a case.

  In S201, the user presses the selection item key 901b (for example, “A3” key) corresponding to a setting value other than the current setting value while looking at the setting value input screen 900 (FIG. 6: FIG. 6). S202 YES), the screen display means 405 accepts pressing of the “A3” key 901b. Then, the screen display means 405 uses the setting value (“A4”) of the “paper size” 702b among the setting conditions stored in the setting condition memory as a setting value (“A4”) corresponding to the pressed selection item 901b ( “A3”) (FIG. 6: S203). Thereby, the change (input) of the set value of the “paper size” 702b is completed.

  When the change of the setting value is completed, the screen display unit 405 changes the background color of the selection item key 901b (“A3” key), which is the current setting value, to the gray color in the setting value input screen 900. In addition to the change, the background color of the selection item key 901a (“A4” key), which is the setting value that was initially set, is changed to white. As a result, the user can recognize that the set value of the “paper size” 702b has been changed.

  By the way, when the user presses the reset candidate key 902 on the setting value input screen 900 in S204, the screen display unit 405 accepts the press of the reset candidate key 902, and informs the item related unit. 402 is notified. Upon receiving the notification, the item-related unit 402 associates the “paper size” 702b corresponding to the setting value input screen 900 with the “resetting candidate” key, as in S105 (FIG. 6: S205). Accordingly, for example, when the user recognizes that the setting item is desired to be reset while inputting the setting value of the predetermined setting item, the above-described drag-and-drop operation is not performed. The setting item corresponding to the setting value input screen 900 can be associated with the reset tab.

  When the item association unit 402 associates the setting item with the reset tab, if the same reset item as the setting item is already associated with the reset tab, such association is performed. Processing is omitted.

  Now, when the user presses the OK key 903 while looking at the setting value input screen 900 (FIG. 6: S206 YES), the screen display means 405 accepts the press of the OK key 903, and displays that effect. The reception unit 401 is notified. Upon receiving the notification, the display accepting unit 401 proceeds to S102 and displays an initial screen on which the current setting conditions are reflected on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S102). Since the subsequent processing is the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  In S109, when the user presses the start key 205 while viewing the initial screen 700 (FIG. 5: S109 YES), the display receiving unit 401 receives the pressing of the start key 205, and the setting condition memory And the function setting means 406 is notified of the acquired setting condition. Upon receiving the notification, the function providing unit 406 executes the copy function based on the received setting condition (FIG. 5: S110). As a result, the user can cause the multifunction peripheral 100 to execute a copy function of setting conditions desired by the user.

  The display receiving unit 401 notifies the item-related unit 402 that the copy function has been executed. Upon receiving the notification, the item association unit 402 cancels the association of all the reset items with the reset tab (FIG. 5: S111).

  For example, the item relation unit 402 refers to the item relation list 800 stored in the item relation storage unit 403, and sets the setting item (for example, “paper size” stored in the reset item 802 of the item relation list 800. ”702b) is deleted.

  This allows subsequent users to input setting conditions and associate new reset items without being affected by the previous user history (reset item association).

  As described above, the operation unit 102 of the present invention provides a reset tab indicating a reset candidate to which no setting item is associated among the tabs, and a predetermined setting item is set as a reset item by a user operation. Item-related means 402 associated with the reset tab is provided. In addition, when the user presses the reset tab key, the operation unit 102 displays a reset candidate screen in which the reset item key can be pressed from the initial screen 700 on which the set item key is displayed. Item display means 404 for switching to 803 is provided. Furthermore, when the user presses the reset item key, the operation unit 102 sets a setting in which the setting value of the reset item is reflected from the reset candidate screen 803 on which the reset item key is displayed. A screen display means 405 for switching and displaying on the value input screen 900 is provided.

  As a result, the user can associate (aggregate) predetermined setting items as reset items with the reset tab, and can easily check the reset items associated with the user by pressing the reset tab key. Become. If the user presses the reset item key, the setting value input screen corresponding to the reset item is directly displayed, so that the setting value of the reset item can be easily confirmed or changed. It becomes possible to do.

  In particular, since the tab key is usually a key that can be pressed in common on the screen, if a predetermined setting item can be associated with the reset tab that is one of the tab keys, However, the setting value of a predetermined setting item can be confirmed at any time, such as during the input of the setting value, by pressing the reset tab key. Therefore, in the present invention, the operability for the user can be further improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the past, the user temporarily stores all of the setting conditions, and associates the setting items constituting the setting conditions with the reset tab so that the user can A setting item to be confirmed can be related to the reset tab by pinpoint. Therefore, in the present invention, as in the prior art, in order to confirm the setting value for each setting item, the operation of repeatedly pressing the operation key across a plurality of screens can be omitted, which is convenient for the user. Can be further improved.

  By the way, other processes are as follows.

  That is, in S107, when the user presses the valid period key 805 while looking at the resetting candidate screen 803, the item display unit 404 accepts the depression of the valid period key 805, and informs that fact. The item related means 402 is notified. Upon receiving the notification, the item-related unit 402 displays an effective period input screen on the touch panel 201 for inputting the effective period of the resetting item.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the valid period input screen 1000 corresponds to a valid period preset for a plurality of tab keys 701 and the resetting item 804 (for example, “paper size”). An effective period key 1001 and an OK key 1002 are displayed to be pressed.

  Here, as the valid period key 1001, for example, a “job completion point” key 1001a having a valid period when the copy function is executed based on the setting condition including the resetting item, “Logout point” key 1001b having a valid period when logged out by the user when logged in to the user 100, and “Power off point” key having a valid period when the MFP 100 is powered off 1001c and a “user setting” key 1001d that allows the user to input an arbitrary valid period (for example, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.) are displayed.

  For example, as an initial setting of the valid period key 1001, the “job completion point” key 1001a is pressed.

  Thus, the user can release (delete) the reset item 804 associated with the “reset candidate” key 701b within a desired valid period by freely pressing the valid period key 1001. It becomes possible.

  Therefore, for example, when “logout time” is set, it is effective that the user can easily change the setting when the user wants to continuously change the setting of a plurality of jobs.

  When the “user setting” key 1001d among the valid period keys 1001 is pressed, a predetermined numeric keypad is displayed, and the user can input a desired valid period. If the valid period is input, the item-related unit 402 activates a timer provided in advance, measures the elapsed time from when the valid period is input, and the elapsed time is When the valid period is exceeded, the association of all reset items with the reset tab is released.

  When the user presses the OK key 1002 on the valid period input screen 1000, the item-related unit 402 switches from the valid period input screen 1000 to the reset candidate screen 803.

  In S107, when the user presses the clear 806 while looking at the reset candidate screen 803, the item display unit 404 accepts the press of the clear key 806, and notifies the item related unit. 402 is notified. Upon receiving the notification, the item association unit 402 cancels the association of all the reset items with the reset tab.

  As a result, the user can freely release the reset item associated with the user.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the item-related unit 402 associates a predetermined setting item as the reset item with the reset tab by a user's drag-and-drop operation or pressing of the reset candidate key 902. Although configured, other configurations may be used. For example, when a predetermined setting value is input on the setting value input screen 900 by a user operation, the item-related unit 402 sets the setting item corresponding to the setting value input screen 900 as the resetting item as the resetting item. It may be configured to be associated with a settings tab.

  As a result, the setting items for which the user has input setting values are automatically associated (aggregated) with the reset tab. For example, before the user presses the start key 205, If the setting tab key 701b is pressed, only the setting items for which the setting value has been input are displayed. Therefore, the user can confirm or change the setting value only for the setting item for which the setting value has been input, and can narrow down to the setting item operated by the user, thereby improving convenience for the user.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the item display unit 404 is configured to display the resetting item key 804 on the resetting candidate screen 803 so that the resetting item key 804 can be pressed. However, other configurations may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the item display unit 404 displays the reset item and the set value set in the reset item side by side in the reset item key 804 at the same time. You may comprise. For example, in the case of FIG. 10B, the resetting item “paper size” is set to “A4”, the resetting item “reduction / enlargement” is set to “81%”, and the resetting item “page aggregation” is set. The set value “2 in 1” is displayed side by side simultaneously.

  This makes it possible for the user to visually recognize the setting value of each resetting item just by looking at the resetting candidate screen 803, making it easy to find the resetting item desired to be reset, Improve convenience.

  In the operation unit 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the copy function processing of the multi-function peripheral 100 is employed. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the operation unit 102 is applied to the multifunction peripheral 100 has been described. However, various image forming apparatuses, various image processing apparatuses, and various types including the operation unit 102 (operation device) having the touch panel 201 are described. Even if it is applied to an image processing device, various image display devices, etc., the same effects can be obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit 102 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the operation unit 102 or the multifunction device 100 is caused to read the program, and the operation unit 102 or the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the operation device and operation method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for copiers, printers, etc., and associating setting items that may be reset by the user with tabs on the screen, This is effective as an operation device and an operation method capable of easily confirming and correcting the contents of the setting items.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 102 Operation part 401 Display reception means 402 Item related means 403 Item related storage means 404 Item display means 405 Screen display means 406 Function provision means

Claims (11)

In an operating device that displays a plurality of tab keys and a plurality of setting item keys associated with a predetermined tab so as to be pressed on a predetermined screen.
Among the tabs, there is provided a reset tab that indicates a reset candidate that is not associated with a setting item, and an item-related unit that associates a predetermined setting item with the reset tab as a reset item by a user operation;
When the user presses the reset tab key, an item display means for switching from a screen on which the setting item key is displayed to a screen on which the reset item key is displayed so that it can be pressed;
Screen display means for switching and displaying from the screen on which the resetting item key is displayed to the setting value input screen reflecting the setting value of the resetting item when the resetting item key is pressed by the user; An operating device comprising: The operation according to claim 1, wherein when the setting item displayed on the screen is dragged and dropped onto the reset tab by a user operation, the item related unit associates the setting item with the reset tab. apparatus. When the setting value input screen corresponding to the setting item is displayed, the item related unit displays a reset candidate key for associating the setting item of the setting value input screen with the reset tab. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein when the reset candidate key is pressed, a setting item corresponding to the setting value input screen is associated with the reset tab. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein when a predetermined setting value is input on the setting value input screen, the item association unit associates a setting item corresponding to the setting value input screen with the reset tab. The item-related means, when associating the reset item with the reset tab, at a predetermined time when the process is executed based on a predetermined setting condition including the reset item, The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the association of the reset item is canceled. The predetermined time point includes any of a time point when the power of the apparatus is turned off, a time point when the user logs out, and a time point when the user presses a clear key for releasing the association of the resetting item. 5. The operating device according to 5. In the case where the resetting item is associated with the resetting tab, the item-related unit is configured such that when a predetermined valid period is input by the user, an elapsed time from the input of the valid period is set to the valid period. The operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the number of the reset items is exceeded, the association of all the reset items with the reset tab is canceled.   An image forming apparatus comprising the operation device according to claim 1. In an operation method of an operating device for displaying a plurality of tab keys and a plurality of setting item keys associated with a predetermined tab on a predetermined screen in a pressable manner,
Among the tabs, there is provided a reset tab indicating a reset candidate that is not associated with a setting item, and an item-related step of associating a predetermined setting item with the reset tab as a reset item by a user operation;
When the user presses the reset tab key, an item display step for switching from a screen on which the setting item key is displayed to a screen on which the reset item key is displayed to be pressed; and
When the user presses the resetting item key, a screen display step for switching from the screen on which the resetting item key is displayed to the setting value input screen reflecting the setting value of the resetting item is displayed. An operation method comprising the steps of:   A program for causing a computer to execute the operation method according to claim 9. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 10.

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