JP2014078159A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving a user interface easily used by a user, irrespective of the user being a beginner or an expert.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (1) includes a display operation unit (10) that can be set through touch operation, and an operation setting user interface that performs operation settings according to a selected operation mode. The operation setting user interface has a first user interface mode to display an icon (121) indicating the selected operation mode in a system area (111) of a display unit (11) of the display operation unit (10), and a second user interface mode to display operation mode switching buttons (131, 132, and 133) capable of selecting operation modes in the system area (111), and includes an icon (15) for switching between the first user interface mode and second user interface mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus provided with an operation setting user interface for performing operation setting of an operation mode.

  In recent years, as an image forming apparatus, a printer having only a printing function, a multifunction machine having a data transmission function such as a scanner function, a fax transmission function, an E-Mai1 transmission function in addition to a printing function, or an MFP (multifunctional peripheral device) Etc.

  In such an image forming apparatus, a plurality of operation modes are set to execute functions such as a printing function, a scanner function, a fax transmission function, and an E-Mai1 transmission function.

When using such an image forming apparatus, for example, the user selects an operation mode for executing a desired function using an operation panel having an operation unit or a display unit, and the selected operation mode is selected. The image forming apparatus is configured to execute various functions by inputting various instructions.
That is, this operation panel functions as an interface (user interface) between the image forming apparatus and the user.

  As a conventional technique, for example, in an operating device that functions as a user interface, the display device includes a display unit for displaying information, an input unit for inputting, and a display control unit for displaying specific information on the display unit. A device including a plurality of operation buttons (hardware buttons) for specifying an operation as input means is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

  According to this, the user can accurately and easily display specific information such as initial screen information, help information, and mode selection information by selecting the specified operation button from the plurality of operation buttons on the operation device. Can be made.

As another technique, an image forming apparatus provided with a display unit that realizes a user interface using a touch panel as a component of the display unit has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). This image forming apparatus is configured to display a plurality of function badges on a touch panel and switch setting items by touching the function badges.
According to this, the function desired by the user can be easily found.

JP 2011-171960 A JP 2012-68702 A

  However, in the technology described in the above-described patent document, a user interface operated by a user can be switched by touching a function badge displayed on an operation button or a touch panel according to the user. When trying to operate in this state, the operation may become difficult. In particular, there is a problem that the operability is greatly affected by the setting of the user interface depending on whether the user is a beginner or an expert.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of realizing an easy-to-use user interface regardless of whether the user is a beginner or an expert. The purpose is to do.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.

  The present invention includes a display operation unit that can be set by a touch operation, has a plurality of operation modes, and when a specific operation mode is selected, the display operation unit displays an operation setting according to the selected operation mode. In the image forming apparatus provided with the operation setting user interface performed in Step 1, the first user interface having a function of displaying an icon indicating the selected operation mode in a partial display area of the display operation unit as the operation setting user interface. Mode (beginner mode) and a second user interface mode (expert mode) having a function of displaying an operation mode switching button capable of selecting an operation mode in a part of the display area of the display operation unit, User interface for switching between the first user interface mode and the second user interface mode It is characterized in further comprising a Esumodo switching function.

  In the present invention, the first user interface mode includes a display area that displays an icon indicating an operation state of the image forming apparatus on the display operation unit, and the image is displayed on the display operation unit as the second user interface mode. It is preferable to provide a display area for displaying an operation mode switching button capable of selecting an operation mode instead of the display area for displaying the operation state of the forming apparatus as an icon.

  The first user interface mode preferably includes a function of switching a processing function including other operation modes to a selectable shortcut interface by operating an icon indicating the operation mode.

  The operation setting user interface preferably includes a function of setting the first user interface mode or the second user interface mode corresponding to a login user.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a display operation unit that can be set by a touch operation is provided, and has a plurality of operation modes. When a specific operation mode is selected, an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed. In an image forming apparatus provided with an operation setting user interface for performing settings on the display operation unit, a function for displaying an icon indicating a selected operation mode as a part of a display area of the display operation unit as the operation setting user interface A first user interface mode as a beginner mode, and a second user interface mode as an expert mode having a function of displaying an operation mode switching button capable of selecting an operation mode in a partial display area of the display operation unit. The first user interface mode and the second user interface mode. By providing the user interface mode switching function for switching the bets, the user can realize both easy-to-use user interface even skilled even a beginner.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a display operation unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus in a block diagram. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a home screen displayed on a display unit that constitutes a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the setting screen for beginners in the 1st user interface mode of the operation setting user interface of the said image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a setting screen for skilled users in a second user interface mode in an operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the setting screen as a submode selection user interface in the said operation setting user interface. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the setting screen displayed in the 1st user interface mode in the operation setting user interface of the said image forming apparatus, (b) is displayed in the 2nd user interface mode in the said operation setting user interface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the setting screen to be performed. 3 is a flowchart showing setting / processing operations in each operation mode of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a setting screen as a shortcut user interface in an operation setting user interface of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating state transition of a setting screen displayed in a first user interface mode in an operation setting user interface of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the setting screen displayed in the 1st user interface mode in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment, (b) is the 2nd in the said operation setting user interface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the setting screen displayed in user interface mode.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment of the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a display operation unit constituting the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a home screen displayed on a display unit constituting a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a display operation unit 10 that can be set by a touch operation, has a plurality of operation modes, and a specific operation mode is selected. In the image forming apparatus 1 having an operation setting user interface for performing operation setting according to the selected operation mode on the display operation unit 10, the characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is adopted.

First, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes a display operation unit 10 including a display unit 11, an input unit 12, and operation keys (hard keys) 13, a document reading unit 20, and image formation. The unit 30, the communication unit 40, the storage unit 50, and the control unit 60 that controls the respective components are configured.

  The display unit 11 is for displaying an image (information), and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD) with a backlight, and is configured to overlap the lower side of the input unit 12.

  The input unit 12 detects an input from a user. For example, the input unit 12 is an analog resistive film type in which a transparent sheet provided with a transparent electrode is opposed to each other, a voltage is measured by the contact, and an input position is detected. It is configured with a touch panel and is provided on the display unit 11 so as to overlap.

  The operation key 13 is a hardware key that is configured separately from the input unit 12 in the display unit 11 and is directly input by the user.

  The display operation unit 10 including the display unit 11, the input unit 12, and the operation keys 13 constitutes an operation setting user interface (hereinafter referred to as “operation setting user interface”).

  The communication unit 40 is connected to an external terminal device or the like via a network and receives a print job transmitted from the terminal device or the like. For print job communication, LPR (Line Printer daemon protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), or the like can be used.

The storage unit 50 is a memory composed of an HDD or the like.
The control unit 60 is configured to execute programs stored in a ROM and a RAM (not shown) and use the RAM as a work area.

The image forming apparatus 1 has a plurality of operation modes such as copying and FAX.
When each operation mode is executed in the image forming apparatus 1, a home screen 110 displayed on the display unit 11 of the display operation unit 10 is displayed as shown in FIG. The operation mode icon is selected by touch operation, and the setting screen corresponding to the operation mode is switched to use.

In the display operation unit 10, a home key (operation key) 13 a that is a hardware key is arranged near the outside of the input unit 12 using the touch panel in the display area of the display unit 11.
The home screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 11 by pressing the home key 13a.

  On the home screen 110, operation mode switching icons 14 corresponding to the respective operation modes such as copy and FAX are displayed.

  On the home screen 110, an operation mode can be selected by selecting a button of an operation mode desired by the user from the operation mode switching icons 14 such as copy and FAX and performing a touch operation.

Here, a characteristic operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a setting screen for beginners in the first user interface mode of the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a second view of the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a setting screen for skilled users in the user interface mode, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a setting screen as a sub-mode selection user interface in the operation setting user interface.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the operation setting user interface includes a first user interface mode as a beginner mode and a second user interface mode as an expert mode.

  In the first user interface mode, as a user interface for beginners, an icon 121 indicating the selected operation mode is displayed in the system area 111 above the display area of the display unit 11 as shown in FIG. Operation setting is performed using the setting screen 120.

  When one operation mode (here, copy mode) is selected from the home screen 110 on the display unit 11 as shown in FIG. 3, the operation setting of the copy mode in the first user interface mode is shown in FIG. A setting screen 120 for beginners is provided.

  The system area 111 of the setting screen 120 for beginners in the first user interface mode is provided with a status display area 112 for displaying an apparatus state (status) such as communication in the copy mode. In this status display area 112, an icon 122 indicating a device status “communication” in a FAX or a network and an icon 123 indicating a printer operation status are displayed.

  In the status display area 112, the display changes so that it can be seen that the printer is operating from the time when a print job is transmitted from an external terminal (PC) until the completion of print output.

  On the lower right side of the beginner setting screen 120, operation keys for executing processing operations are displayed. Reference numeral 21 denotes a monochrome start key for executing monochrome printing, and reference numeral 22 denotes a color start key for executing color printing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second user interface mode is a user interface for the expert. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation mode switching buttons 131, 132, 132, 132, 132, 132, The operation setting is performed using the expert setting screen 130 on which 133 is displayed.

  In the beginner setting screen 120 and the expert setting screen 130 in the first user interface mode and the second user interface mode, the system area 111 of the display unit 11 includes the first user interface mode and the second user interface mode. An icon 15 that functions as a user interface mode switching button (user interface mode switching function) to be switched is displayed. The icon 15 is displayed in the system area 111 (the left end portion in the drawing in the first embodiment) in any of the first user interface mode and the second user interface mode.

  In the first embodiment, the control unit 60 switches the user interface for switching between the beginner setting screen 120 in the first user interface mode and the expert setting screen 130 in the second user interface mode in a partial display area of the display unit 11. The icon 15 functioning as a mode switching button is selectively displayed.

By operating the icon 15 on the beginner setting screen 120 shown in FIG. 4, the system area 111 located at the upper end of the display screen is replaced with the icon 121 indicating the current operation mode and the status display area 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the screen switches to the expert user setting screen 130 in the second user interface mode in which operation mode switching buttons 131, 132, 133 that can change the operation mode are displayed.
When the icon 15 is operated again, the original setting screen 120 for beginners is restored.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the expert setting screen 130, the operation mode switching button 132 of the fax is touch-operated to set the operation mode to the fax mode, and the fax mode (image transmission) is set. When the operation mode switching button 132 of the fax is touched again, a sub mode selection screen 140 as a sub mode selection user interface in the fax mode is displayed as shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 23 in FIG. 6 is a start key for executing fax processing in the fax mode on the expert setting screen 130.

  On the sub-mode selection screen 140, an operation mode switching icon 16 corresponding to a transmission method such as fax or E-mail is displayed.

  On the sub-mode selection screen 140, the user can select the transmission method by selecting and operating the button of the operation mode desired by the user from the operation mode switching icons 16 corresponding to the transmission method such as fax and E-mail. It becomes.

Next, state transition of the user interface in each operation mode in the operation setting user interface will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating state transition of a setting screen displayed in the first user interface mode in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating the state transition in the operation setting user interface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the setting screen displayed in 2 user interface mode.

  First, switching operation of a setting screen according to the operation mode when setting operation in the first user interface mode for beginners in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

  When setting the operation mode in the first user interface mode, as shown in FIG. 7A, the home screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 11 and copied from the operation mode switching icon 14 (see FIG. 3). By selecting and operating the mode, fax mode, document filing mode, etc., as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 7A, the copy mode setting screen 120C, the fax mode setting screen 120F, and the document filing mode A setting screen for the operation mode selected from the setting screen 120D or the like is displayed.

  When the operation mode is to be changed, the home key 13a (see FIG. 3) of the display operation unit 10 is pressed to change the home screen 110 from the setting screen of each operation mode as indicated by a solid line arrow in FIG. Switch to. Then, a desired operation mode is selected on the home screen 110.

  Next, the switching operation of the setting screen according to the operation mode when setting the operation in the second user interface mode for the expert will be described.

  In the case of setting the operation mode in the second user interface mode, as in the case of the first user interface mode, the operation mode can be changed by switching to the home screen 110 and the first user interface mode for beginners. In this state, by pressing the icon 15 on the setting screen, it is possible to shift to the expert setting screen 130 in the second user interface mode.

Then, by selecting and operating the operation mode switching buttons 131, 132, 133, etc. on the expert user setting screen 130 in the second user interface mode, as shown by the thick solid line arrows in FIG. The setting screen for the selected operation mode is displayed among the setting screen 130C, the setting screen 130F for the fax mode, the setting screen 130D for the document filing mode, and the like.
If the icon 15 is pressed again, the screen returns to the beginner setting screen 120.

Next, setting / processing operations in each operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to flowcharts.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing setting / processing operations in each operation mode of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

When performing a setting operation in each operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, it is first determined whether or not a key operation related to the setting in each operation mode has been performed ( Step S1).

  If it is determined in step S1 that a key operation related to the setting in each operation mode has been performed, the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the key operation related to the setting in each operation mode has not been performed, predetermined setting is performed (step S2), and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, it is determined whether or not a start key (for example, black and white start key 21, color start key 22, start key 23, etc.) has been turned on.

If it is determined in step S3 that the start key is turned on, processing based on the set contents is executed (step S4), and the process returns to step S1.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the start key is not turned on, the process directly returns to step S1.
In this way, the setting / processing operation in each operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is repeatedly executed.

  Since it comprised as mentioned above, according to 1st Embodiment, it has the display operation part 10 which can be set by touch operation, it has several operation modes, and when a specific operation mode is selected, it will be selected. In the image forming apparatus 1 having an operation setting user interface for performing operation settings in accordance with the operation mode selected by the display operation unit 10, the operation setting user interface is selected in the system area 111 of the display unit 11 of the display operation unit 10. A first user interface mode for beginners having a function of displaying an icon 121 indicating an operation mode, and operation mode switching buttons 131, 132 that can select an operation mode in the system area 111 of the display unit 11 of the display operation unit 10. With a second user interface mode for experienced users who have the ability to display 133 etc. By providing the icon 15 that functions as a user interface mode switching button for switching between the first user interface mode and the second user interface mode, it is possible to realize a user interface that is easy to use regardless of whether the user is a beginner or an expert. .

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, in the setting screen 120 for beginners in the first user interface mode, the status display area 112 for displaying the apparatus status (status) is provided in the system area 111, and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 In the status display area 112, an icon 122 indicating the device status of “communication” in the FAX or the network and an icon 123 indicating the operation status of the printer are displayed. The operating state can be easily confirmed.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, on the expert user setting screen 130 in the second user interface mode, instead of the status display area 112 that displays an operation state as an icon, an operation mode switching button 131 that can select an operation mode, By providing the display area for displaying 132 and 133, the operation mode switching operation can be easily performed.

  According to the first embodiment, for example, the operation mode switching button 132 of the fax is touch-operated to set the operation mode to the fax mode, and the fax operation mode is set again in the state where the fax mode (image transmission) is set. When the switching button 132 is touched, the sub-mode selection screen 140 as a sub-mode selection user interface in the fax mode is displayed, so that the setting operation can be performed more easily.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a setting screen as a shortcut user interface in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, an icon 221 indicating a selected operation mode is provided with a button function on the setting screen 220 for beginners in the first user interface mode of the image forming apparatus. It is.

  In the second embodiment, as a button function for the icon 221 indicating the selected operation mode, a shortcut dialog 150 for switching the operation mode by touching the icon 221 is displayed on the setting screen 220 for beginners as shown in FIG. The display is overlapped.

  The shortcut dialog 150 displays an operation mode switching icon 17 for switching to a setting screen for the home screen, copy mode, fax mode or the like.

  In the shortcut dialog 150, the operation mode can be easily changed by selecting and operating the button of the operation mode desired by the user from the operation mode switching icons 17 for switching to the setting screen for the home screen, copy mode, fax mode, and the like. Selection can be made.

Next, state transition of the user interface in each operation mode in the operation setting user interface of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing state transition of a setting screen displayed in the first user interface mode in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  First, when setting the operation mode in the first user interface mode in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus, the home screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 11 and the operation mode switching icon 14 ( By selecting and operating the copy mode, fax mode, document filing mode, etc. from FIG. 3, the copy mode setting screen 220C, the fax mode setting screen 220F, as shown by the broken line arrows in FIG. A setting screen for the operation mode selected from the setting screen 220D for the document filing mode is displayed.

  When the operation mode is changed, the home key 13a (see FIG. 3) of the display operation unit 10 is pressed to switch from the setting screen of each operation mode to the home screen 110 as indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. The Then, a desired operation mode is selected on the home screen 110.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the icon 221 indicating the operation mode is touched, a shortcut dialog 150 is displayed as shown by a thick solid line arrow in FIG. 10, and as shown by a thick broken line arrow in FIG. Touching the operation mode switching icon 17 in the shortcut dialog 150 can shift to another operation mode.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the shortcut dialog 150 for switching the operation mode is set as a button function on the icon 221 indicating the operation mode displayed on the setting screen in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus. The display can be switched to the desired operation mode setting screen without moving the finger from the display unit 11 functioning as a touch panel to the home key 13a. Setting operation can be performed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the third embodiment, the types of operation mode switching buttons 131, 132, 133 and the like displayed in the system area 111 on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 11 are switched based on device settings. .

  By configuring in this way, it is possible to set a frequently used operation mode to be displayed as an operation mode switching button on the system area 111, so that the usability can be improved.

  As a modification, the type of operation mode switching button displayed in the system area 111 may be switched according to the login user.

  Since the operation mode switching buttons displayed in the system area 111 that is not so large need to be narrowed down to those with a high frequency, the operation mode can be easily used for each user by switching the display of the operation mode switching button for each login user. A setting screen can be provided.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing the state transition of the setting screen displayed in the first user interface mode in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11B is the operation setting user interface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the setting screen displayed in 2nd user interface mode.

  In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when a setting operation of the image forming apparatus is not performed for a predetermined time, the screen display of the display unit 11 is changed to a default screen by an auto-clear operation. As the default screen, a copy mode setting screen, a home screen, or the like may be selected by device setting.

  Here, the operation for switching the setting screen according to the operation mode when setting the operation in the first user interface mode for beginners in the operation setting user interface of the image forming apparatus will be described.

  When setting the operation mode in the first user interface mode, as shown in FIG. 11A, the home screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 11 and copied from the operation mode switching icon 14 (see FIG. 3). By selecting and operating the mode, the fax mode, the document filing mode, etc., as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. 11A, the copy mode setting screen 420C, the fax mode setting screen 420F, and the document filing mode A setting screen for the operation mode selected from the setting screen 420D or the like is displayed.

  If the default screen is the setting screen 420C for the copy mode, the setting screen 420F for the fax mode or the document filing mode is used if the default screen is left without being operated for a predetermined time in the fax mode or the document filing mode. The setting screen 420D changes to the copy mode setting screen 420C as shown by a thick dashed line arrow in FIG.

  Next, the switching operation of the setting screen according to the operation mode when setting the operation in the second user interface mode for the expert will be described.

  In the case of setting the operation mode in the second user interface mode, as in the case of the first user interface mode, the operation mode can be changed by switching to the home screen 110 and the first user interface mode for beginners. In this state, by pressing the icon 15 on the setting screen, it is possible to shift to the expert setting screen 130 in the second user interface mode.

  Then, by selecting and operating the operation mode switching buttons 131, 132, 133, etc. on the expert user setting screen 430 in the second user interface mode, as shown by the thick solid line arrows in FIG. The operation mode setting screen selected from among the setting screen 430C, the fax mode setting screen 430F, the document filing mode setting screen 430D, and the like is displayed.

  When the default screen is set to the copy mode setting screen 430C, the setting screen 430F for the fax mode or the document filing mode is used when the setting screen is left without being operated for a predetermined time in the fax mode or the document filing mode. The setting screen 430D changes to the copy mode setting screen 430C as indicated by a thick dashed line arrow in FIG.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when the setting operation of the image forming apparatus is not performed for a predetermined time, the screen display of the display unit 11 is changed to the default screen by the auto-clear operation. For example, by setting the default screen as the operation mode setting screen that is normally used, there is no need to return the operation mode setting screen, so that the setting operation can be performed smoothly.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Display operation part 11 Display part 12 Input part 13 Operation key 13a Home key 14, 16, 17 Operation mode switching icon 15 Icon (user interface mode switching function)
110 Home screen 111 System area 120, 220 Beginner setting screen 120C, 120D, 120F Setting screen 121, 122, 123, 221 Icon 130, 430 Expert setting screen 130C, 130D, 130F Setting screen 131, 132, 133 Operation mode Change button 140 Sub mode selection screen 150 Shortcut dialog 220C, 220D, 220F Setting screen 420C, 420D, 420F Setting screen 430C, 430D, 430F Setting screen

Claims (4)

An operation setting that includes a display operation unit that can be set by a touch operation, has a plurality of operation modes, and performs operation settings according to the selected operation mode on the display operation unit when a specific operation mode is selected. In an image forming apparatus having a user interface,
The operation setting user interface is:
A first user interface mode having a function of displaying an icon indicating the selected operation mode in a partial display area of the display operation unit;
A second user interface mode having a function of displaying an operation mode switching button capable of selecting an operation mode in a partial display area of the display operation unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising a user interface mode switching function for switching between the first user interface mode and the second user interface mode. The first user interface mode includes a display area for displaying an operation state of the image forming apparatus on the display operation unit as an icon.
The second user interface mode includes a display area for displaying a mode switching button for selecting an operation mode, instead of a display area for displaying the operation state of the image forming apparatus as an icon on the display operation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The first user interface mode has a function of switching a processing function including other operation modes to a selectable shortcut interface by operating an icon indicating the operation mode. The image forming apparatus described.   The said operation setting user interface is provided with the function to set the said 1st user interface mode or the said 2nd user interface mode corresponding to a login user, Any one of Claim 1 to 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The image forming apparatus described.

Images