JP2014086911A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing an operation error caused by a change of user setting.SOLUTION: A standard condition relating to an execution condition of image processing is preset to an image processing apparatus. When any arbitrary item of the execution condition is changed and further a job of image processing is executed, the changed item is displayed while being emphasized (step 314). The emphasized display enables a user who next uses the apparatus to easily recognize which item has been changed. After the lapse of a predetermined time from the display emphasis of the changed item or when a total cancel key is pressed, the execution condition is automatically returned to the standard condition (step 320).

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus equipped with a function for preventing a user's operation error due to a change in job execution conditions.

  In some MFPs and printers, items such as paper size, printing direction, number of copies, magnification, and density when executing jobs such as printing and image data transmission are set to predetermined values in advance ( Hereinafter, this setting is referred to as a standard setting.) With respect to these settings, the user can change the settings desired by the user (hereinafter referred to as user settings) by operating a function key or the like mounted on the apparatus.

  In general, a multi-function device is installed in a company, home, store, etc., and a single multi-function device is often used by a plurality of people. Therefore, if a user setting set by a user is left as it is without being reset, the next user who uses the multifunction device prints without noticing that the setting has been switched to the user setting instead of the standard setting. There is a possibility of doing. Since printing performed in this manner is not printing performed based on a setting desired by a subsequent user, paper, toner, and the like may be wasted.

  In order to automatically switch user settings to standard settings, some MFPs have an auto-clear function. In general, a multi-function peripheral having an auto clear function automatically switches the user setting to the standard setting when a predetermined time or more elapses after the setting of various items is changed to the user setting. If the auto-clear function is used, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a subsequent user performs printing while maintaining the user settings set by the user who performed the previous printing.

JP 2008-191538 A

  In relation to the auto-clear function, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a function for returning the setting of the image forming apparatus to a state before executing auto-clear after executing auto-clear. In Patent Document 1, this function is called an auto clear cancel function. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention stores a setting before execution of auto clear, and switches the item setting from the standard setting to the user setting before canceling the auto clear in response to the user pressing the release key. Further, the changed item is displayed in a different manner from the other items so that the item different between the standard setting and the user setting can be seen at a glance. With this display method, even if the setting is all cleared once, the user can immediately determine which item has been changed by returning to the setting before execution of all clear. Therefore, even if the setting operation is interrupted during the setting of the item and auto clear is executed during that time, if auto clear is canceled, you can immediately remember which item has been set. Can be resumed smoothly.

  However, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, after the setting is changed, before the auto-clear is executed, there is a possibility that a subsequent user performs printing with the changed setting. In this case, this printing operation becomes an operation mistake, and printing performed with the user setting is wasted.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing an operation error due to a change in user settings.

  An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus in which standard conditions are set in advance with respect to execution conditions for image processing. The execution condition includes a plurality of items, and the image processing apparatus executes the image processing in response to receiving the display means for displaying each item of the execution condition and the image data and the change instruction signal for the execution condition. Responding to the reception of the initialization instruction signal, the changing means for changing the specified item of the condition, the transmission means for transmitting the initialization instruction signal for instructing the execution condition to return to the standard condition Initializing means for initializing execution conditions to standard conditions, and display means for highlighting and displaying items that are changed by changing means among the items of execution conditions, and that are different from the standard conditions Display control means for controlling.

  When the designated item is changed to one different from the standard condition among the execution conditions of the image processing, the image processing apparatus displays the item in an emphasized manner. Further, the image processing apparatus returns the changed item to the setting under the standard condition by receiving the initialization instruction signal. Therefore, according to this image processing apparatus, if an item constituting the execution condition is changed from the standard condition, the item is highlighted and displayed even before all clear is executed. For this reason, even when the next user uses the image processing apparatus immediately after the previous user uses it, items different from the standard conditions are highlighted on the image processing apparatus. The next user can easily recognize which item is different, and can prevent the occurrence of an operation error in which a job is executed with the user settings set by the previous user.

  Preferably, the transmission means transmits an initialization instruction signal in response to elapse of a predetermined time from the time when the display means is displayed under the control of the display control means.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since an item different from the standard condition is highlighted, the image processing apparatus transmits an initialization instruction signal, and returns the item to the setting at the standard condition. Therefore, if the image processing apparatus is not operated for a predetermined time, the execution condition automatically returns to the standard condition without any special operation by the user. When the user uses the image processing apparatus after a predetermined time has elapsed, the user does not have to clear all the user settings set by the previous user.

  Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes an input receiving unit for receiving an operation input instructing to return the execution condition to the standard condition, and the transmission unit is responsive to the input receiving unit receiving the operation input. An initialization instruction signal is transmitted.

  When an operation input instructing to return the execution condition to the standard condition is received, the image processing apparatus returns the execution condition to the standard condition. If the desired job setting is a standard condition, the user can clear all the settings of the changed item by inputting an instruction to return the execution condition to the standard condition to the image processing apparatus.

  Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes job execution means for executing an image processing job according to the execution condition, and the display control means is responsive to execution of the image processing job by the job execution means. Control the display means.

  After the job is executed by the job execution means, items different from the standard conditions are highlighted. Since the changed item is not highlighted while the user is changing the setting of each item of the execution condition, the user can change the setting of the item while referring to the normal display screen. Since the changed item is highlighted when the job is executed, the user is more likely to notice that the execution condition must be returned to the standard condition as compared with the case where the job is not highlighted. Also, later users can easily notice that the setting has been changed.

  Preferably, the display control means further causes the display means to display a confirmation message for confirming the content of the item changed from the standard condition by the changing means.

  The confirmation message displays all the contents of the changed item. Therefore, the user can immediately know which item is changed and how by referring to the confirmation message.

  More preferably, if the item changed from the standard condition by the changing means is the number or magnification of the image to be processed, the display control means displays a confirmation message on the display means so as to include a value indicating the number or magnification. Display.

  When the number of images or the magnification is changed, the changed value is displayed in the confirmation message. The user can know more specifically how the number of sheets or the magnification has been changed from the standard setting. If a value is included in the confirmation message, it can be expected that the user checks the content of the message more carefully than when the value is not included.

  Preferably, the item changed from the standard condition by the changing means is displayed in a size larger than the display of the other items in the execution condition.

  Items changed by user settings are displayed in a larger size than items that have not been changed. Therefore, the user can immediately confirm which item has been changed.

  Preferably, the item changed from the standard condition by the changing means is displayed so as to overlap the display of other items in the execution condition.

  Items changed by user settings are displayed so as to overlap items that have not been changed. Since the display mode of the item when the item is not changed and the display mode of the item when the item is changed are clearly different, the user can easily notice that the item has been changed. In addition, since the changed item is arranged on the top surface, the user can immediately confirm which item has been changed.

  Preferably, the changing means can change the setting of an arbitrary item among the plurality of items on a setting screen composed of a plurality of hierarchies, and the display control means can change the item changed from the standard condition by the changing means. In some cases, the display means is controlled so as to highlight and display the presence of the item on the setting screen corresponding to the upper layer of the setting screen for setting the item in a plurality of layers.

  When an item is changed, the fact that the item exists in the setting screen corresponding to the upper hierarchy of the setting screen for setting the item is highlighted. The user can know which item has been changed from the displayed setting screen corresponding to the upper layer. Furthermore, by operating the setting screen corresponding to the upper hierarchy and switching the display to the setting screen for setting the item, the item can be set with a simple operation.

  Preferably, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of images to be processed is displayed on the display means, and if the item changed from the standard condition by the changing means is the number of images to be processed, the display control means The item is highlighted and displayed on the display means so as to include a value indicating the number of sheets and to overlap the numeric keypad.

  When the changed item is the number of images, the value indicating the number of images after the change is highlighted so as to overlap the numeric keypad. Therefore, the user can immediately notice that the value indicating the number of images has been changed.

  According to the image processing device of the present invention, when the designated item is changed to a different one from the standard condition among the execution conditions of the image processing, the image processing device highlights the item and displays it. Further, the image processing apparatus returns the changed item to the setting under the standard condition by receiving the initialization instruction signal. Therefore, if an item constituting the execution condition is changed from the standard condition, the item is highlighted and displayed even before all clear is executed. Therefore, the user who performs the next operation can easily recognize which item is different, and can prevent an operation error due to the user setting being changed.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the input device contained in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the functional block which the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has. 14 is a display screen displayed when the settings of the image processing apparatus are standard settings in the first to sixth embodiments. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program started in response to the setting of an image processing apparatus having been changed. It is a display screen which highlights and displays the item of a user setting different from the time of a standard setting in 1st Embodiment. It is a display screen which highlights and displays the item of a user setting different from the time of a standard setting in 2nd Embodiment. It is a display screen which highlights and displays the item of a user setting different from the time of a standard setting in 3rd Embodiment. It is a display screen which highlights and displays the item of a user setting different from the time of a standard setting in 4th Embodiment. It is a display screen which highlights and displays the item of a user setting different from the time of a standard setting in 5th Embodiment. It is a selection screen for selecting a special function related to printing. It is a setting screen for setting a binding margin for printing paper. It is a display screen displayed immediately after changing to a user setting in 6th Embodiment. It is a display screen which shows that the item which belongs to a special function in 6th Embodiment differs from a standard setting. It is a display screen which displays the content of the item different from the time of standard setting in 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display screen displayed when the setting of an image processing apparatus is a standard setting in 7th Embodiment. It is a display screen which highlights and displays the item of a user setting different from the time of a standard setting in 7th Embodiment.

  In the following description and drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration of image processing apparatus>
An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a so-called multi-function peripheral, and forms a multicolor or single color image on a predetermined recording sheet according to image data generated by reading a document, or the image data Can be sent by facsimile to an external device connected. With reference to FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a main body device 110 and an automatic document feeder 120. The main body device 110 includes an optical scanning device 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charger 5, an intermediate transfer belt unit 6, a fixing unit 7, a paper feed cassette 81, and a paper discharge tray 91. It is configured.

  An image reading device 90 provided with a document placing table 92 made of transparent glass on which a document is placed is disposed on the main body device 110, and an automatic document feeder 120 is attached on the document placing table 92. ing. The automatic document feeder 120 automatically conveys the document on the document table 92. The automatic document feeder 120 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow M, and the document can be placed by hand by opening the document table 92.

  The image data handled by the image processing apparatus 100 is separated into color image data using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), that is, these four color components. Image data. Accordingly, four each of the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, and the cleaner unit 4 are provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors. Four image stations are configured to process magenta and yellow.

  The charger 5 is a device for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to the charger type as shown in FIG. 1, a contact type roller type or brush type charger is used. Sometimes.

  The optical scanning device 1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser emitting unit, a reflection mirror, and the like. The optical scanning device 1 includes a polygon mirror that scans a laser beam and optical elements such as a lens and a mirror for guiding the laser light reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3. As the optical scanning device 1, in addition to such a configuration, for example, an EL or LED writing head in which light emitting elements are arranged in an array can be employed.

  The optical scanning device 1 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to input image data, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image according to the image data on the surface thereof. The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 with toner of four colors (YMCK). The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. I have. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to each color of YMCK.

  The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 are driven to rotate while the intermediate transfer belt 61 is stretched. Each intermediate transfer roller 64 supplies a transfer bias to transfer the toner image on the corresponding photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for storing recording paper used for image formation, and is provided below the optical scanning device 1 of the main body device 110. In addition, recording paper used for image formation can also be placed in the manual paper feed cassette 82. A paper discharge tray 91 provided in the main unit 110 is a tray for collecting printed recording sheets face down, that is, with the printing surface facing down.

  In the main body apparatus 110, the recording paper conveyance path S is set in a substantially vertical direction in order to send the recording paper of the paper feeding cassette 81 and the manual paper feeding cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 7. Is formed. In the vicinity of the recording paper transport path S from the paper feed cassette 81 or the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11a and 11b, a plurality of transport rollers 12a-12e, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10, and A fixing unit 7 and the like are arranged.

  The transport rollers 12a-12e are small rollers for promoting and assisting transport of the recording paper, and a plurality of transport rollers 12a-12e are provided along the recording paper transport path S. The pickup roller 11 a is arranged near the end of the paper feed cassette 81, picks up recording paper from the paper feed cassette 81 one by one, and supplies it to the recording paper transport path S. Similarly, the pickup roller 11 b is disposed near the end of the manual paper feed cassette 82, picks up recording paper one by one from the manual paper feed cassette 82, and supplies it to the recording paper transport path S.

  The registration roller 13 temporarily holds the recording paper conveyed through the recording paper conveyance path S. Then, the recording paper is conveyed to the transfer roller 10 at the timing when the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 and the leading edge of the recording paper coincide.

  The fixing unit 7 includes a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72. The heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 rotate with the recording paper interposed therebetween. Further, the heat roller 71 is set to a predetermined fixing temperature by the control unit based on a signal from a temperature detector (not shown), and by thermocompression bonding the toner to the recording paper together with the pressure roller 72. The multi-color toner image transferred to the recording paper is melted, mixed, and pressed to be thermally fixed to the recording paper. An external heating belt 73 for heating the heat roller 71 from the outside is provided.

  Referring to FIG. 2, an operation panel 130 that displays read image data and performs processing such as transmission and printing of the image data is installed in the vicinity of document placing table 92. The operation panel 130 includes a touch panel display 140 in which a display device and an input device are integrated, a numeric keypad 150 for inputting the number of copies to be printed and a printing magnification, a clear key 160 for returning a numerical value such as the number of copies to 0, and the like. There are all cancellation keys 170 for returning all settings to the initial state, a color start key 180 for starting color printing and document reading, and a monochrome start key 190 for starting monochrome printing, document reading, and facsimile transmission.

  The touch panel display 140 displays not only image data but also function keys and setting items for inputting job settings executed by the image processing apparatus 100. The user can change the setting of the image processing apparatus 100, edit the displayed image data, and the like by touching the display where these function keys are displayed.

  The numeric keypad 150 includes a logout / tone key 152 and a program key 154. The logout / tone key 152 is used when a user authenticated by the user authentication function of the image processing apparatus 100 logs out or when a tone signal is output through a dial line during facsimile transmission. The program key 154 is used when calling a job program or dialing during facsimile transmission.

  When the numeric keypad 150 and various function keys (not shown) are operated, the setting conditions of the image processing apparatus 100 are changed. When the all cancel key 170 is pressed, all the setting conditions changed by the user setting are cancelled. Further, the all release key 170 is also used when printing and document reading are interrupted.

  As described above, printing and document reading are started when either the color start key 180 or the monochrome start key 190 is pressed. Hereinafter, the color start key 180 and the monochrome start key 190 may be collectively referred to as “execution keys”.

  Referring to FIG. 3, an image processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) 200 that controls each functional unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 that stores a program and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 204 that is a volatile storage device, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 206 that is a nonvolatile storage device that retains data even when the power is cut off, a timer 208, and a touch panel display 140 and an input receiving unit 210 that receives inputs from the numeric keypad 150 and the like.

  User authentication information, read image data, and the like are stored in the HDD 206, and the number of copies to be printed is stored in the RAM 204. When the timer 208 receives an instruction from the CPU 200, the timer 208 starts counting.

  The input reception unit 210 receives an instruction input input using the touch panel display 140, the numeric keypad 150, and the like, and transmits the instruction input to the CPU 200. When any location on the touch panel display 140 is touched, the CPU 200 controls each functional unit to execute processing assigned by the program according to the touched location.

<Display screen for standard settings>
Referring to FIG. 4, mode switching key 252 and job status display unit 282 are displayed on display screen 250 displayed on touch panel display 140 at the time of standard setting. The image processing apparatus 100 has various functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, and a facsimile transmission function that are mounted on a general multifunction peripheral. By operating the mode switching key 252, the image processing apparatus 100 can be used according to a desired function. The operation mode can be switched.

  The mode switching key 252 includes a copy key 254 for switching the operation mode of the image processing apparatus 100 to a copy mode, an image transmission key 256 for switching to an image transmission mode corresponding to a scanner function and a facsimile transmission function, and image data stored in the HDD 206. The document filing key 258 for switching to the document filing mode used when printing or transmitting the. By touching any of these mode switching keys 252, the user can switch the operation mode of the image processing apparatus 100 to a desired mode.

  The job status display unit 282 displays the status of the job being reserved or being executed. When the job status display unit 282 is touched, a job status display screen (not shown) is displayed, and a list of jobs being reserved or being executed is displayed together with the status of each job.

  The display screen 250 further includes a color mode key 260 for switching between color printing and monochrome printing, a copy density key 262 for setting the density of the original, a magnification key 264 for setting the printing magnification of the original, and a document placed on the document table. A document key 266 indicating the size and a paper key 268 indicating the size and type of the printing paper are displayed. Items set by these function keys 260 to 268 are items whose values are frequently changed in general printing. These function keys 260-280 may be referred to as “basic setting keys” below.

  The display screen 250 further includes a special function key 270 for selecting a special function relating to printing, a printing surface selection key 272 for selecting whether the printing surface is either double-sided or single-sided, and a function relating to printing finishing. A finishing key 274, a filing key 276 for storing the read image data in the HDD 206, an automatic temporary storage key 278 for temporarily storing the read image data in the RAM 204, and a copy number display 280 for displaying the set number of print copies. Is displayed. Items set by these function keys 270 to 278 are items that are not changed frequently in general printing. These function keys 270 to 278 may be referred to as “special setting keys” below. When any one of the special setting keys is touched, a setting screen corresponding to the touched function key is displayed on the touch panel display 140. The setting screen is composed of a plurality of hierarchies, and the setting screen displayed according to a user operation is switched.

  When the image processing apparatus 100 is set to the standard setting, the color mode of printing is color printing, the copy density is automatic, the printing magnification is equal to the original paper size, the paper size is automatic, and the printing surface is duplex. In addition, the number of copies to be printed is set to one. Therefore, if nothing is changed during printing, an image is printed based on these setting conditions.

<Software configuration>
Referring to FIG. 5, a program executed in response to detection of an operation for changing the setting related to printing of image processing apparatus 100 from the standard setting has the following structure. This program includes a step 302 for detecting a change in setting related to printing of the image processing apparatus 100, a step 304 for displaying the changed setting condition, and a step 306 for detecting whether or not the execution key is pressed. If the determination result of step 306 is negative, the control returns to step 306. Note that when other keys (for example, the clear key 160 in FIG. 2) are pressed in step 306, other processing (not shown) is executed. However, in order to clarify the drawing and description, description thereof will not be given. . The same applies to the following description.

  The program shown in FIG. 5 further executes step 308 for executing the job designated by the user operation in response to the determination result of step 306 being affirmative, and step 310 for detecting that the execution of the job is completed. In response to the completion of the execution of the job, step 312 for determining whether or not the user setting at the end of the job is different from the standard setting, and the determination result of step 312 is affirmative, that is, When the user setting and the standard setting are different from each other, a step 314 of highlighting and displaying the item changed from the standard setting on the touch panel display 140 is included. If the determination result of step 312 is negative, the control proceeds to step 322 described later.

  The program shown in FIG. 5 further determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the display at step 314. In response to the determination result of step 316 and step 316 being negative, In response to the determination result of step 318 and step 316 for determining whether or not 170 is pressed being affirmative or the determination result of step 318 being affirmative, the setting of the image processing apparatus 100 is set to the standard setting. Step 320, and a step 322 for causing the touch panel display 140 to display standard setting conditions. If the determination result from step 318 is negative, control returns to step 316.

<Operation>
Referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, printing is executed after the setting related to printing of the image processing apparatus 100 is changed from the standard setting to the setting of “the number of copies is 5 and the printing magnification is 120%”. The case will be described.

  The user operates the numeric keypad 150 and the magnification key 264 to set the number of print copies and the print magnification. When the input receiving unit 210 detects that the values of these items have been changed (step 302), the CPU 200 controls to display the changed values on the magnification key 264 and the copy number display 280 (step 304). The display at this time only changes in numerical value, and is hardly different from the display mode shown in FIG.

  When the input receiving unit 210 detects that any part of the operation panel 130 has been operated, the CPU 200 determines whether or not the operated part is an execution key (step 306). If this determination is affirmative, the CPU 200 performs color printing if the color start key 180 is pressed, and performs black and white printing if the monochrome start key 190 is pressed based on the newly set user settings. Each functional unit that performs printing is controlled (step 308).

  When the CPU 200 detects that printing has been completed (step 310), it determines whether the user setting is different from the standard setting (step 312). If this determination is affirmative, the CPU 200 displays a confirmation message 342 on the center of the touch panel display 140 for confirming whether the number of copies to be printed is 5 and the printing magnification is to be set to 120%. The operation panel 130 is controlled (step 314). If the determination is negative, the CPU 200 displays the display screen 250 on the touch panel display 140 (step 322). The confirmation message 342 is displayed in a word including the values so that it can be understood how the values of the number of copies and the print magnification are changed. Further, the CPU 200 causes the timer 208 to start counting at the same time as the confirmation message 342 is displayed.

  CPU 200 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since confirmation message 342 was displayed (step 316). If this determination is affirmative, the CPU 200 returns the number of copies to 1 and the print magnification to 100%, which is the standard setting (step 320). Further, CPU 200 switches the screen displayed on touch panel display 140 from display screen 340 in FIG. 6 to display screen 250 in FIG. 4 (step 322). Similarly, if all cancel key 170 is pressed before the predetermined time has elapsed since confirmation message 342 is displayed (NO in step 316, YES in step 318), the number of copies and the printing magnification are values set by default. The screen displayed on the touch panel display 140 is switched from the display screen 340 to the display screen 250. In this way, the settings relating to printing of the image processing apparatus 100 return to the standard settings. While the predetermined time has not elapsed since the confirmation message 342 is displayed and the release key 170 has not been pressed (NO in step 316, NO in step 318), the CPU 200 continues to count the timer 208. Let

<Effect>
According to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when printing is performed, a confirmation message 342 is displayed on the center of touch panel display 140 informing that the number of copies to be printed and the printing magnification are still set by the user. . Therefore, the user who uses the image processing apparatus 100 next can easily confirm that the values of the number of copies and the print magnification have been changed by the previous user. The confirmation message 342 is automatically displayed without any special operation by the user who executed the printing, so that the user who uses the apparatus next can surely know that the setting has been changed. Therefore, when the changed setting is different from the desired setting, the user can change the setting after confirming the content of the confirmation message so that unnecessary printing is not performed.

  The confirmation message 342 displays a word including a value indicating the number of copies to be printed and the print magnification. Therefore, the user can immediately know how these items are changed from the values in the standard settings.

  The display screen 340 on which the confirmation message 342 is displayed is automatically switched to the display screen 250 with the standard setting when a predetermined time has elapsed or when the all release key 170 is pressed. Therefore, the user setting is automatically switched to the standard setting if a predetermined time has elapsed even if no special operation is performed. Alternatively, if the all release key 170 is pressed, the user setting is switched to the standard setting. By such all clear, the user who uses the image processing apparatus 100 next can perform printing with standard settings.

[Second Embodiment]
When the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment finishes printing and determines that there is an item having a value different from the standard setting, the image processing apparatus displays a confirmation message 342 for confirming the change contents of the item (step 314). ). The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in that the items whose values are changed are enlarged and displayed, and the other points are the same.

<Operation>
5 and 7, when the user setting is different from the standard setting (YES in step 312), the magnification key 264 and the number of copies display 280 that are function keys of the item whose value is changed by the user operation are enlarged. Is displayed. When a predetermined time has elapsed after display screen 350 is displayed or all cancel key 170 is pressed (YES in step 316 or YES in step 318), the setting returns to the standard setting (step 320), and the touch panel is displayed. The display screen displayed on the display 140 is switched from the display screen 350 in FIG. 7 to the display screen 250 in FIG. 4 (step 322).

<Effect>
According to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the function key of the item whose value has been changed is enlarged and displayed in accordance with the end of printing. Therefore, the user can immediately determine which item has been changed.

[Third Embodiment]
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in that an enlarged function key of an item whose value is changed is displayed near the function key. The other points are the same.

<Operation>
5 and 8, when the user setting is different from the standard setting (YES in step 312), an enlarged display 362 is displayed near the magnification key 264, and an enlarged display 364 is displayed near the copy number display 280. Is done. These enlarged displays are displayed so that the display of the original function keys is not hidden. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the display screen 360 was displayed, or when the all release key 170 is pressed (YES in step 316 or YES in step 318), the setting returns to the standard setting (step 320) and displayed. The screen is switched from the display screen 360 of FIG. 8 to the display screen 250 of FIG.

<Effect>
According to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, an enlarged version of the function key is displayed near the function key of the item whose value has been changed so as not to overlap the function key. Therefore, the user can confirm whether or not the value of the item is actually changed by comparing the enlarged display and the function key. Furthermore, since the enlarged display is displayed so as to be the topmost layer over the function keys of other items, it is easier to determine which item value has been changed as compared with the enlarged display in the second embodiment. Can be determined.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in that an enlarged function key of an item whose value has been changed is displayed so as to overlap the function key. The other points are the same. In the present embodiment, the function keys are enlarged and displayed in a larger size than in the second embodiment.

<Operation>
5 and 9, when the user setting is different from the standard setting (YES in step 312), the enlargement display 372 is displayed on the magnification key 264 and the enlargement display 374 is displayed on the copy display 280, respectively. It is displayed so as to overlap. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the display screen 360 was displayed, or when the all release key 170 is pressed (YES in step 316 or YES in step 318), the setting returns to the standard setting (step 320) and displayed. The screen is switched from the display screen 370 in FIG. 9 to the display screen 250 in FIG.

<Effect>
According to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, an enlarged version of the function key is displayed so as to overlap the function key of the item whose value has been changed. Since this enlarged display is displayed so as to overlap other function keys, the user can easily confirm which item value has been changed. Furthermore, since the function key is enlarged and displayed in a larger size than in the second embodiment, it is easier to determine which item value has been changed.

[Fifth Embodiment]
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the setting of the printing surface is changed from double-sided printing to single-sided printing, and the printing surface selection key is enlarged and displayed. The other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

<Operation>
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, when the user presses print surface selection key 272, a print surface setting screen (not shown) is displayed on touch panel display 140. By operating this setting screen, the user changes the setting of the printing surface from double-sided printing to single-sided printing. When the input receiving unit 210 detects this change (step 302), the display of the printing surface selection key 272 changes from “duplex copy” to “single-sided copy” (step 304).

  The CPU 200 determines whether or not the user setting is different from the standard setting (step 312), and enlarges and displays the printing surface selection key 272 (step 314). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the display screen 380 was displayed or when the all release key 170 is pressed (YES in step 316 or YES in step 318), the setting returns to the standard setting (step 320). The display screen 380 of 10 is switched to the display screen 250 of FIG.

<Effect>
According to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the printing surface selection key 272 that is a special setting key is enlarged and displayed. Since this enlarged display is displayed larger than other special setting keys, the user can know not only the item set with the basic setting key but also the setting change with the special setting key. .

[Sixth Embodiment]
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the width of the binding margin in the standard setting is changed and a setting screen for setting the binding margin is displayed in a pop-up manner. The other points are the same as in the first embodiment. In the image processing apparatus 100, at the time of standard setting, the width of the binding margin of the printing paper is set to 15 mm.

<Operation>
With reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 and FIG. 11 to FIG. 15, a description will be given of a case where printing is executed after the binding margin width when printing is performed by the image processing apparatus 100 is changed from 15 mm to 10 mm. .

  When the user presses the special function key 270 (FIG. 4), the setting screen 390 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch panel display 140 instead of the display screen 250 of FIG. The setting screen 390 displays function keys for setting items related to printing, page switching keys 394 and 396 for switching pages, and an OK key 398. When the user presses the binding margin key 392, the binding margin key 392 enters a selection state surrounded by a frame line as shown in FIG. When the user further presses the OK key 398 in this state, a setting screen 410 for setting a binding margin is displayed on the touch panel display 140 with reference to FIG.

  The setting screen 410 includes a binding margin selection key 412 to 416 for selecting whether to set a binding margin on the left, right, or top of an image to be printed, binding margin width displays 418 and 424 for displaying a binding margin width, Change keys 420-422 and 426-428 for changing the binding margin width and an OK key 430 are displayed. In the standard setting, the binding margin is set on the left side of the image with a width of 15 mm for each of the front and back surfaces. When the user operates the change keys 420 and 426, the binding margin width can be set to 10 mm. When the user presses the OK key 430 after setting the front and back binding margin widths to 10 mm, the binding margin change is completed. If the screen is normal, the screen returns to the display screen 250 shown in FIG. 4. However, if the setting is changed, the display screen is different from the normal screen.

  When the input reception unit 210 detects that the binding margin has been changed (step 302), the CPU 200 displays the display screen 440 shown in FIG. 13 on the touch panel display 140 (step 304). On the display screen 440, a notification icon 442 for notifying that the value of any item among the items that can be set with the special function key is changed is displayed near the special function key 270. In the notification icon 442, i which is an initial of information is displayed.

  When printing is completed and the binding margin width is still changed to 10 mm (YES in step 312), the CPU 200 displays a display screen 450 (FIG. 14) on which the notification icon 442 is enlarged and displayed on the touch panel display 140. (Step 314). When the user touches the enlarged notification icon 442, a display screen 460 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. On the display screen 460, a setting screen 462 obtained by reducing the setting screen 410 is displayed as a pop-up. When the setting screen 462 is touched, the setting screen 410 is displayed on the touch panel display 140, and the user can set the binding margin by operating the setting screen 410.

  When a predetermined time elapses after the display screen 450 is displayed on the touch panel display 140 or when the all release key 170 is pressed (YES in step 316 or YES in step 318), the image processing apparatus 100 is set to the standard setting. Returning (step 320), the display screen 250 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed (step 322).

<Effect>
According to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the enlarged notification icon 442 is displayed in the vicinity of the special function key 270 when the binding margin width remains set by the user after printing. Further, when the user presses the notification icon 442, a setting screen 462 is popped up. Therefore, even if an item changed by user settings is an item that is changed by operating the special setting key, a notification icon is displayed near the function key for setting the item, so which special setting key can be operated. This makes it easy to determine whether the change can be confirmed. Furthermore, the pop-up display allows the user to know immediately which item has been changed and how. When the setting is changed, the original setting screen 410 can be easily displayed on the touch panel display 140 by pressing the setting screen 462 displayed as a pop-up.

[Seventh Embodiment]
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a numeric keypad, an execution key, and the like are displayed as function keys on the display screen. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case is considered in which the number of copies is changed from the standard setting to five. The other points are the same as those in the first embodiment.

<Display screen for standard settings>
Referring to FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, display screen 470 is displayed on touch panel display 140 at the time of standard setting. The display screen 470 includes a numeric keypad 472, a scan-in start key 478 for starting image scan-in, an all cancel key 480, a monochrome start key 482 for starting monochrome printing, a color start key 484 for starting color printing, a basic A basic setting key group 486 that is a set of setting keys and a special setting key group 488 that is a set of special setting keys are displayed. The numeric keypad 472 includes a clear key 474 for resetting the number of copies to be printed and a copy number display 476.

  Comparing the display screen 250 in FIG. 4 and the display screen 470 in FIG. 16, the basic setting key and the special setting key are displayed on either screen, but the ten key 472, the scan-in start key 478, the all cancel key 480, The monochrome start key 482 and the color start key 484 are displayed only on the display screen 470.

<Operation>
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 16-17, the user operates numeric keypad 472 to set the number of copies to five. When it is detected that the number of copies has been changed (step 302), the CPU 200 changes the value displayed on the number of copies display 476 to 5 (step 304). If printing is completed and the number of copies is still set to 5 (YES in step 312), the display screen 470 is switched to the display screen 490 shown in FIG. 17 (step 314). On the numeric keypad 472 of the display screen 490, a confirmation message 492 for confirming whether the number of copies is five is displayed so as to overlap the numeric keypad 472. The confirmation message 492 is displayed in words including the value of the number of copies so that it can be seen how the number of copies has been changed. When a predetermined time elapses after the confirmation message 492 is displayed or when the all release key 480 is pressed (YES in step 316 or YES in step 318), the number of copies is reset to the number of copies at the standard setting ( Step 320), the display screen 490 of FIG. 17 is switched to the display screen 470 of FIG.

<Effect>
According to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the confirmation message 492 is displayed so as to overlap the numeric keypad 472 disposed in the center of the screen. Therefore, the user who performs printing next can easily confirm that the number of copies has been changed.

  Although not particularly limited in the first to seventh embodiments, the confirmation message displayed after the execution of the print job and the enlarged display of the function keys may be displayed in a conspicuous manner. For example, it is conceivable to increase the brightness of the characters to be displayed, to make the display frame line a double line, or to make the base color of the enlarged display different from the base color of the original function key. Further, the display mode of the confirmation message and the enlarged display of the function key may be changed depending on the user who uses the image processing apparatus 100. For example, when the user is an elderly person, an enlarged display having a larger size than that used by other users is performed, or when the user is a child, the confirmation message is simplified. The method of, etc. can be considered.

  In the first to seventh embodiments, the highlighted display of the changed item (step 314 in FIG. 5) was performed in response to the completion of the job execution. May be immediately after the change. In this case, even if the use of the image processing apparatus 100 is terminated without executing the job even though the previous user has changed the setting, the changed item is highlighted, so the next user You can easily find out what has changed.

  In the first to seventh embodiments, items changed in response to execution of a print job are highlighted, but the job to be executed is not limited to a print job. For example, when a job such as facsimile transmission or scan-in is executed, the changed item may be highlighted.

  The wording of the confirmation message displayed in the first and seventh embodiments is not limited to that shown in the confirmation message 342 in FIG. 6 and the confirmation message 492 in FIG. For example, if the size of the touch panel display 140 is small, the confirmation message may be a short phrase such as “printing number OK?” As long as the changed item is known.

  In the sixth embodiment, a notification icon 442 is displayed in the vicinity of the special function key 270, and this icon display indicates that an item set by operating the special function key 270 is changed. However, the change may be notified by highlighting the special function key 270 without displaying the notification icon 442.

  In the sixth embodiment, the notification icon 442 has the display mode shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14, but may be another display mode. For example, an icon displaying “binding margin” may be used as a notification icon so that the user can immediately know what the changed item is.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image processing apparatus 140 Touch panel display 170 All release key 180 Color start key 190 Black-and-white start key 200 CPU

Claims (5)

An image processing apparatus in which standard conditions for image processing execution conditions are preset,
The execution condition includes a plurality of items,
Display means for displaying each item of the execution condition and image data;
In response to receiving the change instruction signal for the execution condition, a change unit for changing a specified item among the execution conditions of the image processing;
Transmitting means for transmitting an initialization instruction signal instructing to return the execution condition to the standard condition;
In response to receiving the initialization instruction signal, initialization means for initializing the execution condition to the standard condition;
Display control means for controlling the display means to highlight and display items that are changed by the changing means among the items of the execution condition and differ from the standard conditions;
An image processing apparatus. Job execution means for executing an image processing job according to the execution condition;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit in response to an image processing job being executed by the job execution unit.     The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further causes the display unit to display a confirmation message for confirming the content of the item changed from the standard condition by the changing unit.     The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the item changed from the standard condition by the changing unit is displayed in a size larger than the display of other items in the execution condition. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an item changed from the standard condition by the changing unit is displayed so as to overlap with display of other items in the execution condition.

Images