JP2015045982A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem associated with a basis copy menu (consisting of a process condition such as 100% magnification, automatic selection of sheet size) by means of screen display means as a mainstream technique of the current image forming apparatuses, the problem where the menu is executed in stepwise instructions, and not an established, thus possibly causing a following user to issue an erroneous instruction, unaware of a menu changed by a preceding user.SOLUTION: For example, copying is performed by, sequentially, turning on power, automatic display of a home screen provided with a standard copy menu instruction section (consisting of a process condition such as 100% magnification, automatic selection of sheet size), and selection of the standard copy menu instruction section. Only the two instructions prevent an error copy. Alternatively, copying is performed by, sequentially, turning on power, automatic display of the home screen provided with the standard copy menu instruction section, selection of the standard copy menu instruction section, and selection of a start button. Only the three instructions prevent an error copy.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus of a multifunction machine equipped with a plurality of image forming functions such as a copy function and a scanner function.

  The multifunctional image forming apparatus equipped with multiple image forming functions such as the current copy function and scanner function has many processing conditions that can be selected by the user. Moreover, it is unclear and inconvenient to manage this processing by arranging many keys on one operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

  The screen display means (for example, Non-Patent Document 1, FIG. 1), which is the mainstream technology of current image forming apparatuses, is first processed to select a function menu such as a copy or a scanner. Menu 1 is displayed, and the screen is switched to take out and display the screen 2 of the necessary lowest concept menu (for example, individual copy menus including a plurality of processing conditions such as magnification and paper size). It is a means for organizing complicated display contents in an easy-to-understand manner and making them convenient.

  On the other hand, the screen display means (for example, Non-Patent Document 1, FIG. 1), which is the mainstream technology of the current image forming apparatus, is displayed on the basis of processing conditions such as 100% magnification and automatic paper size. The basic copy menu implementation has the following drawbacks:

  (1) First, it is a means for displaying the upper concept menu screen 1 and switching to the necessary lowest concept menu screen 2 to display the lowest concept desired in a single screen display after the power is turned on. Owns the disadvantage of not being able to retrieve the menu.

  (2) Further, as shown in FIG. 1, this basic copy menu screen (lowest concept menu screen) 2 is automatically selected when the copy selection instruction section 5 on the home screen (higher concept menu screen) 1 is selected. This is a technology that allows you to make a copy by visually depressing the start button after confirming the contents of the screen, but the basic copy menu displayed in this screen is fixed until you press the start button. Since this is not a menu, it is a technology that may cause the subsequent user to give an erroneous instruction without being aware of the menu changed by the previous user. Alternatively, this is a technique in which a user may forget a menu that has been changed before and a user may give an incorrect instruction later.

If you write this in detail, for example, turn on the power switch → automatically display the home screen 1 → select the copy selection instruction unit 5 → automatically display the basic copy menu screen 2 → change the menu by the user 1 (Registration copy 1 screen) → Menu change by user 2 (registration copy 2 screen) → Turn off the power switch. “ON” the power switch → automatic display of home screen 1 → selection of copy selection instruction section 5 → automatic display of screen 2 of basic copy menu → menu change by user 1 (registered copy 1 screen) → user 2 Change the menu by (Registered copy 2 screen) ....
“The start button was pressed for basic copy, but registered copy 1 and registered copy 2 were implemented.” “The start button was pressed for registered copy 1, but basic copy and registered copy 2 were performed. The menu contents are artificially and automatically changed at one setting place (screen) regardless of the user's intention, and a factor that easily induces copy mistakes is created.

  The troubles and copy mistakes for taking out these basic copy menus are serious problems relating to the basic copy most frequently used every day.

  In addition, since this basic copy screen has a screen for changing the menu, this screen is displayed even when the screen for changing the menu is unnecessary, and unnecessary power is consumed. Yes.

  The technique of Patent Document 1 (the right portion in FIG. 4) is a means for performing single selection, confirmation, and start instruction of a document priority copy menu including processing conditions such as 100% magnification and automatic paper size. The instruction means can solve the drawbacks of the mainstream technology of current image forming apparatuses (for example, Non-Patent Document 1, FIG. 1). This instruction means is provided in an image forming apparatus provided with a screen. Is not assumed.

  Even if the technology of Patent Literature 1 (the right portion in FIG. 4) can be conceived, for example, for the technology of Non-Patent Literature 1, the purpose of the screen display and the embodiment of the technology of Non-Patent Literature 1 Characteristics (for example, a large number of buttons 3A, 4A and display units 3B, 4B indicating the processing contents of the buttons are stored in the screen, the upper concept menu screen is displayed, and the screen is switched as appropriate. , Display the desired lowest concept menu screen, take out the lowest concept menu and display it in an easy-to-understand manner.) As shown in FIG. 2, the upper concept menu screen (home screen) 11 suddenly appears. It is not possible to envisage a means for specially displaying the instruction unit 13 of a specific lowest concept menu (standard copy menu).

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the lowermost concept menu screen (standard copy menu screen) that suddenly displays the instruction unit 13a of a specific lowest concept menu (standard copy menu) prior to the upper concept menu screen. ) It is not possible to envisage a means for displaying 12 specially.

  Alternatively, characteristics such as the purpose of the screen display and the embodiment of the technique of Non-Patent Document 1 (for example, many buttons 3A and 4A and the display units 3B and 4B indicating the processing contents of the buttons are displayed on the screen. 4), the upper concept menu screen is displayed, the screen is switched as appropriate, the desired lowest concept menu screen is displayed, the lowest concept menu is taken out, and displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. In this manner, the screen of Non-Patent Document 1 (in the example shown, screen 2 of the basic copy menu), the buttons 3A and 4A of Patent Document 1 outside the screen, and the instructions of the display units 3B and 4B indicating the processing contents of the buttons are shown. It is not possible to envisage means for providing the parts 3 and 4 together.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the screen of Non-Patent Document 1 (showing Home Screen 1 in the example), the specific button 14 </ b> A of Patent Document 1 outside the screen, and the display unit 14 </ b> B indicating the processing content of the button It is not possible to envisage a technique in which the instruction unit 14 is specially provided.

It should be noted that the non-patent document 1 shows the non-patent document 1 in consideration of characteristics such as the purpose and embodiment of the screen display (in summary, a means for taking an instruction unit outside the screen into the screen and displaying it in order). Assuming a simple combination of the screen of Patent Document 1 and the button, display unit, and instruction unit of Patent Document 1 outside the screen, it is as shown in FIG. 6, “Power ON → Automatic Display of Home Screen 1 → Copy "Selection instructing section 5-> Display on screen 6 of instructing section for selecting paper priority copy menu-> Select instructing section 7 for selecting paper preferential copy menu-> Start preferential copy menu" means.
It should be noted that the technique of combining the screen of Non-Patent Document 1, the button of Patent Document 1 outside the screen, and the instruction unit of the display unit is not a mere combination of objects.

  Similarly, in the image forming apparatus provided with the above-described screen display means, scanning, faxing, and printing techniques are also techniques that require time and effort by sequentially displaying the lowest concept menu screen from the higher concept menu screen. .

JP S62-81662 A

FujiXeroxDocuCentreIVC3375 Instructions

  The summary of the “problem to be solved by the invention” of the present invention is an image forming apparatus (for example, an image forming apparatus provided with a screen display means which is the mainstream technology of the current image forming apparatus mentioned in the “Background Art” (for example, , Non-Patent Document 1, FIG. 1) is to be solved.

That is, a summary of the main points of the present invention is as follows:
(1) To support many menus,
(2) Means for switching the upper concept menu screen to the lowest concept menu screen, displaying it, and executing it ...
(3) In an image forming apparatus having means for selecting and confirming a lowest concept menu or selecting, confirming and starting a single instruction ...

  (10) Providing means that eliminates the need to switch the upper concept menu screen to the lowest concept menu (standard copy menu) screen. ………It is in.

This means
(11) Providing means for specially displaying a specific lowest concept menu (standard copy menu) on the upper concept menu screen.
(12) Providing means for specially displaying a specific lowest concept menu (standard copy menu) prior to the upper concept menu screen.
(13) Providing means for specially providing a non-patent document 1 screen, a specific button of the patent document 1 outside the screen, and a display unit instruction unit (standard copy menu instruction unit). ……….

By providing these means,
(21) Compared with the current image forming apparatus (for example, Non-Patent Document 1), the labor, time and power of work are reduced,
(22) Providing a means for eliminating the room for changing the processing contents artificially and automatically and preventing an instruction error of the current image forming apparatus (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an upper concept menu screen of a processing menu for selecting functions such as copy and scanner is displayed, and the upper concept menu screen is processed such that the magnification is 100% and the paper size is automatic. In the image forming apparatus provided with means for executing the lowest concept menu by switching to the lowest concept menu screen of the standard copy menu consisting of conditions, the upper concept menu screen is switched to the lowest concept menu screen. This is an image forming apparatus that includes instruction means for selecting and confirming or selecting, confirming and starting the lowest concept menu with one instruction after the power is turned on.

  The invention of claim 2 displays a processing menu for selecting functions such as copying and scanning as a home screen that is a screen that can be selected by the user after the power is turned on and is displayed first. In an image forming apparatus having means for switching to and displaying a standard copy menu screen having processing conditions such as a magnification of 100% and a paper size of automatic, and executing the standard copy menu, the standard copy menu screen is displayed on the home screen. An instruction unit is provided, and there is no need to switch the home screen. After the power is turned on, there is an instruction means for selecting and confirming or selecting and confirming and starting the standard copy menu by one instruction of selection of the instruction unit of the standard copy menu. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  The invention of claim 3 displays a processing menu for selecting functions such as copying and scanning as a home screen which is a screen that can be selected by the user after the power is turned on and is displayed first. In an image forming apparatus provided with means for switching to a standard copy menu screen having processing conditions such as a magnification of 100% and a paper size of automatic, and executing the standard copy menu, the standard copy menu is displayed before the home screen. There is no need to display the screen and switch the home screen, and after turning on the power, there is an instruction means for selecting and confirming or selecting and confirming and starting the standard copy menu with one instruction of selection of the instruction section of the standard copy menu The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  The invention of claim 4 displays a processing menu for selecting functions such as copying and scanning as a home screen that is a screen that can be selected by the user after the power is turned on and is displayed first. A screen for displaying a home screen in an image forming apparatus provided with means for switching to and displaying a standard copy menu screen including processing conditions such as 100% magnification and automatic paper size, and this There is a standard copy menu button outside the screen and a display unit indicating the processing of the button. There is no need to switch the home screen, and one instruction for selecting the standard copy menu indicator after turning on the power. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising instruction means for selecting and confirming or selecting and confirming and starting the standard copy menu.

In general, as mentioned in the summary of “Problems to be Solved by the Invention”, the problems mentioned in “Background Art” are solved.
That is, first, a screen of a high-level concept menu (for example, a processing menu for selecting a function such as copy or scanner) is displayed, and the screen is switched, and the lowest level conceptual menu (for example, magnification is 100%, In an image forming apparatus equipped with a screen display means which is the current mainstream technology for displaying and displaying a screen of a basic copy menu (processing conditions such as automatic paper size).
Eliminating unnecessary screen display switching and providing instruction means to select and confirm or select and confirm and start processing by one instruction, and processing conditions such as 100% magnification and automatic paper size. Eliminates the possibility of changing the processing contents of the standard copy menu artificially and automatically, and without causing the user to be aware that the planned menu is changed without permission, thereby easily inducing errors in the processing contents. Eliminate unnecessary effort, power and time.

In addition, (*) shown in each figure shows an artificial operation (work procedure).
The prior art in FIG. 1 requires three operation operations and one confirmation operation, whereas the technique of the present invention in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 requires only two or three operation operations. .
In addition, if a power input means is provided in addition to the standard copy menu instruction section in FIG. 5, if the standard copy menu instruction section is selected, the power can be turned on and the standard copy menu can be started once or twice. Allows means to implement.

Schematic which shows the implementation procedure of the copy of a prior art. Schematic which shows the execution procedure of the copy of this invention. Schematic which shows the execution procedure of the copy of this invention. Schematic which shows the combination of the nonpatent literature 1 and the patent document 1. FIG. Schematic which shows the execution procedure of the copy of this invention. Schematic which shows the combination of the nonpatent literature 1 and the patent document 1. FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a representative diagram showing an outline of the present invention. The home screen 11 of the processing menu for selecting functions such as copying and scanning includes processing conditions such as 100% magnification and automatic paper size. The image forming apparatus is provided with a standard copy menu instruction unit 13 and an instruction unit for selecting and confirming the standard copy menu or selecting and confirming and starting the standard copy menu by one instruction of the standard copy menu instruction unit.

This processing is performed by turning on the power, automatically displaying the home screen 11, selecting the standard copy menu indicating unit 13, and starting the standard copy menu.
Alternatively, the power is turned on, the home screen 11 is automatically displayed, the standard copy menu indicating unit 13 is selected, the start button is selected, and the standard copy menu is started.

As other examples of the notation method of the instruction unit 13 of the standard copy menu (“standard copy / magnification 100%, paper size automatic”), “standard copy / confirmation / magnification 100%, paper size automatic” or “standard Other notation methods such as “copy / start / 100% magnification, automatic paper size” are possible.
It should be noted that it is possible to omit display of a screen such as a screen displaying “Standard copy menu has been confirmed” or “Standard copy menu has been started” after selection of the standard copy menu instruction section.

  FIG. 3 is a representative diagram showing the outline of the present invention, which is displayed before the home screen of the processing menu for selecting functions such as copying and scanning, and processing conditions such as 100% magnification and automatic paper size. A standard copy menu screen 12 having a standard copy menu instruction section 13a is provided, and an instruction to select and confirm the standard copy menu or select and confirm and start with one instruction of the standard copy menu instruction section 13a. 1 shows an image forming apparatus provided with means.

This processing is started by turning on the power → automatic display of the standard copy menu screen 12 → selection of the standard copy menu instruction unit 13a → standard copy menu.
Alternatively, the power is turned on, the standard copy menu screen 12 is automatically displayed, the standard copy menu instruction unit 13a is selected, the start button is selected, and the standard copy menu is started.

As other examples of the notation method of the standard copy menu instruction unit 13a ("standard copy / magnification 100%, paper size automatic"), "standard copy / confirmation / magnification 100%, paper size automatic" or "standard Other notation methods such as “copy / start / 100% magnification, automatic paper size” are possible.
In addition, it is possible to omit the display of the screen for displaying “Standard copy menu has been confirmed” or “Standard copy menu has been started” or the home screen after selection of the standard copy menu indicator. .

  FIG. 5 is a representative diagram showing the outline of the present invention. The home screen 1 of the processing menu for selecting functions such as copying and scanning, and the processing outside the screen at a magnification of 100% and the paper size is automatic. A standard copy menu button 14A composed of conditions and a standard copy menu instruction unit 14 composed of a display unit 14B are provided, and the standard copy menu can be selected and confirmed or selected and confirmed by one instruction of the standard copy menu button 14A. And an image forming apparatus provided with an instruction means for starting.

This processing is performed by turning on the power → selecting the standard copy menu button 14A → standard copy menu.
Alternatively, the power is turned on → selection of standard copy menu button 14A → selection of start button → standard copy menu is started.

As other examples of the notation method of the standard copy menu display section 14B ("standard copy / magnification 100%, paper size automatic"), "standard copy / confirmation / magnification 100%, paper size automatic" or "standard Other notation methods such as “copy / start / 100% magnification, automatic paper size” are possible.
In addition, it is possible to omit the display of the screen that displays “Standard Copy Menu Confirmed” or “Standard Copy Menu Confirmed and Start” after selecting the standard copy menu instruction section, and the home screen. It is.

1 Home screen (upper concept menu screen, conventional technology)
2 Basic copy menu screen (lowest concept menu screen, conventional technology)
3. Instruction section for selecting paper priority copy (conventional technology)
3A Paper priority copy selection button (prior art)
3B Paper priority copy selection display (conventional technology)
4 Machining condition selection instruction section (conventional technology)
4A Processing condition selection button (conventional technology)
4B Machining condition selection display (conventional technology)
5 Copy selection instruction section (conventional technology)
6 Instructor screen for selecting paper priority copy menu 7 Instructor for selecting paper priority copy menu 11 Home screen (higher concept menu screen, technology of the present invention)
12 Standard copy menu screen (lowest concept menu screen, the present invention technology)
13 Standard copy menu indication section (lowest concept menu instruction section, the present invention technology)
13a Standard copy menu instruction section (instruction section of the lowest concept menu, the present invention technology)
14 Standard copy menu instruction section (instruction section of the lowest concept menu, the present invention technology)
14A Standard Copy Menu Button (Technology of the Invention)
14B Standard copy menu display (invention technology)

Claims (4)

  Display the upper concept menu screen of the processing menu for selecting functions such as copy and scanner, and display the upper concept menu screen of the standard copy menu consisting of processing conditions such as 100% magnification and automatic paper size. In an image forming apparatus equipped with a means for executing the lowest concept menu by switching to the lowest concept menu screen, it is not necessary to switch the upper concept menu screen to the lowest concept menu screen, and the power is turned on. An image forming apparatus comprising instruction means for selecting and confirming or selecting, confirming and starting the lowest concept menu with one instruction later.   The processing menu for selecting functions such as copy and scanner is displayed as the home screen, which is the first screen that the user can select after turning on the power, and this home screen is displayed at a magnification of 100% and paper size In an image forming apparatus equipped with a means for performing a standard copy menu by switching to and displaying a standard copy menu screen consisting of processing conditions such as automatic, a home screen is provided with an instruction section for the standard copy menu. 2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising instruction means for selecting and confirming the standard copy menu or selecting and confirming and starting the standard copy menu by one instruction for selecting the instruction portion of the standard copy menu after the power is turned on. apparatus.   The processing menu for selecting functions such as copy and scanner is displayed as the home screen, which is the first screen that the user can select after turning on the power, and this home screen is displayed at a magnification of 100% and paper size In an image forming apparatus equipped with means for executing the standard copy menu, the standard copy menu screen is displayed before the home screen in the image forming apparatus provided with means for executing the standard copy menu. 2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising instruction means for selecting and confirming the standard copy menu or selecting and confirming and starting the standard copy menu by one instruction for selecting the instruction portion of the standard copy menu after the power is turned on. apparatus.   The processing menu for selecting functions such as copy and scanner is displayed as the home screen, which is the first screen that the user can select after turning on the power, and this home screen is displayed at a magnification of 100% and paper size In an image forming apparatus equipped with a means for performing a standard copy menu by switching to and displaying a standard copy menu screen consisting of processing conditions such as automatic, a screen for displaying a home screen and a standard copy menu on the outside of this screen There is no need to switch the home screen with the button and the display part indicating the processing contents of the button. After turning on the power, the standard copy menu can be selected with one instruction in the standard copy menu. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising instruction means for confirming or selecting or selecting and confirming and starting.

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