JP2016148924A - Electronic apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus that can receive settings of functions through a function help screen, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus having a plurality of functions comprises: a selection part that receives selection of one function from a plurality of functions; an acquisition part that accesses a storage part that stores explanation information on the functions to acquire explanation information on the functions selected by the selection part from the storage part; a display part that displays a function explanation screen including the explanation information acquired by the acquisition part; and a receiving part that receives settings on the function through the explanation screen displayed on the display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of setting functions through a help screen.

  In recent years, various electronic devices such as digital multifunction peripherals have become highly functional. In such an electronic device, adjustment values used for controlling each function are stored in a storage unit such as a memory. In the electronic device, when a function to be executed is selected, the adjustment value set for the function to be executed is read from the storage unit, and each function is executed after reflecting the read adjustment value. ing.

JP 2006-146781 A

  The adjustment value stored in the storage unit of the electronic device described above may be changed by a user operation as necessary.

  However, in sophisticated electronic devices, it is necessary to prepare a complicated operation menu or a number of operation buttons to accept adjustment value settings for each function, and even if each function is categorized by type, the settings The operation procedure until reaching the operation screen for accepting the change tends to be complicated.

  In addition, since setting changes for each function do not always occur frequently, even users who have experience changing settings for each function forget the operation unless they continue to use it. have.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an electronic apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can change settings for each function with a simple operation by accepting the function settings through a function help screen. The purpose is to do.

  The electronic device of the present application, in an electronic device having a plurality of functions, accesses a selection unit that receives selection of one function from the plurality of functions, and a storage unit that stores description information of each function, and the selection unit An acquisition unit that acquires the description information about the function selected in step S4 from the storage unit, a display unit that displays the description screen of the function including the description information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an explanation displayed on the display unit And a reception unit that receives settings related to the function through the screen.

  According to the present application, it is possible to change the setting to each function with a simple operation by accepting the setting relating to the function through the explanation screen of the selected function.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the function search screen displayed on the display part of a digital multi-function peripheral. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a help screen according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a help screen according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a help screen according to Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the help screen of a related item. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen according to Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the web search screen displayed on the display part of a digital multi-function peripheral. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen of a search result. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a mobile phone according to a sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an electronic apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment. The digital multifunction peripheral 10 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an image processing unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a post-processing unit 16, an operation unit 17, a display unit 18, and a communication unit. 19 and the like, and has functions such as a copy function for copying a document image, a print function for performing print processing based on a print job received from the outside, and a scanner function for acquiring image data of a document image. In addition to the basic functions such as a copy function, a print function, and a scanner function, the digital multifunction machine 10 has a post-processing function that performs post-processing on a printed sheet (sheet), a print position adjustment function that adjusts the print position, and print It has various functions such as a density adjustment function for adjusting the density, an enlargement / reduction function for adjusting the printing magnification, and an aggregation function for allocating images for a plurality of pages on one sheet.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). The ROM in the control unit 11 stores in advance a control program for controlling the operation of each hardware unit included in the digital multifunction peripheral 10. The control unit 11 controls the operation of each hardware unit included in the digital multi-function peripheral 10 by executing a control program stored in the ROM by the CPU so that the entire apparatus functions as the electronic apparatus according to the present invention. It is configured.

  The storage unit 12 includes a nonvolatile storage medium such as a memory or a hard disk, and is acquired through setting information including adjustment values for the various functions described above, description information describing the description of each function, and the document reading unit 13. The received image data, the print job received through the communication unit 19, and the like are stored.

  The document reading unit 13 optically reads an image of the document and outputs an image signal. The document reading unit 13 includes a light source that irradiates light to the document, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) (not shown), and forms an image of reflected light from the document on the image sensor. As a result, analog electric signals of RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) are output.

  The image processing unit 14 generates digital image data based on an analog electric signal input through the document reading unit 13 and performs image processing corresponding to various settings on the generated image data. The image processing unit 14 sends the processed image data to an output destination such as the storage unit 12 or the image forming unit 15 according to the selected function. For example, when the copy function or the print function is selected, the image processing unit 14 sends the processed image data to the image forming unit 15 to execute printing on paper. When the scanner function is selected, the processed image data is sent to the storage unit 12 and stored in the storage unit 12.

  The image forming unit 15 forms an image on a sheet such as paper or an OHP film based on the input image data. The image forming unit 15 includes a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, a laser writing device that generates an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting laser light according to input image data, Equipped with a developing device that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the body drum to make it visible, a transfer device that transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the paper (not shown), etc. Thus, an image desired by the user is formed on the sheet. In addition to image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing apparatus, an image formation may be performed by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or the like.

  The post-processing unit 16 includes, for example, a staple unit, a punch unit (not shown), and the like, and performs a staple process or a process of opening a binding hole at an appropriate position on the paper printed by the image forming unit 15. So-called post-processing such as applying is performed.

The operation unit 17 includes various keys and a touch panel, and accepts user operations. The display unit 18 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like, and displays information to be notified to the user, images, and the like.
Note that the touch panel included in the operation unit 17 is provided on the display unit 18. When user interface parts (hereinafter referred to as GUI parts) are arranged in the screen displayed by the display unit 18, the touch panel constitutes software buttons, software keys, and the like together with the GUI parts, and accepts a touch operation by a user's finger. It is configured as follows.

  The communication unit 19 communicatively connects an external device via a communication network N such as a local area network or the Internet network. The external device that is communicably connected to the digital multifunction device 10 includes a terminal device such as a personal computer that uses the digital multifunction device 10 from the outside, a server device provided in a local area network, and a server device connected to the Internet network. Etc. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the server device 20 including the storage unit 21 such as an HDD is connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 10 via the communication network N.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 10 according to the present embodiment displays the explanation information of each function provided in the own apparatus on the display unit 18 as a help screen, and receives settings for controlling each function through the displayed help screen. One of them.

Hereinafter, the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a function search screen displayed on the display unit 18 of the digital multifunction peripheral 10. When the digital multifunction peripheral 10 receives a predetermined operation for calling the function search screen by the operation unit 17, the digital MFP 10 displays the function search screen 100 as shown in FIG. 2 on the display unit 18.

  The function search screen 100 includes, for example, a keyword input field 101 for inputting a keyword for searching for a function, a search start button 102 for starting a search process, links 103a to 103d for displaying a help screen corresponding to a specific function, and an end. A GUI component such as the button 104 is provided. The digital multi-function peripheral 10 accepts operations on GUI parts arranged on the function search screen 100 using various keys or touch panels provided in the operation unit 17, thereby inputting a keyword, requesting a function search, and selecting a function. It is configured to do so.

  The keyword input field 101 displays keywords input using various keys or a touch panel provided in the operation unit 17.

  The search start button 102 is arranged as a software button on the function search screen 100 and accepts a pressing operation (touch operation) by the user. When a pressing operation of the search start button 102 is accepted in a state where a keyword is input in the keyword input field 101, the control unit 11 searches the storage unit 12 for a corresponding function based on the input keyword.

  The links 103a to 103d are links for calling a help screen described later. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the links 103a to 103d represent links for calling up help screens corresponding to the copy function, print function, post-processing function, and density adjustment function, respectively. When any one of the links 103a to 103d is selected (touched) by the user, the control unit 11 calls the help screen for the corresponding function, and displays the screen on the display unit 18 from the function search screen 100 to the help screen. Transition to.

  The end button 104 is arranged as a software button on the function search screen 100 and accepts a pressing operation by the user. When the pressing operation of the end button 104 is accepted, the control unit 11 ends the function search.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the links 103 a to 103 d for transitioning to the help screen corresponding to the copy function, the print function, the post-processing function, and the density adjustment function are arranged on the function search screen 100. The link to the help screen arranged on the function search screen 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. A link to a help screen corresponding to functions other than the above (for example, a scanner function, a print position adjustment function, an aggregation function, etc.) may be included. In the present embodiment, the help screen is called by the links 103a to 103d. However, the links 103a to 103d may be used to call links to help screens of other functions, and hierarchical links. Depending on the structure, more detailed functions or related help screens may be displayed hierarchically.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a help screen according to the first embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 3 shows a help screen 110 for the print position adjustment function in the copy function. When the print position adjustment function is searched on the function search screen 100 described above, or when a link (not shown) to the help screen 110 corresponding to the print position adjustment function is selected, the control unit 11 stores the storage unit. The help screen 110 including the explanation information of the print position adjustment function read from the display unit 12 is displayed on the display unit 18.

  The help screen 110 for the print position adjustment function includes a display field 111 for displaying explanation information about the print position adjustment function. In the example shown in FIG. 3, as an explanation of the print position adjustment function, “the print position in the copy function can be adjusted by the control setting A” and “the print position is set to the top of the paper by increasing the value (of the control setting A)” Is displayed in the display column 111. “The print position is moved to the rear end side of the sheet by moving the print position to the side and decreasing the value”.

  In the present embodiment, a link 112 for making a transition to the print position adjustment function setting screen 120 (see FIG. 4) and a cancel button 115 for returning to the function search screen 100 are arranged in the same help screen 110. The The link 112 and the cancel button 115 are configured by GUI parts. The digital multi-function peripheral 10 receives operations for GUI components arranged on the help screen 110 using various keys and a touch panel provided in the operation unit 17. For example, when the link 112 is selected and operated by the user, the control unit 11 performs a process of transitioning the screen displayed on the display unit 18 to the setting screen 120 for the print position adjustment function. When the cancel button 115 is pressed, the control unit 11 performs a process of transitioning the screen to be displayed on the display unit 18 from the help screen 110 to the function search screen 100.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the help screen 110 for the print position adjustment function is shown, but the same applies to the help screen for other functions. The display field for displaying the description information of the target function, the target function A link for transitioning to the setting screen is provided.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen according to the first embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 4 shows a setting screen 120 for the print position adjustment function. When the link 112 is selected and operated on the above-described help screen 110 for the print position adjustment function, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display a setting screen 120 as shown in FIG. The display is changed from the help screen 110 to the setting screen 120.

  The setting screen 120 includes GUI parts such as a display field 121 that displays an adjustment value of the current print position, an increment button 122a and a decrement button 122b that increase or decrease the adjustment value one by one, a setting button 123, and a cancel button 124. The digital multi-function peripheral 10 is configured to be able to perform settings for controlling the print position adjustment function by accepting operations on GUI parts arranged on the setting screen 120 using various keys and touch panels provided in the operation unit 17. Has been.

  When the control unit 11 displays the print position adjustment function setting screen 120 on the display unit 18, the control unit 11 reads the adjustment value related to the current print position from the storage unit 12 and displays the read adjustment value on the display column 121. The adjustment value is increased or decreased within a predetermined setting range when the increment button 122a and the decrement button 122b are pressed. When the adjustment value is changed by pressing the increment button 122a or the decrement button 122b, the control unit 11 displays the changed adjustment value on the display column 121.

  When the setting button 123 is pressed, the adjustment value is confirmed. The control unit 11 changes the print position setting by storing the determined adjustment value in the storage unit 12 as a new adjustment value of the print position. When the cancel button 124 is pressed, the control unit 11 performs a process of returning the screen display on the display unit 18 from the setting screen 120 to the help screen 110 without determining the adjustment value.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen 120 for the print position adjustment function is shown as an example of the setting screen. However, the setting screen for the other functions is the same, and is set to control the target function. A display field for displaying the current adjustment value, an operation button for changing the adjustment value, a setting button for confirming the changed adjustment value, and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment. When the operation unit 17 of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 receives a predetermined operation for calling the function search screen 100, the control unit 11 displays the function search screen 100 on the display unit 18 (step S101).

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether a function search request is received from the function search screen 100 (step S102). When a search keyword for searching for a function is input to the keyword input field 101 of the function search screen 100 and the search start button 102 is pressed, the control unit 11 determines that a function search request has been received.

  When it is determined that the search request has been accepted (S102: YES), the control unit 11 searches the storage unit 12 for the search target function and the description information of the function (step S103), and the search target function and the description of the function. It is determined whether information exists (step S104). When the search target function and the description information of the function do not exist (S104: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S102.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the search request has not been accepted (S102: NO), the control unit 11 performs a selection operation on any of the links 103a to 103d arranged on the function search screen through the operation unit 17. It is determined whether it has been accepted (step S105). When the selection operation to link 103a-103d is not received (S105: NO), the control part 11 transfers a process to step S112 mentioned later.

  When it is determined in step S104 that there is a search target function and description information of the function (S104: YES), or when it is determined in step S105 that a selection operation for the links 103a to 103d has been accepted (S105: YES), control is performed. The unit 11 reads out the explanation information about the searched or selected function from the storage unit 12, and causes the display unit 18 to display a help screen including the read out explanation information (step S106). For example, when the print position adjustment function is searched or selected, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display a help screen 110 as shown in FIG.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to change the screen display on the display unit 18 to the setting screen (step S107). When the control unit 11 receives a selection operation for a link to the setting screen arranged in the help screen through the operation unit 17, the control unit 11 determines to shift the screen display on the display unit 18 to the setting screen.

  When it is determined that the screen display on the display unit 18 is changed to the setting screen (S107: YES), the control unit 11 displays the setting screen for the searched or selected function on the display unit 18 (step S108). The screen display in 18 is changed from the help screen to the setting screen. For example, when the link 112 is selected and operated from the help screen 110 for the print position adjustment function, the control unit 11 displays the setting screen 120 as shown in FIG. Transition to 120. Further, when the cancel button is pressed on the help screen and the transition to the setting screen is not performed (S107: NO), the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S112 described later.

  Next, the control unit 11 accepts a setting operation on the displayed setting screen (step S109), and determines whether or not an adjustment value for controlling the function to be set has been determined (step S110). For example, when a setting button (setting button 123 in the example of FIG. 4) for confirming an adjustment value related to the setting target function is pressed on the setting screen, the control unit 11 adjusts the adjustment value for the setting target function. Is determined.

  When it is determined that the adjustment value has been determined (S110: YES), the control unit 11 stores the determined adjustment value in the storage unit 12 as the current adjustment value, thereby changing the setting for the searched or selected function. (Step S111). If the cancel button is pressed on the setting screen and the adjustment value is not confirmed (S110: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S106.

  After changing the setting for the searched or selected function, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display the function search screen 100. Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the function search (step S112). When the end button 104 is pressed on the function search screen 100, the control unit 11 determines that the function search is to be ended (S112: YES), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. When the function search is not terminated (S112: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S102.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, setting for controlling the function can be performed through the help screen of each function. Therefore, from the display of the help screen to the setting of the adjustment value for each function through a series of operations. Even a person who is unfamiliar with the operation can perform appropriate settings while confirming the help screen of the function.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the transition is made from the help screen prepared for each function of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 to the setting screen has been described. However, the setting for the function can be performed in the help screen of each function. Good.
In the second embodiment, a configuration for accepting settings for a function within the help screen of each function will be described. Note that the internal configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a help screen according to the second embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 6 shows a help screen 130 for the print position adjustment function among the copy functions provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 10. When the print position adjustment function is searched on the function search screen 100 (see FIG. 2) or when a link (not shown) to the help screen 130 corresponding to the print position adjustment function is selected and operated, the control unit 11 Causes the display unit 18 to display the help screen 130 including the description information of the print position adjustment function read from the storage unit 12.

  The help screen 130 according to the second embodiment includes a display field 131 that displays explanatory information about the print position adjustment function, and further displays a display that displays an adjustment value of the current print position in order to accept settings for the function. Column 132 includes GUI components such as an increment button 133a and a decrement button 133b for increasing / decreasing the adjustment value one by one, a setting button 134, and a cancel button 135. In the second embodiment, a configuration for controlling the print position adjustment function can be performed by accepting operations on GUI parts arranged on the help screen 130 using various keys and a touch panel provided in the operation unit 17. Has been.

  When the control unit 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 displays the help screen 130 for the print position adjustment function on the display unit 18, the control unit 11 reads the adjustment value related to the current print position from the storage unit 12, and displays the read adjustment value in the display field 132. To display. The adjustment value increases or decreases within a predetermined setting range when the increment button 133a and the decrement button 133b are pressed. When the adjustment value is changed by pressing the increment button 133a or the decrement button 133b, the control unit 11 causes the display column 121 to display the changed adjustment value.

  When the setting button 134 is pressed, the adjustment value is determined, and the control unit 11 changes the print position setting by storing the determined adjustment value in the storage unit 12 as a new adjustment value of the print position. When the cancel button 135 is pressed, the control unit 11 performs processing for returning the screen to be displayed on the display unit 18 from the help screen 130 to the function search screen 100 without confirming the adjustment value.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the help screen 130 for the print position adjustment function is shown as an example of the help screen, but the same applies to the help screen for other functions, and a display for displaying the explanation information of the target function. Column, a display column for displaying the current adjustment value set for controlling the target function, an operation button for changing the adjustment value, a setting button for confirming the changed adjustment value, and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral 10 according to the second embodiment. When the operation unit 17 of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 receives a predetermined operation for calling the function search screen 100, the control unit 11 displays the function search screen 100 on the display unit 18 (step S201).

  Next, the control unit 11 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment (S202 to S205), and when a function is searched or selected, displays a help screen for the function on the display unit 18 (step S206). For example, when the print position adjustment function is searched or selected, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display a help screen 130 as shown in FIG.

  The control unit 11 accepts a setting operation on the displayed help screen (step S207), and determines whether or not an adjustment value for the searched or selected function is confirmed (step S208). For example, when the setting button for confirming the adjustment value (the setting button 134 in the example of FIG. 6) is pressed on the help screen, the control unit 11 determines that the adjustment value has been confirmed.

  If it is determined that the adjustment value has been determined (S208: YES), the control unit 11 stores the determined adjustment value in the storage unit 12 as the current adjustment value, thereby changing the setting for the searched or selected function. (Step S209). If the cancel button is pressed on the help screen and the adjustment value is not confirmed (S208: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S201.

  After changing the setting for the searched or selected function, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display the function search screen 100. Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the function search (step S210). When the end button 104 is pressed on the function search screen 100, the control unit 11 determines that the function search is to be ended (S210: YES), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. When the function search is not terminated (S210: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S202.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since the adjustment value for controlling the function can be set from the help screen of each function, the help screen is closed after browsing the help screen, and the function to be newly set is set. An operation for opening a setting screen for setting the function is not required, and even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation can easily perform setting for each function.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, a configuration will be described in which when there are items to be set in relation to an item to be set for a certain function, settings for both items can be performed by a series of operations.
Note that the internal configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a help screen according to the third embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 8 shows a help screen 140 for a print position adjustment function (particularly, control setting A) among the copy functions provided in the digital multifunction peripheral 10. When the print position adjustment function is searched on the function search screen 100 (see FIG. 2) or when a link (not shown) to the help screen 140 corresponding to the print position adjustment function is selected and operated, the control unit 11 Causes the display unit 18 to display the help screen 140 including the explanation information of the print position adjustment function read from the storage unit 12.

  The help screen 140 according to the third embodiment includes a display field 141 that displays explanatory information about the print position adjustment function, and further displays a display that displays an adjustment value of the current print position in order to accept settings for the function. Column 142 includes GUI components such as an increment button 143a and a decrement button 143b for increasing / decreasing the adjustment value one by one, a setting button 144, a cancel button 146, and an end button 147.

  In the third embodiment, when there is a setting item related to the setting item for the function to be set (hereinafter also referred to as a related item), a software button for switching to the help screen for the related item in the help screen (GUI part) is arranged. For example, when there is a related item (control setting B) for the setting item (control setting A) for the print position adjustment function, the help screen 140 for control setting B (see FIG. 9) is displayed on the help screen 140 for control setting A. A switching button 145 for switching to (see) is arranged.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a help screen for related items. For example, when the switching button 145 is pressed on the help screen 140 described above, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display a help screen 150 for related items (control setting B) as shown in FIG.

  The help screen 150 for the related item (control setting B) includes a display field 151 for displaying explanation information about the print position adjustment function (especially control setting B), and further displays the current printout in order to accept the setting for the function. A display field 152 for displaying a position adjustment value, GUI components such as an increment button 153a and a decrement button 153b for increasing / decreasing the adjustment value one by one, a setting button 154, a cancel button 156, and an end button 157 are provided.

  Since the control setting A exists as a related item for the control setting B, a switching button 155 for switching to the help screen 140 of the control setting A (see FIG. 8) is arranged in the help screen 150.

The operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 when switching from the control setting A help screen 140 to the control setting B help screen 150 will be described below.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral 10 according to the third embodiment. When the help screen 140 related to the control setting A is called from the function search screen 100 described above, the control unit 11 displays the help screen 140 of the control setting A on the display unit 18 (step S301), and the adjustment value of the control setting A A setting operation for changing the value is accepted (step S302).

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an adjustment value for the control setting A is confirmed (step S303). For example, when the setting button 144 for confirming the adjustment value of the control setting A is pressed on the help screen 140, the control unit 11 determines that the adjustment value for the control setting A is confirmed.

  When it is determined that the adjustment value has been determined (S303: YES), the control unit 11 stores the determined adjustment value in the storage unit 12 as the current adjustment value of the control setting A, thereby changing the setting for the control setting A. This is performed (step S304).

  When the setting change with respect to the control setting A is performed, or when the adjustment value is not fixed in step S303 (S303: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not to change the setting of the control setting B (step S305). ). For example, when the switch button 145 is pressed on the help screen 140, the control unit 11 determines to change the setting of the control setting B.

  When it is determined to change the setting of the control setting B (S305: YES), the control unit 11 displays the help screen 150 of the control setting B on the display unit 18 (step S306), and changes the adjustment value of the control setting B. A setting operation for performing this is accepted (step S307). If it is determined in step S305 that the control setting B is not changed (S305: NO), the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S310.

  The control unit 11 determines whether or not an adjustment value for the control setting B is confirmed (step S308). For example, when the setting button 154 for confirming the adjustment value of the control setting B is pressed on the help screen 150, the control unit 11 determines that the adjustment value for the control setting B is confirmed.

  When it is determined that the adjustment value has been determined (S308: YES), the control unit 11 stores the determined adjustment value in the storage unit 12 as the current adjustment value of the control setting B, thereby changing the setting for the control setting B. This is performed (step S309).

  If it is determined in step S305 that the setting of control setting B is not changed (S305: NO), if the setting is changed in step S309, or if the adjustment value of control setting B is not confirmed in step S308 (S308). : NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the setting (step S310). When the end button 147 (157) is pressed on the help screen 140 (150), the control unit 11 can determine that the setting is ended.

  When it is determined that the setting is to be ended (S310: YES), the control unit 11 ends the processing according to this flowchart. If the cancel button 147 (157) is pressed on the help screen 140 (150) without finishing the setting (S310: NO), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display the function search screen 100 ( Step S311), the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when there is an item related to an item to be set for a certain function, both items can be set by a series of operations, and thus the user himself / herself searches for a plurality of related items. It becomes unnecessary, and even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation can easily set each item.

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, a configuration is described in which a GUI component for accepting a setting operation for a certain function is arranged in the setting screen, and an output example reflecting the setting is displayed in the same screen.

  11 and 12 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the setting screen according to the fourth embodiment. The example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 shows a setting screen 160 for the print position adjustment function among the various functions provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 10. In the fourth embodiment, when the link 112 is selected and operated on the help screen 110 (see FIG. 3) for the print position adjustment function, the control unit 11 displays a setting screen 120 as shown in FIG. Display.

  The setting screen 160 has a display field 161 for displaying the adjustment value of the current print position, an increment button 162a and a decrement button 162b for increasing / decreasing the adjustment value one by one, a setting button 163, GUI parts such as a cancel button 164 are provided. Further, the control unit 11 displays an output example 165 reflecting the current setting (adjustment value) in the setting screen 160.

  As described above, the print position adjustment function (control setting A) is configured to move the print position to the top of the paper by increasing the value (of control setting A), and set the print position to the rear of the paper by decreasing the value. It is defined as the “Move to End” function. Therefore, when the current adjustment value is “0” (when the value is small within the setting range), the control unit 11 outputs the output example 165 in which the print position is moved to the rear end side of the sheet (see FIG. 11). Is displayed in the setting screen 160, and when the current adjustment value is “45” (when the value is large within the setting range), an output example 165 in which the print position is moved to the top of the sheet (see FIG. 12). Is displayed in the setting screen 160.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, since the output example reflecting the adjustment value is displayed in the setting screen for setting the adjustment value of the function, the user can adjust the adjustment value while checking the output example. Since it can be changed, even a person unfamiliar with the operation can perform an appropriate setting operation.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first to fourth embodiments, the configuration information is acquired from the storage unit 12 in the digital multi-function peripheral 10. However, the storage unit in the server device 20 that is communicably connected via the communication network N. It is also possible to store the description information of each function in 21 and access the server device 20 via the communication network N to acquire the description information.
In the fifth embodiment, a configuration for accessing the server device 20 from the digital multi-function peripheral 10 and performing function search and setting of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a web search screen displayed on the display unit 18 of the digital multifunction peripheral 10. When the digital multifunction peripheral 10 accepts a predetermined operation for calling the web search screen by the operation unit 17, the digital multifunction peripheral 10 accesses the server device 20 connected via the communication network N, and the server device 20 receives, for example, HTML. 13 is displayed on the display unit 18 by receiving the search screen information described in (1).

  Similar to the function search screen 100 described above, the web search screen 170 includes a keyword input field 171 for inputting a keyword for searching for a function, a search start button 172 for starting a search process, and a help screen corresponding to a specific function. User interface components (GUI components) such as links 173a to 173d to be displayed and an end button 174 are provided. The digital multi-function peripheral 10 accepts operations for GUI components arranged on the web search screen 170 using various keys and touch panels provided in the operation unit 17, thereby inputting a keyword, requesting a function search, and selecting a function. It is configured to do so.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a search result screen. When two words “copy” and “position” are input in the keyword input field 171 of the web search screen 170 and the search start button 172 is pressed, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 determines “copy” and “position”. A search request including the two words as keywords is transmitted to the server device 20. When receiving the search request, the server device 20 searches the storage unit 21 of the own device for explanation information including the search target keyword, and returns search result screen information described in, for example, HTML to the digital multifunction peripheral 10. The digital multi-function peripheral 10 displays a search result screen 180 as shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit 18 based on the search result screen information received from the server device 20.

  The search result screen 180 includes, for example, a link 181a for making a transition to a help screen for explaining the print position adjustment function, a link 181b for making a transition to a help screen regarding the jam position being copied, and for closing the search result screen 180. A GUI component such as an end button 182 is provided.

  When the link 181a is selected and operated on the search result screen 180, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 accesses the server device 20 and receives setting screen information described in, for example, HTML from the server device 20, thereby printing position. A help screen related to the adjustment function is displayed on the display unit 18. The same applies to the case where the link 181b is selected. When the end button 182 is pressed, the control unit 11 closes the search result screen 180 and causes the display unit 18 to display the web search screen 170.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral 10 according to the fifth embodiment. The control unit 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 determines whether or not to execute a web search (step S501). When the operation unit 17 receives a predetermined operation for calling the web search screen 170, the control unit 11 determines to execute the web search (S501: YES), and displays the web search screen 170 on the display unit 18. Let When the web search is not executed (S501: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process according to this flowchart.

  When a keyword is input to the keyword input field 171 of the web search screen 170 and the search start button 172 is pressed, the control unit 11 transmits a search request including the input keyword to the server device 20 (step S502). .

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the search result screen information (search result) transmitted from the server device 20 has been received by the communication unit 19 (step S503). When the search result is not received (S503: NO), the control unit 11 stands by until the search result is received.

  When the search result is received (S503: YES), the control unit 11 displays the search result screen on the display unit 18 (step S504). For example, when two words “copy” and “position” are input in the keyword input field 171 of the web search screen 170 and a web search is executed, the control unit 11 uses the search result received from the server device 20 as a basis. A search result screen 180 as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display unit 18.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to transition to the help screen (step S505). For example, when the link 181a or 181b is selected on the search result screen 180, the control unit 11 determines to shift from the search result screen 180 to the help screen. Further, when the end button 182 is pressed on the search result screen 180, the control unit 11 determines that the transition to the help screen is not performed.

  When transitioning to the help screen (S505: YES), the control unit 11 requests the server device 20 for screen information corresponding to the selected link, and the display unit 18 based on the screen information transmitted from the server device 20. The help screen is displayed by performing display on (Step S506). When not making a transition to the help screen (S505: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process according to this flowchart.

  The control unit 11 accepts a setting operation for a function on the currently displayed help screen (or a setting screen called from the help screen) (step S507), and determines whether or not an adjustment value related to the function to be set has been determined (step S507). S508).

  When it is determined that the adjustment value has been determined (S508: YES), the control unit 11 requests the server device 20 for the determined adjustment value, and determines whether the determined adjustment value has been received from the server device 20 ( Step S509). If the adjustment value has not been finalized (S508: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S501.

When the adjustment value has not been received (S509: NO), the control unit 11 stands by until the adjustment value is received.
When the adjustment value is received (S509: YES), the control unit 11 changes the setting of the function by storing the received adjustment value in the storage unit 12 as the current adjustment value of the function to be set (step) S510), the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, even when the digital multifunction peripheral 10 does not have the description information of each function, the server device 20 is accessed to acquire the description information of each function, and the help screen Display and setting for each function.

  In the fifth embodiment, web search screen 170 is displayed when a predetermined operation is accepted by operation unit 17, and a search request including the keyword accepted on web search screen 170 is transmitted to server device 20. However, if the function description information corresponding to the keyword input on the function search screen 100 in FIG. 2 does not exist in the storage unit 12 of the own device, a search request including the keyword is transmitted to the server device 20. It is good also as composition to do.

(Embodiment 6)
In the first to fifth embodiments, the form in which the electronic apparatus according to the present invention is applied to the digital multi-function peripheral 10 has been described. However, the application example is not limited to the digital multi-function peripheral 10.
In Embodiment 6, as another application example, a mode applied to a mobile phone will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the mobile phone 50 according to the sixth embodiment. A cellular phone 50 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, an operation unit 53, a display unit 54, a communication unit 55, a call unit 56, and the like, and other telephone networks are not shown in the figure. It has a communication function for communicating with a telephone and a communication function for communicating with an external device via a communication network N such as the Internet network. In addition, the mobile phone 50 has various functions such as a memo function and a calendar function realized by various application programs such as a memo application and a calendar application stored in the storage unit 52.

  Similar to the digital multifunction peripheral 10 described in the first to fifth embodiments, when the control unit 51 of the mobile phone 50 accepts a predetermined operation for calling a function search screen through the operation unit 53, the function is displayed on the display unit 54. Display the search screen. On the function search screen, GUI parts such as an input field for inputting a keyword for searching for a function, a search start button for starting a search process, and a link for calling a help screen for a specific function are arranged. By accepting an operation on a GUI component arranged on the function search screen, the keyword input, the function search request, and the function selection can be performed.

  When receiving a function search request or function selection from the function search screen, the control unit 51 causes the display unit 54 to display a help screen for the corresponding function. In the help screen, a display field for displaying the explanation information of the searched or selected function, a link for changing to the setting screen of the function (or a GUI component for receiving an adjustment value for the function), and the like are arranged. .

  The control unit 51 receives an adjustment value for the searched or selected function through a setting screen (or a GUI component arranged in the help screen) called from a link arranged on the help screen, and stores the received adjustment value. 52, the setting change for the function is performed.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, setting for controlling the function can be performed through the help screen of each function. Therefore, from the display of the help screen to the setting of the adjustment value for each function through a series of operations. Even a person who is unfamiliar with the operation can perform appropriate settings while confirming the help screen of the function.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  For example, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 (Embodiments 1 to 5) and the mobile phone 50 (Embodiment 6) have been described as examples of electronic devices. However, a copy apparatus having a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function independently, Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices that have a plurality of functions such as a printer device, a scanner device, a digital camera, a video camera, a television receiver, and a tablet terminal and that can display a help screen for each function. That is.

  Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional notes are disclosed.

  The electronic device of the present application is an electronic device having a plurality of functions, a selection unit (100, 170) that accepts selection of one function from the plurality of functions, and a storage unit (12 that stores description information of each function) , 21), an acquisition unit (11) for acquiring, from the storage unit (12, 21), explanation information about the function selected by the selection unit (100, 170), and the acquisition unit (11) Through the display unit (18) for displaying the function explanation screen (110, 130, 150) including the explanation information acquired by the user and the explanation screen (110, 130, 140) displayed on the display unit (18). And a reception unit (17) for receiving settings related to the function.

  In the present application, when one function is selected from among a plurality of functions included in the electronic device, the description information of the function is acquired and the function description screen is displayed on the display unit. Also, the setting for the function is accepted through the explanation screen displayed on the display unit. With this configuration, in the present application, it is possible to perform function settings through the explanation screen displayed on the display unit, and even those who are not familiar with the operation make appropriate settings while checking the function explanation screen. It becomes possible.

  The electronic apparatus according to the present application includes the storage unit (12).

  In the present application, the electronic device can acquire the description information from the built-in storage unit and display the description screen on the display unit.

  The electronic device of the present application includes a connection unit (19) that connects the external device (20) including the storage unit (21) so that communication is possible, and the acquisition unit (11) is connected to the connection unit (19). In addition, by communicating with the external device (20), description information about the function is acquired from a storage unit (21) included in the external device (20).

  In the present application, the electronic device can acquire the description information from an external device such as a server device and display the description screen on the display unit.

  In the electronic device of the present application, each of the own device and the external device (20) connected to be communicable with the own device includes the storage unit (12, 21), and the acquisition unit (11) When the description information about the function is not obtained by accessing the storage unit (12) provided, the storage unit (21) included in the external device (20) is accessed and the description information is transmitted from the storage unit (21). It is characterized by acquiring.

  In the present application, when the electronic device cannot acquire the description information from the built-in storage unit, the electronic device can acquire the description information from an external device such as a server device and display the description screen on the display unit.

  In the electronic device of the present application, the explanation screen (130) includes user interface components (132 to 134) for accepting the setting, and the accepting portion (17) is displayed on the display portion (18). The setting is received through user interface components (132 to 134) in the screen (130).

  In the present application, the electronic device accepts a setting for each function by accepting a user operation on a user interface component arranged in the explanation screen. With such a configuration, the setting for the function can be accepted in the explanation screen displaying the explanation information of the function.

  In the electronic device of the present application, the explanation screen (110) includes a link (112) for transitioning to the setting screen (120) for receiving the setting, and the receiving unit (17) is designated by the link (112). In the transition destination setting screen (120), the setting is accepted.

  In the present application, the electronic device can call the setting screen through a link arranged in the explanation screen, and can display the explanation screen for the selected function and call the function setting screen by a series of operations. .

  The electronic device of the present application is configured to display setting items related to settings to be received through the explanation screen (140) on the explanation screen (140), and the reception unit (17) includes the setting related to the function The setting item displayed on the explanation screen (140) is accepted.

  In the present application, when there are items related to the setting target item, settings for both items can be accepted through the function explanation screen.

  The electronic device of the present application is characterized in that the function is executed by reflecting the setting received by the receiving unit (17).

  In the present application, the function can be executed by reflecting the setting received through the function explanation screen.

  The image forming apparatus of the present application includes the above-described electronic device, an image input unit (13) that receives input of image data, and an image processing unit (14) that performs image processing on the image data received by the image input unit (13). And an image forming unit (15) for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit (14), and setting of the function relating to the image processing or the image forming. The electronic devices are received through explanation screens (110, 130, 140) displayed by the electronic device.

  In the present application, when one function is selected from among a plurality of functions related to image processing or image formation included in the image forming apparatus, the description information of the function is acquired and the function description screen is displayed on the display unit. . Also, the setting for the function is accepted through the explanation screen displayed on the display unit. With this configuration, in the present application, it is possible to perform function settings through the explanation screen displayed on the display unit, and even those who are not familiar with the operation make appropriate settings while checking the function explanation screen. It becomes possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital multifunction device 11 Control part 12 Storage part 13 Document reading part 14 Image processing part 15 Image formation part 16 Post-processing part 17 Operation part 18 Display part 19 Communication part 20 Server apparatus

Claims (9)

In electronic devices having multiple functions,
A selection unit that accepts selection of one function from the plurality of functions;
An access unit for accessing the storage unit storing the description information of each function, and acquiring the description information about the function selected by the selection unit from the storage unit;
A display unit for displaying an explanation screen of the function including the explanation information acquired by the acquisition unit;
An electronic device comprising: a receiving unit that receives a setting related to the function through an explanation screen displayed on the display unit.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is incorporated. A connection unit that connects the external device including the storage unit to enable communication;
2. The acquisition unit according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the description information about the function from a storage unit included in the external device through communication with the external device connected to the connection unit. The electronic device described. Each of the own device and the external device connected to be communicable with the own device includes the storage unit,
The acquisition unit accesses the storage unit provided in the external device and acquires the description information from the storage unit when the description information about the function is not obtained by accessing the storage unit provided in the own device. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is configured as described above. The explanation screen includes a user interface component for accepting the setting,
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reception unit is configured to receive the setting through a user interface component in an explanation screen displayed on the display unit. machine. The explanation screen includes a link to transition to a setting screen for accepting the setting,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit is configured to receive the setting on a setting screen for a transition destination specified by the link. Setting items related to settings to be accepted through the explanation screen are displayed on the explanation screen,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit is configured to receive a setting regarding the setting item displayed on the explanation screen together with the setting related to the function.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function is executed by reflecting a setting received by the reception unit. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An image input unit that accepts input of image data;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data received by the image input unit;
An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data that has undergone image processing by the image processing unit,
An image forming apparatus, wherein setting of a function related to the image processing or the image formation is received through an explanation screen displayed by the electronic device.

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