JP3006693B2 - Operation device for recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation device for an image-related device, and more particularly to an operation device for an image-related device in which a key frequently used by a user can be arbitrarily set on a display section of an operation panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In conventional image-related equipment, for example, a facsimile machine, broadcast transmission, relay broadcast transmission, confidential transmission,
In order to use a function such as polling, it is necessary to operate a plurality of keys arranged on the operation panel.

For example, in the case of broadcast transmission, it is necessary to sequentially operate a key "*", a group number "0, 0, 0, 3", a set key and a start key. Also,
For example, when performing confidential transmission, for example, a key “F, 1, 1” for selecting a confidential function, and a box number “1, 0,
"0", set key, password "1, 2, 3, 4", set key and start key are sequentially operated.

As described above, in the conventional facsimile apparatus, seven key operations are performed in broadcast transmission, and one key operation is performed in confidential transmission.
Three key operations are required. Therefore, when using these functions, there is a problem that key operations are troublesome for the user.

[0005] In particular, when a company or the like uses it for daily work, the same broadcast transmission, confidential transmission, and the like are often performed every day, so that key operations are troublesome, time is wasted, or key operations are performed. There was a problem that the user had to make a mistake in the middle of the operation and restart the operation from the beginning.

In order to solve this problem, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-5
In the publication No. 2351, for example, a series of operations of facsimile communication for achieving a function of relay broadcasting is assigned to a certain key, and thereafter, by simply pressing the key, relay broadcasting can be transmitted. Techniques are disclosed.

[0007] However, this prior art has a problem that functions are fixedly assigned to keys, and a user cannot assign any function to any key.

In order to solve this problem and the like, the present applicant has filed a patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 1-261767) entitled "Operation Procedure Batch Registration System". According to the present invention, when a user arbitrarily sets an area on a coordinate input device, registers the area in association with a key operation procedure for realizing a predetermined function, and executes this function, , The registered key operation procedure can be automatically executed.

According to the invention disclosed in this patent application, an arbitrary key operation procedure can be registered in an arbitrary area on the coordinate input device, and if the area is reduced, a large number of areas can be secured. Since key operation procedures different from each other can be allocated to the user, any number of key operation procedures desired by the user can be set in an arbitrary area on the coordinate input device, which is very effective.

Further, as another conventional apparatus, functions such as the relay broadcasting and confidential communication can be executed by using a key arranged on a liquid crystal display device of an operation panel of a copier-facsimile multifunction peripheral. There is something.

FIG. 10 shows an image-related device such as a copying machine.
One example of an operation panel of a multi-function facsimile machine is shown, 1 is an operation panel, 2 is a liquid crystal display unit having a coordinate input function, 3 is a copier-facsimile switching key, and 4a and 4b are LEDs. This LED indicates whether the function of the copying machine or the function of the facsimile is selected by the copying machine / facsimile switching key 3, and the LED 4a is turned on when the copying machine mode is selected. When the facsimile mode is selected, the LED 4b is turned on. 5 is a numeric keypad, 6 is a start key, and 7 is a stop key.

The operation of this apparatus when the power switch is turned on, the facsimile mode is selected, and the function of relay broadcasting is set will be described.

When the facsimile mode is selected, a screen as shown in FIG. Then, when the user presses the key of "specialty" with the fingertip, the menu shown in FIG. Next, when the "Relay Broadcast" key in the menu is pressed, a window shown in FIG.

Therefore, when the user sets the relay station ID to, for example, "01", the relay station ID is set as shown in FIG.
Is displayed as "01" at the corresponding location. Next, when the user sets the broadcast destination to, for example, "01, 02, 03", as shown in FIG. Is set.

Here, when an operation to print to the relay station is instructed, an operation to print to the relay station is selected, and the display on the display unit is as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the "end" key is pressed, the window of the display unit 2 is closed and the window shown in FIG.
(a) Return to the figure. When the "end" key is pressed in FIG. 12D, the display returns to FIG. 12A without performing the display of (e). The operation of the relay broadcast is executed thereafter.

[0016]

As described above, in the conventional apparatus, for example, when the function of relay broadcasting is to be executed, first, the "specialized" key is pressed on the screen of FIG. Display the menu of. Next, the user presses the "Relay Broadcast" key in the menu to open the window shown in FIG. 12B, and inputs predetermined data such as a relay station ID and a broadcast destination. Thereafter, when the "end" key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 12 (d) or (e), the window closes, the screen returns to FIG. 12 (a), and the operation of the relay broadcast is executed. Become.

Since the conventional device operates as described above,
Until the relay broadcast window is opened, two keys, "specialty" and "relay broadcast", must be pressed, which causes a problem of poor operability. When the user presses the "end" key after finishing the operation of the broadcast, the screen of the display unit 2 returns to the menu shown in FIG. 12A, and when the user tries to enter the basic mode shown in FIG. It is necessary to press the "basic" key, and there is a problem that the operability is also poor in this respect.

If the user does not know whether the relay broadcast key is in "application" or "specialization", the relay broadcast window cannot be opened smoothly and the operation becomes slow. there were.

An object of the present invention is to provide an operation apparatus for an image-related apparatus such as a facsimile machine which eliminates the above-mentioned problems of the conventional apparatus and has improved operability.

[0020]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, at least one favorite key displayed on a basic screen and the specific function are assigned to the favorite key. Setting registration means, a setting registration means display screen for displaying the setting registration means, and function display means for displaying the specific function set and registered by the setting registration means in a favorite key display area on the basic screen. And that the basic screen is in a non-display state when the setting registration means display screen is displayed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the favorite key is operated and a function assigned to the favorite key is selected, the favorite key displayed on the basic screen is highlighted. It is characterized by having means.

[0022]

[0023]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the setting registration means display screen is displayed, it is possible to assign a function to the basic screen which is in a non-display state. The function can be assigned to the favorite key in the section.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the favorite key is operated, the favorite key is highlighted, so that the user can easily know which function is selected.

[0025]

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 5 shows a basic screen of the display unit 2 created according to the present invention in an image-related device, for example, a multifunction copier-facsimile machine. The hardware configuration of this display unit is as follows:
It is the same as or equivalent to that of FIG. 10 and has a coordinate input function. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5A, the basic screen of the display unit 2 displayed immediately after the power is turned on includes:
Keys 11a to 11c are added. This key contains
The user can freely assign functions.

For example, as shown in FIG.
Each of the keys 11a to 11c can be assigned a function that the user frequently uses, such as “broadcast broadcasting”, “on-hook dial”, and “telephone book”, in other words, a function that the user likes. Therefore, the keys 11a to 11c are hereinafter referred to as "favorite keys". Although three favorite keys are shown in the figure, the number is not limited to three and may be other than three.

First, the operation of setting functions to the favorite keys 11a to 11c will be described with reference to FIG.

When the "specialized" key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 5A, the menu shown in FIG. 6A is opened. Then, when the "specification setting" key is pressed, the window shown in FIG. When the "Registration" key is pressed on the window, the contents of the window are as shown in FIG. 3 (c). Then, when the "panel initialization" key is pressed, the contents of the window are displayed as shown in FIG.
It changes like (d). Subsequently, when the “FAX preference key” is pressed, the contents are as shown in FIG.

Here, the favorite keys 11a to 11c
Then, if the user wants to set a function in the display contents shown in FIG. For example, to set "time designation", the "time designation" key may be pressed. (e)
If there is no desired function in the figure, the "next page" key is pressed. Then, the contents of the window will be as shown in (f). Therefore, as shown in FIG.
If "relay broadcast" is to be registered in 1a, the "relay broadcast" key is pressed. Then, the "broadcast broadcast" key becomes a white character, indicating that the key has been registered in the favorite key 11a.

Next, if it is desired to register "on-hook dial" in the favorite key 11b, the user presses the "previous page" key in the diagram (g) to bring up the window shown in the diagram (e). Then, when the "on-hook" key is pressed, the "on-hook dial" is registered in the favorite key 11b.

If it is desired to register a "phone book" in the favorite key 11c, the above-mentioned operation is performed to display the window shown in FIG. Then, the display of the window becomes as shown in (g), the "phone directory" changes to white characters, and the "phone directory" is registered in the favorite key 11c.

Next, when the "end" key is pressed, the function setting for the favorite keys 11a to 11c is completed, and the display on the display unit 2 returns to the menu of FIG. In this menu, the function names registered in the favorite keys 11a to 11c are displayed, so that it is obvious at a glance which function is set to which favorite key.

Next, the operation of executing a desired function using the favorite key having the function set as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power of the copier-facsimile multifunction machine is turned on, a basic screen shown in FIG. 7A is displayed. Therefore,
When the user presses the "broadcast broadcast" of the favorite key, the same figure (b)
Window is opened. This window is shown in FIG.
Same as 2 (b). Then, when the user designates the relay station ID from the numeric keypad 5 (see FIG. 10) and subsequently designates the broadcast destination, the display screens shown in FIGS. 7 (c) and (d) are displayed.
As shown in

In FIG. 8D, when the "print on relay station" key is pressed, the display of FIG. 8E is made, and when the "end" key is pressed, the display of FIG. . In addition,
(d) In the figure, when the "End" key is directly pressed,
(f) The display is as shown in the figure. In this display, the character "Relay Broadcast" of the favorite key is inverted between black and white. As a result,
The user knows that the broadcast is being performed.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the operation. Figure (a)
It is assumed that “monitor print”, “on-hook dial”, and “phone book” are registered in the favorite key as shown in FIG. At this time, if the “phone book” key is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. When the "search start" key on this screen is pressed, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 9C, and the destination name is displayed.

Therefore, the "destination" for facsimile communication
Is designated with a fingertip, the telephone number of all digits of the designated destination is displayed as shown in FIG. When the start key 6 (see FIG. 10) is pressed after the designation of the destination name is completed, the telephone number of the destination is automatically called. Then, the screen of the display unit 2 is as shown in FIG.

This screen is obtained by reversing the “telephone book” of the favorite key on the basic screen in black and white, so that the user can confirm that the automatic call is being executed.

Further, the user can immediately and freely input the following functions, for example, "communication mode", "transmission image quality", and other favorite keys from the basic screen.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the favorite keys 11a to 11c are provided on the basic screen.
Frequently used functions are assigned to these favorite keys 11a to 11c.
, The window of the desired function can be opened with one touch, and the operation for executing the function can be efficiently advanced. Therefore, the operability of the operation panel is improved.

After executing the function using the favorite key,
Pressing the "Exit" key returns to the original basic screen including the favorite key, so you can change the basic mode or select a function set for another favorite key immediately after operating the "end" key. It can be carried out. Thereby, the operability can be improved.

Next, an outline of the hardware configuration of the present invention is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

In the figure, 11 is a transparent touch panel, 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a liquid crystal display, and these constitute the display unit 2 (see FIG. 10). Reference numeral 13 denotes a keyboard, which is a numeric keypad 5, a start / stop key 6,
7 mag. 14 is a key input controller, and 15 is a display controller.

Reference numeral 16 denotes an image input unit, and 17 denotes an image output unit.
7 prints out the received image information. 18 is CP
U.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a ROM storing a system control program, 20 denotes a nonvolatile RAM for storing data, 21
Is a work data RAM. The ROM 19 stores programs such as a display program, a coordinate conversion program, a key input processing program, a function execution program, and a data registration control program. The data storage nonvolatile RAM 20 has storage areas such as a favorite key memory, a speed dial registration memory, and a communication recording memory. Reference numeral 22 denotes a line control unit, which functions to coordinate communication with a telephone line.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the transparent touch panel 11 and the liquid crystal display 12. The transparent touch panel 11 is provided in close contact with the liquid crystal display 12.

The transparent touch panel 11 is composed of a line made of a transparent conductor and extending in the X and Y directions.
Normally, they are insulated from each other, but if any pressing force is applied, the location is short-circuited, and the coordinate data is input to the key input controller 14. The key input controller 14 outputs the coordinate data as a key input signal.

The liquid crystal display 12 displays display data from the display controller 15. As a result, FIG.
9 can be displayed.

Next, the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. A key input unit 31 corresponds to the transparent touch panel 11 and the keyboard 13. That is, the keys correspond to the keys displayed on the display unit 2 and the ten keys, the start key, the stop key, and the like.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a coordinate function conversion unit, which specifically corresponds to a coordinate conversion program. The coordinate function conversion unit converts the coordinate data into coordinate data in a format that the CPU 18 can handle. Reference numeral 33 denotes a function allocating unit, which functions to allocate a function to a favorite key. Reference numeral 34 denotes a favorite key memory, which stores the relationship between the coordinate area of the favorite key and the assigned function.

Numeral 34 'is a conceptual diagram of the data stored in the favorite key memory. The coordinate field stores the coordinate area of the favorite key expressed by the coordinate data converted by the coordinate function conversion unit 32. The function field stores data representing the function and parameter data (for example, relay station ID).
Data, broadcast address, etc.) are stored.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a function selection unit. When a favorite key displayed on the basic screen of the display unit is pressed, the favorite key memory 34 is accessed by using the coordinate data of the favorite key. , Select the corresponding function. Reference numeral 36 denotes an event processing unit, which is specifically composed of an event processing program, for example, a key input processing program, a data registration control program, and the like. Event processing unit 3
Reference numeral 6 processes a function corresponding to a key operation input from the key input unit 31. For example, the reverse display of the favorite key in FIG.

Reference numeral 37 denotes a function execution unit, which comprises a function execution program. For example, the facsimile apparatus executes specific functions such as transmission / reception of document information, broadcast communication, and relay broadcast. Reference numeral 38 denotes a display screen processing unit, which is configured by a display program. The display screen processing unit 3
Reference numeral 8 performs a function of displaying screens such as the basic screen, menus, and windows on a display unit. 39 is a display unit,
This corresponds to the liquid crystal display 12.

Next, referring to the functional block diagram of FIG.
The operation of assigning functions to the favorite keys 11a to 11c will be described.

When a key of the key input unit 31 is operated, the key input is converted by the coordinate function conversion unit 32 into coordinate data in a format that the CPU 18 can handle. The coordinate data is converted into a function by the event processing unit 36, and is displayed on the display screen processing unit 38.
Sent to In the display screen processing unit 38, a display program corresponding to the function proceeds. With this progress, the content of the display unit 39 is updated to the content suitable for the function.

That is, when the keys of “specialty”, “specification setting”, “panel initial setting”, and “FAX preference key” are sequentially selected from the key input section 31, these are respectively processed by the event processing section 36. Is converted to These functions are sent to the display screen processing unit 38, and the operation of the favorite key setting proceeds with the progress of the display program.
When a function to be set is selected by the keys displayed in FIGS. 6 (e) and 6 (f), this function is sent from the event processing unit 36 to the function allocating unit 33, and the operation of the function allocating unit 33 is performed. Thus, the function is registered in the function column of the favorite key memory 34 to which no function is assigned yet.

An example of data registered in the favorite key memory 34 is shown at 34 '. Favorite key data 34 '
The coordinates of the favorite key of the display unit 39 are registered in advance in the coordinates column, and when the above setting operation is performed, the function set in the blank column of the function column is registered. Note that the coordinate data in the coordinate column may be fixedly prepared by the manufacturer or may be arbitrarily set by the user.

When the function assignment operation is completed and the "end" key is pressed and the basic screen is displayed on the display unit 39, the function assignment unit 33 reads the coordinates and the function data from the favorite key memory 34. It is. These data are sent to the display screen processing unit 38 via the event processing unit 36, and the function name is displayed on the corresponding favorite key on the display unit 39 by the operation of the display screen processing unit 38. As a result, the favorite keys 11a to 11
The set function name is displayed on c as shown in FIG. 5 (b).

Next, the operation of executing a function using the favorite key displayed on the basic screen will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the apparatus is turned on, a basic screen is displayed on the display unit 39 by the function of the display screen processing unit 38 (step S1). Next, when a key on the display unit 39, that is, the key input unit 31, is operated, it is determined whether or not this is a favorite key (step S2). In the case of the favorite key, the function selecting unit 35 sets the key based on the coordinate data.
The user accesses the favorite key memory 34 to read out the corresponding function, and sends it to the display screen processing unit 38 via the event processing unit 36. The display screen processing unit 38 opens a window corresponding to the function on the display unit 39 (Step S
3).

Next, the event processing section 36 receives an input from the key input section 31 corresponding to the contents of the window (step S4). Next, it is determined whether or not the end key has been pressed (step S5), and if not, the event is processed (step S6).

When the determination in step S5 is affirmative, that is, when the end key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S7, and the display screen processing unit 38 performs an operation of closing the window. The function assigned to the favorite key is executed by the function execution unit 37.

At this time, the operation of the event processing unit 36 and the display screen processing unit 38 causes the display unit 39 to display a favorite key as shown in FIGS. 8 (f) and 9 (e). The basic screen with the upper character highlighted is displayed. This reverse display is very useful because it guarantees that the function selected by the favorite key has been executed by the function execution unit 37 and gives the user a sense of security. . In addition, the conventional device was configured to check the operation under multiple windows, so it took time to move to the next key operation. However, in the present invention, the operation can be checked on the basic screen. , You can immediately move on to the next key operation.

As is apparent from the above description, since the present invention performs the operations in steps S2 and S3, a window of a corresponding function can be opened directly from a favorite key. Therefore, the user can immediately input data or the like corresponding to this function on the window, and then can execute the function. Therefore, the operability of the operation panel can be improved.

Since the operations of steps S5 and S7 are performed, when the end key is turned on, the user can directly return to the basic screen, and can immediately perform the key operations described on the basic screen. Operability is improved.

Further, if the basic screen can be stored in the apparatus for each user, the basic screen unique to the user, ie, the function having the function set by the user, can be selected according to the identification number of the magnetic card owned by the user. A basic screen including keys can be displayed on the display unit.

In order to realize this, the coordinates and function data stored in the favorite key memory 34 of FIG. 1 are stored for each user ID code (identification number). The data corresponding to the ID code read from the attached magnetic card is read from the favorite key memory 34 and sent to the display screen processing unit 38 via the event processing unit 36 to create basic screen data. Just do it.

[0070]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the operability of the operation device of the image-related equipment such as the copier-facsimile multifunction machine can be improved.

Further, there is provided a setting registration means for assigning the specific function to a favorite key displayed on the basic screen, and a setting registration means display screen for displaying the setting registration means. Since it is possible to assign a function to the basic screen that is not displayed when displayed, it is possible to assign a function to a favorite key on the display unit in a limited area.

When the function is executed using the favorite key, the character displayed thereon is highlighted. For this reason, the user can know that the selected function has been shifted to execution, and can end the operation with confidence and move on to the next operation.

Further, if the basic screen can be read by the identification number of the magnetic card owned by the user, a desired function can be set to a favorite key for each user.

In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made centering on a facsimile apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to a facsimile apparatus, but may be applied to an image-related apparatus such as a copying machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of a part of the configuration of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a basic screen of one embodiment of the present invention displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing display contents of a display unit when a function is assigned to a favorite key.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents displayed on a display unit when a desired function is performed using a favorite key.

FIG. 8 is a continuation of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of display contents displayed on the display unit when a desired function is performed using a favorite key.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an example of an operation panel.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional basic screen displayed on a display unit of an operation panel.

FIG. 12 shows an example of using keys displayed on the display unit of the operation panel.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents displayed on a conventional display unit when a desired function is executed.

FIG. 13 is a continuation of FIG. 12;

[Explanation of symbols]

31: Key input unit, 32: Coordinate function conversion unit, 33: Function allocation unit, 34: Memory for favorite key, 35: Function selection unit, 36: Event processing unit, 37: Function execution unit, 38
... display screen processing unit, 39 ... display unit.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Sekine 3-7-1, Funai, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (56) References JP-A-2-306334 (JP, A) JP-A JP-A-62-22141 (JP, A) JP-A-2-259817 (JP, A) JP-A-63-307528 (JP, A)

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An operation device for a recording apparatus, wherein a plurality of selection screens are switched and displayed on a display unit, and a plurality of function keys are arranged on each of the plurality of selection screens. One of the selection screens is a basic screen that is displayed when the power is turned on. After the other selection screen is switched from the basic screen and displayed, a specific screen is displayed on the other selection screen. In the operation device of the recording device configured to be capable of selecting a function key , at least one favorite key displayed on the basic screen, and in order to assign the specific function to the favorite key,
Multiple different function keys when setting preference keys
And a function display means for displaying the specific function set and registered by the favorite key setting registration screen in a favorite key display area on the basic screen. The operating device for a recording device, wherein the basic screen is in a non-display state when a favorite key setting registration screen is displayed. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for inverting a favorite key displayed on said basic screen when said favorite key is operated and a function assigned to said key is selected. The operation device for a recording device according to claim 1, wherein