JP3060949B2 - Image processing 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 image processing apparatus in which a user sets a desired function and performs a process according to the set function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital copiers and digital copiers have become increasingly sophisticated and multifunctional, and are capable of various image processing. On the other hand, data, parameters, and the like that must be set in order to use those functions are increasing, and the time and procedure for setting these are increasing.

On the other hand, an ordinary copier has an all clear key for initializing all set functions. For example, when the user wants to reset the function from the beginning or when the user changes, the user presses the all clear key to return to the initial setting and then set a new function.

[0004] If a user mistakenly presses the all clear key while setting a function, or once a function is set and executed, or if another person presses the all clear key, all function settings are initialized. Will be converted. In order to return to the setting state that had been performed up to that point, there is a problem that wasteful time must be spent for resetting.

To solve such a problem, for example,
The image processing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-90956 solves the problem by automatically storing the set functions and recalling the stored data. However, with the recent increase in the number and functions of copiers, the amount of data indicating the set functions has also increased. As a result, the storage capacity must be increased, which results in an increase in cost. In addition, at the time of calling, it takes a long time to process a huge amount of data, and the user may feel uncomfortable. There is a problem that a user who is a first-time user does not know that it can be called and spends time for resetting.

At present, it takes time to set individual functions, and many procedures are required. Therefore, if the cancel button of the function is used carelessly during or after the setting, there is a problem that the setting up to that point is wasted.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has a function of preventing initialization of a function being set or being set by careless operation of an all clear key or a cancel button. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus having the following.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least an input means including an all clear button for instructing an all clear function for returning a set function to an initial state; a display means; In an image processing apparatus comprising storage means for holding a setting state of a function and control means for controlling each of the means, the control means displays the display when an all clear function is instructed by a user with the all clear button. Means for displaying means for confirming whether or not to activate the all-clear function, and activating the all-clear function after receiving an instruction from the user to confirm the operation of the all-clear function. It is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided input means including an all clear button for instructing an all clear function for returning a set function to an initial state, a display means,
In an image processing apparatus having at least a storage unit for holding a setting state of a function and a control unit for controlling each of the units, the control unit is configured to perform a user operation before operating an all clear function for each function or group of functions. Is set in the storage means, and when the all clear function is instructed by the user with the all clear button, according to the state at that time. If the function for which the setting for confirming by the user has been made is set or is being set, the display means displays a message for confirming whether or not to activate the all clear function. After receiving an instruction to confirm the operation of the all clear function, the all clear function is operated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided input means including a cancel button for instructing a cancel function for returning a function being set to an initial state, display means, and storage means for holding at least a function setting state. And an image processing apparatus provided with control means for controlling each means, wherein the control means can set whether or not to perform confirmation by a user before activating a cancel function for each function or group of functions. Control, the setting is held in the storage means, and when the cancel function is instructed by the cancel button from the user, the setting corresponding to the function or the group of functions which is being set at that time is stored. In the case of setting to read from the means and confirm by the user, a display for confirming whether the cancel function may be operated on the display means. Carried thereby, is characterized in that actuating the cancel function after receiving a confirmation instruction for operating the cancel function from the user.

[0011]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel. In the figure, 1 is an operation panel,
2 is a CPU, 3 is a RAM, 4 is a ROM, 5 is a timer, 6
Is a CPU bus, 7 is an image reading unit, 8 is an image processing unit,
9 is an image output unit, 10 is an image data bus, and 11 is an all clear key. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 shows a copying machine which is one of the image processing apparatuses.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 1 has an input device such as a key and a touch panel for a user to perform an operation input, and an output device such as an LED and an LCD for displaying a setting state and a message. Is arranged.
As the input device, for example, an all clear key 11 for instructing an all clear function for returning all set functions to an initial state, a key for frequently used functions such as magnification setting and paper selection, a copy function, and the like. Is provided. In addition, a touch panel is overlaid on the LCD, and various inputs can be made by touching buttons displayed on the LCD. This makes it possible to set and cancel many functions.

The CPU 2 controls each unit according to the procedure stored in the ROM 4 and the like, utilizing the RAM 3, the timer 5, and the like. It processes the operation input on the operation panel 1 to control the setting and cancellation of various functions, displays the set functions, provides guidance for setting the functions, and displays messages to the user. Also,
When the start key is pressed, the function settings at that time are transferred to the image processing unit 8, the set image processing is executed on the image read by the image reading unit 7, and the image output unit 9 outputs the image processing.

When the CPU 2 knows that the all clear key 11 on the operation panel 1 has been pressed, it executes the all clear function before executing the all clear function for returning all the set functions to the initial state. A confirmation screen for confirming whether or not it is OK is displayed on an output device such as an LCD of the operation panel 1 and waits for confirmation by the user. When the user confirms the execution of the all clear function, the user executes the all clear function to return all functions to the initial state. If the user accidentally presses the all clear button, the user may input on the confirmation screen that the all clear function is not to be executed. This makes it possible to prevent all functions from returning to the initial state due to careless operation of the all clear button.

The RAM 3 is used for the operation of the CPU 2. It is also used to hold the set function. By using a part of the RAM 3 as a non-volatile memory, the state can be maintained even when the power is turned off. The ROM 4 stores the processing procedure of the CPU 2,
It holds initial setting values of various functions. Timer 5
Is used for time monitoring by the CPU 2. Each part is CP
They are connected by a U bus 6. In addition, for example, a coordinate input device for inputting a position on a document, an output of various sensors, an interface for connecting to another device or a line, and the like may be connected.

The image reading unit 7, the image processing unit 8, and the image output unit 9 are connected to the CPU bus 6 and to the image data bus 10. Image reading unit 7
Reads an image under the control of the CPU 2 and passes the read image to the image processing unit 8 via the image data bus 10. The image processing unit 8 performs processing on the image read by the image reading unit 7 according to the function set by the user, and passes the processed image to the image output unit 9 via the image data bus 10. The image output unit 9 outputs the image passed from the image processing unit 8 to, for example, a selected sheet.

Hereinafter, the processing when the all clear key is pressed will be described based on a specific example. FIGS. 3 to 7 each show an example of the display screen, and show transitions of the display screen by a user's operation. First, when the power is turned on, a screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the LCD of the operation panel 1 or the like. In this example, functions other than functions such as magnification selection and paper tray selection in which keys are arranged on the operation panel 1 are described below.
The program is divided into four categories: "basic", "advanced", "image quality adjustment", and "editing". First, one of these four is selected, and then a desired function is selected. The basic screen is displayed as the initial state,
"Color mode", "Copy density", "Original type",
Each function of "Sorter" is in a selectable state.

It is now assumed that a coloring function for coloring or copying a part of a document is set. Therefore, when the "edit" screen is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 3, a screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.
One of “marker auto edit”, “office edit”, and “expert edit” can be selected. Here, "Expert Edit" is selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, a screen on which various functions can be selected is displayed. The coloring function is displayed in the upper left. When this button is selected, a screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and the screen finally reaches the setting screen of the coloring function. In FIG. 6, it is assumed that only a partial area of the document is colored, and "area" is selected. In this state, the user specifies an area to be colored using, for example, a coordinate input device. In the screen shown in FIG. 6, since the designation of the area has not yet been completed, an end instruction cannot be given. However, after the area is designated, by instructing "end", the coloring function is set, and the screen shown in FIG. Return to If the user wants to cancel the setting of the coloring function halfway, the user can return to the screen shown in FIG. 5 without setting the coloring function by instructing "cancel". Further, by instructing "end" on the screen shown in FIG. 5, the setting of the function so far is made effective, and the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG. Also, by instructing "cancel", it is possible to return to the screen shown in FIG. 4 without setting the expert editing function set this time.

Now, the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and an area for coloring is being set. Here, it is assumed that the all clear key is pressed. In the conventional copying machine, all functions are returned to the initial state at the same time when the all clear key is pressed, and the screen returns to the initial screen shown in FIG. It is good to intentionally press the all clear key and return to the beginning, but if the all clear key is pressed by mistake,
6 to FIG. 6 and further, the operation of designating the area is useless and needs to be reset.

In the present invention, it is confirmed whether or not the all clear function can be executed. For example, a confirmation screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, and the user is instructed whether or not to execute the all clear function. When the user selects "Yes" on the screen shown in FIG. 7, the all clear function is executed, all functions are returned to the initial state, and the screen returns to the initial screen shown in FIG. If an erroneous press of the all clear key is performed, "No" may be selected on this screen.
In that case, the screen returns to the immediately preceding screen, that is, the screen shown in FIG. 6, and the setting of the coloring function can be continued. In this example, the setting of the coloring function is described as an example. However, at any point in time, pressing the all clear key displays a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 7 to confirm whether or not to execute the all clear function. .

In this example, only the coloring function is used. For example, the color clearing, trimming, color conversion, fitting, enlargement / reduction, etc. are executed while copying and adjusting many functions, and then the all clear key is pressed by mistake. In such a case, if all the functions are returned to the initial state as in the related art, it is very difficult to restore the state set up to that time. According to the present invention, the recovery is easy immediately after the erroneous pressing of the all clear key, and it is possible to prevent damage caused by an erroneous operation of the all clear key.

In FIG. 7, two buttons of "Yes" and "No" are prepared so as to judge whether or not to execute the all clear function. For example, a "Function cancel" button for canceling the function is prepared. Then, the function being set may be canceled to return to the screen shown in FIG. In addition, the all clear key may be pressed during the copying operation. In such a case, for example, the copying operation may be temporarily suspended and a confirmation screen may be displayed to prompt confirmation.

If the confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 7 always appears, there is a possibility that the user may feel uncomfortable considering the intended operation of the all clear key, for example.
Therefore, it is conceivable to add a function that can arbitrarily set whether or not to use a function for displaying a confirmation screen. Hereinafter, this function will be described.

Whether or not to use the function for displaying a confirmation screen
For example, it can be configured to be set by the user in the function initial setting mode. 8 to 13 are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions for setting whether or not to use a function for displaying a confirmation screen. To enter the initial setting mode of the function,
The transition can be made by the user operating the operation panel 1 according to a predetermined procedure. In the illustrated display example, the function initial setting mode is called a tool mode. When shifting to the tool mode, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. Various settings can be made from this screen. In this case, "A / C confirmation display ON / OFF" is set in order to set whether or not to use a function for displaying a confirmation screen when the all clear key is pressed. Indicate a button. Then, for example, three buttons are displayed as shown in FIG. “OFF” is a button for selecting not to display a confirmation screen even when the all clear key is pressed. When this button is selected, as before,
Return all functions to the initial state without displaying the confirmation screen when the all clear key is pressed. "Always ON"
When the all clear key is pressed, a confirmation screen is displayed without fail, and the button is used to select to request confirmation by the user. “Arbitrary ON” is a button for selecting to display a confirmation screen when the all clear key is pressed only when the designated function is set. FIG. 9 shows a state where “OFF” is selected.

If "Always ON" is selected here, FIG.
The confirmation screen is displayed whenever the all clear key is pressed.

On the screen shown in FIG. 9 or FIG.
When "N" is selected, a function designation screen is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, it is possible to select for each of the four function screens “basic”, “advanced”, “image quality adjustment”, and “editing” that can be selected on the initial screen shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, if “edit” is selected and at least one of the functions that can be set on the “edit” screen is set, when the all clear key is pressed at any time, A confirmation screen will be displayed. The display of the confirmation screen is
This is also performed during function setting on the "edit" screen.
If the functions that can be set on the "Edit" screen are not set, all functions are returned to the initial state without pressing the all clear key and displaying the confirmation screen even if functions on other screens are set .

The "basic", "picture quality adjustment",
"Application" and "Edit" buttons are turned on each time they are selected
/ OFF switches. For example, when "edit" is instructed again, and "basic" and "image quality adjustment" are newly instructed, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, “edit” is canceled and “basic” and “image quality adjustment” are selected. In this case, if there is a function set on the “basic” screen or the “image quality adjustment” screen, the confirmation screen is displayed by pressing the all clear key. After selecting the screen on which the confirmation screen is displayed together with the pressing of the all clear key in this way, by selecting "end" in the upper right of the screen, the function of displaying the confirmation screen with the pressing of the all clear key is determined. And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, "arbitrary ON" is selected.

In FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 13, when "End" is selected at the upper right of the screen, the screen returns to the initial screen of the tool mode shown in FIG. Such a function setting for displaying the confirmation screen when the all clear key is pressed can be stored in, for example, a non-volatile memory, and the setting is held until changed again.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the setting of displaying the confirmation screen together with the pressing of the all clear key for each function of the "edit" screen is performed, for example, the color mode or the color mode in the basic screen shown in FIG. If the all clear key is pressed during setting of the document type or the like, all functions are reset to the initial state without displaying a confirmation screen. Even if the all clear key is pressed by mistake, all the set functions are returned to the initial state, so it is necessary to set them again. However, it is not a problem if the setting is simple.

When the all clear key is pressed during the setting of the coloring function in the editing screen shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and the user determines whether or not the pressing of the all clear key is correct, and gives an instruction. Furthermore, after setting the coloring function, for example,
If the user sets other functions such as the color mode on the basic screen shown in FIG. 3 or presses the all clear key while copying is in progress, a confirmation screen is displayed and the user needs to confirm it. Becomes

In the above example, "basic", "image quality adjustment",
For each of the "application" and "edit" screens, whether or not to display the confirmation screen with the pressing of the all clear key is set for all the functions set in the screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For each function that can be set on each screen, it can be configured such that whether or not the confirmation screen is displayed when the all clear key is pressed can be set. In this case, by enabling setting for each screen, batch designation for a plurality of functions becomes possible.

In the above example, the case where the all clear key is pressed has been described, but the same applies to the case where the "cancel" key for each function is pressed. For example, in the setting screen as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, when the “end” key and the “cancel” key are mistakenly instructed, the set function may be canceled. To avoid such a problem, as in the case of the all clear key, for example, FIG.
A confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 1 may be displayed to ask the user for confirmation.

Furthermore, whether or not to display the confirmation screen when the "cancel" button is pressed can be set for each function or a plurality of functions, similarly to the case of the all clear key. In this case, the setting as to whether or not to display the confirmation screen when the “cancel” button is pressed can be made, for example, from the initial screen of the tool mode shown in FIG.
A new menu such as “N · OFF” may be prepared and set. In addition to the function of setting the display of the confirmation screen when the all clear key is pressed, the function of setting the display of the confirmation screen when the "cancel" button is pressed can be provided. In this case, for example, as shown in the screen shown in FIG. 15, both the all clear key and the cancel button can be set on one screen. In FIG. 15, “Always ON” is set in the stage of the cancellation confirmation display. For example, “arbitrary O” in the stage of the cancellation confirmation display is set.
When "N" is selected, a screen in which the settings for each screen and the settings for each function similar to those in FIGS. 11 and 12 can be displayed, and whether a confirmation screen is displayed when the "Cancel" key is pressed or not is displayed. What should be set.

[0034]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the confirmation by the user is performed when the all clear key is pressed, so that the functions set up to that time are erroneously initialized. Can be avoided. Further, since it is not necessary to automatically save the set functions as in the related art, the RAM capacity can be reduced, the cost can be reduced, and the processing time can be shortened because the process of constantly storing is not required.

If the confirmation is made every time the all clear key is pressed, the user may be troublesome. Therefore, for example, when a function that is difficult to reset is changed to the initial state, such as a function that takes a long time to set, the confirmation is performed only when the all clear key is pressed for each function or group of functions. Whether or not to display the confirmation screen can be set. Thereby, a user interface with good operability can be provided.

Similarly, it is possible to display a confirmation screen for the cancel button of each function, and it is possible to select whether or not to display the confirmation screen for each function or group of functions. For a function that requires a long time, it is possible to prevent a state in the middle of setting from being erroneously returned to the initial state, and to provide a user interface with good operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of an operation panel.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an initial screen for setting basic functions.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an initial screen for setting an editing function.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen when expert editing is selected.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen for setting a coloring function.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation screen displayed when an all clear key is pressed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an initial screen in a tool mode.

FIG. 9: ON / O confirmation display when all clear key is pressed
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen at the time of FF selection.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen when a confirmation display is set to always ON.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen when “edit” is selected on a function selection screen for performing a confirmation display.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen when “basic” and “image quality adjustment” are selected on a selection screen of a function for performing a confirmation display.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen when a confirmation display is set to ON for an arbitrary function.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation screen displayed when a cancel button is pressed.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen at the time of selecting a confirmation display ON / OFF when an all clear key is pressed and a cancel button is pressed.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation panel, 2 ... CPU, 3 ... RAM, 4 ... RO
M, 5 timer, 6 CPU bus, 7 image reading unit, 8 image processing unit, 9 image output unit, 10 image data bus, 11 all clear key.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00 G03G 21/00 B41J 29/38-29/44 G06F 3/02-3/027

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] An input unit including an all clear button for instructing an all clear function for returning a set function to an initial state; a display unit; a storage unit for holding at least a set state of the function; In an image processing apparatus provided with control means for controlling means, the control means includes:
When the all clear function is instructed by the user by the all clear button, the display means displays a message to confirm whether or not the all clear function may be operated. An image processing apparatus, wherein an all clear function is activated after receiving a confirmation instruction. 2. An input means including an all clear button for instructing an all clear function for returning a set function to an initial state, a display means, a storage means for holding at least a function setting state, and In an image processing apparatus provided with control means for controlling means, the control means includes:
Before activating the all clear function for each function or group of functions, whether or not to confirm by the user can be set so as to be settable, the setting is stored in the storage means, and the all clear button is pressed by the all clear button. When a function is instructed by the user, a function in which setting to confirm by the user is set according to the state at that time is set or when the setting is being performed, the display means is operated with an all clear function. An image processing apparatus, wherein a display for confirming whether the all clear function is permitted is performed, and the all clear function is activated after receiving a user's instruction to confirm the activation of the all clear function. 3. An input means including a cancel button for instructing a cancel function for returning a function being set to an initial state, a display means, a storage means for holding at least a function setting state, and controlling each of the means. In the image processing apparatus provided with control means, the control means controls so as to be able to set whether or not to perform confirmation by a user before activating the cancel function for each function or group of functions, and sets the setting to When the user designates the cancel function by the cancel button, the setting corresponding to the function or the group of the function which is being set at that time is read out from the storage means, and is confirmed by the user. In the case of the setting to perform, a display for confirming whether or not the cancel function may be operated is performed on the display means. An image processing apparatus for activating a cancellation function after receiving an instruction to confirm the operation of a cancellation function.