JP4252475B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that includes a display unit that displays an image forming process function and executes at least two functions of a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and a scanner function.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and a scanner function is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a multifunction device, a mode switching key for the user to select which of the above functions is provided is provided on the operation panel on the upper front of the apparatus, and the user can select a mode switching key corresponding to a desired function. Each function is executed when is pressed. However, since the functions such as the facsimile function, printer function, copy function, and scanner function can be executed when each function is added as an option, even if the user presses the mode switch key, Functions that have not been added in cannot be executed. Therefore, (1) LED (Light Emitting Diode) is attached to each mode switching key corresponding to each function, and whether or not the function assigned to the mode switching key can be executed by the lighting color or blinking state of this LED. (2) Display a message on the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display section of the operation panel indicating whether or not each of the above functions can be executed. To make you recognize.
JP 2003-259044 A

  However, in the case of (1) above, if the user does not know what color the LED is lit in, whether the function can be executed or when the LED is blinking, Whether the function can be executed or not cannot be determined by looking at the LED. In the case of (2), a large display area is required to display a message indicating whether each function can be executed. The initial screen (print paper size, density setting, print magnification, sort processing, etc.) (The screen for performing basic settings at the time of image formation) cannot be displayed, so it is set to display the above message by switching to a screen different from the initial screen, and the user knows whether or not each of the above functions can be executed. If you want, you need to call a different screen from the initial screen, which is cumbersome.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an image that allows a user to easily grasp what functions can be executed simply by looking at an initial screen displayed on a display unit of an operation panel. An object of the present invention is to provide a forming apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a display unit for displaying an image forming process function and executing at least two functions of a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and a scanner function. There,
Function detection means for detecting which of the functions is executable;
Display control means for displaying the function detected by the function detection means as an icon image on the initial screen of the display means;
An operation status detecting means for detecting an operation status of each function;
Selection accepting means for accepting which icon-like image is selected by the user for the icon-like image indicating each function displayed on the display means by the display control means;
The display control unit selects the selected icon-like image when the selection receiving unit receives a selection based on the operation status of each function detected by the operation status detection unit. When the detailed operation status of the function corresponding to the icon-like image is displayed on the display means and the detailed operation status is displayed on the display means, the function corresponding to the selected icon-like image is displayed. When the user inputs an instruction to display the operation progress status, the operation progress status of the function corresponding to the selected icon-like image is displayed on the display unit by displaying a plurality of icon-like images. It is to be displayed .

  In this configuration, the function detection unit detects what functions can be executed, and the display control unit displays an icon-like image on the initial screen of the display unit, so that the user can display the display unit. By simply looking at the initial screen, you can easily understand which functions can be executed. In addition, since it is possible to display which functions can be executed as icon-like images in a small display area of the display means, it is possible to display which functions can be executed on the initial screen. Is done.

  Further, when selection of any icon-like image by the user is accepted by the selection accepting means, the display control means, based on the operation status of each function detected by the operation status detecting means, Since the detailed operation status of the function corresponding to the image is displayed on the display means, the user can easily grasp the detailed operation status of each function simply by looking at the screen displayed on the display means. .

Moreover, a more detailed operation status of the function corresponding to the selected icon-like images while displaying on said display means, that for displaying the operation progress of the function corresponding to the selected icon-like images When the user inputs the instruction, the display control unit performs the operation progress of the function corresponding to the selected icon-like image based on the operation status of each function detected by the operation status detection unit. Since the situation is displayed on the display means by displaying a plurality of icon-like images, if the user sees the plurality of icon-like images displayed on the display means, the operation of the function corresponding to the selected icon-like image proceeds. The situation can be easily grasped visually.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the display control unit displays an operation status of each function detected by the operation status detection unit. When the user inputs an instruction to display a list of operation status display examples based on the icon-like image, the list of operation status display examples based on the icon-like image is displayed. Are displayed on the display means.

In this configuration, when a user inputs an instruction to display a list of operation status display examples using icon-like images, the display control means displays a list of operation status display examples using the icon-like images on the display means. Therefore, the user can easily grasp what operation status the display of the icon-like image represents by looking at the display example list displayed on the display means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect , wherein icon-like images corresponding to the functions displayed on the display unit by the display control unit are displayed. The image change means to change is provided.

  In this configuration, the image changing means can change the icon-like image corresponding to each function displayed on the display means by the display control means, so that the user can display the icon-like image according to the preference on the display means. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the user can easily grasp which function can be executed only by looking at the initial screen displayed on the display means. In addition, since it is possible to display which functions can be executed in a small display area of the display means by icon-like images, it is possible to display which functions can be executed on the initial screen. Realized. Furthermore, since the user can know which function can be executed without calling another screen other than the initial screen on the display means, the operability is excellent. Further, if the user selects any of the displayed icon-like images, the detailed operation status of the function corresponding to the selected icon-like image is displayed on the display means. By simply looking at the screen displayed on the screen, it is possible to easily grasp the detailed operation status of each function.

Further, the user can easily visually grasp the operation progress status of the function corresponding to the selected icon-like image by looking at the plurality of icon-like images displayed on the display means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user can easily grasp what operation status the display of the icon-like image represents by looking at the display example list displayed on the display means. .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the user can cause the display unit to display an icon-like image according to preference.

  Hereinafter, a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the internal configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multi-function device 1 is a multi-function such as a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a copy function (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, each function refers to a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a copy function). However, the multifunction device 1 according to the present invention only needs to execute at least two functions of a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and a scanner function. The multi-function device 1 is arranged above the apparatus body 2, the stack tray 3 disposed on the left side of the apparatus body 2, the document reading unit 5 disposed on the upper part of the apparatus body 2, and the document reading unit 5. And a document feeding unit 6 provided.

An operation unit (operation means) 47 is provided on the front portion of the multifunction machine 1. The operation unit 47 displays a start key 471 for a user to input a print execution instruction, a ten key 472 for inputting the number of copies to be printed, operation guide information for various copying operations, and the like. A display unit (display means) 473 formed of a liquid crystal display or the like having a touch panel function, a reset key 474 for resetting setting contents set in the display unit 473,
A stop key 475 for stopping a printing (image forming) operation being executed and function switching keys 477 for switching between a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function are provided.

The document reading unit 5 includes a scanner unit 51 including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and an exposure lamp, and a document table 52 and a document reading slit 53 made of a transparent member such as glass. The scanner unit 51 is configured to be movable by a drive unit (not shown). When reading a document placed on the document table 52, the scanner unit 51 is moved along the document surface at a position facing the document table 52, and the document image is scanned. The image data acquired while scanning is output to the control unit 100 (FIG. 2). Further, when reading a document fed by the document feeding unit 6, the document is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 53 and synchronized with the document feeding operation by the document feeding unit 6 via the document reading slit 53. The image of the original is acquired, and the image data is output to the control unit 100.

  The document feeding unit 6 includes a document placing unit 61 for placing a document, a document discharge unit 62 for discharging a document whose image has been read, and a document placed on the document placing unit 61. A document transport mechanism 63 including a paper feed roller (not shown), a transport roller (not shown) and the like for feeding the paper one by one to a position facing the document reading slit 53 and discharging it to the document discharge section 62 is provided. The document conveyance mechanism 63 further includes a sheet reversing mechanism (not shown) that reverses the document and reversely conveys the document to a position facing the document reading slit 53, and scans both sides of the document through the document reading slit 53. 51 can be read.

  The document feeding unit 6 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body 2 so that the front side of the document feeding unit 6 can move upward. By moving the front side of the document feeder 6 upward to open the upper surface of the document table 52, the operator can place a read document, for example, a book in a spread state, on the upper surface of the document table 52. It has become.

  The apparatus main body 2 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 that feeds recording paper from the paper feed cassette 461 one by one and transports it to the recording unit 40, and a recording paper transported from the paper feed cassette 461. And a recording unit 40 that forms and records an image.

  The recording unit 40 records an optical unit 42 based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 51 to expose the photosensitive drum 43, and a developing unit 44 that forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 43. A transfer unit 41 for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 43 to the recording paper, a fixing unit 45 for fixing the toner image to the recording paper by heating the recording paper to which the toner image has been transferred, Conveying rollers 463, 464, etc. that are provided in the sheet conveying path and convey the recording sheet to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48.

  When forming images on both sides of the recording paper, the recording unit 40 forms an image on one side of the recording paper, and then the recording paper is nipped by the conveyance roller 463 on the discharge tray 48 side. . In this state, the conveyance roller 463 is reversed to switch back the recording paper, and the recording paper is sent to the paper conveyance path L and conveyed again to the upstream area of the recording unit 40, and an image is formed on the other surface by the recording unit 40. Thereafter, the recording paper is discharged to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction device 1 includes a control unit (control means) 100 that controls operation of the entire apparatus. The control unit 100 includes a scanner unit 51 that can read a document image including an exposure lamp 511, a CCD 512, and the like, and a recording unit 40 that includes a paper transport device 131, an image forming unit 132, a transfer unit 41, a fixing unit 45, and the like. And are connected. The control unit 100 also includes an image memory 140 in which document data read by the scanner unit 51 is temporarily stored, and a large capacity HDD (storage device) having a storage capacity capable of storing a large amount of document data. 150 is connected.

  Further, the icon image storage memory 200 stores an icon image displayed on the display unit 473 by the display control unit 107 described later. The icon image storage memory 200 stores icon images representing a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, and icon images indicating operation states of these functions. A plurality of types of icon images indicating these functions and the operation status of each function are prepared in the icon image storage memory 200, and the user can select a desired icon image (details will be described later).

  The image processing unit 160 converts an analog image signal output from the scanner unit 51 into a digital image when image reading is performed by the scanner unit 51, performs image processing for improving image quality, and then converts the image into a compressed image. This compressed image is written into the image memory 140. The control unit 100 can store the compressed image written in the image memory 140 in the HDD 150 as data to be managed by the document. When printing out a registered document, for example, data to be printed out is written out from the HDD 150 or each computer on the network to the image memory 140, and the image processing unit 160 decompresses the compressed data. Then, image processing according to the output state is performed. For example, in the case of laser exposure, analog modulation is performed on the laser signal. The recording unit 40 prints out based on the analog-modulated signal.

  The control unit 100 also functions as a scanner controller 101, a facsimile controller 102, a printer controller 103, a copy controller 104, and a network controller 105 that control each function that can be executed by the multifunction device 1.

  The scanner controller 101 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the operation of the scanner unit. The facsimile controller 102 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the facsimile operation, and controls the facsimile communication unit 170 that adjusts data necessary for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 170 is provided with an NCU (Network Control Unit) that controls connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile that is a data transmission / reception partner. The copy controller 104 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the copy operation.

The printer controller 103 performs operation control of each unit necessary for printer operation. The printer controller 103 includes a parallel I / F unit 181 that is connected to an external device by parallel transmission that transmits several bits at a time using a plurality of signal lines, and one bit at a time using a single signal line. A serial I / F unit 182 connected to an external device by serial transmission for sending data is connected.

  The network controller 105 controls data transmission / reception performed between the multifunction machine 1 and a computer connected via a LAN. The network controller 105 transmits / receives data to / from the outside via the network I / F unit 210.

  The operation unit 47 is used for inputting various instructions necessary for operation of the multifunction machine 1 from an operator (user). The operation unit 47 is composed of an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, and is input with a display unit 473 for displaying various operation messages necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 1, a printout execution instruction, the number of printouts of a document, and the like. And an operation key unit 470 including a numeric keypad. Note that the display unit 473 preferably includes a touch panel function so that an operator can input an instruction to execute a function associated with each displayed key by touching the touch panel.

The control unit 100 includes a function detection unit (function detection unit) 106 and a display control unit 107.
(Display control means), an operation status detection section (operation status detection means) 108, a selection reception section (selection reception means) 109, and an image change section (image change means stage) 110.

  The function detection unit 106 detects which of the facsimile function, the printer function, the copy function, and the scanner function can be executed in the multifunction machine 1. Functions such as a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and a scanner function can be executed when each function is added to the multi function device 1 as an option. Therefore, functions that are not added as an option cannot be executed. Therefore, the function detection unit 106 detects which of the above functions can be executed by the multifunction peripheral.

  The display control unit 107 reads the icon image corresponding to the function detected by the function detection unit 106 from the icon image storage memory 200, and displays the initial screen (printing paper size, density setting, printing magnification, sort processing, etc.) of the display unit 473. On the screen for performing basic settings at the time of image formation. When the display control unit 107 and the icon image storage memory 200 function in this way, the icon image storage memory 200 also functions as display control means in the claims.

  When the control unit 100 functions as the display control unit 107 in accordance with a program installed in the HDD 150 or the like, the icon image storage memory 200 is not necessary because the program has icon image data. When functioning in this way, the display control unit 107 functions as display control means in the claims.

  The operation status detection unit 108 detects the operation status of each function such as the facsimile function, printer function, copy function, and scanner function. The display control unit 107 reads the icon image corresponding to the operation status of each function detected by the operation status detection unit 108 from the icon image storage memory 200 and displays it on the initial screen of the display unit 473.

  The selection accepting unit 109 receives an input of selection of any icon image from the user by a touch panel function or the like provided in the display unit 473 for the image indicating each function displayed on the display unit 473 by the display control unit 107. Accept. When the selection accepting unit 109 accepts selection of any icon image, the display control unit 107 displays the selected icon image on the display unit 473 and corresponds to the selected icon image. A message representing a detailed operation status (described later) regarding the function is displayed on the display unit 473.

  The image changing unit 110 changes the icon image corresponding to each function displayed on the display unit 473 by the display control unit 107. The icon image storage memory 200 stores a plurality of icon images for representing the operation states of the respective functions, and the image change unit 110 is based on an icon image change instruction input by the user from the operation unit 47. Then, the association between each operation state of each function and the icon image for representing this is changed, and the icon image is changed according to the instruction input by the user. The changed icon image is displayed on the display unit 473 by the display control unit 107.

  Next, processing when displaying an icon image on the initial screen of the display unit 473 as to which of the facsimile function, printer function, copy function, and scanner function can be executed in the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing this processing, FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a state in which executable functions are displayed as icon images on the initial screen of the display unit 473, and FIGS. It is a figure which shows the state by which the operation condition of each function was displayed on the initial screen with the icon image.

First, the function detection unit 106 detects whether the multifunction machine 1 can execute any one of the facsimile function, the printer function, the copy function, and the scanner function (S1). Subsequently, with respect to the function detected by the function detection unit 106 as being executable by the function detection unit 108, the operation status (for example, in the case of a facsimile function, whether it is in a standby state, is receiving a call, received data, Or the like) is detected (S2). The display control unit 107 reads out an icon image corresponding to the operation status of each function from the icon image storage memory 200 based on the detection results by the function detection unit 106 and the operation status detection unit 108 (S3), and displays the display unit. 473 is displayed as a part of the initial screen (S4).

  For example, the function detection unit 106 detects that the copy function, the printer function, and the facsimile function can be executed, and the operation status detection unit 108 detects that all the functions are not operating and is on standby. In this case, the display control unit 107 is an icon image indicating a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and each copy function display icon image 4731, printer function display icon image 4732, and facsimile function display indicating standby. The icon image 4733 for use is read from the icon image storage memory 200, and the icon images 4731, 4732, and 4733 are displayed on the display unit 473 as shown in FIG. This icon display allows the user to visually recognize that each function can be executed. Note that the function that the function detection unit 106 cannot determine that the option is not added and the function detection unit 106 cannot determine whether the display control unit 107 displays an icon image displayed with a broken line or the like or does not display the icon image itself on the display unit 473. Like that.

  The function detection unit 106 detects that the copy function, the printer function, and the facsimile function can be executed, and the operation status detection unit 108 waits for the copy function, the printer function is out of order, and cannot be used. When the received data is being printed, the display control unit 107 displays an icon image 4731 indicating that the copy function is waiting, an icon image 4734 indicating that the printer function is out of order, and the facsimile function indicates that the received data is being received. Is read from the icon image storage memory 200, and these icon images 4731, 4734, and 4735 are displayed on the display unit 473 as shown in FIG.

  The function detection unit 106 detects that the copy function, the printer function, and the facsimile function can be executed, and the operation status detection unit 108 waits for the copy function and the printer function, and the facsimile function is in communication (destination). When it is detected that communication such as reception of a call from the facsimile apparatus and transmission of read data to the other party's facsimile apparatus is being performed and the received data is not printed), the display control unit 107 4 reads icon images 4731 and 4732 indicating that the copy function and the printer function are waiting, and icon image 4736 indicating that the facsimile function is communicating from the icon image storage memory 200, and these icons are displayed as shown in FIG. Images 4731, 4732 and 4736 are displayed on the display unit 473.

  Next, a description will be given of processing when the MFP 1 displays a more detailed operation status of each function and a display example list of icon images indicating the operation status of each function. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing this processing, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen displaying more detailed operation status of the facsimile function, and FIG. 7 is a list of icon image display examples showing the operation status of the facsimile function. It is a figure showing the example of a display of a screen.

When the display control unit 107 displays the initial screen on the display unit 473 (S4), when the selection receiving unit 109 receives selection of any icon image by the user (YES in S12), the operation status detection unit 108. Detects the detailed operation status of the function corresponding to the selected icon image (S13). In addition, when the user touches the icon display portion of the display unit 473, the user selects the icon image by the touch panel function provided in the display unit 473. The information is input to the display unit 473 and received by the selection receiving unit 109. In addition, in addition to detecting whether each function is in standby or printing, the operation status detection unit 108, for example, in the case of a facsimile function, data such as a transmission destination or reception partner, the number of transmission or reception, and communication time It detects even detailed information in communications.

  As described above, when the operation status detection unit 108 detects the detailed operation status of the function corresponding to the selected icon image, the display control unit 107 responds to the detected operation status based on the detection result. The icon image to be read is read from the icon image storage memory 200 (S14). In this case, the display control unit 107 displays an icon image corresponding to a detection result (that is, not the above detailed detection result) detected by the operation state detection unit 108 such as waiting or printing in the icon image storage memory. Read from 200. Then, the display control unit 107 creates a message representing the detailed operation status detected by the operation status detection unit 108 for display on the display unit 473 (S15). The display control unit 107 switches the initial setting screen and causes the display unit 473 to display an operation status display screen (for example, a screen regarding the facsimile function shown in FIG. 6) including the read icon image and the created message. (S16). The display control unit 107 displays a message indicating the operation status detected by the operation status detection unit 108 at the top of the operation status display screen so that the user can easily understand the operation status of the function.

  For example, in the case of the facsimile function, the display control unit 107 enlarges the icon image read from the icon image storage memory 200 as shown in FIG. In addition, various kinds of detailed information in data communication such as a transmission destination or reception partner, the number of transmission or reception, a communication time, and the like are displayed, and a “list” key 4737 is displayed. When the “list” key 4737 is pressed by the user while the operation status display screen is displayed (YES in S17), the display control unit 107 displays icons indicating each operation status of the function from the icon image storage memory 200. The image is read (S18), and as shown in FIG. 7, a screen showing a list of display examples when the icon image indicates each operation status is displayed (S19). Thereby, the user can grasp | ascertain the meaning (contents of operation condition) which each icon image shows at a glance.

  Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of processing when the multifunction device 1 displays a more detailed operation status of each function and a list of display examples of icon images indicating the operation status of each function. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing this processing, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a more detailed operation status display screen of the facsimile function, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display screen showing the operation progress status of the facsimile function. . In addition, about the process similar to FIG. 5, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 5, a display screen of a list of display examples of icon images indicating the operation status of each function is displayed. However, a screen for displaying the operation progress status of each function as an icon image is further displayed. May be. The display control unit 107 displays the “progress status” key 4738 on the operation status display screen (S16), and when the “progress status” key 4738 is pressed (“progress status” in S21), The display control unit 107 reads out icon images indicating the operation states of the function from the icon image storage memory 200 (S22). For example, as illustrated in FIG. The progress image display screen is displayed on the display unit 473 in such a manner that the icon image indicating the operation is indicated by a solid line and the icon image indicating an operation not currently being executed is indicated by a broken line (S23). Thus, the user can grasp the operation progress status of the function at a glance by looking at the progress status display screen on which a plurality of icon images are displayed.

Further, in the multifunction device 1, an icon image indicating the operation of each function may be changed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing when changing an icon image indicating the operation of each function, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for selecting an icon image.

  When the display control unit 107 displays the initial screen on the display unit 473 (S4), when the selection receiving unit 109 receives selection of any icon image by the user using the touch panel function or the like (YES in S12). The display control unit 107 reads an icon image that is a candidate for change from the icon image storage memory 200 (S31), and displays an icon image selection screen on the display unit 473, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 (S32). In this icon image selection screen, when the selection receiving unit 109 receives selection of any icon image by the user (YES in S33), the display control unit 107 selects the icon image corresponding to the operation of the function. The association between the operation of the function and the icon image indicating this is changed so that the icon image is displayed (S34). Hereinafter, the icon image read from the icon image storage memory 200 in order to display the operation of the function on the display unit 473 is referred to as a changed icon image.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, when the multifunction device 1 is executing any one of the scanner function, the facsimile function, the printer function, and the copy function, other functions that cannot be executed by executing the function, or the function Other functions that can be executed even when executing the above may be displayed on the display unit 473 as icon images. For example, while receiving data is being printed by the facsimile function, printing by the printer function, printing by the copy function, etc. cannot be performed, so an icon image indicating that printing by the printer function or printing by the copy function cannot be performed is displayed. The unit 107 displays on the display unit 473. Further, since the document reading or the like by the scanner function can be executed even while the received data is being printed by the facsimile function, the display control unit 107 displays an icon image indicating that the scanner function can be executed. 473 is displayed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, description is made on the assumption that each function or operation status is indicated by an icon image. If so, it may be an image that is not called an icon. Such images are collectively referred to as icon-like images in the claims of the present application.

  The configuration and processing of the multifunction device 1 are shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, but these configuration and processing are merely examples, and the configuration and processing of the multifunction device 1 according to the present invention are limited to the above. is not.

1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine. 10 is a flowchart showing processing when displaying an icon image on the initial screen of the display unit as to which of the facsimile function, printer function, copy function, and scanner function can be executed in the multifunction peripheral. (A) is a diagram showing a state in which executable functions are displayed as icon images on the initial screen of the display unit, (b) and (c) are initial screens of the display unit, and the operation status of each function is an icon image. It is a figure which shows the displayed state. In the multi-function peripheral, a process in the case of displaying a more detailed operation status of each function of a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and a scanner function and a display example list of icon images indicating each operation status of each of these functions is shown. It is a flowchart. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen which displays the further detailed operation | movement condition of a facsimile function. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen which displays the example of a display of the icon image which shows the operation | movement condition of a facsimile function. In the multi-function peripheral, a process for displaying a detailed operation status of each function of the facsimile function, printer function, copy function, and scanner function and a display example list of icon images indicating the operation status of each function. It is a flowchart which shows 2 embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the more detailed operation | movement condition display screen of a facsimile function. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen which shows the operation progress status of a facsimile function. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of changing the icon image which shows operation | movement of each function of a facsimile function. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen which selects an icon image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction device 100 Control part 106 Function detection part 107 Display control part 108 Operation | movement condition detection part 109 Selection reception part 110 Image change part 200 Icon image storage memory 4731 thru | or 4736 Icon image 4737 "List" key 4738 "Progress status" key

Claims (3)

An image forming apparatus that includes a display unit that displays a function of image forming processing, and that executes at least two functions of a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and a scanner function,
Function detection means for detecting which of the functions is executable;
Display control means for displaying the function detected by the function detection means as an icon image on the initial screen of the display means;
An operation status detecting means for detecting an operation status of each function;
Selection accepting means for accepting which icon-like image is selected by the user for the icon-like images indicating the respective functions displayed on the display means by the display control means;
The display control means is selected when one of the icon-like images is selected by the selection receiving means based on the operation status of each function detected by the operation status detection means. When the detailed operation status of the function corresponding to the icon-like image is displayed on the display means and the detailed operation status is displayed on the display means, the function corresponding to the selected icon-like image is displayed. When the user inputs an instruction to display the operation progress status, the operation progress status of the function corresponding to the selected icon-like image is displayed on the display unit by displaying a plurality of icon-like images. An image forming apparatus to display . The display control means displays the operation status of each function detected by the operation status detection means as the icon-like image on the initial screen of the display means, and a list of operation status display examples based on the icon-like image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when a user inputs an instruction to display, a list of operation status display examples based on the icon-like image is displayed on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image changing unit that changes an icon-like image corresponding to each function displayed on the display unit by the display control unit .

Images