JP4348986B2 - Image forming apparatus and operation unit display method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an operation unit display method suitable for being applied to a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, etc. having an operation unit such as a touch panel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As one of conventional image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine, there is an image forming apparatus that uses an image display device having a touch panel as an operation display unit in addition to a key input unit such as a numeric keypad. In recent years, there is also an image forming apparatus that performs all input operations on a display screen of a touch panel.
[0003]
In such an image forming apparatus, since a plurality of operation screens are switched and necessary operation screens are displayed when necessary, workability and operability can be improved. In addition, the image display device tends to be improved in viewability and operability by changing from a monochrome screen to a color screen.
[0004]
Recent image forming apparatuses, such as copying machines, are equipped with a microcomputer so that complicated copying processes can be easily controlled by a control program. Therefore, many functions such as a simple trouble check display such as out of paper and paper jam and a count display of the number of copies have been added. In the advanced model, the type that can make double-sided copying, the type that can use the sorter function to distribute the copied recording paper one by one, or another copying work while doing a certain copying work There have been various proposals to improve the convenience and efficiency of the operator, such as a type that can set an interrupt copy mode that allows the previous copy operation to continue continuously after the interrupt copy is completed. It is provided.
[0005]
Each of the various functions as described above is provided with a key for operation, and a display relating to the function operation is also displayed on the display screen of the operation unit. The operation keys and items to be displayed increase in a correlated manner. The operation unit of the image forming apparatus is generally provided in the upper surface area of the apparatus housing. However, it is difficult to arrange all the increased operation keys and the display screen in a planar manner on the upper surface area of the housing. If the keys and the display screen are made small so as to be within the limited range, the operability is deteriorated, and the arrangement of a large number of keys may give an impression that the operation is extremely complicated.
[0006]
Therefore, only basic keys such as the start key and numeric keypad are used as mechanical keys, and the setting and operation keys for various functions are displayed by switching the key part with a touch panel using liquid crystal. Things are in practical use. Such an image forming apparatus is displayed for each branched function step, and the operation display section is refreshed by switching the screen. In other words, the function keys (function selection buttons) and the like are organized and accommodated hierarchically. . In addition, the adoption of icons and function setting sub-screens (hereinafter referred to as “pop-up screens”) and ingenuity of screen layout have been made to alleviate the complexity of operations.
[0007]
FIG. 11 shows a display example when a conventional function selection button is selected. The operation unit display screen as shown in FIG. 11 is a display method in which a pop-up screen is displayed so as to overlap a part of the operation screen by pressing a function selection button.
[0008]
As shown in FIG. 11, when setting the finish of an image-formed sheet, the “detail setting” function is selected by touching the function selection button E “detail setting”. The selected function selection button E is inverted from white to black, and at the same time, a pop-up screen G corresponding to the function selection button E is displayed. The pop-up screen G is associated with a function selection button E and a balloon F. The operator grasps the correspondence between the pop-up screen G displayed from the balloon F and the function selection button E, and performs the next setting operation.
[0009]
In this case, the pop-up screen G displays a plurality of function selection buttons related to “paper discharge tray”, “double-side binding direction”, “stapling”, “main tray post-processing”, and “cutting processing”. By selecting the displayed function selection button, the finish of the image-formed sheet is set.
[0010]
Such an operation screen is composed of a plurality of screen parts. Data of screen parts constituting the operation screen (screen data) is stored in advance in the screen data storage unit. For example, the screen data is stored in the screen data storage unit by defining a pre-selected state (for example, a white button), a selected state (for example, a black button), or a pop-up screen background part to be displayed at the time of pop-up. Yes.
[0011]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of conventional screen data. As shown in FIG. 12, the screen data 1 is background data of the basic screen. Various function selection buttons are displayed on the background of the basic screen depending on the machine state. The screen data 2 is data of the function setting button E in an unselected state. The screen data 3 is data of the function setting button E in a state where it is in a state. The screen data 4 is background data of the pop-up screen G corresponding to the function setting button E.
[0012]
When displaying a display screen of a predetermined machine state, for example, the header of the screen data 1 is specified and read from the data storage unit. At this time, if the function selection button E is not selected, the header of the screen data 2 is specified. And read and paste it at a predetermined position. At this time, if the function selection button E is selected, the header of the screen data 3 is designated and read and pasted at a predetermined position. Further, if there is a pop-up screen G corresponding to the function selection button E, the header of the screen data 4 is designated and read, and the pop-up background part is pasted at a predetermined position. The other buttons on the basic screen and the buttons on the pop-up screen are processed in the same manner as the function selection button E.
[0013]
When selecting a function, as in the operation example shown in FIG. 13, first, in step S31, the operator selects a function selection button. Next, in step S32, the selected function selection button part is read. If there is a pop-up screen corresponding to the selected function selection button, the pop-up background part and the balloon part are read in step S33. In step S34, a screen is displayed based on the read screen data (see FIG. 11).
[0014]
In addition, an operation unit for an image forming apparatus that can simultaneously display two or more pop-up screens on an operation screen has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0015]
In this case, for example, a setting screen for reading originals and a screen for making settings relating to image formation can be simultaneously displayed in a pop-up, and can be set at the same time. In such an image forming apparatus operation unit, a character indicating a function selection button on the pop-up screen is associated with the function selection button.
[0016]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-194668 (pages 3, 4 and 8)
[0017]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the above-described copying machine and the operation unit for the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when there are many function selection buttons in the background, it is possible to determine which function selection button is the pop-up screen due to selection. There was a problem that it was difficult. In particular, when there are many contents such as buttons to be displayed on the screen, since the balloon part indicating the correspondence between the function selection button and the pop-up screen is small, the correspondence between the function selection button and the corresponding pop-up screen is difficult to recognize.
[0018]
Moreover, in the conventional pop-up screen, since the function selection button corresponding to the pop-up screen is specified by displaying the selected function selection button using a balloon, the operation screen layout is fixed. there were.
[0019]
Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described problems, and makes it easy to understand the relationship between the selected function selection button and the corresponding pop-up screen, and also improves the degree of freedom of the operation screen layout. It is an object of the present invention to provide a forming apparatus and an operation unit display method.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus that forms an image in accordance with a selection operation of an image forming function, at least, Multiple function selection buttons for selecting image forming functions , Basic screen behind function setting buttons, multiple function selection buttons Function settings corresponding to Child screen One of Display section for displaying and function selection Function selector Have , Via the function selector Press the function selection button displayed on the display. Select operation An operation unit; When the function selection button is selected on the operation unit, Choice operation Function selection button and Function setting sub-screen Basic Overlaying part of the screen The display color of the function selection button and the background color of the function setting screen are the same color on the display. Display control means for controlling the display to display Get It is characterized by this.
[0021]
According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, When the function selection button is selected on the operation unit Further, the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the function selector screen corresponding to the function selection button are displayed in the same color under the control of the display control means.
[0022]
As a result, even if there are many buttons on the pop-up screen (function selector screen), which function selection button But Choice Been Pop-up screen Is displayed This makes it easy to understand the range of the next selection operation. In addition, since the relationship between the function selection buttons and the corresponding pop-up screens can be seen in color, there is no need to take a corresponding action by using a balloon, and the pop-up screen can be placed at a position away from the function selection buttons. It is possible to improve the degree of freedom.
[0023]
The operation unit display method according to the present invention is displayed on the display screen. For function selection Function selection button Select operation via the function selector A method for displaying an operation screen of an operation unit, Display the function selection button and the basic screen behind this function selection button, Select a function selection button when selecting a function operation And When the function selection button is selected on the operation unit, Choice operation Was The function selection button and the function setting screen corresponding to the function selection button are overlapped on a part of the basic screen, Function selection button display color and The machine The background color of the function setting sub-screen is displayed in the same color.
[0024]
According to the operation unit display method according to the present invention, when the function setting sub-screen of the operation unit is displayed, any function selection button can be displayed even if there are a large number of buttons on the pop-up screen (function setting sub-screen). But Choice Been Pop-up screen Is displayed This makes it easy to understand the range of the next selection operation. In addition, since the relationship between the function selection buttons and the corresponding pop-up screens can be seen in color, there is no need to take a corresponding action by using a balloon, and the pop-up screen can be placed at a position away from the function selection buttons. It is possible to improve the degree of freedom.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and an operation unit display method as embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
In this embodiment, there is provided display control means for performing display control so that a function selection button selected by the operation unit and a function setting sub-screen corresponding to the function selection button are displayed so as to overlap a part of the function setting screen. When a function related to image formation is selected, the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the function setting screen (pop-up screen) corresponding to the function selection button are displayed in the same color. This makes it easy to understand the correspondence between the function selection buttons and the corresponding pop-up screens, makes it easy to determine the range of the next selection operation, and there is no need to take action by using a balloon, so the operation screen layout is free. The degree can be improved.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a copying machine that reads a document image, processes the read image data, forms an image on a sheet, and post-processes the sheet on which the image is formed and then discharges the sheet.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image input unit 10, an image processing unit 20, a main body control unit 30, a touch panel 40, an operation unit control unit 41, a first storage unit 42, The second storage unit 43, the color information acquisition unit 44, the color information rewriting unit 45, the printing unit 50, and the post-processing device 60 are included.
[0029]
The image input unit 10 reads an original image by exposing and scanning an arbitrary original. For example, an image scanner using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is used. The image input unit 10 is connected to the image processing unit 20 and the main body control unit 30. Image data read by the image input unit 10 is input to the image processing unit 20. The reading operation of the image input unit 10 is controlled by the main body control unit 30.
[0030]
The image processing unit 20 includes an image processing circuit. The image processing unit 20 is connected to the image input unit 10 and the main body control unit 30. The analog signal photoelectrically converted by the image input unit 10 is A / D converted, subjected to shading correction and interline correction processing, and then subjected to image compression processing and the like. The image processing operation of the image processing unit 20 is controlled by the main body control unit 30.
[0031]
The main body control unit 30 controls operations of the image forming apparatus 100 such as image reading, image processing, image formation, paper feeding, conveyance, paper discharge, and post-processing. The main body control unit 30 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The ROM stores a control program for the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100 using the RAM as a work area according to the control program information stored in the ROM. .
[0032]
The main body control unit 30 controls the image input unit 10 in accordance with a processing mode designated by the operator, reads an image of a document, and then processes the read image data in the image processing unit 20. Then, a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by the printing unit 50, and the image is transferred and fixed on the paper conveyed from the paper feed cassette, and then the image-formed paper is discharged.
[0033]
The touch panel 40 includes a display unit 40a that displays an operation screen for selecting an image forming function, and an operation unit 40b that is operated so as to touch a function selection button displayed on the operation screen. The touch panel 40 is connected to the operation unit control unit 41. An input signal from the operation unit 40 b is transmitted to the operation unit control unit 41. A display signal from the operation unit control unit 41 is transmitted to the display unit 40a.
[0034]
When a function related to image formation is selected using the touch panel 40, when the operator touches a function selection button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 40, the function selection button is selected. Thereby, a pop-up screen corresponding to the selected function selection button is displayed. In addition, when a function selection button in the pop-up screen is selected and the “OK” button is pressed, a predetermined image forming function is set.
[0035]
Here, the touch panel 40 refers to an input device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc., and a touch panel for detecting the coordinate position corresponding to the button position of the display panel, a mouse, and the like. It is a device including.
[0036]
The operation unit control unit 41 includes a CPU 30a, a ROM 30b, and a RAM 30c, and controls the operation of the operation unit 40b. The CPU 30 a also functions as the color information acquisition unit 44 and the color information rewriting unit 45. The ROM 30b stores a control program and screen data for the touch panel 40. The ROM 30b also includes first storage means 42 for storing display color information of function selection buttons (hereinafter referred to as “color information”); And second storage means 43 for storing background color information of the pop-up screen.
[0037]
The operation unit control unit 41 also functions as a display control unit. For example, when the function is selected, when the operator selects a predetermined function selection button by touching the function selection button of the operation unit, the selected function selection button and the function selection button are selected by the operation unit control unit 41. Screen data related to the pop-up screen corresponding to the button is read from the ROM 30b, and the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen corresponding to the button are the same color based on the read screen data. Control to display.
[0038]
The first storage means 42 stores color information of a plurality of function selection means in advance. In the second storage / storage means 43, the background color of the pop-up screen is stored in advance. When the function selection button is selected, the color information acquisition unit 44 acquires the color information of the function selection button selected from the first storage unit 42. When the function selection button is selected, the color information rewriting unit 45 rewrites the background color information of the pop-up screen corresponding to the function selection button with the color information of the selected function selection button acquired by the color information acquisition unit 44. It is made like.
[0039]
The printing unit 50 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data. The printing unit 50 is connected to the main body control unit 30, and based on the image data processed by the image processing unit 20, the photosensitive drum is charged and exposed to form a latent image, and the image is transferred to a sheet. . After the paper carrying the image is fixed, it is discharged from the paper discharge unit. The discharged paper after image formation is supplied to the post-processing device 60.
[0040]
The post-processing device 60 performs post-processing such as a half-fold position, Z-fold, binding position, punch position, and double-sided layout on the image-formed paper. The post-processing device 60 is disposed after the printing unit 50. The finisher control unit 60 a is connected to the main body control unit 30. The post-processing operation in the post-processing device 60 is controlled by the finisher control unit 60a. The finisher control unit 60a is controlled by a control signal from the main body control unit 30. The paper processed by the post-processing device 60 is discharged to a paper discharge tray.
[0041]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a signal processing system for function selection. As shown in FIG. 2, the signal processing system related to function selection of the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 40b, an operation input processing circuit 40c, a CPU 30a, a ROM 30b, a ROM 30c, a display processing circuit 40d, and a display unit 40a.
[0042]
When selecting a function related to image formation, a function selection button is selected from the touch panel 40, an operation input process related to the function selection button selected by the operation input processing circuit 40c is performed, and the processed input signal is input to the CPU 30a. . Based on the input signal, the CPU 30a reads display screen data corresponding to the read signal from the ROM 30b, develops it on the RAM 30c, performs processing, and supplies it to the display processing circuit 40d. The display signal processed by the display processing circuit 40d is input to the display unit (liquid crystal panel) 40a of the touch panel 40. As a result, a pop-up screen corresponding to the selected function selection button is displayed on the function selection screen. In this case, the color information of the function selection button selected by the color acquisition unit 44 is acquired, and the background color information of the pop-up screen corresponding to the function selection button selected by the color information rewriting unit 45 is rewritten with the acquired color information. . The display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen are displayed in the same color.
[0043]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the basic screen of the operation unit 40b. In this case, it is a basic screen in the copy mode. The background color of this screen is, for example, gray. The background color of the basic screen may be another color.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 3, mode selection buttons M1, M2, and the like for selecting a mode such as “copy” and “scanner” are provided at the top of the display screen. When any one of these mode selection buttons M1, M2, etc. is selected, a corresponding basic screen is displayed.
[0045]
In addition, a message area A is provided on the basic screen for displaying messages such as operation status and function setting contents. In this example, the contents such as “copy can be reserved”, “number of set copies 001”, “number of reserved jobs 2”, and “document count 0” are displayed.
[0046]
The area below the message area A has a plurality of function selection buttons such as “original setting” B1, “image quality setting” B2, “magnification setting” B3, “application setting” B4, “output setting” B5, and the like. The function setting button is displayed. When any one of these function selection buttons is touched (selected), a pop-up screen corresponding to the selected function selection button is displayed.
[0047]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the function selection button is selected. The screen shown in FIG. 4 is a screen in which the pop-up screen P4 corresponding to the function selection button B4 is displayed on the basic screen by selecting the function selection button B4 on the basic screen of FIG. 3 described above.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 4, a pop-up screen P4 is displayed in a part of the basic screen. The display color of the selected function selection button B4 and the background color of the pop-up screen P4 are displayed in the same color, for example, blue. As a result, the relationship between the function selection button B4 and the pop-up screen P4, that is, the correspondence relationship that is the pop-up screen P4 displayed by selecting the function selection button B4 can be easily understood, and the range of the next selection operation can be easily performed. Can be judged.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 4, the pop-up screen P4 is provided with a plurality of function selection buttons for setting “page editing”, for example, “inter sheet”, “chapter division”, and the like. Also, a plurality of function selection buttons for setting “image application”, for example, “automatic erasure outside of document”, “black / white reversal”, and the like are provided. When any one of these function selection buttons is touched (selected) and the “OK” button at the bottom of the pop-up screen P4 is pressed, the function corresponding to the selected function selection button is set.
[0050]
“Standard return” and “Cancel” buttons are displayed at the bottom of the pop-up screen P4 shown in FIG. Press the “Standard return” button to return to the first basic screen. If the “Cancel” button is pressed, the selection of the function selection button B4 is canceled and the screen returns to the previous screen. In the case of this example, the screen returns to the basic screen shown in FIG.
[0051]
When another function selection button, for example, the function selection button B5 (output setting) is selected, the display color of the function selection button B5 and the function selection button B5 correspond to the function selection button B5 as in the case of the function selection button B4 described above. The background color of the pop-up screen (not shown) is displayed in blue.
[0052]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of screen data. Data of parts constituting the screen (screen data) is stored in the screen data storage section of the ROM 30b. As shown in FIG. 5, the screen data 1 is background data of the basic screen. Various function selection buttons B1 to B5 are displayed on the background of the basic screen depending on the machine state. The screen data 2 is data of the function setting button B4 in an unselected state. The screen data 3 is data of the function setting button B4 in a state where it is in a state. The display color of the function selection button B4 corresponding to the screen data 3 is, for example, blue. The screen data 4 is data of a pop-up screen P4 corresponding to the function setting button B4. Each screen data has header information to which color information or the like is added. Here, the color information defines, for example, 16 colors of 4 bits for each dot constituting the screen, and this color information determines which color is displayed from the RGB color table. ing.
[0053]
When displaying the display screen of a predetermined machine state, the header of the screen data 1 is designated and read from the data storage unit. At this time, if the function selection button B4 is not selected, the header of the screen data 2 is designated. Read out and paste it at a predetermined position. At this time, if the function selection button B4 is selected, the header of the screen data 3 is designated and read and pasted at a predetermined position. Further, if there is a pop-up screen P4 corresponding to the function selection button B4, the header of the screen data 4 is designated and read, and the background color information of the pop-up screen P4 is rewritten with the color information of the selected function selection button B4. The color of the pop-up background part is determined based on the obtained color information, and the pop-up background part is pasted at a predetermined position. The other buttons on the basic screen and the buttons on the pop-up screen are processed in the same manner as the function selection button B4.
[0054]
Hereinafter, regarding the operation unit display method, an operation at the time of image formation in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example during image formation, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example during function selection.
[0055]
Here, in the image forming apparatus 100, when function setting is performed using the touch panel 40, it is assumed that the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the corresponding pop-up screen are displayed in the same color. To do.
[0056]
With this as an operating condition, the main body control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 controls as follows.
First, function selection is performed in step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation in step S1 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0057]
In step S11 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the function selection button is selected. For example, when the function selection button B4 is touched on the basic screen in the copy mode as shown in FIG. 3, the function selection button B4 is selected.
[0058]
If the function selection button B4 is selected in step S11, the selected function selection button part is read from the ROM 30b in step S12. At this time, for example, the screen data 3 (see FIG. 5) is read by designating the header of the screen data 3 corresponding to the function selection button B4.
[0059]
Next, in step S13, color information is acquired from the header of the function selection button part. For example, the color information (for example, blue) of the function selection button B4 is acquired from the header of the read screen data 3. Next, in step S14, the pop-up background part is read out. For example, the screen data 4 shown in FIG. 5 is read out.
[0060]
In step S15, the background color information of the pop-up is rewritten with the color information of the function selection button. Here, the color information is rewritten on the read screen data 4 of the pop-up background part so that the color information of the pop-up background part is the same as the color information (blue) of the function selection button B4. The
[0061]
Next, in step S16, a screen is displayed based on the read screen data. In this case, after determining the display color of the function selection button B4 and the background color of the pop-up screen P4 selected from the color information of the screen data (screen data 3, screen data 4, etc.) obtained so far, the screen data is the data. It is supplied to the display processing circuit 40d. The display signal processed by the display processing circuit 40d is input to the display unit 40a of the touch panel 40, and the display color of the selected function selection button B4 and the background color of the pop-up screen P4 are displayed in the same color (blue).
[0062]
In this way, the parts constituting the screen are sequentially read and displayed on the display unit 40a. For example, a screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. Then, when the operator selects the function selection button on the pop-up screen P4 and presses the OK button, the function selection ends.
[0063]
As described above, after selecting a function in step S1, a document image is read in step S2. Here, in the image input unit 10, for example, the original is conveyed one by one to the reading unit, and the original image is read by the CCD image sensor. The read image data is output to the image processing unit 20.
[0064]
Next, in step S3, image processing is performed on the image data input from the image input unit 10. For example, analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, interline correction processing, image compression processing, and the like are performed on the input image data. The processed image data is supplied to the printing unit 50.
[0065]
In step S4, an image forming process is performed. Here, based on the image data subjected to the image processing, the photosensitive drum is charged, exposed, a latent image is formed, and the image is transferred to the sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding cassette.
[0066]
Next, in step S5, the image transferred to the paper is fixed. In step S6, the sheet on which the image is fixed is conveyed to the post-processing device 60. After the post-processing designated in advance by the post-processing device 60 is performed, the paper is discharged and the operation is finished.
[0067]
As described above, in this embodiment, screen data of a plurality of function selection buttons and corresponding pop-up screens are stored in advance in the ROM 30b, and each screen data has header information to which color information or the like is added. Yes. When the operator selects a function selection button B4 of the operation unit 40b when selecting a function related to image formation, the selected function selection button B4 and the screen data of the pop-up screen P4 corresponding to the function selection button B4 are read from the ROM 30b. After rewriting color information, the display color of the function selection button B4 selected based on the screen data and the background color of the pop-up screen P4 corresponding to the function selection button B4 are displayed in the same color.
[0068]
As a result, even if there are a large number of buttons on the pop-up screen, it is easy to understand which pop-up screen is displayed by selecting which function selection button, and the range of the next selection operation can be easily determined. it can. In addition, since the correspondence between the function selection button and the corresponding pop-up screen is known in color, it is not necessary to take a correspondence by a balloon, and the pop-up screen can be arranged at a position away from the function selection button, that is, the operation screen The degree of freedom of layout can be improved.
[0069]
In the above-described embodiment, the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the corresponding function setting screen are set to the same color (for example, blue) for all function selection buttons. Although shown, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of function selection buttons and the background of the function setting screen corresponding to each function selection button may be displayed in a different color for each function. For example, green is used for the function selection button B1 (document setting), yellow is used for the function selection button B2 (image quality setting), and brown is used for the function selection button B3 (magnification setting). Blue can be used for B4 (application setting).
[0070]
In this case, it can be recognized from the change in display color that a different function selection has been operated, so it can be confirmed whether or not the function setting operation is incorrect.
[0071]
In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which screen data including information related to the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the corresponding function setting screen is preset and stored in the ROM 30b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the function setting sub-screen corresponding to them may be set freely by the operator.
[0072]
For example, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with color setting means for setting the display color of the function selection button and the background color of the function setting screen corresponding to the function selection button. The operator uses the color setting means to set the display color of the function selection button and the background color of the function setting sub-screen corresponding to the function selection button, and the display color of the set function selection button and the function selection button The setting information related to the background color of the function setting sub-screen corresponding to is stored in the RAM 30c.
[0073]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a color setting screen for function selection buttons. As shown in FIG. 8, function selection buttons are arranged on the left side of the screen. A color selection button is located on the right side of the screen.
[0074]
When the operator wants to set the color of the function selection button according to his / her preference, for example, the color selection button is pressed to display the selection screen shown in FIG. 8 on the operation screen, and the up / down buttons on the left side of the screen Select the function selection button. When the color button on the right side of the screen is selected and the OK button is pressed for the selected function selection button, the display color of the selected function selection button is set.
[0075]
Here, the color of the function selection button can be set by writing the selected color information in the header of the screen part. By selecting a function selection button from the touch panel 40 when selecting a function related to image formation, the background color of the pop-up screen displayed with reference to the color information of the selected function selection button can also be determined.
[0076]
Thereby, the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen corresponding to the function selection button can be freely changed according to the preference of the operator.
[0077]
Further, a selection unit that can select whether or not the display color of the function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen are the same may be provided.
[0078]
For example, before selecting a function, a screen for selecting whether the display color of the function selection button is the same as the background color of the pop-up screen on the operation screen is displayed. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the selection screen. When the “YES” button displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 9 is selected and the OK button is pressed, the display color of the function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen are made the same when selecting the function. Is set. When the “NO” button displayed on the screen is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 9 and the OK button is pressed, there is a relationship between the display color of the function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen when selecting the function. For example, different colors are displayed.
[0079]
In this case, the operation at the time of function selection is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step S21 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, a function selection button is selected. For example, the function selection button is selected on the basic screen. Next, in step S22, the selected function selection button part is read from the ROM 30b.
[0080]
Next, in step S23, it is determined whether or not the background color of the pop-up screen is matched with the function selection button. If it is determined that the display color of the function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen are the same, that is, if the operator selects the “YES” button on the screen shown in FIG. 9, the function is selected in the next step S24. Color information is acquired from the header of the selection button part.
[0081]
Next, in step S25, the pop-up background part is read out. Here, the background part of the pop-up screen corresponding to the function selection button is read out. Next, in step S26, the pop-up color information is rewritten to the color information of the function selection button. Here, the color information of the pop-up background part is made the same as the color information of the function selection button.
[0082]
In step S28, a screen is displayed based on the obtained data. In this case, the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen are displayed in the same color.
[0083]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the display color of the function selection button and the background color of the pop-up screen are not the same, that is, if the “NO” button is selected on the screen shown in FIG. In step S27, the pop-up background part is read out. Here, the background part of the pop-up screen corresponding to the function selection button is read out. In step S28, a screen is displayed based on the read screen data. In this case, the background color of the pop-up screen is displayed in a color based on preset color information and has no relation to the display color of the function selection button.
[0084]
In this way, the parts constituting the screen are sequentially read and displayed on the display unit 40a. Then, when the operator selects the function selection button on the pop-up screen and presses the OK button, the function selection is completed.
[0085]
Thereby, the operator can freely set whether the display color of the function selection button is the same as the background color of the pop-up screen.
[0086]
In the above embodiment, the copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile machine having a touch panel.
[0087]
In the above-described embodiment, the touch panel 40 including a liquid crystal screen is used as the display device of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A CRT, EL display, or the like may be used as the display device.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the operation unit display method of the present invention, When the function selection button is selected on the operation unit, Choice operation Was Place the function selection button and function setting sub-screen on a part of the basic screen, and Function selection button display color And the relevant Display control means for controlling display so that the background color of the function setting screen is displayed in the same color on the display unit.
[0089]
With this configuration, the correspondence between the function selection buttons and the corresponding pop-up screens (function selector screens) can be seen in color, so there is no need to take a corresponding action by using a balloon, and the pop-up screens are arranged at positions away from the function selection buttons. In other words, the degree of freedom in the layout of the operation screen can be improved. In addition, even when there are many buttons on the pop-up screen, it is easy to determine which function selection button is displayed and the range of the next selection operation can be easily determined. .
[0090]
The present invention is extremely suitable when applied to a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or the like having an operation unit such as a touch panel.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus 100. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a signal processing system related to function selection.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a basic screen of an operation unit.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an operation unit when a function selection button is selected.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of screen data.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example during image formation.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example when a function is selected.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a color setting screen for function selection buttons.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a selection screen.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example when a function is selected.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an operation unit when a conventional function selection button is selected.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of conventional screen data.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example when selecting a conventional function.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Image input section
20 Image processing unit
30 Main body control unit (display control means)
30a CPU
30b ROM (storage means)
30c RAM
40 Touch panel
40a Display section
40b Operation unit
40c Operation input processing circuit
40d Display processing circuit
41 Operation unit control unit
42 First storage means
43 Second storage means
44 color information acquisition means
45 color information rewriting means
50 printing section
60 Finisher
100 Image forming apparatus
A Message area
B1 to B7 Function selection buttons
P4 pop-up screen

Claims (6)

An apparatus for forming an image according to a selection operation of an image forming function,
At least, a plurality of function selection button for selecting the image forming function, the function setting buttons basic screen behind the display unit for displaying one of the function setting child screen corresponding to the plurality of function selection buttons When,
An operation unit having a function selection unit for performing function selection, and selecting and operating a function selection button displayed on the display unit via the function selection unit ;
When the function selection button in the operation section is selection operation, the selection operation functional selection buttons and said function Setteiko screen superimposed on a part in the basic screen, the display color of the function selection buttons and the image forming apparatus characterized by obtaining Bei and display control means for the background color of the feature Setteiko screen display control to display on the display unit in the same color. First storage means for storing display color information of the plurality of function selection buttons;
Second storage means for storing background color information of the function setting sub-screen,
The display control means includes
Color information acquisition means for acquiring the display color information from the first storage means;
Color information rewriting means for rewriting the background color information of the second storage means to the display color information acquired by the color information acquisition means ,
When the function selection button in the operation section is selected operation, displayed on the display unit in the same color the background color of the display color and the function Setteiko screen of the function selection buttons are the selecting operation by the color information rewriting means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled to perform. The display control means includes
Of claim 1 and claim 2, characterized in that it controls to display a background of the plurality of function selection buttons Contact and functions Setteiko screen corresponding to each of the function selection buttons in a different color for each function The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a color setting unit that sets a display color of the function selection button. The display apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising selection means for selecting whether to display the display color of the selected function selection button and the background color of the function setting subscreen in the same color on the display unit. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to Item 4. The function selection button for the selected displayed on the display screen features, a method of displaying an operation screen of the operation unit you select operation via the function selection unit,
Display the basic screen behind the function selection button and the function selection button,
When the function selection, select operating the function selection buttons,
Wherein when said function select button is selected the operation by the operation unit, overlapping functions Setteiko screen corresponding to the function selection buttons and the function selection button is the selection operation to a portion in the basic screen, the function selection operating section display method characterized in that the button display color and the background color of those 該機 ability Setteiko screen displayed in the same color.

Images