JP4436637B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a composite apparatus having a copy function, and more particularly, an image having a function list screen for displaying a plurality of function keys for selecting a display screen for job setting. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus.

  In recent years, office devices such as copiers, scanners, facsimiles, and printers have become multifunctional, high-speed, and low-priced as stand-alone dedicated machines, but complex devices that combine these functions into one are common. It's becoming a reality. In addition, the job contents are enriched as a single copying machine, and it is common to be able to perform image rotation processing, frame deletion, 2 in 1 output, 4 in 1 output, overlays such as “secret” and “important”, and slip sheet mode. . Further, some of these composite devices have a simple bookbinding function by attaching a post-processing device as an option so that punched holes can be made in the printed matter or stapling can be performed.

  As another scanner function, it is also possible to send an image to a designated personal computer via a network line. Facsimiles and printers can be used in the same way as before, and of course the above-described processing can be performed for facsimiles and printer output. As described above, in recent complex apparatuses, complicated job setting by a user has become possible.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a composite apparatus having various functions as described above, many functions can be selected. However, a function list screen for displaying a function selection key for switching to a function screen has a considerable number of function selection keys. Is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the function list screen of the conventional composite apparatus has many function selection keys. Therefore, each function selection key is small and the function list shown in FIG. Various functions are selected by operating the scroll key from 1 and switching to the function list 2 shown in FIG.

In contrast to the increase in the number of items displayed on the screen as the number of functions increases, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the abbreviated display with a small number of items displayed on the basic screen, Two basic screens with expanded display with many display items are prepared. In this abbreviated display, when one item is selected, other items related to that item are displayed in the vicinity. Items can be reduced. In addition, a user who can perform complicated operations can display the expanded display as a basic screen.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-194669

  However, since the above technology changes the display items of the basic screen according to the user, the settings of the basic screen are changed according to the user when many users share it and use it like a multifunction machine. The basic screen changes frequently, which makes the user feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, since the basic screen itself displays only necessary functions in the first place, the necessity of changing the basic screen is not felt so much.

  Further, there is no disclosure as to whether or not the set function state is maintained when the function is set on the abbreviated display screen and then switched to the expanded display screen. If you want to set from the expanded screen after setting to some extent abbreviated screen, you need to reset all settings from the beginning. Furthermore, when performing simple operations and complex operations at the same time with the above technique, the user has to set the expanded display with many display items or change the screen from the abbreviated display screen many times.

  In the present invention, the function list screen can be switched between a normal display mode in which all function selection keys are arranged and a simple display mode in which only frequently used function selection keys are arranged, so that complicated function setting can be performed. When selecting a function in the normal display mode and only setting a simple function, use the image display device that selects the function in the simple display mode to set complex function settings and simple function settings at the same time. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function in a normal display mode for complicated settings and selecting a function in a simple display mode for simple function settings.

In order to solve the above problems, the first image forming apparatus of the present invention switches and displays a plurality of display screens for job setting, and the plurality of display screens can be switched from the basic screen to the basic screen. In an image forming apparatus having an operation display unit composed of a plurality of function screens, a function list screen displaying a plurality of function selection keys respectively corresponding to switching to the plurality of function screens, and all functions on the function list screen After performing at least one function setting, display mode switching means for switching between a normal display mode for displaying selection keys and scroll keys and a simple display mode for displaying some predetermined function selection keys on the function list screen In addition, when the display mode switching means is operated, the setting mode for switching the display mode is maintained while maintaining the set function. And control means, wherein when the normal function selection keys corresponding to the set function in the display mode is not included in the predetermined function selection key displayed in the simple display mode, the from the normal display mode When the mode is switched to the simple display mode, the set function selection key is displayed to be operable .

A second image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the above-mentioned first image forming apparatus, the size or font size of the function selection key displayed in the simple display mode, the function selection key displayed in the normal mode It is characterized by being larger than the size of the character or the character.

According to a third image forming apparatus of the present invention, in any one of the first to second image forming apparatuses, the simple display mode includes display control means for displaying that the simple display mode is set. To do.

  If the first image forming apparatus of the present invention is used, the function list screen can be selected from a normal display mode in which all function selection keys are arranged and a simple display mode in which only frequently used function selection keys are arranged. By switching to, select the function in the normal display mode when performing complicated function settings, select the function in the simple display mode if there are only simple function settings, and then set the function selected in the normal display mode and then simply When switching to the display mode, or when switching to the normal display mode after setting the function selected in the simple display mode, each setting is maintained, so complex function settings and simple function settings can be performed simultaneously. When setting, you can select functions in the normal display mode for complicated settings, and select functions in the simple display mode for simple function settings. That.

Furthermore, when the first image forming apparatus of the present invention is used, even if the selection key is on the function list screen in the normal display mode and is not displayed on the function list screen in the simple display mode, the function selected in the normal display mode. After the above setting is made, the series of settings are displayed as selection keys for the simple display mode, so that the function already selected can be identified.

By using the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, the size of the function selection key in the simple display mode and the size of the character on the key can be increased so that even a visually impaired user can easily operate. Can do.

If the third image forming apparatus of the present invention is used, the simple display mode is displayed in the simple display mode, so that the user is informed that the function selection keys are not only those displayed in the simple display mode. Can do.

  An image forming apparatus employing the present invention will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. In the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 is a composite apparatus having functions of a copy, a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, and mail creation. Means 5, printer controller 6, printer unit 7, post-processing device I / F 8, post-processing device 9, operation panel 10, scanner I / F 11, scanner unit 12, DF (automatic document feeder) 13, buffer memory 14 A bitmap memory 15, a CODEC (compressor / decompressor) 16, a modem 17, an NCU (network control unit) 18, a public line 19, a network I / F 20, a bus 21, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) (24, 25) and a printer 23 via a network cable 22.

  Specifically, the CPU 2 controls each component of the image forming apparatus 1 and is connected to the ROM 3 storing various programs, the RAM 4 storing user choice data, setting information, total count data, various font data, and the like. Has been.

  The mail creating means 5 is a means for creating an e-mail when the image data read by the scanner unit 12 is attached to an e-mail and transmitted to a destination registered in advance.

  The printer controller 6 analyzes the print command (PDL) and job information transmitted from the connected personal computer and stored in the reception area of the buffer memory 14, and generates intermediate language information. This intermediate language information is stored in an intermediate language information storage area of the buffer memory 14.

  The printer unit 7 sequentially writes the image data developed in the bitmap memory 15 into a latent image such as an LSU (laser scanning unit) or LPH (LED print head) of the image forming unit of the printer unit 7. The image forming unit forms a toner image, which is sequentially transferred from a sheet feeding cassette to a sheet that is fed and conveyed, and is fixed and discharged.

  The post-processing device I / F 8 and the post-processing device 9 perform post-processing for performing post-processing such as stapling and punching, sorting, sorting and grouping, etc., on the printed matter printed and discharged from the image forming apparatus 1. An interface 9 and a cable for connecting the apparatus 9 to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The operation panel 10 includes a large LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) device 101 as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of operation keys such as a start key 102, a stop / clear key 103, and a reset key 104. ing. A start key 102 is a key for starting copying, starting reading a scanner, and starting fax transmission. A stop / clear key 103 is a key for canceling the previous setting or interrupting the job. A reset key 104 is a key for clearing all settings and returning the screen and the screen being displayed on the LCD display unit 101 to the basic screen from any screen. An initial setting key 105 is a key for switching to a screen for performing each initial setting of the image forming apparatus. Others such as numeric keypad, interrupt key, power saving key, department management key, and this image forming device is a composite device, so the operation display section is a copy function screen, printer function screen, facsimile function screen, and scanner function screen. It can be switched by key. The screen displayed on the LCD display unit 101 will be described in detail later.

  The scanner I / F 11 is an interface for controlling the scanner unit 12 and the DF 13 by connecting to the scanner unit 12 placed on the image forming apparatus 1 via a cable.

  The scanner unit 12 feeds one sheet at a time with the DF 13 or illuminates a document placed on a contact glass with a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp and reads the reflected light with a CCD (charge coupled device) sensor. This analog signal is converted into a digital signal by A / D conversion, and image processing is performed by the image processing unit, which is developed in the subsequent bitmap memory 15. The bit map memory 15 includes intermediate language information generated by analyzing the print command transferred from a personal computer connected via a network in addition to the image data from the scanner unit 12 by the printer controller 7, and the other party. The image data sent from the facsimile 26 via the public line 19, the NCU 18, and the modem 17 is decompressed by the CODEC 16 as needed, and is expanded and held as full bit map image data. The CODEC 16 is also used for decoding the encoded image data included in the print data.

  The buffer memory 14 encodes and stores the image data read by the scanner unit 12 using the CODEC 16 when performing normal memory copy, facsimile memory transmission, and reserved transmission in addition to the above-described received image area and intermediate language area. . When the scanner function is used, the image data read by the scanner unit 12 can be read from an external personal computer encoded by the CODEC 16, and similarly, the facsimile polling function can be read from the other party's facsimile. Is also possible. A relatively large capacity hard disk for storing image data can be installed in the image forming apparatus to form an image memory.

  The modem 17 converts an analog signal transmitted from the public line 19 into a digital signal, and conversely converts the digital signal into an analog signal and transmits it through the public line, and performs modulation and demodulation. Or receiving only HDLC (High Level Data Link Control Procedure) frames. The NCU 18 performs connection to a public line, switching between facsimile and telephone, transmission of an on-hook signal to the line, ring detection, and the like.

  The network I / F 20 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 1 to a network. Here, it is connected via a network cable 22 to a personal computer (24, 25), a printer 23, and other connection devices not shown.

  The bus 21 is a bus for exchanging data and signals of each configuration described above. Although there are buses for image data and buses for control signals, they are represented by one for short here.

  The characteristic part of the present invention will be described. The screen displayed on the LCD display unit 101 of the operation panel 10 shown in FIG. 2 is the basic screen shown in FIG. 3, and when “User Function” is selected from a plurality of tabs below this screen, the screen shown in FIG. The user function screen shown is displayed. Further, when the “function list” tab is selected, a first function list screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In the black band display portion at the top of the screen that is displayed in common for all of these screens, “Copying is possible”, selected cassette 1, magnification, and number of sets are displayed. The basic screen of the copy function shown in FIG. 3 displays only basic functions of the image forming apparatus such as paper selection, exposure, and magnification. For this reason, it has a function list screen as shown in FIG. 5 which is separately displayed from this basic screen. Many function selection keys are arranged on the first function list screen shown in FIG. 5. For example, when one “aggregation” key is selected, the aggregation function screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. When the “close” key in the upper right is operated, the first function list screen is restored. When the cursor key on the right side of the first function list screen is operated, the second function list screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. Various function selection keys and a cursor are also arranged on the second function list screen.

  Since both the first function list screen and the second function list screen are function lists in the normal display mode, all the functions related to the copy function of the image forming apparatus are displayed on the two function list screens. A “simple display” key corresponding to the display mode switching means of the present invention is provided at the lower right of these function list screens. When this key is operated, the third function list in the simple display mode as shown in FIG. A screen is displayed.

  In this third function list screen, function selection keys corresponding to commonly used functions are arranged, and each key adopts one key and one with a large letter above it. This corresponds to the third image forming apparatus of the present invention. A “normal display” key corresponding to the display mode switching key of the present invention is provided at the lower right of the screen. When this key is operated, the first function list is switched. Further, there is no cursor for switching the screen as in the first and second function lists, and in the simple display mode, there are only a number of function selection keys that can be arranged on one screen.

On the black band display portion of the third function list screen, a display notifying that the mode is the simple display mode is displayed, which corresponds to the third image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  When the function selection key arranged on the third function list screen is operated, the function screen is switched in the same manner as when the selection key arranged on the first function list screen or the second function list screen is operated. . For example, when the “aggregation” key is operated, the aggregation function screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in the same manner as when the “aggregation key” on the first function list screen is operated. When the aggregation function is set and the “close” key at the upper right of the screen is operated, the screen returns to the third function list screen which is the screen immediately before switching to this screen, and the “aggregation” key is displayed in black and white.

Here, for example, an operation procedure in the case of setting an aggregation function that is a frequently used function after setting an OHP slip sheet function that is not often used will be described. First, the “OHP slip sheet” key in the second function list shown in FIG. 6 is selected to switch to the OHP slip sheet function screen (not shown), and when this screen is closed, as shown in FIG. Then, the screen again returns to the second function list screen and the “OHP interleaving paper” key displays that black and white inversion is set. Subsequently, when the “simple display” key is operated from the second function list screen, as shown in FIG. 10, the third function list screen is displayed. At this time, the “OHP interleaf” key set earlier is displayed. Is displayed with black and white reversed. Corresponding to the first image forming apparatus even "OHP Interleave" key that is not originally displayed, if already set to view those black and white reversed present invention in the third function list screen is doing. For this reason, it is possible to cancel or change the setting of the OHP interleaf mode that could not be set originally even in the simple display mode. Thereafter, when the OHP interleaf function is canceled or when all settings are canceled by clearing all, the “OHP interleaf” key is not displayed again from the third function list screen.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus and peripheral devices that employ the present invention. 3 is an operation panel of an image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 4 is a basic screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 4 is a user function screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 4 is a first function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 10 is a second function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 4 is an aggregation screen displayed by operating an aggregation key on a function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. 12 is a third function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. FIG. 10 is a display after setting the OHP interleaf function on the second function list screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention. The third function list screen when the OHP interleaf function is set on the second function list screen displayed on the LCD display section of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention and then switched to the simple display mode. Display. 3 is a function list screen 1 displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus employing a conventional technique. 3 is a function list screen 2 displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus employing a conventional technique.

1; Image forming apparatus 2; CPU
3; ROM
4; RAM
5; Mail creation means 6; Printer controller 7; Printer unit 8; I / F for post-processing device
9; Post-processing device 10; Operation panel 11; Scanner interface 12; Scanner unit 13; Automatic document feeder (DF)
14; buffer memory 15; bitmap memory 16; CODEC
17; modem 18; NCU
19; Public line 20; Network I / F
21; bus 22; network cable 23; printers 24 and 25; PC
26;

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus having an operation display unit composed of a basic screen and a plurality of functional screens that can be switched from the basic screen.
A function list screen for displaying a plurality of corresponding function selection keys for switching to the plurality of function screens, a normal display mode for displaying all function selection keys and scroll keys on the function list screen, and the function list screen A display mode switching means for switching between a simple display mode for displaying some predetermined function selection keys on the display function, and at least one function setting, and when the display mode switching means is operated, the set function is Setting maintaining control means for switching the display mode while maintaining the function selection key corresponding to the function set in the normal display mode is not included in the predetermined function selection key displayed in the simple display mode If this function is set when switching from the normal display mode to the simple display mode Image forming apparatus characterized by operably Show-option key. The size or font size of the function selection key displayed in a simple display mode, according to claim 1, wherein the greater than the size or font size of the function selection key displayed in the normal mode Image forming apparatus. In the above simple display mode, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that it comprises a display control means for displaying that a simple display mode.

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