JP4779838B2 - Image forming apparatus, display control method for image forming apparatus, and display control program for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a display control method for the image forming apparatus, and a display control program for the image forming apparatus, and in particular, an image forming apparatus having a shortcut function in an interface device for performing various functions and a display for the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a control method and a display control program for an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, research and development related to image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimiles, and multifunction machines having a plurality of these functions have been actively conducted, and in recent years, there is a tendency to increase in functionality and functionality. The image forming apparatus is provided with an operation panel as a user interface for performing operations. Generally, a touch panel in which an operation function unit and a display function unit are integrally formed is applied to the operation panel, and operation buttons are displayed on a liquid crystal display monitor that displays various operation guides and the like. By integrally configuring the operation function unit and the display function unit in this way, it is possible to realize an ideal and simple operation through vision and tactile sense. Suitable for user interface configuration.

  As the number of functions increases, the number of input buttons for operating each function increases and the number of operation buttons also increases. However, the space for installing the operation panel on the image forming apparatus is increased. Because of this problem, there are circumstances in which operation buttons for all functions cannot be displayed simultaneously. For this reason, the operation buttons are classified into a plurality of hierarchies. First, the operation buttons classified into the upper layer are displayed on the operation panel, and the operation buttons in the lower layer are sequentially displayed according to the user's operation (for example, pressing of the operation button) Is displayed.

  By providing a hierarchy for the operation buttons in this way, the user can call the operation screen for the desired function, but if the desired function is a function that is classified in a deep lower layer, the main In order to display an operation button of a desired function from the operation screen, many operations are required. Various techniques related to the shortcut function have been developed as a technique for solving this problem.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a method for setting a shortcut function for displaying a plurality of functions and an operation screen for operating each of the plurality of functions. In this function setting device, by dragging and dropping an icon of a function desired by the user to a specific area displayed on the display monitor, the function can be easily registered / released as a shortcut. Is given.

In general, starting with the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, when using a shortcut function, an operation button of a function desired by a user is registered in an upper layer (main screen). Functions and the like classified into lower layers that are frequently used are registered in shortcut buttons, so that the operation screen of the target function can be called immediately with few operations.
JP 2005-7579 A

  By the way, there is a demand for displaying a shortcut key registered for the purpose of a shortcut to the operation screen of the currently selected function, in addition to the shortcut button intended to be arbitrarily set by the user as described above. . For example, when operating a function used for maintenance or the like such as a print density adjustment function of the image forming apparatus, an operation screen for operating this adjustment function is classified as a lower layer. In setting the print density, usually, the print density adjustment and the test printing are often repeated. When performing test printing, the user needs to repeat many operations (pressing the operation button) from the main operation screen in order to display the print density adjustment screen classified into the lower layer. Adjust the print density setting value on the print density adjustment screen that has been called in this way, and then return to the main operation screen to perform test printing of the set value, and press the print start button to perform test printing. . Check the test print result printed on the recording medium, etc., and if further adjustment is required, it is time and effort to repeatedly call the adjustment screen, such as pressing the operation button multiple times from the main operation screen to call the print density adjustment screen. It takes.

  This problem can be solved by providing, on the main operation screen, a shortcut button corresponding to the operation screen of the currently selected (activated) function such as the print density adjustment function described above. That is, a shortcut button to the print density adjustment screen is set on the main operation screen.

  However, the above-described shortcut buttons registered by the user in advance (hereinafter referred to as “registered function shortcut buttons”) and the convenience of operation of functions currently being executed for adjusting / setting the image forming apparatus, etc. When a shortcut button set to secure the screen (hereinafter referred to as “setting function shortcut button”) is displayed in parallel in a specific area of the main operation screen, the following problem occurs. In other words, if both shortcut buttons are placed in the same area on the main screen, there is a risk of confusion that cannot be distinguished as to which button is a “registered function shortcut button” or “setting function shortcut button”. There is a problem of impairing sex.

  Furthermore, the number of buttons registered as shortcut buttons increases due to the multi-function of the image forming apparatus, but it is difficult to secure a display area for the shortcut buttons within a limited space of the operation panel. There is also. Therefore, it is necessary to devise a method for efficiently displaying a predetermined shortcut button in the area reserved for the show cut button.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first object thereof is to prevent confusion between a registration function shortcut button and a setting function shortcut button. This is to improve the convenience of the user by displaying shortcut buttons with good operability.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of realizing a plurality of functions,
Display means for displaying a first operation screen provided with an operation button for setting a function to be executed by the image forming apparatus;
An operation button for setting a first function which is an arbitrary function of the plurality of functions is provided, and a second operation screen lower than the first operation screen is displayed with respect to the first function. A registration function shortcut display means for displaying a registration function shortcut button, which is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen, to be displayed on the display means, on the first operation screen;
An operation button for setting a second function, which is a function currently set in the image forming apparatus, is provided, and a third operation screen lower than the first operation screen with respect to the second function is displayed . Setting function shortcut display means for displaying on the first operation screen a setting function shortcut button which is a shortcut button for short-cutting a series of operations from the first operation screen to be displayed on the display means;
The setting function shortcut button displayed on the display means by the setting function shortcut display means is different from the registered function shortcut button displayed on the display means by the registered function shortcut display means, and the first function shortcut button is displayed. Display control means for controlling the display means so as to be displayed on an operation screen.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the display control unit operates the operation signal when the registration function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen is operated. Is input, the operation screen corresponding to the hierarchy between the first operation screen and the second operation screen is not displayed, and the first operation screen is switched to the second operation screen. If the operation signal is input by operating the setting function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen by controlling the display means, the first operation screen and the third operation screen The display means is controlled to switch from the first operation screen to the third operation screen without displaying an operation screen corresponding to a hierarchy between the first operation screen and the third operation screen.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect , the display control unit moves the setting function shortcut button above the registration function shortcut button above the first operation screen. It is characterized by being displayed.

The invention according to claim 4 is a display control method of an image forming apparatus including a display device that enables a plurality of functions to be realized and displays an operation screen for setting the plurality of functions.
A display step of displaying a first operation screen including an operation button for setting a function to be executed by the image forming apparatus on the display device;
An operation button for setting a first function which is an arbitrary function of the plurality of functions is provided, and a second operation screen lower than the first operation screen is displayed with respect to the first function. A registration function shortcut display step for displaying a registration function shortcut button, which is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen, to be displayed on the display device on the first operation screen;
An operation button for setting a second function, which is a function currently set in the image forming apparatus, is provided, and a third operation screen lower than the first operation screen with respect to the second function is displayed . A setting function shortcut display step for displaying on the first operation screen a setting function shortcut button which is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen to be displayed on the display device;
In the setting function shortcut display step, the first setting function shortcut button displayed on the display means is different from the registration function shortcut button displayed on the display device in the registration function shortcut display step. And a display control step of controlling the display means so as to be displayed on the operation screen.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the display control method for an image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect , the registration function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen is operated in the display control step. When the operation signal is input, the second operation is performed from the first operation screen without displaying the operation screen corresponding to the hierarchy between the first operation screen and the second operation screen. When the display device is controlled to switch to a screen and an operation signal is input by operating the setting function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen, the first operation screen and the first operation screen The display device is controlled to switch from the first operation screen to the third operation screen without displaying an operation screen corresponding to a hierarchy between the third operation screen and the third operation screen.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the display control method for an image forming apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect , in the display control step, the setting function shortcut button is moved to the first operation rather than the registration function shortcut button. It is characterized by being displayed at the top of the screen.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display device capable of realizing a plurality of functions and displaying an operation screen for setting the plurality of functions. To the computer that performs display control,
A display function for displaying a first operation screen provided with an operation button for setting a function to be executed by the image forming apparatus;
An operation button for setting a first function which is an arbitrary function of the plurality of functions is provided, and a second operation screen lower than the first operation screen is displayed with respect to the first function. A registration function shortcut display function for displaying on the first operation screen a registration function shortcut button, which is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen to be displayed on the display device;
An operation button for setting a second function, which is a function currently set in the image forming apparatus, is provided, and a third operation screen lower than the first operation screen with respect to the second function is displayed . A setting function shortcut display function for displaying on the first operation screen a setting function shortcut button that is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen to be displayed on the display device;
The setting function shortcut button displayed on the display device by the setting function shortcut display function is different from the registration function shortcut button displayed on the display device by the registration function shortcut display function. And a display control function for controlling the display device so as to be displayed on an operation screen.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the display control program for an image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect , the registration function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen is operated by the display control function. When the operation signal is input, the second operation is performed from the first operation screen without displaying the operation screen corresponding to the hierarchy between the first operation screen and the second operation screen. When the display device is controlled to switch to a screen and an operation signal is input by operating the setting function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen, the first operation is performed. Controlling the display device to switch from the first operation screen to the third operation screen without displaying an operation screen corresponding to a hierarchy between the screen and the third operation screen. Characterized in that to realize.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the display control program for an image forming apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect , in the display control function, the setting function shortcut button is used for the first operation rather than the registration function shortcut button. It is characterized in that display on the upper part of the screen is realized.

Claim 1, according to the invention described in 4,7, can be simultaneously displayed on the first operation screen on the different forms the image data of the setting function shortcut button and registration function shortcut button. For this reason, the registration function shortcut button and the setting function shortcut button can be prevented from being confused, and the convenience of the user can be enhanced by displaying the shortcut button with good operability.

According to invention of Claim 2, 5 , and 8 , the operation screen corresponding to the hierarchy between the 1st operation screen and the 2nd operation screen or the 1st operation screen and the 3rd operation screen is displayed. Without switching to the second or third operation screen. As a result, the registration function shortcut button and the setting function shortcut button can be switched to the operation screen corresponding to both without confusion, and the convenience of the user can be further improved by displaying the shortcut button with good operability. There is an effect that can be done.

According to the invention described in claims 3 , 6 , and 9 , the registration function shortcut button and the setup function are further displayed to display the setup function shortcut button above the first operation screen rather than the registration function shortcut button. It is possible to switch to the operation screen corresponding to both without confusing the shortcut button, and displaying the shortcut button with good operability has the effect of further enhancing the convenience for the user.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 100 that performs image formation by an electrophotographic process will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various image forming apparatuses.

First, the overall configuration of the multifunction machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 to which the present invention is applied. The multifunction device 100 includes a main body control unit 1, an operation display unit 10, an image processing unit 2, a main body storage unit 3, a scanner unit 4, an image forming unit 5, and an external input I / F unit 6, which are electrically connected by a bus 9. -Connected electronically. The operation display unit 10 further includes an operation display unit 11, an operation display control unit 12, and an operation display storage unit 13, which are electrically and electronically connected via the bus 9.
In the present embodiment, the main body control unit 1 and the operation display control unit 12 are configured separately. However, the main body control unit 1 can also be configured to function as the operation display control unit 12 as a matter of course. .

  The main body control unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU reads the operation program or application program stored in the ROM, develops it in a RAM as a work area, and performs various arithmetic processes to perform overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The image processing unit 2 is an image processing processor composed of a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or the like. Image processing of image data acquired via the scanner unit 4 or the external input I / F (interface) unit 6 is performed.

  The main body storage unit 3 is an auxiliary storage device composed of a hard disk or the like. The above-described operation program, application program, image data acquired via the scanner unit 4 or external input I / F (interface) unit 6, image data subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 2, and various data To remember.

  The scanner unit 4 reads a document placed on a platen glass (not shown) provided on the upper part of the multifunction peripheral 100. A document is irradiated with light, and the reflected light is captured by a photoelectric conversion device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The digital signal is converted by a / D converter and output to the main body control unit 1.

  The image forming unit 5 includes a known image forming mechanism that performs various image formations by an electrophotographic process or the like, but is not limited to this, and various types such as an ink discharge method and a line printer are used. An image forming mechanism can be applied.

  The external input I / F unit 6 is an interface that performs data communication with an external device (for example, a personal computer). For example, it is connected to a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet via a NIC (Network Inter / Face Card) or the like, and a personal computer or server. It controls data communication.

  The operation display unit 10 includes an operation display control unit 12, an operation display unit 11, and an operation display storage unit 13, and displays a user interface for various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral 100 and inputs these operations and settings. Or function as.

  The operation display control unit 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). It is a function part which manages control of the operation display unit 10 according to this.

  The operation display unit 11 functions as a display monitor and a function as an input device for inputting various instructions from the user. It consists of an electrostatic or infrared touch panel. As a display monitor, a display device using a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a display device using an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electronic Luminescent) element, or the like can be applied.

FIG. 4A schematically shows an example of the operation screen in the initial state displayed on the operation display unit 11.
In FIG. 4A, tags 20, 21, 22, and 23 correspond to screens showing the copy function setting, scanner function setting, job management setting, and machine status of the multifunction machine 100, and each tag is pressed. Thus, an operation screen for setting each function setting is displayed (FIG. 4A shows an example in which the copy function setting screen for the tag 20 is displayed). The operation screens classified by these tags 20, 21, 22, and 23 function as main operation screens.

  The operation guidance display area 25 is an area for performing guidance regarding operations and settings. FIG. 4A shows an example in which “can be copied”, “can receive print data”, and “0001” indicating the number of printed sheets are displayed.

  The function item display areas 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 are areas for displaying function selection buttons 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47 corresponding to various functions. .

  The function selection buttons 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47 are associated with a plurality of function setting screens classified (grouped) for each function group. That is, in the multi-function device 100, operation screens are displayed hierarchically for each function, and when each function selection button 40 or the like is pressed, a lower-layer operation screen corresponding to each function is displayed on the operation display unit 11. It is displayed. Therefore, the operation screen on which each function selection button 40 or the like is displayed is positioned as an upper layer, and the operation screen corresponding to each function is positioned as a lower layer.

  The function selection button 44 will be described in more detail as an example. When the button for adjusting the image quality of the function selection button 44 is pressed, a transition is made to a lower-layer operation screen 50 on which various operation buttons relating to image quality adjustment as shown in FIG. 5 are displayed.

  5, the operation screen 50 includes a copy density button 51, a background adjustment button 52, a show-through prevention button 53, a red button 54, a green button 55, a blue button 56, a hue button 57, a saturation button 58, and a brightness button 59. Is provided. Each of these buttons is associated with a function setting screen for adjusting the items, that is, a lower-level operation screen. For example, when the copy density button 51 is pressed, an operation screen 60 that is a lower layer of the operation screen 50 is further superimposed on the operation screen 50 and displayed. By operating various buttons provided on the operation screen 60, the image forming density in the image forming unit 5 (see FIG. 3) can be adjusted.

  The image data relating to each of the operation screens 50 and 60 as described above is stored in the operation display storage unit 13 (see FIG. 3).

In addition, a registered function shortcut table 14 (see FIG. 3) is developed in the operation display control unit 12.
The registration function shortcut table 14 is used when a registration function shortcut button 80 for performing a shortcut to a specific operation screen desired by the user is provided in a predetermined display area provided on the main operation screen which is an upper layer. 6 is a data table in which a correspondence relationship between a function shortcut button 80 and an operation screen of a specific function corresponding to the function shortcut button 80 is stored. Such data association is stored in the registered function shortcut table 14 in the “registered function shortcut button registration process” performed in advance by the user. The “registration function shortcut button registration process” will be described with reference to FIGS. 4B, 6, 7 A and 7 B.

  FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing only the function item display areas 33 and 34 shown in FIG. The function item display areas 33 and 34 are each provided with three shortcut button display areas 70 for displaying shortcut buttons. FIG. 4B shows an initial state in which shortcut buttons are not yet displayed in the shortcut button display area 70. If the user presses one of the shortcut button display areas 70 in the function item display area 34 (an area for displaying an operation button related to image quality adjustment) that has not yet been displayed, as shown in FIG. Then, an operation screen 65 on which buttons for a plurality of functions classified (grouped) into image quality adjustment function groups are displayed. The user presses a function button desired to be registered in the registration function shortcut button 80, and then presses an OK button 61, thereby registering a desired lower-layer operation button as a shortcut key in the shortcut button display area 70. Be able to. That is, FIG. 6 shows a state in which buttons relating to “copy density”, “background adjustment”, and “preventing show-through” are selected (pressed) by the user. By pressing the OK button 61 in this state, a shortcut button for “copy density” is displayed as a registration function shortcut button 80 in the shortcut button display area 70 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). : “Copy density”, “Background adjustment”, and “Preventing show-through” registration function shortcut buttons 80 are three-dimensionally displayed). In this example, the case where three functions are registered as the registration function shortcut button 80 is described, but it is naturally possible to register only one or two functions. 7A and 7B, the number of shortcut buttons shown in the shortcut button display area 70 is three. However, the number of shortcut buttons that can be registered as the registration function shortcut button 80 is larger than this. Many can be registered. In this case, by repeatedly pressing the scroll key 71, the registered function shortcut buttons 80 registered in the memory can be sequentially scroll-displayed.

  When the registered function shortcut button 80 is pressed, the operation display control unit 12 refers to the registered function shortcut table 14, extracts the image data of the corresponding registered function shortcut button 80, and displays it on the operation display unit 11. . For example, when the registration function shortcut button 80 for “copy density” is pressed, an operation screen 60 as shown in FIG. 5 (or an operation screen 60 superimposed on the operation screen 50) is displayed.

  The multifunction device 100 has a function of displaying the setting function shortcut button 90 as a shortcut button different from the registration function shortcut button 80 in the shortcut button display area 70 of the function item display areas 33 and 34 that are upper layers.

  When a specific function is set, the setting function shortcut button 90 is a shortcut associated with the operation screen of the specific function in the function item display areas 33 and 34 provided on the upper main screen. The button is automatically displayed. That is, the registered function shortcut button 80 is a shortcut button that is arbitrarily set and registered in order to call an operation screen for the user to activate a specific function, whereas the set function shortcut button 90 is the multifunction device 100. A shortcut button that is automatically displayed on the main operation screen to call up the operation screen of the function that is being executed simultaneously when multiple functions are executed simultaneously (that is, in a multitasking state). is there. The setting function shortcut button 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 as an example of adjusting the above-mentioned “copy density”.

  Normally, when setting the copy density, the density value (“Koku”, “Normal”, “Light” or “Auto”) of the copy density is set via the operation screen 60 (see FIG. 5), and then OK. The set density value is confirmed by pressing the button 61. When the OK button 61 is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation display unit 11 returns to the main operation screen as the upper layer. Thereafter, when a print start button (not shown) is pressed, image formation is performed with the density value after the setting change.

  However, generally, when the density value is changed, a test print for confirmation is often performed. As a result of the trial printing, if it is necessary to perform readjustment, the user presses the function selection button 44 on the main operation screen to display the operation screen 60 in order to display the operation screen 60 again. Switching the screen takes time and effort, such as pressing the copy density button 51 on the operation screen 50 to display the operation screen 60. Until a satisfactory copy density is obtained, a series of “change of density value” → “test print” → “redisplay operation of the operation screen 60 by a plurality of operations” → “change of density value” → “test print”. The above operation may be repeated many times, which is inconvenient.

  Therefore, the “copy density” adjustment function operation screen 60 is set in the shortcut button display area 70 provided in the function item display area 34 (the area where the image quality adjustment function button is displayed) of the main operation screen which is the upper layer. A shortcut button 90 is displayed, and the operation screen 60 is displayed on the operation display unit 11 by only pressing the setting function shortcut button 90 once to improve the convenience of operation.

  Specifically, the setting function shortcut button 90 is automatically set by pressing an adjustment confirmation copy button 62 provided on the operation screen 60 (see FIG. 5). FIGS. 8A and 8B show the setting function shortcut button 90 displayed. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a setting function shortcut button 90 for the “copy density” function being executed is displayed in the shortcut button display area 70 of the function item display area 34. The setting function shortcut button 90 is displayed so as to be three-dimensional and different in color from the registration function shortcut button 80, imitating an elliptical cylinder.

When the adjustment confirmation copy button 62 is pressed on the operation screen 60 of FIG. 5, the CPU of the operation display control unit 12 generates the setting function shortcut table 15 on the RAM. The setting function shortcut table 15 stores the setting function shortcut button 90 and the image data of the operation screen 60 in association with each other. Thereafter, the setting function shortcut button 90 is displayed in the shortcut button display area 70 of the function item display area 34 of the main operation screen (see FIGS. 8A and 8B).
When the setting function shortcut button 90 displayed in the shortcut button display area 70 of the function item display area 34 is pressed, the operation display control unit 12 refers to the setting function shortcut table 15 and displays the operation screen 60 (see FIG. 5). Image data is read from the operation display storage unit 13 and displayed on the operation display unit 11.

  The setting function shortcut button 90 can also be displayed as much as is allowed in the display area of the shortcut button display area 70 of the function item display areas 33 and 34 when a plurality of functions are executed. As an example, FIG. 9 shows that a plurality of setting function shortcut buttons 90 are displayed.

  The registered function shortcut button 80 and the set function shortcut button 90 are displayed in the shortcut button display area 70 such as the function item display area 33 or 34 of the function group (group) to which each function belongs. As is clear from (b), FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), and the like, as one of the features of the multifunction machine 100, the display form of the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90 are different. It is mentioned that. That is, the space in which the operation display unit 11 can be provided on the multifunction device 100 is limited. Therefore, the space that can be allocated to the shortcut button display area 70 is also limited. Therefore, the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90 are displayed side by side in the same display area. However, if there is only one type of shortcut button display form, the registration function shortcut button 80 is displayed. Even for the same shortcut button such as the setting function shortcut button 90, shortcut buttons having different functions and purposes are mixed in the same display area, and the purpose (category) of each shortcut button cannot be visually discriminated.

Therefore, the operation display storage unit 13 stores image data having different forms for the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90. These shortcut buttons for different purposes are displayed in parallel in the same display area. Is also configured to be visually distinguishable. 10A and 10B show an example in which a registration function shortcut button 80 and a setting function shortcut button 90 are displayed in parallel.
Here, the difference in form means that the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90 have different shapes, patterns, and / or colors. In particular, it is preferable that the difference between the two is so different that it can be easily distinguished visually. In this embodiment, as an example, the display form of the registered function shortcut button 80 is the same as the function selection buttons 40, 41, 42... Displayed in the other function item display areas 30, 31, 32. In addition, the display function is based on a rectangular parallelepiped, the setting function shortcut button 90 has a shape based on a horizontally long elliptical cylinder, and the color of the upper elliptical part is different from the registration function shortcut button 80. It is a display form.

  The pattern may be different from the shape and color. Here, it is assumed that the “pattern” includes a character, and the font (by itself) of the function explanation displayed on the upper part of the setting function shortcut button 90 is the character font displayed on the upper part of the registration function shortcut button 80. A different font may be used. Also, the pattern is not limited to a static pattern and may be a dynamic pattern.

  Furthermore, the display forms of the registration function shortcut button 80 and / or the setting function shortcut button 90 do not necessarily have to be the same display form, and are display forms that can be determined conceptually as the same purpose (same category). Also good. For example, as the shape of the setting function shortcut button 90, the shape of playing cards (heart, spade, diamond, club) may be mixed, and different colors may be mixed as hues (including brightness and saturation) ( However, the same or similar colors as those of the registration function shortcut button 80 are excluded).

  In the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of registration function shortcut buttons 80 can be registered (for example, 14 function items), and the display order in the function item display areas 33 and 34 can be set. It is configured like this. FIG. 11 shows an example of a display order setting screen when a plurality of registration function shortcut buttons 80 are registered. In the example of FIG. 11, a display order setting screen 110 for setting the order of priority display with the registered function shortcut button 80 of the function group (group) divided into the function item display area 34 is shown. On the display order setting screen 110, “copy density”, “background adjustment”, “preventing show-through”, “red”, “green”, “blue”, “hue”, “saturation”, “brightness”, “contrast” ”,“ Image discrimination adjustment ”,“ Screen selection ”,“ Glossy mode ”, and“ Color balance ”can be set in priority order. Priorities are set according to the vertical order on the left to the vertical order on the right. When changing the priority order, the display order can be changed by pressing and selecting the function item to be changed and repeatedly pressing the up button 112 or the down button 113. When the setting is confirmed, the display order setting is updated in the registered function shortcut table 14 by pressing the OK button 111.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 100 having the above configuration will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the following description, it is assumed that the shortcut button display area 70 for displaying the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90 is provided in the function item display areas 33 and 34. Further, the following processing is performed by the operation display control unit 12 in accordance with a program instruction.

  In FIG. 1, in step S101, the operation display control unit 12 determines whether or not to perform a shortcut display in a specific function item display area (for example, the function item display area 33). Specifically, the registered function shortcut table 14 and the setting function shortcut table 15 are referred to and it is determined whether there is an operation screen associated with the shortcut button display area 70. When the operation display control unit 12 determines that there is a shortcut button to be displayed, the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S102 and starts “shortcut display processing” (step S101: YES). Conversely, when the operation display control unit 12 determines that there is no shortcut button to be displayed, the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S103 (NO in step S101).

Next, the “shortcut display process” shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
In step S201, the operation display control unit 12 determines whether to preferentially display the registered function shortcut button 80. Whether the registered function shortcut button 80 is preferentially displayed or whether the setting function shortcut button 90 is preferentially displayed can be set as appropriate, but in the present embodiment, an example in which the registered function shortcut button 80 is preferentially displayed. explain.

  When displaying the registered function shortcut button 80 with priority, the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S202 (step S201: YES). On the other hand, when the registered function shortcut button 80 is not preferentially displayed, the process proceeds to step S206 (NO in step S201).

  In step S202, the operation display control unit 12 determines whether or not the registration function shortcut button 80 is registered. Specifically, the registered function shortcut table 14 is referred to and it is determined whether or not the registered registered function shortcut button 80 is stored. If the registration function shortcut button 80 is registered, the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S203 (step S202: YES). Conversely, if the registration function shortcut button 80 is not registered, the process proceeds to step S204 (step S202: NO).

  In step S203, the operation display control unit 12 refers to the registered function shortcut table 14, and acquires the image data of the registered function shortcut button 80 from the operation display storage unit 13 according to the display priority order of the registered function shortcut button 80 (see FIG. 7). Read.

  In step S204, the operation display control unit 12 determines whether or not a function classified into the current function group (a function group (group) currently performing display processing) is being executed. If the operation display control unit 12 determines that there is a function being executed in the current function group (group), the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S205 (step S204: YES). Conversely, when it is determined that there is no function being executed in the current function group (group), the process proceeds to step S103 in FIG. 1 (step S204: NO).

  On the other hand, in step S206, the operation display control unit 12 determines whether there is a function being executed among the functions classified in the current function group (function group). When the operation display control unit 12 determines that there is a function being executed, the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S207 (step S206: YES). Conversely, when the operation display control unit 12 determines that there is no function being executed, the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S208 (step S206: NO).

  In step S <b> 207, the operation display control unit 12 reads from the operation display storage unit 13 the image data of the setting function shortcut button 90 of the function being executed in the function classified into the current function group (group).

  In step S208, the operation display control unit 12 refers to the registered function shortcut table 14 and determines whether or not the registered function shortcut button 80 is registered. When the operation display control unit 12 determines that the registered function shortcut button 80 is registered, the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S209 (step S208: YES). Conversely, if the registered function shortcut button 80 is registered, the process proceeds to step S103 shown in FIG. 1 (step S208: NO).

  In step S209, the operation display control unit 12 refers to the registered function shortcut table 14, reads the image data of the registered function shortcut button 80 from the operation display storage unit 13 in accordance with the display priority order of the registered function shortcut button 80, and then Proceed to step S103 shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the operation display control unit 12 determines whether or not the shortcut display processing has been performed for all the function item display areas. When the operation display control unit 12 determines that there is another function item display area to be displayed, the operation display control unit 12 returns to step S101 (step S103: NO). That is, after the shortcut display process of the function item display area 33 is completed, the process proceeds to the shortcut display process of the function item display area 34.

  Conversely, if the operation display control unit 12 determines that the shortcut display processing has been performed for all the function item display areas, the operation display control unit 12 proceeds to step S104 (YES in step S103).

  In step S104, the operation display control unit 12 receives the image data of the registration function shortcut button 80 and / or the setting function shortcut button 90 read in the “shortcut display process” in step S102 and other image data constituting the main operation screen. Combined and output to the operation display unit 11 to display the main operation screen. That is, the registration function shortcut button 80 and / or the setting function shortcut button 90 are displayed in the function item display areas 33 and / or 34 in a visually distinguished state (see FIG. 10).

  As described above, according to the multifunction peripheral 100 in the present embodiment, the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90 are displayed in different forms by displaying the image data of the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90 in different forms. Even if they are simultaneously displayed on the screen, it is possible to prevent visual confusion. In addition, this improves the operability of the multifunction peripheral 100, and has the effect of reliably improving the convenience for the user.

  In addition, any one of the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90 can be preferentially displayed in the shortcut button display area 70, and efficient shortcut button display can be realized on a limited main operation screen. It is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

  In addition, when a plurality of registration function shortcut buttons 80 are registered, the display priority order can be set. Therefore, by setting the registration function shortcut buttons 80 according to the convenience of work, the convenience of the user is further enhanced. There is an effect of improving.

  In addition, a plurality of functions of the multifunction peripheral 100 can be classified for each function group (group) and shortcut display can be performed. That is, the functions can be classified into the function item display areas 33 and 34, and the registration function shortcut button 80 and the setting function shortcut button 90 can be more reliably prevented from being confused for each function group (group). This has the effect of further improving user convenience.

  As mentioned above, although the best form for implementing this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the said various example.

It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence of the multifunctional machine in the best form for implementing this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence of the multifunctional machine in the best form for implementing this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functionality of a multifunction peripheral in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation screen in an initial state displayed on an operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen related to image quality adjustment displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a registration operation screen of a registration function shortcut button displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a main operation screen on which registered shortcut buttons displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral in the best mode for carrying out the present invention are displayed. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main operation screen displaying setting function shortcut buttons displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main operation screen displaying setting function shortcut buttons displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main operation screen in which a registration function shortcut button and a setting function shortcut button displayed in parallel on the operation display unit of the copier in the best mode for carrying out the present invention are displayed. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for setting a priority display order of registered function shortcut buttons displayed on the operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral in the best mode for carrying out the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body control part 2 Image processing part 3 Main body memory | storage part 4 Scanner part 5 Image formation part 6 External input I / F
9 Bus 10 Operation display unit 11 Operation display unit 12 Operation display control unit 13 Operation display storage unit 14 Registration function shortcut table 15 Setting function shortcut table 20, 21, 22, 23 Tag 25 Guide display areas 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 Function item display area 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 Function selection button 50, 60 Operation screen 61, 111 OK button 62 Adjustment confirmation copy 65 Registration function shortcut button registration operation Screen 70 Shortcut Button Display Area 80 Registration Function Shortcut Button 90 Setting Function Shortcut Button 100 Multifunction Device 110 Display Order Setting Screen

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus capable of realizing a plurality of functions,
Display means for displaying a first operation screen provided with an operation button for setting a function to be executed by the image forming apparatus;
An operation button for setting a first function which is an arbitrary function of the plurality of functions is provided, and a second operation screen lower than the first operation screen is displayed with respect to the first function. A registration function shortcut display means for displaying a registration function shortcut button, which is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen, to be displayed on the display means, on the first operation screen;
An operation button for setting a second function, which is a function currently set in the image forming apparatus, is provided, and a third operation screen lower than the first operation screen with respect to the second function is displayed . Setting function shortcut display means for displaying on the first operation screen a setting function shortcut button which is a shortcut button for short-cutting a series of operations from the first operation screen to be displayed on the display means;
The setting function shortcut button displayed on the display means by the setting function shortcut display means is different from the registered function shortcut button displayed on the display means by the registered function shortcut display means, and the first function shortcut button is displayed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a display control unit that controls the display unit to display on an operation screen.   When the operation signal is input by operating the registration function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen, the display control unit is configured to switch between the first operation screen and the second operation screen. The display means is controlled so as to switch from the first operation screen to the second operation screen without displaying an operation screen corresponding to a hierarchy between, and the display on the first operation screen When an operation signal is input by operating the setting function shortcut button, the first operation screen is displayed without displaying the operation screen corresponding to the hierarchy between the first operation screen and the third operation screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is controlled to switch from an operation screen to the third operation screen. Wherein the display control unit, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for displaying the set function shortcut button above on the first operation screen than the registration function shortcut button. A display control method for an image forming apparatus including a display device that enables a plurality of functions to be realized and displays an operation screen for setting the plurality of functions.
A display step of displaying a first operation screen including an operation button for setting a function to be executed by the image forming apparatus on the display device;
An operation button for setting a first function which is an arbitrary function of the plurality of functions is provided, and a second operation screen lower than the first operation screen is displayed with respect to the first function. A registration function shortcut display step for displaying a registration function shortcut button, which is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen, to be displayed on the display device on the first operation screen;
An operation button for setting a second function, which is a function currently set in the image forming apparatus, is provided, and a third operation screen lower than the first operation screen with respect to the second function is displayed . A setting function shortcut display step for displaying on the first operation screen a setting function shortcut button which is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen to be displayed on the display device;
In the setting function shortcut display step, the first setting function shortcut button displayed on the display means is different from the registration function shortcut button displayed on the display device in the registration function shortcut display step. A display control step of controlling the display means so as to be displayed on the operation screen. In the display control step, when an operation signal is input by operating the registration function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen, the first operation screen and the second operation screen The display device is controlled so as to switch from the first operation screen to the second operation screen without displaying an operation screen corresponding to a hierarchy between, and the display on the first operation screen When an operation signal is input by operating the setting function shortcut button, the first operation screen is displayed without displaying the operation screen corresponding to the hierarchy between the first operation screen and the third operation screen. The display control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the display device is controlled to switch from an operation screen to the third operation screen. 6. The display control of an image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein, in the display control step, the setting function shortcut button is displayed above the first operation screen rather than the registration function shortcut button. Method. A computer that performs display control of an image forming apparatus that includes a display device that displays an operation screen for setting a plurality of functions that can realize a plurality of functions.
A display function for displaying a first operation screen provided with an operation button for setting a function to be executed by the image forming apparatus;
An operation button for setting a first function which is an arbitrary function of the plurality of functions is provided, and a second operation screen lower than the first operation screen is displayed with respect to the first function. A registration function shortcut display function for displaying on the first operation screen a registration function shortcut button, which is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen to be displayed on the display device;
An operation button for setting a second function, which is a function currently set in the image forming apparatus, is provided, and a third operation screen lower than the first operation screen with respect to the second function is displayed . A setting function shortcut display function for displaying on the first operation screen a setting function shortcut button that is a shortcut button for shortcutting a series of operations from the first operation screen to be displayed on the display device;
The setting function shortcut button displayed on the display device by the setting function shortcut display function is different from the registration function shortcut button displayed on the display device by the registration function shortcut display function. And a display control function for controlling the display device to display on an operation screen. When an operation signal is input by operating the registration function shortcut button displayed on the first operation screen by the display control function, the first operation screen and the second operation screen The display device is controlled to switch from the first operation screen to the second operation screen without displaying an operation screen corresponding to a hierarchy between the first operation screen and the first operation screen. When an operation signal is input by operating the displayed setting function shortcut button, an operation screen corresponding to a hierarchy between the first operation screen and the third operation screen is not displayed. The display control program for an image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the display apparatus is controlled to be switched from the first operation screen to the third operation screen. 9. The image forming according to claim 7 , wherein the display control function realizes displaying the setting function shortcut button above the first operation screen rather than the registration function shortcut button. Device display control program.

Images