JP5133516B2 - Menu display device, menu display method, and menu display program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a menu display device, a menu display method, and a menu display program.

  Conventionally, a menu display device that displays a menu for executing a target process has been widely used. In general, menus held by a menu display device have a hierarchical structure, and a user can display a target menu by performing operations for sequentially displaying lower menus on an operation panel or the like of the menu display device. .

  In recent years, there is a menu display device that can be connected to an external device via an interface such as a USB. Such a menu display device normally holds a menu relating to the external device because settings relating to the external device are performed.

  However, in the menu display device that can be connected to the external device, if there are many menu levels, the user must perform a complicated operation on the menu display device in order to display the menu related to the external device. The problem of having to occur can arise.

  In order to solve such a problem, there is a technology provided with a personal computer capable of reading a menu configuration file from a menu display device and managing the menu configuration based on the read file (Patent Literature). 1).

However, in the above-described prior art, when the personal computer is set at a location far away from the menu display device, there is a problem that it takes a long time for the user to move to the personal computer.
JP-A-6-149490

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a menu that can facilitate settings related to an external device when the external device is connected to a menu display device. To provide a display device, a menu display method, and a menu display program.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) A menu display device having a display unit that holds a plurality of hierarchical menus and displays the menus of each layer step by step in response to an input by a user . In the state where the menu is displayed, the input determination means for determining whether or not there is an input by the user , instructing the transition to another menu, the connection determination means for determining whether or not an external device is connected, and the input When it is determined by the determination means that there is no input for instructing the transition to the other menu , and the connection detection means determines that an external device is connected, the connected external device is selected from the plurality of menus. A menu display device, comprising: display menu selection means for displaying a menu relating to the device.

(2) The connection determination unit can determine whether or not a plurality of external devices are connected, and the display menu selection unit determines that a plurality of external devices are connected by the connection determination unit. The menu display device according to (1), wherein menus related to each of the plurality of external devices are displayed in a predetermined order according to a preset priority order.

(3) The display menu selection unit is located at a predetermined level when it is determined that there is no input by the input determination unit for a predetermined time and an external device is not connected by the connection detection unit. The menu display device according to (1) or (2), wherein the menu is displayed.
(4) The menu display device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the external device is at least one of an optional paper feed cassette, a digital camera, a scanner, and an external memory. .
(5) When the optional paper feed cassette is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting a paper size and a paper type is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device (4) ) Menu display device.
(6) When the digital camera is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting an image to be printed from among images held by the digital camera is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display device according to (4) or (5), characterized in that:
(7) When the scanner is connected as the external device, a menu capable of specifying the resolution of an image captured by the scanner is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device (4) The menu display device according to any one of (6) to (6).
(8) When the external memory is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting a process for printing all images held in the external memory is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display device according to any one of (4) to (7).
(9) The menu display device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the menu display device is an image forming device.

( 10 ) A menu display method for controlling a menu display device having display means for holding a plurality of hierarchical menus and displaying the menus of each hierarchy step by step in response to an input by a user, A connection detection step for detecting connection of an external device; an input determination step for determining whether or not there is an input by a user instructing a transition to another menu in a state where an initial menu is displayed on the display means ; In the input determination step, when it is determined that there is no input instructing the transition to the other menu , and when connection of an external device is detected in the connection detection step, a connection is established from the plurality of menus. And a display menu selection step for displaying a menu relating to the external device.
(11) In the connection detection step, it is possible to detect the connection of a plurality of external devices. In the display menu selection step, when a connection of a plurality of external devices is detected in the connection detection step, a preset is set. The menu display method according to (10), wherein menus related to each of the plurality of external devices are displayed in a predetermined order according to the priorities set.
(12) In the display menu selection step, when it is determined that there is no input in the input determination step for a predetermined time, and a connection of an external device is not detected in the connection detection step, a menu located in a predetermined hierarchy (10) or (11), wherein the menu is displayed.
(13) The menu display method according to any one of (10) to (12), wherein the external device is at least one of an optional paper feed cassette, a digital camera, a scanner, and an external memory. .
(14) In the display menu selection step, when the optional paper feed cassette is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting a paper size and a paper type is displayed as a menu relating to the connected external device. (13) The menu display method according to (13).
(15) In the display menu selection step, when the digital camera is connected as the external device, an image to be printed is selected from among images held by the digital camera as a menu related to the connected external device. A menu display method according to (13) or (14), characterized in that a menu capable of being displayed is displayed.
(16) In the display menu selection step, when the scanner is connected as the external device, a menu capable of specifying the resolution of an image captured by the scanner is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. (13) The menu display method according to any one of (15) to (15).
(17) In the display menu selection step, when the external memory is connected as the external device, a process for printing all the images held in the external memory can be selected as a menu related to the connected external device. A menu display method according to any one of (13) to (16), wherein a menu is displayed.
(18) The menu display method according to any one of (10) to (17), wherein the menu display device is an image forming device.

( 19 ) A menu display program for controlling a menu display device having display means for holding a plurality of hierarchical menus and displaying the menus of each hierarchy step by step in response to an input by a user. A connection detection procedure for detecting a connection of an external device, an input determination procedure for determining whether or not there is an input by a user , instructing a transition to another menu in a state where an initial menu is displayed on the display means ; In the input determination procedure, when it is determined that there is no input instructing the transition to the other menu , and connection of an external device is detected in the connection detection procedure, a connection is established from the plurality of menus. A menu display program for causing the menu display device to execute a display menu selection procedure for displaying a menu relating to an external device. Beam.
(20) In the connection detection procedure, it is possible to detect the connection of a plurality of external devices. In the display menu selection procedure, if a connection of a plurality of external devices is detected in the connection detection step, it is set in advance. The menu display program according to (19), wherein a menu related to each of the plurality of external devices is displayed in a predetermined order according to the priorities set.
(21) In the display menu selection procedure, if it is determined that there is no input in the input determination procedure for a predetermined time and no connection of an external device is detected in the connection detection procedure, a menu located in a predetermined hierarchy The menu display program according to (19) or (20), wherein the menu display program is displayed.
(22) The menu display program according to any one of (19) to (21), wherein the external device is at least one of an optional paper feed cassette, a digital camera, a scanner, and an external memory. .
(23) In the display menu selection procedure, when the optional paper feed cassette is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting a paper size and a paper type is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. (22) The menu display program according to (22).
(24) In the display menu selection procedure, when the digital camera is connected as the external device, an image to be printed is selected from among images held by the digital camera as a menu related to the connected external device. A menu display program according to (22) or (23), characterized in that a menu capable of being displayed is displayed.
(25) In the display menu selection procedure, when the scanner is connected as the external device, a menu capable of specifying the resolution of an image captured by the scanner is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display program according to any one of (22) to (24).
(26) In the display menu selection procedure, when the external memory is connected as the external device, a process for printing all the images held in the external memory can be selected as a menu related to the connected external device. A menu display program according to any one of (22) to (25), wherein a menu is displayed.
(27) The menu display program according to any one of (19) to (26), wherein the menu display device is an image forming device.

( 28 ) A computer-readable recording medium on which the menu display program according to any one of (19) to (27) is recorded.

  According to the present invention, in a menu display device that holds a plurality of hierarchical menus and can display the menus of each layer in a stepwise manner according to input, the menu display device has no input and the menu display When an external device is connected to the apparatus, a menu related to the connected external device is displayed from the plurality of menus. As a result, when the external device is connected to the menu display device, the user can easily make settings related to the external device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a menu display system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A menu display system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a personal computer 2, a printer 3 as a menu display device, an optional paper feed cassette 4 as an external device that can be connected to the printer 3, a digital camera 5, a scanner 6, and an external device. The printer 3 and the personal computer 2 are connected via a communication network 8 so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the types and number of devices connected to the communication network 8 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. The printer 3 may be directly connected (locally connected) between the personal computer 2 and the device without going through a network.

  Next, the configuration of each of the above devices will be described. However, each of the above devices may include a component other than the components described below, or may not include some of the components described below. Good. Moreover, in order to avoid duplication of description about the part which has the same function with each apparatus, the description is demonstrated only the first time, and the description is abbreviate | omitted after the 2nd time.

  The personal computer 2 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk, display, input device, network interface, and bus.

  The CPU performs various processes of control and calculation. Various programs are stored in the ROM. The RAM temporarily stores data as a work area. The hard disk stores various programs and data. The display performs various displays. The input device is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and is used for performing various inputs. The network interface is an interface for connecting to the communication network 8 and communicating with other devices on the communication network 8 such as the printer 3, and standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI are used.

  With the above configuration, the personal computer 2 can transmit a print job to the printer 3.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the printer 3 according to the present embodiment.

  The printer 3 performs image formation by an electrophotographic method, and includes a CPU 30, a ROM 31, a RAM 32, an operation panel unit 33, a printing unit 34, a network interface 35, a local interface 36, and a bus 37.

  In addition to various programs, the ROM 31 stores a plurality of menus displayed on the display unit 331 and a table recording the display order of the plurality of menus. This table is shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of menus stored in the ROM 31 has a hierarchical structure because the display order is set based on the table shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the operation panel unit 33.

  The operation panel unit 33 includes a display unit 331 that is a liquid crystal panel, a menu key 332, an up / down key 333, and an enter key 334. FIG. 4 shows a state in which a top menu 801 as an initial screen is displayed on the display unit 331.

  The menu key 332 is a key for shifting from the top menu 801 to a menu located in a lower hierarchy, or returning from various menus to the top menu 801. The up / down key 333 is a key for selecting items displayed on various menus. The determination key 334 is a key for determining an item selected from various menus.

  The printing unit 34 performs printing based on the print job received from the personal computer 2.

  The local interface 36 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as the digital camera 5 without using a network, such as a serial interface such as RS-232C, USB, or IEEE1394, a parallel interface such as SCSI or IEEE1284, or Bluetooth. , IEEE802.11, HomeRF, IrDA, and other wireless communication interfaces can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 3 performs a predetermined operation described later. A program for controlling the operation of the printer 3 for this purpose is stored in the ROM 31.

  The optional paper feed cassette 4 is detachably provided in the printing unit 34 of the printer 3, and stores a storage unit capable of storing recording paper of a predetermined size, and transports the recording paper stored in the storage unit to the printing unit 34. And a conveying roller.

  The conveyance roller rotates when power from the printer 3 is transmitted through a power transmission mechanism such as a gear.

  The digital camera 5 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a photographing device, an operation unit, a display unit, a local interface, and a memory card slot, which are connected to each other via a bus for exchanging signals.

  The imaging device captures a subject and obtains image data. The operation unit is used for inputting various instructions, and the display unit is used for displaying various information.

  The memory card slot is a connection unit for connecting to a memory card (not shown) capable of storing image data.

  The scanner 6 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, an operation panel unit, an image reading unit, a local interface, and a bus, and can be connected to the printer 3 via the local interface.

  The external memory 7 has a nonvolatile memory capable of storing data such as image data, and a local interface connected to the nonvolatile memory, and can be connected to the printer 3 via the local interface. Next, processing executed by the printer 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is stored as a program in the ROM 31 of the printer 3 and is executed by the CPU 30.

  First, the printer 3 displays the top menu 801 shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 331 of the operation panel unit 33 (S101). The top menu 801 includes READY characters.

  Next, the printer 3 determines whether or not the menu key 332 is pressed while the top menu 801 is displayed on the display unit 331 (S102), and if it is determined that the menu key 332 is pressed ( The language menu 802 is displayed on the display unit 331 (S103: YES). The processing executed when the printer 3 determines that the menu key 332 has not been pressed (NO in S102) is executed when the printer 3 determines that the menu key 332 has been pressed (YES in S102). A description will be given after all the processes to be performed are described.

  Next, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 has been pressed while the language menu 802 is displayed on the display unit 331 (S104), and if it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed ( Language selection processing is executed (S105: YES).

  This language selection process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the printer 3 displays a language selection menu 803 for selecting a language displayed on the display unit 331 on the display unit 331 (S201). In this language selection menu 803, Japanese is selected as a language to be displayed on the display unit 331 (hereinafter referred to as display language).

  Next, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 has been pressed while the language selection menu 803 is displayed (S202). If the printer 3 determines that the enter key 334 has been pressed (S202). YES), Japanese is set as the display language (S203).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S202), the printer 3 determines whether the up / down key 333 has been pressed (S204).

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S204), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S201.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S204), the printer 3 changes the menu displayed on the display unit 331. Specifically, each time the printer 3 determines that the up key is pressed, the language selection menu 804 in which English is selected as the display language → the language selection menu 805 in which German is selected as the display language → French The menu displayed on the display unit 331 is changed in the reverse order to the above whenever the menu displayed on the display unit 331 is changed in the order of the language selection menu 806 selected as the display language and the down key is pressed. Is changed (S205, S206, S207).

  Subsequently, the printer 3 determines whether or not the determination key 334 is pressed in a state where any one of the language selection menu 804, the language selection menu 805, and the language selection menu 806 is displayed on the display unit 331 ( Not shown).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed, the printer 3 returns to any of the processes executed immediately before Step S205, Step S206, and Step S207.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed (not shown), the language selected in the language selection menu displayed on the display unit 331 is set as the display language (S208, S209, S210). ). This completes the language selection process shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the language selection process is completed, the printer 3 returns to the process of step S101 and displays the top menu 801 on the display unit 331 again (S101). Note that the processing flow returning to step S101 includes a sample print process (S111), a network setting process (S112), a calibration process (S113), an optional paper feed cassette process (S117) shown in FIG. The same applies to the completion of the process (S123), the scanner process (S127), and the external memory process (S128). For this reason, the description of the flow of this processing is omitted hereinafter.

  Next, a process executed by the printer 3 when it is determined in step S104 that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S104) will be described.

  In this case, the printer 3 determines whether or not the up / down key 333 is pressed in the subsequent step S106.

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S106), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S101.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S106), the printer 3 changes the menu displayed on the display unit 331 (S107, S108, S109, S110). Specifically, every time it is determined that the up key has been pressed, the printer 3 changes the menu displayed on the display unit 331 in the order of the sample print menu 807 → the network menu 809 → the engine menu 810 → the option menu 811, Each time it is determined that the down key has been pressed, the menu displayed on the display unit 331 is changed in the reverse order.

  Subsequently, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed while any of the sample print menu 807, the network menu 809, the engine menu 810, and the option menu 811 is displayed on the display unit 331. (Not shown).

  First, a case where the printer 3 determines that the enter key 334 has been pressed while the sample print menu 807 is displayed on the display unit 331 will be described.

  In this case, the printer 3 executes sample print processing in the subsequent step S111.

  This sample print process is a process for printing the sample image stored in the ROM 31 by the printing unit 34. During this sample print process, the characters “Sample print printing 808” are displayed on the display unit 331. Is done.

  Next, a case where the printer 3 determines that the enter key 334 has been pressed while the network menu 809 is displayed on the display unit 331 (not shown) will be described.

  In this case, the printer 3 executes network setting processing in subsequent step S112. This network setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the printer 3 displays an IP address input menu 812 (not shown) on the display unit 331 (S301).

  Subsequently, in a state where the IP address input menu 812 is displayed on the display unit 331, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed after a predetermined value is input as the IP address (S302). ).

  If the printer 3 determines that the enter key 334 is pressed after a predetermined value is input as the IP address (YES in S302), the printer 3 sets the input value as the IP address of the printer 3 (S303). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 is not pressed after a predetermined value is input as the IP address (NO in S302), the printer 3 determines whether the up / down key 333 has been pressed (S304). ).

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S304), the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S304), a subnet mask input menu 813 is displayed on the display unit 331 (S305).

  Subsequently, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed after a predetermined value is input as the subnet mask in a state where the subnet mask input menu 813 is displayed on the display unit 331 (FIG. Not shown).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 is not pressed after a predetermined value is input as the subnet mask, the printer 3 returns to the process of step S305.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed after a predetermined value has been input as the subnet mask, the printer 3 sets the input value as the subnet mask of the printer 3 (S306). This completes the network setting process shown in FIG.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5, a case will be described in which the printer 3 determines that the enter key 334 has been pressed while the engine menu 810 is displayed.

  In this case, the printer 3 executes a calibration process (S113).

  This calibration process is a process for correcting a difference in color for each apparatus. During the calibration process, the display section 331 displays characters “Calibration process in progress 814”.

  Next, a case will be described in which the printer 3 determines that the enter key 334 has been pressed in a state where the option menu 811 is displayed on the display unit 331 (YES in S114).

  In this case, the printer 3 proceeds to the process shown in FIG.

  First, the printer 3 displays the option sheet cassette menu 815 on the display unit 331 (S115), and whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed while the option sheet cassette menu 815 is displayed on the display unit 331. Is determined (S116).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 is pressed while the option sheet cassette menu 815 is displayed on the display unit 331 (YES in S116), the printer 3 proceeds to an option sheet feeding process (S117).

  This optional paper feed cassette process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the printer 3 displays the paper menu 816 on the display unit 331 (S401). This paper menu 816 is a menu for selecting execution of paper size selection and paper type selection processing described later.

  Subsequently, in a state where the paper menu 816 is displayed on the display unit 331, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 has been pressed (S402).

  If it is determined in step S402 that the enter key 334 has been pressed (YES in S402), the printer 3 displays a paper size selection menu 817 for designating the size and orientation of the paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4. The information is displayed on the display unit 331 (S403). In the paper size selection menu 817, A4 portrait is selected as the size and orientation of the paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4.

  Next, in a state where the paper size selection menu 817 is displayed on the display unit 331, the printer 3 determines whether or not the determination key 334 is pressed (S404), and when it is determined that the determination key 334 is pressed. (YES in S404), A4 portrait is set as the size and orientation of the paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4 (S405).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S404), the printer 3 determines whether the up / down key 333 has been pressed (S406).

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S406), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S403.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S406), the printer 3 displays a paper size selection menu 818 (S407). In this paper size selection menu 818, A4 landscape is selected as the size / orientation of the paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4. Subsequently, with the paper size selection menu 818 being displayed, the printer 3 It is determined whether or not the enter key 334 has been pressed (not shown). If it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed, the size and orientation of the paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4 can be Is set (S408).

  Next, a process executed by the printer 3 when it is determined in step S402 that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S402) will be described.

  In this case, in step S409, the printer 3 determines whether the up / down key 333 has been pressed.

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S409), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S401.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S409), the printer 3 displays a paper type selection menu 819 for selecting the type of paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4 on the display unit 331. (S410). In the paper type selection menu 819, plain paper is selected as the paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4.

  Next, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed while the paper type selection menu 819 is displayed (S411), and if it is determined that the enter key 334 is pressed (S411). YES), plain paper is set as the type of paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4 (S412).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S411 that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S411), the printer 3 determines whether or not the up / down key 333 has been pressed (S413).

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S413), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S410.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S413), the printer 3 displays a paper type selection menu 820 (S414). In the paper type selection menu 820, thick paper is selected as the type of paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4.

  Subsequently, with the paper type selection menu 820 being displayed, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 has been pressed (not shown).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed, the printer 3 returns to the process of step S414.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed, the printer 3 sets thick paper as the type of paper stored in the optional paper feed cassette 4 (S415). This completes the optional paper feed cassette process.

  Next, returning to FIG. 8, the case where it is determined in step S116 that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S116) will be described.

  In this case, the printer 3 determines whether or not the up / down key 333 has been pressed in the subsequent step S118.

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S118), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S115.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S118), the printer 3 displays the other menu 821 on the display unit 331 (S119). The other menu 821 is a menu for selecting execution of processing related to devices other than the optional paper feed cassette 4 among the external devices that can be connected to the printer 3.

  Following step S119, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 has been pressed while the other menu 821 is displayed (S120).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S120), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S119.

  On the other hand, when determining that the enter key 334 has been pressed (YES in S120), the printer 3 displays the digital camera menu 822 on the display unit 331 (S121).

  Subsequently, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed while the digital camera menu 822 is displayed on the display unit 331 (S122), and when it is determined that the enter key 334 is pressed. (YES in S122), digital camera processing is executed (S123).

  This digital camera process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the printer 3 displays the selected image print menu 823 on the display unit 331 (S501). The selected image print menu 823 is a menu for selecting an image to be printed by the printer 3 among images held by the digital camera 5.

  Next, in a state where the selected image print menu 823 is displayed on the display unit 331, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 has been pressed after an image to be printed by the printer 3 is selected (S502). ).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed after the image to be printed by the printer 3 is selected (YES in S502), the printer 3 prints the selected image (S503).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed after the image to be printed by the printer 3 is selected (NO in S502), the printer 3 determines whether or not the up / down key 333 has been pressed ( S504).

If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S504), the printer 3
The process returns to step S501.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S504), the printer 3 displays the all-image print menu 824 on the display unit 331 (S505). The all image print menu 824 is a menu for selecting a process for printing all images held by the digital camera 5.

  Next, in a state where the all-image print menu 824 is displayed on the display unit 331, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed (not shown).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed, the printer 3 returns to the process of step S505.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed, the printer 3 executes all-image printing processing (S506). This is the end of the digital camera process.

  Next, returning to FIG. 8, the case where it is determined in step S122 that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S122) will be described below.

  In this case, in step S124, the printer 3 determines whether the up / down key 333 has been pressed.

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S124), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S121.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S124), the menu displayed on the display unit 331 is changed (S125, S126). Specifically, every time it is determined that the up key has been pressed, the printer 3 changes the menu displayed on the display unit 331 in the order of the scanner menu 825 → the external memory menu 828, and determines that the down key has been pressed. Each time, the menu displayed on the display unit 331 is changed in the reverse order.

  Subsequently, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed in a state where either the scanner menu 825 or the external memory menu 828 is displayed on the display unit 331 (not shown).

  First, a case where the printer 3 determines that the enter key 334 has been pressed with the scanner menu 825 displayed on the display unit 331 (not shown) will be described.

  In this case, the printer 3 executes the scanner process in subsequent step S127. This scanner processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the printer 3 displays the resolution menu 826 on the display unit 331 (S601). The resolution menu 826 is a menu for designating the resolution of an image captured by the scanner 6.

  Subsequently, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed after a predetermined value is input as the resolution of the image captured by the scanner 6 with the resolution menu 826 displayed on the display unit 331. (S602).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed after a predetermined value is input as the resolution (YES in S602), the printer 3 sets the input value as the resolution of the image captured by the scanner 6 ( S603).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed after a predetermined value is input as the resolution (NO in S602), the printer 3 determines whether the up / down key 333 has been pressed (S604). .

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in S604), the printer 3 returns to the process of step S601.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S604), the printer 3 displays the color / monochrome selection menu 827 on the display unit 331 (S605). The color / monochrome selection menu 827 is a menu for selecting whether the image captured by the scanner 6 is color or monochrome.

  Subsequently, in the state where the color / monochrome selection menu 827 is displayed on the display unit 331, the printer 3 selects either color or monochrome as the color of the image captured by the scanner 6, and the enter key 334 is pressed. It is determined whether or not it has been pressed (not shown).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed after the color of the image has been selected, the printer 3 returns to the process of step S605.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 is pressed after the color of the image is selected, the printer 3 sets the selected color as the color of the image captured by the scanner 6. This completes the scanner process.

  Next, returning to FIG. 8, the case where the printer 3 has pressed the enter key 334 while the external memory menu 828 is displayed on the display unit 331 will be described.

  In this case, the printer 3 proceeds to external memory processing in the subsequent step S128.

  This external memory processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the printer 3 displays the all-image print menu 829 on the display unit 331 (S701). The all image print menu 829 is a menu for selecting a process for printing all images held in the external memory 7.

  Subsequently, the printer 3 determines whether or not the enter key 334 is pressed in a state where the all-image print menu 829 is displayed on the display unit 331 (S702).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed (YES in S702), the printer 3 prints all images stored in the external memory 7 (S703).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed (NO in S702), the printer 3 determines whether the up / down key 333 has been pressed (S704).

  If it is determined that the up / down key 333 has not been pressed (NO in step S704), the printer 3 returns to the process in step S701.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the up / down key 333 has been pressed (YES in S704), the printer 3 displays the selected image print menu 830 on the display unit 331 (S705). The selected image print menu 830 is a menu for selecting a process for printing a selected image among images held in the external memory 7.

  Subsequently, in the state where the selected image print menu 830 is displayed on the display unit 331, the printer 3 determines whether the determination key 334 is pressed after the image to be printed is selected from the images held in the external memory 7. (Not shown).

  If it is determined that the enter key 334 has not been pressed after the image to be printed is selected, the printer 3 returns to the process of step S705.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 334 has been pressed after the image to be printed is selected, the printer 3 prints the selected image (S706).

  In the processing described above, it is necessary to perform many operations of pressing the up / down key 333 and the enter key 334 in order to display a menu related to an external device that can be connected to the printer 3 such as the optional paper feed cassette 4. Cause Therefore, in the present embodiment, when an external device is connected, a process for automatically displaying a menu related to the external device is executed after step S102 shown in FIG. This process will be described below.

  In FIG. 5, when it is determined in step S102 that the menu key has not been pressed (NO in S102), the printer 3 proceeds to the process shown in FIG.

  First, the printer 3 determines whether an external device is connected to the printer 3 (S129).

  If it is determined that the external device is not connected (NO in S129), the printer 3 returns to the process of step 101 shown in FIG.

  If it is determined that an external device is connected (YES in S129), the printer 3 determines the type of the connected external device based on information sent from the connected external device (S130).

  If it is determined in step S130 that the connected external device is the optional paper feed cassette 4, the printer 3 proceeds to the optional paper feed cassette process shown in FIG. 9 (S117), and the paper menu 816 is displayed. indicate.

  If it is determined in step S130 that the connected external device is the digital camera 5, the printer 3 shifts to the above-described digital camera processing shown in FIG. 10 (S123) and displays the selected image print menu 823. indicate.

  If it is determined in step S130 that the connected external device is the scanner 6, the printer 3 shifts to the above-described scanner processing shown in FIG. 11 (S127) and displays the resolution menu 826.

  If it is determined in step S130 that the connected external device is the external memory 7, the printer 3 proceeds to the above-described external memory processing shown in FIG. 12 (S128), and the all-image print menu 829 is displayed. indicate.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an external device is connected to the printer 3, the printer 3 automatically displays a menu related to the connected external device. As a result, when the external device is connected to the menu display device, the user can easily make settings related to the external device.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, when an external device is connected to the printer 3 during the execution of the processing after step S103, the processing after step S103 may be interrupted and the processing shown in FIG. 13 may be started. In this case, a program for executing the interruption and start is stored in the ROM 31 of the printer 3 and is executed by the CPU 30 when an external device is connected.

  In addition, when a plurality of external devices can be connected to the printer 3 at the same time, a priority order for executing the processing relating to the plurality of external devices is designated, and during execution of the processing relating to the already connected external devices, When an external device with a high priority is newly connected, the processing being executed may be interrupted and processing related to the newly connected external device may be started. In this case, for example, a table in which priorities as shown in FIG. Note that the LAN shown in FIG. 14 indicates an external device connected to the printer 3 via the LAN (Local Area Network).

  5 may be executed when the printer 3 determines that the menu key 332 has not been pressed for a predetermined time and the external device has not been connected to the printer 3. Good. In this case, a process for making the above determination is executed before step S103.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer is described as an example of the menu display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the menu display device may be a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine, an e-mail printer, These multifunction devices may be used.

  The means and method for performing various processes in the menu display device according to the present embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated in the software of the device as one function of the menu display device.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a menu display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the table which recorded the display order of the menu. It is a top view which shows an operation panel part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a language selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a network setting process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing related to an external device that can be connected to a printer. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an optional paper feed cassette process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a digital camera process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a scanner process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an external memory process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by a printer when an external device is connected to the printer. It is a figure explaining the table which recorded the priority of the process regarding an external device.

Explanation of symbols

1 menu display system,
3 Printer,
30 CPU,
31 ROM,
32 RAM,
33 Operation panel section
34 Printing Department,
35 network interface,
36 Local interface,
37 Bus.

Claims (28)

A menu display device comprising a display means for holding a plurality of hierarchical menus and displaying the menus of each hierarchy step by step in response to an input by a user,
An input determining means for determining whether or not there is an input by a user , instructing a transition to another menu in a state where an initial menu is displayed on the display means;
Connection determination means for determining whether or not an external device is connected;
When it is determined by the input determining means that there is no input for instructing the transition to the other menu , and the connection detecting means determines that an external device is connected, a connection is established from among the plurality of menus. Display menu selection means for displaying a menu related to the external device;
A menu display device comprising: The connection determination means can determine whether or not a plurality of external devices are connected,
The display menu selection unit displays a menu related to each of the plurality of external devices in a predetermined order according to a preset priority when it is determined by the connection determination unit that a plurality of external devices are connected. The menu display device according to claim 1.   The display menu selection unit selects a menu located in a predetermined hierarchy when it is determined that there is no input by the input determination unit for a predetermined time and an external device is not connected by the connection detection unit. The menu display device according to claim 1, wherein the menu display device displays the menu. The menu display device according to claim 1, wherein the external device is at least one of an optional paper feed cassette, a digital camera, a scanner, and an external memory. 5. The menu capable of selecting a paper size and a paper type is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device when the optional paper feed cassette is connected as the external device. Menu display device. When the digital camera is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting an image to be printed out of images held by the digital camera is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: 7. When the scanner is connected as the external device, a menu capable of specifying the resolution of an image captured by the scanner is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. Menu display apparatus as described in any one of these. When the external memory is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting a process for printing all images held in the external memory is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display apparatus as described in any one of Claims 4-7. The menu display device according to claim 1, wherein the menu display device is an image forming device. A menu display method for controlling a menu display device having a display means for holding a plurality of hierarchical menus and displaying the menus of each hierarchy step by step in response to an input by a user,
A connection detection step for detecting connection of an external device;
An input determination step for determining whether or not there is an input by the user , instructing a transition to another menu in a state where the initial menu is displayed on the display means ;
In the input determination step, when it is determined that there is no input instructing the transition to the other menu , and when connection of an external device is detected in the connection detection step, a connection is established from the plurality of menus. A display menu selection step for displaying a menu related to the external device;
A menu display method characterized by comprising: In the connection detection step, it is possible to detect the connection of a plurality of external devices,
  In the display menu selection step, when connection of a plurality of external devices is detected in the connection detection step, a menu related to each of the plurality of external devices is displayed in a predetermined order according to a preset priority order. The menu display method according to claim 10, wherein: In the display menu selection step, when it is determined that there is no input in the input determination step for a predetermined time, and a connection of an external device is not detected in the connection detection step, a menu located in a predetermined hierarchy is displayed. The menu display method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the menu is displayed. The menu display method according to claim 10, wherein the external device is at least one of an optional paper feed cassette, a digital camera, a scanner, and an external memory. In the display menu selection step, when the optional paper feed cassette is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting a paper size and a paper type is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display method according to claim 13. In the display menu selection step, when the digital camera is connected as the external device, it is possible to select an image to be printed from among images held by the digital camera as a menu related to the connected external device. 15. The menu display method according to claim 13, wherein a menu is displayed. In the display menu selection step, when the scanner is connected as the external device, a menu capable of specifying the resolution of an image captured by the scanner is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display method according to any one of claims 13 to 15. In the display menu selection step, when the external memory is connected as the external device, a menu that can select a process for printing all images held in the external memory as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display method according to claim 13, wherein the menu is displayed. The menu display method according to claim 10, wherein the menu display device is an image forming device. A menu display program for controlling a menu display device having a display means for holding a plurality of hierarchical menus and displaying the menus of each hierarchy step by step in response to an input by a user,
A connection detection procedure for detecting the connection of an external device;
An input determination procedure for determining whether or not there is an input by the user , instructing the transition to another menu in a state where the initial menu is displayed on the display means ;
In the input determination procedure, when it is determined that there is no input instructing the transition to the other menu , and connection of an external device is detected in the connection detection procedure, a connection is established from the plurality of menus. Display menu selection procedure for displaying menus related to external devices,
A menu display program for causing the menu display device to execute. In the connection detection procedure, it is possible to detect the connection of a plurality of external devices,
  In the display menu selection procedure, when connection of a plurality of external devices is detected in the connection detection step, a menu related to each of the plurality of external devices is displayed in a predetermined order according to a preset priority order. The menu display program according to claim 19, wherein In the display menu selection procedure, when it is determined that there is no input in the input determination procedure for a predetermined time, and a connection of an external device is not detected in the connection detection procedure, a menu located in a predetermined hierarchy is displayed. 21. The menu display program according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The menu display program according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the external device is at least one of an optional paper feed cassette, a digital camera, a scanner, and an external memory. In the display menu selection procedure, when the optional paper feed cassette is connected as the external device, a menu capable of selecting a paper size and a paper type is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display program according to claim 22. In the display menu selection procedure, when the digital camera is connected as the external device, it is possible to select an image to be printed from among images held by the digital camera as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display program according to claim 22 or 23, wherein a menu is displayed. In the display menu selection procedure, when the scanner is connected as the external device, a menu capable of specifying the resolution of an image captured by the scanner is displayed as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display program according to any one of claims 22 to 24. In the display menu selection procedure, when the external memory is connected as the external device, a menu for selecting a process for printing all images held in the external memory is selected as a menu related to the connected external device. The menu display program according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the menu display program is displayed. The menu display program according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the menu display device is an image forming device. A computer-readable recording medium in which the menu display program according to any one of claims 19 to 27 is recorded.

Images