JP5516085B2 - Image processing apparatus, interface screen display method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation panel provided in an image processing apparatus or the like.

  In recent years, copying machines have become more and more multifunctional, and copying machines installed in offices are so-called multi-function machines (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) having a plurality of functions such as a FAX function and a printing function. ) Is the mainstream.

  As multifunction becomes more advanced, many functions can be used with a single MFP, which is convenient, but the operation method is often complicated. In other words, since there is a limit on the size of the operation panel provided in the MFP, characters or diagrams representing all usable functions and setting items, etc. can be displayed at a time so that the user can visually recognize them. Because it becomes difficult.

  In such a case, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) (hereinafter referred to as “interface”) configured to switch and display a plurality of setting screens, and characters or the like that do not fit on the display screen can be displayed vertically or horizontally. The operability is improved by using a so-called scrolling interface or the like that displays by sliding.

  Also, in order to improve operability, it is proposed that functions frequently used by the user or basic functions, etc., among the functions provided in the MFP are collected and displayed on an easily accessible screen. Yes. Furthermore, a technique has been proposed in which a user selects a button to be displayed on a simple screen using a registration screen displayed on an operation panel (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-68040 A

  However, for example, when a user gathers and displays functions that he or she seems to use frequently on a screen that is easy to access, other users know which functions have been collected on that screen. It may not be. Also, the user who selects the function may forget it.

  The user searches for the desired function from the screen on which all the functions of the MFP are displayed, even though the desired function is displayed on the easily accessible screen.

  In such a case, it is desirable to notify that a desired function is displayed on an easily accessible screen. Also, it is desirable not to be based on simple message display and voice guidance, but to notify information such as which screen is present more accurately.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus including a user interface function that notifies a user that a desired function is displayed on an easily accessible screen so that the user can accurately recognize the desired function.

An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first screen and a second screen on which badges that are images indicating one function of the own apparatus are arranged, and when the badge is selected by a user. When the user selects the screen display means for displaying the third screen related to the function indicated by the badge and the badge placed on the first screen, the badge placed on the first screen The third screen is displayed together with the first information indicating that it has been selected, and when the badge selected on the second screen is selected by the user, a badge showing the same function as the function indicated by the badge but and a display control means for displaying said third screen with a second information indicating that it is arranged on the first screen, the first screen, the badge is fixedly arranged The second screen is a scroll screen in which some of the badges are arranged in a predetermined direction, and the arranged badges are slid in the predetermined direction and sequentially replaced with the remaining badges. It is.

  The image processing apparatus having the above configuration can notify the user that the desired function is displayed on an easily accessible screen so that the user can accurately recognize it.

1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an entire MFP. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows a basic function screen. It is a figure which shows a scroll screen. It is a figure which shows the relationship of all the function badges, a function badge area, a scroll track, and a slide gauge. It is a figure which shows the screen which displayed the item setting window of the function badge of a basic function screen. It is a figure which shows the screen which displayed the item setting window of the function badge of the scroll screen. It is a figure explaining the case where the item of a function badge is set from a basic function screen. It is a figure explaining the case where the item of a function badge is set from a scroll screen. It is a figure explaining the case where the "Cancel" button is touched. It is a figure explaining the case where the "OK" button is touched. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure and content of a function badge structure table. It is a flowchart which shows a screen display process.

<Embodiment>
The user interface function provided in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. In the embodiment, a user interface function provided in MFP 1000 that is one form of the image processing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition to an MFP (multifunction machine), a device having a single function such as a scanner, a fax, and a print may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the entire MFP 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  The MFP 1000 includes an operation panel 20f, and realizes a user interface function using the operation panel 20f. The MFP 1000 controls the following units and the like according to items set via the operation panel 20f, and performs printing or the like desired by the user.

  The MFP 1000 includes an image forming unit for forming a black (K) image. In the image forming unit, the image carrier 1 called a photosensitive member and the surface of the image carrier 1 are charged to a uniform potential. An image exposure device 3 for irradiating light onto the surface of the charged image carrier 1 to form a predetermined electrostatic latent image, and a region where the electrostatic latent image is formed. A developing device 4 is provided for electrostatically adsorbing and developing toner that is a powdery color material. An image forming unit that forms an image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) has the same configuration as an image forming unit that forms an image of black (K).

  The MFP 1000 further includes a primary transfer device 6 for transferring (primary transfer) the toner developed on the surface of each image carrier 1 onto a transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer member, and the primary transfer device 6. The secondary transfer device 7 for transferring the toner on the transfer belt 5 onto a recording medium 11 such as recording paper or a resin film (secondary transfer), and the toner transferred on the recording medium 11 are fixed. The fixing device 8 is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 1000.

  The MFP 1000 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20a, a random access memory (RAM) 20b, a read only memory (ROM) 20c, a hard disk 20d, a control circuit 20e, an operation panel 20f, a communication interface (I / F) 20g, and a printing apparatus. 20h and a scanner 20i.

  The control circuit 20e is a circuit for controlling devices such as the hard disk 20d, the operation panel 20f, the communication interface 20g, the printing device 20h, and the scanner 20i.

  The operation panel 20f is an interface device that covers the display surface of the display with a touch panel that detects a position touched by the user with a fingertip or the like, and inputs a screen such as a message for the user and an instruction for processing desired by the user. Display a screen for the purpose. Further, the user can make a desired setting for MFP 1000 by touching a predetermined position on the touch panel.

  Next, the communication interface 20g communicates with another device (not shown) such as an authentication server and a user terminal via a communication line according to a protocol (NIC) (TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)). Network Interface Card) or modem.

  The printing device 20h is a device that prints based on image data stored in a memory (RAM 20b, hard disk 20d, etc.) or image data transmitted from a user terminal or the like.

  The scanner 20 i is a so-called image scanner, and is a device that reads a figure, a photograph, or the like from a document such as paper and stores it as image data in a memory in the MFP 1000. The MFP 1000 implements a so-called copy function by reading an image of a document with the scanner 20 i and printing with the printing device 20 h based on the read image.

<Operation panel and scroll screen>
Next, the configuration and display example of the operation panel 20f will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 20 f includes a touch panel unit 21 and an operation key unit 22.

  The touch panel unit 21 is an interface device whose display surface is covered with a transparent touch panel, a screen for notifying the user of the state of the MFP 1000, and an instruction for giving an instruction to the MFP 1000 when the user touches with a finger. Display the screen.

  The operation key unit 22 is a hard key for instructing basic functions of the MFP 1000 such as copy and FAX, for example, a “reset” key 22 a for instructing resetting the item content of the function badge 30, FAX, or scan A “fax / scan” key 22b for instructing to display a screen, a “copy” key 22c for specifying the use of the copy function, a so-called numeric keypad, and the like. The operation key unit 22 has only a function of receiving an instruction from the user. Note that the hard keys included in the operation key unit 22 may be displayed on the touch panel unit 21.

  The touch panel unit 21 displays a basic function screen 1310 that is displayed when the “copy” key 22 c of the operation key unit 22 is pressed.

  This basic function screen is a so-called initial screen, and the copy operation is started from this basic function screen. Therefore, it can be estimated that the basic function screen is a screen that is displayed many times and displayed for a long time and is often touched by the user.

  On the basic function screen 1310, seven function badges 30 and three switching buttons 51 are displayed. Further, “basic function 1” which is one of the switching buttons 51 is focused by the cursor 52.

  The function badge 30 is an image indicating a function included in the MFP 1000, and one function badge 30 corresponds to one of the functions included in the MFP 1000.

  The function badge 30 includes a function type 301 indicating the corresponding function, an illustration 302 indicating the function, and a character string indicating the item content 303 currently set. The item content is set by touching the function badge 30. As a method for setting the item content, there is a method in which “ON” and “OFF” are switched and set by touching the function badge 30. So-called toggle key. As another method, there is a method of setting an item in a displayed window (hereinafter, referred to as “item setting window”) in which an item setting screen, for example, a pop-up window is displayed.

  The switch button 51 is a button for switching the screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21.

  In the embodiment, the three switching buttons 51 are a “basic function 1” switching button 51, a “basic function 2” switching button 51, and an “applied function” switching button 51.

  The “basic function 1” switching button 51 is a button for giving an instruction to display the function badge 30 of “basic function 1” on the basic function screen 1310. That is, when the “basic function 2” function badge 30 is displayed, the “basic function 2” function badge 30 is displayed instead of the “basic function 2” function badge 30.

  The “basic function 2” switching button 51 is a button for displaying the function badge 30 of “basic function 2” on the basic function screen 1310 in place of the function badge 30 of “basic function 1”.

  The “applied function” switching button 51 is a button for displaying a scroll screen 1210 described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a scroll screen 1210 that scrolls and displays all the function badges 30 relating to copying provided in the MFP 1000.

  The function badge 30 is the same as the function badge 30 in FIG. 3 and is an image showing the functions provided in the MFP 1000.

  In the scroll screen 1210, an area displaying the plurality of function badges 30 is referred to as a function badge area 23. In this function badge area 23, a part of all the function badges 30 provided in the MFP 1000, eight such as “book document” and “continuous reading” are displayed in FIG.

  A scroll track 24 and a slide gauge 25 are displayed below the function badge area 23.

  FIG. 5 shows the relationship among all the function badges 30, the function badge area 23, the scroll track 24, and the slide gauge 25.

  In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the MFP 1000 includes 26 function badges 30 from the function badge 30A to the function badge 30Z.

  In the function badge area 23, eight consecutive function badges 30 among the function badges 30A to 30Z are displayed. Which function badge 30 is displayed is designated by the slide gauge 25.

  The scroll track 24 represents the function badges 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> Z in its entire length, and one square area (hereinafter referred to as “marker”) described on the scroll track 24 corresponds to one function badge 30.

  The slide gauge 25 moves along the scroll track 24 and designates eight markers on the scroll track 24 by surrounding them with a rectangle. That is, the function badges 30 corresponding to the eight markers designated by the slide gauge 25 are displayed in the function badge area 23.

  Accordingly, when the slide gauge 25 is touched (pressed) and moved along the scroll track 24 (hereinafter also referred to as “drag”), the function badges 30 corresponding to the markers designated by the slide gauge 25 are sequentially displayed. Is done. That is, it is scrolled and displayed.

  The “Close” button 26 in FIG. 4 is a button for instructing to close the scroll screen 1210. When the scroll screen 1210 is closed, a basic function screen 1310 is displayed.

  The “<” button 27 is a button for instructing to move the slide gauge 25 to the left in units of functional groups. The function group refers to a group in which the function badge 30 is divided according to the function type. In FIG. 4, nine function groups of the document 50a, image quality / density 50b to other 50i are described. Each function group is indicated by surrounding a marker corresponding to the function badge 30 constituting each function group with a rectangle.

  The “>” button 28 is a button for instructing to move the slide gauge 25 to the right in units of functional groups.

<Display of item setting window>
Next, a method using an item setting window will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 as a method for setting items of the function badge 30.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen on which an item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 is displayed by touching the function badge 30 on the basic function screen 1310.

  In FIG. 6, the “color” function badge 30 on the basic function screen 1310 is touched, and the “color” item setting window 100 is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen on which an item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 is displayed by touching the function badge 30 displayed in the function badge area 23 of the scroll screen 1210.

  In FIG. 7, the “color” function badge 30 on the scroll screen 1210 is touched, and the “color” item setting window 100 is displayed.

  When the function badge 30 is touched and the item setting window 100 is displayed, normally, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the function badge 30 is displayed so as to overlap the screen on which the function badge 30 is displayed.

  That is, when the function badge 30 on the basic function screen 1310 is touched, the item setting window 100 is displayed over the basic function screen 1310, and when the function badge 30 on the scroll screen 1210 is touched, the scroll screen is displayed. An item setting window 100 is displayed so as to overlap with 1210 (this item setting window 100 may be hereinafter referred to as “normal item setting window 100”).

  However, in the MFP 1000 of the present embodiment, when the function badge 30 indicating the same function is displayed on the basic function screen 1310 and the scroll screen 1210, the function badge 30 on the scroll screen 1210 is touched. However, the item setting window 100 is not displayed over the scroll screen 1210. In the embodiment, the screen transitions from the scroll screen 1210 to the basic function screen 1310, and the item setting window 100 is displayed on the basic function screen 1310 as if the function badge 30 on the basic function screen 1310 is touched.

  An example in which the function badge 30 indicating the same function is displayed on the basic function screen 1310 and the scroll screen 1210 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, it is assumed that the “color” function badge 30 is displayed on the basic function screen 1310 and the scroll screen 1210.

  The case where the item of the function badge 30 is set from the basic function screen 1310 is demonstrated using FIG.

  When the user touches the “color” function badge 30 on the basic function screen 1310 as shown on the screen 01, the item setting window 100 is displayed over the basic function screen 1310 as shown on the screen 02. The user touches an item displayed on the item setting window 100 to set the item content.

  Next, the case where the item of the function badge 30 is set from the scroll screen 1210 is demonstrated using FIG.

  As shown in the screen 10, when the user first touches the “applied function” switching button 51 on the basic function screen 1310, a scroll screen 1210 shown in the screen 11 is displayed.

  Next, as shown in the screen 11, when the user touches the “color” function badge 30 on the scroll screen 1210, the item setting window 100 is displayed over the basic function screen 1310 as shown in the screen 12. That is, the screen changes to the basic function screen 1310 and the item setting window 100 is displayed. Here, when the background of the item setting window 100 is changed from the scroll screen 1210 to the basic function screen 1310, the function badge 30 having the same function as the touched function badge 30 is also displayed on the basic function screen 1310. You will recognize that. The user touches an item displayed on the item setting window 100 to set the item content.

  When the “color” function badge 30 is displayed only on the scroll screen 1210, when the user touches the “color” function badge 30 on the screen 11, as shown in FIG. The “Color” item setting window 100 is displayed.

  The basic function screen 1310 is a so-called initial screen, and the copy operation is started from this basic function screen. On the other hand, the scroll screen 1210 is a so-called child screen displayed by touching the “applied function” switching button 51 on the basic function screen 1310. Therefore, since the basic function screen 1310 is at a shallower position in the screen hierarchy than the scroll screen 1210, it can be said that the screen is easier to display, that is, more accessible.

  In the scroll screen 1210, although the items of all functions provided in the MFP 1000 can be set, it is necessary to drag the slide gauge 25 to find a desired function badge 30. On the basic function screen 1310, a plurality of function badges 30 are provided. Since seven pieces are displayed side by side in the embodiment, the desired function badge 30 can be found immediately.

  Therefore, in the MFP 1000 according to the embodiment, when the function badge 30 on the scroll screen 1210 is touched and the function badge 30 showing the same function as the touched function badge 30 is displayed on the basic function screen 1310, By displaying the item setting window 100 on the basic function screen 1310, the user is informed that the function badge 30 having the same function is also present on the basic function screen 1310.

  Since the background of the displayed item setting window 100 is changed from the scroll screen 1210 to the basic function screen 1310, the user can know that the basic function screen 1310 has the function badge 30 of the same function, and It ’s easy to leave an impression. Therefore, when the item of the function badge 30 is set next, it can be set from a screen that is easier to display.

<Screen after closing item setting window>
Here, the processing after touching the function badge 30 on the scroll screen 1210 and closing the item setting window 100 displayed on the basic function screen 1310 (hereinafter referred to as “item setting window 100 after transition”) will be described. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  In the normal item setting window 100, when the “Cancel” button or the “OK” button is touched, the item setting window 100 is closed and the screen that has been the background is displayed.

  However, in the item setting window 100 after the transition, when the “Cancel” button is touched, the item setting window 100 is closed, and not the basic function screen 1310 that is the background of the item setting window 100 but the scroll. A screen 1210 is displayed.

  A case where the “OK” button is touched will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the screen 20, when the item setting process is performed by touching the “OK” button in the item setting window 100, the item setting window 100 displays the item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 desired by the user. Judge that it was.

  Therefore, as shown in the screen 21, the item setting window 100 is closed and the screen returns to the basic function screen 1310.

  Next, a case where the “stop” button is touched will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the screen 30, when the item setting process is canceled by touching the “Cancel” button in the item setting window 100, the item setting window 100 displays the item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 desired by the user. Judge that it was not.

  Therefore, the item setting window 100 is closed and the screen is changed to the scroll screen 1210 as shown in the screen 31 so that the items of the other function badges 30 can be set.

<Configuration>
Hereinafter, a user interface function provided in the MFP 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the MFP 1000.

  In FIG. 12, functional units related to user interface functions provided in the MFP 1000 are mainly described. The MFP 1000 has other functions similar to those of a general multifunction peripheral, but the description thereof is omitted.

  The MFP 1000 includes an operation panel 20f, an overall control unit 1100, a scroll screen display processing unit 1200, a basic function screen display processing unit 1300, a display screen determination unit 1400, a scanner processing unit 1500, a print processing unit 1600, a screen configuration information storage unit 1700, And an item content storage unit 1900.

  All or some of the functions of the respective units of the MFP 1000 described below are realized by the CPU 20a executing a program stored in a memory such as the hard disk 20d of the MFP 1000.

  The overall control unit 1100 controls the overall operation of the MFP 1000. The overall control unit 1100 detects a user operation on the operation panel 20f and performs control corresponding to the operation. For example, when the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 notifies that the “applied function” switching button 51 on the basic function screen 1310 has been touched, the display instruction of the scroll screen 1210 is issued to the scroll screen display processing unit 1200. . Further, when the “reset” key 22a (see FIG. 3) is pressed, a reset instruction is issued to a function unit that needs to be reset.

  The scroll screen display processing unit 1200 displays a scroll screen 1210 on the touch panel unit 21 of the operation panel 20f according to an instruction from the overall control unit 1100. For example, when the power is turned on and the “applied function” switching button 51 on the basic function screen 1310 is touched without changing any item content by the user, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 stores the item content. The initial value stored in unit 1900 is referred to, and a scroll screen corresponding to the initial value is displayed.

  After displaying the scroll screen, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 has a function of displaying a screen according to a user instruction. For example, the slide gauge 25 is displayed while being slid according to the user's instruction, and the function badge 30 corresponding to the function badge area 23 is displayed according to the position of the slide gauge 25.

  Further, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 has a function of displaying the item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 when the function badge 30 is touched. At that time, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 inquires of the display screen determination unit 1400 whether or not to display the item setting window 100, and displays the item setting window 100 if the response is a display. If the response is not displayed, the item setting window 100 is displayed on the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 via the overall control unit 1100.

  Furthermore, when there is a “reset” instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 returns the item contents of all the function badges 30 to the initial values stored in the item content storage unit 1900, It is assumed that the content of the initial value is reflected in the item content 303 (see FIG. 5).

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 has a function of displaying the basic function screen 1310 on the touch panel unit 21 of the operation panel 20f in accordance with an instruction from the overall control unit 1100.

  For example, when the power is turned on and the “copy” key 22c of the operation key unit 22 is pressed without changing any item content by the user, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 is an item content storage unit. The initial value stored in 1900 is referred to, and a basic function screen 1310 corresponding to the initial value is displayed.

  After displaying the basic function screen, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 has a function of displaying a screen according to a user instruction. For example, when the “basic function 2” switching button 51 is touched, the function badge 30 for “basic function 2” is displayed.

  In addition, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 returns the item contents of all the function badges 30 to the initial values stored in the item content storage unit 1900 when an instruction “reset” is given from the overall control unit 1100. , Item contents 303 (see FIG. 4) reflect the contents of the initial values.

  The display screen determination unit 1400 has a function of receiving an inquiry from the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 as to whether or not to display the item setting window 100 and determining whether or not to display it.

  The display screen determination unit 1400 is notified of the function badge 30 when making an inquiry from the scroll screen display processing unit 1200. Whether or not the item setting window 100 of the notified function badge 30 may be displayed is determined with reference to data stored in the screen configuration information storage unit 1700.

  The data stored in the screen configuration information storage unit 1700 and the determination method will be described in the section <Data>.

  In response to an instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the scanner processing unit 1500 reads a figure from a document such as paper, generates image data, and stores the image data in a memory.

  In response to an instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the print processing unit 1600 has a function of printing an image on a sheet based on the image data stored in the memory and discharging the image.

  For example, when the overall control unit 1100 detects that the “start” key of the operation key unit 22 has been pressed, the overall control unit 1100 instructs the scanner processing unit 1500 and the print processing unit 1600 to perform a copy process. Upon receiving the instruction, the scanner processing unit 1500 reads characters and the like from a document such as paper, generates image data, and passes the generated data to the print processing unit 1600 via the memory. The print processing unit 1600 is based on the received image data. Print on paper and eject.

  The screen configuration information storage unit 1700 has a function of storing the function badge 30 displayed on the scroll screen 1210, the basic function screen 1310, and the like.

  The item content storage unit 1900 has a function of storing an initial value of the item content of the function badge 30. The initial value is a setting content of the function badge 30 when the MFP 1000 is activated when the power is turned on. When the user makes a new setting as an initial value, the new setting content is the initial value. Value. For example, if the function badge 30 is “automatic rotation”, the item content “not rotating” is set as an initial value.

  The item content storage unit 1900 has a function of storing the item content set by the user by touching the function badge 30, the setting content automatically set according to the setting content, and the like. The stored item contents are referred to by the print processing unit 1600 when the print processing unit 1600 performs the print processing, for example.

<Data>
Hereinafter, data used when the MFP 1000 realizes the user interface function will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and contents of the function badge configuration table 1710.

  The function badge configuration table 1710 includes a screen identifier 1711 and a function badge identifier 1712.

  The function badge configuration table 1710 is stored in the screen configuration information storage unit 1700 in advance. However, the function badge selection function provided by the MFP 1000, that is, the function displayed on the basic function screen 1310 by the function of selecting the function badge 30 displayed on the basic function screen 1310 from the function badge 30 displayed on the scroll screen 1210. If changed, the contents of the function badge configuration table 1710 are also updated in accordance with the change.

  A screen identifier 1711 indicates an identifier for identifying a screen to be displayed on the touch panel unit 21. In FIG. 13, the name of the screen is described as an identifier.

  The function badge identifier 1712 indicates the identifier of the function badge 30 displayed on the screen indicated by the screen identifier 1711. In FIG. 13, the function type 301 (see FIG. 3 etc.) is described as an identifier.

  For example, the function types 301 of all the function badges 30 that are scroll-displayed in the function badge area 23 are described as the function badge identifier 1712 of the record whose screen identifier 1711 is “scroll screen”.

  When the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 asks whether or not to display the item setting window 100 of a certain function badge 30, the display screen determination unit 1400 displays the function badge 30 on the basic function screen 1310. If not, it is determined as “not displayed”, and if not displayed, it is determined as “display”.

  Specifically, in the display screen determination unit 1400, the identifier of the function badge 30 passed from the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 is set as the function badge identifier 1712 of the record whose screen identifier 1711 is “basic function 1 screen”. If it is determined that the function badge 30 is displayed on the basic function screen 1310. Accordingly, the item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 determines “not display” and returns a determination result “not display” to the scroll screen display processing unit 1200.

  If the identifier of the function badge 30 passed from the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 is not set as the function badge identifier 1712 of the record having the screen identifier 1711 of “basic function 1 screen”, the function badge 30 Is not displayed on the basic function screen 1310. Accordingly, the item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 determines “display” and returns a determination result “display” to the scroll screen display processing unit 1200.

<Operation>
Hereinafter, an operation when the MFP 1000 according to the embodiment realizes a user interface function will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing screen display processing.

  The user presses the “copy” key 22c of the operation key unit 22 of the operation panel 20f.

  Upon detecting that a key other than the “copy” key 22c has been pressed (step S100: other), the overall control unit 1100 performs processing according to the pressed key and waits for the next operation of the user.

  Upon detecting that the “copy” key 22c has been pressed (step S100: copy), the overall control unit 1100 instructs the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 to display the basic function screen 1310 for copying.

  Upon receiving an instruction to display the basic function screen 1310, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 reads the initial values stored in the item content storage unit 1900 and copies all setting items to the read initial values. Basic function screen 1310, that is, the screen when the “basic function 1” switching button 51 is selected is displayed (step S102, see FIG. 3).

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 that has displayed the basic function screen 1310 determines whether the instruction from the overall control unit 1100 is an instruction when transitioning from the scroll screen 1210 (step S104).

  This determination is made based on whether or not it is notified that the display is “transition display” when the overall control unit 1100 instructs the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 to display the basic function screen 1310. Here, since the instruction is to display the basic function screen 1310 when the “copy” key 22c is pressed, nothing is notified. Accordingly, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 determines that the instruction is not an instruction when transitioning from the scroll screen 1210.

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 that has determined that the instruction is not an instruction when transitioning from the scroll screen 1210 (step S104: No) waits for a user operation.

  Here, when the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that “basic function 2” is touched (step S106: basic function 1/2), the image data of the function badge of the basic function 1 is stored in the basic function 2. The image data of the function badge 30 is changed (step S108), and the basic function screen 1310 is displayed (step S102). When it is detected that “basic function 1” is touched on the basic function screen on which the function badge 30 of the basic function 2 is displayed, the function badge 30 of the basic function 1 is displayed.

  When the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the function badge 30 is touched (step S106: function badge), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 displays the item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 (step S110).

  When the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 displaying the item setting window 100 detects that the item is touched (step S112: item), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 performs processing according to the item and waits for the next operation.

  When the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the “stop” switching button 51 is touched (step S112: cancel), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 deletes the item setting window 100 (step S115). The function screen 1310 is displayed (step S102), and a user operation is waited for.

  When the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the “OK” switching button 51 is touched, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 acquires the item content set by the user via the item setting window 100. Then, it is stored in the item content storage unit 1900 (step S114), the item setting window 100 is deleted (step S115), the basic function screen 1310 is displayed (step S102), and a user operation is awaited.

  In step 106, when the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the “applied function” switching button 51 is touched (step S 106: applied function), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 displays the scroll screen 1210 via the overall control unit 1100. The scroll screen display processing unit 1200 is instructed.

  Upon receiving the instruction, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 reads the initial value stored in the item content storage unit 1900 and the changed item content after the change, and all the setting items are read as the item content. The scroll screen 1210 set to "" is displayed (step S200).

  Here, when the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the user has instructed to move (drag) the slide gauge 25 (step S202: slide gauge movement), the image data of the slide gauge 25 moved according to the user's instruction. Then, image data of the function badge 30 to be displayed in the function badge area 23 is generated (step S204), a scroll screen 1210 is displayed (step S200), and a user operation is waited for.

  Further, when the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the function badge 30 is touched (step S202: function badge), the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 passes the identifier of the function badge 30 to the display screen determination unit 1400, and An inquiry is made as to whether or not to display the item setting window 100 (step S206).

  Upon receiving the inquiry, the display screen determination unit 1400 determines whether or not to display the item setting window 100 of the passed function badge 30, and displays a scroll screen display process indicating “display” or “not display”. Reply to part 1200. The determination is performed as described in the section <Data>.

  When there is a response “display” from the display screen determination unit 1400, that is, when the function badge 30 showing the same function as the touched function badge 30 is not displayed on the basic function screen 1310 (step S206: No), the item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 is displayed (step S208).

  When the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 displaying the item setting window 100 detects that an item has been touched (step S210: item), it performs processing according to the item and waits for the next operation.

  When the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the “Cancel” switching button 51 has been touched (Step S210: Cancel), the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 deletes the item setting window 100 (Step S213) and the scroll screen 1210. Is displayed (step S200), and a user operation is awaited.

  When the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the “OK” switching button 51 is touched, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 acquires the item content set by the user via the item setting window 100, and the item The contents are stored in the content storage unit 1900 (step S212), the item setting window 100 is deleted (step S213), the scroll screen 1210 is displayed (step S200), and a user operation is awaited.

  In step S202, when the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the “close” button 21 is touched (step S202: close), the basic function screen is displayed on the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 via the overall control unit 1100. Instruct to display 1310.

  In step S206, when there is a response “not displayed” from the display screen determination unit 1400, that is, the function badge 30 indicating the same function as the touched function badge 30 is displayed on the basic function screen 1310. In the case (step S206: Yes), the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 passes the identifier of the touched function badge 30 to the overall control unit 1100 and requests that the item setting window 100 be displayed on the basic function screen display processing unit 1300. To do.

  Upon receiving the request, the overall control unit 1100 instructs the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 to display the basic function screen 1310. At this time, the overall control unit 1100 notifies the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 that it is “display when transitioned”, and passes the identifier of the function badge 30 passed from the scroll screen display processing unit 1200.

  Upon receiving an instruction to display the basic function screen 1310, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 reads the initial values stored in the item content storage unit 1900 and the changed item contents after the change. The basic function screen 1310 in which the set item is set to the read item content is displayed (step S102).

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 that has displayed the basic function screen 1310 determines whether the instruction from the overall control unit 1100 is an instruction when transitioning from the scroll screen 1210 (step S104).

  When receiving the instruction to display the basic function screen 1310, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 has received a notification of “display when transitioned”. Judge that there is.

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300, which has determined that the instruction is a transition instruction from the scroll screen 1210 (step S104: Yes), is notified from the overall control unit 1100 when it is notified that the display is “transition display”. The item setting window 100 of the function badge 30 indicated by the passed identifier is displayed (step S116).

  When the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 displaying the item setting window 100 detects that the item has been touched (step S118: item), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 performs processing according to the item and waits for the next operation.

  When the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the “stop” switching button 51 has been touched (Step S118: Cancel), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 performs scroll screen display processing via the overall control unit 1100. The unit 1200 is instructed to display the scroll screen 1210.

When the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the “OK” switching button 51 is touched, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 acquires the item content set by the user via the item setting window 100. Then, it is stored in the item content storage unit 1900 (step S120), the item setting window 100 is deleted (step S121), the basic function screen 1310 is displayed (step S102), and a user operation is awaited.
<Supplement>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention may be as follows not only the said form.
(1) In the embodiment, when the function badge 30 touched on the scroll screen 1210 is displayed as the function badge 30 of the basic screen 1, the item setting window 100 is displayed by transitioning to the basic function screen 1310. However, you may change to the other screen on which the function badge 30 which shows the same function as the touched function badge 30 is displayed.

However, the procedure until the transition screen is displayed needs to be simpler than the procedure until the scroll screen 1210 is displayed. Specifically, from the basic function screen 1310 on which the function badge 30 of the basic function 1 that is the initial screen is displayed, the number of operations that the user must perform before displaying each screen is compared and scrolled. When the screen can be displayed with fewer operations than displaying the screen 1210, the screen may be transitioned to.
(2) In the embodiment, the case where the item setting screen 100 of the function badge 30 is displayed when the function badge 30 is touched is described. However, as a method for setting the item content of the function badge 30, the function badge 30 It may be a case where a toggle key that is set by touching “ON” and “OFF” is used. That is, when the function badge 30 on the scroll screen 1210 is touched, a transition is made to the basic function screen 1310, and “ON” and “OFF” of the function badge 30 on the basic function screen 1310 are switched.
(3) The user interface function of the embodiment may be realized by all or a part of each component in FIG. 12 by a computer program, or may be implemented in any other form.

  In the case of a computer program, a program written in any recording medium such as a memory card or CD-ROM may be read and executed by a computer, or a program may be downloaded and executed via a network. Also good.

20f Operation panel 20h Printing device 20i Scanner 21 Touch panel unit 22 Operation key unit 23 Function badge area 24 Scroll track 25 Slide gauge 30 Function badge 1000 MFP
1100 Overall control unit 1200 Scroll screen display processing unit 1300 Basic function screen display processing unit 1400 Display screen determination unit 1500 Scanner processing unit 1600 Print processing unit 1700 Screen configuration information storage unit 1710 Function badge configuration table 1900 Item content storage unit

Claims (12)

A first screen and a second screen on which badges representing images of one function of the device itself are arranged, and a third screen relating to the function indicated by the badge when the badge is selected by the user are displayed. Screen display means;
When the badge arranged on the first screen is selected by the user, the third screen is displayed together with the first information indicating that the badge arranged on the first screen is selected. When the badge arranged on the second screen is selected by the user, the badge indicating the same function as the function indicated by the badge is displayed together with the second information indicating that the badge is arranged on the first screen. Display control means for displaying the third screen ;
Equipped with a,
The first screen is a screen on which the badge is fixedly arranged,
The second screen is a scroll screen in which some of the badges are arranged in a predetermined direction, and the arranged badges are sequentially replaced with the remaining badges while sliding in the predetermined direction.
The image processing apparatus according to claim and this. The display control means causes display the first screen as the second information,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. When the user selects the badge arranged on the first screen, the display control means displays the third screen with respect to the selected badge while displaying the first screen. When a badge showing the same function as the function displayed on the first screen is selected by the user from among the plurality of badges on the second screen, the second screen is replaced. Displaying the first screen as the second information and displaying the third screen for the selected badge.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The second screen is a screen displayed after the first screen .
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Wherein the display control unit, said badges second is located on the screen is selected by the user, prior Symbol to display the third screen, when the process of the third screen is determined by the user, the first 3 screens are closed and the first screen is displayed, and when the process on the third screen is canceled by the user, the third screen is closed and the second screen is displayed .
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. On the first screen, a badge indicating a function frequently used by a user is displayed .
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A first screen and a second screen on which badges indicating images of one function of the image processing apparatus are arranged as interface screens used in the image processing apparatus, and when the badge is selected by the user There is an interface screen display method for selectively displaying a third screen related to the function indicated by the badge ,
If the badge is located on the first screen is selected by the user, Ru to display the third screen together with the first information indicating that the badge is located on the first screen is selected Execute the first display process,
If the badge is located on the second screen is selected by a user, the badge showing the same functions the badge indicated together with the second information indicating that it is disposed in the first screen a Execute the second display process to display 3 screens,
The first screen is a screen on which the badge is fixedly arranged,
The second screen is a scroll screen in which some of the badges are arranged in a predetermined direction, and the arranged badges are sequentially replaced with the remaining badges while sliding in the predetermined direction.
Interface screen display wherein a call. Displaying the first screen as the second information;
The interface screen display method according to claim 7. As the first display process, a process of displaying the third screen with respect to the badge selected by the user while the first screen is displayed,
When a badge showing the same function as the function shown by the badge arranged on the first screen is selected by the user from among the plurality of badges on the second screen, Displaying the first screen as the second information in place of two screens and executing the process of displaying the third screen for the selected badge;
The interface screen display method according to claim 7. A first screen and a second screen on which badges indicating images of one function of the image processing apparatus are arranged as an interface screen on the image processing apparatus, respectively, and when the badge is selected by the user, the badge is displayed. A computer program for selectively displaying a third screen relating to the function to be displayed,
In the image processing apparatus,
If the badge is located on the first screen is selected by the user, the said badges disposed in the first screen to display the third screen together with the first information indicating that the selected 1 display processing is executed,
If the badge is located on the second screen is selected by a user, the badge showing the same functions the badge indicated together with the second information indicating that it is disposed in the first screen a The second display process for displaying three screens is executed,
The first screen is a screen on which the badge is fixedly arranged,
The second screen is a scroll screen in which some of the badges are arranged in a predetermined direction, and the arranged badges are sequentially replaced with the remaining badges while sliding in the predetermined direction.
Computer program, wherein a call. A process of displaying the first screen together with the third screen as the second information is executed as the first display process;
The computer program according to claim 10. As the first display process, a process for displaying the third screen on the badge selected by the user while the first screen is displayed is executed.
When a badge showing the same function as the function shown by the badge arranged on the first screen is selected by the user from among the plurality of badges on the second screen, Displaying the first screen as the second information instead of two screens, and causing the selected badge to display the third screen,
The computer program according to claim 10.

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