JP5547134B2 - Image forming system and setting condition input method for image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and a setting condition input method for the image forming system, and more particularly, an image forming system and an image forming system that allow a user to input easily and smoothly even under a setting condition that does not know an operation procedure. The present invention relates to a system setting condition input method.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine that forms and outputs an image on a recording medium such as paper is connected to a remote operation apparatus such as a PC remotely operated via a network, and an operation instruction is transmitted from the remote operation apparatus. Various image forming systems have been proposed in which the image forming apparatus is operated and the operation screen of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the operation screen of the remote operation apparatus.

  When setting printing conditions on the image forming apparatus in the image forming system, there are a method in which a user inputs directly to the image forming apparatus main body, a method in which setting information is input from a remote operation device to the image forming apparatus via a network, and the like. It was adopted.

  However, as the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus becomes multifunctional and large, various function items on the operation screen displayed on the operation display unit are diversified, and the operation procedure is complicated. In addition, functions that are frequently used by users are often limited to some functions, and there are differences in the types of functions used by each user. For this reason, it is complicated for the user to execute a desired function using the operation screen displayed on the operation display unit, and the usability is not good.

  As a technique for solving such a problem, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-139672 (Patent Document 1), operation screen information at the time of selection of a function item shown on the operation screen and selection input on the operation screen are performed. Storage means for storing the input information indicating the position of the selected input means, and the operation screen information at the time of selection of the function item and the input information selected and input on the operation screen in association with each other in order in the storage means An image forming apparatus comprising an operation procedure generation means for storing and generating operation procedure information is disclosed. This makes it possible to easily generate user-specific operation procedure information and to realize an image forming apparatus with improved operability.

  Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-368842 (Patent Document 2) includes a facsimile apparatus having a storage device that holds help information indicating the operation method of the facsimile apparatus, and an information processing apparatus capable of remotely operating the facsimile apparatus. A facsimile system is disclosed. The facsimile system is characterized in that when the information processing apparatus requests the help information from the facsimile apparatus, the facsimile apparatus transmits the help information to the information processing apparatus in response to the request. As a result, when the facsimile apparatus is remotely operated by the information processing apparatus, the help information is stored in the facsimile apparatus, so that the help information can be easily provided online to the information processing apparatus. It is said.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-178064 (Patent Document 3) discloses a communication unit that performs communication with one or more other image forming apparatuses including an operation unit including a display operation panel, and other image formation. An image forming apparatus including a storage unit that stores contents of an operation screen displayed on a display operation panel of the image forming apparatus and a display mode thereof is disclosed. The image forming apparatus displays an operation screen for selecting another image forming apparatus on its own display operation panel, the image forming apparatus is selected from the operation unit, and the operation screen of the selected image forming apparatus is displayed. Displayed on its own display / operation panel in the display mode of the image forming apparatus, information is input from the operation unit, the input information is transmitted to the selected image forming apparatus, and the image display apparatus receives the image display apparatus. It is characterized by executing the functions of As a result, other image forming apparatuses can be remotely operated, and the operation screen displayed by the image display apparatus that is the target of the remote operation is displayed in the display mode of the image forming apparatus. The procedure is also that of the image forming apparatus, and it is said that a user who is used to the operation procedure of the image forming apparatus to be remotely operated can operate smoothly.

JP 2006-139672 A JP 2002-368842 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-178064

  However, even in the technique described in any one of Patent Documents 1-3, when the user is not used to the operation procedure or when the operation procedure itself is complicated, the user can still smoothly input desired setting conditions. There is a problem that it may not be possible, and the operability is inferior.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an image forming system and an image forming system that can be input easily and smoothly even under setting conditions in which the user does not know the operation procedure. An object is to provide a setting condition input method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus including a first operation unit and a terminal device including a second operation unit. The following configuration is adopted on the premise of the image forming system.

  That is, the image forming system asks the operation procedure when an operation screen for inputting a predetermined setting condition via the predetermined operation procedure is displayed on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus. Inquiry means for selecting the inquiry key to be selected, an inquiry means for accepting selection of the inquiry key from the first user, and an answer key for answering the operation procedure when the inquiry key is selected And an answer possible acceptance means that is displayed on the second operation unit of the terminal device and accepts selection of the answer key from the second user. In addition, the image forming system displays an operation screen equivalent to the operation screen displayed on the first operation unit on the second operation unit of the terminal device when the answer key is selected, An operation procedure accepting unit that accepts an input of the operation procedure from the second user and a key corresponding to the operation procedure on the operation screen when the input of the operation procedure is completed. And a guidance unit that displays the operation procedure in a selectable manner and allows the first user to input the operation procedure.

  Accordingly, the first user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus easily uses the operation procedure of the second user in the vicinity of the terminal device to easily set a setting condition that he / she desires and does not know the operation procedure. It becomes possible to input. In addition, since the first user executes the operation procedure while looking at the operation screen, the first user is not familiar with the operation procedure or the operation procedure itself is complicated. In addition, the first user can easily and smoothly input desired setting conditions.

  Further, the inquiry means adopts a configuration that, when the inquiry key is selected, prohibits acceptance of selection of another key from the first user via the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus. I can do it.

  The inquiry means selects, when the inquiry key is selected, a stop key for canceling the inquiry, which is a key other than the other keys, in the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus. When the display is possible and the selection of the cancel key is accepted from the first user, a configuration of canceling the inquiry can be adopted.

  In addition, the guide means displays only the keys corresponding to the operation procedure on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus in the operation screen so that the keys unrelated to the operation procedure cannot be selected. It is possible to adopt a configuration for displaying in

Further comprising a operating procedures, the history operation procedure storage means for storing in association with the contents of the query entered in the query of the operation steps, the query means, the contents of the inquiry of the history operation procedure storage means It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the inquiry content key corresponding to the item is displayed in a selectable manner and the selection of the inquiry content key is received from the first user. Then, the guide means, the input of the second pre-SL operating procedure received from the user is completed, those the manipulation procedure, the history operation procedure and the content of the query entered in the query of the operating procedure When the inquiry means accepts selection of the inquiry content key, the key corresponding to the operation procedure associated with the inquiry content key in the operation screen is stored in the storage means. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the first user can input the operation procedure by displaying the operation unit in a selectable manner.

  In addition, the present invention can be provided as a setting condition input method for an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus including a first operation unit and a terminal device including a second operation unit are connected. That is, in the setting condition input method, when an operation screen for inputting a predetermined setting condition via a predetermined operation procedure is displayed on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus, the operation procedure is input. An inquiry step for selectively displaying an inquiry key for inquiry and accepting selection of the inquiry key from the first user, and an answer key for answering the operation procedure when the inquiry key is selected Is displayed on the second operation unit of the terminal device, and a response enabling reception step of receiving selection of the response key from the second user is provided. Further, the setting condition input method displays the operation screen displayed on the first operation unit on the second operation unit of the terminal device when the answer key is selected, and the operation procedure is displayed. When the input of the operation procedure is completed from the second user and the input of the operation procedure is completed, the key corresponding to the operation procedure in the operation screen is displayed on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus. And a guidance step for allowing the first user to input the operation procedure. Even with this configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the image forming system and the setting condition input method of the image forming system of the present invention, it is possible to input easily and smoothly even if the setting condition is such that the user does not know the operation procedure.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of control system hardware of a multifunction peripheral and a control system hardware configuration of a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart for showing the execution procedure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart for showing the execution procedure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7A shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and FIG. 7B shows an example of an inquiry input screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7 (B)). FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 8A), and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an answerable acceptance screen displayed on the display of the embodiment of the present invention. (FIG. 8B). FIG. 9A shows an example of an operation procedure reception screen displayed on the display of the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 9A), and FIG. 9B shows an example of the operation procedure table of the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 9B). ). FIG. 10A shows an example of an answer reception screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 10A), and FIG. 10B shows an example of an operation screen displayed by the guidance unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. (B)). FIG. 11A shows an example of a history operation procedure table according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 11A), and FIG. 11B shows an example of a past inquiry content screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. )).

  Hereinafter, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming system>
Hereinafter, an image forming system according to the present invention is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus provided with a first operation unit and a terminal device provided with a second operation unit. The image forming apparatus corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multi-function machine including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like. The terminal device corresponds to a personal computer (PC).

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted. As an example, an operation when the image forming system 1 provides a document copy function will be briefly described.

  When the user uses the multifunction peripheral 100 of the image forming system 1, the document is placed on the document table 101. A first operation unit 101a (operation panel) is provided in the vicinity of the document table 101, and setting conditions (number of sheets, size, etc.) relating to the copy function are input via the first operation unit 101a. When the start key is pressed, the multi-function device 100 starts providing a copy function (printing process) based on the setting condition. The provision of operation procedures for setting conditions by the PC 124 connected to the MFP 100 via the network 123 will be described later.

  In the image reading unit 102, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the document placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by mirrors 105, 106 and 107. The guided reflected light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108 to generate image data of the document.

  When the image data is generated, the image forming unit 103 is a drive unit that transfers the image data as a toner image. The image forming unit 103 is provided with a photosensitive drum 109. The photosensitive drum 109 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum 110, the exposure unit 111, the developing unit 112, the transfer unit 113, the cleaning unit 114, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 110 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 109. The exposure device 111 irradiates light according to the image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 109. The developing unit 112 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure unit 111 to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 109. The transfer unit 113 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 109 to a sheet. The cleaning unit 114 removes excess toner attached to the photosensitive drum 109. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 109.

  The sheets are conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 115 provided in the multifunction machine 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 115 to the conveying path by a pickup roller 116. Each of the paper feed cassettes 115 stores sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on the setting conditions.

  The sheet pulled out on the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 109 and the transfer unit 113 by a conveyance roller 117 and a registration roller 118. The toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 113 and conveyed to the fixing device 118.

  When the sheet passes between a heating roller 120 and a pressure roller 121 provided in the fixing device 119, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and a visible image is fixed to the sheet. The heat amount of the heating roller is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. When the visible image is fixed and image formation is performed on the sheet, the sheet is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the multifunction peripheral 100 completes the provision of a copy function process to the user.

  Note that the PC 124 connected to the multifunction peripheral 100 is provided with a second operation unit 124a including a display for displaying a predetermined screen (for example, an operation screen), a keyboard for inputting keys and the like, and a mouse. ing. For example, when information about an inquiry screen is received from the multifunction device 100, the inquiry screen is displayed on the display of the PC. For example, when the user inputs an operation procedure corresponding to the operation screen using the keyboard or the like, the PC 124 receives the operation procedure and transmits it to the multi-function peripheral 100 (described later).

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the first operation unit 101a according to the present invention. The user uses the first operation unit 101a to input the setting conditions as described above, and confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting condition is input, the touch panel 201, the touch pen 202, and the operation key 203 provided in the first operation unit 101a are used.

  The touch panel 201 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, by pressing an item (key) in the screen displayed on the touch panel 201, a setting condition associated with the item is input.

  A display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the back surface of the touch panel 201. The display unit displays, for example, a screen such as an initial screen or based on image data. Display the generated preview image on the screen. A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and when a user brings the tip of the touch pen 202 into contact with the touch panel 201, a sensor provided under the touch panel 201 detects the touch destination.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the MFP 100 and the PC 124 of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control system hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 and a control system hardware configuration of the PC 124 according to the embodiment of the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit, and a touch panel. 306 (301), operation key 307 (203), and communication interface 308 are connected by an internal bus 309. The touch panel 306 and the operation keys 307 correspond to the first operation unit 101a. The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like, and responds to data, instructions, and keys from the driver 305 and the touch panel 306 based on the execution result. Signals, commands, etc. are sent and received to control the operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. Also, each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing a program. The ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like store programs and data for realizing each means described below. The communication interface 308 is connected to the PC 124 via the network 123. The CPU 301 transmits the above-described information to the PC 124 via the communication interface 308, displays a predetermined screen corresponding to the information on the display 315 of the PC 124, and the PC 124 and the like, data, instructions, commands, etc. Give and receive.

  The control circuit of the PC 124 is connected to the CPU 310, ROM 311, RAM 312, HDD 313, driver 314 corresponding to each control unit, display 315, keyboard 316, communication interface 318, and internal bus 317. The display 315 and the keyboard 316 correspond to the second operation unit 124a. For example, the CPU 310 exchanges data, instructions, instructions, information, and the like from the multi-function peripheral 100 via the communication interface 318 and displays a predetermined screen on the display 315 based on the information or the like. In addition, an instruction, a command, or the like output from a mouse (not shown) is exchanged, and the command, a command, or the like is transmitted to the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 100, or the operation of each control unit is controlled. Also, each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 310 executing the program.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention allows the user to easily and smoothly input setting conditions that the user does not know the operation procedure. Will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for illustrating an execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when a first user in the vicinity of the multifunction peripheral 100 places a document on the document table 101 and turns on the power of the multifunction peripheral 100, the display receiving unit 401 of the multifunction peripheral 100 performs a predetermined operation. An operation screen (initial screen displayed first) for inputting predetermined setting conditions via the procedure is displayed on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S101).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the operation screen 700 includes a plurality of setting item keys 701 for inputting setting conditions corresponding to execution of the copy function, and setting items that are not displayed on the operation screen 700. A function list key 702 for displaying a list of keys is displayed so as to be selectable.

  Further, when the display receiving unit 401 displays the operation screen 700 on the touch panel 201, the display unit 401 notifies the inquiry unit 402 to that effect, and the inquiry unit 402 that receives the notification displays the operation screen 700 in the operation screen 700. An inquiry key 703 for inquiring the operation procedure is displayed so as to be selectable.

  Here, the operation screen 700 is configured such that a screen corresponding to the key is switched and displayed in accordance with selection of a displayed key (for example, the setting item key 701 or the function list key 702). The operation procedure for inputting a predetermined setting condition means the selection order of a predetermined key for each screen to be switched and displayed in order to complete the input of the setting condition.

  Now, when the first user selects the inquiry key 703 in order to input a predetermined setting condition (for example, eco print that suppresses toner consumption) without knowing the operation procedure while viewing the operation screen 700. The inquiry means 402 accepts the selection of the inquiry key 703 (FIG. 5: S102 YES), and displays an inquiry input screen for inputting inquiry contents on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S103).

  On the inquiry input screen 704, as shown in FIG. 7B, a message 705 prompting the user to input setting conditions to be inquired, a keyboard key 706, and a past inquiry key 707 for confirming past inquiry contents. Then, a start key 708 for starting an inquiry and a cancel key 709 for returning to the initial screen are displayed.

  While the first user looks at the inquiry input screen 704 and does not select the past inquiry key 707 (FIG. 5: S104 NO), using the keyboard key 706, the inquiry content of the operation procedure that the user wants to know (for example, If the start key 708 is selected, the inquiry means 402 accepts the input inquiry content and the selection of the start key 708 (FIG. 5: (S105 YES), an inquiry screen indicating that an inquiry is being made is displayed on the touch panel 201, selection of only the cancellation key for canceling the inquiry is accepted, and other keys (displayed on the operation screen) other than the cancellation key are accepted. The selection of the other key is blocked and acceptance of the selection of the other key is prohibited (FIG. 5: S106).

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the inquiry screen 800 is displayed on the front of the inquiry input screen 704, and a message 801 indicating that an inquiry is being made and the cancel key 802 are displayed. As a result, the first user is informed that the PC 124 connected to the multifunction peripheral 100 is currently inquiring about the operation procedure of the predetermined setting condition, and the key selection (for example, the first user during the inquiry) , Key selection in the inquiry input screen 704) is prohibited, and selection of a key other than the inquiry is prevented from being input.

  The selection of the past inquiry key 707 (FIG. 5: S104 YES) and the selection of the cancel key 802 (FIG. 5: S116 YES) will be described later.

  The inquiry means 402 that has displayed the inquiry screen 800 is connected to the MFP 100 via the network 123 and communicates with the PC 124 that has been previously powered on. The inquiry content is notified to the means 403. Upon receiving the notification, the answer possible accepting unit 403 displays an answer possible accepting screen for answering the inquiry content on the display 315 of the PC 124 (FIG. 5: S107).

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the answer possible reception screen 803 is displayed as a balloon screen in a pop-up form from a predetermined inquiry icon 805 displayed in advance on an indicator 804 (task tray) arranged at the lower end of the display 315. , A message 806 indicating the inquiry destination “inquiry from MFP A”, the inquiry content 807 (“I don't know how to do eco print”) entered on the inquiry input screen, and the operation procedure An answer key 808 and a cancel key 809 are displayed.

  Here, since the second user in the vicinity of the PC 124 knows the operation procedure for inputting the setting condition to be inquired while looking at the answer acceptance screen 803, the user selects the cancel key 809. If the answer key 808 is selected (FIG. 5: S108 NO), the answer accepting means 403 accepts the selection of the answer key 808 (FIG. 5: S109 YES) and notifies the operation procedure accepting means 404 to that effect. To do. Upon receiving the notification, the operation procedure accepting unit 404 expands the balloon screen 803 and displays an operation procedure acceptance screen for inputting the operation procedure on the display 315 of the PC 124 (FIG. 5: S110).

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the operation procedure acceptance screen 900 includes an operation screen 901 equivalent to the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 201 of the multifunction peripheral 100, and an answer completion key for completing the answer. 902 is displayed.

  Here, the operation screen 901 displayed on the operation procedure reception screen 900 is equivalent to the operation screen 700 displayed on the touch panel 201 as shown in FIG. 7A, and according to the selection of the displayed key. Thus, the screen corresponding to the key is configured to be switched and displayed. For example, when the second user selects a predetermined key on the operation screen 901 of the operation procedure reception screen 900 via the pointer 903 operated on the display 315 of the PC 124, the operation procedure reception means 404 is From the operation screen 901, the (next) screen corresponding to the key is switched and displayed. In other words, the operation screen 901 of the operation procedure reception screen 900 allows the second user to press the keys on the operation screen 700 of the touch panel 201 of the multifunction peripheral 100 even though the second user is in front of the PC 124. It is possible to input the operation procedure so as to operate. The operation screen 901 equivalent to the operation screen 700 displayed on the touch panel 201 includes an operation screen that simulates the operation screen 700 displayed on the touch panel 201 and a simulated operation screen.

  The selection of the cancel key 809 on the answer enable reception screen 803 (FIG. 5: S108 YES) will be described later.

  When the second user inputs an operation procedure for inputting a setting condition (eco print) corresponding to the inquiry content via the operation screen 901 of the operation procedure reception screen 900, the operation procedure reception means 404 receives the input of the operation procedure (FIG. 5: S111).

  Here, the operation procedure accepting unit 404 may accept any operation procedure input method. For example, the second user uses a pointer 903 synchronized with a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. When a predetermined key on the operation screen 901 of the operation procedure reception screen 900 is selected, the operation procedure reception unit 404 acquires a key ID (for example, key name) for identifying the key from the selected key. In addition, the key ID and the order in which the key is selected from the first operation screen 901 (initial screen) are associated and temporarily stored in a predetermined memory as an operation procedure table.

  For example, the second user scrolls the “function list key” of the initial screen displayed first and the first function list screen displayed next through the operation screen 901 of the operation procedure reception screen 900. Select the “down key” on the bar, the “eco print key” on the second function list screen displayed third, and the “setting key” on the eco print setting screen displayed fourth. As shown in FIG. 9B, the accepting unit 404 stores “function list key”, “down key”, “eco print key”, and “setting key” in the key ID 905 of the operation procedure table 904, respectively. As the selected order 906, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” are stored in association with the corresponding key IDs 905, respectively.

  Now, without the first user selecting the cancel key 802 of the inquiry screen 800 (FIG. 5: S116 NO), the second user inputs an operation procedure corresponding to the input of a predetermined setting condition. When the answer completion key 902 on the operation procedure acceptance screen 900 is selected, the operation procedure acceptance unit 404 accepts the selection of the answer completion key 902 and acquires the operation procedure table 904 from the memory. It communicates with the MFP 100 connected to the PC 124 via the network 123, and notifies the guidance means 405 of the MFP 100 that the operation procedure table 904 and the answer completion key 902 have been selected ( FIG. 5: S117 YES). Upon receiving the notification, the guidance unit 405 displays a response reception screen for displaying a response to the inquiry content on the touch panel 201 of the operation unit 101a of the multifunction device 100.

  On the answer reception screen 1000, as shown in FIG. 10A, a message 1001 indicating that an answer to the inquiry has been received and an answer confirmation key 1002 for confirming the answer are displayed. Thereby, the first user can confirm completion of the answer.

  When the first user selects the answer confirmation key 1002 while looking at the answer reception screen 1000, the guidance unit 405 accepts the selection of the answer confirmation key 1002 and operates the operation screen on the touch panel 201. 7 corresponds to the initial screen shown in FIG. 7A, and the “function list key” of the key ID of the first order “1” in the operation procedure table 904 is acquired, and among the keys in the operation screen 700 Only the selection of the “function list key” can be accepted, the selection of other keys not stored in the operation procedure table 904 is blocked, and the acceptance of the selection of the other keys is prohibited (FIG. 5: S112).

  On the operation screen 1003 displayed by the guiding means 405, as shown in FIG. 10B, a key corresponding to the operation procedure (“function list key” 1004) is displayed so as to be irrelevant. Key 1005 is displayed in a non-selectable manner. In addition, a message 1006 prompting selection of the key 1004 corresponding to the operation procedure is also displayed. Thus, by causing the first user to select only the key 1004 corresponding to the operation procedure input by the second user, the operation procedure can be faithfully reproduced and the setting conditions for the inquiry target can be input reliably. It becomes possible to make it.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the guide means 405 displays only the background color of the key 1004 corresponding to the operation procedure in a color (for example, white) displayed on the normal operation screen, The background color of the key 1005 unrelated to the operation procedure is displayed in a color indicating selection prohibition (for example, gray), and the color other than the key 1004 corresponding to the operation procedure is displayed in gray out. Thereby, you may comprise so that only the key corresponding to the said operation procedure can be discovered visually easily to said 1st user.

  When the first user inputs (executes) the operation procedure input by the second user based on the operation screen 1003 displayed by the guide unit 405, the guide unit 405 The input of the operation procedure by the user is accepted (FIG. 5: S113).

  Here, when the guidance unit 405 receives an input of an operation procedure by the first user, any method may be used. For example, in the operation screen 1003 as illustrated in FIG. When the user first selects a “function list key” 1004, the guiding means 405 accepts the selection of the “function list key” 1004 and displays a screen corresponding to the “function list key” 1004 (first function List screen), the key ID “down key” corresponding to the order “2” is acquired from the operation procedure table 904, and the “down key” of the first function list screen after the switching display is obtained. "Is displayed in a selectable manner. Note that the display form of the screen is the same as in FIG. 10B as described above.

  Next, when the first user selects the “down key” on the switched first function list screen, the guidance unit 405 receives the selection of the “down key” and receives the “down key”. Switch to the screen corresponding to “Key” (second function list screen) and select the key ID “Eco-print key” corresponding to the order “3” as the second function list screen after switching display. To display.

  As described above, the guide unit 405 displays the keys corresponding to the key IDs of the operation procedure table 904 in the screen to be switched and displayed in a selectable manner according to the order of the operation procedure table 904, thereby Let one user input the operation procedure of the second user. Further, the guiding means 405 allows the first user to guide the operation procedure of the second user, thereby allowing the first user to learn the operation procedure and exhibiting a learning effect. To do.

  When the first user selects the key “setting key” corresponding to the last order “4” in the operation procedure table 904, the guidance unit 405 inputs the operation procedure by the first user. Completing the reception, associating the completed operation procedure corresponding to the operation procedure table 904 with the inquiry content ("I don't know how to do eco-print") entered at the inquiry of the operation procedure, It is stored in the history operation procedure table of the history operation procedure storage means 406.

  In the history operation procedure table 1100, as shown in FIG. 11A, an operation procedure 1101 corresponding to the operation procedure table for which input has been completed in the past and the operation procedure 1101 (the operation procedure table) are inquired. Inquiry contents 1102 at the time are stored in association with each other, and this time, when the input of the operation procedure is completed, the completed operation procedure 1103 and the inquiry contents 1104 of the operation procedure 1103 (“How to perform eco-printing” "I don't know") is memorized at the bottom. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively use the inquiry contents inquired in the past by a plurality of users and the contents of the operation procedure corresponding to the operation procedure table created in the past (described later).

  Next, the guiding unit 405 notifies the display receiving unit 401 that the reception of the operation procedure input has been completed. Upon receiving the notification, the display receiving unit 401 receives an input of setting conditions corresponding to the key (eco-print setting key) selected by the first user (FIG. 5: S115), and sets the operation screen to the initial screen. The display is switched (FIG. 5: S101). Accordingly, the first user can input his / her desired setting condition based on the operation procedure of the second user.

  When the first user completes the input of the setting conditions (FIG. 6: S201 YES) and selects the start key 205, the display receiving means 401 receives the selection of the start key 205 (FIG. 6: S202 YES), the function providing means 407 is notified of the setting conditions input so far. Upon receiving the notification, the function providing unit 407 executes the copy function based on the setting condition (FIG. 6: S203). As a result, the copy function desired by the first user is provided.

  In S104, when the first user selects the past inquiry key 707 while looking at the inquiry input screen 704, the inquiry means 402 accepts the selection of the past inquiry key 707 (FIG. 5: S104 YES), referring to the inquiry contents 1102 and 1104 of the history operation procedure table 1100 stored in the history operation procedure storage means 406, and displaying a past inquiry content screen for browsing past inquiry contents on the touch panel 201. (FIG. 6: S204).

  In the past inquiry content screen 1105, as shown in FIG. 11B, a message 1106 prompting selection of past inquiry content, and inquiry contents corresponding to the inquiry contents 1102 and 1104 in the history operation procedure table 1100 are displayed. A key 1107, an execution key 1108 for executing the operation procedure of the selected inquiry content key 1107, and a cancel key 1109 for returning to the inquiry input screen 704 are displayed.

  While viewing the past inquiry content screen 1105, the first user selects an inquiry content key 1107a corresponding to, for example, “I do not know how to perform eco-printing” from among the inquiry content keys 1107, and executes the execution When the key 1108 is selected, the inquiry means 402 accepts the selection of the inquiry content key 1107a and the execution key 1108 (FIG. 6: S205), and notifies the guidance means 405 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the guidance unit 405 obtains an operation procedure 1103 corresponding to the inquiry content 1104 (“I don't know how to perform eco-print”) of the selected inquiry content key 1107a in the history operation procedure table 1100. Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, the operation screen is set as an initial screen, and keys corresponding to the acquired operation procedure 1103 are displayed so as to be selectable (FIG. 5: S112). Thereby, the first user is caused to execute an operation procedure corresponding to the past inquiry content, and the past operation procedure table is effectively used. Since the subsequent procedure is the same as described above, it is omitted.

  In S116, when the MFP 100 receives the notification from the PC (FIG. 5: S117 NO) and the first user selects the cancel key 802 while viewing the inquiry screen 800, The inquiry means 402 accepts the selection of the cancel key 802 (FIG. 5: S116 YES), cancels the inquiry (FIG. 6: S206), communicates with the PC via the network, and accepts the PC's reply. When the means 403 displays the answer enable reception screen 803, the answer enable acceptance means 403 deletes the display of the answer enable reception screen 803 (FIG. 6: S207). When the operation procedure reception unit 404 of the PC displays the operation procedure reception screen 900, the inquiry unit 402 deletes the display of the operation procedure reception screen 900 from the operation procedure reception unit 404. (FIG. 6: S207). Then, the inquiry unit 402 causes the reply possible reception unit 403 or the operation procedure reception unit 404 to display that the inquiry is stopped. Thereby, when the first user wants to cancel the inquiry for some reason, the inquiry can be canceled.

  In S108, since the second user does not know the content of the inquiry at all while looking at the answer acceptance screen 803, when the cancel key 809 is selected, the answer accepting means 403 displays the cancel key 809. Upon accepting the selection (FIG. 5: S108 YES), the answer possible acceptance screen 803 is deleted from the display 315, and the inquiry means 402 is displayed that the answer is impossible. This terminates the inquiry.

  As described above, when the operation screen 700 for inputting predetermined setting conditions via the predetermined operation procedure is displayed on the touch panel 201 of the multi-function device 100, the image forming system 1 according to the present invention An inquiry key 703 for inquiring about an operation procedure is displayed so as to be selectable, and inquiry means 402 for accepting selection of the inquiry key 703 from a first user. When the inquiry key 703 is selected, the operation procedure is displayed. Answer key 808 is displayed on the display 315 of the PC 124, and answer possible accepting means 403 for accepting selection of the answer key 808 from the second user. In addition, when the answer key 808 is selected, the image forming system 1 displays an operation screen 901 equivalent to the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 201 on the display 315 of the PC 124, and the operation procedure. When the input of the operation procedure is completed, and the input of the operation procedure is completed, the key 1004 corresponding to the operation procedure on the operation screen 1003 is displayed on the touch panel 201 of the multifunction device 100. And a guide means 405 for displaying the operation procedure and allowing the first user to input the operation procedure.

  As a result, the first user in the vicinity of the multifunction peripheral 100 can easily input the setting conditions that he / she desires and does not know the operation procedure using the operation procedure of the second user in the vicinity of the PC 124. It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the first user executes the operation procedure while looking at the operation screen, the first user is not familiar with the operation procedure or the operation procedure itself is complicated. In addition, the first user can easily and smoothly input desired setting conditions.

  The image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is an image forming system in which a single PC 124 is connected to the multifunction peripheral 100. However, the image forming system in which a plurality of PCs are connected to the multifunction peripheral 100. Even so, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

  In the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 includes the inquiry unit 402 and the guide unit 405, and the PC 124 receives the answer enable reception unit 403 and the operation procedure reception unit. 404, but other configurations may be used.

  In the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the copy function of the multifunction peripheral 100 is adopted. For example, for the fax function, the print function, the scan function, the e-mail transmission function, the document box function, and the like. It can be adopted.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming system 1 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. . In this configuration, the image forming system 1 is made to read the program, and the image forming system 1 realizes the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image forming system and the setting condition input method for the image forming system according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for image forming systems in which a copier, a printer, and the like are connected to a PC, This is effective as an image forming system and a setting condition input method for the image forming system that can be input easily and smoothly even if the user does not know the operation procedure.

1 Image forming system 100 MFP 124 PC
101a First operation unit 124a Second operation unit 401 Display reception unit 402 Inquiry unit 403 Answerable reception unit 404 Operation procedure reception unit 405 Guide unit 406 History operation procedure storage unit 407 Function provision unit

Claims (8)

In an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus including a first operation unit and a terminal apparatus including a second operation unit are connected,
When an operation screen for inputting predetermined setting conditions via a predetermined operation procedure is displayed on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus, an inquiry key for inquiring the operation procedure can be selected. An inquiry means for accepting selection of the inquiry key from the first user,
When the inquiry key is selected, an answer key for answering the operation procedure can be displayed on the second operation unit of the terminal device, and the answer key can be accepted from the second user. Receiving means;
When the answer key is selected, an operation screen equivalent to the operation screen displayed on the first operation unit is displayed on the second operation unit of the terminal device, and the operation procedure is input. An operation procedure accepting means for accepting from a second user;
When the input of the operation procedure is completed, a key corresponding to the operation procedure in the operation screen is displayed in a selectable manner on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus, and the input of the operation procedure is performed in the first operation section. An image forming system comprising: guide means that is executed by a single user. The inquiring unit prohibits acceptance of selection of another key from a first user via the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus when the inquiring key is selected. Image forming system. When the inquiry key is selected, the inquiry means can select a stop key for canceling the inquiry, which is a key other than the other keys, in the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the inquiry is canceled when the display is received and the selection of the cancel key is received from the first user. The guidance means displays only the keys corresponding to the operation procedure on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus in the operation screen, and displays the keys unrelated to the operation procedure in an unselectable manner. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Further comprising a operating procedures, the history operation procedure storage means for storing in association with the contents of the query entered in the query of the operation procedure,
The inquiry means displays the inquiry content key corresponding to the inquiry content in the history operation procedure storage means so as to be selectable, and accepts the selection of the inquiry content key from the first user,
It said guiding means, the input of the second pre-SL operating procedure received from the user is completed, those the manipulation procedure, the history operation procedure storage means and the content of the query entered in the query of the operating procedure And when the inquiry means accepts the selection of the inquiry content key, a key corresponding to the operation procedure associated with the inquiry content key in the operation screen is displayed in the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first user is caused to execute an input of the operation procedure. In a setting condition input method for an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus including a first operation unit and a terminal device including a second operation unit are connected.
When an operation screen for inputting predetermined setting conditions via a predetermined operation procedure is displayed on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus, an inquiry key for inquiring the operation procedure can be selected. An inquiry step for receiving the selection of the inquiry key from the first user;
When the inquiry key is selected, an answer key for answering the operation procedure can be displayed on the second operation unit of the terminal device, and the answer key can be accepted from the second user. A reception step;
When the answer key is selected, an operation screen equivalent to the operation screen displayed on the first operation unit is displayed on the second operation unit of the terminal device, and the operation procedure is input. An operation procedure accepting step accepted from the second user;
When the input of the operation procedure is completed, a key corresponding to the operation procedure in the operation screen is displayed in a selectable manner on the first operation unit of the image forming apparatus, and the input of the operation procedure is performed in the first operation section. A setting condition input method comprising: a guidance step to be executed by a single user. The program for making a computer perform each step of the setting condition input method of Claim 6. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 7.

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