JP5587099B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus including an image display operation device that has a plurality of operation modes and can display a preview of a document image.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus equipped with an image editing function for selecting a desired editing function from a variety of editing functions for an original image (input image) and completing an output product is known. In particular, in a so-called digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions (operation modes) such as a printer function, a copy function, and a FAX function, a manuscript image is handled as image data, so that various images can be edited. It is realized as a digital image forming apparatus.

  In such an image forming apparatus, a display operation unit such as a liquid crystal touch panel is provided in order to perform settings when executing the various functions described above. Recent digital MFPs have multiple functions and a large number of items to be set, so it is required to display an easy-to-understand setting screen and reduce the burden of setting operations by users. ing.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus including an image display operation device that can display a preview image of a plurality of pages of a document is known. According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to confirm the read original document before output by displaying a preview of the processing result obtained by scanning the document in advance (pre-scan) before executing the job on the display screen. it can.

  Conventionally, when an image forming apparatus displays a preview on the display screen, a display image to be previewed is generated from the image data read by the image reading apparatus, and when the image is displayed on the display screen, the read image is displayed. Is generated as it is and a preview image is generated and displayed as a preview (see Patent Document 1).

  For example, when a color original is read, a display image reduced in color is generated and previewed.

JP 2007-221729 A

  However, some digital multi-function peripherals having a plurality of operation modes as image forming apparatuses have a facsimile mode and an Internet facsimile mode. However, in these operation modes, monochrome image transmission is mainly used at present. It is.

  Therefore, in facsimile transmission or digital facsimile transmission mode in a digital multi-function peripheral, reading is performed when a preview display is performed to confirm the finished state (the state of the output image) during reading of the original image or after completion of reading. When the original to be printed is a color original, if the read color image is displayed as a preview with a color display image as it is, there is a problem that it is difficult to grasp the image of the actually transmitted image.

  Therefore, in order to recognize the image of the image that is actually transmitted, there is a problem that a complicated operation such as switching a color image to a monochrome image must be performed each time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an image transmission apparatus that can immediately confirm an image of an image to be output without performing complicated operations in a plurality of operation modes in the image forming apparatus. The purpose is to provide.

The present invention comprises a plurality of operation modes, input means for inputting image data, storage means for storing image data inputted from the input means, and image output based on the image data stored in the storage means Display means for generating a display image based on the image data stored in the storage means, display means for displaying the display image generated by the display image generation means, In an image forming apparatus comprising an image display operation device comprising a display control means for displaying a display image generated by the display image generation means on the display means, the display image generation means includes a plurality of operation modes. A function of generating a display image in which the color tone of the image data stored in the storage means is controlled in accordance with an operation mode selected from Wherein the display control means, wherein a selection functionality to preview displayed on the display means the display image corresponding to the operation mode, the image display operation device, a plurality of operation modes are capable of setting the same time, When a plurality of operation modes are set at the same time by the image display operation device, one of the plurality of operation modes is set as a main mode by the display control means, and the main image is generated by the display image generation means. A display image generated by controlling the color tone of the image data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the mode is displayed on the display unit as a preview .

  In the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes a copy mode as an operation mode. When the copy mode is set as the main mode, the display image generation unit stores the image data stored in the storage unit. In the case of color image data, a display image based on the image data stored in the storage unit is generated as a color image, and the display control unit generates the color image generated by the display control unit in the display unit. It is preferable to display a preview.

  The image forming apparatus may further include a facsimile mode or an Internet facsimile mode as an operation mode, and when the facsimile mode or the Internet facsimile mode is set as the main mode, the display image generation unit performs the storage. Preferably, a display image based on the image data stored in the unit is generated as a monochrome image, and the display control unit displays the monochrome image generated in the display image generation unit on the display unit.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the preview display is a preview display for confirming a finishing state during image data input.

According to the present invention, a plurality of operation modes are provided, based on input means for inputting image data, storage means for storing image data input from the input means, and image data stored in the storage means. Output means for outputting an image, display image generation means for generating a display image based on image data stored in the storage means, and display means for displaying the display image generated by the display image generation means And an image display operating device comprising: a display control unit that previews the display image generated by the display image generation unit on the display unit; and the plurality of operations as the display image generation unit Corresponding to an operation mode selected from the modes, a display image in which the color tone of the image data stored in the storage means is controlled is generated. A function, the display control unit, wherein a function of a display image corresponding to the selected operation mode to preview displayed on the display unit, the image display operation device, at the same time capable of setting a plurality of operating modes When a plurality of operation modes are set simultaneously by the image display operation device, one of the plurality of operation modes is set as a main mode by the display control unit, and the display image generation unit The display image generated by controlling the color tone of the image data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the main mode is displayed on the display unit as a preview, so that, for example, in the copy mode, Change the color of the preview image, such as a color image in the case of a monochrome image and a monochrome image in the case of facsimile transmission. It is possible to review display, especially for facsimile transmission, can be confirmed in real image to be actually transmitted, further, by performing a preview display suitable for the main mode (a color image or monochrome image), The displayed image can be confirmed without a sense of incongruity.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, when the copy mode is provided as the operation mode and the copy mode is set as the main mode, the image accumulated in the accumulation unit by the display image generation unit. When the data is color image data, a display image based on the image data stored in the storage unit is generated as a color image, and the display control unit generates the color image generated in the display image generation unit. By displaying the preview on the display means, the display image can be easily confirmed.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, when the operation mode is a facsimile mode or an Internet facsimile mode, and the facsimile transmission mode or the Internet facsimile transmission mode is set as the main mode, the display image generating means To generate a display image based on the image data stored in the storage unit as a monochrome image, and by the display control unit to display a monochrome image generated in the display image generation unit on the display unit, In facsimile transmission and Internet facsimile transmission, monochrome image transmission is the mainstream, so it can be immediately confirmed with the monochrome image actually transmitted at the time of reading.

  Also, according to the present invention, the preview display is a preview display for confirming the image data input and finishing state, so that the image data inputting and finishing state can be easily confirmed.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display area of the touchscreen display of the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen displayed on the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which changed the preview area | region displayed on the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display mode of the display panel which comprises the said touchscreen display. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the preview display area of the said touch panel display. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an operation unit in the image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touchscreen display which comprises the said operation unit. 5 is a table showing preview images according to display conditions in an operation mode of the image forming apparatus. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when a preview display on a touch panel display is performed on a document reading state by a document reading unit and an image output (FAX transmission) state by an image output unit in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of Example 1 showing a display mode at the time of reading a document on the touch panel display in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state at the time of the document reading start in the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which set the original to A4 vertical feed and has displayed the image of the 1st original in the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displayed the 2nd image in the 1st display area after the 1st image moved to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image displayed on the said 2nd display area rotates. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the rotation transition of the 1st image displayed on the said 2nd display area was complete | finished. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image moved behind the 1st image of the 2nd display area of the said touchscreen display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image displayed on the said 2nd display area rotates. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the rotation transition of the 2nd image displayed on the said 2nd display area was complete | finished. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image moved behind the 2nd image which moved to the 2nd display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image displayed on the said 2nd display area rotates. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the rotation transition of the 3rd image displayed on the said 2nd display area was complete | finished. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display immediately after completion of pre-reading by scanning in all originals in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display in an instruction waiting state after completion of pre-reading by scanning in all originals in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of Example 2 showing a display mode at the time of reading a document on the touch panel display in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state at the time of the document reading start in the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which set the original to A4 landscape feed and displayed the image of the 1st original in the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displayed the 2nd image in the 1st display area after the 1st image moved to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 2nd image moves to the 2nd display area from the 1st display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displayed the 3rd image in the 1st display area, after the 2nd image moved behind the 1st image of the 2nd display area of the said touch panel display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 3rd image moved behind the 2nd image which moved to the 2nd display area of the said touch panel display. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display immediately after completion of pre-reading by scanning in all originals in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of the touch panel display in an instruction waiting state after completion of pre-reading by scanning in all originals in the image forming apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a preview display area of a touch panel display of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel display. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the preview area displayed on the touch panel display is changed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of operation modes such as a copy mode and a facsimile mode (FAX mode), and includes a document reading unit (input means) 102 for inputting image data, and a document reading unit. Storage means 105 for storing image data input from 102 (see FIG. 9), image output means (output means) 107 for outputting an image based on the image data, and image data input by the document reading unit 102 A display image generation unit 137 (see FIG. 9) that generates a display image based on image data stored in the storage unit 105, and an image forming unit 104 that forms an image on a recording medium based on A display panel (display unit) 132 that displays a preview image based on the image data and a display image generated by the display image generation unit 137 are displayed on the display panel. In the image forming apparatus 100 including an operation unit (image display operation device) 120 including an operation unit side control unit (display control unit) 131 (see FIG. 9) that displays a preview on 132, the operation unit side control unit 131. As the configuration of the display image generating unit 137, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is adopted.

  The plurality of document images displayed on the display panel 132 displays a preview of the form of the document image captured from the document reading unit or the like of the image forming apparatus 100 and is formed on the recording paper from the image forming unit. The output form of the image is displayed as a finished preview image.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of operation modes. When the operation modes are switched and the screen of the display device is switched, the user requests even if the user does not remember the screen configuration. What is necessary is just an apparatus provided with the display apparatus which displays information so that a user can acquire information easily.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a touch panel display (operation screen) that can be operated by a gesture operation method and a touch operation method that does not use a gesture operation. It may be a device provided with a display, and further may be a device provided with a display panel capable of only display that cannot be operated and buttons for operation.

The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic method.
In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes, as operation modes, a copy mode, a facsimile mode (FAX mode), a document filing mode (a mode in which a scanned image is stored in a storage device inside the image forming apparatus), and a mail mode (a scanned image is stored). Mode for sending in a format attached to an e-mail). The image forming apparatus 100 may further include a network printer mode.

  The present invention is not limited to this, and any image forming apparatus can be used as long as the screen is switched for each operation mode. Further, the printing method is not limited to the electrophotographic method.

First, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a document reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a paper feeding unit 106, a paper discharge processing device 108, and an operation unit 120.
The operation unit 120 includes a touch panel display 130 and a display operation unit 140. The touch panel display 130 includes a display panel 132 configured by a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a touch panel (touch operation recognition unit) 134 that detects a position pressed by a user's finger disposed on the display panel 132. . The display operation unit 140 includes an indicator lamp 142, a power key 144, an energy saving key (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving key”) 146, and a home key for returning the display screen of the touch panel display 130 to a home screen for selecting an operation mode. 148.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 includes the touch panel display 130 as a main operation device and the display operation unit 140 including hardware keys and indicator lights. The keys (the power key 144, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148) of the display operation unit 140 are characterized in that they are configured as hardware buttons in contrast to the software buttons configured by the touch panel display 130.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the display operation unit 140 having such a configuration, and may include only the touch panel display 130. If the user selects the operation mode on the home screen displayed on the touch panel display 130, the screen may be switched to the initial screen in the selected operation mode. An operation mode of such an image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

(Copy mode)
Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in the copy mode will be described.
In this copy mode, a document reading unit (hereinafter referred to as “scanner unit”) 102 and an image forming unit 104 mainly operate.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a document placement table is read as image data by the document reading unit 102, and the read image data is input to a CPU 300 including a microcomputer shown in FIG. Thus, various image processing is performed on the image data, and the image data is output to the image forming unit 104.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 104 prints an image of a document indicated by image data on a recording medium (in many cases, recording paper), and includes a photosensitive drum 222, a charging device 224, and a laser. A scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as “LSU”) 226, a developing device 228, a transfer device 230, a cleaning device 232, a fixing device 234, and a static elimination device (not shown) are provided.

  The image forming unit 104 is provided with a main transport path 236 and a reverse transport path 238, and the recording paper fed from the paper feed unit 106 is transported along the main transport path 236. The paper feed unit 106 pulls out the recording paper stored in the paper cassette 240 or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 242 one by one, and sends the recording paper to the main conveyance path 236 of the image forming unit 104.

  While the recording paper is being conveyed along the main conveyance path 236 of the image forming unit 104, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum 222 and the transfer device 230, and further passes through the fixing device 234 to be recorded. Printing on paper is performed.

  The photosensitive drum 222 rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 232 and the static eliminator and then uniformly charged by the charging device 224.

  The LSU 226 modulates a laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 in the main scanning direction with the laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222. To do.

  The developing device 228 develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 222, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222.

  The transfer device 230 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 onto a recording sheet that passes between the transfer device 230 and the photosensitive drum 222.

  The fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller 250 for pressing the recording paper. The recording sheet is heated by the heating roller 248 and pressed by the pressure roller 250, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is fixed on the recording sheet. The heater is heated by the electric power supplied to the fixing device 234 so that the temperature of the heating roller 248 becomes a temperature suitable for fixing. Note that when the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, for example, the power supplied to the heater is stopped or reduced.

  A branching claw 244 is disposed at a connection position between the main conveyance path 236 and the reverse conveyance path 238. When printing is performed only on one side of the recording paper, the branch claw 244 is positioned, and the recording paper from the fixing device 234 is guided to the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108 by the branch claw 244.

  When printing is performed on both sides of the recording paper, the branching claw 244 is rotated in a predetermined direction so that the recording paper is once guided to the discharge tray 246 side, and then switched back and transported toward the reverse transport path 238. It is guided. The recording sheet passes through the reverse conveyance path 238, is reversed on the front and back, and is conveyed again to the main conveyance path 236. During the re-conveyance of the main conveyance path 236, printing is performed on the reverse side of the recording sheet and discharged. It is guided toward the paper tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108.

  The recording paper printed as described above is guided toward the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 246, or the recording paper on each paper discharge tray 110 of the paper discharge processing device 108. It is discharged to either.

  The paper discharge processing device 108 performs processing for sorting and discharging a plurality of recording papers to each paper discharge tray 110, processing for punching each recording paper, and processing for stapling each recording paper. For example, when a plurality of printed materials are created, each recording sheet is sorted and discharged to each paper discharge tray 110 so that a part of the printed material is allocated to each paper discharge tray 110. In addition, a punching process by the punching unit 111 or a stapling process by the staple unit 112 is performed on each recording sheet on the paper discharge tray 110 to create a printed matter.

(Facsimile mode)
Hereinafter, an operation in the facsimile mode will be described.
In this facsimile mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 and the FAX communication unit 160 operate mainly for the transmission operation, and the reception operation is performed by the FAX communication unit 160 and the image forming unit 104. Operate.

(Transmission operation)
In the image forming apparatus 100, the facsimile mode is designated, the document placed on the document table is read as image data by the document reading unit 102, and the read image data includes the microcomputer shown in FIG. Here, various image processing is performed on the image data, and this image data is output to the FAX communication unit (FAX communication unit 160 in FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the FAX communication unit 160 of the transmission-side image forming apparatus 100 connects the specified transmission-side line to the specified transmission destination, and the image data is communication data that conforms to the facsimile communication standard. And transmitted to a receiving facsimile machine (for example, the image forming apparatus 100 having a facsimile function).

(Communication operation)
When the line is connected, the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side detects a communication request signal from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmitting side, and transmits a response signal. After that, for example, the FAX communication unit 160 transfers the capability information implemented on the transmission side and the reception side, and determines the communication speed and the encoding / code correction method of the image data at the maximum available capability. To set the modem communication method. Data is transmitted from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmission side to the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the reception side using a static image signal method that matches this communication method. When transmission is completed, the line is disconnected.

(Reception operation)
The FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side converts the received data into image data and sends it to the image forming unit 104. The received data may be converted into image data by the image forming unit 104. The image forming unit 104 prints the image of the document indicated by the image data converted from the received data on the recording paper, similarly to the operation in the copy mode described above.

Next, a control block configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 is further cut off from energization with the operation unit 120 capable of setting functions installed in the apparatus as a copy mode and a facsimile mode, and a ROM 306 for storing programs and the like. Even if it is a case, the hard disk 302 which is a non-volatile storage area which can memorize | store a program, data, etc. and RAM (Random Access Memory) 308 for providing the storage area at the time of executing a program are included.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a path 310 connected to the document reading unit 102, the image forming unit 104, the FAX communication unit 160, the operation unit 120, the ROM 306, the hard disk 302, and the RAM 308, and an image connected to the path 310. CPU300 for implement | achieving the general function as a forming apparatus.

  The hard disk 302 stores an image data file of a document scanned by the image forming apparatus 100. The hard disk 302 also stores initial screen data for each operation mode. (It is possible to store in the ROM 306 without using the hard disk 302)

  The ROM 306 stores a program and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. As the data stored together with the program in the ROM 306, initial screen data of each operation mode may be stored. The CPU 300 controls the image forming apparatus 100 according to the program and data stored in the ROM 306 and executes control related to each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a public line is connected to the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 for transmission and reception of image data, and a network line is connected to the network interface 304. A computer or the like using the image forming apparatus 100 as a network compatible printer is connected to the network line, or a computer or the like specified by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) designated via the Internet is connected. . When connected to the Internet in this way, the image forming apparatus 100 can acquire necessary information via the Internet.

  The RAM 308 provides a function as a working memory that temporarily stores the results of calculation and processing by the CPU 300 and a function as a frame memory that stores image data.

  Control of the document reading unit 102, the image forming unit 104, the touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 constituting the operation unit 120, the ROM 306, the hard disk 302, and the RAM 308 is performed by the CPU 300 executing predetermined programs. Note that the operation unit 120 communicates with the CPU 300 via an input / output interface.

  The operation unit 120 is configured by a plate-like panel that is provided so as to be easily viewed by the user. On the surface of the operation unit 120, the touch panel display 130 is in the left area, and the display operation unit 140 (the indicator lamp 142, the power key 144 that is a hardware button, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148) is in the right area. Is provided. The touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 are configured so that the operation unit 120 is integrated as a whole.

  As described above, the touch panel display 130 includes the display panel 132 and the touch panel 134 disposed on the display panel 132.

  In the touch panel display 130, a home screen for selecting an operation mode in the image forming apparatus 100, a current state of the image forming apparatus 100, a destination designation state, a job processing state, and the like are displayed on the display panel 132. A selection button, which is a software button, is displayed on the preview display area of the display panel 132. When the area where the selection button is displayed is pressed with a finger, the touch panel 134 detects the pressed position. By comparing the display position of the selection button with the position where the touch panel 134 is pressed on the program, the operation mode selection, function setting, operation instruction, and the like of the image forming apparatus 100 are performed. In addition to such a touch operation (command input operation based on a pressed position by a user), the image forming apparatus 100 also supports the above-described gesture operation (command input operation based on an operation locus by a user).

  In addition, the indicator lamp 142 of the display operation unit 140 is configured by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the CPU 300 controls lighting / extinguishing (/ flashing). When the user presses the power key 144 provided separately from the main power switch, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the standby mode (for example, only the FAX reception operation is possible with the main power on) to the normal mode. All the operation modes of the image forming apparatus 100 can be used. The indicator lamp 142 lights up in conjunction with this state. Further, when a predetermined period of time that the user does not operate elapses or when the user presses the energy saving key 146, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the normal mode to the energy saving mode, and the image forming apparatus 100 Only some of the operation modes can be used. The indicator lamp 142 blinks in conjunction with this state. Further, when the user presses the energy saving key 146 in the energy saving mode, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. The home key 148 is a hardware key for returning the display on the touch panel display 130 to the initial state (home screen). The processing when the power key 144, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148 are pressed is not limited to these.

  It should be noted that a key lamp whose lighting / extinction (/ flashing) is controlled by the CPU 300 may be embedded in the hardware buttons (power key 144, energy saving key 146, and home key 148) of the display operation unit 140. For example, this key lamp shines around the circular key 5 in a ring shape, or shines at the center of the key. This key lamp lights up at a timing when it is permitted to use the hardware button as an operation device (when the hardware button is used, processing is executed).

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described two operation modes (copy mode and facsimile mode). On touch panel display 130, software buttons for setting functions in the respective operation modes and buttons for setting previews or destinations as image forming images are displayed as necessary.

  When the operation mode is different, the touch panel display 130 displays a different screen. Even in such a case, the touch panel display 130 is divided into a plurality of areas (and the size of the area is variable) so that information requested by the user can be easily found. It comprises the essential part of the invention of displaying information. In particular, in the image forming apparatus 100, when an operation mode is selected on the home screen of the touch panel display 130 provided as a main display operation device, an initial screen of each operation mode is displayed.

In this initial screen, (1) the basic layout is divided into five areas (“system area”, “function selection area”, “preview area”, “action panel area”, “task trigger area”) and arranged appropriately. Therefore, when the user operates from the upper left to the lower right (because the flow line of the user's viewpoint and the flow line of the fingertip are realized in the same manner as a conventional machine without such a large touch panel display 130. (2) Easy to set, (2) Even in different operation modes, the concept displayed in each of the five areas is the same, and even if the operation modes are different, the user can operate without confusion Is possible.
The configuration of such a basic layout will be described below.

First, a basic layout in the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 4, the basic layout of the touch panel display 130 is a horizontally long touch panel display 130 (for example, horizontal 1024 pixels × vertical 600 pixels), a system area 1000 arranged at the top, and a central part of the screen. Preview area (preview display area) 3000, function setting / confirmation area 2000 (hereinafter referred to as function selection area 2000) arranged on the left side of preview area 3000, and action panel area 4000 arranged in the upper right part of preview area 3000 , And a task trigger area (operation key display area) 5000 arranged at the lower right of the preview area 3000.

  Note that the number of areas in the touch panel display 130 is not limited to five, and the left and right arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement of the left and right areas may be reversed depending on the user's dominant hand. . Further, the position of the system area 1000 may be at the bottom. Also, it may not be displayed depending on the state or setting.

  In the system area 1000, the current state of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed, the title of the operation mode being operated, and the status / state of the image forming apparatus 100 are displayed. For example, the system area 1000 displays an operation mode name, an interrupt key, a login user name, a job status being processed, a built-in memory usage status, a time, and the like.

  In the function selection area 2000, function selection menus (icons, buttons, etc.) operated by the user for setting each function, switching the display, and confirming the settings are displayed in icon mode, regular mode, and express mode. Change and display. In the icon mode, only function setting icons are displayed in the function selection area 2000 so that the preview area 3000 is the largest. In the express mode, even if the preview area 3000 is the narrowest, the function selection area 2000 displays a large screen on which functions can be set at one time. In the regular mode, the size of the preview area 3000 is an intermediate size between the icon mode and the express mode, and the function name is displayed in the function selection area 2000 together with the function setting icon.

  Switching between these icon mode, regular mode and express mode is based on the user's operation. That is, the size of the preview area 3000 is changed and displayed according to the user operation. In this way, since the icon can transmit information to the user in a small area, it is preferable that the preview area 3000 can be displayed in a large size by preparing for all functions.

  The function selection area 2000 is provided with a change button group 2010 for changing the display style of the function selection area 2000 at the lower part thereof. The change button group 2010 includes an icon mode transition button 2012 for displaying a function selection area 2000 in the icon mode, a favorite button 2014 for displaying a function registered as “favorite”, a check button 2016 for displaying a function whose setting has been changed, and a selection. A list button 2018 for displaying a list of all functions that can be set in the operation mode being set, a regular mode transition button 2020 for displaying the function selection area 2000 in the regular mode, and an express for displaying the function selection area 2000 in the express mode. A mode transition button 2022 is arranged.

  When there is a lot of information displayed in the function selection area 2000, the information is displayed in the function selection area 2000 so that it can be moved up and down. In this case, the change button group 2010 is not moved and displayed, but is always displayed at the bottom of the function selection area 2000.

  In preview area 3000, an output (finished) image of the document is displayed. An image is displayed using dummy data or scan data, and the image displayed in the preview area 3000 is changed every time the user changes the finish. This preview area 3000 has two modes: a finish display with a dummy image in a virtual mode before scanning, and a finish display with a real image in a scan-in mode after scanning. There are two types before and after document setting.

  The preview area 3000 is provided with a preview change button group 3010 for changing the display style of the preview area 3000 below the preview area 3000. The preview change button group 3010 includes a left rotation button 3016 for rotating the preview 90 degrees to the left, a right rotation button 3018 for rotating the preview 90 degrees to the right, and a zoom bar 3020. In addition to these, for example, a color change button 3012 and a preview operation button 3014 are arranged.

  Here, when the left rotation button 3016 is touched once, the preview is rotated 90 degrees to the left, and when touched twice, the preview is rotated 180 degrees to the left (upside down). Also, even if the finished document image displayed in the preview area is operated by gesture (even if the document image is rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise with the fingertip), the preview is rotated 180 degrees to the left and turned upside down.

  When the right rotation button 3018 is touched once, the preview is rotated 90 degrees to the right, and when touched twice, the preview is rotated 180 degrees to the right (upside down). Also, even if a finished manuscript image displayed in the preview area is gesture-operated (even if the manuscript image is rotated 180 degrees clockwise with a fingertip), the preview is rotated 180 degrees rightward and upside down.

  When the plus button 3020A of the zoom bar 3020 is touched or the bar 3020C is gestured (dragged or slid) toward the plus button 3020A, the preview is enlarged and displayed. In addition, even if a finished manuscript image displayed in the preview area is gesture-operated (even if the manuscript image is pinched out / pinch open with a fingertip), the preview is enlarged and displayed.

  When the minus button 3020B of the zoom bar 3020 is touched or the bar 3020C is gestured (dragged or slid) to the minus button 3020B side, the preview is reduced and displayed. In addition, even if the finished document image displayed in the preview area is operated by a gesture (even if the document image is pinched in / closed with a fingertip), the preview is reduced and displayed.

  If the number of pages of the document image displayed in the preview area 3000 is large, a display page selection button (page number input button, page feed button, page return button, single page display button, multiple page display) that can be touch-operated. Button, etc.) may be displayed. It should be noted that the page of the document to be previewed and page return can be performed by sliding touching (flicking) the document image. Further, when the document image displayed in the preview area 3000 is large, a scroll bar capable of touch operation or gesture operation may be displayed.

  In the action panel area 4000, information on assistance, advice, and proposals for operations is displayed. In this action panel area 4000, for example, when a certain user selects a specific function, a function related to the function is displayed, or other functions regarding the function are displayed in a purpose-oriented manner. A function selected in combination in the past by a user of a group to which the user belongs is displayed as a “recommended function”.

  In the task trigger area 5000, all the settings in the operation mode are completed, and one trigger item operated by the user in order to actually operate the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. For example, it is a start button (software button) for starting processing. Note that in an operation mode with printing (other than fax transmission), information about the out of consumables is also displayed in this “task trigger area” because it relates to the inability to execute the task.

  In this case, it is also preferable to display the start button only when the start button can be pressed. The state in which the start button can be pressed is an operation mode in which all settings are completed and consumables (recording paper and toner) are not exhausted and printing is not performed in an operation mode with printing. In the facsimile mode (transmission), the setting of all transmission parameters including the destination is completed.

  In these five areas, even if the operation mode is changed (the position where the operation mode is arranged is not changed in the initial screen of any operation mode. Also, the icon mode / regular mode in the function selection area 2000 (and the preview area 3000). / The area changes in size by expanding and contracting in the horizontal direction (longitudinal direction) of the screen of the touch panel display 130, as in the switching display of the express mode.

  Such an arrangement of the five regions is arranged by paying attention to the flow line of the viewpoint of the user and the flow line of the operation in consideration of the user interface in the conventional machine. With this arrangement, on the touch panel display 130, the user's line of sight moves from the upper left to the lower right, and the user's operation (the fingertip of the dominant hand) moves from the upper left to the lower right.

  In order to change from one operation mode to another operation mode, the home key 148 is pressed to select another operation mode on the home screen. In this way, the operation mode is switched via the home screen.

(Copy mode initial screen display operation)
When the copy mode is selected, the initial screen of the copy mode is displayed on the touch panel display 130 using the initial copy screen data read from the hard disk 302 or the like.
At this time, for example, a copy mode initial screen 7100 is displayed on the touch panel display 130 as shown in FIG. The copy mode initial screen 7100 is divided into five areas having the layout configuration described above and displays information.

  In the system area 1000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100, as shown in FIG. 5, an area 1102 indicating the selected operation mode (here, copy mode) and an area for displaying sub-information associated with the selected operation mode. 1104, an area 1106 for displaying a login user name, an area 1108 for displaying a logout button (software button), an area 1110 for displaying the current job status, and a button (software button) related to the job status are displayed. An area 1112, an area 1114 for displaying a communication state, and an area 1116 for displaying the current time are arranged.

An area 1102 displays a name or / and an icon indicating the operation mode.
When this area 1102 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, a menu indicating the operation mode is preferably displayed in a pull-down manner so that the operation mode can be switched (the same applies to other operation modes).

  In area 1104, an interrupt key (software button) is displayed as sub information. When this interrupt key is touched, tapped or double-tapped, interrupt processing can be executed in the copy mode.

  In the area 1112, the status of the job currently being executed is displayed as an icon. When this job status is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailed job status information is displayed. Furthermore, it is preferable to display a button for stopping the selected job in the area 1112.

  In the function selection area 2000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100, a function selection menu 2100 that can be selected by the user in the copy mode and the above-described change button group 2010 are displayed. In the screen shown in FIG. 5, the function selection menu is displayed in the regular mode.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the function selection menu displayed in the regular mode includes an icon group 2100 and a text group 2120. As a function selection menu displayed in the function selection area 2000, an icon 2102 for setting the number of copies, a text box 2122 for displaying the set contents, an icon 2104 for setting the color mode, and a text 2124 for displaying the set contents. The icon 2106 for setting the copy density and the text 2126 for displaying the set content, the icon 2108 for setting the copy magnification and the text 2128 for displaying the set content, the icon 2110 for setting the document type and the set content , Text 2130 for displaying a paper, icon 2112 for setting the paper type and text 2132 for displaying the set content, icon 2114 for editing the image, text 2134 for displaying the set content, and icon 2116 for editing the layout Text 2136 that displays a fine set contents are displayed.

  As described above, further items in these function setting menus can be displayed so as to be movable in the vertical direction with the display position of the change button group 2010 fixed. Switching the display items of the function setting menu including items that are hidden and not displayed in the vertical direction can be performed by either a touch operation (scroll operation) or a gesture operation (flick operation in the vertical direction). .

  Here, image editing refers to image editing for a one-page document, and further lower layer menus include frame deletion, print menu, watermark, user stamp, etc., and layout editing refers to a multi-page document. In the image editing, lower level hierarchical menus include page aggregation, binding margin, page movement, centering, and the like. These further lower menus are displayed on the touch panel display 130 when a touch operation, a tap operation, or a double tap operation is performed on the icon 2102 to the icon 2116 or the text 2122 to the text box 2136.

  In the preview area 3000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100, an output (finished) image 3100 of the original and the above-described preview change button group 3010 are arranged. At this time, the image 3100 is displayed using dummy data or scan data, and whenever the user changes the function setting menu of the function selection area 2000, the image 3100 is changed and displayed in the preview area 3000 (display preview). Changed).

  In the action panel area 4000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100, information on assistance / advice / suggestion regarding the copy operation is displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, recommended functions in the copy mode selected by the user are displayed. At this time, the action panel area 4000 is provided with an area 4100 indicating the content of the displayed information, and areas 4102 to 4106 for displaying recommended functions as text buttons themselves as software buttons.

  When the area 4102 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, more detailed information about the energy saving copy is displayed in a pull-down manner. For example, at this time, together with the text “Two-sided printing can save paper” and a software button that transitions to the double-sided copy function setting screen, and “Multiple documents can be printed together to save paper” A software button for transitioning to the function setting screen for page aggregation and a software button for transitioning to the function setting screen for saddle stitching together with the text “Can be printed like a book” are displayed.

  An execution button group 5100 is displayed in the task trigger area 5000 of the copy mode initial screen 7100. As the execution button group 5100, a scan-in key (software button) 5102 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to scan the document and acquire image data, a clear all key (software button) 5104 for clearing the set function, and the document A monochrome start key (software button) 5106 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to perform monochrome copying by scanning the image, and a force start key for operating the image forming apparatus 100 to perform color copying by scanning the document (Software button) 5108 is arranged.

  In the facsimile mode, a start key 5110 is displayed instead of the monochrome start key 5106 and the power start key 5108 (see FIG. 13).

  In this way, when the user inputs a request on the copy mode initial screen 7100 in which information is displayed divided into five areas, the copy process is executed in accordance with the request.

  Next, the preview page changing operation when the function selection area 2000 is displayed in the icon mode and the preview area 3000 is expanded will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the preview image 3118 is displayed, when the user flicks the preview-displayed screen to the left, the input locus is analyzed. At this time, the gesture operation by the user is analyzed as a request to turn the page, and a pre-pup image including another page not displayed according to the flicked direction is displayed.

  Further, in order to move the page on which the preview image is displayed in this way, the page advance button 3118G, the page fast forward button 3118H, the page reverse button 3118E, and the page fast reverse button 3118D can be touched. Furthermore, the page on which the preview image is displayed can be moved by touching the page direct designation button 3118F and inputting the page to be moved directly.

  As described above, when the function selection area 2000 is displayed in the icon mode, the preview area 3000 is expanded, and the preview image is displayed so that the user's visibility and the user's operability are improved as shown in FIG. Can do. In particular, a desired preview can be displayed by moving to a preview image to be displayed by a touch operation or a gesture operation.

  Note that the trash can icon 3118A shown in FIG. 6 can be deleted by dragging the selected page to the trash can icon 3118A.

  Also, by pressing the 1-page display icon 3118B, for example, a preview that has been displayed on 3 pages becomes 1-page display (in this case, one page is displayed larger), and by pressing the multiple-page display icon 3118C, for example The preview that was displayed on one page is now displayed on three pages.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode of a display panel constituting the touch panel display of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode of a preview display area of the touch panel display.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a preview area 3000 is arranged in the center of the screen on the touch panel display 130, and a function selection area 2000 is arranged on the left side of the preview area 3000. An action panel area 4000 is arranged at the upper right part of the preview area 3000, and a task trigger area 5000 is arranged below the action panel area 4000.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the touch panel display 130 has a first display area 151 formed at a position corresponding to the action panel area 4000 in a state where the preview area 3000 is enlarged, and is substantially at the center in the preview area 3000. The second display area 152 is formed in a wider range than the first display area 151.

  In the first display area 151, a display image generated based on the input image data is displayed. In the second display area 152, the display image displayed in the first display area 151 is displayed after being displayed in the first display area 151.

The first display area 151 and the second display area 152 are arranged adjacent to each other.
A boundary line 161 indicating the boundary between the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 is displayed.

  The boundary line 161 is a reading line for performing an operation of reading a document image displayed in the first display area 151 when performing “screen guidance display” at the time of reading a document. Is simply expressed on the touch panel display 130. In the present embodiment, the boundary line 161 is displayed as a straight green line in the vertical direction of the touch panel display 130.

  Further, on the touch panel display 130, an output line (display reference portion) 171 serving as a reference position for moving and displaying the display image displayed in the preview area 3000 toward the left end portion of the display panel 132 is displayed.

  The output line 171 is a reference line on the display panel 132 when the image displayed in the second display area 152 is output when performing “screen guidance display” at the time of image output. The state in which an image is output by the image output means 107 (see FIG. 9) is simply expressed on the touch panel display 130. In the present embodiment, the output line 171 is displayed as a linear yellow line in the vertical direction of the touch panel display 130.

  When the preview area 3000 is enlarged and displayed, the task trigger area 5000 is always displayed near the boundary line 161 in the lower right portion of the preview area 3000 without being reduced.

In the task trigger area 5000, an execution button group 5100 is displayed.
As the execution button group 5100, a scan-in key 5102, a clear all key 5104, a monochrome start key 5106, and a power error start key 5108 are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the scan-in key 5102 interrupts the operation of the apparatus (stops reading) when the document is scanned by the scan-in instruction and acquisition of image data is started (operation key). It is changed to 5109 and displayed.

Next, an electrical configuration relating to a characteristic screen display of the operation unit 120 in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the operation unit in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a touch panel display constituting the operation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the operation unit 120 according to the present embodiment includes processing / processing in the operation position detection unit 135, the screen display unit 136, the display image generation unit 137, and the operation unit 120 in addition to the display panel 132 and the touch panel 134. An operation unit side control unit (display control means) 131 for controlling the operation is provided.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an original reading unit 102 for inputting image data, an image processing unit 103, an accumulation unit 105 for accumulating image data input from the original reading unit 102, and an image output for outputting an image of a printer, a transmission unit, or the like. Means 107 is provided, and the operation is controlled by the main control unit 101.

The operation position detection unit 135 detects an operation position performed on the touch panel 134.
The screen display unit 136 displays the image formed by the display image generation unit 137 on the display panel 132. The screen display unit 136 has a function of displaying the display image generated by the display image generation unit 137 on the display panel 132 when image output (FAX transmission) by the image output unit 107 is started.

  The display image generating unit 137 forms a predetermined image according to an instruction from the operation unit side control unit 131 based on the image data input to the image forming apparatus 100 main body. The display image generation unit 137 has a function (display image color tone) for generating a display image in which the color tone of the image data stored in the storage unit 105 is controlled in accordance with an operation mode selected from a plurality of operation modes. Control function).

  Specifically, for example, when the selected operation mode is the copy mode, the display image generation unit 137 stores the image data stored in the storage unit 105 in the storage unit 105 when the image data stored in the storage unit 105 is color image data. The color tone of the image data is controlled to generate a color display image.

  On the other hand, when the selected operation mode is the facsimile mode, since the output image is a monochrome image, even if the image data stored in the storage unit 105 is color image data, it is stored in the storage unit 105. The color tone of the image data is controlled to generate a monochrome display image.

  The operation unit side control unit 131 is connected to the main control unit 101 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and functions as a control unit in the touch panel display 130.

Here, the operation unit side control unit 131 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 10, the operation unit side control unit 131 has a preview display function for previewing a plurality of pages of document images on the display panel 132, and a scroll display function for moving and displaying the previewed plurality of pages of document images. An input status guidance function for displaying and guiding the input status of the image data input from the document reading unit 102 on the display panel 132 and the output status of the image output from the image output means 107 are displayed on the display panel 132. The output situation guidance function is provided.

  In addition, the operation unit side control unit 131 displays the display image generated by the display image generation unit 137 in the first display area 151 as the display image display unit 1310 that displays the display image on the display panel 132. Display area display means 1311 and a second display area display for displaying the second display area 152 after the display image displayed in the first display area 151 is moved and displayed toward the second display area 152 Means 1312.

Further, the operation unit side control unit 131 includes a preview function (input image preview display function) for confirming an input image as a preview display function.
When the input image preview is displayed, a display image is generated without changing the color tone based on the image data stored in the storage unit 105, and the generated display image is previewed on the display panel 132 on the touch panel display 130. Has been.

  In addition, the operation unit side control unit 131 displays a display image corresponding to an operation mode selected from among a plurality of operation modes as a preview display function on the display panel 132 (operation mode compatible preview). Display function).

  When a plurality of operation modes are set simultaneously, the operation unit side control unit 131 sets one operation mode of the plurality of operation modes as the main mode, and the display image generation unit 137 supports the main mode. A display image generated by controlling the color tone of the image data stored in the storage unit 105 is preview-displayed on the display panel 132 on the touch panel display 130.

  The operation unit 120 is configured to be able to simultaneously set a plurality of operation modes including a copy mode and a facsimile mode.

  For example, when the copy mode is set as the main mode, the display image generation unit 137 generates a display image based on the image data stored in the storage unit 105 as a color image, and the operation unit side control unit 131 displays the display mode. The color image generated by the image generation means 137 is displayed on the display panel 132 as a preview.

  When the facsimile mode (or Internet facsimile mode) is set as the main mode, the display image generation unit 137 generates a display image based on the image data stored in the storage unit 105 as a monochrome image, and the operation unit side The control unit 131 displays a monochrome image generated by the display image generation unit 137 on the display panel 132 as a preview.

  In the present embodiment, image data is input by the document reading unit 102 with the maximum capability (full color, high resolution) of the document reading unit 102.

Here, in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a case where two operation modes among a plurality of operation modes are set simultaneously will be described.
FIG. 11 is a table showing preview images corresponding to display conditions in the operation mode of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, a copy mode, a facsimile mode, an Internet facsimile mode, an e-mail mode, and a storage mode can be set as operation modes.

  Two of the plurality of operation modes are selected, and one operation mode is set as the main mode and the other operation mode is set as the sub mode.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, when the main mode is set to the copy mode, the facsimile mode (Internet facsimile mode), and the e-mail mode, as shown in FIG. Is set to a different operation mode.

  Corresponding to each operation mode, the display image generation unit 137 generates a display image in which the tone of the image data stored in the storage unit 105 is controlled, and displays the preview image.

  When the copy mode is set in the main mode, the facsimile mode, the Internet fax mode, the save mode, and the e-mail mode are set as the sub mode, the color preview is displayed during scanning, and the image ( Initially, it is set to a color image), and the document preview display is displayed as a color image.

  When the facsimile mode (FAX mode) or the Internet facsimile mode (I-FAX mode) is set in the main mode, the copy mode, the save mode, and the e-mail mode are set as the sub modes, and the preview display during reading is a monochrome image. The finished preview display is displayed as a monochrome image, and the original preview display is displayed as a color image.

  When the e-mail mode is set as the main mode, the facsimile mode, the Internet fax mode, the save mode, and the copy mode are set as the sub-modes, the color preview is displayed during scanning, and the image ( Initially, it is set to a color image), and the document preview display is displayed as a color image.

  With the above-described configuration, in each operation mode, a color image or a monochrome image is displayed corresponding to each preview display in accordance with the set main mode. As a result, an optimal display image is preview-displayed in each operation mode, so that the output image can be easily confirmed.

  In the above example, a plurality of operation modes of the main mode and the sub mode are set as the operation mode. However, if the sub mode is not set, the image stored in the storage unit 105 corresponding to the single operation mode is set. Needless to say, it is possible to control the color tone of data to set an optimal display image.

Next, a preview display displayed when reading a document on the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when a preview display on the touch panel display of the document reading status by the document reading unit is performed in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the image forming apparatus 100, the scan start key 5102 displayed on the touch panel display 130 is touched to start reading (step S1), and the document size is A4 portrait or B5 portrait. Is determined (step S2).

  When it is determined in step S2 that the document size is A4 portrait or B5 portrait, the document image is read by the document reading unit 102 and stored in the storage unit 105 as image data (step S3).

  Then, based on the image data stored in the storage unit 105, a display image of a color image and a monochrome image reduced by the display image generation unit 137 is generated (step S4).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the output form is FAX transmission (step 5). If it is determined that the transmission is FAX transmission in step S5, a monochrome image is preview-displayed on the touch panel display 130 (step S6). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5 that the transmission is not FAX transmission, a color image is previewed on the touch panel display 130 (step S7).

  Returning to step S2, if it is not determined in step S2 that the document size is A4 portrait or B5 portrait, the process proceeds to step S8, where the document image is read by the document reading unit 102 and stored in the storage means 105 as image data. Remembered. Then, based on the image data stored in the storage unit 105, a display image of a color image and a monochrome image reduced by the display image generation unit 137 is generated (step S9).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the output form is FAX transmission (step 10). If it is determined that the transmission is FAX transmission in step S10, a monochrome image is preview-displayed on the touch panel display 130 (step S11). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5 that the transmission is not FAX transmission, a color image is previewed on the touch panel display 130 (step S12).

  In this way, when the document is read, depending on the operation mode, if the selected operation mode is FAX transmission, a monochrome image is previewed on the display screen, and other output modes (for example, In the case of printer output or color copy), a color image is displayed as a preview on the display screen, so that a monochrome image actually transmitted at the time of reading can be immediately confirmed.

  Next, preview display at the time of reading a document on the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings with specific examples.

Example 1
First, a description will be given of a case where the image forming apparatus 100 performs document reading and image output with the document set to A4 vertical feeding.
FIG. 13 to FIG. 29 are explanatory diagrams showing the display state of the preview image displayed on the touch panel display at the time of document reading when the document is A4 portrait fed in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

  First, guidance display of a display image (read image) displayed on the touch panel display 130 when reading a document in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the original is set in the original reading unit 102 in A4 vertical feeding. When reading a document, the user selects the facsimile mode on the home screen displayed on the touch panel display 130, and touches the scan-in key 5102 to start reading the document as shown in FIG.

  When scanning of the document is instructed by the scan-in key 5102, as shown in FIG. 14, display information in the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 of the touch panel display 130 is drawn in the left and right sides in the directions of the arrows, respectively. The area 3000 is expanded, and a boundary line 161 indicating the boundary between the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 set in the preview area 3000 is displayed. The boundary line 161 is simply referred to as a “reading line” in the following because it simply represents on the touch panel display 130 the situation in which the document is read by the document reading unit 102.

  When the original is read by the original reading unit 102, a reduced display image is generated by the display image generating means 137 from the image data of the first original read, and as shown in FIG. The first image P1 is displayed in the first display area 151 on the right side. At this time, since the facsimile mode is selected as the operation mode, all preview images are displayed as monochrome images.

  The first image P1 is displayed so that the image gradually becomes clear toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side).

  The first image P1 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. 16, and passes through the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The display is moved to the second display area 152 on the left side of 161. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the first image P1 is rotated 90 ° in the clockwise direction in the second display area 152, and is arranged at the A4 vertical position as shown in FIG. .

  At this time, in the first display area 151, the second image P2 generated by the display image generating unit 137 from the image data of the second original read by the original reading unit 102 is reduced and displayed. The

  The second image P2 displayed in the first display area 151 gradually becomes clearer toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side). Is displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the second image P2 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161, passes through the reading line 161, and the second image P2 on the left side of the reading line 161. The second display area 152 is moved and displayed.

  Then, the second image P2 is arranged so as to overlap behind the first image P1, as shown in FIG. 21, and is rotated 90 ° clockwise as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, they are arranged in the A4 vertical position. At this time, the second image P2 is arranged in a state where a part thereof is exposed from below the first image P1 so that the existence can be confirmed on the display screen.

  At this time, the third image P3 generated by the display image generation unit 137 from the image data of the third document read by the document reading unit 102 is reduced in the first display area 151. Is displayed.

  The third image P3 displayed in the first display area 151 gradually becomes clearer toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side). Is displayed.

Then, the third image P3 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161, and passes through the reading line 161 to the left of the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The second display area 152 is moved and displayed.
At this time, the third image P3 is further overlapped behind the second image P2 as shown in FIG. 25, and is rotated 90 ° clockwise as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 27, they are arranged in the A4 vertical position. At this time, the third image P3 is arranged in a state where a part thereof is exposed from below the second image P2 so that the existence can be confirmed on the display screen.

  As described above, the display and movement of the display image of the original read by the original reading unit 102 are repeated, and as shown in FIG. 27, when the pre-reading by scan-in of all the originals is completed, FIG. As shown in FIG. 29, the display of the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 is returned to the original state, and the reading line 161 is erased.

  In this way, it is possible to easily confirm on the touch panel display 130 that the document is read in the A4 portrait feed in the facsimile mode, and it is possible to easily confirm that the image transmitted by FAX is a monochrome image. .

(Example 2)
Next, a description will be given of a case where the image forming apparatus 100 performs document reading and image output with the document set to A4 landscape feed.
FIGS. 30 to 39 are explanatory views showing the display state of the preview image displayed on the touch panel display at the time of reading the original when the original is A4 vertically fed in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

  First, the guidance display of the display image displayed on the touch panel display 130 when reading a document in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the document is set to the document reading unit 102 in A4 landscape feed. When reading a document, the user selects the facsimile mode on the home screen displayed on the touch panel display 130, and touches the scan-in key 5102 to start reading the document as shown in FIG.

  When scanning of the original is instructed by the scan-in key 5102, as shown in FIG. 31, display information in the function setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 of the touch panel display 130 is drawn in the left and right sides in the directions of the arrows, respectively, The area 3000 is expanded, and a reading line 161 indicating the boundary between the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 set in the preview area 3000 is displayed.

  When the original is read by the original reading unit 102, a reduced display image is generated by the display image generating means 137 from the image data of the first original read, and as shown in FIG. The first image P11 is displayed in the first display area 151 on the right side. At this time, since the facsimile mode is selected as the operation mode, all preview images are displayed as monochrome images.

  The first image P11 is displayed so that the image gradually becomes clear toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side).

The first image P11 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. 33 and passes through the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The display is moved to the second display area 152 on the left side of 161.
At this time, in the first display area 151, the second image P12 generated by the display image generating unit 137 from the image data of the second original read by the original reading unit 102 is displayed in a reduced size. The

  The second image P12 displayed in the first display area 151 gradually becomes clearer toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side). Is displayed.

Then, the second image P12 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. 35, and passes through the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The display is moved to the second display area 152 on the left side of the reading line 161 and displayed.
At this time, the second image P12 is arranged so as to overlap behind the first image P11, and a part of the second image P12 is displayed below the first image P11 so that the presence of the second image P12 can be confirmed. Arranged in an exposed state.

  At this time, the third image P13 generated by the display image generation unit 137 from the image data of the third document read by the document reading unit 102 is reduced in the first display area 151. Is displayed.

  The third image P13 displayed in the first display area 151 gradually becomes clearer toward the second display area 152, that is, toward the reading line 161 (from the right side to the left side). Is displayed.

  Then, the third image P13 displayed in the first display area 151 moves toward the reading line 161, and passes through the reading line 161 to the left of the reading line 161 as shown in FIG. The second display area 152 is moved and displayed. The third image P13 is further overlapped behind the second image P12, and a part of the third image P13 is displayed from below the second image P12 so that the presence of the third image P13 can be confirmed. Arranged in an exposed state.

  As described above, when the display and movement of the display image of the original read by the original reading unit 102 are repeated and all of the originals are pre-read by scanning in, the function as shown in FIGS. The display of the setting area 2000 and the action panel area 4000 is returned to the original state, and the reading line 161 is erased.

  In this way, in the facsimile mode, when the document is set to A4 landscape feed, it is possible to easily confirm on the touch panel display 130 that the document is read in A4 landscape feed. This can be easily confirmed.

  With the configuration as described above, according to the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 100, the display image generation unit 137 stores in the storage unit 105 corresponding to the operation mode selected from the plurality of operation modes. A display image in which the color tone of the image data is controlled is generated, and a display image corresponding to the selected operation mode is previewed on the display panel 132 by the operation unit side control unit 131. When the Internet facsimile mode is selected alone or as the main mode when multiple operation modes are selected, even if the scanned document is a color document, the preview is displayed while the document is being scanned and after the scanning is completed Because the finished preview display image can be displayed as a monochrome image, complicated operations can be performed. Without it possible to verify in real images image to be actually transmitted.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when it is desired to check a scanned image, by switching the preview display to the document display mode, a reduced image of the scanned document (color image in the case of a color document) can be confirmed. can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the operation unit 120 according to the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 1 has been described. However, before performing FAX transmission (or Internet FAX transmission), the display unit or the like is used. As long as an operation unit capable of displaying a preview of a document image is provided, the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus and the copying machine configured as described above, and can be expanded to other digital multi-function peripherals.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, that is, changes are made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. Embodiments obtained by combining technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Main control part 102 Document reading part (input means)
103 Image Processing Unit 104 Image Forming Unit (Image Forming Unit)
105 storage means 107 image output means 120 operation unit (image display operation device)
130 Touch panel display (display control means)
131 Operation unit side control unit 132 Display panel (display means)
134 Touch Panel 135 Operation Position Detection Unit 136 Screen Display Unit 137 Display Image Generation Unit 151 First Display Area 152 Second Display Area 161 Reading Line (Boundary Line)
1000 system area 1310 display image display means 1311 first display area display means 1312 second display area display means 1000 system area 2000 function selection area 3000 preview area 4000 action panel area 5000 task trigger area 5100 execution button group 5102 scan-in key ( Operation key)
5104 Clear all key (operation key)
5106 Monochrome start key (operation key)
5108 Color start key (operation key)
5109 Interrupt key (operation key)
5110 Start key (operation key)
P1, P11 First image P2, P12 Second image P3, P13 Third image

Claims (4)

Input means having a plurality of operation modes, inputting image data, storage means for storing image data inputted from the input means, and output means for outputting an image based on the image data stored in the storage means Display image generating means for generating a display image based on image data stored in the storage means, display means for displaying the display image generated by the display image generating means, and display image generation In an image forming apparatus comprising an image display operation device comprising display control means for displaying a display image generated by the display means on the display means,
The display image generation unit has a function of generating a display image in which the color tone of the image data stored in the storage unit is controlled corresponding to an operation mode selected from the plurality of operation modes.
The display control means has a function of previewing a display image corresponding to the selected operation mode on the display means ,
The image display operation device is configured to be capable of simultaneously setting a plurality of operation modes,
When a plurality of operation modes are set simultaneously by the image display operation device,
The display control means sets one operation mode of the plurality of operation modes as a main mode, and sets the color tone of the image data stored in the storage means corresponding to the main mode by the display image generation means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that a display image generated by control is preview-displayed on the display means . The image forming apparatus includes a copy mode as an operation mode,
When copy mode is set as the main mode,
The display image generation means generates a display image based on the image data stored in the storage means as a color image when the image data stored in the storage means is color image data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit displays a preview of the color image generated by the display image generation unit on the display unit. The image forming apparatus includes a facsimile mode or an Internet facsimile mode as an operation mode,
When the facsimile mode or the Internet facsimile mode is set as the main mode,
The display image generation unit generates a display image based on the image data stored in the storage unit as a monochrome image,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit displays a preview of the monochrome image generated by the display image generation unit on the display unit. The preview display, the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a preview display for confirming the image data input and a finished state.

Images