JP5622645B2 - Electronic device, electronic device system, image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, an electronic device system, and an image forming apparatus.

  There is an image forming apparatus having a small display area on a display screen. The image forming apparatus displays a guide image for guiding an operation related to a preset function in the form of a character image.

  This type of image forming apparatus has, for example, a copy function and a facsimile function as preset functions. For example, when the copy function is executed, the image forming apparatus arranges a plurality of character images representing recording paper sizes such as A4, B4, and A3 on the display screen. In this state, for example, the user operates a cursor key arranged in the vicinity of the display screen to select one of the sizes arranged in the form of a character image on the display screen.

  On the other hand, an image forming apparatus with a large display area of the display screen incorporates a touch panel function in the display screen and includes an image representing an operation button in the guide image. For example, when the copy function is operated, a plurality of graphic images for selecting the recording paper size are arranged on the display screen. In this state, the user operates one of the graphic images to select one of the sizes.

  On the other hand, an image forming apparatus with a small display area of the display screen displays a guide image in the form of a character image as described above, and is forced to operate a cursor key arranged in the vicinity of the display screen. The operability is poor as compared with an image forming apparatus having a large display area on the display screen.

  Further, an image forming apparatus having a small display area on the display screen has a function that is not suitable for setting in advance in the apparatus.

  For example, the preview function for displaying a document image on the display screen cannot display a document image for one page with a size equivalent to one screen of the display screen because the display area of the display screen is small. In this case, since the visibility of the document image cannot be ensured, setting the preview function is not suitable for an image forming apparatus having a small display area on the display screen.

  By the way, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has image data acquired by the image forming apparatus in the preview screen section when a preview screen section prepared separately from the operation screen section is attached to the image forming apparatus. It is configured to be displayed.

JP 2006-14244 A

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 executes a preview function when a preview screen is attached to the image forming apparatus.

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the preview function is only executed when the preview screen unit is attached to the image forming apparatus, and the operability when using an operation screen unit other than preview is used. Cannot be improved.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. A new function is added later to the initial function that can be operated using a display screen provided in the initial state of the apparatus, and a new addition is made. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device, an electronic device system, and an image forming apparatus that can improve the operability of not only the function but also the initial function.

An electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a display screen that displays a first guidance image for guiding an operation related to a first function that is set in advance as an initial function that the electronic device can operate in an initial state, and a user An operation unit that receives an operation, a touch panel function that receives a screen operation as an operation instruction, an interface for retrofitting a display device having a larger display area than the display screen, and an operation instruction received by the operation unit A first storage unit in which a control unit that executes the first function, image data representing the first guide image, and a program for executing the first function are stored in advance, The display device includes image data representing a second guidance image for guiding an operation related to a second function including a function different from the first function; A program for executing a 2 function, but stored in advance, a second storage unit separate from the first storage unit, wherein the control unit to the interface, when said display device is not attached Displays the first guide image represented by the image data stored in the first storage unit on the display screen and responds to the operation instruction when the operation instruction is received by the operation unit. while performing the first function Te, to the interface, when said display device is attached, the image data acquired from the second storage unit, the second guide represented by the image data An image is displayed on the display device, and when the operation instruction is received by the display device, the program is acquired from the second storage unit. And executes the program (claim 1).

  Here, the preset first function refers to an initial function that can be operated using a display screen provided in an initial state of the electronic device. The second function means not only the first function but also a function including a new function that can be operated using the display device when the display device is attached.

  According to this configuration, the display device having a larger image area than the display screen that displays the first guidance image for guiding the operation related to the first function that can be operated using the display screen that the electronic device includes in the initial state, When attached to the interface, not only the first function, but also a second guidance image for guiding operations related to the second function including a new function that can be operated using the display device when the display device is attached. The second function is executed in accordance with an operation instruction displayed on the display device and received by the display device.

  Accordingly, when the display device is attached to the electronic device, the electronic device can execute a new function that cannot be operated using the display screen provided in the initial state of the electronic device. In addition, an initial function that can be operated using the display screen provided in the initial state of the electronic device, or an operation related to a new function that cannot be operated using the display screen provided in the initial state of the electronic device is performed by operating the touch panel. It becomes possible.

  As a result, new functions will be added later to the initial functions that can be operated using the display screen provided in the initial state of the device, and operability will be improved not only for new additional functions but also for initial functions. Can do.

According to this configuration, the second guide image displayed on the display device is stored in advance in the second storage unit included in the display device.

This eliminates the need to previously store the second guide image in the first storage unit of the electronic device main body. As a result, the storage capacity of the first storage unit of the electronic device main body can be saved.

According to this configuration, since the program for executing the second function is stored in advance in the second storage unit included in the display device, the program is stored in advance in the first storage unit of the electronic device body . There is no need to keep it. As a result, the storage capacity of the first storage unit of the electronic device main body can be saved.

In the above configuration, image data representing the second guide image is stored in advance in the second storage unit corresponding to the program, and the control unit stores the program data when executing the program. to obtain the corresponding said image data from said second storage unit, it is preferable to display the second guide image represented by the image data to the display device (claim 2).

  According to this configuration, when a program for executing the second function is executed, the display device is provided with a second guidance image for guiding operations related to the second function in correspondence with the program. Display.

  Thereby, the operation for causing the program to execute the second function becomes easy.

Moreover, the electronic device system which concerns on the other situation of this invention is provided with the electronic device of Claim 1 or 2 , and the said display apparatus (Claim 3 ).

According to this configuration, since the electronic device according to claim 1 or 2 is provided, an electronic device system having the effect of claim 1 or 2 can be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , an image data acquisition unit that acquires document image data representing image data of a document image, and the image data. an image forming section which forms an original image data obtained by the obtaining unit to the recording paper, characterized in that it comprises a (claim 4).

According to this configuration, since the electronic device according to claim 1 or 2 is provided, an image forming apparatus having the effect of claim 1 or 2 can be provided.

  According to the present invention, when a display device is attached to an electronic device, the electronic device can execute a new function that cannot be operated using the display screen provided in the initial state of the electronic device. When an initial function that can be operated using the display screen provided in the initial state of the electronic device or an operation related to a new function that cannot be operated using the display screen provided in the initial state of the electronic device is instructed to operate the touch panel. It becomes possible.

  As a result, new functions will be added later to the initial functions that can be operated using the display screen provided in the initial state of the device, and operability will be improved not only for new additional functions but also for initial functions. Can do.

It is the figure which showed an example of the external appearance of the electronic device system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional module of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the external appearance of a user interface part. It is the figure which showed an example of the 2nd guidance image. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the outline | summary of operation | movement of the electronic device which concerns on this embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the outline | summary of operation | movement of the electronic device which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the 2nd example of the 2nd guidance image. It is the figure which showed the 3rd example of the 2nd guidance image. It is the figure which showed the 4th example of the 2nd guidance image.

  Hereinafter, an electronic apparatus, an electronic apparatus system, and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an electronic device system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The electronic device system S includes an image forming apparatus A. The image forming apparatus A is configured such that the display device D can be retrofitted via a cable C. The image forming apparatus A includes a user interface I that is an interface between the user and the image forming apparatus A on the front surface of the image forming apparatus A.

  The user interface I includes a display screen 5 having a small display area and an operation unit 18 including operation buttons. Here, the display screen 5 is composed of, for example, a character LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Further, an LED described later is assembled to the operation button constituting the operation unit 18, and the LED is turned on or off according to the operation of the operation button.

  On the other hand, the display device D includes a display screen 103 that is larger than the display area of the display screen 5 and a touch panel function that accepts an operation instruction for the screen.

  Further, the image forming apparatus A and the display apparatus D are connected according to, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, and perform communication according to the USB standard.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus A incorporates an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus A includes an image reading unit (image data acquiring unit) 300 and an image forming main body unit 22. The image reading unit 300 includes a document feeding unit 310, a scanner unit 220, a CIS 231, a user interface unit I arranged to be exposed on the front surface of the image forming main body unit 22, and a reversing mechanism described later. .

  The document feeder 310 includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), and includes a document tray 311, a pickup roller 312, a platen 313, a paper discharge roller 314, and a paper discharge tray 315. A document to be read is placed on the document tray 311. The originals placed on the original tray 311 are picked up one by one by the pickup roller 312 and sequentially conveyed to the platen 313 through the gap. Documents that have passed through the platen 313 are sequentially discharged to a discharge tray 315 by a discharge roller 314.

  Of the positions facing the peripheral surface of the platen 313, a timing sensor (not shown) for detecting a sheet is installed at a predetermined position before the reading position P in the document transport direction. The document transport timing to the reading position P is achieved based on the output request. The timing sensor is configured by, for example, a photo interrupter.

  The scanner unit 220 optically reads an image of a document and generates image data. The scanner unit 220 includes a contact glass 221, a light source 222, a first mirror 223, a second mirror 224, a third mirror 225, a first carriage 226, a second carriage 227, an imaging lens 228, and a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) 229. Prepare.

  In the scanner unit 220, a white fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube is used as the light source 222, and the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, the third mirror 225, the first carriage 226, the second carriage 227, and the imaging. A lens 228 guides light from the document to the CCD 229. Since the scanner unit 220 is configured using a white fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube as the light source 222, the scanner unit 220 is superior in color reproducibility to a CIS 231 described later in which a three-color LED or the like is used as the light source.

  On the contact glass 221, a document is manually placed by the user when the document is not read by the document feeder 310. The light source 222 and the first mirror 223 are supported by the first carriage 226, and the second mirror 224 and the third mirror 225 are supported by the second carriage 227.

  As a document reading method of the image reading unit 300, a flatbed reading mode in which a document placed on the contact glass 221 is read by the scanner unit 220, and a document is taken in by a document feeding unit 310 (ADF). There is an ADF reading mode.

  In the flat bed reading mode, the light source 222 irradiates a document placed on the contact glass 221, and reflected light for one line in the main scanning direction is reflected in the order of the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, and the third mirror 225. Then, the light enters the imaging lens 228. The light incident on the imaging lens 228 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 229.

  The CCD 229 is a one-dimensional image sensor and processes the image data of one line of the document in an overlapping manner. The first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are configured to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (sub-scanning direction, arrow Y direction). When reading for one line is completed, the first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are moved in the sub-scanning direction. The first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 move, and the next line is read.

  In the ADF reading mode, the document feeder 310 takes in the documents placed on the document tray 311 one by one by the pickup roller 312. At this time, the first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are disposed at a predetermined reading position P located below the reading window 230.

  When the document is transported by the document feeder 310, when the document passes over the reading window 230 provided in the transport path from the platen 313 to the paper discharge tray 315, the light source 222 irradiates the document and corresponds to one main scanning line. The reflected light is reflected in the order of the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, and the third mirror 225 and enters the imaging lens 228. The light incident on the imaging lens 228 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 229. Subsequently, the document is conveyed by the document feeder 310, and the next line is read.

  Further, the document feeder 310 includes a reversing mechanism including a switching guide 316, a reversing roller 317, and a reversing conveyance path 318. This reversing mechanism reverses the front and back of the original whose surface has been read by the first ADF reading and transports it again to the reading window 230, whereby the CCD 229 reads the back side again.

  This reversing mechanism operates only when reading both sides and does not operate when reading one side. After reading the back side during single-sided reading and double-sided reading, the switching guide 316 is switched to the upper side, and the document that has passed through the platen 313 is discharged to the discharge tray 315 by the discharge roller 314.

  After the front side reading at the time of double-sided reading, the switching guide 316 is switched to the lower side, and the document that has passed through the platen 313 is conveyed to the reverse conveyance path 318 by the reverse roller 317. Thereafter, the switching guide 316 is switched upward, and the reverse roller 317 rotates in the reverse direction to re-feed the document to the platen 313. Hereinafter, a mode in which both sides of a document are read using a reversing mechanism is referred to as a double-sided reversal reading mode.

  Further, in the image reading unit 300 of the present embodiment, in the ADF reading mode, when the surface of the original is read by the CCD 229 (scanner unit 220) during the conveyance of the original as described above, the image reading unit 300 substantially overlaps (substantially parallel). Thus, the back side of the document can be read by the CIS 231. In this case, the surface of the document conveyed from the document tray 311 by the document feeding unit 310 is read by the CCD 229 when passing through the reading window 230, and the back surface is read when passing through the location where the CIS 231 is arranged. In CIS231, RGB three-color LEDs or the like are used as light sources.

  As described above, by using the CCD 229 and the CIS 231, it is possible to read both the front and back sides of a document by a single document transport operation (one pass) from the document tray 311 to the discharge tray 315 by the document feeding unit 310. Hereinafter, a mode in which both sides of a document are read using the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 in this way is referred to as a double-sided simultaneous reading mode.

  The double-sided reverse reading mode and the double-sided simultaneous reading mode are provided as reading modes when performing double-sided reading of a document using the ADF reading mode. The double-sided reverse reading mode is used when you want to match the image quality of both-side printed images, while the double-sided simultaneous reading mode gives priority to shortening the reading time even if there is a difference in the image quality of both-side printed images Used in cases. Note that the image forming apparatus A in the present embodiment is initially set to the double-sided simultaneous reading mode, and when the image forming instruction is input without performing any mode setting operation in the reading mode, the double-sided simultaneous reading mode is set. A document image reading operation is performed in the reading mode.

  The image processing apparatus A includes an image forming main body 22 and a stack tray 6 disposed on the left side of the image forming main body 22. The image forming main body 22 has been transported from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 for feeding recording sheets from the paper feed cassette 461 one by one to the image forming unit 40, and a paper feed cassette 461. And an image forming unit 40 that forms an image on recording paper. In addition, the image forming main body 22 includes a paper feed tray 471 and a feeding roller 472 that feeds the originals placed on the paper feed tray 471 one by one toward the image forming unit 40.

  The image forming unit 40 includes a charge removing device 421 that removes residual charges from the surface of the photosensitive drum 43, a charging device 422 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 after charge removal, and image data acquired by the scanner unit 220. Based on the electrostatic latent image, an exposure device 423 that outputs a laser beam to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 43. Above, developing devices 44K, 44Y, 44M, and 44C that form toner images of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and various colors formed on the photosensitive drum 43. A transfer drum 49 on which the toner image is transferred and superimposed, a transfer device 41 for transferring the toner image on the transfer drum 49 to the paper, and the paper on which the toner image is transferred to the toner by heating The and a fixing device 45 for fixing on the paper.

  The cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors are supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown). Further, conveyance rollers 463 and 464 that convey the recording paper that has passed through the image forming unit 40 to the stack tray 6 or the discharge tray 48 are provided.

  When forming images on both sides of the recording paper, the image forming unit 40 forms an image on one side of the recording paper, and then the recording paper is nipped by the conveyance roller 463 on the discharge tray 48 side. In this state, the conveyance roller 463 is reversed to switch back the recording paper, and the recording paper is sent to the paper conveyance path L to be conveyed again to the upstream area of the image forming unit 40. After the formation, the recording paper is discharged to the stack tray 6 or the discharge tray 48.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional module of the image forming apparatus A.

  The image forming apparatus A includes an electronic device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a character LCD (display screen) 5 that displays a character image, an LCD controller 11 that controls the character LCD 5, and an operation unit 18 that includes operation buttons. The LED 21 that is incorporated in the operation button and is turned on or off when the operation button is operated, the operation unit 18, the operation unit controller 12 that controls the LED 21, the ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, and the RAM (Random Access Memory) ) 14 and a USB control unit (interface) 23.

  In the electronic apparatus 1, the character LCD 5 and the operation unit 18 are fixed in advance on the front surface of the image forming apparatus A so as not to be detached from the image forming apparatus A as shown in FIG.

  The ROM 13 stores in advance various programs necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus A.

  For example, in the ROM 13, the image forming apparatus A has a first function that is an initial function that can be operated using the display screen 5 (see FIG. 4) provided in the initial state of the image forming apparatus A, such as a copy function, a facsimile. Programs for executing functions, PC transfer functions, and management functions are stored in advance. The ROM 13 stores in advance image data representing a first guide image (described later) for guiding operations related to the first function.

  The RAM 14 functions as a work area when the image forming apparatus A operates. The RAM 14 stores image data acquired by the image forming apparatus A.

  The USB control unit 23 is arranged for retrofitting the display device D to the image forming apparatus A, and controls the display device D by communicating with the display device D according to the USB standard.

  The display device D is assembled to the display device main body 100 having the display screen 103 having a larger display area than the character LCD 5 described above and the display screen 103, and notifies the display device main body 100 of the operation position on the display screen 103. A touch panel 101, a hard disk drive (storage unit) 102, and a USB interface 104 that is an interface between the USB control unit 23 are provided.

  The hard disk drive 102 includes a display screen 5 (see FIG. 4) provided in the initial state of the image forming apparatus A in addition to a program for executing the first function, ie, the copy function, facsimile function, management function, and PC transfer function. A program for executing a preview function, which is a function that cannot be operated using the reference), is stored in advance.

  The hard disk drive 102 also includes an image for guiding operations relating to the first function, ie, the copy function, the facsimile function, the management function, and the PC transfer function, and the display screen 5 (initially provided in the image forming apparatus A). Image data representing an image for guiding an operation related to a preview function, which is a function that cannot be operated by using FIG. 4), is stored in advance as image data representing a second guidance image corresponding to each program. .

  The USB interface 104 distributes the signal or data output from the USB control unit 23 toward the display device D to any of the display device main body 100, the touch panel 101, and the hard disk drive 102. The USB interface 104 outputs a signal or data output from any of the display device main body 100, the touch panel 101, and the hard disk drive 102 to the USB control unit 23.

  The image forming apparatus A includes a scanner unit 220, a scanner unit interface 15 that is an interface between the scanner unit 220 and the CPU 10, an image processing unit 16, an engine unit 17, and an engine unit 17 and the CPU 10. Between the engine unit interface 18, the network N such as the Internet including the external communication device PC 1, and the engine unit 17, and between the communication device PC 2 and the engine unit 17. A PC interface 20 that is an interface of

  The scanner unit 220 reads a document and acquires image data of the document. The image processing unit 16 performs a predetermined process on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 220 and outputs the processed image data to the engine unit 17.

  The engine unit 17 receives the image data processed by the image processing unit 16, and forms the image data on a recording sheet by the image forming unit 40, or outputs the image data to the communication device PC1 by the network interface 19. Let Alternatively, the engine unit 17 causes the PC interface 20 to output the image data processed by the image processing unit 16 toward the communication device PC2.

  Here, the engine unit 17 has a function for outputting image data to the communication device PC1 through the network interface 19, and a function for the engine unit 17 to output image data to the communication device PC2 through the PC interface 20. This is the above-described PC transfer function.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the user interface unit I.

  In addition to the display screen 5, the user interface unit I includes an operation unit 18 including operation buttons 18A to 18J.

  The display screen 5 displays a first guidance image for guiding operations related to the first function. As an example of the first guide image, an image for guiding a setting operation related to a copy function as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display screen 5 includes a character image representing recording paper sizes A4, A3, B4,... On which image data is to be formed, as an image for guiding setting operations relating to the copy function. An image including a character image representing the density at the time of forming the image data and a character image representing the number of copies on which the image data is to be formed is displayed.

  The display screen 5 has a rectangular cursor image so as to surround the currently selected character image among the character images representing the recording paper sizes A4, A3, B4,. 50 is displayed.

  The user moves the cursor image 50 in the up, down, left, and right directions on the paper surface, and selects the recording paper size on which image data is to be formed. The numbers representing the density and the number of copies are input by operating the operation buttons 18F forming the number key group.

  Of the operation buttons 18A to 18J, the operation button 18A is operated to execute the copy function. The operation button 18B is operated to execute a facsimile function and a PC transfer function. The operation button 18C is operated to execute a management function for managing image data stored in the RAM 14.

  The operation button 18D constitutes a cursor key. When the cursor key is operated, the cursor image 50 moves in the left direction, the right direction, the upper direction, and the lower direction.

  The operation button 18E is a button operated to determine the position of the cursor image 50 moved by the operation of the operation button 18D.

  The operation buttons 18F constitute a number key group in a state where a plurality of the operation buttons 18F are collected. This number key group is for inputting, for example, the number of copies when the image forming apparatus A operates the copy function, and the destination facsimile number when operating the facsimile function.

  The operation button 18F is also used to input numbers such as density and number of copies when copying.

  The operation button 18G constitutes a start button, and is operated to instruct execution of any one of a copy function, a management function, and a facsimile function.

  The reset button 18H is operated to return the setting made by operating the operation button 18D which is a cursor key and the operation button 18F constituting the number key group to the default setting.

  The operation button 18I constitutes a stop button, and is a button for stopping the function being executed and canceling the input operation. The operation button 18J constitutes a power switch.

  As described above, the first guide image is displayed in the form of a character image on the display screen 5 of the user interface I.

  On the other hand, the second guidance image is displayed on the display screen 103 of the display device D in the following form.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the second guide image. As an example of the second guide image, there is a menu image 103 (1) displayed on the display screen 103 of the display device D when the display device D is attached to the image forming apparatus A.

  The menu image 103 (1) represents an image representing the operation button 200 for operating the copy function, an image representing the operation button 201 for operating the facsimile function, and an operation button 202 for operating the management function. Contains images.

  Then, when any of the operation buttons 200, 201, and 202 is touched by the user, an image for guiding an operation related to the function represented by the touched operation button is displayed in the second guidance as with the menu image. The image is displayed on the display screen 103 of the display device D.

  For example, when an image representing the operation button 200 for operating the copy function is touched by the user, an image for guiding an operation related to the copy function is displayed as a second guide image.

  The operation of the electronic device having the above configuration will be described below. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the outline of the operation of the electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of the second guide image, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third example of the second guide image, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the second example of the second guide image. It is the figure which showed 4 examples.

  In the electronic device 1, when the operation button 18J constituting the power switch is operated and the power is turned on (step S1), the CPU 10 attaches the display device D to the electronic device 1, that is, the image forming apparatus A. It is determined whether or not there is (step S2).

  When the display device D is not attached to the image forming apparatus A (NO in step S2), the CPU 10 causes the character LCD 5 to display an image (see FIG. 4) for guiding an operation related to the copy function as a first guidance image. (Step S3).

  Then, when a function other than the copy function, that is, the facsimile function, the PC transfer function, and the management function is not selected by the operation of the operation buttons 18B and 18C (NO in step S4), the electronic device 1 sets the copy function. Upon receipt (step S5), the copy function is executed based on the setting (step S6).

  On the other hand, when a function other than the copy function is selected by the operation of the operation buttons 18B and 18C (YES in step S4), the electronic device 1 displays an image for guiding an operation related to the selected function as the first guidance. The image is displayed on the character LCD 5 (step S7).

  And the electronic device 1 receives the setting by operation of an operation button about the selected function (step S8), and performs the selected function based on the said setting (step S9).

  On the other hand, when the display device D is attached to the image forming apparatus A (YES in step S2), the CPU 10 performs, for example, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. Image data representing the menu image 103 (1) (see FIG. 5) is acquired from the drive 102, and the menu image 103 (1) is displayed on the display screen 103 of the display device D (step S10).

  Then, when any of the copy function, the facsimile function, and the management function is selected by the user's operation instruction on the display screen 103 on which the menu image 103 (1) is displayed (YES in step S11), the selected function Is acquired from the hard disk drive 102 and the program is executed (step S12).

  Then, the CPU 10 acquires image data representing an image corresponding to the program, that is, an image data for guiding an operation related to the selected function from the hard disk drive 102 of the display device D, and the image is subjected to the second guidance. The image is displayed on the display screen 103 of the display device D (step S13).

  Then, the electronic device 1 receives the user's instruction operation in the image for guiding the operation related to the selected function (step S14), executes the function (step S15), and the execution of the function is completed. Return to step S10.

  Hereinafter, steps S14 and S15 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As an example of an image for guiding an operation related to the copy function, an image 103 (2) for guiding a frame erase setting operation as shown in FIG. In the image 103 (2), operations of various operation buttons described later are accepted as setting operations (step S 14), and settings related to the setting operations are temporarily stored in the RAM 14.

  The image 103 (2) includes an image representing the sheet frame erase button 203, an image representing the book frame erase button 204, and an image representing the individual frame erase button 205.

  Here, the sheet frame erasing button 203 is a button for erasing a black frame formed around the sheet original when the sheet original is copied.

  The book frame erase button 204 is a button for erasing the black frame around the copy object and at the center when the copy object such as a thick book is copied. When the book frame erase button 204 is operated, a frame erase range setting image 204 (1) for setting a frame erase range around the copy object and the central portion is displayed on the hard disk drive 102 of the display device D. Obtained from and displayed.

  The individual frame erase button 205 is a button for individually setting the vertical, horizontal, and horizontal frame erase widths of the copy object. Furthermore, the button 206 is a button that is operated in order not to set the frame erase width.

  In the frame erase range setting image 204 (1), an outer frame erase width setting image 204 (11) for setting a frame erase width around the copy object and a frame erase width at the center of the copy object are set. A middle frame erase width setting image 204 (12) is included.

  The outer frame erase width setting image 204 (11) includes a character image 204A representing the erase width, and the erase width represented by the character image 204A is reduced by operating the image representing the minus button 204B. Increased by manipulating the image representing the plus button 204C. The erase width is directly input as a numerical value by operating the image representing the numeric keypad 204D.

  Like the outer frame erase width setting image 204 (11), the middle frame erase width setting image 204 (12) includes a character image 204E representing the erase width, and the erase width represented by the character image 204E is: It decreases by manipulating the image representing the minus button 204F, and increases by manipulating the image representing the plus button 204G. The erase width is directly input as a numerical value by operating the image representing the numeric keypad 204H.

  The electronic device 1 temporarily stores the settings related to the above setting operation in the RAM 14. Then, when the image representing the OK button 205 is operated, the electronic device 1 copies the copy object with the settings stored in the RAM 14 (step S15).

  Further, the electronic device 1 accepts the operation of the image representing the preview button 207 as an instruction operation in the image 103 (2) (step S14), and stores a program for executing the preview function in the hard disk drive of the display device D. The preview function is acquired from 102 and executed based on the program (step S15).

  In this case, the electronic device 1 receives from the hard disk drive 102 of the display device D image data corresponding to the acquired program, for example, image data representing the image 103 (3) (see FIG. 9) for guiding operations related to the preview function. The image 103 (3) is acquired and displayed on the display screen 103 of the display device D.

  The image 103 (3) illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a scanner unit when image data acquired by the electronic device 1, for example, an image representing the OK button 208 included in the image 103 (2) is operated. An image 209 represented by the image data of the document acquired in 220 is included.

  The image 103 (3) includes an image representing the reduction button 210 and an image representing the enlargement button 211. Here, when the image representing the reduction button 210 is operated, the image 209 is reduced at the same vertical magnification, and when the image representing the enlargement button 211 is operated, the image 209 is enlarged at the same vertical magnification.

  The image 103 (3) includes an image representing the cursor key 212. The cursor key 212 is operated to move the image 209 up, down, left and right in the display area AR when the image 209 is enlarged to a size exceeding the display area AR of the image 209.

  An example of an image for guiding operations related to the management function is an image 103 (4) shown in FIG.

  The image 103 (4) includes an image representing a tab T1 for managing image data stored in an external memory (USB memory) (not shown) connected to the USB control unit 23 together with the display device D, and the display device D. Images representing tabs T2 and T3 for managing image data stored in the job box and user box stored in the hard disk drive 102 are displayed.

  When the image representing the tab T1 is operated, the electronic device 1 uses the image data 214 stored in the external memory (USB memory) based on the image data acquired from the external memory (USB memory). Is displayed on the display screen 103.

  In addition, when the image representing the tab T1 is operated, the electronic device 1 displays an image representing the button 215 for displaying the image data in the image list 214 on the display screen 103.

  When the external memory information button 216 is operated, the electronic device 1 causes the display screen 103 to display an image representing the capacity of the external memory (USB memory) connected to the USB control unit 23 and the remaining capacity.

 When the memory removal button 217 is operated, the electronic device 1 causes the display screen to display an image indicating that the external memory (USB memory) connected to the USB control unit 23 can be safely removed.

  When the document save button 216 is operated, the electronic device 1 reads image data with the scanner unit 220, and the read image data is saved in an external memory, a job box, or a user box.

  The electronic device 1 accepts the operations of the images representing the tabs T1 to T3 and the operation buttons 215 to 218 as an instruction operation (step S14), executes the management function (step S15), for example, an external memory ( USB memory) or image data stored in the hard disk drive 102 is displayed on the display screen 103, or image data stored in the hard disk drive 102 is stored in the RAM 14.

  As described above, when the display device D is not attached to the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1 uses the image for guiding the operation related to the first function, for example, the copy function, as the first guidance image. The device 1 is displayed on the display screen 5 provided in the initial state (see FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, when the display device D is attached to the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1 uses the image for guiding operations related to the first function, for example, the copy function, as the second guide image to the display device D. Display (see FIG. 8).

  Accordingly, the first function that forces the user to operate the operation buttons around the display screen while referring to the display screen with a small display area, for example, an operation related to the copy function, touches the display screen with a large display area. Only possible.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a user interface that is easy to use and easy to use, even in a lower model having a small display area on the display screen, similar to an upper model having a large display area on the display screen.

  When the display device D is attached to the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1 guides operations related to functions that cannot be operated using the display screen 5 provided in the electronic device 1 in an initial state, for example, operations related to the preview function. Is displayed on the display device D as a second guide image (see FIG. 9).

  As a result, the functions of the upper model that could not be realized because the display area of the display screen is small can be realized also in the lower model.

S Electronic device system A Image forming device D Display device 1 Electronic device 10 CPU
5 Character LCD
18 Operation Unit 100 Display Device Body 101 Touch Panel 102 Hard Disk Drive 103 Display Screen 300 Image Reading Unit

Claims (4)

A display screen for displaying a first guidance image for guiding an operation related to a first function set in advance as an initial function that can be operated in an initial state by the electronic device ;
An operation unit that accepts user operations;
An interface for retrofitting a display device having a touch panel function that accepts an operation on the screen as an operation instruction, and a display area larger than the display screen;
A control unit that executes the first function in response to an operation instruction received by the operation unit;
A first storage unit in which image data representing the first guide image and a program for executing the first function are stored in advance;
With
The display device stores in advance image data representing a second guidance image for guiding an operation related to a second function including a function different from the first function, and a program for executing the second function. A second storage unit different from the first storage unit,
The control unit causes the display screen to display the first guide image represented by the image data stored in the first storage unit when the display device is not attached to the interface. when the operation instruction is received by the operation unit, while executing the first function in response to the operation instruction, the interface, when said display device is mounted, said from said second storage unit Acquire image data, display the second guide image represented by the image data on the display device, and acquire the program from the second storage unit when the operation instruction is received by the display device An electronic device characterized by executing the program. In the second storage unit, image data representing the second guide image is stored in advance corresponding to the program,
When the control unit executes the program, the control unit acquires the image data corresponding to the program from the second storage unit and causes the display device to display the second guide image represented by the image data. The electronic device according to claim 1. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The display device;
An electronic device system comprising: The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
An image data acquisition unit for acquiring original image data representing image data of an original image;
An image forming unit for forming document image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit on a recording paper;
An image forming apparatus comprising: