JP5649071B2 - Apparatus having a screen display system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus equipped with a display panel designed to allow a user to select or set specific processing conditions for performing image forming processing, such as an image forming apparatus. .

  In recent years, especially in the business field, an image forming apparatus is not only a copying function but also an apparatus called a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that has functions such as an image reading function (scanner function), facsimile transmission / reception, and a printer. Widely spread. Recent image forming apparatuses typified by such multifunction devices perform various different image forming processes for each function such as copying and image reading in order to respond to various requests from users regarding image forming processes. It is coming to be able to do it.

  In the image forming apparatus, it is possible to perform various types of image forming processes according to the purpose as described above, and the convenience for the user is improved. However, even if simple processing is executed, for example, the target condition item is found from many processing condition items (processing functions) arranged on the screen of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. There is a tendency for operations to be complicated, such as having to make selections and settings, and as a result, there are also tendencies that user operation errors are inevitably increased.

  In Patent Document 1, the layout of function selection keys such as “paper selection” and “enlarge / reduce” in a copy job and the number of function list screens displayed on a function list screen related to image formation processing are described. A technique is disclosed that enables switching according to user preference and skill level of key operation.

  According to Patent Document 1, two types of “normal display mode” and “simple display mode” are prepared for one function list screen displayed on the screen, and can be switched as required by the user. ing. The normal display mode is a display mode in which many relatively small function selection keys are arranged on one screen. On the other hand, “Simple display mode” is arranged before the function selection key corresponding to the function that is commonly used, and the function selection key and the size of the characters described on it are compared with the normal display mode. Thus, a large display mode is adopted. The number of function selection keys displayed on one screen is smaller than that in the normal display mode.

  With this configuration, when the user selects the “simple display mode”, it is easy to find a target function and no erroneous operation is performed. In addition, since a “normal display mode” can be selected, it is convenient for an experienced user who can use various complicated functions.

JP 2005-74714 A

  The “simple display mode” disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the advantage of improving the operability even for complicated operations using function selection keys displayed on the screen of the operation panel as described above. Yes. However, this is based on the premise that an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral has a simple display mode function and each user understands the advantages of using the function.

  Therefore, if the user does not recognize the existence of the simple display mode or does not fully understand how to use it, the display mode will not be used efficiently, and the effect of providing it will be halved. become. In addition, since it is necessary for the user himself to determine whether or not the simple display mode is necessary for the image forming process condition setting operation and the like, there is a problem in that the user is not very convenient for the elderly or low vision.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and is particularly like a key provided on the screen of a display panel so that a user can easily select an image forming processing condition item and set it in the image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus (typified by an image forming apparatus) having a screen display system having a function of automatically switching to a mode for enlarging and displaying various screen components in accordance with a user's ability To do.

An apparatus having a screen display system according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a screen display means for displaying a screen constituent element that can be pressed in a screen, and the screen constituent element is predetermined for one screen. Error history information of a pressing operation on the screen component, the first screen displaying the screen component and the second screen displaying the screen component larger than the predetermined size on the first screen And control means for switching on the basis of the above and displaying on the screen display means. The control means determines whether one screen is defined in advance as a selection target screen that can select either the first screen or the second screen, and the one screen is the selection target screen. Otherwise, the first screen is displayed on the screen display means, and when the one screen is the selection target screen, the first screen and the second screen are displayed on the screen component. Switching is performed based on the error history information of the pressing operation, and it is displayed on the screen display means.

  In a more specific and preferable mode of the above-described apparatus according to the present invention, when the control means obtains the error frequency of the pressing operation in a certain period larger than a reference value, obtained from the error history information of the pressing operation, the screen The display unit has a function of displaying the second screen.

  Alternatively, the control means has a function of causing the screen display means to display the first screen when the error frequency of the pressing operation in a certain period obtained from the error history information of the pressing operation is smaller than a reference value. .

  Further, the apparatus includes a storage unit that stores the pressing operation error history information, and the detected pressing operation is an error operation based on the detection information of the pressing operation of the screen component displayed on the screen display unit. It can be provided with a determination means for determining whether or not there is and storing the determination result in the storage means.

  In the apparatus according to the present invention, a representative one of the screen components is a key for selecting at least a predetermined processing condition. The apparatus having the screen display system according to the present invention is advantageously applied as an image forming apparatus that performs image forming processing, for example, copy of a document, image reading, printing, image transmission / reception by facsimile, and the like.

  As described above, in an apparatus represented by an image forming apparatus equipped with the screen display system according to the present invention, a screen component such as a soft key is predetermined for one screen displayed by the screen display means. A first screen that is displayed in a size of 2 and a second screen that displays a screen component in a size larger than a predetermined size in the first screen based on error history information of a pressing operation on the screen component It is switched and the screen display means displays it.

  More specifically, when the error frequency of the pressing operation performed by the user in the past certain period is larger than a certain reference value, the screen display means displays the second screen, and conversely, in the past certain period. When the error frequency of the pressing operation is smaller than the reference value, the first screen is displayed.

  According to such a configuration of the present invention, if the user is unskilled in the pressing operation of the screen component, the size of the screen component is automatically displayed large, and the pressing operation becomes easy, and the user is proficient in the pressing operation. If this is the case, the size of the screen components is automatically reduced and the number thereof is displayed, and various processing condition selection / setting operations can be performed efficiently even on a single screen.

  Accordingly, it is not necessary for the user to switch the screen according to his / her own operation capability every time he / she wants to execute the target process, and usability is improved.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a layout of an operation panel included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a screen display operation on the touch panel executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. The table which prescribes | regulates whether each screen which a touchscreen displays is an enlargement display mode application object screen in the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen displayed on the touch panel in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming process condition item selection screen displayed on the touch panel in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an enlarged display mode screen displayed on the touch panel in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an enlarged display mode screen displayed on the touch panel in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a standard display mode screen displayed on the touch panel in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment described here is an example which actualized this invention, and the technical scope of this invention is not limited by this.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a typical example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, an overall configuration inside the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 1, details of parts not directly related to the present invention are omitted. Although some image forming apparatuses have various functions, the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is assumed to be a digital multifunction machine 10 having functions such as a printer, a copying machine, a scanner, and a fax machine. It will be called an image forming apparatus 10.

  Since the digital multi-function peripheral as shown in FIG. 1 operates as a copying machine, it has an image reading unit for an original image including documents, photographs, figures and the like. First, when a user prints, for example, a document P using the multifunction machine 10, the document P is placed on the light-transmitting document table 13 or the document table 15 shown in FIG. The copy conditions are input from the operation panel 21 and a printing instruction is issued. The operation panel 21 is installed in front of the document table 13 when viewed from the user side when operating the multifunction machine 10, for example, so as to be slightly inclined toward the user side.

  The operation panel 21 allows the user to input setting conditions for image reading and image formation, that is, printing, instructions regarding processing, etc., and to check the input setting conditions and instructions or messages displayed in response thereto. Used for. The operation panel 21 will be described in more detail later. In order to enable the input of the setting conditions and instructions as described above or the display of a message after the input, etc., the touch panel and hard keys installed in the vicinity thereof are provided. (For example, a numeric keypad, a start key, a clear key, a stop key, a reset key, a power key, etc.).

  When printing is instructed from the operation panel 21, printing is performed by the operation of each unit (mechanical drive unit). As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 includes an image forming unit main body 11 and a platen cover 12 attached above the main body 11. The document table 13 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 11, and the document table 13 is opened and closed by a platen cover 12. The platen cover 12 is provided with an automatic document feeder 14, a placement table 15, and a sheet discharge table 16.

  When a document is placed on the placing table 15 instead of on the document table 13 in order to copy the document, the automatic document feeder 14 pulls the document one by one into the conveyance path and sets the document reading position X. The paper is passed through and discharged to the paper discharge tray 16. When the document passes through the reading position X, the document is read by the image reading unit 17 provided below the document table 13.

  The image reading unit 17 includes a light source 18 having a shape elongated in the main scanning direction that irradiates the document table 13 from below, various mirrors 19 that guide light corresponding to the document image incident from the document table 13, and various mirrors 19. It is mainly configured by an image data generation unit 20 that receives the guided light, converts it into an electrical signal, and performs image processing as required.

  An image forming unit 22 that prints image data is provided below the image reading unit 17 of the multifunction machine main body 11. The image data that can be printed by the image forming unit 22 is not limited to that generated by the image data generating unit 20 as described above. A recent multifunction device 10 is configured as a network through a LAN or the like, and usually includes image data received by the multifunction device 10 from a user terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) included in the network.

  An electrophotographic method is used as a printing method performed by the image forming unit 22. That is, the photosensitive drum 24 is uniformly charged by the charger 25, and then the photosensitive drum 24 is irradiated by the laser 23 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 24, and toner is applied to the latent image by the developing device (rotary developing device) 26. In this method, a visible image is formed by adhering, and the visible image is transferred to a transfer medium by a transfer roller.

  In a multi-function device that supports full-color images, the developing device 26 rotates, and a developing unit that stores toner of the corresponding color is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 24. In this state, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 24 is developed with toner stored in the developing device 26 and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27. In this image forming apparatus, the developing unit 26 includes four developing units (Y), (C), (M) that store toners of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), respectively. ), (K). By repeating the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 27 for each color, a full color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 27.

  The sheet-like transfer medium on which the full color image formed as described above is printed, for example, printing paper, is placed in the paper feed cassettes 29a, 29b, and 29c. When the image forming unit 22 performs printing, one transfer medium is pulled out from any one of the paper feed cassettes using the pickup roller 30 and is sent to the intermediate transfer belt 27 by the transport roller 31 or the like. When the visible image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is transferred to the transfer medium, the image forming unit 22 sends the transfer medium to the fixing unit 28 (fixing device) by the transport belt in order to fix the visible image. The fixing unit 28 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium, so that the visible image is fixed to the transfer medium.

  The completed transfer medium (printed material) after fixing is discharged from the image forming unit 22 of the main body 11 to the outside, and on the left side of the main body 11 and the paper feed cassette unit of the image forming apparatus is a discharge unit for such printed material. A plurality of discharge trays are provided. In the case of the image forming apparatus 10, the paper discharge tray is a standard tray 33 that is a discharge destination when the user does not specify a print output destination, and is a discharge destination when a print output destination is specified. Two discharge trays 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e are provided. However, it is also possible to designate the standard tray 33 as the discharge destination.

  A sorting device 32 is installed between a portion including the standard tray 33 and the paper discharge trays 34a to 34e and a portion including the main body 11 and the paper feed cassette unit, and connects the two. Although the detailed description of the operation mechanism is omitted, the sorting device 32 sorts each printed matter created by a plurality of different users and discharged from the image forming unit 22, for example, and discharges designated by the standard tray 33 or each user. It plays the role of feeding into the trays 34a to 34e.

  The main body 11 of the image forming apparatus includes a control circuit unit 35. The control circuit unit 35 is an interface for performing communication between a CPU (Central Processing Unit), various storage devices, and a user terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. Etc. The control circuit unit 35 stores various control programs, information, and data for operating the image forming apparatus, and controls the operation panel 21, the image reading unit 17, the image forming unit 22, the sorting device 32, and the like as a whole. To do. As shown in FIG. 1, the image data generation unit 20 is also connected to the control circuit unit 35.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a layout of various keys arranged on the operation panel 21 described above. In FIG. 2, an image forming processing function selection key including a copy function selection key 41a, a printer function selection key 41b, a scanner function selection key 41c, and a facsimile function selection key 41d is provided at the left end portion of the operation panel 21. For example, when the copy function selection key 41a is pressed among these keys, an initial screen on which the conditions for executing the copy and the confirmation can be performed is displayed on the touch panel 44 in the center. When a start key 46 provided at the right end is pressed, the document can be copied.

  Similarly to the copy function selection key 41a, the scanner function selection key 41c and the facsimile function selection key 41d can execute jobs corresponding to the respective functions by pressing them and pressing the start key 46. On the other hand, the printer function selection key 41b is used when setting processing conditions and confirming the printing status when the multifunction machine 10 is used as a network printer.

  Three color mode selection keys 42 (automatic color, full color, black and white) are provided on the right side of the image forming processing function selection keys 41a to 41d. These hard keys are used, for example, to select a color mode for print output in a copy job. Further, a system menu / counter key 43 is provided above the image forming processing function selection keys 41a to 41d. The key 43 is mainly used for setting at the operation preparation stage of the multifunction device 10 such as initial setting of various image forming processing functions in the multifunction device 10, initial setting of the screen display mode of the touch panel 44, and other basic settings. is there.

  Further, a group of ten keys 45 are provided on the right side of the touch panel 44, and a stop / clear key 47 for interrupting the image forming process and clearing processing condition values input by the ten key 45, etc. A reset key 48 for returning the processed condition values and the like to the initial values is arranged. In addition to the hard keys described above, various hard keys for executing predetermined purposes such as “document management” and “department management” are prepared as shown in FIG.

  The touch panel 44 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) layer and a pressed position detection layer thereon. When a predetermined area of the touch panel 44 is pressed by the user, the position pressed by the pressed position detection layer is detected as the area. If the pressed detection area is included, for example, in the soft key pattern area displayed on the LCD layer below it, it is electrically processed as if the soft key was pressed. The operation panel 21 of the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment is equipped with a large touch panel 44, so that most of the processing condition input and setting operation related to image formation and content confirmation after the setting can be performed through the touch panel 44. It has become.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block configuration diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the function with an emphasis on the screen display operation on the operation panel 21. This configuration is a multifunction device shown in FIG. 10 corresponds. The outline of each functional block will be described with reference to FIG. First, the hard key 51 is a common name for all of the mechanical keys shown in FIG. 2, such as the image forming processing function selection keys 41a to 41b, the color mode selection key 42, the start key 46, and the like. Is representative. Therefore, when the hard key is pressed in FIG. 3, it means that one of the hard keys shown in FIG. 2 is pressed.

  The pressing detection unit 52 detects the pressing of a specific hard key 51 and transmits the pressing detection signal to other functional blocks together with the identification information of the pressed hard key 51. The multifunction machine 10 includes a user authentication unit 53. When a specific user authentication code is input through a hard key 51 such as a numeric keypad 45 (see FIG. 2), the user authentication unit 53 is input. The authentication code registered in the MFP 10 and the authentication code stored in the storage unit 58 are collated to determine whether or not they match, and the result is transmitted to another functional block. If they match, user authentication code information is also transmitted together with that fact.

  The input / display unit 54 generally corresponds to the touch panel 44 (see FIG. 2) described above, and is a graphic element such as a soft key necessary for inputting setting conditions relating to image forming processing such as copying and instructions relating to processing. (Screen constituent elements), the input setting conditions, instructions, information, response messages to them, and the like are displayed. The pressing / position detecting unit 55 detects the pressing operation itself such as a soft key displayed on the screen of the input / display unit 54 and the pressing position as a wide area, and transmits the detection signal to another functional block. .

  The display control unit 56 basically generates display screen data corresponding to the setting conditions and instructions input from the hard key 51 or the input / display unit 54, and generates the display screen data in the input / display unit 54. Instructs the display screen to be displayed. The pressing operation analyzing unit 57 analyzes the pressing operation pattern based on one or more pressing detection information such as soft keys displayed on the screen of the input / display unit 54 acquired from the pressing / position detecting unit 55, It is determined whether the user has normally performed a pressing operation or an erroneous operation, and the result is stored in the storage unit 58.

  The storage unit 58 includes a display program / data storage unit 59, a pressing operation history storage unit 60, and a processing condition storage unit 61. The display program / data storage unit 59 is a display driving program for causing the display control unit 56 to display the screen on the input / display unit 54, and an operation to be displayed on the input / display unit 54 for executing image forming processing such as copying. Screen, basic screen data such as a function initial setting screen of the multifunction peripheral 10, screen component data such as soft keys, icons, and characters combined with the basic screen are stored. As will be described in detail later, a table that defines whether the touch panel 44 display screen can be switched between the standard display mode and the enlarged display mode is also stored.

  The pressing operation history storage unit 60 stores information on pressing operations such as soft keys performed in the past on the screen of the input / display unit 54 (type of pressed key, date, time) and pressing operation analysis. The determination data information analyzed by the unit 57 as to whether the pressing operation is normal or error is stored for each user.

  The processing condition storage unit 61 is set in the multi function device 10 according to the basic setting value (default value) relating to the image forming processing conditions that are automatically set when the power of the multi function device 10 is turned on or reset. The image forming process condition setting value is stored. Further, the processing condition setting unit 62 is based on a specific image formation processing condition value confirmation signal (such as by pressing an “OK key” described later) received from the input display unit 54 via the pressing / position detecting unit 55. Then, the corresponding condition value already set in the processing condition storage unit 61 is rewritten to the new image forming processing condition value.

  The storage unit 58 includes, for example, a large-capacity flash memory, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EPROM or a ROM, an HDD, and a RAM that temporarily stores various data. For example, the display program / data storage unit 59 and processing The condition storage unit 61 is allocated to the nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and the pressing operation history storage unit 60 is allocated to the HDD. In addition, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory unit stores a program for controlling driving of the entire MFP 10 including the image reading unit 17, the image forming unit 22, and the sorting device 32. Further, the HDD also stores large-capacity image data captured through driving modes such as a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function, and job execution history data for various image forming processes.

  The image forming apparatus (multifunction device 10) according to the present embodiment has the configuration described above with reference to FIGS. Next, the user operates the display screen of the input / display unit 54 (or the touch panel 44 in FIG. 2) of the operation panel 21 in order to perform a target image forming process job using the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. At this time, a screen display operation performed by the image forming apparatus will be described. There are various types of image forming processing, such as copying, remote printing by a personal computer connected via a network, image reading, facsimile transmission / reception, etc. In this embodiment, the case of performing copying is illustrated.

  FIG. 4 shows that the user selects (or inputs) image forming processing conditions using the screen of the touch panel 44 (or the input / display unit 54 in FIG. 3) of the operation panel 21 in order to execute the image forming processing (copy). 5 is a flowchart for explaining a screen display operation performed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment when setting.

  In FIG. 4, the flow related to the screen display operation that is not so important to the present invention is omitted, and only the flow portion of the screen display operation to be noted is shown. The input display unit 54 of the multifunction machine 10 initially displays a user authentication code input screen. When a specific user presses the numeric key 45 (FIG. 2) and inputs a user authentication code assigned to the user, for example, a press detection unit. 52 transmits a press detection signal with user authentication code information to the user authentication unit 53 as if the hard key 51 was pressed. When the user authentication unit 53 compares the received user authentication code with the user authentication code registered in the storage unit 58 and detects that they match, the display control unit 56 displays that fact and the user authentication code. The display control unit 56 holds the authentication code inside.

  Next, the display control unit 56 receives a user request and transmits a command to display an initial screen on which the image forming process can be performed on the input / display unit 54. The user authentication code information is also transmitted to the pressing operation analyzing unit 57 via the display control unit 56, and the pressing operation analyzing unit 57 holds the information therein.

  At this stage, the pressing detection unit 52 of the hard key 51 monitors the pressing of any of the image forming processing function selection keys 41a to 41d shown in FIG. If the copy mode screen is displayed on the input / display unit 54 from the beginning, the user does not need to press the image forming processing function selection key, and the press detection unit 52 remains in a standby state. However, when an initial screen different from the copy mode is displayed, the copy function selection key 41 a is pressed, and the press detection unit 52 detects this and transmits a detection signal to the display control unit 56. The display control unit 56 acquires, from the display program / data storage unit 59, a display drive program, operation screen data, and the like related to the copy mode based on the press detection information of the copy function selection key 41a received from the press detection unit 52. Then, using them, an initial screen for setting processing conditions relating to the copy mode is displayed on the input / display unit 54.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an initial screen example of the copy mode displayed on the input / display unit 54. As shown in FIG. 6, selection of processing condition setting items belonging to various first layers such as “simple setting”, “original / paper / finishing”, “color / image quality”, “layout / editing”, and “application / others” A tab 72 is prepared. In FIG. 6, the “simple setting” tab 72 is displayed in a selected state. In the present embodiment, each tab 72 is also a kind of key (screen component). A copy image display area 71 is arranged at the left end of the screen so that the size and orientation of the original and the paper to be copied and the image of the read original can be displayed. The copy image display area 71 is always displayed even when the screen is switched to another screen.

  In the center of the screen, six processing condition setting item selection keys 73 are arranged together with display characters of processing condition setting item names such as “paper selection” and current processing condition item setting values such as “automatic”. In addition, an icon 74 of the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed above the series of processing condition setting item selection keys 73 so that the user can easily confirm the main operating state of the current image forming apparatus.

  This initial screen is well-recognized by the user and displays a collection of selection keys relating to copy processing condition setting items (ie, “paper selection”, “enlarge / reduce”, etc.) that are used very often on the same screen, A typical processing condition setting operation can be easily performed in a short time. Therefore, in order to set more detailed copy processing conditions, the user opens another processing condition setting item selection tab.

  Therefore, for example, when the “original / paper / finishing” tab on the initial screen (FIG. 6) is pressed, the pressing / position detecting unit 55 detects this, and the display control unit 56 displays “original / paper” on the input / display unit 54. The first level processing condition setting item selection screen (hereinafter referred to as “original / paper / finishing” screen) belonging to the “/ finish” category is displayed (step S1). The following description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a display screen when the “original / paper / finish” tab 75 is selected.

  As described above, the copy image display area 71 is always displayed, and characters representing functions such as “original size”, “paper selection”,... Belonging to the “original / paper / finishing” category are displayed on the right side thereof. Six attached processing condition setting item selection keys 76 are arranged. The remaining two keys are blank keys for which no function is set. Further, although specific figures are omitted above the processing condition setting item selection keys 76, icons 77 corresponding to the respective keys 76 are arranged so that the functions of the keys 76 can be easily understood. Yes. The size of the screen component consisting of the key 76 on this screen, the characters displayed on the key, and the icon 77 is such that four keys 76 can be arranged in the horizontal direction, and the icon 77 must be displayed in the vertical direction. For example, the size is set such that the keys 76 can be arranged in four rows. In the present embodiment, a screen including this relatively small screen component is hereinafter referred to as a standard screen.

  In the state where the screen of FIG. 7 is displayed, when the “original size” key 76 is selected and pressed by the user as the processing condition setting item selection key 76 in order to set the copy condition, the pressing / position detecting unit 55. Is detected (step S2), and the detection signal is transmitted to the pressing operation analyzing unit 57, and it is determined whether or not the “original size” key 76 and a plurality of adjacent keys are simultaneously pressed (step S2). Step S3). If the pressing is simultaneous pressing, the pressing / position detecting unit 55 returns to the state before the pressing. Further, in this case, since the pressing detection signal is not transmitted to the display control unit 56, the display screen of the input / display unit 54 does not change.

  However, when the above pressing operations are not simultaneous pressings, the pressing / position detecting unit 55 transmits a pressing detection signal of the “original size” key 76 to the display control unit 56. In response to the press detection signal, the display control unit 56 receives a specific image forming process condition setting value item such as “A4” belonging to “original size” from the screen of FIG. Is switched to a screen belonging to the second hierarchy for selecting. Before that, however, the screen to be switched to is a relatively small screen component composed of selection keys such as image formation processing condition setting items displayed on the screen, character strings that explain the selection keys, icons, etc. It is determined whether or not a target screen that can be selected in advance either as a standard screen to be displayed in (1) or an enlarged screen in which screen components are displayed in a larger size than in the standard screen (step S4).

  The display control unit 56 executes this determination by referring to a table created and stored in advance from the display program / data storage unit 59 of the storage unit 58. FIG. 5 shows a screen (in particular, a screen on which selection keys for processing condition setting items, setting condition values, etc. are displayed) displayed on the input / display unit 54 as an object that can select not only a general standard screen but also an enlarged screen. It is an example table which prescribed | regulated whether to do. According to this table, a screen (a specific example of “original size” belonging to the second hierarchy) that is transitioned by pressing the “original size” key 76 in the “original / paper / finishing” screen (FIG. 7) belonging to the first hierarchy. Since the selection screen is defined as an enlarged display target screen, the display control unit 56 determines that the selected screen is an enlarged screen selection target screen.

  In the table of FIG. 5, whether or not the display screen is an enlarged screen selection target takes into account both the number of screen components such as selection keys to be displayed on the screen and the complexity of the arrangement of the screen components. It has been decided. If the number of keys to be selected is large (that is, there are many types of processing condition setting items that can be selected) and the number of keys to be arranged on the screen increases, it becomes difficult for the user to select the target key accurately, and the key Since the arrangement density of the button becomes higher, the pressing operation error increases. Therefore, in order to prevent this, the number of display screen pages belonging to the same hierarchy increases. However, it is better to reduce the number of screen components displayed on one page of the screen and increase the size of the screen. This is advantageous. The same applies to a complicated arrangement of screen components.

  In this way, after the display control unit 56 determines that the next “original size” selection screen is an enlargement screen selection target, the user's corresponding authentication code is stored in the initial stage. The past soft key pressing operation history data is acquired from the pressing operation history storage unit 60 of the storage unit 58. For the user, the number of operation errors (or frequency) on the input / display unit 54 of the operation panel 21 such as key pressing performed for a certain period from the present time to the past, for example, the past month, It is determined whether or not it is larger than a predetermined reference value (for example, 5 to 10 times) (step S5).

  When it is determined that the number of user operation errors is greater than the reference value, the display control unit 56 determines the determination result and the determination result that the “original size” selection screen is an enlarged screen selection target according to the table of FIG. Then, the “original size” selection screen is displayed on the input / display unit 54 as an enlarged screen (step S6, generalized in FIG. 4 and displayed as “processing condition item selection / setting screen”).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a “document size” selection screen displayed on the enlarged screen. As shown in FIG. 8, the document size selection key 78 with explanatory character strings such as “Auto”, “A4”... Is arranged in 3 rows × 3 columns and overlaps the copy image display area 71. Has been. Therefore, the selection key 78 is displayed larger than the size of the processing condition setting item selection key 76 and the explanatory text of the key in the “original / paper / finishing” screen (FIG. 7) displayed on the standard screen. For this reason, operation errors such as selection error of the selection key by the user and simultaneous pressing of a plurality of selection keys adjacent to each other are unlikely to occur, and it is easy to use.

  The explanatory character “original size” on the key 76 selected on the previous “original / paper / finishing” screen is also carried over to the copy image display area 71 as the processing condition setting item display section 80 in the first layer. The category of the processing condition setting item to which the selection key 78 displayed and currently referred to on the screen belongs can be easily understood. Furthermore, a number (generally a symbol) 79 is written in the upper left part of each selection key 78, and the corresponding key can be selected by pressing the same numeric key 45 (see FIG. 2). . The symbols # and * on the “OK” key and “Cancel” key in FIG. 8 have the same role as the symbol keys # and * included in the numeric keypad 45.

  When the “other” key of the selection keys 78 in FIG. 8 is pressed, the screen of the input / display unit 54 displays a group of remaining document size selection keys 78 that could not be displayed in FIG. Transition to. FIG. 9 shows an example of the screen. FIG. 9 is also an enlarged screen because it is a “document size” selection screen belonging to the same second layer as FIG. 8, and is displayed with the same key layout (screen component layout) as FIG. In addition, an “other” key display portion 81 is displayed to indicate that the displayed selection key 78 belongs to the “other” key. Note that this screen is an equivalent screen on the extension of FIG. 8 and is not different in character, so that explanation of the display operation of the image forming apparatus with respect to this screen is omitted, and a flowchart ( This is also omitted from FIG.

  The above is the case where the number of user operation errors is larger than the reference value. If the display control unit 56 determines in step S5 that the number of user operation errors is less than or equal to the reference value, the determination result is Then, based on the determination result that the next “original size” selection screen is the standard screen / enlarged screen selection target, the “original size” selection screen is displayed on the input / display unit 54 on the standard screen (step S7). .

  When the “original size” selection screen is displayed on the standard screen, although not shown, the original size selection key and its explanatory text on the screen are small, and the size is the same as the processing condition setting item selection key 76 on the screen of FIG. For example, a large number of keys arranged in 4 rows × 4 columns are displayed on one screen. Note that this standard screen also has an “OK” key and a “Cancel” key, similar to the enlarged screen (FIG. 8, etc.).

  After the “original size” selection screen is displayed on the enlarged screen or the standard screen (step S6 or step S7), the user sets the original size to the multifunction device 10 from this screen. Since both screens are the same, here, it is assumed that an enlarged screen (see FIG. 8) is displayed. When any of the document size selection keys 78, for example, the “A4” key is pressed in a state where the enlarged screen is displayed on the input / display unit 54, the pressing / position detecting unit 55 detects that (step S8). ) Sends the pressing detection signal to the display control unit 56, and the display control unit 56 changes the display color or shading of the key, for example, to indicate that the “A4” key has been selected. 54.

  Even if the document size selection key 78 is not pressed, as shown in FIG. 8, the initial screen displays the state where the “Auto” key is selected, and the pressing / position detecting unit 55 is the key pressed. We recognize that.

  Next, the pressing / position detecting unit 55 monitors the pressing of the “OK” key for determining the selected document size. If the pressing is not performed, the pressing / position detecting unit 55 monitors the pressing of the “cancel” key. Return to the beginning and enter standby mode. When the “OK” key is pressed, the pressing / position detecting unit 55 detects this (step S9) and transmits a detection signal to the processing condition setting unit 62. The processing condition setting unit 62 receives the detection signal, determines the selected document size (A4), and newly determines the document size setting value already stored in the processing condition storage unit 61 of the storage unit 58. By rewriting the value, the setting to the multifunction machine 10 is completed (step S11).

  In addition, when the pressing / position detecting unit 55 detects pressing of the “cancel” key (step S10), the detection signal is transmitted to the display control unit 56, and the display control unit 56 is based on the received detection signal. The currently displayed “original size” selection screen (FIG. 8) is returned to the “original / paper / finishing” screen (FIG. 7), which is the screen before the transition, and displayed on the input / display unit.

  The flow of the screen display operation described above is changed when “original size” is selected as the image forming process condition setting item on the “original / paper / finishing” screen in the first layer, and the “original size” selection key 76 is pressed. This is the case where the screen to be selected (“original size” selection screen: FIG. 8) is determined to be the standard screen / enlarged screen selection target screen in step S4. However, depending on the image formation processing condition setting item selection key 76 pressed on the “original / paper / finishing” screen, the display control unit 56 refers to the enlarged screen selection target definition table of FIG. In some cases, it may be determined that the screen is not a standard screen / enlarged screen selection target screen (step S4). At this time, the display control unit 56 causes the input / display unit 54 to display the standard screen (step S7).

  Such an example is a case where the “original setting direction” selection key 76 is pressed on the first layer screen of FIG. FIG. 10 is a standard screen for selecting a document setting direction belonging to the second layer displayed by pressing the “document setting direction” selection key 76. “Original setting direction” means the original setting direction on the document table 13 (see FIG. 1) of the multifunction machine 10, and there are only two options as shown in FIG. In this screen, in the space on the right side of the copy image display area 71, two original setting direction selection keys 82, icons 83 corresponding to the respective selection keys 82, although a specific pattern is omitted, and a message are displayed. The selection key 82 and the key explanation characters on the selection key 82 are relatively small like the screen of FIG.

  As described above, the original setting direction selection screen has a small number of screen components such as keys to be displayed and the arrangement thereof is simple. Not (see table in FIG. 5).

  In the screen display operation on the input / display unit 54 according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the pressing operation analysis unit 57 is not directly involved, but specifically, the image forming apparatus 10. An operation error by the user is determined based on one or more key press detection information received from the press / position detection unit 55 during the screen display operation. The pressing operation analysis unit 57 includes basic operation pattern data that causes an operation error. For example, the pressing operation analysis unit 57 compares the data with the user operation pattern actually obtained from the key press detection information to determine whether or not there is an operation error. Specifically, basic patterns of operation errors may include (1) simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys, (2) pressing of the same key multiple times on the same screen, and (3) pressing a plurality of different keys on the same screen.

  As described above, in the screen display operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the number of operation errors (or frequency) for each user in a certain period that goes back from the present to the past is a predetermined reference. If the past operation error record is larger than the reference value, the operation screen is displayed on an enlarged screen in which the size of screen components such as soft keys is increased. On the other hand, if the past error record is equal to or smaller than the reference value, the size of the screen component is made relatively small, and the operation screen is displayed on a standard screen including more screen components in one screen.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the operation screen is automatically enlarged when the user is a beginner or the like and there are many operation errors on the input / display unit such as the touch panel of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the operation becomes easy and an error can be prevented. On the other hand, the standard screen is automatically displayed for users who are proficient in the operation of the image forming apparatus and have few operation errors, so advanced operations are performed using screens with many screen components such as soft keys. can do. Furthermore, even if the user does not fully understand the proper use of the enlarged screen and standard screen, or even when the user's operation skill level improves over time, it automatically expands according to the skill level. The screen and the standard screen are switched.

  Accordingly, the enlarged screen and the standard screen are used more efficiently by the user, and the user is not required to switch to a screen suitable for the user every time the image forming apparatus is operated, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

  The embodiment according to the present invention has been described above. However, if the user only has the purpose of omitting the trouble of switching between the standard screen and the enlarged screen, the following can be performed. That is, after logging in by inputting a user authentication code to the image forming apparatus 10, the system menu / counter key 43 provided on the operation panel 21 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed to display, for example, an initial setting screen on the touch panel 44. Then, from this screen, a screen to be enlarged and displayed, for example, the “original size” selection screen shown in FIG. 8 is designated and registered together with the user authentication code.

  In this way, since the registered screen is always enlarged and displayed only for the user, it is possible to save the trouble of switching the screen every time an image forming job such as copying is performed.

  The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention automatically switches and displays an enlarged screen and a standard screen. However, there are some users who always want to use the image forming apparatus while displaying the standard screen or the enlarged screen regardless of the number of operation errors when using the operation panel. In order to respond to such a case, the following may be performed. That is, although not shown in FIG. 2, “ON”, “Automatic”, and “OFF” keys are additionally installed on the operation panel 21 as hard keys for an enlarged screen display mode, for example.

  When the “ON” key is pressed, a predetermined screen is always displayed in the enlarged screen mode. When the “Auto” key is pressed, the standard screen and the enlarged screen are switched according to the user's operation ability as in the above embodiment. When the “OFF” key is pressed, the system of the image forming apparatus is configured so that the standard screen mode is always displayed. In this way, an image forming apparatus that can handle almost any user can be obtained.

  The present invention is particularly effective when applied to an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a large screen display device such as a touch panel that can perform complicated input / setting operations such as processing conditions and data. The present invention is also useful when applied to a device equipped with the display device.

21 Operation Panel 41a Copy Function Selection Key 41b Printer Function Selection Key 41c Scanner Function Selection Key 41d Facsimile Function Selection Key 42 Color Mode Selection Key 43 System Menu / Counter Key 44 Touch Panel 45 Numeric Keypad 46 Start Key 47 Stop / Clear Key 48 Reset Key 51 Hard key 52 Press detection unit 53 User authentication unit 54 Input / display unit 55 Press / position detection unit 56 Display control unit 57 Press operation analysis unit 58 Storage unit 59 Display program / data storage unit 60 Press operation history storage unit 61 Processing condition storage Section 62 processing condition setting section 71 copy image display area 72 processing condition setting item selection tabs 73, 76 processing condition setting item selection keys 74, 77, 83 icon 75 "original / paper / finish" tab 78 original size selection key 79 No. 80 Processing condition setting item display section 81 “Others” key display section 82 Document setting direction selection key

Claims (6)

Screen display means for displaying screen components that can be pressed in the screen,
For one screen, a first screen that displays the screen components in a predetermined size, and a second screen that displays the screen components in a size larger than the predetermined size in the first screen, Control means for switching on the basis of error history information of the pressing operation on the screen component and displaying on the screen display means ,
The control means determines whether one screen is defined in advance as a selection target screen that can select either the first screen or the second screen, and the one screen is the selection target screen. Otherwise, the first screen is displayed on the screen display means, and when the one screen is the selection target screen, the first screen and the second screen are displayed on the screen component. An apparatus having a screen display system , wherein switching is performed based on error history information of a pressing operation and the screen display means displays the switch .   The control means displays the second screen on the screen display means when the error frequency of the pressing operation in a predetermined period obtained from the error history information of the pressing operation is larger than a reference value. An apparatus comprising the screen display system according to claim 1.   The control means displays the first screen on the screen display means when the error frequency of the pressing operation in a predetermined period obtained from the error history information of the pressing operation is smaller than a reference value. An apparatus comprising the screen display system according to claim 1. Whether or not the detected pressing operation is an error operation based on storage means for storing the pressing operation error history information and detection information of the pressing operation of the screen component displayed on the screen display means. judgment, apparatus having a screen display system according to the determination means for storing the determination result in the storage unit, further to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that it comprises. The screen component device having a screen display system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a key for selecting at least predetermined processing conditions. The screen display device having a system, a device having a screen display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an image forming apparatus that performs image formation processing.

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