JP5772205B2 - Image forming apparatus, setting method, and setting program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a setting method, and a setting program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that executes processing according to a set value, and a setting method and a setting program that are executed by the image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus represented by a multifunction peripheral (MFP), functions are diversified, and in order to operate the MFP, the number of items of processing conditions that define the operation is increasing. Therefore, a plurality of operation screens are prepared for setting processing conditions. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-305115 discloses a technique that facilitates selection of an operation screen to be displayed from among the plurality of operation screens.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-305115 discloses an operation device that displays a plurality of tabs on an operation screen and accepts a user operation on an area where the tabs are displayed, and displays contents associated with the selected tab. A content display area for displaying the content to be displayed continuously with the selected tab, a tab classification unit for classifying the plurality of tabs into groups, and displaying each group, and a tab classified into the group A positional relationship control unit for determining a relative positional relationship between the groups, and a content display area associated with the selected tab, when continuously displayed with the selected tab, are classified into the group There is described an operating device including an arrangement changing unit that changes the arrangement of the tabs in a state where the relative positional relationship between the groups of tabs is maintained.

  On the other hand, there is an MFP that uses a soft keyboard that combines an LCD and a touch panel as a user interface for inputting setting values on an operation screen. By using this soft keyboard, the number of physical hard keys can be reduced, so that the device can be reduced in size, or the display screen can be displayed using the area conventionally used for providing hard keys. Can be bigger.

However, when the soft keyboard is displayed superimposed on the operation screen, a part of the operation screen is hidden by the soft keyboard, so that a setting value corresponding to any of a plurality of items included in the operation screen is input by the soft keyboard. There is a problem that it cannot be confirmed. In addition, there are processing conditions that are determined by setting a setting value on a plurality of operation screens. To determine this processing condition, the setting screen displayed on the LCD must be switched, so the display and non-display of the soft keyboard are switched. There is a problem that the operation and the operation of switching the operation screen to another operation screen have to be repeated, and the operation becomes complicated.
JP 2008-305115 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates an operation of inputting set values on one screen.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a setting method that facilitates an operation of inputting a set value on one screen.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a setting program that facilitates an operation of inputting a setting value on one screen.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: a process execution unit that executes a process; and a plurality of setting items that define a process condition for the process execution unit to execute the process. , Setting item storage means for classifying and storing in a plurality of small groups, and one or more setting items selected from the plurality of setting items as setting targets, and for each one or more setting items selected as setting targets A setting screen storage means for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting setting values, a setting screen display means for displaying a setting screen selected from a plurality of setting screens, and a screen different from the plurality of setting screens. An input screen including one or more item information respectively indicating one or more predetermined setting items from the plurality of setting items and a plurality of input key images is displayed superimposed on the displayed setting screen. input screen Display means, and the input screen display means includes item information of setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified, for each of the one or more item information included in the input screen. They are displayed in the same display mode, and are displayed in a display mode different from the item information of the setting items classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group.

  According to this aspect, a plurality of setting items are classified and stored in a plurality of small groups, one or more item information each indicating one or more predetermined setting items from the plurality of setting items, and a plurality of items The input screen including the input key image is displayed superimposed on the setting screen, and each of the one or more item information included in the input screen is classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. Are displayed in the same display manner as the item information of the setting item, and are displayed in a display manner different from the item information of the setting item classified into the small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group. For this reason, setting items can be switched on the input screen. In addition, since the display mode of multiple item information classified into the same small group is the same, if the related setting items are classified into the same small group, the setting values are continuously input to the related multiple setting items. The operation is easy. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates an operation of inputting setting values on one screen.

  Preferably, the input screen display means displays an input screen including one or more item information respectively indicating one or more setting items to be set on the setting screen displayed among the plurality of setting items.

  According to this aspect, an input screen including one or more item information each indicating one or more setting items to be set on the displayed setting screen is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to facilitate the operation of inputting the setting value on the displayed setting screen.

  Preferably, the plurality of small groups are classified into one of a plurality of large groups, and one setting item designated by the user is selected from one or more setting items to be set on the displayed setting screen. A specified item selecting means for selecting as a specified item; and a related item extracting means for extracting one or more setting items included in a large group to which the specified item belongs among a plurality of setting items. An input screen including a plurality of item information each indicating the designated item and the extracted one or more setting items is displayed.

  According to this aspect, one setting item designated by the user is selected as the designated item from one or more setting items to be set on the displayed setting screen, and is included in the large group to which the designated item belongs. The above setting items are extracted, and an input screen including a plurality of item information respectively indicating the designated item and the extracted one or more setting items is displayed. For this reason, an input screen for inputting setting values to the setting items designated by the user and the setting items belonging to the same large group is displayed. For this reason, it is not necessary to switch the display of the setting screen, and if setting items related to a large group are classified, an operation of inputting setting values to a plurality of related setting items can be facilitated.

Preferably, the setting screen storage unit stores a plurality of setting screens in association with each other in a hierarchical structure, and the selection screen storage unit selects the selection screen at a lower level than the hierarchy to which the selection screen that is the setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens belongs. Input as a setting value from one or more setting items to be set in the lower screen extraction means for extracting all setting screens related to the screen as lower screens, the displayed selection screen, and the extracted lower screens. A setting item extracting means for extracting a plurality of setting items whose values are values that can be input with a plurality of input key images , and the input screen display means includes the plurality of extracted setting items. An input screen including a plurality of item information items indicating the respective items is displayed.

  According to this aspect, a lower screen related to the selection screen is extracted, a plurality of setting items to be set are extracted on each of the selection screen and the lower screen, and a plurality of items indicating each of the extracted setting items An input screen containing information is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to set a setting value for a setting item included in the lower screen without switching the displayed setting screen to the lower screen. In addition, since there is no need to switch the displayed setting screen to the lower screen, the number of operations for switching the screen can be reduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes at least one selected from a processing execution unit that executes processing and a plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution unit to execute processing. A setting screen storage unit that stores a plurality of setting screens for setting a setting value for each of one or more setting target items selected as a setting target, and a setting screen storage unit includes a plurality of setting screens. Screens are stored in association with each other in a hierarchical structure, and a setting screen display means for displaying a setting screen selected from a plurality of setting screens as a selection screen, and a selection screen in a hierarchy one level higher than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs A peer screen extraction means for extracting a setting screen belonging to the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs as a peer screen, and a hierarchy one level lower than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs, And the lower screen extraction means for extracting a択画surface and isotopic screen setting screen associated with each as a lower screen, from among a plurality of setting items to be set in each selection screen, extracted isotopes screen and a lower screen, set A setting item extraction means for extracting a plurality of setting items whose values are values that can be input with a plurality of input key images , and a plurality of extracted setting items to be set on the selection screen A small group to be classified, a classification means for classifying into a small group to be set on the peer screen, a plurality of setting screens, and a plurality of item information each indicating a plurality of extracted setting items, an input screen including a plurality of input key images, an input screen displaying means for displaying superimposed on the displayed selection screen, with the input screen displaying means, one or more included in the input screen Each item information is displayed in the same display mode as the item information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified, and the small group different from the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. It is displayed in a display mode different from the item information of the setting items classified into groups.

According to this aspect, a plurality of setting screens are stored in association with each other in a hierarchical structure, and a selection screen selected from the plurality of setting screens is displayed. Is extracted, multiple setting items to be set on each of the selection screen, peer screen, and lower screen are extracted, and the extracted multiple setting items are set on the small group and peer screen to be set on the selection screen An input screen including a plurality of item information items each indicating a plurality of setting items that are classified into the target small group and extracted, and a plurality of input key images is displayed. Each of the one or more item information included in the input screen is displayed in the same display mode as the item information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified, and the corresponding setting item is classified. Are displayed in a display mode different from the item information of the setting items classified into the small group and the other small group. For this reason, setting items can be switched on the input screen. Also, there is no need to switch the displayed selection screen to the peer screen and the lower screen, and the display mode of the item information of the setting items belonging to the selection screen, the peer screen, and the lower screen is the same, so the setting item for each screen Are made into small groups, the user can identify the setting item information for each screen. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates an operation of inputting setting values on one screen.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises display means for displaying an image, and position detection means for detecting a position designated by the user on the display surface of the display means, and the setting screen display means is selected from a plurality of setting screens. The displayed setting screen is displayed on the display means, and the input screen display means displays the input screen on the display means, and selects item information from the plurality of item information included in the displayed input screen. And a set value receiving means for receiving a value determined by the input key image designated by the user among the plurality of input key images included in the displayed input screen as a set value of the setting item corresponding to the selected item information Are further provided.

  According to this aspect, the position designated by the user on the display surface is detected, and the item information is selected and the set value is received based on the detected position. Therefore, an input key is provided separately from the display surface. There is no need. For this reason, the user can operate while looking at the display surface. In addition, the number of keys can be reduced.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a confirmation instruction accepting unit that accepts an instruction to confirm the setting value accepted by the setting value accepting unit, and the item information selection unit displays the input screen in response to the acceptance of the confirmation instruction. among the plurality of item information included, a different item information and the item information that was selected when the confirmation instruction is received, a small group setting item belongs corresponding to the item information which has been selected to select the item information of the setting item belonging to another small group.

According to this aspect, in response to the confirmation instruction is received, among the plurality of item information included in the input screen, there in another item information and the item information that was selected when the confirmation instruction is received Te, item information settings items belonging to another small group is a small group that setting item belongs corresponding to the item information which has been selected is selected. For this reason, in order to set a setting value next, the operation which selects item information can be skipped.

Preferably, when the second item information is selected while the first item information is selected by the item information selection unit , the setting item of the first item information and the setting of the second item information are set. When the item belongs to a small group different from the item, an erasing unit is further provided for erasing the setting value corresponding to the setting item of the first item information.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises display instruction receiving means provided separately from the position detecting means and for receiving a user's display instruction, and the input screen display means displays the setting screen on the display means. In response to the display instruction being accepted, the input screen is displayed on the display means.

  Preferably, the input screen display means is responsive to detection of a position in a predetermined area with respect to the setting screen displayed by the position detection means in a state where the setting screen is displayed on the display means. The input screen is displayed on the display means.

  Preferably, each of the one or more item information items included in the input screen has the same color as the item information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified, and the corresponding setting item The item information and the color of the setting items classified into the small group classified by and the other small group are different. For this reason, the user can distinguish and display small groups by color.

  Preferably, each of the one or more item information included in the input screen has the same size as the item information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified, and the corresponding setting item The item information and the size of the setting items classified into the small group into which the item is classified and the other small group are different.

  For this reason, the user can distinguish and display small groups by size.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the setting method is a setting method executed in the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus executes a process executing means for executing processing, and the process executing means executes the process. A setting item storage means for classifying and storing a plurality of setting items for defining processing conditions for a plurality of small groups, and one or more setting items selected from the plurality of setting items as a setting target. A setting screen storage means for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting a setting value for each of one or more setting items selected as a setting screen, and a setting screen for displaying a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens The display step is a screen different from the plurality of setting screens, and includes an input including one or more item information respectively indicating one or more predetermined setting items from the plurality of setting items, and a plurality of input key images. Screen An input screen display step that is displayed in a superimposed manner on the indicated setting screen, and the input screen display step includes each of one or more item information included in the input screen and a small group in which corresponding setting items are classified. A step of displaying in the same display manner as the item information of the setting items classified into the same small group, and each of the one or more item information included in the input screen is separated from the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified And displaying in a display mode different from the item information of the setting items classified in the above.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting method which made easy operation which inputs a setting value on one screen can be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting method executed by an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a process execution unit for executing a process and a processing condition for the process execution unit to execute the process A setting that stores one or more setting items selected from among a plurality of setting items that define the setting items, and stores a plurality of setting screens for setting setting values for each of the one or more setting target items selected as setting targets A setting screen display for displaying a setting screen selected from among the plurality of setting screens as a selection screen. The step is associated with the setting screen associated with the selection screen in the hierarchy one level higher than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs, and the setting screen belonging to the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs is extracted as a peer screen. A screen extraction step, a lower screen extraction step for extracting a setting screen associated with each of the selection screen and the peer screen as a lower screen in a hierarchy one level lower than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs, a selection screen, and the extracted peer screen A setting to extract a plurality of setting items whose setting values are values that can be input with a plurality of input key images from among one or more setting items to be set on each of the lower screens Screen that is different from the item extraction step, the classification step that classifies the extracted multiple setting items into the small group that is the setting target on the selection screen, and the small group that is the setting target on the peer screen, and the multiple setting screens a is a plurality of item information indicating each of the plurality of setting items extracted, an input screen including a plurality of input keys image, superimposed on the displayed selection screen Table The input screen display step includes a step of displaying each of one or more item information items included in the input screen of setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. A step of displaying in the same display mode as the item information, and item information of setting items classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group in each of the one or more item information included in the input screen Displaying in a different display mode.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting method which made easy operation which inputs a setting value on one screen can be provided.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the setting program is a setting program that is executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: a process executing unit that executes processing; Setting item storage means for storing a plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for executing processing in a plurality of small groups, and one or more setting items selected from the plurality of setting items to be set And setting screen storage means for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting a setting value for each of one or more setting items selected as setting targets, and a setting screen selected from among the plurality of setting screens. A setting screen display step to be displayed and a plurality of setting screens, one or more item information each indicating one or more predetermined setting items from a plurality of setting items, and a plurality of items An input screen display step for displaying an input screen including an input key image superimposed on the displayed setting screen is executed by a computer, and the input screen display step includes one or more pieces of item information included in the input screen. Is displayed in the same display manner as the item information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified, and each of the one or more item information included in the input screen corresponds to And a step of displaying in a display mode different from the item information of the setting item classified into the small group into which the setting item is classified and another small group.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting program which made easy operation which inputs a setting value on one screen can be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the setting program is a setting program that is executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: a process executing unit that executes processing; To set one or more setting items selected from among a plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for executing processing as setting targets, and to set setting values for each of the one or more setting target items selected as setting targets A setting screen storage means for storing a plurality of setting screens, wherein the setting screen storage means stores a plurality of setting screens in a hierarchical structure, and stores a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens. The setting screen display step to be displayed as the selection screen and the setting screen associated with the selection screen in the hierarchy one level higher than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs, and the selection screen belongs A peer screen extraction step that extracts a setting screen belonging to a layer as a peer screen, and a lower screen that extracts a setting screen associated with each of the selection screen and peer screen as a lower screen in a hierarchy one level lower than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs an extraction step, the selection screen, from among one or more setting items to be set in each extracted isotopes screen and a lower screen, the value entered as a set value is, the possible values of a plurality of input keys image A setting item extraction step for extracting a plurality of setting items as setting values, and a classification for classifying the extracted plurality of setting items into a small group to be set on the selection screen and a small group to be set on the peer screen a step, there is a plurality of setting screens in a separate screen, and a plurality of item information indicating the plurality of extracted configuration settings respectively, a plurality of input keys image And an input screen display step for displaying the input screen superimposed on the displayed selection screen. The input screen display step sets each one or more item information included in the input screen to a corresponding setting. The step of displaying in the same display mode as the item information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the item is classified, and the corresponding setting item for each of one or more item information included in the input screen are classified. And a step of displaying in a display mode different from the item information of the setting items classified into another small group.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting program which made easy operation which inputs a setting value on one screen can be provided.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an MFP in the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a top view of an operation panel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of the detailed function of a setting item acquisition part. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting item table. It is a figure which shows an example of a group table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the input screen display process in the same screen item extraction mode. It is FIG. 1 which shows an example of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen displayed superimposed on a setting screen in the same screen item extraction mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the input screen display process in the same function item extraction mode. It is FIG. 2 which shows an example of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen displayed on a setting screen in the same function item extraction mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the input screen display process in a lower hierarchy item extraction mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the input screen display process in a peer hierarchy item extraction mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen displayed on a setting screen in superimposition hierarchy item extraction mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen in a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, MFP 100 functioning as an image forming apparatus includes a main circuit 110, a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, and an automatic document transport device for transporting a document to document reading unit 130. 120, an image forming unit 140 for forming an image on a sheet or the like based on image data output by the document reading unit 130 reading the document, and a paper feeding unit 150 for supplying the image forming unit 140 with a sheet. And an operation panel 160 as a user interface.

  The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a mass storage device, a facsimile unit 116, an external storage device 117, including. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, sheet feeding unit 150, and operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The automatic document feeder 120 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document feeding tray one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the document reading unit 130, and reads the document. The document whose document image is read by the unit 130 is discharged onto a document discharge tray. The document reading unit 130 includes a light source that irradiates light to the document conveyed to the document reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected from the document, and scans a document image corresponding to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 140. The paper feed unit 150 conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 140.

  The image forming unit 140 forms an image by a well-known electrophotographic method, and the image data after data processing is obtained by performing various data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the document reading unit 130. Alternatively, an image is formed on a sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 150 based on image data received from the outside.

  The facsimile unit 116 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. The facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 115, converts it into print data that can be printed by the image forming unit 140, and outputs the print data to the image forming unit 140. As a result, the image forming unit 140 forms an image on a sheet of facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 116. Further, the facsimile unit 116 converts the data stored in the HDD 115 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN.

  Communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to a network. The communication I / F unit 112 communicates with other computers or image forming apparatuses connected to the network using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Note that the network to which the communication I / F unit 112 is connected is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. Further, the RAM 114 temporarily stores the read images continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

  The operation panel 160 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 165, a display control unit 161 that controls display on the LCD 165, a VRAM (Video RAM) 163, a touch panel 169, a hard key unit 170, a touch panel 169, and a hard key unit. An input control unit 167 for controlling 170. LCD 165 and hard key unit 170 are provided on the upper surface of MFP 100.

  The display control unit 161 is connected to the CPU 111, the VRAM 163, and the LCD 165. The VRAM 163 is used as a work area for the display control unit 161 and temporarily stores an image to be displayed on the LCD 165. The display control unit 161 is controlled by the CPU 111 to control the LCD 165 and cause the LCD 165 to display an image stored in the VRAM 163. The display control unit 161 displays an operation screen and an input screen described later on the LCD 165.

  The hard key unit 170 includes a plurality of hard keys including at least a start key and a keyboard call key. The hard key is connected to the input control unit 167 and outputs an ON signal to the input control unit 167 while being pressed by the user, and outputs an OFF signal to the input control unit 167 while not being pressed by the user.

  The touch panel 169 is provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the LCD 165, and outputs the coordinates of the position pressed by the user to the input control unit 167. Touch panel 169 detects the position indicated by the user with a finger or a stylus pen, and outputs the coordinates of the detected position to input control unit 167. Touch panel 169 is preferably the same size or larger than the display surface of LCD 165. Since the touch panel 169 is provided so as to overlap the LCD 165, the touch panel 169 outputs the coordinates of the position designated by the user on the display surface of the LCD 165 to the input control unit 167 when the user indicates the display surface of the LCD 165. As the touch panel, for example, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a capacitance method can be used, and the method is not limited.

  When there is a hard key that outputs an ON signal in the hard key unit 170, the input control unit 167 outputs identification information of the hard key that outputs the ON signal to the CPU 111. Further, when the touch panel 169 detects the position designated by the user, the input control unit 167 outputs the coordinates output from the touch panel 169 to the CPU 111.

The external storage device 117 is controlled by the CPU 111, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 118 or a semiconductor memory is mounted. In this embodiment, an example in which the CPU 111 executes a program stored in the ROM 113 will be described. However, the CPU 111 controls the external storage device 117 to read a program to be executed by the CPU 111 from the CD-ROM 118. The read program may be stored in the RAM 102 and executed.
The recording medium for storing the program to be executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the CD-ROM 118, but is a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)). ), An IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM), etc. Further, the CPU 111 downloads a program from a computer connected to the network and the HDD 115. Or a computer connected to the network writes the program to the HDD 115. Thus, the program stored in the HDD 115 may be loaded into the RAM 114 and executed by the CPU 111. The program here is not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU 111, but also a source program and a compressed program. , Including encrypted programs.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operation panel 160. Referring to FIG. 3, operation panel 160 includes an LCD 165, a touch panel 169 provided so as to overlap with LCD 165, and a hard key unit 170 in which a plurality of hard keys are arranged on the right side and the lower side of LCD 165. Hard key portion 170 includes a keyboard call key 171 and a start key 173.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP. The functions shown in FIG. 4 are functions realized by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 4, CPU 111 includes a setting unit 11, an input receiving unit 31, and a process execution unit 71. The processing execution unit 71 controls the communication I / F unit 112, the facsimile unit 116, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the image forming unit 140, and the paper feeding unit 150, and a setting unit The processing is executed under the processing conditions set by 11.

  An example of processing executed by the processing execution unit 71 is scan processing, copy processing, print processing, facsimile transmission / reception processing, and the like. The processing execution unit 71 controls the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, and the communication I / F unit 112 when the scan processing is set as one of the processing conditions. Then, the image of the document read by the document reading unit 130 is output to at least one of the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, and the communication I / F unit 112 according to the processing conditions. The process execution unit 71 stores an image in the HDD 115 when a process condition in which the output destination is the HDD 115 is set as one of the process conditions. When a processing condition for setting the output destination as the external storage device 117 is set as one of the processing conditions, the processing execution unit 71 stores the image in a semiconductor memory attached to the external storage device 117. The process execution unit 71 transmits an image via the communication I / F unit 112 when a process condition in which the output destination is the communication I / F unit 112 is designated as one of the process conditions. The transmission method is e-mail transmission, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block), or the like, for example. When e-mail transmission is set as the transmission method, an e-mail attached with an image is generated, and the generated e-mail is transmitted.

  In addition, the processing execution unit 71 controls the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the sheet feeding unit 150, and the image forming unit 140 when the setting for executing the copy process is made as one of the processing conditions. The image of the original read by the original reading unit 130 is formed on the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 150 to the image forming unit 140 in accordance with the set processing conditions.

  Further, the processing execution unit 71 sets the communication I / F unit 112, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, the image forming unit 140, and the paper feeding unit 150 when the print processing is set as one of the processing conditions. And control the image forming unit 140 to form an image on the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 150 in accordance with the set processing conditions. The image formed by the image forming unit 140 is set according to one of the processing conditions, and is an image of print data received from a computer connected to the network via the communication I / F unit 112, the HDD 115 or the external storage device 117. Is an image of data stored in

  Further, the processing execution unit 71 controls the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, and the facsimile unit 116 when the facsimile transmission process is set as one of the processing conditions. Then, the image of the facsimile data is transmitted to the facsimile unit 116. The facsimile data transmitted by the facsimile unit 116 is an image that is set according to one of the processing conditions, and is an image that the document reading unit 130 reads and outputs the document according to the processing condition, or an image stored in the HDD 115 or the external storage device 117. .

  The process execution unit 71 controls the facsimile unit 116, the HDD 115, the external storage device 117, the image forming unit 140, and the paper supply unit 150 when the facsimile reception process is set as one of the processing conditions. Output data image. The process execution unit 71 stores an image of facsimile data in the HDD 115 when a process condition for setting the output destination to the HDD 115 is set as one of the process conditions. When a processing condition for setting the output destination as the external storage device 117 is set as one of the processing conditions, the processing execution unit 71 stores the image of the facsimile data in a semiconductor memory attached to the external storage device 117. When a processing condition in which the output destination is the communication I / F unit 112 is set as one of the processing conditions, the process execution unit 71 generates an e-mail attached with an image of facsimile data, and the communication I / F unit An e-mail is transmitted via 112.

  The setting unit 11 includes a setting screen selection unit 13, a setting screen display unit 15, an item setting unit 17, and a setting item selection unit 19. The setting screen selection unit 13 selects one of a plurality of setting screens stored in advance in the HDD 115 and sets setting screen identification information for identifying the selected setting screen as a setting screen display unit 15 and an item setting unit 17. Output to.

  The plurality of setting screens are screens for setting a part of a plurality of processing conditions for the processing execution unit 71 to execute processing. A plurality of setting screens are associated with each other in a hierarchical structure. Each of the plurality of setting screens has an area for displaying an item name and a setting value for each of the plurality of setting items. The plurality of setting screens include a setting screen with a transition function. The setting screen with a transition function has a transition button for selecting one or more different setting screens.

  For example, the setting screen for causing the process execution unit 71 to execute the scan process is a screen for setting a plurality of process conditions used by the process execution unit 71 to execute the scan process. There may be a plurality of setting screens for causing the process execution unit 71 to execute the scan processing, and each of the plurality of setting screens has one or more predetermined processing conditions used for executing the scan processing. It includes areas for setting processing conditions.

  The setting screen for causing the process execution unit 71 to execute the copy process is a screen for setting a plurality of process conditions used by the process execution unit 71 to execute the copy process. There may be a plurality of setting screens for causing the processing execution unit 71 to execute the copy processing, and each of the plurality of setting screens is one or more predetermined from among a plurality of processing conditions used for executing the copy processing. It includes areas for setting processing conditions.

  A plurality of processing conditions used for executing the printing process are set on a plurality of setting screens. It is a screen for making the process execution part 71 perform a facsimile transmission / reception process. There may be a plurality of setting screens for causing the process execution unit 71 to execute the facsimile transmission / reception processing, and each of the plurality of setting screens is a predetermined one of a plurality of processing conditions used for executing the facsimile transmission / reception processing. An area for setting the above processing conditions is included.

  For example, the setting screen selection unit 13 displays a menu screen including a plurality of setting screen identification information for identifying each of the plurality of setting screens on the LCD 165, and the user operates the touch panel 169 or the hard key unit 170 to select the menu. If one of the plurality of setting screen identification information displayed on the screen is selected, the setting screen of the selected setting screen identification information is selected. Further, when a setting screen with a transition function is displayed on the LCD 165, if the user operates the touch panel 169 or the hard key unit 170 to point to a transition button included in the setting screen with a transition function, the instructed transition Select the setting screen associated with the button.

  The setting screen display unit 15 reads the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information from the HDD 115 in response to the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 and displays the read setting screen on the LCD 165. To do. Specifically, the setting screen is output to the display control unit 161, and the display control unit 161 displays an image of the setting screen on the LCD 165.

  The setting item selection unit 19 selects one of a plurality of setting items included in the setting screen displayed by the setting screen display unit 15 and sets setting item identification information for identifying the selected setting item. It outputs to the input reception part 31 as process target information. When the setting screen is displayed by the setting screen display unit 15, the setting item selection unit 19 selects a predetermined one from a plurality of setting items included in the setting screen. In the stage after the setting screen is displayed by the setting screen display unit 15, the setting item selection unit 19 operates the touch panel 169 or the hard key unit 170 to display the setting screen displayed by the setting screen display unit 15. If one of the images of the plurality of setting item identification information indicating the plurality of setting items included is selected, the setting item corresponding to the selected setting item identification information is selected. Each time a setting item is selected from a plurality of setting items, the setting item selection unit 19 outputs the setting item identification information of the selected setting item to the input reception unit 31 as processing countermeasure information.

  The input reception unit 31 includes a setting item acquisition unit 33, an input screen display unit 35, an item selection unit 37, and a setting value reception unit 39. When the setting screen selection unit 13 selects a setting screen, the setting item acquisition unit 33 receives setting screen identification information from the setting screen selection unit 13. In addition, the setting item acquisition unit 33 may receive the setting item identification information from the setting item selection unit 19 after the setting screen identification information is input from the setting screen selection unit 13. The setting item acquisition unit 33 selects one or more of the plurality of setting items based on the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 or the setting screen identification information input from the setting item selection unit 19. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed function of the setting item acquisition unit. Referring to FIG. 5, setting item acquisition unit 33 includes identical screen item extraction unit 51, identical function item extraction unit 53, lower layer item extraction unit 55, peer layer item extraction unit 57, and mode switching unit 59. And including.

  The mode switching unit 59 activates one of the same screen item extraction unit 51, the same function item extraction unit 53, the lower hierarchy item extraction unit 55, and the peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 in accordance with an instruction input by the user to the operation panel 160. Set to, and disable the rest. Hereinafter, the mode for enabling the same screen item extraction unit 51 is referred to as the same screen item extraction mode, the mode for enabling the same function item extraction unit 53 is referred to as the same function item extraction mode, and the lower layer item extraction unit 55 is enabled. The mode in which the mode is set is referred to as a lower hierarchy item extraction mode, and the mode in which the peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 is enabled is referred to as a peer hierarchy item extraction mode.

  The same screen item extraction unit 51 extracts a plurality of setting items included in the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 when being effectively set by the mode switching unit 59. Then, the same screen item extraction unit 51 refers to the setting item table stored in advance in the HDD 115 and classifies the plurality of extracted setting items into a plurality of small groups.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting item table. Referring to FIG. 6, the setting item table defines, for each of a plurality of setting items, attributes of setting values set in the setting items and small groups to which the setting items belong. Specifically, the setting item table includes setting records respectively corresponding to a plurality of setting items. The setting record includes a setting item item, an attribute item, and a small group item. Setting item identification information for identifying the setting item is set in the setting item item, the setting value attribute set in the setting item is set in the attribute item, and the setting item belongs to the small group item Small group identification information for identifying the small group is set. The attribute of the setting value set in the setting item is a number or a character.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the same screen item extraction unit 51 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and acquires small group identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of extracted setting items. Classify setting items into multiple small groups. The same screen item extraction unit 51 outputs a set of setting item identification information and small group identification information of each of the extracted plurality of setting items to the input screen display unit 35.

  The setting screen selection unit 13 outputs the setting screen identification information of the selected setting screen every time the setting screen is selected, in other words, every time the user inputs an operation for switching the setting screen. Therefore, the same screen item extraction unit 51 extracts a plurality of setting items included in the setting screen specified by the input setting screen identification information every time the setting screen identification information is input from the setting screen selection unit 13. Then, a plurality of sets obtained by associating the setting item identification information and the small group identification information of each of the extracted plurality of setting items are output to the input screen display unit 35.

  When the same function item extraction unit 53 is set effectively by the mode switching unit 59, the setting item identification information input from the setting item selection unit 19 with reference to the setting item table and the group table stored in advance in the HDD 115. All setting items belonging to the same large group as the large group to which the setting item specified in (1) belongs are extracted. Then, the same function item extraction unit 53 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and classifies the plurality of extracted setting items into a plurality of small groups.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the group table. Referring to FIG. 7, the group table determines which of a plurality of large groups belongs to each of a plurality of small groups. Specifically, the group table includes small group records respectively corresponding to a plurality of small groups. The small group record includes a large group item and a small group item. Large group identification information for identifying the large group is set for the large group item, and small group identification information for identifying the small group is set for the small group item.

  Four small groups belong to the large group of the large group identification information “paper size”. In the setting item table, the paper size is set for a plurality of setting items belonging to each of the four small groups. For this reason, setting values may be set for the plurality of setting items belonging to the four small groups at the same timing.

  Two large groups of small group identification information “shift” and “frame erasure” belong to the large group of the large group identification information “image layout”. In the setting item table, a plurality of setting items belonging to each of the two small groups are four setting items belonging to the small group of the small group identification information “shift” (“front / lower shift”, “front / left shift”, “back / up / down” When at least one setting value of “shift” and “back left / right shift”) is changed, four setting items belonging to the small group of the small group identification information “frame erase” (“frame erase top”, “frame erase bottom”, There is a high probability that at least one set value of “frame erase left” and “frame erase right”) is changed from the default.

  Three large groups of small group identification information “page number”, “year / month / day”, and “file name” belong to the large group of the large group identification information “stamp”. When a setting value is set in any one of a plurality of setting items belonging to any one of the three small groups in the setting item table, at least a plurality of setting items belonging to at least one other small group are included. There is a high probability that a set value is set as one.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the setting item identification information is input from the setting item selection unit 19, the same function item extraction unit 53 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and inputs the setting item identification information. Is extracted, and the small group identification information set in the small group item of the extracted setting item record is acquired. Next, the same function item extraction unit 53 refers to the group table stored in the HDD 115 to extract the group record in which the acquired small group identification information is set to the item of the small group, and the extracted group record By acquiring the large group identification information set in the large group item, the large first group to which the setting item of the setting item identification information input from the setting item selection unit 19 belongs is specified.

  Then, the same function item extraction unit 53 refers to the group table stored in the HDD 115 and extracts all the group records in which the acquired large group identification information is set to the large group item. A plurality of small group identification information respectively set in the small group item of the group record is acquired. Further, the same function item extracting unit 53 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and stores a plurality of setting item records in which any of the acquired plurality of small group identification information is set as a small group item. By extracting all and acquiring a set of setting item identification information set in the setting item item of each of the extracted setting item records and a small group identification information set in the small group item, All setting items belonging to the same large group as the large group to which the setting item specified by the setting item identification information input from the setting item selection unit 19 belongs are extracted.

  The same function item extraction unit 53 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and obtains small group identification information corresponding to each of the extracted setting items, whereby the plurality of setting items are converted into a plurality of setting items. Classify into groups. The same function item extraction unit 53 outputs a plurality of sets in which the setting item identification information and the small group identification information of each of the extracted plurality of setting items are associated to the input screen display unit 35. The setting item selection unit 19 displays the setting screen displayed by the setting screen display unit 15 every time a setting item is selected, in other words, every time the user instructs one of the plurality of setting items included in the setting screen. One of the plurality of included setting items is selected, and setting item identification information for identifying the selected setting item is output to the input screen display unit 35 as processing target information. Therefore, each time the setting item identification information is input from the setting item selection unit 19, the same function item extraction unit 53 is assigned to the same large group as the large group to which the setting item specified by the input setting item identification information belongs. All the setting items to which the setting item belongs are extracted, and a plurality of sets in which the setting item identification information and the small group identification information of each of the extracted plurality of setting items are associated is output to the input screen display unit 35.

  When the lower layer item extraction unit 55 is set effectively by the mode switching unit 59, the setting screen identified by the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 and a plurality of setting items included in each lower screen To extract. The lower screen is a setting screen that belongs to a lower hierarchy than the hierarchy to which the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 belongs in the hierarchical structure, and the setting screen associated with the setting screen It is. Then, the lower hierarchy item extraction unit 55 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and classifies the plurality of extracted setting items into a plurality of small groups.

  Specifically, the lower layer item extraction unit 55 is a setting screen that belongs to a layer lower than the layer to which the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 belongs. A setting screen associated with the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information input from the selection unit 13 is extracted as a lower screen. The lower layer item extraction unit 55 extracts all of the plurality of lower screens when a plurality of lower screens are associated with the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13. .

  The lower layer item extraction unit 55 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and acquires small group identification information corresponding to each of the extracted setting items, thereby making the plurality of setting items a plurality of small items. Classify into groups. The lower hierarchy item extraction unit 55 outputs a plurality of sets in which the setting item identification information and the small group identification information of each of the extracted plurality of setting items are associated to the input screen display unit 35. The setting screen selection unit 13 outputs the setting screen identification information of the selected setting screen every time the setting screen is selected, in other words, every time the user inputs an operation for switching the setting screen. Therefore, each time the setting screen identification information is input from the setting screen selection unit 13, the lower layer item extraction unit 55 includes a plurality of setting screens and lower screens specified by the input setting screen identification information. A set item is extracted, and a plurality of sets in which the set item identification information and the small group identification information of each of the extracted set items are associated is output to the input screen display unit 35.

  When the mode switching unit 59 is set effectively, the peer layer item extraction unit 57 uses the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 as a selection screen, and selects the selection screen, peer screen, A plurality of setting items included in each lower screen are extracted. The peer screen is a setting screen that belongs to the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs in the hierarchical structure, and belongs to a hierarchy that is one level higher than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs, and is a setting screen that is associated with the upper screen associated with the selection screen. is there. Then, the peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and classifies the plurality of extracted setting items into a plurality of small groups.

  Specifically, the peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 selects the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 as a selection screen, and selects it in a hierarchy one level higher than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs. The upper screen associated with the screen is identified, and the setting screen associated with the identified upper screen and belonging to the hierarchy to which the selected screen belongs is extracted as a peer screen. The peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 extracts all of the plurality of peer screens when a plurality of peer screens other than the selection screen are associated with the upper screen corresponding to the selection screen. Further, the peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 extracts a selection screen and a lower screen of each of the extracted plurality of peer screens. The peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 extracts all of the plurality of lower screens when a plurality of lower screens are associated with the peer screen. Further, the peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 extracts a plurality of setting items respectively included in the selection screen, peer screen, and lower screen.

  The peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 refers to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115 and acquires small group identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of extracted setting items, whereby the plurality of setting items are converted into a plurality of small items. Classify into groups. The peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 outputs a plurality of sets in which the setting item identification information and the small group identification information of each of the extracted plurality of setting items are associated to the input screen display unit 35. The setting screen selection unit 13 outputs the setting screen identification information of the selected setting screen every time the setting screen is selected, in other words, every time the user inputs an operation for switching the setting screen. Therefore, each time the setting screen identification information is input from the setting screen selection unit 13, the peer hierarchy item extraction unit 57 extracts and extracts a plurality of setting items respectively included in the selection screen, the peer screen, and the lower screen. A plurality of sets in which the setting item identification information of each of the plurality of setting items is associated with the small group identification information is output to the input screen display unit 35.

  The input screen display unit 35 receives a plurality of sets in which the setting item identification information and the small group identification information are associated from the setting item acquisition unit 33 and displays the input screen on the LCD 165. Specifically, the input screen is output to the display control unit 161, and the display control unit 161 displays an image of the input screen on the LCD 165. The input screen includes setting item identification information included in each of the plurality of sets input from the setting item acquisition unit 33 and a plurality of input keys.

  When the setting screen is selected by the setting screen selection unit 13, the input screen display unit 35 receives the setting screen identification information from the setting screen selection unit 13 and the setting screen identification information from the setting screen selection unit 13. The setting item identification information may be input from the setting item selection unit 19. The input screen display unit 35 confirms that the keyboard call key 171 is pressed after the setting screen identification information is input from the setting screen selection unit 13 and before the setting item identification information is input from the setting item selection unit 19. In the case of detection, or after the setting screen identification information is input from the setting screen selection unit 13 and before it is detected that the keyboard call key 171 is pressed, the setting item identification information is input from the setting item selection unit 19. If so, display the input screen.

  The input screen display unit 35 includes an item information display unit 41 and a soft keyboard display unit 43. The item information display unit 41 superimposes a plurality of setting item identification information included in each of the plurality of sets input from the setting item acquisition unit 33 on a setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 in a display mode that is classified by small group. And display. Specifically, each of the plurality of setting item identification information is displayed in the same display manner as the setting item identification information of other setting items belonging to the same small group as the small group to which the setting item of the setting item identification information belongs, Each of the plurality of setting item identification information is displayed in a display mode different from the setting item identification information of other setting items belonging to a small group different from the small group to which the setting item of the setting item identification information belongs.

  More specifically, the item information display unit 41 sets each of the plurality of setting item identification information as setting item identification information of other setting items belonging to the same small group as the small group to which the setting item of the setting item identification information belongs. Are displayed in the same color, and each of the plurality of setting item identification information is displayed in a color different from the setting item identification information of other setting items belonging to a small group different from the small group to which the setting item of the setting item identification information belongs.

  In addition, the item information display unit 41 displays each of the plurality of setting item identification information in the same size as the setting item identification information of other setting items belonging to the same small group as the small group to which the setting item of the setting item identification information belongs. Each of the plurality of setting item identification information is displayed in a size different from the setting item identification information of other setting items belonging to a small group different from the small group to which the setting item of the setting item identification information belongs.

  The item information display unit 41 outputs a plurality of setting item identification information to the display control unit 161, and displays an image obtained by combining the images of the plurality of setting item identification information with priority over the image on the setting screen. And the image generated by the display control unit 161 is displayed on the LCD 165. The item information display unit 41 includes a plurality of sets in which each of the plurality of setting item identification information is associated with the position of the setting item identification information in the image setting screen and the small group identification information, and the processing target information. To 37.

  The item information display unit 41 is the same setting item as the processing target information input from the setting item acquisition unit 33 among the plurality of setting item identification information respectively included in the plurality of sets input from the setting item acquisition unit 33 The identification information is displayed in a display mode different from other setting item identification information. Specifically, the item information display unit 41 reversely displays the same setting item identification information as the processing target information among the plurality of setting item identification information. In addition, the same setting item identification information as the processing target information among a plurality of setting item identification information is displayed in a different format from the other setting item identification information. Further, instead of or in addition to changing the format, the brightness of the image of the setting item identification information may be displayed higher than the brightness of the image of the other setting item identification information. Further, the hue or saturation may be varied, or the contour shape of the image may be varied.

  Further, the item information display unit 41 includes a plurality of setting item identification information included in each of the plurality of sets input from the setting item acquisition unit 33, the position of the setting item identification information in the image setting screen, and the small group identification information. Are output to the item selection unit 37. When the setting item identification information newly selected as the processing target is input from the item selection unit 37, the item information display unit 41 includes a plurality of setting items respectively included in the plurality of sets input from the setting item acquisition unit 33. Among the identification information, the setting item identification information input from the item selection unit 37 is displayed in a display mode different from other setting item identification information.

  The item selection unit 37 selects one selected from a plurality of setting items as a processing target. The item selection unit 37 selects a setting item specified by the processing target information when the processing target information is input from the item information display unit 41. In addition, when the user designates with a finger one of the plurality of setting item identification information images displayed on the LCD 165 by the item information display unit 41, the item selection unit 37 sets the setting item of the designated setting item information. Select as a new processing target. When the item selection unit 37 detects a position instructed by the user through the touch panel 169, any of the plurality of setting item identification information images is instructed by the user based on the coordinates of the display surface of the LCD 165 detected by the touch panel 169. Identify The item selection unit 37 uses the setting item identification information of the setting item selected as the new processing target from among the plurality of setting items as the setting item identification information newly selected as the processing target. The data is output to the keyboard display unit 43 and the item setting unit 17.

  In addition, when the item selection unit 37 selects a new setting item as a processing target from among a plurality of setting items, the small group to which the setting item newly selected as the processing target belongs is selected as the processing target. If the set item is different from the small group to which the set item belongs, a cancel instruction is output to the set value receiving unit 39.

  Further, when the user uses a finger to designate a confirmation key image included in the soft keyboard displayed on the LCD 165 by the soft keyboard display unit 43 described later, the item selection unit 37 receives a confirmation instruction from the setting value reception unit 39 described later. Entered. When a confirmation instruction is input from the setting value receiving unit 39, the item selection unit 37 is set item identification information that is different from the setting item identification information that is set as the processing target at that time, and is set as the processing target. The setting item identification information that belongs to a small group different from the small group to which the setting item identification information that has been set belongs is selected as a new processing target. The item selection unit 37 outputs the setting item identification information selected as a new processing target to the item information display unit 41, the soft keyboard display unit 43, and the item setting unit 17.

  The soft keyboard display unit 43 receives the setting item identification information selected as the processing target from the item selection unit 37. The soft keyboard display unit 43 displays a plurality of input key images corresponding to the setting item selected as the processing target in a superimposed manner on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165. Specifically, a plurality of input key images are output to the display control unit 161, and an image obtained by combining the input key images with priority over the setting screen image is generated by the display control unit 161, and generated by the display control unit 161. The displayed image is displayed on the LCD 165. The soft keyboard display unit 43 outputs a set of the name of the input key image and the position (region) in the input key image setting screen to the set value receiving unit 39 for each of the plurality of input key images.

  The plurality of input key images include a plurality of setting value key images for inputting setting values, a confirmation key image for instructing confirmation of setting values, and a cancel key image for instructing cancellation of setting values. Including. Each of the plurality of installation value key images includes a value assigned to the input key image as a key name.

  The soft keyboard display unit 43 specifies the attribute of the setting item specified by the setting item identification information selected as the processing target from the item selection unit 37 by referring to the setting item table stored in the HDD 115. A plurality of set value key images for inputting the value of the selected attribute are determined. The soft keyboard display unit 43 determines ten setting value key images to which numbers 0 to 9 are respectively assigned if the setting item attribute, in other words, the setting value attribute set in the setting item is a number. If the attribute of the setting item is a character, 26 set value key images each assigned with an alphabetic character are determined.

  The set value receiving unit 39 receives a set value based on an input key image instructed by the user among a plurality of input key images. When the user indicates one of the plurality of input key images displayed on the LCD 165 with a finger, the position designated by the user by the touch panel 169 is detected. Based on the coordinates of the display surface of the LCD 165 detected by the touch panel 169, the setting value receiving unit 39 identifies which of the plurality of input key images is designated by the user, and is assigned to the identified input key image. Select a value. The set value receiving unit 39 outputs the selected value to the item setting unit 17 as a set value. When selecting a plurality of input key images in order, the set value receiving unit 39 outputs a plurality of values respectively assigned to the plurality of input key images to the item setting unit 17 as values set in the selected order. To do. For example, the numbers “0” to “9” are assigned to 10 input keys, respectively, and the input key image to which the number “1” is assigned first is selected, and the number is second. When the input key image to which “2” is assigned is selected, “12” in which the second “2” is arranged to the right of the first “1” is determined as the set value, and the set value “ 12 ”is output to the item setting unit 17. If the alphabet is assigned to each of the 26 input keys, a plurality of character strings arranged in the input order are output to the item setting unit 17 as set values.

  The setting value reception unit 39 outputs a confirmation instruction to the item setting unit 17 and the item selection unit 37 when selecting a confirmation key image from among a plurality of input key images. The set value receiving unit 39 outputs a cancel instruction to the item setting unit 17 when selecting a cancel key image from among a plurality of input key images.

  The item setting unit 17 receives the setting screen identification information from the setting screen selection unit 13, receives the setting item identification information from the item selection unit 37, and receives one of the setting value, the confirmation instruction, and the cancellation instruction from the setting value reception unit 39. Is entered. When the setting value is input from the setting value receiving unit 39, the item setting unit 17 stores a set of the setting item identification information input from the item selection unit 37 and the setting value in the RAM 114 before the setting value is input. Memorize temporarily. The item setting unit 17 temporarily stores a set of setting item identification information and a setting value in the RAM 114 every time a setting value is input from the setting value receiving unit 39 until a confirmation instruction is input from the setting value receiving unit 39. To remember. Therefore, a plurality of sets may be temporarily stored in the RAM 114. Further, when a cancel instruction is input from the setting value receiving unit 39, the item setting unit 17 deletes the set of setting item identification information and setting values temporarily stored in the RAM.

  The confirmation instruction may be input by the user when the user presses the keyboard call key 171 or a setting key provided on the hard key unit 170 separately from the keyboard call key 171.

  On the other hand, the ROM 113 stores default setting values determined in advance for each of a plurality of setting items for each setting screen identification information. The item setting unit 17 reads the default setting values of each of the plurality of setting items stored in the ROM 113 corresponding to the setting screen identification information input from the setting screen selecting unit 13 before the setting instruction is detected. A plurality of sets of setting item identification information and default setting values are stored in the RAM 114 as processing conditions. When the confirmation instruction is input, the item setting unit 17 outputs the set of the setting item identification information and the setting value temporarily stored in the RAM 114 to the setting screen display unit 15 and the setting item temporarily stored in the RAM 114. The processing condition is updated based on the combination of the identification information and the set value. Specifically, the group temporarily selected in the RAM 114 is selected, and among the plurality of groups stored in the RAM 114 as processing conditions, the default setting item identification information that is the same as the setting item identification information included in the selected group is selected. The set value is updated with the set value included in the selected set.

  In addition, the item setting unit 17 receives the setting value stored in the RAM 114 as a processing condition from the setting value receiving unit 39 every time a confirmation instruction is input until an execution instruction is input by the user. Update with the setting value temporarily stored in. The item setting unit 17 updates the processing conditions each time a confirmation instruction is detected, and outputs a set of setting item identification information and setting values temporarily stored in the RAM 114 to the setting screen display unit 15.

  The execution instruction by the user is input by, for example, pressing a start key 173 provided on the operation panel 160. When the item setting unit 17 detects that the start key 173 has been pressed, the execution instruction by the user is issued. Judge that it was input. When the item setting unit 17 determines that an execution instruction from the user has been input, the item setting unit 17 outputs an execution command to the process execution unit 71. The execution command includes a set of setting items and setting values stored as processing conditions in the RAM 114.

  The setting screen display unit 15 updates the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 each time a set of setting item identification information and a setting value is input from the item setting unit 17. Specifically, a setting screen in which an image of the setting value input from the item setting unit 17 is combined is generated in the area for displaying the setting value corresponding to the setting item on the setting screen, and is displayed again on the LCD 165. As a result, the setting value input by the user as the setting value is displayed on the setting screen, so that the user can check the setting value by looking at the setting screen. Since the input screen is displayed, the display controller 161 causes the LCD 165 to display an image obtained by superimposing the input screen image on the setting screen image.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of setting processing. The setting process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118.

  Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 111 determines whether a setting screen has been selected (step S01). When the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 165 and the user selects any of a plurality of setting screen identification information included in the menu screen, or when the setting screen with a transition function is displayed on the LCD 165 When the button is selected by the user, it is determined that the setting screen has been selected. CPU 111 is in a standby state until a setting screen is selected (NO in step S01). When the setting screen is selected (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02.

  In step S02, the selected setting screen is displayed on LCD 165. When any of the plurality of setting screen identification information is selected by the user in a state where the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 165, the setting screen specified by the selected setting screen identification information is displayed on the LCD 165, and the transition function is displayed. When the transition button is selected by the user while the attached setting screen is displayed on the LCD 165, the setting screen specified by the setting screen identification information assigned to the transition button is displayed on the LCD 165. The setting screen includes one or more setting items as setting targets.

  In the next step S03, the first setting item is set as a processing target. In step S02, the first setting item among the plurality of setting items included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 is set as a processing target. It should be noted that a predetermined setting item may be set for processing even if it is not the first setting item among the plurality of setting items included in the setting screen.

  In the next step S04, it is determined whether or not the keyboard call key 171 has been pressed. If the keyboard call key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S05. In step S05, it is determined whether setting item identification information has been instructed. If any of the setting item identification information of the plurality of setting items included in the setting screen displayed on LCD 165 is instructed, the process proceeds to step S06. If not, the process returns to step S04. In step S06, the setting item of the specified setting item identification information is set as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step S07.

  In step S07, an input screen display process is executed. Although details of the input screen display process will be described later, this is a process of displaying an input screen including a plurality of input key images superimposed on the setting screen.

  In the next step S08, it is determined whether or not a set value has been accepted. If any of a plurality of input key images included in the input screen is instructed, it is determined that the set value has been accepted. If the set value is accepted, the process proceeds to step S09; otherwise, step S09 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S10. In step S09, a set of the setting item identification information of the setting item set as a processing target in step S03, step S06 or step S13 and step S17 described later and the setting value received in step S08 is temporarily stored in RAM 114. Then, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, it is determined whether or not the setting item set as the processing target has been changed. It is determined whether or not setting item identification information different from the setting item identification information corresponding to the setting item set as the processing target is instructed from among the plurality of item information included in the input screen. If another setting item identification information is instructed, it is determined that the setting item has been changed, and the process proceeds to step S11. If not, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the small group to which the setting item that has been set as the processing target belongs is the same as the small group to which the setting item corresponding to the setting item identification information instructed in step S10 belongs. . If the small groups are the same, the process proceeds to step S12. If not, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the set of the setting item identification information and the setting value of the setting item that has been temporarily stored in the RAM 114 in step S09 and has been set as the processing target until then is deleted from the RAM 114, and the process proceeds to step S13. Proceed. In step S13, the setting item changed in step S10 is set as a processing target, and the process returns to step S08.

  On the other hand, in step S14, it is determined whether or not a confirmation key image included in the input screen is instructed. If the confirmation key image is instructed, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S15, processing conditions are set, and the process proceeds to step S16. The processing condition is set by updating the default setting value of each of the plurality of setting items stored in the ROM 113 with a set of the setting item identification information and the setting value temporarily stored in step S09. To do.

  In step S16, the setting screen is updated with the set of setting item identification information and setting values temporarily stored in step S09. Thereby, the set processing conditions are displayed on the setting screen. In the next step S17, among the plurality of setting items included in the input screen displayed in step S07, the setting belonging to a small group different from the small group to which the setting item that has been set as the processing target belongs. The item is set as a process target, and the process returns to step S08.

  On the other hand, in step S18, it is determined whether or not the start key 173 has been pressed. If start key 173 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S19. If not, the process returns to step S08. In step S19, the process is executed in accordance with the process conditions, and the process ends.

  The process executed in step S19 is determined by the setting screen displayed in step S02. If the setting screen is a copy condition setting screen for setting processing conditions for copy processing, copy processing is executed. If the setting screen is a scan condition setting screen for setting processing conditions for scanning processing, scan processing is executed, and print processing is performed. If it is a print condition setting screen for setting the processing conditions, print processing is executed. If it is a facsimile transmission condition setting screen for setting processing conditions for facsimile transmission processing, facsimile transmission processing is executed.

<Same screen item extraction mode>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of input screen display processing in the same screen item extraction mode. The input screen display process in the same screen item extraction mode is a process executed in step S07 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 111 identifies a setting item to be processed on the setting screen (step S21). The HDD 115 stores in advance setting screen information in which setting screen identification information of the setting screen is associated with all the setting item identification information of the setting items to be set, and the setting screen identification of the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 is stored. By searching the setting screen information by information, the setting item to be set is specified on the setting screen.

  In the next step S22, the setting item identification information of all the setting items included in the setting screen is classified into small groups and displayed on the LCD 165. Referring to the setting item table stored in HDD 115, obtains a small group of all the setting items included in the setting screen, and displays setting item identification information of setting items belonging to the same small group in the same display form Then, setting item identification information of setting items belonging to different small groups is displayed in different display forms. Further, the setting item identification information is displayed superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  Then, among the displayed plurality of setting item identification information, the setting item identification information of the setting item selected as the processing target is displayed with the characters thicker than the other setting item identification information (step S23). Accordingly, the user can be notified of the setting item identification information selected from the plurality of displayed setting item identification information, and the user can be notified of the setting item in which the input setting value is set. it can.

  In the next step S24, a soft keyboard including a plurality of input key images is displayed on the LCD 165, and the process returns to the setting process shown in FIG. If the user points the input key image with a finger, the input key image designated by the user is identified from the coordinates detected by the touch panel 169, and therefore the numbers or characters assigned to the identified input key image are 8 is accepted as a set value in step S08.

  FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating an example of the setting screen. Referring to FIG. 10, a setting screen 201 shows a setting screen for setting a paper size, and includes areas 203 to 206 for displaying small group identification information. An area 203 is an area for displaying the small group identification information “B3W”, and is associated with setting items that determine the sizes of the paper in the vertical direction “Y” and the horizontal direction “X” of the name B3W. The area 204 is an area for displaying the small group identification information “A4W”, and is associated with setting items that determine the sizes of the paper in the vertical direction “Y” and the horizontal direction “X” of the name A4W. The area 205 is an area for displaying the small group identification information “B5W”, and is associated with setting items that determine the sizes of the paper in the vertical direction “Y” and the horizontal direction “X” of the name B5W. An area 206 is an area for displaying the small group identification information “A5W”, and is associated with setting items that determine the sizes of the sheet of the name A5W in the vertical direction “Y” and the horizontal direction “X”.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen displayed to be superimposed on the setting screen in the same screen item extraction mode. The input screen 211 shown in FIG. 11 is when the keyboard call key 171 is pressed at the stage where the setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, or when the area 203 included in the setting screen 201 is indicated. Shows the displayed input screen. The input screen 211 includes a tab 212 for displaying the setting item identification information “A3W X”, a tab 213 for displaying the setting item identification information “A3W Y”, a tab 214 for displaying the setting item identification information “A4W X”, and a setting item identification. A tab 215 for displaying information “A4W Y”, a tab 216 for displaying setting item identification information “B5W X”, a tab 217 for displaying setting item identification information “B5W Y”, and a setting item identification information “A5W X” are displayed. A tab 218, a tab 219 for displaying setting item identification information “A5W Y”, a plurality of setting value key images 221, a confirmation key image 223 in which “confirmation” is represented, and a “cancel” character are represented. A cancel key image 224.

  The tabs 212 and 213 form a small group, and the tabs 212 and 213 display the background in red. In the figure, red is indicated by hatching with diagonal lines. The tabs 214 and 215 form a small group, and the tabs 214 and 215 display the background in yellow. In the figure, yellow is indicated by horizontal hatching. The tabs 216 and 217 form a small group, and the backgrounds are displayed in blue on the tabs 216 and 217. In the figure, blue is indicated by vertical hatching. The tabs 218 and 219 form a small group, and the tabs 218 and 219 display a green background. In the figure, green is indicated by hatched hatching.

  Also, the setting item identification information “A3W X” on the tab 212 is displayed with a line thickness different from the setting item identification information on each of the other tabs 213 to 219, and the setting item of the setting item identification information “A3W X” is processed. Indicates that the item is selected. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the setting value “432.0” is set in the setting item of the setting item identification information “A3W X”.

  In the same screen item extraction mode, each of the one or more setting item identification information (item information) included in the input screen 211 is set with setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. It is displayed in the display mode of the same color as the item identification information, and is displayed in a display mode of a color different from the setting item identification information of the setting item classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group. For this reason, setting items can be switched on the input screen 211. In addition, since the color of multiple setting item identification information (item information) classified into the same small group is the same, if related setting items are classified into the same small group, setting values are set for the related multiple setting items. Is easy to operate.

  In addition, an input screen that includes multiple item information that indicates each of the multiple setting items to be set on the displayed setting screen is displayed so as to be selectable for processing, so the setting value is displayed on the displayed setting screen. The input operation can be facilitated. By specifying the item information on the input screen, the setting item can be selected as the processing target, so there is no need to switch between displaying and hiding the input screen in order to select the setting item as the processing target. The number of times can be reduced.

<Same function item extraction mode>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of input screen display processing in the same function item extraction mode. The input screen display process in the same function item extraction mode is a process executed in step S07 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 12, CPU 111 identifies the large group to which the setting item to be processed belongs (step S31). With reference to the setting item table shown in FIG. 6 and the group table shown in FIG. 7 stored in the HDD 115, large group identification information associated with the setting item identification information of the setting item to be processed is acquired.

  In the next step S32, all the small groups belonging to the specified large group are specified. With reference to the group table shown in FIG. 7 stored in the HDD 115, all of the small group identification information associated with the large group identification information acquired in step S01 is extracted.

  Then, one of the specified small groups is selected as a processing target (step S33). Next, all setting items belonging to the small group selected as the processing target are specified. With reference to the setting item table shown in FIG. 6 stored in HDD 115, all setting item identification information associated with the small group identification information selected as the processing target is acquired.

  In the next step S35, it is determined whether or not there is a small group not selected as a processing target in step S33 among the small groups identified in step S32. If there is a small group that is not selected as a processing target, the process returns to step S33. If there is no small group, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, the setting item identification information of all the specified setting items is classified into small groups and displayed on LCD 165. Referring to the setting item table stored in HDD 115, the small group of each setting item is acquired, the setting item identification information of the setting item belonging to the same small group is displayed in the same display form, and belongs to different small groups The setting item identification information of the setting item is displayed in a different display form. Further, the setting item identification information is displayed superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  Then, among the displayed plurality of setting item identification information, the setting item identification information of the setting item selected as the processing target is displayed with the characters thicker than the other setting item identification information (step S37). Accordingly, the user can be notified of the setting item identification information selected from the plurality of displayed setting item identification information, and the user can be notified of the setting item in which the input setting value is set. it can.

  In the next step S38, a soft keyboard including a plurality of input key images is displayed on the LCD 165, and the process returns to the setting process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the setting screen. Referring to FIG. 13, setting screen 231 includes an image 233 of setting item identification information name “left / right shift”, an area 234 for inputting setting values of setting items of setting item identification information “left / right shift”, and a setting item identification. An image 255 of information “up / down shift” and an area 236 for inputting a setting value of the setting item of setting item identification information “up / down shift” are included.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen displayed so as to be superimposed on the setting screen in the same function item extraction mode. The input screen 241 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed when the keyboard call key 171 is pressed at the stage where the setting screen 231 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, or when the area 233 included in the setting screen 231 is designated. Shows the displayed input screen. Referring to FIG. 11, an input screen 241 includes a tab 242 that displays setting item identification information “front / left shift”, a tab 243 that displays setting item identification information “front / lower shift”, and a setting item identification information “back”. Tab 244 for displaying “left / right shift”, tab 245 for displaying setting item identification information “back / up / down shift”, tab 246 for displaying setting item identification information “above frame”, and setting item identification information “under frame erase” ”For displaying the setting item identification information“ frame erasure left ”, a tab 249 for displaying the setting item identification information“ frame erasure right ”, a plurality of setting value key images 251,“ It includes a confirmation key image 253 in which the characters “confirm” are represented, and a cancel key image 254 in which the characters “cancel” are represented.

  The tabs 242 to 245 form a small group of the small group identification information “shift”, and the backgrounds of the tabs 242 to 245 are displayed in red. In the figure, red is indicated by hatching with diagonal lines. Tabs 246 to 249 form a small group of small group identification information “frame erase”, and the backgrounds of tabs 246 to 249 are displayed in yellow. In the figure, yellow is indicated by horizontal hatching. In the group table shown in FIG. 7, the small group with the small group identification information “shift” and the small group with the small group identification information “frame erasure” are included in the large group with the large group identification information “image layout”. It is.

  The setting item identification information “table left / right shift” on the tab 242 is displayed with a line thickness different from the setting item identification information on each of the other tabs 243 to 249, and the setting item identification information “table left / right shift” setting item is displayed. Indicates that it is selected as a processing target. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the setting value “10.0” is set in the setting item of the setting item identification information “table left / right shift”.

  In the same function item extraction mode, each of the one or more setting item identification information (item information) included in the input screen 241 is set with the setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. It is displayed in the display mode of the same color as the item identification information, and is displayed in a display mode of a color different from the setting item identification information of the setting item classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group. For this reason, setting items can be switched on the input screen 241. In addition, since the color of multiple setting item identification information (item information) classified into the same small group is the same, if related setting items are classified into the same small group, setting values are set for the related multiple setting items. Is easy to operate.

  Also, one setting item designated by the user is selected as a processing target (specified item) from among the setting items to be set on the displayed setting screen, and is included in the large group to which the processing target setting item belongs. The above setting items are extracted, and an input screen including item information of the setting item (designated item) selected as a processing target and one or more item information each indicating one or more setting items is displayed. In other words, an input screen for inputting setting values to the setting items designated as processing targets by the user and the setting items belonging to the same large group is displayed.

  Specifically, in the input screen 241 shown in FIG. 14, four setting items (“front / rear shift”, “front / rear shift”, “back / rear shift”, “ When at least one setting value of “Back / Left / Right Shift”) is changed, the four setting items (“Frame Eraser”, “Frame Eraser”, “Frame Eraser” belonging to the small group of the small group identification information “Frame Eraser” are changed. There is a high probability that at least one set value of “left” and “frame erased right”) will be changed from the default. For this reason, at least one set value of four setting items (“front / rear shift”, “front / rear shift”, “back / rear shift”, “back / rear shift”) belonging to the small group of the small group identification information “shift” is When set, from the input screen, four setting items belonging to the small group of the small group identification information “frame erase” (“frame erase top”, “frame erase bottom”, “frame erase left”, “frame erase right” ) Can be selected as a processing target.

  In this way, setting values can be input to a plurality of related setting items while the input screen 241 is displayed. In addition, since there is no need to switch the displayed setting screen to another operation screen, the number of operations can be reduced.

<Lower level item extraction mode>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of input screen display processing in the lower hierarchy item extraction mode. The input screen display process in the lower hierarchy item extraction mode is a process executed in step S07 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 15, CPU 111 identifies a setting item to be set on the setting screen (step S41). The HDD 115 stores in advance setting screen information in which setting screen identification information of the setting screen is associated with all the setting item identification information of the setting items to be set, and the setting screen identification of the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 is stored. By searching the setting screen information by information, the setting item to be set is specified on the setting screen.

  In the next step S42, a lower screen is extracted. All setting screens that belong to a lower layer than the layer to which the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 belongs and that are associated with the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 are extracted as lower screens. Then, one of the extracted lower screens is selected as a processing target (step S43). Then, the setting item to be set is specified on the lower screen selected as the processing target (step S44). Since the setting screen information in which the setting screen identification information of the setting screen is associated with all the setting item identification information of the setting items to be set is stored in the HDD 115, the setting screen identification of the lower screen selected as the processing target is stored. By searching the setting screen information by information, the setting item to be set is specified on the lower screen.

  In the next step S45, it is determined whether or not there is a lower screen not selected as a processing target in step S43 among the lower screens extracted in step S42. If there is a lower screen that is not selected as a processing target, the process returns to step S43. If there is no lower screen, the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the setting item identification information of all the specified setting items is classified into small groups and displayed on LCD 165. Referring to the setting item table stored in HDD 115, the small group of each setting item is acquired, the setting item identification information of the setting item belonging to the same small group is displayed in the same display form, and belongs to different small groups The setting item identification information of the setting item is displayed in a different display form. Further, the setting item identification information is displayed superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  Then, among the displayed plurality of setting item identification information, the setting item identification information of the setting item selected as the processing target is displayed with the characters thicker than the other setting item identification information (step S47). Accordingly, the user can be notified of the setting item identification information selected from the plurality of displayed setting item identification information, and the user can be notified of the setting item in which the input setting value is set. it can.

  In the next step S48, a soft keyboard including a plurality of input key images is displayed on the LCD 165, and the process returns to the setting process shown in FIG.

  Next, an example of the input screen displayed in the lower hierarchy item extraction mode will be described. Here, a case where the frame erase setting screen is associated with the image shift setting screen and the image shift setting screen is arranged in a lower hierarchy of the frame erase setting screen will be described as an example. The frame erase setting screen has a transition button for transitioning to the image shift setting screen. The frame erasure setting screen includes setting items classified in the small group of the small group identification information “frame erasure” in the setting item table shown in FIG. 6, and the image shift setting screen includes the setting item table shown in FIG. 6. Setting items classified into small groups of the small group identification information “shift”.

  When the keyboard call key 171 is pressed while the frame erase setting screen is displayed, or when any of the setting item identification information included in the frame erase setting screen is instructed, as shown in FIG. The same input screen 241 is displayed superimposed on the frame erase setting screen.

  In the lower hierarchy item extraction mode, the displayed setting screen is used as the selection screen, the lower screen related to the selection screen is extracted, and a plurality of setting items to be set are extracted on each of the selection screen and the lower screen. An input screen including a plurality of item information respectively indicating the plurality of extracted setting items is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to set a setting value for a setting item included in the lower screen without switching the displayed setting screen to the lower screen. In addition, since there is no need to switch the displayed setting screen to the lower screen, the number of operations for switching the screen can be reduced.

<Equivalent hierarchy item extraction mode>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of input screen display processing in the peer hierarchy item extraction mode. The input screen display process in the peer hierarchy item extraction mode is a process executed in step S07 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 16, CPU 111 sets the setting screen displayed on LCD 165 as a selection screen (step S51). Next, a setting item to be set is specified on the selection screen (step S52). The HDD 115 stores in advance setting screen information in which the setting screen identification information of the setting screen is associated with all the setting item identification information of the setting items to be set, and the setting screen information is set by the setting screen identification information of the selection screen. By searching, the setting item to be set is specified on the selection screen.

  In the next step S53, the lower screen of the selection screen is extracted. All setting screens belonging to a lower hierarchy than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs and associated with the selection screen are extracted as lower screens. Then, a setting item to be set is specified on each of the extracted lower screens (step S54). Since the setting screen information in which the setting screen identification information of the setting screen is associated with all the setting item identification information of the setting item to be set is stored in the HDD 115, the setting screen information is stored in the setting screen identification information of the lower screen. By searching, a setting item to be set is specified on the lower screen.

  In the next step S55, the upper screen of the selection screen is specified. A setting screen that belongs to a layer higher than the layer to which the selection screen belongs and that is associated with the selection screen is identified as the upper screen. Then, the peer screen associated with the upper screen is extracted (step S56). All setting screens belonging to a lower layer than the layer to which the upper screen belongs and associated with the upper screen are extracted as peer screens.

  In the next step S57, one of the peer screens extracted in step S56 is selected as a processing target. Then, the setting item to be set on the peer screen selected as the processing target is specified (step S58). Since the setting screen information in which the setting screen identification information of the setting screen is associated with all the setting item identification information of the setting items to be set is stored in the HDD 115, the setting screen identification of the peer screen selected as the processing target is stored. By searching the setting screen information by information, the setting item to be set is specified on the peer screen.

  Further, the lower screen of the peer screen selected as the processing target is extracted (step S59). All setting screens that belong to a lower hierarchy than the hierarchy to which the peer screen selected as the processing target belongs and are associated with the peer recall screen are extracted as lower screens. Then, a setting item to be set is specified on each of the extracted lower screens (step S60). Since the setting screen information in which the setting screen identification information of the setting screen is associated with all the setting item identification information of the setting item to be set is stored in the HDD 115, the setting screen information is stored in the setting screen identification information of the lower screen. By searching, a setting item to be set is specified on the lower screen.

  In the next step S61, it is determined whether there is a peer screen that has not been selected as a processing target in step S62 among the peer screens extracted in step S56. If there is a peer screen that is not selected as a processing target, the process returns to step S57. If not, the process proceeds to step S62.

  In step S62, the setting item identification information of all the specified setting items is classified into small groups and displayed on LCD 165. Referring to the setting item table stored in HDD 115, the small group of each setting item is acquired, the setting item identification information of the setting item belonging to the same small group is displayed in the same display form, and belongs to different small groups The setting item identification information of the setting item is displayed in a different display form. Further, the setting item identification information is displayed superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165.

  Then, among the displayed plurality of setting item identification information, the setting item identification information of the setting item selected as the processing target is displayed with the characters thicker than the other setting item identification information (step S63). Accordingly, the user can be notified of the setting item identification information selected from the plurality of displayed setting item identification information, and the user can be notified of the setting item in which the input setting value is set. it can.

  In the next step S64, a soft keyboard including a plurality of input key images is displayed on the LCD 165, and the process returns to the setting process shown in FIG.

  Next, an example of the input screen displayed in the peer hierarchy item extraction mode will be described. In the menu screen, there are three transition keys for transition to the frame erase setting screen, page number setting screen, and image shift setting screen, respectively, and the menu screen has a frame erase setting screen, page number setting screen, and image shift setting screen. A case will be described as an example where each has a hierarchical structure in which a frame deletion setting screen, a page number setting screen, and an image shift setting screen are arranged in a lower layer of the menu screen. The frame erasure setting screen includes setting items classified into the small groups of the small group identification information “frame erasure” of the setting item table shown in FIG. 6, and the page number setting screen is the setting item table shown in FIG. 6. The setting items classified into the small groups of the small group identification information “page number” are included, and the image shift setting screen includes the settings classified into the small groups of the small group identification information “shift” in the setting item table shown in FIG. Contains items.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen displayed so as to be superimposed on the setting screen in the peer hierarchy item extraction mode. The input screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed when the keyboard call key 171 is pressed when any of the frame erase setting screen, the page number setting screen, and the image shift setting screen is displayed, or the frame erase setting screen, When an area for displaying the setting item identification information included in the displayed setting screen among the page number setting screen and the image shift setting screen is designated, it is displayed superimposed on the setting screen.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the input screen 261 displays a tab 262 for displaying “frame erased”, a tab 263 for displaying setting item identification information “frame erased”, and setting item identification information “frame erased left”. The tab 264 to be displayed, the tab 265 to display the setting item identification information “frame erase right”, the tab 266 to display the setting item identification information “stamp start number”, and the setting item identification information “stamp start chapter” are displayed. A tab 267 for displaying setting item identification information “front / rear shift up / down”, a tab 269 for displaying setting item identification information “front / rear shift left / right”, and a tab 270 for displaying setting item identification information “back / upward / downward shift”. A tab 271 for displaying the setting item identification information “back left / right shift”, a plurality of setting value key images 273, a confirmation key image 275 in which the characters “confirmation” are represented, and characters “cancel” Includes a cancel key image 277 represented, the.

  Tabs 262 to 265 form a small group of small group identification information “frame erase”, and the backgrounds of tabs 262 to 265 are displayed in red. In the figure, red is indicated by hatching with diagonal lines. The tabs 266 and 267 form a small group of the small group identification information “page number”, and the backgrounds of the tabs 266 and 267 are displayed in yellow. In the figure, yellow is indicated by horizontal hatching. The tabs 268 to 271 form a small group of the small group identification information “shift”, and the backgrounds of the tabs 268 to 271 are displayed in blue. In the figure, blue is indicated by vertical hatching.

  Also, the setting item identification information “frame erase top” of the tab 262 is displayed with a line thickness different from the setting item identification information of each of the other tabs 263 to 271, and the setting item identification information “frame erase top” setting item is displayed. Indicates that it is selected as a processing target. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the setting value “10.0” is set in the setting item of the setting item identification information “frame removal”.

  In the peer hierarchy item extraction mode, each of the one or more setting item identification information (item information) included in the input screen 261 is set with setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. It is displayed in the display mode of the same color as the item identification information, and is displayed in a display mode of a color different from the setting item identification information of the setting item classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group. Therefore, setting items can be switched on the input screen 261. In addition, since the color of multiple setting item identification information (item information) classified into the same small group is the same, if related setting items are classified into the same small group, setting values are set for the related multiple setting items. Is easy to operate.

  Also, the displayed setting screen is used as the selection screen, and the peer screen of the selection screen, the lower screens of the selection screen and the peer screen are extracted, and a plurality of setting items to be set on each of the selection screen, the peer screen, and the lower screen Are extracted, and the extracted multiple setting items are classified into the small group that is the setting target on the selection screen and the small group that is the setting target on the peer screen, and multiple items that indicate the extracted setting items respectively An input screen including information and a plurality of input keys is displayed.

  Since there is no need to switch the selection screen to the peer screen or the lower screen, the operation of switching the screen can be reduced. In particular, to switch from the selection screen to the peer screen, you must go through the menu screen, and if you do not remember the position in the hierarchical structure of the peer screen in addition to the number of operations, the peer screen is displayed. It is difficult to find out. For this reason, setting values can be set for the setting items included in the selection screen, peer screen, and lower screen without switching the displayed selection screen to the display of the peer screen and lower screen. The operation is facilitated while being reduced.

  Further, in the peer hierarchy item extraction mode, the setting items are divided into small groups for each selection screen, peer screen, and lower screen. Therefore, in the input screen shown in FIG. 17, the setting items belonging to the selection screen, peer screen, and lower screen, respectively. Since the display mode of the item information is the same, the user can identify the setting item information for each selection screen, peer screen, and lower screen.

<Modification of input screen>
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen in the modification. Referring to FIG. 18, an input screen 211 </ b> A according to the modified example is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen displayed so as to be superimposed on the setting screen in the same screen item extraction mode. The input screen 211A shown in FIG. 18 is when the keyboard call key 171 is pressed when the setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, or when the area 202 included in the setting screen 201 is indicated. Shows the displayed input screen.

  The input screen 211A includes a tab 212A for displaying the setting item identification information “A3W X”, a tab 213A for displaying the setting item identification information “A3W Y”, a tab 214A for displaying the setting item identification information “A4W X”, and a setting item identification. A tab 215A for displaying information “A4W Y”, a tab 216A for displaying setting item identification information “B5W X”, a tab 217A for displaying setting item identification information “B5W Y”, and a setting item identification information “A5W X” are displayed. A tab 218A, a tab 219A for displaying the setting item identification information “A5W Y”, a plurality of setting value key images 221, a confirmation key image 223 in which a “confirmation” character is represented, and a “cancel” character are represented. A cancel key image 224.

  Tabs 212A and 213A form a small group, tabs 214A and 215A form a small group, tabs 216A and 217A form a small group, and tabs 218A and 219A form a small group. The tabs 212A and 213A are larger in size than the tabs 214A and 215A. The tabs 214A and 215A are larger in size than the tabs 216A and 217A. The tabs 216A and 217A are larger in size than the tabs 218A and 219A.

  Also, the setting item identification information “A3W X” on the tab 212A is displayed with a different line thickness from the setting item identification information on each of the other tabs 213 to 219, and the setting item of the setting item identification information “A3W X” is processed. Indicates that the item is selected. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the setting value “432.0” is set in the setting item of the setting item identification information “A3W X”.

  Each of the one or more setting item identification information (item information) included in the input screen 211A in the modification is the same as the setting item identification information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. The size is displayed in a display mode, and the corresponding setting item is displayed in a display mode having a different size from the setting item identification information of the setting item classified into another small group. Therefore, setting items can be switched on the input screen 261. In addition, since the size of multiple setting item identification information (item information) classified into the same small group is the same, if related setting items are classified into the same small group, setting values are set for the related multiple setting items. Is easy to operate.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 100 has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the MFP 100 is configured to execute the processes illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 12, 15, and 16. It goes without saying that the invention can be understood as a method or a setting program for causing the CPU 101 that controls the MFP 100 to execute the setting information.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP, 11 setting part, 13 setting screen selection part, 15 setting screen display part, 17 item setting part, 19 setting item selection part, 31 input reception part, 33 setting item acquisition part, 35 input screen display part, 37 item selection Section, 39 set value reception section, 41 item information display section, 43 soft keyboard display section, 51 identical screen item extraction section, 53 identical function item extraction section, 55 lower hierarchy item extraction section, 57 isotopic hierarchy item extraction section, 59 mode Switching unit, 71 processing execution unit, 110 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD, 116 facsimile unit, 117 external storage device, 118 CD-ROM, 120 automatic document feeder , 130 Document reading unit, 140 Image forming unit, 150 Paper feeding unit, 160 Operation panel, 161 Display control unit, 163 RAM, 165 LCD, 167 input control unit, 169 touch panel, 170 hard key portion, 171 a keyboard calling key, 173 a start key, 201,231 setting screen, 211,211A, 241,261 input screen.

Claims (16)

Processing execution means for executing processing;
A plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing; classifying items into a plurality of small groups;
A setting screen for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting one or more setting items selected from the plurality of setting items as setting targets and setting a setting value for each of the one or more setting items selected as the setting targets Storage means;
Setting screen display means for displaying a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens;
An input screen that is different from the plurality of setting screens and includes one or more item information each indicating one or more predetermined setting items from the plurality of setting items, and a plurality of input key images. An input screen display means for superimposing and displaying on the displayed setting screen,
The input screen display means displays each of the one or more item information included in the input screen in the same display form as the item information of the setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. An image forming apparatus for displaying and displaying in a display mode different from item information of setting items classified into a small group in which a corresponding setting item is classified and another small group.   The input screen display means displays an input screen including one or more item information respectively indicating one or more setting items to be set on the displayed setting screen among the plurality of setting items. The image forming apparatus described. The plurality of small groups are classified into one of a plurality of large groups,
A designated item selecting means for selecting, as a designated item, one setting item designated by the user from one or more setting items to be set on the displayed setting screen;
A related item extracting means for extracting one or more setting items included in a large group to which the specified item belongs among the plurality of setting items;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input screen display unit displays an input screen including a plurality of item information respectively indicating the designated item and the one or more extracted setting items. The setting screen storage means stores the plurality of setting screens in a hierarchical structure,
A lower screen extracting means for extracting all setting screens related to the selection screen as lower screens in a hierarchy lower than the hierarchy to which the selection screen selected from the plurality of setting screens belongs;
Among one or more setting items to be set on each of the displayed selection screen and the extracted lower screen, a value input as a setting value is set to a value that can be input with the plurality of input key images. A setting item extracting means for extracting a plurality of setting items as values,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input screen display unit displays an input screen including a plurality of item information respectively indicating the plurality of extracted setting items. Processing execution means for executing processing;
One or more setting items selected from among a plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing are set as setting targets, and each of the one or more setting target items selected as the setting targets Setting screen storage means for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting the setting values;
The setting screen storage means stores the plurality of setting screens in a hierarchical structure,
A setting screen display means for displaying a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens as a selection screen;
A peer screen extraction means for extracting, as a peer screen, a setting screen associated with the selection screen associated with the selection screen in a hierarchy one level higher than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs;
A lower screen extracting means for extracting a setting screen associated with each of the selection screen and the peer screen as a lower screen in a hierarchy one level lower than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs;
The selection screen, from among one or more setting items to be set in each of the extracted isotopes screen and a lower screen, the value entered as a set value, setting the possible values for the input key images of multiple A setting item extracting means for extracting a plurality of setting items as values;
Classifying means for classifying the plurality of extracted setting items into a small group to be set on the selection screen and a small group to be set on the peer screen;
Wherein the plurality of setting screens a separate screen, the extracted plurality of setting items and a plurality of item information indicating each input screen including a plurality of input key images, the displayed selection screen An input screen display means for displaying in an overlapping manner,
The input screen display means displays each of the plurality of item information included in the input screen in the same display manner as the item information of the setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. And an image forming apparatus that displays in a display mode different from the item information of the setting items classified into the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group. Display means for displaying an image;
Position detecting means for detecting a position instructed by a user on the display surface of the display means,
The setting screen display means displays a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens on the display means,
The input screen display means displays the input screen on the display means,
Item information selection means for selecting one of the plurality of item information included in the displayed input screen;
Setting value receiving means for receiving, as a setting value of a setting item corresponding to the selected item information, a value determined by an input key image instructed by a user among the plurality of input key images included in the displayed input screen If further image forming equipment to claim 1 having a. A confirmation instruction accepting unit for accepting an instruction for confirming the setting value accepted by the setting value accepting unit;
The item information selection means, in response to the confirmation instruction is received, among the plurality of item information included in the displayed input screen, items information and that the confirmation instruction is selected in the time to be accepted is a separate item information, selects an item information setting items belonging to another small group is a small group setting item belongs corresponding to the item information which has been the selection, according to claim 6 Image forming apparatus. In a state where the first item information by the item information selection means is selected, if another second item information is selected, the previous SL setting items of the first item information of the second item information 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an erasing unit that erases a setting value corresponding to the setting item of the first item information when the setting item belongs to a small group different from the setting item. Provided separately from the position detection means, further comprising a display instruction receiving means for receiving a user display instruction,
The input screen display means displays the input screen on the display means in response to the display instruction being received by the display instruction receiving means in a state where the setting screen is displayed on the display means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.   The input screen display means detects a position in a predetermined region with respect to the displayed setting screen by the position detecting means in a state where the setting screen is displayed on the display means. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the input screen is displayed on the display unit according to the conditions.   Each of the one or more item information items included in the input screen has the same color as the item information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified, and the corresponding setting item is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the item information of the setting items classified into the classified small group and another small group is different in color.   Each of the one or more item information items included in the input screen has the same size as the item information of the setting item classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the item information and the size of the setting items classified into another small group differ from the classified small group. A setting method executed in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Processing execution means for executing processing;
A plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing; classifying items into a plurality of small groups;
A setting screen for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting one or more setting items selected from the plurality of setting items as setting targets and setting a setting value for each of the one or more setting items selected as the setting targets Storage means,
A setting screen display step for displaying a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens;
An input screen that is different from the plurality of setting screens and includes one or more item information each indicating one or more predetermined setting items from the plurality of setting items, and a plurality of input key images. And an input screen display step for superimposing and displaying on the displayed setting screen,
In the input screen display step, each of the one or more item information included in the input screen is displayed in the same display mode as the item information of the setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. Steps to display;
Displaying each of the one or more item information included in the input screen in a display mode different from the item information of the setting item classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group; Setting method including. A setting method executed in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Processing execution means for executing processing;
One or more setting items selected from among a plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing are set as setting targets, and each of the one or more setting target items selected as the setting targets Setting screen storage means for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting setting values,
The setting screen storage means stores the plurality of setting screens in a hierarchical structure,
A setting screen display step for displaying a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens as a selection screen;
A peer screen extraction step for extracting, as a peer screen, a setting screen associated with the selection screen associated with the selection screen in a hierarchy one level higher than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs;
A lower screen extraction step of extracting a setting screen associated with each of the selection screen and the peer screen as a lower screen in a hierarchy one level lower than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs;
The selection screen, from among one or more setting items to be set in each of the extracted isotopes screen and a lower screen, the value entered as a set value, setting the possible values for the input key images of multiple A setting item extraction step for extracting a plurality of setting items as values;
A step of classifying the plurality of extracted setting items into a small group to be set on the selection screen and a small group to be set on the peer screen;
Wherein the plurality of setting screens a separate screen, the extracted plurality of setting items and a plurality of item information indicating each input screen including a plurality of input key images, the displayed selection screen Including an input screen display step for superimposing and displaying,
In the input screen display step, each of the one or more item information included in the input screen is displayed in the same display mode as the item information of the setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. Steps to display;
Displaying each of the one or more item information included in the input screen in a display mode different from the item information of the setting item classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group; Setting method including. A setting program executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Processing execution means for executing processing;
A plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing; classifying items into a plurality of small groups;
A setting screen for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting one or more setting items selected from the plurality of setting items as setting targets and setting a setting value for each of the one or more setting items selected as the setting targets Storage means,
A setting screen display step for displaying a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens;
An input screen that is different from the plurality of setting screens and includes one or more item information each indicating one or more predetermined setting items from the plurality of setting items, and a plurality of input key images. , Causing the computer to execute an input screen display step of superimposing and displaying on the displayed setting screen,
In the input screen display step, each of the one or more item information included in the input screen is displayed in the same display mode as the item information of the setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. Steps to display;
Displaying each of the one or more item information included in the input screen in a display mode different from the item information of the setting item classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group; Including setting program. A setting program executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Processing execution means for executing processing;
One or more setting items selected from among a plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing are set as setting targets, and each of the one or more setting target items selected as the setting targets Setting screen storage means for storing a plurality of setting screens for setting setting values,
The setting screen storage means stores the plurality of setting screens in a hierarchical structure,
A setting screen display step for displaying a setting screen selected from the plurality of setting screens as a selection screen;
A peer screen extraction step for extracting, as a peer screen, a setting screen associated with the selection screen associated with the selection screen in a hierarchy one level higher than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs;
A lower screen extraction step of extracting a setting screen associated with each of the selection screen and the peer screen as a lower screen in a hierarchy one level lower than the hierarchy to which the selection screen belongs;
The selection screen, from among one or more setting items to be set in each of the extracted isotopes screen and a lower screen, the value entered as a set value, setting the possible values for the input key images of multiple A setting item extraction step for extracting a plurality of setting items as values;
A step of classifying the plurality of extracted setting items into a small group to be set on the selection screen and a small group to be set on the peer screen;
Wherein the plurality of setting screens a separate screen, the extracted plurality of setting items and a plurality of item information indicating each input screen including a plurality of input key images, the displayed selection screen Causing the computer to execute an input screen display step of superimposing and displaying,
In the input screen display step, each of the one or more item information included in the input screen is displayed in the same display mode as the item information of the setting items classified into the same small group as the small group into which the corresponding setting item is classified. Steps to display;
Displaying each of the one or more item information included in the input screen in a display mode different from the item information of the setting item classified into a small group in which the corresponding setting item is classified and another small group; Including setting program.

Images