JP5799861B2 - Function setting device and control program for function setting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a function setting device and a control program for the function setting device.

  For example, a function setting screen in an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a copy function, a printer function, and a scan function has a tree-like hierarchical structure, and is set by moving from an upper hierarchy to a lower hierarchy for each function setting. When setting another function, even if the target function setting screen belongs to the same layer, it must be moved through the upper layer, which is cumbersome and troublesome. Have.

  On the other hand, in an electronic device (portable information processing device) having a plurality of functions, by controlling the display mode at the time of screen switching based on the hierarchical relationship between the hierarchy to which one function belongs and the hierarchy to which another function belongs A technique for easily grasping an operation state or a selection state visually and improving operability has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in electronic devices and image processing apparatuses (image forming apparatuses), a technique for accurately transmitting preview information and function setting information required by the user to the user has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .

JP 2000-347778 A JP 2011-164835 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the display mode at the time of switching the screen is to rotate the function wheel so that one display screen pushes the other display screen upward or downward on the display screen. The display screen is switched with a simple image, and the above problem based on the function setting screen having a tree-like hierarchical structure cannot be avoided. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, the items in the function setting menu are displayed so as to be sucroseable in the vertical direction, so that the items hidden and displayed in the vertical direction can be touch-operated (scroll operation) or gesture operation ( The image can be displayed by flicking up and down and back), and the above problem cannot be avoided as in the technique described in Patent Document 1.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems associated with the above-described conventional technology. Even if the function setting screen has a tree-like hierarchical structure, the function setting operation is simple and excellent in convenience. It is an object to provide a control program for a device and a function setting device.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) It has a plurality of function setting screens configured by a tree-like hierarchical structure, and the function setting screen is switched to a function setting screen directly above that belongs to a higher hierarchy by a pressing operation of the first button by the user. Also, a function setting device having a touch panel that can be switched to a function setting screen directly below that belongs to a lower hierarchy by pressing the second button,
Based on an instruction by the user's finger movement operation in the first direction on the touch panel, the function setting screen is set to another function setting belonging to the same layer without going through the immediately upper function setting screen belonging to the upper layer. A first screen switching unit for directly switching to a screen ;
Based on the instruction from the second direction of the moving operation of the user's finger on the touch panel, the function setting screen, possess a second screen selector for switching the function setting screen immediately above belonging to the upper hierarchy, and
The first direction and the second direction are different,
The movement operation in the first direction and the movement operation in the second direction include a flick operation,
The second screen switching unit switches the function setting screen directly to a function setting screen belonging to the highest hierarchy when the strength of the movement operation in the second direction exceeds a threshold value. .

( 2 ) The function setting screens belonging to the same hierarchy have a difference in relevance,
The function setting device according to ( 1 ), wherein the first screen switching unit prioritizes a highly relevant function setting screen as another function setting screen belonging to the same hierarchy.

( 3 ) The function setting device according to ( 2 ), wherein the strength of the movement operation in the second direction is based on a movement distance in the second direction.

( 4 ) The setting item on the function setting screen includes the details of the setting item on the function setting screen immediately above that belongs to the upper hierarchy, (1) to ( 3 ) above Function setting device.

( 5 ) Said 1st button and said 2nd button are comprised from the virtual button arrange | positioned on the said touch panel, or the physical button arrange | positioned adjacent to the said touch panel, The said (1)-(characteristics) characterized by the above-mentioned. The function setting device according to any one of 4 ).

( 6 ) It further has a storage device for storing the setting items of the function setting screen that is the screen switching source,
Another function setting screen switched directly by the first screen switching unit inherits at least a part of the setting items stored in the storage device as a default, (1) to ( 5 ) above The function setting device according to any one of the above.

( 7 ) The function setting device according to any one of (1) to ( 6 ), wherein the function relating to the function setting screen includes a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function.

( 8 ) It has a plurality of function setting screens configured by a tree-like hierarchical structure, and the function setting screen is switched to a function setting screen immediately above that belongs to a higher hierarchy by a pressing operation of the first button by the user. And a control program for a function setting device having a touch panel displayed by switching to a function setting screen directly below that belongs to a lower hierarchy by pressing the second button.
Based on an instruction by the user's finger movement operation in the first direction on the touch panel, the function setting screen is set to another function setting belonging to the same layer without going through the immediately upper function setting screen belonging to the upper layer. A first screen switching procedure for switching directly to the screen ;
A second screen switching procedure for switching the function setting screen to an immediately higher function setting screen belonging to an upper hierarchy based on an instruction by a user's finger movement operation in the second direction on the touch panel. Causing the function setting device to execute ,
The first direction and the second direction are different,
The movement operation in the first direction and the movement operation in the second direction include a flick operation,
In the second screen switching procedure, if the strength of the movement operation in the second direction exceeds a threshold value, the function setting screen is directly switched to a function setting screen belonging to the highest hierarchy. program.

( 9 ) The function setting screens belonging to the same hierarchy have a difference in relevance,
In the first screen switching procedure, a highly relevant function setting screen is given priority as another function setting screen belonging to the same hierarchy. The control program according to ( 8 ) above,

( 10 ) The control program according to ( 9 ), wherein the intensity of the movement operation in the second direction is based on a movement distance in the second direction.

( 11 ) The setting item on the function setting screen is made up of the details of the setting item on the function setting screen immediately above that belongs to the upper hierarchy, ( 8 ) to ( 10 ) above Control program.

( 12 ) The above-mentioned ( 8 ) to ( 8 ), wherein the first button and the second button are composed of virtual buttons arranged on the touch panel or physical buttons arranged adjacent to the touch panel. The control program according to any one of 11 ).

( 13 ) The process further includes a storage procedure for storing the setting items of the function setting screen which is the screen switching source in the storage device,
Another function setting screen switched directly in the first screen switching procedure inherits at least a part of the setting items stored in the storage device as a default, ( 8 ) to ( 12 ) above The control program according to any one of the above.

( 14 ) The control program according to any one of ( 8 ) to ( 13 ), wherein the function relating to the function setting screen includes a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function.

According to the function setting device and the control program for the function setting device according to the present invention, the function setting screen belonging to a plurality of function setting screens configured by a tree-like hierarchical structure is changed to the function setting screen immediately above belonging to the higher hierarchy. It is possible to directly switch to another function setting screen belonging to the same hierarchy without going through. That is, it is not necessary to shift to the function setting screen after returning to the upper layer once as in the prior art, and it is excellent in convenience. Further, since the screen switching is based on an instruction by a moving operation in the first direction including a flick operation of a user's finger on the touch panel, the operation is simple. Furthermore, the function setting screen can be directly switched to the function setting screen belonging to the highest hierarchy. At this time, the screen switching is performed when the strength of the movement operation in the second direction exceeds a threshold based on an instruction by the movement operation in the second direction that is a flick operation of the user's finger on the touch panel, which is different from the first direction. Executed. Therefore, even if the function setting screen has a tree-like hierarchical structure, it is possible to provide a function setting device and a function setting device control program that are easy and convenient for function setting operations.

It is a side view for demonstrating the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the hierarchical structure of the function setting screen displayed on the 2nd operation panel shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the display screen of the primary hierarchy shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the display screen of the secondary hierarchy shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a display screen of a COPY paper setting group in the tertiary hierarchy shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a display screen of a COPY image quality setting group in the tertiary hierarchy shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a display screen of a SCAN paper setting group in the tertiary hierarchy shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a display screen of a SCAN image quality setting group in the tertiary hierarchy shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a display screen of a FAX paper setting group in the tertiary hierarchy shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a display screen of a FAX image quality setting group in the tertiary hierarchy shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of screen switching of a function setting screen by a first flick operation related to a function setting program installed in the HDD shown in FIG. 2. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating another example of the screen switching of the function setting screen by the 1st flick operation concerning the function setting program installed in HDD shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating another example of the screen switching of the function setting screen by the 1st flick operation concerning the function setting program installed in HDD shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating an example of the screen switching of the function setting screen by the 2nd flick operation concerning the function setting program installed in HDD shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating an example of the screen switching of the function setting screen by the 3rd flick operation concerning the function setting program installed in HDD shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation related to a function setting program installed in the HDD shown in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement following FIG. 17A.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 are a side view and a block diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an MFP having a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function, and includes a control unit 110, an image reading unit 120, a print unit 125, a first operation panel 130, and a second operation. A panel 135 and a paper tray unit 140 are provided.

  The control unit 110 is a controller that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The image reading unit 120 includes, for example, a scanner including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor for generating image data (scan data) from a document placed on a document table.

  The printing unit 125 has an engine that forms (transfers) an image on a sheet of recording medium using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic process including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes. Then, the command / status communication with the control unit 110 is executed, the image data from the control unit 110 is received and printed, and the paper on which the image is formed is discharged. Printing (image formation) is not limited to a form using an electrophotographic process, and for example, an impact method, a thermal transfer method, and an ink jet method can be applied as appropriate.

  The first operation panel 130 has a touch panel and a keyboard. The touch panel serves as both an input device used for a user to give various instructions (inputs) and an output device used for presenting machine status information to the user. The machine status information includes, for example, a device configuration, a print job progress status, an error occurrence status, and a currently changeable setting. The keyboard is a second input device used for a user to input various instructions (inputs) such as character input, various settings, and start instructions. For example, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, etc., and an instruction to start an operation. And a plurality of keys including a stop key for instructing to stop the operation.

  The second operation panel 135 includes a tablet computer having a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) function, and has a touch panel used to assist the first operation panel 130 and display a function setting screen. The OS (operating system) of the tablet computer is, for example, iOS, Android (registered trademark), or Microsoft Windows (registered trademark).

  The paper tray unit 140 is used to store (store) paper on which an image is formed, and includes a paper feed tray and a manual feed tray. The manual feed tray is provided to meet various user needs for paper, and for example, paper that is not stored in the paper feed tray is stacked.

  Note that the second operation panel 135 is not limited to a tablet computer, and a dedicated device, a mobile phone with a touch panel incorporated therein, or a smartphone can be applied as appropriate. If necessary, the second operation panel 135 can be omitted, and the function of the second operation panel 135 can be incorporated into the first operation panel 130.

  Next, the controller 110 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, HDD 114, LAN interface 115, USB interface 116, FAX communication unit 117, and image processing units 118 and 119.

  The CPU 111 is a control circuit configured by a microprocessor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program. Each function of the image forming apparatus 100 is executed by the CPU 111 corresponding to the control program. It is demonstrated by.

  The RAM 112 is a high-speed random access storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The ROM 113 is a read-only storage device that stores various processing programs (for example, a control program for the CPU 111). The stored program is read as necessary by the CPU 111 and executed on the RAM 112.

  The HDD 114 is a large-capacity magnetic disk device that stores various control programs and various data. The stored program is read as necessary by the CPU 111 and executed on the RAM 112. The HDD 114 is used, for example, when storing data for a longer period than the RAM 112. The stored data includes various arithmetic processing results, image data transferred from the image reading unit 120, image data transferred via the LAN interface 115 and the USB interface 116, and the like. Note that the control program installed (stored) in the HDD 1114 includes a function setting program described later.

  If necessary, a part of programs and data stored in the HDD 114 can be stored in the ROM 113, and a part of programs and data stored in the ROM 113 can be stored in the HDD 114. Further, instead of the HDD 114, a large-capacity semiconductor memory can be applied, or the HDD 114 can be omitted as appropriate.

  The LAN interface 115 is a communication unit including a so-called LAN board, and is an expansion device that is connected to the second operation panel 135 via a network and adds a communication function for executing data transmission / reception. The network is constructed in a wireless LAN ad hoc mode, and is directly wirelessly connected to the second operation panel 135. It is also possible to apply an infrastructure mode in which connection is made via an access point. In this case, the LAN interface 115 is connected to the access point. The network protocol is, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The USB interface 116 is an input / output device that communicates with a device (peripheral device) conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The device is, for example, a USB memory, and is used for storing scan data from the image forming apparatus 100 and printing a stored file by the image forming apparatus 100.

  The FAX communication unit 117 is a so-called FAX modem, and is used to execute transmission / reception of image data using a protocol such as G3 FAX (Group 3 Facsimile) with other facsimile terminals via a telephone line. Is done.

  The image processing units 118 and 119 include, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The image processing unit 118 performs image processing on the scan data from the image reading unit 120 and transfers the generated image data to the CPU 111. The image processing unit 119 performs image processing on the print job from the CPU 111 and generates the generated image data. Data is transferred to the printing unit 125. For example, the image processing related to the image processing unit 118 is A / D conversion, shading correction, filter processing, and image compression processing, and the image processing related to the image processing unit 119 transfers image data included in the print job to the printing unit 125. This is RIP processing (Raster Image Processing) for converting to raster image data used in FIG. The image processing units 118 and 119 are not limited to a configuration configured by a dedicated hardware circuit, and perform their functions by executing a program in a control circuit including a microprocessor or the like that executes various arithmetic processes. It is also possible to make it.

  Note that the connection with the second operation panel 135 is not limited to a form using a wireless LAN, but other wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) using a 2.4 GHz band radio wave, a wired LAN, a USB, etc. It is also possible to apply a wired connection such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 and IEEE 1284.

  Next, a function setting screen displayed on the second operation panel will be described.

  3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the hierarchical structure of the function setting screen displayed on the second operation panel shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is for explaining the display screen of the primary hierarchy shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the display screen of the secondary hierarchy shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are shown in FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining display screens of a COPY paper setting group, a COPY image quality setting group, a SCAN paper setting group, a SCAN image quality setting group, a FAX paper setting group, and a FAX image quality setting group in the third layer.

  The function setting screen on the second operation panel 135 is configured by a tree-like hierarchical structure. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the highest hierarchy, the primary hierarchy, the lowest hierarchy, and so on. It has a tertiary hierarchy that is a hierarchy, a secondary hierarchy that is a middle hierarchy between the highest hierarchy and the lowest hierarchy, and is directly above the higher hierarchy when the user presses the first button. The screen is switched to the function setting screen, and is configured to be switched to the function setting screen immediately below that belongs to the lower hierarchy by pressing the second button. It should be noted that the function setting screen has hierarchy level information and can manage the hierarchy level of the displayed screen, thereby grasping in which hierarchy the function setting screen is switched. The function setting screen belonging to the lower hierarchy has group identification information for each set function in addition to the hierarchy level information.

  The function setting screen belonging to (positioned to) the primary hierarchy is a function selection screen for selecting a function whose setting is changed from the copy function, the scan function, and the facsimile function, and includes a top menu screen 150 shown in FIG. On the top menu screen 150, a COPY button 150A, a SCAN button 150B, and a FAX button 150C, which are selection buttons (second buttons) for proceeding to a function setting screen directly below the secondary hierarchy, are arranged.

  The function setting screen belonging to the secondary hierarchy is a detailed function selection screen that branches off from the top menu screen 150. As shown in FIG. 5, the COPY function selection screen 160 displayed by pressing the COPY button 150A, the SCAN button. It has a SCAN function selection screen 170 displayed by pressing 150B and a FAX function selection screen 180 displayed by pressing the FAX button 150C.

  The COPY function selection screen 160 is a selection button (second button) for one-sided / double-sided button 160A, a paper size button 160B, a magnification setting button 160C, an aggregation button 160D, which is a selection button (second button) for proceeding to the function setting screen immediately below the tertiary hierarchy. An image quality button 160E and a density button 160F, and a return button (first button) 160G for moving to the primary hierarchy (top menu screen 150) are arranged.

  The SCAN function selection screen 170 is a selection button (second button) that is a selection button (second button) for proceeding to the function setting screen directly below the tertiary hierarchy, a file format button 170B, a magnification setting button 170C, an aggregation button 170D, An image quality button 170E and a density button 170F, and a return button (first button) 170G for moving to the primary hierarchy (top menu screen 150) are arranged.

  A FAX function selection screen 180 is a selection button (second button) for proceeding to a function setting screen immediately below the tertiary hierarchy, that is, a single / double-sided button 180A, a magnification setting button 180C, an aggregation button 180D, an image quality button 180E, and a density. A button 180F and a return button (first button) 180G for moving to the primary hierarchy (top menu screen 150) are arranged.

  The function setting screens belonging to the tertiary hierarchy include detailed setting screens 161 to 163 and 166 to 168 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, detailed setting screens 171 to 173 and 176 to 178 branched from the SCAN function selection screen 170, and a FAX function. There are detailed setting screens 181, 182 and 186 to 188 branched from the selection screen 180, and the setting items are details of setting items on the function setting screen immediately above that belong to the upper hierarchy.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the detailed setting screens 161-163 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160 are demonstrated.

  The detailed setting screen 161 is an aggregation setting screen displayed by pressing the aggregation button 160D, and moves to a setting button for selecting 2in1 or 4in1 and a COPY function selection screen 160 directly above the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 161G is provided. 2in1 is a setting for outputting on one sheet every two originals, and 4in1 is a setting for outputting on one sheet for every four originals.

  The detailed setting screen 162 is a paper setting screen displayed by pressing the paper size button 160B, and designates a paper feed tray or a manual feed tray of the paper tray unit 140 in which a paper of a desired size is accommodated (arranged). There are arranged a setting button for performing and a return button (first button) 162G for moving to the COPY function selection screen 160 directly above the secondary hierarchy.

  The detailed setting screen 163 is a single-sided / double-sided setting screen displayed by pressing the single-sided / double-sided button 160A. The detailed setting screen 163 is a setting button for selecting a print mode and the COPY function selection screen 160 directly above the secondary layer. A return button (first button) 163G for moving to is arranged. The printing mode is a single-sided / single-sided mode in which an image formed on one side of one original is printed on one side of one sheet of paper, and an image formed on one side of two originals is provided on both sides of one sheet of paper. Single-sided printing → double-sided mode Images printed on both sides of a single document are printed on both sides of two sheets of paper → single-sided mode and images formed on both sides of a single document are printed on one sheet of paper This is a double-sided to double-sided mode for printing on both sides.

  Next, detailed setting screens 166 to 168 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The detailed setting screen 166 is an image quality setting screen displayed by pressing the image quality button 160E, and belongs to a secondary layer and a setting button for designating the document image quality in order to execute processing according to the document image quality. A return button (first button) 166G for moving to the COPY function selection screen 160 directly above is arranged. The document image quality is classified into characters, photos, and characters / photos.

  The detailed setting screen 167 is a density setting screen displayed by pressing the density button 160F, and moves to a setting button for setting a desired density and a COPY function selection screen 160 directly above the secondary hierarchy. For this purpose, a return button (first button) 167G is arranged.

  The detailed setting screen 168 is a magnification setting screen displayed by pressing the magnification setting button 160C, a setting button for arbitrarily setting the output magnification, a button for automatically setting the output magnification, and a secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 168G for moving to the COPY function selection screen 160 directly above is arranged.

  The aggregation setting screen 161, the paper setting screen 162, and the single-side / double-side setting screen 163 are referred to in the paper setting group, and the image quality setting screen 166, the density setting screen 167, and the magnification setting screen 168 are referred to in the image quality setting group. Is done.

  Next, detailed setting screens 171 to 173 branched from the SCAN function selection screen 170 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The detailed setting screen 171 is an aggregation setting screen displayed by pressing the aggregation button 170D, and has a configuration that substantially matches the aggregation setting screen 161 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, and is directly above the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 171G for moving to the SCAN function selection screen 170 is arranged.

  The detailed setting screen 172 is a file format setting screen displayed by pressing the file format button 170B, and moves to the setting button for selecting the file format and the SCAN function selection screen 170 directly above the secondary layer. A return button (first button) 172G for performing is arranged. The file formats are PDF (Portable Document Format), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group).

  The file format is not limited to the above format. For example, GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), BMP (Bitmap), PNG (Portable Network Graphics), Microsoft (registered trademark) Word document format, Microsoft Registered Excel document, A Microsoft PowerPoint (registered trademark) document format can be applied as appropriate. Note that the Microsoft (registered trademark) Word document format, the Microsoft Excel (registered trademark) document format, and the Microsoft PowerPoint (registered trademark) document format are created by adding text information by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing, for example.

  The detailed setting screen 173 is a single-sided / double-sided setting screen displayed by pressing the single-sided / double-sided button 170A, and has a configuration that substantially matches the single-sided / double-sided setting screen 161 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160. A return button (first button) 173G for moving to the immediately above SCAN function selection screen 170 belonging to the secondary hierarchy is arranged.

  Next, detailed setting screens 176 to 178 branched from the SCAN function selection screen 170 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The detailed ability setting screen 176 is an image quality setting screen displayed by pressing the image quality button 170E, and has a configuration that substantially matches the image quality setting screen 166 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, and belongs to the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 176G for moving to the immediately above SCAN function selection screen 170 is arranged.

  The detailed setting screen 177 is a density setting screen displayed by pressing the density button 170F, and has a configuration that substantially matches the density setting screen 167 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, and is directly above the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 177G for moving to the SCAN function selection screen 170 is arranged.

  The detailed setting screen 178 is a magnification setting screen displayed by pressing the magnification setting button 170C, and has a configuration that substantially matches the magnification setting screen 168 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, and belongs to the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 178G for moving to the SCAN function selection screen 170 immediately above is arranged.

  Next, the detailed setting screens 181 and 182 branched from the FAX function selection screen 180 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The detailed setting screen 181 is an aggregation setting screen displayed by pressing the aggregation button 180D, and has a configuration that substantially matches the aggregation setting screen 161 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, and is directly above the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 181G for moving to the FAX function selection screen 180 is arranged. .

  The detailed setting screen 182 is a single-sided / double-sided setting screen displayed by pressing the single-sided / double-sided button 180A, and has a configuration that substantially matches the single-sided / double-sided setting screen 161 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160. A return button (first button) 183G for moving to the immediately higher FAX function selection screen 180 belonging to the secondary hierarchy is arranged.

  Next, detailed setting screens 186 to 188 branched from the FAX function selection screen 180 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The detailed setting screen 186 is an image quality setting screen that is displayed by pressing the image quality button 180E, and has a configuration that substantially matches the image quality setting screen 166 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, and is directly above the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 186G for moving to the FAX function selection screen 180 is arranged.

  The detailed setting screen 187 is a density setting screen displayed by pressing the density button 180F, and has a configuration that substantially matches the density setting screen 167 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, and is directly above the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 187G for moving to the FAX function selection screen 180 is arranged.

  The detailed setting screen 188 is a magnification setting screen displayed by pressing the magnification setting button 180C, and has a configuration that substantially matches the magnification setting screen 168 branched from the COPY function selection screen 160, and belongs to the secondary hierarchy. A return button (first button) 188G for moving to the immediately higher FAX function selection screen 180 is arranged.

  The function setting screen on the second operation panel has a tree-like hierarchical structure as described above, and the function setting screen belonging to the primary hierarchy is for moving to the function setting screen directly below the secondary hierarchy. The function setting screen of the secondary layer has a button for moving to the function setting screen of the immediately lower tertiary layer belonging to the tertiary layer, and for returning to the function setting screen immediately above belonging to the primary layer. The function setting screen belonging to the tertiary hierarchy has a button for returning to the function setting screen immediately above belonging to the secondary hierarchy. Accordingly, the menu item (button) on the function setting screen of the primary layer and the menu item (button) on the function setting screen of the secondary layer are sequentially selected to advance to the function setting screen (detailed setting screen) of the tertiary layer. In addition, when moving to the function setting screen of the same hierarchy, it is necessary to go through a higher hierarchy. The function setting screen on the second operation panel 135 is not limited to three layers, and may be two layers or four or more layers as necessary. Further, the classification and subdivision of the function (operation) items of the MFP can be changed as appropriate.

  Next, the function setting program will be described.

  12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are examples of screen switching of the function setting screen by the first flick operation related to the function setting program installed in the HDD shown in FIG. Another example of screen switching of the function setting screen by the button, yet another example of screen switching of the function setting screen by the first flick operation, an example of screen switching of the function setting screen by the second flick operation, and function setting by the third flick operation It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating an example of the screen switching of a screen.

  The function setting program has a function of quickly executing movement between function setting screens (screen switching of function setting screens), and the screen switching is based on an instruction by a user's finger moving operation on the second operation panel 135. Therefore, operation is easy.

  In the present embodiment, the user's finger movement operation is constituted by first to third flick operations that are configured by finger sliding (playing) operations. The first flick operation is a movement operation in the first direction (the left-right direction in the figure). The second flick operation is a movement operation in the second direction (vertical direction in the figure). The third flick operation is a movement operation in the second direction (vertical direction in the figure), and is different from the second flick operation in that the strength is large. The direction of the first to third flick operations is not limited to the above form.

  Specifically, when the first flick operation is executed on the function setting screen, the user directly moves to another function setting screen belonging to the same hierarchy (moves without going through the upper function setting screen belonging to the upper hierarchy). It is possible.

  If the function setting screens belonging to the same hierarchy have a difference in relevance, the function setting screen of the destination (the order in which the function setting screens are displayed) is the function setting screen selected first in order to improve operability. It is preferable to change according to (priority is given to a highly relevant function setting screen). Thereby, the number of screen switching (first flick operation) until a desired function setting screen is displayed can be minimized.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the first flick operation is detected on the aggregation setting screen 161 related to the COPY setting, the aggregation setting screen 161 is switched to the paper setting screen 162 (function setting screen of the COPY paper setting group). Is preferentially displayed). Then, by further repeating the first flick operation, the screen is switched in the order of the single-side / double-side setting screen 163, the magnification setting screen 168, the density setting screen 167, and the image quality setting screen 166, and finally the aggregation setting screen 161 is displayed. Will return.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the first flick operation is detected on the density setting screen 167 related to the COPY setting, the density setting screen 167 is switched to the image quality setting screen 166 (function setting of the COPY image quality setting group). Screen is displayed with priority). Further, by further repeating the first flick operation, the screen is switched in the order of the paper setting screen 162, the magnification setting screen 168, the single-side / double-side setting screen 163, and the aggregation setting screen 161, and finally the density setting screen 167 is displayed. Will return.

  The movement of the function setting screen by the first flick operation is not limited to the tertiary hierarchy, and can be applied to the secondary hierarchy as shown in FIG. In this case, the setting item related to the function setting screen selected first is preferably inherited by the setting item related to the function setting screen of the movement destination (used as a default value). It is possible to improve operability. The setting items are stored in the HDD 114, for example.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first flick operation is performed on the COPY function selection screen 160 in a state where single-sided / double-sided, paper size, and image quality are set on the lower detailed setting screen of the COPY function selection screen 160. If detected, the single-sided / double-sided reading setting and image quality setting related to the detailed setting screen below the SCAN function selection screen 170 and the FAX function selection screen 180 are inherited. Thereby, it is possible to save the trouble of setting again on the SCAN function selection screen 170 and the FAX function selection screen 180.

  It is preferable to distinguish inherited settings. For example, when the setting of single side / double side, paper size, and image quality is changed on the detailed setting screen at the lower level of the COPY function selection screen 160, the screen display color of the changed button is changed on the COPY function selection screen 160 of FIG. Different from other buttons. Then, on the SCAN function selection screen 170 switched by the first flick operation, the screen display color of the selection button (single / double-sided button and image quality button) corresponding to the setting inherited from the setting is made different from the other buttons. Similarly, on the FAX function selection screen 180, the color of the selection button (single / double-sided button and image quality button) corresponding to the setting inherited from the setting is made different from the other buttons.

  Inheritance of settings is not limited to the form of distinguishing according to the screen display color, and it is also possible to notify the user using sound or other methods.

  Next, the second flick operation and the third flick operation will be described in detail.

  The second flick operation is a moving operation in a second direction (vertical direction in the drawing) different from the first direction of the first flick operation. Specifically, when performing the second flick operation on the function setting screen, it is possible to move to the function setting screen immediately above that belongs to the upper hierarchy without operating the return button.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the second flick operation is detected on the aggregation setting screen 161 related to the COPY setting of the third hierarchy, the COPY function selection screen 160 immediately above the aggregation setting screen 161 belonging to the second hierarchy. Switches to. Then, by further repeating the third flick operation, the screen returns to the top menu screen 150 immediately above that belongs to the first hierarchy.

  The third flick operation is a movement operation in the second direction (vertical direction in the figure) and is different from the second flick operation in that the strength is large. Specifically, when the third flick operation is executed on the function setting screen, it is possible to move to the function setting screen immediately above that belongs to the highest hierarchy without operating the return button.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the third flick operation is detected on the aggregation setting screen 161 related to the COPY setting of the third hierarchy (detection that the intensity of the second flick operation exceeds the threshold), Without going through the COPY function selection screen 160 immediately above that belongs to the second layer, the aggregation setting screen 161 returns to the top menu screen 150 that belongs to the first layer. Accordingly, it is possible to instantaneously display the screen of the first hierarchy without performing the second flick operation twice.

  In the present embodiment, the strength is based on the moving distance in the second direction in the second flick operation, but is not particularly limited, and for example, a moving speed or a pressing force can be used.

  Next, operations related to the function setting program will be described.

  FIGS. 17A and 17B are flowcharts for explaining the operation related to the function setting program installed in the HDD shown in FIG. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B is stored in the HDD 114 as a function setting program, and is executed by the CPU 111.

  First, the user operates the second operation panel 210 to display a top menu screen (see FIG. 4) which is a function selection screen (function setting screen) belonging to the primary hierarchy (step S101). The presence or absence of pressing (touch) is detected (step S102).

  When pressing of the selection button on the top menu screen 150 is detected (step S102: Yes), a detailed function selection screen (function setting screen) immediately below that belongs to the secondary hierarchy according to the selection button for which the pressing has been detected (FIG. 5). Reference) is displayed (step S103).

  Next, whether or not the return button is pressed is detected (step S104). When pressing of the return button is detected (step S104: Yes), the execution order returns to step S101, and the top menu screen directly above the primary hierarchy is displayed.

  If the return button is not pressed (step S104: No), whether or not the selection button is pressed is detected (step S105). When the pressing of the selection button is detected (step S105: Yes), a detailed setting screen (function setting screen) (see FIGS. 6 to 11) directly below the tertiary hierarchy is displayed according to the selection button where the pressing is detected. It is displayed (step S106).

  Next, whether or not the return button is pressed is detected (step S107). If pressing of the return button is detected (step S107: Yes), the execution order returns to step S103, and the detailed function selection screen directly above the secondary hierarchy is displayed.

  When pressing of the return button is not detected (step S107: No), whether or not the setting button is pressed is detected (step S108). When the pressing of the setting button is detected (step S108: Yes), the setting content is stored in the HDD 114 (step S109), “1” is substituted for the flag Flag indicating whether the setting has been changed (step S110), and the execution order Returns to step S107, and the presence or absence of pressing of the return button is detected.

  In step S105, if the pressing of the selection button is not detected (No), the presence / absence of the second flick operation is detected (step S111). When the second flick operation is detected (step S111: Yes), the execution order returns to step S101, and the top menu screen directly above the primary hierarchy is displayed (see FIG. 15).

  When the second flick operation is not detected (step S111: No), the presence / absence of the first flick operation is detected (step S112). When the first flick operation is not detected (step S112: No), the execution order returns to step S104, and whether or not the return button is pressed is detected.

  When the first flick operation is detected (step S112: Yes), it is detected whether or not the flag Flag value indicating whether or not there is a setting change on the detailed setting screen immediately below the tertiary hierarchy is “1” ( Step S113). When it is detected that the value of the flag Flag is not “1” (step S113: No), the next detailed function selection screen belonging to the secondary hierarchy (same hierarchy) is displayed (see FIG. 14). Returning to S104, whether or not the return button is pressed is detected.

  When it is detected that the value of the flag Flag is “1” (step S113: Yes), the third layer is used to inherit the setting change to the setting item related to the detailed function selection screen of the movement destination by the first flick operation. The setting change content in the detailed setting screen immediately below the default setting screen is set as a default value (step S115). Then, the next detailed function selection screen of the movement destination is displayed (step S116). At this time, the inheritance of the setting is notified to the user by the screen display color (see FIG. 14). Thereafter, the execution order returns to step S104, and whether or not the return button is pressed is detected.

  In step S108, when the pressing of the setting button is not detected (No), the presence / absence of the second flick operation is detected (step S117).

  When the second flick operation is not detected (step S117: No), the presence / absence of the first flick operation is detected (step S118). When the first flick operation is not detected (step S118: No), the execution order returns to step S107, and whether or not the return button is pressed is detected. On the other hand, when the first flick operation is detected (step S118: Yes), after the next detailed function selection screen belonging to the secondary hierarchy (same hierarchy) is displayed (step S119), the execution order is changed to step S107. Return, the presence or absence of pressing of the return button is detected.

  If the second flick operation is detected in step S117 (Yes), the presence / absence of the third flick operation is detected (step S120). When the third flick operation is not detected (step S120: No), the execution order returns to step S103, and the detailed function selection screen directly above the secondary hierarchy is displayed (see FIG. 15).

  When the third flick operation is detected (step S120: Yes), the execution order returns to step S101, and the function selection belonging to the primary hierarchy is displayed without displaying the detailed function selection screen directly above the secondary hierarchy. A top menu screen, which is a screen, is displayed (see FIG. 16).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, function setting screens belonging to a plurality of function setting screens configured by a tree-like hierarchical structure can be transferred without passing through the immediately upper function setting screen belonging to a higher hierarchy. It is possible to directly switch to another function setting screen belonging to the same hierarchy. That is, it is not necessary to shift to the function setting screen after returning to the upper layer once as in the prior art, and it is excellent in convenience. Further, since the screen switching is based on an instruction by a flick operation (movement operation of the user's finger in the first direction) on the touch panel, the operation is simple. Therefore, even if the function setting screen has a tree-like hierarchical structure, it is possible to provide a function setting device that is simple and convenient for function setting and a control program (function setting program) for the function setting device. It is.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, a first button for switching to a function setting screen immediately above that belongs to an upper level and a second button for switching to a function setting screen immediately below that belongs to a lower level are virtual buttons arranged on the second operation panel. The configuration is not limited to the above, and it is also possible to configure from physical buttons arranged adjacent to the second operation panel.

  The means, method, and program according to the present invention can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. When the present invention is realized by a programmed image forming apparatus, programs for operating the image forming apparatus include an SD memory card, a USB memory, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)- It can be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a ROM, or can be provided online via a network such as the Internet regardless of the recording medium. In this case, the program is normally transmitted to and stored in a storage device such as a hard disk of the image forming apparatus. Further, the program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the image forming apparatus as one function of the image forming apparatus.

100 image forming apparatus,
110 control unit,
111 CPU,
112 RAM,
113 ROM,
114 HDD,
115 LAN interface,
116 USB interface,
117 FAX communication section,
118,119 image processing unit,
120 image reading unit,
125 print section,
130 first operation panel,
135 Second operation panel,
140 Paper tray section,
150 Top menu screen,
150A COPY button,
150B SCAN button,
150C FAX button,
160 COPY function selection screen,
160A single / double side button,
160B paper size button,
160C magnification setting button,
160D aggregation button,
160E Image quality button,
160F density button,
160G, 161G, 162G, 163G, 166G, 167G, 168G Back button,
161 Aggregation setting screen,
162 Paper setting screen,
163 Simplex / Duplex setting screen,
166 Image quality setting screen,
167 density setting screen,
168 magnification screen,
170 SCAN function selection screen,
170A single / double side button,
170B File format button,
170C magnification setting button,
170D aggregation button,
170E Image quality button,
170F density button,
170G, 171G, 172G, 173G, 176G, 177G, 178G Back button,
171 Aggregation setting screen,
172 File format setting screen,
173 Simplex / Duplex setting screen,
176 Image quality setting screen,
177 Density setting screen,
178 Magnification setting screen,
180 FAX function selection screen,
180A single / double side button,
180C magnification setting button,
180D aggregation button,
180E image quality button,
180F density button,
180G, 181G, 183G, 186G, 187G, 188G Back button,
181 Aggregation setting screen,
182 Simplex / Duplex setting screen,
186 Image quality setting screen,
187 density setting screen,
188 Scale setting screen.

Claims (14)

It has a plurality of function setting screens configured by a tree-like hierarchical structure, and the function setting screen is switched to a function setting screen immediately above belonging to a higher hierarchy by a pressing operation of the first button by the user, A function setting device having a touch panel that can be switched to a function setting screen directly below that belongs to a lower hierarchy by pressing the second button,
Based on an instruction by the user's finger movement operation in the first direction on the touch panel, the function setting screen is set to another function setting belonging to the same layer without going through the immediately upper function setting screen belonging to the upper layer. A first screen switching unit for directly switching to a screen ;
Based on the instruction from the second direction of the moving operation of the user's finger on the touch panel, the function setting screen, possess a second screen selector for switching the function setting screen immediately above belonging to the upper hierarchy, and
The first direction and the second direction are different,
The movement operation in the first direction and the movement operation in the second direction include a flick operation,
The second screen switching unit switches the function setting screen directly to a function setting screen belonging to the highest hierarchy when the strength of the movement operation in the second direction exceeds a threshold value. . The function setting screens belonging to the same hierarchy have a difference in relevance,
The function setting device according to claim 1 , wherein the first screen switching unit prioritizes a highly relevant function setting screen as another function setting screen belonging to the same hierarchy. It said intensity of operation of moving the second direction, function setting device according to claim 2, characterized in that based on the moving distance of the second direction. The function setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the setting items of the function setting screen include details of setting items of a function setting screen immediately above that belongs to an upper hierarchy. Said first button and said second button claim 1-4, characterized in that they are composed of physical buttons arranged in close to virtual buttons or the touch panel disposed on the touch panel 1 Function setting device according to item. It further has a storage device that stores the setting items of the function setting screen that is the screen switching source,
The first screen different function setting screen which is switched directly by the switching unit, at least a part of the setting items stored in the storage device, any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that inherit the default The function setting device according to item 1. Said function setting function according to the screen, the copy function, function setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it includes a scan function, and a facsimile function. It has a plurality of function setting screens configured by a tree-like hierarchical structure, and the function setting screen is switched to a function setting screen immediately above that belongs to a higher hierarchy by pressing the first button by the user. Also, a control program for a function setting device having a touch panel that is displayed by switching to a function setting screen directly below that belongs to a lower hierarchy by pressing the second button,
Based on an instruction by the user's finger movement operation in the first direction on the touch panel, the function setting screen is set to another function setting belonging to the same layer without going through the immediately upper function setting screen belonging to the upper layer. A first screen switching procedure for switching directly to the screen ;
A second screen switching procedure for switching the function setting screen to an immediately higher function setting screen belonging to an upper hierarchy based on an instruction by a user's finger movement operation in the second direction on the touch panel. Causing the function setting device to execute ,
The first direction and the second direction are different,
The movement operation in the first direction and the movement operation in the second direction include a flick operation,
In the second screen switching procedure, if the strength of the movement operation in the second direction exceeds a threshold value, the function setting screen is directly switched to a function setting screen belonging to the highest hierarchy. program. The function setting screens belonging to the same hierarchy have a difference in relevance,
The control program according to claim 8 , wherein in the first screen switching procedure, a highly relevant function setting screen is given priority as another function setting screen belonging to the same hierarchy. The control program according to claim 9 , wherein the intensity of the movement operation in the second direction is based on a movement distance in the second direction. The control program according to any one of claims 8 to 10 , wherein the setting items of the function setting screen include details of setting items of the immediately above function setting screen belonging to a higher hierarchy. Wherein the first button and the second button, any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that they are composed of physical buttons arranged in close to virtual buttons or the touch panel disposed on the touch panel 1 The control program according to item. The processing further includes a storage procedure for storing the setting items of the function setting screen as a screen switching source in a storage device,
The first screen Another function setting screen is switched directly in the switching procedure, at least a portion of the setting items stored in the storage device, any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the inherited default The control program according to item 1. The control program according to any one of claims 8 to 13 , wherein the function relating to the function setting screen includes a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function.