JP5821600B2 - 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. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that executes processing according to a setting value, and a setting method and a setting program that are executed by the image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, a soft keyboard is used as a user interface in an image forming apparatus represented by a multifunction peripheral (MFP). 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.

  On the other hand, in order to operate the MFP, there is a setting screen for setting the setting value of the processing condition, and the setting screen has a setting area for displaying the setting value for the processing condition. When the soft keyboard is displayed on the setting screen, a part of the setting screen is hidden by the soft keyboard and cannot be seen. In particular, when the setting area and the soft keyboard overlap, the value displayed in the setting area is hidden by the soft keyboard, and it cannot be confirmed whether a correct value has been input.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-220047 (Patent Document 1) describes a technique for simultaneously displaying two images by changing one of the display modes when the two images overlap. However, since the value displayed on the soft keyboard is the same as the value displayed in the setting area, it is difficult to distinguish between the two values by simply changing the display mode when the two values overlap. It becomes difficult.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-514181 (Patent Document 2) describes a technique for changing the position of each image so that the two images do not overlap when the two images overlap. Has been. When the soft keyboard and the setting area overlap, it is preferable to change the position of the setting area in the setting screen for convenience of operation, and it is preferable to change the position of the soft keyboard. However, when there are a plurality of setting areas on the setting screen, it is difficult to determine a position where the soft keyboard does not overlap the setting area.

On the other hand, if the user can change the position of the soft keyboard in the setting screen, the user can freely change the portion of the setting screen that overlaps the soft keyboard, so the user can change the entire setting screen. Can be confirmed. However, if the position of the soft keyboard is changed while a value is being entered in the setting screen in a state where the soft keyboard does not overlap the setting area, the setting area where the value has been entered until then is changed to the soft keyboard. May overlap. In this case, if the value input to the soft keyboard is set, the set value cannot be confirmed, which may cause an erroneous input.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-220047 JP 2007-514181 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to display a setting value even when a screen for inputting a setting value is displayed. An image forming apparatus is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a setting method capable of displaying a setting value even when a screen for inputting the setting value is displayed.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a setting program capable of displaying a setting value even when a screen for inputting the setting value is displayed.

According to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the above-described object, an image forming apparatus includes a processing execution unit that executes processing, and a setting screen for setting processing conditions for the processing execution unit to execute processing A setting screen display means for displaying a setting screen including a setting area for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying a processing condition, and a screen different from the setting screen. Input screen display means for displaying the input screen including the input key superimposed on the displayed setting screen, position changing means for changing the position where the input screen is displayed in the displayed setting screen, and setting for the setting item A state switching means for switching between an input state in which a value can be input and an incapable state in which input is possible, and an input key instructed by a user among a plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen Setting value receiving means for receiving a value determined more as a setting value for the setting item switched to the input state by the state switching means, and the state switching means is an input after the position to be displayed is changed by the position changing means. If the screen overlaps the setting area corresponding to the setting item that has been switched to the input state before the position for displaying the input screen is changed by the position changing means, the setting value for the setting item cannot be input. When the canceling means for switching and the setting screen include a plurality of setting areas, after the setting item that has been switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items is switched to the disabled state by the canceling means, a plurality of settings Before any of the items is switched to the input state, one of the plurality of input keys included in the input screen is instructed by the user. And Flip, including a warning means for warning, the.

  According to this aspect, a setting screen including a setting area for displaying a setting value set for the setting item for specifying the processing condition is displayed, and the input screen after the display position is changed is changed to the input screen. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item that has been switched to the input state before the display position is changed, the setting item is switched to the disabled state. For this reason, when the setting area overlaps the input screen, even if multiple input keys are instructed, the setting value is not input to the setting item, so the input setting value is displayed in the setting area. Only the setting value is set. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying a set value even when a screen for inputting the set value is displayed.

In addition , after the setting item that has been switched to the input state is switched to the disabled state, before any of the plurality of setting items is switched to the input state, any of the plurality of input keys is set by the user. Warn in response to instructions. For this reason, the user can be prompted to perform an operation of switching any one of the plurality of setting items to the input state.
Preferably, when the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the state switching unit has switched the input screen after the position displayed by the position changing unit is changed to the input state among the plurality of setting items. A restriction unit that determines a candidate item that can be switched to an input state from among a plurality of setting items when overlapping with a setting region corresponding to the setting item, and the restriction unit includes a corresponding setting region among the plurality of setting items However, a setting item that overlaps with the input screen before the position for displaying the input screen is changed by the position changing means and that does not overlap with the input screen after the position for displaying the input screen is changed by the position changing means. Decide on candidate items.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: a process execution unit that executes a process; and a setting screen for setting a process condition for the process execution unit to execute the process. A setting screen display means for displaying a setting screen including a setting area for displaying a setting value set for a setting item to be identified, and an input screen that is different from the setting screen and includes a plurality of input keys. , An input screen display means for superimposing and displaying on the displayed setting screen, a position changing means for changing the position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen, and an input state in which a setting value for the setting item can be input State switching means for switching to one of a non-input impossible state and a value determined by the input key instructed by the user among a plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen. Setting value receiving means for accepting as a setting value for the setting item switched to the input state by the state changing means, the state switching means is configured to input an input screen after the position displayed by the position changing means is changed by the position changing means. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item that has been switched to the input state before the screen display position is changed overlaps with the canceling means for switching the setting value for the setting item to the input disabled state, and the setting screen When multiple setting areas are included, when the input screen after the position displayed by the position changing means is changed overlaps with the setting area corresponding to the setting item that has been switched to the input state among the multiple setting items, Limiting means for determining candidate items that can be switched to the input state from among the plurality of setting items, the limiting means corresponding to the plurality of setting items. The setting area is set so that it overlaps with the input screen before the position for displaying the input screen is changed by the position changing means and does not overlap with the input screen after the position for displaying the input screen is changed by the position changing means. The item is determined as a candidate item.

  According to this aspect, among the plurality of setting items, the corresponding setting area overlaps with the input screen before the position for displaying the input screen is changed, and the position for displaying the input screen is changed. A setting item that does not overlap the input screen later is determined as a candidate item that can be switched to the input state. Since the setting items that can be switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items are limited, it is easy to determine the setting item to be switched to the input state next. In particular, when the display position of the input screen is changed, there are many cases where the setting area overlaps the input screen before the change, so that it is possible to limit the setting items to those having a high probability of being switched to the input state next.

  Preferably, the state switching unit includes an automatic setting unit that switches the candidate item to the input state when one candidate item is determined by the limiting unit.

  Preferably, when a plurality of candidate items are determined by the restricting unit, the state switching unit selects one candidate item selected from the plurality of candidate items according to a predetermined priority order for the plurality of setting items. Including priority setting means for switching to the input state.

  According to this aspect, since the setting item to be switched to the input state is selected according to a predetermined priority order for a plurality of setting items, the setting item to be selected is switched to the input state in a predetermined order. Can do.

Preferably, the state switching means, when a plurality of candidate items are determined by the limiting means, having a predetermined relationship setting item is switched from the input state to the non-soluble state and the releasing means of the plurality of candidate items Related setting means for switching to the input state.

  According to this aspect, among the plurality of candidate items, the setting item having a predetermined relationship with the setting item previously in the input state is switched to the input state. For this reason, a set value can be set continuously to related setting items.

  Preferably, when a plurality of candidate items are determined by the limiting unit, the state switching unit is configured so that the corresponding setting area of the plurality of candidate items is changed to the input screen in the process of changing the position of the input screen by the position changing unit. Display part setting means for switching to the input state what does not overlap first or last.

  Preferably, when a plurality of candidate items are determined by the restricting unit, the state switching unit inputs after the position where the corresponding setting area displays the input screen is changed by the position changing unit among the plurality of candidate items. A distance setting means for switching the minimum distance to the screen to the input state is included.

  Preferably, when a plurality of candidate items are determined by the restricting unit, the state switching unit is configured for the input screen after the position for displaying the input screen is changed by the position changing unit among the plurality of candidate items. The corresponding setting area is switched from the position of the input screen before the position where the input screen is displayed by the position changing means to the input state after being changed from the position of the input screen to the input state. Direction setting means is included.

  Preferably, the direction setting unit has two or more items that are positioned in opposite directions with respect to the input screen after the position of the input screen is changed by the position changing unit among the plurality of candidate items. Of the two or more candidate items, the item having the smallest distance from the input screen after the position to be displayed is changed by the position changing means is switched to the input state.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the setting method is a setting method executed in an image forming apparatus including a process execution unit that executes a process, and the processing condition for the process execution unit to execute the process A setting screen display step for displaying a setting screen including a setting area for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying a processing condition, and a setting screen that is different from the setting screen. An input screen display step for displaying an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen, and a position change for changing the position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen A state switching step for switching between a step, an input state in which a setting value for a setting item can be input, and an incapable state of input, and a plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen. A setting value receiving step for receiving a value determined by the input key instructed by the user as a setting value for the setting item switched to the input state in the state switching step. If the input screen after the position to be displayed in the change step is changed overlaps with the setting area corresponding to the setting item that has been switched to the input state before the position to display the input screen is changed in the position change step, Cancellation step that switches the setting value for the setting item to an impossible state, and when the setting screen includes multiple setting areas, the setting item that was switched to the input state among the multiple setting items is not allowed in the cancellation step After switching to the state, one of the multiple setting items is switched to the input state. Before Erareru, in response to any of a plurality of input keys included in the input screen is instructed by the user, including a warning step of warning.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a setting method capable of displaying a setting value even when a screen for inputting a setting value is displayed.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the setting method is a setting method executed in an image forming apparatus including a process execution unit that executes a process, and the processing condition for the process execution unit to execute the process A setting screen display step for displaying a setting screen including a setting area for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying a processing condition, and a setting screen that is different from the setting screen. An input screen display step for displaying an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen, and a position change for changing the position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen A state switching step for switching between a step, an input state in which a setting value for a setting item can be input, and an incapable state of input, and a plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen. A setting value receiving step for receiving a value determined by the input key instructed by the user as a setting value for the setting item switched to the input state in the state switching step. If the input screen after the position to be displayed in the change step is changed overlaps with the setting area corresponding to the setting item that has been switched to the input state before the position to display the input screen is changed in the position change step, When the setting screen contains multiple setting areas, and when the setting screen includes multiple setting areas, the input screen after the position displayed in the position changing step is changed to multiple settings. If an item overlaps the setting area corresponding to the setting item that was switched to the input state, A restriction step for determining candidate items that can be switched to the input state from among the setting items, and the restriction step displays an input screen in the position changing step for the corresponding setting area among the plurality of setting items. The method includes a step of determining, as candidate items, setting items that overlap the input screen before the position is changed and that do not overlap the input screen after the position at which the input screen is displayed is changed in the position changing step.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the setting program is a setting program that is executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus including a process execution unit that executes a process, and the process execution unit executes the process. A setting screen for setting processing conditions for displaying a setting screen including a setting area for displaying setting values set for setting items for specifying processing conditions, and a setting screen And an input screen display step for displaying an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen, and a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen. A position change step for changing, a state switching step for switching between an input state in which a set value for a setting item can be input and an incapable state of input, and a display A setting value receiving step for receiving a value determined by an input key instructed by the user among a plurality of input keys included in the input screen as a setting value for the setting item switched to the input state in the state switching step; The state switching step corresponds to the setting item in which the input screen after the position displayed in the position change step was changed to the input state before the position where the input screen was displayed was changed in the position change step. When the setting screen overlaps the setting area to be released , the setting step for the setting item is switched to the disabled state in which the setting value cannot be input, and when the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the setting state has been switched to the input state. After the setting item is switched to the disabled state in the release step, Before any constant item is switched to the input state, in response to any of a plurality of input keys included in the input screen is instructed by the user, including a warning step of warning.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a setting program capable of displaying a setting value even when a screen for inputting a setting value is displayed.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the setting program is a setting program that is executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus including a process execution unit that executes a process, and the process execution unit executes the process. A setting screen for setting processing conditions for displaying a setting screen including a setting area for displaying setting values set for setting items for specifying processing conditions, and a setting screen And an input screen display step for displaying an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen, and a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen. A position change step for changing, a state switching step for switching between an input state in which a set value for a setting item can be input and an incapable state of input, and a display A setting value receiving step for receiving a value determined by an input key instructed by the user among a plurality of input keys included in the input screen as a setting value for the setting item switched to the input state in the state switching step; The state switching step corresponds to the setting item in which the input screen after the position displayed in the position change step was changed to the input state before the position where the input screen was displayed was changed in the position change step. When the setting area overlaps with the setting area to be released, the setting value for the setting item is changed to the unusable state where the setting value cannot be input, and when the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the position displayed in the position changing step is changed. The input screen has been switched to the input status among multiple setting items. A limit step for determining candidate items that can be switched to an input state from among a plurality of setting items, the limiting step includes a corresponding setting region among the plurality of setting items, Candidate items for setting items that overlap the input screen before the position for displaying the input screen is changed in the position change step and do not overlap with the input screen after the position for displaying the input screen is changed in the position change step The step of determining.

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. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel 160. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an operation condition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an input screen movement process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an automatic setting process. It is a figure which shows an example of a 1st setting screen. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the screen of the state by which the input screen was displayed superimposed on the 1st setting screen. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the screen of the state by which the input screen was displayed superimposed on the 1st setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a 2nd setting screen. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the screen of the state by which the input screen was displayed superimposed on the 2nd setting screen. It is the 2nd figure showing an example of the screen of the state where the input screen was displayed superimposed on the 2nd setting screen.

  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 including a start key 171, and a touch panel. 169 and an input control unit 167 that controls the hard key unit 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 with 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. In this manner, 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 process. Programs, encrypted programs, etc.

  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 to overlap LCD 165, and a hard key unit in which a plurality of hard keys including start key 171 are arranged on the right side and lower side of LCD 165. 170.

  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 setting 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 41, and a process execution unit 51. The processing execution unit 51 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 51 is scan processing, copy processing, print processing, facsimile transmission / reception processing, and the like. The process execution unit 51 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 51 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. The process execution unit 51 stores an image in a semiconductor memory attached to the external storage device 117 when a process condition in which the output destination is the external storage device 117 is set as one of the process conditions. The process execution unit 51 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.

  The process execution unit 51 controls the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the sheet feeding unit 150, and the image forming unit 140 when the copy processing is set as one of the processing conditions. The original image read by the original reading unit 130 is image-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 51 includes 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 a 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

  Furthermore, the processing execution unit 51 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 set according to one of the processing conditions, and is an image that the document reading unit 130 reads and outputs a document according to the processing condition, or an image stored in the HDD 115 or the external storage device 117. is there.

  The process execution unit 51 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 51 stores an image of facsimile data 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 51 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 51 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, a state switching unit 17, and an item setting 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 input reception unit. 41 is output.

  The plurality of setting screens respectively correspond to a plurality of processes for the process execution unit 51 to execute processes. For example, a setting screen for causing the process execution unit 51 to execute a scan process, a setting screen for causing the process execution unit 51 to execute a copy process, a setting screen for causing the process execution unit 51 to execute a print process, and facsimile transmission / reception It is a setting screen for making the process execution part 51 perform a process. The setting screen is a screen for setting setting values for a plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution unit 51 to execute processing.

  The setting screen has a setting area for displaying a setting value for each of a plurality of setting items. The setting screen may have an area in which an image of an item name for explaining the setting item is displayed in the vicinity of the setting area. 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 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 any one of the plurality of setting screen identification information displayed on the screen is designated, the setting screen of the designated setting screen identification information is selected. In addition, 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 selection unit 13 outputs the setting screen identification information of the selected setting screen to the setting screen display unit 15, the state switching unit 17, and the input reception unit 41.

  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 state switching unit 17 includes a state of each of a plurality of setting items that determine processing conditions for the processing execution unit 51 to execute processing, an input state in which a set value can be input, and an incapable state in which a set value cannot be input. Switch to one of these. The state switching unit 17 outputs the item name of the setting item switched to the input state to the item setting unit 19 while there are setting items switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items.

  The state switching unit 17 includes an instruction acceptance setting unit 21, a release unit 23, a warning unit 25, a restriction unit 27, and an automatic setting unit 29. The instruction acceptance setting unit 21 receives setting screen identification information from the setting screen selection unit 13. The instruction reception setting unit 21 switches a setting item selected by the user from among a plurality of setting items that define processing conditions for the processing execution unit 51 to execute processing to an input state. Specifically, the instruction reception setting unit 21 switches a setting item corresponding to the setting area instructed by the user among the plurality of setting areas included in the setting screen displayed by the setting screen display unit 15 to the input state. . When the user indicates one of a plurality of setting areas included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165, the position designated by the user is detected by the touch panel 169. The instruction reception setting unit 21 specifies which of the plurality of setting areas is instructed by the user based on the coordinates of the display surface of the LCD 165 detected by the touch panel 169, and sets the setting item corresponding to the specified setting area. Switch to input state. The instruction reception setting unit 21 outputs an item name for identifying the setting item switched to the input state to the release unit 23, and outputs a display instruction to the input reception unit 41.

  The input receiving unit 41 includes an input screen display unit 43 and a set value receiving unit 45. The input screen display unit 43 is included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 in response to the display instruction being input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 in a state where the input screen is not displayed. In response to instructing one of the plurality of setting areas, the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. Specifically, the input screen is output to the display control unit 161, the display control unit 161 is made to generate an image in which the input screen is prioritized over the setting screen, and the image generated by the display control unit 161 is displayed on the LCD 165. Display. The position where the input screen display unit 43 displays the input screen is preferably set in the vicinity of the setting area corresponding to the setting item specified by the acquired item name after acquiring the item name from the state switching unit 17.

  Each of the plurality of input keys included in the input screen is assigned a value assigned to the input key as a key name. The input screen display unit 43 is an input screen including 10 input keys to which numbers 0 to 9 are assigned, for example.

  The instruction reception setting unit 21 may output a display instruction including an attribute of a setting value set for the setting item switched to the input state to the input reception unit 41. In this case, the input screen display unit 43 displays an input screen including an input key for inputting an attribute value included in the display instruction input from the instruction reception setting unit 21. For example, if the attribute is a number, the input screen display unit 43 displays an input screen including 10 input keys to which numbers 0 to 9 are assigned, and if the attribute is a character, an alphabetic character is assigned. An input screen including the 26 input keys assigned or a plurality of input keys assigned with kana characters is displayed. As for the input keys, assigned numbers or characters are used as key names, and images of numbers or characters are displayed superimposed on the setting screen. The input screen may include only an input key for inputting the value of the specified attribute, or may include another input key.

  The input screen display unit 43 outputs position information indicating the position of the input screen in the setting screen to the state switching unit 17 and the set value receiving unit 45 in response to displaying the input screen. The input screen display unit 43 includes a position change unit 47. The position changing unit 47 changes the position where the input screen is displayed in the setting screen based on the operation by the user. Here, the operation by the user is a drag and drop operation. Specifically, based on the position detected by the touch panel 169, the position changing unit 47 detects an operation for continuously instructing an arbitrary position in the input screen for a predetermined time as a drag operation. When the position change unit 47 detects a drag operation, the position change unit 47 sets the input screen in a movable state, and detects an operation for moving the position indicated on the touch panel 169 as a move operation. When the position detected by the touch panel 169 changes, an operation for moving the position indicated on the touch panel 169 is detected. When the position changing unit 47 detects a moving operation, the position changing unit 47 moves the input screen according to a change in position detected by the touch panel 169. For example, if the position detected by the touch panel 169 moves to the right by the distance X, the input screen is moved to the right by the distance X. When the position is not detected by the touch panel 169, the position changing unit 47 detects a drop operation. When the position changing unit 47 detects a drop operation, the position changing unit 47 sends position information indicating the position in the setting screen of the input screen determined based on the position detected last by the touch panel 169 to the state switching unit 17 and the setting value receiving unit 45. Output.

  An operation for moving the input screen and a drag and drop operation may be continuously input by the user, and the position changing unit 47 is in the setting screen of the input screen every time a plurality of drag and drop operations are input. The position information indicating the position of the input screen in the changed setting screen is output to the state switching unit 17 and the set value receiving unit 45.

  Here, the user's operation for changing the position for displaying the input screen in the setting screen is a drag-and-drop operation. However, as long as the operation is for changing the position in the setting screen for displaying the input screen. Another operation can be used. For example, the input screen can be moved by pressing the first key included in the hard key unit 170, and the input screen can be moved by pressing the up / down / left / right arrow keys included in the hard key unit 170. The position to be displayed may be determined by changing the position to be displayed and pressing the second key of the hard key unit 170 to be displayed on the setting screen of the input screen after movement.

  The set value receiving unit 45 receives position information indicating a position in the setting screen of the input screen from the input screen display unit 43. In addition, when the position of the input screen in the setting screen is changed by the position changing unit 47, the set value receiving unit 45 changes the position of the input screen in the setting screen of the input screen every time the position of the input screen is changed. Position information indicating the changed position is input. The setting value receiving unit 45 receives a setting value based on an input key instructed by the user among a plurality of input keys included in the input screen after the position information is input. When the user indicates one of a plurality of key name images displayed on the LCD 165 with a finger, the touch panel 169 detects a position designated by the user. Based on the coordinates of the display surface of the LCD 165 detected by the touch panel 169, the setting value receiving unit 45 identifies which of the plurality of key name images included in the input screen is designated by the user, and identifies the identified key Select the input key corresponding to the name image. The set value receiving unit 45 outputs the value assigned to the selected input key to the item setting unit 19 as a set value. When selecting a plurality of input keys in sequence, the set value receiving unit 45 outputs a plurality of values respectively assigned to the plurality of input keys to the item setting unit 19 as values set in the selected order. For example, numbers “0” to “9” are assigned to 10 input keys, the input key to which the number “1” is assigned first is selected, and the number “2” is second. When the input key 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 setting value, and the setting value “12” is determined. Is output to the item setting unit 19. If the alphabets are assigned to the 26 input keys, a plurality of character strings arranged in the input order are output to the item setting unit 19 as set values.

  The item setting unit 19 receives the item name of the setting item set to the input state from the state switching unit 17 and the setting value from the setting value receiving unit 45. When the setting value is input from the setting value receiving unit 45, the item setting unit 19 specifies the setting item corresponding to the item name input from the state switching unit 17, and sets the setting value for the specified setting item. . In addition, when the user operates the hard key unit 170, the item setting unit 19 receives a setting value from the hard key unit 170, specifies a setting item corresponding to the item name input from the state switching unit 17, and is specified. Set the setting value for the selected setting item. The item setting unit 19 specifies a setting item every time a setting value is input from the setting value receiving unit 45 or every time a setting value is received from the hard key unit 170 until an execution instruction is input by the user. The setting value corresponding to the specified setting item is set.

  In addition, when setting a setting value, the item setting unit 19 outputs a set of the item name of the setting item and the setting value to the setting screen display unit 15. The setting screen display unit 15 displays the setting area corresponding to the setting item specified by the item name in combination with the item name in response to the input of the combination of the item name of the setting item and the setting value. Update with the set value.

  The canceling unit 23 is input with the item name switched to the input state from the instruction reception setting unit 21 or the automatic setting unit 29 described later. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item set in the input state overlaps the input screen, the canceling unit 23 removes the setting item from the input state in order to cancel the input state set in the setting item. Switch to disabled state. Specifically, every time position information is input from the position changing unit 47, the canceling unit 23 displays the setting area for the setting item set in the input state displayed at the position specified by the position information. Determine whether it overlaps the screen. Then, when determining that the setting area for the setting item set in the input state overlaps the input screen, the canceling unit 23 switches the setting item set in the input state from the input state to the disabled state. When the canceling unit 23 switches the setting of the setting item set in the input state from the input state to the disabled state, the item name switched from the instruction reception setting unit 21 or the automatic setting unit 29 to the input state is input thereafter. Until then, a release state signal indicating that there is no setting item set in the input state is output to the restriction unit 27 and the warning unit 25.

  When the setting screen displayed on LCD 165 includes a plurality of setting areas, restriction unit 27 switches to the next input state among the plurality of setting items in response to the release state signal being input from release unit 23. Limit possible settings. Hereinafter, among the plurality of setting items, setting items that can be switched to the input state are referred to as candidate items. Specifically, the restriction unit 27 overlaps the input screen before the position information is input from the position change unit 47 and after the position information is input from the position change unit 47. A setting item that does not overlap the input screen is determined as a candidate item. The restriction unit 27 outputs the item names of candidate items determined from the plurality of setting items to the automatic setting unit 29. When determining a plurality of candidate items, the restriction unit 27 outputs the item names of the plurality of candidate items to the automatic setting unit 29.

  The warning unit 25 warns when a set value is input from the set value receiving unit 45 while the release state signal is input from the release unit 23. Specifically, an error message is displayed on the LCD 165. The error message is, for example, “input target is not set”. The warning may generate a buzzer sound, blink the input screen, change the color (lightness or hue) of the input screen, and output them together with an error message. This is because, while the release state signal is input from the release unit 23, since all of the plurality of setting items are switched to the disabled state, the set value cannot be set.

  The automatic setting unit 29 receives item names of one or more candidate items from the restriction unit 27, and receives position information from the position changing unit 47. In response to the input of one or more candidate items from the restriction unit 27, the automatic setting unit 29 switches one of the one or more candidate items to the input state. The automatic setting unit 29 includes a priority setting unit 31, a related setting unit 33, a display part setting unit 35, and a direction setting unit 39.

  The automatic setting unit 29 switches the switching mode to any one of the priority setting mode, the related setting mode, the earliest display setting mode, the final display setting mode, the distance setting mode, and the direction setting mode. The switching mode is selected from among a priority setting mode, a related setting mode, a first display setting mode, a final display setting mode, a distance setting mode, and a direction setting mode by an operation input to the operation panel 160 by a user operating the MFP 100. Will be determined. The switching mode may be stored in association with each user in advance, and the switching mode associated with the logged-in user may be determined when the user who operates MFP 100 logs in. Further, the switching mode may be stored in advance regardless of the user who operates MFP 100.

  When the switching mode is set to the priority setting mode, the priority setting unit 31 has the highest priority order predetermined for a plurality of setting items from one or more candidate items input from the restriction unit 27. Switch high candidate items to input state. For each of the plurality of setting items, a priority order table in which priorities are determined is stored in the HDD 115, and candidate items to be switched to the input state are determined with reference to the priority order table.

  When the switching mode is set to the related setting mode, the related setting unit 33 is a setting item that is switched from the input state to the disabled state by the canceling unit 23 from one or more candidate items input from the restriction unit 27. In other words, candidate items having a predetermined relationship with the setting item set in the input state before the position of the input screen is changed are switched to the input state. The association setting unit 33 stores an association table in which associations between a plurality of setting items are determined in advance in the HDD 115, and refers to the association table to determine candidate items to be switched to the input state. For example, the association table associates, as different setting items for determining the same setting value, a setting item for determining a numerical value for determining a copy magnification as a setting value and a setting item for determining a paper size before and after copying. In addition, as a setting item of the same kind for determining different setting values, as a setting item for determining the size of a margin area where an image is not formed on the sheet, two setting items for determining the size of the margin areas on the upper and lower sides of the sheet are associated with each other. Are associated with two setting items that determine the sizes of the left and right margin areas.

  When the switching mode is set to the first display setting mode, the display part setting unit 35 changes the position of the input screen of the corresponding setting area from among one or more candidate items input from the restriction unit 27. In the process, the candidate item that no longer overlaps the input screen is switched to the input state.

  When the switching mode is set to the final display setting mode, the display part setting unit 35 changes the position of the input screen of the corresponding setting area from among one or more candidate items input from the restriction unit 27. In the process, the candidate item that no longer overlaps the input screen is switched to the input state.

  When the switching mode is set to the distance setting mode, the distance setting unit 37 includes position information in which a corresponding setting region is input from the position changing unit 47 among one or more candidate items input from the restriction unit 27. In other words, the candidate item with the shortest distance from the input screen after the display position is changed is switched to the input state.

  When the switching mode is set to the direction setting mode, the direction setting unit 39, after the position where the corresponding setting area is displayed is changed from one or more candidate items input from the restriction unit 27 For the input screen, the candidate item located in the direction opposite to the direction from the position before the change of the input screen to the position after the change is switched to the input state. When the input screen moves in the right direction, the direction setting unit 39 switches candidate items located in the left direction (left side) of the input screen among one or more candidate items to the input state, and the input screen moves in the left direction. In the case where one or more candidate items are switched to the input state, the candidate item located in the right direction (right side) of the input screen is moved to the input state. When the candidate item located on the (lower side) is switched to the input state and the input screen moves downward, the candidate item located on the upper side (upper side) of the input screen among the one or more candidate items is switched to the input state. . The direction setting unit 39 includes a plurality of corresponding ones of the one or more candidate items input from the restriction unit 27 in a direction opposite to the direction from the position before the change of the input screen to the position after the change. If there is a candidate item, the candidate item with the smallest distance to the input screen is switched to the input state.

  The automatic setting unit 29 is determined by the switching mode among the priority setting unit 31, the related setting unit 33, the display part setting unit 35, and the direction setting unit 39, and is selected from one or more candidate items input from the restriction unit 27. One candidate item is switched to the input state. Of the priority setting unit 31, the related setting unit 33, the display part setting unit 35, and the direction setting unit 39, which are determined by the switching mode, when the setting item to be switched to the input state is not determined, the switching mode is automatically switched in order. Thus, one of the one or more candidate items may be switched to the input state.

  If no candidate item exists after the input screen is moved, none of the priority setting unit 31, the related setting unit 33, the display part setting unit 35, and the direction setting unit 39 can be switched to the input state. In this case, even if the user inputs a key on the input screen, the set value is not set and an error message is displayed in the warning unit 25.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the operation condition setting process. The operating condition setting process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a setting program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 5, 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 a plurality of setting screen identification information is selected by the user while 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 a 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 has one or more setting areas for displaying setting values set for setting items that specify processing conditions.

  In the next step S03, it is determined whether or not a setting area has been designated. If any of one or more setting areas included in the setting screen displayed on LCD 165 is instructed (YES in step S03), the process proceeds to step S04, and if not, the process proceeds to step S05. In step S04, the setting item corresponding to the designated setting area is switched to the input state, and the process proceeds to step S05. It should be noted that default setting items are set on the setting screen, and when the setting screen is displayed in step S02, the setting items set as default are set to the input state, and the process proceeds to step S05.

  In step S05, an input screen is displayed. In step S04, an input screen corresponding to the setting item switched to the input state is displayed. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a setting area that overlaps with the input screen (step S06). If there is a setting area to be superimposed on the input screen, the process proceeds to step S07. If not present, the process proceeds to step S08. In step S07, the setting item corresponding to the setting area to be superimposed on the input screen is set as the superimposition item, and the process proceeds to step S08. When there are a plurality of setting areas to be superimposed on the input screen, all of the plurality of setting items respectively corresponding to the plurality of setting areas are set as the overlapping items.

  In step S08, it is determined whether a set value has been accepted. If any of a plurality of input keys included in the input screen is instructed, it is determined that the set value has been accepted. When the user operates the hard key unit 170, a setting value is received from the hard key unit 170. If the set value is accepted, the process proceeds to step S12; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S09.

  In step S09, it is determined whether or not movement of the input screen has started. If the movement operation of the input screen is detected, it is determined that the movement of the input screen has started. When the user receives a drag operation for continuously instructing an arbitrary position on the input screen for a predetermined time, the input screen moving operation is detected. If the input screen starts to move, the process proceeds to step S10. If not, the process returns to step S08. In step S10, an input screen moving process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S11. Although details of the input screen moving process will be described later, this is a process of changing the position where the input screen is displayed, and the setting item switched to the input state may be changed. In step S11, it is determined whether an input screen is displayed. In the input screen moving process, the display of the input screen may end and the input screen may not be displayed. If the input screen is displayed, the process returns to step S08. If the input screen is not displayed, the process returns to step S03.

  The process proceeds to step S12 when the set value is accepted in step S08. In step S12, the setting item switched to the input state in step S03, or when the input screen moving process is executed in step S10, corresponds to the setting item switched to the input state after the input screen has moved. The setting value accepted in step S08 is displayed in the setting area. For this reason, the user can visually recognize the input value.

  In step S13, if the setting item switched to the input state in step S03, or if the input screen moving process is executed in step S10, the setting item switched to the input state after the input screen has moved The set value accepted in S08 is set, and the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the start key 171 has been pressed. If start key 171 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, the process returns to step S03. In step S15, the process is executed and the process is terminated. In step S13, the process is executed according to the setting value set in the setting item. For the setting items for which no setting value is set in step S13, processing is executed according to a predetermined default setting value.

  The process executed in step S15 is determined by the setting screen selected by the user in step S01 and displayed on the LCD 165 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.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of input screen movement processing. The input screen moving process is a process executed in step S10 in FIG. In FIG. 5, in step S09 before the process of step S10 is executed, an input screen moving operation is detected and executed after the input screen starts moving. In addition, in step S07 in FIG. 5, a superimposition item may be set.

  Referring to FIG. 6, CPU 111 sets flag FLAG to “1” (step S21). The flag FLAG is used to determine the earliest candidate and the final candidate, which will be described later, and is set to “1” when the earliest candidate is not determined, and is set to “0” after the earliest candidate is determined.

  In step S22, the first candidate and the final candidate are reset. Make the first candidate and final candidate undefined. In the next step S23, it is determined whether or not the movement of the input screen is completed. The operation for terminating the movement of the input screen is a drop operation by the user. If the movement of the input screen is completed, the process proceeds to step S29; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not there is a setting item that does not overlap with the input screen among the overlapping items. If such a setting item exists, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process returns to step S23. In step S25, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the flag FLAG. If “1” is set in flag FLAG, the process proceeds to step S26; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S26, the setting item determined to be no longer superimposed on the input screen in step S24 is set as the first candidate, and the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the flag FLAG is set to “0”, and the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, in step S28, the setting item determined to be no longer superimposed on the input screen in step S24 is set as the final candidate, and the process returns to step S23.

  The process proceeds to step S29 when the movement of the input screen is completed. In step S29, it is determined whether or not the input screen after movement overlaps with the setting area corresponding to the setting item switched to the input state. If the input screen overlaps with the setting area corresponding to the setting item switched to the input state, the process proceeds to step S30. If not, the process returns to the operation condition setting process.

  In step S30, the input state set in the setting item switched to the input state is canceled. Specifically, the input state set in the setting item is switched to the disabled state. In the next step S31, it is determined whether or not there is a setting item that does not overlap the setting area corresponding to the input screen among the overlapping items. If such a setting item exists, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the process proceeds to step S36. The superimposition item is a setting item that is set in step S07 in FIG. 5 and the corresponding setting area is superimposed on the input screen before movement.

  In step S32, a setting item in which the corresponding setting area does not overlap with the input screen after movement is set as a candidate item. If there are a plurality of setting items that do not overlap the setting area corresponding to the input screen after movement among the superimposition items, all of the plurality of setting items are set as candidate items. In other words, the candidate item is a setting item in which the corresponding setting area is superimposed on the input screen before movement, but is not superimposed on the input screen after movement.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not there is one candidate item. If there is one candidate item, the process proceeds to step S34. If there are a plurality of candidate items, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S34, the candidate item is switched to the input state, and the process returns to the operation condition setting process. On the other hand, in step S35, an automatic setting process is executed, and the process returns to the operation condition setting process. Although details of the automatic setting process will be described later, this is a process of determining one of a plurality of candidate items and switching the determined candidate item to the input state.

  The process proceeds to step S36 when there is no setting item in which the corresponding setting area does not overlap the input screen among the overlapping items. In this case, it is determined whether or not a setting area included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 has been designated. The LCD 165 displays a setting screen and an input screen superimposed on the setting screen. For this reason, a part of the setting screen is invisible by the input screen, but if the setting area exists in a portion that does not overlap the input screen, the user can specify the setting area. If one of one or more setting areas included in the setting screen displayed on LCD 165 and not overlapping the input screen is instructed (YES in step S36), the process proceeds to step S37. If not, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S37, the setting item corresponding to the designated setting area is switched to the input state, and the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, an input screen is displayed. Instead of the input screen already displayed on the LCD 165, in step S36, an input screen corresponding to the setting item switched to the input state is displayed. In the next step S39, it is determined whether or not there is a setting area that overlaps with the input screen. If there is a setting area that overlaps with the input screen, the process proceeds to step S40. If there is no setting area, step S40 is skipped and the process returns to the operation condition setting process. In step S40, the setting item corresponding to the setting area to be superimposed on the input screen is set as the superimposition item, and the process returns to the operation condition setting process. When there are a plurality of setting areas to be superimposed on the input screen, all of the plurality of setting items respectively corresponding to the plurality of setting areas are set as the overlapping items.

  When the process proceeds to step S41, after the movement of the input screen is completed, the input state of the setting item set in the input state before the input screen moves is canceled, and the setting area corresponding to the input screen is not superimposed. This is a case where there is no superimposed item and the setting area in the setting screen is not designated. Therefore, at the stage where the process proceeds to step S41, there is no setting item set to the input state. In step S41, it is determined whether any of a plurality of input keys on the input screen has been instructed. If an input key is designated, the process proceeds to step S42; otherwise, the process returns to step S36. In step S42, a warning is given and the process proceeds to step S43. The warning displays an error message on the LCD 165, for example. The error message is, for example, “input target is not set”. Note that a buzzer sound may be generated, the input screen may be blinked, or the color (brightness or hue) may be changed.

  In step S43, it is determined whether an input screen non-display instruction has been accepted. If the user has instructed the key to end the display of the input screen, the input screen non-display instruction is accepted. If an input screen non-display instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S44; otherwise, the process returns to step S36. In step S44, the display of the input screen is terminated, and the process returns to the operation condition setting process.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of automatic setting processing. The automatic setting process is a process executed in step S35 of FIG. 7, and a plurality of candidate areas are set in step S32 executed before step S35 is executed. Referring to FIG. 7, in step S51, the process branches depending on the set switching mode. Specifically, if the switching mode is set to the priority setting mode, the process proceeds to step S52. If the switching mode is set to the related setting mode, the process proceeds to step S55, and the switching mode is the earliest. If the display setting mode is set, the process proceeds to step S57. If the switching mode is set to the final display setting mode, the process proceeds to step S58, and the switching mode is set to the distance setting mode. Advances the process to step S59. If the switching mode is set to the direction setting mode, the process advances to step S61.

  In step S52, the priority order table stored in HDD 115 is read. The priority order table defines priorities for each of the plurality of setting items. In the next step S53, referring to the priority order table, a candidate item having the highest priority among the plurality of candidate items is determined. In step S54, the determined candidate item is switched to the input state (step S54), and the process returns to the input screen movement process.

  In step S55, candidate items related to the setting item whose input state is canceled from the plurality of candidate items are determined. The setting item for which the input state has been canceled is a setting item that is set to the input state before the position of the input screen is changed, and is set to the disabled state after the position of the input screen is changed. Candidate items related to the setting item whose input state has been released are candidate items having a predetermined relationship with the setting item whose input state has been released. Specifically, the association table stored in the HDD 115 is read, and candidate items related to the setting items whose input state is released are determined. In step S55, the determined candidate item is switched to the input state (step S56), and the process returns to the input screen movement process.

  In step S57, the earliest candidate is switched to the input state, and the process returns to the input screen moving process. The earliest candidate is a candidate item that is set in step S26 of FIG. 6, and among the plurality of candidate items, the corresponding setting area does not first overlap the input screen in the process of changing the position of the input screen. .

  In step S58, the final candidate is switched to the input state, and the process returns to the input screen movement process. The final candidate is a candidate item that is set in step S28 of FIG. 6 and that the corresponding setting area does not overlap with the input screen in the process of changing the position of the input screen among the plurality of candidate items.

  In step S59, a candidate item having a minimum distance between the corresponding setting area and the input screen after the display position is changed is determined from the plurality of candidate items. In step S59, the determined candidate item is switched to the input state (step S60), and the process returns to the input screen movement process.

  In step S61, the moving direction of the input screen is determined. The moving direction is a direction from the position of the input screen before the display position is changed to the position of the input screen after the display position is changed. In the next step S62, a candidate item that is positioned in the direction opposite to the moving direction is determined from the input screen after the position where the corresponding setting area is displayed is changed from among the plurality of candidate items. . Specifically, when the input screen moves to the right, the candidate item located on the left side of the input screen is determined from among the plurality of candidate items, and when the input screen moves to the left, among the plurality of candidate items When the candidate item located on the right side of the input screen is determined and the input screen moves upward, the candidate item located on the lower side of the input screen is determined from among the multiple candidate items, and the input screen moves downward When doing so, the candidate item located in the upper side of an input screen is determined among a plurality of candidate items.

  In the next step S63, it is determined in step S62 whether or not a plurality of candidate items in the direction opposite to the moving direction have been determined. If a plurality of candidate items are determined, the process proceeds to step S64, but if there is one, step S64 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S65. In step S64, among the plurality of candidate items determined in step S62, a candidate item having a minimum distance between the corresponding setting area and the input screen is determined. In step S62 or step S64, one candidate item determined is switched to the input state (step S65), and the process returns to the input screen movement process.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first setting screen. Referring to FIG. 8, first setting screen 201 includes two setting areas 203 and 205 corresponding to two setting items, respectively. The item name 203A of the corresponding setting item is arranged on the upper side in the vicinity of the setting area 203, indicating that the setting item corresponding to the setting area 203 is a setting item in which a setting value indicating the left / right shift amount is set. The item name 205A of the corresponding setting item is arranged on the upper side in the vicinity of the setting area 205, and the setting item corresponding to the setting area 205 indicates that the setting value indicating the vertical shift amount is set.

  FIG. 9 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where the input screen is displayed so as to be superimposed on the first setting screen. The screen shown in FIG. 9 shows the screen when the setting area 203 is instructed in the state where the first setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. An input screen 211 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the first setting screen 201. The input screen 211 is displayed in the vicinity of the setting area 203 without overlapping the setting area 203. Since the setting area 203 has been instructed, the setting item corresponding to the setting area 203 is set to the input state, and if the input key on the input screen 211 is indicated, the setting value based on the instructed key is displayed in the setting area 203. Is done.

  FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where an input screen is displayed superimposed on the first setting screen. The screen shown in FIG. 10 shows the screen after moving the position where the input screen 211 is displayed in the screen shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, an input screen 211 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the first setting screen 201. The input screen 211 overlaps with the setting area 203 and does not overlap with the setting area 205. In the state where the screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, the setting item corresponding to the setting area 203 is set to the input state. However, in the state where the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, the setting item corresponding to the setting area 203 is displayed. The input state is canceled and switched to the disabled state. For this reason, even if an input key on the input screen 211 is instructed, the setting value based on the instructed key is not set in the setting item corresponding to the setting area 203. For this reason, an erroneous operation by the user may be prevented.

  In the state where the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, the setting item corresponding to the setting area 205 is switched to the input state. Therefore, when an input key on the input screen 211 is designated, a setting value based on the instructed key is set to a setting item corresponding to the setting area 205, and the setting value is displayed in the setting area 205.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second setting screen. Referring to FIG. 11, second setting screen 221 includes eight setting areas 231 to 234 and 241 to 244 respectively corresponding to eight setting items, and button 251 in which OK characters are displayed. In the second setting screen 221 shown in FIG. 11, the item names and print registration loop amounts of the setting items corresponding to the setting areas 231 to 234 and 241 to 244 are arranged on the upper left of the screen, and the item name “manual feed” is arranged on the left side. The setting items corresponding to the setting areas 231 to 234 indicate that the setting value indicating the print registration loop amount when the paper is manually fed is set. In addition, the item name “Duplex” is arranged on the right side, and the setting item corresponding to the setting areas 241 to 244 is a setting item in which a setting value indicating a print registration loop amount when double-sided printing of paper is set. Show.

  FIG. 12 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where an input screen is displayed superimposed on the second setting screen. The screen shown in FIG. 12 shows the screen when the setting area 231 is instructed while the second setting screen 221 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. An input screen 261 is displayed superimposed on the second setting screen 221. The input screen 261 is displayed in the vicinity of the setting area 231 without being superimposed on the setting area 231, and is superimposed on the setting areas 241 to 243. In this case, setting items corresponding to the setting areas 241 to 243 are set as superimposition items. Since the setting area 231 is instructed, the setting item corresponding to the setting area 231 is set to the input state, and when the input key on the input screen 261 is indicated, the setting value based on the instructed key is displayed in the setting area 231. Is done.

  FIG. 13 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where the input screen is displayed superimposed on the second setting screen. The screen shown in FIG. 13 shows the screen after moving the position where the input screen 261 is displayed to the left in the screen shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 13, input screen 261 is displayed superimposed on second setting screen 221. The input screen 261 overlaps with the setting areas 231 and 232 and does not overlap with the setting areas 233, 234, and 241 to 244. For this reason, the setting areas 241 to 243 set for the superimposition items are set as the candidate items. In the state where the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, the setting item corresponding to the setting area 231 is set to the input state. However, in the state where the screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, the setting item corresponding to the setting area 231 is set. The input state is canceled and switched to the disabled state. For this reason, even if the input key on the input screen 261 is designated, the setting value based on the designated key is not set in the setting item corresponding to the setting area 231. For this reason, an erroneous operation by the user may be prevented.

  Here, the case where the switching mode is set to the direction setting mode will be described. In the state where the screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, the input screen 261 does not overlap with the setting areas 233, 234, 241 to 244. Of the setting areas 241 to 243 set as candidate items, two setting areas 241 and 242 are positioned in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the input screen 261, and the setting area 241 has a distance from the center of the input screen 261 as the setting area. Since it is shorter than 242, the setting item corresponding to the setting area 241 is switched to the input state. Therefore, when an input key on the input screen 261 is designated, a setting value based on the instructed key is set in a setting item corresponding to the setting area 241 and the setting value is displayed in the setting area 241. For this reason, since the setting item corresponding to the setting area 241 is switched to the input state after the input screen 261 is moved in the second setting screen 221, the user needs to perform an operation of instructing the setting area 241. The operation can be simplified. Further, the setting area 241 can be selected from the plurality of setting areas 241 to 243 set as the candidate items according to the position to which the input screen 261 is moved, and the setting value for the setting item corresponding to the setting area 241 is input. can do. For this reason, it is possible to facilitate an operation of selecting a setting item to be set from a plurality of setting items.

  As described above, MFP 100 as the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment is a setting screen for setting processing conditions, and displays setting values set for setting items that specify processing conditions. When a setting screen including a plurality of setting areas is displayed and one of the plurality of setting areas is instructed by the user, the setting item corresponding to the instructed setting area is switched to an input state in which a setting value can be input. An input screen including a plurality of input keys is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. Then, a value determined by the input key instructed by the user among the plurality of input keys is received as a setting value for the setting item switched to the input state, and the setting value is displayed in the setting area. Furthermore, when the position displayed on the input screen is changed, the setting area corresponding to the setting item that has been switched to the input state before the position of the input screen is changed overlaps with the input screen after the position is changed. In this case, the setting item is switched to the disabled state. For this reason, when the setting area overlaps the input screen, even if multiple input keys are instructed, the setting value is not input to the setting item, so only when the input setting value is displayed, A set value can be set. As a result, it may be possible to prevent the set value from being input by mistake.

  In addition, after the setting item that has been switched to the input state is switched to the disabled state, before any of the plurality of setting items is switched to the input state, any of the plurality of input keys is set by the user. Warn in response to instructions. For this reason, the user can be prompted to perform an operation of switching any one of the plurality of setting items to the input state.

  In addition, among the setting items, the corresponding setting area overlaps the input screen before the display position is changed, and does not overlap the input screen after the display position is changed. The item is determined as a candidate item that can be switched to the input state. Since the setting items that can be switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items are limited, it is easy to determine the setting item to be switched to the input state next. In particular, when the display position of the input screen is changed, there are many cases where the setting area overlaps the input screen before the change, so that it is possible to limit the setting items to those having a high probability of being switched to the input state next.

  When there is one candidate item, the candidate item is switched to the input state. For this reason, it is possible to simplify the operation of the user switching to the input state from among a plurality of setting items.

  In addition, since the setting item to be switched to the input state is selected from the candidate items according to a predetermined priority order with respect to a plurality of setting items, the user can input setting values in a predetermined order. it can.

  In addition, among the plurality of candidate items, the setting item having a predetermined relationship with the setting item that was previously in the input state is switched to the input state. For this reason, the user can set the setting value continuously to the related setting item, and the setting becomes easy.

  Also, among the plurality of candidate items, the corresponding setting area is switched to the input state so that it does not overlap the input screen at the beginning or end in the process of changing the position of the input screen. When the user moves the input screen, there is a high probability that the setting area corresponding to the setting item for which the setting value is to be set next will be displayed first or last, so set the setting value from multiple setting items. Therefore, the operation of selecting one setting item can be facilitated.

  In addition, among the plurality of candidate items, the corresponding setting area is switched to the input state with the minimum distance from the input screen after the display position is changed. When the user moves the input screen, there is a high probability that the input screen will be moved to the vicinity of the setting area corresponding to the setting item for which the setting value is to be set next. Therefore, the operation of selecting one setting item can be facilitated.

  In addition, among the plurality of candidate items, the corresponding setting area is switched to the input state in the direction opposite to the direction from the position before the change of the input screen toward the position after the change. Since the operation to move the input screen by the user often ends immediately after the setting area corresponding to the setting item to be set next is displayed, the setting value is set from a plurality of setting items. Therefore, the operation of selecting one setting item can be facilitated.

  In addition, when there are two or more items that are located in a direction opposite to the direction from the position before the change of the input screen to the position after the change, the position displayed by the position changing unit is changed among the two or more candidate items. The input with the minimum distance to the input screen is switched to the input state. For this reason, it is possible to further improve the probability that the user selects the setting item for which the setting value is to be set next, and to set one setting item for setting the setting value from among the plurality of setting items. The operation to select can be facilitated.

  In the embodiment described above, MFP 100 has been described as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, setting method for causing MFP 100 to execute the operation condition setting process illustrated in FIGS. It goes without saying that the invention can be specified as a setting program for causing the CPU 111 to execute.

  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.

<Appendix>
(1) The state switching unit includes an instruction reception setting unit that switches the setting item to the input state in response to the setting area being instructed by a user. Image forming apparatus.

MFP 100, 11 setting unit, 13 setting screen selection unit, 15 setting screen display unit, 17 state switching unit, 19 item setting unit, 21 instruction acceptance setting unit, 23 release unit, 25 warning unit, 27 limiting unit, 29 automatic setting Unit, 31 priority setting unit, 33 related setting unit, 35 display part setting unit, 37 distance setting unit, 39 direction setting unit, 41 input receiving unit, 43 input screen display unit, 45 setting value receiving unit, 47 position changing unit, 51 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, 120 automatic document feeder, 130 document reading unit, 140 image Forming unit, 150 paper feeding unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display control unit, 163 VRAM, 165 LCD, 167 input control unit, 169 Touch panel, 170 hard key portion, 171 start key.

Claims (14)

Processing execution means for executing processing;
A setting screen for setting processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing, including a setting screen for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying the processing conditions. A setting screen display means for displaying;
An input screen display unit that is a screen different from the setting screen and includes an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen;
Position changing means for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
State switching means for switching between an input state in which a set value for the setting item can be input and an incapable state in which input is impossible;
A set value for accepting a value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen as a set value for the setting item switched to the input state by the state switching means Receiving means,
The state switching unit switches the input screen after the position displayed by the position changing unit is changed to the input state before the position changing unit displays the input screen. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item overlaps, a release unit that switches the setting value for the setting item to an unusable state incapable of input ,
When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, after the setting item that has been switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items is switched to the disabled state by the release unit, the plurality of setting items An warning unit that warns when any of the plurality of input keys included in the input screen is instructed by a user before any of the setting items is switched to the input state. Forming equipment. Said state switching means, if the previous SL setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the input screen after the position displayed by said position changing means has changed, the input state of the plurality of setting items If overlapping with setting area corresponding to the setting item which has been switched, and a limiting means for determining a switchable candidate items in the input state from among the plurality of setting items, including,
The restricting unit includes the corresponding setting area of the plurality of setting items that overlaps the input screen before the position changing unit displays the input screen, and the position is changed. the setting item which does not overlap with the input screen after the position is changed to display the input screen to determine the candidate item by changing means, images forming device according to claim 1. Processing execution means for executing processing;
A setting screen for setting processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing, including a setting screen for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying the processing conditions. A setting screen display means for displaying;
An input screen display means for displaying an input screen that is different from the setting screen and includes a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen;
Position changing means for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
State switching means for switching between an input state in which a set value for the setting item can be input and an incapable state in which input is impossible;
A set value for accepting a value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen as a set value for the setting item switched to the input state by the state switching means Receiving means,
The state switching unit switches the input screen after the position displayed by the position changing unit is changed to the input state before the position changing unit displays the input screen. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item overlaps, a release unit that switches the setting value for the setting item to an unusable state incapable of input,
If the previous SL setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, setting items which the input screen after the position displayed by said position changing means has changed, it has been switched to the input state of the plurality of setting items If overlapping with corresponding set region, and a limiting means for determining a switchable candidate items in the input state from among the plurality of setting items, including,
The restricting unit includes the corresponding setting area of the plurality of setting items that overlaps the input screen before the position changing unit displays the input screen, and the position is changed. the setting item which does not overlap with the input screen after the position of displaying the input screen is changed to determine the candidate item by changing means, images forming device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the state switching unit includes an automatic setting unit that switches the candidate item to the input state when one of the candidate items is determined by the restriction unit. When the plurality of candidate items are determined by the restriction unit, the state switching unit is configured to select one of the plurality of candidate items according to a predetermined priority order for the plurality of setting items. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising priority setting means for switching a candidate item to the input state. It said state switching means, wherein when a plurality of the candidate item is determined by the limiting means, from the input state by the releasing means of the plurality of candidate items the setting items and the predetermined switched into Not possible state The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a related setting unit that switches a related one to the input state. When the plurality of candidate items are determined by the restriction unit, the state switching unit is a process in which a corresponding setting area of the plurality of candidate items is changed by the position changing unit by the position changing unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a display part setting unit that switches the input screen that does not overlap with the input screen to the input state.   When the plurality of candidate items are determined by the restricting unit, the state switching unit has a position in which the corresponding setting area of the plurality of candidate items is displayed by the position changing unit is changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a distance setting unit that switches the one having the smallest distance to the subsequent input screen to the input state. When the plurality of candidate items are determined by the restriction unit, the state switching unit is configured to input the input screen after the position of the input screen is changed by the position changing unit among the plurality of candidate items. On the other hand, the corresponding setting area is in a direction opposite to the direction toward the position of the input screen after being changed from the position of the input screen before the position where the position changing means displays the input screen is changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a direction setting unit that switches a position to the input state.   The direction setting means includes two or more of the plurality of candidate items that are positioned in the opposite direction with respect to the input screen after the position where the input screen is displayed is changed by the position changing means. If present, the one having the smallest distance from the input screen after the position for displaying the input screen is changed by the position changing means among the two or more candidate items is switched to the input state. Item 10. The image forming apparatus according to Item 9. A setting method executed by an image forming apparatus provided with a processing execution means for executing processing,
A setting screen for setting processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing, including a setting screen for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying the processing conditions. A setting screen display step to be displayed;
An input screen display step that is a screen different from the setting screen and displays an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen;
A position changing step for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
A state switching step for switching between an input state in which a setting value for the setting item can be input and an incapable state of input;
A set value for accepting a value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen as a set value for the setting item switched to the input state in the state switching step Receiving the image forming apparatus;
In the state switching step, the input screen after the position to be displayed in the position changing step is changed to the input state before the position to display the input screen is changed in the position changing step. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item overlaps, a release step for switching the setting value for the setting item to an unusable state incapable of input ;
When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the setting item that has been switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items is switched to the disabled state in the release step, and the plurality of setting items A warning step that warns when any of the plurality of input keys included in the input screen is instructed by a user before any of the setting items is switched to the input state. Method. A setting method executed by an image forming apparatus provided with a processing execution means for executing processing,
A setting screen for setting processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing, including a setting screen for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying the processing conditions. A setting screen display step to be displayed;
An input screen display step that is a screen different from the setting screen and displays an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen;
A position changing step for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
A state switching step for switching between an input state in which a setting value for the setting item can be input and an incapable state of input;
A set value for accepting a value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen as a set value for the setting item switched to the input state in the state switching step Receiving the image forming apparatus;
In the state switching step, the input screen after the position to be displayed in the position changing step is changed to the input state before the position to display the input screen is changed in the position changing step. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item overlaps, a release step for switching the setting value for the setting item to an unusable state incapable of input;
When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the input screen after the position displayed in the position changing step is changed to a setting item that has been switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items. A limit step for determining candidate items that can be switched to the input state from the plurality of setting items, when overlapping with the corresponding setting region,
In the restriction step, the corresponding setting area of the plurality of setting items overlaps the input screen before the position for displaying the input screen is changed in the position changing step, and the position A setting method including a step of determining, as the candidate item, a setting item that does not overlap the input screen after the position where the input screen is displayed is changed in the changing step. A setting program that is executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus including a processing execution unit that executes processing,
A setting screen for setting processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing, including a setting screen for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying the processing conditions. A setting screen display step to be displayed;
An input screen display step that is a screen different from the setting screen and displays an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen;
A position changing step for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
A state switching step for switching between an input state in which a setting value for the setting item can be input and an incapable state of input;
A set value for accepting a value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen as a set value for the setting item switched to the input state in the state switching step A reception step, causing the computer to execute,
In the state switching step, the input screen after the position to be displayed in the position changing step is changed to the input state before the position to display the input screen is changed in the position changing step. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item overlaps, a release step for switching the setting value for the setting item to an unusable state incapable of input ;
When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the setting item that has been switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items is switched to the disabled state in the release step, and the plurality of setting items A warning step that warns when any of the plurality of input keys included in the input screen is instructed by a user before any of the setting items is switched to the input state. program. A setting program that is executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus including a processing execution unit that executes processing,
A setting screen for setting processing conditions for the processing execution means to execute processing, including a setting screen for displaying a setting value set for a setting item for specifying the processing conditions. A setting screen display step to be displayed;
An input screen display step that is a screen different from the setting screen and displays an input screen including a plurality of input keys superimposed on the displayed setting screen;
A position changing step for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
A state switching step for switching between an input state in which a setting value for the setting item can be input and an incapable state of input;
A set value for accepting a value determined by an input key instructed by a user among the plurality of input keys included in the displayed input screen as a set value for the setting item switched to the input state in the state switching step A reception step, causing the computer to execute,
In the state switching step, the input screen after the position to be displayed in the position changing step is changed to the input state before the position to display the input screen is changed in the position changing step. When the setting area corresponding to the setting item overlaps, a release step for switching the setting value for the setting item to an unusable state incapable of input;
When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the input screen after the position displayed in the position changing step is changed to a setting item that has been switched to the input state among the plurality of setting items. A limit step for determining candidate items that can be switched to the input state from the plurality of setting items, when overlapping with the corresponding setting region,
In the restriction step, the corresponding setting area of the plurality of setting items overlaps the input screen before the position for displaying the input screen is changed in the position changing step, and the position A setting program comprising a step of determining, as the candidate item, a setting item that does not overlap the input screen after the position for displaying the input screen is changed in the changing step.

Images