JP5949418B2 - Image processing apparatus, setting method, and setting program - Google Patents

Description

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

  In recent years, a soft keyboard is used as a user interface in an image processing 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.

  As a technique for displaying a window, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-072876 (Patent Document 1), a user's line-of-sight movement is detected as the user's state, Because the waveform has become slow and the eyeball component has rapidly decreased, it is determined that the presentation information can be presented on the screen, and the state of the windows placed on the screen and the user's notes An information presentation device that determines a position for presenting presentation information based on a viewpoint relationship is described. For example, a place near the gaze area other than the window that the user gazes at is determined as the presentation position.

  However, when the presentation position is determined and the presentation information is presented on the screen, a part of the window is hidden by the presentation information, so in order to confirm again the portion hidden by the presentation information after presenting the presentation information, You must redisplay the window or clear the presentation information from the screen.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-073234 (Patent Document 2) discloses an image display unit that displays a hierarchical window screen for providing detailed information, menus, and the like, and an image displayed on the image display unit. An input operation means for performing an input operation, a storage means for storing display information and control information, and a lower screen from the upper screen displayed on the image display means using the input operation means are overwritten. In the pop-up display device having display control means for controlling, the input operation means further comprises screen holding operation means for operating so as to arbitrarily hold the lower screen displayed on the image display means, and the display control means Controls the screen holding operation means to continue to display the displayed lower screen for an arbitrary period of time when there is an operation of the screen holding operation means. Pop-up display device further includes moving means for moving the lower screen held to an arbitrary position by the step operation is described.

However, when the lower screen is closed after moving the lower screen and the lower screen is displayed again, the lower screen is displayed at the position before the movement, so the user must move the lower screen again. There's a problem.
JP 2006-072876 A JP 2002-073234 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus in which an operation for moving an input screen is simplified.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a setting method in which an operation for moving an input screen is simplified.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a setting program that simplifies the operation of moving an input screen.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image processing 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 an input state in which the setting value can be input. A state switching means for switching to one of the impossible states incapable of input, and the setting area is switched to the input state by the state switching means. An input screen display means for displaying an input screen for inputting a value superimposed on the displayed setting screen, a position changing means for changing the position where the input screen is displayed in the displayed setting screen, and a position And a position storage means for storing the position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is changed by the updating means as a post-movement position, and the input screen display means is configured to switch the setting area to the input state. When the post-movement position is not stored, the first display means for displaying the input screen at the default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen, and the post-movement position when the setting area is switched to the input state Second display means for displaying an input screen at the post-movement position when stored.

  According to this aspect, when the setting area is switched to the input state, the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen, and when the position where the input screen is displayed in the setting screen is changed, The position in the setting screen of the input screen is stored as the post-movement position, and if the post-movement position is not stored when the setting area is switched to the input state, the default set for the setting screen is the default When the input screen is displayed at the position and the post-movement position is stored when the setting area is switched to the input state, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position. For this reason, when displaying an input screen again after moving an input screen, an input screen is displayed in the position after moving. For this reason, it is not necessary to move the input screen every time the input screen is displayed. As a result, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus in which an operation for moving the input screen is simplified.

  Preferably, when the position is changed a plurality of times by the position changing means, the position storing means is the position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is last changed by the position changing means, and is finally added by the position changing means. The post-movement position stored before the position is changed is updated, and the second display means stores the position when the setting area is switched to the input state when the position is changed a plurality of times by the position changing means. An input screen is displayed at the post-movement position after being updated by the means.

  According to this aspect, when the position of the input screen is changed a plurality of times, the stored post-movement position is updated at the position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position has been changed last, and the setting area The input screen is displayed at the post-movement position after being updated when is switched to the input state. For this reason, when the input screen moves a plurality of times, the input screen is displayed at the position after the last movement. For this reason, the user can continue the operation.

  Preferably, when the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the state switching means switches one active area of the plurality of setting areas to the input state, and the first display means is determined by default for the active area. The input screen is displayed at the default position.

  According to this aspect, when the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, one active area of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state, and the input screen is in a default position determined by default with respect to the active area. Is displayed. For this reason, the position which displays an input screen can be varied for every some setting area | region.

  Preferably, the plurality of setting areas are classified into one of a first type and a second type, and the first display means is a point in time when one active area of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state. In the case where the post-movement position is not stored, the input screen is displayed at the default position regardless of whether the active area is the first type setting area or the second type, and the second display means If the position after movement is stored when one of the setting areas is switched to the input state, if the active area is the first type, the input screen is displayed at the position after movement and the active area is the first area. In the case of type 2, the input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default for the active area.

  According to this aspect, when the post-movement position is not stored at the time when the setting area is switched to the input state, the default is used regardless of whether the active area is the first type setting area or the second type. When the input screen is displayed at the position and the post-movement position is stored when the setting area is switched to the input state, if the active area is the first type, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position and the active area If is the second type, the input screen is displayed at the default position determined by default for the active area. For this reason, the position where the input screen is displayed can be different between the first type setting area and the second type setting area.

  Preferably, when the active area is the first type, the position storage means stores the position after the position where the input screen corresponding to the active area is changed by the position changing means as the post-movement position, When the area is of the second type, the position of the input screen after the position is changed by the position changing means even when the position for displaying the input screen corresponding to the active area is changed by the position changing means. Is not stored as the post-movement position. The post-movement position is stored when the input screen corresponding to the first type active area is moved, and the post-movement position is not stored when the input screen corresponding to the second type active area is moved. For this reason, only when the input screen corresponding to the first type active area is moved, the position where the input screen is displayed when the first type setting area is switched to the input state is stored. can do.

  Preferably, the position storage means includes a reset means for deleting the stored post-movement position when the setting screen is not displayed.

  According to this aspect, since the post-movement position is deleted when the setting screen is not displayed, the input screen can be displayed at the position after moving for each setting screen.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the setting method is a setting method executed by an image processing apparatus including a process execution unit that executes a process, and sets a 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 area for inputting a setting value. A state switching step for switching to one of a possible input state and a non-input impossible state, and a screen different from the setting screen according to the setting region being switched to the input state in the state switching step, An input screen display step for displaying an input screen for inputting a set value in the setting area superimposed on the displayed setting screen, and a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen A position changing step for changing, and a position storing step for storing the position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is changed in the position changing step as a post-movement position. The first display step for displaying the input screen at the default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen when the post-movement position is not stored at the time of switching to the input state, and the setting area is switched to the input state And a second display step of displaying an input screen at the post-movement position when the post-movement position is stored at the time point.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting method which simplified operation which moves an input screen can be provided.

  Preferably, when the position is changed a plurality of times in the position changing step, the position storing step is a position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position has been changed last in the position changing step, and finally in the position changing step. Including a step of updating the post-movement position stored before the position is changed, and the second display step is a time when the setting area is switched to the input state when the position is changed a plurality of times in the position change step. And a step of displaying an input screen at the post-movement position after being updated by the position storing step.

  Preferably, when the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the state switching step includes a step of switching one active area among the plurality of setting areas to the input state, and the first display step is a default for the active area. The step of displaying the input screen at the default position determined in (1) is included.

  Preferably, the plurality of setting areas are classified into one of a first type and a second type, and the first display step is a time point when one active area of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state. In the case where the post-movement position is not stored, the step of displaying the input screen at the default position regardless of whether the active area is the first type setting area or the second type, the second display step includes If the position after movement is stored at the time when one of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state, if the active area is the first type, the input screen is displayed at the position after movement and active. If the region is of the second type, the method includes a step of displaying an input screen at a default position determined by default with respect to the active region.

  Preferably, when the active area is of the first type, the position storing step stores the position after the position where the input screen corresponding to the active area is changed in the position changing step as the post-movement position. When the active area is the second type, the input screen after the position is changed in the position changing step even when the position for displaying the input screen corresponding to the active area is changed in the position changing step And not storing the position as a post-movement position.

  Preferably, the position storing step includes a resetting step of deleting the stored post-movement position when the setting screen is not 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 processing apparatus including a process execution unit that executes a process, and the process execution unit executes 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 the processing condition, and a setting area , A state switching step for switching between an input state in which the set value can be input and an incapable state in which the setting value can be input, and the setting area is switched to the input state in the state switching step. An input screen display step for displaying an input screen for inputting a set value in the setting area superimposed on the displayed setting screen, and a display A position changing step for changing the position where the input screen is displayed in the set screen, and a position storing step for storing the position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is changed in the position changing step as the post-movement position; In the input screen display step, when the setting area is switched to the input state and the post-movement position is not stored, the input screen is displayed at the default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen. And a second display step of displaying an input screen at the post-movement position when the post-movement position is stored when the setting area is switched to the input state.

  If this aspect is followed, the setting program which simplified operation which moves an input screen can be provided.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an MFP in the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a top view of an operation panel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an operation condition setting process. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen containing one setting area. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the screen of the state by which the input screen was superimposed and displayed on the magnification setting screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the input screen in a magnification setting screen. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the screen of the state by which the input screen was superimposed and displayed on the magnification setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st kind of setting screen. FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where an input screen is displayed superimposed on a paper size setting screen. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where an input screen is displayed superimposed on a paper size setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd kind of setting screen. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the screen of the state in which the input screen was displayed superimposed on the shift amount setting screen. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the screen of the state in which the input screen was displayed superimposed on the shift amount 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. 1 and 2, MFP 100 functioning as an image processing 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 that controls the entire MFP 100, 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. 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 processing 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, and hard keys including a start key 171 (see FIG. 3). Unit 170 and input control unit 167 for controlling touch panel 169 and 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 171. The hard key is connected to the input control unit 167 and outputs an ON signal to the input control unit 167 while being pressed by the user, and outputs an OFF signal to the input control unit 167 while not being pressed by the user.

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

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

  The external storage device 117 is controlled by the CPU 111, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 118 or a semiconductor memory is mounted. In this embodiment, an example in which the CPU 111 executes a program stored in the ROM 113 will be described. However, the CPU 111 controls the external storage device 117 to read a program to be executed by the CPU 111 from the CD-ROM 118. The read program may be stored in the RAM 102 and executed.

  The recording medium for storing a 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). )), A semiconductor memory medium such as an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM). Further, the CPU 111 downloads a program from a computer connected to the network and stores it in the HDD 115, or loads the program stored in the HDD 115 into the RAM 114 so that the computer connected to the network writes the program in the HDD 115. Then, it may be executed by the CPU 111. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  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 31. The process execution unit 31 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 in accordance with the processing conditions set by 11.

  An example of processing executed by the processing execution unit 31 is scan processing, copy processing, print processing, data transmission processing, facsimile transmission / reception processing, and the like. The process execution unit 31 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 31 stores an image in the HDD 115 when a process condition in which the output destination is the HDD 115 is set as one of the process conditions. When a processing condition for setting the output destination as the external storage device 117 is set as one of the processing conditions, the processing execution unit 31 stores the image in a semiconductor memory attached to the external storage device 117. The process execution unit 31 transmits an image via the communication I / F unit 112 when a process condition in which the output destination is the communication I / F unit 112 is designated as one of the process conditions. The transmission method is e-mail transmission, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block), or the like, for example. When e-mail transmission is set as the transmission method, an e-mail attached with an image is generated, and the generated e-mail is transmitted.

  In addition, the processing execution unit 31 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.

  In addition, the processing execution unit 31 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 setting to execute the printing process 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

  The process execution unit 31 controls the communication I / F unit 112 and the HDD 115 and sets the data stored in the HDD 115 to the communication I / F unit 112 when it is set to execute the data transmission process as one of the processing conditions. To send through. 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 with data attached is generated, and the generated e-mail is transmitted.

  Further, the processing execution unit 31 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 processing 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 an image output by reading the document according to the processing condition or the data stored in the HDD 115 or the external storage device 117. It is an image.

  The process execution unit 31 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 31 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 31 stores an image of 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 31 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 screen identification information for identifying the selected setting screen as a setting screen display unit 15 and an input reception unit 41. Output to.

  The plurality of setting screens respectively correspond to a plurality of types of processes that can be executed by the process execution unit 31. For example, a setting screen for setting a processing condition for the process execution unit 31 to execute a scan process, a setting screen for setting a processing condition for the process execution unit 31 to execute a copy process, and the process execution unit 31 Screen for setting processing conditions for executing print processing, setting screen for setting processing conditions for processing execution unit 31 to execute data transmission processing, and facsimile transmission / reception processing by processing execution unit 31 It is a setting screen for setting the processing conditions for executing.

  The setting screen is a screen for setting a setting value for each of one or more setting items that defines processing conditions for the processing execution unit 31 to execute processing, and for displaying the setting value for each of the one or more setting items. It has a setting area. 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 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 operate the menu screen. If any of the plurality of screen identification information displayed on the screen is indicated, the designated screen identification information setting screen 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 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 screen identification information from the HDD 115 in response to the input of the screen identification information from the setting screen selection unit 13, and displays the read setting screen on the LCD 165. 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 switches the state of each of the one or more setting areas included in the setting screen to one of an input state in which a set value can be input and an incapable state in which the set value cannot be input. Hereinafter, the setting area that the state switching unit 17 has switched to the input state is referred to as an active area. The state switching unit 17 outputs an item name for identifying the setting item corresponding to the active region to the item setting unit 19 while there is an active region that is switched to the input state among the one or more setting regions.

  The state switching unit 17 includes an instruction reception setting unit 21. The instruction acceptance setting unit 21 receives screen identification information from the setting screen selection unit 13. The instruction reception setting unit 21 switches the setting area selected by the user from one or more setting areas included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 to the input state. Specifically, the instruction reception setting unit 21 is instructed when one of one or more setting areas included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15 is instructed by the user. To the input state. Further, the instruction reception setting unit 21 is instructed when any one of one or more setting area item names included in the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15 is instructed by the user. The setting area corresponding to is switched to the input state. When the user indicates one of one or more setting areas or item names 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 a plurality of setting areas or item names is instructed by the user based on the coordinates of the display surface of the LCD 165 detected by the touch panel 169, and specifies the specified setting area or item name The setting area corresponding to is switched to the input state. The instruction reception setting unit 21 outputs a display instruction including an item name for identifying the setting area switched to the input state 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 responds to a display instruction being input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 in a state where the input screen is not displayed on the LCD 165, in other words, the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the user. In response to instructing one of one or more setting areas or item names included in the input screen, the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. Specifically, when a display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21, the setting screen display unit 15 displays the setting screen on the LCD 165 as a first layer screen. The input screen display unit 43 outputs the input screen to the display control unit 161 and causes the LCD 165 to display the input screen with priority over the setting screen. For example, the setting screen display unit 15 causes the LCD 165 to display a setting screen as a first layer screen, and the input screen display unit 43 causes the LCD 165 to display the input screen as a second layer surface above the first layer. Alternatively, a composite image in which the input screen is superimposed on the setting screen may be generated by the display control unit 161 and the generated image may be displayed on the LCD 165. When displaying the input screen, the input screen display unit 43 outputs position information indicating the position in the setting screen of the input screen to the set value receiving unit 45.

  The input screen includes a plurality of input keys, and each of the plurality of input keys 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 active area 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 includes a first display unit 51, a second display unit 53, a position change unit 55, a position storage unit 57, and a reset unit 59. The first display unit 51 receives a display instruction from the instruction reception setting unit 21 when a display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 and the post-movement position is not stored in the RAM 114 by the position storage unit 57 described later. In response to this, the input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen.

  The second display unit 53 receives a display instruction from the instruction reception setting unit 21 when the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 and the post-movement position is stored in the RAM 114 by the position storage unit 57 described later. In response, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position.

  A processing condition for the processing execution unit 31 to execute processing may be determined by a set of a plurality of setting items. When the processing condition is determined by a set of a plurality of setting items, the plurality of setting items included in the set are classified into either a first type setting item or a second type setting item. The first type of setting item is a setting item in which one of the plurality of setting items depends on the other setting item. For example, when one of a plurality of setting items is changed, the other setting item must be changed. The second type of setting item is a setting item in which each of the plurality of setting items is independent of other setting items. For example, even when one of a plurality of setting items is changed, the other setting items are not necessarily changed. Hereinafter, a setting area in which a setting value is input to the first type setting item is referred to as a first type setting area. A setting area for inputting a setting value to the second type setting item is referred to as a second type setting area.

  As an example of the first type of setting item, there are a setting item for determining the paper size, a setting item for determining the size of the document, and a setting item for determining the vertical and horizontal magnifications of the image. The setting items for determining the paper size include a setting item for determining the vertical size of the paper and a setting item for determining the horizontal size of the paper. The setting items for determining the size of the original include setting items for determining the vertical size of the original and setting items for determining the horizontal size of the original. The setting items for determining the vertical and horizontal magnifications of the image include the vertical magnification of the image and the horizontal magnification of the image.

  As an example of the second type of setting item, a setting item that determines the position where an image is placed on a sheet, a setting item that determines a page number for chaptering a plurality of pages, and a position where a sheet is inserted in the middle of a plurality of pages. This is a setting item to be determined. The setting items for determining the position at which the image is arranged on the sheet include a setting item for determining the amount of shifting from the default position in the vertical direction and a setting item for determining the amount of shifting from the default position in the horizontal direction. The setting items that determine page numbers for dividing a plurality of pages into chapters include setting items that determine page numbers for forming images on the surface of the paper. Setting items for determining the position at which a sheet is inserted in the middle of a plurality of pages include setting items for determining a page number for inserting another sheet.

  When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the setting screen includes a first type of setting area that includes a plurality of first type setting areas and does not include a second type setting area, and a second type setting area. A second type of setting screen including a plurality of first type setting areas and a third type including at least one first type setting area and including at least one second type setting area; And the setting screen.

  Each of the first display unit 51 and the second display unit 53 determines whether or not the post-movement position is stored in the RAM 114 by the position storage unit 57 described later in response to a display instruction input from the instruction reception setting unit 21. And whether the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction is the first type setting area or the second type setting area. In the setting screen, one of the first type setting region and the second type setting region is defined for each of the plurality of setting regions included therein. Each of the first display unit 51 and the second display unit 53 has a setting area corresponding to the item name included in the display instruction based on the setting screen specified by the screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13. One of the setting area of the first type and the setting area of the second type is determined.

  Hereinafter, regarding the functions of the first display unit 51 and the second display unit 53, when the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15 is the first type setting screen, the second type setting screen is displayed. In the case of the third type of setting screen, each case will be described separately.

<In the case of the first type of setting screen>
Since the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15 is the first type setting screen, each of the first display unit 51 and the second display unit 53 is specified by the item name included in the display instruction. Is determined to be the first type of setting area.

  When the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 and the post-movement position is not stored in the RAM 114, the first display unit 51 is in response to the display instruction input from the instruction reception setting unit 21. The input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen. Further, when the setting screen includes a plurality of first type setting areas and the default position is predetermined for each of the plurality of setting areas, the first display unit 51 receives a display instruction from the instruction reception setting unit 21. And the post-movement position is not stored in the RAM 114, the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21, and the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction The input screen is displayed at the default position determined by default.

  When the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 and the post-movement position is stored in the RAM 114, the second display unit 53 responds to the display instruction input from the instruction reception setting unit 21. The input screen is displayed at the position after movement. In addition, when the setting screen includes a plurality of first type setting areas and the default position is predetermined for each of the plurality of setting areas, the second display unit 53 receives a display instruction from the instruction reception setting unit 21. Is input and the post-movement position is stored in the RAM 114, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position even if the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction is any of a plurality of setting areas. To do.

<For the second type of setting screen>
Since the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15 is the second type setting screen, each of the first display unit 51 and the second display unit 53 is specified by the item name included in the display instruction. Is determined as the second type of setting area.

  When the setting screen is the second type of setting screen, the movement position is not stored in the RAM 114 by the position storage unit 57 described later.

  When the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 and the post-movement position is not stored in the RAM 114, the first display unit 51 is in response to the display instruction input from the instruction reception setting unit 21. The input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen. When the setting screen includes a plurality of second type setting areas and the default position is predetermined for each of the plurality of setting areas, the first display unit 51 displays the display instruction from the instruction reception setting unit 21. And the post-movement position is not stored in the RAM 114, the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21, and the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction The input screen is displayed at the default position determined by default.

  Since the movement position is not stored in the RAM 114 by the position storage unit 57, the second display unit 53 does not display the input screen even if a display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21.

<In the case of the third type of setting screen>
Since the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 by the setting screen display unit 15 is the third type setting screen, each of the first display unit 51 and the second display unit 53 is an active specified by the item name included in the display instruction. There are cases where the area is determined to be the first type of setting area and cases where the area is determined to be the second type of setting area.

  When the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 and the post-movement position is not stored in the RAM 114, the first display unit 51 has the first active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction Regardless of the type setting area or the second type, an input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default on the setting screen in response to a display instruction input from the instruction reception setting unit 21. To do.

  When the setting screen includes a plurality of first-type setting areas and second-type setting areas, and the default position is predetermined for each of the plurality of setting areas, the first display unit 51 When a display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 and the post-movement position is not stored in the RAM 114, the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction is the first type setting area or the second type area. In any case, in response to the display instruction input from the instruction reception setting unit 21, the default position determined by default for the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction is set. Display the input screen.

  When the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21 and the post-movement position is stored in the RAM 114, the second display unit 53 has the first active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction as the first display area. In the case of the type setting area, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position in response to the display instruction input from the instruction reception setting unit 21, and the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction is the second area. If the display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21, the input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen.

  When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas and a default position is predetermined for each of the plurality of setting areas, the second display unit 53 receives a display instruction from the instruction reception setting unit 21. When the post-movement position is stored in the RAM 114, if the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction is the first type setting area, a display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21. If the active area specified by the item name included in the display instruction is the second type of setting area, a display instruction is input from the instruction reception setting unit 21. In response to this, the input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default for the active area.

  The position changing unit 55 changes the position in the setting screen of the input screen displayed by either the first display unit 51 or the second display unit 53 based on an operation by the user. The input screen is moved by a drag-and-drop operation using the touch panel 169, which is an operation input by the user. The drag operation is an operation for designating a predetermined area on the input screen. The drop operation is an operation for ending the instruction by the drag operation. Note that the drag operation may be an operation for continuously instructing an arbitrary position on the input screen for a predetermined time.

  Specifically, the position changing unit 55 receives a drag operation when detecting an operation in which a user designates a predetermined area of the input screen displayed on the LCD 165 with a finger or a stylus pen. In other words, the position changing unit 55 accepts a drag operation if the position indicated by the user detected by the touch panel 169 is within a predetermined area of the input screen. When the position changing unit 55 receives the drag operation, the position changing unit 55 makes the input screen movable. The position changing unit 55 reduces the luminance of the input screen and makes at least a part of the input screen transparent while the input screen is movable. The input screen is displayed as a second layer screen with priority over the setting screen, which is the first layer screen, but the part of the setting screen that overlaps the input screen can be seen through the transparent part of the input screen. It becomes. Thereby, the user can notify the user that the input screen is in a movable state. In addition, the user can move the input screen while viewing the entire setting screen to determine the position where the input screen is to be arranged.

  When the input screen is movable, the position changing unit 55 receives the moving operation when an operation for moving the position indicated by the user with the finger or the stylus pen on the touch panel 169 is input. In other words, the position changing unit 55 receives a moving operation while the touch panel 169 detects a position designated by the user. The position changing unit 55 determines the position in the setting screen of the input screen so that the position indicated in the input screen by the drag operation overlaps the position detected by the touch panel 169, and the input screen is set in the setting screen. Place it at the determined position. Therefore, when the user inputs an operation for moving the position indicated by the finger or the stylus pen on the touch panel 169, the input screen moves in the setting screen. For example, if the position pointed by the user with a finger or a stylus pen is moved to the right by the distance X, an operation of moving the distance X to the right by the touch panel 169 is detected, and the input screen is the distance X to the right in the setting screen. Moving.

  The position changing unit 55 accepts a drop operation when the user finishes an instruction with a finger or a stylus pen while the input screen is movable. When the position changing unit 55 accepts the drop operation, the position changing unit 55 arranges the input screen at the position determined last in the setting screen of the input screen, and switches the input screen from the movable state to the unmovable state. When switching the input screen from the movable state to the non-movable state, the position changing unit 55 restores the brightness of the input screen and inputs the portion of the setting screen that overlaps the input screen without displaying the setting screen. Display the screen. Accordingly, the user can not see the setting screen displayed in the lower layer of the input screen, and thus can notify the user that the input screen has become unmovable. When receiving the drop operation, the position changing unit 55 outputs the position in the setting screen of the input screen to the position storage unit 57 as the post-movement position.

  For example, a drag and drop operation may be continuously input as an operation for moving the input screen by the user. The position changing unit 55 changes the position in the setting screen of the input screen each time a plurality of drag-and-drop operations are input, and sets the post-movement position indicating the position of the input screen in the changed setting screen, The data is output to the position storage unit 57.

  The position storage unit 57 sets the post-movement position in the RAM 114 in advance in response to the post-movement position input from the position change unit 55 on the condition that the active area is the first type setting area. Store in the area. The position storage unit 57 is included in the display instruction based on the setting screen specified by the screen identification information input from the setting screen selection unit 13 in response to the post-movement position input from the position changing unit 55. It is determined whether the active area corresponding to the item name is the first type setting area or the second type setting area. The position storage unit 57 stores the post-movement position in the RAM 114 when the post-movement position is input from the position change unit 55 and the active area is determined to be the first type setting area. When the active area is determined to be the second type setting area, the post-movement position is not stored in the RAM 114. When determining that the active area is the first type setting area, the position storage unit 57 stores the post-movement position in a predetermined area of the RAM 114 when the post-movement position is input from the position changing unit 55. If it is, the post-movement position already stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 114 is updated with the post-movement position input from the position changing unit 55.

  The reset unit 59 deletes the post-movement position stored in the RAM 114 when the setting screen displayed on the LCD 165 is no longer displayed. The reset unit 59 erases the post-movement position stored in the RAM 114 by setting a predetermined area of the RAM 114 to blank when the screen identification information is input from the setting screen selection unit 13.

  While the setting screen on the LCD 165 is being displayed, an operation for displaying the input screen multiple times by the user, in other words, an operation for designating the setting area may be input multiple times, and the input screen is displayed multiple times. The Regardless of the number of times the input screen is displayed, the position storage unit 57 is conditioned on the fact that the active area is the first type setting area in response to the input of the post-movement position from the position changing unit 55. The post-movement position is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 114.

  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 55, the setting value receiving unit 45 changes the position in the setting screen of the input screen every time the position of the input screen in the setting 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 an item name of a setting region (active region) set to the input state from the state switching unit 17 and receives a 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 a setting area corresponding to the item name input from the state switching unit 17, and sets the setting value for the specified setting area. . 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 area corresponding to the item name input from the state switching unit 17, and is specified. Set the set value for the set area. The item setting unit 19 specifies a setting area 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 area is set.

  In addition, when setting the setting value, the item setting unit 19 outputs a set of the setting area item name and the setting value to the setting screen display unit 15. The setting screen display unit 15 updates the display of the setting area specified by the item name with the setting value that is paired with the item name in response to the input of the setting area item name and the setting value. To do.

  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 resets the post-movement position (step S01). The post-movement position stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 114 is erased. For example, all predetermined areas of the RAM 114 are set to blank.

  In the next step S02, a default setting screen is displayed on LCD 165. For example, if the menu screen is determined by default, the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 165. Then, it is determined whether or not a setting screen has been selected (step S03). When the user selects one of a plurality of pieces of screen identification information included in the menu screen while the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 165, or when the setting screen with a transition function is displayed on the LCD 165, the transition button Is selected by the user, it is determined that the setting screen has been selected. If the setting screen is selected, CPU 111 advances the process to step S04, and if not, advances the process to step S06.

  In step S04, the post-movement position is reset as in step S02, and the process proceeds to step S05. Then, every time the setting screen is switched, the post-movement position is reset, so that the post-movement position becomes valid with respect to the displayed setting screen. In step S05, the selected setting screen is displayed on LCD 165. When any of a plurality of pieces of screen identification information is selected by the user while the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 165, a setting screen specified by the selected screen identification information is displayed on the LCD 165, and a setting with a transition function is performed. When the transition button is selected by the user in a state where the screen is displayed on the LCD 165, a setting screen specified by the 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 areas for specifying processing conditions.

  In the next step S06, it is determined whether or not a setting area has been designated. If any one or more setting areas included in the setting screen displayed on LCD 165 is instructed (YES in step S06), the process proceeds to step S07, and if not, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S07, the designated setting area is switched to the input state, and the process proceeds to step S08. Hereinafter, the setting area switched to the input state is referred to as an active area.

  In step S08, it is determined whether the post-movement position is stored. The post-movement position is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 114 in step S19 described later, and is reset in step S01 or step S04. If the post-movement position is stored in a predetermined area of RAM 114, the process proceeds to step S09; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S09, the setting area included in the setting screen is singular or there are a plurality of setting areas included in the setting screen, and the setting area switched to the input state in step S07 is the first setting area. It is determined whether or not the type setting area. If there is a single setting area included in the setting screen, or if there are a plurality of setting areas included in the setting screen and the active area is the first type setting area, the process proceeds to step S10; The process proceeds to step S11. The process proceeds to step S11 in step S09 when there are a plurality of setting areas included in the setting screen and the active area is the second type setting area.

  In step S10, the input screen is displayed superimposed on the setting screen at the post-movement position in the setting screen, and the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, in step S11, the input screen is displayed at the default position determined for the setting screen in the setting screen, and the process proceeds to step S12. When the default position is determined for the active area on the setting screen, the input screen is displayed at the default position determined for the active area.

  In step S12, it is determined whether an input screen is being displayed. If the input screen is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S13; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S13, 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 S20; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, it is determined whether an instruction to close the input screen has been received. If the user indicates a close key included in the input screen, an instruction to close the input screen is accepted. If an instruction to close the input screen is accepted, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S15, the input screen is closed and the process returns to step S06.

  In step S16, it is determined whether a drag operation is detected. If a drag operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S17; otherwise, the process returns to step S06. When the user indicates a predetermined position on the input screen, a drag operation is detected. When a drag operation is detected, the input screen is set to a movable state. In addition, while the input screen is movable, the brightness of the input screen is reduced, and the part of the setting screen that overlaps the input screen is displayed by overlapping the two images of the input screen and the setting screen. Accordingly, the user can see through the setting screen displayed in the lower layer of the input screen, so that the user can be notified that the input screen is movable. In addition, it is possible to move the input screen while observing the entire setting screen and determine the position to be arranged.

  In step S17, the input screen is moved. When the user inputs an operation for moving the position indicated by the finger or stylus pen on the touch panel 169 while the input screen is movable, the moving operation is accepted and the input screen is moved in the setting screen. Specifically, the position on the setting screen of the input screen is determined such that the position indicated in the input screen by the drag operation by the user overlaps with the position detected by the touch panel 169, and the input screen is displayed on the setting screen. Place it at the position determined in. Therefore, when the user inputs an operation for moving the position indicated by the finger or the stylus pen on the touch panel 169, the input screen moves in the setting screen. For example, if the position pointed by the user with a finger or a stylus pen is moved to the right by the distance X, an operation of moving the distance X to the right by the touch panel 169 is detected, and the input screen is the distance X to the right in the setting screen. Moving. Thereafter, when the user finishes the instruction with the finger or the stylus pen while the input screen is movable, the drop operation is accepted. When the drop operation is accepted, the input screen is arranged in the setting screen at the position finally determined in the setting screen of the input screen, and the input screen is switched from the movable state to the non-movable state. When the input screen is switched from a movable state to a non-movable state, the brightness of the input screen is restored and the input screen is displayed without displaying the setting screen in the part of the setting screen that overlaps the input screen. Accordingly, the user can not see the setting screen displayed in the lower layer of the input screen, and thus can notify the user that the input screen has become unmovable.

  In step S18, as in step S09, there is a single setting area included in the setting screen, or there are a plurality of setting areas included in the setting screen, and the input state is switched in step S07. It is determined whether the setting area is the first type setting area. If there is a single setting area included in the setting screen, or if there are a plurality of setting areas included in the setting screen and the active area is the first type setting area, the process proceeds to step S19. If not, the process returns to step S06. In step S19, the post-movement position is stored, and the process returns to step S06. The position of the input screen after being moved in step S17 is stored as a post-movement position in a predetermined area of the RAM 114. Step S17 may be executed a plurality of times. The user may input a drag and drop operation multiple times, and the input screen may move multiple times. In this case, in step S19, after the input screen is moved, the post-movement position stored so far at the last position is updated. Therefore, the RAM 114 stores the position after the input screen has moved last as the post-movement position.

  On the other hand, in step S20, the set value accepted in step S13 is displayed in the active area switched to the input state in step S03. For this reason, the user can visually recognize the input value.

  In step S21, a setting value is set for the setting item corresponding to the active area, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the start key 171 has been pressed. If start key 171 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S23; otherwise, the process returns to step S03. In step S23, processing is executed according to the set value set in the item corresponding to the active area in step S21. For items for which no set value is set, processing is executed in accordance with a predetermined default set value.

  The processing executed in step S23 is determined by the setting screen selected by the user in step S03 and displayed on the LCD 165 in step S05. If the setting screen is a setting screen for setting processing conditions for copy processing, copy processing is executed. If the setting screen is for setting processing conditions for scanning processing, scanning processing is executed. If it is a setting screen for setting, print processing is executed, if it is a setting screen for setting processing conditions for data transmission processing, data transmission processing is executed, and if it is a setting screen for setting processing conditions for facsimile transmission processing Facsimile transmission processing is executed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen including one setting area. With reference to FIG. 6, as an example of a setting screen including one setting area, a magnification setting screen 201 for setting a magnification, which is one of processing conditions for executing print processing, is illustrated. The magnification setting screen 201 is a setting screen for setting an enlargement ratio or a reduction ratio of an image formed on a sheet, and includes a setting area 203 corresponding to a setting item for determining the enlargement ratio or the reduction ratio.

  FIG. 7 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where the input screen is displayed superimposed on the magnification setting screen. The screen shown in FIG. 7 shows the screen when the setting area 203 is instructed while the magnification setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. An input screen 211 is displayed superimposed on the magnification setting screen 201. The input screen 211 is displayed at a position determined by default with respect to the setting area 203. The default position for the setting area 203 is a position where the input screen 211 is arranged in the vicinity of the setting area 203 without overlapping the setting area 203. Since the setting area 203 has been instructed, the setting area 203 is set to the input state, and when an input key on the input screen 211 is designated, a setting value based on the instructed key is displayed in the setting area 203. The input screen 211 includes a plurality of keys and an area 213 that accepts a drag operation. The plurality of keys include a key representing numbers “0” to “9”, a key representing “*”, a key representing “#”, and a key representing “C”. , And a key representing “close”. If the user indicates the area 213 on the input screen 211 for a predetermined time, a drag operation is accepted and the input screen can be moved.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the input screen on the magnification setting screen. In the magnification setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 8, the moving state of the input screen 211 displayed superimposed on the magnification setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 7 is indicated by a dotted line. The brightness of the input screen 211 is reduced, and a portion overlapping the input screen 211 in the magnification setting screen 201 is displayed by superimposing two images of the input screen 211 and the magnification setting screen 201. As a result, the user can see through the magnification setting screen 201 displayed in the lower layer of the input screen 211, so that the user can be notified that the input screen is movable. Further, it is possible to determine the position where the input screen 211 is arranged by moving the input screen 211 while viewing the entire magnification setting screen 201.

  FIG. 9 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where the input screen is displayed superimposed on the magnification setting screen. A magnification setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 9 shows a state where the input screen 211 displayed superimposed on the magnification setting screen 201 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first type setting screen. Referring to FIG. 10, as an example of the first type setting screen, a paper size setting screen 231 for setting the paper size, which is one of the processing conditions for executing the print processing, is shown. The paper size setting screen 231 is a setting screen for setting the paper size in the horizontal direction and the paper size in the vertical direction as processing conditions, and two settings corresponding to the two setting items in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, respectively. Regions 233 and 235 are included. The horizontal size and the vertical size depend on each other and cannot be set independently. In the paper size setting screen 231, when one of the horizontal size and the vertical size of the paper is set as a processing condition for executing the image forming process, the other must be set. It is not set independently.

  FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where an input screen is displayed superimposed on the paper size setting screen. The screen shown in FIG. 11 shows the screen when the setting area 233 is instructed while the paper size setting screen 231 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. An input screen 211 is displayed superimposed on the paper size setting screen 231. The input screen 211 is displayed at a position determined by default with respect to the setting area 233. The position determined by default with respect to the setting area 253 is a position where the input screen 211 is arranged in the vicinity of the setting area 233 and the setting area 235 without overlapping the setting area 233 and the setting area 235. Since the setting area 233 has been instructed, the setting area 233 is set to the input state, and when an input key on the input screen 211 is designated, a setting value based on the instructed key is displayed in the setting area 233.

  FIG. 12 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where an input screen is displayed superimposed on the paper size setting screen. A paper size setting screen 231 shown in FIG. 12 shows a state where the input screen 211 displayed superimposed on the paper size setting screen 231 shown in FIG. Since the setting area 233 is set to the input state on the paper size setting screen 231 shown in FIG. 12, 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 233. Is done. Further, when the setting area 235 is instructed by the user, the setting area 235 is set to the input state without moving the input screen 211. Thereafter, when an input key on the input screen 211 is designated, a setting value based on the instructed key is displayed in the setting area 235. When the close key of the input screen 211 is instructed, the input screen 211 is closed and the paper size setting screen 231 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the LCD 165. Thereafter, the setting area 233 or the setting area 235 is displayed by the user. Is displayed, the paper size setting screen 231 shown in FIG. In other words, the input screen 211 is displayed not at the position determined by default with respect to the setting areas 233 and 235 but at the position after movement.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second type of setting screen. Referring to FIG. 13, a shift amount setting screen 251 for setting a shift amount, which is one of processing conditions for executing print processing, is shown as an example of a second type of setting screen. The shift amount setting screen 251 is a setting screen for setting the position of the image formed on the sheet in the sheet, and the position of the image in the sheet is set to the shift amount in the vertical direction of the image and the shift amount in the horizontal direction of the image. Determined by For this reason, the shift amount setting screen 251 includes two setting areas 253 and 255 respectively corresponding to two setting items in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The vertical shift amount and the horizontal shift amount can be set independently. In the shift amount setting screen 251, the vertical shift amount and the horizontal shift amount are set as processing conditions for executing the print processing. The shift amount can be determined independently regardless of the other.

  The item name 253A of the corresponding setting item is arranged on the upper side in the vicinity of the setting area 253, indicating that the setting area 253 is set with a setting value indicating the left / right shift amount. The item name 255A of the corresponding setting item is arranged on the upper side in the vicinity of the setting area 255, and indicates that the setting value indicating the vertical shift amount is set in the setting area 255.

  FIG. 14 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where the input screen is displayed superimposed on the shift amount setting screen. The screen shown in FIG. 14 shows the screen when the setting area 253 is instructed while the shift amount setting screen 251 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. An input screen 211 is displayed superimposed on the shift amount setting screen 251. The input screen 211 is displayed at a position determined by default with respect to the setting area 253. The position determined by default with respect to the setting area 253 is a position where the input screen 211 is arranged in the vicinity of the setting area 253 without overlapping the setting area 253. Since the setting area 253 has been instructed, the setting area 253 is set to the input state, and when an input key on the input screen 211 is designated, a setting value based on the instructed key is displayed in the setting area 253.

  FIG. 15 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where the input screen is displayed superimposed on the shift amount setting screen. The screen shown in FIG. 15 shows the screen when the setting area 255 is instructed while the shift amount setting screen 251 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. An input screen 211 is displayed superimposed on the shift amount setting screen 251. The input screen 211 is displayed at a position determined by default with respect to the setting area 255. The default position for the setting area 255 is a position where the input screen 211 is arranged in the vicinity of the setting area 255 without overlapping the setting area 255. Since the setting area 255 has been instructed, the setting area 255 is set to the input state, and when an input key on the input screen 211 is indicated, a setting value based on the instructed key is displayed in the setting area 253.

  When the setting area 253 is instructed, the shift amount setting screen 251 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. The position of the input screen 211 in the shift amount setting screen 251 is displayed on the shift amount setting screen shown in FIG. Can be changed to position. After that, when the close key of the input screen 211 is instructed, the input screen 211 is closed and the shift amount setting screen 251 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the LCD 165. Thereafter, the setting area 233 is instructed by the user. Then, the shift amount setting screen 251 shown in FIG. In other words, the input screen 211 is displayed not at the position after movement but at a position determined by default with respect to the setting area 253.

  As described above, in the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the setting screen includes one setting area, when the user indicates the setting area, the setting area is switched to the input state, and the input screen is set to the setting screen. Display at the default position. When the user changes the position where the input screen is displayed in the setting screen by a drag-and-drop operation, the changed position of the input screen is stored as the post-movement position. If the post-movement position is not memorized when the user designates the setting area, in other words, if the input screen is not moved, the input screen is moved to the default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen. indicate. In addition, when the post-movement position is stored when the user designates the setting area, in other words, when the setting area is designated again after moving the input screen, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position. . For this reason, since the user does not need to move the input screen every time the input screen is displayed, the operation of moving the input screen can be simplified.

  Also, when the position of the input screen is changed a plurality of times, the post-movement position stored so far is updated with the position of the input screen after the position has been changed last. For this reason, when the user instructs the setting area, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position after being updated. For this reason, when the user moves the input screen a plurality of times, the input screen can be displayed at the position after the last movement. For this reason, the user can continue the operation.

  When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, if the user indicates one of the plurality of setting areas, the setting area designated by the user is switched to the input state, and the setting area switched to the input state is used. An input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default for a certain active area. For this reason, the position which displays an input screen can be varied for every some setting area | region.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of setting areas included in the setting screen are classified into either the first type or the second type, when one active area of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state In the case where the post-movement position is not memorized, the input screen is displayed at the default position regardless of whether the active area is the first type setting area or the second type, and one of the plurality of setting areas is displayed. If the post-movement position is stored when the active area is switched to the input state, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position if the active area is the first type, and active if the active area is the second type. The input screen is displayed at the default position determined by default for the area. For this reason, the position where the input screen is displayed can be different between the first type setting area and the second type setting area. Further, if the first type of setting area is set as a setting area having a mutually dependent relationship in which setting values are always set when setting values are set in other setting areas, for example, a plurality of first types of setting areas are set. Since the set value must be input in the type setting area, the input screen is continuously displayed. For this reason, when the input images are displayed continuously, if the input images are displayed at the same position, it is not necessary to repeat the operation of moving the input screen. For this reason, it is set in a plurality of first type setting areas. The operation of inputting a value becomes easy. Further, for example, if the second type of setting area is a setting area where setting values can be set independently of other setting areas, in other words, the second type of setting area is changed to other setting areas. If a setting value is set in the setting area, the position where the input screen is displayed is often determined for each of the plurality of setting areas. For this reason, when the second type of setting area is an active area, the input screen is displayed at a position determined by default with respect to the second type of setting area, thereby reducing the number of operations for moving the input screen. There is a case. For example, this is effective when the position after the input screen is moved overlaps with the second type of setting area that will be the next active area.

  In addition, only when the active area is the first type, the position after the position where the input screen is displayed is changed is stored as a post-movement position. When the active area is the second type, the input screen is displayed. Even when the display position is changed, the position of the input screen after the position is changed is not stored as the post-movement position. For this reason, only when the input screen corresponding to the first type of setting area is moved, the position for displaying the input screen when the first type of setting area is switched to the input state thereafter. Can be stored.

  Furthermore, since the position after movement is deleted when the setting screen is not displayed, the input screen can be displayed at the position after moving for each setting screen. This is because the position of the setting area varies depending on the setting screen.

  In the embodiment described above, MFP 100 has been described as an example of an image processing apparatus. However, a setting method for causing MFP 100 to execute the operation condition setting process illustrated in FIG. 5 or a CPU 111 that controls MFP 100 performs the setting method. It goes without saying that the invention can be specified as a setting program for execution.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP, 11 setting part, 13 setting screen selection part, 15 setting screen display part, 17 state switching part, 19 item setting part, 21 instruction reception setting part, 31 process execution part, 41 input reception part, 43 input screen display part 45, setting value receiving unit, 51 first display unit, 53 second display unit, 55 position changing unit, 57 position storage unit, 59 reset 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 sheet feeding unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display control unit, 167 input control unit, 169 Touch panel, 170 Hard key section, 171 Start key.

Claims (13)

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;
A state switching means for switching the setting region between an input state in which a set value can be input and an incapable state of input;
When the setting area is switched to the input state by the state switching means, an input screen that is different from the setting screen and for inputting a setting value to the setting area is displayed on the displayed setting screen. An input screen display means for superimposing and displaying on the screen;
Position changing means for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
Position storage means for storing the position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is changed by the position changing means as a post-movement position;
The input screen display means displays the input screen at a default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen when the post-movement position is not stored when the setting area is switched to the input state. First display means for
An image processing apparatus comprising: a second display unit configured to display the input screen at the post-movement position when the post-movement position is stored when the setting area is switched to the input state. When the position is changed a plurality of times by the position changing means, the position storage means is a position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is last changed by the position changing means, and the position changing means Update the post-movement position that was stored before the position was last changed,
When the position is changed a plurality of times by the position changing means, the second display means displays the input screen at a post-movement position after being updated by the position storage means when the setting area is switched to the input state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the state switching means switches one active area of the plurality of setting areas to an input state,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display unit displays the input screen at a default position determined by default with respect to the active area. The plurality of setting areas are classified into one of a first type and a second type,
If the post-movement position is not stored at the time when one active area of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state, the first display means sets the active area as the first type setting area. Alternatively, the input screen is displayed at the default position in any of the second types,
The second display means is configured such that when the post-movement position is stored at the time when one active area of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state, the movement is performed if the active area is the first type. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the input screen is displayed at a rear position, and the input screen is displayed at a default position determined by default with respect to the active area if the active area is of the second type. .   When the active area is the first type, the position storage means stores a position after the position where the input screen corresponding to the active area is changed by the position changing means as a post-movement position, When the active area is of the second type, the position change means changes the position after the position change means changes the position of displaying the input screen corresponding to the active area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the position of the input screen is not stored as a post-movement position.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position storage unit includes a reset unit that erases the stored post-movement position when the setting screen is not displayed. A setting method executed by an image processing apparatus including 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;
A state switching step for switching the setting area between an input state in which a set value can be input and an incapable state in which the setting value cannot be input;
When the setting area is switched to the input state in the state switching step, an input screen that is different from the setting screen and is used to input a setting value to the setting area is displayed on the displayed setting screen. An input screen display step for superimposing and displaying on the screen;
A position changing step for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
Storing a position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is changed in the position changing step as a post-movement position,
The input screen display step displays the input screen at a default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen when the post-movement position is not stored when the setting area is switched to the input state. A first display step,
And a second display step of displaying the input screen at the post-movement position when the post-movement position is stored when the setting area is switched to the input state. When the position is changed a plurality of times in the position changing step, the position storing step is a position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is last changed in the position changing step. Updating the post-movement position stored before the position was last changed,
In the second display step, when the position is changed a plurality of times in the position changing step, the input screen is displayed at the post-movement position after being updated by the position storing step when the setting area is switched to the input state. The setting method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of displaying. When the setting screen includes a plurality of setting areas, the state switching step includes a step of switching one active area of the plurality of setting areas to an input state,
The setting method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first display step includes a step of displaying the input screen at a default position determined by default with respect to the active region. The plurality of setting areas are classified into one of a first type and a second type,
In the first display step, when the post-movement position is not stored at the time when one active area of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state, the active area is the first type setting area. Or the step of displaying the input screen at the default position in any of the second types,
In the second display step, if the post-movement position is stored at the time when one active area of the plurality of setting areas is switched to the input state, the movement is performed if the active area is the first type. 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: displaying the input screen at a rear position and displaying the input screen at a default position determined by default with respect to the active area if the active area is of the second type. Setting method. And storing the position after the position where the input screen corresponding to the active area is changed in the position changing step as the post-movement position when the active area is of the first type. ,
When the active area is the second type, even if the position for displaying the input screen corresponding to the active area is changed in the position changing step, the position is changed after the position is changed in the position changing step. The setting method according to claim 10, further comprising: not storing the position of the input screen as a post-movement position.   The setting method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the position storing step includes a resetting step of deleting the stored post-movement position when the setting screen is not displayed. A setting program that is executed by a computer that controls an image processing apparatus including 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;
A state switching step for switching the setting area between an input state in which a set value can be input and an incapable state in which the setting value cannot be input;
When the setting area is switched to the input state in the state switching step, an input screen that is different from the setting screen and is used to input a setting value to the setting area is displayed on the displayed setting screen. An input screen display step for superimposing and displaying on the screen;
A position changing step for changing a position for displaying the input screen in the displayed setting screen;
Storing the position in the setting screen of the input screen after the position is changed in the position changing step as a post-movement position, and causing the computer to execute,
The input screen display step displays the input screen at a default position determined by default with respect to the setting screen when the post-movement position is not stored when the setting area is switched to the input state. A first display step,
And a second display step of displaying the input screen at the post-movement position when the post-movement position is stored when the setting area is switched to the input state.

Images