JP5987052B2 - Display input device and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display input device that accepts settings of various setting values. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus including the display input device.

  An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a printer may be provided with a display input device for selecting a job type (function), selecting a setting item, and setting a setting value. If there are setting values that are frequently set, it is convenient if they can be set with a simple operation. In particular, when the frequency of setting a plurality of setting values in combination is high, it is very convenient if a combination of a plurality of setting values can be set at once by a simple operation. Therefore, it may be possible to register a state (condition) in which a set value having a high use frequency is set. Thereby, the setting state at the time of registration is reproduced only by calling the registered conditions.

  An example of an image forming apparatus capable of registering such image forming conditions is described in Patent Document 1. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a job (image forming condition) is registered in the job memory, the registered job is displayed as an icon on the display unit, and when the job is registered, the display unit registers according to the display command. An image forming apparatus that automatically displays an icon of a job that has been performed is described. With this configuration, it is possible to perform necessary registration and to quickly select a registration job (Patent Document 1: Claim 8, Claim 9, paragraph [0093]).

JP 2003-223079 A

  In the display input device mounted on the image forming apparatus, a default setting value is predetermined for each setting item.

  On the other hand, as described above, the display input device of the image forming apparatus may be able to register a state (condition) in which a setting value is set by the user (sometimes referred to as “program function”). ). The user repeats the selection of the setting item and the operation for determining the desired setting value, and sets the display input device in a state where the setting value is set so that a desired output can be obtained. Then, the user gives a registration instruction. Thereby, the setting state is registered. For example, when a user wants to register a setting state that obtains a result of performing eco-printing that reduces the amount of toner used in printing than usual and consolidated printing that prints the contents of multiple pages in one page, The “eco-print” set value is set to “ON”, the aggregate print set value is set to “2 in 1” or “4 in 1”, and then registered.

  In the registration of the setting state, not only the setting values set by the user but also the setting values of the setting items that are not set may be stored together. Specifically, setting items that have been changed from the default value by the user's operation store the setting values set by the user, and setting items that have not been changed from the default value are stored as default values. The state (setting save data) may be stored. The user creates a setting state so as to obtain a desired output, and then registers it. For this reason, the user does not have a registered feeling regarding the default value or is very thin.

  Since the default value is changed after the registration of the setting state, there is a problem that the desired result of the user may not be obtained even if the registered setting state is called and the job is executed.

  For example, it is assumed that the default value of the setting item for double-sided printing is “do not print on both sides (OFF)” when registering the setting state for copying. If the default value for double-sided printing is changed to “Double-sided printing (ON)” and copying is executed after calling the setting status for reasons such as company policy, each of all stored setting items Since the setting state is reproduced based on the setting value, if printing is executed as it is after calling, a printed matter that has not been printed on both sides is output. As a result of the current default value, an unintended (undesired) output is produced for a user who wants to obtain a double-sided printed material. The user does not feel that the setting item registered with the default value is set. Therefore, after calling the setting state, it is not noticed that the setting item whose default value has been changed should be confirmed. On the other hand, there is a case where it is desired to obtain an output to which the default value before the change is applied, and it is not preferable to apply the current default value uniformly for the setting items registered with the default value.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, an icon indicating a setting item whose setting value has been changed from the default in the registration job (setting state) is displayed to make it easy to understand the contents of the registration job and the user wants to call it. Make it easy to find registered jobs. However, there is no description of what is stored when registering a registered job and how to respond when a default value is changed after registration of the setting state. Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved.

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, even if there is a change in the default value after registration of the setting state (data of each saved setting value), the output of the job executed by calling the setting saving data is output. The output is desired by the user.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 includes a display unit that performs display, an input unit that receives input by a user, current value data that indicates a current setting value of each setting item, The default value data that defines the default value of the setting value of the setting item, and the data for reproducing the setting state by calling, the setting value at the time of registration of each setting item is defined, A storage unit for storing setting storage data including data indicating whether or not the setting value is a setting value changed from a default value at the time of registration, and an operation for calling the setting storage data is performed on the input unit Of the setting values of the called setting storage data, the setting values registered without changing from the default values when the setting storage data was registered, When a setting value different from the default value is extracted and the setting value cannot be extracted, the setting state at the time of registration of the setting storage data is written by writing each setting value defined in the setting storage data to the current value data. When the setting value can be extracted, the value at the time of registration of the extracted setting value and the current default value are displayed on the display unit, and the value at the time of registration of the extracted setting value Among the current default values, values selected by the user by operating the input unit, and setting values defined in the setting storage data for setting values other than the extracted setting values are set as the current value data. And a writing control unit.

  According to the present invention, even if the default value is changed after registration of the setting state (setting storage data), the output result of the job executed by calling the setting storage data is as desired by the user. A display input device and an image forming apparatus can be provided.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the main menu screen which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy setting screen that is displayed first when a copy is selected as a job. It is a figure which shows an example of the default value data which concern on embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state after setting regarding a copy job. It is a figure which shows an example of the program call screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of registration of the setting preservation | save data which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of setting preservation data concerning an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a call of the setting preservation | save data which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting value confirmation screen which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which setting storage data of each image forming apparatus is stored in a server. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of calling setting storage data registered in another image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting value confirmation screen which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, a multifunction peripheral 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) including the display input device 1 will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
Next, an outline of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with an operation panel 22 (shown by a broken line) on the front surface of the MFP 100. In addition, a document conveying unit 3a and an image reading unit 3b are provided at the top. Further, inside the multifunction peripheral 100, a printing unit 4 (a first paper feeding unit 4a, a second paper feeding unit 4b, a conveyance unit 4c, an image forming unit 4d, a fixing unit 4e, a double-sided conveyance unit 4f) that performs printing. Provided.

  The operation panel 2 includes a display unit 21 that displays the state of the multifunction peripheral 100, various messages, and various setting screens. A touch panel unit 22 (corresponding to an input unit) is provided on the upper surface of the display unit 21. The touch panel unit 22 is for detecting the position and coordinates of the portion pressed by the display unit 21. Based on the output of the touch panel unit 22, a pressed button (operated) or a key (soft key) is recognized. The operation panel 2 is also provided with a plurality of hard keys 23 (corresponding to an input unit) such as a start key and a numeric keypad.

  The document conveying section 3a feeds the set documents one by one and continuously and automatically conveys them toward a reading reading contact glass (reading position, not shown). The image reading unit 3b reads a document passing through the feed reading contact glass or a document set on a placement reading contact glass (not shown), and generates image data.

  The first paper feed unit 4a and the second paper feed unit 4b store a plurality of sheets. When executing a print job, one of the first paper feed unit 4a and the second paper feed unit 4b feeds the paper one by one to the transport unit 4c. The transport unit 4c transports the paper supplied from the first paper feed unit 4a or the second paper feed unit 4b. The image forming unit 4d forms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image onto the conveyed paper. The fixing unit 4e fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The paper after toner fixing is discharged to the discharge tray 4g. The double-sided conveyance unit 4f conveys the single-sided printed paper so that the single-sided printed paper returns to the upstream side of the image forming unit 4d during double-sided printing.

(Hardware configuration of MFP 100)
Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  A control unit 5 is provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. The control unit 5 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus. The control unit 5 includes circuits such as a CPU 5a and an image processing unit 5b. The control unit is divided into units such as a main control unit that performs overall control and image processing, and an engine control unit that controls ON / OFF of a motor that rotates image forming and various rotating bodies. Also good.

  The CPU 5a is a central processing unit. The CPU 5a controls each part of the image forming apparatus and performs various arithmetic processes based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 6. The image processing unit 5b performs processing related to image data. For example, the image processing unit 5b can perform processing such as image processing on image data to be printed, such as density conversion, enlargement, and reduction, and format conversion of image data read by the image reading unit 3b. The processed image data is used for toner image formation and transmission in the image forming unit 4d.

  The storage unit 6 is configured by combining a nonvolatile storage device and a volatile storage device. Specifically, the storage unit 6 includes a ROM 61, a RAM 62, and an HDD 63. The storage unit 6 stores various data such as various programs and data for controlling the multifunction peripheral 100, setting data, and image data.

  The control unit 5 controls display on the operation panel 2 and recognizes input contents (operated keys and tabs) on the operation panel 2 based on outputs from the touch panel unit 22 and the hard keys 23. Then, the control unit 5 recognizes the set value set on the operation panel 2. The control unit 5 and the storage unit 6 are also related to the operation of the operation panel 2. Therefore, the display input device 1 according to the embodiment includes a display unit 21, a touch panel unit 22, a hard key 23, a storage unit 6, and a control unit 5 (it may be said that the communication unit 51 and the server 200 are also included). .

  A panel control unit that recognizes the user's setting operation and switches the screen to the display unit 21 according to the setting operation may be provided in the operation panel 2. In the case of providing a panel control unit, the control unit 5 receives data indicating the contents of the setting made by the user from the panel control unit, and gives an operation and a screen instruction to be displayed to the panel control unit.

  Furthermore, the control unit 5 is connected to a communication unit 51 including various connectors, sockets, and a communication control chip. The communication unit 51 is communicably connected to the server 200 and the PC 300 via a network, a public line, or a cable. The communication unit 51 can exchange various data with a computer.

  The control unit 5 is connected to each unit such as the operation panel 2, the document conveying unit 3a, the image reading unit 3b, the printing unit 4, and the communication unit 51 through a bus or a signal line. The control unit 5 recognizes the existence of each unit and each device. The control unit 5 controls operations of the multifunction peripheral 100 such as a scanning operation and a printing operation by controlling each unit.

(Settings on the operation panel 2)
Next, an example of settings in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the main menu screen S1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy setting screen S2 that is displayed first when a copy is selected as a job.

  The display unit 21 of the operation panel 2 displays various setting screens. The control unit 5 switches the screen to the display unit 21 in response to an operation on the soft key in the setting screen or the hard key 23 arranged on the operation panel 2.

  The main menu screen S1 shown in FIG. 3 is the highest screen in the hierarchy. The main menu screen S1 is a screen for selecting a type of job to be executed and a setting category. Seven job selection keys K1 with icons (images) indicating selectable job types are arranged above the main menu screen S1. By touching the display position of any job selection key K1, it is possible to select a job type such as copy or scan transmission. Then, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display a setting screen corresponding to the touched job selection key K <b> 1 based on the output of the touch panel unit 22. Details when the program key K2 is operated will be described later. In addition, a system related key group related to system settings (settings related to the overall operation of the multifunction peripheral 100 and settings not accompanied by job execution) is arranged below the main menu screen S1.

  Next, an example of a setting screen displayed according to the selection of the job type will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a copy setting screen S2 that is displayed first when copy is selected as the job type (when the copy job selection key K1 is operated). The copy setting screen S2 is one of setting screens related to copying. A setting screen is also prepared for each of other types of jobs, but a description of the setting screen for jobs other than copying is omitted.

  The copy setting screen S2 is displayed in a state where the easy setting tab T1 (a tab including the character string “Quick Setup”) is initially selected. In a state where the easy setting tab T1 is selected, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display a setting key that is set as a default or frequently selected by the user. In FIG. 4, when the simple setting tab T1 is selected, item selection keys corresponding to setting items of “paper size selection”, “enlargement / reduction”, “print density”, “double-sided printing”, and “combined printing” In this example, K3, K4, K5, K6, and K7 are arranged.

  Then, when any display position of the item selection keys K3 to K7 is touched, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display a screen for setting the setting value of the setting item selected by the touch. For example, when the “integrated printing” setting item is selected, a setting screen for setting a setting value for the number of pages to be consolidated in one page such as “2 in 1” and “4 in 1” is displayed.

  In addition, in order to set setting items that are not displayed on the copy setting screen S2 (for example, frame erase, margin setting, reading resolution setting, document size setting, etc.), the document / paper / finishing tab T2 aligned with the simple setting tab T1 Then, the position where the color / image quality tab T3, layout editing tab T4, and application / others tab T5 are displayed is touched. Each setting item is associated with one of the tabs T2 to T5. The control unit 5 displays a list of setting items associated with the tab whose display position is touched, and causes the display unit 21 to display a screen for selecting the setting item.

  For example, when the display position of the original / paper / finishing tab T2 is touched, the control unit 5 sets the setting items related to the original and paper such as the original size, paper size, original and paper orientation, and the paper source. A screen for selection is displayed on the display unit 21. Note that description of other tabs is omitted. Accordingly, by operating on the copy setting screen S2, it is possible to display a screen for selecting a setting item and a screen for setting a setting value of the selected setting item. The user operates the operation panel 2 to set a setting value so that a desired result is obtained.

(Default value)
Next, the default value of the setting value of each setting item will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the default value data D1 according to the embodiment.

  A default value (initial value) is predetermined for each setting item that can be set on the operation panel 2 of the present embodiment. For example, when copy is selected as the job type (function) and the copy setting screen S2 is first displayed, the setting value of each setting item is a default value. The default value data D1 in which the default value of the setting value of each setting item is defined is stored in the ROM 61 or HDD 63 of the storage unit 6 in a nonvolatile manner.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of default value data D1 defining the default value of the copy setting item. In a setting item in which the setting value can be determined by ON / OFF (whether or not the setting item is used), the default value is often OFF. In addition, in setting items such as density and magnification that are not simply determined by ON / OFF, but set values are determined by selecting one of a plurality of stages, the most frequently used setting values are the default from experience. Often valued. For example, in the copy function, “Standard” is the default value for the density setting item, and “100%” is the default value for the magnification setting item.

  When the start key is pressed without changing any setting values, the control unit 5 treats the setting values of all setting items as default values, and jobs such as the printing unit 4, the image reading unit 3 b, and the communication unit 51. Have the part that executes the job execute the job.

  The control unit 5 causes the storage unit 6 to store current value data D2 (see FIG. 2) in which the current setting values of the setting items are stored. The current value data D2 is stored in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 62. When a job to be used is selected and a setting screen for the selected job is first displayed, the control unit 5 reads default value data D1 from the ROM 61 or HDD 63 to the RAM 62. Then, the control unit 5 writes the default value in the current value data D2. For example, when copy is selected and the copy setting screen S2 is first displayed, the control unit 5 writes the default value data D1 of each setting item of the copy into the current value data D2 (initial value current value D2 = default) Value data D1).

  When the user performs an operation of changing the setting value from the default value, the control unit 5 changes the setting value of the setting item changed in the current value data D2 from the default value to the value after the change. The storage unit 6 is made to update the current value data D2. Each time setting values of setting items such as magnification, density, and duplex printing are changed, the control unit 5 changes the value corresponding to the changed setting item in the current value data D2 to the set value. . When a job execution instruction is given (when the start key is pressed), the control unit 5 prints the print unit 4, the image reading unit 3b, and the communication based on the setting values of the setting items described in the current value data D2. The job is executed by a part that executes the job, such as the unit 51.

  In the operation panel 2 of the present embodiment, the default value of each setting item can be changed. To change the default value, the system menu key K8 on the main menu screen S1 is operated. As a result, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display a system menu screen (not shown). The default value of the selected setting item can be changed by selecting a job type on the system menu screen, selecting a setting item for changing the default value, and inputting the default value after the change. When the touch panel unit 22 receives an input for determining the changed default value, the control unit 5 causes the storage unit 6 to update the default value of the corresponding setting item in the default value data D1.

(Register setting save data D3)
Next, registration of the setting storage data D3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state after setting regarding a copy job. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program call screen S3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the registration flow of the setting storage data D3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting storage data D3 according to the embodiment.

  In the operation panel 2 and the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, the user selects a setting item provided for the type of job to be executed and sets a setting value so as to obtain a desired result. Can do.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the copy setting screen S2 after setting by the user. Compared with FIG. 4, FIG. 6 shows a paper size from “Auto” to “A4”, double-sided printing from “Off” to “On”, and consolidated printing from “Off” to “2 in 1”. Each shows a state in which the setting value has been changed.

  If you often execute a copy job with setting values as shown in Fig. 6, if you can reproduce the setting state at the time of registration by saving (registering) the setting state and recalling the saved setting state Convenient. Each time a user executes a copy job, the user does not have to select the usual setting item and set the usual setting value.

  Therefore, in the operation panel 2 and the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, the setting state can be registered as the setting storage data D3. The setting storage data D3 may be referred to as “program”, and the function for registering the setting state may be referred to as “program function”.

  In order to register the setting state, after setting a desired setting value, the program tab T6 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) displayed on each setting screen is touched. When recognizing an operation on the program tab T6 based on the output of the touch panel unit 22, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display a program call screen S3 (see FIG. 7). The program call screen S3 is used for registering and calling the setting state (setting save data D3).

  A new registration key K9 and an editing key K10 are displayed on the program call screen S3. A new registration key K9 is operated when a new setting state is registered. The edit key K10 is operated when editing the contents of the registered setting state (setting storage data D3).

  When recognizing an operation to the new registration key K9 based on the output of the touch panel unit 22, the control unit 5 starts a registration process of the setting storage data D3. Hereinafter, the flow of the registration process of the setting storage data D3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The start of the flowchart of FIG. 8 is the time when the new registration key K9 is operated. At this point, the user is in a state where the setting value to be registered is set on the operation panel 2.

  First, the control unit 5 confirms the default value and the changed set value based on the current value data D2 (step # 11). Subsequently, based on the current value data D2 and the confirmation at step # 11, the control unit 5 includes the setting values of all the setting items provided for the job type, and the setting values of the setting items. The setting storage data D3 including data indicating whether or not is changed from the default value is generated (step # 12).

  The current value data D2 indicates the set value currently set for each setting item. Therefore, in order to save the current setting state, the control unit 5 copies the current value data D2 and generates a part of the setting saving data D3. Since the current value data D2 is used, the setting storage data D3 includes the setting values of all setting items provided for the type of job selected to be executed. In the setting storage data D3, the setting value after the change is defined as the setting value for the setting item changed from the default value, and the default value is defined as the setting value for the setting item not changed from the default value. Further, the control unit 5 includes data indicating whether or not the setting value is changed from the default value for each setting item in the setting storage data D3.

  Subsequently, the control unit 5 recognizes the input of the name of the setting storage data D3 (program) to be registered (step # 13). At this time, the control unit 5 displays a name input screen and recognizes the input name based on the output of the touch panel unit 22.

  When the name input on the name input screen is completed, the control unit 5 stores the setting saved data D3 with the name in a nonvolatile storage area such as the HDD 63 or the ROM 61 of the storage unit 6 (step # 14). → End). Thereby, the setting storage data D3 is generated and registered as a program. The control unit 5 may store the setting storage data D3 in the storage unit 6 and may transmit the generated setting storage data D3 to the communication unit 51 toward the server 200 described later. As a result, the generated setting storage data D3 can be stored in the server 200 as well.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of registered setting storage data D3. In the registered setting storage data D3, data indicating whether there is a change from the setting value and the default value is attached to each setting item. Then, setting copy data D3 including setting values of all setting items for copying is registered for the copy function, and all setting items for transmission are registered for the transmission function.

(Recalling the setting save data D3)
Next, the calling of the setting storage data D3 will be described with reference to FIG. 7, FIG. 10, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a call flow of the setting storage data D3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting value confirmation screen S4 according to the embodiment.

  In the operation panel 2 and the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, the stored setting state can be reproduced simply by performing an operation for calling the registered setting storage data D3 (program). In order to call the setting storage data D3, it is necessary to display the program call screen S3 (see FIG. 7). As described above, after selecting the type of job, the user can display the program call screen S3 by operating the program tab T6 displayed on the setting screen such as the copy setting screen S2. The program call screen S3 can also be displayed by operating the program key K2 arranged on the main menu screen S1 (see FIG. 3).

  A plurality of call keys K11 are arranged on the program call screen S3. A serial number is assigned to each call key K11. In the example of FIG. 7, reference numerals are given only to the call key K11 in which the corresponding setting storage data D3 exists. The control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display the name of the setting storage data D3 (program) corresponding to the inside of the call key K11. The newly registered setting storage data D3 is associated with a blank (no name) call key K11. The name of the newly registered setting storage data D3 is displayed inside the call key K11 where the name is blank.

  The user operates the call key K11 corresponding to the setting storage data D3 to be called. The control unit 5 recognizes the call key K11 operated based on the output of the touch panel unit 22, and recognizes that the setting storage data D3 corresponding to the call key K11 has been called.

  Next, an example of the flow of processing when the setting storage data D3 is called will be described using FIG. The start of FIG. 10 is a time point when the control unit 5 recognizes that the setting storage data D3 has been input based on the output of the touch panel unit 22.

  First, the control unit 5 confirms the set value registered without being changed from the default value among the set values of the called setting storage data D3 (step # 21). Then, the control unit 5 extracts a set value different from the current default value among the set values registered without being changed from the default values (step # 22).

  Then, the control unit 5 confirms whether or not the set value has been extracted based on Step # 21 and Step # 22 (Step # 23). When the data cannot be extracted (when there is no set value that satisfies both the conditions of Step # 21 and Step # 22, No in Step 23), the control unit 5 sets each set value defined in the setting save data D3. Is written in the current value data D2, and the setting state at the time of registration of the setting storage data D3 is reproduced (step # 24 → end).

  On the other hand, when the set value is extracted (when there is an extracted set value that satisfies both the conditions of step # 21 and step # 22, Yes in step 23), the control unit 5 determines the extracted set value and the current default value. Is displayed on the display unit 21 (step # 25). When there are a plurality of extraction setting values, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display any one of the extraction setting values and the current default value corresponding thereto.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the setting value confirmation screen S4 displayed when the setting storage data D3 related to the copy job is called. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display a setting value confirmation screen S4 so that the setting item of the extraction setting value, the extraction setting value, and the current default value are included. In FIG. 11, at the time of registration of the setting storage data D3, since there is no change from the default value for the aggregate printing, it is registered with the setting value of “Off (no aggregate printing)”, and the current default value is 2in1. An example is shown.

  For example, it is assumed that the user registers the setting storage data D3 without changing the default value “Off” of the aggregate printing. Since the setting storage data D3 is registered for the setting values of all the setting items, consolidated printing is registered with the default value “Off”. After registering the setting save data D3, the administrator inputs to the operation panel 2 and changes the default value of aggregate printing to “2 in 1” for the internal policy of “reducing consumption of paper and toner as much as possible”. May be made.

  Conventionally, after the default value is changed, when the setting storage data D3 is called to perform a copy job, each setting value of the setting storage data D3 is applied as it is. As a result, a printed matter that is not collectively printed (a plurality of contents are not contained in one page) is obtained. For a user who wants to obtain a consolidated print, an unintended output result is obtained.

  When the default value is changed, in order to obtain a desired output, it may be necessary to reset the setting item whose default value has been changed after calling the setting storage data D3. However, the user often remembers the setting values changed from the default, but is unaware of the setting items not changed from the default. Therefore, it is easy to execute the job without re-setting. On the other hand, there is a case where it is desired to obtain a job output to which the default value before change is applied, and it is not preferable to replace only the default value after change. Therefore, the operation panel 2 and the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment display the set value confirmation screen S4.

  The set value confirmation screen S4 is provided with an unchangeable key K12 and a default value application key K13. When using the setting value determined by the setting storage data D3 as the setting item corresponding to the extracted setting value, the user operates the non-change key K12. On the other hand, the user operates the default value application key K13 when using the current default value for the setting item corresponding to the extracted setting value.

  Control unit 5 confirms whether or not unchanged key K12 has been operated (step # 26). When it is recognized that the non-change key K12 has been operated based on the output of the touch panel unit 22 (Yes in step # 26), the control unit 5 recognizes that the setting value of the setting storage data D3 has been selected (step # 27). On the other hand, when default value application key K13 is operated (No in step # 26), control unit 5 recognizes that the current default value has been selected (step # 28).

  Then, the control unit 5 confirms whether or not values have been selected for all extraction setting values (step # 29). When values for all the extraction setting values have not been selected (No in step # 29), the control unit 5 selects one of the extraction setting values for which no value has been selected yet and the extraction setting value to be displayed. Another set value confirmation screen S4 including the current default value is displayed on the display unit 21 (step # 210).

  When the values for all the extracted set values have been selected (Yes in step # 29), the control unit 5 sets the setting state of the operation panel 2 to the state in which the selected set value is set for the extracted set value. As for setting values other than the extraction setting value, the setting value of the setting storage data D3 is set (step # 211 → end). In other words, the control unit 5 writes the selected setting value for the extraction setting value and the setting value of the setting storage data D3 for the setting value other than the extraction setting value in the current value data D2.

(Recalling the setting storage data D3 registered in another image forming apparatus)
Next, using FIG. 12 to FIG. 14, the calling of the setting storage data D3 registered in another image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the setting storage data D3 of each image forming apparatus is stored in the server 200. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of calling the setting storage data D3 registered in another image forming apparatus. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting value confirmation screen S5 according to the embodiment.

  The setting values of a plurality of setting items can be set to desired setting values only by an operation for calling the setting storage data D3. The setting storage data D3 can be registered in the multi function device 100 (display input device 1). However, if the setting storage data D3 can be shared by each image forming apparatus, it is possible to save the trouble of registering the setting storage data D3 having the same contents in each image forming apparatus. Therefore, the setting storage data D3 registered in each image forming apparatus may be stored in the server 200 (data server provided in the local network) accessible to each image forming apparatus.

  The server 200 includes a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device 201 such as an HDD 63 (see FIG. 12). The server 200 is communicably connected to the communication unit 51 of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment and other image forming apparatuses via a network. As shown in FIG. 12, the server 200 receives setting storage data D3 (setting state, program) registered in each image forming apparatus from each image forming apparatus. The storage device 201 of the server 200 stores the received setting storage data D3. Thereby, it is possible to access the server 200 and acquire the setting storage data D3 registered in another image forming apparatus. In other words, the setting storage data D3 registered in another image forming apparatus can be called up by itself.

  However, the models of the other image forming apparatuses and the own machine (multifunction machine 100) are not necessarily the same. Since the setting storage data D3 is registered in another image forming apparatus, setting values may be set for setting items that are not provided in the called image forming apparatus. In such a case, conventionally, the setting storage data D3 was processed as an error in the format mismatch. For this reason, the setting storage data D3 registered in other image forming apparatuses may not be used.

  For example, it is assumed that the setting storage data D3 in which the setting value of the color printing setting item is ON is registered in the server 200 in an image forming apparatus compatible with color printing. Even if the user does not make a setting to turn on color printing, when the default value is color printing ON, the setting storage data D3 in which the color printing setting value is ON is registered in the server 200.

  Then, when an image forming apparatus capable of only monochrome printing (non-color-compatible image forming apparatus) accesses the server 200 and calls the setting storage data D3 for the setting value for color printing ON, monochrome image formation on the calling side is performed. In the apparatus, there is no setting item for color printing. In addition, in the color printing compatible model, setting items such as balance of each color, hue adjustment, and saturation adjustment may be provided, and a plurality of setting items related to color printing may be provided. In a monochrome image forming apparatus, setting values of setting items relating to color printing cannot be applied. For this reason, the monochrome image forming apparatus cannot perform output using the setting storage data D3 including the setting values of the setting items relating to color printing.

  In view of this, the operation panel 2 and the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment make it possible to more effectively use the setting storage data D3 registered in other image forming apparatuses. An example of the flow of calling the setting storage data D3 stored in the server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the operation panel 2 can instruct access to the server 200. When recognizing an access instruction to the server 200 based on the output of the touch panel unit 22, the control unit 5 causes the communication unit 51 to access the server 200. The server 200 stores information indicating the origin of each setting storage data D3 stored in the storage device 201 such as a name and a registered image forming apparatus name. The control unit 5 causes the communication unit 51 to acquire information indicating the origin of each setting storage data D3 from the server 200. And the control part 5 displays the list of the setting preservation | save data D3 memorize | stored in the server 200 on the display part 21 based on the acquired information.

  Then, an operation for designating one of the displayed setting save data D3 is accepted as an operation for calling the setting save data D3 stored in the server 200. The start of FIG. 13 is a time when an operation for calling the setting storage data D3 stored in the server 200 is performed.

  First, the control unit 5 causes the communication unit 51 to communicate with the server 200, and causes the communication unit 51 to acquire designated setting storage data D3 (step # 31). Next, the control unit 5 extracts an unusable setting value (unusable setting value) from the acquired setting storage data D3 (step # 32). Specifically, the control unit 5 extracts setting values of setting items that are not provided from the acquired setting storage data D3.

  Then, the control unit 5 confirms whether or not the unusable setting value has been extracted (step # 33). When there is no unusable set value (No in Step 33), the control unit 5 stores each set value defined in the acquired setting save data D3 in the current value data D2 to be stored in the server 200. The setting state at the time of registration of the setting save data D3 is reproduced (step # 34 → end).

  On the other hand, when there is an unusable set value (Yes in Step 33), the control unit 5 displays a set value confirmation screen S5 including the unusable set value on the display unit 21 (Step # 35). When there are a plurality of unusable set values, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 21 to display any one unusable set value.

  First, the multifunction peripheral 100 of this embodiment is a monochrome machine. FIG. 14 shows an example of the set value confirmation screen S5 displayed when Yes in step # 33. FIG. 14 shows an example of the setting value confirmation screen S5 displayed when the setting storage data D3 related to the copy job is called from the server 200 and the setting storage data D3 registered in the image forming apparatus capable of color printing. is there. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the control unit 5 displays the unusable set value in the set value confirmation screen S5. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the setting storage data D3 of the called server 200 is a setting value for performing color printing.

  A cancel key K14 and an invalidation key K15 are arranged on the set value confirmation screen S5. When not using the called setting storage data D3, the user operates the cancel key K14. On the other hand, the user operates the invalidation key K15 when the invalid setting value is invalidated so as not to be used.

  Control unit 5 confirms whether or not cancel key K14 has been operated (step # 36). When it is recognized that the cancel key K14 has been operated based on the output of the touch panel unit 22 (Yes in step # 36), this flow may be terminated (end). On the other hand, when the invalidation key K15 is operated (No in step # 36), the control unit 5 recognizes that selection for invalidating the unusable setting value has been made (step # 37).

  Then, the control unit 5 confirms whether or not selection for invalidating the set values has been made for all the unusable set values (step # 38). When all the unusable setting values are not invalidated (No in step # 38), the control unit 5 displays the setting value confirmation screen S5 including the unusable setting values that are not yet invalidated on the display unit 21. (Step # 39).

  When all the unusable setting values are invalidated (Yes in step # 38), the control unit 5 sets the setting state of the operation panel 2, and the setting values of the setting storage data D3 for setting values other than the unusable setting values. Is set (step # 310 → end). In other words, the control unit 5 does not use the unusable setting value and writes the setting value of the setting storage data D3 into the current value data D2 for the setting values other than the unusable setting value.

  Note that color settings cannot be applied on a monochrome machine, but the unusable setting value may be replaced with another value. There are related setting items, but the setting values that can be set may not be completely compatible. For example, some of the setting values that can be set in the upper class (high price range) image forming apparatus cannot be selected in the lower class (low price range) image forming apparatus of the same system model. is there.

  Since the unusable set value may be substituted with another set value, the control unit 5 displays the set value (substitute value) to be substituted in the set value confirmation screen S5 when the unusable set value is not used. It may be. In the case where the substitute value is displayed in the set value confirmation screen S5, the storage unit 6 stores substitute value data D4 that determines which substitute setting value should be replaced with which substitute value. The substitute value data D4 may be stored in the server 200, and the substitute value data D4 may be acquired from the server 200.

  The control unit 5 uses the substitute value data D4 to display on the display unit 21 a set value that is substituted when the unusable set value is not used. In this case, the control unit 5 displays a key for accepting selection using the displayed substitute value in the set value confirmation screen S5. When the control unit 5 recognizes the selection using the substitute value based on the output of the touch panel unit 22, the control unit 5 writes the substitute value in the current value data D2 as the setting value of the setting item of the unusable setting value. . Further, the control unit 5 writes the setting value of the setting storage data D3 into the current value data D2 for setting values other than the unusable setting value. As a result, the operation panel 2 is set to a setting value that substantially reflects the content defined in the setting storage data D3.

As described above, the display input device 1 according to the embodiment includes the display unit 21, the input unit, the storage unit 6, and the control unit 5. The display unit 21 performs display. The input unit (touch panel unit 22, hard key 23) accepts input by the user. The storage unit 6 (including the server 200) calls the current value data D2 indicating the current setting value of each setting item, and the default value data D1 that defines the default value of the setting value of each setting item. It is data for reproducing the setting state, and the setting value at the time of registration of each setting item is defined, and whether or not each setting value is a setting value changed from the default value at the time of registration The setting storage data D3 including the data shown is stored.
When an operation for calling the setting storage data D3 is performed on the input unit, the control unit 5 is registered without changing from the default value when the setting storage data D3 is registered, among the setting values of the called setting storage data D3. When a setting value that is different from the current default value is extracted and the setting value cannot be extracted, each setting value defined in the setting storage data D3 is written into the current value data D2 to save the setting data. When the setting state at the time of registration of D3 is reproduced and the setting value can be extracted, the value at the time of registration of the extracted setting value which is the extracted setting value and the current default value are displayed on the display unit 21, and the extracted setting value Among the values at the time of registration and the current default values, the values selected by the user by operating the input unit, and the setting values other than the extracted setting values are the settings defined in the setting storage data D3 The door is written into the current value data D2.

  Thereby, when the default value is changed after the setting storage data D3 is registered, a setting value determined by the setting storage data D3 that is different from the current default value is automatically extracted. Then, the extraction result is displayed. Therefore, the setting value to be confirmed is shown to the user. In addition, for the setting item of the extraction setting value, it is possible to select whether to use the changed default value or the setting value defined in the setting storage data D3. Therefore, the contents not intended by the user are not output. Further, it is possible to make it easy to use a function that calls and uses the registered setting state (setting storage data D3).

  The setting storage data D3 may be stored in the server 200 as the external storage unit 6 (including the server 200). Then, from the viewpoint of sharing the setting storage data D3, the server 200 may collectively store the setting storage data D3 registered in each display input device 1 (each image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100)). Thereby, it is possible to call the setting storage data D3 registered in the other display input device 1 with the display input device 1 in use. However, the setting storage data D3 registered in the other display input device 1 may include setting values of setting items that are not installed in the own device. In this case, conventionally, it was treated as an error as a format incompatibility.

  Therefore, the input unit (touch panel unit 22, hard key 23) accepts an operation for calling the setting storage data D3 stored in the server 200 connected to be communicable. The control unit 5 extracts an unusable setting value that is a setting value of a setting item that is not provided from the setting values of the setting storage data D3 obtained from the server 200, and there is no extracted unusable setting value When each setting value defined in the setting storage data D3 obtained from the server 200 is written in the current value data D2, the setting state at the time of registration of the setting storage data D3 is reproduced, and the unusable setting value is extracted. The extracted unusable setting value is displayed on the display unit 21. Subsequently, when an input for invalidating the unusable setting value is made to the input unit, settings other than the unusable setting value in the setting storage data D3 are set. The value is written in the current value data D2.

    As a result, even if the setting storage data D3 acquired from the server 200 includes setting values of setting items that are not installed in the own device, it is not necessary to handle them as errors. Then, the user can execute a job that substantially reflects the contents of the setting storage data D3 acquired from the server 200.

  Further, the input unit (touch panel unit 22, hard key 23) receives an input for selecting a setting item, an input for setting a setting value of the selected setting item, and a registration input for newly registering the setting storage data D3. Accept. When the input unit receives a registration input, the control unit 5 causes the storage unit 6 (including the server 200) to store the current value data D2 as the setting storage data D3. Thereby, the user can register the state in which the setting value is determined so as to obtain a desired result (output) as the setting storage data D3.

    There are cases where it is desired to change the default setting value of each setting item determined in advance from the viewpoint of in-house policy and necessity. Therefore, the input unit (touch panel unit 22, hard key 23) receives an input for selecting a setting item and an input for changing the default value of the selected setting item. When an input for changing the default value is made, the control unit 5 causes the storage unit 6 to update the default value data D1 so that the changed value is obtained. Thereby, a setting item can be selected arbitrarily and the default setting value of the selected setting item can be changed to a desired value.

  The image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100) according to the embodiment includes the display input device 1 described above. As a result, the setting state in the display input device 1 can be registered, and even if the registered setting storage data D3 is called and a job is executed, an image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100) that does not produce an output unintended by the user. ) Can be provided.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to a display input device and an image forming apparatus including a display unit and a touch panel unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Multifunction machine (image forming apparatus) 1 Display input device 21 Display part 22 Touch panel part (input part)
23 Hard key (input unit) 5 Control unit 6 Storage unit 200 Server D1 Default value data D2 Current value data D3 Setting save data (program)

Claims (5)

A display unit for displaying, and
An input unit that accepts input by the user;
Current value data indicating the current setting value of each setting item, default value data defining the default value of the setting value of each setting item, and data for reproducing the setting state by calling each, A storage unit that stores setting values including data indicating whether or not each setting value is a setting value that has been changed from the default value at the time of registration. When,
When an operation for recalling the setting storage data is performed on the input unit, among the setting values of the called setting storage data, the setting values registered without being changed from the default values at the time of registration of the setting storage data are stored. When a setting value different from the current default value is extracted and the setting value cannot be extracted, each setting value defined in the setting saving data is written to the current value data to register the setting saving data. When the setting value can be extracted by reproducing the setting state, the value at the time of registration of the extracted setting value that is the extracted setting value and the current default value are displayed on the display unit, and at the time of registration of the extracted setting value The value selected by the user by operating the input unit among the current value and the current default value, and the setting values other than the extracted setting value are defined in the setting storage data A value, the display input device which comprises a control unit that writes the current value data. The input unit accepts an operation for calling the setting storage data stored in a server connected to be communicable,
The control unit extracts an unusable setting value that is a setting value of a setting item that is not provided from the setting values of the setting storage data obtained from the server, and there is no extracted unusable setting value At this time, by writing each setting value defined in the setting storage data obtained from the server to the current value data, the setting state at the time of registration of the setting storage data is reproduced, and the unusable setting value is extracted. The unusable setting value extracted is displayed on the display unit, and when the input for invalidating the unusable setting value is made on the input unit, the use saved setting data is used. The display input device according to claim 1, wherein a setting value other than the impossible setting value is written in the current value data. The input unit receives an input for selecting a setting item, an input for setting a setting value of the selected setting item, and a registration input for newly registering the setting storage data;
The display input device according to claim 1, wherein when the input unit receives the registration input, the control unit stores the current value data in the storage unit as the setting storage data. The input unit receives an input for selecting a setting item and an input for changing a default value of the selected setting item,
4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the input for changing the default value is made, the control unit causes the storage unit to update the default value data so that the changed value is obtained. 5. Display input device of description.   An image forming apparatus comprising the display input device according to claim 1.

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