JP6292401B2 - Multifunction machine and display control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral and a display control method, and more particularly to a multifunction peripheral capable of selecting and executing a function from a menu image displayed on an operation panel, and a display control method for the operation panel.

  The multifunction device has a plurality of types of functions. In order to select a function that the user wants to use, it is necessary to select from a list of functions displayed on the operation panel of the multifunction device.

  However, in the function list, if there is a function displayed with a name different from the name that the user imagines, or a function with a similar name is displayed, it will take time for the user to select the function. Will take. As a result, there is a possibility that each user will take a long time to occupy the multifunction device, or the user may give up using the multifunction device at the time of selecting a function. In particular, these functions become more prominent because functions that can be used in recent multifunction peripherals have increased.

  It is conceivable to apply the technique described in Patent Document 1 to such a problem. In the technique described in Patent Literature 1, when a predetermined operation button such as a copy function switching key is pressed, a screen for receiving an operation instruction corresponding to the operation button is displayed. By displaying operation buttons that are likely to be used on the basis of the usage history information larger than the standard, the possibility of pressing the operation buttons incorrectly is reduced.

JP 2010-171903 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is merely a method of displaying a highly usable operation button large only when a predetermined operation button is pressed, and the user touches the operation panel of the multifunction device once. In this state, it takes time for the user to consider the operation button to be pressed, and it cannot be said that the function to be executed can be easily selected. Furthermore, since the technique described in Patent Document 1 employs processing based on usage history information, it is not possible to expect an effect of improving operability with respect to a function executed by a user for the first time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation, and an object of the present invention is to be used by a user in a multifunction peripheral capable of selecting and executing a function from a menu image displayed on an operation panel. It is to make it easy to select a function.

In order to solve the above problems, the first technical means of the present invention has a plurality of types of functions, has a plurality of types of functions, and allows a user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions. A multifunction device including an operation panel capable of displaying a menu image for the user before the function to be executed is selected by the user, with respect to a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device. An operation detection unit that detects an execution operation that is an operation performed by the operation detection unit, and in accordance with the execution operation detected by the operation detection unit, performs a guess process for estimating a function that the user is trying to execute, comprising a display control unit for changing the menu image on the basis of guess processing result, and the display control section, when the exemplary operation is more detected, the inferred individually according to each embodiment operates Run the management, based on the presumed processing individual results of the each of operation is obtained by means changes the menu image.

The second technical means of the present invention includes an operation panel having a plurality of types of functions and capable of displaying a menu image for allowing the user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions. An operation detection unit that detects an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device before the function to be executed is selected by the user; A display control unit that executes a guessing process for guessing a function to be executed by the user according to the execution action detected by the action sensing unit, and changes the menu image based on a result of the guessing process; And when the plurality of execution operations are detected, the display control unit individually executes the estimation process according to each execution operation, and each of the estimation processes for each execution operation Based on the results of the integration of results is obtained by means changes the menu image.

According to a third technical means of the present invention, in the first or second technical means, the estimation process assigns a priority order to each of the plurality of types of functions according to the relevance to the execution operation. It is characterized by processing .

According to a fourth technical means of the present invention, there is provided an operation panel having a plurality of types of functions and capable of displaying a menu image for allowing a user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions. An operation detection unit that detects an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device before the function to be executed is selected by the user; A display control unit that executes a guessing process for guessing a function to be executed by the user according to the execution action detected by the action sensing unit, and changes the menu image based on a result of the guessing process; And when the plurality of execution operations are detected, the display control unit executes the estimation process according to a combination of all the detected execution operations, and The change of the menu image on the basis of, said inferred process, for each of the plurality of types of functions, a process for prioritizing according to relevance to the combination of all of the embodiments operation is detected It is characterized by.

According to a fifth technical means of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth technical means, the display control unit performs the estimation process only according to the execution operation detected within the most recent predetermined number of times. It is characterized by executing .

According to a sixth technical means of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth technical means, when the display control unit executes the estimation process, the operation performed at a time closer to the execution time. It is characterized by priority .

According to a seventh technical means of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth technical means, the display control unit detects the execution operation detected a predetermined time before the most recent execution operation is detected. The estimation process is executed only according to the above .

According to an eighth technical means of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth technical means, the display control unit performs the estimation process only according to the execution operation detected within the latest predetermined time. It is characterized by executing .

According to a ninth technical means of the present invention, in the seventh or eighth technical means, there is provided a setting unit configured to perform a setting for changing the predetermined time based on a user operation received with the operation panel or an operation button provided separately. It is characterized by that.

A tenth technical means of the present invention is provided in a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of types of functions, and can display a menu image for allowing the user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions. A display control method for an operation panel, wherein the operation detection unit of the multifunction device is performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device before the function to be executed is selected by the user. An operation detection step for detecting an implementation operation that is an operation, and a guess that the display control unit of the multifunction device estimates a function that the user is going to execute according to the implementation operation detected in the operation detection step A display control step of executing a process and changing the menu image based on a result of the estimation process. The display control step includes a plurality of execution operations. If it is, that it runs the guess processed individually according to each exemplary operation, on the basis of the individual results of the presumed processing for each of operation, characterized in that it is a step of changing the menu image It is a feature.

The eleventh technical means of the present invention is provided in a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of types of functions, and can display a menu image for allowing the user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions. A display control method for an operation panel, wherein the operation detection unit of the multifunction device is performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device before the function to be executed is selected by the user. An operation detection step for detecting an implementation operation that is an operation, and a guess that the display control unit of the multifunction device estimates a function that the user is going to execute according to the implementation operation detected in the operation detection step A display control step of executing a process and changing the menu image based on a result of the estimation process. The display control step includes a plurality of execution operations. If it is, characterized in that each of executing the guess processed individually in accordance with the operation, based on the result of integrating the individual results of the presumed processing for each of the operation, a step of changing the menu image It is what.

A twelfth technical means of the present invention is provided in a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of types of functions, and can display a menu image for allowing the user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions. A display control method for an operation panel, wherein the operation detection unit of the multifunction device is performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device before the function to be executed is selected by the user. An operation detection step for detecting an implementation operation that is an operation, and a guess that the display control unit of the multifunction device estimates a function that the user is going to execute according to the implementation operation detected in the operation detection step processing is executed, comprising: a display control step of changing the menu image on the basis of the result of the guess processing, and the display control step, the exemplary operation multiple biopsy If it is, the step of executing the estimation process according to a combination of all the detected execution operations, and changing the menu image based on the result of the estimation process, This is a process for assigning priorities to each of the functions in accordance with the relevance of all detected combinations of the execution operations .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes easy to select the function which a user wants to utilize in the multi-function peripheral which can select and execute a function from the menu image displayed on the operation panel.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral (MFP) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of an operation unit in the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating an example of an MFP in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the other example of the user interface image displayed on the operation part of FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in the MFP of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the table used for the process of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another processing example in the MFP of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the other example of the user interface image displayed on the operation part of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another processing example in the MFP of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the table used for the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the user interface image displayed on the operation part of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table used in another processing example in the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another processing example in the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another processing example in the MFP of FIG. 1.

  A multifunction peripheral (MFP) according to the present invention is a device having a plurality of types of functions such as a document reading function from a scanner, a copy function, a print function, and a facsimile (FAX) function, and includes an operation panel. The MFP generally has an image forming function such as a copy function and a print function, and in this case, it can be said that it is a multifunctional image forming apparatus. Here, the document reading function includes a storage function for storing the read image data in a storage device or an external storage medium inside the MFP, and an email transmission function for transmitting the read image data attached to an e-mail (Email). (Internet FAX function) is added. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an MFP according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of an operation unit in the MFP of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the MFP of FIG. . 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of a user interface (UI) image displayed on the operation unit in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in the MFP in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the table used for the process of.

  The MFP 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 10 that controls the whole and an operation unit 13 that receives an operation input from a user. The MFP 1 is a device having a plurality of types of functions. For this purpose, the MFP 1 includes, for example, an image processing unit 11, a printing unit 12, a document reading unit 14, a communication unit 15, and an external memory connection unit 16. Depending on the function provided to the MFP 1, for example, the communication unit 15 and the external memory connection unit 16 may not be provided, or the MFP 1 may have other parts. Further, the MFP 1 includes an operation detection unit 17.

  The control unit 10 stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the entire MFP 1 in the program storage area, and performs various controls by operating the control program. For example, the control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area, and a control device such as a storage device that stores the control program and various settings. It can also be mounted as an integrated circuit / IC (Integrated Circuit) chip set. Examples of the storage device include a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM: registered trademark), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like, and a storage unit such as an HDD for storing an image (see FIG. (Not shown) can also be used.

  The document reading unit 14 is configured by a CCD (charge-coupled device) or the like, and is a part that optically reads an image of a document (paper) to be read, and is also called a scanner unit. The document reading unit 14 is provided, for example, on the lower surface of a document table on which a document is placed, optically reads a document image on a sheet placed on the document table, and the data (image data) is read by the image processing unit 11 or the like. Output to the subsequent stage.

  The MFP 1 can also be provided with an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) on the document table. The ADF is a device for automatically transporting a document, and an image of the automatically transported document is read by the document reading unit 14. Of course, a separate document reading unit 14 may be provided in the ADF. Here, the ADF includes devices called SPF (Single Pass Feeder) and RSPF (Reversing Single Pass Feeder).

  The image processing unit 11 is a part that performs image processing on a print target image. As this image processing, when the image to be printed input to the image processing unit 11 is not in a format printable by the printing unit 12, conversion to that format, processing to convert the file to a format saved in the storage destination, etc. Is mentioned. Similarly to the control unit 10, the image processing unit 11 itself can be configured by a control device operated by firmware, and can also be mounted as an integrated circuit / IC chip set. Further, the image processing unit 11 can be mounted on the MFP 1 as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

  The printing unit 12 inputs image data directly from the document reading unit 14 or inputs image data after image processing is performed on the image data from the document reading unit 14 by the image processing unit 11 and prints the image. Print on paper. Examples of the printing method in the printing unit 12 include an electrophotographic method and an inkjet method.

  The operation unit 13 has an operation panel 13b, but can also be configured to have an operation button 13a as illustrated in FIG. The user can input setting values and the like and execute processing when using the MFP 1 from the operation unit 13.

  The operation button 13a is a hardware key for accepting a user operation, and can also be called a key operation unit. In FIG. 2, the operation button 13a is provided with a power key, a power saving key, and a transition key to the home screen. However, the operation button 13a is not limited to this. As the operation button 13a, other keys such as a start key for starting copying, a number key group for inputting numbers, a left / right / up / down key for moving the cursor left / right / up / down, and an enter key may be provided.

  The operation panel 13b is, for example, a touch panel unit, and includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display, and a touch sensor unit that detects a touch operation on the display area of the display unit by the user. As the sensor provided as the touch sensor unit, various types of sensors such as a capacitance type sensor and a resistance film type sensor can be applied.

  A UI image is displayed on the display unit, and when a touch is detected on the displayed UI image by the touch sensor unit, a process indicated by an image in the UI image corresponding to the touch position is executed, and Transition of the UI image is performed as necessary. Note that, for example, a UI image can be transitioned by pressing a hardware key, such as a transition key to a home screen that is one of the operation buttons 13a.

  The operation panel 13b can display a menu image for allowing the user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions. This menu image is generally displayed as an initial screen, and may be displayed as one of the UI images.

  Examples of the UI image displayed on the initial screen include a UI image 20 including a button group (icon group) as shown in FIG. The UI image 20 includes a copy function selection button (copy mode selection button) 21, an email transmission function (Internet FAX function) selection button 22, a FAX function selection button 23, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) / Desktop transmission function selection button 24, a document. Buttons for using functions provided in the MFP 1 such as a filing function selection button (document filing mode selection button) 25 and a scan storage function selection button (scan storage mode selection button) 26 are displayed so as to be selectable by the user. Note that each of the buttons 21 to 26 is a function that requires the original reading unit 14 to read the original.

  When the user selects the FTP / Desktop transmission function selection button 24, the read image data can be transmitted to a file server or a PC (Personal Computer) used by the user by FTP. When the user selects the document filing function selection button 25, the read image data is subjected to processing such as printing, FAX transmission, and Email transmission (Internet FAX transmission), and the image is stored in the storage destination designated by the user. Data can be sent and filed.

  When the user selects the scan storage function selection button 26, the UI image for selecting the storage destination is transitioned to, and then the read image data can be stored in the storage destination designated by the user. For example, when a Universal Serial Bus (USB: registered trademark, hereinafter the same) memory is inserted, the USB memory may be automatically selected as the storage destination.

  In the UI image 20, the user can also display other functions by pressing the arrow button 28. In addition, the UI image 20 also displays a button group 27 for setting a character size, a language, and the like, so that other buttons can be displayed when the user presses the arrow button 29. It has become.

  The operation panel provided in the MFP 1 only needs to be able to display the menu image as described above, and includes only a display unit (display panel), and is configured to accept operation input only from the operation button 13a. You can also

  The communication unit 15 is a wired or wireless network interface for communicating with an external PC, server device, and the like, and communicates with an external device. Examples of the server device include a server device using FTP or a protocol derived therefrom. The MFP 1 receives a print job from a PC via the communication unit 15, acquires a file for printing by accessing the server device via the communication unit 15, and stores a file of image data in the server device or PC. It is possible to send for such as.

  The external memory connection unit 16 is a connection interface for connecting an external memory to the MFP 1. As the external memory, various memories such as a memory card such as a USB memory and an SD memory card can be applied. The MFP 1 can acquire a file stored in the external memory for printing via the external memory connection unit 16 and can store image data read by the document reading unit 14 in the external memory. .

  The operation detection unit 17 is an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel 13b in the MFP 1 before the function to be executed is selected from the menu image by the user (that is, in a state where the function is not selected). Detecting the execution action. The operation detection unit 17 includes various sensor groups installed at the execution operation detection position in the MFP 1.

  In the MFP 1 illustrated in FIG. 3, an openable / closable document cover 32 is installed on the upper portion of the main body 31 (upper side of the document table), and an ADF 33 is also attached to the document cover 32. The MFP 1 includes a manual feed tray 34 on the side surface of the main body 31, and a USB terminal 35 that is an example of the external memory connection unit 16 in the vicinity of the operation unit 13 (or the side surface of the operation unit 13).

  In the case of such an MFP 1, as the operation detection unit 17, a mechanism that detects insertion of a USB memory into the USB terminal 35, a sensor that detects that a sheet is set on the manual feed tray 34, and a document on the document placement tray of the ADF 33 A sensor for detecting that the document is set, a sensor for detecting that the document is set on the document table, and the like are provided.

  Note that the operation detection unit 17 is not limited to a state in which the function is not selected by the user, and may be configured to detect the implementation operation even after the function is selected. Thereby, even after a function is selected, a UI image that prompts the user to perform another implementation operation (and an operation on the operation panel 13b) necessary to execute the function can be displayed. For example, the user can be prompted to specify a document set, a transmission destination or a storage destination.

  As a main feature of the present invention, the MFP 1 includes the following display control unit 10a. Below, although the example in which the display control part 10a is contained in the control part 10 is given, it is not restricted to this.

  The display control unit 10a executes a guess process for guessing a function (a function that can be selected by the user) that the user intends to execute according to the implementation operation detected by the action detection unit 17, and the guess process. Based on the result, the menu image is changed. The estimation process can be a process of estimating with reference to one or more tables (which can be referred to as estimation tables) as will be described later. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the estimation process can be executed, for example, by embedding the value of the estimation table as a program.

  The menu image is changed by, for example, changing the layout and size of the function selection button (icon) so that the function estimated from the detected execution operation can be easily selected and / or the function is conspicuous in the menu image. Change it. That is, in the present invention, it can be said that the display method of the menu image is varied depending on the above-described implementation operation. As the simplest example, when a certain operation is detected, a button of one or more functions associated therewith may be displayed larger than the other buttons. The association may be stored in a table.

  More specifically, in the state in which the UI image 20 of FIG. 2 as an example of the menu image is displayed, when the manual feed of the paper to the manual feed tray 34 is detected, the copy function (or print function) is used. The copy function selection button 21 (and a print function selection button (not shown)) may be displayed larger than the other buttons, or the other buttons may be hidden.

  As an example of the latter, in the UI image 40 of FIG. 4, only the copy function selection button 21 among the function selection buttons is enlarged to be the copy function selection button 21a, the remaining buttons are hidden, and the button group 27 such as setting is reduced. Thus, a button group 27a is formed. It should be noted that it is desirable to display the fact that the remaining buttons are hidden as in the UI image 40 so that they can be seen near the arrow buttons 28. Such display may be similarly performed on the UI image 20.

  The reason why the button group 27a is reduced will be described. Since the user has set the paper in the manual feed tray 34, it can be assumed that the operation performed on the UI image 20 after the user has set is part of the function of the MFP 1. Therefore, it is considered that the possibility that the user presses the button of the button group 27 on the UI image 20 is lower than that of the copy function, the FAX function, the scan function, and the like. 27a is displayed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the function that the user wants to use is selected in order to automatically select and present to the user a function that is to be performed among a plurality of types of functions of the MFP 1 according to the operation performed by the user. Can be easily selected, and the time for occupying the MFP 1 is shortened. Moreover, in this embodiment, since presentation according to such implementation operation | movement is performed, the effect of the operativity improvement with respect to the function which a user performs for the first time can also be anticipated.

  In addition, a short-range wireless communication unit such as an NFC (Near Field Communication) module or an infrared communication module is provided in the MFP 1, and the short-range wireless communication unit detects establishment of a wireless connection with the mobile terminal device as the operation detection unit 17. You may comprise as follows. This mobile terminal device is a device having a wireless communication unit, and includes a mobile phone (including a so-called smartphone), a mobile PC, a mobile information terminal, and the like. When the wireless connection is established, the display control unit 10a may estimate that the user is about to execute a print function or a FAX function, for example.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the control part 10 has the authentication process part 10b other than the display control part 10a. The authentication processing unit 10b accepts input for a user ID (and password) or reads from an IC card or the like, and then accesses an external authentication server device or internal authentication data to execute user authentication Can be done.

  By providing such an authentication processing unit 10b, the display control unit 10a can display such a menu image only for a specific user, for example, a user who is registered as a user of the MFP 1 and whose date is shallow (for example, within 6 months). It can also be configured to perform automatic changes.

  In the above, the simplest control example in the display control unit 10a has been described. However, the estimation process sets the priority (priority) for each of the plurality of types of functions according to the relevance to the implementation operation. It is good also as the process to provide. The relevance to the above-mentioned operation operation refers to the degree to which the operation operation is required, and can also be referred to as the possibility or probability of a function that the user is trying to execute with the operation operation.

  As a rule for assigning priorities, the same priorities may be assigned to a plurality of functions, or different priorities may be assigned to all functions. Moreover, you may give a priority, except the function which has no possibility. Further, since the priority order is preferably based on the probability that each function is selected, it may be automatically calculated based on the use history of the user or the MFP 1.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 together, an example of a process that employs the above priority assignment process will be described. First, the display control unit 10a determines whether the operation detection unit 17 has detected an operation (execution operation) performed by the user on the MFP 1 based on whether detection information has been received from the operation detection unit 17. (Step S1). If YES in step S1, the display control unit 10a analyzes the detection information (step S2). If NO in step S1 (at a stage where it cannot be detected), the detection information from the motion detection unit 17 is waited for.

  As described above, the display control unit 10 a may include a user operation analysis unit that analyzes (analyzes) an operation performed by the user from information detected by the various sensor groups 17. Here, the analysis is to prepare a table in which the detection result and the execution operation corresponding to the detection result are associated in advance, and simply determine at which detection position the detection information indicates the detection result. It is only necessary to read the implementation operation associated with the determination result by referring to the table. This is because if the detection position is known, it is possible to know what the operation performed by the user is. For example, when a sheet is detected by a sensor provided on the manual feed tray 34, it is known that the user has inserted the manual sheet.

  Subsequent to step S2, the display control unit 10a calculates the degree of association between the analysis result and each function of the MFP 1 based on the analyzed result, and assigns a priority to each function (step S3). The part that performs this assignment can be called a priority setting unit.

  In this priority order setting unit, the degree of relevance is calculated in advance, and the result, that is, the execution operation and the function that is highly likely to perform the execution operation, are stored in advance as a table (for example, the table 60 in FIG. 6). Store it. Then, this priority setting unit only needs to read the priority by referring to the table using the execution operation as a key during actual processing (during step S3).

  In the present embodiment and the later-described embodiments, an example of “priority assignment” is an example in which priority is read by referring to such a table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the description is simplified. For the sake of simplicity, the display control unit 10a will be described as a main control unit without particularly mentioning the user operation analysis unit and the priority order setting unit.

  In the table 60, three implementation operations are illustrated and five types of functions are illustrated as functions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Also, in the table 60, P1, P2, and P3 indicate the first, second, and third highest priorities, respectively, and the blank indicates that the possibility of selecting the function without relevance is considerably low.

  For example, with respect to the operation of “setting a document” on the ADF 33 or the document table, the copy function has a high degree of relevance, and the priority is set high (P1). In addition, for this execution operation, the Email transmission function after scanning (Scan to Email function) and the saving function to the USB memory after scanning (Scan to USB function) have the second highest priority (P2), and the FAX function. Then, the priority is set higher (P3), and the print function and the address book function not shown in FIG. 6 are left without priority (blank). Here, the address book function refers to a function of browsing user information registered in the MFP 1, and buttons corresponding to the function are illustrated in the UI image 20 of FIG.

  In the table 60, for the operation of “setting an original”, any function set in the priority order P1, P2, P3 may be possible, but general function usage frequency (each function is selected). The priority is divided based on the probability. Instead of the general function usage frequency, the priority order may be automatically calculated based on the use history as described above. Specifically, the priority order may be automatically calculated based on the usage history of the user or the MFP 1 at regular intervals, and the table 60 may be updated based on the calculation result. With respect to other implementation operations, the same concept may be used, and priorities may be given based on general function usage frequency and usage history.

  In the present embodiment, the processing is described separately in steps S2 and S3, but the function is not associated with the operation as in the table 60, but is directly detected information (detection result from which detection position). It is preferable to associate this information with information indicating whether the detection result is detected from which sensor). For example, this can be dealt with by simply replacing “execution operation” with “detection information” in the table 60. In the other embodiments described later, it is preferable to perform the direct association as described above.

  Subsequent to step S3, the display control unit 10a displays a menu image based on the assigned priority order (step S4). If it is different from the menu image already displayed, the display is changed in step S4. As a result of the display in step S4, the buttons of the items indicating functions having a high priority (for example, the functions having a high priority and the predetermined number of items) are displayed larger than usual, and the buttons of the functions having a low priority are displayed. May be displayed small or hidden.

  For example, if a sheet is detected by the sensor of the manual feed tray 34 in step S1, it is known in step S2 that the user has inserted a manual sheet, and in step S3, the user is accompanied by printing on the sheet. It can be seen that the function (copy function or print function in the table 60) is to be executed, and the menu image may be changed and displayed based on the priority order stored in the table 60 from such functions. As a result, for example, a copy function selection button 21a in which the copy function selection button 21 is enlarged is displayed as in the UI image 40 of FIG.

  Then, the display control unit 10a determines whether or not a button (icon) associated with the function has been selected by the user from the display items including the function of the menu image displayed in step S4 (step S5). Of course, a function with a high priority is not necessarily selected here. In addition, there is a possibility that a button (for example, a button in the button group 27a) that is not included in a large category such as a function of the MFP 1 may be selected. For example, a UI image may be displayed.

  If YES in step S5, the control unit 10 controls each unit to execute the function associated with the selected button, and causes the function to be executed (step S6). At that time, if there is an item that needs to be set or a necessary implementation operation, the user may be notified in a timely manner.

  In the processing example described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the function that the user wants to use based on the execution operation performed before the user selects a function on the operation panel 13 b and the priorities given in advance. Are selected finely after the execution operation in the MFP 1 main body and reflected in the menu image. Therefore, in this processing example, control more suited to the user's wish is possible.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to cope mainly with detection of a plurality of execution operations in the first embodiment. The other points are the same, and the description thereof is omitted. For example, it is not essential to use the priority order in the present embodiment.

  The display control unit 10a according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of the above-described execution operations are detected (that is, when a plurality of operations performed by the user are detected by the operation detection unit 17), the estimation process individually according to each execution operation Execute. For example, if there are two detected execution operations a and b, the estimation process corresponding to the execution operation a is executed, and the estimation process corresponding to the execution operation b is also executed. Note that when multiple functions are detected, the function executed most recently (hereinafter referred to as the latest execution function) is executed after the function has been executed (when no function has been selected since the MFP 1 was installed). Indicates a case where multiple detections have been made (after installation). The most recently executed function refers to a function executed last time among the functions of the MFP 1.

  Then, the display control unit 10a in the present embodiment changes the menu image based on the individual results of the above estimation process for each implementation operation, that is, to make use of each result.

  Next, a processing example in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 together. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining another processing example in the MFP of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a UI image displayed on the operation unit of FIG.

  First, the display control unit 10a determines whether the operation detection unit 17 has detected an operation (execution operation) performed by the user on the MFP 1 based on whether detection information has been received from the operation detection unit 17. (Step S11). If YES in step S11, the display control unit 10a determines whether there are a plurality of implementation operations (step S12). This determination is performed after the execution of the most recent execution function as described above. For example, the determination may be performed every time a predetermined period elapses after a certain function is executed. If NO in step S11 (when it cannot be detected), the detection information from the operation detection unit 17 is waited for.

  In the case of YES in step S12, the display control unit 10a decomposes the detected information into individual implementation operations (referred to as single operations) (step S13), and analyzes one of the single operations as in steps S2 and S3. (Step S14), and priorities are assigned to the functions based on the analyzed results (Step S15). Subsequently, the display control unit 10a determines whether or not all single actions have been analyzed (step S16). If NO, the process returns to step S14 to analyze the next single action, and at the stage where the answer is YES. Proceed to step S17. In step S13, detection information may be simply divided for each sensor, and in step S14, single actions may be analyzed in a predetermined order.

  In step S15, the priority order may be read for each single operation with reference to, for example, the table 60. When manual paper set and USB memory insertion are detected in steps S11 to S13, priority order P1 is given to the copy function during the former process, and the print function, Scan to USB function, and FAX function are processed during the latter process. Are given priority orders P2, P1, and P3, respectively.

  In step S17, the display control unit 10a displays a menu image based on the assigned priorities. In step S17, for example, a process of adding buttons based on individual priorities may be performed. As a result, the copy function selection button 21a in which the copy function selection button 21 related to the priority order P1 is enlarged is displayed for the former as illustrated in the UI image 80 of FIG. In both cases, a process such as displaying the scan storage function selection button 26a in which the scan storage function selection button 26 related to the priority P1 is enlarged for the latter and hiding other function buttons is performed. Further, in this example, only the function with the priority order P1 is adopted, but for example, the function of P2 may also be adopted to display the corresponding button.

  In this example, a scan storage function selection button 26a included in the UI image 20 of FIG. 2 that is originally displayed as the initial screen, such as the UI image 80 (button for shifting to a UI image for selecting the storage destination). However, since the Scan to USB function has the priority P1, the Scan to USB function selection button may be displayed as it is. This also applies to FIG. 11 described later.

  On the other hand, if NO in step S12 (when only one is detected), the same processing as steps S3, S4, and S5 in FIG. 5 is performed (steps S20, S21, and S17). However, in this case, since only one priority is assigned in step S17, the menu image may be displayed based on the one priority.

  After the process of step S17, the control unit 10 including the display control unit 10a performs the same process as steps S5 and S6 (steps S18 and S19), and ends the process.

  With this configuration, the present embodiment can cope with a case where a plurality of execution operations are detected, so that more detailed case classification is possible, and more buttons for functions that the user wants to execute are provided. It is possible to make the display stand out clearly.

  In addition, in the embodiment that can handle detection of a plurality of execution operations, as in the present embodiment and other embodiments described later, it is preferable to provide the authentication processing unit 10b in order to identify the user. Every time the user switches (and every time the user switches to the power saving mode or power off, for example), the execution operation is detected (in the example of FIG. 7, detection is performed for each user and every predetermined period). Based on this, the menu image may be automatically changed. However, the authentication processing unit 10b may not be provided or may be set so as not to function. In that case, as illustrated in FIG. 7, it is only necessary to execute the process without performing user discrimination, that is, regardless of who has performed the operation.

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment of the present invention can cope with detection of a plurality of execution operations as in the second embodiment, but the control of the display control unit 10a is different from the second embodiment. The other points are the same as in the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  When a plurality of the above-described implementation operations are detected, the display control unit 10a in the present embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment until the above-described estimation process is individually executed according to each implementation operation. However, unlike the second embodiment, the display control unit 10a in the present embodiment changes the menu image based on the result obtained by integrating the individual results of the estimation processing for each execution operation. In this integration process, when the priority order is adopted, the priority order may be integrated (addition, average, etc.).

  Next, processing examples in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing in the MFP of FIG. 1, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table used for the processing of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a diagram of a UI image displayed on the operation unit of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example.

  First, the display control unit 10a performs processing similar to steps S11 to S16, S20, and S21 of FIG. 7 (steps S31 to S36, S41, and S42). Here, in the case of NO in step S32 (that is, when only one execution operation is detected), after the processing in steps S41 and S42, the priority assigned to one execution operation is given in the same manner as the processing in FIG. Based on this, a menu image is displayed (step S38), and the same processing as steps S18 and S19 may be performed (steps S39 and S40).

  In the case of YES in step S32 (that is, when a plurality of implementation operations are detected), the processing of steps S33 to S36 is executed, and when YES in step S36, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the display control unit 10a integrates the priorities given for each single operation, proceeds to step S38, displays a menu image based on the integrated priorities, and proceeds to step S39.

  In step S35, as in step S15, for example, the priority order may be read for each single operation with reference to the table 60 of FIG. In step S37, the read priorities are integrated. This integration may be performed in advance. For that purpose, instead of the table 60, a table such as that illustrated in the table 100 of FIG. 10 is referred to, the priority after integration (referred to as an evaluation point for distinction) is read, and step S38 is performed based on the evaluation point. The menu image display process in FIG.

  In the table 100, scores “3”, “2”, and “1” are assigned to the priorities P1, P2, and P3, respectively, and the score is calculated by adding the scores for each function. The evaluation points to be read when the implementation operation is detected are illustrated. However, since the evaluation points actually differ depending on the detected execution operation group, a table is provided for each set of execution operation groups.

  For example, when the execution operation group (original set + USB memory insertion) is detected, the evaluation score for the Scan to USB function is two points of the priority order P2 for the original set and the priority order P1 for the USB memory insertion. Add 5 points. Similarly, the evaluation points of other functions are 3 points (= 3 + 0) for the copy function, and 2 points for all of the Scan to Email function, FAX function, and print function.

  If such an execution operation group is detected and the display process in step S38 is executed, the UI image 110 in FIG. 11 is exemplified. In the UI image 110, a scan storage function selection button 26b in which the scan storage function selection button 26 having the highest evaluation score is enlarged is displayed on the leftmost side, and a copy function selection button in which the copy function selection button 21 is enlarged next to it. 21b is displayed (displayed smaller than the scan storage function selection button 26b), and other function buttons are hidden.

  In addition, although the example in which only the top two functions are displayed has been given, the number of functions or the order to be displayed may be determined in advance. For example, only the top one function may be displayed or the top two functions may be displayed. Only functions within the range may be displayed.

  With this configuration, in this embodiment, not only can a plurality of execution operations be detected, but also more detailed case classification is possible compared to the second embodiment, which the user wants to execute. It is possible to display the buttons of functions that are considered to be more conspicuous. Further, in the second embodiment, when the functions that stand out as a result of detection of a plurality of execution operations are duplicated, a plurality of buttons having the same function are displayed. However, in this embodiment, the integration process is performed. It is also possible to display only one button for the function.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to use the priority order as illustrated, but this is not limited to this, and a function that the user is trying to execute for each detected operation is simply estimated. What is necessary is just to change a menu image based on the result of integrating those estimation results. For example, a table associated with one function is prepared for each execution operation, such as the table 60, and the table is referred to (up to here, the same as in the second embodiment). By hesitating, only one button of the function can be displayed as described above. Furthermore, for example, not only can a duplicate function be regarded as one in the integration process, but also the button for that function can be displayed larger as the overlap number increases.

(Fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment of the present invention can cope with the detection of a plurality of execution operations similarly to the second or third embodiment, but the second and third embodiments are different from the display control unit 10a. Control is different. Although the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the third embodiment, the other points are the same.

  When a plurality of the above-described execution operations are detected, the display control unit 10a according to the present embodiment executes the above-described estimation process according to a combination of all the detected execution operations, and based on the result of the above-described estimation process, the menu image To change. In the third embodiment, the menu image is changed based on the result of integrating the estimation processing for each execution operation. However, in the present embodiment, integration is performed at the time of the estimation processing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the third embodiment are basically obtained.

  When the priority order is used in the present embodiment, the estimation process is a process for assigning a priority order to each of a plurality of types of functions of the MFP 1 according to relevance to all combinations of the detected execution operations. It becomes.

  A processing example using the priority order will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a table used in another processing example in the MFP of FIG. In the table 120, in the row 122, priority is given to the three execution operations of document setting, USB memory insertion, and manual sheet setting according to the relevance to the function for each combination. For example, in the case where an execution operation group of document set + USB memory insertion is detected, priority order P3 is assigned to the copy function and FAX function, priority order P2 is assigned to the print function and Scan to Email function, and the Scan to USB function. Is given priority order P1. In the table 120, an example is given in which the priority order for only a single operation is also given in the row 121.

  Although the flow of this processing example is not shown in the drawing, an example thereof will be briefly described. First, the display control unit 10a determines the number of detected motions in the same manner as the processing in steps S31 to S33 in FIG. The display control unit 10a refers to any one of the rows 122 of the table 120 when a plurality of execution operations are detected, and when one execution operation is detected, the display control unit 10a With reference to either of them, the priority order for each function is read out and reflected in the display of the menu image.

  According to such a processing example, for example, when an operation group of document set + USB memory insertion is detected, a button of the Scan to USB function can be displayed larger than buttons of other functions. Also, when all three are detected, the copy function and Scan to Email function buttons can be displayed larger than the other function buttons. When only the USB memory insertion operation is detected, the print function button is displayed larger than the other function buttons. In any case, the buttons of the other functions may be hidden as exemplified in other embodiments.

  Also, by setting the predetermined period described with reference to FIG. 9 or the like to a certain extent, first, when the user sets an original, the copy function and FAX function buttons are displayed large, and then when a USB memory is inserted, Scan to USB is displayed. It is also possible for the user to visually recognize that the screen is changed every time the execution operation is performed so that the function buttons are displayed larger.

  In addition, it is preferable to use the priority order as exemplified in the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the function that the user intends to execute according to a set of a plurality of detected operation actions is simply detected. And the menu image may be changed based on the estimation result. For example, it is also possible to prepare a table in which one function is associated for each set of execution operation groups, and display only one function in a large size by referring to the detected operation operation group as a key.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment of the present invention is premised on the detection of a plurality of execution operations as in the second to fourth embodiments, but the control of the display control unit 10a is different. Although the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the third embodiment, the other points are the same, and can be similarly applied to the second and fourth embodiments.

  The display control unit 10a in the present embodiment executes the estimation process only according to the execution operation detected within the most recent predetermined number of times. The latest is based on the point in time when the above estimation process is executed. That is, in the present embodiment, for example, even when four execution operations are detected, the estimation process is executed only from the execution operation detected within the latest predetermined number of times (for example, within 3 times), and the oldest one execution operation is The menu image is not changed.

  Next, a processing example in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing in the MFP of FIG.

  First, similarly to steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 5, the display control unit 10a determines whether or not an implementation operation by the user has been detected (step S51), and if detected (in the case of YES), the detection is performed. Information analysis (step S52) and priority assignment (step S53) are performed. On the other hand, if not detected (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to step S58 described later.

  After the process of step S53, the display control unit 10a determines whether or not an execution operation exceeding N times has been detected after the execution of the latest execution function (step S54). If YES, the oldest execution operation is performed. The analysis result is discarded (step S55). Here, N is an integer equal to or greater than 1 indicating the predetermined number of times, and is preferably matched with, for example, the number of execution operations that can be detected (three in the example of FIG. 10).

  In the case of NO in step S54, and after the processing in step S55, the priorities given for each single operation and accumulated so far are integrated (step S56), as in steps S37 and S38 in FIG. The menu image is changed based on the priority order that has been set (step S57). Naturally, in step S56, integration is performed except for the amount discarded in step S55, and in step S57, if the priority order for only one single operation remains, the menu image may be changed using the priority order as it is. .

  Subsequent to step S57, the display control unit 10a determines whether or not a function has been selected as in step S39 (step S58). If YES, the control unit 10 is selected as in step S40. The function is executed (step S59). If NO in step S59, the process returns to step S51 to wait for the next execution operation.

  With this configuration, in this embodiment, the function that the user wants to execute is estimated only from the new execution operation while ignoring the old execution operation, and the buttons of the function are more clearly noticeable and displayed. Can do.

  Further, in addition to the processing example of FIG. 13, the processing can be executed every predetermined period as in the processing example of FIG. 9. For example, in the process example of FIG. 9, the processes of steps S54 and S55 may be inserted between the process of step S36 and the process of step S37.

(Sixth embodiment)
The sixth embodiment of the present invention is premised on detection of a plurality of execution operations as in the second to fifth embodiments, but the control of the display control unit 10a is different. Although the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the third embodiment, the other points are the same, and can be similarly applied to the second and fourth embodiments. In addition, this embodiment can be used in combination with the processing of the fifth embodiment.

  When executing the estimation process according to any one of the second to fourth embodiments, the display control unit 10a according to the present embodiment gives priority (more reflected) to the execution operation performed at a time closer to the execution time. Shall.

  As a simpler example, when a total of two execution operations are detected, the priority of the older execution operation is lowered by a predetermined order. A more specific example will be described with reference to the table 60 of FIG. When a document set is detected after the insertion of the USB memory is detected, it is preferable to lower the priority of the row related to “USB memory insertion” by two while keeping the priority of the row related to “original set” in the table 60 ( For example, with respect to P2 and P3, there may be no priority, for example).

  In this case, the evaluation points as described in FIG. 10 remain at 3 points for the copy function, drop to 0 for the print function, remain at 2 points for the Scan to Email function, and are the same as the copy function for the Scan to USB function. Decrease to 3 points and 1 point for FAX function.

  Therefore, when this example is applied to the processing of FIG. 9 and the display processing in step S38 is executed and the buttons of the upper two functions are displayed, the UI image 80 of FIG. 8 is displayed instead of the UI image 110 of FIG. Thus, the copy function selection button 21a and the scan storage function selection button 26a are displayed with the same size. Here, the order of the buttons 21a and 26a is matched to the order of the original UI image 20, but is not limited to this.

  In the present embodiment, even when a plurality of execution operations are detected as described above, the estimation operation is performed by prioritizing the execution operation that was detected most recently, and as a result, the execution operation related to the priority is performed. You can also make the function buttons more prominent. In addition, since this embodiment lowers the contribution of the older execution operation, it is particularly effective when the fifth embodiment and the seventh and eighth embodiments described later are not used in combination. However, this does not prevent the combined use with these embodiments.

(Seventh embodiment)
The seventh embodiment of the present invention is premised on detection of a plurality of execution operations as in the second to sixth embodiments, but the control of the display control unit 10a is different. Although the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the third embodiment, the other points are the same, and can be similarly applied to the second and fourth embodiments. Moreover, this embodiment can be used together with the processing of the fifth and sixth embodiments.

  The display control unit 10a in the present embodiment executes the estimation process only according to the execution operation detected a predetermined time before the most recent execution operation is detected. The latest is based on the point in time when the above estimation process is executed. That is, in this embodiment, for example, even when four execution operations are detected, the estimation process is executed only from the execution operation detected up to a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) before the most recent detection time, and is older than that. The implementation operation does not contribute to the change of the menu image. It can be said that the predetermined time is a holding time of the detection information.

  Next, a processing example in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining another processing example in the MFP of FIG.

  First, similarly to steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 5, the display control unit 10a determines whether or not an implementation operation by the user has been detected (step S61), and if detected (in the case of YES), the detection is performed. Information analysis (step S62) and priority assignment (step S63) are performed. On the other hand, if not detected (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to step S67 described later.

  After the processing in step S63, the display control unit 10a discards the analysis result based on the detection information before T seconds, starting from the most recently performed operation (from the time of detection of the most recent performed operation) (step S64). . Here, T is a positive integer indicating the predetermined time. In the case of T = 30 seconds, the analysis result for the implementation operation detected 40 seconds before the nearest detection time is discarded.

  After the process of step S64, the priorities given for each single operation and accumulated so far are integrated (step S65), and the menu image is based on the integrated priorities, as in steps S37 and S38 of FIG. Is changed (step S66). Naturally, in step S65, integration is performed except for the amount discarded in step S64, and in step S66, when the priority order for only one single operation remains, the menu image may be changed using the priority order as it is. .

  Subsequent to step S66, the display control unit 10a determines whether or not a function has been selected as in step S39 (step S67). If YES, the control unit 10 is selected as in step S40. The function is executed (step S68). If NO in step S68, the process returns to step S61 to wait for the next execution operation.

With this configuration, in this embodiment, the function that the user wants to execute is estimated only from the new execution operation while ignoring the old execution operation, and the buttons of the function are more clearly noticeable and displayed. Can do.
Further, in the present embodiment, setting T to a certain extent has an advantage that the processing for each user can be substantially performed without applying the processing for each user.

  Further, in addition to the processing example of FIG. 14, the processing can be executed every predetermined period as in the processing example of FIG. 9. For example, in the process example of FIG. 9, the process of step S64 may be inserted between the process of step S36 and the process of step S37.

  Although not shown, the MFP 1 preferably includes the following setting unit. The setting unit is a part that performs setting to change the predetermined time based on a user operation received by the operation panel 13b or the operation button 13a provided separately. Thereby, the user can change the predetermined time.

(Eighth embodiment)
As an eighth embodiment of the present invention, another example of controlling the estimation process according to time will be described. The display control unit 10a in the present embodiment executes the estimation process only according to the execution operation detected within the latest predetermined time. Within the latest predetermined time refers to within a predetermined time from the execution time of the above-mentioned estimation process. In other words, this embodiment is different from the seventh embodiment in that the starting point of the predetermined time is different from that of the seventh embodiment and does not assume the detection of a plurality of execution operations, and therefore can be applied to any of the first to sixth embodiments. The other points are the same as in the seventh embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. With this configuration, the present embodiment has substantially the same effect as that of the seventh embodiment. Also in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide the setting unit.

(Other)
The MFP according to the present invention has been described above. However, as illustrated in the flowchart of the processing flow, the present invention is provided in an MFP having a plurality of types of functions, and is executed from the plurality of types of functions. A mode as a display control method of an operation panel capable of displaying a menu image for allowing a user to select a function can also be adopted. The present invention can also take the form of a program for causing a computer to execute the display control method and a computer-readable recording medium (non-temporary recording medium) on which the program is recorded.

  In this display control method, the operation detection unit of the MFP performs an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the MFP before the function to be executed is selected by the user. The motion detection step to detect, and the display control unit of the MFP executes a guess process for guessing a function to be executed by the user in accordance with the execution motion detected in the motion detection step. And a display control step for changing the menu image based on the processing result. Other application examples are the same as those described for the MFP, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In other words, the program is a program for causing the computer of the control unit of the MFP to execute processing in the display control method. Here, the processing is performed by an operation detection unit of the MFP, which is an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the MFP before the function to be executed is selected by the user. In accordance with the action detection step detected in step (b) and the execution action detected in the action detection step, a guess process for guessing the function to be executed by the user is executed, and the menu is based on the result of the guess process. And a display control step for changing the image. Other application examples are the same as those described for the MFP, and a description thereof will be omitted. Examples of the recording medium include various media such as an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a memory card, and a hard disk. The above program can be downloaded from the Internet and executed, or received from a broadcast wave and executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MFP, 10 ... Control part, 10a ... Display control part, 10b ... Authentication process part, 11 ... Image processing part, 12 ... Printing part, 13 ... Operation part, 13a ... Operation button, 13b ... Operation panel, 14 ... Original Reading unit, 15 ... communication unit, 16 ... external memory connection unit, 17 ... operation detection unit.

Claims (12)

A multi-function machine having an operation panel having a plurality of types of functions and capable of displaying a menu image for allowing a user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions;
Before the function to be executed is selected by the user, an operation detection unit that detects an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction peripheral;
A display control unit that executes a guessing process for guessing a function to be executed by the user according to the execution action detected by the action sensing unit, and changes the menu image based on a result of the guessing process; , equipped with a,
When a plurality of the execution operations are detected, the display control unit individually executes the estimation process according to each execution operation, and displays the menu image based on the individual results of the estimation process for each execution operation. A multifunction device characterized by changing . A multi-function machine having an operation panel having a plurality of types of functions and capable of displaying a menu image for allowing a user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions;
Before the function to be executed is selected by the user, an operation detection unit that detects an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction peripheral;
A display control unit that executes a guessing process for guessing a function to be executed by the user according to the execution action detected by the action sensing unit, and changes the menu image based on a result of the guessing process; With
When a plurality of the execution operations are detected, the display control unit executes the estimation process individually according to each execution operation, and based on the result of integrating the individual results of the estimation process for each execution operation, A multifunction device that changes the menu image. The guess processing, the for each of a plurality of types of functions, the multifunction machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a process for prioritizing according to relevance to the exemplary operation. A multi-function machine having an operation panel having a plurality of types of functions and capable of displaying a menu image for allowing a user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions;
Before the function to be executed is selected by the user, an operation detection unit that detects an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction peripheral;
A display control unit that executes a guessing process for guessing a function to be executed by the user according to the execution action detected by the action sensing unit, and changes the menu image based on a result of the guessing process; With
When a plurality of the execution operations are detected, the display control unit executes the estimation process according to a combination of all the detected execution operations, changes the menu image based on the result of the estimation process,
The multi-function apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation process is a process for assigning a priority order to each of the plurality of types of functions according to relevance to all combinations of the detected execution operations. 5. The multifunction device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit executes the estimation process only in accordance with the execution operation detected within the most recent predetermined number of times. The multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the display control unit gives priority to the execution operation performed at a time closer to the execution time when executing the estimation process. The said display control part performs the said estimation process only according to the said implementation operation detected until the predetermined time before the said detection operation of the said execution operation immediately before, The one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The multifunction device according to item 1. 5. The multifunction device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit executes the estimation process only according to the execution operation detected within the latest predetermined time. The multifunction device according to claim 7 , further comprising a setting unit configured to perform a setting for changing the predetermined time based on a user operation received with the operation panel or an operation button provided separately. A display control method for an operation panel provided in a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of types of functions and capable of displaying a menu image for allowing a user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions.
The operation detection unit of the multifunction device detects an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device before the function to be executed is selected by the user. Steps,
The display control unit of the multi-function device executes a guess process for guessing a function that the user is going to execute according to the implementation operation detected in the action detection step, and based on the result of the guess process, A display control step for changing the menu image ,
In the case where a plurality of execution operations are detected, the display control step executes the estimation process individually according to each execution operation, and displays the menu image based on the individual results of the estimation processing for each execution operation. A display control method characterized by being a step of changing. A display control method for an operation panel provided in a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of types of functions and capable of displaying a menu image for allowing a user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions.
The operation detection unit of the multifunction device detects an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device before the function to be executed is selected by the user. Steps,
The display control unit of the multi-function device executes a guess process for guessing a function that the user is going to execute according to the implementation operation detected in the action detection step, and based on the result of the guess process, A display control step for changing the menu image,
In the display control step, when a plurality of the implementation operations are detected, the estimation process is executed individually according to each implementation operation, and based on the result of integrating the individual results of the estimation process for each implementation operation, A display control method comprising the step of changing the menu image. A display control method for an operation panel provided in a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of types of functions and capable of displaying a menu image for allowing a user to select a function to be executed from the plurality of types of functions.
The operation detection unit of the multifunction device detects an operation performed by the user on a portion other than the operation panel in the multifunction device before the function to be executed is selected by the user. Steps,
The display control unit of the multi-function device executes a guess process for guessing a function that the user is going to execute according to the implementation operation detected in the action detection step, and based on the result of the guess process, A display control step for changing the menu image,
In the display control step, when a plurality of the execution operations are detected, the estimation process is executed according to a combination of all the detected execution operations, and the menu image is changed based on a result of the estimation process. And
The display control method according to claim 1, wherein the inference process is a process of assigning a priority order to each of the plurality of types of functions in accordance with relevance to all combinations of the detected execution operations.

Images