JP6851158B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of display units, an image forming method , and an image forming program .

In recent years, image forming devices have been installed in various public spaces such as offices and convenience stores, and the users who use them have diversified. With the diversification of users, improvement of the interface is required, and it has been proposed to improve the operability by moving the operation unit, the display unit, etc. from the installed position (for example, patent documents). 1 and Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-326257 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-31218

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a first operation unit provided on the main body and a second operation unit that can be removed from the main body.

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2 includes a main operation display unit and a detachable sub-operation display unit, and the main operation display unit and the sub-operation display unit correlate various information with each other or are independent of each other. It is configured to be displayed and operated on.

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, the display unit is made removable or the information to be displayed is increased, and the installation location of the display unit is not considered. Therefore, when the installation location of the display unit is changed, there is a problem that the display content cannot be set at that position.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and by changing the display contents depending on the position where the display unit is attached, image formation capable of appropriately displaying to various users is possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus , an image forming method , and an image forming program.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is a display control that controls at least two or more display units for displaying images, a housing to which the plurality of display units are attached, and an image to be displayed on the plurality of display units. An image forming apparatus including a unit, wherein the plurality of display units are configured to be detachable from the housing, and each of the display units is configured to notify the display control unit of the size of the housing. The body is provided with a plurality of mounting positions for mounting the display units, and the display control units compare the sizes of the plurality of display units with each other, and each of the display control units is based on the positions where the plurality of display units are mounted. It is characterized by controlling the image to be displayed.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the plurality of display units may be configured as input units that accept user input.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the display control unit may be configured to display different images on the plurality of display units when the user's input is received.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the display control unit may be configured to change the image to be displayed on the display unit that receives the user's input among the plurality of display units.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the vicinity of the mounting position as a communication range, and the display unit communicates with the housing via short-range wireless communication by the communication unit. It may be configured to be connected.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the display unit may be configured as a mobile terminal.

The image forming method according to the present invention is a display control that controls at least two or more display units for displaying an image, a housing to which the plurality of display units are attached, and an image to be displayed on the plurality of display units. The plurality of display units are configured to be detachable from the housing, and each of the display units is configured to notify the display control unit of the size, and the housing has the plurality of displays. An image forming method of an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of mounting positions for attaching a unit, wherein the display control unit includes a display control step of controlling an image to be displayed on the plurality of display units. It is characterized in that the sizes of the plurality of display units are compared with each other, and the images displayed on the plurality of display units are controlled based on the positions where the plurality of display units are attached.

The image forming program according to the present invention is characterized in that each step of the image forming method according to the present invention is executed by a computer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to display an appropriate display for various users by changing the display contents of the plurality of display units depending on the mounting position.

It is an external front view of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the 1st image. It is the schematic explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd image. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd image. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the 4th image. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the 5th image. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the mobile terminal which displays the 6th image. It is a flow chart which shows the processing flow of the image display processing which instructs the image to be displayed based on the position of the display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the correspondence relationship between a display mode and a display screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the message information corresponding to an advertisement. It is a flow chart which shows the process flow of the image change process which changes the image to be displayed when input is received. It is a flow chart which shows the processing flow of the image change processing when a plurality of display units are attached. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the correspondence relationship between a sub-display part and related processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a message information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the correspondence relation between the output matter information and a point. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow figure which shows the processing flow of the preview enlargement processing.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external front view of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The image processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes two housings, and is composed of an image forming unit 2 and an information terminal 3 arranged side by side. The shape of the image processing device 1 is not limited, and the image forming unit 2 and the information terminal 3 may be integrated into one housing.

The image forming unit 2 has a copying function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like, and ejects the image-formed paper into a paper ejection tray 4 provided in the middle of the housing. Further, a display unit 10 that is removable from the housing is attached to the upper part of the image forming unit 2.

The information terminal 3 prints an image read from a recording medium on paper, and ejects the paper to a paper ejection port 5 provided at the bottom of the housing. A display unit 10 is provided on the upper edge of the information terminal 3. The image forming unit 2 and the information terminal 3 are connected to each other to perform data communication, and the image forming unit 2 and the information terminal 3 operate in cooperation with each other. That is, the image read by the information terminal 3 may be formed by the image forming unit 2, or the image stored in the image forming unit 2 may be printed by the information terminal 3.

Further, in addition to the above-described processing, the information terminal 3 may perform processing via a network, and may perform various processing such as downloading of digital contents, ticket reservation, and payment of utility charges. ..

The paper used may be different between the image forming unit 2 and the information terminal 3, and in the present embodiment, the image forming unit 2 mainly uses plain paper. Further, the information terminal 3 mainly prints a photograph using glossy paper, photographic paper, or the like.

The display unit 10 is an input unit that displays an image and accepts a user's input, and is, for example, a touch panel. That is, the display unit 10 has both a function of displaying an image and a function of receiving an input of an instruction.

The image processing device 1 is provided with a plurality of mounting positions in the housing for mounting the display unit 10. The detailed position of the mounting position will be described below. In the present embodiment, mounting positions are provided at seven locations, the information terminal 3 side is set to three, and the image forming portion 2 side is set to four.

On the information terminal 3 side, as described above, the first mounting position P1 is provided on the upper edge of the information terminal 3, and in FIG. 1, the display unit 10 is mounted at the first mounting position P1. A third mounting position P3 is provided above the information terminal 3, and the display unit 10 is installed via a connection portion or the like provided on the upper surface of the information terminal 3. A seventh mounting position P7 is provided in the vicinity of the paper ejection port 5.

On the image forming unit 2 side, as described above, the second mounting position P2 is provided in the middle of the image forming part 2, and in FIG. 1, the display unit 10 is mounted at the second mounting position P2. A fourth mounting position P4 is provided above the image forming unit 2, and the display unit 10 is installed via a connecting portion or the like provided on the upper surface of the image forming unit 2. A fifth mounting position P5 is provided near the output tray 4, and a sixth mounting position P6 is provided on the front surface of the image forming unit 2. In the following, for the sake of explanation, the first mounting position P1 to the seventh mounting position P7 may be collectively referred to as a mounting position. When the display unit 10 is attached to the housing, the display unit 10 transmits a signal indicating the attached attachment position to the display control unit 11. Further, the mounting position may be further provided at a position different from the mounting position described above, and may be provided on the back surface of the image forming unit 2, for example.

The display unit 10 has a structure in which the display unit 10 can be attached and detached by providing, for example, a pedestal or a hook at the attachment position. When the display unit 10 and the image processing device 1 are connected by wire, a connector or the like may be provided near the attachment position, and which attachment position the display unit 10 is attached to by the connected connector. Can be determined. Further, when the display unit 10 and the image processing device 1 are wirelessly connected, for example, a communication unit that performs NFC (near field communication) using infrared rays, radio waves, or the like may be provided. In this case, the mounting position can be determined by limiting the communication range to the vicinity of the corresponding mounting position. Further, the pedestal, hook, or the like may be provided with a sensor or the like for detecting the presence or absence of the display unit 10.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The image processing device 1 includes at least two or more display units 10, an image forming unit 2, and a display control unit 11 that controls an image to be displayed on the plurality of display units 10. The display control unit 11 controls the images to be displayed on each of the display units 10 based on the positions where the plurality of display units 10 are attached. The display control unit 11 is stored as a program built in advance in a CPU (not shown), and by executing the stored program, a process described later is executed. The process controlled by the display control unit 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12, which will be described later.

Next, the first image GZ1 to the sixth image GZ6, which are examples of the images displayed on the display unit 10, will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing a first image.

The first image GZ1 is configured to include a message Ms directed to the user and a key Ke for accepting the user's input. The content to be displayed as the message Ms is set in advance, and may be determined based on, for example, the message information shown in FIGS. 11 and 15 described later. A specific example of the content to be displayed as the message Ms will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 and 15 described later.

FIG. 3 shows the first image GZ1 having one key Ke, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a ten-key pad, a keyboard, or the like may be provided with a plurality of key Kes.

FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory view showing a second image.

The second image GZ2 is configured to include only the message Ms. The size of the area for displaying the message Ms may be appropriately changed according to the content to be displayed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing a third image.

The third image GZ3 is configured to include only the key Ke. The size of the area for displaying the key Ke may be changed as appropriate, and in the third image GZ3, the key Ke is larger than the first image GZ1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory view showing a fourth image.

The fourth image GZ4 is configured to include a plurality of photographic Phs. The plurality of photo Phs may be not a simple image but a key for accepting input, and may be configured to select one of the plurality of photo Phs by accepting input from the user.

FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory view showing a fifth image.

The fifth image GZ5 is configured to include a photo FP with a frame, a plurality of frames Fk, and a plurality of frame messages Fm. The frame Fk is an image combined with the photographic Ph, and is arranged, for example, along the outer edge of the photographic Ph. The frame message Fm is a display content related to the corresponding frame Fk. The photographic FP with a frame is an image in which the above-mentioned photographic Ph and the frame Fk are combined.

FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory view showing a mobile terminal displaying the sixth image.

In the present embodiment, the display unit 10 may be connected to the housing via wireless communication, and for example, the mobile terminal 12 may be used as the display unit 10. The sixth image GZ6 is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 12. In the sixth image GZ6, a plurality of photo Phs are arranged side by side. The image displayed on the mobile terminal 12 is not limited to the sixth image GZ6, and for example, the first image GZ1 to the fifth image GZ5 may be displayed. By using wireless communication, the display unit 10 can be freely removed without providing a physical connection method, and a mobile terminal 12 that can be carried by the user can be used as the display unit 10.

Next, the processing flow when the image processing apparatus 1 displays an image on the display unit 10 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a processing flow of an image display process for instructing an image to be displayed based on the position of the display unit.

In the image processing device 1, one of the main display unit and the sub display unit is set for the plurality of display units 10 according to the position where each of the display units 10 is attached. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the display unit 10 attached to the first attachment position P1 is preferentially set as the main display unit, and the other display units 10 are set as the sub display units. When only one display unit 10 is attached, only the main display unit is set.

In step S01, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not the sub display unit is provided. That is, it is determined whether or not two or more display units 10 are attached to the image processing device 1. As a result, when the sub display unit is provided (step S01: Yes), the process proceeds to step S03. On the other hand, if the sub display unit is not provided (step S01: No), the process proceeds to step S02.

In step S02, the display unit 10 displays the single display screen. The single display screen will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10 described later.

In step S03, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not the position information of the display unit 10 has been acquired. That is, the display control unit 11 generates position information based on a signal indicating which mounting position the display unit 10 is mounted on. Specifically, the position where the display unit 10 is attached may be specified by discriminating the connector, the communication unit, or the like. As a result, when the position information is acquired (step S03: Yes), the process proceeds to step S04. On the other hand, if the position information has not been acquired (step S03: No), the process proceeds to step S05.

In step S04, the display control unit 11 selects a display screen based on the position information. The display screen may be selected from, for example, a plurality of display screens 1 or a plurality of display screens 5 shown in FIG. 10 described later.

In step S05, the display control unit 11 displays the plurality of display screens 1.

In the above-mentioned processing flow, when the screen to be displayed is selected, the processing ends.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the display mode and the display screen.

The image processing device 1 selects a display mode according to the installation status of the display unit 10, and displays a display screen corresponding to each display mode. Specifically, when only the main display unit is set, the single display screen is selected as the display mode. That is, only the image to be displayed on the main display unit is set, and the display screen of the sub display unit is not set. When the main display unit and the sub display unit are set, the display mode is selected from the plurality of display screens 1 or the plurality of display screens 5. For example, the plurality of display screens 1 are selected when the display unit 10 of the third mounting position P3 is used as the sub display unit, and the plurality of display screens 2 are selected when the display unit 10 of the fourth mounting position P4 is used as the sub display unit. The multiple display screen 3 is selected when the display unit 10 of the second mounting position P2 is used as the sub display unit, and the multiple display screen 4 uses the display unit 10 of the sixth mounting position P6 as the sub display unit. Will be selected when you do. The plurality of display screens 5 are selected when a display unit 10 or the like attached to the back surface of the image forming unit 2 is used as a sub display unit.

A display screen based on the state of the image processing device 1 is set for each display mode, and FIG. 10 shows display screens corresponding to the three states of the image processing device 1. Specifically, the states of the image processing device 1 shown in FIG. 10 are the standby time, the printing time, and the terminal operation time. During standby, the image processing device 1 is waiting for input from the user and is not performing processing such as printing. At the time of printing, paper, photographs, etc. are being printed according to instructions from the user. When the terminal is operated, it is in a state of accepting input to the information terminal 3.

The portal screen displayed on the main display unit during standby is an initial screen for operating the image processing device 1, and allows the user to select a function to be executed. The print screen displayed on the main display unit at the time of printing is a display related to printing such as processing status and print settings. The terminal operation screen displayed on the main display unit at the time of terminal operation is a display indicating various processes by the information terminal 3.

Advertisements and adjustment screens are displayed on the sub-display unit during standby. Auxiliary displays such as the numeric keypad and preview, function explanations, operation UI (user interface), and adjustment screens are displayed on the sub-display unit during printing and terminal operation.

As described above, preferable display contents are set at each mounting position. Specifically, it is said that the first mounting position P1 and the second mounting position P2 preferably display the image processing apparatus 1 in general. The third mounting position P3 is preferably displayed as an auxiliary to the first mounting position P1. For example, a key or an image that does not fit in the first mounting position P1 (display unit 10) is displayed. .. That is, a numeric keypad that assists input and a preview that shows an image instructed to print are displayed. It is said that the fourth mounting position P4 preferably displays an auxiliary display for the second mounting position P2, displays an advertisement to the user, or the like. The fifth mounting position P5 is set lower than the first mounting position P1, and it is preferable to display the nearby output tray 4 or display the display toward a short user. In other words, it displays advertisements for children and simplified input screens (easy operation UI). It is said that the sixth mounting position P6 is preferably displayed for a service person who performs maintenance, and a display such as an adjustment screen of the image processing device 1 is displayed. It is said that the seventh mounting position P7 is preferably displayed with respect to the nearby paper ejection port 5.

At the third mounting position P3 and the fourth mounting position P4, as an auxiliary display, the images displayed at the first mounting position P1 and the second mounting position P2 and related images may be displayed. For example, when the fifth image GZ5 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed at the first mounting position P1 and the second mounting position P2, the fourth image is displayed at the third mounting position P3 and the fourth mounting position P4 (display unit 10). Display GZ4.

In this way, by changing the display contents of the plurality of display units 10 depending on the mounting position, it is possible to display appropriately for various users.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of message information corresponding to an advertisement.

The message information is information stored in advance in the image processing device 1, and the content of the message Ms displayed on the display unit 10 is set. In the message information, "ID", "display content", "display unit feature", and "output information" are associated with each other. The "ID" is a code or number assigned to distinguish a plurality of message Ms registered in the message information. The "display content" indicates the content of the message Ms displayed as an image, for example, an operation to be performed by the user to operate the image processing device 1, a content indicating an operating state of the image processing device 1, and a content indicating an operating state of the image processing device 1. It is said to be an advertisement for users. The message information shown in FIG. 11 shows an example of an advertisement, and an example of another message Ms is shown in FIG. 15 which will be described later. The "display unit feature" is related to the mounting position, and indicates that it is preferable to display at the mounting position corresponding to this item. For example, in the "display unit feature", if it is set to general, it indicates that it applies to any mounting position, and if it is set to be child or low, it indicates that it applies to a mounting position at a low position. The "output information" is related to the content to be output on the paper, and indicates that it is preferable to display the paper corresponding to this item when it is output. Note that FIG. 11 shows message information in which five message Ms are registered, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of message Ms registered in the message information may be appropriately set, and the image processing device 1 may be used. A plurality of message information may be stored depending on the operating state.

Further, the content to be displayed as the message Ms can be appropriately set, and for example, the target user, the installation location of the image processing device 1, and the like may be considered. Specifically, in the message Ms for general users, normal operation explanations and the like are displayed, and in the message Ms for children, simple operation explanations with less kanji and difficult expressions are displayed. Further, when the image processing device 1 is installed in a store such as a convenience store, an advertisement such as a product for sale is displayed.

The display unit 10 can improve the operability of the image processing device 1 by having both a function of displaying an image and a function of receiving an input.

The image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method of an image processing apparatus including at least two or more display units 10 for displaying an image and a housing to which the plurality of display units 10 are attached. The plurality of display units 10 are detachably attached to and detachable from the housing, and the housing is provided with a plurality of mounting positions for mounting the plurality of display units 10. In the image processing method, the display control unit 11 includes a display control step for controlling the image to be displayed on the plurality of display units 10, and each of the display control steps is based on the position where the plurality of display units 10 are attached. Control the image to be displayed.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment, the schematic configuration diagram and the like are omitted, and the components whose functions are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are omitted. The same reference numerals are given and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a processing flow of an image change process for changing an image to be displayed when an input is received.

In the second embodiment, the display unit 10 that receives the user's input determines the content to be displayed on the image processing device 1 to which the plurality of display units 10 are attached. In the processing flow shown in FIG. 12, at the start, the image to be displayed on each display unit 10 is determined by the processing flow shown in FIG.

In step S11, the display unit 10 determines whether or not the user's input has been accepted. As a result, when the user's input is accepted (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the user's input is not accepted (step S11: No), the user waits until the input is input.

In step S12, the display control unit 11 changes the image of the display unit 10 that has received the input. Here, if the "display unit feature" is set at the mounting position of the display unit 10 that has received the input, the message information is referred to in the subsequent display, and the same "display unit feature" is set. Message Ms may be preferentially selected.

For example, when the display unit 10 mounted on the fifth mounting position P5 accepts the input, the display content is changed to the display content for a child or a short user as described above. That is, when the general operation explanation of the image processing device 1 is displayed, the operation explanation is changed to a simple one.

In step S13, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not an image to be displayed on the other display unit 10 is set. That is, it is determined whether or not the image or advertisement related to the image displayed in step S12 is set. As a result, if an image to be displayed on the other display unit 10 is set (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the image to be displayed on the other display unit 10 is not set (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S14, the display control unit 11 causes another display unit 10 to display the set image.

That is, if the "display unit feature" of the image displayed in step S12 is a child, the above-mentioned message Ms for the child is displayed. Further, when the fifth image GZ5 is displayed, the fourth image GZ4 may be displayed on another display unit 10 as a preview of the photograph Ph. Further, when the operation explanation of the image processing device 1 is displayed, a message Ms or the like supplementing the explanation may be displayed on another display unit 10.

In step S15, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not the process has progressed. That is, it is determined whether the paper output is completed or the user's input is accepted. As a result, when the process proceeds (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, when the process is not in progress (step S15: No), it waits until the process is in progress.

In step S16, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not the image to be displayed is set. That is, it is determined whether or not the image to be displayed is set in the corresponding process. As a result, if the image to be displayed is set (step S16: Yes), the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if the image to be displayed is not set, the process ends.

Here, for example, when image formation is started, a display indicating that image formation is being executed is displayed. As a result, the user is made aware that the image formation is not completed, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the paper. Further, when the output of the paper is completed, a message Ms or the like notifying the place where the paper is output (the output tray 4 and the paper ejection port 5) may be displayed.

In the above-described processing flow, it is determined that the user is paying attention to the display unit 10 that has received the input, and the display contents are switched, so that an appropriate display can be performed according to the user's operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 11 is configured to display different images on the plurality of display units 10 when the user's input is received. That is, various displays can be visually recognized by the user by setting different display contents according to the situation of the input operation. For example, the display unit 10 that receives the input displays an operation screen for advancing to the next process, and the other display unit 10 displays an operation explanation for the operation screen.

Next, a specific processing flow when the mounting positions of the plurality of display units 10 are specified will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a processing flow of image change processing when a plurality of display units are attached.

FIG. 13 describes a case where the display unit 10 is attached to the first attachment position P1 and the fifth attachment position P5. At this time, as the display mode, the plurality of display screens 3 are selected, the display unit 10 of the first mounting position P1 is used as the main display unit, and the display unit 10 of the fifth mounting position P5 is used as the sub display unit. Is mainly displayed for children. At the start of processing, a message Ms prompting the use of the image processing device 1 is displayed on the main display unit, and a plain message Ms using hiragana or the like is displayed on the sub display unit.

In step S101, the display unit 10 determines whether or not the display unit 10 that has received the input is the main display unit. As a result, when the input is accepted by the main display unit (step S101: Yes), the process proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if the main display unit does not accept the input, that is, if the sub display unit accepts the input (step S101: No), the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the display control unit 11 displays the operation step on the sub display unit. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a display including a key Ke for inputting an instruction to the image processing device 1 is displayed. Then, when the image processing device 1 is instructed to print, the process proceeds to the next step.

In step S103, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an advertisement corresponding to the sub-display unit. That is, in the message information shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not there is a message Ms whose "display unit feature" is "child". As a result, if there is an advertisement corresponding to the sub display unit (step S103: Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if there is no advertisement corresponding to the sub display unit (step S103: No), the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S104, the display control unit 11 displays the advertisement (message Ms) selected from the message information on the sub display unit. In the installation situation shown in FIG. 13, for example, "advertisement C" is displayed.

In step S105, the process is continued, and the printing process by the image forming unit 2 and the information terminal 3 is advanced.

In step S106, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a processing status display corresponding to the sub display unit. Here, with reference to the correspondence between the sub-display unit shown in FIG. 14 and the related processing, the presence / absence of display is determined, and the message Ms shown in FIG. 15 is displayed.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the sub display unit and the related processing.

In the correspondence relationship shown in FIG. 14, "features of the sub-display unit", "process corresponding to the sub-display unit", and "related processing" are associated with each other. The "sub-display unit feature" indicates a "display unit feature" in the sub-display unit. “Processing corresponding to the sub-display unit” indicates a portion of the image processing device 1 in which processing is in progress, and outputs or displays some output or display such as, for example, a paper output tray 4, a paper ejection port 5, and a display unit 10. Corresponds to the part to be done. "Related processing" specifies the contents of output and display.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of message information.

In the message information shown in FIG. 15, the “ID” and the “display content” are associated with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be associated with the “display unit feature” and the “output information”.

As a result of judging from the display of the processing status shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, if there is a display of the processing status corresponding to the sub display unit (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if there is no display of the processing status corresponding to the sub display unit (step S106: No), the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S107, the display control unit 11 displays the advertisement (message Ms) selected from the message information on the sub display unit. For example, when "photo output" is performed at the paper ejection port 5, the operation of the image processing device 1 is shown, such as "photo is being printed" or "photo printing is complete". Display.

In step S108, the process is continued, and the printing process by the image forming unit 2 and the information terminal 3 is advanced.

In step S109, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an advertisement related to the output. That is, in the message information shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not there is a message Ms whose output matches the "output information". As a result, if there is an advertisement regarding the output (step S109: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if there is no advertisement regarding the output material (step S109: No), the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S110, the display control unit 11 displays the advertisement (message Ms) selected from the message information on the sub display unit. For example, when outputting an output related to the "character", "advertisement B" is displayed.

In step S111, the process is continued, and the output product is output by the image forming unit 2 and the information terminal 3.

In step S112, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not a point related to the output is set. Here, the presence or absence of display is determined with reference to the correspondence between the output information shown in FIG. 16 and the points.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the output information and the points.

In the correspondence shown in FIG. 16, "output information", "point", and "point-related advertisement" are associated with each other. "Point" indicates a numerical value to be added when a specific output product is output. The "point-related advertisement" is an advertisement corresponding to "points", for example, a display when a predetermined point is reached, a lottery result display according to the points, and the like.

As a result of judging from the correspondence relationship shown in FIG. 16, when a point related to the output is set (step S112: Yes), the process proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, when the point regarding the output is not set (step S112: No), the process ends.

In step S113, the display control unit 11 displays the points related to the output. Here, "point-related advertisements" according to points may also be displayed. After displaying the above, the process ends.

In step S114, the display control unit 11 displays the operation step on the main display unit. Then, when the image processing device 1 is instructed to print, the process proceeds to the next step.

In step S115, the process is continued, the printing process by the image forming unit 2 and the information terminal 3 is advanced, and the process is completed.

In the processing from step S102 to step S113, the main display unit may display a display different from that of the sub display unit. For example, the operation of the image processing device 1 is shown, such as "Printing is in progress." It may be displayed.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the drawings and the like are omitted, and the functions of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are substantially the same. The description of the components having the same value will be omitted.

The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the size of the display unit 10 is compared. Information indicating its own size is recorded in advance in each of the plurality of display units 10, and the information indicating the size of each of the display units 10 is notified to the display control unit 11. The display control unit 11 is configured to control the image to be displayed by comparing the sizes of the plurality of display units 10 with each other. That is, by making the image match the size of the display unit 10, it is possible to display the image so that the user can easily see it.

Specifically, the display control unit 11 determines the display content of the display unit 10 in consideration of the size together with the mounting position. For example, the relatively large display unit 10 displays the main operation screen, and the relatively small display unit 10 displays content information such as operation assistance, product introduction, and service introduction. With such a display, when proceeding with the processing of the image processing device 1, the operability is improved on a large screen, and the display contents that are additionally required are displayed on another screen. Do not affect the user's operation.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first to third embodiments, the schematic configuration diagram and the like are omitted, and the functions are the same as those of the first to third embodiments. The components having substantially the same reference numerals are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a schematic explanatory view of an image processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the fourth embodiment, the mobile terminal 12 is used as the display unit 10. Specifically, the display unit 10 is attached to the first attachment position P1 and the third attachment position P3. As described above, the mobile terminal 12 is suitable for displaying a list of images like the sixth image GZ6, and is preferably set as a sub-display unit.

Next, a processing flow for displaying a preview of the output on the display unit 10 will be described.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a processing flow of the preview enlargement processing.

At the start of processing, a printing instruction is input from the user to the image processing device 1, and a preview display showing an image of the output product is displayed as a display for the user to select an image to be output.

In step S21, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not to perform the preview enlarged display. That is, the display unit 10 displays a key Ke that accepts the "preview enlargement process" for enlarging the preview, and determines whether or not the "preview enlargement process" has been input by the user. As a result, when the preview is enlarged and displayed (step S21: Yes), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when the preview enlarged display is not performed (step S112: No), the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S22, the display control unit 11 performs a preview enlarged display on the sub display unit. Here, the main display unit may be displayed differently from the sub display unit, such as a preview or a list of images. That is, by performing different displays on the main display unit and the sub display unit, it is possible to improve the operability by allowing the user to appropriately select an image.

In step S23, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a message display related to the main display unit. Here, as in step S106 of FIG. 13 described above, it may be determined from the display of the processing status shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. As a result, if there is a message display related to the main display unit (step S23: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if there is no message display related to the main display unit (step S23: No), the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S24, the display control unit 11 displays the message Ms selected from the message information on the sub display unit.

In step S25, the display control unit 11 determines whether or not to display help. Here, the determination may be made in the same manner as in step S23, or the help may be displayed by inputting from the key Ke or the like. As a result, when displaying help (step S25: Yes), the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, when the help is not displayed (step S25: No), the process ends.

In step S24, the display control unit 11 displays a help display on the sub display unit and ends the process.

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are examples in all respects and do not serve as a basis for limited interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not construed solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined based on the description of the claims. It also includes all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 Image processing device 2 Image forming unit 3 Information terminal 4 Paper ejection tray 5 Paper ejection port 10 Display unit 11 Display control unit 12 Mobile terminal

Claims (9)

At least two or more display units that display images, and
A housing to which the plurality of display units can be attached and
An image forming apparatus including a display control unit that controls an image to be displayed on the plurality of display units.
The plurality of display units are configured to be removable from the housing, and each of the display units is configured to notify the display control unit of the size.
The housing is provided with a plurality of mounting positions for mounting the display unit.
The display control unit is an image forming apparatus , characterized in that the sizes of the plurality of display units are compared with each other, and the images to be displayed on the plurality of display units are controlled based on the positions where the plurality of display units are attached. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
It is equipped with a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the area around the mounting position as the communication range.
The display unit is an image forming apparatus characterized in that the display unit is connected to the housing via short-range wireless communication by the communication unit . The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .
The display unit is an image forming apparatus characterized in that it is a mobile terminal. At least two or more display units that display images, and
A housing to which the plurality of display units can be attached and
A display control unit that controls an image to be displayed on the plurality of display units ,
An image forming apparatus equipped with a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication .
The plurality of display units are configured to be removable from the housing.
The housing is provided with a plurality of mounting positions for mounting the display unit.
The communication unit has a communication range around the mounting position.
The display unit is a mobile terminal connected to the housing via short-range wireless communication by the communication unit.
The display control unit is an image forming apparatus characterized in that it controls an image to be displayed on each of the display control units based on the positions where the plurality of display units are attached. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the plurality of display units are input units that receive user input. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .
The display control unit is an image forming apparatus characterized in that when an input from a user is received, different images are displayed on the plurality of display units. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 .
The display control unit is an image forming apparatus that changes an image to be displayed on the display unit that receives input from a user among the plurality of display units. At least two or more display units that display images, and
A housing in which the plurality of display portions is attached,
A display control unit that controls an image to be displayed on the plurality of display units is provided.
The plurality of display units are configured to be removable from the housing, and each of the display units is configured to notify the display control unit of the size.
The housing is an image forming method of an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of mounting positions for attaching the plurality of display units.
The display control unit includes a display control step for controlling the image to be displayed on the plurality of display units.
The display control step is an image forming method, characterized in that the sizes of the plurality of display units are compared with each other, and the images to be displayed on the plurality of display units are controlled based on the positions where the plurality of display units are attached. An image forming program for causing a computer to perform each step according to claim 8.

Images