JP7460952B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, and in particular to a technique for applying a combination of setting values that was set in a previously executed job to the next job.

Technologies are known for applying a combination of setting values that was set in a previously executed job to the next job. For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a technique in which a plurality of application buttons each indicating a plurality of functions that can be executed in the image forming device are displayed in a predetermined area of the home screen, and a history button indicating a combination of setting values that was set in a previously executed job is displayed in another predetermined area of the home screen, and the combination of setting values indicated by the history button is accepted as the values to be used in the next job.

JP 2018-125686 A JP 2019-119139 Publication

With the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, although the size of the application button can be changed, the size of the history button cannot be changed, which may result in poor operability for some users.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve visibility and operability for the user by making it possible to change the size of an image showing a combination of setting values to a size desired by the user. do.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display unit, a touch panel provided on the display unit, an operation unit that receives user instructions, and a display unit that has previously executed each of a plurality of predetermined functions. a storage unit that stores combinations of setting values that were set in a job that has been set; and at least one of a plurality of first images showing each of a plurality of functions in a predetermined first area in a display area of a display unit. one, and a second image indicating the combination of setting values stored in the storage unit is displayed in a predetermined second area different from the first area in the display area of the display unit, and the touch panel When a touch operation on any one of the second images is received via the controller, the control executes a job for the function corresponding to the touched second image according to the combination of setting values indicated by the second image. It is equipped with a section and a section. The storage unit further stores the size of the second image in association with the size of the first image. The control unit displays the first image in the first area in a predetermined first size, and displays the second image in the second area in association with the first size, which is stored in the storage unit. When a specification instruction for specifying the size of the first image to a second size different from the first size is received via the touch panel, the first image is specified in the first area. At the same time, the second image is displayed in the second area at the second size stored in the storage unit in association with the second size.

According to the present invention, when the first image displayed in the first area is changed from a first size to a second size in response to a designation instruction, the second image displayed in the second area is also changed to a size corresponding to the second size described above, so that the size of the second image can be easily changed to a size that is likely to be desired by the user. Therefore, the user's visibility and operability are improved compared to a case in which the size of the second image cannot be changed.

1 is a front cross-sectional view showing a structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the scroll image for displaying in a 1st area|region. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of setting values. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a combination of setting values. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a combination of setting values. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a combination of setting values. 13 is a flowchart showing a first history button display process. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a part of a scroll image is displayed in a first area. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first history image. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state when a history button is displayed in a second area. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a state when a part of the scroll image is displayed in the first area. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a state when the history button is displayed in the second area. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a state when the history button is displayed in the second area. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd history button display process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd history button display process. It is a figure which shows an example of an authentication screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second history image. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the state when the history button is displayed in the second area. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which icons and history buttons are displayed in a simplified manner. 13 is a flowchart showing a size ratio changing process. It is a figure which shows an example of a change screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a state when a part of the scroll image is displayed in the first area. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the state when the history button is displayed in the second area. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a gesture operation. 13 is a diagram showing a state of the home screen when the arrangement position of the second area is changed. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of how icons are displayed in a simplified form.

(First embodiment)
An image forming apparatus as an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device configured to be able to execute jobs for each of a plurality of predetermined functions.

The above-mentioned plurality of predetermined functions are not particularly limited, but here include a copy function, a scan transmission function, a job box function, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) drive function, a facsimile transmission function, and an ID (Identification) card copy. functions, cloud connection function, internet browser function, custom box function, and scan and save function.

A housing of the image forming apparatus 1 accommodates a plurality of devices for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the housing accommodates an image reading section 11, an image forming section 12, a fixing section 13, a paper feeding section 14, and the like.

Image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 100. The control unit 100 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The control unit 100 functions as the control section 10 by executing a control program stored in the ROM or HDD 18 by the processor. Note that the control unit 10 may be configured by a logic circuit instead of operating based on the control program described above.

The control unit 10 is in charge of overall control of the image forming apparatus 1 . More specifically, the control section 10 controls the operation of each section of the image forming apparatus 1 and communication with external devices such as a PC (Personal Computer) 23 connected via a network. The control unit 10 also operates according to a first program to be described later, and upon receiving a specification instruction for specifying the size of an icon, displays the icon in the first area of the home screen in the specified icon size. At the same time, a first history button display process is executed to display the history button in the second area of the home screen in a size corresponding to the size of the designated icon.

The control unit 100 includes a document transport section 6, an image reading section 11, an image forming section 12, a fixing section 13, a paper feed section 14, a display section 15, an operation section 16, a transport section 17, an HDD 18, an image processing section 19, and an image memory. 20, a facsimile communication section 21, a communication section 22, and the like.

The image reading section 11 optically reads the document conveyed by the document conveyance section 6 that conveys the document placed on the document table, and the document conveyed by the document conveyance section 6 or the document placed on the platen glass 7. This is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that includes a scanner. The image reading section 11 irradiates the document with a light irradiation section and receives the reflected light with a CCD (Charge-Couple Device) sensor, thereby reading the document and generating image data representing the document image.

The image forming unit 12 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device. The image forming unit 12 forms an image composed of a toner image on the recording paper P transported along the transport path T by the transport unit 17 based on the image data generated by the image reading unit 11 or image data input via the communication unit 22.

The fixing section 13 fixes the toner image onto the recording paper P by heating and pressurizing the recording paper P on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming section 12 . The recording paper P on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing section 13 is discharged onto the discharge tray 8 .

The paper feed section 14 includes a manual feed tray, a first paper feed cassette 14A, a second paper feed cassette 14B, and a third paper feed cassette 14C. The paper feed unit 14 uses a pickup roller to pull out the recording paper P stored in the first paper cassette 14A to the third paper cassette 14C or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray one by one, and convey it. Feed paper to path T.

The display unit 15 is a display device configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic light-emitting diode (EL) display, etc. The display unit 15 displays various screens for each function that can be executed by the image forming device 1 according to the control of the control unit 10.

The operation unit 16 includes a number of hard keys, such as a start key 16A, for instructing the start of execution of each process. The operation unit 16 also includes a touch panel 16B that is placed on top of the display unit 15. The user inputs various information, such as instructions for each function that can be executed by the image forming device 1, via the operation unit 16.

The transport unit 17 includes a transport roller pair 17A, a discharge roller pair 17B, etc., and a transport motor electrically connected to the transport roller pair 17A and the discharge roller pair 17B, etc. The transport roller pair 17A and the discharge roller pair 17B, etc. are arranged along the transport path T. The control unit 10 drives the transport motor to rotate the transport roller pair 17A and the discharge roller pair 17B, etc., thereby transporting the recording paper P fed by the paper feed unit 14 along the transport path T toward the image forming unit 12 and the discharge tray 8.

The HDD 18 is a large-capacity storage device for storing various data such as image data generated by the image reading section 11. The HDD 18 is an example of a storage unit in the claims. The HDD 18 stores various control programs for realizing general operations of the image forming apparatus 1. The HDD 18 stores, as one of various control programs, a first program for executing the first history button display process according to the first embodiment.

HDD 18 stores image data showing a home screen in a default state. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen. As shown in FIG. 3, home screen 30 includes a predetermined first area 31 and a predetermined second area 32 different from first area 31. Here, second area 32 is assumed to be located at one longitudinal end of home screen 30 in the default state. Also, the default size ratio between first area 31 and second area 32 is assumed to be "4:1".

The HDD 18 stores scroll images to be displayed in the first area 31. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a scroll image to be displayed in the first area 31. Referring to FIG. 4, scroll image 40 includes a plurality of icons 41A to 41J each representing a plurality of predetermined functions described above that can be executed by image forming apparatus 1. Each of the icons 41A to 41J includes a character string indicating the function corresponding to each of the icons 41A to 41J. For example, the icon 41A includes a character string "copy" indicating a copy function. The icon 41B includes a character string "scan transmission" indicating a scan transmission function.

Here, it is assumed that the icons 41A to 41J are arranged in two rows and five columns. Specifically, it is assumed that the icons 41A to 41E are arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction of the scroll image 40 at one end of the scroll image 40 in the lateral direction. It is assumed that the icons 41F to 41J are arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction of the scroll image 40 on the other end of the scroll image 40 in the lateral direction. Further, the size of the icons 41A to 41E when the scroll image 40 is not enlarged or reduced corresponds to a "small" size described later.

The HDD 18 stores combinations of setting values that were set in jobs executed in the past for each of the above-mentioned functions executable by the image forming device 1. FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams showing examples of combinations of setting values. As shown in FIG. 5A, the HDD 18 stores a combination of setting values 50A that was set in a copy job executed at 13:05 on January 1, 2020 (hereinafter, the same date will not be described), a combination of setting values 50B that was set in a copy job executed at 15:40:07, and a combination of setting values 50C that was set in a copy job executed at 17:53:02, in association with the copy function.

As shown in FIG. 5B, HDD 18 stores a combination of setting values 51A that was set in the scan transmission job executed at 10:03:05 and a combination of setting values 51B that was set in the scan transmission job executed at 14:40:09, in association with the scan transmission function. As shown in FIG. 5C, HDD 18 stores a combination of setting values 52A that was set in the facsimile transmission job executed at 14:07, in association with the facsimile transmission function.

As shown in FIG. 5D, HDD 18 stores the combination of setting values 53A that was set in the scan and save function job executed at 17:03:05, in association with the scan and save function. Note that, in this case, HDD 18 does not store combinations of setting values for the job box function, USB drive function, ID card copy function, cloud connection function, internet browser function, and custom box function, for which no jobs have been executed in the past.

The HDD 18 stores the size of the history button, the number of icons to be displayed in the first area 31, and the number of history buttons to be displayed in the second area 32 as the first information in association with the icon size. Here, the HDD 18 stores the history button size "small", the number of icons with the number "8", and the number of history buttons with the number "6" in association with the icon size "small" as the default setting. The HDD 18 also stores the history button size "large", the number of icons with the number "4", and the number of history buttons with the number "3" in association with the icon size "large". The "large" size indicates a size that is set larger than the "small" size by a predetermined size. Here, the icon size "small" indicates an example of the first size in the claims. The icon size "large" indicates an example of the second size in the claims.

The image processing section 19 performs image processing on the image data generated by the image reading section 11 as necessary. The image memory 20 includes an area for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading section 11. The facsimile communication unit 21 connects to a public line and sends and receives image data via the public line.

The communication unit 22 includes a communication module such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board. The image forming device 1 performs data communication with an external device such as a PC 23 connected via a network via the communication unit 22.

A power supply is connected to each part of the image forming apparatus 1, and each part of the image forming apparatus 1 operates by being supplied with power from the power supply.

[motion]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the first history button display process. 7 and 10 are diagrams showing how a portion of the scroll image 40 is displayed in the first area 31. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first history image. 9, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 are diagrams showing how the history button is displayed in the second area 32. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when executing the first history button display process will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13 and the like.

When the image forming device 1 is powered on or an instruction to display the home screen 30 is received via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 starts the first history button display process shown in FIG. 6 and causes the display unit 15 to display the home screen 30 in the default state stored in the HDD 18 (step S10). Here, the default size of the first area 31 is a size suitable for displaying eight icons arranged in two rows and four columns without enlarging or reducing the scroll image 40.

After processing of step S10, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display in the first area 31 a portion 71 of the scroll image 40 including eight icons 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41F, 41G, 41H, and 41I arranged in two rows and four columns, without enlarging or reducing the scroll image 40, in accordance with the default icon size "small" and the number of icons "8" stored in the HDD 18 associated with the icon size "small," as shown in FIG. 7 (step S11).

After the processing in step S11, the control unit 10 reads out all setting value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, 51A, 51B, 52A, and 53A stored in the HDD 18 (step S12). After the process in step S12, the control unit 10 includes character strings representing each of the read setting value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, 51A, 51B, 52A, and 53A, as shown in FIG. A first history image 80 including history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 of a predetermined "small" size is generated (step S13). At this time, the control unit 10 causes the history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 to be arranged in chronological order along the longitudinal direction of the first history image 80 according to the date and time when the job was executed. Then, a first history image 80 is generated.

After processing in step S13, the control unit 10 displays in the second area 32 a portion of the first history image 80 including the six history buttons 84, 81, 86, 85, 82, and 87, without enlarging or reducing the first history image 80, in accordance with the size of the history button "small" and the number of history buttons "6" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the icon size "small," as shown in FIG. 9 (step S14).

After the process in step S14, the control unit 10 accepts a designation instruction for designating the size of the icon via the touch panel 16B, or selects one of the history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87. The process of determining that a designation instruction has not been accepted (NO in step S15) and the process of determining that a touch operation on the history button has not been accepted (NO in step S16) are repeated until the button is touched.

It is assumed that the user checks the home screen 30 shown in FIG. 9 and inputs a designation instruction for designating the icon size to "large" via the touch panel 16B. When the control unit 10 receives the above-mentioned designation instruction via the touch panel 16B (YES in step S15), the control unit 10 displays the scroll image 40 and the scroll image displayed in the first area 31 and the second area 32 on the display unit 15. 1. The display of the history image 80 is ended. The control unit 10 then causes the display unit 15 to change the size of the first area 31 to a size suitable for displaying the number of icons corresponding to the specified icon size in the specified size. The control unit 10 is further configured such that the size of the second area 32 is suitable for displaying a number of history buttons corresponding to the specified icon size on the display unit 15 in a size corresponding to the specified icon size. The size is changed to a new size (step S17).

After processing in step S17, the control unit 10 enlarges the scroll image 40 so that the size of the icons 41A to 41J becomes the predetermined "large" size according to the specified icon size "large", and causes the display unit 15 to display a portion 101 in the enlarged scroll image 40 containing the four icons 41A, 41B, 41F, and 41G in two rows and two columns in the resized first area 31 according to the number of icons "4" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the specified icon size "large" (step S18), as shown in FIG. 10 (step S18).

After the process of step S18, the control unit 10 enlarges the first history image 80 so that the size of the history buttons 81 to 87 becomes the predetermined "large" size according to the size of the history button "large" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the specified icon size "large", and causes the display unit 15 to display a portion including the three history buttons 84, 81, and 86 in the enlarged first history image 80 in the resized second area 32 according to the number of history buttons "3" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the specified icon size "large" (step S19), as shown in FIG. 11. After the process of step S19, the control unit 10 returns to the process of step S15 and repeats the process of determining that a designation instruction has not been accepted (NO in step S15) and the process of determining that a touch operation on the history button has not been accepted (NO in step S16).

As shown in FIG. 11, the user flicks the first history image 80 displayed in the second area 32 toward one end of the first history image 80 in the longitudinal direction. When the control unit 10 receives a flick operation on the first history image 80 via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to scroll the first history image 80 in the second area 32 according to the distance from the start point to the end point of the flick operation or the speed of the flick operation, etc.

In this case, as shown in FIG. , it is assumed that the first history image 80 is scrolled. It is assumed that the user checks the history buttons 85, 82, and 87 displayed in the second area 32 and touches the history button 82.

When the control unit 10 receives a touch operation on the history button 82 via the touch panel 16B (YES in step S16), the control unit 10 displays information about the copy function corresponding to the history button 82 on the display unit 15, as shown in FIG. A setting screen 130 for making settings is displayed in a state where the combination of setting values indicated by the history button 82 is reflected (step S20). After the process of step S20, the control unit 10 ends the first history button display process.

It is assumed that the user places a document on the platen glass 7, checks the setting screen 130, and presses the start key 16A. When the control unit 10 detects that the start key 16A is pressed, the control unit 10 causes the image reading unit 11 to read the document placed on the platen glass 7 according to the combination of setting values indicated by the history button 82, and displays the document image. Then, the image forming section 12 or the like is caused to form a document image indicated by the image data on the recording paper P.

The control unit 10 may cause the display unit 15 to display the home screen 30 after changing the display size and number of icons and history buttons as shown in FIG. 11 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the image formation on the recording paper P was completed. In this case, the control unit 10 generates a first history image 80 in which a history button indicating the combination of setting values in the most recently executed image formation process is further added to the top of the history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 arranged in chronological order in the first history image 80 shown in FIG. 8, and causes the display unit 15 to display the generated first history image 80 in the second area 32.

In this way, when the control unit 10 receives an instruction to execute a job via the operation unit 16 while the setting screen 130 is displayed, the control unit 10 executes a job for the copy function corresponding to the history button 82 according to the combination of setting values indicated by the history button 82. Note that when the control unit 10 receives a touch operation on the history button 82 via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 may execute a job for the copy function corresponding to the history button 82 according to the combination of setting values indicated by the history button 82.

Further, when the user flicks or swipes the scroll image 40 displayed in the first area 31 toward one end or the other end in the longitudinal direction of the scroll image 40, the control unit 10 controls the scroll image 40 via the touch panel 16B. The flick operation or swipe operation is received, and the scroll image 40 is displayed in the first area 31 on the display unit 15 according to the distance from the start point to the end point of the flick operation or swipe operation or the speed of the flick operation or swipe operation. Scroll.

According to the first embodiment, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the icons 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41F, 41G, 41H, and 41I in the first area 31 in accordance with the default settings. ” size, and a history button 84,
81, 86, 85, 82, and 87 are displayed in the "small" size according to the size of the history button stored in the HDD 18 in association with the "small" icon size. When the control unit 10 also receives a designation instruction for designating the size of the icon to “large” via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 displays the icons 41A, 41B, 41F, 41G in the specified "Large" size, and in the second area 32, the history buttons 84, 81, 86 are displayed in association with the specified "Large" icon size and are stored in the HDD 18. Display in "Large" size according to the size of .

In this way, when the icon displayed in the first area 31 is changed from "small" to "large" in response to the above-mentioned specification instruction, the history button displayed in the second area 32 is also changed from "small" to "large", so the size of the history button can be easily changed to a size that is likely to be desired by the user. Therefore, the user's visibility and operability are improved compared to a case in which the size of the history button cannot be changed.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the control unit 10 displays the icons 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41F, 41G, 41H, and 41I in the "small" size, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display eight icons 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41F, 41G, 41H, and 41I in the first area 31 in accordance with the number of icons, "8," stored in the HDD 18 in association with the icon size "small," and to display six history buttons 84, 81, 86, 85, 82, and 87 in the second area 32 in accordance with the number of history buttons, "6," stored in the HDD 18 in association with the icon size "small."

When displaying icons 41A, 41B, 41F, and 41G in the "large" size, the control unit 10 also causes the display unit 15 to display four icons 41A, 41B, 41F, and 41G in the first area 31 according to the number of icons "4" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the specified icon size "large," and to display three history buttons 84, 81, and 86 in the second area 32 according to the number of history buttons "3" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the specified icon size "large."

In this way, when the number of icons displayed in the first area 31 is changed from eight to four in response to the above-mentioned designation instruction, the number of history buttons displayed in the second area 32 is changed. Since the number of history buttons is also changed from six to three, the number of history buttons can be easily changed to the number that the user is likely to desire. Therefore, user operability is further improved compared to the case where the number of history buttons cannot be changed.

(First modification of the first embodiment)
Hereinafter, regarding the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment, a different configuration from the first embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first modification has the following features: the HDD 18 stores a second program for executing the second history button display process according to the first modification, instead of the first program; , HDD 18 has the same configuration as the first embodiment described above, except that the protection password "ABCDE" is stored in advance.

[motion]
14A and 14B are flowcharts showing the second history button display process. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a second history image. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state when the history button is displayed in the second area 32. Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 17, etc., but the same operation as in the first embodiment will not be described repeatedly. The second history button display process is the same as the first history button display process except for the processes from step S21 to step S27. In the second history button display process, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as in the first history button display process.

When the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or receives an instruction to display the home screen 30 via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 performs the second history button display process shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. is started, and the processes from step S10 to step S16 are executed in the same manner as above. It is assumed that the user checks the home screen 30 and inputs a designation instruction for designating the size of the icon to "large" via the touch panel 16B.

When the control unit 10 receives the above-described designation instruction via the touch panel 16B (YES in step S15), it executes the process in step S17 and the process in step S18 in the same manner as described above. After the process in step S18, the control unit 10 determines whether at least one of the setting value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, 51A, 51B, 52A, and 53A read in the process in step S12 includes confidential information. It is determined whether or not there is one (step S21). Although the confidential information is not particularly limited, here, it is assumed that the confidential information is an e-mail address, a telephone number, a facsimile number, or an address.

In this case, the setting value combinations 51A, 51B include the addressee and e-mail address, and the setting value combination 52A includes the addressee and facsimile number, so the control unit 10 controls the setting value combinations 51A, 51B, 52A includes confidential information (YES in step S21), and the authentication screen 150 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit 15 (step S22). After the process in step S22, the control unit 10 repeats the process of determining that a confirmation instruction has not been accepted until the key 152 for inputting a confirmation instruction to confirm the input content is touched (in step S23). NO).

It is assumed that the user touches the key 152 without entering the password in the field 151. When the control unit 10 receives a touch operation on the key 152 via the touch panel 16B, it determines that a confirmation instruction has been received (YES in step S23), and confirms that the input password is the protection password stored in the HDD 18. It is determined whether or not they match (step S24).

In this case, the control unit 10 determines that the input password does not match the protected password (NO in step S24) and determines whether or not a second history image has been generated (step S25). In this case, the control unit 10 determines that a second history image has not been generated (NO in step S25), and generates a second history image 160 including only history buttons 161, 162, 163, and 164 of a predetermined "small" size that each include a character string indicating each of the setting value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, and 53A that do not include confidential information among the setting value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, and 53A read out in the processing of step S12, as shown in FIG. 16 (step S26). At this time, the control unit 10 generates the second history image 160 such that the history buttons 161, 162, 163, and 164 are arranged in chronological order along the longitudinal direction of the second history image 160 according to the date and time when the job was executed.

After the process of step S26, the control unit 10 determines the sizes of the history buttons 161 to 164 in advance according to the size of the history button "Large" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the designated icon size "Large". The second history image 160 is enlarged to the specified "Large" size, and as shown in FIG. According to the number of history buttons "3" stored in the HDD 18 in association with ", the portion including the three history buttons 161, 162, 164 in the enlarged second history image 160 is displayed (step S27) . After the process in step S27, the control unit 10 returns to the process in step S15.

Note that if the control unit 10 determines that the second history image 160 has already been generated (YES in step S25), it executes the process of step S27 without executing the process of step S26. Further, if the control unit 10 determines that confidential information is not included in any of the setting value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, 51A, 51B, 52A, and 53A read in the process of step S12 ( If it is determined that the password entered in the field 151 matches the protection password (YES in step S24), the steps from step S22 to step S27 are not executed. The process of S19 is executed.

According to the first modified example, when the control unit 10 receives a password via the touch panel 16 and the input password does not match the protected password stored in the HDD 18, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display in the second area 32 a second history image 160 including only history buttons 161, 162, 163, and 164 including character strings indicating the respective set value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, and 53A that do not include confidential information among the read set value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, and 53A. When the input password matches the protected password, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display in the second area 32 a first history image 80 including history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 including character strings indicating all the read set value combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, 51A, 51B, 52A, and 53A.

According to the first modification, confidential information is not shown to users who do not own the protection password, so leakage of confidential information can be prevented.

(Second Modification of the First Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the control unit 10 receives a designation instruction for designating the size of the icon, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the control unit 10 may further receive a designation instruction for designating the size of characters for the character strings included in each of the icons 41A to 41J via the touch panel 16.

When a designation instruction to designate a character size is received, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the character strings contained in each of the icons 41A to 41J in the designated character size in the first area 31, and also causes the display unit 15 to display the character strings indicating the combination of setting values contained in the history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 in the designated character size in the second area 32.

According to the second modified example, when the character size of the character string included in the icon displayed in the first area 31 is changed to the specified size in response to the above-mentioned specification instruction, the character size of the character string included in the history button displayed in the second area 32 is also changed to the specified size, so that the character size of the character string included in the history button can be easily changed to a size that is likely to be desired by the user. Therefore, user operability is improved compared to a case where the character size of the character string included in the history button cannot be changed.

(Third modification of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when the control unit 10 receives a designation instruction for designating the size of the icon to “large” via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 displays the icon in the first area 31 on the display unit 15. 41A, 41B, 41F, and 41G are displayed in the "large" size without changing the format, and the history buttons 84, 81, and 86 are displayed in the "large" size without changing the format in the second area 32. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the control unit 10 may simplify and display the icons 41A, 41B, 41F, 41G and the history buttons 84, 81, 86.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing how icons and history buttons are displayed in a simplified form. The method of simplification is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 18, the control unit 10 may change each of the icons 41A, 41B, 41F, and 41G to a form that does not include characters indicating the function and display them on the display unit 15, and may also change each of the history buttons 84, 81, and 86 to a form that does not include a character string indicating the date and time the job was executed and display them on the display unit 15.

According to the third modified example, when the form of the icon displayed in the first area 31 is simplified, the form of the history button displayed in the second area 32 is also simplified, so that the form of the history button can be easily changed to a form that is likely to be desired by the user. Therefore, operability for the user is improved compared to a case where the form of the history button cannot be changed.

(Other variations of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the control unit 10 receives a designation instruction to designate the icon size as "small" or "large" as an instruction to designate the icon size. The invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, the control unit 10 may accept a designation instruction to designate the universal mode as an instruction to designate the icon size.

When a designation instruction to designate the universal mode is received, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the icons 41A, 41B, 41F, and 41G displayed in the first area 31 in a simplified universal design at a "large" size in accordance with the designated universal mode, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, and also causes the history buttons 84, 81, and 86 displayed in the second area 32 to be displayed in a simplified universal design at a "large" size.

In this way, when the form of the icon displayed in the first area 31 is changed to the universal design, the form of the history button displayed in the second area 32 is also changed to the universal design. The format can be easily changed to a format that is likely to be desired by the user. Therefore, the user's operability is improved compared to the case where the form of the history button cannot be changed.

Second Embodiment
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to its configuration which differs from that of the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

In the second embodiment, the HDD 18 stores a change program for executing the size ratio change process according to the second embodiment, instead of the first program. The control unit 10 performs a size ratio change process for changing the size ratio between the first area 31 and the second area 32 to a size ratio specified via the touch panel 16B by operating according to the above-described change program. Execute.

Instead of the first information, HDD 18 stores as second information the number of columns for arranging the history buttons and the number of history buttons per column, which indicate the number and arrangement of history buttons to be displayed in second area 32, in association with the size ratio between first area 31 and second area 32. Here, HDD 18 stores as default settings the number of columns of "1" and the number of history buttons per column of "6", in association with a size ratio of "4:1". HDD 18 also stores the number of columns of "2" and the number of history buttons per column of "4", in association with a size ratio of "1:1".

[motion]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the size ratio changing process. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a change screen. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing how a portion of the scroll image 40 is displayed in the first area 31. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing how the history button is displayed in the second area 32. The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment when executing the size ratio changing process will be described below with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22, etc., but the same operations as in the first embodiment will be repeated. I don't explain it.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the number of rows of icons to be displayed in the first area 31 is fixed at "4", and the number of icons in each row is fixed at "2". When the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or receives an instruction to display the home screen 30 via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 starts the size ratio changing process shown in FIG. 15 to display the home screen 30 in the default state stored in the HDD 18 (step S40). At this time, the control unit 10 displays the first area 31 and the second area 32 with a size ratio of "4:1" which is the default setting, and also displays the second area 32 on one end of the home screen 30 in the longitudinal direction. to be displayed.

7, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a portion 71 including eight icons 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41F, 41G, 41H, and 41I in two rows and four columns in the scroll image 40 in the first region 31 without enlarging or reducing the scroll image 40 (step S41). After the process of step S41, the control unit 10 reads out all the combinations 50A, 50B, 50C, 51A, 51B, 52A, and 53A of setting values stored in the HDD 18 (step S42).

After the process of step S42, the control unit 10, as shown in FIG. A first history image 80 including images 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 is generated (step S43). At this time, the control unit 10 causes the history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 to be arranged in chronological order along the longitudinal direction of the first history image 80 according to the date and time when the job was executed. Then, a first history image 80 is generated.

After processing in step S43, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display in the second area 32 a portion of the first history image 80 including the six history buttons 84, 81, 86, 85, 82, and 87 in one column according to the number of columns of "1" and the number of history buttons per column of "6" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the size ratio of "4:1" as shown in FIG. 9 (step S44).

After the process in step S44, the control unit 10 accepts a designation instruction for designating the size ratio via the touch panel 16B, or if any of the history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 is touched. The process of determining that a designation instruction has not been accepted (NO in step S45) and the process of determining that a touch operation on the history button has not been accepted (NO in step S46) are repeated until the specified instruction is received.

It is assumed that the user checks the home screen 30 and inputs a display instruction to display a change screen for changing the size ratio via the touch panel 16B. When the control unit 10 receives the above-mentioned display instruction via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a change screen 200 shown in FIG. 20.

It is assumed that the user touches the column 201 and inputs the character string "1:1" indicating the size ratio via the touch panel 16B. Upon receiving the above input via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the input size ratio in the column 201. It is assumed that the user checks the content displayed in column 201 and touches key 202.

When the control unit 10 receives a touch operation on the key 202 via the touch panel 16B, it determines that a designation instruction has been received (YES in step S45), and the ratio of the first area 31 indicated by the designated size ratio is , it is determined whether or not it is greater than or equal to a predetermined lower limit (step S47). The predetermined lower limit is not particularly limited, but here it is assumed to be "2:3".

In this case, the control unit 10 determines that the ratio of the first area 31 indicated by the specified size ratio of “1:1” is equal to or greater than the predetermined lower limit (YES in step S47), and the display unit 15, the display of the scroll image 40 and the first history image 80 is ended, and the first area 31 and the second area 32 are displayed at the specified size ratio of "1:1" (step S48).

After the process in step S48, the control unit 10 changes the size of the scroll image 40 so that the portion 71 fits into the first area 31 whose size ratio has been changed, and displays the following information on the display unit 15 as shown in FIG. The portion 71 of the scroll image 40 whose size has been changed is displayed in the first area 31 (step S49).

After the process of step S49, the control unit 10 displays the column number “2” stored in the HDD 18 in association with the size ratio “1:1” and the column number “2” on the display unit 15, as shown in FIG. According to the number of history buttons per column "4", the second area 32 includes a portion of the first history image 80 including four history buttons 84, 81, 86, 85, and three history buttons 82, 87, 83 are displayed side by side in two columns (step S50).

After the process of step S50, the control unit 10 returns to the process of step S45, and performs a process of determining that a designation instruction has not been accepted (NO in step S45) and a process of determining that a touch operation on the history button has not been accepted. (NO in step S46) is repeated. It is assumed that the user checks the history buttons 84, 81, 86, 85, 82, 87, and 83 displayed in the second area 32 and touches the history button 82.

When the control unit 10 receives a touch operation on the history button 82 via the touch panel 16B (YES in step S46), as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 10 displays the setting screen 130 for making settings for the copy function corresponding to the history button 82 on the display unit 10 in a state in which the combination of setting values indicated by the history button 82 is reflected (step S51). After the processing of step S51, the control unit 10 ends the size ratio change processing.

The user places an original on the platen glass 7, checks the setting screen 130, and presses the start key 16A. When the control unit 10 detects that the start key 16A has been pressed, it causes the image reading unit 11 to read the original placed on the platen glass 7 according to the combination of setting values indicated by the history button 82, and generates image data representing the original image, and then causes the image forming unit 12, etc. to form the original image indicated by the image data on the recording paper P.

The control unit 10 may cause the display unit 15 to display the home screen 30 after changing the size ratio of the first area 31 and the second area 32 as shown in FIG. 22 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the image formation on the recording paper P was completed. In this case, the control unit 10 generates a first history image 80 in which a history button indicating the combination of setting values in the most recently executed image formation process is further added to the top of the history buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 arranged in chronological order in the first history image 80 shown in FIG. 8, and causes the display unit 15 to display the generated first history image 80 in the second area 32.

In this way, when the control unit 10 receives a job execution instruction via the operation unit 16 while the setting screen 130 is displayed, the control unit 10 transfers the job related to the copy function corresponding to the history button 82 to the history button 82. Executes according to the combination of setting values indicated by . Note that when the control unit 10 receives a touch operation on the history button 82 via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 executes a job for the copy function corresponding to the history button 82 according to the combination of setting values indicated by the history button 82. You may.

On the other hand, if the specified size ratio is, for example, "1:4", the control unit 10 determines that the ratio of the first region 31 indicated by the specified size ratio is smaller than the predetermined lower limit (NO in step S47), and returns to the process of step S45 without proceeding to the process of step S48. In this case, the control unit 10 may display an error message, such as "The specified size ratio cannot be used," on the display unit 15 before returning to the process of step S45.

According to the second embodiment, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the first area 31 and the second area 32 at a size ratio of "4:1" which is the default setting, and displays the first area 31 and the second area 32 through the touch panel 16B. When a designation instruction for designating a size ratio of "1:1" is received, the first area 31 and the second area 32 are displayed on the display unit 15 in the specified size ratio.

In this way, the user can easily change the size ratio between the first area 31 and the second area 32 to a desired size ratio by specifying the size ratio via the touch panel 16B. This increases the degree of freedom in changing the screen, improving operability for the user.

Further, according to the second embodiment, when displaying the first area 31 and the second area 32 at a size ratio of "4:1", the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to , six history buttons in the first history image 80 according to the number of columns "1" and the number of history buttons per column "6" stored in the HDD 18 in association with the size ratio "4:1". The portion including 84, 81, 86, 85, 82, and 87 is displayed in one column. When displaying the first area 31 and the second area 32 at a specified size ratio of "1:1," the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to store information in the HDD 18 in association with the specified size ratio. The second area 32 includes four history buttons 84, 81, 86, and 85 in the first history image 80 according to the number of columns "2" and the number of history buttons per column "4". portion and a portion including three history buttons 82, 87, and 83 are displayed side by side in two columns.

In this way, the number and arrangement of the history buttons displayed in the second area 32 are changed according to the size ratio of the first area 31 and the second area 32, so the number and arrangement of the history buttons can be adjusted by the user. can be easily changed to the number and arrangement that is likely to be desired. Therefore, compared to the case where the number and arrangement of history buttons cannot be changed according to the size ratio, visibility and operability for the user are improved.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when the ratio of the first region 31 indicated by the specified size ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the first region 31 and the second region 32 at the specified size ratio, and when the ratio of the first region 31 is smaller than the above-mentioned lower limit, the control unit 10 does not cause the display unit 15 to display the first region 31 and the second region 32 at the specified size ratio.

This prevents the first area 31, which is used to display a predetermined number of icons, from becoming too small due to a change in the size ratio, so that the user can reliably recognize the content represented by the icon even if the size ratio between the first area 31 and the second area 32 is changed.

(First modification of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the user inputs a designation instruction for designating the size ratio by a touch operation on the change screen 20 via the touch panel 16B, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the user may input the above-mentioned designation instruction by performing a gesture operation on the home screen 30 via the touch panel 16B.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of gesture operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the user performs a first gesture operation to draw the character "1" on the first area 31, and performs a first gesture operation to draw the character "1" on the second area 32. It is assumed that two gesture operations have been performed. In this case, upon receiving the first gesture operation for the first area 31 and the second gesture operation for the second area 32 via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 changes the number drawn by the first gesture operation to the first gesture operation. By acquiring the ratio of the area 31 and the number drawn by the second gesture operation as the ratio of the second area 32, a designation instruction for designating the size ratio of "1:1" is accepted.

According to the first modified example, the user can specify the size ratio while checking the first area 31 and the second area 32, making it easier for the user to recognize the desired size ratio. This further improves the ease of use for the user.

Moreover, the first modification may be configured as follows. For example, if the user wants to check only the history button instead of the icon, the user performs a first gesture operation to draw the character "0" on the first area 31, and then draws the character "1" on the second area 32. Perform a second gesture operation to draw a character. The control unit 10 receives a designation instruction for designating a size ratio of "0:1" based on the first gesture operation and the second gesture manipulation received via the touch panel 16B. In this case, the control unit 10 causes the home screen 30 to display the second area 32 without displaying the first area 31.

(Second modification of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the control unit 10 only receives a designation instruction for designating the size ratio via the touch panel 16B, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the control unit 10 may further receive a position designation instruction for designating the placement position of the second area 32 via the touch panel 16B. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the state of the home screen when the arrangement position of the second area 32 is changed.

For example, the control unit 10 specifies the placement position of the second area 32 on the other longitudinal end side of the home screen 30 along with a specification instruction for specifying a size ratio of "1:1" via the touch panel 16B. It is assumed that the position designation instruction has been accepted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 24, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the first area 31 and the second area 32 in a size ratio of "1:1", and also displays the second area 32 as the home page. It is displayed on the other end of the screen 30 in the longitudinal direction.

According to the second modification, for example, the user can change the placement position of the second area 21 according to the user's dominant hand, etc., so the degree of freedom in changing the screen is improved, and the user's operability is further improved. .

Note that when the control unit 10 receives a position designation instruction for designating the placement position of the second area 32 on one end side or the other end side in the width direction of the home screen 30 via the touch panel 16B, the display unit 15 Then, the second area 32 is displayed on one end or the other end of the home screen 30 in the lateral direction.

(Third Modification of the Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, when the size ratio between the first region 31 and the second region 32 is changed from "4:1" to "1:1" and the size of the first region 31 is reduced, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the icons 41A, 41B, 41C, 41F, 41G, 41H, and 41I in the first region 31 without changing their shapes, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when the size of the first region 31 is reduced, the control unit 10 may display the icons 41A, 41B, 41C, 41F, 41G, 41H, and 41I included in the portion 71 with simplified shapes.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing how the icons are displayed in a simplified manner. Although the method of simplification is not particularly limited, for example, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to change the state to no state and display it on the display unit 15.

(Other Modifications of the Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, when the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the first region 31 and the second region 32 at the specified size ratio of "1:1", the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to maintain the changed size ratio, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the control unit 10 may cause the first region 31 and the second region 32 to be displayed at the unchanged size ratio of "4:1" when a predetermined time has elapsed since the first region 31 and the second region 32 were displayed at the size ratio of "1:1".

In this way, the size ratio returns to the original state after a predetermined time has elapsed, so even if the user forgets to return the size ratio to the original state, the operability of the next user who uses the image forming device 1 is not impaired.

Further, in the second embodiment, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to change the number and arrangement of history buttons displayed in the second area 32 when receiving a designation instruction via the touch panel 16B. However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, when the control unit 10 receives a designation instruction via the touch panel 16B, the control unit 10 changes only the size ratio of the first area 31 and the second area 32, and changes the number and number of history buttons displayed in the second area 32. A configuration may be adopted in which the arrangement is not changed.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, a color multifunction printer is used as the image forming device 1, but this is merely one example, and other image forming devices such as a monochrome multifunction printer, a copier, or a facsimile machine may also be used.

Further, the configuration and processing of the embodiment described above using FIGS. 1 to 25 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the configuration and processing.

1 Image forming apparatus 10 Control section 15 Display section 16B Touch panel 18 HDD

Claims (5)

A display section;
an operation unit that includes a touch panel provided on the display unit and receives instructions from a user;
a storage unit that stores combinations of setting values set in jobs executed in the past for each of a plurality of predetermined functions;
At least one of the plurality of first images showing each of the plurality of functions is displayed in a predetermined first area in the display area of the display unit, and the first image in the display area of the display unit is displayed. A second image indicating a combination of the setting values stored in the storage unit is displayed in a predetermined second area different from the first area, and one of the second images is displayed via the touch panel. a control unit that executes a job for a function corresponding to the touched second image in accordance with a combination of setting values indicated by the second image, upon receiving a touch operation on one of the touched second images;
The storage unit further stores the size of the second image in association with the size of the first image,
The control unit includes:
The first image is displayed in the first area in a predetermined first size, and the second image is stored in the storage unit in the second area in association with the first size. display the second image in the size of the second image,
When a specification instruction for specifying the size of the first image to a second size different from the first size is received via the touch panel, the first image is placed in the first area and the specified size is An information processing device that displays the second image in a second size and displays the second image in the second area in the size of the second image stored in the storage unit in association with the second size. The control unit is
when a touch operation on the second image is received via the touch panel, a setting screen for setting a function corresponding to the touched second image is displayed on the display unit in a state where the combination of setting values indicated by the second image is reflected;
2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when an instruction to execute a job is received via the operation unit while the setting screen is displayed, a job for a function corresponding to the second image is executed according to a combination of setting values indicated by the second image. The storage unit further associates the number of the first images to be displayed in the first area and the number of the second images to be displayed in the second area with the size of the first image. I remember that
The control unit includes:
When displaying the first image in the first size, in the first area, the first image is associated with the first size and the number of the first images stored in the storage unit is Therefore, while displaying the second image, the second image is displayed in the second area according to the number of the second images stored in the storage unit in association with the first size,
When displaying the first image in the second size, the first image is stored in the storage unit in association with the specified second size in the first area. and displaying the second images in the second area in accordance with the number of the second images stored in the storage unit in association with the specified second size; The information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2. The storage unit stores a protection password in advance,
4. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when a password is received via the touch panel and the input password does not match the protected password stored in the memory unit, the control unit displays in the second area only the second image including a character string indicating a combination of the setting values that does not include confidential information among the combinations of the setting values that have been read out, and when the input password matches the protected password, the control unit displays in the second area the second image including a character string indicating all of the combinations of the setting values that have been read out. The control unit is
displaying, in the first area, as the first image, an icon including a character string indicating a function corresponding to the first image;
5. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when an instruction to specify a character size for a character string included in the icon is received via the touch panel, a character string indicating the function is displayed in the first area in the specified character size, and a character string indicating the combination of setting values is also displayed in the second area in the specified character size.