JP7835239B2 - printing device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a technology that allows a function to be selected and executed from a standby screen displayed on a display unit.

As an example of various devices configured to perform multiple functions, an information processing device is known, as described in Patent Document 1, which displays a tab-type operation screen on a touch panel and allows the content of the operation screen to be switched by switching tabs.

In the information processing device described in Patent Document 1, the operation screen is divided into tabs for each predefined function, such as a copy function and a fax function, and further tabs for expansion are provided. The expansion tabs contain keys that can be arbitrarily registered by the user, and which are registered to execute frequently used settings or processing content.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-262501

In the information processing device described in Patent Document 1, separate tabs are provided for predefined functions and for registration functions. Therefore, for example, if a user wants to use one of the predefined functions and then use a specific registration function, or vice versa, they need to switch tabs, which is not necessarily user-friendly.

A first example of a functional execution device according to an embodiment for carrying out the invention comprises a display unit, a touch panel, and a control unit capable of executing multiple functions. The touch panel is configured to detect instruction operations performed by an indicator on the display unit and the position of the indicated operation. The control unit performs a standby screen display process to display a standby screen on the display unit.

The standby screen has a tab display area and a tab screen display area. The tab display area is the area where multiple tabs are displayed. The tab screen display area is the area where the tab screen corresponding to one selected tab is displayed, from among multiple tab screens corresponding to each of the above multiple tabs. Each of the above multiple tab screens contains multiple icons associated with the tab corresponding to that tab screen.

Furthermore, in at least one of the above multiple tab screens, the multiple icons on that tab screen include a default function icon and at least one of a shortcut registration icon and a shortcut icon. The default function icon is an icon pre-registered for each of the above multiple functions in order to execute one of those functions. The shortcut registration icon is an icon for registering a shortcut function that executes one of the above multiple functions under specific execution conditions that have been set in advance. The shortcut icon is an icon that is generated in place of the shortcut registration icon when a shortcut function is registered to the shortcut registration icon, and is used to execute the registered shortcut function.

The control unit further executes tab screen switching processing and icon operation response processing. The tab screen switching processing occurs when the standby screen is displayed on the display unit. If any of the multiple tabs displayed in the tab display area of the standby screen that are not currently selected are instructed to be selected, the currently selected tab is replaced with the instructed tab, and the tab screen corresponding to the selected tab is displayed in the tab screen display area.

The icon operation support process is configured as follows: If a default function icon is displayed on the standby screen and that icon is clicked, the process to execute the function registered to that default function icon begins; if a shortcut registration icon is displayed on the standby screen and that shortcut registration icon is clicked, the process to generate a shortcut icon in place of the shortcut registration icon by registering a shortcut function to that shortcut registration icon begins; and if a shortcut icon is displayed on the standby screen and that shortcut icon is clicked, the process to execute the shortcut function registered to that shortcut icon begins.

In a function execution device with this configuration, at least one of the individual tab screens for each tab contains not only the default function icon, but also at least one of the shortcut registration icon and the shortcut icon.

In other words, the standby screen can simultaneously display the default function icon for a specified function, the shortcut registration icon, and at least one of the shortcut icons. Therefore, when at least one of these simultaneously displayable tab screens is shown on the standby screen, the user can select the default function icon, or at least one of the shortcut registration icon and shortcut icons, from within that tab screen.

Therefore, a function execution device with this configuration can improve usability when selecting a function to be executed from a tabbed standby screen.
A second example of a printing apparatus, according to an embodiment for carrying out the invention, comprises a touch panel, a printing unit, an image reading unit, and a control unit. The printing apparatus is capable of scanning using the image reading unit and copying using the image reading unit and the printing unit.
The control unit can display a standby screen on the touch panel.
The standby screen includes one of several screens that can be switched between. Each of these multiple screens may contain multiple icons. The standby screen may display these multiple icons arranged vertically and horizontally. These multiple icons may include scan icons associated with performing a scan and copy icons associated with performing a copy.
The control unit is configured to include a shortcut icon as one of the multiple icons on the screen in response to receiving an add command via the touch panel, which instructs the addition of a shortcut icon. The add command can specify the function to be associated with the shortcut icon and the settings used to execute that function.
The control unit can include on the single screen a shortcut icon associated with performing a scan with the settings specified by the additional instruction, and/or a shortcut icon associated with performing a copy with the settings specified by the additional instruction.
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of specific authentication conditions,
The multiple icons included in the aforementioned single screen are displayed on the touch panel,
When the system receives an operation via the touch panel to select a first icon from among the displayed multiple icons, and an operation to select a second icon that is not adjacent to the first icon on the same screen, the system swaps the first and second icons.
It is possible.

This is a block diagram of the functional execution device of the embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation panel of the function execution device of the embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a waiting screen in an embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a simulated waiting screen in the embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of various editing operations on icons. This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of various editing operations on icons (continuation of Figure 5). This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a simulated standby screen when the fax icon has disappeared from the standby screen and the fax receiving mode is set to fax-only mode. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a simulated standby screen when the fax icon has disappeared from the standby screen and the fax reception mode is set to manual mode. This is a flowchart of the main control process in the embodiment.

The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[1. Embodiments]
(1-1) Configuration of the Function Execution Device The function execution device 10 of this embodiment shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a set of functions, including a scan function that reads an image of a document and generates image data of the scanned image, a print function that prints the image onto recording paper, a copy function that prints the image read by the scan function onto recording paper using the print function, and a facsimile function that sends and receives facsimile data.

As shown in Figure 1, the function execution device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an input unit 14, an image reading unit 15, a printing unit 16, a media interface unit 17, a first communication unit 18, and a second communication unit 19, all of which are interconnected via a bus 20. The media interface unit will be abbreviated as "Media I/F" below.

The control unit 11 has a CPU. The storage unit 12 has semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, NVRAM, or flash memory. In other words, the function execution device 10 includes a microcomputer with a CPU and semiconductor memory.

The control unit 11 implements various functions by executing a program stored in a non-transitional physical recording medium. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 corresponds to the non-transitional physical recording medium storing the program. Note that the various functions implemented by the control unit 11 are not limited to those implemented by program execution; some or all of them may be implemented using one or more hardware components.

The memory unit 12 stores data for various screens to be displayed on the display unit 13, including the standby screen 25 (see Figure 2), which will be described later. The memory unit 12 also stores the program for the main control process shown in Figure 9, which will be described later. The programs for executing each of the above functions may be included as part of the main control process program, or they may be separate programs.

The display unit 13 has a display device capable of displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.
The input unit 14 has input devices for receiving various input operations. The input devices of the input unit 14 include the power button 5, numeric keypad 6, back button 7, home button 8, stop button 9, and touch panel 14a shown in Figure 2. The touch panel 14a is positioned in the image display area where images are displayed on the display device of the display unit 13.

The touch panel 14a can detect instruction operations performed by an indicator object, either through contact or proximity, to the image display area of the display unit 13. That is, when an instruction operation is performed by an indicator object on the image display area of the display unit 13, the touch panel 14a is configured to output position information indicating the position where the instruction operation is being performed. In this embodiment, the touch panel 14a is configured to output position information continuously or periodically while an instruction operation is being performed by an indicator object. The touch panel 14a may be configured to detect only contact, only proximity, or both.

The control unit 11 acquires position information output from the touch panel 14a and, based on the acquired position information, can detect whether or not an instruction operation is performed on the indicator, the instruction position if an instruction operation is performed, and at least one specific operation performed on the indicator if an instruction operation is performed.

Specific operations that the control unit 11 can detect include, at a minimum, tap operations, which are operations in which an instruction operation is performed by an instruction object and then the instruction object is lifted from the same position. Various specific forms of the instruction object capable of performing the instruction operation are conceivable, and for example, it may be a fingertip or a specific instruction device such as a stylus pen.

The image reading unit 15 is equipped with an image sensor, reads the image of the document, and generates image data of the read image. The image reading unit 15 may also be equipped with an ADF. ADF stands for Automatic Document Feeder. Furthermore, the image reading unit 15 may be configured to perform so-called double-sided scanning, which reads images from both sides of a document placed on the document tray or ADF.

The printing unit 16 has a printing mechanism that utilizes inkjet technology or electrophotography technology, and is capable of printing images onto sheet-like recording paper. The printing unit 16 may also be configured to perform so-called double-sided printing, which prints images on both sides of the recording paper.

The Media I/F 17 is an interface unit into which various storage media, such as USB flash memory, are attached, and it controls the writing and reading of data to and from the attached storage media.

The first communication unit 18 is a communication interface for connecting the function execution device 10 to a data communication network. The first communication unit 18 may be connectable to at least one of various networks, such as a wired LAN, wireless LAN, or the Internet. The function execution device 10 may communicate data via wired or wireless connections with various information processing devices, such as personal computers, smartphones, and tablet terminals, through the first communication unit 18. Furthermore, the function execution device 10 may connect to the Internet via the first communication unit 18 and communicate data with other servers and various information processing devices via the Internet.

The second communication unit 19 is an interface unit for communicating with external devices via the communication line 100. In this embodiment, the communication line 100 connected to the second communication unit 19 is, for example, a public telephone network. The transmission and reception of facsimile data in the facsimile function is basically performed via the second communication unit 19.

The function execution device 10 includes a line-side jack 106 for connecting to external devices via a communication line 100, and a telephone-side jack 107 for connecting an external telephone 110. Both jacks 106 and 107 are configured as modular jacks of the same shape. The second communication unit 19 is connected to these jacks 106 and 107.

The second communication unit 19 is connected to the communication line 100 via the line-side jack 106. Furthermore, if an external telephone 110 is connected to the telephone-side jack 107, the second communication unit 19 is connected to the external telephone 110 via the telephone-side jack 107. The external telephone 110 is also directly connected to the communication line 100 via both the telephone-side jack 107 and the line-side jack 106.

(1-2) Configuration of the Operation Panel An operation panel 3, as shown in Figure 2, is provided on one side of the housing (not shown) of the function execution device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the operation panel 3 is provided with a power button 5, a numeric keypad 6, a back button 7, a home button 8, a stop button 9, a display unit 13, and a touch panel 14a. The display unit 13 shown in Figure 2 is, in more detail, the image display area of the display device of the display unit 13. The touch panel 14a is superimposed over almost the entire area of this image display area.

The power button 5 is a hard key operated by the user to turn the power of the function execution device 10 on and off. When the power button 5 is pressed, power is supplied to the function execution device 10 and the operation of the function execution device 10 begins. After performing a specific initialization process, the control unit 11 displays a standby screen 25 on the display unit 13. The user can perform various input operations starting from the standby screen 25 to switch the screen displayed on the display unit 13, make various settings, and execute various functions.

The numeric keypad 6 is a collective term for several hard keys, including the number keys 0 through 9, that are primarily operated by the user when entering numbers, such as when entering the recipient number for facsimile data or the number of copies in the copy function.

The back button 7 is a hard key operated by the user to return the display unit 13 to the screen that was displayed immediately before the currently displayed screen. The home button 8 is a hard key operated by the user to display the standby screen 25 on the display unit 13. The stop button 9 is a hard key operated by the user to stop the operation that is currently running.

(1-3) Explanation of the standby screen The standby screen 25 is a so-called tab-type screen, and displays the screen corresponding to one of the selected tabs. Each of the multiple tabs has its own individual tab screen associated with it, and the standby screen 25 displays the tab screen corresponding to the selected tab.

Information necessary for displaying the standby screen 25, such as image information for each tab and information about each icon included in each tab screen associated with each tab, as well as information about the processing to be executed when various input operations are performed on the standby screen 25 via the input unit 14, are stored in the storage unit 12.

As shown in Figure 2, the standby screen 25 has a tab display area 30 and a tab screen display area 36. An administrator button 28 is also displayed on the standby screen 25.
Up to four tabs can be displayed in the tab display area 30. In this embodiment, the total number of tabs Nt is greater than the maximum number of tabs that can be displayed simultaneously on the standby screen 25, which is 4. Figure 2 shows an example in which the tab display area 30 displays the first tab 31, the second tab 32, the third tab 33, and the fourth tab 34 out of the Nt tabs from the first tab to the Nt tab.

Each tab displays its own name. A selected tab is displayed differently from other tabs. Examples of this difference include using a different color, making the tab larger, or adding specific decorations. Figure 2 shows an example where the first tab 31 is selected and displayed in a different color from the other tabs.

Each tab screen associated with a tab is a screen displaying multiple icons. In this embodiment, eight icons are displayed on one tab screen. That is, in the tab screen display area 36 of the standby screen 25, the tab screen corresponding to the selected tab (from the first tab screen to the Nt tab screen) is displayed for each of the Nt tabs (from the first tab screen to the Nt tab screen). Figure 2 shows an example where the first tab screen 40, which is associated with the selected first tab 31, is displayed.

The first tab screen 40 displays icons 41 through 48. The specific types of each icon can be changed with administrator privileges, as will be described later. In the first tab screen 40 illustrated in Figure 2, icon 41 is a fax icon, icon 42 is a copy icon, icon 43 is a scan icon, and icon 4
Icon 44 is an unregistered icon, the fifth icon 45 is a settings menu icon, the sixth icon 46 is a security print icon, the seventh icon 47 is a 2-in-1 ID copy icon, and the eighth icon 48 is an unregistered icon.

On the standby screen 25, left button 26 and right button 27 are displayed near both ends of the tab display area 30. The left-right arrangement order of the Nt tabs is predetermined. If other tabs are arranged to the left of the currently displayed four tabs, tapping the left button 26 scrolls the target tab to the right, displaying the tabs arranged to the left of the currently displayed four tabs. Conversely, if other tabs are arranged to the right of the currently displayed four tabs, tapping the right button 27 scrolls the target tab to the left, displaying the tabs arranged to the right of the currently displayed four tabs.

To switch from the currently selected tab's tab screen to another tab's tab screen, simply tap the desired tab. Tapping a tab other than the currently selected one will select that tab, and the tab screen corresponding to the newly selected tab will be displayed in the tab screen display area 36 of the standby screen 25.

For example, as shown on the left side of Figure 3, suppose the first tab screen 40 corresponding to the first tab 31 is displayed as the standby screen 25. From this state, if you tap the second tab 32, whose tab name is "Basic Functions 2," the selected tab switches from the first tab 31 to the second tab 32, as shown on the right side of Figure 3. The second tab screen 50 corresponding to the second tab 32 is then displayed in the tab screen display area 36.

The second tab screen 50 also displays eight icons, from the first icon 51 to the eighth icon 58. On the second tab screen 50, the first icon 51 is the media print icon, the second icon 52 is the cloud icon, the third icon 53 is the utility tool icon, and the fifth icon 55 is the shortcut icon for the scan-to-file function, which will be described later. The fourth icon 54 and the sixth icons 56 through eighth icons 58 are all unregistered icons.

The icons included in the tab screen of the standby screen 25 can be broadly classified into three types. Specifically, there are function execution icons, setting icons, and unregistered icons. Function execution icons are registered to execute one of the multiple functions specified above that the function execution device 10 possesses. Setting icons are registered to list specific items or multiple items for setting various settings. Unregistered icons are icons that have no functions or setting items registered, and users can register any function or setting item they wish to use.

The icons for executing functions are further classified into two types: default function icons and shortcut icons. Default function icons are icons registered to execute one of several predefined functions of the function execution device 10, such as scanning, printing, copying, facsimile, web service, and utility tool functions. These default function icons are pre-registered at the time of shipment of the function execution device 10. The various settings registered in the default function icons are predetermined default values. However, these default values can be viewed and changed by the user when tapping the default function icon to execute the corresponding function.

The shortcut icon registers a shortcut function that executes one of the multiple functions specified above under specific execution conditions set by the user. The shortcut icon is not an icon that is pre-registered from the time the function execution device 10 is shipped, but rather an icon that is generated in place of an unregistered icon when the user arbitrarily performs a registration operation on an unregistered icon.

While default function icons have predetermined initial values for each setting, shortcut icons allow users to arbitrarily configure and register the function to be executed and the conditions under which that function should be executed.

Furthermore, unregistered icons can be used as shortcut icons by registering any shortcut function, or they can be designated as default function icons by registering any function, or as setting icons by registering any setting item.

Shortcut icons are further classified into two types: regular shortcut icons and one-touch shortcut icons. Regular shortcut icons are configured so that, when tapped, they do not immediately start the registered shortcut function, but instead display a predetermined confirmation screen.

Normally, tapping a shortcut icon displays a confirmation screen, through which the user can review and change the settings of the shortcut function. After the confirmation screen is displayed, performing a specific execution start operation will launch the registered shortcut function.

On the other hand, a one-touch shortcut icon is an icon configured so that when it is tapped, the registered shortcut function is immediately launched without requiring any user input.

In the standby screen 25, shown on the left side of Figures 2 and 3, where the first tab screen 40 corresponding to the first tab 31 is displayed, the fax icon, as the first icon 41, is the default function icon for executing the facsimile function. The copy icon, as the second icon 42, is the default function icon for executing the copy function. The scan icon, as the third icon 43, is the default function icon for executing the scan function. The settings menu icon, as the fifth icon 45, is a settings icon for setting the value of at least one setting item.

The security print icon, designated as icon 46, is a default function icon specifically for executing secure printing within the printing function. Secure printing is a specific execution mode of the printing function, where a password-protected print job is sent from various information processing devices such as personal computers and smartphones to the function execution device 10. Printing is then executed when the same password is entered on the function execution device 10.

The 2-in-1 ID Copy icon, designated as icon 47, is the default function icon for executing the 2-in-1 ID copy function. 2-in-1 ID copy is a specific execution mode of the copy function that reads images from both sides of a card-sized document and prints those images onto the same side of a single sheet of paper.

Furthermore, in the standby screen 25, which displays the second tab screen 50 corresponding to the second tab 32 as shown on the right side of Figure 3, the media print icon as the first icon 51 is a default function icon for executing media printing, in particular, among the printing functions. Media printing is a specific execution mode of the printing function. Specifically, media printing is a function that prints images of image data stored on a storage medium connected to the media I/F 17 using the printing function.

The second icon, icon 52, is the default icon for using web service functions. Web service functions allow users to access web services provided via networks such as the internet, enabling features such as uploading images and files, viewing uploaded images, and downloading uploaded images.

The third icon, icon 53, is the default function icon for using the convenience tool function. The convenience tool function allows users to access specific tool content provider sites via the internet or other networks and utilize the various services offered by those sites.

The fifth icon, icon 55, is a shortcut icon for the scan-to-file function, which is a shortcut icon registered to the scan-to-file function shortcut described later.

(1-4) Overview of the Functions of the Function Execution Device The functions that the function execution device 10 can execute and their specific execution methods will be described below.
To use the copy function, the user places the document on the document glass or ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) of the function execution device 10 (not shown) and taps the copy icon on the standby screen 25 (in the example in Figure 3, the second icon 42 on the first tab screen 40). Tapping the copy icon starts the copy function. Specifically, the display unit 13 displays a copy settings screen showing the default settings for various settings necessary to execute the copy function. The user can check and change these settings on the copy settings screen. Pressing the start button displayed on the copy settings screen executes the copy function based on the set settings.

While the copy function is running, the display unit 13 shows the pseudo-standby screen 80 shown in Figure 4. When the copy function finishes, the screen displayed on the display unit 13 switches back from the pseudo-standby screen 80 to the standby screen 25. The pseudo-standby screen 80 displays the name of the currently running function 81. The pseudo-standby screen 80 also displays the default function icons: a fax icon 86, a copy icon 87, and a scan icon 88.

The user can tap one of the predefined function icons 86-88 displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80 to start the function corresponding to the tapped icon, in parallel with the currently running copy function. In this case, the functions that can be started in parallel are not limited to those other than the currently running function; it is also possible to start the same function as the currently running function in parallel. For example, while the copy function is running, tapping the copy icon 87 on the pseudo-standby screen 80 allows the user to perform various setting operations for the next copy.

For example, by tapping the fax icon 86 on the simulated standby screen 80, it is possible to input the necessary operations for sending fax data in parallel with the ongoing copy function. In this case, if the copy function has already finished scanning the original document image and printing to the recording paper is underway, it is possible to set the document for fax transmission and initiate fax transmission even while printing is in progress.

To use the scanning function, the user places the document on the document tray or ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) of the function execution device 10 (not shown) and taps the scan icon on the standby screen 25 (in the example in Figure 3, the third icon 43 on the first tab screen 40). Tapping the scan icon starts the scanning function. Specifically, the scan menu screen is displayed on the display unit 13. Examples of scan menus include scan to media and scan to file.

When you select a scan menu from the scan menu screen, the settings screen for the corresponding scan function will be displayed. This settings screen displays the default settings for various items required to execute the selected scan function. You can check and change these settings on this screen. Tapping the start button on this settings screen will execute the scan function based on the configured settings.

Similar to the copy function described above, the pseudo-standby screen 80 shown in Figure 4 is displayed on the display unit 13 while the scan function is running. By tapping any of the predefined function icons 86-88 displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80, the function corresponding to the tapped predefined function icon can be started in parallel with the currently running scan function.

To use the facsimile function, the user taps the fax icon on the standby screen 25 (in the example in Figure 3, the first icon 41 on the first tab screen 40). Tapping the fax icon proceeds to the process of sending facsimile data. Specifically, a facsimile transmission settings screen is displayed, showing the current settings for various items necessary for facsimile transmission (e.g., document size, fax quality, etc.) and an input field for the facsimile number. The user enters the facsimile number on this screen and taps the start button to initiate the transmission of facsimile data. Even while sending facsimile data, a pseudo-standby screen 80 is displayed, and tapping any of the predefined function icons on the pseudo-standby screen 80 starts the function corresponding to that icon.

In this embodiment, the facsimile function, specifically the receiving mode for receiving facsimile data, has at least two modes: a dedicated fax mode and a manual mode. The user can set either of these two modes as the receiving mode.

Of the two receiving modes described above, the manual mode is a function that is set when an external telephone 110 is connected to the function execution device 10, enabling both facsimile and telephone use. Specifically, when a call comes in from the line, the ringtone sounds a set number of times. If the external telephone 110 is connected to the line during this ringing, the external telephone 110 is connected, and if it is a telephone call, an external call can be made using the external telephone 110. On the other hand, in the case of a facsimile call, after tapping the fax icon, which is one of the standard function icons, the facsimile data can be received by instructing facsimile reception according to the on-screen display.

Next, we will explain the shortcut function. As mentioned earlier, users can arbitrarily register shortcuts for unregistered icons. Functions that can be registered as shortcuts include, for example, the predefined functions mentioned above: fax function, copy function, scan function, web service function, and utility tool function.

For example, if you want to register a shortcut function for the copy function, first tap the "Unregistered" icon on the tab screen of any tab. Tapping the "Unregistered" icon will display a list of functions and settings that can be registered. The user can then select the function or setting to register from the displayed list.

If any setting item is selected, a new setting icon corresponding to that item will be generated. In other words, the icon for the registered setting will change from an unregistered icon to the setting icon for the newly registered setting item. From now on, you can tap this setting icon to view and change the setting value of the registered setting item.

On the other hand, if any function is selected, a selection screen will appear allowing the user to choose whether to register that function as a default function icon or as a shortcut icon.

If registration as a default function icon is selected, a new default function icon corresponding to the selected function will be generated. In other words, the icon to be registered will change from an unregistered icon to the newly registered default function icon. In this embodiment, it is also possible to register a new default function icon that is identical to a default function icon already present at the time of shipment.

On the other hand, if registration as a shortcut icon is selected, a settings screen will appear allowing the user to specify the execution conditions for the selected function. Through this settings screen, the user can arbitrarily set the specific execution conditions for the selected function, i.e., the settings values for the various items necessary to execute the selected function. Once the user indicates completion of the settings, a shortcut icon is generated that allows the selected function to be executed under the specified conditions. In other words, the icon for registration changes from an unregistered icon to a shortcut icon for the newly registered shortcut function. From then on, tapping this shortcut icon allows the registered function to be easily executed according to the specified execution conditions.

Furthermore, when registering a shortcut function, users can choose whether to register it as a regular shortcut function or a one-touch shortcut function.

A typical shortcut function is one in which tapping the shortcut icon does not immediately initiate the function's execution; at least one further user action is required before the function can be executed. In this embodiment, when a shortcut icon for a typical shortcut function is tapped, a confirmation screen including various settings for that shortcut function and an OK button is displayed on the display unit 13. When the user taps the OK button on the confirmation screen, the registered shortcut function is executed.

A one-touch shortcut function is a shortcut feature that automatically executes a function when the shortcut icon is tapped, without requiring any further user action.
In the standby screen 25, where the second tab screen 50 shown on the right side of Figure 3 is displayed, the fifth icon 55 is a shortcut icon to which a normal shortcut function is registered. As shown in Figure 3, a normal shortcut mark 91 is added to the shortcut icon to indicate that a normal shortcut function is registered.

Furthermore, in the standby screen setting screen 60 shown in Figure 5(b) later, the eighth icon 48 included in the first tab screen 40 corresponding to the first tab 31 is a shortcut icon, specifically indicating an icon to which a one-touch shortcut function is registered. Shortcut icons to which a one-touch shortcut function is registered are marked with a one-touch shortcut mark 92, as shown in Figure 5(b), to indicate that the one-touch shortcut function is registered.

(1-5) Explanation of Management Functions As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an administrator button 28 is displayed on the standby screen 25. When the administrator button 28 is tapped, an authentication screen for administrator authentication is displayed. When the user performs a predetermined input operation for authentication, such as entering a password, on that authentication screen, the authentication process is performed.

The authentication process determines whether specific authentication conditions have been met. One of these conditions is that the entered password matches a pre-registered, valid password. If the authentication conditions are met, the display unit 13 displays the standby screen setting screen 60, as shown in Figure 5(a). The standby screen setting screen 60 allows various editing operations to be performed on each icon contained within each tab screen.

The standby screen setting screen 60, as shown in Figure 5(a), has a tab display area 30, a tab screen display area 36, and an edit button display area 61. The display content of the tab display area 30 and the tab screen display area 36 is basically the same as that of the standby screen 25. Also, the content of the tab screen 40 can be changed by switching the selected tab state, just like with the standby screen 25.

The edit button display area 61 displays individual icon editing buttons for each type of editing operation, allowing users to perform various editing operations on some or all of the icons contained within each tab's screen. Specifically, in this embodiment, the icon editing buttons displayed are a left move button 62, a right move button 63, a swap button 64, a delete button 65, and a batch delete button 66.

The "Batch Delete" button 66 is used to delete all icons registered in all tabs at once. When the "Batch Delete" button 66 is tapped while no icons are selected, a confirmation screen will appear asking whether you want to delete all icons registered in all tabs at once. If you confirm that you want to delete all icons, all icons registered in all tabs will be deleted, and all icons in each tab will become unregistered icons.

The erase button 65 is used to erase a specific selected icon (excluding unregistered icons). By tapping the icon to be erased, it is selected. Then, tapping the erase button 65 will erase the selected icon and replace it with an unregistered icon.

The swap button 64 is used to swap the positions of any two icons. The swapping procedure is roughly as follows: First, tap one of the two icons to be swapped (excluding unregistered icons) to select it. Then, tap the swap button 64. After that, tap the other of the two icons to be swapped (unregistered icons are also acceptable), and the positions of the two icons will be swapped. Note that after tapping the swap button 64, you can also swap icons between different tabs by switching tabs and selecting icons from another tab.

The right-move button 63 is used to move any one icon to the right of that icon. When the target icon moves to the right, the other icon originally positioned to its right moves to the left. In other words, the right-move button 63 can also be used to swap two adjacent icons.

The procedure for moving to the right is roughly as follows: First, tap the icon to be moved to select it. Then, tap the right-move button 63, and the positions of the selected icon and the icon located to its right will be swapped. Note that right-move is also possible between different tabs. For example, if you move the 8th icon, which is the rightmost icon on the nth tab screen, to the right, the selected icon will move to the position of the 1st icon, which is the leftmost icon on the n+1th tab screen, which is the next tab screen after the nth tab screen. In exchange, the icon that was in the position of the 1st icon on the n+1th tab screen will move to the position of the 8th icon on the nth tab screen.

The left-move button 62 is used to move any one icon to the left of that icon. When the target icon is moved to the left, the other icon originally positioned to its left will move to the right. In other words, the left-move button 62, like the right-move button 63, can be said to be a button that swaps two adjacent icons to the left and right.

The procedure for moving icons to the left is roughly as follows: First, tap the icon to be moved to select it. Then, tap the left move button 62. The positions of the selected icon and the icon located to its left will be swapped. Left movement is also possible between different tabs. For example, if you move the leftmost icon (icon 1) on the nth tab screen, that icon will move to the position of the rightmost icon (icon 8) on the n-th tab screen (the tab screen immediately preceding the nth tab screen). Conversely, the icon that was in the position of icon 8 on the n-th tab screen will move to the position of icon 1 on the nth tab screen.

Specific examples of various editing operations on icons will be explained using Figures 5(a), 5(b), 6(a), and 6(b). Figure 5(a) is an example of the standby screen settings screen 60, which is displayed after the administrator button 28 on the standby screen 25 is tapped and authentication is completed, when the standby screen 25 is configured as shown in Figure 3. Figure 5(a) shows the screen immediately after switching from the standby screen 25 in Figure 3 to the standby screen settings screen 60, and the contents of each tab screen are exactly the same as those of the standby screen 25 in Figure 3. After the standby screen settings screen 60 is displayed, various edits to the icons, as described above, can be performed using the edit buttons 62 to 66 displayed in the edit button display area 61.

Figure 5(b) shows the state after deleting the security print icon (as the 6th icon 46) and the 2-in-1 ID icon (as the 7th icon 47) on the first tab screen 40 of the first tab 31, and the media print icon (as the 1st icon 51) on the second tab screen 50 of the second tab 32, using the delete button 65.

Furthermore, Figure 5(b) shows the state in which the unregistered icon 48, designated as the 8th icon in the first tab screen 40 of the first tab 31 in Figure 5(a), has become a shortcut icon after a shortcut function has been newly registered for it. This shortcut icon has the aforementioned one-touch shortcut mark 92 attached to it. In other words, this shortcut icon indicates that a one-touch shortcut function has been registered.

Furthermore, new shortcut icons, default function icons, or setting icons for unregistered icons can be registered on both the standby screen 25 and the standby screen settings screen 60.

Figure 6(a) shows the state in Figure 5(b) after moving the shortcut icon for the one-touch shortcut function, which is the eighth icon 48, to the left using the left move button 62 on the first tab screen 40 of the first tab 31. By moving the shortcut icon, which is the eighth icon 48, to the left, the unregistered icon that was located in the position of the seventh icon 47 is moved to the position of the eighth icon 48.

Furthermore, Figure 6(a) shows the state in Figure 5(b) after swapping the shortcut icon for the normal shortcut function, which is the fifth icon 55, with the unregistered icon, which is the first icon 51, using the swap button 64.

Figure 6(b) shows the state after moving the shortcut icon for the normal shortcut function, which is the leftmost icon 51 on the second tab screen 50 of the second tab 32, to the left using the left move button 62, starting from the state in Figure 6(a). When the leftmost icon 51 on the second tab screen 50 is moved to the left using the left move button 62, it swaps with the rightmost icon, icon 48, on the first tab screen 40 of the previous tab 31, across tabs.

Furthermore, Figure 6(b) shows the state after swapping the web service icon, which is the second icon 52 on the second tab screen 50 of the second tab 32, with the unregistered icon, which is the fourth icon 44 on the first tab screen 40, using the swap button 64, starting from the state in Figure 6(a). In other words, it shows an example of swapping icons across tabs, between different tab screens.

After performing various editing operations on the standby screen settings screen 60, pressing the home button 8 will display the standby screen 25 on the display unit 13. The standby screen 25 displayed at that time will reflect the editing results from the various editing operations performed on the standby screen settings screen 60.

In this way, by performing various editing operations on the standby screen settings screen 60, users can customize each tab screen in various ways. In other words, they can freely decide which icons are placed on each tab screen.

(1-6) Supplementary explanation regarding the pseudo-standby screen When the execution of any of the specified functions is started, the pseudo-standby screen 80 shown in Figure 4 is displayed during its execution. Also, if a facsimile data is received while the standby screen 25 is displayed, the process for receiving that facsimile data, which is one of the facsimile functions, is started, and the pseudo-standby screen 80 is displayed as a result.

In this embodiment, the pseudo-standby screen 80 displays the fax icon 86, copy icon 87, and scan icon 88 from among various predefined function icons. This configuration allows for the simultaneous execution of any of the facsimile, copy, or scan functions, even while another function is running. The number and types of predefined function icons displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80 may be determined as appropriate.

As mentioned above, the icons displayed on the standby screen 25, that is, the icons on each tab screen, can be edited in various ways, such as being deleted or moved, in the standby screen settings screen 60. Therefore, it is possible to delete the fax icon, which is the first icon 41, from the standby screen 25 having the first tab screen 40 as shown in the upper part of Figure 7.

Here, let's assume that the fax-only mode is set as the receiving mode for facsimile data. The fax-only mode is a receiving mode in which, upon receiving a fax, the facsimile data is automatically received and stored in the storage unit 12 without requiring any screen operation by the user. In the first tab screen 40 in the upper part of Figure 7, the receiving mode setting icon is registered as the fourth icon 44, which is a setting icon for moving to the screen for setting the receiving mode of the facsimile function. As shown in Figure 7, the currently set receiving mode is displayed on this receiving mode setting icon.

When an editing operation is performed to delete the fax icon as the first icon 41 in the first tab screen 40, the content of the first tab screen 40 will change as shown in the middle of Figure 7, with the fax icon that was present as the first icon 41 being deleted and an unregistered icon being displayed instead. As a result, the user will be unable to send fax data. However, if the receiving mode is set to fax-only mode, fax data will be received automatically even if the fax icon is deleted from the standby screen 25.

If the fax icon disappears from the standby screen 25, and the receiving mode is set to fax-only mode, the fax icon 86 will also disappear from the pseudo-standby screen 80, as shown in the lower part of Figure 7. Therefore, if an administrator wants to prohibit the transmission of fax data, they can do so by removing the fax icon from the standby screen, thereby preventing the transmission of fax data.

However, even if the facsimile icon is removed from the standby screen 25, if the facsimile data reception mode is set to manual mode, the fax icon 86 will still be displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80.

Specifically, if an editing operation is performed on the standby screen setting screen 60 to delete the fax icon, which is the first icon 41, in the first tab screen 40 of the standby screen 25, which has a first tab screen 40 as shown in the upper part of Figure 8, the content of the first tab screen 40 will change as shown in the middle part of Figure 8, with the fax icon that was present as the first icon 41 deleted and an unregistered icon displayed instead.

At this time, let's assume that manual mode is set as the receiving mode for facsimile data. Manual mode is a receiving mode where the user must operate the fax icon upon receiving a fax. In the first tab screen 40 shown in the upper and middle sections of Figure 8, the receiving mode setting icon registered as the fourth icon 44 indicates that the currently set receiving mode is manual mode.

When a fax data is received while the standby screen 25 is displayed, the control unit 11 starts processing for receiving the fax data, which is one of the fax functions. At this time, the screen displayed on the display unit 13 switches from the standby screen 25 to the pseudo-standby screen 80. In this case, although the fax icon is removed from the standby screen 25, the fax icon 86 is displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80, as shown in the lower part of Figure 8. Therefore, the user can successfully receive fax data in manual mode by tapping the fax icon 86 displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80.

Even if the fax icon is removed from the standby screen 25, if the receiving mode is manual mode, the fax icon 86 will be displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80. In this case, the fax function that can be executed by tapping the fax icon 86 on the pseudo-standby screen 80 is for receiving fax data, and transmission is not possible. However, it is not mandatory to prevent transmission; the system may also be designed so that when the fax icon 86 is displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80, tapping that fax icon 86 will also allow the transmission of fax data.

As described above, in this embodiment, if all function execution icons related to a specific defined function are deleted, then, as a general rule, the defined function icon corresponding to that defined function will no longer be displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80.

Furthermore, regarding default functions that are configured to display their default function icons on the pseudo-standby screen 80, if at least one function execution icon for that default function exists in any of the tab screens, the default function icon for that default function will be displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80.

For example, suppose the copy icon, which is the second icon 42, is deleted from the standby screen 25 shown on the left side of Figure 3. In this case, although the copy icon is deleted, the 2-in-1 ID copy icon, which is the seventh icon 47 and is used to execute the copy function, still remains. In such a case, the copy icon 87 is displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80. If both the copy icon and the 2-in-1 ID copy icon are deleted, and there are no longer any icons for executing the copy function across all tab screens, the copy icon 87 will no longer be displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80.

(1-7) Explanation of Main Control Processing Next, the main control processing performed by the control unit 11 to realize the various functions described above will be explained using Figure 9. When the power is turned on and the control unit 11 starts up by pressing the power button 5, it executes the main control processing shown in Figure 9.

When the control unit 11 starts the main control process shown in Figure 9, it acquires standby screen information in S110. That is, it acquires information regarding the standby screen 25 to be displayed on the display unit 13 from the storage unit 12. In S120, based on the standby screen information acquired in S110, the display unit 13 displays the standby screen 25. The initial values of the tab screens—that is, the tab screen displayed on the standby screen 25 first after startup, the tab screen displayed on the standby screen 25 after the completion of function execution, and the tab screen displayed on the standby screen 25 when the home button 8 is pressed—can be determined as appropriate. In this embodiment, for example, it is the first tab screen 40 corresponding to the first tab 31.

In S130, it is determined whether the administrator button 28 on the standby screen 25 has been tapped. If the administrator button 28 has been tapped, the authentication process described above is performed in S140. If the authentication conditions, such as password matching, are met and authentication is successful, the standby screen setting screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 13 in S150.

In S160, display editing processing is performed. Specifically, when each editing operation is performed using the icon editing buttons 62-66 displayed in the editing button display area 61 of the standby screen setting screen 60, processing such as moving or deleting the icons is performed according to the content of the editing operation. The standby screen information in the storage unit 12 is updated according to the result of the display editing processing in S160.

In S170, it is determined whether the home button 8 was pressed. If the home button 8 is not pressed, the process returns to S160, the display of the standby screen setting screen 60 continues, and if an editing operation is performed, the display editing process is executed. If the home button 8 is pressed, the process returns to S110, and after going through S110 and S120, the standby screen 25 is displayed again on the display unit 13.

If the administrator button 28 on the standby screen 25 is not tapped in S130, proceed to S180. In S180, determine whether or not an incoming facsimile data has been detected. If an incoming facsimile data has been detected, proceed to S250.

In S250, it is determined whether the fax icon, one of the predefined function icons, has been deleted from the standby screen 25. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the fax icon is pre-registered as the first icon 41 on the first tab screen 40, but it can also be deleted by the aforementioned variant operation.

If the fax icon is not removed from the standby screen 25, proceed to S270. If the fax icon is removed from the standby screen 25, proceed to S260. In S260, determine whether the receiving mode is set to manual mode. If it is set to manual mode, proceed to S270.

In S270, a simulated standby screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 13. At this time, the simulated standby screen 80 displays a fax icon 86, as illustrated in the lower section of Figure 8. After displaying the simulated standby screen 80, S290 executes the incoming call handling process. If the process proceeds from S270 to S290, specifically, S290 waits for the user to tap the fax icon 86 on the simulated standby screen 80. Once tapped, the system performs the facsimile data reception process. After receiving the facsimile data and saving it to the storage unit 12, the incoming call handling process ends, and the process proceeds to S110.

If the receiving mode is not set to manual in S260, i.e., set to fax-only mode, the process proceeds to S280. In S280, a simulated standby screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 13. At this time, the fax icon 86 is not displayed on the simulated standby screen 80, as illustrated in the lower part of Figure 7. After displaying the simulated standby screen 80, the incoming call handling process is executed in S290. If the process proceeds from S280 to S290, specifically, S290 automatically performs the facsimile data reception process without user intervention. After receiving the facsimile data and saving it to the storage unit 12, the incoming call handling process ends, and the process proceeds to S110.

If no incoming facsimile data is detected in S180, the process proceeds to S190. In S190, it is determined whether a copy start command has been issued. A copy start command is when an icon corresponding to the copy function is tapped on the standby screen 25. In the example of the standby screen 25 shown in Figure 3, the icons corresponding to the copy function are the copy icon or the 2-in-1 ID copy icon. In S190, if either of these is tapped, it is determined that a copy start command has been issued.

If it is determined in S190 that a copy start command has been issued, the pseudo-standby screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 13 in S200, and the process corresponding to the tapped copy function is executed in S210. Regarding the pseudo-standby screen 80 displayed in S200, the fax icon 86 is displayed if the facsimile function's receiving mode is manual mode, but not if it is fax-only mode.

The processing in S210, following the display of the pseudo-standby screen 80 on the display unit 13 in S200, includes determining whether a tap has been made on a predefined function icon displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80, and, if a tap has been made, executing the predefined function corresponding to the tapped predefined function icon in parallel.

If no copy start command is given in S190, the process proceeds to S220. In S220, it is determined whether a start command for a function other than the copy function has been given. Specifically, it is determined whether any icon other than the copy function icon among the icons displayed on the standby screen 25 has been tapped. Icons other than the copy function icon include not only the default function icon but also shortcut icons and setting icons. If an icon other than the copy function icon is tapped, the process corresponding to the tapped icon is executed in S210. If no icon is tapped, the process proceeds to S230.

In S230, it is determined whether any of the multiple tabs displayed on the standby screen 25 have been tapped. If no tab is tapped, the process returns to S130. If any tab is tapped, the tab switching process is executed in S240. Specifically, the tapped tab is selected, and the tab screen associated with that tab is displayed in the tab screen display area 36.

(1-8) Effects of the Embodiments The embodiments described above provide the following effects (1a) to (1f).
(1a) In the function execution device 10 of this embodiment, a default function icon, a shortcut icon, and an unregistered icon can be displayed simultaneously on the same tab screen. Therefore, from the standby screen 25 displaying the same tab screen, the user can execute a function by tapping a default function icon, create a new shortcut icon or other type of icon by tapping an unregistered icon, or execute a shortcut function by tapping a shortcut icon, without switching tabs.

Therefore, the function execution device 10 of this embodiment can improve usability when selecting a function to be executed from a tab-formatted standby screen.
(1b) In the function execution device 10 of this embodiment, the standby screen setting screen 60 can be displayed with administrator privileges, and various editing operations can be performed on each icon to be displayed on the standby screen 25. Therefore, a standby screen can be realized that is tailored to the user's purpose of use and preferences.

(1c) In the standby screen setting screen 60, various editing operations can be performed on each icon. In this embodiment, these operations include moving icons to the right, moving them to the left, swapping them, deleting a single icon, and deleting all icons at once.

Therefore, for example, unnecessary icons can be deleted, or conversely, the same icon can be placed on multiple different tab screens, or its position can be changed, allowing for a waiting screen that better reflects the user's purpose and preferences.

(1d) When any of the specified functions is started, a pseudo-standby screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 13. In this embodiment, the pseudo-standby screen 80 displays the specified function icons 86, 87, and 88 for the facsimile function, copy function, and scan function, as illustrated in Figure 4. The user can execute another specified function in parallel with the currently running function by tapping any of the specified function icons on the pseudo-standby screen 80.

(1e) When the function execution icon for a specific default function is removed from all tab screens, the corresponding default function icon will also disappear from the pseudo-waiting screen 80. Therefore, if you want to disable a specific default function, removing all function execution icons related to that function effectively prevents the user from unintentionally using that function.

(1f) Regarding the facsimile function, if the receiving mode is set to manual mode, the fax icon 86 will be displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80, even if all function execution icons related to the facsimile function are erased. This allows the user to receive facsimile data in manual mode normally, even if sending facsimile data is prohibited.

In this embodiment, the fax icon corresponds to the facsimile function icon, and the unregistered icon corresponds to an example of a shortcut registration icon. The administrator button 28 corresponds to an administrator icon. The left move button 62, right move button 63, and swap button 64 all correspond to examples of position change buttons, and the erase button 65 and batch erase button 66 both correspond to examples of erase buttons. Furthermore, the normal shortcut mark 91 added to a shortcut icon with a registered normal shortcut function corresponds to the first image, and the one-touch shortcut mark 92 added to a shortcut icon with a registered one-touch shortcut function corresponds to the second image.

Furthermore, in the main control process shown in Figure 9, the process in S120 corresponds to the standby screen display process, the process in S150 corresponds to the settings screen display process, the process in S210 corresponds to the icon operation response process, the process in S240 corresponds to the tab screen switching process, the processes in S200, S270, and S280 correspond to the pseudo-standby display process, and the processes in S210 and S290 correspond to examples of parallel execution processes.

[2. Other Embodiments]
Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms.

(2-1) The types of icons placed on a single tab screen can be freely determined. For example, a single tab screen may display only one of four types of icons: default function icons, settings icons, shortcut icons, and unregistered icons, or it may mix two or more types of icons. Alternatively, for example, a standby screen with no icons displayed in the tab screen may be provided in the initial state (e.g., at the time of shipment), allowing administrators or users to freely determine the icons on that initial standby screen.

(2-2) The number of icons on a single tab screen being eight is merely an example; the number of icons on a single tab screen can be determined as appropriate. Furthermore, the placement and arrangement of multiple icons on a tab screen can also be determined as appropriate.

(2-3) The five editing operations described above—move left, move right, swap, delete, and delete all at once—are merely examples of the various editing operations that can be performed on the standby screen setting screen 60. Other editing operations different from these five may also be possible.

(2-4) The total number of tabs Nt may be changed. That is, for example, if the total number of tabs is 10 at the time of shipment, the user may increase the total number of tabs to 11 or more, or conversely, decrease it to 9 or less.

(2-5) The placement of tabs and icons on the standby screen can be determined as appropriate. For example, in the standby screen 25 shown in Figure 2, the tab display area 30 and the tab screen display area 36 may be inverted vertically.

(2-6) When one of the specified functions is started while the standby screen is displayed, the pseudo-standby screen may be prevented from being displayed depending on the type of function started. For example, the system may be configured not to display the pseudo-standby screen when the scanning function is started.

The types and number of icons displayed on the simulated waiting screen can be determined as appropriate. For example, shortcut icons may be displayed on the simulated waiting screen. Furthermore, administrators and users may be allowed to add or change the icons displayed on the simulated waiting screen.

(2-7) The functions specified above, such as facsimile, scanning, copying, printing, and web service functions, are merely examples of functions that the function execution device can perform. It is also possible to configure the device to perform functions other than those listed above. Furthermore, the types and number of executable functions may be determined as appropriate.

(2-8) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be omitted. Any aspect of the technical concept specified by the wording in the claims is an embodiment of the present disclosure .

10...Function execution device, 11...Control unit, 12...Storage unit, 13...Display unit, 14...Input unit, 14a...Touch panel, 15...Image reading unit, 16...Printing unit, 17...Media interface unit, 18...First communication unit, 19...Second communication unit, 25...Standby screen, 26...Left button, 27...Right button, 28...Administrator button, 30...Tab display area, 31-34...First tab to fourth tab, 36...Tab screen display area, 40...First tab Screen, 41-48, 51-58…First to Eighth Icons, 50…Second Tab Screen, 60…Standby Screen Settings Screen, 61…Edit Button Display Area, 62…Left Move Button, 63…Right Move Button, 64…Swap Button, 65…Delete Button, 66…Batch Delete Button, 80…Pseudo Standby Screen, 91…Shortcut Mark, 92…One-Touch Shortcut Mark, 100…Communication Line, 110…External Telephone.

Claims (17)

Touch panel and
The printing department,
Image reading unit,
Control unit and
Equipped with,
A printing apparatus capable of performing scanning using the image reading unit and copying using the image reading unit and the printing unit,
The control unit can cause the touch panel to display a standby screen that includes one of a plurality of screens that can be switched between each other.
Each of the aforementioned multiple screens can contain multiple icons.
The aforementioned standby screen can display the aforementioned multiple icons arranged vertically and horizontally in multiple rows.
The aforementioned plurality of icons may include or may not include a scan icon associated with the execution of the scan and a copy icon associated with the execution of the copy.
When the control unit receives an operation via the touch panel to specify the scan icon or copy icon included in the standby screen, it is possible to (i) start the execution of the scan or copy associated with the operated icon, and (ii) display a pseudo-standby screen on the touch panel.
The pseudo-standby screen can display two or more specified icons, including the scan icon and the copy icon, arranged vertically in one row and horizontally in multiple rows, and if the copy icon is not included in the multiple screens, the copy icon can not be included in the pseudo-standby screen.
When the control unit receives an operation via the touch panel to specify one of the two or more icons included in the pseudo-standby screen, it can execute the function associated with the selected icon in parallel with the currently running scan or copy operation.
The control unit is configured to include the shortcut icon as one of the multiple icons on the single screen in response to receiving an additional instruction via the touch panel that instructs the addition of a shortcut icon.
The aforementioned additional instructions can specify the function to be associated with the shortcut icon, and the settings used to execute that function.
The control unit can include in one screen the shortcut icon associated with the execution of the scan with the settings specified by the additional instruction, and/or the shortcut icon associated with the execution of the copy with the settings specified by the additional instruction.
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of specific authentication conditions,
The plurality of icons included in the aforementioned single screen are displayed on the touch panel,
When the following operations are received via the touch panel: an operation to specify a first icon from among the displayed multiple icons; a switching operation that instructs the touch panel to switch the screen to be displayed on the touch panel to a different screen from the currently displayed one of the multiple screens; and an operation that specifies a second icon from among the multiple icons included on the different screen after the switching operation, the first icon and the second icon are swapped.
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The multiple icons, including the shortcut icon, included in the one screen, are displayed on the touch panel.
When the following operations are received via the touch panel: an operation to specify the displayed shortcut icon, a switching operation following the operation to specify the shortcut icon, and an operation to specify an icon different from the shortcut icon among the multiple icons included in the separate screen after the switching operation , the specified shortcut icon and the specified icon different from the shortcut icon among the multiple icons included in the separate screen are swapped.
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The plurality of icons, including the scan icon, included in the one screen, are displayed on the touch panel.
When the following operations are received via the touch panel: specifying the displayed scan icon, switching operations after the operation to specify the scan icon, and specifying an icon different from the scan icon among the multiple icons included in the separate screen after the switching operations , the specified scan icon and the specified icon different from the scan icon among the multiple icons included in the separate screen are swapped.
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The multiple icons, including the copy icon, that are included in the one screen are displayed on the touch panel.
When the following operations are received via the touch panel: an operation to specify the displayed copy icon, a switching operation following the operation to specify the copy icon, and an operation to specify an icon different from the copy icon among the multiple icons included in the separate screen after the switching operation , the specified copy icon and the specified icon different from the copy icon among the multiple icons included in the separate screen are swapped.
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The multiple icons, including the shortcut icon, included in the one screen, are displayed on the touch panel.
When the following operations are received via the touch panel: specifying the displayed shortcut icon, switching operations after the operation to specify the shortcut icon, and specifying a position on the separate screen where the icon can be placed after the switching operations , the position of the specified shortcut icon and the specified position on the separate screen where the icon can be placed are swapped.
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to claim 5,
The designated location, included in the separate screen , where the icons can be placed, is one where none of the shortcut icons, scan icons, or copy icons are placed.
Printing device. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The plurality of icons, including the scan icon, included in the one screen, are displayed on the touch panel.
When the following operations are received via the touch panel: specifying the displayed scan icon, switching operations after the operation to specify the scan icon, and specifying a position on the separate screen where the icon can be placed after the switching operations , the specified position of the scan icon and the specified position on the separate screen where the icon can be placed are swapped.
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to claim 7,
The designated location, included in the separate screen , where the icons can be placed, is one where none of the shortcut icons, scan icons, or copy icons are placed.
Printing device. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The multiple icons, including the copy icon, that are included in the one screen are displayed on the touch panel.
When the following operations are received via the touch panel: specifying the displayed copy icon, switching operations after the operation to specify the copy icon, and specifying a position on the separate screen where the icon can be placed after the switching operations , the position of the specified copy icon and the specified position on the separate screen where the icon can be placed are swapped.
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to claim 9,
The designated location, included in the separate screen , where the icons can be placed, is one where none of the shortcut icons, scan icons, or copy icons are placed.
Printing device. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A printing device in which each of the aforementioned plurality of icons is displayed in a manner that includes an icon image and an icon name arranged vertically to each other. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The plurality of icons included in the aforementioned single screen are displayed on the touch panel,
While the multiple icons are displayed, the switching operation is accepted via the touch panel.
When the aforementioned switching operation is accepted, the plurality of icons contained in the other screen are displayed on the touch panel instead of the plurality of icons contained in the one screen .
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to claim 12,
The switching operation includes a scrolling operation via the touch panel of the printing apparatus. A printing apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13,
The switching operation includes operating a button image displayed on the touch panel via the touch panel of the printing apparatus. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
A printing apparatus in which the operation of specifying the first icon includes the operation of bringing an indicator object into contact with or close to the first icon via the touch panel. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The plurality of icons included in the aforementioned single screen are displayed on the touch panel,
The system accepts a position change operation that instructs the user to change the position of the first icon among the displayed multiple icons.
When the position change operation is accepted, the position of the first icon is changed.
A printing device capable of doing so. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
The control unit, in response to the fulfillment of the specific authentication conditions,
The plurality of icons included in the aforementioned single screen are displayed on the touch panel,
The system receives a delete operation that instructs the deletion of the first icon among the displayed multiple icons.
When the deletion operation is accepted, the first icon is deleted.
A printing device capable of doing so.