JPH04251871A - User interface of image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To definitely inform a user that an erroneous operation is performed and to entrust final decision to the user in the case that a function set by selecting the function and a function set by a setting button in a copying mode other than the former function are not incompatible with each other. CONSTITUTION:An applying function button 51, an editing button 52, and a color button 53 are provided for selecting the function. Then, a copying mode setting button for selecting a both-side copying mode is provided besides the above buttons. A function selecting state controller 2 checks the combination of the function set by selecting the function and the function set by the copying mode setting button, and instructs a liquid crystal display controller 3 to display a specified message according as which function is set earlier and what function is set.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to image recording devices such as copying machines, facsimile machines, printers, etc., and more particularly to screen displays on user interfaces (hereinafter referred to as UI).

0002

[Background Art] In recent years, with changes in business operations, image recording devices such as copying machines, facsimiles, and printers are not only capable of making hard copies, but are also equipped with a variety of functional options such as editing and application functions. There is a demand for this, and it is also desired that the entire device be made more compact.

[0003] Therefore, in conventional image recording apparatuses, a UI as shown in FIG. 7, for example, is used to achieve downsizing of the apparatus and to provide function selection.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a display screen composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like, and the number of displayed characters is about 2 lines x 20 full-width characters.

[0005] As a function selection button, the applied function button 5
1. An edit button 52 and a color selection button 53 are arranged at predetermined positions on the UI panel, and a selection button (S) is placed at another predetermined position to move the cursor within the display screen.
elect) button 57 is arranged, and a setting button (Enter) 58 for setting a desired function is arranged.

Now, for example, if the edit button 52 is pressed, the light emitting element 5 corresponding to the edit button 52 is pressed.
5 lights up, and editing function options are displayed on the display screen 50. That is, for example, the editing options include extraction, which copies only the image in a desired area of the original, deletion, which erases a desired area in the original, sheet compositing, which combines the images of two originals onto one sheet of paper. Assuming that there are four types of editing processing for color shading that apply color shading to a desired area in a document, these options will be displayed, but since the number of displayed characters on the display screen 50 is small, these options will be displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, two options, extraction and deletion, are displayed first, and the cursor 60 is moved to the extraction item, which is the first option. It is located in If the setting button 58 is pressed here, the screen switches to a so-called pop-up screen for setting the extraction area, but if the selection button 57 is pressed, the cursor 60 moves to the deletion position as shown in FIG. 8B. When the selection button 57 is further pressed, the screen changes to a screen where the remaining two options, sheet composition and color shading, are displayed, as shown in FIG. 8C.

[0007] The above is a display of options regarding editing.
The same applies to applied functions.

[0008]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Although omitted in FIG. 7, the UI panel includes buttons for setting the magnification, buttons for selecting the paper size or tray, and buttons for selecting whether to perform double-sided copying or one-sided copying. Buttons for setting copy modes other than functions set in function selection, such as buttons for setting whether to copy or not, are arranged. Therefore, conflicting items that are incompatible with each other may be set for the function selection and the copy mode setting button. For example, if sheet compositing is set by editing the function selection, and "duplex → duplex" mode is set to copy both sides of a double-sided original using the copy mode setting button, sheet compositing is set to 1.
While images of two originals are combined on one side of a sheet of paper, the duplex→duplex mode is a function of copying on both sides of a single sheet of paper, so they are not compatible with each other.

[0009] When functions that are incompatible with each other are set in this way, in conventional image recording devices, the previously set function is automatically canceled or the later set function is automatically prohibited. I was doing it.

[0010] However, when one of the functions is automatically canceled in this way, the user cannot perform the desired copying, and this may cause distrust of the image recording device or doubts about its reliability. It could become. Furthermore, since the user cannot clearly recognize why the set function was canceled, there is a risk that the user will repeat the same mistake.

[0011] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a user interface for an image recording device that can prompt the user to make correct settings when mutually incompatible functions are set. purpose.

0012

[Means and actions for solving the problem] Applied function button 51, edit button 52, color button 5 as function selection
3 is provided. In addition to function selection, a copy mode setting button is provided for selecting a double-sided copy mode and the like. Function selection state control 2 checks the combination of the function set by function selection and the function set by the copy mode setting button, and depending on which one was set first and what kind of function is set. and instructs the liquid crystal display control 3 to display respective predetermined messages. This makes it possible to clearly notify the user that an erroneous operation has been made, and to leave the final decision to the user.

[0013]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a copying machine will be described as an example of an image recording device, but the present invention can be applied not only to copying machines but also to facsimile machines, printers, and the like.

FIG. 1 shows a case where the user interface of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a so-called plus one color copying machine that can perform two-color copying using black and a specified color other than black. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for controlling display of a display device and light emitting elements. Components that are the same as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are given the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a divided console panel arranged at a predetermined position of this copying machine.
B shows the right side of the console panel, and B shows the left side of the console panel. More as shown in Figure 1A
This panel differs from the panel shown in FIG. 7 in that a button 20 and a light emitting element 21 consisting of an LED are arranged. Also, 2
2 is a so-called mimic display that depicts the shape of the copier, and LEDs are placed in the tray area, paper transport path, etc., and blink when the paper is out of paper or a paper jam occurs. be done.

First, referring to the flowchart in FIG.
The operation associated with the operation of the function selection button will be explained.

[0017] As a function selection, an applied function (Specia
Features, Edit, and Color, each with an applied function button 51.
, edit button 52, and color button 53. As an application function, for example, OHP
Sheet function (Transparency), binding margin function (Margin Shift), job memory function (
Saved Program), variable size function (R/E
It is possible to set the function of "Culculation". The OHP sheet function is a function that inserts blank paper between OHP sheets when copying to an OHP sheet, and the binding margin function is a function that shifts the image of the original to the left or right to ensure a certain shift width. The job memory function is a function that stores the copy job set by the operator on the console panel in the copy machine's internal memory and calls it up when necessary.The size change function allows you to input the original length and copy length using the numeric keys. This is a function that automatically calculates and sets the magnification.

[0018] For editing, use the Left Ed
ge Delete), Border Delete
ete), Book Binding Del
ete), sheet composition (Overlay), and parallel composition (2 Pages in 1) functions can be set. Margin erasing is a function that changes the erased position depending on the paper feed direction, frame erasing is a function that erases the edges of the paper, middle erase is a function that erases a specified vertical area in the center of the document, and sheet Composition is a function that combines and copies the entire first manuscript and the entire second manuscript onto one sheet of paper. Parallel composition combines the entire first manuscript and the entire second manuscript and copies them onto one sheet of paper. This is a function to copy to.

As for the color function, there is an all-over monochrome color function (Single C) that copies the entire document in a single color.
color image) and continuous shooting color composition function (BL
ack+Color Overlay) function can be set. The continuous color composite function is a function that combines the right side of the original in color and the left side in black and copies it onto a single sheet of paper.

Now, in FIG. 2, the button reception control 1 includes an applied function button 51, an edit button 52, a color button 53, a next item button 20, a selection button 57, and a setting button 5.
When the button is pressed, it is determined whether or not the button can be accepted, and if it is, the button information of the button is notified to the function selection state control 2. The function selection state control 2 waits for the button information of the function selection button from the button reception control 1 (step S1), and when the button information of the function selection button is received, it instructs the LED control 4 to correspond to the button. Notify an instruction to blink the LED at a predetermined period, for example, every 1.2 seconds (
At the same time as step S2), the first screen for the function selection is displayed on the liquid crystal display control 3 (step S3).

[0021] When there is only one screen for selected function selection, that is, when the number of options is small and all options are displayed on one screen, the function selection state control 2 controls the liquid crystal display control 3. However, if all the options for the function selection cannot be displayed on one screen and the next screen is prepared, the function selection state control 2 The icon of the next item button is displayed at a predetermined position of 50, and it is made to blink at a predetermined period, for example, every 1.2 seconds (step S5), and the next item LED 21 is made to blink at the same period (step S6).
). After that, the function selection state control 2 is activated using the next item button 20.
If has been pressed, the LCD control unit 3 instructs the liquid crystal display control 3 to display the next screen (step S8).

Specifically, the process is as follows. If the edit button 52 is pressed now, the edit LED 55 will change to 1.
．． Flashes at 2 second intervals. This blinking cycle is different from the blinking cycle of the LEDs arranged in the mimic display 22. In other words, if a paper jam occurs or paper replenishment is required, the mimic display 2 will appear.
2 LEDs are flashing, but these LEDs and the edit LE
D may flash at the same time, and in this case, edit LED5
If the blinking cycle of No. 5 matches the blinking cycle of the LED in the mimic display 22, it will look very busy, giving the user a sense of intimidation. Therefore, for example, when the blinking cycle of the LED in the mimic display 22 is set to 0.6 seconds, the blinking cycle of the editing LED 55 is set to 1.2 seconds.
ec, which can give the user a calm feeling.

[0023] As mentioned above, editing has five options, so it takes three steps to display these options.
Assuming that 1 screen is prepared, step S3
In the process, the screen shown in FIG. 4A is displayed. On this screen, end, margin erase, and frame erase are displayed as editing options, and the cursor 60 is placed at the end position. In this case, since there are multiple screens, 10
As shown, "1/3" is displayed, indicating that the currently displayed screen is the first of three. This allows the user to clearly recognize that there are three screens for displaying editing options. Also, an icon 11 having the same shape as the mark attached to the next item button 20 is displayed at a predetermined position on the screen,
The icon 11 is displayed for 1.2 seconds due to the process in step S5.
The icon 11 is blinked at intervals of ec, and further, the next item LED 21 is blinked at the same cycle as the blinking cycle of the icon 11 by the process of step S6. This allows the user to clearly know that the user only needs to press the next item button 20 in order to switch to the next screen.

Therefore, when the next item button 20 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 4A, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 4B, and the next option is displayed. When the next item button 20 is further pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 4C is displayed. Switch. In the screen shown in Figure 4B, the number of screen images is displayed as "2/3" as indicated by 12 in the figure.
”, indicating that this is the second screen among the three prepared screens, and on the screen shown in Figure 4C, the number of screens is displayed as “3/3”, indicating that it is the last screen. It will be done. At this time, the icon 11 of the next item button 20 is 1.2 seconds
Naturally, the cursor 60 blinks at the ec cycle, and the cursor 60 is always placed at the end position when the screen is switched.

If the next item button 20 is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 4C, the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG. 4A again. In other words, the next item button 20 has the function of sequentially scrolling screens prepared to display options for each function selection, that is, screens displaying items belonging to the same hierarchy of function selections.

By performing the above processing, screen switching, which was conventionally performed by moving the cursor 60 using the selection button 57, can be easily performed with just one stroke of pressing the next item button 20.

Up to now, the number of screens prepared for the function selection selected by pressing the button has been displayed, but as shown by 15 in FIG. 4D, the number of options prepared for the function selection is displayed. may be displayed.

[0028] Although editing has been explained above, applied functions,
The same applies to color, and in this way a desired function can be set from among the functions available for function selection.

Next, a message display when two mutually incompatible functions are set will be explained.

The function selection state control 2 has a function combination table shown in FIG. This table sets what kind of message is displayed depending on the combination of the function selected first and the function selected later. Displays a message that prompts the user to choose whether to continue or cancel the set function, displays the fact that copying cannot be started with the combination shown in B and the reason for that, and warns that copying can be started with the combination shown in C, but requires caution. Display message. The combination indicated by D originally belongs to the combination indicated by A or B, but in this case, the previously selected function is automatically canceled. Also, a blank view indicates that the combination of functions is compatible. Next, referring to FIG. 6, a case will be described in which the combination indicated by A in FIG. 5 is selected. First, when the "duplex → duplex" button is pressed in the double-sided copy function of the console panel shown in FIG. 1B, this button information is sent from the button reception control 1 to the function selection state control 2 and is once registered. Next, if the applied function button 51 is pressed, this button information is sent from the button reception control 1 to the function selection state control 2, and the above-mentioned operation is performed and the display screen 50 is displayed in step S1 of FIG.
The first screen of the application function shown in 1 is displayed. In this state, press the selection button 57 to move the cursor 60 to the OHP
Assuming that the paper is moved to the position of the slip sheet (step S12) and the setting button 58 is pressed there, the function selection state control 2 refers to the table shown in FIG. 5 and determines whether or not both functions are compatible. is determined (step S13). If compatible, function selection state control 2
A instructs the liquid crystal display control 3 to display the next screen in order to set the parameters of the OHP slip sheet (step S16), but as is clear from the table in FIG. 5, the combination of the two is Since it is written, step S1
The process branches to step 4 and instructs the display of a screen that allows the user to select whether to continue or cancel the OHP interleaf setting. This allows the user to clearly recognize that there was an error in the selection of the function, and allows the user to decide whether to continue or cancel the setting of the OHP slip sheet. If Continue is selected here, the previously selected double-sided → double-sided copy is canceled (step S15), and if Cancel is selected, O
The HP interleaf function is canceled and the process returns to step S11.
Return to the screen shown in .

Next, the above operations may be performed in reverse. That is, when a user first selects a function and then presses the copy mode setting button on the console panel, these two functions may not be compatible. In this case, a screen display as shown in step S14 of FIG. 6 cannot be performed, so a predetermined message is displayed. Specifically, if the OHP slip sheet of the applied function is first set and then the "Double-sided→Double-sided" button is pressed, the function selection state control 2 refers to the table in FIG. 5 and determines that this combination is B. It recognizes this and instructs the liquid crystal display control 3 to display a predetermined warning message, for example, "There are selected functions that cannot be used together. Please cancel any of the functions."

Furthermore, although the function set by function selection and the function set by the copy mode setting button are not contradictory, they may be meaningless. For example, first select the binding margin function in the advanced functions, set the shift amount for side 1 and side 2, and then select "Double-sided → Single-sided" for double-sided copying.
If the button is pressed, the shift amount on side 2 becomes meaningless. This is because the shift amount for side 2 is the shift amount for the back side of a double-sided copy. Therefore, the function selection state control 2 instructs the liquid crystal display control 3 to display a predetermined message to call the user's attention for such a combination. As a result, in this case, for example, a message such as "Copying is possible. Since there is no selection for double-sided copying, a binding margin cannot be created on the back side." is displayed. This is figure 5
This is the case of the combination shown by C in the table, and this allows the user to be informed that the correct operation is not being performed.

Although the applied functions and editing have been explained above, it is clear that the same applies to color.

[0034]

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, when the function set by function selection and the function selected by a copy mode setting button other than function selection are incompatible with each other, these functions are not compatible with each other. Predetermined messages are displayed according to the order in which the functions are selected and the functions that have been set, so not only can the user be clearly notified of an erroneous operation, but the user can also confirm which function to cancel. This eliminates the user's distrust that previously occurred,
Therefore, reliability can be improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment in which a user interface of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a plus one color copying machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for controlling display of a display device and light emitting elements.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of function selection state control when the next item button is pressed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the number of screens and the number of options.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a table that defines message display types for combinations of functions.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing message display processing.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a panel of a conventional user interface.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of displaying options in a conventional user interface.

[Explanation of symbols]

1... Button reception control, 2... Function selection state control, 3...
LCD display control, 4...LED control, 20th item button, 21
...Next item LED.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A display device, a function selection means, a mode setting means for setting an image recording mode other than function selection,
A user interface for an image recording device comprising: a display screen control means, wherein the display screen control means is configured to control the function when the function set by the function selection means and the image recording mode set by the mode setting means are not compatible with each other; A user interface for an image recording apparatus, characterized in that a predetermined message is displayed depending on the operation order of the function selection means and the mode setting means and the combination of the set function and image recording mode.