JPH11119961A - Controller for image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily find out a current operating state on an operation screen concerning a controller for image forming device with which the operation of an image forming device is controlled. SOLUTION: On a display screen 1b of a terminal equipment 1, the operation screen for commanding the operation of an image forming device 2 is displayed by an operation screen display means 1a. Corresponding to the operation of an input device such as a mouse 1d, an operation commanding means 1c commands the operation to the image forming device 2. During the operation of the image forming device 2, an operating state detecting means 1e detects the current operating state of the image forming device 2. Then, the appearance image of the image forming device 2 for expressing the detected operating state and a message are displayed on the display screen 1b by an operating state display means 1f. Furthermore, a guide means 1g executes the display change of a color on the display screen 1b or guide in voice via a loudspeaker 1h, corresponding to the display contents of the operation screen and the operation of a cursor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus control apparatus for controlling an image forming apparatus such as a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus control apparatus for displaying an operation screen on a display screen and operating an operation command. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a scanner, a copier or the like, or an image forming apparatus called a multifunction machine having these functions integrated, an operation screen is displayed on a monitor and an instruction on the operation screen is given. , A print command, a copy command, and the like can be issued.

[0003] Such an image forming apparatus is installed in an office or the like, but usually one is used by a plurality of users. For this reason, most users work at a location away from the image forming apparatus. Therefore, recently, a terminal device on a user's desk and an image processing device are connected, and a print command, a copy command, and the like can be performed on the terminal device. For example, in Japanese Patent No. 2543285, during execution of an apparatus having a plurality of modes, the appearance of the apparatus for each mode is displayed on a screen. For example, in the case of a facsimile machine, "direct dial transmission" mode,
"Direct dialing" mode, "Sending fax"
The mode and the like can be identified by displaying the corresponding graphic data.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-326797 discloses a technique relating to a screen operation for an operation command of an image forming apparatus. In this publication, when the cursor enters a operable key window on the workstation screen,
When the color of the text or frame changes and the cursor comes out of the key window, it returns to the original color. This makes it easy to identify the position of the cursor and the menu, and simplifies the operation.

[0005]

However, Japanese Patent No. 254
In Japanese Patent No. 3285, although the change state of the mode can be confirmed, the change of the operating state during execution cannot be known. For this reason, if a trouble occurs during operation, it is necessary to go to a remote image forming apparatus to check the state and cause, which is inconvenient for a person with a physical disability. Was.

On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-326797, identification is performed only by a change in color, so that there is no effect for a person who is blind or who is blind or has low vision.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control device of an image forming apparatus capable of easily knowing a current operation state. It is another object of the present invention to provide a control device of an image forming apparatus which is easy to operate even for a person with visual impairment.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a control device of an image forming apparatus for controlling an operation of the image forming apparatus, an operation screen for instructing an operation of the image forming apparatus is displayed. Operation screen display means for displaying on a screen, operation command means for issuing an operation command to the image forming apparatus in response to operation of an input device such as a mouse, and operation for detecting a current operation state of the image forming apparatus A control unit for the image forming apparatus, comprising: a state detection unit; and an operation state display unit configured to display an external appearance image of the image forming apparatus and a message indicating the detected operation state on the display screen. Provided.

In such a control device for an image forming apparatus,
An operation screen for commanding the operation of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display screen by the operation screen display means. The operation instruction unit issues an operation instruction to the image forming apparatus in accordance with an operation of an input device such as a mouse. During the operation of the image forming apparatus, the operation state detecting means detects a current operation state of the image forming apparatus. Then, the operation state display means displays an external appearance image of the image forming apparatus and a message representing the detected operation state on the display screen.

[0010] This makes it possible to easily know the current operation state, and even if a trouble or the like occurs, it is not necessary to go to the image forming apparatus at a remote place to check the cause, and the inconvenience of the body is eliminated. It is convenient for those who are not.

Further, in the present invention, the guide executing means can control the display contents of the operation screen and the cursor operation to
Preferably, an audio guide is performed. This simplifies the operation even for the visually impaired.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the function of the present embodiment.
An operation screen display unit 1 is provided on the display screen 1b of the terminal device 1.
By a, an operation screen for instructing the operation of the image forming apparatus 2 is displayed. The operation instruction unit 1c issues an operation instruction to the image forming apparatus 2 according to an operation of an input device such as the mouse 1d. During the operation of the image forming apparatus 2, the operation state detecting means 1e detects the current operation state of the image forming apparatus 2. Then, the image forming apparatus 2 representing the detected operation state
Is displayed on the operation state display means 1f.
Is displayed on the display screen 1b. In addition, guide means 1g
Depends on the display contents of the operation screen and the cursor operation,
The display of the color on the display screen 1b is changed, and the voice guidance through the speaker 1h is executed.

Next, a specific configuration of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming processing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. In the present embodiment, the MFP 10 is shown as an image forming apparatus. The multifunction peripheral 10 has a scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and is entirely managed by the controller 11. CPU, ROM, R (not shown)
AM and the like are provided. Further, a hard disk (not shown) or the like is also connected to the controller 11, and can store a large amount of image data.

The controller 11 includes an interface (I / F) 12 such as Centronics and a cable 3.
1, a terminal device 20 for a user is connected. The terminal device 20 is a personal computer, a workstation, or the like, and has a monitor 2 as a display device.
1. It has a keyboard 22 and a mouse 23 as input devices. A hard disk (not shown) built in the terminal device 20 stores an operation program for the MFP 10 described later. By executing the operation program,
The operation screen is displayed on the monitor 21. By using the keyboard 22 and the mouse 23 in accordance with the operation screen, the user can issue an operation instruction for the multifunction peripheral 10. Further, the terminal device 20 has a built-in speaker (not shown), and can output sound.

Further, data indicating an operation state is periodically transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 10 to the controller 11 via the cable 31. This operation state can be confirmed on the operation screen as described later.

The controller 11 of the multifunction device 10 reads original data from the scanner 13 or sends print data to the printer 14 to execute printing in response to an operation command from the terminal device 20. Further, the controller 11 can perform facsimile transmission / reception with a transmission destination designated by the terminal device 20 via an NCU (network control unit) 15 and a public line 32.

Next, the operation screen of the terminal device 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen of the operation screen displayed on the monitor 21 of the terminal device 20. At the start of execution of the operation program, the display screen 211 of the monitor 21
First, an initial screen 40 is displayed. On the initial screen 40, a "fax" button 41, a "copy" button 42, a "scanner" button 43, a "story" button 44, and a "voice guide" button 45 are displayed as menu buttons.

The "fax" button 41 is a button for executing a facsimile function. The “copy” button 42 is a button for executing a copy function.
The “scanner” button 43 is a button for executing a scanner function. The “Talk” button 44 is
A button for starting an OCR (Optical Charactor Reader) function. In addition, "Audio guide" button 4
Reference numeral 5 denotes a button for switching all subsequent operations to operations following the voice guide.

Each of the buttons 41 to 45 is displayed sufficiently larger than the menu button on the operation screen displayed on a general terminal device, so that a person with low visual acuity can easily recognize it.

Further, on the initial screen 40, an appearance image 46 of the MFP 10 is displayed. The appearance image 46 includes
Numbers, ..., are displayed as identification marks. Here, the number indicates the document feeder. The number indicates the scanner 13. The number is
The printer 14 is shown. The number indicates the NCU 15. The number indicates the fax communication partner. These numbers are used to indicate the operating state of each mechanism, as described later.

If the mouse cursor 47 is not located at any of the buttons 41 to 45 while the initial screen 40 is displayed, the "fax" button 41 is displayed.
To the “voice guide” button 45 in order of 3 seconds. After the last “voice guide” button 45 is displayed in white, the process returns to the “fax” button 41 again. Further, in response to the blinking button, an announcement to teach the function of the button is made. For example, when the “Fax” button 41 is displayed in white,
The announcement "Fax button" is made.

When the mouse cursor 47 is placed at the position of any one of the buttons, the button flashes.
For example, when the mouse cursor 47 is placed on the “copy” button 42, the “copy” button 42 blinks. Then, a message "Click the left button to go to the copy screen" is displayed in the message window 48 at the bottom of the screen, and at the same time, an announcement is made by voice. When the left button of the mouse 23 is clicked according to the message and the announcement, the display screen 211 becomes
The screen is switched from the initial screen 40 to the copy screen. The same applies to other menus.

In this manner, the user can select a desired function on the initial screen 40 and enter an operation command. Next, a specific example of the operation command operation will be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display for performing an operation command operation. Here, a display example of the fax operation screen is shown. When the “fax” button 41 shown in FIG. 3 is selected, a fax operation screen 50 as shown in FIG. On the fax operation screen 50, various menu buttons and display fields are displayed. First, in the fax number display field 51, a fax number of a transmission destination input by key input or by each function described later in the screen is displayed.

In the input function selection field 52, numbers, telephone directories,
Three input functions of shortening can be selected. The default is a numeric function, and each function can be selected by clicking the corresponding button 52a, 52b, 52c with the mouse cursor 47. When the numeric function is selected, the fax number is displayed by using the "UP" button 53 and the "DOWN" button 54, or by using the numeric keypad displayed on the screen by selecting the "numeric keypad display" button 58. A fax number of a transmission destination can be input in a column 51.

More specifically, each time the "UP" button 53 is clicked, the numbers are rotated and displayed in the fax number display column 51 while incrementing from 0 to 9. Then, when the "confirm" button 55 is clicked while the desired number is displayed, the number is confirmed, and the next digit is displayed on the fax number display column 51. On the other hand, in the case of the “DOWN” button 54, the number is rotated and displayed while being decremented from 0 to 9. Other operations are the same as those of the “UP” button 53.

When a numeric keypad is used, a fax number can be directly input by clicking a numeric key on the numeric keypad. When the telephone directory function is selected, a list of telephone directories is displayed on the fax number display field 51, and the user scrolls using the "UP" button 53 and the "DOWN" button 54 to display a desired fax number. Once done, the selection can be made by clicking on the "OK" button 55.

When the shortening function is selected, use the "UP" button 53 and the "DOWN" button 54, or use the numeric keypad displayed on the screen by selecting the "numeric keypad display" button 58. By
In the fax number display field 51, the destination's abbreviated number can be input. Specifically, the “UP” button 53 or the “DO
Every time the "WN" button 54 is clicked, for example, the abbreviated numbers 1 to 100 are rotated and displayed in the fax number display column 51 while incrementing or decrementing. Then, by clicking the "OK" button 55 while the desired abbreviated number is displayed, the abbreviated number is selected.

When using the numeric keypad, the user can directly enter the abbreviated number by clicking a numeric key on the numeric keypad. When the “Reset” button 56 is clicked, the contents displayed in the fax number display field 51 are reset. When the "detailed setting" button 57 is clicked, the display screen 211 is switched to a detailed setting screen, and detailed settings relating to facsimile transmission can be made. When the “display ten-key” button 58 is clicked, the ten-key is displayed on a part of the display screen 211 as described above.

When the "return" button 59 is clicked, the display screen 211 returns from the fax operation screen 50 to the initial screen 40. Click on the "Help" button 60
A help screen is displayed on the display screen 211, and the operation method of the fax operation screen 50 can be searched.

If a trouble such as a jam occurs during execution of facsimile transmission, by clicking the "Troubleshooting" button 61, a countermeasure corresponding to the trouble is displayed on the screen, and an announcement by voice is issued. Done.

By clicking the "start" button 62, the data is transmitted to the set fax number. Such a fax number display column 51, an input function selection column 52, and various buttons 53 to 62 are displayed sufficiently larger than characters and the like displayed on an operation screen of a general terminal device.

Further, these fax number display fields 51,
In addition to the input function selection field 52 and the various buttons 53 to 62, an external appearance image display field 63 and a message window 64 are displayed on the fax operation screen 50. In the appearance image display column 63, an appearance image 46 of the multifunction peripheral 10 that is the same as the initial screen 40 of FIG. 3 is displayed. In the appearance image 46, numbers are also displayed. Each number ~
The meaning of is the same as that in FIG. During the execution of the facsimile function, the message window 64 displays the operating status of each of the mechanical units of numbers 1 to 3 in characters. At the same time, the same content is announced by voice.

Next, specific operations of the appearance image display column 63 and the message window 64 will be described. First, when the input of the fax number of the transmission destination is completed on the fax operation screen 50, the user sets the original on the original feeder of the multifunction peripheral 10, and then clicks the "start" button 62 on the fax operation screen 50. As a result, an operation command for the facsimile transmission function is transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the multifunction peripheral 10 via the line 31. Upon receiving this, the multifunction peripheral 10 makes a line connection with the transmission partner via the public line 32, reads the originals one by one from the original feeder, and starts transmitting the data.

When the original is being read, the number of the external appearance image 46 is displayed, for example, in a blinking manner on the fax operation screen 50, and a message such as “the original is being read ...” is displayed in the message window 64. It is also announced by voice.

Next, when the original is read and a line is connected to the transmission destination, the number of the external appearance image 46 is displayed blinking, and a message such as "Dialing ..." is displayed in the message window 64. ,
This is also announced by voice. At this time, in the message window 64, the message “
The original is being read ... "is also displayed. Thereby, the operation history can be confirmed at a glance.

Further, when execution of fax transmission is started,
While the number of the appearance image 46 is blinking, the message window 64 displays "Fax transmission ...
・ ”Is displayed and the same announcement is made.

When the transmission is finally completed, the appearance image 46
Flashes, and a message such as "Fax transmission completed, arrived at the other party" is displayed in the message window 64, and the same content is announced.

On the other hand, if an error such as a jam occurs during the operation, an error message is displayed in the message window 64, and the user can perform processing in accordance with the content of this message and cancel the error. . At this time, the display may be changed by changing the color of the corresponding part number in the appearance image 46 or the like. For example, if a paper jam occurs during the processing of reading the data of the document by the scanner after reading the document, the color of the number is changed and an error message is displayed. Note that a blinking display may be used instead of the color change, or both may be combined.

Although FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation screen for executing the facsimile function, almost the same display and announcement are performed for the copy function and the print function.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure on the terminal device 20 side corresponding to a user operation on the initial screen 40. [S1] The color of the "fax" button 41 is outlined for three seconds, and the voice is announced as "fax button". [S2] It is determined whether or not the cursor 47 is on the "fax" button 41. If there is, the process proceeds to step S3. If not, the process proceeds to step S4. [S3] The flashing process of the "fax" button 41 is executed. [S4] The color of the "copy" button 42 is outlined for three seconds, and the voice is announced as "copy button". [S5] It is determined whether or not the cursor 47 is on the "copy" button 42. If there is, the process proceeds to step S6; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S7. [S6] The "copy" button 42 is flashed. [S7] The color of the "scanner" button 43 is outlined for three seconds, and an announcement is made by voice as "the scanner button". [S8] It is determined whether or not the cursor 47 is on the "scanner" button 43. If there is, the process proceeds to step S9; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S10. [S9] The blinking process of the "scanner" button 43 is executed. [S10] The color of the "story" button 44 is outlined for three seconds, and the voice is announced as "story button". [S11] It is determined whether or not the cursor 47 is on the "story" button 44. If there is, the process proceeds to step S12. If not, the process proceeds to step S13. [S12] The process of blinking the "story" button 44 is performed. [S13] The color of the "voice guide" button 45 is outlined for three seconds, and the voice is announced as "voice guide button". [S14] Cursor 47 on "voice guide" button 45
It is determined whether or not there is, and if so, the process proceeds to step S15,
If not, the process returns to step S1. [S15] The "voice guide" button 45 flashes.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the blinking process of the "fax" button 41. [S21] The color of the "fax" button 41 is changed to yellow and blinked for 0.5 second, for example, and a message "Click the left button to go to the fax operation screen" is displayed in the message window 64,
Announce the same content by voice. [S22] It is determined whether or not the left button of the mouse 23 has been clicked. If so, the process proceeds to step S23,
If not, the process proceeds to step S24. [S23] The process proceeds to the fax operation screen 50 shown in FIG. [S24] It is determined whether or not the cursor 47 has been released from the "fax" button 41. If the cursor 47 has been released, this flowchart ends, and if it has not, the flow returns to step S21.

The blinking process of the "copy" button 42, the "scanner" button 43, the "story" button 44, and the "voice guide" button 45 is performed in step S21 in FIG.
Since only the message content in the blinking process of the "fax" button 41 is different, and other processing procedures are almost the same, the description is omitted here.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure on the terminal device side corresponding to a user operation on the facsimile operation screen 50. [S31] An input of a fax number is accepted. [S32] It is determined whether the "start" button 62 has been clicked. If yes, the process proceeds to step S33; otherwise, the process returns to step S31. [S33] An operation command for the facsimile function is sent to the MFP 10. [S34] The operation state of the MFP 10 is detected. [S35] The current operation state of the MFP 10 is displayed as an appearance image 46.
Displayed by blinking the number. [S36] The current operating state of the multifunction peripheral 10 is displayed in the message window 64, and an announcement is made at the same time. [S37] It is determined whether the operation of the facsimile function of the MFP 10 has been completed. If the operation has been completed, the process proceeds to step S38. If not, the process returns to step S34. [S38] The fact that the operation of the facsimile function has been completed is displayed in the message window 64, and an announcement is made at the same time.

In the copy function and the print function, only the corresponding display and announcement are different, and the processing procedure is almost the same as that in FIG. 7, so that the description is omitted here.

As described above, in this embodiment, on the initial screen 40, the "fax" button 41 for selecting each function,
A "copy" button 42, a "scanner" button 43, a "story" button 44, and a "voice guide" button 45
Is displayed in large characters, so that even people with weak vision can easily check. In addition, each button is sequentially displayed in white and the name of the button is announced, so that it becomes easier to confirm.

Further, in this embodiment, on the fax operation screen 50, the external appearance image 46 of the composite apparatus 10 is displayed, each mechanism is numbered, and the number of the currently operating mechanism is blinkingly displayed. Therefore, even when the user is away from the composite device 10, the operation state can be easily grasped. For this reason, even if a trouble or the like occurs, it is not necessary to go to the image forming apparatus at a remote place to check the cause, which is convenient for a person with a physical disability.

In this embodiment, the fax operation screen 5
At 0, the operating state of the multifunction peripheral 10 is displayed as a message on the message window 64, so that the operating state can be known in more detail. In addition, since the same content as this message is announced by voice, even a visually impaired person can easily know the operation state.

In the above description, an example in which the MFP 10 is used as an image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is also applied to control of a single function apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, a scanner apparatus, and a copying apparatus. be able to.

Further, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the identification marks are assigned numbers or the like, but other characters such as alphabets, symbols, and figures may be used. Further, it is not always necessary to attach the identification mark, and the appearance image 46 may be given a motion, or the color of the operating mechanism may be changed.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, during the operation of the image forming apparatus, the current operating state of the image forming apparatus is detected, and the appearance image and the message of the image forming apparatus showing the detected operating state are displayed. Since it is displayed on the screen, the current operation state can be easily known, and even if a trouble occurs, it is not necessary to go to the image forming apparatus in a remote place to check the cause, It is also useful for handicapped people.

In addition, by executing the voice guide in accordance with the display contents of the operation screen and the cursor operation, the operation can be simplified even for a visually impaired person.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the function of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming processing system according to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen of an operation screen displayed on a monitor of a terminal device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen display example for performing an operation command operation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure on the terminal device side corresponding to a user operation on an initial screen.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of blinking processing of a “fax” button.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure on the terminal device side corresponding to a user operation on the fax operation screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Terminal device 1a Operation screen display means 1b Display screen 1c Operation command means 1d Mouse 1e Operation state detection means 1f Operation state display means 1g Guide means 1h Speaker 2 Image forming apparatus 10 Multifunction machine 11 Controller 12 Interface (I / F) 13 Scanner 14 Printer 15 NCU (Network Control Unit) 20 Terminal 21 Monitor 22 Keyboard 23 Mouse 40 Initial Screen 46 Exterior Image 50 Fax Operation Screen 64 Message Window

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus control device for controlling an operation of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an operation screen display unit for displaying an operation screen for instructing an operation of the image forming apparatus on a display screen; An operation command unit that issues an operation command to the image forming apparatus in accordance with an operation of the apparatus; an operation state detection unit that detects a current operation state of the image forming apparatus; and the image representing the detected operation state An operation state display unit for displaying an external appearance image of the forming apparatus and a message on the display screen, and a control device for the image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation state display unit is configured to display an identification mark at a position of each mechanism in an external appearance image of the image forming apparatus. Control device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation state display means is configured to display the identification mark of the currently executed mechanism in a different expression from other identification marks. A control device for the image forming apparatus. 4. The control device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a guide executing unit configured to execute voice guidance in accordance with a display content of the operation screen and a cursor operation. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guide execution unit is configured to change a color of a display portion to be guided by the guide in addition to the voice-based guide. Equipment control device.