U.S. patent application number 13/274561 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for image forming apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Takaya Nakatani, Kumiko Ogino.
Application Number | 20120099129 13/274561 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45972787 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120099129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ogino; Kumiko ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a control unit equipped with
a touch panel display and a control unit-side controller. The
control unit includes multiple image display modes supporting
functions of editing image data. The control unit side controller
includes an image display mode selecting function which, when the
user selects a desired function, selects an image display mode that
is most suitable for the user's desired function, from the multiple
image display modes, in accordance with the user's control
operation of selecting a function and displays a frame
corresponding to the selected image display mode, on the touch
panel display.
Inventors: |
Ogino; Kumiko; (Osaka,
JP) ; Nakatani; Takaya; (Osaka, JP) |
Assignee: |
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
45972787 |
Appl. No.: |
13/274561 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00448 20130101;
H04N 1/00424 20130101; H04N 1/00474 20130101; H04N 2201/0094
20130101; H04N 1/00411 20130101; H04N 1/00392 20130101; G06F
3/04883 20130101; G06K 15/005 20130101; H04N 1/00482 20130101; H04N
1/00453 20130101; H04N 1/00458 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.13 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 20, 2010 |
JP |
2010-235676 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an input unit receiving
input of image data; a storing unit storing the image data input
through the input unit and, an image display control device,
characterized in that the image display control device, includes: a
display image generator generating a display image based on the
image data stored in the storing unit; a display portion having a
preview region for displaying the display image generated by the
display image generator; and, a display controller for giving the
display image generated by the display image generator, in a
preview representation on the display portion, wherein the image
display control device includes multiple image display modes
supporting editing functions of the image data, and the display
controller has an image display mode selecting function which, when
the user selects a desired function, selects an image display mode
that is most suitable for the user's desired function, from the
multiple image display modes, in accordance with the user's control
operation of selecting a function.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when
the image display mode displayed on the display portion is for one
page image display or two page image display at the time the user
selects the desired function, the image display mode selecting
function changes the image display mode to a mode that displays
multiple page images greater than two pages, in a preview
representation, in accordance with the user's control operation of
selecting a function.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
user's control operation of selecting a desired function is an
operation of selecting and moving an image displayed in the preview
representation on the display portion.
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
user's control operation of selecting a desired function is an
operation of selecting and moving an image displayed in the preview
representation on the display portion.
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
user's control operation of selecting a desired function is an
operation of selecting an image to be edited and sliding the
selected image leftwards or rightwards on the display portion.
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
user's control operation of selecting a desired function is an
operation of selecting an image to be edited and sliding the
selected image leftwards or rightwards on the display portion.
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
display portion further has a function selecting region displaying
enabled functions for editing the image data, and, the user's
control operation of selecting a desired function is an operation
of selecting an editing function to be performed on the image to be
edited, through the function selecting frame.
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
display portion further has a function selecting region displaying
enabled functions for editing the image data, and, the user's
control operation of selecting a desired function is an operation
of selecting an editing function to be performed on the image to be
edited, through the function selecting frame.
Description
[0001] This Nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119 (a) on Patent Application No. 2010-235676 filed in
Japan on 20 Oct. 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus
such as a copier, printer, facsimile machine or the like, in
particular, relating to an image forming apparatus having a
function for allowing the user to check the status of images and
edit images, by displaying images output based on the input image
data in a preview representation.
[0004] (2) Description of the Prior Art
[0005] The recent copiers have been commoditized into products
having various duplication processing functions as one way of
presenting the advantages of digital copiers.
[0006] For instance, as a known example of a digital copier, there
is an image forming apparatus that includes an input means having a
function of receiving additional input of image data; and an output
means for performing image output based on the image data input
through the input means, and has a function of permitting the user
to edit image data by displaying the images to be output from the
output means in a preview representation. According to the image
forming apparatus of this kind, it is possible to easily edit
images to be output before execution of a job.
[0007] Under such circumstances, as the control panel in the image
forming apparatus of this kind, a touch panel display has been
often used in recent years. A touch panel display is formed of a
liquid crystal panel (display panel) and a touch panel laminated on
the liquid crystal panel.
[0008] Usually, on the touch panel display, a multiple number of
items (software buttons) for selection of operational mode in the
image forming apparatus are displayed. The user presses the
position of the desired item among the items displayed on the touch
panel display. The user feels as if the user presses the software
button. The information on the position at which the user pressed
is transferred from the touch panel to the computer that controls
the image forming apparatus, whereby the operation to be made is
determined in accordance with the pressed position, by the program
running on the computer.
[0009] The touch panel display is able to provide both a display
function and a control function. That is, the touch panel display
has the advantage of a smaller area for installation, ability of
giving various displays and providing various functions, compared
to a configuration including a display and a controller
separately.
[0010] Further, the recent touch panel displays have been realized
with a function of recognizing the trace of movement of the fingers
touching on the surface of the touch panel display. With this
function, the user is able to command an appropriate operation that
sensuously coincides with the movement. Controlling an electronic
appliance by this kind of operation will be called "gesture
control" in this specification. Examples of the gesture control are
as follows.
[0011] When a preview of images captured by a scanning function is
being displayed on the touch panel display, the following control
operations are permitted.
(1) In the touch panel display, the position where the image as a
target of control is tapped twice by the fingertip. This control is
called "double tapping". When an image is double tapped, the
display of the image may be enlarged or reduced, or the operation
may be switched into the mode for editing the image. (2) Two
fingertips are spread apart on the image as a target of control (in
the condition that the fingertips are put on the image). This
control is called "pinch out" or "pinch open". When a pinching out
or pinching open operation is made on the image, the image may be
enlarged in accordance with the movement of the fingers. (3) Two
fingertips are brought together on the image as a target of control
(in the condition that the fingertips are put on the image). This
control is called "pinch in" or "pinch close". When a pinching in
or pinching close operation is made on the image, the image may be
reduced in size in accordance with the movement of the fingers.
[0012] Other than the above, examples of gesture control include
"tap" an operation of hitting the position of the image as a target
of control with the fingertip, "drag", an operation of sliding the
image being displayed with the fingertip, "flick", an operation of
sweeping the image being displayed lightly with the fingertip, and
"pinch", an operation of pinching the image being displayed with
two finger tips, and the like.
[0013] Here, tapping and double tapping are not the one that
detects the trace of user's action on the touch panel display, so
that they cannot be said to be a gesture in the strict sense of the
word. However, all the above operations on the image inclusive of
tapping and double tapping will be called gesture control.
[0014] In this specification, the operations on the touch panel
display other than the gesture control described above will be
called "touch control".
[0015] The touch control does not mean a direct operation on the
image but indicates an operation for realizing a function as an
alternative means of a hardware key. Typically, the touch control
indicates an operation of detecting a user's request based on the
displayed position of a software button (usually, a user interface
part) displayed on the touch panel display and the operated
position on the touch panel display by the user.
[0016] In a multi-functional machine having a touch panel display
of this kind as a control panel, it is possible to designate the
settings for various image finishing processes through the control
panel. Examples of finishing processes include settings for various
image processes such as margin sizes etc., stamping, stapling,
hole-punching and the like.
[0017] However, in the conventional multi-functional machine, there
occurred cases where a finishing process causes failure in the
actual printing. For example, when printing is performed with
hole-punching specified as a finishing process, the positions of
the punch holes may overlap the output image, resulting in
defective duplication. As a result, supplies (toner and recording
paper) are wasted.
[0018] To deal with, a technology of an image forming apparatus in
which preview display of images can be given on the basic screen in
copy mode, has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
[0019] According to this image forming apparatus, the screen of the
control display is divided into three regions. In the regions on
both sides of the control display, software buttons to designate
the conditions for image forming and the finishing conditions are
laid out. In the center, preview images of documents are laid
out.
[0020] There are multiple kinds of display modes for displaying
preview images in this image forming apparatus.
[0021] The first display mode shows a predetermined number of
images (e.g., five images) arranged horizontally. In this case, the
image arranged in the center of the control display is displayed
greater in size than the other images.
[0022] The second display mode is a method of displaying two images
on the odd-numbered page and even-numbered page, among the captured
multiple document images, in a spread. When there are a large
number of pages of images displayed on the control display,
multiple two-page spreads are stacked one over another like a
booklet.
[0023] The third display mode is a method of displaying multiple
document images arranged matrix-wise. When the document images
cannot be accommodated within the screen, all the document images
can be checked by scrolling the screen.
[0024] As above, according to the technology described in Patent
Document 1, efficient use of preview display enables the user to
confirm the finished state of documents and reduce erroneous
settings for finishing processes, mistake in copying operation and
other failures.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document 1
[0025] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2008-203439
[0026] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1
entails the problem as follows.
[0027] That is, in a case where multiple pages are given in a
preview representation, if a specific page of the multiple pages is
wanted to be moved to another position, it is necessary to display
a series of pages including the pages in question in the preview
region. However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1,
if a specific page is tried to be moved to another position when
one page display or two-page spread display is given, the
positional relationship of the specified page is unclear, causing
failure in control, difficulty in control and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention has been devised in view of the above
conventional problems, it is therefore an object of the present
invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which, when
image edition is performed, the positional relationship of an image
to be the editing target to other images can be made clear so as to
ease the image editing operation.
[0029] The first aspect of the present invention resides in an
image forming apparatus comprising:
[0030] an input unit receiving input of image data;
[0031] a storing unit storing the image data input through the
input unit and,
[0032] an image display control device, characterized in that the
image display control device, includes:
[0033] a display image generator generating a display image based
on the image data stored in the storing unit;
[0034] a display portion having a preview region for displaying the
display image generated by the display image generator; and,
[0035] a display controller for giving the display image generated
by the display image generator, in a preview representation on the
display portion, wherein
[0036] the image display control device includes multiple image
display modes supporting editing functions of the image data,
and
[0037] the display controller has an image display mode selecting
function which, when the user selects a desired function, selects
an image display mode that is most suitable for the user's desired
function, from the multiple image display modes, in accordance with
the user's control operation of selecting a function.
[0038] The second aspect of the present invention resides in that
when the image display mode displayed on the display portion is for
one page image display or two page image display (so-called
two-page spread representation) at the time the user selects the
desired function, the image display mode selecting function changes
the image display mode to a mode that displays multiple page images
greater than two pages, in a preview representation, in accordance
with the user's control operation of selecting a function.
[0039] The third aspect of the present invention resides in that
the user's control operation of selecting a desired function is an
operation of selecting and moving an image displayed in the preview
representation on the display portion.
[0040] The fourth aspect of the present invention resides in that
the user's control operation of selecting a desired function is an
operation of selecting an image to be edited and sliding the
selected image leftwards or rightwards on the display portion.
[0041] The fifth aspect of the present invention resides in that
the display portion further has a function selecting region
displaying enabled functions for editing the image data, and, the
user's control operation of selecting a desired function is an
operation of selecting an editing function to be performed on the
image to be edited, through the function selecting frame.
[0042] According to the first aspect of the present invention,
when, for example, the user tries to perform an editing operation
such as moving a page and the like, an image display mode in which
that the number of preview images being automatically displayed
becomes greater is selected and displayed, whereby it is possible
to clarify the positional relationship of the target image to be
edited relative to other images and ease user's image editing
control. As a result, it is possible to reduce mistake in copying
operation thus to provide an image forming apparatus that is
improved in operativity.
[0043] According to the second aspect of the present invention,
when an editing operation such as moving a page or the like is
tried to be done in, for example, one page preview display mode
(fit mode), the display screen is automatically switched from the
one page preview display mode to multiple page display preview
display mode (1D mode), whereby it is possible to easily perform
the editing operation.
[0044] According to the third aspect of the present invention, it
is possible to automatically actuate the screen display mode that
is suitable for an image moving operation and display the
corresponding frame without switching the display screen into the
control frame.
[0045] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it
is possible to automatically actuate the screen display mode that
is suitable for an operation of moving the target image to be
edited in the horizontal direction and display the corresponding
frame without switching the display screen into the control
frame.
[0046] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention,
since the display screen can be positively switched in accordance
with an editing function so as to give a display in the screen
display mode that is suitable for the editing operation, the user
can easily perform the editing operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing an overall
configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the
embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 2 is an illustrative view schematically showing the
internal mechanisms of the image forming apparatus;
[0049] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware
configuration of the image forming apparatus;
[0050] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a home screen
displayed on a touch panel of the image forming apparatus of the
embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram showing a state of
partitioned display regions on the display screen in a touch panel
display of the image forming apparatus;
[0052] FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram showing a state of
partitioned display regions in fit mode in a preview representation
of the image forming apparatus;
[0053] FIG. 7 is an illustrative diagram showing a state of
partitioned display regions in finish preview mode in a preview
representation of the image forming apparatus;
[0054] FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram showing a state of
partitioned display regions in image edition mode in a preview
representation of the image forming apparatus;
[0055] FIG. 9 is an illustrative diagram showing a state of
partitioned display regions in document display mode in a preview
representation of the image forming apparatus;
[0056] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control unit
configuration in the image forming apparatus;
[0057] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a touch panel display
configuration of the control unit;
[0058] FIG. 12A is an illustrative view showing one example of a
display screen when the screen display mode is set in fit mode in
the image forming apparatus of an embodiment; and,
[0059] FIG. 12B is an illustrative view showing one example of a
display screen when the screen display mode has been switched into
image edition mode (1D mode) in the image forming apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] The embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0061] FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of one example mode of
carrying out the present invention, showing an overall
configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view
schematically showing the internal mechanisms of the image forming
apparatus. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware
configuration of the image forming apparatus.
[0062] An image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment
of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, includes: a document
reader 102 having a function of receiving additional input of image
data; an image forming portion 104 for forming an image on a
recording medium based on the image data input through document
reader 102; and a control unit (image display control device) 120
including a display panel (display portion) 132 for displaying
preview images based on image data input and having a function of
displaying display images on display panel 132 in a preview
representation, based on the image data input from document reader
102.
[0063] Control unit 120 functioning as the image display control
device has a function of setting up the image output conditions of
images output from image forming portion 104 and is configured so
that the image output conditions of images to be output can be
designated on display panel 132.
[0064] The multiple document images displayed on display panel 132
are those that display the form of document images captured by the
document reader etc., of image forming apparatus 100, in a preview
representation and that display the output form of the images to be
formed on the recording paper by the image forming portion, as
preview images of the finish.
[0065] Image forming apparatus 100 is a kind of an image processing
apparatus. The image display control device according to the
present invention is also applicable to image processing apparatus
and electronic appliances other than the image forming apparatus of
this kind.
[0066] Further, image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of
operational modes, and is preferably equipped with a display device
for displaying information so that the user can easily get the
information the user wants even if the user does not remember the
screen configuration when the operational mode is changed over and
the display content on the display device is replaced.
[0067] Here, image forming apparatus 100 includes a touch panel
display (control screen) that can be controlled by both gesture
control and touch control other than gesture control, but the image
forming apparatus may an apparatus that includes a touch panel
display controllable by touch control only. Further, the image
forming apparatus may be an apparatus that includes a display panel
that cannot be controlled but can display only and keys for
control
[0068] This image forming apparatus 100 forms images on recording
paper based on electrophotography.
[0069] Image forming apparatus 100 includes, as its operation
modes, copy mode, facsimile mode (FAX mode), document filing mode
(a mode in which scanned images are stored in a storage inside the
image forming apparatus) and mail mode (a mode in which scanned
images are transmitted in the form of an attachment file to an
e-mail). This image forming apparatus 100 may further have a
network printer mode.
[0070] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is not
limited to this as long as it can change the screen content in
every operational mode.
[0071] To begin with, image forming apparatus 100 will be
described.
[0072] Image forming apparatus 100 includes document reader 102,
image forming portion 104, a paper feed portion 106, a paper output
processor 108 and a control unit 120, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0073] Control unit 120 is formed of a touch panel display 130 and
a display control portion 140. Touch panel display 130 is comprised
of a display panel 132 of a liquid crystal panel or the like and a
touch panel (touch control detecting means) 134 that is laid over
display panel 132 to detect the positions the user presses with
fingers. Display control portion 140 includes an indication lamp
142, a power key 144, an energy-save key 146 and a home key 148
that resets the display content of touch panel display 130 to the
home screen for operational mode selection.
[0074] In this way, image forming apparatus 100 has touch panel
display 130 as a main control device and also has a display control
portion 140 that includes the hardware keys and indication lamps.
The keys (power key 144, energy-save key 146 and home key 148) on
display control portion 140 are given as hardware buttons, in
contrast to software buttons formed by touch panel display 130.
[0075] Note that image forming apparatus 100 should not be limited
to that including display control portion 140 of this kind, but may
be provided with touch panel display 130 only. That is, it will
work as long as the initial screen of the selected operational mode
can be actuated when the user selects an operational mode on the
home screen displayed on touch panel display 130. Next, the
operational modes of this image forming apparatus 100 will be
described.
(Copy Mode)
[0076] The operation of the copy mode of image forming apparatus
100 will be described.
[0077] In this copy mode, image reader (which will be referred to
hereinbelow as "scanner") 102 and image forming portion 104 operate
mainly.
[0078] In image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a
document placement table is read as image data by scanner 102 and
the read image data is input to a CPU 300 of a microcomputer etc.
shown in FIG. 3, where the image data undergoes various kinds of
image processing, and the processed image data is output to image
forming portion 104.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 2, image forming portion 104 is a mechanism
that prints images of documents given as image data onto recording
mediums (recording paper in most cases), including a photoreceptor
drum 222, a charging device 224, a laser scan unit (which will be
referred to hereinbelow as "LSU") 226, a developing device 228, a
transfer device 230, a cleaning unit 232, a fixing unit 234, an
unillustrated charge eraser and other devices.
[0080] Also, image forming portion 104 is provided with a main feed
path 236 and a reverse feed path 238. The recording paper fed from
paper feed portion 106 is conveyed along main feed path 236. Paper
feed portion 106 draws recording paper, one sheet at a time, from a
stack of recording paper, held in a paper feed cassette 240 or set
on a manual feed tray 242 and delivers the recoding paper to main
feed path 236 of image forming portion 104.
[0081] In the course of the recording paper being conveyed along
main feed path 236 of image forming portion 104, the recording
paper passes through and between photoreceptor drum 222 and
transfer device 230 and then passes through fixing device 234 to
perform printing for the recording paper.
[0082] While photoreceptor drum 222 rotates in one direction, its
surface is cleaned by cleaning device 232 and the charge erasing
device, then uniformly electrified by charging device 224.
[0083] LSU 226 modulates the laser beam based on the image data to
be printed and repeatedly scans the laser beam over the
photoreceptor drum 222 surface in the main scan direction, to form
an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 222
surface.
[0084] Developing unit 228 supplies toner to the photoreceptor drum
222 surface and develops the electrostatic latent image to form a
toner image on the photoreceptor drum 222 surface.
[0085] Transfer device 230 transfers the toner image on the
photoreceptor drum 222 surface to the recording paper which passes
through the nip between the transfer device 230 and photoreceptor
drum 222.
[0086] Fixing device 234 includes a heat roller 248 for heating
recording paper and a pressing roller 250 for pressing recording
paper. The recording paper is heated by heat roller 248 and pressed
by pressing roller 250 so that the toner image transferred to the
recording paper is fixed to the recording paper. A heater in the
heat roller is heated by the power supplied to this fixing unit 234
so as to control and keep heat roller 248 at a temperature suitable
for fixing. When the apparatus enters the energy saving mode, for
instance the power supplied to this heater is stopped or cut
down.
[0087] Arranged at the junction between main feed path 236 and
reverse feed path 238 is a branch claw 244. When printing is
performed on one side of recording paper only, branch claw 244 is
positioned so as to lead the recording paper from fixing device 234
toward a paper output tray 246 or paper output processor 108.
[0088] When printing is performed on both sides of recording paper,
branch claw 244 is rotated in the predetermined direction so that
the recording paper is once conveyed toward the paper output tray
246 side. Then, the paper is switched back and conveyed toward
reverse feed path 238. The recording paper then passes through
reverse feed path 238 and is inverted upside down and fed to main
feed path 236 again. The recording paper is once again printed on
its rear side in the course of main feed path 236 and lead to paper
output tray 246 or paper output processor 108.
[0089] The recording paper thus printed is lead to paper output
tray 246 or paper output processor 108 and discharged to either
paper output tray 246 or each of paper output trays 110 of paper
output processor 108.
[0090] In paper output processor 108, a plurality of recording
sheets are sorted and discharged to individual paper output trays
110, and/or each set of recording sheets is punched or stapled. For
example, when multiple copies of printed documents are prepared,
the printed recording sheets are sorted and discharged to paper
output trays 110 so that one copy of the printed documents is
allotted to individual paper output tray 110, and the printed
documents on each paper output tray 110 are punched by a punching
unit 111 or stapled by a stapling unit 112 to prepare individual
printed material.
(Facsimile Mode)
[0091] Next, the operation in facsimile mode will be described.
[0092] In this facsimile mode, the transmitting operation is mainly
effected by document reader (scanner) 102 and a FAX communicator
160, as shown in FIG. 3. The receiving operation is mainly effected
by FAX communicator 160 and image forming portion 104.
(Transmitting Operation)
[0093] The transmitting operation is performed by the steps of:
selecting the facsimile mode, reading image data from a document
placed on the document placement table by means of document reader
102, supplying the read image data to CPU 300 made up of a
microcomputer etc. shown in FIG. 3 where the image data is
subjected to various kinds of image processes, and outputting the
thus obtained image data to the FAX communicator (FAX communicator
160 in FIG. 3).
[0094] As shown in FIG. 3, FAX communicator 160 of the transmission
side image forming apparatus 100 connects the selected transmitter
side line to the designated destination, converts the image data
into communication data conforming to the facsimile communication
standard and transmits the communication data to the receiver side
facsimile machine (e.g., image forming apparatus 100 having a
facsimile function).
(Communication Operation)
[0095] When connection of the line is established, FAX communicator
160 of image forming apparatus 100 on the receiver side detects a
communication request signal from FAX communicator 160 of image
forming apparatus 100 on the transmitter side and sends a response
signal. Then, for example, FAX communicators 160 on both the
transmitter and receiver sides exchange facsimile performance
information of their own with each other and determine the
communication rate and coding and code correction scheme of the
image data within the available maximum capacity to set up a modem
communication scheme. The data is transmitted using an image signal
system in conformity with this communication scheme, from FAX
communicator 160 of image forming apparatus 100 on the transmitter
side to FAX communicator 160 of image forming apparatus 100 on the
receiver side. When data transmission is ended, the line is cut
off.
(Receiving Operation)
[0096] The FAX communicator 160 of image forming apparatus 100 on
the receiver side converts the received data into image data and
sends the data to image forming portion 104. Here, the received
data may be converted into image data by image forming portion 104.
Image forming portion 104 prints images of documents represented by
the image data converted from the received data, onto recording
paper, in the same manner as the above-described operation in copy
mode.
[0097] Next, the control block configuration of image forming
apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 100 includes:
control unit 120 that allows the user to set copy mode and
facsimile mode; a ROM 306 for storing programs etc.; a hard disk
302 serving as a non-volatile storage area that can hold programs,
data and the like even if the power is cut off; and a RAM (Random
Access Memory) 308 that offers a storing area when a program is
executed.
[0099] Image forming apparatus 100 further includes: a bus 310
connected to image reader 102, image forming portion 104, FAX
communicator 160, control unit 120, ROM 306, hard disk 302 and RAM
308; and CPU 300 that is connected to bus 310 to realize general
functions as an image forming apparatus.
[0100] Hard disk 302 records (stores) files of image data of
documents scanned by the image forming apparatus 100. Hard disk 302
also stores initial screen data for each operational mode. The
files and data stored in hard disk 302 can also be recorded in ROM
306.
[0101] Stored in ROM 306 are programs, data and the like necessary
for controlling the operation of image forming apparatus 100. As
the data stored in ROM 306 with the programs, the initial screen
data for each operational mode may be stored. CPU 300 controls
image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the programs and
data stored in ROM 306 and performs control associated with each
function of image forming apparatus 100.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 3, a public line for exchange of image data
is connected to FAX communicator 160 of this image forming
apparatus 100 while a network line is connected to a network
interface 304. This network line may be connected to a computers
etc. that use this image forming portion 100 as a network printer
or may be connected via the Internet to a computer etc. that is
identified by a designated URL (Uniform Resource Locator). When
connected to the Internet in this way, the image forming apparatus
100 can obtain the necessary information via the Internet.
[0103] RAM 308 offers a function as a working memory for
temporarily recording the result of the operation and processing by
CPU 300 and a function as a frame memory for recording image
data.
[0104] Control of image reader 102, image forming portion 104,
touch panel display 130 and display control portion 140 forming
control unit 120, ROM 306, hard disk 302 and RAM 308 is performed
by CPU 300 executing predetermined programs. Here, control unit 120
communicates with CPU 300 by way of an input/output interface.
[0105] Control unit 120 is given as a board-like panel that is
tilted so as to allow the user ease of view. Control unit 120
includes touch panel display 130 in the left area and display
control portion 140 (including indication lamp 142 and hardware
buttons, namely, power key 144, energy-save key 146 and home key
148) in the right area on the top thereof. Touch panel display 130
and display control portion 140 are integrally provided in control
unit 120.
[0106] As described above, this touch panel display 130 is formed
of display panel 132 and touch panel 134 that is laid over display
panel 132.
[0107] Displayed on display panel 132 in touch panel display 130
are the home screen for selection of the operational mode in this
image forming apparatus 100, the current status of this image
forming apparatus 100, the status of destination selection, job
processing status and the like. Displayed in the preview display
region of display panel 132 are selection buttons as software keys.
When the displayed area of a selection button is pushed by a
finger, touch panel 134 detects the pushed position. Then, the
position on which touch panel 134 is pressed is compared with the
positions of selection buttons so as to perform selection of an
operational mode of image forming apparatus 100, functional
setting, operational instructions, and the like. In addition to
this touch control (command input control based on the position of
the user's pressing), this image forming apparatus 100 also
supports the above-mentioned gesture control (command input control
based on the trace of a user's control operation).
[0108] Further, indication lamp 142 of display control portion 140
is made up of a LED (Light Emitting Diode) for instance and is
controlled by CPU 300 so as to turn on/off (/flash on and off).
When the user presses down power key 144 that is provided
separately in addition to the main power switch, this image forming
apparatus 100 comes out of standby mode (in which, for example,
only fax reception is permitted with the main power turned on) to
active mode so that the whole operational modes of this image
forming apparatus 100 can be used. Indication lamp 142 comes on in
link with this status. Further, when a predetermined period has
elapsed without receiving any user input, or when the user presses
energy-save key 146, this image forming apparatus 100 comes out of
active mode into, energy save mode so that only part of the
operational modes of image forming apparatus 100 are operational.
Indication lamp 142 flashes on and off in link with this status.
Further, when the user presses energy-save key 146 in this energy
save mode, the image forming apparatus 100 comes out of energy save
mode into active mode. Home key 148 is a hardware key for retuning
the display of touch panel display 130 into the initial condition
(home screen). It is noted that the operations when power key 144,
energy-save key 146 and home key 148 are pressed should not be
limited to these.
[0109] The hardware keys on display control portion 140 (power key
144, energy-save key 146 and home key 148) may be embedded with a
key lamp controlled by CPU 300 so as to turn on/off (/flash). For
example, this key lamp may be a round type key ring-like lighting
or center lighting. This key lamp turns on at the timing that the
hardware key is permitted to use as a control device (at the timing
that operation is performed when the hardware key is used).
[0110] Image forming apparatus 100 has the aforementioned two
operational modes (copy mode and facsimile mode). Software buttons
for function settings in each operational mode are displayed on
touch panel display 130, and also the preview as the on-screen form
of forming images, keys for destination setting and the like are
displayed as necessary.
[0111] When the operational mode is different from that which the
user wants, touch panel display 130 displays another screen. Even
in such a case, in order for the user to easily find the
information the user requests, touch panel display 130 is divided
into multiple regions (which also are given in a size variable
manner) so as to display necessary information in each region.
[0112] In particular, in this image forming apparatus 100, when one
operational mode is selected on the home screen of touch panel
display 130 provided as the main display control device, the
initial screen of the operational mode is displayed.
[0113] In this initial screen, (1) the basic layout is formed of
five areas, namely "system region", "function selecting region",
"review region", "action panel region" and "task trigger region",
which are appropriately separated and arranged, so that the user is
able to easily perform input of settings from top left to bottom
right (because the user can move their gaze and fingertip in the
same manner as in the conventional machine which is not provided
with a large scale touch panel display 130). Further, (2) the
concept of the displays of the five regions is consistent in any of
different operational modes, so that the user is able to operate
without confusion when another operational mode is used. (3) The
size of the "function selecting region" is changed depending on the
display mode. In link with this, the size of the "preview region"
is also changed. The function setup information and preview
information can be exactly notified to the user. (4) The "preview
region" is laid out in the center while the "function selecting
region and "action panel region" as well as "task trigger region"
are arranged on the opposite sides from each other. As a result, it
is possible to select a function in the region ("function selecting
region") arranged on one side, check the processing status of the
selected function in a preview representation in the region
arranged in the center, and request the execution of the process
through the region arranged on the other side ("action panel
region" and "task trigger region"). That is, this arrangement
enables the user to move eyes and the hand linearly, hence control
smoothly.
[0114] Now, the home screen in touch panel display 130 will be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0115] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing the home screen
displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus of the
present embodiment.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 4, a home screen 330 of image forming
apparatus 100 includes a home system region 340 corresponding to
the aforementioned system region, an icon display region 350, an
icon display switching tab button 352 and a comment display region
354.
[0117] In home system region 340, an area 342 for displaying an
icon showing the home screen, area 344 for displaying the title of
the screen being displayed, area 346 for displaying the log-in
username and area 348 for displaying a log-out button (software
button) are laid out. Arranged at the right end of home system
region 340 is an area displaying the current time.
[0118] Icon display region 350 displays an icon representing an
operational mode with the title of the operational mode or its
abbreviation. In the present embodiment, an icon 372 for selecting
copy mode, icon 362 for selecting facsimile mode, icon 370 for
selecting document filing mode, icon 360 for selecting e-mail mode
and the like are displayed in icon display region 350. Icons for
selecting other than these processing are also displayed in icon
display region 350. Examples of these icons include an icon for
actuating system setup, icon for actuating language setup, icon for
displaying job status and the like.
[0119] In the present embodiment, icons are arranged in a matrix
with 3 rows and 7 columns in icon display region 350. The icons
arranged in the center of icon display region 350 are displayed to
be greater than the icons arrange in the periphery.
[0120] As the user flicks display region 350 leftwards, the icons
(icon array) displayed on the screen move as if they flow in the
direction of an arrow 332. As the user flicks display region 350
rightwards, the icons displayed on the screen move as if they flow
in the direction of an arrow 334.
[0121] In the present embodiment, the amount of movement of the
icon on the screen by a flicking operation is determined by the
distance of movement of the fingertip and its speed at the flicking
operation. If the moving speed of the fingertip is equal, the
greater the distance of movement the greater the amount of movement
of the icon. If the distance of movement of the finger tip is
equal, the greater the speed of movement the greater the amount of
movement of the icon. The preferable initial speed of movement on
the screen is approximately equal to the moving speed of the
fingertip.
[0122] It is assumed that the icons in this icon display region 350
move as if they were arranged on the peripheral side of a virtual
cylinder. That is, as the screen is repeatedly moved rightwards,
the same screen repeatedly appears in the same manner as the
cylinder is turned.
[0123] Comment display region 354 displays maintenance information
and the like, which should be notified to all the users of this
image forming apparatus 100.
[0124] Next, the basic layout configuration of the display screen
in touch panel display 130 (FIG. 1) of image forming apparatus 100
will be described taking an example of the basic layout at the time
of copy mode operation.
[0125] FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram showing a state of
partitioned display regions on the display screen in a touch panel
display of the image forming apparatus of the present
embodiment.
(Layout of Copy Basic Screen)
[0126] The basic screen in copy mode (which will be referred to
hereinbelow as "copy basic screen") in touch panel display 130 of
image forming apparatus 100 is the frame as shown in FIG. 5, which
is initially displayed when copy mode is selected.
[0127] One of the characteristics of the present embodiment is that
preview can be basically seen in all kinds of screens including the
copy basic screen. A similar image preview can be selected in the
mode of facsimile transmission, image transmission by e-mail, image
filing or the like. In any of these operational modes, the basic
screen configuration as to preview representation is equivalent.
Accordingly, the following description will be given on the copy
basic screen only.
[0128] To begin with, the basic layout of touch panel display 130
of image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to
the drawings.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 5, the basic layout of touch panel display
130 is configured in the laterally long touch panel display 130
(for example, 1024 pixels wide.times.600 pixels high) such that a
system region 400 is arranged at the topmost part, a preview region
(preview display region) 480 in the center of the screen, a
function settings/confirmation region 410 (which will be written
hereinbelow as function selecting region 410) on the left side of
preview region 480, an action panel region 482 on the upper right
part of preview region 480, and a task trigger region (control key
displayed region) 484 on the lower right of preview region 480.
[0130] It is noted that the number of regions in touch panel
display 130 should not be limited to five. Also, the horizontal
arrangement should not be limited to this so that the horizontal
arrangement may be reversed right side left, for example, depending
on the user's dominant hand. Further, the position of system region
400 may be disposed at the lowermost part. Alternatively, the
system region may be undisplayed depending on the status or
settings.
[0131] System region 400 displays the current status of this image
forming apparatus 100, e.g., the title of the operational mode in
control and the status and conditions of image forming apparatus
100. For example, displayed in system region 400 are the name of
operational mode, the cut-in key, the log-in user name, the job
status in progress, the usage status of built-in memory, time and
the like.
[0132] In function selecting region 410, settings in each function,
display switching, function selecting menu (icons, buttons, etc.)
operated by user to confirm settings are variably displayed in a
selected display style, i.e., in icon mode, regular mode or express
mode. In icon mode, only icons for function setting are displayed
in function selecting region 410 so as to maximize the size of
preview region 480.
[0133] In express mode, the display of function selecting region
410 is enlarged so as to allow the user to set the function all at
once though the size of preview region 480 is minimized.
[0134] In regular mode, preview region 480 is sized between that in
the icon mode and that in the express mode while in function
selecting region 410 the text of function titles are displayed
together with functional setting icons.
[0135] Preview region 480 displays the image of the output pages of
the (finished) document. The image is displayed using dummy data or
scanned data, and the displayed image in preview region 480 is
revised every time the user changes the finish. There are two modes
of displaying the finish in this preview region 480: the display of
the final preview with a dummy image in virtual mode before
scanning and the display of the final preview with actual images in
scan-in mode after scanning. The virtual mode further has two
types, before setting documents and after setting documents.
[0136] At the bottom of preview region 480 there is a group of
preview select buttons 450 for changing the display style of
preview region 480. The group of preview select buttons 450
includes a rotate button 458 for rotating the preview by a
predetermined angle, a zoom bar 460 for enlarging and reducing the
preview images, a document display mode button 452 for directing
change to the aftermentioned document display mode, a finish
preview button 454 for directing change to s finish preview frame
and a fit-to-screen button 457 for directing change to
fit-to-screen mode (which will be referred to hereinbelow as "fit
mode").
[0137] As rotate button 458 is touched, a dialog for designating
the rotating angle of the preview is displayed. As a desired angle
is designated, the preview image displayed in the preview region is
rotated by that angle. It is also possible to rotate the preview by
making a gesture control on the preview image. For example, as the
two fingers are put on the preview image and then the fingertips
are rotated, the preview image rotates in the direction of rotation
of the fingers by the angle that is determined by amount of
movement of the fingers.
[0138] When the (+) button 462 of zoom bar 460 is touched, or when
bar 466 is gesture-controlled (by the "drag or slide") toward the
(+) button 462, the preview is enlarged. Alternatively, when the
image of the finished document image displayed in the preview
region is gesture-controlled (on the document image by the "pinch
out/pinch open" with fingertips), the preview is also enlarged.
[0139] When the (-) button 464 of zoom bar 460 is touched, or when
bar 466 is gesture-controlled (by "drag or slide") toward the (-)
button 464, the preview is reduced in size. Alternatively, when the
image of the finished document image displayed in the preview
region is gesture-controlled (on the document image by the "pinch
in/pinch close" gesture with fingertips), the preview is also
reduced in size.
[0140] When there are many pages of document images to be displayed
in preview region 480, touchable displayed page select buttons
(page number input buttons, page up and down buttons, single page
display button and multiple page display button, etc.) may be
displayed. In this case, it is also possible to turn over or return
the page of the document to be previewed by a touching and sliding
(flicking operation) of the document image. Further, when the
document image to be displayed in preview region 480 is large,
scroll bars that can be touched or gesture-controlled may be
displayed.
[0141] Action panel region 482 displays information such as hint,
advice and suggestion for operation and control. Display in this
action panel region 482 is given such that when a particular
function is selected by a certain user, the functions associated
with the subject function may be displayed, another function as to
the subject function may be displayed in a purpose-oriented manner,
or the function that was selected in the past in combination with
the subject function by the same user or a user of the group to
which this user belongs may be displayed as a "recommended
function".
[0142] Displayed on the left side of action panel region 482 is an
action panel folding button 486, which is operated by the user when
action panel region 482 should be displayed in a contracted
representation.
[0143] As action panel folding button 486 is pressed, action panel
region 482 is contracted and a button is displayed at the right
edge of the screen, as described later. As action panel folding
button 486 is pressed once again, the action panel region 482 which
has been displayed in a contracted representation is displayed in
enlargement. That is, action panel region 482 can be reduced or
enlarged by user pressing the button. Along with this operation,
preview region 480 is enlarged or reduced. By this screen control,
the user can easily confirm preview images and check operation
hint, based on the user's intention.
[0144] Task trigger region 484 displays triggering items (software
buttons) for starting a particular operation of image forming
apparatus 100. The display of the item is given when all the
settings in the selected operational mode have been completed so
that image forming apparatus 100 is enabled to actually start the
operation. For example, in task trigger region 484, the scan start
button ("SCAN IN" button, in FIG. 6 and afterwards), monochrome
copy start button (MONO START), color copy start button (COLOR
START), or clear all button (CA) is displayed.
[0145] The scan start button is the button that triggers reading of
documents once and performs a preview process in copy and FAX
transmission modes.
[0146] The monochrome copy start button is the button that triggers
reading of documents and directly performs image forming of
monochrome images on recording paper.
[0147] The color copy start button is the button that directly
starts image forming of color images of document. The clear-all
button is a button to clear all the input information.
[0148] The layout of these five regions is not changed even if the
operational mode is switched from one to another (in the initial
screen of any operational mode). Further, each region may change in
size, expanding or contracting in the horizontal (longitudinal)
direction of the screen of touch panel display 130 as in the case
where the display of function selecting region 410 (and preview
region 480) is switched between icon mode, regular mode and express
mode.
[0149] The layout of the five regions is designed in light of the
user interfaces in conventional machines, by directing attention to
user's path of gaze and control. This arrangement leads the user to
perform settings by moving their gaze from top left to bottom right
and moving their input action (fingers of the dominant hand) from
top left to bottom right on touch panel display 130.
[0150] In this arrangement, for switching the operational mode from
one to another in normal control, the user presses down home key
148 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and selects another operational mode on the
home screen. In this way, it is possible to change operational mode
by way of the home screen.
(Display Layout in Each Image Display Mode)
[0151] Next, image display mode corresponding to each operational
mode in image forming apparatus 100 will be described with
reference to the drawings.
[0152] FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram showing a state of
partitioned display regions in fit mode in a preview representation
of the image forming apparatus; FIG. 7 is an illustrative diagram
showing a state of partitioned display regions in finish preview
mode in a preview representation of the image forming apparatus;
FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram showing a state of partitioned
display regions in image edition mode in a preview representation
of the image forming apparatus; and FIG. 9 is an illustrative
diagram showing a state of partitioned display regions in document
display mode in a preview representation of the image forming
apparatus.
[0153] In image forming apparatus 100, control unit 120 (FIG. 1)
has multiple image display modes, specifically, (1) fit mode, (2)
finish preview mode, (3) image edition mode and (4) document
display mode, to support the function of editing image data.
[0154] Now, the screen configuration of each image display mode
using preview will be described.
[0155] Here, in any image display mode, the positions of the layout
of preview region 480, function selecting region 410, action panel
region 482 and task trigger region 484, displayed on touch panel
display 130 (FIG. 1) are basically the same, though the width (the
dimension in the longitudinal direction of touch panel display 130)
varies depending on the frame.
(1) Fit Mode
[0156] In fit mode, a fit-to-screen frame 500 is displayed in touch
panel display 130, as shown in FIG. 6. Fit-to-screen frame 500 is
used to display a captured image when a scan-in operation is
completed, for example.
[0157] Arranged in the center of fit-to-screen frame 500 is preview
region 480. In this case, a preview image 502 of one page of
document is displayed in the largest possible size within the
preview region 480.
[0158] Arranged on the left side of preview region 480 is function
selecting region 410.
[0159] In function selecting region 410, a group of function icons
512 and a group of texts 514 each explaining the function of
individual function icon are displayed.
[0160] Arranged in the upper part on the right side of preview
region 480 is action panel region 482. Task trigger region 484 is
laid out under the action panel region.
[0161] When the right end of function selecting region 410 is
flicked leftwards, function selecting region 410 retracts to the
left side of the screen, so that only the group of function icons
512 is displayed. In other words, the group of texts 514 is
eliminated. Also in this state, the user is able to recognize each
function since the group of function icons 512 for function
selection is displayed. Resultantly, the user can operate without
confusion when selecting a function.
[0162] Then, as the right end of function selecting region 410 is
flicked rightwards, function selecting region 410 pulled out
rightwards. At this time, the background of function selecting
region 410 becomes translucent so that the user can view the image
in preview region 480. That is, the user can confirm the whole
preview image when selecting a function. As a result, it is
possible for the user to easily select an appropriate function.
[0163] When action panel folding button 486 is pressed, action
panel region 482 is contracted rightwards and an unfolding button
522 (see FIG. 8) is displayed. As unfolding button 522 is pressed,
action panel region 482 is expanded leftwards and displayed. This
control is the same as in the display frame in other image display
modes.
(2) Finish Preview Mode
[0164] In finish preview mode, a finish preview frame 510 is
displayed in touch panel display 130, as shown in FIG. 7. Arranged
in the center of finish preview frame 510 is preview region 480. In
this case, preview images of multiple pages of documents are
displayed in preview region 480.
[0165] On the left side of finish preview frame 510, function
selecting region 410 (FIG. 6) is displayed in a contracted
representation.
[0166] That is, only the group of function icons 512 without group
of texts 514 is displayed in function selecting region 410.
Arranged in the upper part on the right side of preview region 480
is action panel region 482. Task trigger region 484 is laid out
under the action panel region.
[0167] Preview region 480 is displayed with the greater width by
virtue of reduction of the width of function selecting region 410.
Accordingly, when many images are arranged inside preview region
480 as in a finish preview representation, the whole configuration
can be easily known. The Image arranged in the center of preview
region 480 is displayed so large that the content can be fully
confirmed.
[0168] In finish preview mode, only the group of function icons 512
is displayed without the group of texts 514. However, when the
right edge of the group of function icons 512 is flicked
rightwards, function selecting region 410 is unfolded rightwards
from the group of, function icons 512. After the unfolding, the
group of texts 514 is displayed on the right side of the group of
function icons 512, presenting a similar screen to that of
fit-to-screen frame 500. In this case, function selecting region
410 is translucent. Therefore, the images in preview region 480
under function selecting region 410 can be seen through.
[0169] As a predetermined time has elapsed without any function
icon or text operated, function selecting region 410 is retracted
once again to return to the display of the group of function icons
512 alone. Also when execution of the function selected by the user
is completed, function selecting region 410 is retracted to return
to the display of the group of function icons 512 alone.
(3) Image Edition Mode (1D Mode)
[0170] In image edition mode, an image edition mode frame 520 is
displayed in touch panel display 130, as shown in FIG. 8. Arranged
in the center of image edition mode frame 520 is preview region
480. In this case, preview images of multiple pages of documents
are arranged side by side and displayed in preview region 480. In
image edition mode frame 520, it is possible to insert a blank
page, delete a partial area of an image and perform other
processes, in addition to mere display of images.
[0171] Similarly to finish preview frame 510 (FIG. 7), function
selecting region 410 is displayed in a contracted representation on
the left side of image edition mode frame 520. In function
selecting region 410 only the group of function icons 512 is
displayed.
[0172] In image edition mode frame 520, differing from finish
preview frame 510, the action panel region 482 (FIG. 7) displayed
in finish preview frame 510 is folded into the right side (in other
wards, retracted into the right side) with unfolding button 522
displayed instead.
[0173] As unfolding button 522 is pressed, action panel region 482
is expanded and displayed. Also in this case, action panel region
482 is displayed translucently so that preview region 480 under the
action panel region can be recognized.
[0174] As a predetermined time has elapsed without any control
given to action panel region 482, action panel region 482 is folded
once again and replaced by unfolding button 522.
[0175] Similarly, as the left edge of contracted task trigger
region 484 is flicked leftwards, task trigger region 484 is
enlarged to the normal size. Also in this case, background of task
trigger region 484 is made translucent.
[0176] When task trigger region 484 is displayed, the buttons
inside task trigger region 484 can be operated. As a predetermined
time has elapsed without any control given to task trigger region
484, task trigger region 484 is contracted and displayed.
[0177] In image edition mode, task trigger region 484 is also
contracted and displayed in the right side of image edition mode
frame 520. In this case, only part of buttons in task trigger
region 484 can be seen. Since in image edition mode, priority is
given to edition of page images, it does not matter if task trigger
region 484 is displayed in a contracted manner.
[0178] Accordingly, in image edition mode, function selecting
region 410, action panel region 482 and task trigger region 484 are
displayed with their width contracted, so that most part of the
display area of touch panel display 130 may be used for preview
region 480. Hence, it is possible to easily perform edition of
images and confirmation of images after edition.
[0179] Further, in image edition mode, in place of action panel
region 482, unfolding button 522 and task trigger region 484 are
displayed in a contracted manner on the upper and lower right of
the screen, respectively. This enables the user to recognize the
positions of action panel region 482 and task trigger region 484
during editing images, so that the user can do a job of editing
comfortably.
(4) Document Display Mode
[0180] In document display mode, a document display mode 530 is
displayed in touch panel display 130, as shown in FIG. 9. Arranged
in the center of document display mode frame 530 is preview region
480. In this case, multiple captured page images are arranged
matrix-wise in preview region 480.
[0181] On the left side of document display mode frame 530,
function selecting region 410 (FIG. 6) is displayed in a contracted
representation.
[0182] In function selecting region 410, only the group of function
icons 512 without group of texts 514 is displayed. Action panel
region 482 and task trigger region 484 are normally displayed in
the same manner as in fit-to-screen frame 500 (FIG. 6).
[0183] The area of preview region 480 becomes greater than that in
fit-to-screen frame 500, and a greater number of pages can be
displayed. In the present embodiment, multiple images are arrayed
in conformity with the width of preview region 480. When there are
many images so that part of them cannot be displayed, a scroll bar
532 is displayed along the right edge of preview region 480. By
operating scroll bar 532, it is possible to move the images
displayed in preview region 480 up and down. It is also possible to
move the images up or down by flicking the screen upwards or
downwards.
[0184] Next, the configuration of control unit 120 in image forming
apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with
reference to the drawings.
[0185] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control unit
configuration in the image forming apparatus of the present
embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a touch panel
display configuration of the control unit.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 10, control unit 120 according to the
present embodiment includes, in addition to display panel 132 and
touch panel 134, an operated position detector 135, a screen
display portion 136, a display image generator 137 and control
unit-side controller (display controller) 131 for controlling
processing and operation in control unit 120.
[0187] Image forming apparatus 100 includes document reader 102 for
receiving input of image data, an image processor 103, a storage
105 for storing image data input through document reader 102 and an
image output unit 107 such as a printer, transmitter or the like
for outputting images, all being operated and controlled by a main
controller 101.
[0188] Document reader 102 has an additional reading function which
enables additional reading (additional input) of additional
documents after completion of reading of desired documents (image
data).
[0189] Operated position detector 135 detects the operated position
on touch panel 134.
[0190] Screen display portion 136 displays an image formed by
display image generator 137 on display panel 132 and displays the
frame corresponding to each of the multiple image display
modes.
[0191] Display image generator 137 prepares a predetermined image
based on image data input to the main body of image forming
apparatus 100, following instructions from control unit-side
controller 131 and also has a function of forming images in their
finished state in accordance with the settings for the finishing
process.
[0192] Control unit-side controller 131 is connected to main
controller 101 of the main body of image forming apparatus 100 and
functions as a controller in touch panel display 130.
[0193] Now, control unit-side controller 131 will be described in
detail.
[0194] As shown in FIG. 11, control unit-side controller 131 has a
preview display function of giving display images based on the
documents scanned by document reader 102 on touch panel display 130
in a preview representation and a scroll display function of
multiple pages of display images given in a preview representation
in a movable manner.
[0195] Further, control unit-side controller 131 has an image
display mode selecting controller 1310.
[0196] Image display mode selecting controller 1310 has a function
which, when the user selects a desired function, selects an image
display mode suited to the function the user wants from the
multiple image display modes, in accordance with the user's
operation of selecting a function, and displays the display frame
corresponding to the image display mode, on touch panel display
130.
[0197] Image display mode selecting controller 1310 also has a
function which, if one page image representation or two page image
representation (so-called spread representation) has been given on
touch panel display 130 when the user selects a desired function,
changes the display to an image display mode for displaying images
of more than two pages in a preview representation, in accordance
with the user's operation of selecting a function.
[0198] In the present embodiment, the user's operations of
selecting a desired function should include the operation of
selecting or touching an image given in a preview representation on
touch panel display 130 with the finger and moving it, or a
flicking operation by touching the image with the finger and
sweeping it lightly.
[0199] Further, the user's operations of selecting a desired
function should include the operation of selecting or touching an
image to be edited and sliding the image either leftwards or
rightwards on touch panel display 130.
[0200] Next, the cases where the display frame in image forming
apparatus 100 changes by user's operation on touch panel display
130 when the user selects a desired function, will be described
taking an example with reference to the drawings.
Example
[0201] This example shows a case where, upon edition of moving an
image to be edited in image forming apparatus 100, the display
screen being in fit mode changes its mode in accordance with the
user's operation on touch panel display 130.
[0202] FIG. 12A is an illustrative view showing one example of a
display screen when the screen display mode is in fit mode in the
image forming apparatus of the example. FIG. 12B is an illustrative
view showing one example of a display screen when the screen
display mode has been switched into image edition mode (1D mode) in
the image forming apparatus.
[0203] In the example, in image forming apparatus 100,
fit-to-screen frame 500 in fit mode is displayed on touch panel
display 130, as shown in FIG. 12A.
[0204] In preview region 480 of fit-to-screen frame 500, an image
P1 to be edited (which will be referred to hereinbelow as "target
image") is displayed in a preview representation.
[0205] Target image P1 is a display image that is formed based on
image data of one page among the image data of multiple pages input
in image forming apparatus 100.
[0206] When target image P1 is moved (or inserted), the target
image P1 displayed on fit-to-screen frame 500 is flicked (by
touching and sliding) either leftwards or rightwards. As a result,
control unit-side controller 131 (FIGS. 10 and 11) recognizes that
target image P1 should be moved in the horizontal direction on the
interactive screen. Then, image display mode selecting controller
1310 (FIG. 11) selects the image edition mode which is the most
suitable to move the image and then displays image edition mode
frame 520 corresponding to image edition mode, as shown in FIG.
12B.
[0207] In image edition mode frame 520, multiple images (Pn1, Pn2,
Pn3 . . . ) associated with target image P1 are displayed so as
allow the user to recognize the arrangement of the input image
data.
[0208] To select the place to which target image P1 is moved (or
inserted), the user flicks image edition mode frame 520 either
leftwards or rightwards so as to scroll the preview image of
multiple images (Pn1, Pn2, Pn3 . . . ) in either left or right
direction and find the target position.
[0209] When the target position (located between image Pn2 and
image Pn3 in the present embodiment) is selected on image edition
mode frame 520, for example double-tapping at the target position
with the finger selects and determines the target position. As a
result, target image P1 is laid out and displayed between image Pn2
and image Pn3 on image edition mode frame 520, as shown in FIG.
12B.
[0210] According to the example, when target image P1 displayed on
fit-to-screen frame 500 is moved (inserted), mere touching and
sliding of target image P1 without performing any control of
switching the display screen, enables automatic selection of the
most suitable image edition mode for image movement, hence it is
possible to display image edition mode frame 520 corresponding to
the image edition mode. As a result, the multiple images (Pn1, Pn2,
Pn3 . . . ) associated with target image P1 can be displayed,
whereby it is possible for the user to easily move or insert target
image P1 to the target position.
[0211] Though, in the above example, the display screen is changed
into image edition mode frame 520 in which multiple images are
arrayed in the horizontal direction, by touching and sliding target
image P1 in the horizontal direction, the display screen may be
changed into image edition mode frame 520 in which multiple images
are arranged in the vertical direction, by, for example, touching
and sliding target image P1 in the vertical direction.
[0212] Further, in the example, the function the user wants, or the
moving function, is actuated by touching and sliding target image
P1 in the horizontal direction. However, a function selecting pane
is displayed in action panel region 482 so that a desired function
item key in the function selecting pane may be selected, as shown
in FIG. 12A.
[0213] In the function selecting pane in FIG. 12, function item
keys such as "Delete Page", "Move Page", "Rotate Page", "Divide
Chapters", "Insert Blank Page" and "Transmit Simultaneously" are
arranged, and the moving function can be actuated by touching the
"Move Page" key 482a.
[0214] Further, in the example, when the user touches and slides
target image P1, the display screen on touch panel display 130 is
switched from fit-to-screen frame 500 to image edition mode frame
520. However, switching of the display screen is not limited to
this.
[0215] As a variational example, when, for example, target image P1
belongs to a display image for duplex printing in "2-in-1" layout
for arranging two document image on one page of printout, the
display screen is adapted to switch to finish preview frame 510, as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0216] In this way, image display mode selecting controller 1310
can select the image display mode that is most suitable to support
the style (one-sided printing, duplex printing, etc.) of edited
images and can display its frame.
[0217] As configured above, according to the above embodiment,
example and variational example, in image forming apparatus 100
including control unit 120 having a function of displaying images
to be output based on input image data in a preview representation,
control unit-side controller 131 for controlling the processing and
operation of control unit 120 is equipped with image display mode
selecting controller 1310, whereby when the user performs image
edition, the most suitable image display mode that supports the
function and style of edited images the user wants can be selected
from multiple image display modes, in accordance with the user's
function selecting operation (e.g., an action of moving an image to
be edited by touching and sliding), so as to give the associated
display of the selected mode on touch panel display 130. As a
result, it is possible to clarify the positional relationship of
the target image to be edited relative to other images as well as
to ease image editing operations, hence it is possible to realize
an image forming apparatus that is improved in operativity.
[0218] The above embodiment and examples were described taking
cases in which control unit 120 according to the present invention
is applied to image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. However,
as long as it is an image forming apparatus that includes a control
unit (image display control device) including multiple image
display modes for editing functions of image data and having a
function of providing preview display of images to be output, the
invention can be applied to any other image forming apparatus and
the like, not limited to the image forming apparatus and copier
having the configuration described above.
[0219] Having described heretofore, the present invention is not
limited to the above embodiment and example, various changes can be
made within the scope of the appended claims. That is, it is
apparent that various kinds of variations and modified examples
will occur to those skilled in the art within the scope of the
appended claims. That is, any embodied mode obtained by combination
of technical means modified as appropriate without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention should be included in
the technical art of the present invention.
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