U.S. patent application number 14/553685 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-19 for image forming apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Tamotsu FUKUSHIMA, Terumi HAYASHI.
Application Number | 20150077784 14/553685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43528252 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150077784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FUKUSHIMA; Tamotsu ; et
al. |
March 19, 2015 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
Abstract
An image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions and
executing a function designated from the plurality of functions
includes a display device for displaying a function selection image
allowing a user to designate any of the plurality of functions. The
display device displays a first group of functions of which
frequency of use is higher than a prescribed threshold value, and a
second group of functions of which frequency of use is not higher
than the threshold value, on mutually different function selection
images, with a display item indicating that functions are displayed
distinguished from each other. The image forming apparatus further
includes: a designating device receiving a user input designating
any of the plurality of functions displayed by the display device;
and an image forming unit executing the function designated by the
input received by the designating device.
Inventors: |
FUKUSHIMA; Tamotsu; (Osaka,
JP) ; HAYASHI; Terumi; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
43528252 |
Appl. No.: |
14/553685 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12840077 |
Jul 20, 2010 |
8930823 |
|
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14553685 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1231 20130101;
H04N 1/00411 20130101; G06F 3/1204 20130101; H04N 1/2392 20130101;
H04N 1/00464 20130101; G03G 15/502 20130101; H04N 1/00474 20130101;
H04N 1/00517 20130101; H04N 1/00424 20130101; H04N 2201/0094
20130101; H04N 1/2338 20130101; H04N 1/00482 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.13 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00; G03G 15/00 20060101 G03G015/00; H04N 1/23 20060101
H04N001/23; G06F 3/12 20060101 G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 28, 2009 |
JP |
2009-175101 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions and
executing a function designated from said plurality of functions,
comprising: a display device displaying a function selection image
allowing a user to designate any of said plurality of functions,
said display device displaying a first group of functions of which
frequency of use is higher than a prescribed threshold value, and a
second group of functions of which frequency of use is not higher
than said threshold value, on mutually different function selection
images, with a display item indicating that functions are displayed
distinguished from each other; a designating device, connected to
said display device, for receiving a user input designating any of
the plurality of functions displayed by said display device; an
extracting unit for extracting, from the first group of functions,
a function in the first group of functions to be moved to the
second group of functions, while maintaining a function saved in
the second group of functions prior to the extraction, in the
second group of functions, when a predetermined condition is met;
and an image forming unit, connected to said designating device,
for executing the function designated by the input received by said
designating device.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
display item includes a UI component allowing transition from the
function selection image displaying functions of said first group
to the function selection image displaying functions of said second
group.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising: a changing device changing, when a function belonging
to said second group is designated on said function selection image
by said designating device, a manner of display of said display
device to have the function displayed together with the functions
belonging to said first group.
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
display device displays said plurality of functions, with higher
priority to the functions of said first group than the functions of
said second group.
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said
display device includes a device controlling menu transition such
that the function selection image of the functions belonging to
said second group can be reached only after the function selection
image of the functions belonging to said first group is
reached.
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further
comprising: a changing device changing, when any of the functions
belonging to said second group is designated by said designating
device, a manner of display of said display device to have the
function displayed together with the functions belonging to said
first group.
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a changing device changing, when any of the functions
belonging to said second group is designated by said designating
device, a manner of display of said display device to have the
function displayed together with the functions belonging to said
first group.
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said
changing device includes a restoring device for determining, when a
function belonging to said second group is designated by said
designating device, whether or not predetermined restore conditions
are satisfied, and restoring said function to said first group or
maintaining said function in said second group depending on the
result of determination; and said restore conditions relate to the
number of designations of said function by said designating
device.
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising: an authentication device for authentication of a user
who uses said image forming apparatus; wherein said changing device
includes a restoring device for determining, when a function
belonging to said second group is designated by said designating
device, whether or not predetermined restore conditions are
satisfied, and restoring the function to said first group or
maintaining said function in said second group depending on the
result of determination; and said restore conditions relate to the
user who designated said function using said designating
device.
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising: an authentication device for authentication of a user
who uses said image forming apparatus; wherein said changing device
includes a restoring device, when a function belonging to said
second group is designated by said designating device, for
restoring the function to said first group or maintaining the
function in said second group based on predetermined restore
conditions; and said restore conditions require that either a
condition related to the number of designations of said function by
a specific user using said designating device or a condition
related to the number of designations of said function by
unspecified users using said designating device is satisfied.
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising: a confirming device receiving, when a function
belonging to said second group is designated by said designating
device, a confirmation input of a user approval on movement of said
function to said first group; wherein said changing device includes
a function moving device moving, when the confirmation input is
received by the confirming device, the function designated by said
designating device to said first group.
12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a history storage device storing a history of
designation of said plurality of functions by said designating
device; a frequency calculating device calculating, in accordance
with the history stored in said history storage device, frequency
of designation of each of the functions belonging to said first
group in a prescribed time period; and an auto saving device saving
any function belonging to said first group of which frequency
calculated by said frequency calculating device is not higher than
said threshold value to said second group.
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a
hierarchical structure is defined among said plurality of
functions; said display device makes transition of functions
displayed on said function selection image in accordance with said
hierarchical structure; and when a function belonging to said first
group is saved to said second group, said auto saving device saves
a function belonging to a lower layer of said function in said
hierarchical structure to said second group, maintaining the
hierarchical structure between said function and the function
belonging to the lower layer of said function.
14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
predetermined condition is met when the function in the first group
of functions is not used for a predetermined period of time.
15. In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions
and executing a function designated from said plurality of
functions, a method of displaying a function selection image,
comprising the steps of: displaying a function selection image
allowing a user to designate any of said plurality of functions,
said display step displaying a first group of functions of which
frequency of use is higher than a prescribed threshold value, and a
second group of functions of which frequency of use is not higher
than said threshold value, on mutually different function selection
images, with a display item indicating that functions are displayed
distinguished from each other; receiving a user input designating
any of the plurality of functions displayed at said display step;
extracting, from the first group of functions, a function to be
moved to the second group of functions, while maintaining a
function saved in the second group of functions prior to the
extraction, in the second group of functions, when a predetermined
condition is met; and executing the function designated by the
input received at said receiving step and forming an image on a
recording medium.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said display item
includes a UI component allowing transition from the function
selection image displaying functions of said first group to the
function selection image displaying functions of said second
group.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step
of changing, when a function belonging to said second group is
designated on said function selection image at said receiving step,
a manner of display of said display device to have the function
displayed together with the functions belonging to said first
group.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein said changing step
includes the steps of: determining, when a function belonging to
said second group is designated at said receiving step, whether or
not predetermined restore conditions are satisfied; and restoring
said function to said first group or maintaining said function in
said second group depending on the result of determination; and
said restore conditions relate to the number of designations of
said function at said receiving step.
19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps
of: storing a history of designation of said plurality of functions
at said receiving step, in a storage device; calculating, in
accordance with the history stored in said history storage device,
frequency of designation of each of the functions belonging to said
first group in a prescribed time period; and saving any function
belonging to said first group of which frequency calculated at said
calculating step is not higher than said threshold value to said
second group.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein a hierarchical
structure is defined among said plurality of functions; at said
display step, functions displayed on said function selection image
are subjected to transition in accordance with said hierarchical
structure; and at said saving step, a function belonging to a lower
layer of said function in said hierarchical structure is saved to
said second group, maintaining the hierarchical structure between
said function and the function belonging to the lower layer of said
function.
21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the
predetermined condition is met when the function in the first group
of function is not used for a predetermined period of time.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Divisional of copending application
Ser. No. 12/840,077, filed on Jul. 20, 2010. application Ser. No.
12/840,077 is a nonprovisional application which claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) on Patent Application No. 2009-175101
filed in Japan on Jul. 28, 2009, all of which are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference into the present application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus
forming an image on a recording medium (typically, on a sheet of
recording paper) based on image data using, for example,
electrophotography. More specifically, the present invention
relates to an image forming apparatus having a large number of
functions, allowing the user to easily select a desired function
from the large number of functions.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] It has become increasingly common to connect an image
forming apparatus having a printer function or a copy function to a
network, to allow use by a plurality of users. Further, the number
of apparatuses having a plurality of basic functions (modes) such
as a copy function, a facsimile function (hereinafter "facsimile"
may also be denoted as FAX or fax), a network-supported printer
function and a scanner function, such as MFPs (multi-function
peripherals), is increasing.
[0006] In such a multi-function peripheral, each user selects a
basic function (mode) and sets a function of duplex (two-sided)
printing or collective printing (such as 2-in-1 by which two pages
of an original document are printed on one sheet, or 4-in-1 by
which four pages of an original document are printed on one sheet),
whereby images are formed on sheets of paper in a desired manner.
Sometimes, a function is selected and for the selected function, a
detailed function is further selected. In such a case, we may
consider that the function selection menu has a hierarchy.
Specifically, when a function of "color adjustment" is selected
from a "special function" menu, a menu of a lower layer is
displayed, and the user may select a detailed function from the
submenu. Here, the menu of lower layer includes, for example, three
functions of "RGB adjustment," "color balance" and "background
erasure."
[0007] In order to meet various and many demands of users, recent
image forming apparatuses come to have a larger number of higher
functions. As a result, the image forming apparatuses come to have
a huge number of functions, resulting in a complicated menu
configuration (a hierarchical menu configuration as described
above). Further, in addition to the hierarchical menu configuration
as described above, a menu belonging to one layer may consist of a
plurality of pages. In such a case, it is necessary to find a page
having a desired function described thereon from among the
plurality of pages and to designate the desired function on the
page.
[0008] When such a multifunction peripheral (image forming
apparatus) is used, for example, it is necessary for the user to
perform the following operations. First, the user selects the copy
mode. The user inputs image data using a scanner unit. Then, the
user carries out various operations on an operation panel to
designate desired functions, so that an image forming process
(collection or the like) is executed and the result is printed by
an image forming unit on a sheet of recording paper. Since the
image forming apparatus comes to have higher and larger number of
functions, it is necessary for the user to select a desired
function from among a huge number of functions.
[0009] It is often the case that a user selects one function
frequently. For such a user, a menu image (an image allowing
selection of functions) includes display of many unnecessary
functions. Therefore, the user feels it troublesome to select the
desired function, possibly because many menu images including
displays of unnecessary functions are displayed before the user
reaches a menu image allowing selection of a desired function.
[0010] Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-13732 (hereinafter
referred to as "'732 Reference") discloses a method of display
letting the user know that an icon indicating a program or
indicating a combination of a program and data has not been used
for a long time, in an information processing system such as a
personal computer. According to the icon display method disclosed
in '732 Reference, icons are displayed on a display screen. When a
user selectively designates a displayed icon, information
corresponding to the icon is designated. According to the display
method, elapsed time after the last designation of an icon is
measured. If the counted time exceeds a first specific time, the
manner of display of the icon is changed, to give an alarm.
Further, if the measured time exceeds a second specific time longer
than the first specific time, the alarm-displayed icon is erased
from the display screen.
[0011] According to the icon display method, the user can grasp
information (icon) not used for a prescribed elapse time. Further,
since display of an icon that is not used can be erased from the
display screen, the display screen can be used efficiently.
[0012] The icon display method disclosed in '732 Reference,
however, has the following problem. Specifically, the icon that is
not used is eventually not displayed on the display screen. If the
user wishes to use the icon again, it is necessary to form the icon
again. In other words, simply by deleting information (icon) that
is not used for a prescribed time period from the display screen,
it is impossible to appropriately meet the demand of the user to
use the icon again.
[0013] It is unclear whether such a method of icon display can be
applied to selection of a function in an image forming apparatus
that comes to have a larger number of higher functions. Even if it
is applied, what is attained is only an erasure of a function that
has not been used for a long time from the selection image. After
the display of the function is erased, it is impossible for the
user to select the function. Therefore, it is unclear if the
application solves the problem of troublesome work in selecting the
desired function by the user in an image forming apparatus. In
addition, the application possibly leads to inconvenience for the
user if he/she wishes to select the function.
[0014] If the number of icons (functions of image forming
apparatus) increases, it becomes difficult for the user to
determine, when an icon is simply erased from the selection image,
whether the icon is erased or the icon is not erased but displayed
on some other selection image. Therefore, the work of selecting a
desired function is still troublesome for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
an image forming apparatus having various and many functions that
are appropriately selected and used by a user, allowing the user to
easily select a desired function from among the large number of
functions, as well as to provide a method of displaying a function
selection image in the image forming apparatus.
[0016] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus
having a plurality of functions and executing a function designated
from the plurality of functions. The image forming apparatus
includes a display device displaying a function selection image
allowing a user to designate any of the plurality of functions. The
display device displays a first group of functions of which
frequency of use is higher than a prescribed threshold value, and a
second group of functions of which frequency of use is not higher
than the threshold value, on mutually different function selection
images, with a display item indicating that functions are displayed
distinguished from each other. The image forming apparatus further
includes: a designating device, connected to the display device,
for receiving a user input designating any of the plurality of
functions displayed by the display device; and an image forming
unit, connected to the designating device, for executing the
function designated by the input received by the designating
device.
[0017] In the image forming apparatus, when one function is
designated as a function to be used from a plurality of functions,
functions belonging to the first group of high frequency of use and
functions belonging to the second group of low frequency of use are
displayed on separate function selection images, with display items
indicating that the functions are displayed in distinguished
manner. Therefore, the user can easily designate a function he/she
wants to use. The user can recognize that the functions that are
frequently used and the functions that are not frequently used are
displayed distinguished from each other and, therefore, the user
can easily find and designate a desired function, even if the
function is not frequently used. Specifically, in the image forming
apparatus, a function selection image, in which the manner of
display is changed appropriately reflecting the use history of the
user, is displayed in a manner distinguished in accordance with the
frequency of designation (use) of each function. As a result, in an
image forming apparatus having various and many functions that are
appropriately selected and used by a user, the user can easily
select a function he/she wants to use from the large number of
functions.
[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention
provides, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of
functions and executing a function designated from the plurality of
functions, a method of displaying a function selection image. The
method includes the step of displaying a function selection image
allowing a user to designate any of the plurality of functions. The
display step displays a first group of functions of which frequency
of use is higher than a prescribed threshold value, and a second
group of functions of which frequency of use is not higher than the
threshold value, on mutually different function selection images,
with a display item indicating that functions are displayed
distinguished from each other. The method further includes the
steps of: receiving a user input designating any of the plurality
of functions displayed at the display step; and executing the
function designated by the input received at the receiving step and
forming an image on a recording medium.
[0019] By the image forming apparatus and the method of the present
invention, when various and many functions are provided and the
functions are appropriately selected and used by the user, the
manner of display of the function selection image is changed
appropriately reflecting the use history of functions by the user,
whereby the user can easily select a desired function from the
large number of functions.
[0020] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an
image forming apparatus 150 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 schematically shows an internal configuration of
image forming apparatus 150.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing hardware
configuration of image forming apparatus 150.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a function use table stored in image forming
apparatus 150.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a function management table stored in image
forming apparatus 150.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a
job execution program executed by the image forming apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a flowchart representing a control structure of an
auto-save program.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a flowchart representing a control structure of an
auto-restore program.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a
reset program.
[0030] FIG. 10 shows a system setting dialog displayed on a display
panel 172 shown in FIG. 3.
[0031] FIG. 11 shows a log-in dialog.
[0032] FIG. 12 shows a main menu image when the copy function is
selected.
[0033] FIG. 13 shows a menu image for selecting a special function
for the copy function.
[0034] FIG. 14 shows a menu image for selecting a finishing
function for the copy function.
[0035] FIG. 15 shows a menu image for selecting a non-saved
function among the special functions for the copy function.
[0036] FIG. 16 shows a menu image for selecting a saved function
among the special functions for the copy function.
[0037] FIG. 17 shows a submenu function of a color adjustment
function (selected from the list of saved functions shown in FIG.
16), for the copy function.
[0038] FIG. 18 shows a submenu image of a color adjustment function
(selected from the list of non-saved functions shown in FIG. 13),
for the copy function.
[0039] FIGS. 19 and 20 show images for confirming a function
restore.
[0040] FIG. 21 shows an image for confirming a function saving.
[0041] FIG. 22 shows an image for confirming resetting of saved
functions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] In the following description, the same components are
denoted by the same reference characters. Their functions and names
are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not
be repeated. In the following description, it is assumed that the
image forming apparatus in accordance with the present invention is
an MFP. The present invention, however, is not limited thereto. The
image forming apparatus may be any device that allows selection of
a desired function from a plurality of functions using a menu image
(function selection image) displayed on a display panel. In the
following description, "facsimile", "fax" and "FAX" are used not
specifically distinguished from each other.
[0043] [Image Forming Apparatus (Hardware)]
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an image forming apparatus 150
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes
a document reading unit 152, an image forming unit 154, a paper
feed unit 156, and a discharge processing device 158. In the
following, operations in the copy mode, facsimile mode and scanner
mode of image forming apparatus (MFP) 150 will be described, as
description of internal configuration of image forming apparatus
150. These are basic functions of image forming apparatus 150.
[0045] --Copy Mode--
[0046] In the copy mode, mainly document reading unit (also
referred to as a scanner unit) 152 and image forming unit 154
operate to realize the copy function.
[0047] In image forming apparatus 150, a document placed on a
platen is read by document reading unit 152 as image data, and the
read image data is input to CPU 300 implemented, for example, by a
microcomputer shown in FIG. 3. In CPU 300, the image data is
subjected to various image processing operations by the functions
designated by a user logged-in to image forming apparatus 150. The
resulting image data is output to image forming unit 154.
[0048] Image forming unit 154 is for printing an image of the
document represented by the image data on a recording medium (in
most case, on a sheet of recording paper). Image forming unit 154
includes, by way of example, a photoreceptor drum 222, a charger
224, a laser scanning unit (hereinafter also denoted as LSU) 226, a
developer 228, a transfer device 230, a cleaning device 232, a
fixing device 234 and a neutralizer, not shown.
[0049] In image forming unit 154, a main feeding path 236 and a
reverse feeding path 238 are provided, and a sheet of recording
paper fed from paper feed unit 156 is fed along main feeding path
236. Paper feed unit 156 draws out sheets of recording paper
stacked on a paper feed cassette 240 or on a manual feed tray 242
one by one, and feeds the sheet of paper to main feeding path 236
of image forming unit 154.
[0050] While the sheet of recording paper is fed along main feeding
path 236 of image forming unit 154, the sheet passes between
photoreceptor drum 222 and transfer device 230, and further passes
through fixing device 234, whereby printing is done on the sheet of
recording paper.
[0051] Photoreceptor drum 222 rotates in one direction, and its
surface is cleaned by cleaning device 232 and the neutralizer and,
thereafter, uniformly charged by charger 224.
[0052] LSU 226 modulates the laser beam based on the image data to
be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of photoreceptor drum
222 with the laser beam in a main scanning direction, whereby an
electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of
photoreceptor drum 222.
[0053] Developer 228 develops the electrostatic latent image by
supplying toner to the surface of photoreceptor drum 222, and thus,
a toner image is formed on the surface of photoreceptor drum
222.
[0054] Transfer device 230 transfers the toner image on the surface
of photoreceptor drum 222 to the sheet of recording paper passing
between transfer device 230 and the photoreceptor drum 222.
[0055] Fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 for heating
the sheet of recording paper and a pressure roller 250 for pressing
the sheet of recording paper. As the sheet of recording paper is
heated by heating roller 248 and pressed by pressure roller 250 to
heating roller 248, the toner image is fixed on the sheet of
recording paper. A heater, not shown, in heating roller 248 is
heated by electric power supplied to fixing device 234. By
controlling power supply to the heater, the temperature of heating
roller 248 is maintained at a temperature appropriate for
fixing.
[0056] At a position of connection between main feeding path and
reverse feeding path 238, a separation pawl 244 is arranged. When
printing is done only on one side of the sheet of recording paper,
separation pawl 244 is so positioned that the sheet of recording
paper fed from fixing device 234 is guided to paper discharge tray
246 or to discharge processing device 158.
[0057] When printing is done on both sides of the sheet of
recording paper, separation pawl 244 is turned to a prescribed
direction, so that the sheet of recording paper is guided to
reverse feeding path 238. The sheet of recording paper passes
through reverse feeding path 238, turned upside-down and again fed
to main feeding path 236, and while it is again fed along main
feeding path, printing is done on its rear surface.
[0058] The sheet of recording paper on which printing is done in
the above-described manner is guided to discharge tray 246 or to
discharge processing device 158, and discharged to discharge tray
246 or to any of the discharge trays 168 of discharge processing
device 158.
[0059] In discharge processing device 158, finishing process is
executed when a finishing function, which will be described later,
is designated. The finishing process includes any of a process of
sorting a plurality of printed sheets of paper to be output to
different discharge trays 168, a process of punching each sheet of
recording paper and a process of stapling the sheets of recording
paper, or an arbitrary combination of these processes. Assume that
a number of copies of the printing are to be prepared. In that
case, sheets of recording paper are sorted and discharged to paper
discharge trays 168 such that each tray 168 contains each set of
printed sheets (sorting function is designated), and the set of
printed sheets in each tray 168 is stapled (stapling function is
designated) or punched (punching function is designated), whereby
copies of prints are prepared. In addition, a grouping function is
also provided for grouping the prints.
[0060] --Facsimile Mode--
[0061] In the facsimile mode, document reading unit (scanner unit)
152 and a FAX communication unit 155 mainly operate for a
transmission operation and FAX communication unit 155 and image
forming unit 154 mainly operate for a reception operation, whereby
the facsimile function is realized. The operations of image forming
apparatus 150 in the Internet facsimile communication mode and the
electronic mail communication mode (scan-to-mail) are substantially
similar, though the destination is not a FAX number but a computer
address or a mail address, or the communication interface is not
FAX communication unit 155 but network interface (network IF)
304.
[0062] Transmission Operation
[0063] In image forming apparatus 150, the user designates the
facsimile mode and places a document on a platen. The document is
read by a document reading unit as image data, and the read image
data is input to CPU 300 shown in FIG. 3. At CPU 300, the image
data is subjected various image processing operations. The
resulting image data is output to the FAX communication unit (FAX
communication unit 155 of FIG. 3).
[0064] FAX communication unit 155 of image forming apparatus 150 on
the transmitting side connects a line to a designated transmission
destination, converts the image data to communication data in
compliance with facsimile transmission standard, and transmits the
converted data to a facsimile machine on the receiving side. In the
following description, it is assumed that the facsimile machine on
the receiving side is also an apparatus of the same type as image
forming apparatus 150, and the transmitting and receiving
operations of image forming apparatus 150 will be described
together.
[0065] Communication Operation
[0066] When the line is connected, FAX communication unit 155 of
image forming apparatus 150 on the receiving side detects a
communication request signal from the transmitting side, and
transmits an acknowledgement signal. Thereafter, by way of example,
FAX communication units 155 of the transmitting side and receiving
side pass performance information supported by each other,
determine highest possible speed of communication and method of
coding/code correction of image data, and set the method of
communication of modems. Then, using the image signal format in
accordance with the communication method, data is transmitted from
FAX communication unit 155 of image forming apparatus 150 on the
transmitting side to FAX communication unit 155 of image forming
apparatus 150 on the receiving side. When transmission ends, the
line is disconnected.
[0067] Reception Operation
[0068] FAX communication unit 155 of image forming apparatus 150 on
the receiving side converts the received data to image data and
passes the data to image forming unit 154. Image forming unit 154
prints an image of a document represented by the image data
converted from the received data on a sheet of recording paper, in
a manner similar to the operation in the copy mode described above.
A configuration in which the received data is converted to image
data not by FAX communication unit 155 but by image forming unit
154 is also possible.
[0069] --Scanner Mode--
[0070] In the scanner mode, mainly by the operation of document
reading unit (scanner unit) 152, the scanner function is
realized.
[0071] A document placed on a platen is read by document reading
unit 152 as image data. The read image data is input to CPU 300.
The image data is subjected to various image processing operations
at CPU 300. Based on the image data, an image is formed on the
sheet of recording paper, by image forming unit 154. Alternatively,
the image data may be stored in a storage, transmitted to another
image forming apparatus connected to a public line through FAX
communication unit 155, or may be transmitted to a computer
connected to a network, through network IF 304.
[0072] In image forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the
present embodiment, when any of the various modes (copy mode,
facsimile mode and scanner mode, and possibly, printer mode) is
selected and the user further selects a function for the selected
mode, a menu image appropriately reflecting the use history of the
user is displayed on display panel 172. This allows the user to
easily select a desired function from among a large number of
functions. Specifically, in image forming apparatus 150 in
accordance with the present embodiment, in order to enable the user
to easily select a desired function, the function selection menu
displayed on display panel 172 is maintained.
[0073] Such a characteristic is realized by the hardware
configuration of image forming apparatus 150 as well as the
hardware and software controlling image forming apparatus 150. In
the following, first, the hardware configuration (control block)
included in image forming apparatus 150 for executing the control
will be described, followed by the description of the software
configuration (program).
[0074] [Image Forming Apparatus (Control Block)]
[0075] Referring to FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 150 includes:
an operating device 166 allowing settings related to the copy
function, facsimile function and scanner function; an ROM (Read
Only Memory) 306 for storing programs and the like; a hard disk 302
as a non-volatile storage area capable of storing programs and
data; and an RAM (Random Access Memory) 308 for providing a storage
area when a program is executed. Various tables described later are
stored in hard disk 302, and when the power is turned on, the
tables are transferred to RAM 308.
[0076] Image forming apparatus 150 further includes a bus 310
connected to document reading unit 152, image forming unit 154, FAX
communication unit 155, operating device 166, ROM 306, hard disk
302 and RAM 308, and a CPU 300 connected to bus 310, for realizing
general functions as the image forming apparatus.
[0077] ROM 306 stores programs and data necessary for controlling
operations of image forming apparatus 150. CPU 300 controls image
forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the programs and data
stored in ROM 306, and executes control related to various
functions of image forming apparatus 150.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, to FAX communication unit 155 of image
forming apparatus 150, a public line is connected for
transmitting/receiving image data, and to network IF 304, a network
line is connected. To the network line, a computer or the like
using image forming apparatus 150 as a network-supported printer,
or a computer or the like capable of transmitting/receiving a mail
through the Internet may be connected.
[0079] RAM 308 provides a function of a working memory for
temporarily storing results of operations and processes by CPU 300,
and a function of a frame memory for storing image data.
[0080] Document reading unit 152, image forming unit 154, a flat,
plate-shaped operation panel 170 and display panel 172 of operating
device 166, ROM 306, hard disk 302 and RAM 308 are controlled by
CPU 300 executing a prescribed program.
[0081] Operating device 166 includes: a plate-shaped operation
panel 170 arranged on the right side on a surface of operating
device 166, provided with hardware keys including ten keys and
various other operation buttons; and a display panel 172 formed of
a small, touch-panel liquid crystal display device, arranged on the
central to the left side of operating device 166. Operation panel
170 and display panel 172 are held in one housing, and operating
device 166 is formed integrally to be one piece.
[0082] On display panel 172 of operating device 166, a state of
operation of image forming apparatus 150, a menu and a submenu (a
menu of a lower layer than the menu) displaying a plurality of
functions allowing the user to select a desired function, a state
of saving of functions of low frequency of use and the like are
displayed. On a display area of liquid crystal display device of
display panel 172, selection buttons are displayed. When a portion
where the selection button is displayed is pressed, the pressed
position is detected by the touch panel. By comparing the display
position of the selection button and the position where the touch
panel is pressed using a program, setting of a function or
instruction of an operation of image forming apparatus 150 becomes
possible.
[0083] Here, "saving of functions" means moving a function or
functions from a commonly used menu system to another menu system.
In the present embodiment, a function or functions of which
frequency of use is low are moved from the commonly used menu
system to a menu system referred to as a saved menu. As a result,
only the menu items of which frequency of use is relatively high
are left in the commonly used menu system. If any function is
saved, a UI (User Interface) component (typically, a software
button) as a display item allowing transition from the commonly
used menu image to the saved menu is displayed in the menu. By
operating the UI component, it is possible to access to a function
included in the saved menu.
[0084] For the purpose of function saving described above, in image
forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the present embodiment, a
history of a function provided by image forming apparatus 150 and
used by a user is stored. At certain timing, frequency of use of
each function in an immediately preceding prescribed period (in the
present embodiment, immediately preceding one month) is calculated
based on the history. Based on the result of calculation, a
function of which frequency of use is low is saved from the
commonly used function selection image (menu image). By way of
example, a function of which frequency of use is not higher than a
prescribed threshold value (in the present embodiment, 0) is saved.
The history is stored in hard disk 302 or RAM 308, and stored as a
table including fields as shown in FIG. 4. The table is referred to
as a function use table.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, each row of the function use table
includes: a history number (continuous natural number); a field for
storing user ID (identified by CPU 300 at the time of log-in); a
field for storing a function used by a logged-in user (in the
following, referred to as a "used function field"); a field for
storing date and time when the function is used (in the following,
referred to as a "used date & time field"). The user ID
uniquely identifies a user who uses the image forming apparatus 150
(for example, company member number). The history number is
allotted to the function in latest-first or oldest-first order of
the date and time of use.
[0086] The used function field includes: a field for storing a
function ID for uniquely identifying a function provided by image
forming apparatus 150; and fields for storing large classification,
middle classification, small classification and minute
classification of the function (hereinafter respectively referred
to as "large classification field," "middle classification field,"
"small classification field" and "minute classification field").
The large classification belongs to the highest layer of hierarchy,
and the middle, small and minute classifications belong to lower
layers in this order. In FIG. 4, a field containing "NONE" means
that the classification of that layer does not exist for the
function. Specifically, the functions form layers of hierarchy. The
hierarchical layer will be referred to as a "menu layer."
[0087] The large classification corresponds to the modes (copy
mode, facsimile mode and scanner mode) as the basic functions of
image forming apparatus 150. By way of example, in FIG. 4, a
function having function ID of "C0102" (the row of history No. 003)
corresponds to the large classification of "copy mode," middle
classification of "special" (meaning a special function), small
classification of "color adjustment" (one of the special
functions), and the minute classification of "RGB adjustment" (one
sub-function of the color adjustment functions). Such
classifications (menu layers) may be stored separately in a table
classifying types of functions related to function IDs. In the row
of history No. 005, "document" (corresponding to document filing,
which will be described later) of the large classification
corresponds to a function of storing (scan-to-folder) or
transmitting (scan-to-mail) image data scanned in the scanning
mode.
[0088] In image forming apparatus 150, the functions may simply be
classified in hierarchical layers, and the classifications are not
limited to the above. In image forming apparatus 150 in accordance
with the present embodiment, even when a function is saved, the
hierarchical structure of the functions lower than the saved
function are maintained. Specifically, when a function is saved,
sub-function or sub-functions belonging to the lower layer are also
saved, and these functions are displayed reflecting the original
hierarchical structure in the saved menu.
[0089] A function management table for managing state of saving of
each function is stored in hard disk 302 or RAM 308.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 5, the function management table uses the
function ID shown in FIG. 4 as a key. For each function identified
by the function ID, the function management table includes: a field
for storing a name or ID of middle classification (hereinafter
referred to as "classification field"); a field for storing a flag
indicating whether or not the function is saved (hereinafter simply
referred to as a "flag"); a field for storing, if the function is
in a saved state, the date and time of saving (hereinafter referred
to as "saved date & time field"); and a field storing a submenu
saved together with the function (hereinafter referred to as a
"submenu field"). In the present embodiment, the middle
classification is used as the classification of each function. The
reason for this is that, in the present embodiment, the saved
functions are collected using the middle classification as a unit.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, for each middle
classification, a function belonging to the middle classification
and of which frequency of use is low is saved. By way of example,
the saving process performed in the middle classification of
"special function" and the saving process performed in the middle
classification of "finishing function" are separate processes on
different objects, though the contents of processing are the same.
It is naturally understood that the function may be saved using the
large classification as a unit. In that case, in "classification
field" of FIG. 5, the name or ID of large classification of each
function is stored.
[0091] In the present embodiment, if a function is not saved, "0"
is stored, and if the function is saved, "1" is stored, in the
flag. Accordingly, a plurality of functions are classified to a
first group having the flag=0 and a second group having the flag=1.
The values stored in the flag may be reversed. Other values may be
used provided that the two states can be distinguished from each
other.
[0092] In the submenu field, a sub-function or sub-functions
belonging to lower layers of a certain function are stored.
Referring to FIG. 5, the submenu field will be described using the
function identified by the function ID "C0102" as an example. It is
assumed that the function, of which large classification is copy
mode, middle classification is "special function" and function ID
is ID=C0102, is the color adjustment function as a small
classification among the special functions. Further, it is assumed
that the "RGB adjustment" function, "color balance" function and
"background erasure" function belong to a layer lower than the
color adjustment function. Here, if the color adjustment function
is saved, data meaning that the "RGB adjustment" function, "color
balance" function and "background erasure" function are also saved
is stored in the submenu field. On the other hand, even if the
"background erasure" function as a function belonging to a layer
lower than the color adjustment function satisfies conditions to be
saved (such conditions for saving a function will be referred to as
"saving conditions" in the present specification), unless the "RGB
function" and the "color balance function" satisfy the saving
conditions, the color adjustment function as the function of an
upper layer of these is not saved. Since the function is saved
using the middle classification as a unit, together with the small
classification units belonging to the lower layer, the hierarchical
structure of the saved function and the functions of the lower
layer can be maintained.
[0093] If certain conditions are satisfied, a saved function is
moved from the saved menu back to the commonly used menu. The
movement from the saved menu to the commonly used menu will be
referred to as "restore." The conditions for restoring a function
will be referred to as "restore conditions" in the present
specification.
[0094] Image forming apparatus 150 includes: a job executing unit
processing a job selected by the user from among the large number
of functions; an auto saving unit for saving a function that
satisfies the saving conditions among the large number of
functions; an auto restoring unit for moving (restoring) a saved
function that satisfies the restore conditions to the original,
commonly used menu image (menu image allowing selection of a
function); and a resetting unit for resetting the menu image
allowing selection of a function to the initial state. In the
initial state, the saved menu is empty. The job executing unit,
auto saving unit, auto restoring unit and resetting unit may be
implemented in hardware. In the present embodiment, however, these
units are implemented by the software described in the following.
The job processed by the job executing unit actually executes a
function selected by the user in the mode selected by the user.
[0095] [Software Configuration]
[0096] The programs of which control structures are shown in FIGS.
6 to 9 are subroutine programs, including subroutines of a
subroutine. Therefore, when finished, these programs return to a
main routine program, not shown.
[0097] CPU 300 of image forming apparatus 150 executes, in parallel
with such subroutine programs, a program realizing general
functions of a computer or an image forming apparatus. The program,
however, is not directly related to the characteristic portions of
the apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment and,
therefore, details thereof will not be described here.
[0098] --Job Execution Program--
[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, at step (hereinafter "step" will be
denoted as S) 1000, CPU 300 determines whether or not a user of
image forming apparatus 150 requested log-in. Here, a dialog urging
input of a user ID and a password, or an image for fingerprint
input is displayed on display panel 172, and if the user ID and the
password are input or biometric information such as the fingerprint
of the user is input, CPU 300 determines that the user requested
log-in. Based on the user ID and the password or the biometric
information of the user, CPU 300 determines whether or not the user
who requested log-in is a user registered in an authentication
source, and if the user is a registered user, it permits log-in. If
CPU 300 permits log-in of the user, the determination at S1000 is
positive. If it is determined that the user of image forming
apparatus 150 has logged-in (YES at S1000), the process proceeds to
S1010. Otherwise (NO at S1000), the process ends. The process may
be repeated until a user successfully logs-in.
[0100] At S1010, CPU 300 stores the input user ID or a user ID
registered in correspondence with the biometric information of the
user.
[0101] At S1020, CPU 300 determines whether or not the logged-in
user requested execution of a desired job, using image forming
apparatus 150. It is assumed that image forming apparatus 150 has
three modes, that is, copy mode, fax/image transmission mode and
document filing mode (it may additionally have the printer mode).
If any of software buttons corresponding to the three modes
displayed at the uppermost portion of display panel 172 (see FIG.
12) is pressed, CPU 300 determines that a mode is designated by the
user. If a mode is designated by the user, CPU 300 determines that
a request is made to execute a job. Specifically, CPU 300
determines that switching of an image is requested to enable
selection of a function in the designated mode, to execute the job.
If it is determined that a request is made to execute a job (YES at
S1020), the process proceeds to S1030. Otherwise (NO at S1020), the
process ends.
[0102] At S1030, CPU 300 reads the function management table (FIG.
5). With the process of S1030, CPU 300 displays a main menu image
(image for selecting the middle classification function)
corresponding to the mode selected by the logged-in user, on
display panel 172.
[0103] At S1040, CPU 300 determines whether or not the user
requested selection of a function. By way of example, while a main
menu image (function selection image) of the copy mode of image
forming apparatus 150 is displayed, when any of the software
buttons (for example, "special function" selection button, "duplex
copy" selection button, "finishing" selection button and "filing"
selection button) corresponding to the four functions
(corresponding to the "middle classification" of the function use
table shown in FIG. 4) displayed on display panel 172 is pressed,
it is determined that the user requested selection of a function.
If it is determined that the user requested selection of a function
(YES at S1040), the process proceeds to S1050. Otherwise (NO at
S1040), the process ends.
[0104] At S1050, CPU 300 displays a function selection image
including the commonly used menu, for selecting a function from
among the functions (middle classification functions) selected by
the user, based on the read function management table. Here,
functions having "1" stored in the flag of the function management
table (FIG. 5) are not displayed on the commonly used menu. Such
functions will be the elements of the saved menu, separate from the
commonly used menu. Specifically, the commonly used menu displays
only the functions that are not saved. The saved menu is a menu
displaying only the saved functions. Both in the commonly used menu
and in the saved menu, images make transition in accordance with
the hierarchical structure described above. When the commonly used
menu is displayed, if there is any function not saved in the mode
(large classification) selected by the user, the functions not
saved (selectable) are displayed on display panel 172 as a list
(commonly used menu), and a "to saved functions" button is
displayed. When the "to saved functions" button is pressed, the
saved functions in the mode (large classification) for the function
(middle classification) are displayed as a list (saved menu), on
display panel 172. In this manner, functions (small classification)
of a function (middle classification, such as special function,
duplex copy, finishing and filing) selected after selection of the
mode (large classification, including copy mode, facsimile mode and
scan mode) are displayed on the commonly used menu or on the saved
menu, depending on the state of the flag in function management
table (FIG. 5).
[0105] At S1060, CPU 300 determines whether or not the user
designated a function (whether or not a function of the small
classification or, in some cases, whether or not a function of the
minute classification is designated). Here, if a function button
displayed on display panel 172 is pressed and "OK" button or
"previous" button is pressed, CPU 300 determines that the function
is designated. If it is determined that the user designated a
function (YES at S1060), the process proceeds to S1070. Otherwise
(NO at S1060), the process returns to S1060, and waits until it is
determined that the user designated a function. In order to avoid
an endless loop before any function is designated by the user,
preferably, a time-out error process may be performed.
[0106] At S1070, CPU 300 writes the date and time of use and the
using user ID (logged-in user ID) for the designated function in
the management use table.
[0107] At S1080, CPU 300 executes the auto-restore process
(subroutine).
[0108] The auto-restore process means the process of moving a
function or functions that satisfy restore conditions to the
commonly used menu. Details of the auto-restore function will be
described later. At S1090, in the mode selected by the user, CPU
300 executes a job of processing the functions designated by the
user.
[0109] --Auto-Save Program--
[0110] Referring to FIG. 7, at S1100, CPU 300 determines whether or
not a predetermined time period has passed from the last auto-save
process (a process of extracting a function of which frequency of
use in one month is 0, that is, a function not used, and
automatically saving the function). The predetermined time period
may be set, for example, to 24 hours. If it is determined that the
predetermined time period has passed from the last auto-save
process (YES at S1100), the process proceeds to S1110. Otherwise
(NO at S1100), the process ends.
[0111] At S1110, CPU 300 reads the function use table (FIG. 4) and
the function management table (FIG. 5). At S1120, CPU 300 extracts
a function or functions having "0" stored in the flag and not used
for one month or more from the last use. Here, CPU 300 extracts any
function having "0" stored in the flag, for which the date and time
of use of the past one month is not stored in FIG. 4.
[0112] At S1130, CPU 300 determines whether or not any function is
extracted. If any function has been extracted (YES at S1130), the
process proceeds to S1140. Otherwise, (NO at S1130), the process
ends.
[0113] At S1140, CPU 300 displays an image allowing the user to
confirm movement of the extracted function as the saved function,
on display panel 172.
[0114] At S1150, CPU 300 determines whether or not confirmation
input is done by the user. Here, on the confirmation image, an
approval button and a rejection button for the saving of function
are displayed. In this image, if the user presses a button
approving saving of the function, CPU 300 determines that the
saving is confirmed. If it is determined that the saving is
confirmed by the user (YES at S1150), the process proceeds to
S1160. Otherwise (NO at S1150), the process ends.
[0115] At S1150, CPU 300 stores "1" in the flag of corresponding
function in the function management table (FIG. 5). The process
steps S1150 and S1160 are executed on all functions extracted by
the process of S1120.
[0116] --Auto-Restore Program--
[0117] Referring to FIG. 8, the control structure of a subroutine
program realizing the auto-restore process at S1080 of FIG. 6 will
be described. At S1200, CPU 300 determines whether or not a saved
function is designated by a user as a function to be used. If it is
determined that the user has designated a saved function (YES at
S1200), the process proceeds to S1220. Otherwise (NO at S1200), the
process ends.
[0118] At S1210, CPU 300 reads auto-restore conditions. The
auto-restore conditions are set by a system administrator and
stored in hard disk 302 or RAM 308. Here, assume that as
auto-restore conditions, "one user designated a saved function 10
times," or "unspecified users designated a saved function 5 times,"
are set. According to the setting, a function designated by
different users is restored with smaller number of repeated
designations, than a function used repeatedly by one user.
Specifically, a function designated by different users is restored
with priority, than a function repeatedly used by the same user.
When restore conditions for a saved function are satisfied, the
function is restored to the original function selection menu. It is
also possible to set the number of designations made by a specific
user as the auto-restore conditions. If the same number of
designations is set for the same user and for unspecified users, it
is simply the setting of number, and not the setting of a user or
users.
[0119] At S1220, CPU 300 determines whether or not a function
designated by the user from the saved functions satisfies the
auto-restore conditions. The determination may be made based on the
use history designated after the date and time of saving, stored in
the function use table (FIG. 4). More specifically, as the first
restore condition, if the designation of the function by the same
user is the 10th designation after the date and time of saving, it
is determined that the auto-restore conditions are satisfied. If
the first restore condition is not satisfied, the second restore
condition is considered. Namely, if the designation of the function
by different users is the 5th designation from the date and time of
saving, it is determined that the auto-restore conditions are
satisfied. If it is determined that either of the auto-restore
conditions is satisfied (YES at S1220), the process proceeds to
S1230. Otherwise (NO at S1220), the process ends.
[0120] At S1230, CPU 300 displays an image allowing the user to
confirm restore of the function that satisfies the auto-restore
conditions to the original function selection menu, on display
panel 172.
[0121] At S1240, CPU 300 determines whether or not the user
confirmed the restore of the function to the original function
selection menu. Here, on the confirmation dialog, buttons allowing
the user to approve or reject the restore of function are
displayed. If the user presses the button for approving the restore
of function in this dialog, CPU 300 determines that restore
confirmation is input. If it is determined that confirmation for
the restore of the saved function is input by the user (YES at
S1240), the process proceeds to S1250. Otherwise (NO at S1240), the
process ends.
[0122] At S1250, CPU 300 stores "0" in the flag of corresponding
function, in the function management table (FIG. 5).
[0123] --Resetting Program--
[0124] Referring to FIG. 9, at S1300, CPU 300 determines whether or
not a request for resetting the saved states of all functions to
the initial state is detected. At this time, if a "saved function
reset" button is pressed, CPU 300 determines that a request for
resetting all functions to the initial state is detected. If the
determination is positive (YES at S1300), the process proceeds to
S1310. Otherwise (NO at S1300), the process ends.
[0125] At S1310, CPU 300 displays an image allowing the user to
confirm resetting of saved state of all functions to the initial
state to have no function saved, on display panel 172.
[0126] At S1320, CPU 300 determines whether or not the user
confirmed returning of all functions to the initial state. Here, on
the confirmation dialog, buttons allowing the user to approve or
reject the resetting are displayed. In this dialog, if the button
for approving a reset is pressed by the user, CPU 300 determines
that the reset is confirmed. If the determination is positive (YES
at S1320), the process proceeds to S1330. Otherwise (NO at S1320),
the process ends.
[0127] At S1330, CPU 300 sets the flag to "0" for all functions
(all functions provided by image forming apparatus 150), in the
function management table (FIG. 5).
[0128] [Operation]
[0129] An operation of image forming apparatus 150 in accordance
with the present embodiment based on the configuration and
flowcharts above will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to
22.
[0130] --System Setting Operation--
[0131] FIG. 10 shows a system setting dialog allowing an
administrator to input information as to how the functions provided
by image forming apparatus 150 are to be managed. The system
setting image can be operated only by a user who logged-in as an
administrator.
[0132] Using the system setting image, the administrator inputs
information related to saving of a function from a commonly used
menu of the function selection menu to the saved menu of the saved
function image, and to restore of a saved function to the original
commonly used menu.
[0133] Referring to FIG. 10, in the setting image, the system
setting items include: saving conditions for saving a function for
which a prescribed time period has passed from the date and time of
latest use; and restore conditions for automatically restoring a
saved function to the original function selection menu image. Here,
that the saved function is designated 10 times by the same user is
set as the rescore condition (A), and that the saved function is
designated 5 times by a plurality of users is set as restore
condition (B). Such saving conditions and restore conditions
(restore conditions (A) and (B)) are stored in hard disk 302 or in
RAM 308.
[0134] --Job Executing Operation and Function Auto-Restore
Operation--
[0135] Assume that a user wants to have an image scanned, color
image adjusted, and to have the image data printed on a sheet of
recording paper (color adjusted copy). On display panel 172 of
image forming apparatus 150, the log-in dialog shown in FIG. 11 is
displayed. The user inputs appropriate user ID and a password to
the log-in name (user ID) field and the password field displayed on
the log-in dialog. If the input items have been registered in the
authentication source, it is determined that an authorized user has
logged-in to image forming apparatus 150 (YES at S1000), and the
user ID of the user is stored (S1010). The user ID is kept
displayed on display panel 172 while the user is logged-in. At the
uppermost portion of initial dialog, a "copy" tag button for
selecting the copy mode, a "fax/image transmission" tag button for
selecting the facsimile mode, and a "document filing" tag button
for selecting the scan mode are displayed.
[0136] The logged-in user presses the "copy" tag button among the
three tag buttons displayed at the uppermost portion of display
panel 172, to have the image data copied (YES at S1020).
[0137] CPU 300 reads the function management table (FIG. 5). At the
same time, CPU 300 displays a main menu image (function selection
image) for the mode selected by the logged-in user on display panel
172 (S1030). Here, the main menu image in the copy mode shown in
FIG. 12 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 12, as software buttons
corresponding to functions belonging to the "middle classification"
as a lower layer of large classification=copy mode, "special
function" selection button, "duplex copy" selection button,
"finishing" selection button and "filing" selection button are
displayed.
[0138] When the user requests selection of a function (for example,
if the user presses any of "special function" selection button,
"duplex copy" selection button, "finishing" selection button and
"filing" selection button) (YES at S1040), based on the read
function management table, a function selection image allowing
selection of a function (small classification) from the function
(middle classification) selected by the user is displayed (S1050).
Examples of images displayed on display panel 172 at this time are
as shown in FIGS. 13 to 18.
[0139] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary image displayed on display panel
172 when the user requests selection of a function set as a special
function menu (when the user pressed the "special function"
selection button). FIG. 14 shows an exemplary image displayed on
display panel 172 when the user requests selection of a function
set as a finishing function menu (when the user pressed the
"finishing" selection button). As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, on the
right side of these images, items "latest saved function", "number
of saved functions" and "latest date and time of saving" are
displayed. These items indicate the name of the latest saved
function, the number of functions saved, and when the latest saving
process took place, respectively. Both in FIGS. 13 and 14, no saved
function is stored (initial state). It can be recognized that the
"to saving function" button is not displayed and the latest saved
function and latest date and time of saving are blank and 0 is
displayed as the number of saved functions.
[0140] If a large number of functions is to be displayed, the list
of functions is displayed on a plurality of pages both on the
images of FIGS. 13 and 14. Arrows shown at the right end of a frame
indicated as "list of special functions" on FIG. 13 are the buttons
for moving to other pages.
[0141] FIGS. 15 and 16 show states when the middle classification
is the special function and some of the functions are saved.
Specifically, in these figures, some of the functions shown in FIG.
13 are saved. Even when the middle classification is not the
special function but the duplex copy function, finishing function
or filing function, the display is similar to that described in the
following. If some of the functions are saved in the state shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14, some of the functions are saved in the
corresponding middle classification as shown in FIGS. 15 and
16.
[0142] FIG. 15 shows an image displayed on display panel 172 as a
commonly used menu of "special functions list" when "color
adjustment" and "bulk document" functions among the special
functions are saved. FIG. 16 shows an image displayed as "list of
saved functions" on display panel 172 when a UI component "to saved
functions" is pressed in the image of FIG. 15.
[0143] In the image shown in FIG. 15, a list of functions not saved
of the displayed middle classification (commonly used menu) is
displayed. In the image shown in FIG. 16, a list of saved functions
(saved menu) is displayed. Specifically, functions not saved and
functions saved are displayed distinguished from each other on
separate images.
[0144] Following the menu hierarchy in accordance with a common
method of operation, one must go through the commonly used menu
shown in FIG. 15 before arriving at the saved menu shown in FIG.
16. Therefore, when the user starts from the top menu, the commonly
used menu appears preceding the saved menu. Specifically,
transition of menus is controlled such that the commonly used menu
appears with higher priority than the saved menu. In the example
shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, if at least one function is saved among
the special functions in the copy mode, the image of FIG. 15 is
displayed on display panel 172 when the "copy" tag button of FIG.
12 is pressed, and the image of FIG. 16 is displayed on display
panel 172 when the "to saved functions" button of FIG. 15 is
pressed. Specifically, FIG. 15 showing the list of not-saved
functions is displayed with higher priority than FIG. 16 showing
the saved functions.
[0145] From the comparison of FIG. 13 with FIG. 15, it can be seen
that "color adjustment" function and "bulk document" function
displayed in FIG. 13 are not displayed in FIG. 15. Since display of
these two functions is removed, "book replication" function and
"tab copy" function that are not displayed on FIG. 13 (to be
displayed on the next page of FIG. 13) are newly displayed on FIG.
15. Further, in FIG. 15, "3" is displayed as the "number of saved
functions" and values corresponding to latest saving process
("color adjustment" and "2009/07/31/10:00:22") are displayed as the
latest saved function and the data and time of latest saving. By
the display as such, it is possible to efficiently search for a
saved function. Since there are saved functions, "to saved
functions" button, which is not displayed in FIG. 13, is displayed
in FIG. 15.
[0146] In the image shown in FIG. 16, as the special functions,
saved "color adjustment" function, "bulk document" function and
"card scan" function are displayed. In FIG. 16, a caption "list of
saved functions" indicating that the image of FIG. 16 is a list of
saved functions is displayed, and in place of "to saved functions"
button shown in FIG. 15, a "to special functions" button, for
making an image transition to the image of list of special
functions (FIG. 15) is displayed. In the image of FIG. 16 also,
latest saved function, number of saved functions and latest date
and time of saving are shown, as in FIG. 15.
[0147] FIG. 17 shows an exemplary image displayed on display panel
172 when "color adjustment" button shown in FIG. 16 is pressed.
Specifically, the image appears when the color adjustment function
is designated in the small classification menu. The special
function corresponds to the middle classification menu lower than
the copy mode as the large classification. The color adjustment
function corresponds to a small classification menu still lower
than the special function. RGB adjustment function, color balance
function and background erasure function correspond to minute
classification menu still lower than the color adjustment function.
Referring to FIG. 17, here, these three functions of minute
classification menu are displayed. FIG. 17 appears when the "color
adjustment" button for selecting the saved color adjustment
function is pressed in the saved function menu of FIG. 16. Since
the menu of lower layer than the saved function is displayed, the
caption "list of saved functions" is also displayed in this image.
In this image also, latest saved function, number of saved
functions and latest date and time of saving are shown.
[0148] For comparison with FIG. 17, an exemplary image displayed on
display panel 172 when "color adjustment" button shown in FIG. 13
is pressed is shown in FIG. 18. Specifically, FIG. 18 shows an
image displayed when the color adjustment function is designated in
the small classification menu. The middle classification as a lower
layer of large classification=copy mode includes the special
function. The small classification as a lower layer of the special
function includes the color adjustment function. As the minute
classification menu belonging to a still lower layer of the color
adjustment function, RGB adjustment function, color balance
function and background erasure function are displayed as shown in
FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows an image displayed when the "color balance
adjustment" button, which corresponds to a not-saved function shown
in FIG. 13, is pressed. Therefore, a caption "list of special
functions" is displayed as shown in FIG. 18 (not the caption "list
of saved functions").
[0149] From the comparison between FIGS. 17 and 18, it can be seen
that RGB adjustment function, color balance function and background
erasure function are similarly displayed as minute classification
menu of the lower layer of color adjustment function (small
classification menu). Specifically, if the color adjustment
function (small classification menu) is saved, RGB adjustment
function, color balance function and background erasure function as
the minute classification menu of the lower layer are also saved
together, and displayed as a submenu of the lower layer. This is
because CPU 300 processes the function to be saved together with
the functions of its lower layer based on the data stored as
"submenu saved together" in the function management table of FIG.
5. By such processing, the trouble of saving a function of upper
layer (small classification menu) only and leaving functions of
lower layer (minute classification menu) in the original function
selection menu can be avoided. Therefore, even when the "color
adjustment" function is saved to saved functions, once the "color
adjustment function" is selected from the saved functions, "RGB
adjustment," "color balance" and "background erasure" as the lower
functions saved are displayed in the hierarchical manner as in the
original function selection menu. Therefore, it is possible for the
user to easily select the minute classification menu.
[0150] It may be possible not to provide the field of "submenu
saved together" shown in FIG. 5 and instead to store the hierarchy
of functions as in the function use table (FIG. 4), and when a
function of a specific layer is to be saved, functions of the
layers lower than the specific layer are saved together (the same
applies to the restore).
[0151] Assume that the logged-in user designates the "color
adjustment" function of the list of saved functions shown in FIG.
16, as a desired function. At this time, when the user pressed the
"color adjustment" button displayed on display panel 172, "color
adjustment" is set to the designated state (indicated by double
frames) as shown in FIG. 16, and as shown in FIG. 17, a submenu
selection image for the color adjustment function is displayed on
display panel 172. The user may designate any of the "RGB
adjustment," "color balance" and "background erasure" functions
displayed as the minute classification menu (YES at S1060). In the
following, it is assumed that this designation of the "color
adjustment" function saved as the saved function is the fifth
designation made by different users.
[0152] If the logged-in user designates the "color adjustment"
function of the original function selection menu (list of special
functions) shown in FIG. 13, he/she pressed the "color adjustment"
button displayed on display panel 172. Then, "color adjustment" is
set to the designated state (indicated by double frames) as shown
in FIG. 18. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, a submenu selection image
for the color adjustment function is displayed on display panel
172. The user may designate any of the "RGB adjustment," "color
balance" and "background erasure" functions displayed as the minute
classification menu (YES at S1060).
[0153] Then, "color adjustment" designated by the logged-in user is
written as a used function in the function use table (FIG. 4),
together with the date and time of use and the used user ID
(S1070). Here, it follows that the use history of "color
adjustment" function contains records of designation by five
different users after the "color adjustment" function was saved
(after the date and time of saving). By way of example, the use
history of "color adjustment" (having the function ID of "C0102")
is as follows.
[0154] On 2009/08/21, 09:45:30, used by user 0001,
[0155] On 2009/08/17, 16:02:13, used by user 0021,
[0156] On 2009/08/16, 13:37:27, used by user 0031,
[0157] On 2009/08/13, 09:52:55, used by user 0041 and
[0158] On 2009/08/04, 11:25:22, used by user 0051.
[0159] A further preceding date and time of use is more than one
month older than the date and time when the "color adjustment"
function was saved, assumed to be Jul. 31, 2009 here. For example,
the preceding date may be Jun. 30, 2009.
[0160] In such a situation, the function that has been saved (in
the example above, the "color adjustment" function) is designated
as the function to be used by the user (YES at S1200), and the
auto-restore conditions are satisfied (YES at S1210). Therefore,
the function restore confirmation image shown in FIG. 19 is
displayed on display panel 172 (S1230). As shown in FIG. 19, the
function to be restored "color adjustment" is displayed together
with the message "THE FUNCTION BELOW DESIGNATED TO BE USED IN THE
PRESENT JOB SATISFIES RESTORE CONDITIONS (5 DESIGNATIONS BY
DIFFERENT USERS). DO YOU WANT TO RESTORE THE FUNCTION AS FREQUENTLY
USED FUNCTION?" Further, "YES: RESTORE" button and "NO: NOT RESTORE
(KEEP SAVED)" button are displayed. If the logged-in user presses
"YES: RESTORE" button (YES at S1240), "0" is stored in the flag of
"color adjustment" in the function management table (FIG. 5). Thus,
the "color adjustment function" comes to be displayed not in the
list of saved functions shown in FIG. 16 but in the list of special
functions shown in FIG. 13.
[0161] Thereafter, the color adjustment process is done, and the
desired image data is formed on a sheet of recording paper
(S1090).
[0162] It is also possible that when a saved function is designated
by a user as a function to be used (YES at S1200), other
auto-restore conditions are satisfied (YES at S1220). In that case,
the function restore confirmation image shown in FIG. 20 is
displayed on display panel 172 (S1230). As shown in FIG. 20, the
function to be restored "color adjustment" is displayed together
with the message "THE FUNCTION BELOW DESIGNATED TO BE USED IN THE
PRESENT JOB SATISFIES RESTORE CONDITIONS (10 DESIGNATIONS BY THE
SAME USER). DO YOU WANT TO RESTORE THE FUNCTION AS FREQUENTLY USED
FUNCTION?" Further, "YES: RESTORE" button and "NO: NOT RESTORE
(KEEP SAVED)" button are displayed. If the logged-in user presses
"YES: RESTORE" button (YES at S1240), "0" is stored in the flag of
"color adjustment" in the function management table (FIG. 5). Thus,
the "color adjustment function" comes to be displayed not in the
list of saved functions shown in FIG. 16 but in the list of special
functions shown in FIG. 13.
[0163] --Function Auto-Save Operation--
[0164] When 24 hours passed from the last function auto-save
operation (YES at S1100), the function use table and the function
management table are read (S1110). Any function having the flag "0"
in the function management table of FIG. 5 and for which date and
time of use in the last one month are not stored in the function
use table of FIG. 4 is extracted (S1120). If such a function is not
found, the process ends. Here, it is assumed that the color
adjustment function is extracted.
[0165] Since there is an extracted function (YES at S1130), the
function saving confirmation image shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on
display panel 172 (S1140). As shown in FIG. 21, the function to be
saved "color adjustment" is displayed together with a message "DO
YOU WANT TO REMOVE THE FOLLOWING UNUSED FUNCTION? AFTER REMOVAL
ONLY THE FREQUENTLY USED FUNCTIONS WILL BE DISPLAYED." Further,
"YES: SAVE" button and "NO: NOT SAVE" button are displayed. If the
logged-in user presses "YES: SAVE" button (YES at S1150), "1" is
stored in the flag of "color adjustment" in the function management
table (FIG. 5) (S1160). Thus, the "color adjustment function" comes
to be displayed not in the list of special functions shown in FIG.
13 but in the list of saved functions shown in FIG. 16.
[0166] --Saved Function Resetting Operation--
[0167] A "saved function reset" button is displayed, for example,
with the system setting image shown in FIG. 10. The system setting
image can be operated only by the administrator. The process of
"saved function reset" sets all the functions back to the initial
state and no function is left saved. Thus, it involves a
significant change in the system. Therefore, it is preferred that
the "saved function reset" button is provided on the system setting
image that can be operated only by the administrator. If the
administrator pressed the "saved function reset" button (YES at
S1300), the saved function reset confirmation button shown in FIG.
22 is displayed on display panel 172 (S1310). As shown in FIG. 22,
a message "DO YOU WANT TO RESET ALL FUNCTIONS? (INITIAL STATE IS
RESUMED, NO FUNCTION SAVED)" is displayed, together with "YES:
RESET" button and "NO: NOT RESET" button. If the administrator
presses "YES: RESET" button, "0" is stored in the flags of all
functions in the function management table (FIG. 5) (S1330). As a
result, all functions of image forming apparatus 150 come to be
displayed in the list of special functions shown in FIG. 13. In the
present embodiment, the display of "to saved functions" button in
FIG. 13 disappears and, therefore, it becomes impossible to display
the image of the list of saved functions on display panel 172. Even
if the list of saved functions shown in FIG. 16 could be displayed,
no function is displayed.
[0168] As described above, in the image forming apparatus in
accordance with the present embodiment, (1) the user presses a
button corresponding to a desired function from among a plurality
of function selection buttons displayed, to designate a desired
function; (2) in the image forming apparatus, even the function or
functions displayed on the commonly used function selection menu
are automatically saved if frequency of use is low; (3) if the
function saved by the auto-save function is designated by a user as
a desired function, the image forming apparatus restores the
function to the original function selection menu image; and (4) if
the user requests resetting of all functions, the image forming
apparatus restores functions provided by the image forming
apparatus to the original function selection menu. In this manner,
in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the present
embodiment, the manner of display of function selection menu image
is changed based on the use history. As a result, when a desired
function is to be selected from a plurality of function selection
buttons, it is possible to easily select the desired function even
various and many functions are provided by the image forming
apparatus. Particularly, selection menu image of lower layers are
maintained to have the same hierarchical structure before and after
the saving. Therefore, confusion by the user before and after the
saving can be prevented.
[0169] <Modifications>
[0170] In the embodiment described above, the following
modifications may be made.
[0171] [Timing of Auto-Save Process]
[0172] In the embodiment described above, the timing when auto-save
process shown in FIG. 7 is executed is a predetermined time period
after the last auto-save process. The present invention, however,
is not limited to such an embodiment. The timing may be when the
image forming apparatus 150 is powered on, when a new log-in by a
user is detected, when a user logs out, when a prescribed number of
functions have been executed, or when log-in of an administrator is
detected.
[0173] The auto-restore process shown in FIG. 8 is not limited to
the above-described embodiment, either. The timing of auto-restore
process may be those mentioned above (power on, new log-in,
administrator log-in).
[0174] [Exchange of Image Forming Apparatus]
[0175] When the image forming apparatus 150 is exchanged (when it
is changed to a new type), it may be desirable to maintain the
saved functions in the new apparatus. In such a case, the function
IDs and the flags of function management table shown in FIG. 5 are
registered in the function management table of the new image
forming apparatus. Alternatively, the function management table may
be copied to the new image forming apparatus. As a prerequisite,
the CPU of the new image forming apparatus must execute the
flowchart, the menu system (menu hierarchy for selecting a
function) must be the same, and the new image forming apparatus has
all the functions of the old apparatus. If these conditions are
satisfied, functions of low frequency of use are displayed as saved
functions even in the new image forming apparatus. Therefore, even
if the use history is not accumulated, it is possible for the user
of the image forming apparatus to easily designate a desired
function.
[0176] [Unit of Function to be Saved]
[0177] In the embodiment described above, the layers for selecting
functions are maintained using classifications corresponding to
hierarchical layers, that is, large classification, middle
classification, small classification and minute classification for
selecting a function. Any unit of classification may be used for
saving, provided that the layer from which the function is selected
is the same in the non-saved function selection menu and the saved
function selection menu.
[0178] [Unit of Function to be Restored]
[0179] In the embodiment described above, saved state is reset and
all functions are collectively returned to the initial state. It is
possible in "list of saved functions" shown in FIG. 16, to display
"individual restore" button, together with a button for selecting a
saved function. When a saved function is selected and the
"individual restore" button is pressed, the saved function can be
restored one by one to the original function selection menu.
[0180] The embodiments as have been described here are mere
examples and should not be interpreted as restrictive. The scope of
the present invention is determined by each of the claims with
appropriate consideration of the written description of the
embodiments and embraces modifications within the meaning of and
equivalent to, the languages in the claims.
* * * * *