U.S. patent application number 14/984271 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for image forming apparatus with menu display and method for controlling the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Yuuki OKADA.
Application Number | 20160112589 14/984271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55235734 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160112589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OKADA; Yuuki |
April 21, 2016 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS WITH MENU DISPLAY AND METHOD FOR
CONTROLLING THE SAME
Abstract
An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes
an input unit that receives a selection of a menu item from a
plurality of menu items. A display control unit displays setting
information corresponding to the selected menu item on a display
unit. An image forming control unit performs image forming and
processing according to the setting information when a
predetermined condition is satisfied after the setting information
is displayed on the display unit.
Inventors: |
OKADA; Yuuki; (Mishima
Shizuoka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo
Tokyo |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
55235734 |
Appl. No.: |
14/984271 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14455728 |
Aug 8, 2014 |
9258441 |
|
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14984271 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00405 20130101;
G06F 3/1258 20130101; H04N 1/00474 20130101; G06F 3/1205 20130101;
H04N 1/00408 20130101; H04N 1/00411 20130101; H04N 2201/0094
20130101; G06F 3/1257 20130101; H04N 1/00413 20130101; H04N 1/00506
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00; G06F 3/12 20060101 G06F003/12 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an input unit configured
to receive, for a printing option listed in a menu of a plurality
of printing options and having associated setting information that
indicates printing modes when the printing option is selected for
image formation, inputs specifying: display execution information
that indicates, when the printing option is selected for image
formation, whether to display the printing modes associated with
the printing option prior to performing image formation, and
automatic performance execution information that indicates, when
the printing option is selected for image formation, whether to
perform image formation prior to receiving an execution
confirmation; a storage unit configured to store the specified
display execution information and automatic performance execution
information; a display control unit configured to display, when a
user selects the printing option for image formation and when the
corresponding saved display execution information is affirmative,
the printing modes associated with the printing option; and an
image forming control unit configured to perform, when a user
selects the printing option for image formation and when the
corresponding saved automatic performance execution information is
affirmative, the image formation according to the associated
setting information without waiting for the execution
confirmation.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the user
selects the printing option for image formation and when the
corresponding saved display execution information is negative, the
display control unit does not display the printing modes associated
with the printing option.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit
stores the specified display execution information individually in
association with the associated setting information.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
setting unit configured to retrieve, from the storage unit, the
setting information associated with the printing option selected
for image formation and to configure the image forming control unit
according to the retrieved setting information.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a user selects
the printing option for image formation and when the corresponding
saved display execution information is negative, the image forming
control unit does not perform the image formation until a setting
confirmation is received.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the user
selects the printing option for image formation and when the
corresponding saved automatic performance execution information is
negative, the image forming control unit does not perform the image
formation until the execution confirmation is received.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the storage unit
stores the specified automatic performance execution information
individually in association with the associated setting
information.
8. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus comprising
the steps of: receiving, for a printing option listed in a menu of
a plurality of printing options and having associated setting
information that indicates printing modes when the printing option
is selected for image formation, inputs specifying: display
execution information that indicates, when the printing option is
selected for image formation, whether to display the printing modes
associated with the printing option prior to performing image
formation, and automatic performance execution information that
indicates, when the printing option is selected for image
formation, whether to perform image formation prior to receiving an
execution confirmation; storing the specified display execution
information and automatic performance execution information;
displaying, when a user selects the printing option for image
formation and when the corresponding saved display execution
information is affirmative, the printing modes associated with the
printing option and performing, when a user selects the printing
option for image formation and when the corresponding saved
automatic performance execution information is affirmative, the
image formation according to the associated setting information
without waiting for the execution confirmation.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, when the user selects
the printing option for image formation and when the corresponding
saved display execution information is negative, the setting
information corresponding to the printing option is not
displayed.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the specified display
execution information is stored individually in association with
the associated setting information.
11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: retrieving
the setting information associated with the printing option
selected for image formation; and configuring the image forming
control unit for image formation according to the retrieved setting
information.
12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, when a user selects
the printing option for image formation and when the corresponding
saved display execution information is negative, the image
formation is not performed until a setting confirmation is
received.
13. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, when the user
selects the printing option for image formation and when the
corresponding saved automatic performance execution information is
negative, image formation is not performed until the execution
confirmation is received.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the specified
automatic performance execution information is stored individually
in association with the associated setting information.
15. A non-transitory computer readable medium that stores
instructions causing an image forming apparatus to perform the
steps of: receiving, for a printing option listed in a menu of a
plurality of printing options and having associated setting
information that indicates printing modes when the printing option
is selected for image formation, inputs specifying: display
execution information that indicates, when the printing option is
selected for image formation, whether to display the printing modes
associated with the printing option prior to performing image
formation, and automatic performance execution information that
indicates, when the printing option is selected for image
formation, whether to perform image formation prior to receiving an
execution confirmation; storing the specified display execution
information and automatic performance execution information;
displaying, when a user selects the printing option for image
formation and when the corresponding saved display execution
information is affirmative, the printing modes associated with the
printing option and performing, when a user selects the printing
option for image formation and when the corresponding saved
automatic performance execution information is affirmative, the
image formation according to the associated setting information
without waiting for the execution confirmation.
16. The computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein,
when the user selects the printing option for image formation and
when the corresponding saved display execution information is
negative, the setting information corresponding to the printing
option is not displayed.
17. The computer readable medium according to claim 16, wherein the
instructions cause the specified display execution information to
be stored individually in association with the associated setting
information.
18. The computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein the
instructions further cause the image forming apparatus to perform
the steps of: retrieving the setting information associated with
the printing option selected for image formation; and configuring
the image forming control unit for image formation according to the
retrieved setting information.
19. The computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein,
when a user selects the printing option for image formation and
when the corresponding saved display execution information is
negative, the image formation is not performed until a setting
confirmation is received.
20. The computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein,
when the user selects the printing option for image formation and
when the corresponding saved automatic performance execution
information is negative, image formation is not performed until the
execution confirmation is received.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/455,728, filed on Aug. 8, 2014, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An image forming apparatus such as a Multi Function
Peripheral (MFP) is an apparatus which forms an image on a sheet
such as paper. The image forming apparatus includes an input unit
which receives an input for selection of a menu. When the menu is
selected, an image forming apparatus in the related art sets the
image forming apparatus according to setting information of an item
included in the menu. Then, the image forming apparatus in the
related art performs a job by pressing a start button.
[0003] However, a user may not confirm contents of a detailed item
registered in the menu if each setting screen is not displayed
according to an operation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus,
according to an embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example
configuration of the image forming apparatus, according to the
embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates an example data configuration of menu
setting information stored in a storage unit, according to the
embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a menu information setting
screen displayed on a display unit by a control unit when
registering or editing a menu, according to the embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a confirmation screen
displayed on the display unit by a display control unit, according
to the embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of the
image forming apparatus, according to the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment
includes an input unit that receives a selection of a menu item
from a plurality of menu items. A display control unit displays
setting information corresponding to the selected menu item on a
display unit. An image forming control unit performs image forming
and processing according to the setting information when a
predetermined condition is satisfied after the setting information
is displayed on the display unit.
[0011] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to an
embodiment will be described referring to drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1 is perspective view of an image forming apparatus 100
according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 may be
a multifunction printer, for example. The image forming apparatus
100 generates digital data by reading a sheet.
[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a reading unit 2, a
display unit 4, a scanner unit 5, a printing unit 6, and a tray 12.
The printing unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 100 is not
limited a type which fixing a toner image, but may be an ink jet
type.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional
configuration of the image forming apparatus, according to the
embodiment.
[0015] The input unit 3 receives an input from a user (operator),
and supplies information corresponding to the input to a CPU 1.
[0016] A display unit 4 displays information such as a menu, based
on a control of the CPU 1. The display unit 4 may be implemented,
for example, by a touch panel embedded liquid crystal display
device.
[0017] A storage unit 20 stores menu setting information for each
item of the menu. The menu setting information associates setting
information, display execution information, and automatic
performance execution information with each other. The setting
information is detailed information of a particular item in a menu.
The display execution information indicates whether or not to
display the setting information on the display unit 4. The
automatic performance execution information indicates whether or
not to initiate automatic performance of image forming and
processing. The storage unit 20 may be implemented, for example, by
a semiconductor memory device.
[0018] The CPU 1 is implemented by a Central Processing Unit (CPU),
a memory, and a control program. The CPU 1 is performed by reading
the control program stored in the memory. Accordingly, the CPU 1
and the memory function as an image forming control unit 31, a
display control unit 32, and a setting unit 33.
[0019] The image forming control unit 31 performs image forming and
processing based on predetermined setting information. More
specifically, the image forming control unit 31 controls an image
processing unit 7 to perform processing of image data stored in a
temporary storage unit 8 corresponding to the setting information
and to perform image forming with the printing unit 6.
[0020] The display control unit 32 reads the display execution
information, which corresponds to a designated menu received by the
input unit 3, from the storage unit 20. When the display execution
information indicates that setting information is to be displayed
on the display unit 4, the display control unit 32 reads the
setting information, which corresponds to a menu, from the storage
unit 20. Then, the display control unit 32 displays the setting
information as well as setting execution information. The setting
execution information indicates whether or not to use the setting
information that is displayed on the display unit to set the image
forming control unit 31.
[0021] Based on the setting execution information, when the input
unit 3 receives input of the setting information in the image
forming control unit 31, further processing is performed. The
setting unit reads the automatic performance execution information
corresponding to a menu from the storage unit 20. Then, when the
automatic performance execution information indicates that
automatic performance of image forming and processing is to be
initiated, the setting unit 33 applies the setting information to
the image forming control unit 31. Then, the setting unit 33 causes
the image forming control unit 31 to initiate image forming and
processing.
[0022] FIG. 3 is an example of menu setting information stored in
the storage unit 20. In FIG. 3, the menu setting information
includes setting information, display execution information, and
automatic performance execution information in association with
each other. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the setting information
includes "scaling", "color mode", "both-sides mode", "finish mode",
"document mode", and "binding margin". The setting information in
FIG. 3 is an example of detailed information for copying. FIG. 3
illustrates an example of menu setting information when scaling is
"100%", the color mode is "full color", the both-sides mode is "one
side to both-sides" (an image is formed on both-sides of a sheet
from a document of one side printing), the finish mode is "group",
the document mode is "character/photo", the binding margin is "ON",
display execution information is "valid", and automatic performance
execution information is "valid".
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an example menu information setting
screen displayed on the display unit 4 by the CPU 1, to be used
when registering or editing a menu. "Display of a confirmation
screen" is selected as "valid" in FIG. 4. This indicates that the
display execution information is "valid". Moreover, "Automatic
performance" is selected as "valid" in FIG. 4. This indicates that
the automatic performance execution information is "valid". A
"save" button is pressed after a menu is registered or edited by an
operation of the input unit 3. Thereby the CPU 1 causes the storage
unit 20 to store menu setting information from the menu.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an example confirmation screen displayed
on the display unit 4 by the display control unit 32. For example,
"scaling", "color mode", and "both-sides mode" are basic setting
items in FIG. 5. The basic setting items are displayed on a
confirmation screen all the time. In addition, "finish mode",
"document mode", and "binding margin" in FIG. 5 are items
registered by a user. An "OK" button and a "cancel" button are
setting execution information in FIG. 5. When the button of "OK" is
pressed by an operation of the input unit 3, the setting unit 33
receives an instruction to configure the image forming control unit
31 according to the setting information. Upon receiving the
instruction, the setting unit 33 configures the image forming
control unit 31 according to the setting information. On the other
hand, when the "cancel" button is pressed by an operation of input
unit 3, the setting unit 33 receives an instruction not to
configure the image forming control unit 31. When receiving an
instruction not to configure the image forming control unit
according to the setting information, the setting unit 33 does not
configure the image forming control unit 31 according to the
setting information.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of the
image forming apparatus 100, according to the embodiment. First,
the display control unit 32 displays a main menu (ACT1). For
example, the main menu is a list of a plurality of menus. Next, a
desired menu is selected by an operation of the input unit 3 by a
user (ACT2).
[0026] Next, the display control unit 32 reads display execution
information corresponding to the selected menu from the storage
unit 20 (ACT3). When the display execution information is valid
(YES in ACT3), the display control unit 32 reads the setting
information corresponding to the menu from the storage unit 20
(ACT4). Here, the setting information read by the display control
unit 32 is a basic setting item and a registration item by a user.
Next, the display control unit 32 displays the setting information
and setting execution information (which indicates whether or not
to configure the image forming control unit 31 according to the
setting information) on the display unit 4 (ACT5). That is, in
ACT5, the display unit 4 displays a confirmation screen. Next, when
the "cancel" cancel is selected by an operation of the input unit 3
by a user (NO in ACT6), the display control unit 32 returns for the
processing of ACT1. On the other hand, when the "OK" button is
selected (YES in ACT6), the display control unit 32 reads the
setting information corresponding to the menu from the storage unit
20 (ACT7). In addition, when the display execution information is
invalid (NO in ACT3), the display control unit 32 reads setting
information corresponding to a menu from the storage unit 20
(ACT7). Next, the setting unit 33 configures the image forming
control unit 31 according to the setting information (ACT8).
[0027] Next, the setting unit 33 reads the automatic performance
execution information corresponding to a menu from the storage unit
20 (ACT9). When the automatic performance execution information is
valid (YES in ACT9), the setting unit 33 configures the image
forming control unit 31 according to the setting information. Then,
the setting unit 33 initiates image forming and processing in the
image forming control unit 31 (ACT10). On the other hand, when the
automatic performance execution information is invalid (NO in
ACT9), the setting unit 33 shifts to a state in which image forming
and processing must be initiated by pressing a start button
(ACT11).
[0028] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to
the embodiment includes the storage unit 20. The storage unit 20
stores setting information of an item of a menu and display
execution information in association with each other for each item
of the menu. The display execution information is information
which, before configuring the image forming control unit 31
according to the setting information, indicates whether or not to
display the setting information on the display unit 4.
[0029] In addition, the image forming apparatus includes the
display control unit 32 which reads display execution information
corresponding to a designated menu received by the input unit 3
from the storage unit 20. When the display execution information
indicates displaying the setting information on the display unit 4
before configuring the image forming apparatus, the display control
unit 32 reads the setting information corresponding to the menu
from the storage unit 20. Then, the display control unit 32
displays the setting information and the setting execution
information (which indicates whether or not to configure the image
forming control unit 31 according to the setting information) on
the display unit 4.
[0030] According to the configuration, the image forming apparatus,
before configuring according to setting information of a menu
registered in the storage unit 20, the setting information is
displayed on the display unit 4. Then, the image forming apparatus
receives an instruction of whether the displayed setting contents
are right or wrong. When the input unit 3 receives permission
information, the setting unit 33 configures the image forming
control unit 31 according to the setting information. The
permission information indicates an instruction to proceed with
using the setting information to configure the image forming
control unit 31.
[0031] Accordingly, a user may confirm the contents of setting
information before applying settings in registered setting
information.
[0032] In addition, the storage unit 20 may store automatic
performance execution information (which indicates whether or not
to automatically initiate image forming and processing) for each
menu. Moreover, when the input unit 3 receives information which
indicates configuring the image forming control unit 31 according
to the setting information, the setting unit 33 may be made to
perform the following processing. That is, the setting unit 33
reads the automatic performance execution information corresponding
to a menu from the storage unit 20. Then, when the automatic
performance execution information indicates automatically
initiating image forming and processing, the setting unit 33
configures the image forming control unit 31 according to the
setting information. Then, the setting unit 33 causes the image
forming control unit 31 to initiate the image forming and
processing.
[0033] According to the configuration, when the input unit 3
receives permission information, the setting unit 33 requests
automatic performance execution information. When the automatic
performance execution information indicates automatically
initiating image forming and processing, the setting unit 33
configures the image forming control unit 31 according to the
setting information. Then, the setting unit 33 causes the image
forming control unit 31 to initiate the image forming and
processing.
[0034] Therefore, a user may confirm contents of the setting
information before automatically forming an image, using the
registered setting information.
[0035] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 according to
the embodiment includes the input unit 3 which receives a
designated input. Moreover, the image forming apparatus 100
includes the display unit 4 which displays information. The image
forming apparatus 100 also includes the image forming control unit
31 which performs image forming and processing based on
predetermined setting information. Moreover, the image forming
apparatus 100 includes the storage unit 20 which stores setting
information of an item in a menu and display execution information
in association with each other for each menu. The display execution
information is information which, before configuring the image
forming control unit 31 according to the setting information,
indicates whether or not to display the setting information on the
display unit 4. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes the
display control unit 32. The display control unit 32 reads display
execution information corresponding to a designated menu received
by the input unit 3 from the storage unit 20. Then, when the
display execution information indicates displaying setting
information on the display unit 4 before a setting, the display
control unit 32 reads the setting information corresponding to a
menu from the storage unit 20. Then, the display control unit 32
displays the setting information and setting execution information
(which indicates whether or not to configure the image forming
control unit 31 according to the setting information) on the
display unit 4. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100
includes the setting unit 33. When receiving information which
indicates configuring the image forming control unit 31 from the
input unit 3, the setting unit 33 configures the image forming
control unit 31 according to the setting information.
[0036] The image forming control unit 31, the display control unit
32, and the setting unit 33 may be implemented as hardware.
[0037] In addition, a display of basic setting items such as
"scaling", "color mode", and "both-sides mode" may be omitted and
only a registration item by a user may be displayed on a
confirmation screen.
[0038] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
* * * * *