U.S. patent application number 15/915232 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-12 for image forming apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Mayuko YOSHIDA.
Application Number | 20180198944 15/915232 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58562139 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180198944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOSHIDA; Mayuko |
July 12, 2018 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
Abstract
In an image forming apparatus, a controller allows selection of
one from a first setting mode and a second setting mode at an
operating portion. The first setting mode allows operating
conditions to be set at the operating portion. The second setting
mode allows only some of the operating conditions to be set at the
operating portion. If the second setting mode is selected at the
operating portion, an operating condition settable in the second
setting mode is set, and then the first setting mode is selected at
the operating portion, the controller makes a setting of the
operating condition having been set while the second setting mode
is selected reflect in an operating condition to be set in the
first setting mode.
Inventors: |
YOSHIDA; Mayuko; (Sakai
City, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
58562139 |
Appl. No.: |
15/915232 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15298358 |
Oct 20, 2016 |
9948817 |
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15915232 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00411 20130101;
H04N 2201/0094 20130101; H04N 1/00424 20130101; H04N 1/2338
20130101; H04N 1/2346 20130101; H04N 1/00474 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/23 20060101
H04N001/23; H04N 1/00 20060101 H04N001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 27, 2015 |
JP |
2015-210442 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus having at least one function and
permitting setting a plurality of operating conditions about the
function, the image forming apparatus comprising: an operating
portion used for operation of setting the operating conditions; an
image processor that performs image processing in a manner that
depends on a setting of an operating condition set at the operating
portion; and a controller that controls the operating portion and
the image processor, wherein the controller performs processes of:
(i) allowing selection of one from a first setting mode and a
second setting mode at the operating portion, the first setting
mode allowing the operating conditions to be set at the operating
portion, the second setting mode allowing only some of the
operating conditions to be set at the operating portion; and (ii)
resetting a setting of an operating condition having been set in
the first setting mode but not settable in the second setting mode,
if the first setting mode is selected at the operating portion, the
operating condition settable in the first setting mode is set, and
then the second setting mode is selected at the operating
portion.
2. An image forming apparatus having at least one function and
permitting setting a plurality of operating conditions about the
function, the image forming apparatus comprising: an operating
portion used for operation of setting the operating conditions; an
image processor that performs image processing in a manner that
depends on a setting of an operating condition set at the operating
portion; and a controller that controls the operating portion and
the image processor, wherein the controller performs processes of:
(i) allowing selection of one from a first setting mode and a
second setting mode at the operating portion, the first setting
mode allowing the operating conditions to be set at the operating
portion, the second setting mode allowing only some of the
operating conditions to be set at the operating portion; and (iii)
regarding an operating condition to be set in the second setting
mode, making a setting of a corresponding operating condition of an
operating condition having been set while the first setting mode is
selected reflect in the operating condition to be set in the second
setting mode; wherein if the first setting mode is selected at the
operating portion, an operating condition settable in the first
setting mode is set, and then the second setting mode is selected
at the operating portion, the controller performs one of processes
(iv) and (v) in response to a command entered through the operating
portion: (iv) resetting a setting of an operating condition having
been set in the first setting mode but not settable in the second
setting mode; and (v) reflecting a setting of the operating
condition having been set in the first setting mode but not
settable in the second setting mode.
3. An image forming apparatus having at least one function and
permitting setting a plurality of operating conditions about the
function, the image forming apparatus comprising: an operating
portion used for operation of setting the operating conditions; an
image processor that performs image processing in a manner that
depends on a setting of an operating condition set at the operating
portion; and a controller that controls the operating portion and
the image processor, wherein the controller performs processes of:
(i) allowing selection of one from a first setting mode and a
second setting mode at the operating portion, the first setting
mode allowing the operating conditions to be set at the operating
portion, the second setting mode allowing only some of the
operating conditions to be set at the operating portion; and (iii)
regarding an operating condition to be set in the second setting
mode, making a setting of a corresponding operating condition of an
operating condition having been set while the first setting mode is
selected reflect in the operating condition to be set in the second
setting mode; wherein if the first setting mode is selected at the
operating portion, an operating condition settable in the first
setting mode is set, and then the second setting mode is selected
at the operating portion, the controller performs a process (vi) in
response to a command entered through the operating portion: (vi)
selectively executing whether or not resetting a setting of an
operating condition having been set in the first setting mode but
not settable in the second setting mode.
4. An image forming apparatus having at least one function and
permitting setting a plurality of operating conditions about the
function, the image forming apparatus comprising: an operating
portion used for operation of setting the operating conditions; an
image processor that performs image processing in a manner that
depends on a setting of an operating condition set at the operating
portion; and a controller that controls the operating portion and
the image processor, wherein the controller performs processes of:
(i) allowing selection of one from a first setting mode and a
second setting mode at the operating portion, the first setting
mode allowing the operating conditions to be set at the operating
portion, the second setting mode allowing only some of the
operating conditions to be set at the operating portion; and (vii)
resetting each setting of an operating condition having been set
while the first setting mode is selected, without reflecting the
setting in an operating condition settable in the second setting
mode, if the first setting mode is selected at the operating
portion, the operating condition settable in the first setting mode
is set, and then the second setting mode is selected at the
operating portion.
5. An image forming apparatus having at least one function and
permitting setting a plurality of operating conditions about the
function, the image forming apparatus comprising: an operating
portion used for operation of setting the operating conditions; an
image processor that performs image processing in a manner that
depends on a setting of an operating condition set at the operating
portion; and a controller that controls the operating portion and
the image processor, wherein the controller performs processes of:
(i) allowing selection of one from a first setting mode and a
second setting mode at the operating portion, the first setting
mode allowing the operating conditions to be set at the operating
portion, the second setting mode allowing only some of the
operating conditions to be set at the operating portion; wherein if
the first setting mode is selected at the operating portion, an
operating condition settable in the first setting mode is set, and
then the second setting mode is selected at the operating portion,
the controller performs one of processes (iii) and (iv) in response
to a command entered through the operating portion: (iii) regarding
an operating condition to be set in the second setting mode, making
a setting of a corresponding operating condition of the operating
condition having been set while the first setting mode is selected
reflect in the operating condition to be set in the second setting
mode; and (viii) resetting each setting of the operating condition
having been set while the first setting mode is selected, without
reflecting the setting in an operating condition settable in the
second setting mode.
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
controller performs processes of: (I) making a display portion of
the operating portion display, in a selectable state, at least one
of the operating conditions to become settable in the first setting
mode; and (II) registering an operating condition having been
selected at the operating portion from the at least one of the
operating conditions displayed on the display portion, as an
operating condition settable in the second setting mode.
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein while
the second setting mode is selected, a display portion of the
operating portion displays icons respectively prepared for the some
of the operating conditions settable in the second setting mode,
and the controller locates all of the icons on one screen to be
displayed on the display portion or locates the icons separately on
a plurality of screens to be displayed on the display portion in
response to a command entered through the operating portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This Nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) on Patent Application No. 2015-210442 filed in
Japan on Oct. 27, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus, more
specifically, to a technique to be employed while an operating
condition is set.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine
has various functions including a copying function, a facsimile
transmitting function, a scanning function, a printing function,
and an image transmitting function, for example. The image forming
apparatus permits setting an operating condition about each
function. For example, the image forming apparatus permits setting
a plurality of operating conditions about such as a copying
density, a copying magnification, a copy count, and a sheet size
about the copying function.
[0004] Such an operating condition is set on a setting screen
displayed on a touch display panel, for example. More specifically,
an icon prepared for each settable operating condition is displayed
on the setting screen. If any icon is selected on the setting
screen, a detailed setting screen for an operating condition
corresponding to the selected icon is displayed and the operating
condition is set on the detailed setting screen.
[0005] Development having made in recent years for higher
performance of an image forming apparatus results in a tendency
toward a larger number of operating conditions settable about each
function such as a copying function. This makes it possible to set
operating conditions in detail. This in turn produces a situation
where an icon corresponding to an operating condition to be set
with high frequency by a user and an icon corresponding to an
operating condition to be set with low frequency by the user are
displayed together on a setting screen. Hence, increase in the
number of settable operating conditions makes operation on the
setting screen troublesome, causing the problem of reduced
operability.
[0006] According to a technique having been suggested to handle
this problem, only an icon corresponding to an operating condition
of high setting frequency can be displayed on a touch display
panel, etc., as a simple setting screen separately from a normal
setting screen on which all icons are displayed (see Japanese
published unexamined patent application No. 2007-181993, for
example).
[0007] According to the aforementioned technique, however, if there
arises a need to set an operating condition (operating condition of
low setting frequency) that cannot be set on the simple setting
screen after or while an operating condition is set on the simple
setting screen, a user is required to return to the normal setting
screen and is forced to perform troublesome operation.
Specifically, when the user returns to the normal setting screen,
each setting of an operating condition having been set on the
simple setting screen is reset to force the user to set the
operating condition again on the normal setting screen. Hence, high
operability has not yet been achieved by the aforementioned
suggested technique.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An image forming apparatus according to this invention has
at least one function and permits setting a plurality of operating
conditions about the function. The image forming apparatus
includes: an operating portion used for operation for setting the
operating conditions; an image processor that performs image
processing in a manner that depends on a setting of an operating
condition set at the operating portion; and a controller that
controls the operating portion and the image processor. The
controller performs processes (i) and (ii). In the process (i), the
controller allows selection of one from a first setting mode and a
second setting mode at the operating portion. The first setting
mode allows the operating conditions to be set at the operating
portion. The second setting mode allows only some of the operating
conditions to be set at the operating portion. In the process (ii),
the controller makes a setting of an operating condition having
been set while the second setting mode is selected reflect in an
operating condition to be set in the first setting mode, if the
second setting mode is selected at the operating portion, the
operating condition settable in the second setting mode is set, and
then the first setting mode is selected at the operating
portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view conceptually showing an image
forming apparatus according to embodiments of this invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming
apparatus;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a conceptual view showing a first selection screen
displayed on a touch display panel;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a conceptual view showing a normal setting screen
about a copying function;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a conceptual view showing a second selection
screen displayed on the touch display panel;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a conceptual view showing a simple setting screen
about a copying function;
[0015] FIGS. 7A and 7B are conceptual views showing a simple
setting screen and a normal setting screen respectively illustrated
in relation to a process performed by an operation controller in a
first embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a
controller in a second embodiment;
[0017] FIGS. 9A and 9B are conceptual views showing a normal
setting screen and a simple setting screen respectively illustrated
in relation to a process performed by the operation controller in
the second embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the
controller in a third embodiment;
[0019] FIGS. 11A and 11B are conceptual views showing a normal
setting screen and a simple setting screen respectively illustrated
in relation to a process performed by the operation controller in
the third embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a conceptual view showing a registration screen
to be displayed on the touch display panel under the command of the
operation controller in a fifth embodiment; and
[0021] FIGS. 13A and 13B are conceptual views showing a first
screen and a second screen respectively of a simple setting screen
to be displayed on the touch display panel under the command of the
operation controller in a sixth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[1] First Embodiment
[0022] [1-1] Structure of Image Forming Apparatus
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an image forming apparatus
includes an image reading portion 1, a sheet feed portion 2, an
image processor 3, a sheet output portion 4, an operating portion
5, a storage portion 6, a controller 7, an image output portion 81,
and a transmitting and receiving portion 82. The image forming
apparatus of this embodiment is a multifunction machine having
various functions (copying function, facsimile transmitting
function, scanning function, printing function, image transmitting
function, etc.). The image forming apparatus permits setting a
plurality of operating conditions for each of the functions. These
operating conditions include various types of conditions such as a
copying density, a copying magnification, a copy count, and a sheet
size that are settable about the copying function, and a
destination that is settable about the facsimile transmitting
function, for example.
[0024] The image reading portion 1 generates image data by
optically reading an image of a document loaded on a document
platen. The image reading portion 1 may have an automatic document
feeding mechanism.
[0025] The image data generated by the image reading portion 1 is
input to the image processor 3. Image data input to the image
processor 3 is not limited to the image data generated by the image
reading portion 1 but may include image data acquired by the
transmitting and receiving portion 82 from an external connected
device through a network, etc.
[0026] The image processor 3 performs various types of image
processing such as a correction process and a filtering process on
image data in a manner that depends on a selected function and a
setting of an operating condition. The image data after being
subjected to the image processing is input to the image output
portion 81 if the copying function or the printing function is
selected, and is input to the transmitting and receiving portion 82
if the facsimile transmitting function, the scanning function, or
the image transmitting function is selected.
[0027] The image output portion 81 performs an image forming
process of an electrophotographic system based on image data input
to the image output portion 81 and prints an image on a sheet fed
from the sheet feed portion 2. The sheet including the printed
image is output to the sheet output portion 4. A sheet is not
limited to a sheet made from paper such as plain paper or
photographic paper but includes a sheet made from a resin material
such as an OHP film and sheets made from various other
materials.
[0028] The transmitting and receiving portion 82 transmits and
receives image data through a network. More specifically, the
transmitting and receiving portion 82 has a function of receiving
the image data from an external connected device such as a personal
computer and a function of transmitting the image data to the
external connected device. As an example of the transmission, the
transmitting and receiving portion 82 transmits the image data
having been input from the image processor 3 to the external
connected device through a network, for example.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the operating portion 5 includes a touch
display panel 51 and a capacitive touch button 52, and functions as
a user interface. Specifically, the operating portion 5 has a
function as an input portion to receive an operational command from
a user, and a function as a display portion to provide the user
with information such as a setting screen and an operating
condition. Examples of a screen to be displayed on the touch
display panel 51 include a selection screen used for operation of
selecting a function to be fulfilled by the image forming apparatus
and a setting screen used for operation of setting an operating
condition. The operating portion 5 may be formed only of either the
touch display panel 51 or the capacitive touch button 52. The
capacitive touch button 52 may include a plurality of capacitive
touch buttons 52.
[0030] The storage portion 6 stores data such as a set value of a
control parameter to be used for control on each portion of the
image forming apparatus. The storage portion 6 further stores data
such as image data for a setting screen to be displayed on the
touch display panel 51. The controller 7 controls each portion of
the image forming apparatus in a manner that depends on a function
selected at the operating portion 5 and a setting of an operating
condition set at the operating portion 5. More specifically, the
controller 7 reads data such as a set value of a control parameter
from the storage portion 6 that can satisfy a setting of an
operating condition set at the operating portion 5, and controls
each portion of the image forming apparatus based on the read data
such as the set value. The controller 7 includes a main controller
71 responsible for overall control on the image forming apparatus,
and an operation controller 72 mainly responsible for control on
the operating portion 5.
[0031] Various types of control processors such as a central
processing unit (CPU) and a microcomputer are applicable as each of
the main controller 71 and the operation controller 72. A process
to be performed by each of the main controller 71 and the operation
controller 72 may be realized by making the image processing
apparatus or the operating portion 5 execute a series of
corresponding programs. Such programs may be stored in a storage
medium (such as a flash memory, for example) in a state of being
readable by the storage medium, or may be stored in the storage
portion 6.
[0032] [1-2] Control on Image Forming Apparatus
[0033] The following describes how the controller 7 executes
control in the image forming apparatus. The following detailed
description is mainly intended for control executed by the
operation controller 72 and relating to selection of a function to
be fulfilled by the image forming apparatus and setting of an
operating condition.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the operation controller 72 makes the
touch display panel 51 display a first selection screen. The first
selection screen is a screen to be used if a user hopes to perform
normal setting operation. The first selection screen includes an
icon In prepared for each function of the image forming apparatus
and with which a normal setting screen about this function is to be
displayed. On the first selection screen shown in FIG. 3, the icon
In corresponds to each of the copying function, the facsimile
transmitting function (in FIG. 3, "facsimile transmission" is
abbreviated as "FAX"), and the scanning function. The first
selection screen may display icons In corresponding to various
functions not limited to these functions.
[0035] If any of the icons In is selected on the first selection
screen, the operation controller 72 makes the touch display panel
51 display a normal setting screen about a function corresponding
to the selected icon In, as shown in FIG. 4. The normal setting
screen mentioned herein is a screen that allows many operating
conditions about a target function to be set. The displayed normal
setting screen includes an icon Ic1 prepared for each settable
operating condition and with which a detailed setting screen about
this operating condition is to be displayed, and a setting image
Ip1 with which the operating condition is to be set by means of an
entry, for example.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows a screen that is displayed as the normal
setting screen if the icon In corresponding to the copying function
is selected on the first selection screen (see FIG. 3). On this
normal setting screen, the setting image Ip1 is an image with which
a copy count can be set (numerical value can be entered), and the
icon Ic1 corresponds to each operating condition of relatively high
setting frequency except a copy count. The icon Ic1 shown in FIG. 4
is prepared for each of a copying color, a document orientation, a
sheet size, a copying side, a copying magnification, and a copying
density. Icons Ic1 corresponding to operating conditions except
these operating conditions are aggregated into one icon Ic0 labeled
"other operating conditions."
[0037] If any of the icons Ic1 is selected on the normal setting
screen (including the case where the icon Ic0 is selected and then
any of the icons Ic1 aggregated into the icon Ic0 is selected), the
operation controller 72 makes the touch display panel 51 display a
detailed setting screen for an operating condition corresponding to
the selected icon Ic1. The operation controller 72 makes this
detailed setting screen operable by a user for performing operation
relating to condition setting at the touch display panel 51 such as
selection of a setting from a plurality of predetermined selection
items or entry of a numerical value or a character, etc. A setting
of an operating condition having been set on the detailed setting
screen is indicated in the corresponding icon Ic1 on the normal
setting screen. Before an operating condition is set, a setting of
each operating condition agrees with a predetermined default
setting and the default setting of each operating condition (such
as "full-color" or "automatically A4", see FIG. 4) is indicated in
a corresponding icon Ic1.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the displayed first selection screen
includes a button B1 with which a display screen at the touch
display panel 51 is to be switched from the first selection screen
to a second selection screen, in addition to the icons In. If the
button B1 is selected on the first selection screen, the operation
controller 72 makes the touch display panel 51 display the second
selection screen, as shown in FIG. 5. The second selection screen
is a screen to be used if a user hopes to perform simple setting
operation. The second selection screen includes an icon Is prepared
for each function of the image forming apparatus and with which a
simple setting screen about this function is to be displayed. On
the second selection screen shown in FIG. 5, the icon Is
corresponds to each of the copying function, the facsimile
transmitting function (in FIG. 5, "facsimile transmission" is
abbreviated as "FAX"), and the scanning function. The second
selection screen may display Icons Is corresponding to various
functions not limited to these functions.
[0039] If any of the icons Is is selected on the second selection
screen, the operation controller 72 makes the touch display panel
51 display a simple setting screen about a function corresponding
to the selected icon Is, as shown in FIG. 6. The simple setting
screen mentioned herein is a screen that allows only some of
operating conditions about a target function to be set. The
displayed simple setting screen includes an icon Ic2 prepared for
each settable operating condition and with which a detailed setting
screen about this operating condition is to be displayed, and a
setting image Ip2 with which the operating condition is to be set
by means of entry, for example. As an example, the icon Ic2
displayed on the simple setting screen corresponds to an operating
condition to be set with high frequency by a user.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows a screen that is displayed as the simple
setting screen if the icon Is corresponding to the copying function
is selected on the second selection screen (see FIG. 5). On this
simple setting screen, the setting image Ip2 is an image with which
a copy count can be set (numerical value can be entered), and the
icon Ic2 corresponds to each operating condition except a copy
count. The displayed simple setting screen shown in FIG. 6 includes
only the icon Ic2 corresponding to each of the four operating
conditions including a sheet size, a copying side, a copying
magnification, and a copying density. Icons Ic2 corresponding to
various operating conditions except these operating conditions may
be displayed on the simple setting screen.
[0041] On the simple setting screen (see FIG. 6), to enhance the
visibility of the icon Ic2, the icon Ic2 is displayed in a larger
size than the icon Ic1 displayed on the normal setting screen (see
FIG. 4). On the simple setting screen, to facilitate entry of a
numerical value into the setting image Ip2, an entry field of the
setting image Ip2 is displayed in a larger size than an entry field
of the setting image Ip1 displayed on the normal setting screen. If
a position corresponding to the entry field of the setting image
Ip2 is touched, a numerical keypad for entry of a numerical value
is displayed as a part of the setting image Ip2 at the touch
display panel 51 to allow entry of a numerical value into this
entry field.
[0042] If any of the icons Ic2 is selected on the simple setting
screen, the operation controller 72 makes the touch display panel
51 display a detailed setting screen for an operating condition
corresponding to the selected icon Ic2. The operation controller 72
makes this detailed setting screen operable by a user for
performing operation relating to condition setting at the touch
display panel 51 such as selection of a setting from a plurality of
predetermined selection items or entry of a numerical value or a
character, etc. A setting of an operating condition having been set
on the detailed setting screen is indicated in the corresponding
icon Ic2 on the simple setting screen. Before an operating
condition is set, a setting of each operating condition agrees with
a predetermined default setting and the default setting of each
operating condition (such as "automatically A4" or "one-side to
one-side," see FIG. 6) is indicated in a corresponding icon
Ic2.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the displayed second selection screen
includes a button B2 with which a display screen at the touch
display panel 51 is to be switched from the second selection screen
to the first selection screen, in addition to the icons Is. If the
button B2 is selected on the second selection screen, the operation
controller 72 makes the touch display panel 51 display the first
selection screen (see FIG. 3).
[0044] As described above, the operation controller 72 allows
selection of one from a first setting mode and a second setting
mode described below at the touch display panel 51. The first
setting mode allows many operating conditions to be set about each
function at the touch display panel 51. The second setting mode
allows only some of the operating conditions to be set at the touch
display panel 51. A state of the first setting mode is realized on
the normal setting screen displayed on the touch display panel 51.
A state of the second setting mode is realized on the simple
setting screen displayed on the touch display panel 51.
[0045] In addition to realizing these two modes, the operation
controller 72 allows shift of a mode between the first and second
setting modes for setting an operating condition about each
function. More specifically, the operation controller 72 allows
shift of a screen between the normal setting screen and the simple
setting screen about each function.
[0046] To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 4, the displayed
normal setting screen includes a button Bc1 with which a display
screen is to be switched to the simple setting screen about a
target function. If the button Bc1 is selected on the normal
setting screen, the operation controller 72 switches a display
screen at the touch display panel 51 to the simple setting screen
(see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, the displayed simple setting
screen includes a button Bc2 with which a display screen is to be
switched to the normal setting screen about a target function. If
the button Bc2 is selected on the simple setting screen, the
operation controller 72 switches a display screen at the touch
display panel 51 to the normal setting screen (see FIG. 4).
[0047] In addition to allowing the shift between the aforementioned
modes, the operation controller 72 further performs the following
process. Specifically, if an operating condition is set on the
simple setting screen (see FIG. 6) and then the button Bc2 is
selected on this simple setting screen to shift a display screen to
the normal setting screen, the operation controller 72 makes a
setting of the operating condition having been set on the simple
setting screen reflect in a corresponding one of operating
conditions settable on the normal setting screen, as shown in FIGS.
7A and 7B.
[0048] FIG. 7A shows an instance where a copying magnification is
set at 80% (regarding the other operating conditions, default
settings remain unchanged) on the simple setting screen. FIG. 7B
shows an instance where a display screen is switched to the normal
setting screen after the operating condition is set on the simple
setting screen. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a setting indicated in
the icon Ic1 corresponding to a copying magnification on the normal
setting screen (see FIG. 7B) is 80%, which agrees with a setting
indicated in the icon Ic2 corresponding to a copying magnification
on the simple setting screen (see FIG. 7A). This shows that the
setting is reflected in the normal setting screen.
[0049] The aforementioned process performed by the operation
controller 72 can be understood as follows in terms of a
relationship between the first and second setting modes.
Specifically, if the second setting mode is selected at the touch
display panel 51, an operating condition settable in the second
setting mode is set, and then the first setting mode is selected at
the touch display panel 51, the operation controller 72 makes a
setting of the operating condition having been set while the second
setting mode is selected reflect in a corresponding one of
operating conditions settable in the first setting mode.
[0050] According to the aforementioned process by the operation
controller 72, even if a display screen is switched to the normal
setting screen after or while an operating condition is set on the
simple setting screen, a setting of the operating condition having
been set previously is not reset but is reflected in a
corresponding one of operating conditions settable on the normal
setting screen. Thus, after the shift to the normal setting screen,
a user is not required to set the operating condition at a setting
again same as that of the operating condition having been set on
the simple setting screen. This achieves high operability in the
image forming apparatus in terms of setting an operating
condition.
[2] Second Embodiment
[0051] In the aforementioned image forming apparatus, the
controller 7 including the operation controller 72 may perform a
process shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, if an operating condition is
set on the normal setting screen (see FIG. 4) (steps S11 and S12 of
FIG. 8) and then the button Bc1 is selected on this normal setting
screen to shift a display screen to the simple setting screen (if a
determination result of step S13 of FIG. 8 is "Yes"), regarding an
operating condition to be set in the simple setting screen, the
operation controller 72 makes a setting of a corresponding
operating condition of the operating condition having been set on
the normal setting screen reflect in the operating condition to be
set on the simple setting screen (execution of steps S14 and S15 of
FIG. 8). At this time, if there is an operating condition with a
setting having been set on the normal setting screen and not
reflected in the simple setting screen (operating condition not in
agreement), the operation controller 72 resets this setting and
returns this setting to a default setting (step S15 of FIG. 8).
[0052] FIG. 9A shows an instance where a copying magnification is
set at 80% and a copying color is set at monochrome on the normal
setting screen. FIG. 9B shows an instance where a display screen is
switched to the simple setting screen after the operating
conditions are set on the normal setting screen. As shown in FIGS.
9A and 9B, a setting indicated in the icon Ic2 corresponding to a
copying magnification on the simple setting screen (see FIG. 9B) is
80%, which agrees with a setting indicated in the icon Ic1
corresponding to a copying magnification on the normal setting
screen (see FIG. 9A). This shows that the setting is reflected in
the simple setting screen. At this time, a setting for a copying
color is returned to full-color, which is a default setting.
[0053] The aforementioned process performed by the operation
controller 72 can be understood as follows in terms of a
relationship between the first and second setting modes.
Specifically, if the first setting mode is selected at the touch
display panel 51, an operating condition settable in the first
setting mode is set, and then the second setting mode is selected
at the touch display panel 51, regarding an operating condition to
be set in the second setting mode, the operation controller 72
makes a setting of a corresponding operating condition of the
operating condition having been set while the first setting mode is
selected reflect in the operating condition to be set in the second
setting mode.
[0054] According to the aforementioned process by the operation
controller 72, if a display screen is switched to the simple
setting screen after or while an operating condition is set on the
normal setting screen, a setting of the operating condition having
been set previously and not settable on the simple setting screen
is reset and is returned to a default setting. In the case where
this setting remains without being reset, even if this setting
deviates from a setting intended by a user while an operating
condition is set on the simple setting screen, the user cannot set
the operating condition again and is forced to return to the normal
setting screen. If the user makes the image forming apparatus
perform operation such as copying without returning to the normal
setting screen while leaving this setting as it is, the image
forming apparatus is to operate under an operating condition
deviating from user's intention. By contrast, according to the
aforementioned process of the second embodiment, a setting of an
operating condition having been set on the normal setting screen
and not settable on the simple setting screen is reset and is
returned to a standard (default setting). This prevents the image
forming apparatus from operating in a manner largely deviating from
user's intention. Additionally, a user becomes free from
troublesome operation of resetting a setting intentionally after
making a shift to the simple setting screen.
[0055] Additionally, according to the aforementioned process by the
operation controller 72, if a display screen is switched to the
simple setting screen, a setting of an operating condition having
been set on the normal setting screen and settable also on the
simple setting screen is reflected in a corresponding operating
condition on the simple setting screen. Thus, even if a user shifts
a display screen to the simple setting screen for the purpose of
avoiding complicated operation to be involved after or while an
operating condition is set on the normal setting screen, the user
is not required to set the operating condition at a setting again
same as that of the operating condition having been set on the
normal setting screen. Further, where necessary, the user can check
and correct a setting easily.
[0056] As a result, high operability is achieved in the image
forming apparatus in terms of setting an operating condition.
[3] Third Embodiment
[0057] In the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, the
controller 7 including the operation controller 72 may perform a
process shown in FIG. 10. Specifically, if a display screen is
switched from the normal setting screen to the simple setting
screen, the operation controller 72 may reset each setting of an
operating condition having been set on the normal setting screen
without reflecting this setting in the simple setting screen, even
if operating conditions having been set on the normal setting
screen include an operating condition settable on the simple
setting screen (step S16 of FIG. 10), as shown in FIGS. 11A and
11B.
[0058] FIG. 11A shows an instance where a copying magnification is
set at 80% and a copying color is set at monochrome on the normal
setting screen. FIG. 11B shows an instance where a display screen
is switched to the simple setting screen after the operating
conditions are set on the normal setting screen. As shown in FIGS.
11A and 11B, a setting indicated in the icon Ic1 corresponding to a
copying magnification on the normal setting screen is 80% (see FIG.
11B), whereas a setting indicated in the icon Ic2 corresponding to
a copying magnification on the simple setting screen is 100% (see
FIG. 11A). This shows that even an operating condition settable on
(can be reflected in) the simple setting operation is still reset.
A setting for a copying color is also returned to full-color, which
is a default setting.
[0059] The simple setting screen includes settable operating
conditions of a number smaller than the number of settable
operating conditions on the normal setting screen. Thus, resetting
each setting on the simple setting screen does not force a user to
perform troublesome operation again.
[0060] The operation controller 72 may perform one of the following
processes relating to an operating condition having been set on the
normal setting screen and settable also on the simple setting
screen in response to a command entered through the touch display
panel 51: reflecting a setting of this operating condition in a
corresponding operating condition on the simple setting screen; and
resetting the setting without reflecting the setting in the
corresponding operating condition. For example, during a shift from
the normal setting screen to the simple setting screen, the
operation controller 72 makes the touch display panel 51 display a
screen on which a user is asked to determine whether or not a
setting is to be reflected. The operation controller 72 performs
one of the aforementioned two processes in response to a command
entered on this screen.
[4] Other Embodiments
[4-1] Fourth Embodiment
[0061] In the aforementioned second embodiment, if a display screen
is switched to the simple setting screen after or while an
operating condition is set on the normal setting screen, a setting
of the operating condition having been set previously and not
settable on the simple setting screen is reset and is returned to a
default setting. This is intended to avoid troublesome operation to
be involved if a setting of an operating condition that cannot be
set again deviates from user's intention.
[0062] Meanwhile, a user may hope to leave a setting of an
operating condition as it is intentionally, even if this operating
condition cannot be set again on the simple setting screen. In this
case, leaving the setting as it is without resetting the same is
more preferable, as this allows the image forming apparatus to
operate under the operating condition reflecting the user's
intention in detail.
[0063] Thus, if an operating condition is set on the normal setting
screen (see FIG. 4) and then the button Bc1 is selected on this
normal setting screen to shift a display screen to the simple
setting screen, the operation controller 72 may perform the
following process in response to a command entered through the
touch display panel 51. Specifically, the operation controller 72
may leave a setting of an operating condition as it is having been
set on the normal setting operation and not settable (cannot be set
again) on the simple setting screen without resetting this setting.
For example, during a shift from the normal setting screen to the
simple setting screen, the operation controller 72 makes the touch
display panel 51 display a screen on which a user is asked to
determine whether or not a setting of an operating condition not
settable on the simple setting screen is to be reset. In response
to a command entered on this screen, the operation controller 72
makes the shift while resetting the setting of the non-settable
condition or not resetting the setting.
[0064] As another example, during a shift from the normal setting
screen to the simple setting screen, the operation controller 72
may make the touch display panel 51 display a screen on which a
user is asked to select a setting of an operating condition not
settable on the simple setting screen and determined to be left as
it is. The operation controller 72 leaves the setting of the
operating condition as it is having been selected on this screen.
Meanwhile, the operation controller 72 may reset the setting of a
different operating condition not having been selected.
[4-2] Fifth Embodiment
[0065] In the aforementioned embodiments, the operation controller
72 may perform the following process in order to allow a user to
register an operating condition settable on the simple setting
screen. As shown in FIG. 12, the operation controller 72 first
makes the touch display panel 51 display a registration screen on
which each operating condition to become settable on the normal
setting screen and settable also on the simple setting screen is
shown in a selectable state. The registration screen shown in FIG.
12 is about a copying function and includes eight operating
conditions that can be registered with the simple setting screen.
These are not the only operating conditions to be displayed on the
registration screen but various other operating conditions can be
displayed on the registration screen. If some or all the operating
conditions displayed on the registration screen are selected on
this registration screen and are decided to be employed (if a
registration button of FIG. 12 is pressed), the operation
controller 72 registers the selected operating condition as an
operating condition settable on the simple setting screen. The
registered operating condition is indicated by the icon Ic2 and
becomes selectable on the simple setting screen (see FIG. 6). The
simple setting screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed if four
operating conditions including a sheet size, a copying side, a
copying magnification, and a copying density are selected and
registered with the registration screen shown in FIG. 12.
[0066] The aforementioned process by the operation controller 72
allows a user to select and register an operating condition
settable on the simple setting screen. In this way, the operating
condition to be set with high frequency by the user is registered
with the simple setting screen to provide the user with enhanced
operability.
[4-3] Sixth Embodiment
[0067] In the aforementioned image forming apparatus, the operation
controller 72 may form the simple setting screen on one screen and
locate all the icons Ic2 on this screen (see FIG. 6).
Alternatively, the operation controller 72 may form the simple
setting screen on a plurality of interchangeable screens and locate
the icons Ic2 separately on these screens (see FIGS. 13A and 13B).
FIGS. 13A and 13B show two screens forming the simple setting
screen. Eight icons Ic2 are located separately on these screens,
with four icons Ic2 on each screen. A shift between the two screens
is made in response to selection of a button B3 or a button B4. The
aforementioned structure of the simple setting screen and the
aforementioned location of the icons Ic2 are not the only examples
but various other structures and locations can be devised.
[0068] According to the aforementioned process by the operation
controller 72, increase in the number of the icons Ic2 does not
involve reduction in size of the icons Ic2. Thus, a plurality of
icons Ic2 can be displayed on the simple setting screen without
reducing the visibility of these icons Ic2.
[4-4] Seventh Embodiment
[0069] The aforementioned processes performed by the operation
controller 72 may be realized by making the image forming apparatus
execute a control program. Such a control program may be stored in
a storage medium (such as a hard disk or a memory card) in a state
of being readable by the storage medium.
[0070] It should be noted that the foregoing description of the
embodiment is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. The
scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather
than by the embodiment described above. All changes that fall
within a meaning and a range equivalent to the scope of the claims
are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.
* * * * *