U.S. patent application number 16/183784 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-07 for multifunction peripheral.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Yuichi NISHII, Mayuko YOSHIDA.
Application Number | 20190075211 16/183784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58283514 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190075211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOSHIDA; Mayuko ; et
al. |
March 7, 2019 |
MULTIFUNCTION PERIPHERAL
Abstract
A multifunction peripheral comprises an operating panel, and a
home screen for performing selection of an operation mode, etc. on
the operating panel is displayed if a home button is operated. If
selecting a simple copy button in the home screen, for example, a
copy screen is displayed on the operating panel. Furthermore, if
selecting a simple facsimile button in the home screen, a fax
screen is displayed on the operating panel. Furthermore, if
selecting a simple scan button in the home screen, a scan screen is
displayed on the operating panel. Layout of the home screen and
layout of each of the copy screen, the facsimile screen and the
scan screen are similar to each other.
Inventors: |
YOSHIDA; Mayuko; (Sakai
City, JP) ; NISHII; Yuichi; (Sakai City, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha |
Sakai City |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
58283514 |
Appl. No.: |
16/183784 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15263517 |
Sep 13, 2016 |
10171692 |
|
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16183784 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00413 20130101;
G06F 3/04817 20130101; H04N 1/00482 20130101; H04N 1/00437
20130101; H04N 1/00474 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 17, 2015 |
JP |
2015-183593 |
Sep 17, 2015 |
JP |
2015-183594 |
Jun 8, 2016 |
JP |
2016-114347 |
Claims
1. A multifunction peripheral having a plurality of operation
modes, comprising: a display portion configured to display a first
user interface image for selecting an operation mode and a second
user interface image for setting an operation condition in a
selected operation mode, wherein the first user interface image has
a plurality of first operating icons, and includes a first display
region that the plurality of first operating icons for selecting a
plurality of operation modes are switchably displayed, a second
display region that the plurality of first operating icons are
fixedly displayed and a third display region that displays the
plurality of first operating icons, the second user interface image
has a plurality of second operating icons, and includes a third
display region that the plurality of second operating icons for
setting a plurality of operation conditions are switchably
displayed, a fifth display region that the plurality of second
operating icons are fixedly displayed and a sixth display region
that display a operation mode that is selected from the plurality
of operation modes by the first user interface image, the first
display region and the fourth display region have an overlapping
area, the second display region and the fifth display region have
an overlapping area, and the third display region and the sixth
display region have an overlapping area.
2. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the
overlapping area has an area larger than an area of a
non-overlapping area in each of the third display region and the
sixth display region.
3. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein an
entire display region of the display portion is a rectangular
shape, and the third display region and the sixth display region
are provided along the same side of the entire display region.
4. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 3, wherein the
second display region and the fifth display region are provided
along the same side of the entire display region.
5. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 3, wherein each
of the third display region and the sixth display region is
provided along one of two opposite sides of an entire display
region of the display portion, and each of the second display
region and the fifth display region is provided along another one
of the two opposite sides.
6. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 3, wherein each
of the third display region and the sixth display region is
provided along an upper end of the display portion.
7. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of second operating icons include a plurality of setting
icons configured to set operation conditions, a start key
configured to instruct performing image processing, and a reset key
configured to instruct clearing set content of the operation
conditions, and irrespective of the operation mode, the plurality
of setting icons are displayed in the third display region, and the
start key and the reset key are displayed in the fifth display
region.
8. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 7, wherein the
start key is displayed in any one of the corner portions of the
entire display region, and the reset key is displayed in another
one of the corner portions of the entire display region.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The disclosures of Japanese patent application Nos.
2015-183593 and 2015-183594 both filed on Sep. 17, 2015 and the
disclosure of Japanese patent application No. 2016-114349 filed on
Jun. 8, 2016 are incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral,
and more specifically, a multifunction peripheral comprising a
display portion that has a display screen having corner portions
and displays a user interface image for receiving a user
operation.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] In image forming apparatuses, there is a multifunction
peripheral (MFP) that combines a plurality of functions such as a
copying function, a fax (facsimile) function, a scanner function,
printer function, etc. into one set, and it is expected to obtain a
large business impact with a small space.
[0004] On the other hand, in order to perform each function in the
multifunction peripheral or image forming apparatus, specific
setting through an operating portion thereof is required, it is
predictable that there is a user having difficulty for operation.
In Japanese patent application laying-open No. 2014-78159 [G06F
3/0482, G06F 3/12, G06F 3/0481, H04N 1/00, B41J 29/38] (literature
1) laid-open on May 1, 2014, for example, there is disclosed a
technology capable of implementing an easy-to-use user interface
even if a user is a beginner or an expert.
[0005] An image forming apparatus disclosed in this literature 1
comprises a plurality of operation modes such as a copy, a fax,
etc., and a user is made to select which one of the operation modes
is to be performed in a home screen, and when selecting a copy, for
example, a beginner setting screen for performing operation setting
in a copy mode is displayed. However, since screen layout including
arrangement etc. of buttons or keys displayed on a screen is
completely different between the home screen and the beginner
setting screen, there is a possibility that a user is confused at
the time of operation. Therefore, there is room for
improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide a novel multifunction peripheral.
[0007] Furthermore, it is another object of the present invention
to provide a multifunction peripheral capable of reduce as much as
possible confusion of a user at the time of operation.
[0008] A first invention is a multifunction peripheral having a
plurality of operation modes, comprising a display portion
configured to display a first user interface image for selecting an
operation mode and a second user interface image for setting an
operation condition in a selected operation mode, wherein the first
user interface image has a plurality of first operating icons for
selecting a plurality of operation modes, and includes a first
display region that the plurality first operating icons are
switchably displayed and a second display region that the plurality
of first operating icons are fixedly displayed, and the second user
interface image has a plurality of second operating icons for
setting a plurality of operation conditions, and includes a third
display region that the plurality second operating icons are
switchably displayed and a fourth display region that the plurality
of second operating icons are fixedly displayed, the first display
region and the third display region have an overlapping area and
the second display region and the fourth display region have an
overlapping area.
[0009] A second invention is the multifunction peripheral according
to the first invention, wherein the overlapping area has an area
larger than an area of a non-overlapping area in each of the first
display region and the third display region.
[0010] A third invention is the multifunction peripheral according
to the first invention, wherein the overlapping area has an area
larger than an area of a non-overlapping area in each of the second
display region and the fourth display region.
[0011] A fourth invention is the multifunction peripheral according
to the first invention, wherein an entire display region of the
display portion is a rectangular shape, and the second display
region and the fourth display region are provided along the same
side of the entire display region.
[0012] A fifth invention is the multifunction peripheral according
to the first invention, wherein an entire display region of the
display portion is a rectangular shape, and the second display
region and the fourth display region are provided in the same
corner portion of the entire display region.
[0013] A sixth invention is the multifunction peripheral according
to the first invention, wherein an arrangement of the plurality of
first operating icons in the first display region and an
arrangement of the plurality of second operating icons in the third
display region are substantively the same.
[0014] A seventh invention is the multifunction peripheral
according to the first invention, wherein a first number of the
second operating icons displayed in the third display region is the
same as or less than a second number of the first operating icons
displayed in the first display region.
[0015] An eighth invention is the multifunction peripheral
according to the first invention, wherein the plurality of second
operating icons include a plurality of setting icons configured to
set operation conditions, a start key configured to instruct
performing image processing, and a reset key configured to instruct
clearing set content of the operation conditions, and irrespective
of the operation mode, the plurality of setting icons are displayed
in the third display region, and the start key and the reset key
are displayed in the fourth display region.
[0016] A ninth invention is the multifunction peripheral according
to the eighth invention, wherein the start key is displayed in any
one of the corner portions of the entire display region of the
display portion, and the reset key is displayed in another one of
the corner portions of the entire display region of the display
portion.
[0017] The above mentioned objects 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
[0018] FIG. 1 is a structural view of an image forming apparatus
according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an operating
portion.
[0020] FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are explanatory views showing a home
screen.
[0021] FIGS. 4(B) and 4(B) are explanatory views showing a basic
screen of a simple copy mode.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a sheet selection
screen of the simple copy mode.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a double-sided copy
screen of the simple copy mode.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a ten key screen of
the simple copy mode.
[0025] FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are explanatory views showing a basic
screen of a simple fax mode.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an address book screen
of the simple fax mode.
[0027] FIGS. 10(A) and 10 (B) are explanatory views showing a basic
screen of a simple scan mode.
[0028] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a history screen of
the simple scan mode.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control processing by a
control portion.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of simple copy
processing by the control portion.
[0031] FIG. 14 is another part of the simple copy processing by the
control portion, and is a flowchart following FIG. 13.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of simple fax
processing by the control portion.
[0033] FIG. 16 is another part of the simple fax processing by the
control portion, and is a flowchart following FIG. 15.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of simple scan
processing by the control portion.
[0035] FIG. 18 is another part of the simple scan processing by the
control portion, and is a flowchart following FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] In the following, an image forming apparatus according to
the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.
FIG. 1 is a structural view of the image forming apparatus
according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory
view of an operating portion of FIG. 1.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 has a
communication I/F 11, an operating portion 12, a document reading
portion 13, an image processing portion 14, a printing portion 15,
a storage portion 16, a control portion 17, etc., and these are
connected to via a bus(es).
[0038] The control portion 17 is constituted communicably with
external apparatuses (illustration omitted) via the communication
I/F 11. The communication I/F 11 comprises a fax (facsimile)
communication portion, an infrared communication portion, etc., for
example.
[0039] The control portion 17 comprises one or more CPUs (Central
Processing Unit), for example, and loads to a RAM various kinds of
programs and data that are stored in a ROM of the storage portion
16, and executes this loaded programs in the RAM, whereby an
overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10 can be
controlled based on a content designated or instructed by a user
while processing data.
[0040] The document reading portion 13 is constituted so that a
document that is set to a predetermined position can be optically
read, and an image of the read document is output to the image
processing portion 14 via the control portion 17.
[0041] The operating portion 12 is arranged in this side (near
side) from the document reading portion 13, for example, and
comprises an operating panel 20 that includes a liquid crystal
display 22 and a touch panel 21 of a transparent resistance film
system, and hardware keys 23 using contacts as shown also in FIG.
2.
[0042] The touch panel 21 is formed so as to overlap the display
22, and the operating panel 20 of this embodiment is formed in a
shape of a laterally elongated rectangular. That is, a shape of a
whole of a display region (entire display region) of the operating
panel 20 (display 22) is a rectangular shape. The touch panel 21
receives a touch operation (touch input) by a user, and applies
(inputs) coordinate data corresponding to a touch position to the
control portion 17.
[0043] A user interface image for receiving a user operation to the
image forming apparatus 10 can be displayed on the operating panel
20. In addition, the operating panel 20 corresponds to a display
portion of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible
to form the operating panel 20 in a shape of a longitudinally
elongated rectangular.
[0044] Furthermore, the hardware keys 23 apply (input) operation
data according to a key or button that a user operates to the
control portion 17. For example, the hardware keys 23 include a
home button for instructing displaying of a home screen, and a
power saving button for instructing setting and cancellation
(return to a normal mode) of a power saving mode.
[0045] The image processing portion 14 performs various kinds of
processing transmission data sent from an external apparatus, data
that a document is read by the document reading portion 13, etc.,
thereby to produce image data. This produced image data can be
output to the printing portion 15. The above-described transmission
data, data that is read from a document and produced image data are
stored in an input image area 31 of the storage portion 16.
[0046] The printing portion 15 is configured to be able to perform
printing by performing sheet feeding, image forming, transfer,
fixing, sheet discharge, etc., and can print image data from the
image processing portion 14 on a sheet.
[0047] Furthermore, the control portion 17 comprises a display
control portion 30, for example. The display control portion 30 can
adjust a displaying content of the operating panel 20, and makes
the operating panel 20 display a start key for starting a
predetermined operation or action of the image forming apparatus
10, a reset key for stopping setting concerning a predetermined
operation or action of the image forming apparatus 10, a function
selection image(s) for making a user select a function to be
performed by the image forming apparatus 10, etc.
[0048] FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are explanatory views of a home screen
displayed on the operating panel 20 explained with FIG. 2.
[0049] In the image forming apparatus 10, in order to make a user
easy to operate, a simple mode is provided separately from a
conventional setting mode (also called, a normal mode). In the
following description, an image(s) for selecting a button(s), a
key(s), or a function(s) displayed on the operating panel 20 is
also called an icon(s) (operating icon(s)).
[0050] In the simple mode, it is possible to set and perform a job
only according to a display content on the operating panel 20. In
detail, the home screen is divided into a home first screen 41
shown in FIG. 3(A) and a home second screen 42 shown in FIG. 3(B),
for example, and it is possible to perform transition between the
home first screen 41 and the home second screen 42 by a tap
operation to an arrow mark button 45 or a flick operation to the
home first home screens 41 and the home second screen 42.
[0051] A system region 400 that is extended in a lateral or
horizontal direction with a belt-like shape (rectangular shape) is
formed in an upper end portion of each of the home screens 41 and
42. The system region 400 is provided with a simple copy button
43a, a simple fax button 43b, a simple scan button 43c, etc. for
selecting each operation mode.
[0052] Below the system region 400, a display region 410 for
displaying menu images 44 for selecting each operation mode is
formed. A simple copy button 44a, a simple fax button 44b, a simple
scan button 44c and an FTP/Desktop button 44d are provided in the
home first screen 41, and a copy button 44e, a fax button 44f, an
E-Mail button 44g and a shared folder button 44h are provided in
the home second screen 42.
[0053] The simple copy button 43a, the simple fax button 43b, the
simple scan button 43c in the system region 400, and the simple
copy button 44a, the simple fax button 44b and the simple scan
button 44c in the home first screen 41 correspond to a transition
or shifting button to the simple mode. Thus, in this embodiment, it
is possible to perform transition to the simple mode from the
system region 400 in each of the home screens 41 and 42, or the
menu images 44 of the home first screen 41.
[0054] Furthermore, on each of the home screens 41 and 42, a
display region 420 provided with button images 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d,
46e and 46f for selecting other menus different from the operation
mode is provided below the display region 410. The display region
420 has a shape of a laterally elongated rectangular, for example,
and is displayed on a lower end portion of each of the home screens
41 and 42. The above-described button images 46a-46f are displayed
in this display region 420 side by side in the lateral or
horizontal direction.
[0055] Although a detailed description is omitted, the button image
46a is provided in order to display an operation guide. The button
image 46b is provided in order to set a character size of the
character to be displayed on the operating panel 20. The button
image 46c is provided in order to set a language of characters to
be displayed on the operating panel 20. The button image 46d is
provided in order to display a total number of sheets used up to
now. The button image 46e is provided in order to adjust luminosity
(display brightness) of the operating panel 20 (display 22). The
button image 46f is provided in order to display announcements from
manufacturer or distributor of this image forming apparatus 10.
[0056] In addition, the number and functions of these button images
46a-46f are an example, and do not need to be limited. These can be
suitably changed according to a kind of image forming apparatus 10,
etc. Furthermore, it is also possible to make the user select the
button images 46a-46f to be displayed.
First Embodiment
[0057] FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are explanatory views of a basic screen
in the simple copy mode.
[0058] If selecting the simple copy button 43a or the simple copy
button 44a shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a copy first screen 51
shown in FIG. 4(A) is displayed. Furthermore, transition from the
copy first screen 51 to a copy second screen 52 shown in FIG. 4(B)
can be performed by a flick operation etc. The copy first screen 51
and the copy second screen 52 are screens for setting operation
conditions such as sheet selection, double-sided copy,
magnification, staple function, color mode, orientation of image,
copying density, page aggregation (N-in-1), etc. when the operation
mode is the simple copy mode.
[0059] A display region 500 for indicating that the operation mode
is the simple copy mode is formed in an upper end portion of the
copy first screen 51, and a display region 510 for displaying
function selection images 55 is provided below this display region
500. Furthermore, a display region 520 for displaying a start key
53, a reset key 54, etc. is provided below this display region 510
and in a lower end portion of the copy first screen 51. Each of the
display regions 500, 510 and 520 has a shape of a laterally
elongated rectangular.
[0060] The start key 53 is displayed in any one of corner areas or
corner portions of the copy first screen 51. For example, the start
key 53 is displayed on a corner area at the lower right of the copy
first screen 51, that is, an area at a right end of the display
region 520. The start key 53 is provided in a shape of a laterally
elongated rectangular. Furthermore, the start key 53 is divided
into right and left portions at an approximately center thereof,
and a monochrome start key 53a is provided in the left, and a color
start key 53b is provided in the right.
[0061] On the other hand, the reset key 54 is displayed in a corner
area different from the corner area where the start key 53 is
displayed among the corner areas of the copy first screen 51. That
is, the reset key 54 is displayed in a corner area at the lower
left of the copy first screen 51, that is, an area at the left end
of the display region 520. The reset key 54 is provided in a shape
of a laterally elongated rectangular, and it is provided in size a
little smaller than the monochrome start key 53a (or color start
key 53b).
[0062] Since the start key 53 and the reset key 54 are thus formed
with software keys, change of specifications such as an
arrangement, a shape, etc. becomes easy. Furthermore, an operation
start or suspension of setting of the image forming apparatus 10
can be attained by a tap operation to the display screen.
[0063] Furthermore, although the start key 53 and the reset key 54
are keys that lead to completely different results, since these are
displayed on different corner areas in the same display screen, it
is possible to reduce an erroneous operation. Especially, if the
start key 53 and the reset key 54 are displayed separately on the
corner areas at the lower right and the corner area at the lower
left in the display screen, it is possible to reduce an erroneous
operation when using the same hand.
[0064] Furthermore, the display region 520 has a size comparable to
the display region 420 of each of the home screens 41 and 42, for
example. However, the display region 520 may be the same size as
the display region 420. Therefore, in an entire display region of
the operating panel 20, the display region 420 and the display
region 520 are provided in the same position in a comparable size
or the same size. Accordingly, when overlapping each of the home
screens 41 and 42 with the copy first screen 51, an area where the
display region 420 and the display region 520 are overlapped
(duplicated) with each other is larger than an area where those are
not overlapped (duplicated) with each other.
[0065] Thus, the display region 520 where respective keys 53, 54,
etc. are fixedly displayed is provided in the same position as the
display region 420 where the button images 46a-46f are fixedly
displayed, in the comparable or same size, and therefore, the
respective home screens 41 and 42 and the copy first screen 51 (or
the copy second screen 52) are similar to each other in an
arrangement (layout) of displaying areas for displaying respective
buttons or keys. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce as much as
possible confusion of the user at the time of operation.
[0066] Like the copy first screen 51, in the copy second screen 52
shown in FIG. 4(B), a start key 53 is displayed in a corner area at
the lower right, and a reset key 54 is displayed in a corner area
at the lower left. That is, the start key 53 is displayed in a
right end area of the display region 520, and the reset key 54 is
displayed in a left end area of the display region 520. When
transiting to a plurality of display screens as in the copy first
screen 51 or the copy second screen 52, since the start key 53 and
the reset key 54 are always displayed, the user can also perform
promptly an operation start or suspension of setting of the image
forming apparatus 10.
[0067] In contrast, as described above, the function selection
images 55 are displayed on the display region 510. Although the
number of functions capable of being selected is restricted by
eight (8) pieces in the simple mode, respective buttons and
characters are displayed in a large size, and it is devised so that
the user can easily operate.
[0068] For example, in the copy first screen 51, four (4) function
buttons of a sheet selection button 55a, a double-sided copy button
55b, a magnification button 55c and a staple button 55d are
provided above the start key 53 and the reset key 54 over to a
right end from a left end of the display region 510. In the second
screen 52 of a copy, four (4) function buttons of a color mode
button 55e, an image orientation button 55f, a copying density
button 55g and a page aggregation button 55h are provided in the
same position as the copy first screen 51. Thus, the function
selection images 55 can be displayed over to the right end from the
left end of the display region 510, and therefore, it is possible
to display many functions.
[0069] Furthermore, because the display region 500 has a size the
same or comparable to the system region 400, the display region 410
and the display region 510 also have the same or comparable size.
Therefore, since the display region 520 where the function
selection images 55 are switchably displayed is provided in the
same position of the display region 410 where the menu images 44
are switchably displayed, in the same or comparable size, the
respective home screens 41 and 42 and the copy first screen 51 (or
the copy second screen 52) are similar to each other in an
arrangement (layout) of displaying areas for displaying movable
images. Furthermore, since the number of the function selection
images 55 displayed at once is the same as the number of the menu
images 44 displayed at once and the images 44 and 55 are aligned in
the lateral direction, the arrangements of the images within the
display region 410 and the display region 520 are also similar to
each other. Also according to these points, it is possible to
reduce as much as possible confusion of the user at the time of
operation.
[0070] However, in the simple copy mode that the number of
selectable functions is restricted, it is impossible to select
items such as sorting/grouping, binding margin, cover/interleaving
sheet, etc. The item that cannot be selected in the simple copy
mode may be selected after transition to the normal copy mode by
selecting the copy button 44e in the home second screen 42 shown in
FIG. 3(B), or selecting a detail button shown in the upper right in
the copy first screen 51 or the copy second screen 52 in FIGS. 4(A)
and 4(B).
[0071] Then, when selecting the sheet selection button 55a in the
copy first screen 51 shown in FIG. 4(A), for example, a sheet
selection screen of the simple copy mode is displayed.
[0072] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the sheet selection screen
in the simple copy mode, and in the sheet selection screen 56,
selectable trays and kinds of sheets therein are displayed other
than a tray currently selected and a kind of a sheet therein.
[0073] Here, a start key 53 of a shape of a laterally elongated
rectangular is displayed in a corner area at the lower right of the
sheet selection screen 56. That is, this start key 53 is displayed
in the same lower right corner area in the same shape and the same
size as those of the start key displayed in the copy first screen
51 or the copy second screen 52 explained with FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B).
Furthermore, a reset key 54 is displayed in a corner area at the
lower left of the sheet selection screen 56, and this reset key 54
is also displayed in the same lower left corner area in the same
shape and the same size as those of the reset key displayed on the
copy first screen 51 or the copy second screen 52. Thus, the start
key and the reset key change neither a position, a size nor shape,
they contribute to reduction of erroneous operation, speeding up of
the operation start and suspension of setting in the image forming
apparatus 10.
[0074] Furthermore, since the start key 53 and the reset key 54 are
always displayed also when transiting to a plurality of display
screens such as the sheet selection screen 56 shown in FIG. 5 from
the copy first screen 51 shown in FIG. 4(A), this point also
contributes to speeding up of an operation start or suspension of
setting of an image forming apparatus 10.
[0075] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a double-sided copy screen
in the simple copy mode, and when selecting the double-sided copy
button 55b in the copy first screen 51 shown in FIG. 4(A), a
double-sided copy screen 57 of the simple copy mode is displayed.
In the double-sided copy screen 57, a kind of selectable
double-sided copy and a binding method are displayed. Furthermore,
if selecting a preview button of the double-sided copy screen 57,
since a preview image is displayed in the right end of the
double-sided copy screen 57, the user can select the kind of
double-sided copy and the binding method while viewing the preview
image.
[0076] Here, a start key 53 that is the same or similar to that in
the sheet selection screen 56 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on a
corner area at the lower right of the double-sided copy screen 57,
and a reset key 54 that is the same or similar to that in the sheet
selection screen 56 is displayed on a corner area at the lower left
of the double-sided copy screen 57.
[0077] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view a ten key screen in the simple
copy mode. A number-of-copies display portion 58 is displayed at
the center lower end, for example of the copy first screen 51 or
the copy second screen 52 shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B). If the user
taps the number-of-copies display portion 58, as shown in FIG. 7, a
ten key 59 for inputting the number-of-processing of the image
forming is displayed in the center of the display screen, and a ten
key input display portion 59a is also displayed above the ten key
59. When inputting with the ten key 59 and selecting an OK button
shown in the upper right of this screen, the number-of-copies
display portion 58 and the ten key 59, for example are
non-displayed, and only the ten key input display portion 59a is
displayed. Accordingly, when inputting with the ten key 59, even if
the number-of-copies display portion 58 is hidden by a wrist, for
example, since the ten key input display portion 59a is formed
above the ten key 59 and thus it becomes difficult to be hidden by
a hand, confirmation of an input result with the ten key 59 becomes
easy.
[0078] As described above, according to the above-described
embodiment, if the simple copy mode is selected, the display
control portion 30 explained with FIG. 1 displays the copy first
screen 51 in FIG. 4(A). When the user wants to copy after selecting
a suitable sheet, if selecting the sheet selection button 55a in
the copy first screen 51, for example, the sheet selection screen
56 of the simple copy mode of FIG. 5 is made to be displayed, the
start key 53 and the reset key 54 are both displayed in also the
sheet selection screen 56 separately from each other. Then, when
the setting concerning with the sheet is completed in the sheet
selection screen 56, if operating the start key 53 being displayed
in the sheet selection screen 56, the copy is started. Therefore,
other function buttons, a ten key, etc. that are displayed in the
normal mode do not come into view and thus are not conscious until
the copy start from the setting of the sheet, whereby the copy can
be completed on a single screen of the sheet selection screen
56.
[0079] Although the above-described embodiment explained by
exemplifying the simple copy mode, it does not need to be limited
to this embodiment. In also a case of the simple fax mode or the
simple scan mode, for example, it is possible to expect an
advantageous effect the same or similar to that in the simple copy
mode.
[0080] In addition, although the above-described embodiment is
explained a case where the start key 53 is displayed on the corner
area at the lower right of the operating panel 20 and the reset key
54 is displayed on the corner area at the lower left of the
operating panel 20 in the copy first screen 51 and the copy second
screen 52, it does not need to be limited to this. The reset key 54
may be displayed on a corner area of the upper left or the upper
right of the operating panel 20, for example. Furthermore,
positions where the start key 53 and the reset key 54 are displayed
may be replaced with each other. That is, the start key 53 is
displayed in any one of the corner areas (corner portions) of the
operating panel 20, and the reset key 54 is displayed in another
one of the corner areas. These are the same also about a start key
63 and a reset key 64, and about a start key 73 and a reset key 74,
described later.
Second Embodiment
[0081] FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are explanatory views of a basic screen
of the simple fax mode.
[0082] If selecting the simple fax button 43b or the simple fax
button 44b shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a fax first screen 61
shown in FIG. 8(A) is displayed, and it is possible to transit from
the fax first screen 61 to a fax second screen 62 shown in FIG.
8(B) by a flick operation etc. Each of the fax first screen 61 and
the fax second screen 62 is a screen for setting operation
conditions in a case where the operation mode is the simple fax
mode, such as selection of destination with an address book,
display of a history, direct input, setting of document size,
setting of reading density of document, setting of image quality,
line selection, etc.
[0083] In the fax first screen 61, a display region 600 for
indicating that the operation mode is the simple fax mode is
provided in an upper end portion, and a display region 610 for
displaying function selection images 65 is provided below this
display region 600. Furthermore, a display region 620 for
displaying a start key 63 and a reset key 64 is provided below this
display region 610 in a lower end portion of the fax first screen
61. The display regions 600, 610 and 620 have a shape of a
laterally elongated rectangular, respectively.
[0084] The start key 63 is displayed in a corner area at the lower
right of the fax first screen 61, for example. That is, the start
key 63 is displayed in a right end area of the display region 620.
The start key 63 is provided in a shape of a laterally elongated
rectangular.
[0085] On the other hand, the reset key 64 is displayed on a corner
area at the lower left of the fax first screen 61, for example.
That is, the reset key 64 is displayed on a left end area of the
display region 620. Although the reset key 64 is provided in a
shape of a laterally elongated rectangular, it is provided in size
smaller than the start key 63.
[0086] In also a fax second screen 62 shown in FIG. 8(B), like the
fax first screen 61, a start key 63 is displayed in a corner area
at the lower right and a reset key 64 is displayed in a corner area
at the lower left.
[0087] In contrast, only function selection images 65 are displayed
in a remaining area except the start key 63 and the reset key
64.
[0088] For example, three (3) function buttons of an address book
button 65a, a history button 65b and a direct input button 65c are
provided in the fax first screen 61 above the start key 63 and the
reset key 64 over to a right end from a left end of the display
region 610. In the fax second screen 62, four (4) function buttons
of a document button 65d, a density button 65e, an image quality
button 65f and a line selection button 65g are provided in the same
or similar positions as in the fax first screen 61.
[0089] Since a display region 620 where the function selection
images 65 are switchably displayed is provided in the fax screens
61 and 62 in the same position of the display region 410 where the
menu images 44 are switchably displayed, in the same or comparable
size, an arrangement (layout) of displaying areas of movable images
is similar to that of the respective home screens 41 and 42.
Furthermore, since the number of the function selection images 65
is the same as the number of the menu images 44 displayed at once
and the images 44 and 65 are aligned in the lateral direction,
arrangements of the images within the display region 410 and the
display region 620 are also similar to each other. In addition, in
the fax first screen 61 shown in FIG. 8(A), the number of the
function selection images 65 is less than the number of the menu
images 44.
[0090] Furthermore, the display region 620 where respective keys 63
and 64 etc. are fixedly displayed is provided in the same position
of the display region 420 where the button images 46a-46f are
fixedly displayed, in the comparable or same size, and therefore,
the respective home screens 41 and 42 and the fax screens 61 and 62
are similar to each other in an arrangement (layout) of displaying
areas for displaying respective buttons or keys.
[0091] Accordingly, also when the simple fax mode is selected as an
operation mode, it is possible to reduce as much as possible
confusion of the user at the time of operation.
[0092] However, in the simple fax mode that the number of
selectable functions is restricted, it is impossible to select
items such as mass document mode, the number of documents count,
time designation, etc., for example. The item that cannot be
selected in the simple fax mode may be selected after transition to
the normal fax mode by selecting the fax button 44f of the home
second screen 42 shown in FIG. 3(B), or selecting a detail button
shown in the upper right in the fax first screen 61 or the fax
second screen 62 in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B).
[0093] Then, when selecting the address book button 65a, for
example in the fax first screen 61 shown in FIG. 8(A), an address
book screen of the simple fax mode is displayed.
[0094] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the address book screen of
the simple fax mode, and when selecting the address book button 65a
in the fax first screen 61 shown in FIG. 8(A), the address book
screen 66 of the simple fax mode is displayed. Destination
addresses and fax numbers that can be selected at the present are
displayed on the address book screen 66 over to a left end from a
center of the display screen, and can be scrolled in an up-and-down
direction.
[0095] Here, the start key 63 of a shape of a laterally elongated
rectangular is shown in a corner area at the lower right of the
address book screen 66. That is, this start key 63 is displayed on
the same lower right corner area in the same shape and the same
size as those of the start key displayed on the fax first screen 61
or the fax second screen 62 explained with FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B).
Then, when selection of a destination address is completed, the
start key 63 becomes selectable.
[0096] On the other hand, the reset key 64 is displayed on a corner
area at the upper right of the address book screen 66. That is,
this reset key 64 is displayed in the same shape but in a corner
area different from the reset key displayed on the fax first screen
61 or the fax second screen 62.
[0097] When displaying the destination addresses in the up-and-down
direction in the display screen as in the fax mode, if the reset
key is moved from the lower left of the display screen to be
displayed in the upper right corner area, it is possible to ensure
a displaying area of the destination addresses, and to reduce an
erroneous operation, and to perform promptly an operation start and
suspension of setting of the image forming apparatus 10.
[0098] In addition, in a case of a large display screen, a start
key and a reset key can also be displayed in corner areas on a
diagonal line, respectively.
Third Embodiment
[0099] FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory views of a basic
screen of the simple scan mode.
[0100] If selecting the simple scan button 43c or the simple scan
button 44c shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a scan first screen 71
shown in FIG. 10(A) is displayed, and it is possible to transit
from the scan first screen 71 to a scan second screen 72 shown in
FIG. 10(B) by a flick operation etc. Each of the scan first screen
71 and the scan second screen 72 is a screen for setting operation
conditions in a case where the operation mode is the simple scan
mode, such as selection of destination with an address book,
display of a history, global address search, setting of saving
destination, setting of document size, setting of reading
resolution of document, setting of format, blank sheet skip
function, etc.
[0101] In the scan first screen 71, a display region 700 for
indicating that the operation mode is the simple scan mode is
provided in an upper end portion, and a display region 710 for
displaying function selection images 75 is provided below this
display region 700. Furthermore, a display region 720 for
displaying a start key 73 and a reset key 74 is provided below this
display region 710 in a lower end portion of the scan first screen
71. The display regions 700, 710 and 720 have a shape of a
laterally elongated rectangular, respectively.
[0102] The start key 73 consisting of a monochrome start key 73a
and a color start key 73b like the start key 53 explained with
FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) is displayed in a corner area at the lower
right of the scan first screen 71. That is, the start key 73 is
displayed in a right end area of the display region 720.
[0103] On the other hand, the reset key 74 the same as the reset
key 54 explained with FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) is displayed on a corner
area at the lower left of the scan first screen 71. That is, the
reset key 74 is displayed on a left end area of the display region
720.
[0104] In also a scan second screen 72 shown in FIG. 10(B), like
the scan first screen 71, a start key 73 is displayed on a corner
area at the lower right and a reset key 74 is displayed in a corner
area at the lower left.
[0105] In contrast, only function selection images 75 are displayed
in a remaining area except the start key 73 and the reset key
74.
[0106] For example, four (4) function buttons of an address book
button 75a, a history button 75b, a global address search button
75c and a body/device saving button 75c are provided in the scan
first screen 71 above the start key 73 and the reset key 74 over to
a right end from a left end of the display region 710. In the scan
second screen 72, four (4) function buttons of a document button
75e, a resolution button 75f, a format button 75g and a blank sheet
skip button 75h are provided in the same position as the scan first
screen 71.
[0107] Since a display region 720 where the function selection
images 75 are switchably displayed is provided in the scan screens
71 and 72 in the same position of the display region 410 where the
menu images 44 are switchably displayed, in the same or comparable
size, an arrangement (layout) of displaying areas of movable images
is similar to that of the respective home screens 41 and 42.
Furthermore, since the number of the function selection images 75
is the same as the number of the menu images 44 displayed at once
and the images 44 and 55 are aligned in the lateral direction, the
arrangements of the images within the display region 410 and the
display region 720 are also similar to each other.
[0108] Furthermore, the display region 720 where respective keys
73, 74 etc. are fixedly displayed is provided in the same position
of the display region 420 where the button images 46a-46f are
fixedly displayed, in the comparable or same size, and therefore,
the respective home screens 41 and 42 and the scan screens 71 and
72 are similar to each other in an arrangement (layout) of
displaying areas for displaying respective buttons or keys.
[0109] Accordingly, also when the simple scan mode is selected as
an operation mode, it is possible to reduce as much as possible
confusion of the user at the time of operation.
[0110] However, in the simple scan mode that the number of
selectable functions is restricted, it is impossible to select
items such as mass document mode, the number of documents count,
book division, etc., for example. The item that cannot be selected
in the simple scan mode may be selected after transition to the
normal scan mode by selecting the E-Mail button 44g or the shared
folder button 44h of the home second screen 42 shown in FIG. 3(B)
to select image transmission, or selecting a detail button shown in
the upper right in the scan first screen 71 or the scan second
screen 72 in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B).
[0111] Then, when selecting the history button 75b, for example in
the scan first screen 71 shown in FIG. 10(A), a history screen of
the simple scan mode is displayed.
[0112] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the history screen in the
simple scan mode, and currently re-transmittable destinations and
addresses are displayed on the history screen 76 over to a left end
from the center of the display screen. In addition, if the number
of histories increases, a scroll in the up-and-down direction
becomes possible.
[0113] Here, the start key 73 of a shape of a laterally elongated
rectangular is shown in a corner area at the lower right of the
history screen 76. That is, this start key 73 is displayed on the
same lower right corner area in the same shape and the same size as
those of the start key displayed on the scan first screen 71 or the
scan second screen 72 explained with FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B).
[0114] On the other hand, the reset key 74 is displayed on a corner
area at the upper right of the history screen 76. That is, this
reset key 74 is displayed in the same shape but in a corner area
different from the reset key displayed on the scan first screen 71
or the scan second screen 72.
[0115] When displaying the history in the up-and-down direction in
the display screen like the scan mode, if the reset key is moved
from the lower left of the display screen to be displayed in the
upper right corner area, it is possible to ensure a displaying area
of the history, and to reduce an erroneous operation, and to
perform promptly an operation start and suspension of setting of
the image forming apparatus 10.
Fourth Embodiment
[0116] In the fourth embodiment, selection of each operation mode
and processing of the control portion 17 in the selected operation
mode will be described specifically. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing
an example of control processing for controlling an overall
operation of the image forming apparatus 10 by the control portion
17. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing an example of simple
copy processing by the control portion 17. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are
flowcharts showing an example of simple fax processing by the
control portion 17. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are flowcharts showing an
example of simple scan processing by the control portion 17.
[0117] If a power supply of the image forming apparatus 10 is
turned on or the image forming apparatus 10 is shifted to the
normal mode from a power-saving mode, as shown in FIG. 12, the
control portion 17 starts the control processing, and displays the
home first screen 41 as shown in FIG. 3(A) on the operating panel
20 in a step S1.
[0118] In a next step S3, it is determined whether there is any
user operation. Here, the control portion 17 determines whether
coordinate data is input from the touch panel 21 constituting the
operating panel 20. The control portion 17 further determines
whether operation data is input from the hardware key 23. If "NO"
is determined in the step S3, that is, if there is no user
operation, the process returns to the step S1. On the other hand,
if "YES" is determined in the step S3, that is, if there is a user
operation, it is determined, in a step S5, whether a tap operation
to the arrow mark button 45 is performed, or whether a flick
operation is performed.
[0119] Here, the control portion 17 determines whether a tap
operation to the arrow mark button 45 is performed by determining
whether the coordinate data that is input from the touch panel 21
is included within a displaying area of the arrow mark button 45.
In the following, the same also applies when determining whether a
tap operation to other buttons or keys that are displayed on the
operating panel 20 is performed, and whether a tap operation to the
displaying area or portion is performed (designation or selection
is performed). Furthermore, the control portion 17 determines
whether a flick operation is performed by determining whether a
touch position indicated by the coordinate data is changed more
than a predetermined distance within a predetermined time period.
In the following, the same applies.
[0120] If "YES" is determined in the step S5, that is, if a tap
operation to the arrow mark button 45 is performed or a flick
operation is performed, the home first screen 41 and the home
second screen 42 as shown in FIG. 3(B) are replaced with each other
in a step S7. That is, in the step S7, if the home first screen 41
is being displayed on the operating panel 20, it is replaced with
the home second screen 42, and if the home second screen 42 is
being displayed on the operating panel 20, it is changed to the
home first screen 41. The same applies when changing the copy first
screen 51 and the copy second screen 52, changing the fax first
screen 61 and the fax second screen 62, and when changing the scan
first screen 71 and the scan second screen 72, as described
later.
[0121] On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S5,
that is, if a tap operation to the arrow mark button 45 is not
performed and no flick operation is performed, it is determined, in
a step S9, whether a tap operation to either the simple copy
buttons 43a or 44a is performed.
[0122] If "YES" is determined in the step S9, that is, if a tap
operation to either the simple copy buttons 43a or 44a is
performed, the process returns to the step S1 after performing in a
step S11 the simple copy processing (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14)
described later. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the
step S9, that is, if no tap operation to both the simple copy
buttons 43a and 44a is performed, it is determined, in a step S13,
whether a tap operation to either the simple fax buttons 43b or 44b
is performed.
[0123] If "YES" is determined in the step S13, that is, if a tap
operation to either the simple fax buttons 43b or 44b is performed,
the process returns to the step S1 after performing in a step S15
the simple fax processing (see FIG. 15 and FIG. 16) described
later. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S13,
that is, if no tap operation to both the simple fax buttons 43b and
44b is performed, it is determined, in a step S17, whether a tap
operation to either the simple scan buttons 43c or 44c is
performed.
[0124] If "YES" is determined in the step S17, that is, if a tap
operation to either the simple scan buttons 43c or 44c is
performed, the process returns to the step S1 after performing in a
step S19 the simple scan processing (see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18)
described later. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the
step S17, that is, if no tap operation to both the simple scan
buttons 43c and 44c is performed, the process returns to the step
S1 after performing in a step S21 other processing. As the other
processing, for example, processing according to other buttons or
keys displayed on the home first screen 41 or the home second
screen 42 is performed.
[0125] In addition, when the home button of the hardware key 23 is
operated in the simple copy processing, the simple fax processing
or the simple scan processing, interruption processing is performed
so that each processing is forcedly terminated, and the process
returns to the step S1.
[0126] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the
simple copy processing in the step S11 shown in FIG. 12. In the
following, although the simple copy processing will be described,
the same processing or similar processing as the already explained
processing will be described simply. If the simple copy processing
is started as shown in FIG. 13, the copy first screen 51 as shown
in FIG. 4(A) is displayed on the operating panel 20 in a step S51.
In a next step S53, it is determined whether there is any user
operation. If "NO" is determined in the step S53, the process
returns to the step S51.
[0127] On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in the step S53,
it is determined, in a step S55, whether a tap operation to the
arrow mark button 45 is performed, or a flick operation is
performed. If "YES" is determined in the step S55, the copy first
screen 51 and the copy second screen 52 as shown in FIG. 4(B) are
replaced with each other in a step S57.
[0128] On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S55, it
is determined, in a step S59, whether a tap operation to the sheet
selection button 55a is performed. If "YES" is determined in the
step S59, that is, if a tap operation to the sheet selection button
55a is performed, the sheet selection screen 56 as shown in FIG. 5
is displayed on the operating panel 20 in a step S61, and the
process returns to the step S53. On the other hand, if "NO" is
determined in the step S59, that is, if a tap operation to the
sheet selection button 55a is not performed, it is determined, in a
step S63, whether a tap operation to the double-sided copy button
55b is performed.
[0129] If "YES" is determined in the step S63, that is, if a tap
operation to the double-sided copy button 55b is performed, the
double-sided copy screen 57 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the
operating panel 20 in a step S65, and the process returns to the
step S53. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S63,
that is, if a tap operation to the double-sided copy button 55b is
not performed, it is determined, in a step S67, whether a tap
operation to the number-of-copies display portion 58 is
performed.
[0130] If "YES" is determined in the step S67, that is, if the
number-of-copies display portion 58 is tapped, a ten key screen
(the ten key 59 and the ten key input display portion 59a) is
displayed on the operating panel 20 in a step S69, and the process
returns to the step S53. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined
in the step S67, it is determined, in a step S71, whether the
setting content is to be changed. Specifically, when the sheet
selection screen 56 is being displayed on the operating panel 20,
it is determined whether a kind of a tray or a sheet is selected
(changed) as the setting content. Furthermore, when the
double-sided copy screen 57 is being displayed on the operating
panel 20, a kind of the double-sided copy or a binding method is
selected (changed) as the setting content. Furthermore, when the
ten key screen is being displayed on the operating panel 20, as the
setting content, it is determined whether the number-of-processing
is input (changed) with the ten key 59, or whether the
number-of-processing is settled by performing a tap operation to
the OK button.
[0131] If "YES" is determined in the step S71, that is, if the
setting content is to be changed, change processing of the setting
content according to a screen that is being displayed is performed
in a step S73, and the process returns to step S53. On the other
hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S71, that is, not change of
the setting content, it is determined, in a step S75 shown in FIG.
14, whether a tap operation to the reset key 54 is performed. If
"YES" is determined in the step S75, that is, if a tap operation to
the reset key 54 is performed, the setting content is initialized
in a step S77, and the process returns to the step S53 shown in
FIG. 13. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S75,
that is, if a tap operation to the reset key 54 is not performed,
it is determined, in a step S79, whether a tap operation to the
start key 53 is performed.
[0132] If "NO" is determined in the step S79, that is, a tap
operation to the start key 53 is not performed, the process returns
to the step S53 after performing other processing in a step S81.
Although detailed description is omitted, as the other processing,
display of magnification selection screen, selection of
magnification, on/off of staple function, display of color mode
setting screen, setting color mode, display of image orientation
selection screen, setting of image orientation, display of copying
density setting screen, setting of copying density, display of
aggregation (N-in-1) selection screen, selection aggregation
(N-in-1), etc. corresponds. Furthermore, when operating the home
button, the control portion 17 forcedly terminates the simple copy
processing, and returns to the step S1 shown in FIG. 12 by
interruption. This is true also about the simple fax processing and
the simple scan processing described later.
[0133] On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in the step S79,
that is, if a tap operation to the start key 53 is performed, the
process returns to the step S3 after performing the copy processing
in a step S83. In addition, in the step S83, when a tap operation
to the monochrome start key 53a is performed, a printing job in
monochrome is performed, and when a tap operation to the color
start key 53b is performed, a printing job in color is
performed.
[0134] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flowcharts showing an example of the
simple fax processing in the step S15 shown in FIG. 12. In the
following, although the simple fax processing will be described,
the same processing or similar processing as the already explained
processing will be described simply. If the simple fax processing
is started as shown in FIG. 15, the fax first screen 61 as shown in
FIG. 8(A) is displayed on the operating panel 20 in a step S101. In
a next step S103, it is determined whether there is any user
operation. If "NO" is determined in the step S103, the process
returns to the step S101.
[0135] On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in the step S1, it
is determined, in a step S105, whether a tap operation to the arrow
mark button 45 is performed, or whether a flick operation is
performed. If "YES" is determined in the step S105, the fax first
screen 61 and the fax second screen 62 as shown in FIG. 8(B) are
replaced with each other in a step S107.
[0136] On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S105,
it is determined, in a step S109, whether a tap operation to the
address book button 65a is performed. If "YES" is determined in the
step S109, that is, if a tap operation to the address book button
65a is performed, the address book screen 66 as shown in FIG. 9 is
displayed on the operating panel 20 in a step S111, and the process
returns to the step S103. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined
in the step S109, that is, if a tap operation to the address book
button 65a is not performed, it is determined, in a step S113,
whether a tap operation to the history button 65b is performed.
[0137] If "YES" is determined in the step S113, that is, if a tap
operation to the history button 65b is performed, the history
screen of the simple fax mode is displayed on the operating panel
20 in a step S115, and the process returns to the step S103. On the
other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S113, it is
determined, in a step S117, whether the setting content is to be
changed. Specifically, when the address book screen 66 is being
displayed on the operating panel 20, it is determined whether
sorting is selected (changed) as the setting content. Furthermore,
when the history screen is being displayed on the operating panel
20, it is determined whether the destination address to be
re-transmitted is selected as the setting content.
[0138] If "YES" is determined in the step S117, that is, if the
setting content is to be changed, change processing of the setting
content according to a screen that is being displayed is performed
in a step S119, and the process returns to step S103. On the other
hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S117, that is, not change
of the setting content, it is determined, in a step S121 shown in
FIG. 16, whether a tap operation to the reset key 64 is performed.
If "YES" is determined in the step S121, the setting content is
initialized in a step S123, and the process returns to the step
S103 shown in FIG. 15. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in
the step S121, it is determined, in a step S125, whether a tap
operation to the start key 63 is performed.
[0139] If "NO" is determined in the step S125, that is, a tap
operation to the start key 63 is not performed, the process returns
to the step S103 after performing other processing in a step S127.
Although detailed description is omitted, as the other processing,
display of screen for directly input fax number, directly input of
fax number, display document size setting screen, selection of
document size, display setting screen of document reading density,
setting density, display setting screen of document reading image
quality, setting image quality, display line selection screen, line
selection, etc. corresponds. Furthermore, when operating the home
button, the control portion 17 forcedly terminates the simple fax
processing, and returns to the step S1 shown in FIG. 12 by
interruption.
[0140] On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in the step S125,
that is, if a tap operation to the start key 63 is performed, the
process returns to the step S103 after performing fax transmission
processing in a step S129.
[0141] FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are flowcharts showing an example of the
simple scan processing in the step S19 shown in FIG. 12. In the
following, although the simple scan processing will be described,
the same processing or similar processing as the already explained
processing will be described simply. If the simple scan processing
is started as shown in FIG. 17, the scan first screen 71 as shown
in FIG. 10(A) is displayed on the operating panel 20 in a step
S151. In a next step S153, it is determined whether there is any
user operation. If "NO" is determined in the step S153, the process
returns to the step S151.
[0142] On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in the step S153,
it is determined, in a step S155, whether a tap operation to the
arrow mark button 45 is performed, or whether a flick operation is
performed. If "YES" is determined in the step S155, the scan first
screen 71 and the scan second screen 72 as shown in FIGS. 10(A) and
10(B) are replaced with each other in a step S157.
[0143] On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S155,
it is determined, in a step S159, whether a tap operation to the
address book button 75a is performed. If "YES" is determined in the
step S159, that is, if a tap operation to the address book button
75a is performed, the address book screen is displayed on the
operating panel 20 in a step S161, and the process returns to the
step S153. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step
S159, that is, if a tap operation to the address book button 75a is
not performed, it is determined, in a step S163, whether a tap
operation to the history button 75b is performed.
[0144] If "YES" is determined in the step S163, that is, if a tap
operation to the history button 75b is performed, the history
screen 76 of the simple scan mode is displayed on the operating
panel 20 in a step S165, and the process returns to the step S153.
On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S163, it is
determined, in a step S1617, whether the setting content is to be
changed. Specifically, when the address book screen 76 is being
displayed on the operating panel 20, it is determined whether
sorting is selected (changed) as the setting content. Furthermore,
when the history screen 76 is being displayed on the operating
panel 20, it is determined whether the destination address to be
re-transmitted is selected as the setting content.
[0145] If "YES" is determined in the step S167, that is, if the
setting content is to be changed, change processing of the setting
content according to a screen that is being displayed is performed
in a step S169, and the process returns to step S153. On the other
hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S167, that is, not change
of the setting content, it is determined, in a step S171 shown in
FIG. 18, whether a tap operation to the reset key 74 is performed.
If "YES" is determined in the step S171, the setting content is
initialized in a step S173, and the process returns to the step
S153 shown in FIG. 17. On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in
the step S171, it is determined, in a step S175, whether a tap
operation to the start key 73 is performed.
[0146] If "NO" is determined in the step S175, that is, a tap
operation to the start key 73 is not performed, the process returns
to the step S153 after performing other processing in a step S177.
Although detailed description is omitted, as the other processing,
display of screen for performing global address search, performing
global address search, selection body/device saving, display
document size setting screen, selection of document size, display
setting screen of document reading resolution, setting resolution,
display format selection screen, selection of format, on/off of
blank sheet skip function, etc. corresponds. Furthermore, when
operating the home button, the control portion 17 forcedly
terminates the simple scan processing, and returns to the step S1
shown in FIG. 12 by interruption.
[0147] On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in the step S175,
that is, if a tap operation to the start key 73 is performed, the
process returns to the step S153 after performing scan transmission
processing in a step S179. In addition, in the step S179, when a
tap operation to the monochrome start key 73a is performed, scan
transmission processing in monochrome is performed, and when a tap
operation to the color start key 73b is performed, scan
transmission processing in color is performed.
[0148] Although the present invention has been mentioned and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
[0149] Furthermore, it is intended that the scope of the present
invention covers all modifications within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims.
* * * * *