U.S. patent number RE43,448 [Application Number 12/822,098] was granted by the patent office on 2012-06-05 for multifunction peripheral with template registration and template registration method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Naoki Hoshino, Yuko Kimoto.
United States Patent |
RE43,448 |
Kimoto , et al. |
June 5, 2012 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Multifunction peripheral with template registration and template
registration method
Abstract
In a display unit, a setting check key for checking present set
contents is displayed together with a setting screen such as a
basic screen for performing various basic settings. In a case where
a user indicates a setting check key displayed in the setting
screen, the display unit displays a template registration key for
registering the present set contents as a template together with a
setting check screen displaying the present set contents. In a case
where the template registration key is indicated, processing is
executed to register the present set contents as the template.
Inventors: |
Kimoto; Yuko (Yokohama,
JP), Hoshino; Naoki (Ageo, JP) |
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
(Tokyo, JP)
Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo, JP)
|
Family
ID: |
38479071 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/822,098 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
11373000 |
Mar 9, 2006 |
7532837 |
May 12, 2009 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/81 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G
15/502 (20130101); G03G 15/5016 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G03G
15/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;399/81,82,85
;358/1.13,1.15,1.18 ;715/847 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Hoshino, Naoki, Pending U.S. Appl. No. 11/373,645, filed Mar. 9,
2006. cited by other .
Hoshino, Naoki, Pending U.S. Appl. No. 11/373,403, filed Mar. 9,
2006. cited by other .
Hoshino, Naoki, Pending U.S. Appl. No. 11/373,011, filed Mar. 9,
2006. cited by other .
Kimoto, Yuko Pending U.S. Appl. No. 11/373,799, filed Mar. 9, 2006.
cited by other .
Hoshino, Naoki Pending U.S. Appl. No. 11/373,013, filed Mar. 9,
2006. cited by other .
Hoshino, Naoki, Pending U.S. Appl. No. 11/373,395, filed Mar. 9,
2006. cited by other .
Kimoto Yuko, Pending U.S. Appl. No. 11/373,012, filed Mar. 9, 2006.
cited by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Beatty; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: SoCal IP Law Group LLC Sereboff;
Steven C. Gunther; John E.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multifunction peripheral to perform various types of
processing based on set contents, the peripheral comprising: a
display unit which displays a screen; an operation unit which
inputs information; a memory which stores information indicating
the set contents as a template; a first display control unit which
displays various setting screens in the display unit; a setting
unit which performs setting based on setting information input by
the operation unit, in a state in which the setting screen is
displayed by the first display control unit; a second display
control unit which displays, in the display unit, a template
registration key to register the set contents as the template
together with a setting check screen displaying the set contents
input by the operation unit; and a template registration unit which
registers the set contents displayed in the setting check screen as
the template in the memory, in a case where the second display
control unit indicates the template registration key in the setting
check screen displayed in the display unit, wherein the first
display control unit displays, in the display unit, a setting check
key to check present set contents together with the setting screen
to input various set contents, and the second display control unit
displays the setting check screen and the template registration key
in the display unit, in a case where the first display control unit
inputs the setting check key displayed in the display unit.
2. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the
operation unit is constituted of a touch panel which detects a
portion touched in a display screen of the display unit, and the
second display control unit displays, in the display unit, the
template registration key as an icon selectable by the touch panel
as the operation unit.
3. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, further
comprising: a template call key which instructs calling of the
template stored in the memory and which is different from the
template registration key, wherein the setting unit performs the
setting based on the set contents stored as the template in the
memory, in a case where the template call key is indicated.
4. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 3, wherein the
operation unit is constituted of a touch panel which detects a
portion touched in a display screen of the display unit, the
template call key is constituted of a hardware key disposed
separately from the display unit and the operation unit, and the
second display control unit displays, in the display unit, the
template registration key as an icon selectable by the touch panel
as the operation unit.
5. A multifunction peripheral having a display unit, an operation
unit, and a memory, the peripheral comprising: first display
control means for displaying various setting screens in the display
unit; setting means for performing setting based on setting
information input by the operation unit in a state in which the
setting screen is displayed by the first display control means;
second display control means for displaying, in the display unit, a
template registration key to store present set contents as a
template together with a setting check screen displaying the
present set contents; and template registration means for storing
the set contents of the setting check screen displayed in the
display unit as the template in the memory, in a case where the
second display control means indicates the template registration
key displayed by the display unit, wherein the first display
control means displays, in the display unit, a setting check key to
check the present set contents together with the setting screen to
input various settings, and the second display control means
displays the setting check screen and the template registration key
in the display unit, in a case where the first display control
means inputs the setting check key displayed in the display
unit.
6. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 5, wherein the
operation unit is constituted of a touch panel which detects a
portion touched in a display screen of the display unit, and the
second display control means displays, in the display unit, the
template registration key as an icon selectable by the touch panel
as the operation unit.
7. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 5, further
comprising: a template call key which instructs calling of the
template stored in the memory and which is different from the
template registration key, wherein the setting means performs the
setting based on the set contents stored as the template in the
memory, in a case where the template call key is indicated.
8. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 7, wherein the
operation unit is constituted of a touch panel which detects a
portion touched in a display screen of the display unit, the
template call key is constituted of a hardware key disposed
separately from the display unit and the operation unit, and the
second display control means displays, in the display unit, the
template registration key as an icon selectable by the touch panel
as the operation unit.
9. A method of registering a template for use in a multifunction
peripheral having a display unit, an operation unit, and a memory,
the method comprising: displaying various setting screens in the
display unit; performing setting based on setting information input
by the operation unit in a state in which the setting screen is
displayed by the display unit; displaying, in the display unit, a
template registration key to store present set contents as a
template in the memory together with a setting check screen
displaying the present set contents; and storing the set contents
of the setting check screen displayed in the display unit as the
template in the memory, in a case where the template registration
key is indicated, wherein the displaying of the setting screen
comprises displaying, in the display unit, a setting check key to
check the present set contents together with the setting screen to
input various settings, and the displaying of the template
registration key comprises displaying the setting check screen and
the template registration key in the display unit, in a case where
there is input the setting check key displayed together with the
setting screen in the display unit.
10. The template registering method according to claim 9, wherein
the operation unit is constituted of a touch panel which detects a
portion touched in a display screen of the display unit, and the
displaying of the template registration key comprises displaying,
in the display unit, the template registration key as an icon
selectable by the touch panel as the operation unit.
11. The template registering method according to claim 9, wherein
the peripheral further comprises a template call key which
instructs calling of the template stored in the memory and which is
different from the template registration key, and the setting
comprises performing the setting based on the set contents stored
as the template in the memory, in a case where the template call
key is indicated.
12. The template registering method according to claim 11, wherein
the operation unit is a touch panel which detects a portion touched
in a display screen of the display unit, the template call key is a
hardware key disposed separately from the display unit and the
operation unit, and the displaying of the template registration key
comprises displaying, in the display unit, the template
registration key as an icon selectable by the touch panel as the
operation unit.
.Iadd.13. An image forming apparatus having configurable settings
that can be set by a user and registered as a template, comprising:
an operation panel having a touch panel; a non-volatile memory; and
a template registration unit configured to display on the touch
panel a first user interface that displays all of the configurable
settings of the image forming apparatus as set by the user and a
template registration key, and a second user interface that
includes icons representing storage locations in the non-volatile
memory in any one of which the configurable settings of the image
forming apparatus as set by the user can be stored, wherein the
template registration unit is configured to detect a selection of
one of the icons and to store the configurable settings of the
image forming apparatus as set by the user as a template in a
storage location in the non-volatile memory corresponding to the
selected icon..Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13,
wherein the icons include a first icon corresponding to an empty
storage location and a second icon corresponding to a used storage
location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13,
further comprising a touch panel control unit configured to display
a key by which a template registration process can be
initiated..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15,
wherein the first user interface further displays a template cancel
key, by which the template registration process can be
cancelled..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13,
further comprising a template call key by which the configurable
settings of the image forming apparatus stored in the non-volatile
memory can be retrieved..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17,
wherein the template registration unit configures the image forming
apparatus in accordance with the retrieved configurable
settings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. In an image forming apparatus having configurable
settings that can be set by a user and stored as a template, a
method of registering a template to be used in operating the image
forming apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: storing
configurable settings of the image forming apparatus as they are
changed in accordance with user selections; displaying all of the
configurable settings of the image forming apparatus as set by the
user and a template registration key; displaying storage locations
in any one of which the configurable settings of the image forming
apparatus as set by the user can be stored; receiving a selection
of one of the storage locations; and storing the configurable
settings of the image forming apparatus as set by the user in the
selected storage location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the storage
locations are displayed as icons..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the icons
include a first icon conesponding to an empty storage location and
a second icon corresponding to a used storage
location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The method according to claim 19, wherein a key to cancel
the template registration process is displayed with the
configurable settings of the image forming apparatus as set by the
user and the template registration key..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the image
forming apparatus includes a non-volatile memory unit, and the
displayed storage locations correspond to storage locations in the
non-volatile memory unit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the storage
locations in the non-volatile memory unit are displayed to a user
for selection when a template call key is touched by the
user..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. A method of managing a template for an image forming
apparatus having a touch panel, a volatile memory unit, a
non-volatile memory unit, and configurable settings that can be set
by a user and stored as a template in the non-volatile memory unit,
the method comprising the steps of: setting the configurable
settings of the image forming apparatus to operate in a certain
manner, all of the configurable settings of the image forming
apparatus as set being stored in the volatile memory unit and being
displayed on the touch panel with a template registration key; and
touching the template registration key that is displayed on the
display unit with all of the configurable settings of the image
forming apparatus as set and selecting a storage location in the
non-volatile memory unit, to store the configurable settings of the
image forming apparatus in the selected storage location in the
non-volatile memory unit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the step of
selecting includes: selecting one of a plurality of icons that are
displayed on the touch panel, wherein each of the icons represents
a different storage location in the non-volatile memory
unit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the plurality
of icons include a first icon corresponding to an empty storage
location and a second icon corresponding to a used storage
location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the first icon
is selected..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The method according to claim 27, wherein the second icon
is selected..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the
step of touching a key displayed on the touch panel of the image
processing apparatus to initiate a template registration
process..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The method according to claim 30, wherein a key to cancel
the template registration process is displayed on the touch panel
with the template registration key..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the
step of touching a key to recall a registered template..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an operation device for a user to
designate various types of processing such as photocopy, facsimile,
scanning, and image filing, and multifunction peripherals which
perform various types of processing based on user's designated set
contents.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore, in multifunction peripherals having a plurality of
functions such as a photocopy function, a facsimile function, a
scanner function, a printer function, and an image filing function,
there is disposed an operation panel for a user to perform various
settings. However, in the conventional operation panel, an
operation to perform various types of settings is complicated or is
not easy to understand in some case. For example, the multifunction
peripherals have a function (template function) of registering
specific set contents beforehand as a template, and calling set
contents stored as the template in response to user's
instruction.
The conventional multifunction peripherals are provided with one
template key for shifting to the template function in many cases.
In such multifunction peripherals, the template function can be
performed in a case where the template key is indicated by the
user. That is, in the conventional multifunction peripherals, after
indicating the template key, there has to be selectively performed
an operation to register the present set contents as the template
or an operation to call the set contents registered as the template
in many cases.
However, the multifunction peripherals have a problem that it is
not easy to see operability after shifting to the template function
or an operation timing to shift to the template function.
Especially, it is not easy to see an operation timing for shifting
to a mode allowing the user who performs various settings to
register the set contents as the template in a case where the set
contents are registered as the template. In this case, there is
another problem that an operation is complicated which checks the
present set contents before they are registered as the template.
Owing to the above-described problems, in actual, the template
function is not effectively utilized in the conventional
multifunction peripherals, and any efficient operation is not
performed in many cases.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an operation
device and multifunction peripherals which can efficiently perform
various processing and whose operability is satisfactory.
In an aspect of the present invention, an operation device is for
use in a device which operates based on set contents, and has: a
display unit which displays various setting screens; an operation
unit which inputs setting information; a storage unit which stores
information indicating the set contents as a template; a display
control unit which displays, in the display unit, a template
registration key to register the set contents as the template
together with a setting check screen displaying the set contents
input by the operation unit; and a template registration unit which
registers the set contents displayed in the setting check screen as
the template in the storage unit in a case where the display
control unit indicates the template registration key in the setting
check screen displayed in the display unit.
In another aspect of the present invention, multifunction
peripherals perform photocopy processing based on set contents, and
has: a display unit which displays various setting screens; an
operation unit which inputs setting information; a processing unit
which performs the photocopy processing based on the set contents
input by the operation unit; a storage unit which stores
information indicating the set contents as a template; a display
control unit which displays, in the display unit, a template
registration key to register the set contents as the template
together with a setting check screen displaying the set contents
input by the operation unit; and a template registration unit which
registers the set contents displayed in the setting check screen as
the template in the storage unit in a case where the display
control unit indicates the template registration key in the setting
check screen displayed in the display unit.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention, and together with the general description given above
and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve
to explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance constitution of a digital
multifunction peripherals 1 as an image forming apparatus in an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a constitution of a control
system of the digital multifunction peripherals 1 as the image
forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an appearance diagram showing a constitution example of
an operation panel;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a photocopy mode
basic screen and a setting check screen;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a basic screen and
a setting check screen in a case where stapling is set;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a basic screen and
a setting check screen in a case where 2in1 is set;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a basic screen and
a setting check screen in a case where sheet insertion is set;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of processing
from a time when photocopy is set until photocopy processing is
started;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example of template
registration processing;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example in the template
registration processing;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing example of template
call processing; and
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example in the template call
processing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
There will be described hereinafter a preferable embodiment for
carrying out the present invention with reference to the
drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance constitution of a digital
multifunction peripherals 1 as an image forming apparatus in the
embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, this digital multifunction peripherals 1 is
constituted of a system control unit 11, an operation panel 12, a
scanner unit 13, a printer unit 14, a finisher unit 15 and the
like.
The system control unit 11 controls the whole digital multifunction
peripherals 1. The system control unit 11 is disposed in a main
body of the digital multifunction peripherals 1. The system control
unit 11 is connected to the operation panel 12, the scanner unit
13, the printer unit 14, the finisher unit 15 and the like.
Accordingly, the system control unit 11 performs various controls
with respect to the respective units.
The operation panel 12 is disposed on a front surface of the
digital multifunction peripherals main body. The operation panel 12
is a user interface. An operation surface of the operation panel 12
is provided with hardware keys 21 as an operating section, a
display section 22 in which a touch panel 22a is built and the
like.
The scanner unit 13 functions as an image reading unit which reads
an image of a draft. The scanner unit 13 is disposed in an upper
part of the digital multifunction peripherals main body. The
scanner unit 13 main body is constituted of: a scanning section
(not shown) which optically scans a draft surface; a photoelectric
converting section (not shown) such as a CCD line sensor which
converts, into an electric signal, light reflected by the draft
surface optically scanned by the scanning section and the like.
Moreover, the scanner unit 13 has an auto document feeder (ADF) 31.
The ADF 31 conveys the surface of the draft to be read to an image
reading position of the scanner unit 13 main body. That is, the
image of the draft conveyed by the ADF 31 is read by the scanner
unit 13 main body. The ADF 31 has: a draft table on which the draft
is to be set; a conveying mechanism which conveys the drafts set on
the draft table one by one; and a draft discharge section to which
the draft conveyed by the conveying mechanism is discharged. The
draft table of the ADF 31 is provided with a guide section 31a
which guides the conveyed drafts and a plurality of sensors 31b for
detecting a size of the draft. The guide section 31a and each
sensor 31b function as a detector for detecting the size of the
draft on the draft table.
The printer unit 14 forms an image on a sheet (photocopy sheet) as
an image forming medium. The printer unit 14 is constituted of, for
example, a conveying section which conveys the sheet, an image
forming section which forms an image on the sheet conveyed by the
conveying section and the like.
The finisher unit 15 performs various types of finish processing
with respect to the sheet as the image forming medium printed by
the printer unit 14. The finisher unit 15 has finishing functions
such as: a stapling function of stapling together a plurality of
sheets printed by the printer unit 14; a sorting function of
sorting the sheets printed by the printer unit 14 based on a set
sorting method; and a stacking function of discharging the sheet
printed by the printer unit 14 based on a set sheet discharging
order or a set sheet discharging method. The finisher unit 15 has
finishing functions realized by a control similar to that of the
stapling function, such as: a hole punching function of making a
hole in a predetermined position in the sheet printed by the
printer unit 14; and a saddle stitching function of folding back a
plurality of sheets printed by the printer unit 14 along the center
line of each sheet to staple together the sheets.
The finisher unit 15 has a stapler 41 or the like as a mechanism
for performing the stapling function. For example, the stapler 41
staples together the plurality of sheets sorted by the sorting
function. The stapler 41 has a function of stapling together the
sheets by multi-positions thereof. Therefore, the stapling function
staples together the positions to be stapled, selected by the user,
with respect to the plurality of sheets sorted by the sorting
function.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a constitution of a control
system of the digital multifunction peripherals 1 as an image
forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, in this digital multifunction peripherals 1,
the system control unit 11 is connected to the operation panel 12,
the scanner unit 13, the printer unit 14, and the finisher unit
15.
The system control unit 11 controls the operation panel 12, the
scanner unit 13, the printer unit 14, the finisher unit 15 and the
like. The system control unit 11 has various functions of
performing various types of processing based on signals supplied
from the operation panel 12, the scanner unit 13, the printer unit
14 and the finisher unit 15.
The operation panel 12 has the hardware keys 21, the display
section 22 in which the touch panel 22a is built and the like. In
the display section 22, there are displayed an operation guidance,
keys (icons) selectable by the touch panel 22a and the like under a
display control of the system control unit 11. In the operation
panel 12, the user operates the hardware keys 21, or inputs the
icon selectable by the touch panel 22a. The operation panel 12
supplies, to the system control unit 11, information input by the
user (the information indicating the hardware key 21 pressed by the
user or the icon selectable by the touch panel 22a touched by the
user).
The scanner unit 13 converts the image of the draft into image data
under the control of the system control unit 11. The scanner unit
13 converts the draft image into color or monochromatic digital
image data. The scanner unit 13 supplies the digital image data as
the read draft image to the system control unit 11.
Moreover, the scanner unit 13 has the ADF 31 provided with the
detectors 31a, 31b. Detection signals of the detectors 31a, 31b of
the ADF 31 are supplied to the system control unit 11. The system
control unit 11 realizes an ADF draft size detecting function of
detecting a size of the draft set in the ADF 31 based on the
detection signals of the detectors 31a, 31b.
The printer unit 14 prints the image on the sheet as the image
forming medium under the control of the system control unit 11. A
result of the print processing performed by the printer unit 14 and
the like are notified to the system control unit 11. The printer
unit 14 performs color printing to form a color image on the image
forming medium based on the color image data, or monochromatic
printing to form a monochromatic image on the image forming medium
based on the monochromatic image data. The printer unit 14 is
constituted of: for example, the conveying section (not shown)
which conveys the image forming medium; the image forming section
(not shown) which forms the color image or the monochromatic image
on the image forming medium conveyed by the conveying section and
the like.
The finisher unit 15 performs various types of processing with
respect to the sheet as the image forming medium printed by the
printer unit 14 under the control of the system control unit 11.
The processing result and the like of the finisher unit 15 are
notified to the system control unit 11. The finisher unit 15
executes a finishing function such as the stapling function, the
sorting function, or the stacking function based on the control by
the system control unit 11.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the system control unit 11 is
constituted of: a central processing unit (CPU) 51; a random access
memory (RAM) 52; a read only memory (ROM) 53; a nonvolatile memory
54; a hard disk drive (HDD) 55; a network interface (I/F) 56; a
facsimile interface (I/F) 57; a page memory 58; an image processing
section 59 and the like.
The CPU 51 controls the whole system control unit 11. The CPU 51
executes a program stored in the ROM 53, the nonvolatile memory 54
or the HDD 55 to thereby perform various types of processing. For
example, the CPU 51 executes the control program to thereby realize
the ADF draft size detecting function. A display control of the
display section 22 of the operation panel 12 is executed by the CPU
51 based on the program and control data stored in the ROM 53, the
nonvolatile memory 54, or the HDD 55.
The RAM 52 is a memory which temporarily stores data for working or
which stores data to be referred to. The RAM 52 is used as a main
memory for executing various types of processing based on various
control programs. For example, in the RAM 52, during an operation
of the digital multifunction peripherals, control program or
control data is loaded, and information to be temporarily held and
the like are stored such as information indicating the present set
contents.
Moreover, examples of the set contents in a photocopy mode include
a photocopy magnification, the number of sheets to be photocopied,
and a finishing mode (staple setting, etc.) in addition to a draft
setting and a sheet setting. The draft setting includes a size of a
draft, a draft setting direction, a direction of the image in the
draft, the surface of the draft to be read (a draft reading mode is
a single-sided or double-sided mode) and the like. The sheet
setting includes a size of the sheet, a direction of the sheet, a
direction of the image in the sheet, the surface of the sheet to be
printed (a sheet printing mode is a single-sided or double-sided
mode) and the like.
The ROM 53 is a nonvolatile memory. In the ROM 53, there are
stored, for example, a control program, control data and the like
for controlling the digital multifunction peripherals 1. In the ROM
53, there may be stored display data and the like to be displayed
in the display section 22 of the operation panel 12.
The nonvolatile memory 54 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. In
the nonvolatile memory 54, there is stored data such as system
setting information. The nonvolatile memory 54 may store display
data and the like to be displayed in the display section 22 of the
operation panel 12.
The HDD 55 is a large-capacity storage device. In the HDD 55, there
are stored various data such as various setting data, management
data, control program and control data. In the HDD 55, there are
also stored display data and the like to be displayed in the
display section 22 of the operation panel 12. In the HDD 55, there
are also stored image data and the like read by the scanner unit
13. Furthermore, the HDD 55 may be used as a backup memory for
various memories.
The network interface 56 performs data communication via the
network. The network interface 56 is constituted of, for example, a
network interface card (NIC) and the like. The digital
multifunction peripherals 1 realizes a network printing function of
printing, on the sheet, print data from an external device
connected to the network interface 56 via the network.
The facsimile interface 57 transmits and receives facsimile data.
In the digital multifunction peripherals 1, a facsimile function is
realized using the facsimile interface 57. For example, facsimile
reception processing is realized by monochromatically printing, by
the printer unit 14, the facsimile data received by the facsimile
interface 57. Moreover, the facsimile interface 57 realizes
facsimile transmission processing by transferring, to a
destination, the facsimile data converted from the image data of
the draft read by the scanner unit 13.
The page memory 58 is a memory in which the image data to be
printed by the printer unit 14 and the like are stored. The page
memory 58 is controlled by a page memory controller (not shown).
For example, in a case where the printer unit 14 performs the print
processing, in the page memory 58 there is developed (stored) the
color image data or the monochromatic image data of each page to be
printed by the printer unit 14.
The image processing section 59 subjects the image data to various
types of image processing. The image processing section 59 is
constituted of an image processing circuit and the like. The image
processing section 59 performs image processing such as correction,
compression, or extension of the image data.
Next, there will be described a constitution of the operation panel
12.
FIG. 3 is an appearance diagram showing a constitution example of
the operation panel 12.
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 12 is provided with various
hardware keys 21, the display section 22 in which the touch panel
22a is built and the like. Examples of the hardware keys 21 include
function selecting keys 62, ten keys 63, a start key 64, a reset
key 65, a stop key 66, and a template call key 67.
The function selecting keys 62 are hardware keys for selecting
various functions. Examples of the function selecting keys 62
include a scanning function selecting key for selecting a scanning
function, a photocopy function selecting key for selecting a
photocopy function, a FAX function selecting key for selecting a
facsimile function, a filing box key for selecting a data filing
function, and a function expansion key for selecting another
expanded function.
The ten keys 63 are hardware keys for inputting numerals and the
like. The ten keys 63 are used in inputting information such as the
number of sheets to be photocopied, a photocopy magnification, and
a password (personal identification number) for management.
The start key 64 is a hardware key for instructing start of an
operation. For example, in the photocopy function, a photocopy
operation is started in response to the instruction of the start
key 64.
The reset key 65 is a hardware key for instructing reset of the set
contents and the like. For example, when the reset key 65 is input,
the set contents and the like designated by the user are reset, and
changed into a default setting value.
The stop key 66 is a hardware key for instructing discontinuation
of the operation being executed by the digital multifunction
peripherals. For example, when the stop key 66 is indicated during
the photocopy operation of the digital multifunction peripherals,
the photocopy operation is stopped.
The template call key 67 is a hardware key for calling, as a
template, data such as setting information registered beforehand.
For example, when the template call key 67 is input, the display
section 22 displays a template selection screen for selecting, as
the template, data such as the registered setting information. The
template function will be described later in detail.
Moreover, in addition to the above-described various keys, the
operation panel 12 shown in FIG. 3 includes, as the hardware keys
21: a help (HELP) key to instruct display of a user guidance; an
interrupt key to demand an interrupt of an operation; a situation
check key to check a state of the digital multifunction
peripherals; a key to perform security setting or the like; a power
saving key for switching a power saving operation mode to reduce
power consumption and a usual operation mode; an on-hook/pause key
to bring a phone function into an on-hook state; a clear key to
clear numerals and the like input by the ten keys and the like.
Furthermore, the operation panel 12 shown in FIG. 3 also includes
an alarm display to notify an abnormality of the digital
multifunction peripherals and the like.
The display section 22 is constituted of a liquid crystal display
in which the touch panel 22a is built. In the display section 22,
various operation screens are displayed. Each operation screen
displayed in the display section 22 displays a key (icon)
selectable by the touch panel 22a in addition to the operation
guidance. An example of a screen displayed in the display section
22 will be described later in detail.
The display contents displayed in the display section 22 are
controlled by, for example, the system control unit 11. The display
data to be displayed in the display section 22 is stored in a
storage device such as the HDD 55, the nonvolatile memory 54 or the
ROM 53 of the system control unit 11. That is, the storage device
(the HDD 55, the nonvolatile memory 54, or the ROM 53) of the
system control unit 11 stores data such as various screens,
guidance, icons or graphical images to be displayed in the display
section 22.
The CPU 51 of the system control unit 11 judges user's operation
contents or display contents in accordance with an operation
situation of each component. Based on this judgment, the CPU 51
executes a control in reading the display data to be displayed in
the display section 22 from the HDD 55, the nonvolatile memory 54
or the ROM 53 to display the data in the display section 22. That
is, the CPU 51 controls the display of the display section 22 in
accordance with the user's operation contents or the operation
situation of each component.
Next, there will be described a basic screen and a setting check
screen in a photocopy mode.
The basic screen in the photocopy mode is a setting screen which is
a base for the user to perform various settings. The basic screen
displays the operation guidance, the present set contents, and
further a key (icon) for setting basic setting particulars.
Moreover, the setting check screen is a screen for the user to
check the present set contents. In the setting check screen, the
present set contents are displayed in detail. The setting check
screen is a screen to be displayed in the display section 22, in a
case where a setting check key (described later) is input in the
basic screen.
FIGS. 4 to 7 are diagrams showing display examples of a basic
screen 70 (70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d) and a setting check screen 100
(100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d) in the photocopy mode.
FIG. 4 shows a display example of a basic screen 70a and a setting
check screen 100a in a case where finishing setting, Nin1 (a
function of printing, onto one sheet, a plurality of draft images
(N original images)) setting, and application setting are not
performed. FIG. 5 shows a display example of a basic screen 70b and
a setting check screen 100b in a case where stapling is set as the
finishing setting, and the Nin1 setting and the application setting
are not performed. FIG. 6 shows a display example of a basic screen
70c and a setting check screen 100c in a case where 2in1 is set as
the Nin1 setting, and the finishing setting and the application
setting are not performed. FIG. 7 shows a display example of a
basic screen 70d and a setting check screen 100d in a case where an
inserted sheet is set as the application setting, and the finishing
setting and the Nin1 setting are not performed.
First, the basic screen 70 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the basic screen 70 (70a, 70b, 70c, or
70d) in the photocopy mode is constituted of display areas such as:
a guidance display area 71; a display area 72 of draft setting and
sheet setting; and a display area 73 of function setting
buttons.
The display area 71 is disposed in an upper part of the screen. The
display area 72 is disposed in a left part of the screen. The
display area 73 ranges from the center to a right part of the
screen.
The display area 71 displays a message, a magnification, a sheet
size, a photocopy side (single-sided/double-sided), the number of
sheets to be photocopied and the like. As the message, the present
state of the digital multifunction peripherals and the like are
displayed. As the magnification, the presently set photocopy
magnification is displayed. As the sheet size, the presently set
sheet size is displayed. As the photocopy side, the presently set
mode is displayed among: a mode (single-sided/single-sided mode) to
photocopy a single side of the draft onto a single side of the
sheet; a mode (single-sided/double-sided mode) to photocopy a
single side of the draft onto double sides of the sheet; a mode
(double-sided/single-sided mode) to photocopy double sides of the
draft onto the single side of the sheet; and a mode
(double-sided/double-sided mode) to photocopy double sides of the
draft onto the double sides of the sheet. As the number of the
sheets to be photocopied, the presently set photocopy number is
displayed.
The display area 72 is constituted of a first display area 72a and
a second display area 72b.
In the first display area 72a, there is displayed information
indicating the presently set draft. For example, in the first
display area 72a, a draft graphical image Og is displayed which
indicates the present draft setting together with character
information indicating the draft size. The draft graphical image Og
shows the draft size, the draft direction (disposing direction),
the direction of the image in the draft (portrait or landscape),
the surface of the draft to be read (single-sided or double-sided)
and the like. Accordingly, the user can visually and intuitively
image the present draft setting.
The second display area 72b displays information indicating finish
(printed sheet) in a case where the sheet is printed with the
present set contents. The second display area 72b displays a
graphical image Pg of the finish together with the character
information indicating a finish size (photocopy sheet size). The
finished graphical image Pg displayed in the second display area
72b shows the size of the sheet (photocopy sheet) on which the
draft image is to be printed, the direction of the sheet, the
direction of the image (portrait or landscape) to be printed on the
sheet, the surface of the sheet to be printed
(single-sided/double-sided) and the like. Accordingly, the user can
visually and intuitively image the present sheet setting.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the first display area 72a is
adjacent to the second display area 72b. Furthermore, the draft
graphical image Og displayed in the first display area 72a is
associated with the finished graphical image Pg displayed in the
second display area 72b by a mark such as an arrow. Therefore, the
user can visually and intuitively associate the set contents of the
draft with those of the sheet (finish) to check them.
In the display area 73, there are displayed keys for setting
various functions selectable by the touch panel 22a. The various
setting keys displayed in the display area 73 are keys for
performing various settings. The various setting keys displayed in
the display area 73 are characters indicating the set contents and
the like, and icons in which patterns, graphics or the like are
displayed.
The display area 73 displays: a magnification key 81; a sheet key
82; a photocopy side (single-sided/double-sided) key 83; a
finishing (sort/stack/staple) setting key 84; an Nin1 (2in1/4in1)
key 85; an application setting key 86; a draft setting (draft
setting direction) key 87; a store key 88; a setting check key 89;
a color mode setting portion (an auto color key 90a, a full color
key 90b, and a black key 90c) 90, an image adjustment key 91; a
draft mode setting portion (a character key 92a, a character
picture key 92b, and a picture key 92c) 92; a density adjustment
portion (a density down key 93a, a density up key 93b, an automatic
density key 93c, and a density display portion 93d) 93 and the
like.
The magnification key 81 is constituted of an icon in which a
"magnification" is displayed. The magnification key 81 is a key to
be touched by the user in setting the magnification (photocopy
magnification) of the image to be printed on the sheet with respect
to the image on the draft. When the magnification key 81 is
touched, the CPU 51 displays a magnification setting screen for
setting the photocopy magnification in the display section 22. In
this case, the CPU 51 performs set processing to set the photocopy
magnification in response to the key input by the user in a state
in which the magnification setting screen is displayed.
The sheet key 82 is constituted of an icon in which a "sheet" is
displayed. The sheet key 82 is a key to be touched by the user in
setting the sheet size or the draft size. In a case where the sheet
key 82 is touched, the CPU 51 displays, in the display section 22,
a sheet setting screen for setting the photocopy sheet size or the
draft size. In this case, the CPU 51 performs the sheet set
processing in response to the key input in a state in which the
sheet setting screen is displayed.
The draft setting key 87 is constituted of an icon in which the
"draft setting direction" is displayed. The draft setting key 87 is
a key to be touched by the user in setting a direction in which the
draft is to be set. It is to be noted that when the ADF draft size
detecting function is invalid, the draft setting key 87 sets the
draft size and the draft setting direction. In a case where the
draft setting key 87 is touched, the CPU 51 of the system control
unit 11 displays, in the display section 22, a draft direction
setting screen for setting the draft setting direction. In this
case, the CPU 51 performs the draft set processing in accordance
with the key input in a state in which the draft direction setting
screen is displayed.
It is to be noted that in a case where the ADF draft size detecting
function is invalid, the draft setting key 87 is constituted of an
icon in which the "draft size/setting direction" is displayed. In
this case, when the draft setting key 87 is touched, the CPU 51 of
the system control unit 11 displays, in the display section 22, the
draft setting screen for setting the draft size and the draft
setting direction in the ADF. In this case, the CPU 51 performs the
draft set processing in response to the input key in a state in
which the draft setting screen is displayed.
The photocopy side key 83 is constituted of an icon in which
"single-sided/double-sided" is displayed. The photocopy side key 83
is a key to be touched by the user in setting the photocopy side.
In a case where the photocopy side key 83 is touched, the CPU 51
displays, in the display section 22, a setting screen for setting
the single-sided/single-sided mode, the single-sided/double-sided
mode, the double-sided/single-sided mode, or the
double-sided/double-sided mode as a photocopy side mode. In this
case, the CPU 51 performs the photocopy side set processing in
response to the key input in a state in which the photocopy side
setting screen is displayed.
Moreover, the magnification key 81, the sheet key 82, and the
photocopy side key 83 are disposed in the vicinity of the guidance
display area 71. The magnification key 81, the sheet key 82, and
the photocopy side key 83 are associated with the magnification,
the sheet, and the photocopy side displayed in the guidance display
area 71. The magnification setting, the sheet setting, and the
photocopy side setting are basic set particulars for frequent use
in the photocopy mode. Therefore, the magnification key 81, the
sheet key 82, and the photocopy side key 83 are disposed in the
vicinity of the guidance display area 71 so that the user easily
touches the keys, and easily checks the set contents.
The finishing (sort/stack/staple) setting key 84 is constituted of
an icon in which "sort/stack/staple" is displayed. The finishing
(sort/stack/staple) setting key 84 is a key to be touched by the
user in setting contents of finishing processing performed by the
finisher unit 15.
In a case where the finishing setting key 84 is touched, the CPU 51
displays, in the display section 22, a setting screen (finishing
setting screen) for setting the finishing (sort/stack/staple). In
this case, the CPU 51 performs the finishing set processing in
response to the key input in a state in which the finishing setting
screen is displayed.
Moreover, the finishing setting key 84 is changed to an icon in
which set contents are displayed in a case where the finishing
function is set. For example, in a case where the stapling is set
as one of finishing functions, the finishing setting key 84 in the
basic screen 70 is changed to an icon "staple" is displayed
together with "sort/stack/staple" as shown in the basic screen 70b
of FIG. 5.
The Nin1 (2in1/4in1) key 85 is constituted of an icon in which
"2in1/4in1" is displayed. The Nin1 key 85 is a key to be touched in
setting photocopy in an Nin mode in which images of N pages (e.g.,
two or four pages) of the draft are printed onto one sheet.
When the Nin1 key 85 is touched, the CPU 51 of the system control
unit 11 displays, in the display section 22, an Nin1 setting screen
for setting an Nin1 mode. In this case, the CPU 51 performs the
Nin1 set processing in response to the key input in a state in
which the Nin1 setting screen is displayed.
Moreover, the Nin1 key 85 is changed to an icon in which set
contents are displayed in a case where Nin1 is set. For example, in
a case where 2in1 is set as Nin1, the Nin1 key 85 in the basic
screen 70 is changed into an icon in which "2in1" is displayed
together with "2in1/4in1" as shown in the basic screen 70c of FIG.
6.
The application setting key 86 is constituted of an icon in which
"application setting" is displayed. The application setting key 86
is a key to be touched in performing setting (e.g., setting of
insertion sheet or the like) other than the setting designated by
each key displayed in the display area 73 or the hardware key
21.
When the application setting key 86 is touched, the CPU 51
displays, in the display section 22, a setting screen for setting
application. In this case, the CPU 51 performs application set
processing in response to the key input in a state in which an
application setting screen is displayed.
Moreover, the application setting key 86 is changed to an icon in
which set contents are displayed in a case where the application is
set. For example, in a case where the application is set, the
application setting key 86 in the basic screen 70 is brought into
the selected state as shown in the basic screen 70d of FIG. 7. It
is to be noted that when the insertion sheet is set as one of
application settings, the application setting key 86 may be changed
to an icon in which "inserted sheet" or "sheet insertion" is
displayed together with "application setting". Alternatively, when
the insertion sheet is set as one of the application settings, the
application setting key 86 may be changed to an icon in which
"inserted sheet" is displayed together with "sheet insertion".
The store key 88 is constituted of an icon in which "store" is
displayed. The store key 88 is a key to be touched by the user in
storing the present set contents. The setting check key 89 is
constituted of an icon in which "check setting/register template"
is displayed. The setting check key 89 is a key to be touched in a
case where the present set contents are checked, or registered as a
template. In a case where the setting check key 89 is touched, the
CPU 51 displays, in the display section 22, a setting check screen
showing the present set contents.
The color mode setting portion 90 is constituted of keys for
designating a color mode. The color mode setting portion 90 is
constituted of the auto color key 90a, the full color key 90b, and
the black key 90c. The auto color key 90a is constituted of an icon
in which "auto color" is displayed. The full color key 90b is
constituted of an icon in which "full color" is displayed. The
black key 90c is constituted of an icon in which "monochromatic
photocopy" is displayed.
The auto color key 90a is a key for judging whether the draft is
chromatic or monochromatic, and setting color photocopy or
monochromatic photocopy based on the judgment result. The full
color key 90b is a key for setting the color photocopy. The black
key 90c is a key for setting the monochromatic photocopy.
The image adjustment key 91 is constituted of an icon in which
"image adjustment" is displayed. The image adjustment key 91 is a
key to be touched by the user in performing setting to adjust the
image. In a case where the image adjustment key 91 is touched, the
CPU 51 displays, in the display section 22, a setting screen for
setting color balance, RGB adjustment, image quality adjustment,
substrate adjustment, sharpness, two-color photocopy and the
like.
The draft mode setting portion 92 is a key for selecting a type of
the image to be photocopied. The draft mode setting portion 92 is
constituted of the character key 92a, the character picture key
92b, and the picture key 92c. The character key 92a is constituted
of an icon in which "character" is displayed. The character picture
key 92b is constituted of an icon in which "character picture" is
displayed. The picture key 92c is constituted of an icon in which
"picture" is displayed.
The character key 92a is a key to be selected in a case where the
image to be photocopied is a binary image (image constituted of
white or black pixels) or an image to be processed as the binary
image. For example, since the image constituted of characters has
less grey-level pixels, the image is preferably photocopied as the
binary image. Therefore, in a case where the image to be
photocopied is constituted of the characters, the character key 92a
is selected.
The picture key 92c is a key to be selected in a case where the
image to be photocopied is an image having multiple tone. For
example, since an image such as a picture has many grey-level
pixels, the image is preferably photocopied as the multiple-tone
image. Therefore, when the image to be photocopied is constituted
of the picture, the picture key 92c is selected.
The character picture key 92b is a key to be selected in a case
where the image to be photocopied is an image mixed with the binary
image and the multiple-tone image. For example, the character
picture key 92b is selected in a case where the image to be
photocopied is an image mixed with the characters and the
picture.
The density adjustment portion 93 is constituted of keys for
setting a photocopy density. The density adjustment portion 93 is
constituted of the density down key 93a, the density up key 93b,
the automatic density key 93c, and the density display portion 93d.
The density down key 93a is constituted of an icon in which
".rarw." is displayed. The density up key 93b is constituted of an
icon in which ".fwdarw." is displayed. The automatic density key
93c is constituted of an icon in which "automatic density" is
displayed. In the density display portion 93d, the presently set
photocopy density is displayed.
The density down key 93a is a key to be touched in a case where the
photocopy density is reduced. Every time the density down key 93a
is touched, the photocopy density is set to gradually decrease from
the presently set photocopy density. The density up key 93b is a
key to be touched in a case where the photocopy density is
increased. Every time the density up key 93b is touched, the
photocopy density is set to gradually increase from the presently
set photocopy density. The automatic density key 93c is a key to be
touched in a case where the photocopy density is set based on a
predetermined reference value.
Moreover, in a case where the color mode setting portion 90, the
image adjustment key 91, the draft mode setting portion 92, or the
density adjustment portion 93 is touched, the CPU 51 performs
processing to change the set contents in response to the input key,
and the set contents are reflected in the basic screen 70.
Next, the setting check screen will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the setting check screen 100 (100a, 100b, 100c,
or 100d) is constituted of display areas such as a guidance display
area 101, a draft setting and sheet setting display area 102, and a
set contents display area (icon display area) 103.
The setting check screen 100 is constituted of a layout similar to
that of the basic screen 70. That is, the display area 101 is
disposed in an upper part of the screen in the same manner as in
the display area 71. The display area 102 is disposed in a left
part of the screen in the same manner as in the display area 72.
The display area 103 is disposed ranging from the center to a right
part of the screen in the same manner as in the display area
73.
The display area 101 displays a photocopy magnification, a sheet
size, a photocopy side (single-sided/double-sided), the number of
sheets to be photocopied and the like in the same manner as in the
display area 71 of the basic screen 70. The display area 101
displays a color mode, a density setting mode, a draft image mode
and the like.
The display area 102 is constituted of a first display area 102a
and a second display area 102b. The first display area 102a and the
second display area 102b display contents similar to those
displayed in the first display area 72a and the second display area
72b. That is, in the first display area 102a, a draft graphical
image Og is displayed which indicates the present draft setting
together with character information indicating the draft size. The
second display area 102b displays a graphical image Pg of the
finish which indicates the present sheet setting together with the
character information indicating a sheet size.
In the display area 103, a magnification icon 111 is associated and
displayed with the photocopy magnification displayed in the display
area 101 by a triangular graphics or the like. The magnification
icon 111 is an icon having display contents similar to those of the
magnification key 81 displayed in the basic screen 70. A position
where the magnification icon 111 is displayed in the setting check
screen 100 corresponds to that of the magnification key 81
displayed in the basic screen 70. When the magnification icon 111
is touched, the display section 22 displays a magnification setting
screen. That is, in a case where the magnification icon 111 is
touched in the setting check screen 100, the digital multifunction
peripherals 1 performs magnification set processing.
In the display area 103, a sheet icon 112 is associated and
displayed with the sheet size displayed in the display area 101.
The sheet icon 112 is an icon having display contents similar to
those of the sheet key 82 displayed in the basic screen 70. A
position where the sheet icon 112 is displayed in the setting check
screen 100 corresponds to that of the sheet key 82 displayed in the
basic screen 70. When the sheet icon 112 is touched, the display
section 22 displays a sheet setting screen. That is, in a case
where the sheet icon 112 is touched in the setting check screen
100, the digital multifunction peripherals 1 performs sheet set
processing.
In the display area 103, a photocopy side icon 113 is associated
and displayed with set contents of the photocopy side
(single-sided/double-sided) displayed in the display area 101. The
photocopy side icon 113 is an icon having display contents similar
to those of the single-sided/double-sided key 83 displayed in the
basic screen 70. A position where the sheet icon 112 is displayed
in the setting check screen 100 corresponds to that of the sheet
key 82 in the basic screen 70. When the photocopy side icon 113 is
touched, the display section 22 displays a photocopy side setting
screen. That is, in a case where the photocopy side icon 113 is
touched in the setting check screen 100, the digital multifunction
peripherals 1 performs photocopy side set processing.
Moreover, in the display area 103, a template registration key 114
and a closing key 115 are displayed.
The template registration key 114 is a key to be touched in a case
where the present set contents being displayed are registered as a
template. That is, when the template registration key 114 is
touched, the CPU 51 performs template registration processing to
register, as the template, the set contents displayed in the
setting check screen 100. Accordingly, the user can instruct the
registration of the template while checking detailed set contents.
It is to be noted that the template registration processing will be
described later in detail.
The closing key 115 is a key to be touched in a case where the
setting check screen 100 is closed. When the user touches the
closing key 115, the CPU 51 closes the setting check screen 100,
and displays, in the display section 22, the basic screen 70 in
which the set contents displayed in the setting check screen are
reflected.
Furthermore, the setting check screen 100a shown in FIG. 4 is a
display example of the setting check screen in a case where the
finishing setting, the Nin1 setting, and response setting are not
performed. When the finishing setting, the Nin1 setting, or the
response setting is performed, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in the
setting check screens 100 (100b, 100c, and 100d), there are
displayed a finishing setting icon 116, an Nin1 setting icon 117,
and an application setting icon 118, respectively, in accordance
with the set contents.
It is to be noted that when the various icons indicating the set
contents cannot be displayed in one screen displayable by the
display section 22, the setting check screen 100 displays a scroll
bar 119 having an upward and downward direction as shown in FIGS. 5
to 7. An area to be scrolled by the scroll bar 119 is, for example,
the icon display area 103. When a key indicating an upward
direction is touched, the display contents are scrolled in the
upward direction. When a key indicating a downward direction is
touched, the display contents are scrolled in the downward
direction. The area to be scrolled by the scroll bar 119 may be the
whole icon display area 103, or the icon display area 103 where
there is displayed an icon other than the magnification icon 111,
the sheet icon 112, and the photocopy side icon 113. In a case
where various icons indicating the set contents can be displayed in
one screen displayable by the display section 22, the scroll bar
119 may not be displayed or may be displayed as whiteout.
When the stapling is set as one of the finishing functions, in the
setting check screen 100, the finishing setting icon 116 is
displayed which indicates that the stapling is set as one of the
finishing functions as shown in the setting check screen 100b of
FIG. 5.
In the finishing setting icon 116, "sort/stack/staple" is displayed
in the same manner as in the finishing setting key 84 displayed in
the basic screen 70, and the setting of "stapling" is emphasized
and displayed. A position where the finishing setting icon 116 is
displayed in the setting check screen 100 is displayed in a
position corresponding to that of the finishing setting key 84
displayed in the basic screen 70. Such finishing setting icon 116
allows the user to intuitively and securely check that the stapling
is set as one of the finishing functions.
Moreover, in a case where the finishing setting icon 116 is
touched, a finishing setting screen is displayed in the display
section 22. That is, when the finishing setting icon 116 is touched
in the setting check screen 100, the digital multifunction
peripherals 1 performs the finishing set processing.
Furthermore, in a case where 2in1 is set as the Nin1 setting, in
the setting check screen 100, the Nin1 setting icon 117 is
displayed which indicates that 2in1 is set in the same manner as in
the setting check screen 100c shown in FIG. 6.
In the Nin1 setting icon 117, "2in1/4in1" is displayed in the same
manner as in the Nin1 key 85 displayed in the basic screen 70, and
the setting of "2in1" is emphasized and displayed. In the setting
check screen 100, the Nin1 setting icon 117 is displayed in a
position corresponding to that of the Nin1 key 85 displayed in the
basic screen 70. Such Nin1 setting icon 117 allows the user to
intuitively and securely check that 2in1 is set as one of the Nin1
functions.
Moreover, in a case where the Nin1 setting icon 117 is touched, an
Nin1 setting screen is displayed in the display section 22. That
is, when the Nin1 setting icon 117 is touched in the setting check
screen 100, the digital multifunction peripherals 1 performs Nin1
set processing.
Furthermore, in a case where the inserted sheet (insertion of a
special sheet) is set as the application setting, in the setting
check screen 100, the application setting icon 118 is displayed
which indicates that the inserted sheet (insertion of the sheet) is
set as the application setting as in the setting check screen 100d
of FIG. 7.
In the application setting icon 118, "sheet insertion" is displayed
which indicates that the insertion of the sheet is set as one of
the application settings. Moreover, it is emphatically displayed
that "inserted sheet 1" is set as the sheet to be inserted. The
application setting icon 118 in the setting check screen 100 is
displayed in a position corresponding to that of the application
setting key 86 displayed in the basic screen 70. Such application
setting icon 118 allows the user to intuitively and securely check
that the insertion of the sheet is set as the application
setting.
Moreover, when the application setting icon 118 is touched, the
display section 22 displays the application setting screen. In a
case where the application setting icon 118 is touched in the
setting check screen 100, the digital multifunction peripherals 1
performs the application set processing. It is to be noted that, as
shown in FIG. 7, in a case where "sheet insertion" is displayed in
the application setting icon 118, that is, the icon 118 is an icon
indicating that the sheet insertion is set, when the icon 118 is
touched, the display section 22 may display the setting screen of
the sheet insertion which is the application setting.
As described above, in the digital multifunction peripherals having
the display section in which the touch panel is built, the display
section displays the setting check key for checking the present set
contents together with a setting screen such as the basic screen
for performing various basic settings. In a case where the user
indicates the setting check key displayed in the setting screen,
the digital multifunction peripherals displays, in the display
section, the template registration key for registering the present
set contents as the template together with the setting check screen
displaying the present set contents. In a case where the template
registration key is indicated, the digital multifunction
peripherals performs processing to register the present set
contents as the template.
Accordingly, it is possible to securely check the present set
contents, and it is also possible to easily register the checked
set contents as the template.
Next, there will be described processing from a time when photocopy
is set until the photocopy processing is started.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow from the time
when the photocopy is set until the photocopy processing is
started.
In a case where the digital multifunction peripherals is brought
into a photocopy mode, the CPU 51 of the system control unit 11
displays the basic screen 70 in the photocopy mode in the display
section 22 of the operation panel 12 in a standby state (step
S11).
When the user inputs the template call key 67 as the hardware key
21 in this state (step S12, YES), the CPU 51 of the system control
unit 11 executes the template call processing (step S13). This
template call processing is processing for calling the set contents
stored as the template to set an operation based on the called set
contents.
Moreover, in a state in which the basic screen 70 is displayed, the
CPU 51 monitors whether or not there is any draft in the ADF 31
based on a detection signal of the detector 31b disposed in the ADF
31. On detecting that the draft is set in the ADF 31 (step S14,
YES), the CPU 51 of the system control unit 11 judges the size of
the draft set in the ADF 31 by the ADF draft size detecting
function, and performs the automatic draft set processing based on
the judged draft size (step S15).
It is to be noted that in a case where the draft size is designated
by the user, the CPU 51 invalidates the ADF draft size detecting
function, and the draft size detected by the ADF draft size
detecting function is not reflected in the setting. In this case,
even if the CPU 51 detects that the draft has been set in the step
S14, the CPU may advance to step S16.
Moreover, when the user indicates various types of setting keys
(e.g., the magnification key 81, the sheet key 82, the photocopy
side key 83, the finishing setting key 84, the Nin1 key 85, the
application setting key 86, the draft setting key 87, the color
mode setting portion 90, the image adjustment key 91, the draft
mode setting portion 92, the density adjustment portion 93, etc.)
in the basic screen 70, the CPU 51 performs the set processing in
response to the designated setting key (step S17).
It is to be noted that the contents set in the step S17 are held as
setting information by the RAM 52 and the like. Every time the set
contents are changed, the CPU 51 displays, in the display section
22, the basic screen or various types of setting screens in which
the present set contents are reflected.
Moreover, in a case where the setting check key 89 is touched by
the user in a state in which the basic screen 70 is displayed (step
S18, YES), the CPU 51 displays, in the display section 22, the
setting check screen 100 displaying the present set contents held
in the RAM 52 (step S19).
In a case where the template registration key 114 is touched by the
user in a state in which the setting check screen 100 is displayed
(step S20), the CPU 51 performs the template registration
processing to register, as the template, the set contents displayed
in the setting check screen 100 (step S21). This template
registration processing will be described later in detail.
Moreover, in a case where the start key as the hardware key 21 is
touched by the user in a state in which the basic screen 70 or the
setting check screen 100 is displayed (step S22, YES), the CPU 51
of the system control unit 11 executes the photocopy processing
based on the present set contents (step S22).
Next, the template registration processing will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the template
registration processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing transitional
display examples in the template registration processing. FIG. 10
shows group selection screens 121, 122, a group password input
screen 123, a template icon selection screen 124, a template
information input screen 125, a template operation mode setting
screen 126, a template password check screen 127, a registration
check screen 128 and the like.
First, when the template registration key 114 is touched in the
setting check screen 100, the CPU 51 displays, in the display
section 22, the group selection screen 121 for selecting a group of
templates to be registered (step S31). As shown in FIG. 10, the
group selection screens 121, 122 displays an icon of each group
together with a guidance on selecting the group. In such group
selection screens 121, 122, the user touches the icon of the group
whose template is to be registered.
For example, in a case where the user touches the icon displayed
with "sharing group" in the group selection screen 121 of FIG. 10,
the CPU 51 brings the icon into the selected state as shown in the
group selection screen 122 of FIG. 10. When the user touches a
determine key in this state, the group whose icon is displayed with
"sharing group" is determined as the group whose template is to be
registered. It is to be noted that to register the template in a
newly prepared group, the user selects the icon whose group is not
set, and inputs information on the group to be newly prepared.
In a case where the user touches the determine key in a state in
which the icon of one group is selected as in the group selection
screen 122, the CPU 51 sets the selected group to the template
group to be registered (step S32). In a case where the template
group to be registered is set, the CPU 51 displays, in the display
section 22, the password input screen 123 for allowing the user to
input a password of the selected group (step S33). It is to be
noted that when any password is not set to the selected group, the
CPU 51 omits steps S33 and S34, and advances to step S35.
This password input screen 123 displays a password input column
together with a guidance on inputting the password of the selected
group. The user inputs the password by use of the ten keys 63 and
the like in a state in which such password input screen 123 is
displayed. When the user inputs the password into this password
input screen 123, the CPU 51 judges whether or not the input
password agrees with the password of the selected group (step
S34).
In a case where this judgment results in a judgment that both of
the passwords agree with each other (step S34, YES), the CPU 51
displays the icon selection screen 124 for selecting the icon of
the template to be registered (step S35).
Here, in a case where the present set contents are registered as a
new template, the user touches an icon (empty icon) which is not
associated with the existing template in the icon selection screen
124. It is to be noted that in a case where the present set
contents are registered in the existing template, that is, the
contents of the existing template are overwritten into the present
set contents, the user touches the icon corresponding to the
template to be overwritten.
In a case where the user touches the determine key in a state in
which one icon is selected in the icon selection screen, the CPU 51
sets the selected icon to the icon of the template (step S36). When
the icon of the template to be registered is set, the CPU 51
displays, in the display section 22, the template information input
screen 125 for allowing the user to input information on the
template to be registered in association with the icon (step S37).
When the template information input screen 125 is displayed, the
user inputs the information on the template along predetermined
particulars, and touches the determine key.
When the template information is input, and the determine key is
touched, the CPU 51 sets the input information as the information
on the template to be registered (step S38). When the template
information is set, the CPU 51 displays, in the display section 22,
a template operation mode setting screen for setting an operation
mode of the template (step S39).
Here, it is assumed that as the template operation mode, there are
selectable a mode (automatic execution mode) to automatically
execute the photocopy processing based on the set contents
registered as the template and a mode (automatic execution invalid
mode) to perform setting based on the set contents registered as
the template. In a state in which such template operation mode
setting screen is displayed, the user touches either an automatic
execution key to set the automatic execution mode or an invalid key
that invalidates the automatic execution.
When the user touches either the automatic execution key or the
invalid key in the template operation mode setting screen, the CPU
51 sets the template operation mode in response to the touched key
(step S40). When the operation mode of the template to be
registered, the CPU 51 displays the template password check screen
127 for checking the password with respect to the template (step
S41). It is to be noted that in a case where any password is not
designated as the template information with respect to the
template, the CPU 51 omits the steps S41 and S42, and advances to
step S43.
This template password check screen 127 displays a password input
column together with a guidance on inputting the password of the
template to be registered for check. In a state in which such
password check screen 127 is displayed, the user inputs the
password of the template by use of the ten keys 63 and the
like.
When the user inputs the password in this template password check
screen 127, the CPU 51 judges whether or not the input password
agrees with the password of the template to be registered (step
S42). In a case where this judgment results in a judgment that both
of the passwords agree with each other (step S42, YES), the CPU 51
displays the template registration check screen (step S43). In this
template registration check screen, a registration key for
instructing the registration of the template may be displayed. For
example, as shown in FIG. 10, the template registration check
screen may have a layout similar to that of the operation mode
setting screen.
When the user touches the registration key for instructing the
registration of the template in the template registration check
screen, the CPU 51 performs processing to store the present set
contents as the template in a storage device such as the HDD 55
(step S44). In this case, the user's designated group, icon,
template information, and operation mode are set to register the
template.
The above-described processing registers the present set contents
as the template.
Next, the template call processing will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the template
call processing. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing transitional display
examples of display screens in the template call processing. FIG.
12 shows a group selection screen 131, a password input screen 132,
a template selection screen 133, a password input screen 134, a
basic screen 135 and the like.
First, when the user touches the template call key 67 during the
operation in the photocopy mode, the CPU 51 displays, in the
display section 22, the group selection screen 131 for selecting
each registered template group (step S51). As shown in FIG. 12, the
group selection screen 131 displays each group icon together with a
guidance on selecting the group to which a desired template
belongs. In such group selection screen 131, the user touches the
icon of the group in which the template is registered.
For example, in a case where the user touches the icon displayed
with "account department" in the group selection screen 121 of FIG.
10, the CPU 51 brings the icon into the selected state. When the
user touches a determine key in this state, the group whose icon is
displayed with "account department" is determined (step S52).
In a case where the user touches the determine key in a state in
which the icon of one group is selected as in such group selection
screen 131, the CPU 51 displays, in the display section 22, the
password input screen 132 for allowing the user to input a password
of the selected group (step S53). It is to be noted that when any
password is not set to the selected group, the CPU 51 omits steps
S53 and S54, and advances to step S55.
This password input screen 132 displays a password input column
together with a guidance on inputting the password of the selected
group. The user inputs the password by use of the ten keys 63 and
the like in a state in which such password input screen 132 is
displayed. When the user inputs the password into this password
input screen 132, the CPU 51 judges whether or not the input
password agrees with the password of the selected group (step
S54).
In a case where this judgment results in a judgment that both of
the passwords agree with each other (step S54, YES), the CPU 51
displays the template selection screen 133 for selecting the
desired template from the templates which belongs to the group
(step S55).
As shown in FIG. 12, in this template selection screen 133, each
template that belongs to the user's selected group is displayed as
the icon. In the template selection screen, the user touches the
icon of the desired template. When the user touches any template,
the CPU 51 brings the touched icon into the selected state (step
S56).
When the user touches the determine key in this state, the CPU 51
displays, in the display section 22, the password input screen 134
for allowing the user to input the password of the selected
template (step S57). It is to be noted that in a case where any
password is not set to the selected template, the CPU 51 omits the
step S57 and step S58, and advances to step S59.
This password input screen 134 displays a password input column
together with a guidance on inputting the password of the selected
template. In a state in which such password input screen 134 is
displayed, the user inputs the password by use of the ten keys 63
and the like. When the user inputs the password in this password
input screen 134, the CPU 51 judges whether or not the input
password agrees with the password of the selected template (step
S58). In a case where this judgment results in a judgment that both
of the passwords agree with each other (step S58, YES), the CPU 51
calls contents of the template (step S59).
When the contents of the selected template are called, the CPU 51
performs photocopy setting based on the contents of the template
(step S60). The CPU 51 judges whether or not the operation mode of
the template is the automatic execution mode (step S61). In a case
where this judgment results in a judgment that the operation mode
of the template is the automatic execution mode (step S61, YES),
the CPU 51 completes the photocopy setting based on the contents of
the template, and performs the photocopy processing (step S62).
Moreover, in a case where the above judgment results in a judgment
that the operation mode of the template is not the automatic
execution mode (step S61, NO), the CPU 51 performs the photocopy
setting based on the contents of the template, and displays the
basic screen 135 in which the contents set based on the template
are reflected (step S63). As shown in FIG. 12, this basic screen
135 has a layout similar to that of the above-described basic
screen 70, but the guidance display area 71 displays a guidance
indicating that the contents of the template have been reflected.
The above-described processing performs the template call
processing.
In the digital multifunction peripherals, the key for registering
the template is disposed separately from the key for calling the
template. The template registration key for registering the
template is displayed as the icon in the check screen for checking
the set contents, and the template call key for calling the
template is disposed as the hardware key. That is, the template
registration key is displayed at an only appropriate timing in the
display screen of the display section appropriately updated by
user's setting operation and set contents checking operation.
In consequence, the operation of the template call processing can
be performed at an arbitrary timing, and the operation of the
template registration processing can be intuitively performed in an
operation procedure close to a user's mental model. Since the
operation for template registration processing is easy, the
template function can be effectively and easily utilized.
It is to be noted that in the digital multifunction peripherals 1,
the setting check screen for checking the set contents is displayed
in the display section 22 in response to user's instruction even
with respect to an operation mode other than the photocopy mode,
such as a scan mode, a facsimile mode, or a filing mode. Even in
such setting check screen in the operation mode other than the
photocopy mode, the template registration key is displayed to
register the displayed set contents as the template. In
consequence, even with respect to various types of operation modes,
the user can instruct the registration of the set contents as the
template in the state in which the setting check screen is
displayed.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects
is not limited to the specific details and representative
embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *