JP2011259393A - Image processing system, scroll display method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system provided with a user interface function capable of facilitating a user to find easily a candidate key to be operated next and improving an operability of the key.SOLUTION: The image processing system enables a setting, when a badge which is an image to show available functions is touched, of content of a setting item concerning the function, and displays, when double touched, a badge which is estimated to be operated after operating the function near the badge which is double touched.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation panel provided in an image processing apparatus or the like.

  In recent years, copying machines have become more and more multifunctional, and copying machines installed in offices are so-called multi-function machines (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) having a plurality of functions such as a FAX function and a printing function. ) Is the mainstream.

  As multifunction becomes more advanced, many functions can be used with a single MFP, which is convenient, but the operation method is often complicated. In other words, since there is a limit on the size of the operation panel provided in the MFP, characters or diagrams representing all usable functions and setting items, etc. can be displayed at a time so that the user can visually recognize them. Because it becomes difficult.

  In such a case, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) (hereinafter referred to as “interface”) configured to switch and display a plurality of setting screens, and characters or the like that do not fit on the display screen can be displayed vertically or horizontally. The operability is improved by using a so-called scrolling interface or the like that displays by sliding.

  In addition, with advanced functions, it becomes possible to print finely, such as including multiple originals in a single copy, binding the copied ones, etc. Often it is necessary to configure. For example, when copying, if you want to save scanned data in memory as well as copy, set the paper feed tray, magnification, etc. for the copy, and set the resolution and data to be scanned. It is necessary to set the format.

  In this case, it is good if the items to be set are contained on one setting screen, but when the setting items are divided into a plurality of setting screens, a plurality of setting screens must be displayed. In other words, it is necessary to search for a key for displaying each screen.

  Therefore, a technique has been proposed that guides the user by turning on a candidate key to be operated next in accordance with the operated key (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

JP 2005-316653 A

  However, this technique makes it easy to find a candidate key to be operated next, but does not facilitate the operation itself. That is, the operability of the key after finding the candidate key is not improved even if this technique is used.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus having a user interface function that not only facilitates finding candidate keys to be operated next, but also improves the operability of the keys. .

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions, the function badge display means for displaying one or a plurality of badges which are images indicating functions, and the user Operation detection means for detecting a first operation or a second operation performed on a badge, and a function indicated by the badge on which the first operation is performed when the operation detection means detects the first operation When processing for setting an item is performed and the operation detection unit detects the second operation, a badge indicating a function related to the function indicated by the badge on which the second operation has been performed is displayed on the function badge display unit. And a control means for displaying.

  The image processing apparatus configured as described above can easily find a candidate key to be operated next, and can improve the operability of the key.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an entire MFP. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of an operation panel, and a basic function screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the item setting window of a function badge. It is a figure which shows the example of a scroll screen. It is a figure which shows the relationship of all the function badges, a function badge area, a scroll track, and a slide gauge. It is a figure which shows the example of a function badge row | line | column. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when the "group switching" switching button is touched in the basic function screen in which the "copy" function group is displayed. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when the "density" function badge 30F is selected by double-touching. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when the "group switching" switching button 51 is touched once when the item setting window of the "density" function badge is displayed. It is a figure which shows operation in the case of displaying an "application" function group on the scroll screen where the "copy" function group is displayed. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when the "density" function badge is selected by double touch. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when the ">" button is touched once when the item setting window of the "density" function badge is displayed. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure and content of a function group management table. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure and content of a related badge management table. It is a flowchart which shows a screen display process. It is a flowchart which shows a group display process. It is a flowchart which shows a function badge process. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when a "density" function badge is selected by double-touching (modification 1). It is a figure which shows the example of a structure and content of a related group management table used in the modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when the "group switching" switching button is touched when the item setting window is displayed (modification 2). It is a figure which shows the example of a structure and content of a related group management table used in the modification 2. FIG.

<Embodiment>
The user interface function provided in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. In the embodiment, a user interface function provided in MFP 1000 that is one form of the image processing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition to an MFP (multifunction machine), a device having a single function such as a scanner, a fax, and a print may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the entire MFP 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  The MFP 1000 includes an operation panel 20f, and realizes a user interface function using the operation panel 20f. The MFP 1000 controls the following units and the like according to items set via the operation panel 20f, and performs printing or the like desired by the user.

  The MFP 1000 includes an image forming unit for forming a black (K) image. In the image forming unit, the image carrier 1 called a photosensitive member and the surface of the image carrier 1 are charged to a uniform potential. An image exposure device 3 for irradiating light onto the surface of the charged image carrier 1 to form a predetermined electrostatic latent image, and a region where the electrostatic latent image is formed. A developing device 4 is provided for electrostatically adsorbing and developing toner that is a powdery color material. An image forming unit that forms an image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) has the same configuration as an image forming unit that forms an image of black (K).

  The MFP 1000 further includes a primary transfer device 6 for transferring (primary transfer) the toner developed on the surface of each image carrier 1 onto a transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer member, and the primary transfer device 6. The secondary transfer device 7 for transferring the toner on the transfer belt 5 onto a recording medium 11 such as recording paper or a resin film (secondary transfer), and the toner transferred on the recording medium 11 are fixed. The fixing device 8 is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 1000.

  The MFP 1000 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20a, a random access memory (RAM) 20b, a read only memory (ROM) 20c, a hard disk 20d, a control circuit 20e, an operation panel 20f, a communication interface (I / F) 20g, and a printing apparatus. 20h and a scanner 20i.

  The control circuit 20e is a circuit for controlling devices such as the hard disk 20d, the operation panel 20f, the communication interface 20g, the printing device 20h, and the scanner 20i.

  The operation panel 20f is an interface device whose display surface is covered with a touch panel, and displays a screen for a message to the user, a screen for inputting an instruction for processing desired by the user, and the like. Further, the user can make a desired setting for MFP 1000 by touching a predetermined position on the touch panel.

  Next, the communication interface 20g communicates with other devices such as an authentication server and a user terminal (not shown) via a communication line according to a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Network Interface Card) or modem.

  The printing device 20h is a device that prints based on image data stored in a memory (RAM 20b, hard disk 20d, etc.) or image data transmitted from a user terminal or the like.

  The scanner 20 i is a so-called image scanner, and is a device that reads a figure, a photograph, or the like from a document such as paper and stores it as image data in a memory in the MFP 1000. The MFP 1000 implements a so-called copy function by reading an image of a document with the scanner 20 i and printing with the printing device 20 h based on the read image.

<Operation panel and scroll screen>
Next, a configuration and display example of the operation panel 20f will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 20 f includes a touch panel unit 21 and an operation key unit 22.

  The touch panel unit 21 is an interface device whose display surface is covered with a transparent touch panel, a screen for notifying the user of the state of the MFP 1000, and an instruction for giving an instruction to the MFP 1000 when the user touches with a finger. Display the screen.

  The operation key unit 22 is a hard key for instructing basic functions of the MFP 1000 such as copying and FAX, for example, a “reset” key for instructing resetting of the item contents of the function badge 30 and the arrangement order of the function badge 30 22a, FAX, or a “fax / scan” key 22b for instructing to display a screen related to scanning, a “copy” key 22c for specifying the use of a copy function, a so-called numeric keypad, and the like. The operation key unit 22 has only a function of receiving an instruction from the user. Note that the hard keys included in the operation key unit 22 may be displayed on the touch panel unit 21.

  The touch panel unit 21 shown in FIG. 3 displays a basic function screen 1310 that is displayed when the “copy” key 22 c of the operation key unit 22 is pressed.

  This basic function screen 1310 is a so-called initial screen, and the copy operation is started from this basic function screen 1310.

  In FIG. 3, the basic function screen 1310 displays a message area 60 for displaying a message for the user, five function badges 30 relating to copying provided in the MFP 1000, and two switching buttons 51.

  The function badge 30 is an image indicating a function included in the MFP 1000, and one function badge 30 corresponds to one of the functions included in the MFP 1000. Further, all the function badges 30 included in the MFP 1000 are grouped into a plurality of groups according to the types of the functions. This group is referred to as a function group 40.

  On the basic function screen 1310, the function badges 30 belonging to one function group 40 are displayed at a time together with the group name 401 (hereinafter, “the function group 40 is displayed”).

  For example, in FIG. 3, a function group 40 whose group name 401 is “copy” (hereinafter referred to as “copy” function group 40. The same applies to other function groups) is displayed. The “copy” function group 40 includes five function badges 30.

  The function badge 30 includes a function type 301 indicating the corresponding function, an illustration 302 indicating the function, and a character string indicating the item content 303 currently set. The item content is set by touching (tapping) the function badge 30. As a method for setting the item content, there is a method in which “ON” and “OFF” are switched and set by touching the function badge 30. So-called toggle key. As another method, there is a method of setting an item in a displayed window (hereinafter, referred to as “item setting window”) in which an item setting screen, for example, a pop-up window is displayed.

  The switch button 51 is a button for switching the screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21.

  In the embodiment, the two switching buttons 51 are a “group switching” switching button 51 and an “applied function” switching button 51.

  The “group switching” switching button 51 is a button for giving an instruction to display a different function group 40 instead of the currently displayed function group 40.

  The “applied function” switching button 51 is a button for displaying a scroll screen 1210 which will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the item setting window 2110 of the function badge 30.

  When the function badge 30 is touched, an item setting window 2110 for the function badge 30 is displayed, and the content of the item is set via the item setting window 2110.

  In FIG. 4, the item setting window 2110 of the “density” function badge 30 is displayed on the basic function screen 1310. Note that, on the scroll screen 1210, when the function badge 30 is touched, a similar item setting window 2110 is displayed (see FIG. 13 described later).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a scroll screen 1210 that scrolls and displays the function badge 30 related to copying provided in the MFP 1000.

  The function badge 30 is the same as the function badge 30 in FIG. 3 and is an image showing the functions provided in the MFP 1000.

  In the scroll screen 1210, an area displaying the plurality of function badges 30 is referred to as a function badge area 23. In the function badge area 23, a part of all the function badges 30 provided in the MFP 1000, eight such as “color” and “density” in FIG. 5 are displayed.

  A scroll track 24 and a slide gauge 25 are displayed below the function badge area 23.

  FIG. 6 shows the relationship among all the function badges 30, the function badge area 23, the scroll track 24, and the slide gauge 25.

  In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the MFP 1000 includes 26 function badges 30 from the function badge 30 </ b> A to the function badge 30 </ b> Z. Hereinafter, the 26 function badges 30 from the function badge 30A to the function badge 30Z are referred to as a function badge row 310.

  As shown in FIG. 5, eight consecutive function badges 30 among the function badges 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> Z are displayed in the function badge area 23. Which function badge 30 is displayed is designated by the slide gauge 25.

  The scroll track 24 represents the function badges 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> Z in its entire length, and one square area (hereinafter referred to as “marker”) described on the scroll track 24 corresponds to one function badge 30.

  The slide gauge 25 moves along the scroll track 24 and designates eight markers on the scroll track 24 by surrounding them with a rectangle. That is, the function badges 30 corresponding to the eight markers designated by the slide gauge 25 are displayed in the function badge area 23.

  Accordingly, when the slide gauge 25 is touched (pressed) and moved along the scroll track 24 (hereinafter also referred to as “drag”), the function badges 30 corresponding to the markers designated by the slide gauge 25 are sequentially displayed. Is done. That is, it is scrolled and displayed.

  The “Close” button 26 in FIG. 5 is a button for instructing to close the scroll screen 1210. When the scroll screen 1210 is closed, a basic function screen 1310 is displayed.

  The “<” button 27 is a button for instructing to move the slide gauge 25 to the left in units of functional groups. In the slide gauge 25, the function group 40 is described as nine function groups 50 including a “document” function group 50a and a “copy” function group 50b to an “others” function group 50i. Each function group 50 is shown by surrounding a marker corresponding to the function badge 30 constituting each function group 50 with a rectangle. In the upper part of the rectangle, the group name of each function group 50 is described.

  The “>” button 28 is a button for instructing to move the slide gauge 25 to the right in units of functional groups.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the function badge column 310.

  In the function badge column 310, the function groups 50 shown in FIG. 5 are shown as nine function groups 40 including a “document” function group 40a and a “color” function group 40b to an “others” function group 40i. Each function group 40 is shown by enclosing the function badge 30 constituting each function group 40 with a rectangle, and the group name of each function group 401 is described inside the rectangle.

  This function group 40 is a group displayed on the basic function screen 1310 in FIG. When the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched, the function group 40 on the right side of the currently displayed function group 40 is displayed. For example, when the “document switching” switch button 51 is touched while the “original” function group 40 a is displayed, the “copy” function group 40 b on the right side is displayed.

  When the “>” button 28 on the scroll screen 1210 in FIG. 5 is touched, the function group 40 on the right side of the function group 40 displayed in the function badge area 23 is displayed, and the “<” button 27 is touched. Then, the function group 40 on the left is displayed.

<Interface function>
Before describing the functional configuration of the MFP 1000 (FIG. 14), user interface functions provided in the MFP 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, description will be given using the function badge row 310 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a transition of the screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21 when the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched on the basic function screen 1310 on which the “copy” function group 40 b is displayed. .

  For example, it is assumed that the item contents of the “density” function badge 30F belonging to the “copy” function group 40b are set, and then the item contents of the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U belonging to the “application” function group 40e are set.

  In this case, from the state shown in “Screen 01”, the “Group switching” switching button 51 (see the hatched portion) is continuously touched four times, and the “Application” function group 40e as shown in “Screen 02” is set. Need to be displayed.

  When the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched once in the state shown in “screen 01” (see the hatched portion), the function badge column 310 (see FIG. 5) is replaced with the currently displayed “copy” function group 40b. 7), the “FAX” function group 40c on the right side of the “Copy” function group 40b is displayed.

  FIG. 9 shows the transition of the screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21 when the “density” function badge 30F is selected by touching twice continuously (hereinafter referred to as “double touch”) without a gap. FIG. The description of two overlapping fingers indicates a double touch.

  As shown in “Screen 10”, when “Density” function badge 30F is double-touched (see the hatched portion), “Application” function group 40e is displayed as shown in “Screen 11”.

  That is, after setting the item of the “density” function badge 30F, the MFP 1000 assumes that the item of the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U will be set, and the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U belongs to “ The “application” function group 40e is displayed. A method of displaying the function badge 30 that the user will operate next will be described in the section <Data>.

  In this way, the user can display the desired function badge 30 with a simple operation, and can easily find the desired function badge 30.

  Further, the MFP 1000 belongs to the “application” function group 40e so that the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U is displayed at the position on the screen where the “density” function badge 30F was displayed (see the hatched portion). The arrangement of the function badges 30 is changed to display the “application” function group 40e (see “screen 02” in FIG. 8).

  In this way, the user can easily find the desired function badge 30 without looking away from the double-touched location, and the next operation is performed with little finger movement. It becomes possible to touch the “removal of show-through” function badge 30U.

  FIG. 10 shows the transition of the screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21 when the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched once when the item setting window 2110 of the “density” function badge 30F is displayed. FIG.

  As shown in “Screen 20”, when the “Group switching” switching button 51 is touched while the item setting window 2110 of the “Density” function badge 30F is displayed (see the hatched portion), as shown in “Screen 21”. In addition, the “application” function group 40e is displayed instead of the currently displayed “copy” function group 40b and the item setting window 2110.

  That is, after setting the item of the “density” function badge 30F, the MFP 1000 presumes that the item of the “removal from behind” function badge 30U will be set, and displays the “application” function group 40e.

  If the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched while the item setting window 2110 is displayed, the item is set assuming that the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched after the “OK” button is touched. Shall be.

  On the “screen 21”, the function badge belonging to the “application” function group 40e is displayed so that the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U is displayed at the position on the screen where the “density” function badge 30F was displayed. The “application” function group 40e is displayed by changing the arrangement of 30.

  By doing so, the user can easily find the desired “back-through removal” function badge 30U because it is displayed at almost the same position as the “density” function badge 30F operated immediately before. .

  Next, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation when displaying the “application” function group 40e on the scroll screen 1210 on which the “copy” function group 40b is displayed.

  As shown in the “screen 30”, the slide gauge 25 is dragged to the right or the “>” button 28 is touched four times to display the “application” function group 40e as shown in the “screen 31”.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating transition of a screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21 when the “density” function badge 30F is selected by double touch.

  As shown in “Screen 40”, when “Density” function badge 30F is double-touched (see the hatched portion), “Application” function group 40e is displayed as shown in “Screen 41”.

  That is, as in FIG. 9, after setting the item of “density” function badge 30F, MFP 1000 assumes that the item of “removal of back-out” function badge 30U will be set, and the “application” function group 40e is displayed.

  In this way, the user can display the desired function badge 30 with a simple operation.

  Further, the MFP 1000 belongs to the “application” function group 40e so that the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U is displayed at the position on the screen where the “density” function badge 30F was displayed (see the hatched portion). The arrangement of the function badges 30 is changed to display the “application” function group 40e (see “screen 02” in FIG. 8).

  In this way, the user can easily find the desired function badge 30 without looking away from the double-touched location, and the next operation is performed with little finger movement. It becomes possible to touch the “removal of show-through” function badge 30U.

  In this case, without removing the arrangement of the function badges 30 in the function group 40, the “removal of show-through” function badge 30U is displayed at the position on the screen where the “density” function badge 30F was displayed. It is good also as performing scrolling like this (FIG. 13 is also the same).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transition of the screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21 when the “>” button 28 is touched once when the item setting window 2110 of the “density” function badge 30F is displayed. is there.

  As shown in “Screen 50”, when the “>” button 28 is touched while the item setting window 2110 of the “Density” function badge 30F is displayed (see the hatched portion), as shown in “Screen 51”, Instead of the currently displayed “Copy” function group 40b and the item setting window 2110, an “Application” function group 40e is displayed.

  That is, after setting the item of the “density” function badge 30F, the MFP 1000 presumes that the item of the “removal from behind” function badge 30U will be set, and displays the “application” function group 40e.

  When the “>” button 28 is touched while the item setting window 2110 is displayed, the item is set assuming that the “>” button 28 is touched after the “OK” button is touched. .

  On the “screen 51”, the function badge belonging to the “applied” function group 40e is displayed so that the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U is displayed at the position on the screen where the “density” function badge 30F was displayed. The “application” function group 40e is displayed by changing the arrangement of 30.

  By doing so, the user can easily find the desired “back-through removal” function badge 30U because it is displayed at almost the same position as the “density” function badge 30F operated immediately before. .

<Function>
Hereinafter, user interface functions provided in the MFP 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the MFP 1000. In FIG. 14, functional units related to the user interface functions provided in the MFP 1000 are mainly described. The MFP 1000 has other functions similar to those of a general multifunction peripheral, but the description thereof is omitted.

  The MFP 1000 includes an operation panel 20f, an overall control unit 1100, a scroll screen display processing unit 1200, a basic function screen display processing unit 1300, a display group determination unit 1400, a scanner processing unit 1500, a print processing unit 1600, a badge configuration information storage unit 1700, And an item content storage unit 1900.

  All or some of the functions of the respective units of the MFP 1000 described below are realized by the CPU 20a executing a program stored in a memory such as the hard disk 20d of the MFP 1000.

  The overall control unit 1100 controls the overall operation of the MFP 1000. The overall control unit 1100 detects a user operation on the operation panel 20f and performs control corresponding to the operation. For example, when the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 notifies that the “applied function” switching button 51 on the basic function screen 1310 has been touched, the display instruction of the scroll screen 1210 is issued to the scroll screen display processing unit 1200. . In addition, when the “reset” key 22a (see FIG. 3 or the like) is pressed, a reset instruction is issued to a functional unit that needs to be reset.

  The scroll screen display processing unit 1200 displays a scroll screen 1210 on the touch panel unit 21 of the operation panel 20f according to an instruction from the overall control unit 1100. For example, when the power is turned on and the “applied function” switching button 51 on the basic function screen 1310 is touched without changing any item content by the user, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 stores the item content. The initial value stored in the unit 1900 is referred to, and a scroll screen 1210 corresponding to the initial value is displayed.

  After displaying the scroll screen 1210, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 has a function of displaying a screen according to a user instruction. For example, the slide gauge 25 is displayed while being slid according to the user's instruction, and the function badge 30 corresponding to the function badge area 23 is displayed according to the position of the slide gauge 25.

  In addition, when the function badge 30 is touched, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 has a function of causing the user to set item contents by displaying an item setting window 2110 of the function badge 30.

  Further, when there is a “reset” instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 stores the item contents and arrangement order of all the function badges 30 in the item content storage unit 1900 and the like. It is assumed that the content of the initial value is reflected in the item content 303 (see FIG. 5).

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 has a function of displaying the basic function screen 1310 on the touch panel unit 21 of the operation panel 20f in accordance with an instruction from the overall control unit 1100.

  For example, when the power is turned on and the “copy” key 22c of the operation key unit 22 is pressed without changing any item content by the user, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 is an item content storage unit. The initial value stored in 1900 is referred to, and a basic function screen 1310 corresponding to the initial value is displayed.

  After displaying the basic function screen 1310, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 has a function of displaying a screen according to a user instruction. For example, when the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched, the next function group 40 is displayed.

  In addition, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 has a function of allowing the user to set item contents by displaying an item setting window 2110 of the function badge 30 when the function badge 30 is touched.

  Further, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 stores the item contents and arrangement order of all the function badges 30 in the item content storage unit 1900 and the like when an instruction “reset” is given from the overall control unit 1100. Returning to the initial value, it is assumed that the item content 303 (see FIG. 4) reflects the content of the initial value.

  The display group determination unit 1400 receives a request from the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 or the basic function screen display processing unit 1300, and determines the function group 40 to be displayed next and the arrangement order of the function badges 30 in the function group 40. Have The determined function group 40 and the arrangement order of the function badges 30 in the function group 40 are transferred to the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 or the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 that is the request source. When the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 or the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 displays the function badges 30 in the changed arrangement order and then displays them again, they are displayed in the arrangement order at the time of initialization. It should be noted that the arrangement order may remain changed until a “reset” instruction is received from the overall control unit 1100.

  In response to an instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the scanner processing unit 1500 reads a figure from a document such as paper, generates image data, and stores the image data in a memory.

  In response to an instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the print processing unit 1600 has a function of printing an image on a sheet based on the image data stored in the memory and discharging the image.

  The badge configuration information storage unit 1700 has a function of storing an arrangement order when the function badges 30 displayed on the scroll screen 1210 and the basic function screen 1310 are initialized.

  The badge configuration information storage unit 1700 also stores information indicating the function badge 30 that will be operated next. Information to be stored will be described in the section <Data>.

  The item content storage unit 1900 has a function of storing an initial value of the item content of the function badge 30. The initial value is a setting content of the function badge 30 when the MFP 1000 is activated when the power is turned on. When the user makes a new setting as an initial value, the new setting content is the initial value. Value. For example, if the function badge 30 is “automatic rotation”, the item content “not rotating” is set as an initial value.

  The item content storage unit 1900 has a function of storing the item content set by the user by touching the function badge 30, the setting content automatically set according to the setting content, and the like. The stored item contents are referred to by the print processing unit 1600 when the print processing unit 1600 performs the print processing, for example.

<Data>
Hereinafter, data used when the MFP 1000 realizes the user interface function will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and contents of the function group management table 1710.

  The function group management table 1710 is a table for managing the function badges 30 constituting the function badge column 310 and the function group 40, and one record is registered for each function badge 30. The function group management table 1710 is stored in advance in the badge configuration information storage unit 1700.

  The function group management table 1710 has a group identifier 1711 and a function badge identifier 1712.

  The group identifier 1711 indicates the function group 40 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Here, the group name 401 is described as an identifier.

  The function badge identifier 1712 indicates the identifier of the function badge 30 belonging to the function group 40 indicated by the group identifier 1711. Here, the function type 301 (see FIG. 3 etc.) is described as an identifier.

  When the function group 40 indicated by the group identifier 1711 is displayed on the screen, in principle, the function badge identifier 1712 is set in the registered record order except when the next display group determining unit 1400 determines the arrangement order. The function badge 30 indicated by the identifier is displayed. For example, when the function group 40 whose group identifier 1711 is “original” is displayed, the function badge 30 indicated by the function badge identifier 1712 “original setting” is displayed on the leftmost side, and the group identifier 1711 “book original” of the next record is indicated. The function badge 30 is displayed on the right side.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and contents of the related badge management table 1720.

  It is assumed that the related badge management table 1720 is stored in the related badge management table storage unit 1700 in advance.

  The related badge management table 1720 includes an operation badge 1721 and a related badge 1722. Each of the operation badge 1721 and the related badge 1722 includes a “function group identifier” that is an identifier of the function group 40 and a “function badge identifier” that is an identifier of the function badge 30.

  The operation badge 1721 indicates the function badge 30 (see FIG. 9 or the like) that has been double-touched or the function badge 30 (see FIG. 10 or the like) in which the item setting window 2110 is being displayed.

  The related badge 1722 indicates the function badge 30 that is assumed to be operated by the user after the function badge 30 indicated by the operation badge 1721 is operated.

  The related badge management table 1720 may be created based on the user operation history. Further, the administrator may create the function based on the function indicated by each function badge 30.

  Furthermore, the function badge 30 that is in a prohibited relationship with the function badge 30 indicated by the operation badge 1721 may be set as the related badge 1722. The forbidden relationship is a relationship having items that are prohibited from being set simultaneously. Further, when the function badge 30 item indicated by the operation badge 1721 is set, the function badge 30 having an item that is automatically set may be set as the related badge 1722.

<Operation>
Hereinafter, an operation when the MFP 1000 according to the embodiment realizes the user interface function will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing screen display processing in the user interface function.

  The user presses the “copy” key 22c of the operation key unit 22 of the operation panel 20f.

  Note that the overall control unit 1100 that has detected that a key other than the “copy” key 22c has been pressed (step S300: other) performs processing according to the pressed key and waits for the user's next operation.

  Upon detecting that the “copy” key 22c has been pressed (step S300: copy), the overall control unit 1100 instructs the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 to display the basic function screen 1310 for copying.

  Upon receiving an instruction to display the basic function screen 1310, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 refers to the function group management table 1710 stored in the badge configuration information storage unit 1700, and displays the basic function displaying the function group 40. A screen 1310 is displayed (step S302). Specifically, the function group 40 indicated by the identifier set as the group identifier 1711 of the first record registered in the function group management table 1710 is displayed.

  Here, when the overall control unit 1100 detects that the “start” key of the operation key unit 22 has been pressed (step S304: Yes), the scanner processing unit 1500 and the print processing unit 1600 are instructed to perform a copy process. To do.

  Upon receiving the instruction, the scanner processing unit 1500 reads characters from a document such as paper, generates image data, and passes the data to the print processing unit 1600 via the memory. The print processing unit 1600 to which the image data is transferred prints on the paper based on the transferred image data and discharges the paper (step S306).

  If the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched without pressing the “start” key (step S306: No) (step S308: group switching), the “start” key is displayed. Instead of the existing function group 40, another function group 40 is displayed (step S310). This group display process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the function badge 30 is touched (step S308: function badge), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 processes the function badge 30 according to the type of the touch. Is performed (step S312). This function badge process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, when the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 detects that the “applied function” switching button 51 is touched (step S308: applied function), the scroll screen display is performed so as to display the scroll screen via the overall control unit 1100. The processing unit 1200 is instructed.

  Upon receiving the instruction, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 refers to the function group management table 1710 stored in the badge configuration information storage unit 1700 and displays the function badge 30 designated by the slide gauge 25 in the function badge area 23. A scroll screen 1210 is displayed (step S314). Specifically, image data of the function badge column 310 (see FIG. 7) in which the function badges 30 indicated by the identifiers set as the function badge identifiers 1712 of the function group management table 1710 are arranged in the order of records is generated. The function badge 30 designated by the gauge 25 is displayed in the function badge area 23. When the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the user has instructed to move (drag) the slide gauge 25, the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 performs a scroll process such as moving the slide gauge 25 in accordance with the user's instruction.

  When the overall control unit 1100 detects that the “start” key of the operation key unit 22 has been pressed (step S316: Yes), the scanner processing unit 1500 and the print processing unit 1600 are instructed to perform a copy process. To do.

  Upon receiving the instruction, the scanner processing unit 1500 reads characters from a document such as paper, generates image data, and passes the data to the print processing unit 1600 via the memory. The print processing unit 1600 that has received the image data prints on a sheet based on the received image data, and discharges the sheet (step S318).

  If the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the “<” button 27 or the “>” button 28 is touched without pressing the “start” key (step S318: No) (step S328: group switching). Instead of the displayed function group 40, another function group 40 is displayed (step S322). This group display process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, when the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the function badge 30 is touched (step S320: function badge), the function badge 30 is processed according to the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 and the type of the touch (step S320). Step S324). This function badge process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 detects that the “close” button 26 (see FIG. 5 or the like) has been touched (step S320: close), the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 deletes the scroll screen and informs the overall control unit 1100 to that effect. Notice.

  The overall control unit 1100 that has received the notification requests the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 to display the basic function screen 1310.

<Group display processing>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the group display process.

  This group display process shows the process of step S310 and step S322 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Step S310 is a group display process on the basic function screen 1310, and step S322 is a group display process on the scroll screen 1210. In these two processes, the function group 40 to be displayed is the same, but the screen to be displayed is the central portion of the basic function screen 1310 (see FIG. 3) or the function badge area 23 of the scroll screen 1210 (see FIG. 4). Is different. Therefore, the group display process (step S310) on the basic function screen 1310 will be described, and the group display process on the scroll screen 1210 will be referred to when appropriate.

  When it is detected that the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched on the basic function screen 1310 (step S308 in FIG. 17: group switching), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 displays whether the item setting window 2110 is being displayed. Is determined (step S200). In the scroll screen 1210, when it is detected that the “<” button 27 or the “>” button 28 is touched, whether or not the scroll screen display processing unit 1200 is displaying the item setting window 2110 or not. Judge.

  If it is determined that the item setting window 2110 is not being displayed (step S200: No), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 refers to the function group management table 1710 stored in the badge configuration information storage unit 1700, and currently Instead of the function group 40 being displayed, the next function group 40 is displayed (step S202). The next function group 40 is a function group 40 indicated by the identifier set in the record next to the last record in which the currently displayed function group 40 is set as the group identifier 1711. The scroll screen display processing unit 1200 displays the next function group 40 in the function badge area 23 and displays the slide gauge 25 at a position corresponding to the display of the function badge area 23.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the item setting window 2110 is being displayed (step S200: Yes), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 identifies the function group 40 to which the function badge 30 of the currently displayed item setting window 2110 belongs. And the identifier of the function badge 30 is passed to the display group determination unit 1400 as the operation group identifier and the operation badge identifier, and the determination of the related function group 40 is requested.

  Upon receiving the request, the display group determining unit 1400 records records in which the received operating group identifier and operating badge identifier are set as “group identifier” and “functional badge identifier” of the operation badge 1721, respectively, as related badges. Search from the management table 1720.

  If there is no such record in the related badge management table 1720 (step S204: No), the display group determination unit 1400 returns to the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 that there is no related function group 40.

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 returned from the display group determining unit 1400 that there is no related function group 40 displays the next function group 40 (step S202).

  On the other hand, when such a record exists in the related badge management table 1720 (step S204: Yes), the display group determination unit 1400 sets as the “group identifier” and “functional badge identifier” of the related badge 1722 of the record. The identifier of the group 40 (hereinafter referred to as “related group identifier”) and the identifier of the function badge 30 (hereinafter referred to as “related badge identifier”) are read, and the function badge 30 indicated by the operation badge identifier is displayed. The arrangement order of the function badges 30 belonging to the function group 40 indicated by the related group identifier is determined so that the function badge 30 indicated by the related badge identifier is arranged at a position in the screen (step S206).

  Specifically, records having the related group identifier set as the group identifier 1711 are extracted from the function group management table 1710, and the identifier set as the function badge identifier 1712 of these records is read. Among the function badges 30 indicated by the read identifiers, the function badges 30 indicated by the related badge identifiers are arranged at the positions where the function badges 30 indicated by the operation badge identifiers are displayed, and the other function badges 30 are shifted to the left and right. To do. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U is moved from the rightmost position (see FIG. 8B) to the second position from the left and displayed. The “finished” function badge 30R, the “character reproduction” function badge 30S, and the “dust removal” function badge 30T are shifted to the right and displayed. Note that the function badge 30 indicated by the related badge identifier may be arranged at a position where the function badge 30 indicated by the operation badge identifier is displayed or in the vicinity thereof.

  The display group determination unit 1400 that has determined the arrangement of the function badge 30 passes the related group identifier and the determined arrangement order to the basic function screen display processing unit 1300.

  Receiving the related group identifier and the arrangement order, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 deletes the function group 40 currently displayed on the basic function screen 1310 and displays the function group 40 indicated by the related group identifier. At this time, the function badges 30 belonging to the function group 40 are arranged in the determined arrangement order (step S208). The scroll screen display processing unit 1200 displays the function group 40 in which the function badges 30 are displayed in the determined arrangement order in the function badge area 23, and displays the slide gauge 25 at a position corresponding to the displayed function badge 30. To do.

<Function badge processing>
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the function badge process.

  This function badge process shows the process of step S312 and step S324 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Step S312 is a function badge process on the basic function screen 1310, and step S324 is a function badge process on the scroll screen 1210. In these two processes, the function group 40 to be displayed is the same, but the screen to be displayed is the central portion of the basic function screen 1310 (see FIG. 3) or the function badge area 23 of the scroll screen 1210 (see FIG. 4). Is different. Therefore, the function badge process (step S312) on the basic function screen 1310 will be described, and the function badge process on the scroll screen 1210 will be referred to when appropriate.

  When it is detected that the function badge 30 is touched on the basic function screen 1310 (step S308: function badge in FIG. 17), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 determines whether the touch is a double touch or a single touch ( Hereinafter, it is determined whether it is “single touch” (step S100).

  When it is determined that the touch is a single touch (step S100: single touch), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 displays the item setting window 2110 of the touched function badge 30, and acquires the setting content from the user. The setting content is stored in the item content storage unit 1900 (step S110).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the touch is a double touch (step S100: double touch), the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 displays the identifier of the function group 40 to which the double-touched function badge 30 belongs and the double-touched function badge 30. The identifier is passed to the display group determination unit 1400 as an operation group identifier and an operation badge identifier, and a request is made to determine the related function group 40.

  Upon receiving the request, the display group determining unit 1400 records records in which the received operating group identifier and operating badge identifier are set as “group identifier” and “functional badge identifier” of the operation badge 1721, respectively, as related badges. Search from the management table 1720.

  If there is no such record in the related badge management table 1720 (step S102: No), the display group determination unit 1400 returns to the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 that there is no related function group 40.

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 returned from the display group determining unit 1400 that there is no related function group 40 displays the next function group 40 (step S104). The scroll screen display processing unit 1200 displays the next function group 40 in the function badge area 23 and displays the slide gauge 25 at a position corresponding to the display of the function badge area 23.

  On the other hand, when such a record exists in the related badge management table 1720 (step S102: Yes), the display group determination unit 1400 sets as the “group identifier” and “functional badge identifier” of the related badge 1722 of the record. The identifier of the group 40 (related group identifier) and the identifier of the function badge 30 (related badge identifier) are read out, and the related badge identifier is displayed at the position in the screen where the function badge 30 indicated by the operation badge identifier is displayed. The arrangement order of the function badges 30 belonging to the function group 40 indicated by the related group identifier is determined so that the function badge 30 shown is arranged (step S106).

  The display group determination unit 1400 that has determined the arrangement of the function badge 30 passes the related group identifier and the arrangement order to the basic function screen display processing unit 1300.

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 to which the related group identifier and the arrangement order are passed deletes the function group 40 currently displayed on the basic function screen 1310 and displays the function group 40 indicated by the related group identifier. At this time, the function badges 30 belonging to the function group 40 are arranged in the determined arrangement order (step S108). The scroll screen display processing unit 1200 displays the function group 40 in which the function badges 30 are displayed in the determined arrangement order in the function badge area 23, and displays the slide gauge 25 at a position corresponding to the displayed function badge 30. To do.

<Modification 1>
In the embodiment, for example, the number of function badges 30 related to the function badge 30 that has been double-touched is one. The first modification is different in that there are a plurality of related function badges 30. However, it is the function badge 30 which comprises the same function group 40. FIG.

  That is, since the function group 40 is obtained by grouping the function badges 30 according to the types of functions, the function badges 30 constituting one function group 40 are often functionally similar. I can guess. Accordingly, there may be a plurality of function badges 30 associated with the double-touched function badge 30 in the function group 40, and the degree of association varies depending on the function badge 30.

  Therefore, in the first modification, the arrangement order of the function badges 30 constituting the related function group 40 is determined according to the degree of association, and displayed in that order.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating transition of a screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21 when the “density” function badge 30F is selected by double touch.

  As shown in “Screen 60”, when “Density” function badge 30F is double-touched (see the hatched portion), “Application” function group 40e is displayed as shown in “Screen 61”.

  That is, after setting the item of the “density” function badge 30F, the MFP 1000 presumes that the item of the “removal from behind” function badge 30U will be set, and displays the “application” function group 40e.

  At this time, the MFP 1000 is configured to display the “removal of back-through” function badge 30U at the position on the screen where the “density” function badge 30F was displayed (see the shaded area), and to the “application” function group Among the other function badges 30 belonging to 40e, the function badge 30 having the highest relevance next to the “removal of the back-through” function badge 30U is arranged on both sides thereof (see the lattice pattern portion), and the “application” function group 40e is set. indicate.

  In this way, the user can easily find the desired function badge 30 without looking away from the double-touched location, and the next operation is performed with little finger movement. It becomes possible to touch the “removal of show-through” function badge 30U.

  The same applies when the function badge 30 being displayed in the item setting window 2110 is touched (see FIG. 10 and the like). The same applies to the scroll screen 1210.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and contents of a related group management table 1730 used in Modification 1 instead of the related badge management table 1720 of the embodiment.

  The related group management table 1730 includes an operation badge 1731 and a related badge 1732.

  Similar to the operation badge 1721 of the related badge management table 1720, the operation badge 1731 indicates the function badge 30 that has been double-touched or the function badge 30 in which the item setting window 2110 is being displayed.

  The related badge 1732 indicates the function badge 30 that is assumed to be operated by the user after the function badge 30 indicated by the operation badge 1731 is operated.

  The related badge 1722 of the related badge management table 1720 according to the embodiment is configured with a “function group identifier” that is an identifier of the function group 40 and a “function badge identifier” that is an identifier of the function badge 30. The one related badge 1732 includes a “function group identifier” that is an identifier of the function group 40 and “first badge identifier”, “second badge identifier”, and “third badge identifier” that are identifiers of the function badge 30. Composed.

  That is, three function badges 30 that are assumed to be operated by the user after the function badge 30 indicated by the operation badge 1731 is operated are stored. Here, the “first badge identifier” indicates the function badge 30 that is most likely to be operated by the user, and the “second badge identifier” indicates the function badge 30 that is most likely to be operated next. The “third badge identifier” indicates the function badge 30 that is considered to be the next most likely. Note that “-” indicates that there is no corresponding function badge 30.

  For example, in the processing of step S206 of FIG. 18 and step S108 of FIG. 19, the display group determination unit 1400 displays “density” as the “function badge identifier” of the operation badge 1731 when the “density” function badge 30F is double-touched. Is placed on the position where the “Density” function badge 30F is displayed, and the left side of the “Background removal” function badge 30U set as the “first badge identifier” of the related badge 1732 The “character reproduction” function badge 30S set as the “second badge identifier” of the related badge 1732 is arranged on the right side, and “trash removal” set as the “third badge identifier” of the related badge 1732 on the right side thereof The arrangement order is determined so that the function badge 30T is arranged. Further, the other function badges 30 are determined so as to be shifted to positions other than these three function badges 30 (see screen 61).

<Modification 2>
In the embodiment, if the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched while the item setting window 2110 is displayed, it will be operated next to the function badge 30 of the displayed item setting window 2110. A function group 40 including the function badge 30 is displayed (see FIG. 10 and the like). The modification 2 is different in that the function group 40 to be displayed next is determined according to the contents set by the displayed item setting window 2110.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a transition of a screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21 when the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched while the item setting window 2110 is displayed.

  As shown in the “screen 70”, the item setting window 2110 of the “density” function badge 30F is displayed, and after selecting the item “light”, when the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched (see the hatched portion), “ As shown in “Screen 71”, an “application” function group 40e is displayed.

  That is, the MFP 1000 assumes that the item of the “character reproduction” function badge 30S will be set after setting the “light” of the item of the “density” function badge 30F, and displays the “application” function group 40e. To do.

  At this time, the MFP 1000 arranges the function badge 30 so that the “character reproduction” function badge 30S is displayed at the position on the screen where the “density” function badge 30F was displayed, and the “application” function group 40e. Is displayed.

  In this way, the user can easily find the desired function badge 30 according to the set contents.

  The same applies when the “<” button 27 or the “>” button 28 is touched while the item setting window 2110 is displayed on the scroll screen 1210 (see FIG. 10 and the like).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and contents of a related group management table 1740 used in Modification 2 instead of the related badge management table 1720 of the embodiment.

  The related group management table 1740 includes an operation badge 1741 and a related badge 1742.

  The operation badge 1741 includes a “group identifier”, a “function badge identifier”, and “setting contents”. “Group identifier” and “function badge identifier” indicate the function group 40 and the function badge 30 to which the function badge 30 being displayed in the item setting window 2110 belongs, and “setting content” indicates the content of the set item. Show.

  The related badge 1742 indicates the function badge 30 that is assumed to be operated by the user after the function badge 30 item indicated by the operation badge 1741 is set.

  For example, when the “group switching” switching button 51 is touched during the display of the item setting window 2110 of the “density” function badge 30F, the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 is currently displaying in the process of step S204 of FIG. The identifier of the function group 40 to which the function badge 30 of the item setting window 2110 belongs and the identifier of the function badge 30 in operation are passed to the display group determination unit 1400 as the group identifier in operation and the badge identifier in operation, and the related function group 40 Ask for a decision. At that time, the setting contents set in the item setting window 2110 are also passed.

  Upon receiving the request, the display group determining unit 1400 sets the received operating group identifier, operating badge identifier, and item content as “group identifier”, “functional badge identifier”, and “setting content” of the operation badge 1741, respectively. The associated record is searched from the associated badge management table 1740.

  If there is no such record in the related badge management table 1720 (step S204: No), the display group determination unit 1400 returns to the basic function screen display processing unit 1300 that there is no related function group 40.

  The basic function screen display processing unit 1300 returned from the display group determining unit 1400 that there is no related function group 40 displays the next function group 40 (step S202).

On the other hand, when such a record exists in the related badge management table 1720 (step S204: Yes), the display group determination unit 1400 sets as the “group identifier” and “functional badge identifier” of the related badge 1742 of the record. The identifier of the group 40 (related group identifier) and the identifier of the function badge 30 (related badge identifier) are read out, and the related badge identifier is displayed at the position in the screen where the function badge 30 indicated by the operation badge identifier is displayed. The arrangement order of the function badges 30 belonging to the function group 40 indicated by the related group identifier is determined so that the function badges 30 shown are arranged (step S206).
<Supplement>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention may be as follows not only the said form.
(1) In the embodiment, when the function badge 30 is double-touched, the function group 40 estimated to be operated next is displayed. However, the function badge 30 is not limited to double touch. For example, the user may touch for a predetermined time, slide the finger while touching, or the like.
(2) The method for determining the function group 40 to be displayed next and the method for arranging the function badge 30 described in the embodiment may be implemented independently or in combination.
(3) The user interface function of the embodiment may be implemented by a computer program for all or part of the components shown in FIG. 14, or may be implemented in any other form.

  In the case of a computer program, a program written in any recording medium such as a memory card or CD-ROM may be read and executed by a computer, or a program may be downloaded and executed via a network. Also good.

20f Operation panel 20h Printing device 20i Scanner 21 Touch panel unit 22 Operation key unit 23 Function badge area 24 Scroll track 25 Slide gauge 30 Function badge 40 Sub badge 1000 MFP
1100 Overall Control Unit 1200 Scroll Screen Display Processing Unit 1210 Scroll Screen 1300 Basic Function Screen Display Processing Unit 1310 Basic Function Screen 1400 Display Group Determination Unit 1500 Scanner Processing Unit 1600 Print Processing Unit 1700 Badge Configuration Information Storage Unit 1710 Function Group Management Table 1720 1730 1740 Related Badge Management Table 1900 Item Content Storage Unit

Claims (13)

An image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A function badge display means for displaying one or more badges which are images indicating functions;
Operation detecting means for detecting a first operation or a second operation performed by the user on the badge;
When the operation detecting means detects the first operation, the processing for setting the item related to the function indicated by the badge on which the first operation is performed is performed, and the operation detecting means detects the second operation. In this case, the image processing apparatus includes: a control unit that causes the function badge display unit to display a badge indicating a function related to the function indicated by the badge performed by the second operation. The plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus are divided into a plurality of function groups,
The function badge display means displays one or more badges indicating each of one or more functions belonging to one function group,
When the operation detecting unit detects the second operation, the control unit displays a badge indicating a function belonging to a function group to which a function related to a function indicated by the badge performed by the second operation belongs. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is displayed on a display unit. When the operation detecting unit detects the second operation, the control unit displays a badge indicating a function related to a function indicated by the badge performed by the second operation, and the badge performed by the second operation. The badge indicating the function belonging to the function group to which the related function belongs is assigned to the function group to which the function indicated by the badge performed by the second operation belongs. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image is displayed on the function badge display means instead of a badge indicating a function to which the apparatus belongs. When the operation detection unit detects the second operation, the control unit performs a badge that may be operated by a user next to the badge for which the second operation has been performed. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the function badge display means displays the badge as a badge indicating a function related to a function indicated by the broken badge. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first operation is a single touch, and the second operation is a double touch. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A function badge display means for displaying one or more badges which are images indicating functions;
Item screen display means for displaying a screen for receiving the content of the item related to the function indicated by the badge selected by the user;
An acquisition means for acquiring an instruction from the user to display a badge other than the currently displayed badge in place of the currently displayed badge;
When the acquisition unit acquires the instruction, if the item screen display unit displays a screen for receiving the content of an item, the function indicated by the badge selected by the user to display the screen is displayed. An image processing apparatus comprising: control means for displaying a badge indicating a related function on the function badge display means in place of the currently displayed badge. The plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus are divided into a plurality of function groups,
The function badge display means displays one or more badges indicating each of one or more functions belonging to one function group,
If the item screen display means is displaying the screen when the acquisition means acquires the instruction, the control means has a function indicated by a badge selected by the user to display the screen. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a badge indicating a function belonging to a function group to which a related function belongs is displayed on the function badge display unit in place of the currently displayed badge. If the item screen display means is displaying the screen when the acquisition means acquires the instruction, the control means indicates a function indicated by a badge selected by the user to display the screen The badge indicating the function related to the item is displayed in the vicinity of the position where the badge selected by the user was displayed, and the badge of the function group to which the related function belongs is assigned to the badge selected by the user. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the function badge display unit displays the badge instead of the function group to which the function indicated by the function belongs. If the item screen display means is displaying the screen when the acquisition means acquires the instruction, the control means is next to the badge selected by the user to display the screen. The image processing according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a badge that may be operated by a user is displayed on the function badge display means as a badge indicating a function related to a function indicated by the badge selected by the user. apparatus. An interface screen display method used in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A function badge display step for displaying one or a plurality of badges that are images showing functions;
An operation detection step of detecting a first operation or a second operation performed by the user on the badge;
When the first operation is detected in the operation detection step, processing for setting an item related to the function indicated by the badge on which the first operation is performed is performed, and the second operation is detected in the operation detection step. A control step of displaying a badge indicating a function related to the function indicated by the badge performed by the second operation in the function badge display step. A computer program for displaying an interface screen on an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A function badge display step for displaying one or a plurality of badges that are images showing functions;
An operation detection step of detecting a first operation or a second operation performed by the user on the badge;
When the first operation is detected in the operation detection step, processing for setting an item related to the function indicated by the badge on which the first operation is performed is performed, and the second operation is detected in the operation detection step. In the case, a computer program comprising: a control step of displaying a badge indicating a function related to a function indicated by the badge performed by the second operation in the function badge display step. An interface screen display method used in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A function badge display step for displaying one or a plurality of badges that are images showing functions;
An item screen display step for displaying a screen for receiving the content of the item related to the function indicated by the badge selected by the user;
An acquisition step for obtaining from the user an instruction to display a badge other than the currently displayed badge instead of the currently displayed badge;
When the instruction is acquired in the acquisition step and the screen for accepting the contents of the item is displayed in the item screen display step, the function indicated by the badge selected by the user to display the screen is displayed. An interface screen display method comprising: a control unit that displays a badge indicating a related function in the function badge display step in place of a currently displayed badge. A computer program for displaying an interface screen on an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A function badge display step for displaying one or a plurality of badges that are images showing functions;
An item screen display step for displaying a screen for receiving the content of the item related to the function indicated by the badge selected by the user;
An acquisition step for obtaining from the user an instruction to display a badge other than the currently displayed badge instead of the currently displayed badge;
When the instruction is acquired in the acquisition step and the screen for accepting the contents of the item is displayed in the item screen display step, the function indicated by the badge selected by the user to display the screen is displayed. A computer program comprising: control means for displaying a badge indicating a related function in the function badge display step in place of a currently displayed badge.

Images