JP2015037313A - Processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To register information relating to a new processing selection part in accordance with the intention of a user when newly creating the processing selection part for performing processing, and to prevent processing that is not intended by a user from being started in the case where the new processing selection part is selected.SOLUTION: In the case where a function relating to a new selection button to be displayed on a display screen of a display part 107 is set when the selection button is newly created, a predetermined name ("one-action" or "FAX transmission") relating to a function of the new selection button is automatically inputted to a name box 31. The name displayed in the name box 31 is allowed to be manually corrected. By selecting a creation completion button 38 after completely setting functions or setting items (including the correction of the name) relating to the new selection button, the new selection button is registered in a storage part in association with these functions or setting items.

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus.

  As the prior art described in the gazette, various setting parameters used in complex copying that executes copying in a state where various setting parameters such as filling and scaling are set are associated with the start button provided in the copier, and the start button and One-touch operation is performed by storing the association with various setting parameters in the memory built in the copying machine, and when the activation button is pressed, the various setting parameters associated with the activation button are read from the memory. There are those that execute complicated copying (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-166016 A

  The present invention makes it possible to register information related to a new process selection unit in accordance with the user's intention when creating a new process selection unit for performing processing, and a new process An object is to suppress the start of a process not intended by the user when a selection unit is selected.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display unit for displaying a process selection unit for starting the associated process when a process related to image data is associated and selected, and the process selection unit displayed on the display unit. When creating a new process selection unit, setting means for setting a predetermined character corresponding to the function of the new process selection unit, and when creating the new process selection unit, the setting Receiving means for receiving an input for correcting the character set by the means, the new process selection unit, and the character set by the setting means is corrected based on the input received by the receiving means Registration means for registering the corrected characters in association with each other, and when the new process selection unit displayed on the display means is selected, the registration means selects the new process. After the corrected character registered in association with the selection unit is displayed on the display unit, an instruction to execute the process associated with the new process selection unit is received, and then the start unit starts the process Is a processing device.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a process selection unit for performing a process is newly created as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, information related to the new process selection unit is stored in the user. It is possible to register in accordance with the intention of the user, and when a new process selection unit is selected, it is possible to suppress a process not intended by the user from being started.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a display in a display part. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen after a “copy” selection button shown in FIG. 2 is selected by a user. It is the figure which showed the example of a display in a display part. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen when “Save Box” on the home screen shown in FIG. 2 is selected. It is the figure which showed the display screen when a 2nd tab is selected. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen after “personal print” is selected. It is the figure which showed the display screen after a file was selected. It is the figure which showed the display screen at the time of a user creating the button for one-touch selection. It is the figure which showed the list of the buttons for one-touch selection. It is the flowchart shown about the process performed by a control part, when producing the button for selection. It is the figure which showed the display screen of the default state displayed on a display part in step 103. FIG. It is the figure which showed the display screen displayed on a display part by accepting the setting by a user in step. It is the figure which showed the display screen displayed on a display part, after the creation process of the button for selection which displays a confirmation screen is completed. It is the flowchart shown about the process performed by a control part, when the button for selection which displays the newly produced confirmation screen is selected. It is the figure which showed the display screen displayed on a display part in step 203. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 105, a display unit 107, an image reading unit 108, an image forming unit 109, a communication unit 110, and an image processing unit 111. Each of these functional units is connected to the bus 101, and exchanges data via the bus 101.

The control unit 100 controls the functional units provided in the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104.
The ROM 103 stores a control program executed by the CPU 102. The CPU 102 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 103 and executes the control program using the RAM 104 as a work area. When the control program is executed by the CPU 102, each functional unit of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled. Thereby, for example, a predetermined display is made on the display unit 107, and an image is formed on a sheet. Further, reading of a document set on the image reading unit 108 is performed.

  The program executed by the CPU 102 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Can be offered at. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 10 may be downloaded using a communication unit such as the Internet.

The display unit 107 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel display, and displays, for example, data related to the image forming apparatus 10 under the control of the control unit 100. The display unit 107 displays a display screen for accepting an operation from the user, and accepts an operation from the user via the display screen.
The image reading unit 108 includes an image reading device (scanner device) that generates image data representing an image of a document read and read, and outputs the generated image data to the image processing unit 111.

The image forming unit 109 includes an image forming mechanism that forms a toner image corresponding to image data on, for example, a sheet as a recording medium by an electrophotographic method or the like.
The communication unit 110 is connected to a communication line (not shown), and functions as a communication interface that communicates with other devices connected to the communication line.
The image processing unit 111 performs image processing such as color correction and gradation correction on the input image data. The image processing unit 111 generates image data subjected to the image processing and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 109.
The storage unit 105 includes a storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores, for example, data received by the communication unit 110 and data generated by the image forming apparatus 10.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example on the display unit 107.
The display unit 107 normally displays the home screen shown in FIG. A plurality of selection buttons (icons) 21 are displayed on the home screen, and one of the selection buttons 21 is selected (pressed) by the user, and is associated with the selection button 21. The function is executed.

  Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 2, as the selection button 21, “copy”, “box save”, “ID card copy”, “media access”, “mail”, “print”, “PC save” , A selection button 21 for selecting one of “FAX” is displayed. In the present embodiment, when any of the selection buttons 21 is selected by the user, a screen for performing detailed settings is further displayed. Thereafter, when a predetermined button such as a start button is pressed by the user, processing such as copying is started.

  The home screen of the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of pages. While pressing the “ground” portion (background portion) of the display screen shown in FIG. By pushing the part to the left in the figure, it is possible to switch to another page. In other words, in this embodiment, pages can be switched by a so-called flick operation. When the pages are switched, another selection button 21 appears.

  In the display unit 107 of the present embodiment, each of the selection buttons 21 can be moved by an operation. Specifically, the selection button 21 can be moved by moving the finger while the selection button 21 is pressed with the finger. In addition, in the present embodiment, the selection button 21 is moved by drag and drop.

  In the present embodiment, the selection button 21 is kept pressed for a predetermined time, or a gear-like symbol (sign) is located at the upper right of the screen in a state where any of the selection buttons 21 is selected. When the symbol (2A) is pressed, the screen is switched and detailed setting of the function associated with the selection button 21 can be performed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen after the “copy” selection button 21 shown in FIG. 2 is selected (pressed) by the user.
In this display screen, as indicated by reference numerals 3A and 3B, two tabs (hereinafter referred to as “first tab 3A” and “second tab 3B”) are provided. If there are only two tabs as described above, a button required by the user (button to be operated) exists on any of the tabs. Then, once the tab is moved, there are always necessary buttons. Compared to the case where there are three or more tabs such as four, five, etc., the user has the necessary buttons (buttons to be operated). The number of tab movements until an existing tab is selected can be reduced.
In addition, if there are a large number of tabs, it is difficult to know which function is included in which tab. However, if there are only two tabs as in this embodiment, which function is included in which tab. It becomes easy to grasp.

  Here, in a state where the first tab 3A is selected, as shown in FIG. 3, “double-sided / single-sided / bookbinding”, “number of copies”, “N-up number (number of consolidated pages on one page)”, Setting items such as “magnification”, “color mode”, “paper selection”, and “stapling” are displayed. In addition, in the present embodiment, setting items that are considered to be relatively frequently changed by the user are displayed on the display screen when the first tab 3A is selected.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the setting items that are considered to be changed at a relatively low frequency are selected by the second tab 3B as shown in FIG. 4 (a diagram showing a display example on the display unit 107). Display on the display screen when it is done.
Here, on the display screen shown in FIG. 4, the setting items (items to be set by the user) are displayed side by side in the vertical direction of the screen. In addition, it is displayed in list format. In the display screen shown in FIG. 4, hidden setting items are also displayed by scrolling downward in the figure.

Here, on the display screen when the second tab 3B is selected, other setting items are also displayed by scrolling in one direction (downward in the figure). This makes it easier for the user to find the setting item he / she is looking for.
Here, for example, each setting item may be displayed in a button format and arranged in a grid pattern. In this case, the user needs to move the line of sight not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction. In such a case, compared to the case where the setting item is displayed by scrolling in one direction as in the present embodiment, the user is less likely to find the setting item that the user is looking for.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen when “Save Box” on the home screen shown in FIG. 2 is selected.
When “Save Box” on the home screen is selected, as shown in FIG. 5, the screen is switched to a display screen on which a plurality of selection buttons 21 with user names are displayed. In this display screen, as described above, two tabs (hereinafter referred to as “first tab 5A” and “second tab 5B”) are provided.

  FIG. 5 shows a state where the first tab 5A is selected. In the present embodiment, when “Save Box” is selected and the display screen is switched, the first tab 5A is first displayed. In the present embodiment, when the second tab 5B is separately selected by the user, a display screen corresponding to the second tab 5B is displayed.

Here, the box saving refers to a process of saving image data generated by reading a document using the image reading unit 108 (see FIG. 1) in the storage unit 105. At this time, when one of the selection buttons 21 shown in FIG. 5 is selected by the user, the storage destination is designated, and the image data is stored in this storage destination.
Until this storage destination is selected, each of the selection buttons 21 displayed in FIG. 5 is in the off state (substantially the same color as the “ground” color). When a selection is made, the color is switched to another color and turned on (selected state).

  In the display screen shown in FIG. 5, setting items (“color mode”, “document feed mode”, “read resolution”) that are frequently changed by the user are displayed at the bottom of the screen. The contents of these setting items can be changed without switching the screen (without selecting the second tab 5B).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen when the second tab 5B is selected.
As shown in FIG. 6A, when the second tab 5B is selected, other setting items that can be set when saving the box are displayed. In this case as well, each setting item similar to the above is displayed in a list format. Here, in this embodiment, a file name can be assigned to each document read by the image reading unit 108. Further, in the present embodiment, when the setting item “file name” in FIG. 6A is selected, a display screen for inputting a file name is displayed as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the user inputs a desired file name via this display screen.

Next, personal print will be described.
In personal printing, image data generated by a user's PC (Personal Computer) or the like is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 and temporarily stored in the storage unit 105 (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 10. . Then, when the user inputs a start instruction via the display unit 107, image formation on the sheet is started.
In personal printing, an image is formed while the user is near the image forming apparatus 10, and thus the user can obtain the printed material immediately after the printed material is printed. In such a case, it is difficult for anyone other than this user to obtain the printed matter.

  Here, when personal printing is performed, the home screen shown in FIG. 2 is operated, and a “personal print” selection button (not shown in FIG. 2) is selected by the user. When this “personal print” selection button is selected, the display screen is switched to the display screen shown in FIG. 7 (a diagram showing the display screen after “personal print” is selected).

  Here, on the display screen after switching shown in FIG. 7, the file names of a plurality of image data (print jobs) recorded in the storage unit 105 are displayed in a list format. In other words, each file name is displayed in a vertically arranged state. A preview screen showing the state of the printed paper is displayed on the left side of the file name.

  Here, when one of the plurality of files shown in FIG. 7 is selected, the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 8 (a diagram showing a display screen after the file is selected). Here, on this display screen, setting items are displayed in the lower half of the screen. Specifically, in this example, three setting items of “number of copies”, “color mode”, and “presence / absence of double-sided printing” are displayed.

  Further, the file name is displayed at the upper right of the display screen, and the preview screen showing the state of the printed paper is displayed at the upper left of the display screen. In the present embodiment, each of the three setting items can be changed on the display screen shown in FIG. 8, and when the change is made, the preview screen also changes in accordance with the change. . That is, in the present embodiment, the preview screen dynamically changes according to the change of the setting item.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the files are displayed in a list format in this way, and then the user selects a file to be printed. The selected file is printed.

  Although not shown, in the present embodiment, a selection button 21 called “personal batch print” is also prepared on the home screen, and when this selection button 21 is pressed, one-touch (other input) Without any operation), unoutput stored documents are printed in a batch. In addition, in the present embodiment, two types of selection buttons 21 of “personal print (list display)” and “personal batch print” are prepared for personal print.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, in addition to the selection button 21 already prepared, the user can create a new selection button 21. In addition, in the present embodiment, the selection button 21 that starts the processing by selecting the selection button 21 once (by performing one input operation without performing a plurality of input operations). (Hereinafter, referred to as “one-touch selection button 21”). The “individual batch print” selection button 21 corresponds to the one-touch selection button 21.

  Here, when the user creates the one-touch selection button 21, (A) in FIG. 9 (a diagram showing a display screen when the user creates the one-touch selection button 21), The gear-shaped symbol (symbol 9A) located is pressed by the user. Note that the display screen shown in FIG. 9A displays a screen at the time of mail transmission. In addition, FIG. 9A shows a state after the “mail” selection button 21 shown in FIG. 2 is selected and the display screen is switched.

  Here, when the gear-shaped symbol is pressed, a display screen shown in FIG. 9B is displayed. Here, on the display screen, information necessary for creating the one-touch selection button 21 is input by the user. Specifically, a name (first line) and a name (second line) are input by the user. Here, in the one-touch selection button 21 (one-touch selection button 21 after creation) of the present embodiment, names are displayed in two stages. “Name (first line)” indicates a name displayed in the upper part of the two lines, and “Name (second line)” indicates a name displayed in the lower part of the two lines.

  Further, on the display screen shown in FIG. 9B, a button (see reference numeral 9B) pressed by the user when the design of the one-touch selection button 21 (icon) is changed is also displayed. When this button is pressed by the user, a screen shown in FIG. 10 (a diagram showing a list of one-touch selection buttons 21) is displayed, and the user selects one one-touch selection button 21 from this screen, This one-touch selection button 21 is registered as a new one-touch selection button 21. In the present embodiment, the user can register the explanatory text, and the user who wants to register the explanatory text is located at the bottom of the display screen (the display screen shown in FIG. 9B). Enter descriptive text in the box.

  Here, when the user's input on the display screen shown in FIG. 9B ends, the button “Create” located at the upper right in the figure is pressed by the user. As a result, the display is switched to the display screen shown in FIG. 9C, and a one-touch selection button 21 “one-touch mail transmission” is added on the display screen (on the home screen).

  In this embodiment, the process for creating the one-touch selection button 21 has been described. However, in the present embodiment, after the selection button 21 is selected, the user displays a confirmation screen and inputs a start button. A selection button 21 for executing processing can also be created. The one-touch selection button 21 and the normal selection button 21 can be distinguished on the display screen. The one-touch selection button 21 is indicated by reference numeral 9E in FIG. 9C. Thus, a diamond mark is added. In the present embodiment, the start button for executing the processing after the confirmation screen is displayed is arranged not on the display screen but in another part of the image forming apparatus (not shown).

  Although the display process in the image forming apparatus 10 has been described above, this display process can be performed in the same manner by an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, an apparatus such as a tablet terminal).

Next, a process for creating the selection button 21 (one-touch selection button 21 or selection button 21 for displaying a confirmation screen) will be described in more detail.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 100 (see FIG. 1) when the selection button 21 is created.
In this example, a case where the selection button 21 related to the fax transmission function is created will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 11, when a new selection button 21 is created, the control unit 100 first receives an input from a user regarding a function (process) associated with the newly created selection button 21 (step 101). .
Specifically, when a new selection button 21 is created, the user selects a selection button 21 representing a function associated with the newly created selection button 21 on the home screen shown in FIG. Select (press). In this example, the user first selects the “fax” selection button 21 on the home screen shown in FIG.

When the selection button 21 is pressed on the home screen, a screen for setting the selected function as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 is displayed on the display unit 107 by the control unit 100. The
In this example, even when the user selects the “fax” selection button 21, the control unit 100 similarly displays a screen for setting the fax function on the display unit 107. Although detailed description is omitted here, the screen for setting the fax function is also set for the copy function shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 and the box saving function shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. Similar to the screen for setting the item, a configuration is provided with a first tab on which setting items that are frequently changed by the user are displayed, and a second tab on which all setting items are displayed in a list format. It has become.

Then, the user uses the screen displayed on the display unit 107 to set each item for the function associated with the newly created selection button 21. For example, when the copy function is selected, settings such as “double-sided / single-sided / bookbinding”, “number of copies”, “N-up count (number of consolidated pages on one page)”, “magnification”, “color mode”, etc. Do. When the box saving function is selected, settings such as “color mode”, “original feed mode”, and “read resolution” are performed.
Further, when the fax function is selected, settings such as “destination”, “image quality”, and “magnification” are made. As for “transmission destination”, one or a plurality of transmission destinations can be set when creating one selection button 21. In this example, one transmission destination is set by the user. Shall be.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 has a button for starting creation of the selection button 21 (a gear-like symbol indicated by reference numeral 9A in FIG. 9A described above; hereinafter referred to as a creation start button 9A). It is determined whether or not the user has selected (step 102).
When the creation start button 9A is not selected (NO in step 102), the control unit 100 waits until the creation start button 9A is selected.

Next, when it is determined that the creation start button 9A has been selected (YES in step 102), the control unit 100 confirms and changes the setting contents of the newly created selection button 21 (hereinafter referred to as a selection screen). A button creation screen or simply a creation screen) is displayed on the display unit 107 (step 103).
Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 107 to display a creation screen corresponding to a function or setting item associated with the newly created selection button 21 input by the user in step 101. In this example, a creation screen corresponding to the fax function selected in step 101 is displayed on the display unit 107 as shown in FIG.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 accepts an input, such as a change of setting contents regarding the newly created selection button 21 on the creation screen (step 104).
Details of the creation screen to be displayed on the display unit 107 in step 103 and processing in the case where an input such as a change of setting contents is received via the creation screen in step 104 will be described in detail later. To do.

Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a creation completion button 38 (see FIG. 12 described later) displayed on the creation screen for completing the creation of the selection button 21 has been selected by the user (step 105). ).
When the creation completion button 38 is not selected (NO in step 105), the control unit 100 waits until the creation completion button 38 is selected.

  If it is determined that the creation completion button 38 has been pressed (YES in step 105), the control unit 100 checks the contents of the explanatory text input by the user among the various settings received in step 104 (step 106), it is determined whether or not erroneous information is included in the contents of the explanatory text (step 107). The details of the explanation and the contents confirmation in the explanation will be described later.

  When it is determined that erroneous information is included in the content of the explanatory text (YES in step 107), the control unit 100 presents to the user that there is a problem with the content of the explanatory text on the display unit 107. Is displayed (step 108), the user is prompted to correct the contents of the explanatory text, and the process returns to step 104 to continue the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the content of the explanatory text does not include erroneous information (NO in step 107), the control unit 100 creates information for which input is accepted in step 101 or step 104. Information relating to the button 21 is stored in the storage unit 105 (step 109).
Thus, the creation of the selection button 21 is completed.
When it is determined that no erroneous information is included in the explanatory text (NO in step 107), the control unit 100 switches the display screen of the display unit 107 to the above-described home screen (see FIG. 2). Then, the new selection button 21 created in the above-described process is added on the home screen (see FIG. 9C, FIG. 14 described later).

Next, details of the selection button creation screen will be described.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a default display screen (selection button creation screen) displayed on the display unit 107 in step 103.
On the selection button creation screen, buttons, boxes and the like for the user to input information necessary for creating the selection button 21 are displayed.
The selection button creation screen shown in FIG. 12 includes a name box 31 (first line 31A, second line 31B) for inputting the name of the selection button 21 to be created, and the design (icon) of the selection button 21 to be created. An icon change button 32 for changing the destination (corresponding to the button indicated by reference numeral 9B in FIG. 9B), a destination for selecting whether or not to display the destination on the icon of the selection button 21 to be created. The display selection button 33 and the one-touch selection button 34 for selecting whether the selection button 21 to be created is the one-touch selection button 21 or the selection button 21 for displaying the confirmation screen are provided.
The selection button creation screen further includes a type display unit 35 for displaying the type of function associated with the selection button 21 to be created, an explanation box 36 for inputting an explanatory text regarding the selection button 21 to be created, and a selection button to be created. It has a preview display section 37 for displaying a state when the button 21 is displayed on the home screen, and a creation completion button 38 for completing the creation of the selection button 21.

Here, as described above, the name box 31 is a box for inputting a name to be displayed on the display screen (home screen) together with the icon of the selection button 21. The name box 31 includes a first line 31A and a second line 31B. It is divided into two lines.
In this embodiment, when the creation start button 9A is selected in step 102, the default name box 31 initially displayed on the display unit 107 by the control unit 100 is related to the function input in step 101. The name to be entered is automatically entered in advance. In this example, “one touch” is automatically input in the first line 31A of the name box 31 and “fax transmission” is automatically input in the second line 31B in accordance with the fax function input in step 101. .

  In the present embodiment, the user can change the name input in the name box 31. Specifically, when the user presses the name box 31 (first line 31A, second line 31B), the control unit 100 displays a keyboard screen (not shown) on the display unit 107. The user can input an arbitrary name in the name box 31 using the displayed keyboard. At this time, the user can correct the character string automatically input to the name box 31 by the control unit 100.

  The icon change button 32 is a button selected by the user when changing the icon of the selection button 21 to be created. In addition, the currently set icon is displayed on the left side of the icon change button 32 in the figure. In the present embodiment, in a default state initially displayed on the display unit 107, a predetermined icon is set by the control unit 100 and displayed on the left side of the icon change button 32 in the figure.

  When the icon change button 32 is selected by the user, the control unit 100 displays an icon selection screen (see FIG. 10) in which a plurality of icons are arranged on the display unit 107. The user can change the icon of the selection button 21 to be created by selecting an icon from the icon selection screen.

The destination display selection button 33 has a knob that can be moved to the left and right, and is a slide-type button that can select “Yes” or “No” by sliding the knob to the left and right. .
The destination display selection button 33 is, for example, when the function selected in step 101 includes a function (such as fax transmission or mail transmission) for transferring data to the outside of the image forming apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1). Is displayed.

When “Yes” is selected with the destination display selection button 33, information on the destination of the function associated with the selection button 21 is displayed together with the icon of the selection button 21 displayed on the home screen. .
In the present embodiment, the destination display selection button 33 is set to “Yes” on the default state creation screen that is initially displayed on the display unit 107. Thus, when the user does not perform an operation on the destination display selection button 33, the destination is displayed together with the icon of the selection button 21. As a result, it is set to notify the user of the destination unless the user changes the setting to “No” on the creation screen. Therefore, compared to the case where “No” is set on the default creation screen. The occurrence of erroneous transmission such as data being transmitted to an unintended destination can be suppressed.

Similar to the destination display selection button 33, the one-touch selection button 34 is configured by a slide-type button, and the user can select “Yes” or “No” by sliding the knob left and right.
Here, when “Yes” is selected by the one-touch selection button 34, the created selection button 21 starts the process by selecting the selection button 21 once. 21 ". In this case, as described above, a rhombus mark (see reference numeral 9E, see FIG. 9C) is attached to the icon of the selection button 21 displayed on the home screen.

On the other hand, when “NO” is selected by the one-touch selection button 34, the created selection button 21 is “a selection button 21 for displaying a confirmation screen”. In this case, the rhombus mark (9E) is not added to the icon of the selection button 21 displayed on the home screen.
Note that, unlike the one-touch selection button 21, the selection button 21 that displays the confirmation screen is a selection button 21 that does not start processing only by performing a single input operation (one-touch). That is, when the selection button 21 for displaying the confirmation screen is selected on the home screen, the confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit 107 before executing the process associated with the selection button 21 for displaying the confirmation screen. A confirmation screen for confirming the setting contents of the function associated with the selection button 21 for displaying is displayed. Then, for example, when the execution of the process is confirmed on the confirmation screen by the user, the process is started.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the one-touch selection button 34 is set to “No” in the default state creation screen displayed first on the display unit 107. Accordingly, when the user does not perform an operation on the one-touch selection button 34, the created selection button 21 is the “selection button 21 for displaying the confirmation screen”. As a result, unless the user changes “Yes” on the creation screen, it is set so as not to be the one-touch selection button 21, which is unintentionally compared to the case where “Yes” is set in the default state. The creation of the “one-touch selection button 21” is suppressed, and it is possible to prevent an unintended process from being executed when the user selects the one-touch selection button 21 by mistake.

The type display unit 35 displays the type of function associated with the selection button 21 to be created. The content displayed on the type display unit 35 is set by the control unit 100 corresponding to the function selected in step 101 and cannot be changed by the user.
As described above, since the icon and name of the selection button 21 to be created can be changed by the user, the icon and name of the selection button 21 are changed by the user so that they are not related to the selected function. Sometimes it is done. In this case, when selecting a function, the user may misrecognize the function associated with the selection button 21 by looking at an icon or name that is not related to the function. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the type of function associated with the selection button 21 is displayed on the type display unit 35 in order to suppress the occurrence of such a problem.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit 100 corresponds to the type display unit 35 corresponding to the “fax transmission” corresponding to the fax function selected in step 101 and the number of destinations set in step 104. The characters “(Destination: 1)” are displayed.

  The explanation box 36 is a box for inputting explanation about the selection button 21 to be created. The user can input an arbitrary explanation in the explanation box 36. Specifically, when the user presses the explanation box 36, a keyboard screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 107 by the control unit 100. The user can input an arbitrary description using this keyboard. Then, the control unit 100 displays the explanatory text received through the keyboard in the explanatory box 36.

  In the present embodiment, for example, an explanation is automatically input and displayed in the explanation box 36 by the control unit 100 according to the function selected in step 101, the item set in step 104, or the like. . In this example, the telephone number set as the fax destination in step 101 by the control unit 100 is automatically input and displayed in the explanation box 36. At this time, the control unit 100 reads out information related to the destination associated with the selection button 21 from the storage unit 105 and displays it in the description box 36 as a character string. In the present embodiment, among the explanatory text displayed in the explanatory box 36, the character string automatically input by the control unit 100 is prohibited from being modified and rewritten by the user.

  In the creation process of the selection button 21 related to mail transmission, the control unit 100 can automatically input a destination mail address in the explanation box 36. For example, in the creation process of the selection button 21 related to copy, the control unit 100 100 can automatically input the number of copies in the explanation box 36.

  Further, the control unit 100 monitors whether or not there are two or more consecutive numbers, hyphen symbols (-), or at signs (@) in the character string added to the explanation box 36 by the user. doing. These characters may be used in a distribution-related function, for example, as a destination for facsimile transmission or mail transmission. When these character data are included in the explanatory text manually input by the user, the control unit 100 collates these character data with information related to the destination read from the storage unit 105, If they do not match, it is determined that the information in the explanatory text contains erroneous information (YES in step 107). As a result, on the confirmation screen described later, it is possible to suppress presentation of an erroneous explanatory note to the user, and it is possible to suppress occurrence of erroneous transmission such as data being transmitted to an unintended destination.

The preview display unit 37 is a part that displays as a preview how the selection button 21 to be created is displayed on the home screen. Specifically, on the preview display unit 37, a name manually input in the name box 31 or automatically input by default and an icon selected by the icon change button 32 or selected by default are displayed by the control unit 100. The
When “Yes” is selected by the destination display selection button 33, information related to the destination of the selected function (destination display 9F, FIG. 14 described later) is displayed above the icon displayed on the preview display unit 37. Browse) is displayed. Furthermore, when “Yes” is selected by the one-touch selection button 34, a rhombus mark (see reference numeral 9E, FIG. 9C) is displayed at the lower right of the icon displayed in the preview display section 37. Is done.

Here, when the information set by the name box 31, the icon change button 32, the destination display selection button 33, and the one-touch selection button 34 is changed, the control unit 100 of the present embodiment displays the preview display unit 37. The changes are reflected in the displayed preview in real time.
As a result, the user who creates the selection button 21 can check what setting is currently made. For example, an unintended icon or name can be set on the selection button 21 to be created. Can be suppressed.

The creation completion button 38 is a button for completing the creation of the selection button 21 as described above. When the creation completion button 38 is selected by the user and there is no erroneous information in the content of the explanatory text described in the explanatory box 36, the control unit 100 stores the selected function and setting item in the storage unit 105 (FIG. 1). Memorize).
Specifically, the control unit 100 selects the function selected in step 101 or this function when the creation completion button 38 is selected and there is no error information in the contents of the explanatory text described in the explanatory box 36. Creates the contents of the set items (fax destination, number of copies, etc.) and information (name, icon, description, etc.) required to create the selection button 21 set / changed in step 104 The information is stored in the storage unit 105 in association with the selection button 21 to be selected.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen (selection button creation screen) displayed on the display unit 107 by accepting the setting by the user in step 104 described above.
In this example, “one touch” that was automatically input in the first line 31A of the name box 31 in the default state shown in FIG. 12 is rewritten to “Mr. XX” by the user. Note that the second line of the name box 31 remains in the default state. Further, the icon (simulating a finger) automatically set in the default state shown in FIG. 12 is changed to another icon (simulating a handset) by the user. Further, in the explanation box 36, in addition to the telephone number (012-345-6789) of the transmission destination automatically entered in the default state shown in FIG. Is added. The preview display section 37 displays a preview of the selection button 21 to be created, which has been changed in accordance with the above change and additional writing.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment (see FIG. 1), the storage unit 105 stores a selection button 21 creation screen for each function selected in step 101, for example. Then, when the creation start button 9A is selected in step 102, the control unit 100 reads a creation screen corresponding to the function selected in step 101 from the storage unit 105 and displays it on the display unit 107. .

12 shows the creation screen when the fax function is selected, but the creation screen when a function other than the fax function is selected is basically the same as the creation screen shown in FIG. Has the same configuration.
That is, the creation screen for functions other than the fax function is also displayed in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. A section 37 and a creation completion button 38 are provided.
On the other hand, the destination display selection button 33 is displayed only on a creation screen for a function for transferring data or the like to the outside of the image forming apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1) such as a fax function or a mail transmission function. It is not displayed on a function creation screen that does not include a transfer function such as a function.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen (home screen) displayed on the display unit 107 after the creation process of the selection button 21 is completed.
FIG. 14 shows the home screen displayed when the creation completion button 38 is selected on the selection button creation screen shown in FIG.

  Along with the processing described above, a newly created selection button 21 (fax transmission to Mr. XX) associated with the fax function is added to the home screen.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, in response to the destination display selection button 33 being selected as “Yes”, the destination display is displayed above the icon of the newly created selection button 21. 9F is given and displayed.

Specifically, when displaying the home screen after the creation of the selection button 21 is completed, the control unit 100 stores information associated with the selection button 21 in the storage unit 105 (selection result of the destination display selection button 33). ), It is determined whether or not the destination display 9F is given to the selection button 21.
When the destination display 9F is given, the control unit 100 reads out information related to the destination associated with the selection button 21 from the storage unit 105 and causes the display unit 107 to display the destination display 9F.
In this example, as the destination display 9F, the control unit 100 reads out the telephone number, which is the transmission destination of the fax function associated with the selection button 21, from the storage unit 105 and displays it on the display unit 107 with an icon attached. .

As described above, when the function associated with the selection button 21 is a transfer function (fax transmission, mail transmission, etc.), the user can display the destination button 9F with the destination display 9F. When the selection button 21 is viewed, the destination can be confirmed.
As a result, it is suppressed that the user misidentifies the destination associated with the selection button 21 and selects the selection button 21, and data transfer to a destination not intended by the user is suppressed. The

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the telephone number that is the transmission destination of the fax is displayed as the destination display 9 </ b> F, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as the destination display 9F, the telephone number or mail address that is the data transmission destination may be displayed as it is, and the destination address stored in the storage unit 105 corresponding to the telephone number or mail address of the transmission destination may be displayed. A name or the like may be displayed.

By the way, as described above, the “one-touch selection button 21” created by the user can start a function (process) associated with the one-touch selection button 21 by performing only one input operation. It has become. That is, when the one-touch selection button 21 is selected by the user on the home screen, an input screen for inputting setting items such as a fax destination and the number of copies, and a confirmation for confirming these setting items. The process is started without displaying the screen.
In this case, since it is possible for the user to execute the process without selecting a function or inputting a setting item, the user's trouble can be reduced, but there are the following problems.

In other words, if the user accidentally selects the one-touch selection button 21 on the home screen, even if the process is not intended by the user, the process is immediately executed.
As a result, for example, when the user mistakenly selects the one-touch selection button 21 associated with the function of transferring data to the outside of the image forming apparatus 10 such as a fax transmission function or a mail transmission function. The data may be transferred to a destination not intended by the user.
In addition, the user erroneously selects the one-touch selection button 21 associated with a copy function with a large number of copies that requires a large amount of recording material (paper) or a scanning function with a high resolution that involves a large amount of memory. If this is selected, a large amount of recording material or memory is wasted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 100 (see FIG. 1) when the selection button 21 for displaying a newly created confirmation screen is selected. FIG. 16 shows a display screen (confirmation screen) displayed on the display unit 107 during this process. In the following description, the selection button 21 that displays the confirmation screen created by the user will be referred to as a “created normal selection button 21”.
In this example, the case where the created normal selection button 21 (send fax to Mr. XX) related to the fax function shown in FIG. 14 is selected will be described as an example.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the created normal selection button 21 is selected (step 201), the control unit 100 stores various setting information associated with the created normal selection button 21 from the storage unit 105. Read (step 202). Next, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 107 to display an application confirmation screen including an explanatory note and the like based on the read various setting information (step 203).

  Subsequently, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a start button (not shown) provided on the display unit 107 has been selected by the user (step 204). If it is determined that the start button has been selected (YES in step 204), control unit 100 executes processing (application) based on the various setting information read in step 202 (step 205).

  On the other hand, when determining that the start button is not selected (NO in step 204), the control unit 100 selects the cancel button 45 (see FIG. 16 described later) displayed on the display unit 107 by the user. It is determined whether or not (step 206). If it is determined that cancel button 45 has not been selected (NO in step 206), control unit 100 returns to step 204 and continues processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancel button has been selected (YES in step 206), the control unit 100 stops executing the process (application) based on the various setting information read in step 202 (step 207). .

Next, details of the confirmation screen will be described.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display screen (confirmation screen) displayed on the display unit 107 in step 203.
On the confirmation screen, a box or the like for presenting matters to be confirmed in advance when the image forming apparatus 10 executes the process (application) associated with the selection button 21 is displayed.
The confirmation screen shown in FIG. 16 includes a name presentation unit 41 that presents the character string input in the name box 31 (first line 31A and second line 31B) shown in FIG. A type presentation unit 42 that presents the type of function associated with the button 21, an explanatory text presentation unit 43 that presents the explanatory text input in the explanation box 36 in creating the selection button 21, and other functions (others A request accepting button 44 for accepting a request for presentation regarding (function), and a cancel button 45 for accepting cancellation (cancellation) of processing.

  In this example, the name presenting unit 41 on the confirmation screen has “fax sent to Mr. XX”, the type presenting unit 42 has “fax sent”, and “destination: 1 destination”. 43 displays “012-345-6789” automatically input by the control unit 100 in the creation process and “corporation ΔΔΔ” manually input by the user in the creation process. When the user selects the request acceptance button 44, information such as “image quality” and “magnification” set by the user in the process of creating the selection button 21 is displayed using, for example, a pop-up screen. It will be.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the selection button 21 created by the user is the “created normal selection button 21”, the process is not started by a single input operation. That is, when the created normal selection button 21 is selected on the home screen, first, a confirmation screen for the function associated with the selected created normal selection button is displayed. Then, when the user confirms the execution of the process (application) in a state where the confirmation screen is displayed (when an instruction to execute is received), the actual process is started.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the control unit 100 functions as an acquisition unit, a processing unit, a reception unit, a registration unit, a setting unit, and a start unit, and the display unit 107 functions as a display unit. In the creation screens shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a character string that is manually input to the description box 36 by the user is a character, and a character string that is automatically input to the description box 36 by the control unit 100 is another character. , Respectively. Furthermore, the selection button 21 displayed on the home screen in the display unit 107 corresponds to the process selection unit. Here, the character data is defined by, for example, JISX0213, and includes data including various symbols, symbols, and pictograms in addition to alphanumeric characters and Japanese (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the creation process of the selection button 21, an explanation regarding the process related to the selection button 21 to be created is manually input by the user. Further, the newly created selection button (created normal selection button) 21 is stored (registered) in the storage unit 105 in a state where the set function and the setting item including the explanatory text are associated with each other. did. The explanatory text manually input by the user is displayed on the confirmation screen displayed when the created normal selection button 21 is selected. Thus, after confirming the explanation (manually inputted explanation) corresponding to the process associated with the created normal selection button 21, the user can select execution or cancellation of this process. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the start of processing that is not intended by the user.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the explanatory text by the user's manual input, the explanatory text automatically input by the control unit 100 is displayed on the confirmation screen, and the automatically input explanatory text is also set. The information is stored (registered) in the storage unit 105 in a state associated with the function. Here, in the present embodiment, information such as a destination and the number of copies is included as an automatically input explanatory text. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the start of the process that is not intended by the user.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the description (automatically) input by the control unit 100 is prohibited from being modified (edited) by the user. Thereby, it is possible to suppress registration of incorrect information.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the creation process of the selection button 21, the contents of the explanatory text manually input by the user are compared with the setting information by the user, and whether or not erroneous information is included in the content of the explanatory text. Judgment was made. When erroneous information is included, the user is prompted to input (correct) it again. Thereby, it can suppress that a user judges execution or cancellation of a process based on incorrect information (description) on a confirmation screen.

  In the present embodiment, the characters automatically input by the control unit 100 and the characters manually input by the user are displayed in the same state in the explanation box 36, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the characters automatically input by the control unit 100 may be outlined, while the characters manually input by the user may be normal, or the characters automatically input by the control unit 100 and manually by the user You may make it change a display color (or font) with the character input.

  In this embodiment, the case where the selection button 21 related to the fax transmission function (the selection button 21 that displays the confirmation screen) is described as an example. However, for example, the selection button 21 (for the copy function) ( It is also possible to create a selection button 21) for displaying a confirmation screen. The selection button 21 for displaying a confirmation screen related to such a copy function is useful when, for example, a copy function having a relatively large number of copies (for example, 10 copies or more) is set.

  When creating the selection button 21 for displaying the confirmation screen related to the copy function, for example, the control unit 100 adds the description screen 36 of the creation screen displayed on the display unit 107 in Step 103 of FIG. It is recommended to automatically input the number of copies set in. The number of copies automatically entered in the explanation box 36 may be prohibited from being modified by the user. For the character string manually input into the explanation box 36 by the user, for example, manual input itself is prohibited for numbers, or when manual input regarding numbers is performed, When the number of copies is different, it may be determined in step 107 that the information is incorrect information.

  When the selection button 21 that displays the confirmation screen related to the copy function that has been created in this way is selected on the home screen, the control unit 100 starts executing the process (application) related to copying. Display the confirmation screen. At this time, the control unit 100 causes the confirmation screen to display a character string automatically or manually input in the explanation box 36 on the creation screen. Then, when the user confirms execution of the process (application) with the confirmation screen displayed (when a start button (not shown) is selected), the actual process is started.

  By doing so, the selection button 21 (selection button 21 for displaying the confirmation screen) related to the fax transmission function can be selected with the selection button 21 (selection button 21 for displaying the confirmation screen) related to the copy function. Similarly, it is possible to register the explanatory text by the manual input of the user and the explanatory text by the automatic input of the control unit 100 in association with the selection button 21 to be created.

  In addition, the user can select execution or cancellation of the process after confirming the description (manual input or automatic input description) corresponding to the process associated with the selection button 21 for displaying the confirmation screen. Become. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the start of processing that is not intended by the user.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus, 21 ... Selection button, 32 ... Icon change button, 100 ... Control part, 105 ... Memory | storage part, 107 ... Display part

Claims (1)

Display means for displaying a process selection unit for starting the associated process by associating and selecting a process related to image data;
Setting means for setting a predetermined character corresponding to the function of the new process selection unit when creating a new process selection unit as the process selection unit displayed on the display unit;
An accepting means for accepting an input for correcting the character set by the setting means when creating the new process selecting section;
A registration unit for registering the new processing selection unit in association with the corrected character obtained by correcting the character set by the setting unit based on an input received by the receiving unit;
After the corrected character registered in association with the new process selection unit by the registration unit is displayed on the display unit when the new process selection unit displayed on the display unit is selected And a starter that starts the process after receiving an instruction to execute the process associated with the new process selection unit.

Images