JP2018147512A - Operation device, electronic instrument including operation device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation device which is convenient for a user.SOLUTION: An operation unit is provided to an image forming apparatus and is an operation device including a touch panel display 122 including a display panel and a touch panel. Under control of a control unit, the display panel displays, as an UI screen, a normal UI 200 including a plurality of setting keys for setting functions or a simple UI 300 including a setting key for setting a part function of the functions settable by the normal UI 200. In response to user's operation, the control unit switches the UI screen displayed on the display panel from one of the normal UI 200 and the simple UI 300 to the other one. In addition, the control unit determines whether or not there are functions set before switching of the UI screen, and switches the UI screen while keeping the setting of the functions in accordance with determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device, and an electronic apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the operating device, and more particularly to a technique for improving the usability of the operating device.

  As one type of information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) is installed in many offices (company, office, etc.). Like a multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)) which is one of such image forming apparatuses, a copy mode, an image communication mode (typically a facsimile mode), a network compatible print mode, and a scanner mode. Many have a plurality of different modes.

  Such an information processing apparatus includes an operation device including an operation unit for setting various functions, parameters, and the like, and a display unit for displaying a job progress status and the like. In recent years, the number of functions has increased significantly in information processing apparatuses. As functions are added, the configuration of the user interface (hereinafter referred to as “UI”) of the controller device becomes complicated accordingly. For users who are unfamiliar with the information processing apparatus, a UI having a complicated configuration may be difficult to use.

  Ideally, the UI should be easy to use for everyone. If the number of users is limited to some extent, it is easy to realize such a UI. However, for example, information processing apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals have a wide user group because of their rich functions and various processes. In this case, since it is difficult to limit the user, it is difficult to realize a user-friendly UI.

  In order to provide an easy-to-use UI for as many users as possible, a method has been proposed in which a plurality of UIs are prepared and the user selects a UI suitable for him.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707 describes a communication device that employs such a method. The communication device of Patent Document 1 includes a display unit that performs menu display, and a simple key that switches the menu display between a normal menu and a simple menu. The normal menu lists almost all modes (functions) that can be selected in communication-related operations. The simple menu lists predetermined modes (functions) among all modes (all functions) that can be selected in communication-related operations. The normal menu is a menu for a user who requires a high function, and the simple menu is a menu for a user who has a single function and is sufficient. The simple key is a key for setting in advance whether to display the normal menu or the simple menu on the display unit. When, for example, a facsimile transmission key is pressed while the standby screen is displayed, a simple menu or a normal menu is displayed on the display unit according to the ON / OFF state of the simple key. The user can display a menu suitable for himself / herself by operating a simple key to set a display menu in advance.

JP 2003-51903 A

  In the communication apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user selects in advance either a normal menu or a simple menu. Users are confused when they don't know which menu to choose. Although a simple menu is selected because it is considered that a single function is sufficient, the simple menu may not have a desired function. Furthermore, although the normal menu is selected, the normal menu may have too many functions and is difficult to use. That is, the preselected menu may not be a menu suitable for the user.

  In such a case, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to return to the standby screen and switch the menu, and then display the switched menu. Such an operation is complicated and troublesome for the user. In addition, the user needs to make settings from the beginning in the menu after switching. For this reason, the communication device of Patent Document 1 is not always convenient for the user.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an operation device that is easy to use for a user, an electronic apparatus including the operation device, and an image forming apparatus. It is to be.

  An operating device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an operating device provided in a control target device. The operating device includes: a display unit for displaying information related to a process executed by the control target device; an input receiving unit for receiving an operation instruction input for the information displayed on the display unit; and the input receiving unit Display control for controlling the display means to display a first operation screen that includes a plurality of items that can be set by an operation instruction input, or a second operation screen that includes some of the plurality of items. In response to receiving the instruction input by the means and the user, the display control means is controlled to change the operation screen displayed on the display means to one of the first operation screen and the second operation screen. Display switching means for switching from the screen to the other operation screen. The display control means is configured to display a start key for accepting the start of execution of the control target device displayed on the second operation screen in a manner different from the start key for accepting the start of execution of the control target device on the first operation screen. The display means is controlled.

  In this operation device, in response to receiving an instruction input from the user, the displayed operation screen is switched from one operation screen of the first operation screen or the second operation screen to the other operation screen. . Even when the user does not know which screen may be selected, the operation screen can be easily switched, so that an operation screen suitable for the user can be easily selected.

  Preferably, the display means displays, on the second operation screen, a start key for accepting an operation instruction input for execution start of the control target device, and a character string indicating the start of execution superimposed on the start key, and When the second operation screen is displayed, the start key of the second operation screen is displayed larger than the start key for accepting the operation instruction input for starting execution of the control target device on the first operation screen, and the display control means In response to switching the display from the second operation screen to the first operation screen, the display of the display means is controlled to delete the character string indicating the start of execution.

  More preferably, the display switching unit switches the display according to the determination unit for determining whether or not there is an item set before the display is switched by the display switching unit, according to the determination result of the determination unit. And a setting holding means for holding the setting state of the set item in the operation screen after being set.

  More preferably, the determination unit includes a unit for determining whether an item that is not included in the second operation screen among the plurality of items is set on the first operation screen, and the display control unit includes: When the display is switched from the first operation screen to the second operation screen, items that are not included in the second operation screen are set among the plurality of items according to the determination result of the means for determining. Means for controlling the display means to display the second operation screen in a manner indicating that the second operation screen is displayed.

  More preferably, the controller device further includes a canceling unit for canceling only a setting of an item not included in the second operation screen among the plurality of items in a state where the second operation screen is displayed. .

  More preferably, each of the first operation screen and the second operation screen includes an operation item operated by the user when switching the display of the operation screen, and the display switching unit is configured such that the operation item is operated by the user. In response to this, the display control means is controlled to switch the operation screen displayed on the display means from one of the first operation screen and the second operation screen to the other operation screen. Including means.

  More preferably, the determination unit includes a unit for determining whether an item common to the first operation screen and the second operation screen is set before the display is switched by the display switching unit, The setting holding unit includes a unit for holding the setting state of the set common items on the operation screen after the display is switched by the display switching unit according to the determination result of the unit for determining.

  An electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention is an electronic device including the operating device according to the first aspect.

  An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including the operation device according to the first aspect.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an operation device that is user-friendly and an electronic device and an image forming apparatus that include the operation device.

1 is a control block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen (normal UI) displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another screen example on the UI screen (normal UI) in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen (simple UI) displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is a detailed flow of step S1010 of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating switching operation | movement of UI screen displayed on an operation unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen (simple UI) displayed on an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of a screen in UI screen of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating switching operation | movement of UI screen displayed on an operation unit. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a UI screen (simple UI) displayed on an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen (simple UI) displayed on an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed by an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a detailed flow of step S2010 in FIG.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus which is a kind of information processing apparatus will be described.

(First embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copy function, a printer function, and the like. The image forming apparatus 100 has a so-called laser (electrophotographic) printing function that uses laser light for exposure. However, other types of printing functions may be provided.

  The image forming apparatus 100 has a plurality of operation modes such as a copy mode, a scanner mode, and a facsimile mode. The image forming apparatus 100 executes various jobs corresponding to the set operation mode by setting one of the operation modes by the user.

[Hardware configuration]
The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, an operation unit 120, a document reading unit 130, an image processing unit 140, an image forming unit 150, a paper feeding unit 160, a network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F”) 170, And a FAX communication unit 180.

  The control unit 110 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 114 for storing programs, and a volatile storage device. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 116 and a storage device 118 are included. The storage device 118 is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is cut off, and includes a hard disk drive (HDD) and a flash memory. A BUS line 190 is connected to the CPU 112, and a ROM 114, a RAM 116, and a storage device 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 190.

  The CPU 112 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 120 and the like, thereby executing desired processes such as operations of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 and communication with an external device such as an information processing apparatus. The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 114 or the storage device 118, and are read from the ROM 114 or the storage device 118 and transferred to the RAM 116 when desired processing is executed. The CPU 112 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 116 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 112. The CPU 112 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by an instruction, such as a register in the RAM 116, the storage device 118, and the CPU 112.

  The storage device 118 stores a computer program for realizing general operations and the like of the image forming apparatus 100. This computer program is provided from an external information processing apparatus or the like via the network I / F 170. The computer program may be provided by a storage medium such as a DVD on which the computer program is recorded. That is, for example, a DVD as a computer program recording medium is loaded into a DVD drive (not shown) built in the image forming apparatus 100, and the computer program is read from the DVD and installed in the storage device 118. Also good. In addition, the storage device 118 stores various data including image data and the like.

  Further, the operation unit 120, the document reading unit 130, the image processing unit 140, the image forming unit 150, the paper feeding unit 160, the network I / F 170, and the FAX communication unit 180 are electrically connected to the BUS line 190.

  The operation unit 120 receives an operation by a user. The operation unit 120 includes a touch panel display 122. The touch panel display 122 includes a display panel 124 configured by a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel 126 that is disposed on the display panel 124 and detects a touched position. The display panel 124 provides the user with various information such as information regarding the state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the state of various processes. The touch panel display 122 provides an interactive operation interface (UI) to the user. This interactive operation interface accepts user instructions for the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100 from the touch panel 126, displays the contents of the instructions on the display panel 124, and sends control signals according to the instructions to the control unit 110 and the like. Output for.

  For example, on the display panel 124, a home screen (not shown) for selecting a desired operation mode from a plurality of operation modes, the current state of the image forming apparatus 100, a FAX destination designation status, and job processing The situation etc. are displayed. The display operation of the display panel 124 is controlled by the CPU 112. A software key is displayed on the display area of the display panel 124. When the user presses this software key with a finger, touch panel 126 detects the pressed position. The CPU 112 collates the display position of the software key with the position where the touch panel is pressed on the program, and performs operation mode selection, setting of various functions and parameters, operation instruction, and the like based on the collation result.

  The operation unit 120 further includes a home key (not shown) including hardware keys. The home key is a key for issuing an instruction to shift to the home screen. For example, when the home key is operated by the user, the home screen is displayed on the display panel 124 (touch panel display 122). When one operation mode is selected from a plurality of operation modes by a user operation on the home screen, the operation screen (UI screen) of the selected operation mode is displayed on the touch panel display 122.

  A plurality of UI screens are prepared for each operation mode. The plurality of UI screens include a normal UI that is a normal UI screen and a simple UI that is easier to understand than the normal UI. The normal UI is a full-function UI screen that can set all the functions of the selected operation mode. The normal UI includes a plurality of software keys for setting the function of the selected operation mode.

  On the other hand, the simple UI is a UI screen that allows simple and easy operation. The simple UI can set only predetermined functions (partial functions) among all functions of the selected operation mode. That is, functions that can be set in the simple UI are limited. This simple UI includes a software key for setting a predetermined function (partial function) among the functions of the selected operation mode. The image forming apparatus 100 is configured to be able to switch the UI screen at any timing from a normal UI to a simple UI or from a simple UI to a normal UI according to a user instruction. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to retain the setting before switching even after switching, when the UI screen is switched after the function is set.

  Document reading unit 130 includes a scanner and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (none of which is shown). The scanner forms a reflected light image obtained by irradiating light from a light source (not shown) onto the image surface of the document placed on the document placement table on the CCD line sensor, and moves the light source. Scan the document. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image and outputs it to the image processing unit 140 as image data. That is, when reading or scanning a document, the document reading unit 130 reads image information from a document placed on a document placement table by a scanner, converts the read image information into an electrical signal by a CCD line sensor, and outputs image data. To the image processing unit 140.

  The image processing unit 140 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown). The image processing unit 140 performs various processing including predetermined image processing such as rasterization processing on the image data received from the document reading unit 130 or the information processing apparatus or the like, and print data with predetermined gradation. And output to the image forming unit 150.

  The image forming unit 150 prints an image indicated by image data on a recording sheet in color or single color, and includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit (LSU), a developing device, a transfer device, and a cleaning device. A device, a fixing device, a static eliminator, and the like. For example, the image forming unit 150 is provided with a conveyance path, and the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit 160 is conveyed along the conveyance path.

  The paper supply unit 160 includes a cassette tray (not shown) that can store a plurality of (for example, about 500) recording sheets. The paper feeding unit 160 pulls out the recording papers placed on the recording paper stored in the cassette tray one by one and sends the recording papers to the conveyance path of the image forming unit 150. While the recording paper is being transported along the transport path of the image forming unit 150, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, and further passes through the fixing device to perform printing on the recording paper. It is.

  The photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device and a static eliminator and then uniformly charged by a charging device. The laser scanning unit modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with this laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. To do. The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum.

  The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller for pressing the recording paper. The recording paper is heated by the heating roller and is pressed by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper. The recording paper discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

  The network I / F 170 has an interface with the network 50. The image forming apparatus 100 can perform data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with an information processing apparatus or the like on the network 50 via the network I / F 170. The image forming apparatus 100 can receive a command signal instructing execution of various processes such as a print job from the information processing apparatus via the network I / F 170.

  The FAX communication unit 180 is connected to the telephone line network 60 and is an interface for performing facsimile communication via the telephone line network 60. The image forming apparatus 100 can perform FAX transmission / reception with an external facsimile apparatus (not shown) via the FAX communication unit 180 and the telephone line network 60.

[UI screen configuration]
Hereinafter, the normal UI and the simple UI displayed on the touch panel display 122 will be described by taking the case where the selected operation mode is the copy mode as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 2, normal UI 200 has a “monochrome” key 210 for starting monochrome copy printing, a “color” key 212 for starting color copy printing, and a “preview” key for displaying a preview image. 214, and a “reset” key 216 for canceling the setting. The normal UI 200 further includes a plurality of software keys (setting keys) for setting various functions that can be used in the copy mode. When these setting keys are operated, a function corresponding to the operated setting key is set. In FIG. 2, these setting keys are “setting A” key 220, “setting B” key 222, “setting C” key 224, “setting D” key 226, “setting E” key 228, and “others”, respectively. A key 230 is shown in a simplified manner.

  “Setting A” key 220 to “Setting E” key 228 are software keys for setting a function having a relatively high use frequency. The “setting A” key 220 is a software key for setting the number of copies, for example, and the “setting B” key 222 is a software key for setting, for example, double-sided copying / single-sided copying. The “Setting C” key 224 is a software key for setting a color mode, for example. The “Setting D” key 226 is a software key for setting a copy density, for example. The “Setting E” key 228 is for example a magnification. It is a software key for setting. Other functions are set by operating the “others” key 230.

  Referring to FIG. 3, when “others” key 230 is operated, a screen 250 including setting keys for setting other functions is popped up. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a plurality of setting keys are displayed on the screen 250. In FIG. 3, the plurality of setting keys include a “setting F” key 232, a “setting G” key 234, a “setting H” key 236, a “setting I” key 238, a “setting J” key 240, and a “setting J” key 240. It is shown in a simplified manner as a “set K” key 242. Functions set by these setting keys 232 to 242 (“setting F” key 232 to “setting K” key 242) are, for example, page aggregation, sorting, paper discharge tray selection, saddle stitching, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing, and book duplication. Etc. are included.

  Referring again to FIG. 2, the normal UI 200 further includes a “switch” key 260 for switching the UI screen displayed on the touch panel display 122 from the normal UI to the simple UI.

  Referring to FIG. 4, an easy UI 300 is an easy-to-see UI screen in which basic functions are simply summarized. The simple UI 300 includes a “copy start” key 310 for starting copy printing and a “reset” key 312 for canceling the setting. The simple UI 300 further includes software keys (setting keys) for setting a part of functions (for example, basic functions) that can be used in the copy mode. When these setting keys are operated, a function corresponding to the operated setting key is set. In FIG. 4, these setting keys are simplified as a “setting A” key 320, a “setting B” key 322, and a “setting C” key 324, respectively. The “setting A” key 322, the “setting B” key 324, and the “setting C” key 326 are a “setting A” key 220, a “setting B” key 224, and a “setting C” key 226 of the normal UI 200, respectively. Has the same function. The simple UI 300 further includes a “switch” key 330 for switching the UI screen displayed on the touch panel display 122 from the simple UI to the normal UI.

  In the setting of the color mode in the normal UI 200 and the simple UI 300, “automatic”, “full color”, “monochrome”, “two-color”, or the like can be set. When “automatic” is set, the image forming apparatus 100 automatically determines the color of the document, and executes copy printing with a full color if the document is in color and with a black color if the document is black and white. When “full color” is set, the image forming apparatus 100 executes copy printing in full color using toners of all four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. When “monochrome” is set, the image forming apparatus 100 executes copy printing in monochrome regardless of the color of the document. When “two color” is set, the image forming apparatus 100 executes copy printing with the designated two colors. In the simple UI 300, the color mode is set to “automatic” as a default, for example. Therefore, in a state where the setting of the color mode is not changed, when the “copy start” key 310 of the simple UI 300 is operated, color copy printing or monochrome copy printing is executed according to the color of the document.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 5, a control structure of a computer program executed in the image forming apparatus 100 in order to improve the user-friendliness in the operation of the selected operation mode will be described. Hereinafter, a case where the selected operation mode is the copy mode will be described.

  This program starts when one operation mode (copy mode) is selected from among a plurality of operation modes by a user operation on the home screen. This program includes step S1000 for displaying the UI screen on the touch panel display 122. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the normal UI 200 is displayed in advance on the touch panel display 122 in response to the selection of the copy mode from the home screen. Therefore, in step S1000, the normal UI 200 is displayed on the touch panel display 122. Note that the simple UI 300 may be displayed instead of the normal UI 200. Further, a configuration in which the user can select which of the normal UI 200 and the simple UI 300 to display is also possible.

  The program further includes step S1010 that is executed after step S1000 and executes processing in response to a user operation on the operation unit 120. FIG. 6 is a detailed flow of step S1010 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, this routine waits until the user inputs an operation instruction to operation unit 120. When the operation instruction is input, the operation instruction input is accepted and the type of the operation instruction input is determined. Step S1100 is included. Depending on the result of this determination, the control structure branches as shown in FIG.

  This routine further includes step S1110 for performing a function setting process in response to receiving an instruction input (setting change) for setting a function on the displayed UI screen. When the process of step S1110 ends, this routine ends.

  This routine further includes a step S1120 for switching the UI screen displayed on the touch panel display 122 to another UI screen in response to receiving an input of a switching instruction for switching the UI screen (UI switching), and step S1120. Step S1130 that is executed later and determines whether or not the function has been set before switching the UI screen, and branches the control flow according to the determination result. In step S1130, it is determined that the function has been set. Step S1140 is executed, and the setting of the function is held, and this routine is ended. If it is determined in step S1130 that the function has not been set, this routine also ends.

  This routine is further executed after step S1150 for executing the copy printing process in response to receiving the copy start instruction input, and after step S1150 to determine whether or not the copy printing is completed, and the copy printing is performed. Step S1160 that waits until the process ends. If it is determined in step S1160 that copy printing has ended, this routine ends. This routine also ends when it is determined in step S1100 that the operation instruction input by the user is an input of an instruction to shift to the home screen (operation of the home key).

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, this program is further executed after step S1010 to determine whether or not an input of an instruction to shift to the home screen (operation of the home key) is accepted, and control is performed according to the determination result. Step S1020 for branching the flow is included. If it is determined in step S1020 that an input of an instruction to shift to the home screen has not been received, control returns to step S1010 and waits until the next operation instruction input by the user is performed.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S1020 that an input of an instruction to shift to the home screen has been accepted, and is executed after steps S1030 and S1030 for shifting the display screen of the touch panel display 122 to the home screen. , Step S1040 to return the setting of the function to the default state (resetting the setting). When the process of step S1040 ends, the program ends.

[Operation]
Image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. In the following description, only the part related to the present invention in the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Other operations are the same as those of the conventional image forming apparatus.

  It is assumed that the copy mode is selected from a plurality of operation modes by a user operation on the home screen. The image forming apparatus 100 displays the normal UI 200 (see FIG. 2) on the touch panel display 122 as a copy mode UI screen (step S1000).

  When the “switch” key 260 of the normal UI 200 is operated by the user, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the UI screen displayed on the touch panel display 122 from the normal UI 200 to the simple UI 300 (see FIG. 4) (step S1120). Similarly, when the “switch” key 330 of the simple UI 300 is operated by the user, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the UI screen displayed on the touch panel display 122 from the simple UI 300 to the normal UI 200 (step S1120).

  Referring to FIG. 7, for example, it is assumed that the “setting B” key 222 is operated in the normal UI 200 and the function corresponding to the “setting B” key 222 is set (step S1110). When the “switch” key 260 of the normal UI 200 is operated by the user, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the UI screen displayed on the touch panel display 122 from the normal UI 200 to the simple UI 300 (step S1120). The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the function has been set before switching the UI screen. Here, since the function corresponding to the “setting B” key 222 is set, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the function has been set before switching the UI screen (YES in step S1130). If the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the function has been set before switching the UI screen, the image forming apparatus 100 holds the setting state of the function (step S1140). That is, when the “switching” key 260 is operated after the function corresponding to the “setting B” key 222 is set, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the UI screen from the normal UI 200 to the simple UI 300 while maintaining the setting. Similarly, when the “switch” key 330 is operated after the function is set in the simple UI 300, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the UI screen from the simple UI 300 to the normal UI 200 while maintaining the setting. In FIG. 7, it is shown that the function is set by the reverse display of the setting key.

  In the normal UI 200, more functions can be set than in the simple UI 300. Therefore, the UI screen may be switched to the simple UI 300 after a function (for example, a function corresponding to the “setting D” key 226 or the like) that cannot be set in the simple UI 300 is set in the normal UI 200. In this embodiment, even in such a case, the UI screen is switched to the simple UI 300 while maintaining the normal UI 200 settings. In other words, functions whose settings are omitted in the simple UI 300 are set as defaults, and when such functions are normally set in the UI 200, the default settings are changed when the simple UI 300 is switched.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the input instruction to start copying, the image forming apparatus 100 starts copy printing (step S1150). When a desired function is set by operating the setting key, the image forming apparatus 100 executes copy printing according to the setting. For example, when double-sided copy is set, the image forming apparatus 100 executes double-sided copy printing. When copy printing is completed (YES in step S1160), the state is the state before starting copying. When the user operates the home key (YES in step S1020), the display screen on touch panel display 122 shifts to the home screen (step S1030). When the home screen is displayed, the function set in the copy mode is canceled (reset) (step S1040).

[Action / Effect]
As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by using the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, in response to receiving an instruction input from the user in the operation unit 120, the displayed UI screen is switched from one of the normal UI 200 and the simple UI 300 to the other. When the UI screen is switched, since the switching screen or the like (for example, the home screen) is not passed, it is possible to reduce the trouble of switching. In addition, the UI screen can be switched at an arbitrary timing. Therefore, even if the user does not know which UI screen may be selected, the UI screen can be easily switched, so that a UI screen suitable for the user can be easily selected.

  Because there is no function required for the simple UI 300, it is necessary to switch the UI screen from the simple UI 300 to the normal UI 200, or the normal UI 200 has so many functions that it is difficult to understand which functions are necessary, so it is necessary to use the simple UI 300. In some cases, it is necessary to switch the UI screen even during the process. In the image forming apparatus 100, it is determined whether or not the function has been set before switching the UI screen. When the function is set, the setting is retained without being cleared (released) even on the UI screen after the switching. Therefore, it is not necessary to make settings from the beginning on the UI screen after switching the display. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 can switch the UI screen without requiring a complicated and time-consuming operation. In addition, there is no need to redo settings. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

(Second Embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is such that, when functions that cannot be set with the simple UI are set, the set functions can be confirmed with the simple UI. Is different. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not a function that cannot be set by the simple UI is set when switching from the normal UI to the simple UI. When it is determined that such a function is set, the image forming apparatus displays an icon indicating that on the simple UI.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, simple UI 400 is displayed instead of simple UI 300 (see FIG. 4). The simple UI 400 has almost the same configuration as the simple UI 300. However, if a function that cannot be set in the simple UI 400 is set in the normal UI 200, the icon 410 is displayed on the simple UI 400 when the function is switched to the simple UI 400. Referring to FIG. 9, when this icon 410 is operated by the user, a pop-up screen 420 is displayed, and functions that are normally set in UI 200 and cannot be set in simple UI 400 are displayed in pop-up screen 420. FIG. 9 shows an example in which a function corresponding to the “setting G” key 234 and a function corresponding to the “setting K” key 242 in the normal UI 200 (see FIG. 3) are set.

  A more specific description will be given with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the “setting G” key 234 and the “setting K” key 242 are operated on the normal UI 200, and then the UI screen is switched to the simple UI 400. The simple UI 400 does not have a function corresponding to the “setting G” key 234 and the “setting K” key 242. When the image forming apparatus determines that a function that cannot be set by the simple UI 400 is set, the image forming apparatus displays an icon 410 in a predetermined area of the simple UI 400. The user can confirm the details of the set function by operating this icon 410.

  As described above, when switching from the normal UI 200 to the simple UI 400, even if the function corresponding to the function set in the normal UI 200 does not exist in the simple UI 400, the setting contents (change contents) are displayed on the simple UI 400. Thus, it is possible to avoid applying a setting different from the user's intention. In addition, it is not necessary to switch the UI screen to the normal UI 200 in order to confirm the setting. Thereby, the convenience of the user is further improved.

(Third embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the second embodiment in that when a function that cannot be set by the simple UI is set, the setting of the function can be canceled by the simple UI. Different from the image forming apparatus. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  As in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus determines whether a function that cannot be set by the simple UI is set when switching from the normal UI to the simple UI. Referring to FIG. 11, when it is determined that such a function is set, the image forming apparatus displays an icon 510 indicating that on the simple UI 500. When the icon 510 is operated by the user, a pop-up screen 520 is displayed. In the pop-up screen 520, functions that are normally set on the UI 200 but cannot be set on the simple UI 500 are displayed. In the present embodiment, a “reset” key 530 is displayed in the pop-up screen 520 to cancel the setting of a function that is normally set on the UI 200 and cannot be set on the simple UI 500. When the “reset” key 530 is operated, the settings of the functions that are normally set on the UI 200 and cannot be set on the simple UI 500 are canceled (reset) all at once.

  FIG. 11 shows an example in which a function corresponding to the “setting G” key 234 and a function corresponding to the “setting K” key 242 in the normal UI 200 (see FIG. 3) are set. When the “reset” key 530 is operated, the setting of the function corresponding to the “setting G” key 234 and the function corresponding to the “setting K” key 242 is cancelled. Note that functions other than those displayed in the pop-up screen 520 are not canceled by operating the “reset” key 530. The other configuration of the simple UI 500 is the same as that of the simple UI 400 shown in FIG.

  Thus, by providing the “reset” key 530 in the simple UI 500, it is not necessary to switch the UI screen to the normal UI 200 in order to cancel the setting. For this reason, the user convenience is further improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the second embodiment in that when a function that cannot be set by the simple UI is set, the setting of the function can be canceled by the simple UI. Different from the image forming apparatus. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  As in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus determines whether a function that cannot be set by the simple UI is set when switching from the normal UI to the simple UI. Referring to FIG. 12, when it is determined that such a function is set, the image forming apparatus displays an icon 410 indicating that on the simple UI 600.

  The simple UI 600 includes a “reset” key 610 that cancels the setting of the function that is normally set in the UI 200 and cannot be set in the simple UI 600. This “reset” key 610 is displayed in a predetermined area of the display screen of the simple UI 600. In this respect, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is also different from the third embodiment in which a “reset” key 530 having the same function as the “reset” key 610 is displayed in the pop-up screen 520. The other configuration of the simple UI 600 is the same as that of the simple UI 400 shown in FIG.

  The “reset” key 610 may be configured to be always displayed on the display screen of the simple UI 600, or may be configured to be displayed when the icon 410 is displayed.

(Fifth embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the first in that the setting of the function is retained when the UI screen is switched only when a function that can be set in both the normal UI and the simple UI is set. Different from the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  The image forming apparatus determines whether a function (a common function) that can be set in both the normal UI and the simple UI is set before switching the UI screen. When the image forming apparatus determines that the common function is set, the image forming apparatus holds the set state of the set common function.

Software configuration
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the program shown in FIG. 13 is executed instead of the program shown in FIG. The program in FIG. 13 includes step S2010 instead of step S1010 in FIG. The processing in step S1000 and steps S1020 to S1040 is the same as the processing in each step shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a detailed flow of step S2010 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 14, this routine includes step S2100 and step S2110, respectively, instead of step S1130 and step S1140 in FIG. Processing in steps S1100 to S1120, step S1150, and step S1160 is the same as the processing in each step shown in FIG. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 14, this routine is executed after step S1120, and determines whether or not a common function has been set before switching the UI screen, and branches the control flow according to the determination result. S2100 and step S2110 are executed when it is determined in step S2100 that a common function has been set, and the setting of the function is held and this routine is terminated. If it is determined in step S2100 that a common function has not been set, this routine also ends.

[Action / Effect]
The image forming apparatus holds the setting of the function only when a function that can be set in both the normal UI and the simple UI is set when the UI screen is switched. When a function that can be set only on one UI screen (for example, a normal UI) is set, the setting of the function is canceled when the UI screen is switched. Since only the functions that can be confirmed by both the normal UI and the simple UI are retained, it is possible to avoid applying settings different from the user's intention.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP), which is an example of an image forming apparatus, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image forming apparatus may be an apparatus other than the multifunction machine. For example, an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer may be used. In the above embodiment, the operation unit is provided in the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The operation unit may be provided in another electronic device. Examples of other electronic devices include a scanner device.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which two UI screens of a normal UI and a simple UI are alternately switched has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, three or more UI screens may be switched with each other.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the UI screen is switched when the selected operation mode is the copy mode has been described. However, the UI screen can be switched in each operation mode. In some operation modes, the UI screen may not be switched.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the “switch” key for switching the UI screen is displayed as a software key on each UI screen has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the “switch” key may be a hardware key. Further, the UI screen may be switched by a gesture operation (for example, a flick operation) on the touch panel display, or the UI screen may be switched by voice. When the “switch” key is a software key, the “switch” key of each UI screen may be configured to be displayed or activated when a function is set.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the settings of functions that are set in the normal UI and cannot be set in the simple UI are canceled collectively by operating the “reset” key 530 or the “reset” key 610. Is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, functions that are normally set in the pop-up screen but cannot be set in the simple UI are displayed as operable software keys, and are displayed individually in the pop-up screen by operating the software keys for each function. It is good also as a structure which cancel | releases the performed function.

  In the said embodiment, although it showed about the operation unit containing a touch panel display, this invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The operation unit may include a display (display panel) other than the touch panel display. For example, an instruction input for information displayed on the display may be performed by a hardware key or the like.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Control part 120 Operation unit 122 Touch panel display 124 Display panel 126 Touch panel 130 Document reading part 140 Image processing part 150 Image forming part 160 Paper feed part 170 Network I / F
180 FAX communication unit 200 Normal UI
260, 330 “Switch” key 300, 400, 500, 600 Simple UI
410, 510 Icon 420, 520 Pop-up screen 530, 610 “Reset” key

Claims (9)

An operating device provided in the device to be controlled,
Display means for displaying information relating to processing executed in the control target device;
An input receiving means for receiving an operation instruction input for information displayed on the display means;
The first operation screen including a plurality of items that can be set by the operation instruction input received by the input receiving unit, or the second operation screen including a part of the plurality of items is displayed. Display control means for controlling the display means;
In response to receiving the instruction input by the user, the display control means is controlled, and the operation screen displayed on the display means is changed to one of the first operation screen and the second operation screen. Display switching means for switching from the operation screen to the other operation screen,
The display control means is different from a start key for accepting the start of execution of the control target device displayed on the second operation screen from a start key for accepting the start of execution of the control target device on the first operation screen. An operating device for controlling the display means so as to display in a manner. The display means displays, on the second operation screen, a start key for accepting an operation instruction input for execution start of the control target device, and a character string indicating start of execution superimposed on the start key, and When displaying the second operation screen, the start key of the second operation screen is displayed larger than the start key for accepting an operation instruction input for starting execution of the control target device on the first operation screen;
In response to switching the display from the second operation screen to the first operation screen, the display control unit controls the display of the display unit to delete the character string indicating the start of execution. The operating device according to claim 1. A determination unit for determining whether there is an item set before the display is switched by the display switching unit;
A setting holding unit for holding a setting state of the set item on an operation screen after the display is switched by the display switching unit according to a determination result of the determination unit. The operating device according to 1 or 2. The determination means includes means for determining whether an item that is not included in the second operation screen among the plurality of items is set in the first operation screen.
The display control means, when the display is switched from the first operation screen to the second operation screen, according to a determination result of the determination means, the second of the plurality of items. The operation device according to claim 3, further comprising means for controlling the display means to display the second operation screen in a manner indicating that an item not included in the operation screen is set.   5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising release means for releasing only the setting of items not included in the second operation screen among the plurality of items in a state where the second operation screen is displayed. Operating device. Each of the first operation screen and the second operation screen includes an operation item operated by a user when switching the display of the operation screen,
The display switching means controls the display control means in response to the operation of the operation item by the user, and changes the operation screen displayed on the display means to the first operation screen and the The operating device according to claim 1, comprising means for switching from one operation screen to the other operation screen of the second operation screen. The determination means includes means for determining whether an item common to the first operation screen and the second operation screen has been set before the display is switched by the display switching means,
The setting holding unit holds the setting state of the set common item on the operation screen after the display is switched by the display switching unit according to the determination result of the determining unit. The operating device according to claim 3, comprising:   The electronic device containing the operating device in any one of Claims 1-7.   An image forming apparatus comprising the operating device according to claim 1.

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