JP6375543B2 - Input / display device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input / display device that slide-in-displays a second operation screen after displaying a first operation screen, and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  In recent years, many devices (for example, image forming apparatuses) have input / display devices such as a touch screen and a touch panel. The input / display device switches an operation screen to be displayed on the input / display unit in response to a user operation. Hereinafter, a specific example of switching the operation screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 14, the first operation screen UI <b> 11 is displayed on the input / display unit 16. The operation screen UI11 is a screen on which an electronic file stored in a storage unit in the image forming apparatus can be selected. More specifically, the operation screen UI11 includes at least one first operation unit OP1. The operation unit OP1 is a graphic element that is arranged in the operation screen UI11 so as to be visually recognized by the user and uniquely specifies an electronic file in the storage unit. Here, the graphic element is typically an icon, button, or key realized by software. The operation unit OP1 is activated by being tapped by the user, whereby an electronic file desired by the user is selected.

  In addition, an operation unit OP3 such as a tab is displayed at a predetermined position of the input / display unit 16 (in the upper right in the example of FIG. 14, diagonally to the right). The operation unit OP3 is configured, for example, so that a user can perform a slide operation in the center direction of the operation screen UI11 (see arrow A1). By such a slide operation, the second operation screen UI21 is displayed on the input / display means 16 so as to slide in and cover the operation screen UI11 (see the lower part of FIG. 14). In the lower part of FIG. 14, the operation screen UI11 is indicated by a dotted line from the viewpoint of clarifying the operation screen UI21. The operation screen UI21 is logically divided into areas for a plurality of categories CT. In each region, at least one second operation unit OP2 belonging to the corresponding category CT is arranged. The operation unit OP2 is a graphic element to which a predetermined function is assigned. The operation unit OP2 is tapped by the user, thereby selecting a function desired by the user. Note that, from the viewpoint of preventing complexity, in the lower part of FIG. 14, the reference symbol OP2 is attached only to one second operation unit belonging to the fourth category CT4. Hereinafter, specific examples of the plurality of categories CT and the operation unit OP2 will be described.

  In the lower part of FIG. 14, the first category CT1 to the fourth category CT4 are exemplified as the plurality of categories CT. The operation unit OP2 illustrated in Table 1 below belongs to the categories CT1 to CT4. For example, the category CT1 will be described in detail below on behalf of the categories CT1 to CT4. The operation unit OP2 related to a job (print job, scan job, fax job, etc.) belongs to the category CT1. In Table 1 below, a software key indicating job start and a software key indicating job stop are exemplified as the operation unit OP2 belonging to the category CT1.

  Through the operation screens UI11 and UI21, the user designates the electronic file to be processed and the contents of the processing / operation to be performed on the input / display device. Specifically, after the operation screen UI11 is displayed, the user selects a desired electronic file as necessary. After the selection, the user displays the operation screen UI21 and operates a desired operation unit OP2, thereby specifying an operation / process for the selected electronic file on the input / display device.

  By the way, in the conventional operation screen UI21, the operation unit OP2 is collected and displayed for each category. However, when the operation screen UI21 is displayed in a slide-in manner, a large number of operation units OP2 are displayed all at once. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to find the desired operation unit OP2 immediately. In order to solve such a problem, for example, the input / display device described in Patent Document 1 below displays only a part of all the operation units OP2 in a slide-in display first, and then the rest are stepwise. Is displayed as a slide-in.

JP 2012-103602 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, there is a high possibility that the user cannot find the desired operation unit OP2 until all the operation units OP2 are displayed in a slide-in manner.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an input / display device that allows a user to find a desired operation unit earlier, and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  One aspect of the present invention is an input / display device, wherein the input / display unit and a control unit that causes the input / display unit to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by the user, It has.

  The control means further has a higher priority from a plurality of categories according to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation section in the first operation screen. The second operation unit belonging to the category determined to have a high priority is first displayed in the input / display means in a slide-in manner.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the input / display device is used in an image forming apparatus.

  According to the said aspect, a category with a high priority is determined according to the 1st operation screen and the operation condition of a 1st operation part. Thereafter, the second operation unit belonging to the category is first displayed in a slide-in manner on the input / display means. Thus, in the above aspect, a limited number of second operation units, which are likely to be selected by the user, are first slide-in displayed with priority. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the possibility that the user can quickly find the desired second operation unit.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network environment to which an image forming apparatus is connected. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state by which the 1st example of the 2nd operation screen was entirely slide-in displayed. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd example and 3rd operation part of a 1st operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 4th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 5th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd example and 3rd operation part of a 1st operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 6th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 7th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 8th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 4th example and 3rd operation part of a 1st operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st operation part for magnification setting. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 9th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 10th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a 1st schematic diagram which shows the 5th example and 3rd operation part of a 1st operation screen. It is a 2nd schematic diagram which shows the 5th example and 3rd operation part of a 1st operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 11th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 12th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 6th example and 3rd operation part of a 1st operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 13th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 14th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 15th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 16th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 17th example of a 2nd operation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the 9th example of display control. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode at the time of sliding out the category which was not operated on the 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode at the time of sliding out an unnecessary category in a 2nd operation screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the switching of the conventional operation screen.

  Hereinafter, an input / display device and an image forming apparatus including the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<< First column: Network environment example >>
In the network environment of FIG. 1, at least one image forming apparatus 1 (two in the figure) and at least one personal computer 2 (four in the figure) can communicate with each other, such as a LAN or a wireless LAN. The first network 3 is connected. The first network 3 is connected to a second network 4 such as the Internet, so that the image forming apparatus 1 or the PC 2 can communicate with devices connected to the second network 4.

<< Second column: Configuration of operation / input device and image forming apparatus >>
Each image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, or a multifunction machine having these functions. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a network IF 11, an image reading unit 12, a storage unit 13, a printer controller 14, an image forming unit 15, an input / display unit 16, and an input unit 17. And a control means 18. In the present embodiment, at least the input / display unit 16 and the control unit 18 are components of the input / display device 19.

  The network IF 11 is an input / output interface for a LAN or a wireless LAN, for example. The network IF 11 receives data sent from other devices via the network 3 and transfers the data to the control means 18. The network IF 11 receives the data generated by the control means 18 and sends it over the network 3 for transmission to other devices.

  The image reading unit 12 typically includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) 110 and an image scanner 111. The ADF 110 supplies documents placed on a tray provided in the ADF 110 to the image scanner 111 one by one. The image scanner 111 optically reads a document supplied from the ADF 110 and transmits raster data representing the read document to the control unit 18.

  The raster data is converted by the control means 18 into a predetermined data format (that is, a predetermined data format or a data format designated by the user). The storage unit 13 is, for example, a hard disk drive, and stores the electronic file converted by the control unit 18 as the in-box document file D. In addition to the HDD, the storage unit 13 may be a USB memory that can be inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus 1. Hereinafter, the in-box document file D may be referred to as an electronic file D.

  The printer controller 14 is realized by, for example, ASIC or software, performs RIP (Raster Image Processing) on the PostScript data received from the control unit 18, and transmits the raster data obtained by this processing to the image forming unit 15.

  The image forming unit 15 prints and outputs an image represented by the received raster data on a sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic method and a tandem method. Note that the image forming unit 15 may adopt an ink jet method or the like other than the electrophotographic method, and may adopt a four-cycle method other than the tandem method.

  The input / display unit 16 is, for example, a touch panel or a touch screen, and displays various operation screens under display control by the control unit 18. Here, the operation screen includes graphic elements that can be operated by the user, such as icons, software buttons, or software keys, as operation units at predetermined positions. In the following, software buttons and software keys are abbreviated as soft buttons and soft keys. When the operation unit is operated by the user, the input / display unit 16 transmits position information indicating the position operated by the user on the screen to the control unit 18.

  The input means 17 is a hardware key or a hardware button (hereinafter referred to as a hard key or a hardware button), and more specifically includes a numeric keypad, a menu button, and the like. When such a hard key or hard button is operated, the input unit 17 transmits an operation signal indicating the operated key or button to the control unit 18.

  The control means 18 includes, for example, a ROM 112, a CPU 113, an SRAM 114, and an NVRAM 115. The CPU 113 executes a control program stored in advance in the ROM 112 while using the SRAM 114 as a work area. Further, the CPU 113 stores various setting values related to printing in the NVRAM 115 which is a nonvolatile memory. Further, by executing the control program, the CPU 113 controls the operation of the image reading unit 12 or the image forming unit 15 or performs predetermined processing on the electronic file D in the storage unit 13. In addition to the above, the CPU 113 performs the following display control to cause the input / display unit 16 to display various operation screens as appropriate.

<< Third column: first example of display control >>
When the user wants the image forming apparatus 1 to perform any processing on the electronic file D (for example, printing, sending by fax, sending by e-mail, etc.), the input unit 17 and the input / display unit 16 are set in a predetermined procedure. Operate with. As a result, the input / display unit 16 displays a first operation screen UI11 (see the upper part of FIG. 14) which is a first example of the first operation screen UI1, and the first operation screen UI11 for electronic file processing is displayed. Is done. In the description of the third column, the operation screen UI11 includes a first operation unit OP11 assigned to each electronic file D as a first example of the first operation unit OP1. The operation unit OP11 uniquely identifies the corresponding electronic file D by the file name or the like. If there is no electronic file D in the storage means 13, the operation unit OP11 is not displayed. The operation unit OP11 is activated by a tap, whereby the corresponding electronic file D is selected. Note that the upper part of FIG. 14 illustrates a single operation unit OP1 in a selected state.

  In addition to the operation screen UI11, the input / display unit 16 displays the third operation unit OP3 described in the section “Background art”. In response to the slide operation of the operation unit OP3, the control unit 18 uses the second operation screen UI22 or the second operation screen UI23 (see FIG. 5) as a first example and a second example of the second operation screen UI2 unique to the present embodiment. 3A or FIG. 3B). Both operation screens UI22 and UI23 are displayed on the input / display unit 16 so as to slide in and cover the operation screen UI11.

  In order to generate each operation screen UI22, UI23, the control program of the control means 18 defines a plurality of categories CT and a second operation unit OP2 belonging to each category CT as shown in Table 2 below. The For convenience of explanation, Table 2 is exemplified by the same as Table 1 described above. This definition is also used to create other second operation screens UI24 to UI29. The storage unit 13 or the control unit 18 stores in advance data representing the operation screens UI22 and UI23 and data representing the operation unit OP2 belonging to each category CT. Further, the storage means 13 or the control means 18 stores not only the above data but also data representing other operation screens UI24 to UI29.

  The control means 18 defines conditions for determining a category CT to be displayed first after the slide operation of the operation unit OP3 as shown in Table 3 below. Specifically, if there is a selected operation unit OP1 at the time of the slide operation, the category CT4 to be displayed first is determined ((1) in Table 3 below). This is because, after selecting the electronic file D, the user is highly likely to instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to operate / process (for example, print) the selected electronic file D. If the operation unit OP1 is not selected even at the time of the slide operation, the category CT2 to be displayed first is determined ((2) in Table 3 below). In this case, it is considered that the user does not know how to operate the input / display unit 16, and therefore it is highly likely that the user is seeking support for the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, it is determined that category CT2 should be displayed first.

  In the case of (1) in Table 3 above, the control means 18 first creates a partial operation screen UI22 including only the operation unit OP22 of the category CT4 as a first example of the second operation unit OP2, and displays it in a slide-in manner. (See FIG. 3A). When the user finds an operation unit OP22 displaying a desired operation / process in the operation screen UI22, the user operates the operation unit OP22. As a result, the user designates an operation / process for the selected electronic file D on the input / display device 19. In response to this, the input / display device 19 transmits position information to the control means 18. Based on the received information, the control means 18 executes an operation / process designated by the user. For example, when the user operates the print key operation unit OP22, the control unit 18 performs a printing process of the selected electronic file D.

  If there is no desired operation unit OP22 in the category CT4, the user further slides the operation unit OP3 (or operation screen UI22) in the direction of the arrow A1. In response to this, the control means 18 creates an operation screen UI22 in which the remaining categories CT are arranged in accordance with a predetermined priority after the category CT4, and displays the slide-in display. Further sliding operation of the operation unit OP3 in the above situation may not know how the user should operate the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the operation screen UI22 includes the category CT2 immediately after the category CT4 (that is, next to the category CT4 in the opposite direction of the arrow A1), immediately after either one of the categories CT1 and CT3, and immediately after the other. Is preferably created and displayed in a slide-in manner (see FIG. 3C). Here, on the operation screen UI22, any one of the category CT2, the categories CT1 and CT3, and any one of them may be slide-in displayed step by step.

  On the other hand, in the case of (2) in Table 3 above, the control unit 18 first creates a partial operation screen UI23 including only the operation unit OP23 belonging to the category CT2 as a second example of the second operation unit OP2. Slide-in display is performed (see FIG. 3B). Since the operations and processing after the display of the operation screen UI23 are clear from the above description, a detailed description thereof is omitted. If the desired operation unit OP23 does not exist in the category CT2, the user further slides the operation unit OP3, and in response to this, the control unit 18 displays the entire operation screen UI23 in a slide-in manner.

  As described above, according to the display control in the third column, one having a high priority is selected from the plurality of categories CT1 to CT4 depending on the operation status of the operation unit OP11 in the operation screen UI11. Immediately thereafter, the operation unit OP22 or OP23 belonging to the category CT having a higher priority is first displayed in a slide-in manner via the operation screen UI22 or UI23. As described above, according to the display control in the third column, the limited number of operation units OP22 or OP23, which are likely to be selected by the user, are preferentially slide-in displayed. The Such display control enables the user to increase the possibility of quickly finding the desired operation unit OP22 or OP23.

<< 4th column: Second example of display control >>
When the user wants to set the binding margin for the printed material, he / she operates the input unit 17 and the like in a predetermined procedure. As a result, the input / display unit 16 displays a first operation screen UI12 that is a second example of the operation screen UI1 and a third operation unit OP3 similar to the above (see FIG. 4A). The operation screen UI12 is a screen for setting a binding margin for printed matter in the fourth column, and includes at least three first operation units OP12, OP13, and OP14 as the first operation unit OP1. The operation unit OP12 is two soft buttons for designating whether to enable (ON) or disable (OFF) the binding margin setting function. The operation unit OP13 is a check box for designating whether or not a binding margin amount can be input to an operation unit OP14 described later. The operation unit OP14 is an input field for a binding amount. In FIG. 4A, the operation unit OP14 is indicated by a dotted line to indicate that the binding amount cannot be input.

  The user performs the following procedure when setting the binding margin amount. That is, after the user activates the operation unit OP12, the user taps the operation unit OP13 once. As a result, a check mark is entered in the operation unit OP13, and the user can enter the binding amount into the operation unit OP14 by manual operation (see FIG. 4C). Thereafter, the user inputs a binding margin amount to the operation unit OP14 by operating a second operation unit OP25 (soft numeric keypad) described later. An initial value may be set in advance in the operation unit OP14. After the input is completed, the user taps the operation unit OP13 again to make the setting value of the operation unit OP14 unchangeable and determine the set binding margin amount.

  In the process of setting the binding margin amount, the user can slide the operation unit OP3. The control means 18 displays the second operation screen UI24, UI25, and UI26 as the third example, the fourth example, and the fifth example of the second operation screen UI2 according to the operation status of the operation units OP12 to OP14 at the time of the slide operation. (See FIGS. 4B, 4C and 4D). These operation screens UI24 to UI26 are slide-in displayed on the operation screen UI12.

  In the control means 18, conditions for determining the category CT to be displayed first after the slide operation of the operation unit OP3 are defined as shown in Table 4 below.

  Specifically, if the operation unit OP12 is valid, the operation unit OP13 cannot be input, and the binding amount (user set value or initial value) has already been input to the operation unit OP14 at the time of the slide operation ( In other words, in the case of (1) and (2) in Table 4 above, the category to be displayed first is determined as the category CT1. This is because the user is highly likely to operate the start key of the print job after the binding amount is determined. If the operation unit OP12 is valid and the operation unit OP13 can be input at the time of the slide operation (that is, in the case of (3) in the above table 4), the user may next set the binding margin amount. As high, it is determined that category CT3 should be displayed first. If the operation unit OP12 is invalid at the time of the slide operation (that is, in the case of (4) in the above table 4), the category CT2 to be displayed first is determined.

  In the case of (1) or (2) in Table 4 above, the control means 18 first creates a partial operation screen UI24 including only the operation unit OP24 of the category CT1 as a third example of the second operation unit OP2. Slide-in display is performed (see FIG. 4B). The user operates a desired operation unit OP24 if there is a desired operation unit OP24, and the control unit 18 executes an operation / process (for example, printing process) designated by the user.

  In the case of (3) or (4) in the above table 4, the control means 18 performs a partial operation including only the operation part OP25 or OP26 of the category CT3 or CT2 as the third example or the fourth example of the second operation part OP2. First, the screen UI25 or UI26 is created and displayed in a slide-in manner (see FIG. 4C or FIG. 4D). If there is a desired operation section OP25 or OP26, the user operates it, and in response to this, the control means 18 executes the operation / process specified by the user. For example, the user operates a soft numeric keypad as the operation unit OP25 while the partial operation screen UI25 is displayed. The control means 18 sets a binding margin amount in response to a user operation.

  If the desired operation unit OP2 is not present in the category CT displayed first, the user further slides the operation unit OP3 in the direction of the arrow A1. In response to this, the control means 18 slide-in-displays the entire operation screens UI24 to UI26 in which the categories CT are arranged in a predetermined priority order, as described in the third column (not shown).

  As described above, the display control in the fourth column can achieve the same effect as the display control in the third column.

<< 5th column: Third example of display control >>
The user performs a predetermined operation when he / she wants to send a fax by the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the input / display unit 16 displays a first operation screen UI13 that is a third example of the operation screen UI1 and a third operation unit OP3 similar to that described above (see FIG. 5A). The operation screen UI13 is a fax number setting screen in the fifth column, and includes first operation units OP15 and OP16 as the first operation unit OP1. The operation unit OP15 is a soft button for switching display / non-display of the operation unit OP16 (that is, a fax number input box and a numeric keypad). Specifically, the operation unit OP16 is displayed by the odd-numbered operation of the operation unit OP15, and the operation unit OP16 is not displayed otherwise. The operation unit OP16 is illustrated in FIG. 5C and the like.

  When sending a fax, the user first sets a document on the ADF 110. Thereafter, after displaying the operation screen UI13, the user operates the operation unit OP15 to display the operation unit OP16. The user presses the start key after entering the fax number in the input box.

  In the fax transmission process, the user can slide the operation unit OP3. The control means 18 displays the second operation screen UI27, UI28, UI29 as the sixth example, the seventh example, and the eighth example of the second operation screen UI2 according to the operation status of the operation units OP15, OP16 at the time of the slide operation. Generate and slide-in display on the operation screen UI13 (FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D).

  In the control means 18, conditions for determining the category CT to be displayed first after the slide operation of the operation unit OP3 are defined as shown in Table 5 below.

  If the operation unit OP16 is in a non-display state at the time of the slide operation (that is, in the case of (1) in the above table 5), the category CT2 to be displayed first is determined. If the fax number has already been entered in the operation unit OP16 at the time of the slide operation (that is, in the case of (2) in the above table 5), it is considered that the user is likely to start the next fax transmission, and the first Is to be displayed as category CT1. If the fax number has not been entered in the operation unit OP16 at the time of the slide operation (that is, in the case of (3) in the above table 5), it is considered that the user is likely to enter the fax number next, Is to be displayed as category CT3.

  In the case of (1) in Table 5 above, the control means 18 first creates a partial operation screen UI27 including only the operation unit OP27 of the category CT2 as a fifth example of the second operation unit OP2, and displays it in a slide-in manner. (See FIG. 5B). The user operates if there is a desired operation unit OP27, and the control means 18 executes the operation / process designated by the user.

  In the case of (2) or (3) in the above table 5, the control means 18 performs a partial operation including only the operation part OP28 or OP29 of the category CT1 or CT3 as the sixth example or the seventh example of the second operation part OP2. A screen UI28 or UI29 is first created and displayed in a slide-in manner (see FIG. 5C or FIG. 5D). The user operates the desired operation unit OP28 or OP29, and the control means 18 executes the operation / process designated by the user. For example, the user operates a soft numeric keypad as the operation unit OP29 while the partial operation screen UI29 is displayed. The control means 18 sets a fax number in response to a user operation. When the user operates the start button as the operation unit OP28 while the partial operation screen UI28 is displayed, the control unit 18 starts reading the document set on the ADF 110, and transmits the read image by fax. .

  Also in the display control of the fifth column, when the user further slides the operation unit OP3 while the partial operation screens UI27 to UI29 are displayed, the control means 18 arranges the categories CT in a predetermined priority order. The entire operation screens UI27 to UI29 may be displayed in a slide-in manner (not shown).

  Even in the display control of the fifth column described above, the possibility that the user can quickly find the desired operation unit OP2 can be increased as in the case of the conventional display control.

<< Sixth column: Fourth example of display control >>
When the user wants to set the print magnification (copy magnification), the user operates the image forming apparatus 1 in a predetermined procedure. As a result, the first operation screen UI14, which is the fourth example of the operation screen UI1, and the above-described third operation unit OP3 are displayed on the input / display unit 16 (see FIG. 6A). The operation screen UI14 is a print magnification setting screen in the sixth column, and includes at least first operation units OP17 and OP18 as the first operation unit OP1 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The operation unit OP17 is a soft button for switching display / non-display of the operation unit OP18 (that is, a magnification input box, a magnification setting button group, and a confirmation button). Specifically, the operation unit OP18 is displayed by an odd-numbered operation of the operation unit OP17, and otherwise, the operation unit OP18 is not displayed.

  When the user wants to set the magnification, the user taps the operation unit OP17 once to display the operation unit OP18. As a result, the user can enter the magnification into the operation unit OP18 (see FIG. 6B). Thereafter, the user inputs a magnification to the operation unit OP18 by operating a second operation unit OP211 (soft numeric keypad) described later. An initial value may be preset in the operation unit OP18. After completing the input, the user taps the confirm button on the operation unit OP18 to confirm the set magnification.

  In the magnification setting process described above, the control unit 18 performs the second operation as the ninth and tenth examples of the second operation screen UI2 according to the operation status of the operation units OP17 and OP18 at the time of the slide operation of the operation unit OP3. The screen UI 210 and UI 211 are generated (see FIGS. 6C and 6D). These operation screens UI210 and UI211 are slide-in displayed on the operation screen UI14.

  In the control means 18, conditions for determining the category CT to be displayed first after the slide operation are defined as shown in Table 6 below.

  Specifically, if the magnification (user setting value or initial value) of the operation unit OP18 has been confirmed at the time of the slide operation (that is, in the case of (1) or (2) in Table 6 above), the user Next, assuming that there is a high possibility of operating the start key for printing or copying, it is determined that category CT1 should be displayed first. If the magnification can be input at the time of the slide operation (that is, in the case of (3) in the above table 6), the category CT3 to be displayed first is determined.

  In the case of (1) or (2) in Table 6 above, the control means 18 includes only the operation unit OP210 of category CT1 as an eighth example of the second operation unit OP2 in order to start printing / copying. First, a simple operation screen UI 210 is created and displayed in a slide-in manner (see FIG. 6C). In FIG. 6C, the operation unit OP18 is drawn with a dotted line in order to show that the magnification is fixed and cannot be changed.

  On the other hand, in the case of (3) in Table 6 above, the control means 18 creates a partial operation screen UI211 including only the operation unit OP211 of the category CT3 as a ninth example of the second operation unit OP2 for setting the magnification. Then, slide-in display is performed (see FIG. 6D).

  If the user further slides the operation unit OP3 while the partial operation screen UI210 or UI211 is being displayed, the operation screen UI210 or category CT in which the categories CT are arranged in a predetermined priority order as in the conventional display control. The entire UI 211 is displayed in a slide-in manner (not shown).

  As described above, the display control in the fifth column can achieve the same effect as the previous display control.

<< Seventh column: Fifth example of display control >>
When the user wants to register a sheet size (especially an irregular size) that can be set in a so-called manual feed tray, the user operates the image forming apparatus 1 according to a predetermined procedure. As a result, the first operation screen UI15 which is the fifth example of the operation screen UI1 and the above-described third operation unit OP3 are displayed on the input / display unit 16 (see FIG. 7A). The operation screen UI15 is a sheet size setting screen in the seventh column, and includes at least a first operation unit OP19 as the first operation unit OP1. The operation unit OP19 includes at least an input box for the horizontal length (X-direction length) and vertical length (Y-direction length) of the sheet, and a registration button.

  When the user wants to register the size, for example, after the operation screen UI15 is displayed, the user taps the operation unit OP19 once so that a numerical value can be input (see FIG. 7B). In FIG. 7B, a part of the operation unit OP19 is drawn with a solid line in order to show that the operation unit OP19 is ready for input. This is the same in FIG. 7D. On the other hand, in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C, the operation unit OP19 is drawn with a dotted line in order to show that the operation unit OP19 cannot input. After enabling the numerical value input, the user inputs a sheet size by operating a second operation unit OP213 (soft numeric keypad) described later. An initial value may be preset in the operation unit OP19. After the input is completed, the user taps a registration button on the operation unit OP19 to register the input sheet size.

  In the size registration process, the control unit 18 uses the second operation screen as the eleventh and twelfth examples of the second operation screen UI2 according to the operation status of the operation unit OP19 at the time of the slide operation of the operation unit OP3. A screen UI 212 and a UI 213 are generated and displayed in a slide-in manner on the operation screen UI 15 (see FIGS. 7C and 7D).

  In the control means 18, conditions for determining a category CT to be displayed first after the slide operation are defined as shown in Table 7 below.

  Specifically, if the input of the irregular size is completed at the time of the slide operation and both of OP19 are in an input-impossible state, the category CT2 to be displayed first is determined. If the size can be input at the time of the slide operation, the category CT3 to be displayed first is determined.

  In the case of (1) in Table 7 above, the control unit 18 first creates a partial operation screen UI 212 including only the operation unit OP212 of the category CT2 as a tenth example of the second operation unit OP2, and displays it in a slide-in manner. (See FIG. 7C). When a slide operation is further performed thereafter, the entire operation screen UI 212 is displayed in a slide-in manner in the same manner as in the previous display control.

  On the other hand, in the case of (2) in Table 7 above, the control means 18 first creates a partial operation screen UI213 including only the operation unit OP213 of the category CT3 as the eleventh example of the second operation unit OP2, and slides in the operation screen UI213. Display (see FIG. 7D). Thereafter, when a slide operation is performed, the entire operation screen UI 213 is displayed in a slide-in manner.

  As described above, the display control in the seventh column can achieve the same effect as the previous display control.

<< Eighth column: sixth example of display control >>
As can be seen from the above, various first operation screens UI1 are displayed on the input / display means 16. The state of the first operation screen UI1 can be roughly divided into the following (1) and (2).
Status (1): Items required to start various jobs (print job, scan job, fax job) have been selected Status (2): Items required to start various jobs have not been selected

  For example, when a document image read by the image reading unit 12 is faxed, the user can select one or a plurality of destinations from a list of transmission destinations (that is, destinations) registered in advance. Here, FIG. 8A shows an operation screen UI16 as a sixth example of the operation screen UI1. The operation screen UI16 includes, as the first operation unit OP1, an operation unit 110 that is an input box in which a selected destination is displayed. When the third operation unit OP3 is slid in a state where the destination has been selected, the control means 18 is in a state in which fax transmission is possible. Therefore, as a twelfth example of the second operation unit OP2, the operation unit OP214 of category CT1. First, a partial operation screen UI 214 including only the screen is created and displayed in a slide-in manner.

  Thereafter, when the operation unit OP3 is further slid, for example, the control unit 18 sets the category CT2 immediately after the category CT1 (that is, next to the category CT1 in the reverse direction of the arrow A1), and immediately after that, the category CT3 and the category CT3. It is preferable to create an operation screen UI 214 including either one of CT4 and the other immediately after that, and to perform slide-in display (not shown).

  On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows, as a seventh example of the operation screen UI1, an operation screen UI17 when a destination is not selected when a document image is faxed. When the third operation unit OP3 is slid in a state where the destination is not selected, the control means 18 considers that the user may not operate, and the category 13 is an example of the second operation unit OP2. First, a partial operation screen UI215 including only the operation unit OP215 of CT2 is created and displayed in a slide-in manner.

  As described above, the display control in the eighth column can achieve the same effect as the previous display control.

<< 9th column: seventh example of display control >>
Besides the eighth column, the state of the first operation screen UI1 can be roughly divided into the following (1) and (2).
Status (1): Information necessary to start various jobs (print job, scan job, fax job) has been entered Status (2): Information necessary to start various jobs has not been entered Here, in column 9, Information means a number string, a character string, or a combination of numbers or characters.

  For example, when the document file D is transmitted by electronic mail, the user needs to input information such as a document file name, a subject, and a sender. Here, FIG. 9A shows an operation screen UI18 in a state where all necessary information has been input as an eighth example of the operation screen UI1. If the third operation unit OP3 is slid while the operation screen UI18 is being displayed, the control unit 18 can start mail transmission. Therefore, the operation of the category CT1 is performed as a fourteenth example of the second operation unit OP2. First, a partial operation screen UI216 including only the part OP216 is created and displayed in a slide-in manner.

  Thereafter, when the operation unit OP3 is further slid, for example, the control unit 18 sets the category CT2 immediately after the category CT1 (that is, next to the category CT1 in the reverse direction of the arrow A1), and immediately after that, the category CT3 and the category CT3. It is preferable to create an operation screen UI 216 including either one of CT4 and the other immediately after that, and to perform slide-in display (not shown).

  On the other hand, FIG. 9B shows an operation screen UI18 when all necessary information is not input when the document file D is transmitted by mail. When the third operation unit OP3 is slid while the operation screen UI18 is being displayed, the control unit 18 considers that the user needs to have a character or the like, and uses the category as the fifteenth example of the second operation unit OP2. First, a partial operation screen UI217 including only the operation unit OP217 of CT3 is created and displayed in a slide-in manner.

  As described above, the display control in the ninth column can achieve the same effect as the previous display control.

<< 10th column: Eighth example of display control >>
Further, it can be assumed that the user selects an incorrect item on the first operation screen UI1, and as a result, the start of the job is hindered. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be equipped with an outside document erasing function for copying a booklet document (hereinafter referred to as a book document). The outside-document erasing function is a function that prevents a document to be scanned from becoming black around the printed material even when the document cover is open when the book document is copied using the platen glass surface of the image reading unit 12. is there. Therefore, the outside document erasure function cannot be used when a document is set on the ADF 110.

  10A and 10B show an operation screen UI19 as a ninth example of the operation screen UI1. The operation screen UI19 includes, as the first operation unit OP1, a first operation unit OP19 that is a check box for setting whether to enable the outside-document erasing function. When the third operation unit OP3 is slid while the operation screen UI19 is displayed, the control unit 18 first determines whether or not the operation unit OP110 has been selected and whether or not a document is set on the ADF 110. To do. If both are Yes, the control means 18 considers that an erroneous selection that prevents the start of the copy job has been made, and as a sixteenth example of the second operation unit OP2, only the operation unit OP218 of category CT2 is selected. A partial operation screen UI 218 including this is first created and displayed in a slide-in manner (see FIG. 10A).

  If the operation unit OP19 is not selected when an original is set on the ADF 110, the control unit 18 regards that the erroneous selection that prevents the start of the copy job has not been made, and the control unit 18 determines that the second operation unit OP2 As a seventeenth example, a partial operation screen UI219 including only the operation unit OP219 of category CT1 is first created and displayed in a slide-in manner (see FIG. 10B).

  As described above, the display control in the tenth column can achieve the same effect as the conventional display control.

<< 11th column: Ninth example of display control >>
As described in the previous display control, when the third operation unit OP3 is slid, the control unit 18 displays the first operation screen UI1 displayed on the input / display unit 16 at that time and the same operation screen. According to the operation status of the first operation unit OP1 in the UI1, it is possible to select one of the plurality of predetermined categories CT1 to CT4 having the highest priority according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. . Thereafter, the control means 18 first slides in the operation screen UI2 including the selected category CT.

  In FIG. 11, when the third operation unit OP3 is slid while any one of the operation screens U1 is displayed (S01), the control unit 18 determines whether various jobs can be started (S02). ). Here, Yes is determined in S02 when the items necessary for starting various jobs have been selected as described in the eighth column, or as described in the ninth column. This is a case where the information necessary for starting has been input. If YES is determined in S02, the control unit 18 selects the category CT1, first creates a partial operation screen UI 214 including only the second operation unit OP214 of the category CT1, and displays it in a slide-in manner (S03).

  If it is determined No in S02, the control unit 18 determines whether information necessary for starting various jobs has not been input as described in the ninth column (S04). If the determination is Yes, the control means 18 first creates a partial operation screen UI217 including only the second operation unit OP217 of category CT3 and displays it in a slide-in manner (S05).

  If it is determined No in S04, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the currently displayed operation screen UI1 has an input box such as characters as in the above-described operation screens UI13 to UI15, and is in a state where it is necessary to input characters or the like. Is determined (S06). When the operation unit OP3 is slid after the determination of Yes, the control unit 18 causes the partial operation screen including only the second operation unit OP2 of the category CT3, such as the operation screens UI29, UI211, and UI213 described above. UI2 is first created and displayed in a slide-in manner (S07).

  If it is determined No in S06, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the electronic file D has been selected on the operation screen UI1 currently displayed (S08). If the operation unit OP3 is slid after the determination of Yes, a partial operation screen UI2 including only the category CT4 is first created and displayed in a slide-in manner as in the operation screen UI22 (S09).

  If it is determined No in S08, the control means 18 first creates a partial operation screen UI2 including only the operation unit OP2 of the category CT2, such as the operation screens UI23, UI26, UI27, UI212, UII215, UI218, and slides in. Display (S10).

  In the above, after the slide-in display of the partial operation screen UI2, when the user further performs a slide operation on the operation unit OP3, the control means 18 performs the slide-in display of the entire operation screen UI2 as in the case of the previous display control. Let

  As described above, the display control in the eleventh column can achieve the same effect as the previous display control.

<< Column 12: Supplementary Note 1 >>
In the previous display control, when the user operates the operation unit OP2 of any category CT after the entire operation screen UI2 is displayed, the control unit 18 inputs / displays the remaining category CT that has not been operated. It is preferable to slide out from the means 16 from the viewpoint of operability (see FIG. 12).

<< Column 13: Supplementary Note 2 >>
Further, in the conventional display control, when the user operates the predetermined operation unit OP1 on the operation screen UI1 after the entire operation screen UI2 is displayed, the control unit 18 selects the category CT associated with the operated operation unit OP1. Is preferably slid out from the input / display means 16 from the viewpoint of operability. As one specific example, as shown in FIG. 13, a state in which one of the operation screen UI 212 or UI 213 is displayed on the operation screen UI 15 and the user can input a numerical value by operating the operation unit OP 19. Then, a category other than the category CT3 associated with the operation unit OP19 slides out.

<< Column 14: Supplementary Note 3 >>
In the above, “Detailed Description of the Invention” discloses and describes specific embodiments and modifications. However, these are merely examples, and the respective technical ideas are not limited to the disclosed specific embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical ideas.

  The input / display device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention enable a user to quickly find a desired second operation unit at the time of slide-in display, and include a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printing machine, or these functions. Suitable for various devices such as multifunction peripherals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 16 Input / display means 18 Control means 19 Input / display apparatus

Claims (18)

Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The first operation screen includes a graphic element assigned to the electronic file as the first operation unit,
The control means determines one of a plurality of categories having a high priority based on whether or not the graphic element is selected on the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means,
The plurality of categories include a second category related to a user operation support function and a fourth category related to electronic file operation / processing,
The control means includes
If the graphic element displayed on the input / display means is selected, the fourth category is determined as having a high priority,
When said graphic elements is not selected, that determine the second category as a high priority, the input / display device. Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The first operation screen includes a character or number input box as the first operation unit,
Wherein, based on whether the available or not an input to the input box on the first operation screen displayed on the input / display unit, you determines one of priority from among a plurality of categories , the input / display device. The plurality of categories include a second category related to a user operation support function and a third category related to input of letters or numbers,
The control means includes
When the input to the input box of the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means is possible, the third category is determined as having a high priority,
The input / display apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein, when input to the input box is impossible, the second category is determined as having a high priority. Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The first operation screen includes a fax number input box that can be selectively displayed as the first operation unit,
The plurality of categories include a second category related to a user operation support function and a third category related to input of letters or numbers,
The control means includes
If the input box is displayed on the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means, the third category is determined as a high priority,
Wherein if the input box is not displayed, that determine the second category as a high priority, the input / display device. Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The first operation screen includes a binding margin input box as the first operation unit,
The plurality of categories include a second category related to a user operation support function and a third category related to input of letters or numbers,
The control means includes
When a binding margin amount can be input in the input box on the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means, the third category is determined as having a high priority,
The case binding margin amount in the input box is disabled input, that determine the second category as a high priority, the input / display device. The plurality of categories further includes a first category associated with the job;
Wherein, the case binding margin amount to the input box of the first operation screen displayed on the input / display unit already entered, to determine the first category as high priority, in claim 5 The input / display device as described. Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The first operation screen includes an input box for setting magnification as the first operation unit,
The plurality of categories includes a first category related to a job and a third category related to input of letters or numbers,
The control means includes
When a magnification can be input in the input box of the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means, the third category is determined as having a high priority,
If already entered the magnification on the input box, that determine the first category as a high priority, the input / display device. Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The control means selects one having a high priority from a plurality of categories based on whether or not the setting necessary for starting the job is completed on the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means. you one decision, the input / display device. The plurality of categories include a first category related to a job and a second category related to a user operation support function,
The control means determines the first category as having a high priority when the setting necessary for starting the job is completed on the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means, and so on. If not, the input / display device according to claim 8 , wherein the second category is determined as having a high priority. Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The first operation screen is related to a fax of a document image, and includes a destination input box as the first operation unit,
The plurality of categories include a first category related to a job and a second category related to a user operation support function,
The control means determines the first category as a higher priority when the destination has been selected in the input box of the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means, and otherwise, the second category that determine the categories as high priority, the input / display device. Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The plurality of categories includes a first category related to a job and a third category related to input of letters or numbers,
The control means determines the first category as having a high priority when input of information necessary for starting a job is completed on the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means. , otherwise, that determine the third category as a high priority, the input / display device. The input / display device according to claim 11 , wherein the first operation screen is related to mail transmission of a document file. Input / display means;
Control means for causing the input / display means to display a first operation screen including a first operation unit operable by a user,
The control means further includes
According to the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means and the operation status of the first operation unit in the first operation screen, one of a plurality of categories having a high priority is determined,
An input / display device that causes the input / display unit to first slide-in display a second operation unit belonging to a category determined to have a high priority,
The plurality of categories include a first category related to a job and a second category related to a user operation support function,
The control means determines the second category as a higher priority when an item that prevents the start of the job is selected on the first operation screen displayed on the input / display means, and otherwise, that determine the first category as a high priority, the input / display device. The first operation screen is a check box for setting whether or not to enable an outside document erasing function related to scanning of a booklet-shaped document and preventing the periphery of the document to be scanned from becoming black in a printed matter. Is included as the first operation unit,
The control unit is configured such that when the document outside setting is enabled in the check box of the first operation screen in a state where the document is set on an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) provided in the image reading unit, the second control unit 14. The input / display device according to claim 13 , wherein a category is determined as having a high priority, and if not, the first category is determined as having a high priority. The control means further includes
Determining a priority for each of the plurality of categories;
15. When displaying the second operation screen on the input / display means, the second operation unit belonging to each of the plurality of categories is displayed in a slide-in manner in the order according to the determined priority order . 2. The input / display device according to 1. The control means further includes
The input according to claim 15 , wherein when any second operation unit is operated in a state where the second operation units belonging to the plurality of categories are displayed in a slide-in manner, the remaining second operation units are slid out. / Display device. The control means further includes
When a predetermined first operation unit on the first operation screen is operated in a state where the second operation units belonging to the plurality of categories are displayed in a slide-in manner, a second operation unrelated to the operated first operation unit is performed. 16. The input / display device according to claim 15 , wherein the part is slid out. To any one of claims 1 to 17 with an input / display device according, the image forming apparatus.

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