JP2005073140A - Image forming apparatus, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set printing requirements for a print additional function in a short time.
A print additional function is defined in advance for each function by a classification number and a function number. When the user presses the numeric keypad screen operation key, the CPU waits for the input of the classification number (S11). When the classification number is input (S12), the CPU temporarily stores the input classification number and inputs the function number. Wait (S13). Subsequently, the CPU determines whether or not a function number has been input (S14). When the function number is input, the CPU temporarily stores it and waits for input of a confirmation key (S15). When it is confirmed (S16), the stored classification number and function number are confirmed and the screen jumps to the print function setting screen (S17). The user performs print settings on this screen.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a program, and a recording medium having means capable of setting a print function on a display screen.

  Copiers have become increasingly multifunctional and are often configured as composite devices to which a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function are added in addition to a copy function. In order to further improve the function as a composite apparatus, when an image is formed, various image forming modes are prepared and can be selected on the display of the operation unit. Actually, various types of image forming modes that are displayed one after another by means of software on the liquid crystal display are selected by the touch method. However, as the number of touches increases, the touch panel (liquid crystal display) may crack. In the worst case, the touch panel becomes unusable.

In order to avoid such a situation, the operation target key next to the current operation target key displayed on the touch panel is examined according to a predetermined switching rule, and the current operation target key display is returned to the normal state. An invention has been made to change the display state of the operation target screen such that the next operation target key is displayed as the operation target key (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-11-205509 (paragraph numbers (0014), (0015), (0063), (0064), (0065), FIG. 6, FIG. 7)

  The transition of the display screen will be specifically described by taking as an example the case of copying by applied scaling, which is an additional function of the digital multi-function peripheral.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a change in the display screen when displaying a screen for setting the conventional applied scaling. When the user performs copying, the copy function screen shown in FIG. 28A is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

  In the copy function screen (FIG. 28A), 61 is a status area indicating the basic functions of the digital multi-function peripheral, 62 is a counter area for displaying the number of originals, the number of copies, the number of copies, etc., and 63 is a paper feed tray. Tray key for selecting, 64 is a magnification selection key for selecting whether it is the same magnification or specified paper magnification, 65 is a setting magnification display section, 66 is a cover / interleaf, editing / printing, duplex / aggregation, scaling This is a print additional function key for using the additional function.

  When the user touches the scaling key 66 among the print additional function keys on this function screen, the function screen in FIG. 28A displays a scaling factor other than the same magnification / paper designated scaling in FIG. The function screen becomes available.

  In the function screen of FIG. 28B, reference numeral 67 denotes a key for setting zoom, enlargement, reduction, and application scaling functions. As a default function in the case of the reduction key 68, 50, 61, 71, 82, 87 Of these percentage values 69, the reduction setting 70 of 71% is made.

  FIG. 28C is an application magnification setting screen displayed when application magnification is selected from the function screen of FIG. When the document size 71 and the copy size 72 are input on this screen, the magnification is automatically calculated. Therefore, the user inputs the document size and the copy size on this screen.

  When an application variable copy is attempted in this way, a magnification function screen (FIG. 28B) is displayed from the copy function screen (FIG. 28A), and an application magnification setting screen (FIG. 28 (FIG. 28)). A series of screen display operations of displaying (C)) are performed in order, and it becomes possible to set application magnification copy for the first time.

  However, not only zooming, but when copying using various printing additional functions, it is necessary to pass through a predetermined display screen until the necessary printing requirement setting screen is displayed each time. . This is the same whether the user touches a key on the liquid crystal display or automatically according to a predetermined rule, and many screen transitions are required before reaching the required setting screen. There is no change. For this reason, it took time to display the necessary setting screen. Moreover, every time printing is started on the display screen, the printing requirements are set again, so that the setting work for the printing requirements is troublesome for the user.

  Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to enable setting of printing requirements for a print additional function in a short time, and a second object is not to perform setting work of printing requirements for each image formation. Is to do so. A third object is to make it possible to easily change the printing requirements once set.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having means capable of setting a print function on a display screen, means for storing a print function to which identification information is assigned, and printing to which the identification information is assigned by identification information An image forming apparatus comprising: means for reading function setting screen information; and means for displaying the read setting screen information of the print function.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the means for reading the setting screen information of the printing function to which the identification information is given by the identification information is the identification information of the default printing function, or finally The image forming apparatus is characterized in that print function setting screen information is read based on identification information of an executed print function or identification information of a print function that is used most frequently.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, further comprising means for rewriting the identification information.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, further comprising means for returning the identification information of the printing function to the identification information of the default printing function.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the computer of the image forming apparatus stores the printing function to which the identification information is assigned, the means for reading the setting screen information of the printing function to which the identification information is assigned by the identification information, and the read And a program for causing the printing function setting screen information to be displayed.

  The invention of claim 6 is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program of claim 5 is recorded.

The effects corresponding to the inventions of claims 1 and 2: Based on the identification information, the setting screen information of the print additional function of the identification information is read and displayed, and the setting screen is displayed as the identification information of the default print additional function, or last. The print requirements for the print supplementary function executed in the first time or the identification information for the print supplementary function that is used most frequently are read and displayed. The work need not be performed for each image formation, and the usability of the image forming apparatus is improved.
Effects corresponding to the inventions of claims 3 and 4: Printing requirements can be easily changed in accordance with user convenience.
Effects corresponding to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention: A general image forming apparatus can easily function as an image forming apparatus having the above effects.

  Hereinafter, a configuration operation of an operation unit of a digital multi-function peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control unit of an operation unit of a digital multi-function peripheral, in which 10 is a control unit of the operation unit (hereinafter referred to as an operation control unit), 1 is a CPU that controls the entire operation unit, 2 is a flash ROM that stores a program for this control, 3 is an SRAM that provides a work area for operation control, 4 is a liquid crystal (LCD) module that performs liquid crystal display, and 5 is on the liquid crystal display A touch panel arranged in an overlapping manner, 6 is an SDRAM that is a video RAM (VRAM) in which display pixels to a liquid crystal (LCD) module are stored, 7 is a backlight that controls the liquid crystal module 4 and the touch panel 5, and the SDRAM 6 LCD controller for controlling read / write to the LCD, 8 is a key board switch, light emitting diode (LED), electronic parts such as a buzzer, 9 is a driver for driving the key board switch and LED, buzzer, etc. It is a ba.

  The operation control unit 10 is connected to the main body control unit 30 of the digital multi-function peripheral, only a part of which is shown, via a synchronous serial communication line 20 capable of bidirectional communication, and is input via the communication line 20 by the operation unit 10. The drawing command, and information such as various setting values such as the number of copies and paper size, and control information from the main body control unit 30 are exchanged.

  2A and 2B are external views of the operation unit mounted on the digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2A is an external view of the operation unit before a numeric keypad screen operation described later is performed, and FIG. 2B is a numeric keypad screen. The external appearance of the operation unit after operation is shown is shown.

  In FIG. 2A, 41 is a numeric keypad for inputting the number of prints, magnification, etc., 42 is a liquid crystal (LCD) display unit on which a liquid crystal type touch panel is arranged, and 43 is the start of a printing operation. A start key for instructing, 44 is a clear / stop key for interrupting the printing operation and clearing the numeric keypad, and 45 is a numeric keypad screen for causing the numeric keypad 41 to function as a key for inputting the screen number according to the embodiment of the present invention. Operation key.

  46 is a preheating key for instructing the transition / cancellation to the preheating state, 47 is a reset key for returning the set print mode to the default state, 48 is a key for shifting / cancelling the initial setting mode, and 49 is a liquid crystal display. A key for switching the display language on the screen to another display language, 50 is a copy execution key, 51 is a facsimile transmission execution key, 52 is a print execution key, and 53 is a scanner reading execution key. 45a is a light emitting diode (LED) that allows the user to visually recognize the on / off state of the numeric keypad screen operation key 45. These LEDs are connected to the start key 43, the preheat key 46, the reset key 47, the copy key 50, etc. Is also provided. In particular, the start key 43 is provided with a green LED indicating a printable state and a red LED indicating an impossible state.

  In this embodiment, when the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 is turned on / off, the numeric keypad 41 is made to function as a screen number input key in the image forming mode or a key for various normal operations.

  2A, when the user turns on the numeric keypad screen operation key 45, the numeric keypad 41 operates as a screen number input key.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for causing the numeric keypad to function as a screen number input key using the numeric keypad screen operation key. This process will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  In FIG. 3, the user presses (turns on) a numeric keypad screen operation key 45 in order to make the numeric keypad 41 function as a screen number input key. The CPU 1 waits for the operation of the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (step S1, hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S). When the CPU1 determines that the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 is turned on (S1, Y), the numeric keypad 41 displays It is determined whether or not the normal operation for inputting the set number of copies and the number of copies has been completed (S2). When the normal operation is finished (S2, Y), the LED 45a of the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 is turned on (S3), and the numeric keypad 41 is caused to function as a screen number input key. When normal operation is not finished (S2, N), turn off the LED 45a on the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S5), switch the numeric keypad 41 for normal operation, and input the number of originals, sets, copies, etc. (S6).

  Next, in this embodiment, the operation unit of the digital multi-function peripheral jumps directly to a predetermined setting screen without selecting a combination of functions on the screen. For this purpose, setting screens for various print addition functions (image forming modes) are defined by screen numbers (classification numbers and function numbers).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen number definition table that defines a print additional function by a classification number and a function number. In the figure, each of classification number 1 is shown for scaling, duplex / aggregation, editing / printing, and cover / interleaf. , 2, 3, and 4, and among these zooms, for example, function numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are further assigned to zoom, enlargement, reduction, and application zoom, respectively. This table is stored in the nonvolatile memory 21 of the main body control unit 30.

  When the user wants to jump to a predetermined setting screen, the user first presses the copy key 50 to display the copy function screen. On this screen, after normal operations such as inputting the number of documents, the number of sheets to be set, and the number of copies have been completed using the numeric keypad 41, the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 is pressed to cause the numeric keypad 41 to function as a screen number input key.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating changes in the copy function screen when the setting screen is displayed based on the input screen number. In FIG. 5, when the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 is pressed, “Now on numeric keypad screen operation” 71 indicating that the numeric keypad 41 functions as a screen number input key is displayed in the status area 61 of the copy function screen. When this display is made, for example, when the user wants to jump to the screen for applied magnification, for example, when the user inputs 1 to 4 indicating the classification number 1 and the function number 4 with the numeric keypad 41, the user enters the status area 61. The screen number 72 is displayed (FIG. 5B). When the user confirms this with the # key (not shown), an application scaling setting screen (FIG. 5C) is displayed, and a predetermined input may be made in accordance with this screen.

  Since the process of displaying the setting screen by the screen number is executed by the operation control unit 10, the processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of setting screen display processing based on screen numbers. When the user presses the numeric keypad screen operation key 45, the CPU 1 waits for the input of the classification number (S11). When the classification number is input (S12), the CPU 1 stores the input classification number in the SRAM 3 and stores the function number. Wait for input (S13). Subsequently, the CPU 1 determines whether or not a function number has been input (S14), and when a function number is input, stores it in the SRAM 3 and waits for input of a confirmation key # (S15). When the confirmation is made (S16), the stored classification number and function number are fixed and the screen jumps to the screen (S17), and this process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the screen number input first is displayed as the screen number of the input candidate, and the setting screen is displayed by this screen number.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a change in the display screen when the setting screen is displayed with the screen number input first. In FIG. 7, when the numeric keypad operation key 45 is pressed on the copy function screen displayed by pressing the copy key 50 (FIG. 2) and the numeric keypad 41 is converted into a screen number input key, the status of the copy function screen is displayed. In the area 61, “Now on numeric keypad screen” 71 indicating that the numeric keypad 41 functions as a screen number input key is displayed. Simultaneously with this display, the screen number first input in this status area is displayed as the input candidate screen number, that is, in this embodiment, the screen number 72 based on the classification number 1 and the function number 4 is displayed as the input candidate screen number. This display is displayed in a white area indicating that it is before confirmation. When the user confirms this number with the # key, an application magnification setting screen (FIG. 7C) is displayed, and a predetermined input is made according to this screen. If the displayed input candidate screen number is not the number of the screen that the user wants to set, the number of the screen that the user wants to display is input again with the numeric keypad 41, and the operation of confirming this is performed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for displaying the setting screen by the screen number input first. This processing will be described with reference to FIG. 8. When the user presses the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S21), the CPU 1 turns on the LED 45a of the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S22). Then, the numeric keypad 41 is caused to function as a screen number input key, and the display “Tenkey screen operation in progress” is displayed in the status area 61 of the function screen (S23), and at the same time, the screen first input in the status area 61 The number 72 is read from the SRAM 3 and is displayed as a blank screen number as an input candidate (S24). In this state, the CPU 1 waits for confirmation of the displayed screen number or input of another screen number (S25), and ends this processing.

  In the present embodiment, the screen number of the setting screen that the user wants to display is registered as the input candidate screen number, and the screen is set by the registered screen number.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing changes in the initial setting screen when registering the screen number of the setting screen. When registering the screen number, the user first presses the initial setting key 48 of the operation unit. Then, the LCD display unit 42 displays an initial setting menu screen (FIG. 9A). An input screen number setting key 91 is displayed on the initial setting menu screen. When this key is pressed, the screen changes to an input screen candidate setting screen (FIG. 9B). Since this screen displays the classification number key 92 and the function number key 93, the user presses the classification number key 92 and inputs the classification number 2, for example, with the ten key 41. Thereafter, the function number key 93 is pressed, and for example, the function number 2 is input by the ten key 41. The inputted classification number 2 and function number 2 are stored in the SRAM 3. With these inputs, the input screen number 2-2 is displayed in the feedback field 94 of the input screen candidate setting screen. Referring to the definition table in FIG. 4, this input sets double-sided / double-sided copy in duplex / aggregation mode. After this input, if this is confirmed by the menu key 95 on the input screen candidate setting screen, the screen returns to the initial setting menu screen and the registration is ended by the end key 96.

  Next, an operation for setting the screen with the registered screen number when the screen number is registered will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating changes in the copy function screen when the screen number is registered. 10, when the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 is operated on the copy function screen and the numeric keypad 41 is converted into a screen number input key, the numeric keypad 41 functions in the status area 61 as “screen number input key”. At the same time that the numeric keypad screen operation 71 is displayed (FIG. 10A), the screen number of the input candidate in this status area 61, that is, the screen number indicating the registered classification number 2 and function number 2 in this embodiment. 73 is displayed. This display is displayed in a white area indicating that it is before confirmation. When the user confirms this number with the # key, double-sided / double-sided 74 is highlighted in the double-sided setting screen (FIG. 10C), so check this, that is, check the OK key at the bottom right of the figure. do it. If the registered screen number is not used, another screen number is input with the numeric keypad 41 before the screen number displayed in the white area is determined.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the screen setting process when the screen number is registered. This process will be described with reference to FIG. 11. When the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 is pressed (S31), the CPU 1 turns on the LED 45a of the numeric keypad screen key 45 (S32). Then, the numeric keypad 41 is caused to function as a screen number input key, and a message to that effect is displayed in the status area of the display screen (S33), and at the same time, it is checked whether the classification number and function number are stored in the SRAM 3 (S34). If registered, the registered screen number is displayed in the white area (S35), and the confirmation operation or input of another screen number is awaited (S36).

  In this embodiment, screen setting is performed by the screen number of the image forming mode executed last. Here, the image forming mode refers to a form (mode) of image formation by a combination of predetermined print additional functions. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the image forming operation is executed, the executed image forming mode is stored.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the processing for storing the executed image forming mode. Explaining according to the flowchart, after the screen setting is made with a predetermined screen number and the image forming mode is determined, the start key 43 is pressed. Is done. The CPU 1 determines whether or not the start key 43 has been pressed (S41). When determining that the start key 43 has been pressed, the CPU 1 further determines whether or not the image forming operation has started (S42) and determines that it has started. Confirms the image forming mode (S43) and stores the screen number in the SRAM 3 (S44). A nonvolatile memory 21 can be used as the memory.

  Next, in the present embodiment, the screen setting is performed with the stored screen number, that is, the screen number of the image forming mode executed last.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of processing for setting a screen with the screen number of the image forming mode executed last, and this processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart. When the user presses the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S51), the CPU 1 turns on the LED 45a of the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S52). Then, the numeric keypad 41 is caused to function as a screen number input key, and a message to that effect is displayed in the status area of the display screen (S53), and the last executed image forming mode stored in the SRAM 3 or the nonvolatile memory 21 is displayed. The screen number is checked and read (S54). The read screen number is displayed in white in the status area (S55). In this state, the CPU 1 waits for confirmation of the displayed screen number or input of another screen number (S56), and ends this processing.

  In this embodiment, the screen setting is performed using the screen number of the most frequently used image forming mode, not the screen number of the image forming mode that was executed last.

  For this reason, a counter is provided in the SRAM 3 for each image forming mode, and the counter is counted up each time the image forming mode is used.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of processing for counting up each time the image forming mode is used. This process will be described according to the flowchart. After the image forming mode is set, the start key 43 is pressed. The CPU 1 determines whether or not the start key 43 has been pressed (S61). When determining that the start key 43 has been pressed, the CPU 1 further determines whether or not the image forming operation has started (S62) and determines that it has started. Confirms the image forming mode (S63) and counts up the counter in the memory of the mode (S64). A nonvolatile memory 21 can be used as the memory.

  Next, in this embodiment, the screen setting is performed with the screen number of the most frequently used image forming mode.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of processing for setting a screen with the screen number of the most frequently used image forming mode. This processing will be described below with reference to FIG. When the user presses the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S71), the CPU 1 turns on the LED 45a of the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S72). The numeric keypad 41 is made to function as a screen number input key, and a message to that effect is displayed in the status area of the display screen (S73), the memory counter of the SRAM 3 is checked, and the screen number of the most frequently used image forming mode is displayed. Is read (S74). The read screen number is displayed in white in the status area (S75). In this state, the CPU 1 waits for confirmation of the displayed screen number or input of another screen number (S76), and ends this processing.

  In this embodiment, the image forming mode setting screen is set by the screen number of either the user setting mode, the final execution mode, or the high usage frequency mode.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an operation for setting a screen number is performed by selecting an image forming mode. This selection and setting operation will be described with reference to FIG. When the initial setting key 48 (FIG. 2) of the operation unit is pressed, a screen (FIG. 16 (A)) that enables initial setting of various items is displayed. In this screen, an input screen number setting key 91 is displayed together with a basic setting key, a paper setting key, a time timer setting key, etc. When this key is pressed, an initial setting screen for the screen number (FIG. 16B) Changes to. On this initial setting screen, a user setting key 97, a final execution mode key 98, and a high usage frequency mode key 99 are displayed as priority candidate setting keys. Therefore, the user selects either the user setting mode 97, the final execution mode 98, or the high usage frequency mode 99 by using these keys.

  For example, when the user setting key 97 is selected, the classification number key 92 or the function number key 93 can be selected. By selecting either of them, the numeric key number 41 is selected by the numeric keypad 41, and the function number is set to, for example, 2 Can be entered. The input classification number and function number are displayed in the feedback field 94.

  When the final execution mode 98 is selected, the classification number and function number of the image forming mode that was last executed are displayed in the feedback field 94, and when the high use frequency mode 99 is selected, the most frequently used mode is used. The mode classification number and function number are displayed in the feedback field 94.

  When this display is confirmed and the menu key 95 is pressed, the screen returns to the initial setting screen (FIG. 16A), and the initial setting screen is closed by the end key 96 to set the screen number of the selected mode. be able to.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a process for setting the screen by the screen number in the user setting mode, the final execution mode, or the high usage frequency mode. This process will be described with reference to FIG. 17. When the user presses the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S81), the CPU 1 turns on the LED 45a of the numeric keypad screen operation key 45 (S82). Then, the numeric keypad 41 is converted into a key that functions as a screen number input key, and a message to that effect is displayed in the status area of the display screen (S83).

  Subsequently, when the user setting mode, final execution mode, or high usage frequency mode is selected by the user, the CPU 1 sets a corresponding flag. Therefore, the priority of the initial setting depends on which flag is set. The candidates are examined (S84).

  When the user setting mode is selected as the priority candidate, the screen number of the input candidate set in the initial setting is checked (S85). Then, the screen number as a result of the examination is displayed in the status menu as white (S88), and the confirmation or input of the image number is awaited (S89). After the confirmation or input is performed, this process is terminated.

  When the last execution mode or high usage frequency mode is selected instead of the user setting mode, the screen number of the last executed mode or the most frequently used image forming mode is checked (S86, S87). The screen number is displayed in white on the status menu (S88), the determination or the input of the image number is awaited (S89), and after the determination or input, this processing is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the screen number (classification number, function number) in the screen number definition table is customized to the user's preference.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an initial screen when the screen number of the screen number definition table is customized. When the initial setting key 48 (FIG. 2) of the operation unit is pressed, a screen (FIG. 18 (A)) that enables initial setting of various items is displayed. In this screen, an input screen number setting key 91 is displayed together with a basic setting key, a paper setting key, a time timer setting key, etc. When this key is pressed, an input screen number initial setting screen (FIG. 18B) Changes to. The input screen number initial setting screen includes a scaling change key 101, a duplex / consolidation change key 102, an edit / edit key for changing the classification number of scaling, duplex / aggregate, edit / print, cover / interleaf. A print change key 103 and a cover / interleaf change key 104 are displayed. In order to change the screen number (classification number) for scaling, pressing the scaling key 101 will reverse the display of the scaling key and select “Category number or function number and set with the numeric keypad”. ”Is displayed, and the currently set classification number, 1 in this example, is displayed, and the input of the classification number to be changed is requested. When the user changes the classification number 1 to 5, the number 5 is input with the numeric keypad 41 and is confirmed with the menu key 95. Then, the screen returns to the initial setting screen for each item, and the end key 96 is used to end the change of the screen number.

  When changing the function number, for example, when changing the function number related to scaling, pressing the scaling key in FIG. 18B simultaneously causes the zoom key 111, the enlargement key 112, and the reduction key 113 corresponding to the scaling item. Since the application scaling key 114 is displayed, a predetermined key is pressed, and the function number is input and changed in the same manner as the change of the classification number.

  FIG. 19 shows a screen number definition table in which the magnification classification number is changed from 1 to 5. The screen number definition table shown in FIG. 4 is default information stored in advance in the flash ROM 2 or the non-volatile memory 21 of the operation control unit. The screen number definition table after the change is changed by the user operation and stored in the SRAM 3. Customization information to be stored.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of processing for customizing the screen number of the screen number definition table. This process will be described according to the flowchart. When the input screen number setting key 91 (FIG. 18) is pressed, this process starts, and the CPU 1 determines whether the change of the classification number or the change of the function number is selected (S91) and is selected. The currently set number of the selected classification number or function number is displayed (S92). Then, it is determined whether or not the currently set screen number has been changed with the numeric keypad 41 (S93). If changed, the changed number is displayed as the changed set number (S94) and confirmed. It is determined whether or not the # key for pressing is pressed (S95). If there is confirmation by pressing the # key, the changed screen number is confirmed and the screen number definition table is updated (S96). When a key other than the # key is pressed, this process is terminated. If there is no key input, the input is waited for.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of processing for jumping to the setting screen of the image forming mode by the screen number of the changed screen number definition table. When the user presses the numeric keypad screen operation key 45, the CPU 1 causes the numeric keypad 41 to function as a screen number input key and waits for a classification number change input (S101). When the classification number is input (S102), the input classification number is stored in the SRAM 3, and the input of changing the function number is awaited (S103). Subsequently, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the function number has been changed (S104). If the function number has been changed, the CPU 1 stores it in the SRAM 3 and waits for the confirmation key (# key) to be pressed (S105). When the # key is pressed and the change is confirmed (S106), the screen number is confirmed, the screen number table of the confirmed screen number is searched (S107), and the changed classification number and function number setting screen is displayed. The jump is made (S108), and this process is terminated. When any key other than the confirmation key is operated, the input is invalidated and this process is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, when the screen number definition table is to be customized in the seventh embodiment, when the screen number is already used, a warning is issued and another number is requested to be input again.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a warning screen at the time of inputting a screen number, in which FIGS. 22A and 22B are the same diagrams as FIG. 18 in the case where the screen number for zooming is changed. is there. In FIG. 22 (A) and FIG. 22 (B), when the classification number 5 is input to change the classification number for scaling, if the number 5 is already used in another classification, the “input number is A warning screen (FIG. 22C) with the message “Used, please enter another number again.” Is displayed. When this screen is displayed, the return key 115 cancels this screen and returns to the screen shown in FIG. 22B to input another classification number.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process for issuing a warning when a duplicate screen number is used and inputting a unique screen number. Hereinafter, the processing procedure will be described with reference to this flowchart.

  When the input screen number setting key 91 is pressed, this process starts, and the CPU 1 determines whether the change of the classification number is selected or the change of the function number is selected (S111), and the selected classification number or The currently set function number is displayed (S112). Then, it is determined whether or not the currently set screen number has been changed with the numeric keypad 41 (S113). If changed, the changed number is displayed as the changed setting number (S114) and confirmed. It is determined whether or not the # key for pressing is pressed (S115). When the change is confirmed by the # key, the inputted change screen number is confirmed and the screen number definition table is searched (S116). Then, it is determined whether there is a duplication of screen numbers (S117). If there is no overlap (S117, N), the screen number table is updated (S118), and this process is terminated. If there is an overlap (S117, Y), a warning screen (FIG. 23C) is displayed (S119), and it is determined whether an instruction to return to the initial setting screen (FIG. 23B) has been made (S120). ), When an instruction is given, return to the screen and enter another screen number.

  In this embodiment, the individual screen numbers changed by customization are individually returned to the default screen numbers preset in the operation unit.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a display screen for returning the changed screen number to the default screen number. When the initial setting key 48 (FIG. 2) of the operation unit is pressed, a screen (FIG. 24 (A)) that enables initial setting of various items is displayed. The input screen number setting key 91 is displayed together with the basic setting key, paper setting key, time timer setting key, etc. in this screen. When this key is pressed, the input screen number initial setting screen (FIG. 24B) is displayed. change. In this example, since the zoom classification number is returned to the default classification number, when the zoom 101 is pressed, the changed classification number 5 is displayed. Therefore, when the key 117 to be returned to the default key is pressed, the changed classification number is returned to the original classification number 1. Therefore, the menu key 95 returns to the initial initial setting screen (FIG. 24A), and the end key 96 To finish this operation. When returning the function number to the default function number, the function mode is selected by pressing, and the displayed function number of the function mode is returned to the original function number with the default key 117.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart of processing for returning the changed screen number to the default screen number. The processing procedure will be described with reference to this flowchart.

  When the initial setting key 48 (FIG. 2) of the operation unit is pressed, a screen (FIG. 24A) that enables initial setting of various items is displayed, and the input screen number setting key 91 is pressed in the screen. Then, this process starts, and the CPU 1 determines whether the change of the classification number is selected or the change of the function number is selected (S121), and the selected classification number or function number is currently set. The number is displayed (S122). Then, it is determined whether or not the default key is turned on (S123). If it is turned on, the screen number to be returned to the default screen number is determined, and the screen number definition table is returned to the default screen number (S124). ).

  In this embodiment, all screen numbers changed by customization are collectively returned to the default screen numbers preset in the operation unit.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a display screen that collectively returns the changed screen numbers to the default screen numbers. Referring to FIG. 26, the operation for collectively returning the changed screen numbers to the default screen numbers will be described. When the initial setting key 48 (FIG. 2) of the operation unit is pressed, various items can be initialized. A screen to be displayed (FIG. 26A) is displayed. In this screen, an input screen number setting key 91 is displayed together with a basic setting key, a paper setting key, a time timer setting key, etc. When this key is pressed, an input screen number initial setting screen (FIG. 26B) Changes to. In this example, the changed screen numbers are returned to the default screen numbers all at once, so if you press the key 118 that returns to the defaults in a batch, the changed screen numbers are returned to the original screen numbers. The initial setting screen (FIG. 26A) is returned to, and the operation is terminated by the end key 96.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a process for collectively returning changed screen numbers to the default screen numbers. When the initial setting key 48 (FIG. 2) of the operation unit is pressed and the input screen number setting key 91 in the initial setting screen is pressed, this process starts, and the CPU 1 turns on the key to return to default all at once. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S131). When it is determined that it is turned on, the classification number and function number of the screen number table are initialized to the screen number definition table stored in the flash ROM 2 (S132).

  In order to cause a computer of a general image forming apparatus to execute the screen setting function described in the first to eleventh embodiments, the procedure is described as a computer program in a general-purpose program language, and the program is stored in a flexible disk, a CD By recording on an arbitrary recording medium such as a ROM, DVD-ROM, or MO and reading it, the screen setting process according to the present invention can be easily performed. In addition to recording the program on a recording medium, the program can be directly read by the computer of the image forming apparatus via an arbitrary network such as the Internet or an intranet.

  The present invention can be used in a digital multifunction machine having a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a document organization function, and the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operation unit of a digital multifunctional device. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the operation unit mounted in a digital multifunctional device. It is a flowchart of a process for making a numeric keypad function as a screen number input key with a numeric keypad screen operation key. It is a figure which shows the screen number definition table which defines a printing additional function with a classification number and a function number. It is a figure which shows the change of a copy function screen when displaying a setting screen by the input screen number. It is a flowchart of the setting screen display process by a screen number. It is a figure which shows the change of a display screen when displaying a setting screen with the screen number input initially. It is a flowchart of the process which displays a setting screen by the screen number input initially. It is a figure which shows the change of the initial setting screen in the case of registering the screen number of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows the change of a copy function screen when a screen number is registered. It is a flowchart of a screen setting process when a screen number is registered. It is a flowchart of the process which memorize | stores the performed image formation mode. It is a flowchart of the process which performs a screen setting with the screen number of the image formation mode performed at the end. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing for counting up each use of an image forming mode. It is a flowchart of the process which performs a screen setting by the screen number of the image formation mode used most often. It is a figure which shows the screen which performs operation which sets a screen number by selection of image formation mode. It is a flowchart of the process which performs a screen setting by the screen number of a user setting mode or the last execution mode or a high use frequency mode. It is a figure which shows the initial screen when customizing the screen number of a screen number definition table. It is a figure which shows the screen number definition table by which the classification number was changed. It is a flowchart of the process which customizes the screen number of a screen number definition table. It is a flowchart of the process which jumps to the setting screen of the said image formation mode by the screen number of the changed screen number definition table. It is a figure which shows the warning screen at the time of the input of a screen number. It is a flowchart of the process which issues a warning and uses the screen number with no duplication when using a duplicate screen number. It is a figure which shows the display screen which returns the changed screen number to a default screen number. It is a flowchart of the process which returns the changed screen number to a default screen number. It is a figure which shows the display screen which returns the changed screen number to the default screen number collectively. It is a flowchart of the process which returns the changed screen number to the default screen number collectively. It is a figure which shows the change of a display screen when displaying the screen which sets the conventional application scaling.

Explanation of symbols

  1 ... CPU, 2 ... Flash ROM, 3 ... SRAM, 4 ... Liquid crystal (LCD) module, 5 ... Touch panel, 6 ... SDRAM, 7 ... LCD controller, 8 ..Electronic components such as light emitting diodes, 9 ... drivers, 10 ... operation control units, 20 ... main body control units, synchronous serial communication lines.

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus having means capable of setting a print function on a display screen,
Means for storing a printing function to which identification information is assigned;
Means for reading the setting screen information of the printing function to which the identification information is given by the identification information;
Means for displaying the read setting screen information of the print function;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The means for reading the print function setting screen information to which the identification information is given by the identification information,
An image forming apparatus that reads print function setting screen information from identification information of a default printing function, identification information of a printing function executed last, or identification information of a printing function that is used most frequently. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An image forming apparatus comprising means for rewriting the identification information. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for returning the identification information of the printing function to the identification information of the default printing function. The computer of the image forming apparatus
Means for storing a printing function with identification information;
Means for reading the setting screen information of the print function to which the identification information is given by the identification information;
Means for displaying the read setting screen information of the print function;
Program to function as. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is recorded.

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