JP2007001233A - Electric appliance, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique by which a desired condition can be set by a comparatively small number of operations in various kinds of electric appliances such as a cellular phone. <P>SOLUTION: On a display 12, a condition setting screen G1 including a surface attachment setting choice arranging surface Sa on which a plurality of choices are arranged on a virtual surface for each setting item, a double-sided setting choice arranging surface Sb, and a pointer Pt is displayed. Then, a position occupied by the pointer Pt on the condition setting screen G1 is moved and arranged at one location, and thus, choices for respective choice arranging surfaces Sa and Sb are respectively simultaneously selected. By this constitution, the operations for designating a plurality of choices can be executed by one operation that the pointer Pt is properly moved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a user interface.

  Various portable electric devices such as mobile phones have a small display, and the display functions as a user interface (UI) by displaying an operation screen for realizing various settings.

  In this operation screen, an initial screen listing a plurality of options (operation controls) related to setting conditions is displayed. For example, when this initial screen is displayed, if one option is selected, the screen transitions to the next screen.If a detailed option is selected on the screen, the screen transitions to the next screen. Many operations are required to set one condition, such as one condition being set when a setting condition is selected. Also, if a plurality of conditions are to be set, after one condition is set, the initial screen must be returned to the state once displayed, and the next condition must be set again by the same operation. Since the number of operations increases, operability is very poor.

  Therefore, in order to improve operability, a polyhedron with a predetermined option assigned to each surface is displayed, and the polyhedron is rotated with the mouse to display a surface with a desired option assigned, and the corresponding surface is clicked. Thus, a data processing system that can select the option has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Prior art documents relating to such technology include the following.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-160739

  However, in the technique proposed in Patent Document 1, if there are many setting conditions, the condition must be set for each option by sequentially proceeding to select one option assigned to each surface. The number of operations still increases. In addition, since options are assigned to each surface of the polyhedron, it is difficult to find options assigned to the back side of the polyhedron.

  The problem that the operability is deteriorated because a large number of operations are required to set such conditions is not limited to various portable electric devices, but is common to electric devices that display a screen for setting conditions. It is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of setting desired conditions with a relatively small number of operations.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is an electrical apparatus provided with a display means having a display surface, and a plurality of options are arranged on a virtual surface for each setting item for a plurality of setting items. A display control means for displaying on the display surface a condition setting screen including a plurality of option arrangement surfaces and a pointer having a predetermined shape, and the position of the pointer on the condition setting screen in response to a user operation. And means for designating a set of options consisting of a plurality of options by simultaneously designating the options on each of the option placement planes by arranging the pointer in one place. It is characterized by providing.

  Further, the invention of claim 2 is the electrical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition setting screen is a screen in which the plurality of option arrangement surfaces are respectively arranged on surfaces that are visually different from each other. The option specifying means specifies the set of options by penetrating the plurality of option arrangement planes with the pointer.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the electrical apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the condition setting screen is configured such that each of the options is selected so that a predetermined combination of options is not designated by the pointer. The screen is characterized in that a plurality of options are arranged on the arrangement surface.

  The invention of claim 4 is the electrical device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of setting items include first and second setting items, and the condition setting screen is contradictory in setting. A plurality of options on each of the option arrangement planes so that the first option according to the first setting item and the second option according to the second setting item are not arranged along the longitudinal direction of the pointer. Is a screen on which is arranged.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electrical apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a part of the plurality of option arrangement surfaces is arranged in response to a selection operation by the user. The image processing apparatus further includes an extracting unit that extracts a group of faces, wherein the plurality of option arrangement planes are the option arrangement plane groups extracted by the extraction unit.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein information storage means for storing coordinate information indicating a reference position of the pointer on the display surface, and a user In response to the detection of the predetermined motion by the motion detection means, the motion detection means for detecting the predetermined motion of the display, and the display control means refers to the coordinate information, thereby making the pointer the reference It is characterized by being displayed at a position.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the electrical device according to claim 6, further comprising user identification means for identifying a user, wherein the information storage means is a coordinate indicating a reference position of the pointer on the display surface. By storing coordinate information groups each storing information for each user, the display control means refers to the coordinate information group in response to detecting the predetermined motion by the motion detection means, The pointer is displayed at a reference position corresponding to the user identified by the user identifying means.

  The invention according to claim 8 is executed by a computer included in an electric device provided with display means having a display surface, whereby the electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided. This is a program that functions as a device.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of option arrangement planes in which a plurality of options are arranged on a virtual plane for each setting item and a pointer are displayed, and the pointer is moved and arranged in one place. By adopting a configuration in which options on each option arrangement surface are specified simultaneously, desired conditions can be set with a relatively small number of operations.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, a plurality of option arrangement planes are visually displayed on mutually different planes, and a plurality of option arrangement planes are specified by a pointer to designate a set of options. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to set a desired condition with a relatively small number of operations while displaying a screen in which a plurality of options are arranged in a limited display area.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, in order to arrange a plurality of options on each option arrangement surface so that a predetermined combination of options is not specified, for example, a set of conflicting combinations of options Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem such as designating the user, an extra operation for eliminating the problem, and the like, so that a desired condition can be set with an easy operation.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first option related to the first setting item and the second option related to the second setting item contradicting each other along the longitudinal direction of the pointer. By arranging a plurality of options on each option arrangement surface so that they are not arranged, it is possible to prevent contradictory conditions from being set in advance, so that desired conditions can be set with an easy operation. .

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in response to a selection operation by the user, a part of a plurality of option arrangement planes is extracted, and the part of the option arrangement planes is extracted. By adopting a configuration that simultaneously selects the options on each option placement surface by moving the pointer and placing it in one place, a plurality of necessary option placement surfaces are displayed relatively easily on the display surface. Therefore, the operability can be improved.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the coordinate information indicating the reference position of the pointer is stored, and the pointer is referred to in response to the detection of a predetermined operation by the user. Can be easily specified by a configuration in which is displayed at the reference position. In addition, since a combination of a large number of options can be specified with relatively little information such as coordinate information indicating the position of the pointer, the storage capacity of the storage medium can be used effectively.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the coordinate information indicating the reference position of the pointer is stored for each user, and the user identified in response to the detection of the predetermined operation by the user is stored. By configuring the pointer to be displayed at the reference position corresponding to, it is possible to simplify the operation of specifying a set of options according to the user, so that the set of options can be specified more easily. .

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 8, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the invention described in any one of claims 1-7.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
<Outline of MFP>
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a multi-function peripheral (hereinafter abbreviated as “MFP”) 1. The MFP 1 is a multifunction machine having a plurality of image processing functions such as a scanner, a copier, a printer, and a fax machine, and can transmit and receive data via a network. The MFP 1 also functions as an image output device that outputs various images using a copier, printer, fax, or the like, and also functions as an image transmission device that transmits various images using a fax or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1 includes a display 12 that displays an instruction menu for a user, information about an acquired image, and the like, and a plurality of keys. An operation panel 10 that receives an input of data such as an operation panel 10, a scanner unit 20 that photoelectrically reads an original to obtain image data, and a printer unit that prints an image on a recording sheet based on the image data 30. Note that the operation panel 10 is disposed in the upper front portion of the MFP 1.

  In addition, the MFP 1 has a feeder unit 21 that sends a document to the scanner unit 20 on the upper surface of the main body, a sheet feeding unit 40 that supplies a recording sheet to the printer unit 30 at a lower part, and a recording in which an image is printed by the printer unit 30 at a central part. A tray 50 from which sheets are discharged, a communication unit 60 that transmits / receives image data and the like to / from an external device via a network, and a hard disk 70 that corresponds to a storage unit that stores various data and the like are provided. Although not shown, the MFP 1 has a network interface (network I / F), and the communication unit 60 is connected via the network I / F so that various data can be transmitted to and received from an external device. Connected to the network.

  The display 12 is used for various displays including a list display of data transmission destinations, while the operation unit group 13 is used for various inputs including selection of a transmission destination (destination) by the user. Functions as the main part of the user interface (user I / F). The display 12 has a display surface for displaying various screens, and also functions as a touch panel that allows the user to select the displayed information by touching it with a finger. Further, the display 12 displays a screen for setting various conditions for operating the MFP 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “condition setting screen”).

  The scanner unit 20 acquires image data by photoelectrically reading image information such as photographs, characters, and pictures from a document. The acquired image data (density data) is converted into digital data by an image processing unit (not shown), subjected to various known image processing, and then sent to the printer unit 30 and the communication unit 60 for image printing and data. Or stored in the hard disk 70 for later use.

  The printer unit 30 prints an image on a recording sheet based on image data acquired by the scanner unit 20, image data received from an external device by the communication unit 60, or image data stored in the hard disk 70. , Output the image visually.

  The communication unit 60 transmits and receives facsimile data via a public telephone line, and also uses image data (such as e-mail) with an external device connected to the network via a network such as a LAN or the Internet. Transmission / reception of various data including images), that is, input / output. Thus, the MFP 1 has not only a function as a facsimile apparatus that performs normal facsimile communication but also a function as an electronic mail transmission / reception terminal. Therefore, various image data, document data, and the like can be transmitted and received as an attached file of an e-mail. Note that network communication performed by the MFP 1 may be wired or wireless.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the MFP 1. The MFP 1 includes a controller 120 that controls the operation of the entire MFP 1. The controller 120 includes a CPU 121 that performs various arithmetic processes, a RAM 122 that stores various data, and a ROM 130 that stores a predetermined software program (hereinafter simply referred to as “program”) 131.

  Also connected to the controller 120 are a display 12 and a user I / F 230 including the operation unit group 13, a scanner unit 20, a printer unit 30, and a hard disk 70. The hard disk 70 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores various data such as image data. The RAM 122 is a nonvolatile memory.

  Thus, various data can be transferred between the RAM 122, the scanner unit 20, the printer unit 30, and the hard disk 70 under the control of the CPU 121 of the controller 120. The display 12 controls the CPU 121 of the controller 120. Thus, the information stored in the RAM 122 and the hard disk 70 is displayed.

  Furthermore, the controller 120 is also connected with a communication unit 60 for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device connected via a network. That is, the MFP 1 also functions as a data transmission system that transmits data and a data reception system that receives data.

  The communication unit 60 has a function of transmitting electronic mail (E-Mail) as described above. This function is realized by the communication unit 60 cooperating with the controller 120 or the like. Then, under the control of the controller 120, the communication unit 60 can transmit an e-mail to a predetermined transmission destination.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the hard disk 70 associates information indicating each user with coordinate information (hereinafter also referred to as “default position information”) of a pointer default position (also referred to as “reference position”) on the condition setting screen. The stored database (hereinafter also referred to as “default position information DB”) 71 is stored.

  Further, the controller 120 has a function of converting data read by the scanner unit 20 into data of a predetermined file format.

  In this embodiment, the program 131 is stored in the ROM 130, but the program 131 may be stored in the RAM 122. Further, the program stored in RAM 122 or ROM 130 may be, for example, a program fetched into MFP 1 through communication via a network.

  Here, a function (condition setting function) related to condition setting realized by the CPU 121 by reading the program 131 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration related to the condition setting function.

  The display control unit 201 displays various information on the display surface of the display 12 in accordance with the execution of the program 131. Specifically, a screen (condition setting) that includes an image in which a plurality of options are arranged for each setting item for a plurality of setting items that define the operation conditions of the MFP 1 and a pointer for designating options related to each setting item Screen).

  The pointer moving unit 202 moves the position of the pointer on the condition setting screen displayed on the display 12 by appropriately touching the touch panel by the user.

  The option designation unit 203 designates an option indicated by the pointer on the condition setting screen displayed on the display 12.

  The user detection unit 204 detects an operation of a user operating a customization screen (described later) displayed on the display 12.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a customization screen. Here, the customization screen is a screen displayed on the display 12 before displaying the condition setting screen. When the MFP 1 is turned on, it is first displayed on the display 12.

  The customization screen includes a plurality of buttons (button groups) BT each having the name of each user registered in the default position information DB 71 and a button (condition setting screen button) for simply transitioning to the condition setting screen. TCB is listed. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, buttons (named with six users, such as “Mr. A”, “Mr. B”, “Mr. C”, “Mr. D”, “Mr. E”, and “Mr. F”), respectively. User designation buttons) BTa to BTf are displayed. The default position information DB 71 stores information (coordinate information) indicating the coordinates of the pointer setting position at the end of the previous use of the MFP 1 as default position information corresponding to the previous use.

  The user identification unit 205 identifies a user in response to a user-designated operation on the customization screen. Here, when any one of the user designation buttons BTa to BTf is pressed, the screen changes to a condition setting screen customized for the user attached to the pressed button. Note that “customization of the condition setting screen” here means that the default position of the pointer on the condition setting screen is customized.

  For example, when the user designation button BTa with the name “Mr. A” is touched with a finger, the display screen of the display 12 transitions from the customization screen to the condition setting screen corresponding to “Mr. A”.

  Here, the condition setting screen will be described.

<Condition setting screen>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a condition setting screen G1. Here, the condition setting screen G1 is a screen for setting printing conditions. In this condition setting screen G1, items (setting items) of conditions to be set are settings relating to imposition (Nin1 setting) and settings relating to duplex printing (double-sided setting).

  The condition setting screen G1 includes a surface Sa on which a plurality of options related to Nin1 setting are arranged on a virtual surface (virtual surface) (hereinafter also referred to as “imposition setting option arrangement surface”), and a plurality of options related to double-sided setting. Are displayed on a virtual surface (hereinafter also referred to as “double-side setting option arrangement surface”) Sb. On the condition setting screen G1, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb are arranged adjacent to each other.

  The imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa is configured as one surface in which areas Aa1, Aa2, and Aa4 to which options (1in1, 2in1, and 4in1) related to Nin1 setting are added are adjacent to each other on the virtual surface. Here, “1 in 1” means that one page of document is printed on one side of one printing paper, and “2 in 1” means two pages on one side of one printing paper. “4 in 1” means that a document for four pages is printed on one side of one printing sheet.

  Further, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa has a substantially parallelogram shape on the screen, and has a shape as if a rectangular plate-like object is viewed in a pseudo oblique direction. The imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa is divided into three regions Aa1, Aa2, and Aa4 by two line segments parallel to the short side.

  In addition, the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb is a surface in which areas Aaa, Aab, and Aac to which options (Simple, Long Edge Bind, Short Edge Bind) related to double-sided setting are attached are adjacent to each other on the virtual surface. Composed. Here, “Simple” means simple one-sided printing, “Long Edge Bind” means double-sided printing for closing the long side, and “Short Edge Bind” is for closing the short side. It means double-sided printing.

  The double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb has the same shape as the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa on the screen. In other words, here, two plate-like objects having substantially the same shape and size, which are substantially parallelograms, are displayed in a state where they are shifted by a predetermined distance in the diagonal direction of the screen, so that imposition setting options The arrangement surface Sa and the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb are displayed.

  Further, the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb is divided into three regions Aaa, Aab, and Aac by two line segments parallel to the long side.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the condition setting screen G1 has arrows of a predetermined length directed downward in FIG. 5 at both ends of a line segment Ln having a certain length in the diagonal direction of FIG. Each attached pointer Pt is displayed. The line segment Ln constituting the pointer Pt is a line segment extending in the direction of deviation between the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb, and the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb. And a length corresponding to a predetermined distance which is a deviation amount. The pointer Pt is also provided with a reference point DP that serves as a reference for moving the position of the pointer Pt at the approximate center of the line segment Ln.

  In the condition setting screen G1 displayed on the display surface of the display 12 as described above, when the finger is appropriately slid on the screen while pressing the reference point DP of the pointer Pt, the pointer moving unit 202 is controlled. The reference point DP is moved following the movement of the finger. As a result, the position occupied by the pointer Pt on the condition setting screen G1 is also moved.

  Then, by appropriately moving the position of the pointer Pt occupied on the condition setting screen G1 and arranging it at one place, two options respectively indicated by the tips of the arrows attached to both ends of the pointer Pt are displayed for each setting item. Can be specified as options at the same time. That is, it is possible to specify a set of options including two options related to the Nin1 setting and the duplex setting.

  6 to 8 illustrate examples of options specified on the condition setting screen G1. FIG. 6 shows a state in which a set of an option “1in1” for Nin1 setting and an option “Simple” for duplex setting is designated. Further, FIG. 7 shows a state in which a set of Nin1 setting option “4in1” and duplex setting option “Simple” is designated. Further, FIG. 8 shows a state in which a set of Nin1 setting option “4in1” and double-sided setting option “Short Edge Bind” is designated.

<Operation of MFP>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow of the MFP 1. The operation flow shown in FIG. 9 is executed under the control of the CPU 121, and starts when the MFP 1 is turned on.

  In step S1, a customization screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 12 under the control of the display control unit 201.

  In step S <b> 2, it is determined whether or not a user-designated operation is detected by the user detection unit 204. Here, it is assumed that when the user touches a user designation button (for example, any one of the user designation buttons BTa to BTf in FIG. 4) with a finger on the customization screen, there is a user designation operation. The process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if there is no user designation operation, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S3, the default position information corresponding to the user specified on the customization screen is referred from the default position information DB 71.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for transition to the condition setting screen. Here, if the condition setting screen button TCB on the customization screen is not touched with a finger, the process returns to step S2. If the condition setting screen button TCB on the customization screen is touched with a finger, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the default position information corresponding to the previous use stored in the default position information DB 71 is referred to.

  In step S6, under the control of the display control unit 201, a condition setting screen (for example, FIG. 5) including the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa, the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb, and the pointer Pt is displayed. At this time, the pointer Pt is displayed on the condition setting screen at a position corresponding to the default position information referred in step S3 or step S5 (for example, FIGS. 6 to 8).

  In step S7, conditions are set by appropriately moving the position occupied by the pointer Pt on the condition setting screen G1 and specifying a plurality of options using the pointer Pt.

  In step S8, in response to a pressing operation of an execution button (not shown) included in the button group BT, an operation such as printing is executed according to the conditions set in step S7.

  In step S9, the position of the pointer Pt on the currently set condition setting screen is stored in the default position information DB 71 as a default position, and this operation flow is terminated. By the operation in step S9, the default position information corresponding to the previous use is updated and registered in the default position information DB 71.

  As described above, in the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment, two (generally plural) option arrangement planes (imposition setting) in which a plurality of options are arranged on the virtual plane for each setting item on the display 12. The condition setting screen G1 including the option arrangement surface Sa and the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb) and the pointer Pt is displayed. Then, by moving the position occupied by the pointer Pt on the condition setting screen G1 and arranging it at one place, the options on each option arrangement surface are specified simultaneously. By adopting such a configuration, for example, an operation for designating a plurality of options can be executed by one operation for appropriately moving the pointer Pt, so that a desired condition can be set with a relatively small number of operations. Can do.

  In addition, when the above configuration is adopted, a plurality of options can be simultaneously specified by one operation of moving the pointer Pt even in an apparatus with few operation members such as a cursor button for appropriately selecting an option and a button for determining an option. Therefore, the operability of the device is greatly improved. Therefore, although the touch panel was employ | adopted for the display 12 above, even if the display 12 is a comparatively small screen which cannot employ | adopt a touch panel, the bad operativity can be improved.

  Further, coordinate information indicating the reference position of the pointer Pt on the screen of the display 12 is stored in the default position information DB 71 in advance. Then, in response to detecting the touch operation on the customization screen by the user, the pointer Pt is displayed at the reference position on the screen by referring to the coordinate information stored in the default position information DB 71. At this time, if the position is shifted to the condition setting screen G1 and the position occupied by the pointer Pt may be the default position, the pointer Pt does not need to be moved, so the user can easily specify a set of options. Can do. In addition, since a combination of a large number of options can be specified with relatively little information such as coordinate information indicating the position of the pointer Pt, the storage capacity can be used effectively.

  Further, coordinate information indicating the reference position of the pointer Pt on the screen of the display 12 is stored in advance in the default position information DB 71 for each user. Then, in response to detecting the touch operation of the user designation button on the customization screen by the user, the pointer Pt is displayed at the reference position corresponding to the identified user. With such a configuration, it is possible to simplify the operation of designating a set of options in accordance with the user, so that it is possible to more easily specify a set of options.

Second Embodiment
In the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment, the duplex setting option arrangement surface Sb is displayed adjacent to the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa on the condition setting screen G1. In contrast, in the MFP 1A according to the second embodiment, a condition setting screen G2 in which the arrangement of each element is different from the condition setting screen G1 is displayed.

  Hereinafter, the condition setting screen G2 in the MFP 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. Since the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment and the MFP 1A according to the second embodiment have the same configuration, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a condition setting screen G2. On the condition setting screen G2, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb are arranged on two parallel surfaces that are visually different from each other. More specifically, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb are displayed in such a manner that they are lined up and down in a state of being visually separated by a predetermined distance, and each of them is pseudo-diagonally inclined It has a shape as seen from

  The condition setting screen G2 displays a pointer Pt1 with an arrow at the lower end of a line segment having a predetermined length from the upper side to the lower side of the screen. In addition, a reference point DP1 serving as a reference when moving the position of the pointer Pt1 is also attached to the upper end of the pointer Pt1. When the finger is appropriately slid on the screen while pressing the reference point DP1 of the pointer Pt1, the reference point DP1 is moved following the movement of the finger under the control of the pointer moving unit 202. As a result The position occupied by the pointer Pt1 is also moved on the setting screen G2.

  In this way, by appropriately moving the position of the pointer Pt1 occupied on the condition setting screen G2, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb can be visually penetrated by the pointer Pt1. it can. At this time, the options for visually imposing the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb and the pointer Pt1 can be simultaneously specified as options for the respective setting items. That is, it is possible to simultaneously specify a set of options including two options related to the Nin1 setting and the duplex setting.

  FIG. 11 to FIG. 13 illustrate examples of options specified on the condition setting screen G2, respectively. FIG. 11 shows a state in which a set of an option “1in1” for Nin1 setting and an option “Simple” for duplex setting is designated. Also, FIG. 12 shows a state in which a set of Nin1 setting option “4in1” and duplex setting option “Simple” is designated. Further, FIG. 13 shows a state in which a set of Nin1 setting option “4in1” and double-sided setting option “Short Edge Bind” is designated.

  As described above, in the MFP 1A according to the second embodiment, on the display surface of the display 12, two (generally, a plurality of) option arrangement surfaces (here, imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and double-sided setting options) The arrangement plane Sb) is displayed on different planes visually. A set of options is specified by penetrating the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb with the pointer Pt1. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to set a desired condition with a relatively small number of operations while displaying a condition setting screen in which a plurality of options are arranged in a limited display area.

<Third Embodiment>
In the MFP 1A according to the second embodiment, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb are displayed on the condition setting screen G2. On the other hand, in the MFP 1B according to the third embodiment, a condition setting screen G3 to which a setting item related to magazine binding (booklet setting) is added is displayed.

  Hereinafter, the condition setting screen G3 in the MFP 1B according to the third embodiment will be described. Since the MFP 1A according to the second embodiment and the MFP 1B according to the third embodiment have the same configuration, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a condition setting screen G3. On the condition setting screen G3, as with the condition setting screen G2 according to the second embodiment, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb are visually different from each other on two parallel surfaces. Placed in. Furthermore, the condition setting screen G3 includes a single surface (hereinafter referred to as “hereinafter,“ areas Aba, Abb ”to which options (Booklet on, Booklet off) related to booklet settings are attached on a virtual surface. (Also referred to as “magazine binding setting option arrangement surface”) Sc. The magazine binding setting option arrangement surface Sc has the same shape as the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb. Here, “Booklet on” means printing in which a two-page booklet is created when a plurality of printing papers are folded along the short side of the center of the paper.

  In the condition setting screen G3, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa, the double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb, and the magazine binding setting option arrangement surface Sc are arranged on three parallel surfaces that are visually different from each other. More specifically, the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa, the double-sided setting option arrangement surface Sb, and the magazine binding setting option arrangement surface Sc are arranged vertically in a state where they are visually separated from each other by a predetermined distance. It is displayed in a form, and each has a shape as seen from an oblique direction in a pseudo manner.

  In such a condition setting screen G3, when the imposition setting is “1 in 1” and the duplex setting is “Simple”, the option (Booklet on) is set so that the magazine binding setting can be set to “Booklet on”. An area Aba marked with) is arranged. Specifically, the area Aba is visually present on the magazine spelling setting option arrangement surface Sc immediately below the area Aa1 to which the option (1 in 1) is added and immediately below the area Aaa to which the option (Simple) is added. Be placed.

  This is because when the imposition setting is set to “2in1” or “4in1”, or when the duplex setting is set to “Long Edge Bind” or “Short Edge Bind”, the magazine binding setting is “Booklet”. “on” is set because the setting is inconsistent. In other words, each option is arranged on the option arrangement surface Sa, Sb, Sc related to each setting item so that a combination of a plurality of contradictory options cannot be specified by the pointer Pt1. From another point of view, each option is arranged on the option arrangement surface Sa, Sb, Sc related to each setting item so that a set of options contradicting the setting is not arranged along the longitudinal direction of the pointer Pt. ing.

  15 to 17 illustrate examples of options specified on the condition setting screen G3. FIG. 15 shows a state in which a set of “Nin1” setting option “1in1”, double-sided setting option “Simple”, and magazine spelling setting option “Booklet on” is designated. Further, FIG. 16 shows a state in which a set of an option “1in1” for Nin1 setting, an option “Simple” for double-sided setting, and an option “Booklet off” for magazine spelling setting is designated. Further, FIG. 17 shows a state in which a set of Nin1 setting option “2in1”, duplex setting option “Long Edge Bind”, and magazine spelling setting option “Booklet off” is designated. .

  As described above, in the MFP 1B according to the third embodiment, a predetermined combination of options on the screen of the display 12 (in this case, a combination other than “1in1” and “Simple” for “Booklet on”). A plurality of options are arranged on each option arrangement surface Sa, Sb, Sc. For this reason, for example, it is possible to prevent a problem such as designating a combination of contradictory combination options. As a result, it is possible to prevent an extra operation or the like for eliminating the occurrence of the problem. Therefore, desired conditions can be set with an easy operation.

  In addition, the first setting item (here, 2in1, 4in1, Long Edge Bind, Short Edge Bind) and the second setting related to the first setting item (here, imposition setting or double-sided setting) that contradict each other in setting. A plurality of second choices (here, Booklet on) relating to the item (here, magazine spelling setting) are not arranged along the longitudinal direction of the pointer Pt1, and a plurality of choices are provided on each of the choice arrangement surfaces Sa, Sb, Sc. Choices are placed. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent inconsistent conditions from being set in advance, so that desired conditions can be set with an easy operation.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the MFPs 1, 1 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B according to the first to third embodiments, the option arrangement surfaces Sa, Sb, Sc related to the setting items determined from the beginning on the condition setting screens G1, G2, G3 are appropriately displayed. On the other hand, in the MFP 1C according to the fourth embodiment, a condition setting screen G4 is displayed so that conditions can be set after a setting item to be set is selected from a large number of setting items prepared in advance. Is done.

  Hereinafter, the condition setting screen G4 in the MFP 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that the MFP 1C according to the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the MFPs 1, 1A, and 1B according to the first to third embodiments. Is omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration related to a condition setting function in the MFP 1C according to the fourth embodiment. This condition setting function is realized by the CPU 121A.

  The setting item extraction unit 210 extracts some of the plurality of setting items from a large number of setting items prepared in advance in response to a user operation.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a condition setting screen G4. Similar to the condition setting screen G3 according to the third embodiment, the condition setting screen G4 displays an imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa, a double-side setting option arrangement surface Sb, and a magazine binding setting option arrangement surface Sc. Further, the condition setting screen G4 includes one surface in which areas Aca, Acb, and Acc, to which options (Center Staple, Left Staple, and Top Staple) related to Staple settings are added, are appropriately arranged on the virtual surface. Sd is displayed (hereinafter also referred to as “Staple setting option arrangement plane”) (see FIG. 21). The Staple setting option arrangement plane Sd has the same shape as the imposition setting option arrangement plane Sa. Here, “Center Staple” means that the center of the paper is stapled in the vertical direction along the short side for the booklet. “Left Staple” means that the left side of the paper is stapled, and “Top Staple” means that the upper side of the paper is stapled.

  When the transition is made from the customization screen to the condition setting screen G4, the condition setting screen G4 is displayed in a state as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the condition setting screen G4 is initially displayed with the option arrangement surfaces Sa to Sd lined up and down in a state of being visually separated from each other by a relatively short distance. The screen looks like it looks. On the condition setting screen G4 in the initial state, there is a relatively wide area AR where nothing is displayed on the upper side where the option arrangement surfaces Sa to Sd are arranged. The area AR functions as a work area described later.

  On the condition setting screen G4 in the initial state shown in FIG. 19, the setting item names corresponding to the respective surfaces are given to the right of the respective option arrangement surfaces Sa to Sd. When the user selects a setting item name that the user wants to set from a plurality of setting item names with a finger, for example, the screen shifts to a condition setting screen G4 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when a setting item name is appropriately touched and selected by the user, the option arrangement plane related to the selected setting item name is moved to an area (work area) AR in the order of selection. . In FIG. 20, the Nin1 setting and the Staple setting are sequentially selected, whereby the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa and the Booklet setting option arrangement surface Sd are sequentially moved to the work area AR.

  At this time, when a plurality of setting item names are sequentially selected, a plurality of setting items are extracted from a large number of setting items by the setting item extraction unit 210. Here, one of a plurality of option arrangement surfaces is extracted. A plurality of option arrangement planes (option arrangement plane groups) are extracted. The extracted option arrangement plane group is moved and displayed in the work area AR under the control of the display control unit 201.

  After the condition setting screen G4 is in the state shown in FIG. 20, the pointer Pt1 is moved as appropriate, so that two (generally a plurality of) option arrangement surfaces Sa and Sd are visually viewed as shown in FIG. Can be penetrated. At this time, the options in which the imposition setting option arrangement surface Sa, the Booklet setting option arrangement surface Sd, and the pointer Pt1 visually intersect with each other can be simultaneously specified as options of the respective setting items. FIG. 21 shows a state in which a set of options including imposition setting options “1 in 1” and Staple setting options “Center Staple” is designated.

  The setting items to be selected are not limited to those shown in FIG. 20 and FIG.

  As described above, in the MFP 1 </ b> C according to the fourth embodiment, when the condition setting screen G <b> 4 is displayed on the display surface of the display 12, first, the option arrangement surfaces Sa˜ Sd is arranged. Then, in response to the selection operation by the user, a part of the option arrangement surface group among the many option arrangement surfaces Sa to Sd is extracted. Furthermore, with respect to the option arrangement plane group, it is possible to simultaneously select the options of the respective option arrangement planes extracted by moving the pointer Pt1 and arranging it at one location. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to display a plurality of necessary option arrangement planes relatively easily on the display plane by using the fact that the option arrangement planes need only be displayed for necessary setting items. , It can contribute to the improvement of operability.

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the thing of the content demonstrated above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments, the MFP functioning as an image output device is targeted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to various image output devices such as copiers and printers, imaging devices, and the like. The present invention can be applied to various electronic devices and electric devices that display options on display screens such as various image input devices, portable electronic devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, and various computers such as personal computers (personal computers).

  Note that “electrical equipment” in this specification refers to various devices such as various image output devices, various image input devices, various portable electronic devices, and various computers.

  In the above-described embodiment, since the operation screen is displayed on the touch panel, the user moves the pointer with a finger. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position of the pointer can be operated by operating a cursor key. It is also possible to select an option by moving and pressing the enter button.

  In the above-described embodiment, the default position of the pointer on the condition setting screen is customized for each user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each option arrangement surface and each option arrangement on the condition setting screen are customized for each user. May be.

1 is an external view showing an MFP according to a first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of the MFP. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure regarding a condition setting function. It is a figure which illustrates a customization screen. It is a figure which shows the condition setting screen which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow of the MFP. It is a figure which illustrates the condition setting screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. It is a figure which illustrates the condition setting screen which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. It is a figure which illustrates the set of choices designated on a condition setting screen. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure regarding a condition setting function. It is a figure which illustrates the condition setting screen which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the condition setting screen which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the condition setting screen which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1,1A-1C MFP
10 Operation panel 12 Display 120 Controller 121, 121A CPU
131 Program 201 Display Control Unit 202 Pointer Moving Unit 203 Option Designating Unit 204 User Detection Unit 205 User Identification Unit 210 Setting Item Extraction Unit G1 to G4 Condition Setting Screen Pt, Pt1 Pointer

Claims (8)

An electrical device comprising a display means having a display surface,
Display control means for displaying, on the display surface, a condition setting screen including a plurality of option arrangement surfaces each having a plurality of options arranged on the virtual surface for each setting item and a pointer having a predetermined shape. When,
Moving means for moving the position of the pointer on the condition setting screen in response to a user operation;
An option designating unit for designating a set of options consisting of a plurality of options, by arranging the pointers at one location, and simultaneously designating the options on each option placement surface by the pointers,
An electrical apparatus comprising: The electric device according to claim 1,
The condition setting screen
The plurality of option arrangement surfaces are screens arranged on surfaces that are visually different from each other,
The option designating means is
The electrical apparatus is characterized by designating the set of options by penetrating the plurality of option arrangement planes with the pointer. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2,
The condition setting screen
An electrical device, wherein the screen is a screen on which a plurality of options are arranged on each of the option arrangement surfaces so that a predetermined combination of options is not designated by the pointer. The electrical device according to claim 2,
The plurality of setting items are
Including first and second setting items,
The condition setting screen
Each option arrangement plane is arranged so that the first option related to the first setting item and the second option related to the second setting item that are contradictory in setting are not arranged along the longitudinal direction of the pointer. An electric device characterized by being a screen on which a plurality of options are arranged. An electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In response to a selection operation by the user, an extraction unit that extracts a part of a plurality of option arrangement surfaces from among a plurality of option arrangement surfaces
Further comprising
The plurality of option arrangement surfaces are
The electrical apparatus is the option arrangement plane group extracted by the extraction means. An electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Information storage means for storing coordinate information indicating a reference position of the pointer on the display surface;
Motion detection means for detecting a predetermined motion of the user;
The display control means is
In response to the detection of the predetermined motion by the motion detection means, the pointer is displayed at the reference position by referring to the coordinate information. The electric device according to claim 6,
User identification means to identify the user,
Further comprising
The information storage means
Storing coordinate information groups each storing coordinate information indicating a reference position of the pointer on the display surface for each user;
The display control means is
In response to detecting the predetermined motion by the motion detection means, the pointer is displayed at a reference position corresponding to the user identified by the user identification means by referring to the coordinate information group. Features electrical equipment. A program for causing the electric device to function as the electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, when executed by a computer included in the electric device including a display unit having a display surface.

Images