JP2011091479A - Function setting apparatus, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the number of operation steps of setting operation without considerably increasing required costs. <P>SOLUTION: The function setting apparatus includes an operation unit with function keys, a display, and a controller which causes the display to display a function setting screen which allows a set value to be set to a function in response to depression of a function key of the operation unit. The operation unit has a multi-function setting key, and the controller is set to a multi-function setting mode in response to depression of the multi-function setting key of the operation unit, and in response to depression of a plurality of function keys in the multi-function setting mode, set values are set to respective functions corresponding to the plurality of depressed function keys. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a function setting device and an image forming apparatus.

In an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a copier, and a printer, various functions (such as an aggregation function and a pagination function) for image formation can be set. However, since various functions for image formation can be set, the operation becomes very complicated. As a result, there arises a problem that a heavy burden is imposed on the user in terms of operation.
For this reason, as an invention for solving such a problem, an image forming apparatus that facilitates a setting operation is proposed in Patent Document 1 below. This image forming apparatus identifies a reading unit that reads function identification information for setting a function from a recording medium, and a function corresponding to the function identification information that the reading unit reads from the recording medium, and forms an operation of the identified function. A control unit to be executed by the unit.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 proposes an image forming apparatus that can reduce a burden caused when a function is changed. This image forming apparatus is based on a designation unit that accepts designation of a function, a judgment unit that judges a combination of a function designated by the designation unit, and a remaining function other than the designated function, and a judgment result of the judgment unit. Display means for classifying and displaying the functions that can be combined with the designated functions among the remaining functions and the functions that cannot be combined.

JP 2004-330708 A JP 2007-142638 A

  By the way, the said patent document 1 and patent document 2 can reduce the user's burden which arose by complication of operativity. However, in Patent Document 1, the setting operation is simplified by setting the function based on the function identification information read by the reading unit. However, the image forming apparatus must be newly equipped with a reading unit. Since an information storage medium is also required, the required cost is greatly increased. Further, in Patent Document 2, the functions that can be combined with the functions that are initially set and the functions that cannot be combined are displayed to notify the user of the functions that can be combined. The steps are the same as before, that is, the setting must be made after opening the function screen by pressing a button, so a significant reduction in the number of operation steps cannot be expected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to reduce the number of operation steps of setting operation without significantly increasing necessary expenses.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, as a first solution means for a function setting device, an operation means having a function key, a display means, and a function set when the function key of the operation means is pressed A function setting device including a control means for displaying a function setting screen for setting a value on the display means, wherein the operation means includes a plurality of function setting keys, and the control means includes the plurality of the operation means. When the function setting key is pressed, the multi-function setting mode is set. When a plurality of function keys are pressed during the multi-function setting mode, the setting value is set for each of the functions corresponding to the plurality of pressed function keys. Adopt the means.

  In the present invention, as the second solving means relating to the function setting device, in the first solving means, the control means is in the multiple function setting mode only while the multiple function setting key is kept pressed. Adopt means.

  In the present invention, as a third solving means relating to the function setting device, in the first solving means, the control means is in the multiple function setting mode only while the multiple function setting key is kept pressed. Adopt means.

  In the present invention, as a fourth solving means related to the function setting device, in any one of the first to third solving means, the control means causes the light emitting means to emit light in the multiple function setting mode. adopt.

  In the present invention, as a fifth solving means related to the function setting device, in any one of the first to fourth solving means, the control means is in the multiple function setting mode during the multiple function setting mode. A means for displaying on the display means is adopted.

  In the present invention, as a sixth solving means related to the function setting device, in any one of the first to fifth solving means, the control means registers the setting value set for each function for each function combination. The plurality of function setting information is stored, and when a plurality of function keys are pressed during the function setting mode, a setting value is set for each function based on the function setting information.

  In the present invention, as a seventh solving means relating to the function setting device, in any one of the first to fifth solving means, the control means presses a plurality of function keys during the multiple function setting mode. Then, a means for setting a setting value having a high setting frequency for each function is adopted.

  According to the present invention, a function setting device adopting any one of the first to seventh solutions is provided as a solution for the image forming apparatus, and is based on a set value set for the function by the function setting device. Then, a method of forming an image is adopted.

  According to the present invention, when the multi-function setting key is pressed, the multi-function setting mode is entered, and when a plurality of function keys are simultaneously pressed during the multi-function setting mode, the function corresponding to the pressed plurality of function keys Set the set value for each. As described above, when the function setting key is pressed simultaneously during the multi-function setting mode, the multi-function device A automatically sets the setting values of the plurality of functions, so that the number of operation steps of the setting operation can be reduced. it can. Moreover, since the above operation can be realized without newly installing high hardware, the cost does not increase significantly.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the operation display unit 9 of the multifunction machine A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the multiple function setting information table of the multifunction peripheral A which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a multi-function setting operation of the multifunction peripheral A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen on which the function key of the multifunctional machine A which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention was displayed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) A according to the present embodiment has a copy function, a print function, a scan function, and a facsimile transmission / reception function. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function device A includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1, a read only memory (ROM) 2, a random access memory (RAM) 3, various sensor groups 4, an image reading unit 5, and an image data storage unit. 6, a sheet conveyance / image forming unit 7, a communication I / F unit 8, an operation display unit 9, a multiple function setting information storage unit 10 and a prohibition information storage unit 11. The CPU 1, the ROM 2, the RAM 3, the multiple function setting information storage unit 10, and the prohibition information storage unit 11 are control means in this embodiment.

The CPU 1 includes a control program stored in the ROM 2, various detection signals received from the various sensor groups 4, document image data, print image data and facsimile image data stored in the image data storage unit 6, and a communication I / F unit. The overall operation of the multi-function peripheral A is controlled based on various instructions input from the outside (client computer, public network, etc.) via 8 and operation instructions input from the operation display unit 9. The details of the control process of the CPU 1 will be described later as the operation of the multifunction device A.
The ROM 2 is a non-volatile memory that stores a control program executed by the CPU 1 and other data.

The RAM 3 is a volatile memory used as a working area serving as a temporary storage destination of data when the CPU 1 executes a control program and performs various operations.
The various sensor groups 4 are necessary for image forming operations such as a document set detection sensor, a paper out detection sensor, a paper jam detection sensor, a paper position detection sensor, a temperature sensor, and a cover open / close detection sensor of a housing (not shown). It is various sensors, and outputs various information detected by each sensor to the CPU 1 as detection signals.

The image reading unit 5 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and causes the CCD sensor to read images of documents sequentially fed by the ADF under the control command of the CPU 1. Document image data based on the image is output to the CPU 1. On the other hand, the CPU 1 stores the document image data in the image data storage unit 6.
The image data storage unit 6 is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk, and stores document image data, print image data and facsimile image data received from the outside by the communication I / F unit 8 under the control command of the CPU 1.

The paper transport / image forming unit 7 includes a print engine (photosensitive drum, charger, developing device, fixing roller, and the like), a paper feed roller, a paper discharge roller, and the like. The paper transport / image forming unit 7 transports printing paper from a paper feed tray (not shown) by a paper feed roller under a control command of the CPU 1, and an image (consisting of toner) based on image data in the image data storage unit 6. The image is transferred onto the printing paper, and the printing paper is conveyed to a paper discharge tray (not shown) by a paper discharge roller.
The communication I / F unit 8 is connected to an external client computer and a public network, and transmits and receives various signals between the client computer and the public network.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation display unit 9 includes a copy function key, a print function key, a scan function key, a facsimile function key, a start key, a stop / clear key, a power key, a numeric keypad (numeric input key), and a plurality of function settings. A hardware key such as a key K1 and a touch panel 9a are provided, and an operation instruction for each key is output to the CPU 1, and various screens are displayed on the touch panel 9a under the control command of the CPU 1.

  The copy function key, print function key, scan function key, and facsimile function key are keys for activating each function. The multi-function setting key K1 is a key for switching to the multi-function setting mode, and a light emitting diode L1 is embedded as shown in FIG. The light emitting diode L1 emits light in the multiple function setting mode under the control command of the CPU1. The operation in the multiple function setting mode will be described later.

  The touch panel 9a has a light sensor mounted on a glass substrate of a liquid crystal panel, and detects the pressed position by detecting the movement of a finger or the like using the light sensor. The touch panel 9a can detect the pressed positions of multiple points individually even if multiple points are pressed simultaneously. Note that the hardware keys of the operation display unit 9 and the touch panel 9a are operation means in the present embodiment. The touch panel 9a is a display unit in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the light emitting diode L1 is a light emitting means in the present embodiment.

The multi-function setting information storage unit 10 is, for example, a flash memory, and stores a multi-function setting information table in which setting values for each combination of multi-function setting functions in the copy function are registered. As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-function setting information table includes a function name (function name of the first function and a function name of the second function) for each function combination, and a set value (first value for each function combination). 1 is a data table in which the setting values of the first function and the setting values of the second function are registered. The CPU 1 executes the multiple function setting based on the multiple function setting information table. The information in the multiple function setting information table is previously registered by the user.
The prohibition information storage unit 11 is, for example, a flash memory, and stores prohibition information in which a combination of functions prohibited in the multiple function setting in the copy function is registered.

Next, the multi-function setting operation of the multifunction peripheral A according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
First, a user who wants to copy a document with the multifunction peripheral A sets the document on the ADF of the image reading unit 5. Then, the user operates the operation display unit 9 to set various functions for copying.

 The CPU 1 determines whether or not the multi-function setting key K1 is kept pressed (step S1). If it is determined “NO” in step S1, that is, if the multi-function setting key K1 is not continuously pressed, the CPU 1 stands by until the multi-function setting key K1 is pressed. If the CPU 1 determines “YES” in step S1, that is, if the multi-function setting key K1 is continuously pressed, the light-emitting diode L1 is caused to emit light and enter the multi-function setting mode (step S2).

 The CPU 1 determines whether or not the function key displayed on the touch panel 9a has been pressed after step S2 (step S3). The function key is a key for receiving a display instruction of a function setting screen for setting setting values of functions such as an aggregation function and a pagination function in the copy function. If it is determined “NO” in step S3, that is, if the function key is not pressed, the CPU 1 stands by until the function key is pressed. If it is determined “YES” in step S3, that is, if the function key is pressed, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the multi-function setting mode is set (step S4).

If the CPU 1 determines “NO” in step S4, that is, if it is not in the multiple function setting mode, the CPU 1 determines that it is a single function setting and displays a function setting screen corresponding to the pressed function key. It is displayed on the touch panel 9a (step S5).
If the CPU 1 determines “YES” in step S4, that is, if it is in the multi-function setting mode, it determines whether or not a plurality of function keys are simultaneously pressed in step S3 (step S6).

 If the CPU 1 determines “NO” in step S6, that is, if a plurality of function keys are not pressed at the same time, the function setting screen is displayed on the touch panel 9a in step S5. If the CPU 1 determines “YES” in step S6, that is, if a plurality of function keys are simultaneously pressed, whether or not a combination of functions corresponding to the plurality of pressed function keys can be set is prohibited. A determination is made based on the prohibition information in the information storage unit 11 (step S7).

If the CPU 1 determines “NO” in step S7, that is, if the function combination is prohibited, the CPU 1 causes the sound generation unit (not shown) to sound an error sound and / or the function combination is prohibited. An error screen indicating that it has been displayed is displayed on the touch panel 9a (step S8).
If the CPU 1 determines “YES” in step S7, that is, if a combination of functions can be set, the CPU 1 sets the set values for the functions corresponding to the pressed function keys in the multiple function setting table. Based on the setting (step S9).
When the start key is pressed, the CPU 1 causes each unit such as the image reading unit 5, the image data storage unit 6, and the sheet conveyance / image forming unit 7 to execute a copy operation based on the set value of the function.

  Next, a setting example of the multi-function setting will be specifically described with reference to FIG. For example, it is assumed that when the multifunction device A is in the multifunction function setting mode, the “aggregate” function key and the “page add” function key on the screen of the multifunction device A shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 1 sets the setting value “2 in 1” in the “aggregation” function and the setting value “−1−” in the “pagination” function based on the first in the multiple function setting information table (see FIG. 3). To do.

  Note that the setting value “−1−” of the “pagination function” indicates the notation design of the page drawn on the printing paper. Specifically, “−1−” is inserted in the middle below the first page of the printing paper, and “−2−” is inserted in the middle below the second page. In addition to “-1”, there are “P.1” and “1 / total number of pages n”.

  In addition to this example, when the “aggregation” function key and the “continuous reading” function key are pressed, the CPU 1 sets the setting value “2 in 1” to the “aggregation” function based on the second in the multiple function setting information table. ”And the set value“ Execute ”for the“ Continuous reading ”function. In addition, when the “pagination” function key and the “continuous reading” function key are pressed, the CPU 1 sets the set value “−1−” to the “pagination” function based on the third in the multiple function setting information table. ”And the set value“ Execute ”for the“ Continuous reading ”function. Further, when the “recopy” function key and the “eco-print” function key displayed on the screen other than those shown in FIG. 5 are pressed, the CPU 1 performs processing based on the fourth in the multiple function setting information table. Set the set value “execute” for the “recopy” function and set the set value “execute” for the “eco print” function

 As described above, in the multi-function device A according to the present embodiment, the CPU 1 enters the multi-function setting mode only while the multi-function setting key K1 is continuously pressed, and the plurality of function keys are simultaneously displayed during the multi-function setting mode. When pressed, a setting value is set for each function corresponding to the plurality of pressed function keys. As described above, when the function setting key is pressed simultaneously during the multi-function setting mode, the multi-function device A automatically sets the setting values of the plurality of functions, so that the number of operation steps of the setting operation can be reduced. it can. Moreover, since the above operation can be realized without newly installing high hardware, the cost does not increase significantly.

As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, the following modifications can be considered.
(1) In the above embodiment, when a plurality of function keys are simultaneously pressed during the multiple function setting mode, the setting value is set for each of the functions corresponding to the plurality of pressed function keys. It is not limited to.
For example, in the multiple function setting mode, even if multiple function keys are pressed at a time rather than simultaneously, a setting value is set for each function corresponding to the pressed multiple function keys. Also good.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the multi-function setting mode is set only while the multi-function setting key is continuously pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the CPU 1 may enter the multiple function setting mode when the multiple function setting key is pressed, and cancel the multiple function setting mode when the multiple function setting key is pressed again.

(3) In the above embodiment, the light emitting diode L1 emits light when entering the multiple function setting mode, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the CPU 1 may display a notification screen indicating that it is the multiple function setting mode on the touch panel 9a. Further, the CPU 1 may cause a sound generation unit (not shown) to sound a notification sound indicating that it is in the multiple function setting mode.

(4) In the above embodiment, the setting value is set for each function corresponding to the pressed plurality of function keys based on the multiple function setting information table, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, when a plurality of function keys are pressed simultaneously during the multiple function setting mode, a setting value with a high setting frequency may be set for each function.

(5) In the above embodiment, the multi-function setting key is provided as the hardware key, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the touch panel 9a may display a multiple function setting key. The function key may be a hardware key instead of a software key displayed on the touch panel 9a.

(6) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the multi-function peripheral A that is one of the image forming apparatuses. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to any function setting device having a mechanism for setting functions such as a personal computer and a portable terminal.

A ... MFP, 1 ... CPU, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM, 4 ... various sensor groups, 5 ... image reading unit, 6 ... image data storage unit, 7 ... paper transport / image forming unit, 8 ... communication I / F part, 9 ... operation display part, 9a ... touch panel, K1 ... composite function setting key, L1 ... light emitting diode, 10 ... multiple function setting information storage part, 11 ... prohibition information storage part

Claims (8)

A function setting device comprising: operating means having function keys; display means; and control means for causing the display means to display a function setting screen for setting a setting value for a function when the function key of the operating means is pressed. There,
The operation means has a plurality of function setting keys. The control means enters a plurality of function setting mode when the plurality of function setting keys of the operation means is pressed, and a plurality of function keys are displayed during the plurality of function setting modes. A function setting device, wherein when pressed, a setting value is set for each function corresponding to the pressed plurality of function keys.   2. The function setting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is in the multiple function setting mode only while the multiple function setting key is continuously pressed.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the multi-function setting key is pressed, the multi-function setting mode is set, and when the multi-function setting key is pressed again, the multi-function setting mode is canceled. Function setting device described in 1. Having light emitting means,
The function setting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in the multiple function setting mode.   5. The function setting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display that the multi-function setting mode is in the multi-function setting mode.   The control means stores multiple function setting information in which setting values to be set for each function are registered for each function combination, and when a plurality of function keys are pressed during the multiple function setting mode, the multiple function setting is performed. 6. The function setting device according to claim 1, wherein a setting value is set for each function based on the information.   6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of function keys are pressed during the multi-function setting mode, the control unit sets a setting value having a high setting frequency for each function. Function setting device.   An image forming apparatus comprising the function setting device according to claim 1, wherein an image is formed based on a setting value set for a function by the function setting device.

Images