JP2011170674A - Operation device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation device capable of efficiently confirming setting in a setting confirmation screen. <P>SOLUTION: The operation device includes: a determining part for determining whether or not a display time of a setting screen exceeds a reference value in each of setting screens displayed by a series of setting operations; a screen generating part for generating data of a setting confirmation screen including setting item images (thumbnails 157, 159 and 161) showing setting items about the setting items set in a setting screen at which a display time determined to exceed the reference value comes; and a third display control part for performing control which uses data of the setting confirmation screen generated by the screen generating part to display a setting confirmation screen 31 on the display part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation device provided in, for example, an image forming apparatus.

  Some image forming apparatuses have a function of displaying a setting confirmation screen on a display unit of an operation panel that can be confirmed at once when setting is performed on a plurality of setting items using an operation panel (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 proposes a technique that allows a user to select a setting confirmation screen from among three types of setting confirmation screens. In the first setting confirmation screen, only setting items whose settings have been changed from standard to other are displayed, and setting items whose settings are standard are not displayed. On the second setting confirmation screen, all setting items are displayed, but setting items whose settings have been changed from the standard to other are displayed as upper display objects. In the third setting confirmation screen, all setting items are displayed, and the display order is not distinguished depending on whether the setting is changed from the standard to another.

JP 2005-31500 A

  If all of the setting items are displayed on the setting confirmation screen, if there are many setting items, the operator takes time to confirm the setting. Therefore, if the setting confirmation screen for selectively displaying the setting items that are considered to be highly confirmed by the operator among the setting items can be displayed, the setting can be confirmed efficiently.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an operation device capable of efficiently confirming settings on a setting confirmation screen and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  An operating device according to an aspect of the present invention that achieves the above-described object is an operating device used for a series of setting operations for setting a plurality of setting items, and prompts selection of a display unit and a plurality of setting items. A first display control unit for controlling the display of a setting item selection screen on the display unit, and an input for selecting a setting item from a plurality of setting items displayed on the setting item selection screen displayed on the display unit When an input for selecting a setting item is input in the first input unit and the first input unit, a control is performed to display a setting screen used for setting the selected setting item on the display unit. A second display control unit; a reference value storage unit that stores in advance a reference value as a reference whether or not to display a setting item image indicating the selected setting item; and Displayed on the display For each of the setting screens, a reference value stored in the reference value storage unit is a time count value determined based on at least one of the display time of the setting screen and the number of setting operations during the display time. The selected setting that displays on the display unit a determination unit that determines whether or not the reference value exceeds the reference value by the determination unit. For the item, a screen generating unit that generates data of a setting confirmation screen including a setting item image indicating the setting item, a second input unit for inputting an instruction to display the setting confirmation screen on the display unit, When an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen is input by the second input unit, control is performed to display the setting confirmation screen on the display unit using data of the setting confirmation screen generated by the screen generation unit. Three And a indicates controller.

  According to the present invention, regarding the setting item set on the setting screen whose time count value exceeds the reference value, it is considered that the setting item has been lost, and the setting item image indicating the setting item is displayed on the setting confirmation screen. Displayed. Therefore, the operator need not confirm the settings for all the setting items, but only needs to confirm the settings for the setting items that are considered to be highly necessary for confirmation, so that the settings can be confirmed efficiently.

  In the above configuration, a third input unit for inputting a setting item image included in the setting confirmation screen displayed on the display unit, and an input for specifying the setting item image at the third input unit are provided. In such a case, a fourth display control unit that controls to display on the display unit a screen on which the setting item indicated by the designated setting item image can be changed can be further provided.

  According to this configuration, if an input for designating a setting item image indicating a setting item for the setting item whose setting is to be changed is input, a screen for changing the setting for the setting item is displayed. Therefore, the operator can quickly change the setting for the setting item in which he / she was at a loss.

  In the above configuration, when an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen is input by the second input unit during the series of setting operations, the third display control unit receives the instruction. It is possible to control to display the setting confirmation screen on the display unit using the data of the setting confirmation screen up to the time.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to display the setting confirmation screen for the setting items made so far even during the series of setting operations.

  In the above configuration, after the fourth input unit for inputting to end the setting in the series of setting operations and the input to be ended at the fourth input unit, the second input unit When an instruction to display the setting confirmation screen is input, the third display control unit displays the setting confirmation screen on the display unit using the data of the setting confirmation screen until the input to be finished is performed. Can be controlled.

  According to this configuration, the setting confirmation screen can be displayed after the series of setting operations is completed.

  In the above configuration, the setting item image included in the setting confirmation screen displayed on the display unit is a thumbnail of the setting screen for setting the setting item indicated by the setting item image.

  According to this configuration, since the thumbnail of the setting screen is the setting item image, the setting screen for the setting item whose setting is to be changed can be easily specified.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object includes an operating device and an image forming unit that performs an image forming operation on a sheet based on a setting value of a setting item set by the operating device. .

  According to this structure, the effect by the operating device mentioned above is acquired.

  According to the present invention, settings can be efficiently confirmed on the setting confirmation screen.

1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the initial screen of the copy mode before a series of setting operation. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating transition of a screen displayed on the display unit in an example of a series of setting operations for copying (part 1); It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen displayed on a display part in the said series of setting operation (the 2). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing transition of a screen displayed on the display unit in the series of setting operations (part 3). It is a flowchart explaining a series of said setting operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage part which memorize | stores each display time of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows the initial screen of copy mode after a series of setting operation. It is a flowchart explaining operation which displays a setting confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows the state after selecting a thumbnail on the setting confirmation screen shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal structure of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 can be applied to, for example, a digital multifunction machine having functions of a copy, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 100, a document reading unit 200 disposed on the apparatus main body 100, a document feeding unit 300 disposed on the document reading unit 200, and an operation disposed on the upper front surface of the apparatus main body 100. Unit 400 and a sheet post-processing unit 500 disposed on the sheet carry-out side, for example, the left side of the apparatus main body 100.

  The document feeding unit 300 includes a document placement unit 301, a paper feed roller 303, a document transport unit 305, and a document discharge unit 307. A paper feed roller 303 feeds the originals set on the original placement unit 301 one by one. The document transport unit 305 transports the fed document to the document reading unit 200. The document is read by the document reading unit 200 and discharged to the document discharge unit 307. As described above, the document feeding unit 300 functions as an automatic document feeding device, and can continuously send a plurality of documents placed on the document placing unit 301 to the document reading unit 200.

  The document reading unit 200 includes a carriage 201 equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and an exposure lamp, a document table 203 made of a transparent member such as glass, and a document reading slit 205. When reading a document placed on the document table 203, the document is read by the CCD sensor while moving the carriage 201 in the longitudinal direction of the document table 203. On the other hand, when reading a document fed from the document feeding unit 300, the carriage 201 is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 205, and the document fed from the document feeding unit 300 is scanned. Reading is performed by the CCD sensor through the reading slit 205. The CCD sensor outputs the read original as image data.

  The apparatus main body 100 includes a sheet storage unit 101, an image forming unit 103, and a fixing unit 105. The sheet storage unit 101 is disposed at the lowermost part of the apparatus main body 100 and includes a sheet tray 107 that can store a bundle of sheets. In the stack of sheets stored in the sheet tray 107, the uppermost sheet is fed out toward the sheet conveying unit 111 by driving the pickup roller 109. The sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 103 through the sheet conveying unit 111.

  The image forming unit 103 forms a toner image on the conveyed paper. The image forming unit 103 includes a photosensitive drum 113, an exposure unit 115, a developing unit 117, and a transfer unit 119. The exposure unit 115 generates light corresponding to image data (image data output from the document reading unit 200, image data transmitted from a personal computer, image data received by facsimile, etc.), and is uniformly charged photosensitive drum. The peripheral surface 113 is irradiated. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 113. In this state, a toner image corresponding to image data is formed on the peripheral surface by supplying toner from the developing unit 117 to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 113. This toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 119 to the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit 101 described above.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing unit 105. In the fixing unit 105, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image and the paper to fix the toner image on the paper. Thereby, the printing of the image on the paper is completed. When post-processing is performed on the printed paper, the printed paper is sent from the paper discharge port 121 of the apparatus main body 100 to the paper post-processing unit 500. On the other hand, when no post-processing is performed, the printed paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 123.

  The paper post-processing unit 500 performs post-processing such as sorting, stapling, punching, and saddle stitching on the printed paper. The paper post-processing unit 500 includes a paper carry-in port 501, a paper transport unit 503, a paper carry-out port 505, a stack tray 507, and the like. The paper transport unit 503 sequentially transports the printed paper carried into the paper carry-in port 501 from the paper discharge port 121, and carries out the post-processed printed paper from the paper carry-out port 505 to the stack tray 507. The stack tray 507 has a configuration capable of moving up and down in the direction of the arrow in accordance with the number of sheets stacked from the paper exit 505.

  The operation unit 400 includes an operation key unit 401 and a display unit 403. The operation unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the operation unit 400. The display unit 403 has a touch panel function, and displays a screen including soft keys. The user operates the soft keys while viewing the screen to make settings necessary for executing functions such as copying.

  The operation key unit 401 includes operation keys including hard keys. Specifically, the operation key unit 401 includes a help key 405, a start key 407, a numeric key 409, a function switching key 411, and the like. A help key 405 is a key for displaying a help screen on the display unit 403. The help screen is a screen on which operation methods relating to functions such as a scanner, a facsimile, a printer, and a copy are displayed.

  A start key 407 is a key for starting operations such as copying and facsimile transmission. A numeric keypad 409 is a key for inputting numbers such as the number of copies and a facsimile number.

  The function switching key 411 includes a copy key 413, a transmission key 415, a box key 417, and the like, and is a key for switching between a copy function, a transmission function, a box function, and the like.

  When the copy key 413 is operated, an initial copy screen is displayed on the display unit 403. When the transmission key 415 is operated, an initial screen for facsimile transmission and mail transmission is displayed on the display unit 403.

  When the box key 417 is operated, the initial screen of the document box is displayed on the display unit 403. The document box function is a function for reading and printing data stored in the document box. The document box can be assigned to each user of the image forming apparatus 1 and stores image data, e-mail, file, and the like of the document read by the document reading unit 200. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 700 described later, and a part of the storage area of the HDD 700 is used as a document box.

  A workflow key 419 is a key for selecting a workflow mode. The workflow is configured by combining a plurality of works, and is executed using the image forming apparatus 1. For example, in the “Magazine creation” workflow, a combination of works necessary for creating a magazine (double-sided copy, staple, cover addition, etc.) is prepared. Thereby, the convenience of the user who wants to create a magazine using the image forming apparatus 1 is improved. The workflow is prepared in advance, and may be prepared by the manufacturer or the user.

  When the workflow key 419 is operated, a workflow mode screen is displayed on the display unit 403. The user can use the screen to execute a workflow, create a new workflow, change a workflow, delete a workflow, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 has a configuration in which an apparatus main body 100, a document reading unit 200, a document feeding unit 300, an operation unit 400, a sheet post-processing unit 500, a control unit 600, an HDD 700, and a communication unit 800 are connected to each other via a bus. . Since the apparatus main body 100, the document reading unit 200, the document feeding unit 300, and the paper post-processing unit 500 have already been described, description thereof will be omitted.

  The operation unit 400 is an example of an operation device, and is used for a series of setting operations for setting a plurality of setting items. The operation unit 400 has functions of first, second, third, and fourth input units. The first input unit is set from a plurality of setting items (for example, reduction / enlargement, page aggregation, etc. shown in FIG. 5) displayed on the setting item selection screen (for example, screen 13 shown in FIG. 5) displayed on the display unit 403. Used for input to select an item. A reduction / enlargement key 73, a page aggregation key 75, and the like shown in FIG. 5 are specific examples of the first input unit.

  The second input unit is used to input an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen (for example, the screen 31 shown in FIG. 12) on the display unit 403. A setting confirmation key 147 shown in FIG. 10 is a specific example of the second input unit.

  The third input unit inputs an input for specifying setting item images (for example, thumbnails 157, 159, and 161 shown in FIG. 12) included in the setting confirmation screen (for example, the screen 31 shown in FIG. 12) displayed on the display unit 403. Used to do. Thumbnail 157 and the like are soft keys and are also specific examples of the third input unit. The thumbnail 157 has a role as a setting item image and a role as a third input unit.

  The fourth input unit is used to input to finish setting in a series of setting operations. By this input, an initial screen including a setting confirmation key 147 is displayed as will be described later.

  The control unit 600 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an image memory, and the like. The CPU executes control necessary for operating the image forming apparatus 1 on the hardware constituting the image forming apparatus 1. The ROM stores software necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The RAM is used for temporary storage of data generated during execution of software, storage of application software, and the like. The image memory temporarily stores image data (image data output from the document reading unit 200, image data transmitted from a personal computer, image data received by facsimile, etc.).

  The control unit 600 includes a first display control unit 601, a second display control unit 603, a third display control unit 605, a fourth display control unit 607, a reference value storage unit 609, a determination unit 611, and a screen generation unit 613. A timer 615 and a display time storage unit 617.

  The first display control unit 601 performs control for causing the display unit 403 to display a setting item selection screen (for example, the screen 13 shown in FIG. 5) that prompts selection of a plurality of setting items. The second display control unit 603 displays a setting screen (for example, the screen 15 shown in FIG. 5) used for setting the selected setting item when an input for selecting the setting item is input by the first input unit. Control to display on the display unit 403 is performed. The timer 615 measures the display time for each setting screen displayed on the display unit 403. The display time storage unit 617 stores the display time measured by the timer 615 in association with the setting item, for example, as shown in FIG.

  When an instruction to display the setting confirmation screen is input by the second input unit, the third display control unit 605 uses the setting confirmation screen data generated by the screen generation unit 613 to set the setting confirmation screen (for example, Control is performed to display the screen 31) shown in FIG.

  The fourth display control unit 607 is indicated by the designated setting item image when an input for designating the setting item image (for example, thumbnails 157, 159, and 161 shown in FIG. 12) is made by the third input unit. Control is performed to cause the display unit 403 to display a screen (for example, the screen 33 shown in FIG. 13) on which the setting can be changed for the setting item.

  The reference value storage unit 609 stores in advance a reference value as a reference for whether or not to display a setting item image (for example, the thumbnails 157, 159, and 161 shown in FIG. 12) indicating the setting item selected by the first input unit. I remember it.

  The determination unit 611 sets the setting screen for each of the setting screens (for example, the screen 15 shown in FIG. 5, the screen 19 shown in FIG. 6, and the screens 25 and 27 shown in FIG. 7) displayed on the display unit 403 in a series of setting operations. It is determined whether or not the time count value determined based on at least one of the display time and the number of setting operations during the display time exceeds the reference value stored in the reference value storage unit 609 . The reference value and the time count value will be described later.

  The screen generation unit 613 displays a setting screen that is the time count value determined as exceeding the reference value by the determination unit 611 on the display unit 403, and indicates the setting item for the selected setting item. Generate setting confirmation screen data including item images.

  The HDD 700 is used for storing data such as image data output from the document reading unit 200, image data transmitted from a personal computer, and image data received by facsimile. As described above, a part of the storage area of the HDD 700 is used as a document box.

  The communication unit 800 includes a facsimile communication unit 801 and a network I / F unit 803. The facsimile communication unit 801 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) for controlling connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile and a modulation / demodulation circuit for modulating / demodulating a signal for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 801 is connected to the telephone line 805.

  A network I / F unit 803 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 807. A network I / F unit 803 is a communication interface circuit for executing communication with a terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the LAN 807.

  When a job is executed using the image forming apparatus 1, a series of setting operations for setting a plurality of setting items may be performed. For example, the operator may set paper selection, reduction / enlargement, density, double-sided copying, aggregation, document image quality, and the like according to the purpose of copying. In the present embodiment, attention is paid to a setting item in which a setting is lost in a series of setting operations for setting a plurality of setting items. Regarding the setting item in which the hesitation has occurred, it is considered that it is highly necessary to confirm again after all the settings are completed, and a setting item image (for example, the thumbnail 157 shown in FIG. 12) indicating the setting item is displayed on the setting confirmation screen. (For example, screen 31).

  A time count value is used to determine whether the setting is unclear. The time count value is a value determined based on at least one of the display time of the setting screen and the number of setting operations during the display time for each of the setting screens displayed on the display unit 403 in a series of setting operations. It is. In this embodiment, the display time is a time count value. If the user is wondering what setting is desired for a certain setting item, it is considered that the setting item setting screen is displayed. Therefore, when the setting is unclear, the display time of the setting screen becomes relatively long.

  Therefore, the display time of each setting screen is measured, and regarding setting screens whose display time exceeds a predetermined reference value (for example, 10 seconds), it is considered that the setting has been lost (judgment criterion 1). . Other criteria will be described later. Hereinafter, a series of setting operations using the criterion 1 will be described by taking a copy setting operation as an example. FIG. 4 shows an initial screen in the copy mode. A simple copy setting screen 11 is the initial screen. By operating the copy key 413 shown in FIG. 2, the simple setting screen 11 can be displayed on the display unit 403.

  The simple setting screen 11 includes the following soft keys. A paper selection key 51 is a key for selecting a paper on which an image is to be recorded, and is set to “automatic” by default. A reduction / enlargement key 53 is a key for reducing / enlarging an image and recording it on a sheet, and is set to “100%” by default. The density key 55 is a key for selecting the density of the image to be recorded on the paper, and is set to “normal” by default.

  The duplex / split key 57 is a key relating to duplex printing, and is set to “single side → single side” by default. A page aggregation key 59 is a key for aggregating original pages, and is set to “not set” by default. The document image quality key 61 is a key for setting the image quality of the document, and is set to “character + photo” by default.

  The simple setting key 63 is a key for displaying the simple setting screen 11 on the display unit 403. The document / paper / finishing key 65 is a key for displaying on the display unit 403 a screen for setting a document, paper, and finishing. The color / image quality key 67 is a key for causing the display unit 403 to display a screen for setting color and image quality. The layout / edit key 69 is a key for causing the display unit 403 to display a screen for setting layout and editing. The application / other key 71 is a key for causing the display unit 403 to display a screen for setting application and other settings.

  5, 6, and 7 are diagrams illustrating transitions of screens displayed on the display unit 403 in an example of a series of setting operations for copying. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the series of setting operations.

  If the layout / edit key 69 of the screen 11 shown in FIG. 4 is operated, the first display control unit 601 displays the screen 13 shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 403 (step S1). The screen 13 is an example of a setting item selection screen showing a plurality of setting items. A setting item selection screen described later is also displayed on the display unit 403 by the first display control unit 601.

  The screen 13 includes, in addition to the keys 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, soft keys (an example of the first input unit) for inputting to select setting items. Specifically, a reduction / enlargement key 73, a page aggregation key 75, a binding / center movement key 77, a frame erasing key 79, a booklet key 81, a duplex / division key 83, a cover attaching key 85, an image composition key 87, a page A number key 89, a writing margin key 91, an enlarged continuous shooting key 93, and an image repeat key 95.

  For example, if the user wants to set the page aggregation, the page aggregation key 75 is operated. Thereby, page aggregation (setting item) is selected (step S3), and the second display control unit 603 displays the screen 15 which is a setting screen on the display unit 403 (step S5). In other words, when an input for selecting a setting item is made on the first input unit, a setting screen used for setting the selected setting item is displayed on the display unit 403. A setting screen described later is also displayed on the display unit 403 by the second display control unit 603.

  When the screen 15 is displayed on the display unit 403, the timer 615 starts measuring the display time of the screen 15 (step S7).

  The screen 15 is a page aggregation setting screen and includes soft keys for setting page aggregation. Specifically, the keys 97, 2in1 key 99, 4in1 key 101, left → right / up → down key 103, right → left / down → up key 105 are not set. Here, the 2in1 key 99 is operated to set 2in1 page aggregation. Further, the layout corresponding to this is set by operating the left → right / up → down key 103.

  The screen 15 includes a soft key of an OK key 107. By operating the OK key 107, the screen 15 is switched to the screen 17, and the display unit 403 displays the screen 17 which is a setting item selection screen (step S9). ). Thereby, the timer 615 ends the measurement of the display time of the screen 15 (step S11). The display time (for example, 14 seconds) of the screen 15 is stored in association with the setting item in the display time storage unit 617 shown in FIG. 9 (step S13). The screen 17 is a setting item screen having the same keys as the screen 13.

  If another setting item is desired to be set, the corresponding setting item is selected (Yes in step S15). For example, when double-sided copy or split copy is set, the double-side / split key 83 is operated. By this operation, the screen is switched from the screen 17 to the screen 19 (step S5). The timer 615 starts measuring the display time of the screen 19 (step S7).

  The screen 19 is a setting screen for double-sided copying or divided copying, and includes soft keys for setting these copying. Specifically, they are a single side → single side key 109, a single side → double side key 111, double side → single side key 113, double side → double side key 115, left / right binding key 117, and top binding key 119. Here, the setting is made so that a single-sided original is copied on both sides by operating the single-sided → double-sided key 111. Then, by operating the left / right binding key 117, the setting is made so as to finish in the corresponding binding direction. After the setting is completed, the screen 19 is switched to the screen 21 by operating the OK key 107 (step S9). The timer 615 ends the measurement of the display time of the screen 19 (Step S11). The display time of the screen 19 is processed in the same manner as the display time of the screen 15 described above. That is, the display time (for example, 27 seconds) of the screen 19 is stored in association with the setting item in the display time storage unit 617 shown in FIG. 9 (step S13). The screen 21 is a setting item screen having the same keys as the screen 13.

  Next, for example, when setting for application copy, the application / other key 71 is operated. As a result, the screen 21 is switched to the screen 23. The screen 23 is an example of a setting item selection screen.

  The screen 23 includes, in addition to the keys 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, soft keys (example of a first input unit) for performing input for selecting a setting item. Specifically, continuous reading key 121, automatic image rotation key 123, automatic reverse key 125, mirror image key 127, job end notification key 129, document name input key 131, priority print key 133, recopy key 135, OHP slip sheet Key 137.

  To set the setting items shown on the screen 23, for example, if the set original and the paper of the paper source are the same size and the orientation is different, the image needs to be rotated 90 degrees and copied. The automatic image rotation key 123 is operated (Yes in step S15). As a result, the screen 23 is switched to the screen 25 (step S5). The timer 615 starts measuring the display time of the screen 25 (step S7).

  The screen 25 is a setting screen for copying an image rotated 90 degrees, and includes a key 139 that is not set and a key 141 that is set. Here, a setting is made to operate the key 139 which is not set to rotate the image 90 degrees and not copy. Since the setting is the same as the default, the screen 25 is returned to the screen 23 by operating the OK key 107 (step S9). The timer 615 ends the measurement of the display time of the screen 25 (Step S11). The display time of the screen 25 (for example, 12 seconds) is stored in the display time storage unit 617 in association with the setting item (step S13).

  Next, for example, if the left and right sides of the read image are to be reversed and copied, the mirror image key 127 is operated (Yes in step S15). Thereby, the screen 23 is switched to the screen 27 (step S5). The timer 615 starts measuring the display time of the screen 27 (step S7).

  The screen 27 is a setting screen for reversing the left and right of the read image and includes a key 143 that is not set and a key 145 that is set. Here, the setting is made such that the image 143 is reversed and the copy is not performed by operating the key 143 that is not set. When the OK key 107 is operated after the setting is completed, the setting is the same as the default, so the screen 27 is returned to the screen 23 (step S9). The timer 615 ends the measurement of the display time of the screen 27 (step S11). The display time (for example, 5 seconds) of the screen 27 is stored in the display time storage unit 617 in association with the setting item (step S13).

  When another setting item is not set (No in step S15), that is, when a series of setting operations relating to copying is completed, a key for inputting that setting has been completed (not shown, is an example of a fourth input unit). ) To switch to the simple setting screen 29 shown in FIG. 10 which is the initial screen of the copy mode (step S17). The screen 29 includes a setting confirmation key 147 as an example of a second input unit in addition to the soft keys included in the simple setting screen 11 shown in FIG. The control unit 600 generates screen data obtained by adding the setting confirmation key 147 to the initial screen in the copy mode, and causes the display unit 403 to display the screen 29 using the screen data.

  The reference value storage unit 609 shown in FIG. 3 stores in advance a reference value (for example, 10 seconds) that serves as a reference for whether or not to display a setting item image indicating the selected setting item (for example, page aggregation). Yes. The display time storage unit 617 shown in FIG. 9 stores the display time of each setting screen in a series of setting operations. In this embodiment, not all the setting items are displayed on the setting confirmation screen, but regarding the setting screen for which the display time exceeds 10 seconds, it is assumed that there is a problem with the setting, and the thumbnail of the setting screen is displayed as the setting confirmation screen. Is included.

  Next, an operation for displaying the setting confirmation screen will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation. A screen 29 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 403 (step S31). This is the initial screen displayed in step S17 shown in FIG. By operating the setting confirmation key 147 (step S33), the determination unit 611 sets the display time (an example of the time count value) for each of the setting screens displayed on the display unit 403 in a series of setting operations as a reference value. It is determined whether or not the reference value stored in the storage unit 609 has been exceeded (step S35). Here, the display time of the screen 15 that is a page aggregation setting screen, the screen 19 that is a duplex / division setting screen, the screen 25 that is a setting screen around an automatic image, and the screen 27 that is a mirror image setting screen is a reference value of 10 seconds. It is judged whether or not

  For the display times of the screens 15, 19, 25, 27, refer to the display times stored in the display time storage unit 617 shown in FIG. The reference value is set to 10 seconds. Therefore, the display times of the screen 15, the screen 19, and the screen 25 exceed the reference value 10 seconds.

  The screen generation unit 613 displays the setting items (page aggregation, double-sided / divided, and automatic image rotation) on which the screens 15, 19, and 25 whose display times have exceeded the reference values are displayed, and those setting items. The data of the setting confirmation screen including the setting item image indicating is generated (step S37). Then, the third display control unit 605 displays the screen 31 shown in FIG. 12 on the display unit 403 (step S39). The screen 31 is an example of a setting confirmation screen. That is, when the setting confirmation key 147 (an example of the second input unit) is operated, the setting confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit 403 using the data of the setting confirmation screen generated by the screen generation unit 613.

  The screen 31 includes three display areas 149, 151, 153 and a close key 155. In the display area 149, a thumbnail (an example of a setting item image) of a setting screen that has been determined that the display time exceeds the reference value is displayed. Here, a thumbnail 157 of the screen 19 (double-sided / divided setting screen), a thumbnail 159 of the screen 15 (page aggregation setting screen), and a thumbnail 161 of the screen 25 (setting screen around the automatic image) are displayed. Since the number of thumbnails is so large that they may not be displayed in the display area 149 at a time, the display form using the scroll operation is used.

  The display area 151 displays the currently set content. In the display area 153, an image obtained as a result of executing the current setting content is displayed. In the screen 31, the display areas 151 and 153 are blank. As will be described later, by operating any one of the thumbnails 157, 159, and 161, the setting contents on the setting screen corresponding to the thumbnail are displayed.

  The thumbnails 157, 159, and 161 are used as a third input unit for inputting to specify setting item images (thumbnail 157, 159, 161) included in the setting confirmation screen (screen 31) displayed on the display unit 403. Function.

  If the setting items corresponding to the thumbnails 157, 159, 161 displayed in the display area 149 are not changed, no thumbnails 157, 159, 161 are operated (No in step S41), and the start key shown in FIG. By operating 407 (step S43), the job having the contents set by the series of setting operations is executed by the image forming apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, if the setting item corresponding to the thumbnails 157, 159, 161 displayed in the display area 149 is to be changed, the corresponding thumbnail is operated (Yes in step S41). Here, it is assumed that the thumbnail 159 is operated. Thereby, the screen 31 is switched to the screen 33 shown in FIG. 13 (step S45). That is, the fourth display control unit 607 displays a screen on which a setting item can be changed for the setting item indicated by the designated setting item image when the input for designating the setting item image is input through the third input unit. Control to display on 403 is performed.

  The screen 33 is a setting confirmation screen and can be used to change settings for setting items. The thumbnail 159 corresponds to the page aggregation setting screen. The thumbnail 159 has a different background color from the other thumbnails 157 and 161 to indicate that it has been selected.

  The display area 151 shows the contents that can be set by page aggregation as a picture image. A display area 153 shows the finish of the current page aggregation setting with a picture image. The images adjacent to the buttons 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, and 173 in the display area 151 are contents that can be set. The buttons 163 and 165 are displayed in a different color from the other buttons. The images next to the buttons 163 and 165 are currently set. By operating buttons 167, 169, 171, and 173, the setting contents can be changed.

  If the setting contents are not changed (No in step S47), the close key 155 is operated (step S49) to switch to the screen 29 shown in FIG. 10 (step S51). Then, the process proceeds to step S43.

  On the other hand, when the setting contents are changed (Yes in Step S47), the close key 155 is operated (Step S49) to switch to the screen 29 shown in FIG. 10 (Step S51). In this case, the screen changes the settings. Then, the process proceeds to step S43.

  The main effects of this embodiment will be described.

  (1) In this embodiment, on the setting confirmation screen (screen 31 shown in FIG. 12, screen 33 shown in FIG. 13), not all setting items are displayed, but a setting screen with a display time exceeding 10 seconds. The items to be displayed are narrowed down to the setting items set in (Screens 15, 19, 25). Here, thumbnails 157, 159 and 161 are displayed. For setting screens whose display time exceeds 10 seconds, it is considered that the setting has been lost. Regarding the setting items set on the setting screen, it is considered that it is highly necessary to check again after all the settings are completed, and are set as display targets on the setting check screen. Therefore, the operator does not confirm the settings for all the setting items, but confirms the settings for the setting items that are considered to be highly necessary for confirmation, so that the settings can be confirmed efficiently.

  (2) As described in step S45, when the thumbnails 157, 159, and 161 are operated, as shown in FIG. 13, a screen 33 that allows the setting to be changed for the setting item corresponding to the operated thumbnail is displayed. Therefore, the operator can quickly change the setting for the setting item in which he / she was at a loss.

  (3) In this embodiment, thumbnails 157, 159, and 161 on the screens 19, 15, and 25 are used as setting item images. That is, the thumbnail of the setting screen for setting the setting item indicated by the setting item image is used. Since the thumbnails 157, 159, and 161 are reduced images of the setting screen, the setting screen for the setting item whose setting is to be changed can be easily specified. Thumbnail 157, 159, 161 is an example of a setting item image indicating the setting item selected by the first input unit. The setting item image may be an image indicating the name of the setting item or an image for selecting the setting item shown in FIG. 5 (key 73 or the like).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the display time of the setting screen is the time count value, and the setting screen for which the display time exceeds a predetermined reference value (for example, 10 seconds) has a problem in setting. (Criteria 1). Other examples of the determination criteria include the following criteria.

  The display time of each setting screen is measured, and regarding the setting screen having a higher display time that occupies the entire time required for a series of setting operations, it is considered that the setting has been lost (judgment criterion 2).

  The number of setting operations during the display time of each setting screen is measured, and setting screens that exceed a predetermined number of times (for example, 4 times) are regarded as having a problem in setting (judgment criterion 3). For example, on the screen 15 shown in FIG. 5, the non-setting key 97 is operated, the 4 in 1 key 101 is operated, the 2 in 1 key 99 is operated, the left → right / up → down key 103 is operated, and finally the OK key 107 is operated. If is operated, since it has been operated five times, it is considered that the setting has been lost.

  You may combine display time and the frequency | count of setting operation as a reference | standard which determines whether the hesitation has arisen in the setting. For example, a setting screen that satisfies both criteria 1 and 3 may be regarded as having a setting error (decision criteria 4), and a setting screen that satisfies criteria 1 or 3 is set. It may be considered that he / she has a problem (judgment criterion 5).

  The determination criteria described above are exemplifications of criteria using the display time and the number of setting operations, and are not limited to the criteria that can be used in the present embodiment.

  A modification of this embodiment will be described. As described in step S17, a series of setting operations relating to copying is completed, and a key (not shown, an example of a fourth input unit) for inputting that the setting has been completed is operated. A setting confirmation key 147, which is an example of the second input unit shown, is displayed. When the setting confirmation key 147 is operated, the third display control unit 605 uses the data on the setting confirmation screen until the setting confirmation key 147 is operated (when the end input is performed) to confirm the setting. Control to display the screen on the display unit 403 is performed. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm the setting items until a series of setting operations is completed.

  In the modified example, the setting items that have been set so far can be confirmed during a series of setting operations. In order to realize this, in the modification, in the middle of a series of setting operations, when an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen is input by the second input unit, the third display control unit 605 displays the instruction. Control is performed to display the setting confirmation screen on the display unit 403 using the data of the setting confirmation screen until the input. For example, when an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen is input by the second input unit in a state where the screen 17 illustrated in FIG. 5 is displayed, a setting confirmation screen for page aggregation can be displayed. In addition, when an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen is input in the second input unit in a state where the screen 21 illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed, a setting confirmation screen for page aggregation and duplex / division can be displayed. . In these setting confirmation screens, thumbnails are displayed for setting screens whose display time exceeds 10 seconds.

1 Image forming apparatus 13, 17, 21, 23 screen (setting item selection screen)
15, 19, 25, 27 screen (setting screen)
31, 33 Setting confirmation screen 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93, 95 Key (first input section)
147 Setting confirmation key (second input section)
157, 159, 161 Thumbnail (setting item image, third input section)
400 Operation unit (operation device)
403 display

Claims (6)

An operating device used for a series of setting operations for setting a plurality of setting items,
A display unit;
A first display control unit for controlling display of a setting item selection screen for prompting selection of a plurality of setting items on the display unit;
A first input unit for inputting to select a setting item from a plurality of setting items displayed on the setting item selection screen displayed on the display unit;
A second display control unit that controls the display unit to display a setting screen used for setting the selected setting item when an input for selecting a setting item is made in the first input unit;
A reference value storage unit that stores in advance a reference value that serves as a reference for whether or not to display a setting item image indicating the selected setting item;
For each of the setting screens displayed on the display unit in the series of setting operations, a time count value determined based on at least one of the display time of the setting screen and the number of setting operations during the display time, A determination unit for determining whether or not the reference value stored in the reference value storage unit is exceeded;
A setting item image indicating the setting item is included with respect to the selected setting item displayed on the display unit, the setting screen having the time count value determined as exceeding the reference value by the determination unit. A screen generator that generates data for the setting confirmation screen;
A second input unit for inputting an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen on the display unit;
When an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen is input from the second input unit, control is performed to display the setting confirmation screen on the display unit using data of the setting confirmation screen generated by the screen generation unit. An operating device comprising a third display control unit. A third input unit for inputting to specify a setting item image included in the setting confirmation screen displayed on the display unit;
When an input for designating a setting item image is made in the third input unit, control is performed to display on the display unit a screen on which the setting can be changed for the setting item indicated by the designated setting item image. The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit.   In the middle of the series of setting operations, when an instruction for displaying a setting confirmation screen is input by the second input unit, the third display control unit performs setting until the instruction is input. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to display a setting confirmation screen on the display unit using data of the confirmation screen. A fourth input unit for inputting to end the setting in the series of setting operations;
When an instruction to display a setting confirmation screen is input in the second input unit after the input to be ended in the fourth input unit, the third display control unit performs the input to be ended. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein control is performed to display a setting confirmation screen on the display unit using data of the setting confirmation screen until the time when the operation is performed.   The operation according to claim 1, wherein the setting item image included in the setting confirmation screen displayed on the display unit is a thumbnail of the setting screen that is set for the setting item indicated by the setting item image. apparatus. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit configured to perform an image forming operation on a sheet based on a setting value of a setting item set by the operation device.