JP2019062569A - PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a processing device capable of surely informing a user of the contents of a setting change. An operation unit is provided in an image forming apparatus that executes a predetermined process corresponding to a predetermined operation mode. The operation unit 120 includes a display panel 132 and a touch panel 134 for changing settings necessary for executing a predetermined process. When the setting is changed by the touch panel 134, the CPU 300 causes the display panel 132 to display the change information indicating the content of the change. This change information is displayed in an area other than the display area of the key for instructing the start of image processing execution. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technology for notifying a user of predetermined information.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus that executes various processes corresponding to predetermined operation modes such as a copy mode and a fax mode. In such an image forming apparatus, there has been proposed a technique of notifying the contents of the change when a change in setting necessary to execute a predetermined process is performed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an image forming apparatus that notifies an administrator that the setting information has been changed by e-mail when the setting information on the image forming apparatus has been changed.

  In Patent Document 2 listed later, the setting content before the change and the setting content after the change regarding the specific setting item are set by providing a transition period, and when a print command is issued within the transition period, the printing apparatus A printing system is disclosed that displays a notification message on the operation panel. In the printing system, the notification message indicates that the setting content has been changed, and an explanation about the situation after the transition period has elapsed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-336077 JP, 2009-43130, A

  In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user is notified by email that the setting information has been changed, so the user can not know what setting change has been made unless the user confirms the email. . In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, the user can not know that the setting has been changed until a print command is issued. Therefore, the user can not make various settings in accordance with the contents of the change before giving a print command, which is inconvenient.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of reliably informing a user of the contents of setting change.

A processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a processing device having a plurality of operation modes and executing a predetermined process corresponding to a predetermined operation mode, which is a display device;
Change means for changing the setting necessary to execute the predetermined process, and change information for indicating the change content to the display device after the setting is changed by the change means And a display control key for displaying an execution start of image processing is displayed on the display device together with the change information, and the display area of the change information is displayed on the display device. The display area of the change information is provided at least at the start of the execution of the image processing in any area other than the display area of the key instructing at least the start of the execution of the image processing. Provided in an area other than the display area of the key for instructing the.

  In the processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of operation modes include a fax mode and a copy mode.

  In the processing device according to the first and second aspects, the first display control means is responsive to the processing device receiving an operation input for executing a process related to the change. The display device includes means for displaying, as the change information, information for indicating a change content related to the process in operation.

  More preferably, the screen further includes a display area for displaying the current processing status.

  This allows the user to easily know only the necessary information. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved.

  An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that executes predetermined processing corresponding to a predetermined operation mode, and the processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect described above, and processing And processing execution means for executing a predetermined processing in accordance with an instruction given to the apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the setting is changed, the change information for indicating the contents of the change is displayed. Therefore, the user changes the setting by, for example, the administrator or another user. In any case, the change information can be known with certainty. Further, since the change information is displayed in an area other than the display area of the key instructing the start of the image processing execution, it is possible to prevent the key operation from being disturbed by the display of the change information.

FIG. 1 is a view showing an appearance configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which simplifies and shows the internal structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a home screen. It is a figure which shows the basic layout structure of the basic screen of a basic operation mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the basic screen of copy mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen of a fax mode. It is a figure showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing the contents of change display processing concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flow chart. It is a figure showing an example of a screen when all the contents of change are displayed. It is a figure showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing the modification contents display processing concerning the 1st modification of a 1st embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flow chart. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when the change content related to the copy mode is displayed. It is a figure showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing the contents of change display processing concerning the 2nd modification of a 1st embodiment of the present invention in a flow chart form. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when the change content related to the job in operation is displayed. It is a figure showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing the contents of change display processing concerning the 3rd modification of a 1st embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flow chart. It is a figure which shows an example of a screen when an icon is displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of a screen when corresponding change content is displayed in response to pressing of the icon. It is a figure showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing change history display processing concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flow chart. It is a figure which shows an example of a screen when the change log | history of a setting is displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of a screen when the extracted change log | history is displayed.

  In the following description and the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description about them will not be repeated.

First Embodiment
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an MFP having a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”) function. (Multifunction Printer). In image forming apparatus 100, when any one of various operation modes including a scanner mode, a copy mode and a fax mode is selected by the user, various processes corresponding to the selected operation mode can be executed.

<Hardware configuration>
[Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, image forming apparatus 100 includes a document reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a sheet feeding unit 106, a sheet discharge processing device 108, and an operation unit 120. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the entire image forming apparatus 100 will be described by describing operations in the copy mode and the fax mode.

-Copy mode-
In the present embodiment, in the copy mode, mainly the document reading unit 102 and the image forming unit 104 operate to perform any of scan-in processing, monochrome copying processing, and color copying processing.

(Scan-in process)
When the user selects a copy mode and instructs start of scan-in processing, a document placed on the document placement table manually or by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) is read by the document reading unit 102 as scan data. The read scan data is input to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 300 shown in FIG. After performing various image processing on the input scan data, the CPU 300 causes the touch panel display 130 of the operation unit 120 to display a preview image based on the scan data. At this time, the scan data is temporarily stored in a storage device (for example, a random access memory (RAM) 308).

(Normal monochrome copy processing and color copy processing)
After the copy mode is selected by the user, when the start of copy processing is instructed in a state where the above-described scan-in processing is not performed, the document placed on the document placement table manually or by the ADF is read The image is read by the unit 102 as image data. The read image data is input to the CPU 300, subjected to various image processing, and then output to the image forming unit 104.

  The image forming unit 104 prints an original image on a recording medium (in many cases, a recording sheet) based on image data. The image forming unit 104 includes a photosensitive drum 222, a charging device 224, a laser scan unit (hereinafter referred to as "LSU") 226, a developing device 228, a transfer device 230, a cleaning device 232, a fixing device 234, and a not-shown diselectrifying device. Including devices.

  In the image forming unit 104, a main conveyance path 236 and a reverse conveyance path 238 are provided. The sheet feeding unit 106 draws out the recording sheets stored in the sheet cassette 240 or the recording sheets placed on the manual feed tray 242 one by one, and directs the extracted recording sheets to the main conveyance path 236 of the image forming unit 104. Send out. The recording sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 106 is conveyed along the main conveyance path 236.

  While the recording sheet is conveyed along the main conveyance path 236, the recording sheet passes between the photosensitive drum 222 and the transfer device 230, and further passes through the fixing device 234. In this process, printing of an original image on recording paper is performed.

  The photosensitive drum 222 rotates in one direction. The surface of the photosensitive drum 222 is cleaned by the cleaning device 232 and the charge removing device, and then uniformly charged by the charging device 224.

  The LSU 226 modulates laser light based on image data to be printed. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 by repeatedly scanning the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 in the main scanning direction with this laser light.

  The developing device 228 supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 to develop an electrostatic latent image. By this, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222. When monochrome copying is performed, the developing device 228 supplies monochrome toner. When the color copying process is performed, the developing device 228 supplies color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

  The transfer device 230 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 to the recording sheet passing between the transfer device 230 and the photosensitive drum 222.

  The fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 for heating the recording sheet, and a pressure roller 250 for pressing the recording sheet. The toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is heated by the heating roller 248 and pressurized by the pressure roller 250, whereby the toner image is fixed to the recording sheet. The temperature of the heating roller 248 is controlled by the power supplied to the fixing device 234 to be a temperature suitable for fixing, for example, by warming a heater provided inside the heating roller 248.

  A branch claw 244 is disposed at a connection position between the main conveyance path 236 and the reverse conveyance path 238. When printing an original image on only one side of the recording sheet, the branch claw 244 is positioned, and the recording sheet conveyed from the fixing device 234 is directed to the sheet discharge tray 246 or the sheet discharge processing unit 108 by the branch claw 244. Led to

  When printing an original image on both sides of the recording sheet, the branch claw 244 is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the recording sheet conveyed from the fixing device 234 is guided to the reverse conveyance path 238 by the branch claw 244. It is eaten. The recording sheet passes through the reverse conveyance path 238 and is conveyed again to the main conveyance path 236 in a state in which the front and back sides are reversed. During the second conveyance in the main conveyance path 236, printing of the document image on the back surface of the recording sheet is performed. The recording sheet on which printing has been performed is guided to the discharge tray 246 or the discharge processing device 108.

  The recording sheet on which the document image is printed as described above is guided to the discharge tray 246 or the discharge processing device 108 and is discharged to the discharge tray 246 or the discharge processing device 108. The sheet is discharged to one of the respective sheet discharge trays 110.

  The discharge processing device 108 performs processing of sorting and discharging a plurality of recording sheets to the respective discharge trays 110, processing of punching the recording sheets, processing of stapling the recording sheets, and the like. For example, in the case of producing a plurality of copies of printed matter, the paper ejection processing device 108 sorts and discharges the recording sheets to the respective paper ejection trays 110 so that a part of the printed matter is allocated to each paper ejection tray 110. The printed sheets on the sheet discharge tray 110 are punched or stapled for each sheet discharge tray 110 to create a printed material.

(Monochrome copy processing and color copy processing after scan-in processing)
After the copy mode is selected by the user and the above-described scan-in process is performed, the start of the copy process may be instructed. In this case, the scanning of the original image and the image processing on the image data described above are not performed, and the image forming unit 104 reads the above during scan-in processing and based on the scan data temporarily stored in the storage device. Print processing is performed in the same manner as in.

-Fax mode-
In the present embodiment, in FAX mode, scan-in processing, FAX transmission processing, FAX communication processing, and the like are performed mainly by operation of document reading unit 102, FAX communication unit 160 shown in FIG. 3, and image forming unit 104. Fax reception processing is performed.

(Scan-in process)
When the FAX mode is selected by the user and start of scan-in processing is instructed, the document placed on the document placement table manually or by the ADF is read by the document reading unit 102 as scan data. The read scan data is input to the CPU 300. After performing various image processing on the input scan data, the CPU 300 causes the touch panel display 130 of the operation unit 120 to display a preview image based on the scan data. At this time, scan data is temporarily stored in a storage device (for example, the RAM 308 shown in FIG. 3).

(FAX transmission process)
After the FAX mode is selected by the user, when the start of the FAX transmission process is instructed in a state where the scan-in process is not performed, the document placed on the document placement table manually or by the ADF. The document reading unit 102 reads the image data as image data. The read image data is input to the CPU 300, subjected to various image processing, and then output to the FAX communication unit 160.

  On the other hand, after the user selects the fax mode and the above-described scan-in process is performed, the user may be instructed to start the fax transmission process. In this case, the scanning of the document image and the image processing for the image data described above are not performed, and scan data read at the time of scan-in processing and temporarily stored in the storage device is output to the FAX communication unit 160. Ru.

  The FAX communication unit 160 of the transmission-side image forming apparatus 100 connects the transmission-side line to the designated transmission destination, converts the input image data or scan data into communication data conforming to the facsimile communication standard, The image data is transmitted to a receiving facsimile machine (for example, the image forming apparatus 100 having a facsimile function).

(FAX communication processing)
When the line is connected, the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the reception side detects a communication request signal from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmission side, and transmits a response signal. Thereafter, for example, the FAX communication unit 160 delivers the capability information mounted on each other on the transmission side and the reception side, and determines the communication speed and the image data encoding / coding correction method etc. at the maximum available capacity. And set the modem's communication method. Data is transmitted from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmission side to the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the reception side using an image signal format adapted to the communication method. When transmission is completed, the line is disconnected.

(FAX reception processing)
The FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side converts the received data into image data and sends the image data to the image forming unit 104. Note that the image forming unit 104 may convert the received data into image data. The image forming unit 104 prints an image based on image data converted from the received data on a recording sheet, as in the operation in the copy mode described above.

<Electrical configuration>
Referring to FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 100 stores an operation unit 120, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 306 for storing programs and the like, and stores programs and data even when the power supply is interrupted. It includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 302 including a hard disk providing a possible non-volatile storage area, and a RAM 308 providing a storage area when executing a program.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes an original reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a FAX communication unit 160, an operation unit 120, an HDD 302, a ROM 306, a RAM 308, and a network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F”) 304. It includes a bus 310 connected, and a CPU 300 connected to the bus 310 for controlling the above-described units to realize a general function as an image forming apparatus.

  The HDD 302 stores various data such as image data scanned by the document reading unit 102. The ROM 306 stores a computer program for realizing the general operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and a computer program for realizing a change content display process, which will be described later. The ROM 306 further stores basic screen data for displaying basic screens of various operation modes, setting screen data for displaying various setting screens, and the like. The RAM 308 provides a function as a working memory that temporarily stores the results of operations and processing by the CPU 300 and a function as a frame memory that stores image data.

  The CPU 300 executes control related to each function of the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with a computer program stored in the ROM 306. That is, control of the document reading unit 102, the image forming unit 104, the touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 of the operation unit 120, the display operation unit 140, the HDD 302, the ROM 306, and the RAM 308 is performed by the CPU 300 executing a predetermined computer program. To be realized.

  A public line is connected to the FAX communication unit 160 for transmission and reception of image data, and a network line is connected to the network I / F 304. A computer using the image forming apparatus 100 as a network compatible printer is connected to this network line, or a computer specified by a designated URL is connected via the Internet. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 connected to the Internet through the network line can acquire necessary information from an external device through the Internet.

<Hardware configuration>
[Operation Unit 120 of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, operation unit 120 is a plate-like operation panel provided on the upper front side of image forming apparatus 100 so as to be inclined for easy viewing by the user. Operation unit 120 includes a touch panel display 130 disposed from the central portion of the surface of operation unit 120 to the left side region, and a display / operation unit 140 disposed in the right side region of the surface of operation unit 120. The touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 are held in one casing, and the operation unit 120 is configured to be integrated as a whole. The operation unit 120 communicates with the CPU 300 via an input / output interface (not shown).

  The touch panel display 130 is a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device configured by overlapping the display panel 132 and the touch panel 134. The display panel 132 has a home screen for selecting a desired operation mode from various operation modes executable by the image forming apparatus 100, and a basic screen for changing settings of various functions in the basic operation mode. Is displayed. Here, the basic operation mode is an operation mode for executing print processing and transmission processing of image data (scan data), and in the present embodiment, indicates a copy mode and a FAX mode. The operation of the touch panel display 130 is controlled by the CPU 300. For example, a software key is displayed on the screen displayed on the display panel 132. When the user presses this software key with a finger, the touch panel 134 detects the pressed position. The CPU 300 collates the display position of the software key on the program with the position at which the touch panel 134 is pressed, and performs operation mode selection, setting change of various functions, operation instruction and the like based on the collation result. The size and shape of the touch panel display 130 are not particularly limited, but, for example, a horizontally long rectangular shape of 1024 pixels × 600 pixels can be used.

  The display operation unit 140 includes various hardware keys such as a display light 142, a power key 144, an energy saving key (hereinafter referred to as "energy saving key") 146, and a home key 148. The indicator light 142 includes, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), and lights up when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. The power key 144 is a key for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The energy saving key 146 is a key for instructing transition from the normal mode to the energy saving mode or instructing transition from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. The transition to the energy saving mode is performed not only when the energy saving key 146 is pressed, but also when a predetermined time has elapsed without any input operation by the user. Here, the normal mode refers to a state where the power is on and all the operation modes can be performed. The energy saving mode is a state in which the power is on and only a part of the operation modes can be performed.

  The home key 148 is a key for instructing a transition to the home screen. When the home key 148 is pressed by the user, a home screen is displayed on the display panel 132.

  [Home Screen 1000] Referring to FIG. 4, home screen 1000 includes a home system area 1100, and an icon display area 1200 including a display variable area 1210 and a display fixed area 1230. The home system area 1100 is provided at the top of the home screen. The icon display area 1200 is provided at the center of the home screen. The display variable area 1210 is provided in the upper part of the icon display area 1200, and the display fixed area 1230 is provided in the lower part of the icon display area 1200.

  The home system area 1100 displays an image (here, an image including a pattern and a character string "Home") 1202 indicating that it is a home screen, an interrupt key 1204, a logout key 1206, a current time 1208, and the like. Be done.

  In the icon display area 1200, various software keys for the user to select a desired operation mode are displayed together with a character string indicating the name or abbreviation of the operation mode. A character string indicating the name or abbreviation of the operation mode is not essential. In the icon display area 1200, various software keys displayed in the display variable area 1210 are displayed so as to be page scrollable in the horizontal direction of the screen. The various software keys displayed in the display fixed area 1230 are displayed in a state where the display position is fixed.

  In the present embodiment, the display variable area 1210 displays a key 1212 for selecting a FAX mode, a key 1214 for selecting a system setting mode, and the like as the various software keys described above. In the display fixed area 1230, a key 1232 for selecting a copy mode and a key 1234 for selecting a PC scan mode for transmitting scan data to a remote PC (Personal Computer) as the various software keys described above are provided. Is displayed. These software keys are displayed in the form of a simple pattern (i.e., as an icon) indicating the operation mode corresponding to each key. When one of these software keys is pressed, the display panel 132 displays a basic screen of the corresponding operation mode.

  In the present embodiment, when a key 1214 displayed on the home screen 1000 is pressed by the user, a system setting screen (not shown) for performing system setting is displayed on the display panel 132. The user can perform on / off of user authentication setting, on / off of display setting of change contents, change of setting of various operation modes, and the like by the input operation from the touch panel 134 on the system setting screen. When the user authentication setting is set to ON in the system setting, only the user who is determined to be a legitimate user by inputting a login name and password registered in advance is login to the image forming apparatus 100. Permitted. Also, when user authentication is set to ON, available functions are limited for each user. When the display setting of the change content is set to on, the change content is displayed on the display panel 132 until the predetermined time elapses after the change of the setting of the various operation modes. When the user authentication setting is set to OFF, various operations in the system setting can be performed only by a user who has been authenticated as an administrator by inputting the administrator password. When the user authentication setting is set to ON, the user can perform various operations in the system setting according to the authority of the logged-in user without inputting the administrator password. When the user ends various operations in the system setting, the user presses an end key (not shown) displayed on the system setting screen. When the end key is pressed, the home screen 1000 is displayed on the display panel 132 instead of the system setting screen.

[Basic screen of basic operation mode]
When the software key for selecting the basic operation mode displayed on the home screen or the like is pressed by the user, the display panel 132 displays the basic screen of the selected basic operation mode.

  5, the basic screen of the basic operation mode includes a system area 2100, a function setting / confirmation area (hereinafter referred to as "function selection area") 2200, a preview area 2300, and an action panel area 2400. And a task trigger area 2500, and a plurality of areas. These areas are arranged as follows according to the basic layout. That is, the system area 2100 is disposed at the top of the basic screen. The preview area 2300 is arranged at the center of the basic screen. The function selection area 2200 is disposed on the left side of the preview area 2300 in the basic screen. The action panel area 2400 is disposed on the upper right side of the preview area 2300 in the basic screen. The task trigger area 2500 is disposed on the lower right side of the preview area 2300 in the basic screen. The area and the basic layout which constitute the basic screen of the above-described basic operation mode are common to all the basic operation modes.

[Basic screen 3000 for copy mode]
Hereinafter, the basic screen 3000 of the copy mode will be described as an example of the basic screen of the basic operation mode described above. Referring to FIG. 6, an image (here, an image including a pattern and a character string "Copy") 2102 and a logout key 2104 etc. in the system area 2100 of the basic screen 3000 of the copy mode. Is displayed. The logout key 2104 displays the name of the logged-in user. The system area 2100 is further provided with an area 2106 indicating the current job status. In the area 2106, for example, an icon indicating that a copy process is currently being performed and an icon indicating that the process is currently being stopped (all not shown) are displayed.

  The function selection area 2200 displays various setting keys for changing settings of conditions such as various functions and parameters related to the copy mode. In this embodiment, as various setting keys, a key 2202 for switching the color mode, a key 2204 for changing the copy density, a key 2206 for changing the copy magnification, and the like are displayed. When one of these various setting keys is pressed by the user, a setting screen (for example, a density setting screen and a magnification setting screen, etc.) corresponding to the pressed key is displayed on the display panel 132. Ru.

  Below the above-described various setting keys in the function selection area 2200, change keys 2212 to 2216 for changing the display style of the various setting keys are displayed. The change key 2212 is a key for displaying only setting keys relating to functions registered in advance as “favorite”. The change key 2214 is a key for displaying only the setting key related to the function whose setting has been changed. The change key 2216 is a key for displaying setting keys for all functions whose setting can be changed in the corresponding operation mode. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that change key 2216 is selected, and setting keys relating to all functions whose setting can be changed in the copy mode are displayed in function selection area 2200.

  In the preview area 2300, a virtual ten key group 2302 for inputting and setting the number of copies and the like is displayed. The virtual numeric keypad group 2302 includes numeric keys 0 to 9 and a clear (C) key. The virtual numeric keypad group 2302 is displayed in a background area 2303 which is a window. Below the virtual numeric keypad group 2302 in the preview area 2300, a mimic image 2304 indicating the current status of the entire image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. The user can cause the display panel 132 to display a sheet setting screen by pressing the mimic image 2304.

  In the action panel area 2400, various execution keys for executing the recommendation function in the copy mode are displayed. Here, the recommendation function indicates a function that has been selected in combination with the function selected by the user in the past. In the present embodiment, as the above various execution keys, a key 2402 for automatically selecting the copy magnification according to the recording sheet to be used, a key 2404 for executing registration of the current setting conditions (job program), And, a key 2406 and the like for executing the filing of the image data are displayed.

  In the task trigger area 2500, a scan in key 2502, a clear all key 2504, a monochrome start key 2506, and a color start key 2508 are displayed. A scan-in key 2502 is a key for instructing start of execution of scan-in processing for scanning a document and displaying a preview image based on the obtained scan data in the preview area 2300. The clear all key 2504 is a key for canceling all of the functions, parameters, and the like changed on the basic screen 3000, returning the setting to the default state, and instructing to stop the execution of the process being executed. A monochrome start key 2506 is a key for scanning a document and instructing start of execution of monochrome copy processing based on obtained image data (or scan data obtained by scan-in processing). A color start key 2508 is a key for scanning a document and instructing start of execution of color copy processing based on obtained image data (or scan data obtained by scan-in processing).

[Basic screen 4000 for fax mode]
Hereinafter, as another example of the basic screen of the basic operation mode described above, the basic screen 4000 of the FAX mode will be described. Referring to FIG. 7, in system area 2100 of basic screen 4000 in the FAX mode, key 2112 for requesting display of a screen showing the contents of the address book, and the FAX number of the transmission destination inputted by the user are displayed. A number display area 2114 for displaying, and a search icon 2116 for requesting display of a search screen for specifying a transmission destination using a search number registered in advance for a predetermined FAX number. Is displayed.

  In the function selection area 2200, various setting keys for changing settings of conditions such as various functions and parameters relating to the FAX mode are displayed. In the present embodiment, the various setting keys include a key 2222 for changing the density of a FAX document, a key 2224 for changing the image quality of a FAX document, a key 2226 for setting a large document mode, and thin paper A key 2228 or the like for setting the reading function is displayed. When any of the key 2222 and the key 2224 is pressed by the user, a setting screen (a density setting screen, an image quality setting screen, etc.) corresponding to the pressed key is displayed on the display panel 132. . A check box is displayed on the key 2226 and the key 2228 and the like. When the user presses the key 2226 or the key 2228, a check mark is displayed in the check box of the pressed key, and the function corresponding to the pressed key is set. In the lower part of the above-mentioned various setting keys in the function selection area 2200, together with the change keys 2212 and 2214 mentioned above, in order to request display of a screen showing a list of other functions different from the functions displayed in the function selection area 2200. Key 2218 is displayed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that change key 2212 is selected, and that only setting keys relating to functions registered in advance as “favorite” are displayed in function selection area 2200 in the FAX mode.

  In the preview area 2300, a virtual ten key group 2312 for inputting and setting a FAX number or the like is displayed. The virtual numeric keypad group 2312 includes numeric keys from 0 to 9, symbol keys such as “#” key, a clear (C) key, and an enter key. The virtual numeric keypad group 2312 is displayed in a background area 2313 which is a window.

  Further, in the preview area 2300, an icon indicating whether or not a FAX document has been set on the document placement table or the ADF (all not shown), and a window 2314 indicating the current FAX transmission setting status etc. are displayed. Ru.

  In the action panel area 2400, various execution keys for executing the recommendation function in the FAX mode are displayed. In the present embodiment, as the various execution keys, a key 2412 for searching for a desired FAX number with a registration number, a key 2414 for executing a global address search, and the like are displayed.

  In the task trigger area 2500, a scan in key 2512, a clear all key 2514, a start key 2516, and an on hook key 2518 are displayed. The scan-in key 2512 is a key for instructing start of execution of scan-in processing for scanning a FAX original and displaying a preview image based on the scan data in the preview area 2300. The clear all key 2514 is a key for canceling all of the functions, parameters, and the like changed on the basic screen 4000, returning the setting to the default state, and instructing the stop of the execution of the process being executed. The start key 2516 is a key for instructing start of execution of the FAX transmission process. The on-hook key 2518 is a key for setting the line state to the on-hook state.

<Software configuration>
(Changed content display process)
A program for realizing the change content display process is activated by pressing an end key (not shown) displayed on a system setting screen (not shown). Referring to FIG. 8, the program includes a step S101 of determining whether or not the setting has been changed. When it is determined in step S101 that the setting has not been changed (in the case of NO), this control ends.

  The program further includes a step S102 that is executed when it is determined in step S101 that the setting has been changed (in the case of YES), and determines whether the user authentication setting is on.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S102 that the user authentication setting is not on (in the case of NO), that is, the user authentication setting is off, and the display setting of the change content is on. Step S103 which determines whether or not it is included. If it is determined in step S103 that the display setting of the change content is not on (in the case of NO), that is, if the display setting of the change content is off, the present control ends.

  The program is further executed when it is determined in step S103 that the display setting of the change content is on (in the case of YES), and causes the display panel 132 to display all the change content currently changed. Displayed in step S104, step S105 for waiting until a predetermined time has elapsed since the current setting change, and step S105 when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of YES) And a step S106 of causing the panel 132 to end the display of the change content of this time.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S102 that the user authentication setting is on (in the case of YES), and it is determined in step S107 whether or not login has been performed, and in step S107. And (step S108), which is executed if it is determined that the predetermined time has not been made (in the case of NO), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the current setting is made. When it is determined in step S108 that the predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of YES), the present control ends. When it is determined in step S108 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (in the case of NO), the control returns to step S107.

  The program is further executed when it is determined in step S107 that login has been performed (in the case of YES), and the display panel 132 is a function that can be used by the user who is logged in among the contents of this change. A step S109 for displaying the related change content and a step S110 for determining whether or not the logout has been made are included.

  The program is further executed when it is determined in step S110 that the user has logged out (in the case of YES), and the display panel 132 is related to the functions usable by the user who is currently logged in. Step S111 of ending the display of the content of the change. After the process of step S111, the present control ends.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S110 that the user is not logged out (in the case of NO), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the current setting is made. S112 is included. When it is determined in step S112 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (in the case of NO), the control returns to step S110. When it is determined in step S112 that the predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of YES), the control proceeds to step 106.

<Operation>
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. The general operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is the same as that of the conventional image forming apparatus except for the following operation. In the following operation, the image forming apparatus 100 is in a state where the power is turned on. Also, it is assumed that the display setting of the change content is set to on.

(Operation when the user authentication setting is off)
The user presses the home key 148 without performing login authentication. When the home key 148 is pressed, the home screen 1000 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display panel 132. The user presses a key 1214 displayed on the home screen 1000. When the key 1214 is pressed, a system setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 132. In this case, since the user authentication setting is set to OFF, the user inputs the administrator password by an input operation on the touch panel 134 in order to change the setting.

  When the user is authenticated as an administrator by the entered administrator password, the user changes the setting of the copy mode (hereinafter simply referred to as "copy setting") by an input operation from the touch panel 134 on the system setting screen. . In the present embodiment, the user changes the copy print density adjustment from “5” to “3” in the copy setting, changes the setting for rotating copy from on to off, and changes the standard copy magnification from 100% to 70%. The paper tray is changed from the first tray to the second tray, and the upper limit setting of the number of copies is changed from 999 sheets to 50 sheets.

  When the copy setting is changed, the user confirms the change content, and then presses an end key (not shown) displayed on the system setting screen. When the end key is pressed, a home screen 1000 is displayed on the display panel 132 instead of the system setting screen (not shown). The CPU 300 determines that the setting has been changed (YES in step S101), determines that the user authentication setting is off (NO in step S102), and the display setting of the change content is on. It determines with (in step S103 YES). When the above determination is made by the CPU 300, the display panel 132 displays all the changed contents changed this time (step S104). Here, when there is a change content for which a predetermined time has not elapsed since the change is made at present, apart from the current change content, the change content is already displayed on the display panel 132. ing. In such a case, the current change is newly added to the already displayed change and displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in this case, on the front surface of home screen 1000 on display panel 132, all the changed contents changed this time are displayed by flowing telop 5000 in a predetermined order. This telop 5000 remains displayed even when the screen displayed on the display panel 132 is switched from the home screen 1000 to another screen (for example, the basic screen 3000 in the copy mode).

  When a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the change of the setting this time (YES in step S105), display panel 132 ends the display of the current change in telop 5000 (step S106). . In addition, when another change content is also displayed on the display panel 132 together with the current change content, the display is ended in order from the one in which the predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the setting.

(Operation when the user authentication setting is on)
As described below, when the user authentication setting is ON, when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, the change content related to the function usable by the user is displayed on the display panel 132. When the user logs out of the image forming apparatus 100, or when a predetermined time elapses after the setting is changed, the display of the change content related to the function usable by the user ends.

  First, in order to log in to the image forming apparatus 100, the user inputs a login name and a password by an input operation on the touch panel 134. At this time, the change content displayed on the display panel 132 at the time of the previous login is not displayed. When the input login name and password are authenticated (login authentication is performed), the user is permitted to log in to the image forming apparatus 100 and is permitted to use a predetermined function.

  The user presses home key 148. When the home key 148 is pressed, the home screen 1000 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display panel 132. The user presses a key 1214 displayed on the home screen 1000. When the key 1214 is pressed, a system setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 132. In this case, since the user authentication setting is set to ON, the operation in the system setting is permitted by the authority of the logged-in user without inputting the administrator password. The user changes the copy setting in the same manner as described above by the input operation on the system setting screen from the touch panel 134.

  When the copy setting is changed, the user confirms the change content, and then presses an end key (not shown) displayed on the system setting screen. When the end key is pressed, a home screen 1000 is displayed on the display panel 132 instead of the system setting screen (not shown). CPU 300 determines that the setting has been changed (YES in step S101), determines that the user authentication setting is ON (YES in step S102), and determines that the login is performed (YES in S107). ). When the above determination is made by CPU 300, display panel 132 displays, in a predetermined order, telops (not shown) indicating the contents of the change related to the functions usable by the user who is logged in among the contents of the change this time. It displays by flowing (step S109). Here, among the changes related to the functions usable by the logged-in user, at this time, a predetermined time has not passed since the change was made, and it is not displayed at this time. If the change content is present separately from the change content, the change content and the present change content are simultaneously displayed on the display panel 132. This telop (not shown) remains displayed even when the screen displayed on the display panel 132 is switched from the home screen 1000 to another screen (for example, the basic screen 3000 in the copy mode).

  If the user logs out of the image forming apparatus 100 by an input operation on the touch panel 134 before the predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) elapses after the setting change is made this time, the CPU 300 Determines that the user has logged out (YES in step S110). When the above determination is made by the CPU 300, the display panel 132 ends the display of the change content related to the function usable by the user who is currently logged in, in the current change content (step S111). At this time, even when another change content is displayed on the display panel 132 together with the current change content, the display of all the change contents being displayed is ended along with the user's logout.

  In addition, with the telop (not shown) displayed (NO in step S110), when a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) elapses after the change of the current setting is made (YES in step S112) And the display panel 132 ends the display of the current change content in the telop (step S106). If another change is also displayed on the display panel 132 together with the current change, the display is terminated in order from the one where a predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the setting.

  In the above operation, when the display setting of the change content is set to OFF (NO in step S104), the change content is not displayed on the display panel 132.

First Modified Example
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the first modification of the first embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment except that the change content display process is different. . The differences will be described below.

<Software configuration>
(Changed content display process)
Referring to FIG. 10, in the program for realizing the change content display process according to the present modification, the process of steps S201 to S203 and S209 to S214 is the process of steps S101 to S103 and S107 to S112 shown in FIG. Is the same as The following mainly describes different processes.

  This program is executed when it is determined in step S203 that the display setting of the change content is on (in the case of YES), and the image forming apparatus 100 operates in the operation mode related to the setting change (hereinafter Mode is sometimes referred to as “mode”), and is executed when it is determined in step S204 that the mode is transitioning to the related mode (in the case of YES), And Step S205 of displaying, on the display panel 132, the change content related to the operation mode during transition among the change content of this time.

  The program further includes step S206 which is executed when it is determined in step S204 that transition to the related mode is not in progress (in the case of NO), and the display panel 132 is not to display the change content.

  The program further includes a step S207 which is executed after the processing of the steps S205 and S206 and which determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the current setting is made. If it is determined in step S207 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (in the case of NO), the control returns to step S204.

  The program further includes step S208 which is executed when it is determined in step S207 that the predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of YES), and causes the display panel 132 to end the display of the current change content.

<Operation>
Referring to FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present modification operates as follows. The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present modification is the same as the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment except for the operations described below.

(Operation when the user authentication setting is off)
The user presses the home key 148 without performing login authentication. When the home key 148 is pressed, the home screen 1000 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display panel 132. The user presses a key 1214 displayed on the home screen 1000. When the key 1214 is pressed, a system setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 132. In this case, since the user authentication setting is set to OFF, the user inputs the administrator password by an input operation on the touch panel 134 in order to change the setting. When the user is authenticated as the administrator by the entered administrator password, the user changes the copy setting in the same manner as described above by the input operation on the touch panel 134.

  When the copy setting is changed, the user confirms the change content, and then presses an end key (not shown) displayed on the system setting screen. When the end key is pressed, a home screen 1000 is displayed on the display panel 132 instead of the system setting screen (not shown). The CPU 300 determines that the setting has been changed (YES in step S201), determines that the user authentication setting is OFF (NO in step S202), and the display setting of the change content is ON. It determines with (in step S203 YES).

  The user who has confirmed the home screen 1000 presses the key 1232. When the key 1232 is pressed, the display panel 132 displays a basic screen 3000 (see FIG. 6) of the copy mode. The CPU 300 determines that the related mode is in transition (YES in step S204). When the above determination is made by the CPU 300, the display panel 132 displays the change content (that is, all the change content of this time) related to the copy mode in transition (step S205). Here, among the change contents related to the copy mode, if there is a thing that has not been subjected to the predetermined time since the change is made at the current point in time, the display panel 132 is displayed The change content and the current change content are simultaneously displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in this case, on the front surface of the basic screen 3000 on the display panel 132, the change content related to the copy mode changed this time is displayed by causing the telop 5100 to flow in a predetermined order.

  At this time, when the copy mode is switched to another operation mode (for example, FAX mode) by the user's input operation on touch panel 134, CPU 300 determines that the related mode is not in transition (at step S204). (NO), the display panel 132 ends the display of the telop 5100 (step S206). At this time, even when another change content is displayed on the display panel 132 together with the current change content, the display of all the change contents being displayed is ended along with the transition of the operation mode.

  In the above operation, when the user who has checked the home screen 1000 presses the key 1212 instead of the key 1232, the basic screen 4000 (see FIG. 7) of the FAX mode is displayed on the display panel 132. Determines that the related mode is not in transition (NO in step S204). If the above determination is made by the CPU 300, the display panel 132 does not display the change content (step S206).

  When a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the change of the setting this time (YES in step S207), the display panel 132 ends the display of the change content of this time (step S208). That is, when the transition to the copy mode is in progress, the display of the current change content in the telop 5100 is ended. Even in the case of transition to the copy mode, the display of the current change content is not performed. In addition, when there is another change content together with the current change content, the display is terminated from the telop 5100 in order from the one where the predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the setting.

Second Modified Example
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the second modification of the first embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment except that the change content display process is different. . The differences will be described below.

<Software configuration>
(Changed content display process)
Referring to FIG. 12, in the program for realizing the change content display process according to the present modification, the processes of steps S301 to S303 and S309 to S314 are the processes of steps S101 to S103 and S107 to S112 shown in FIG. Is the same as The following mainly describes different processes.

  This program is executed when it is determined in step S303 that the display setting of the change content is on (in the case of YES), and a job related to the setting change (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "related job") ) Is executed when it is determined in step S304 whether or not an operation for executing a related job is being performed (in the case of YES). And step S305 of displaying, on the display panel 132, the change content related to the job being operated among the current change content.

  This program is further executed when it is determined that the operation for executing the related job is not in progress in step S304 (in the case of NO), and the display panel 132 is made not to display the changed content. S306 is included.

  The program further includes a step S307 which is executed after the processing of the steps S305 and S306, and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the setting of this time. When it is determined in step S307 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (in the case of NO), the control returns to step S304.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S307 that the predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of YES), and includes step S308 for causing the display panel 132 to end the display of the current change content.

<Operation>
Referring to FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present modification operates as follows. The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present modification is the same as the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment except for the operations described below.

  (Operation when User Authentication Setting is OFF) The user presses the home key 148 without performing login authentication. When the home key 148 is pressed, the home screen 1000 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display panel 132. The user presses a key 1214 displayed on the home screen 1000. When the key 1214 is pressed, a system setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 132. In this case, since the user authentication setting is set to OFF, the user inputs the administrator password by an input operation on the touch panel 134 in order to change the setting.

  When the user is authenticated as an administrator by the entered administrator password, the user changes the setting of the FAX / image transmission mode (hereinafter simply referred to as “FAX / image transmission setting”) by the input operation on the touch panel 134. Do. In this modification, the user changes the standard image quality setting in the FAX / image transmission setting from normal to fine, changes the handset connection from off to on, and changes the upper limit setting of transmission data from unlimited to 2 MB. The standard file format is changed from PDF (Portable Document Format) to TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and page number printing is changed from on to off.

  When the FAX / image transmission setting is changed, the user confirms the changed content, and then presses an end key (not shown) displayed on the system setting screen. When the end key is pressed, a home screen 1000 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display panel 132 instead of the system setting screen (not shown). CPU 300 determines that the setting has been changed (YES in step S301), determines that the user authentication setting is off (NO in step S302), and the display setting of the change content is on. It determines with (in step S303 YES).

  The user who has confirmed the home screen 1000 presses the key 1212. When the key 1212 is pressed, the display panel 132 displays a basic screen 4000 (see FIG. 7) of the FAX mode. When the user confirms the basic screen 4000 and changes the setting conditions, the user performs input operations for various setting keys displayed in the function selection area 2200 and various execution keys displayed in the action panel area 2400. , Change settings of various functions and parameters of the FAX mode (for example, change of image quality and change of density).

  The user manually places the document on the document placement table, and inputs a desired FAX number ("0123456789" in this modification) by an input operation on the virtual numeric keypad 2312. At this time, the input numerical value is displayed in the number display area 2114.

  When the user at least changes the setting condition or inputs the FAX number, the CPU 300 determines that an operation for executing the related job is in progress (YES in step S304). When the above determination is made by the CPU 300, the display panel 132 displays the change content related to the job being operated among the current change content (step S305). Here, among the change contents related to the FAX transmission process, if there is one that has not changed for a predetermined time since the change is made at the current point in time, the display panel 132 is displayed separately from the current change contents. The change content and the current change content are simultaneously displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 13, in this case, on the front surface of basic screen 4000 on display panel 132, the changed contents related to the normal FAX transmission process changed this time are displayed by flowing telop 5200 in a predetermined order. Ru. That is, the telop 5200 indicates that the standard image quality setting has been changed from normal to fine and that the page number printing has been changed from on to off. By this, the user can know what kind of image data is to be output before execution of the FAX transmission process.

  The user confirms the FAX number of the transmission destination displayed in the number display area 2114, and depresses the start key 2516 if it determines that there is no problem. When the start key 2516 is pressed, the operation for executing the related job is completed, and normal FAX transmission processing is performed. CPU 300 determines that the operation for executing the related job is not in progress (NO in step S304).

  When the above determination is made by the CPU 300, the display panel 132 ends the display of the telop 5200 (step S306). At this time, even when another change content is displayed on the display panel 132 together with the current change content, the display of all the change contents being displayed is ended along with the end of the FAX transmission processing.

  When a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the change of the setting this time (YES in step S307), the display panel 132 ends the display of the change content of this time (step S308). That is, when the operation for executing the related job is in progress, the display of the current change content in the telop 5200 is ended. If there is another change content together with the current change content, the display is terminated from the telop 5200 in order from the one in which the predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the setting.

<< 3rd modification >>
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the third modified example of the first embodiment differs in the change content display process and in that it stores the use status of each job and manages the job with many uses. Except for the above, the configuration is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The differences will be described below.

<Software configuration>
(Changed content display process)
Referring to FIG. 14, in the program for realizing the change content display process according to the present modification, the processes of steps S401 to S403 and S409 to S414 are the processes of steps S101 to S103 and S107 to S112 shown in FIG. Is the same as The following mainly describes different processes.

  This program is executed when it is determined in step S403 that the display setting of the change content is on (in the case of YES), and whether or not the change content includes the change content related to the job with many uses. The process is executed when it is determined in step S404 that determines whether there is a change content related to a job that is frequently used (in the case of YES) in step S404. And b) displaying the contents of change related to.

  The program is further executed when it is determined in step S404 that there is no change content associated with the frequently used job (in the case of NO), and the display panel 132 is made not to display the change content. Step S406 is performed after the processing of steps S405 and S406, and step S407 is performed to determine whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the change of the current setting is made. If it is determined in step S407 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (in the case of NO), the control returns to step S404.

  The program is further executed when it is determined in step S407 that the predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of YES), and includes step S408 for causing the display panel 132 to end the display of the current change content.

<Operation>
Referring to FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present modification operates as follows. The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present modification is the same as the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment except for the operations described below.

(Operation when the user authentication setting is off)
In the present modification, the image forming apparatus 100 stores the usage status of each job. Then, it is assumed that fax transmission processing is managed as a job with a large number of uses.

  The user presses the home key 148 without performing login authentication. When the home key 148 is pressed, the home screen 1000 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display panel 132. The user presses a key 1214 displayed on the home screen 1000. When the key 1214 is pressed, a system setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 132. In this case, since the user authentication setting is set to OFF, the user inputs the administrator password by an input operation on the touch panel 134 in order to change the setting. When the user is authenticated as the administrator by the entered administrator password, the user changes the FAX / image transmission setting in the same manner as described above by the input operation on the touch panel 134.

  When the FAX / image transmission setting is changed, the user confirms the changed content, and then presses an end key (not shown) displayed on the system setting screen. When the end key is pressed, a home screen 1000 is displayed on the display panel 132 instead of the system setting screen (not shown). The CPU 300 determines that the setting has been changed (YES in step S401), determines that the user authentication setting is off (NO in step S402), and the display setting of the change content is on. It determines with (in step S403 YES).

  The CPU 300 further determines that there is a change content related to a job with a large number of uses in the current change content (YES in step S404). When the above determination is made by the CPU 300, the display panel 132 displays the contents of the change (in this case, all the contents of the present change) related to the frequently used job among the contents of the present change (step S405). Here, among the change contents related to the frequently used job, if there is a state in which a predetermined time has not elapsed since the change is made at the present time, if it exists separately from the current change contents, The change content is already displayed on the display panel 132. In such a case, the current change is newly added to the already displayed change and displayed.

  In this case, on the front surface of the home screen 1000 on the display panel 132, the change contents related to the frequently used job (in this case, the FAX transmission process) changed this time is teloped in a predetermined order (not shown) It is displayed by flowing.). This telop (not shown) remains displayed even when the screen displayed on the display panel 132 is switched from the home screen 1000 to another screen (for example, the basic screen 3000 in the copy mode).

  When a job with a large number of uses is changed from FAX transmission processing to monochrome copying, it is determined by the CPU 300 that there is no change in settings related to the job with a large number of uses (NO in step S404). The display panel 132 ends the display of the telop (not shown) (step S406).

  When a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the change of the setting this time (YES in step S407), the display panel 132 ends the display of the content of the change this time (step S408). At this time, when the change content related to the FAX transmission process is displayed, the display of the current change content in the telop is ended. In addition, when there is another change content together with the current change content, the display is terminated from the telop in order from the one where the predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the setting.

<< Other modifications >>
In the first embodiment and the first to third modifications, the contents of change are displayed by flowing a telop, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, referring to FIG. 15, in place of telop 5100, an icon 5102 indicating that the setting has been changed may be displayed. Referring to FIG. 16, when the icon 5102 is pressed by the user, a window 5104 is displayed on the display panel 132 instead of the icon 5102. In the window 5104, the corresponding change content is displayed. When the user presses a “close” button 5106 shown in the window 5104, an icon 5102 is displayed on the display panel 132 instead of the window 5104 (see FIG. 15). In addition, when any of the change contents shown in the window 5104 is selected by the user, the corresponding setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 132.

  In the first embodiment and the first to third modifications, only the change content is displayed on the display panel 132 by flowing the telop, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is not limited to the form. For example, all setting contents may be displayed in the window, and only change contents may be displayed in different colors.

  Further, in the first embodiment and the first to third modifications, all the change contents displayed by telops are displayed in the same state, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is not limited. For example, it may be displayed by being color-coded according to the degree of importance, or may be displayed by color-coded according to the difference in change time.

  In the first embodiment and the first to third modifications, the change contents displayed by telops are displayed in a predetermined order, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is not limited. For example, the CPU 300 may sort the related setting contents in the order of frequently used jobs, that is, in descending order of the number of times of use of the job based on the use status of the job, and may flow telops in that order. .

  In the first embodiment and the first to third modifications, the change content is displayed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the setting was changed, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is not limited to the form. For example, it may be displayed until all the registered users are confirmed. In this case, the display panel 132 displays a “confirming” button (not shown) along with the change content. The user who has confirmed the contents of the change presses the "under confirmation" button. The user who has pressed the "confirming" button is registered as a confirmed user based on the login name or the like used at login authentication. When the registered confirmed user reaches all the users registered in advance, the display panel 132 displays a message such as “All confirmed” and the display of the change contents is ended. .

  In the first embodiment and the first to third modifications, the change is only displayed on the display panel 132, but the present invention is limited to such an embodiment. I will not. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to be able to print the displayed change content on the recording sheet according to the user's instruction, or the change content to be displayed is a PC that is an external device. May be configured to be stored.

  The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment and the first to third modifications, and each of the first embodiment and the first to third modifications. However, the configuration may be appropriately combined.

Second Embodiment
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the image according to the first embodiment except that the ROM 306 further stores a computer program for realizing the change history display process described later. It has the same configuration as the forming apparatus 100. The differences will be described below.

<Software configuration>
(Change history display process)
The program for realizing the change history display process is activated by displaying the change contents on the display panel 132.

  Referring to FIG. 17, this program stands by until an instruction (hereinafter referred to as "change history request instruction") requesting display of the setting change history corresponding to the displayed change content is made. It is executed when it is determined in step S501 and step S501 that a change history request instruction has been issued (in the case of YES), and a setting change history corresponding to the displayed change content is displayed on the display panel 132. And step S502.

  The program further waits for an instruction to extract an object satisfying a predetermined condition from the displayed change history (hereinafter, referred to as an “extraction request instruction”), step S503, and step S503. Is executed (in the case of YES) and it is determined that the extraction request instruction has been issued (in the case of YES), and a change history which satisfies a predetermined condition is extracted from the displayed change history, and the extracted change history is output to the display panel 132. And displaying step S504.

  The program further waits until an instruction to return the setting corresponding to the content of the change selected by the user to the state before the change (hereinafter referred to as “return request instruction”) is made, and step S505. This step is executed when it is determined in S505 that a return request instruction has been issued (in the case of YES), and step S506 is performed to return the setting corresponding to the selected change content to the state before the change.

  In this program, when the setting corresponding to the selected content of the change is returned to the state before the change, the process waits for a predetermined time to elapse, and in step S507, it is determined in step S507 that the predetermined time has elapsed. (In the case of YES), step S508 of returning the setting returned to the state before the change to the original state, that is, the state after the change.

<Operation>
Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention operates as follows. The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment except for the operations described below.

  The user who confirms the change content (the telop 5000 in FIG. 9) displayed on the display panel 132 issues a change history request instruction by the input operation on the touch panel 134. Referring to FIG. 18, when CPU 300 determines that a change history request instruction has been issued (YES in step S501), window 5300 is displayed on the front of home screen 1000 on display panel 132 (step S502). In this window 5300, a setting change history corresponding to the displayed change content is shown.

  In response to the input operation on the touch panel 134, the user issues an instruction to request extraction of the change history on or after July 20 from the displayed change history. When the above instruction is issued, CPU 300 determines that the extraction request instruction has been issued (YES in step S 503), and from the displayed change history, a change history satisfying a predetermined condition (in this case, July 20 or later) Extract change history). When the change history is extracted by the CPU 300, the display panel 132 displays the extracted change history (step S504). Referring to FIG. 19, window 5400 is displayed on the front of home screen 1000 on display panel 132 at this time. In the window 5400, the extracted change history is shown, and a "return" button 5402 for issuing a return request instruction is displayed.

  The user selects a desired change history from the displayed change history after extraction by an input operation on the touch panel 134, and then presses a “return” button 5402. As a result, the change content desired by the user is selected. When "return" button 5402 is pressed, CPU 300 determines that a return request instruction has been issued (YES in step S505), and returns the setting corresponding to the selected change to the state before the change (step S506). .

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the setting corresponding to the selected content of the change is returned to the state before the change (YES in step S507), CPU 300 returns the original setting to the state before the change, that is, the change It returns to the later state (step S113).

  Note that the user issues an instruction to request termination of the display of the setting change history (see FIG. 18) or the extracted change history (see FIG. 19) displayed on the display panel 132 by the input operation on the touch panel 134. Can. When such an instruction is issued by the user, the display of the setting change history (ie, the window 5300) or the extracted change history (ie, the window 5400) is ended, and the display panel 132 displays the change contents (FIG. 9). The telop 5000) is displayed again.

<< Modification >>
The second embodiment is applied to the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. That is, the second embodiment may be applied to each of the first to third modifications of the first embodiment or a combination of these as appropriate.

<Operation / Effect>
According to the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the operation unit 120 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 that executes a predetermined process corresponding to a predetermined operation mode. The operation unit 120 includes a display panel 132, a touch panel 134 for changing settings necessary to execute predetermined processing, and a display panel 132 when the settings are changed by the touch panel 134. And CPU 300 for displaying change information for indicating the contents of the change for a predetermined time.

  As described above, when the setting is changed, the change information for indicating the content of the change is displayed for a predetermined time, and thus the user changes the setting by, for example, the administrator or another user. In any case, the change information can be known with certainty. Further, since the change information is displayed only for a predetermined time, it can be prevented from being displayed in vain as compared with the case where it is displayed forever.

  According to the first modified example of the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is transitioning to the operation mode related to the change, the CPU 300 causes the display panel 132 to be in the transition. Information for indicating the change content related to the operation mode is displayed as change information. This allows the user to easily know only the necessary information. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved.

  According to the second modified example of the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the process of performing the process related to the change, the CPU 300 causes the display panel 132 to perform the process. Information for indicating the contents of change related to the process being operated is displayed as change information. This allows the user to easily know only the necessary information. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved.

  According to the third modification of the first embodiment, when the change content includes the change content related to the process with a large number of times of use, the CPU 300 has a large number of times of use with respect to the display panel 132. Information for indicating the contents of change related to processing is displayed as change information. This allows the user to easily know only the necessary information. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved.

  According to the first and second embodiments and their modifications, when the user of image forming apparatus 100 is a legitimate user, CPU 300 logs in to image forming apparatus 100 with respect to the user, and , Allow the use of certain functions. Further, when login of image forming apparatus 100 is permitted, CPU 300 causes display panel 132 to display, as change information, information for indicating change contents related to functions usable by the user who is logging in. Let This allows the user to more easily know only the necessary information. Therefore, the convenience of the user is further improved.

  Further, according to the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the CPU 300 causes the display panel 132 to display character information indicating the content of the change as the change information by causing the telop to flow. This allows the user to more easily know what setting change has been made.

  According to another modification of the first embodiment, the CPU 300 causes the display panel 132 to display an icon 5102 indicating that a change has been made as change information, and the touch panel 134 inputs an input to the icon 5102. Accept the operation. Further, when the touch panel 134 receives an input operation, the CPU 300 causes the display panel 132 to display, as the change information, character information indicating the change content. This allows the user to easily know that the setting has been changed. Also, when it is desired to know what kind of setting change has been made, the information can be easily known.

  According to the second embodiment, the touch panel 134 receives the change history request instruction, and the CPU 300 responds to the touch panel 134 receiving the change history request instruction to the display panel 132 to change history. Display. The touch panel 134 receives the extraction request instruction, and in response to the touch panel 134 receiving the extraction request instruction, the CPU 300 extracts the change history satisfying the predetermined condition from the change history and extracts the change history with respect to the display panel 132. Display the change history. Thus, the user can easily check the change history of the setting corresponding to the change content. Moreover, while being able to extract easily the change log | history which satisfy | fills a predetermined condition from change log | history, the extraction result can be confirmed easily. Therefore, the convenience of the user is further improved.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the predetermined condition is a condition set based on the time when the change is made. Thus, the user can easily extract, for example, the change history in a desired period from the change history, and can easily confirm the extraction result.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the touch panel 134 receives the return request instruction, and the CPU 300 responds to the touch panel 134 receiving the return request instruction, and performs the setting corresponding to the predetermined change content, Return to the state before the change for a predetermined time. This allows the user to temporarily restore the setting corresponding to the desired change to the state before the change. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the time and effort of returning the setting corresponding to the desired change content to the state before the change and then back to the state after the change again, thereby further improving the user's convenience.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the predetermined change content is the change content corresponding to the change history extracted by the CPU 300. This allows the user to easily select desired changes.

  According to another modification of the first embodiment, image forming apparatus 100 executes a predetermined process corresponding to a predetermined operation mode. The image forming apparatus 100 includes the operation unit 120 described above and each unit that executes a predetermined process in accordance with an instruction given to the operation unit 120 (a document reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a FAX communication unit 160, etc. And). As described above, since the image forming apparatus 100 includes the above-described operation unit 120, a mistake occurs or is not intended when the user does not know the change of the setting when executing the predetermined process. It is possible to prevent the processing result from being obtained.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The scope of the present invention is defined by each of the claims in the patent claims in view of the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the words and phrases described therein are taken into consideration. Including.

100 image forming apparatus 102 image reading unit 104 image forming unit 120 operation unit 132 display panel 134 touch panel 160 fax communication unit 300 CPU
1000 Home Screen 3000, 4000 Basic Screen 5000, 5100, 5200 Telop 5102 Icon 5104, 5300, 5400 Window

Claims (5)

A processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes and executing predetermined processing corresponding to the predetermined operation mode, the processing apparatus comprising:
A display device,
Changing means for changing settings necessary to execute the predetermined process;
First display control means for causing the display device to display change information for indicating the contents of the change after the change is made by the change means;
The display device displays a screen on which a key instructing start of execution of image processing is displayed together with the change information.
The display area of the change information is provided at least in an area other than the display area of the key instructing the start of execution of the image processing, and the display area of the change information in any of the plurality of operation modes. Is a processing device provided in an area other than a display area of a key instructing at least the start of execution of image processing. The plurality of operation modes include a fax mode and a copy mode.
The processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The first display control means relates to the process being operated on the display device in response to the processing device receiving an operation input for executing the process related to the change. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for displaying information for indicating a content of change as the change information.   The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the screen further includes a display area for displaying a current processing status. An image forming apparatus that executes a predetermined process corresponding to a predetermined operation mode, the image forming apparatus comprising:
A processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
An image forming apparatus including processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing according to an instruction given to the processing apparatus.

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