Copying mode switching method and related equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of image forming devices, in particular to a copying mode switching method and related equipment. The method is applied to the image forming device, and comprises the following steps: switching a current copying mode between a first copying mode and a second copying mode in response to a triggering operation on a first key; wherein the first copying mode is different from the second copying mode; in response to a trigger operation of a user on a start key, executing a first copying operation based on the current copying mode; the first copying mode and the second copying mode are respectively associated with mutually independent copying parameters. Rapid switching of the copying mode is realized through key triggering, the user operation process is simplified, and mode switching can be completed without entering a multi-layer menu. The copying parameters between the two copying modes are mutually independent, so that the problem that the parameters need to be repeatedly adjusted when the user switches the different modes is avoided, and the operation efficiency and the use experience of the user are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of image forming apparatus technology, and in particular to a copying mode switching method and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, compact printers equipped with two-line character LCD displays (such as LCD screens) have extremely limited space for panel display and buttons. Implementing multi-mode management, such as standard copying and document copying, on these printers presents inherent challenges. Common solutions have significant drawbacks: separating physical buttons for the two modes directly increases panel space and hardware costs. Nesting document copying within a menu under standard copying results in cumbersome mode switching due to the small screen size and reliance on navigation keys. Furthermore, due to system architecture limitations, parameters (such as brightness and scaling) for both modes are often forcibly shared. This necessitates complex mutual exclusion processing during mode switching, frequently prompting users to confirm or reset, severely disrupting operational continuity. Users still need to manually restore parameters repeatedly after switching between different copying modes, leading to a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method and related equipment for switching copy modes, which can reduce the amount of operation required by the user when switching copy modes without increasing hardware costs.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a copying mode switching method, applied to an image forming apparatus, comprising: In response to the triggering operation of the first button, the current copying mode is switched between the first copying mode and the second copying mode; wherein the first copying mode and the second copying mode are different; In response to the user's trigger operation of the start button, the first copy job is executed based on the current copying mode; The first copying mode and the second copying mode are each associated with independent copying parameters.

[0005] In one possible implementation, when the first button is a copy mode function button, switching the current copy mode between the first copy mode and the second copy mode in response to the triggering operation of the first button includes: In response to continuous triggering of the copy mode function key, the current copy mode is cyclically switched between the first copy mode and the second copy mode.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the step of responding to continuous triggering of the copy mode function key, causing the current copy mode to cycle between the first copy mode and the second copy mode, includes: Record the number of times the copy mode function key is triggered; Based on the parity of the number of triggers, the current copying mode is switched to either the first copying mode or the second copying mode.

[0007] In one possible implementation, when the first button is a copy mode function button, the step of switching the current copy mode between a first copy mode and a second copy mode in response to the triggering operation of the first button includes: If a single trigger operation on the copy mode function key is detected, the current copy mode is switched from the first copy mode to the second copy mode, or from the second copy mode to the first copy mode.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the second copying mode is a document copying mode, and the method further includes: If a trigger operation on the copy mode function key is detected during the execution of the first copy job, the first copy job is paused. If the current copying mode is the first copying mode, then switch the current copying mode to the second copying mode; In response to the triggering operation of the start button, a second copying job is executed; After the second copy job is completed, the first copy job, which was suspended, will resume.

[0009] In one possible implementation, after detecting a trigger operation on the copy mode function key during the execution of the first copy job, the method further includes: Generate a prompt message to confirm whether to switch to copy mode; If a confirmation operation for the prompt message is received, the step of pausing the first copy job is executed.

[0010] In one possible implementation, after detecting a trigger operation on the copy mode function key during the execution of the first copy job, the method further includes: Detect the pressure value of the trigger operation; If the pressure value is greater than the first threshold, the triggering operation is determined to be a valid operation, and the step of pausing the first copying job is executed.

[0011] In one possible implementation, when the first button is a menu button, the step of switching the current copying mode between a first copying mode and a second copying mode in response to a trigger operation on the first button includes: In response to the triggering operation of the first button, a menu interface is displayed; the menu interface includes at least a setting option for the first copying mode and a setting option for the second copying mode; In response to selecting the setting option for the first copy mode or the setting option for the second copy mode in the menu interface, the current copy mode is switched to the first copy mode or the second copy mode.

[0012] In one possible implementation, after responding to the selection of the setting option for the first copying mode or the setting option for the second copying mode in the menu interface, the method further includes: Displays the copy parameter settings interface for the selected copy mode; In response to the modification operation of the copy parameter setting interface, the copy parameters of the selected copy mode are modified.

[0013] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an image forming apparatus, comprising: The switching module is used to switch the current copying mode between a first copying mode and a second copying mode in response to the triggering operation of the first button; wherein the first copying mode and the second copying mode are different. The execution module is used to execute the first copy job based on the current copying mode in response to the user's trigger operation of the start button; The first copying mode and the second copying mode are each associated with independent copying parameters.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein: The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor can execute the method described in the first aspect by calling the program instructions.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that cause the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0016] In this embodiment of the invention, the copying mode is quickly switched via button triggering, simplifying the user's operation process and eliminating the need to navigate through multiple menus. Furthermore, the copying parameters for the two modes are independent, avoiding the need for repeated parameter adjustments when switching between modes, effectively improving operational efficiency and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A flowchart of a copying mode switching method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operation panel of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an operation panel interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another operation panel interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a menu interface provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another menu interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0023] It should be understood that although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe numbers in embodiments of the present invention, these numbers should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish numbers from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention, a first number may also be referred to as a second number, and similarly, a second number may also be referred to as a first number.

[0024] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0025] To address the problems of cumbersome copying mode switching operations, inability to quickly respond to demands, and inconvenient parameter management, this invention provides a copying mode switching method applied to an image forming apparatus, which can simplify the copying mode switching operation. Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a copying mode switching method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes: Step 101: In response to the triggering operation of the first button, switch the current copying mode between the first copying mode and the second copying mode.

[0026] The first copy mode and the second copy mode are different copy modes. For example, the first copy mode can be the standard copy mode, suitable for copying ordinary documents. The second copy mode can be the receipt copy mode, suitable for copying receipts and small-sized documents, with different parameter settings. The first button can be a copy mode function button or a menu button, depending on the user's operating habits and the design of the image forming device itself.

[0027] Step 102: In response to the user's trigger operation of the start button, execute the first copy job based on the current copy mode.

[0028] The current copying mode is the copying mode switched in step 101. The image forming apparatus performs the copying job according to the copying parameters associated with the current copying mode. For example, if the current copying mode is the standard copying mode, the copying parameters of the standard copying mode (such as brightness, scaling ratio, etc.) are used. If the current copying mode is the document copying mode, the copying parameters of the document copying mode (such as brightness, fixed output size, etc.) are used.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operation panel of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the operation panel includes multiple buttons such as copy, scan, power, return, menu, and start, as well as a two-line character LCD screen. The upper left corner of the screen displays the current copying mode, the lower left corner displays the output size, and the right corner displays the number of copies. When the user presses the start button in the lower right corner of the operation panel, the image forming device begins the copying job based on the current copying mode.

[0030] Specifically, the first copy mode and the second copy mode are associated with independent copy parameters. Each copy mode has its own separate parameter settings; modifying the copy parameters of one copy mode will not affect the copy parameters of the other.

[0031] For example, the standard copying mode can be associated with copying parameters such as original size, output size, scaling, and brightness, while the document copying mode can be associated with copying parameters such as output size and brightness. When a user switches copying modes, the image forming device automatically applies the parameters of that copying mode without requiring the user to manually restore the settings.

[0032] In some embodiments, users can switch copy modes by pressing the copy mode function button. In this scenario, the first button in step 101 is the copy mode function button (i.e., Figure 2 (See the "Copy" button shown). The copy mode function button can be a dedicated button on the operation panel, labeled "Copy" or similar, or it can be a button that combines other functions. In response to the triggering operation of the copy mode function button, the current copy mode is switched between the first copy mode and the second copy mode.

[0033] Specifically, when a user triggers the copy mode function multiple times, the image forming apparatus responds to the continuous triggering of the copy mode function button, causing the current copy mode to cycle between the first copy mode and the second copy mode. For example, if a user presses the copy mode function button multiple times consecutively, the image forming apparatus will cycle through the modes based on the number of presses. In one embodiment, assuming the initial mode is the standard copy mode, the user's first press of the copy mode function button switches to the document copy mode. The user's second press switches back to the standard copy mode. The user's third press switches back to the document copy mode, and so on.

[0034] In some embodiments, when a user presses the copy mode function button repeatedly within a short period, the image forming apparatus records the number of times the copy mode function button is pressed and switches the current copy mode to either the first copy mode or the second copy mode based on the parity of the number of presses. For example, when the number of presses is odd, it switches to the document copy mode. When the number of presses is even, it switches to the standard copy mode. Alternatively, when the number of presses is even, it switches to the document copy mode. When the number of presses is odd, it switches to the standard copy mode. This parity-based switching method is simple to implement and easy for users to remember. Furthermore, the user does not need to confirm the current copy mode; simply pressing the copy mode function button a specified number of times is sufficient to directly switch to the first or second copy mode.

[0035] In some embodiments, users can switch copying modes by a single press of the copying mode function button. Specifically, in response to a single press of the copying mode function button, the image forming apparatus switches the current copying mode from a first copying mode to a second copying mode, or from a second copying mode back to a first copying mode. For example, if the current copying mode is standard copying mode, a single press of the copying mode function button switches the current copying mode from standard copying mode to document copying mode. If the current copying mode is document copying mode, a single press of the copying mode function button switches the current copying mode from document copying mode back to standard copying mode. This switching method is intuitive and simple to operate, suitable for quick switching.

[0036] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are schematic diagrams illustrating an interface for switching copy modes using function buttons, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the operation panel of the image forming apparatus displays the current copying mode (e.g., "Standard Copying Mode" or "Receipt Copying Mode") and the number of copies setting options. After adjusting the number of copies using the up and down buttons, the user can start the copying job by clicking the start button. When the current copying mode is Standard Copying Mode, the image forming apparatus displays... Figure 3The interface shown. When the current copying mode is document copying mode, the image forming device displays... Figure 4 The interface shown.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second copying mode is a document copying mode. Document copying mode is typically optimized for small-sized documents, for example, by automatically adjusting brightness and contrast, and fixing the output size to commonly used document sizes (such as A5, A6, etc.). After switching the current copying mode to document copying mode using the above method, the user can directly use the default parameters or simply adjust the number of copies before starting the job.

[0038] If a user presses the copy mode function button repeatedly, the image forming device records the number of presses. For example, the initial mode is standard copy mode (trigger count is 0, even number). The first press by the user results in a trigger count of 1 (odd number), switching to document copy mode; the second press results in a trigger count of 2 (even number), switching back to standard copy mode. This parity-based switching method is suitable for continuous operation scenarios.

[0039] In another embodiment, the user can also trigger the switching of the copying mode via the menu button of the image forming apparatus. Then, the first button in step 101 is the menu button (i.e.,...). Figure 2 (Menu button shown). The image forming apparatus displays a menu interface in response to a trigger operation on the menu button. The menu interface includes at least settings options for a first copying mode and a second copying mode. For example, the menu interface displays two options: "Copy Settings" and "Document Copying". In response to the user selecting either the first or second copying mode settings option in the menu interface, the current copying mode is switched to the first or second copying mode. Simultaneously, the image forming apparatus displays the copying parameter settings interface for the selected copying mode. In response to a modification operation on the copying parameter settings interface, the image forming apparatus modifies the copying parameters of the selected copying mode. Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are schematic diagrams of a menu interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention. When the user clicks the menu button and then clicks the copy settings option, the following is displayed: Figure 5 The interface shown. If the user clicks the menu button and then selects the document copy option, the image forming device will display... Figure 6 The interface shown.

[0040] When a user needs to manually change the copying parameters of a copying mode, the method provided in this embodiment can be used to switch copying modes. After selecting the copying settings or document copying option in the menu interface, the user can modify the copying parameters for the corresponding copying mode. Simultaneously, the image forming apparatus automatically switches the current copying mode to the copying mode corresponding to the user-selected setting option. Then, the user presses the start button in the menu interface of the selected copying mode, and the image forming apparatus executes the copying job according to the switched current copying mode.

[0041] Specifically, in response to the selection of a setting option for either the first or second copying mode in the menu interface, the image forming apparatus displays the copying parameter setting interface for the selected copying mode. For example, if the user selects "Copy Settings," the parameter setting interface for the standard copying mode is displayed, including parameters such as original size, output size, scaling, and brightness. If the user selects "Document Copying," the parameter setting interface for the document copying mode is displayed, including parameters such as output size and brightness. In response to modification operations on the copying parameter setting interface, the image forming apparatus modifies the copying parameters of the selected copying mode. These parameters are only valid for the current copying mode and do not affect other modes. For example, if the user selects "Document Copying," the image forming apparatus displays the copying parameter setting interface for the document copying mode, including parameters such as output size and brightness. Figure 5 After clicking the "OK" button on the interface shown, the image forming apparatus displays the copying parameter setting interface for standard copying mode. The user then... Figure 6 After clicking the confirmation button on the interface shown, the image forming device displays the copying parameter setting interface for the document copying mode.

[0042] In some embodiments, when a user returns to the menu interface from the copy parameter settings interface, the image forming apparatus automatically updates the current copy mode displayed on the main interface. For example, if a user returns to the menu interface from the document copy settings interface, the menu interface displays the current copy mode as document copy mode and allows the user to directly click the start button to start the job.

[0043] If the image forming apparatus detects a user's activation of the copy mode function key during the execution of the first copy job, the image forming apparatus pauses the first copy job. For example, the first copy job is to copy a 10-page document, and 5 pages have already been copied when the user presses the copy mode function key. After completing the copy of the current page (page 5), the image forming apparatus pauses the job and switches the current copy mode from the first copy mode to the second copy mode (i.e., the document copy mode). Then, in response to a activation of the start button, the second copy job (e.g., the document copy job) is executed. After the second copy job is completed, the image forming apparatus resumes the paused first copy job, starting from page 6, until completion.

[0044] To ensure accurate switching during the job, in some embodiments, after detecting a trigger operation on the copy mode function key during the execution of the first copy job, the image forming apparatus generates a prompt message to confirm whether to switch copy modes. The prompt message may be displayed on the operation panel, such as "Switch mode?", and provides "Yes" and "No" options. If the user selects "Yes", the image forming apparatus, based on the received confirmation of the prompt message, performs a step to pause the first copy job. If the user selects "No", the trigger operation is ignored, and the first copy job continues.

[0045] In some embodiments, after detecting a trigger operation on a copy mode function key during the execution of a first copy job, the image forming apparatus first detects the pressure value of the trigger operation. The operation panel of the image forming apparatus can be a pressure-sensitive touchscreen or physical buttons. If the pressure value is greater than a first threshold, the trigger operation is determined to be valid, and the first copy job is paused. If the pressure value is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is considered a false touch, and the operation is ignored. This method can prevent accidental switching caused by the user accidentally touching the button.

[0046] In the above embodiment, a capacitive pressure sensor is integrated on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. When the user presses the copy mode function button, the dielectric layer of the capacitive pressure sensor undergoes a slight deformation, resulting in a change in its capacitance value. The detection circuit detects the change in capacitance value and converts the change in capacitance value into a corresponding pressure value signal. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus compares this pressure value signal with a first threshold to determine whether the press of the copy mode function button is a valid operation.

[0047] Optionally, the operation panel of the image forming apparatus can also employ a pressure sensor based on a variable resistor. The variable resistor pressure sensor contains a pressure-sensitive material. The resistance of the pressure-sensitive material decreases as the pressure applied by the user to the copy mode function button increases. By detecting the resistance value of the variable resistor pressure sensor, the magnitude of the pressure applied by the user to the copy mode function button is determined. The image forming apparatus then compares the obtained pressure value with a first threshold to determine whether the press of the copy mode function button is a valid operation.

[0048] In some embodiments, the specific value of the first threshold can be determined by simulating the triggering of the copy mode function key. Specifically, the fluctuation range of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) value of the pressure sensor when there is no pressure can be simulated. Also, the range of ADC values ​​generated when accidentally touched (e.g., a finger lightly brushing across the key surface) can be simulated (i.e., the pressure value of an invalid touch). And, the range of ADC values ​​corresponding to the minimum intentional pressing force to the maximum pressing force when the user intentionally presses the key can be recorded (i.e., the pressure value of an effective press).

[0049] Based on the data obtained from the above simulation, the lower limit of the first threshold can be set to an upper limit higher than the pressure value of an invalid touch, to ensure that common accidental touches are not misjudged. The upper limit of the first threshold can be set within a reasonable range of valid pressure values, to ensure that all intentional operations can be identified.

[0050] In a specific example, the process of switching copying modes before performing a copying job is as follows: The user needs to copy a document, and the current copying mode of the image forming apparatus is standard copying mode. The user wants to quickly switch to document copying mode. Therefore, the user presses the copying mode function button once. The image forming apparatus detects this trigger operation and switches the current copying mode from standard copying mode to document copying mode. The display of the image forming apparatus updates to "Document Copying Mode," with the number of copies defaulting to "1." The user uses the up and down buttons to adjust the number of copies to "2," and then clicks the start button. In response to the trigger operation of the start button, the image forming apparatus performs a copying job based on document copying mode, using the parameters of document copying mode (e.g., fixed output size A5, optimized brightness, etc.). If the user needs to switch back to standard copying mode, they simply press the copying mode function button again. The image forming apparatus switches the current copying mode back from document copying mode to standard copying mode, and the display updates to "Copying Mode." The user can then adjust the number of copies and click the start button.

[0051] When a user switches copy modes by continuously pressing the copy mode function button, the image forming apparatus records the number of presses. The current copy mode of the image forming apparatus is the standard copy mode (trigger count is 0, even number). The user's first press triggers 1 (odd number), switching to the document copy mode. The user's second press triggers 2 (even number), switching back to the standard copy mode.

[0052] Optionally, when the user needs to change the copying parameters before starting the copying process, clicking the menu button will display the menu interface on the image forming apparatus. After the user selects the "Copy Settings" option, the image forming apparatus will switch the current copying mode to standard copying mode and display the parameter setting interface for standard copying mode. In this interface, the user can adjust parameters such as original size to A4, output size to A3, scaling to automatic, and brightness to +2. Then, the user clicks the start button, and the image forming apparatus will begin the copying job based on the standard copying mode and execution parameters.

[0053] If the user needs to perform document copying, they should select the "Document Copying" option from the menu interface. The image forming device will switch the current copying mode to document copying mode and display the parameter setting interface for document copying mode. The user adjusts parameters such as output size to A5 and brightness to +1, and then clicks the start button to start the job.

[0054] In a specific example, the process of a user switching copy modes during a copy job is as follows: Assume the user is performing a standard copy job, needing to copy 10 pages of a document. Five pages have already been copied, and the user now needs to copy an urgent document. The user presses the copy mode function button. The image forming apparatus detects this operation and pauses the job after copying the fifth page. Simultaneously, the image forming apparatus generates a prompt asking "Switch to document copy mode?", displaying "Yes" and "No" options. The user selects "Yes," and the image forming apparatus then switches the current copy mode from standard copy mode to document copy mode. The user then places the original document and clicks the start button to execute the document copy job. After the document copy job is completed, the image forming apparatus automatically resumes the standard copy job, starting copying from the sixth page until all 10 pages of the original document have been copied.

[0055] In some embodiments, the image forming apparatus needs to display real-time information to inform the user of its current status. This is especially true when user parameter settings involve mutually exclusive projects, job processing, or when the image forming apparatus malfunctions. To address these situations, this embodiment of the invention provides a pop-up control method to standardize the handling of pop-up prompts from the image forming apparatus. First, the image forming apparatus displays a pop-up. The pop-up can be triggered based on the current status of the image forming apparatus, such as an error occurring, user confirmation, or system upgrade. Then, the image forming apparatus executes the corresponding processing flow according to the type of pop-up.

[0056] For some important prompts or warnings, user action is required, and the pop-up cannot be hidden by simply hiding the action.

[0057] For example, if the image forming apparatus detects that the paper size in the paper tray is different from the paper size specified in the user's job assignment, it will display a pop-up window stating "Paper size error, change to XXX?" This pop-up window cannot be manually hidden; the user must choose one of the following options: force printing, change paper, or cancel the job. If the user does not take any action, the image forming apparatus will execute a default operation. For example, it may start a countdown from the moment the pop-up window appears, and if no user action is detected within one minute, the image forming apparatus will execute the default operation for this job, i.e., cancel the job.

[0058] For example, when the image forming device receives a Wi-Fi Direct connection request, a pop-up window appears asking whether to connect. This pop-up requires the user to choose whether to refuse or accept the connection; it cannot be manually hidden. If the user does not interact with the pop-up, it will be processed by default and the connection will be refused after a timer is triggered.

[0059] For example, when the image forming apparatus detects new firmware, a pop-up window appears asking whether to upgrade the firmware. This pop-up cannot be manually hidden and forces the user to interact with it. Unlike the paper size error prompt mentioned above, this pop-up has no countdown timer and no default setting; the user must manually select the appropriate setting.

[0060] For example, when a fatal error, such as a main motor malfunction, occurs in the image forming apparatus during operation or non-operation, a corresponding pop-up window is displayed. A fatal error specifically refers to a malfunction that prevents the image forming apparatus from performing its operation. This pop-up window cannot be manually hidden, has no countdown timer, and no default handling method. It will remain displayed as long as the malfunction is not resolved.

[0061] For minor prompts or warnings, the user can manually hide the pop-up window after it has been displayed. The image forming device will continue to display the pop-up window until the user manually hides it.

[0062] For example, if the image forming apparatus encounters problems such as paper jams or running out of consumables while in operation or non-operation, a corresponding pop-up warning window will be displayed. Users can hide the pop-up window by clicking the function buttons (such as copy, scan, menu, etc.) on the image forming apparatus's control panel, and then set other parameters normally. Alternatively, the pop-up window can be pulled back to be displayed from the status list.

[0063] This type of pop-up can be manually hidden by the user. Users can hide the pop-up by clicking the hide button, or by clicking the corresponding button to enter the operation interface. This pop-up has no countdown timer and no default handling method; the user's manual selection will prevail.

[0064] For less important prompts or warnings, the pop-up window can be displayed for a certain period of time before the user interface automatically responds or the pop-up window is automatically hidden.

[0065] For example, a pop-up window will appear when the image forming apparatus successfully connects to Wi-Fi, and a pop-up window will appear after the job is completed. These pop-ups are primarily used to inform the user of the real-time status of the image forming apparatus. Users can hide these pop-ups using a hide operation. A timer starts when the pop-up is displayed. If no user action is detected within the timer, the pop-up is automatically hidden.

[0066] In this embodiment of the invention, quick switching between copying modes is achieved through simple button operations, supporting flexible switching and resumption during a job, while maintaining the independence of parameters for different modes. This method simplifies user operation and improves the user experience.

[0067] Corresponding to the above-described copying mode switching method, this embodiment of the invention provides an image forming apparatus. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes a switching module 701 and an execution module 702.

[0068] The switching module 701 is used to switch the current copying mode between a first copying mode and a second copying mode in response to a trigger operation of the first button. The first copying mode and the second copying mode are different.

[0069] The execution module 702 is used to execute a first copy job based on the current copy mode in response to the user's trigger operation of the start button. The first copy mode and the second copy mode are each associated with independent copy parameters.

[0070] Figure 7 The image forming apparatus provided in the illustrated embodiment can be used to execute this specification. Figure 1-6 The implementation principle and technical effects of the method embodiment shown can be further referred to the relevant description in the method embodiment.

[0071] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the aforementioned electronic device may include at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, and the processor can execute this specification by calling the program instructions. Figure 1-6 The illustrated embodiment provides a method for switching copying modes.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the electronic device may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors 810, communication interface 820 and memory 830, and a communication bus 840 connecting different system components (including memory 830, communication interface 820 and processor 810).

[0073] The communication bus 840 represents one or more of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processor, or a local bus using any of the various bus architectures. For example, these architectures include, but are not limited to, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) bus, the Enhanced ISA bus, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0074] Electronic devices typically include a variety of computer-readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the electronic device, including volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media.

[0075] Memory 830 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The electronic device may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. Memory 830 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein.

[0076] A program / utility having a set (at least one) of program modules may be stored in memory 830. Such program modules include—but are not limited to—an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules typically perform the functions and / or methods described in the embodiments of this specification.

[0077] Processor 810 executes various functional applications and data processing by running programs stored in memory 830, such as implementing the functions described in this specification. Figure 1-6 The illustrated embodiment provides a method for switching copying modes.

[0078] This specification provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it performs the functions described in this specification. Figure 1-6 The illustrated embodiment provides a method for switching copying modes.

[0079] This specification provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions that cause a computer to execute this specification. Figure 1-6 The illustrated embodiment provides a method for switching copying modes.

[0080] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that may be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0081] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0082] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this specification. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0083] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this specification, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0084] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this specification includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this specification pertain.

[0085] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0086] It should be noted that the devices involved in the embodiments of this specification may include, but are not limited to, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless handheld devices, tablet computers, mobile phones, MP3 displays, MP4 displays, etc.

[0087] In the several embodiments provided in this specification, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this specification can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software functional units.

[0088] The integrated units implemented as software functional units described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional units, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a connector, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute some steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this specification. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0089] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0090] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. In particular, the device embodiments and terminal embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

Claims

1. A method of switching between copy modes, characterized by, The application is applied to an image forming device, comprising: in response to a triggering operation of a first button, switching a current copy mode between a first copy mode and a second copy mode; wherein the first copy mode and the second copy mode are different; in response to a triggering operation of a start button by a user, performing a first copy job based on the current copy mode; wherein the first copy mode and the second copy mode are respectively associated with mutually independent copy parameters.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the first button is a copy mode function button, the response to the triggering operation of the first button to switch the current copy mode between the first copy mode and the second copy mode comprises: in response to a continuous triggering operation of the copy mode function button, making the current copy mode cyclically switch between the first copy mode and the second copy mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, the response to the continuous triggering operation of the copy mode function button to make the current copy mode cyclically switch between the first copy mode and the second copy mode comprises: recording the number of triggering operations of the copy mode function button; according to the parity of the number of triggering operations, switching the current copy mode to the first copy mode or the second copy mode.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the first button is a copy mode function button, the response to the triggering operation of the first button to switch the current copy mode between the first copy mode and the second copy mode comprises: if a single triggering operation of the copy mode function button is detected, switching the current copy mode from the first copy mode to the second copy mode, or from the second copy mode to the first copy mode.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein, the second copy mode is a bill copy mode, and the method further comprises: if a triggering operation of the copy mode function button is detected during the execution of the first copy job, pausing the first copy job; if the current copy mode is the first copy mode, switching the current copy mode to the second copy mode; in response to the triggering operation of the start button, performing a second copy job; after the second copy job is executed, continuing to execute the paused first copy job.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, after the triggering operation of the copy mode function button is detected during the execution of the first copy job, the method further comprises: generating prompt information for confirming whether to switch the copy mode; if a confirmation operation of the prompt information is received, performing the step of pausing the first copy job.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, after the triggering operation of the copy mode function button is detected during the execution of the first copy job, the method further comprises: detecting a pressure value of the triggering operation; if the pressure value is greater than a first threshold value, determining that the triggering operation is a valid operation, and performing the step of pausing the first copy job.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the first button is a menu button, the response to the triggering operation of the first button to switch the current copy mode between the first copy mode and the second copy mode comprises: In response to the triggering operation on the first button, a menu interface is displayed; the menu interface includes at least a setting option of the first copy mode and a setting option of the second copy mode; In response to the selection operation on the setting option of the first copy mode or the setting option of the second copy mode in the menu interface, the current copy mode is switched to the first copy mode or the second copy mode.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, After the selection operation on the setting option of the first copy mode or the setting option of the second copy mode in the menu interface, the method further includes: displaying a copy parameter setting interface of the selected copy mode; In response to the modification operation on the copy parameter setting interface, the copy parameter of the selected copy mode is modified.

10. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: It includes: The switching module is configured to switch the current copy mode between a first copy mode and a second copy mode in response to a triggering operation on a first button; the first copy mode is different from the second copy mode; The execution module is configured to execute a first copy job based on the current copy mode in response to a triggering operation of a start button by a user; The first copy mode and the second copy mode are respectively associated with independent copy parameters.

11. An electronic device, comprising: It includes: At least one processor; And At least one memory connected with the processor in communication, wherein: The memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, and the processor invoking the program instructions can execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium storing computer instructions, the computer instructions causing the computer to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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