An image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming device is provided in the embodiments of the present application, and relates to the technical field of image forming. In the present application, the control module in the image forming device can convert the display state of a shortcut menu in response to a drag operation received by the touch module in a current display interface; when the shortcut menu is converted from a hidden state to a display state, the shortcut menu covers the current display interface, and the shortcut menu is displayed; when the shortcut menu is converted from the display state to the hidden state, the shortcut menu is hidden, and the display of the first display interface is restored, the first display interface being the display interface covered by the shortcut menu; wherein the shortcut menu comprises an in-process job list and a first shortcut operation option; the first shortcut operation option is used to realize the same function as the first operation option, or is used to realize the function of jumping to the operation menu of the in-process job. The present application is used to quickly access the job list and other functions, reduces the complexity of user operation, and improves user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, and more specifically to an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of image forming technology, image forming apparatuses with interactive display screens are becoming increasingly common. In related technologies, image forming apparatuses typically restrict some functions to the homepage menu. For example, functions such as job list, brightness adjustment, and status viewing are confined to the homepage menu. This allows users to perform these functions directly from the homepage menu. However, when the image forming apparatus is in copying, scanning, or other function interfaces, these functions cannot be directly accessed; users must first return to the homepage and access the menu to access the corresponding functions. For example, when the image forming apparatus is performing a copying task, if the user needs to view or cancel the ongoing print job, they must first return to the homepage, access the homepage menu, and then operate the job list function within the menu to view or cancel the ongoing print job. This operation is cumbersome and inefficient. Especially in emergency situations (such as needing to temporarily interrupt a job and insert a new one), users need to switch interfaces multiple times, severely impacting the smoothness of operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an image forming apparatus for quickly accessing functions such as a job list, reducing user operation complexity and improving user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display module; a touch module; and a control module, configured to display a secondary menu corresponding to the first function information in response to a selection signal received by the touch module for a first function information in a primary menu; wherein the primary menu includes image forming job list information, and the secondary menu of the image forming job list information includes a list of jobs in progress; the control module is further configured to display an operation menu for the first job in response to a selection signal received by the touch module for a first job in the list of jobs in progress; the operation menu for the first job includes a first operation option; the control module is further configured to switch the display state of a shortcut menu in response to a drag operation received by the touch module on the current display interface; when the shortcut menu switches from a hidden state to a displayed state, the shortcut menu covers the current display interface and is displayed; when the shortcut menu switches from a displayed state to a hidden state, the shortcut menu is hidden and the display of the first display interface is restored, the first display interface being the display interface covered by the shortcut menu; wherein the shortcut menu includes a list of jobs in progress and a first shortcut operation option; the first shortcut operation option is used to perform the same function as the first operation option, or to perform the function of jumping to the operation menu of the jobs in progress.

[0005] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the secondary menu of the image forming job list information further includes a waiting job list; the control module is further configured to display an operation menu for the second job in response to a selection signal for the second job in the waiting job list received by the touch module; the operation menu for the second job includes a second operation option; the shortcut menu further includes a waiting job list and a second shortcut operation option; the second shortcut operation option is used to perform the same function as the second operation option, or to perform the function of jumping to the operation menu for the waiting job.

[0006] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the control module is further configured to, after the in-process job is completed, select a third job from the waiting job list for execution according to a preset rule, and place the third job from the waiting job list into the in-process job list.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the shortcut menu further includes an insertion function option, and / or the operation menu of the first job also includes an insertion function option; the control module is further configured to, in response to the selection signal for the insertion function option received by the touch module, set the job to be inserted at the target position in the waiting job list; wherein the job at the target position in the waiting job list is a job that will be selected as the third job according to a preset rule.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first-level menu includes status list information; the second-level menu of the status list information includes status information of the image forming apparatus; wherein, if the image forming apparatus is malfunctioning, the status information of the image forming apparatus includes malfunction status information of the image forming apparatus; the shortcut menu also includes at least part of the status information of the image forming apparatus, wherein, if the image forming apparatus is malfunctioning, the at least part of the status information includes at least part of the malfunction status information of the image forming apparatus.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, when the status information included in the shortcut menu contains at least some abnormal status information of the image forming apparatus, the shortcut menu also includes a third shortcut operation option, which is used to jump to the first page, the first page being the processing page corresponding to at least some of the abnormal status information.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the inclusion of at least part of the state information containing at least part of the abnormal state information of the image forming apparatus includes: at least part of the state information containing first abnormal state information; the first abnormal state information is the abnormal state information corresponding to the highest level abnormality when at least two abnormalities exist in the image forming apparatus.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the primary menu includes consumable function information; the secondary menu of the consumable function information includes consumable information of the image forming apparatus; the shortcut menu also includes at least some consumable information and a fourth shortcut operation option; the fourth shortcut operation option is used to enable the function of jumping to a second page; the second page is a page that displays complete consumable information.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the control module is specifically configured to, in response to a pull-down operation received by the touch module on the current display interface, cover the current display interface with the shortcut menu and display the shortcut menu; and in response to an pull-up operation received by the touch module on the current display interface, hide the shortcut menu and redisplay the first display interface.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the image formation type of the jobs in the ongoing job list is different from that of the jobs in the waiting job list.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the number of jobs in progress includes one; the number of jobs in the waiting job list includes at least one.

[0015] In the solution provided by the embodiments of this application, the image forming apparatus includes a display module, a touch module, and a control module. The control module is used to display a secondary menu corresponding to the first function information in response to a selection signal received by the touch module for a first function information in a primary menu. The primary menu includes an image forming job list, and the secondary menu of the image forming job list includes a list of ongoing jobs. The control module is also used to switch the display state of the shortcut menu in response to a drag operation received by the touch module on the current display interface. When the shortcut menu switches from a hidden state to a displayed state, the shortcut menu covers the current display interface and is displayed; when the shortcut menu switches from a displayed state to a hidden state, the shortcut menu is hidden and the display of the current display interface is restored. The shortcut menu includes a list of ongoing jobs and a first shortcut operation option; the first shortcut operation option is used to perform the same function as the first operation option, or to perform the function of jumping to the operation menu of the ongoing job. In this embodiment, the display state of the shortcut menu is switched in response to a drag operation received by the touch module on the current display interface. When the shortcut menu switches from a hidden state to a displayed state, the shortcut menu can cover the current display interface and be displayed. In this way, the shortcut menu includes a list of ongoing tasks and a first quick action option. Users can directly access the list of ongoing tasks from the shortcut menu, or perform corresponding operations on the list of ongoing tasks through the first quick action option, or jump to the operation menu interface of the ongoing tasks list through the first quick action option, without having to return to the home menu to access the list of ongoing tasks. This reduces the complexity of user operations, improves the efficiency of users to access the list of ongoing tasks and perform related operations, and enhances the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of a copying interface in the prior art; Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of another copying interface in the prior art; Figure 1c This is a schematic diagram of another copying interface in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3A schematic diagram of a scenario for displaying an operation menu of a work in progress list in an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a printing job operation menu provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario of displaying a list of ongoing tasks in another image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a scenario for displaying an operation menu of a job in progress list in another image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a scenario for displaying an operation menu of a job in progress list in another image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario for viewing the status information of an image forming apparatus, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram illustrating another scenario for viewing the status information of an image forming apparatus, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram illustrating another scenario for viewing the status information of an image forming apparatus, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario for viewing consumable information of an image forming apparatus, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another scenario for viewing consumable information of an image forming apparatus, provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] 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, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0022] Image forming apparatuses may have printing, copying, scanning, and / or faxing functions. In related technologies, image forming apparatuses typically restrict some functions to the homepage menu. For example, functions such as job list, brightness adjustment, and status viewing may be restricted to the homepage menu. This allows users to perform these functions directly from the homepage menu. However, when the image forming apparatus is in copying, scanning, or other function mode, these functions cannot be directly accessed; the user must first return to the homepage and access the menu to access the corresponding function. For example, see reference... Figures 1a-1c As shown, when the image forming apparatus is performing a copying task, the image forming apparatus displays the following... Figure 1a As shown in the interface, if a user needs to view or cancel an ongoing print job, the user must first return to the homepage. For example, the user needs to click... Figure 1a The "Return to Homepage" icon in the shown interface returns you to the homepage. (See reference...) Figure 1b As shown. Users can access the menu page by clicking the "Menu" icon on the homepage. (See reference.) Figure 1c As shown, viewing or canceling ongoing print jobs requires navigating through the job list function on the homepage menu. This process is cumbersome and inefficient. Especially in emergency situations (such as temporarily interrupting a job to insert a new one), users need to navigate through multiple screens, severely impacting the smoothness of the operation.

[0023] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides an image forming apparatus, comprising a display module, a touch module, and a control module. The control module is configured to display a secondary menu corresponding to the first function information in response to a selection signal received by the touch module for a first function information in a primary menu. The primary menu includes an image forming job list, and the secondary menu of the image forming job list includes a list of ongoing jobs. The control module is also configured to switch the display state of a shortcut menu in response to a drag operation received by the touch module on the current display interface. When the shortcut menu switches from a hidden state to a displayed state, the shortcut menu covers the current display interface and is displayed; when the shortcut menu switches from a displayed state to a hidden state, the shortcut menu is hidden and the display of the current display interface is restored. The shortcut menu includes a list of ongoing jobs and a first shortcut operation option; the first shortcut operation option performs the same function as the first operation option, or performs the function of jumping to the operation menu of the ongoing job. In this embodiment, the display state of the shortcut menu is switched in response to a drag operation received by the touch module on the current display interface. When the shortcut menu switches from a hidden state to a displayed state, it can cover the current display interface and be displayed. In this way, the shortcut menu includes a list of ongoing tasks and a first quick action option. Users can directly access the list of ongoing tasks from the shortcut menu, or perform corresponding operations on the list through the first quick action option, or jump to the operation menu interface of the ongoing tasks without having to return to the main menu to access the ongoing tasks. This reduces the complexity of user operations, improves the efficiency of users accessing the list of ongoing tasks and performing related operations, and enhances the user experience. A detailed explanation follows.

[0024] See Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes: a display module 21, a touch module 22, and a control module 23.

[0025] Control module 23 is configured to respond to the selection signal for the first function information in the primary menu received by touch module 22, and display the secondary menu corresponding to the first function information. The primary menu includes image forming job list information, and the secondary menu of the image forming job list information includes a list of ongoing jobs.

[0026] The control module 23 is also configured to respond to the selection signal for the first job in the list of ongoing jobs received by the touch module 22, and display the operation menu of the first job, the operation menu of the first job including the first operation option.

[0027] The control module 23 is also used to switch the display state of the shortcut menu in response to the drag operation received by the touch module 22 on the current display interface.

[0028] When the shortcut menu transitions from a hidden state to a visible state, it covers the currently displayed interface and is displayed. When the shortcut menu transitions from a visible state to a hidden state, it is hidden and the current primary display interface is restored. The primary display interface is the one covered by the shortcut menu. The shortcut menu includes a list of ongoing tasks and a first shortcut operation option. The first shortcut operation option either performs the same function as the first operation option or allows navigation to the operation menu of an ongoing task.

[0029] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a display module 21, a touch module 22, and a control module 23. When the touch module 22 receives a selection signal for a first function in the primary menu, the control module 23, in response to the selection signal, displays a secondary menu corresponding to the first function. The primary menu includes an image forming job list, and the secondary menu of the image forming job list includes a list of ongoing jobs. Thus, the user can access the secondary menu of the image forming job list by selecting the image forming job list from the primary menu. The secondary menu includes an ongoing job list, allowing the user to view or operate on jobs within it. After the touch module 22 receives a selection signal from the user for a first job in the ongoing job list, the control module 23, in response to the selection signal, displays an operation menu for the first job. The first operation menu includes a first operation option, meaning the operation menu includes an operation option that allows a first operation on the first job. For example, the first operation option could be a cancel option, a view option, or another operation option. In other words, in the image forming apparatus, if a user needs to perform a first operation on the first job in the ongoing job list, the user can select the image forming job list information from the primary menu to enter the secondary menu of the image forming job list information. Selecting the ongoing job list from the secondary menu of the image forming job list information leads to the first operation menu for the job in the ongoing job list, where the user can then select the first operation option to perform the first operation on the first job in the ongoing job list. That is, the control module 23 in the image forming apparatus can display menus at various levels according to the user's selection to display the operation menu for the first job in the ongoing job list. After displaying the operation menu for the first job in the ongoing job list, the user can select the first operation option for the first job to perform the first operation on the first job.

[0030] The image forming apparatus includes a shortcut menu containing information about a list of ongoing jobs and a first shortcut operation option. This first shortcut operation option either performs the same function as the first operation option or jumps to the operation menu of an ongoing job. Specifically, the user can directly perform a first operation on a job in the ongoing job list using the first shortcut operation option in the shortcut menu, or the user can directly access the operation menu of a job in the ongoing job list to perform a first operation on that job. The user can control whether the shortcut menu is displayed by dragging. Based on this, the control module 23 responds to the drag operation received by the touch module 22 on the current display interface and changes the display state of the shortcut menu. That is, when the shortcut menu is hidden, the image forming apparatus processes jobs; if the user needs to access the list of ongoing jobs or perform a first operation on a job in the list, the user can drag the menu on the current display interface. In response to the drag operation received by the touch module 22 on the current display interface, the control module 23 can change the shortcut menu from a hidden state to a displayed state. The display module 21 can display the shortcut menu when the shortcut menu is in the display state. In some embodiments, when the display module 21 displays the shortcut menu, it can directly cover the current display interface. The shortcut menu displays a list of ongoing tasks and a first shortcut operation option. Users can obtain information about the list of ongoing tasks through the shortcut menu and perform a first operation on the tasks in the list through the first shortcut operation option, or jump to the operation menu of the tasks in the list through the first shortcut operation option, so that users can select the first operation option in the operation menu to perform the first operation on the task. Alternatively, when the shortcut menu is in the display state, the current display interface is the display interface of the shortcut menu. If the user needs to hide the shortcut menu and redisplay the first display interface covered by the shortcut menu, a drag operation can be performed in the current display interface. When the touch module 22 receives a drag operation performed by the user in the current display interface, it indicates that the user has performed a drag operation in the display interface of the shortcut menu. The control module 23 can change the state of the shortcut menu from the display state to the hidden state, and the display module 21 can hide the shortcut menu and restore the display of the first display interface. The first display interface is the display interface covered when the shortcut menu is changed to the display state.

[0031] Thus, in this embodiment, information about the list of ongoing tasks and a first shortcut operation option can be obtained by displaying a shortcut menu. The first shortcut operation option allows for either performing a first operation on a task in the ongoing task list or navigating to an operation menu that allows for performing a first operation on a task in the ongoing task list. In other words, information about the ongoing task list can be directly obtained through the shortcut menu, and a first operation can be quickly performed on the tasks in the ongoing task list without needing to navigate through multiple menu levels, reducing the complexity of user operations and improving the user experience.

[0032] In some embodiments, in order to simplify the express menu and reduce redundancy in the shortcut menu content, the list of ongoing tasks displayed in the express menu can be a summary of the ongoing tasks list.

[0033] In some embodiments, users can also access the detailed information display interface of the ongoing tasks list through the summary information of the ongoing tasks list in the shortcut menu. That is, when a user needs to view the detailed information of the ongoing tasks list, they can view the details by clicking or double-clicking the summary information of the ongoing tasks list displayed in the shortcut menu, and the control module 23 can jump to the detailed information interface of the ongoing tasks list. Of course, the view details operation can also be other operations, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0034] In some embodiments, the shortcut menu may include two first shortcut operation options. One of the two first shortcut operation options can be used to perform the same function as the first operation option, and the other first shortcut operation option can be used to perform the operation menu that jumps to the list of ongoing jobs.

[0035] For example, the home screen displayed by the image forming apparatus is a first-level menu, such as... Figure 3 As shown in (1), the first-level menu includes job list information, etc. If the user needs to view the job list information, they can select the job list information in the first-level menu. In response to the selection operation of the job list information in the first-level menu received by the touch module 22, the control module 23 can display a second-level menu of the job list information, as shown in Figure 23. Figure 3 As shown in (2). The secondary menu of the job list information includes a list of jobs in progress, a list of jobs waiting, etc. If the user needs to view the job information in the list of jobs in progress, they can select the job in the list of jobs in progress from the secondary menu. Assuming that the user selects the first job in the list of jobs in progress, which is a photocopying job, the control module 23 responds to the selection signal for the first job in the list of jobs in progress received by the touch module 22 from the secondary menu, and displays the operation menu for the first job, as shown in the reference. Figure 3As shown in (3). The operation menu for the first job contains job details, a job cancellation option, and a print job option. Assuming the first job in the ongoing job list is a print job, the operation menu for the print job will be displayed as shown in Figure (3). Figure 4 As shown. The print job's operation menu includes print job details and options to cancel the print job.

[0036] To facilitate user operation, the image forming apparatus includes a shortcut menu containing information on the list of ongoing jobs and a first operation option. If the currently displayed interface of the image forming apparatus is not the shortcut menu, the user can drag the shortcut menu to view the information on the list of ongoing jobs. The touch module 22 can receive drag operations on the currently displayed interface. The control module 23 can respond to the drag operation received by the touch module 22 by changing the state of the shortcut menu from hidden to displayed. When the shortcut menu is displayed, the display module 21 can cover the current display interface with the shortcut menu for display. The user can obtain information on the list of ongoing jobs, a cancellation operation option for canceling the job, and an expand operation option for jumping to the operation menu for that job from the displayed shortcut menu. (See reference...) Figure 5 As shown. If a user needs to cancel a task in the ongoing tasks list, they can select the "Cancel" option in the shortcut menu. If a user needs to view detailed information about a task in the ongoing tasks list, they can select the "Expand" option in the shortcut menu to access the detailed information display interface for that task. (See reference...) Figure 6 As shown.

[0037] In some embodiments, the secondary menu of the image forming job list information further includes a waiting job list. The control module 23 is also configured to display an operation menu for the second job in response to a selection signal for a second job in the waiting job list received by the touch module 22.

[0038] The second task's menu includes a second operation option.

[0039] The shortcut menu also includes a list of pending jobs and a second shortcut option. The second shortcut option either performs the same function as the first shortcut option or allows users to navigate to the pending job menu.

[0040] In this embodiment, the user can also view waiting job information in the image forming apparatus. In this case, the secondary menu of the image forming job list information also includes a waiting job list, as shown in the reference... Figure 3As shown in (2). The user can select the waiting job list in the secondary menu to view or operate the jobs in the waiting job list. After the touch module 22 receives the user's selection signal for the second job in the waiting job list, the control module 23 can respond to the selection signal and display the operation menu of the second job. The second operation menu contains a second operation option, that is, the operation menu contains an operation option that can perform a second operation on the second job. For example, the second operation option can be a cancel option, a view option, or other operation options. That is to say, in the image forming apparatus, if the user needs to perform a second operation on the second job in the waiting job list, the user can select the image forming job list information in the primary menu to enter the secondary menu of the image forming job list information. Select the waiting job list in the secondary menu of the image forming job list information to enter the operation menu of the jobs in the waiting job list, and then select the second operation option to perform a second operation on the second job in the waiting job list. That is, the control module 23 in the image forming apparatus can display menus at all levels according to the user's selection to realize the display of the operation menu of the second job in the waiting job list. After the operation menu for the second job in the waiting job list is displayed, the user can select the second operation option for the second job to perform a second operation on the second job.

[0041] To reduce the complexity of user operations, the shortcut menu also includes a waiting job list and a second shortcut operation option. The second shortcut operation option either performs the same function as the first shortcut operation option or serves as an option to jump to the operation menu of the waiting jobs. That is, the user can directly perform a second operation on a job in the waiting job list using the second shortcut operation option in the shortcut menu, or the user can directly access the operation menu of a job in the waiting job list using the second shortcut operation option in the shortcut menu, allowing the user to perform a second operation on the job in the waiting job list within the operation menu. Based on this, when the control module 23 responds to the drag operation received by the touch module 22 on the current display interface, it changes the shortcut menu from a hidden state to a displayed state. When the shortcut menu is displayed, it shows not only the ongoing job list and the first shortcut operation option, but also the waiting job list and the second shortcut operation option. (Refer to...) Figure 5 As shown, users can access the waiting job list information through the shortcut menu, and can perform a second operation on the jobs in the waiting job list through the second shortcut operation option, or jump to the operation menu of the jobs in the waiting job list through the second shortcut operation option, so that users can select the second operation option in the operation menu to perform a second operation on the job.

[0042] Thus, in this embodiment, a shortcut menu can be displayed to obtain information about the waiting job list and a second shortcut operation option. The second shortcut operation option allows for performing a second operation on the jobs in the waiting job list or navigating to an operation menu that allows for performing a second operation on the jobs in the waiting job list. In other words, the information about the waiting job list can be directly obtained through the shortcut menu, and a second operation can be quickly performed on the jobs in the waiting job list without needing to navigate through multiple menu levels, reducing the complexity of user operations and improving the user experience.

[0043] In some embodiments, in order to improve the execution efficiency of jobs in the waiting job list, the control module 23 is further configured to select a third job from the waiting job list for execution according to a preset rule after the in-process job is completed, and place the third job from the waiting job list into the in-process job list.

[0044] In this embodiment, after a task in progress is completed, the control module 23 can select a task from the waiting task list and add it to the in-progress task list, then execute that task. The control module 23 can also select a task from the waiting task list as the next task to be executed according to preset rules. For ease of description in this embodiment, the next task selected from the waiting task list according to preset rules can be referred to as the third task. The third task is then added from the waiting task list to the in-progress task list and executed.

[0045] In some embodiments, the preset rule can be the order of jobs in the waiting job list. Thus, after all jobs in the ongoing job list are completed, the image forming apparatus can, according to the order of jobs in the waiting job list, designate the first job in the waiting job list as the third job, add the third job from the waiting job list to the ongoing job list, and execute the third job.

[0046] In some embodiments, the preset rule can be a priority order. Thus, after all jobs in the ongoing job list are completed, the image forming apparatus can, according to the priority order of jobs in the waiting job list, select the highest-priority job as the third job, add the third job from the waiting job list to the ongoing job list, and execute the third job.

[0047] Of course, the preset rules can also be rules set by other users to select the next job to be executed in the waiting job list, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0048] In some embodiments, the image formation type of a job in the ongoing job list may differ from that of a job in the pending job list. For example, the image formation type of a job in the ongoing job list may be print, scan, copy, etc., while the image formation type of a job in the pending job list may be print, and thus may differ from that of a job in the ongoing job list.

[0049] In some embodiments, to improve job processing efficiency, the image formation type of jobs in the ongoing job list and the image formation type of jobs in the waiting job list may be the same.

[0050] In some embodiments, the jobs in the waiting job list can be image forming jobs booked by the user. For example, they could be print or copy jobs booked by the user. In this case, the user can initiate a queuing request on the mobile terminal and send the queuing request to the image forming apparatus. The control module 23 of the image forming apparatus can assign authentication information to the mobile terminal and send it to the mobile terminal. The image forming apparatus can place the first information as a job in the waiting job list for job queuing. When the first information is in the queue for a job in progress, the apparatus can send a notification message to the mobile terminal. The user can initiate authentication through the mobile terminal to perform the image forming processing for the corresponding job.

[0051] In some embodiments, to improve the efficiency of image formation, the number of jobs in progress includes one; the number of jobs in the waiting job list includes at least one. That is, the image forming apparatus can execute only one job at a time, in which case the number of jobs in progress is one. The number of jobs in the waiting job list can be at least one, realizing the waiting of at least one job.

[0052] In some embodiments, the control module 23 is specifically configured to, in response to a pull-down drag operation received by the touch module 22 on the current display interface, cover the current display interface with the shortcut menu and display the shortcut menu. In response to an pull-up drag operation received by the touch module 22 on the current display interface, hide the shortcut menu and redisplay the first display interface.

[0053] In other words, users can change the display state of the shortcut menu through different drag operations. When it is necessary to change the shortcut menu from a hidden state to a visible state, the user can perform a pull-down drag operation on the currently displayed interface. At this time, the control module 23 can respond to the pull-down drag operation received by the touch module 22 on the current display interface, covering the current display interface with the shortcut menu and displaying it. When it is necessary to change the shortcut menu from a visible state to a hidden state, the user can perform a pull-up drag operation on the currently displayed interface. At this time, the control module 23 can respond to the pull-up drag operation received by the touch module 22 on the current display interface, hiding the shortcut menu and redisplaying the first display interface.

[0054] In some embodiments, the shortcut menu also includes an insertion function option, and / or the operation menu for the first job also includes an insertion function option.

[0055] The control module 23 is also used to set the job to be printed at the target position in the waiting job list in response to the selection signal for the printing function option received by the touch module 22.

[0056] Among them, the job at the target position in the waiting job list is the job that will be selected as the third job according to preset rules.

[0057] In this embodiment, the shortcut menu also includes an insertion function option, and / or the operation menu of the first job also includes an insertion function option. That is, the image forming apparatus is equipped with an insertion function option, which allows the user to insert urgent temporary jobs. The shortcut menu allows users to quickly insert temporary jobs, reducing operational complexity and improving job processing efficiency. When the user selects the insertion function option, for example, they can select it from the shortcut menu or the operation menu of the first job. The control module 23 can respond to the selection signal for the insertion function option received by the touch module 22, inserting the job to be inserted into the target position in the waiting job list. This allows the inserted job to be used as the third job according to a preset rule after the ongoing job is completed, i.e., the inserted job to be executed next according to a preset rule, placed in the ongoing job list, and executed. For example, assuming the target position in the waiting job list is the first position in the waiting job list, refer to... Figure 7As shown, when a user needs to insert a copy job, the control module 23 can respond to the selection signal for the copy function option received by the touch module 22 and insert the copy job at the beginning of the waiting job list. In this way, after the image forming apparatus completes the ongoing job, the job at the beginning of the waiting job list can be placed into the ongoing job list as the next job to be executed and the job can be executed.

[0058] In other embodiments, to quickly complete the printing job, when the user selects the printing function option, the control module 23 can respond to the selection signal received by the touch module 22, interrupt the ongoing job, execute the printing job, and resume the original job after the printing job is completed. That is, the printing function can be performed by interrupting the ongoing job, ensuring the timeliness of the printing job and improving its efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, the primary menu includes a status list. The secondary menu of the status list includes status information of the image forming apparatus. If an abnormality exists in the image forming apparatus, the status information of the image forming apparatus includes information about the abnormal status of the image forming apparatus.

[0060] The shortcut menu also includes at least some status information of the image forming apparatus, wherein if the image forming apparatus is malfunctioning, the at least some status information includes at least some malfunctioning status information of the image forming apparatus.

[0061] In this embodiment, the user can view the status information of the image forming apparatus, enabling rapid location of abnormal information when the image forming apparatus malfunctions, reducing troubleshooting time and improving fault handling efficiency. Typically, the primary menu of the image forming apparatus contains a status list, allowing the user to select information from the primary menu. The control module 23, responding to the selection signal received by the touch module 22, displays a secondary menu of the status list. This secondary menu includes the image forming apparatus's status information. For example, when the image forming apparatus malfunctions, the secondary menu includes abnormal status information. Thus, by viewing the status information, the user can determine if the image forming apparatus is malfunctioning. If so, the user can identify the specific malfunctions through the secondary menu, allowing for timely handling and ensuring the normal execution of the image forming operation.

[0062] Viewing the status list information of the image forming apparatus through multi-level menus is complex and inefficient for users. To reduce this complexity and improve efficiency, a shortcut menu contains at least some of the apparatus's status information. If the apparatus malfunctions, this shortcut menu includes at least some of the malfunctioning information. Users can drag to display the shortcut menu when they need to view its status. Specifically, the shortcut menu is hidden when the apparatus is operating normally. Users can drag the shortcut menu on the current screen, and the control module 23, responding to the drag operation received by the touch module 22, displays it. This allows at least some of the apparatus's status information to be displayed in the shortcut menu. Furthermore, the inclusion of malfunctioning information in the shortcut menu allows users to directly access the apparatus's status information, reducing operational complexity.

[0063] In some embodiments, when the status information included in the shortcut menu contains at least some abnormal status information of the image forming apparatus, the shortcut menu further includes a third shortcut operation option, which is used to jump to the first page. The first page is the processing page corresponding to at least some of the abnormal status information.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the status information included in the shortcut menu contains at least some abnormal status information of the image forming apparatus, a third shortcut operation option is also included in the shortcut menu to facilitate users in quickly viewing detailed abnormal information of the image forming apparatus and processing the abnormality. Thus, through the third shortcut operation option, users can directly jump from the shortcut menu to the first page, that is, to the processing page corresponding to the at least some abnormal status information displayed in the shortcut menu, so that users can obtain processing information for at least some abnormal statuses of the image forming apparatus on the first page and perform corresponding processing on the abnormality of the image forming apparatus.

[0065] In some embodiments, the third shortcut option can be an operation option independent of the abnormal status information displayed in the shortcut menu. Alternatively, it can be the abnormal status information displayed in the shortcut menu, meaning the user can select from the abnormal status information displayed in the shortcut menu. For example, if the user clicks on the abnormal status information displayed in the shortcut menu, the user can be redirected to the first page corresponding to the selected abnormal status information.

[0066] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the state information includes at least a portion of the abnormal state information of the image forming apparatus, including: at least a portion of the state information includes first abnormal state information. The first abnormal state information is the abnormal state information corresponding to the highest-level abnormality when at least two abnormalities exist in the image forming apparatus.

[0067] In other words, when the shortcut menu displays at least some abnormal status information, abnormal status information with higher urgency can be prioritized. Specifically, when at least two abnormalities exist in the image forming device, the abnormality with the highest level is designated as the first abnormality, and this first abnormality information is included in the at least some abnormal status information displayed in the shortcut menu. This prioritizes displaying high-level abnormal status information, preventing users from being distracted by secondary information and allowing them to quickly locate the abnormality requiring immediate attention, thus significantly shortening fault response time. Furthermore, prioritizing the display of the first abnormal status information with higher levels in the shortcut menu achieves concise information display, avoids interface congestion caused by redundant data, maintains visual clarity, and reduces user cognitive load. Moreover, by displaying only the highest-level abnormal status information in the shortcut menu, and then redirecting to the detailed abnormality handling page when the user selects the third shortcut operation option, this satisfies the need for rapid response while supporting complete abnormality management, eliminating the need to repeatedly navigate through multiple menu levels and improving operational workflow.

[0068] For example, the home screen displayed by the image forming apparatus is a first-level menu, such as... Figure 8 As shown in (1), the primary menu contains status list information. If the user needs to view the status information of the image forming apparatus, they can select the status list information from the primary menu. In response to the selection operation of the status list information received by the touch module 22 from the primary menu, the control module 23 can display a secondary menu of the status list information, as shown in Figure 23. Figure 8 (2) and Figure 8 As shown in (3). The status information of the image forming apparatus is contained in the secondary menu of the status list information. The status information of the image forming apparatus is used to characterize the current status of the image forming apparatus. If there is an abnormality in the image forming apparatus, the status information of the image forming apparatus includes abnormal status information. For example, when the paper settings in the image forming apparatus are mismatched, the status information of the image forming apparatus may include abnormal status information of paper setting mismatch, see reference. Figure 8 As shown in (2). If there is no abnormality in the image forming apparatus, the status information of the image forming apparatus can be empty, indicating that the image forming apparatus is currently in a normal state and there is no abnormality. Refer to Figure 8 As shown in (3).

[0069] If an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus and the user needs to view specific abnormality information, they can select the desired abnormality information from the image forming apparatus abnormality information in the secondary menu. At this time, the control module 23 responds to the selection signal received by the touch module 22 and displays the processing page corresponding to that abnormality information. For example, if the user selects the paper setting mismatch abnormality information from the image forming apparatus abnormality information in the secondary menu, the control module 23 responds to this selection signal and displays the paper setting mismatch abnormality information processing page. Figure 8 As shown in (4).

[0070] To reduce user complexity, the status information of the image forming apparatus can also be included in the shortcut menu, see reference. Figure 9a and Figure 9b As shown. When the image forming apparatus is functioning normally, the status information of the image forming apparatus in the shortcut menu can be empty, thus indicating that the image forming apparatus is functioning normally. (Refer to...) Figure 9a As shown.

[0071] When an anomaly occurs in the image forming apparatus, such as a paper setting mismatch, anomaly A, or anomaly B, to simplify information display and avoid cluttering the interface, the shortcut menu can only display the highest-level anomaly status information and the third shortcut operation option. For example, if the paper setting mismatch anomaly has the highest level, the status information displayed in the shortcut menu will include the paper setting mismatch anomaly status information and the third shortcut operation option. (See reference...) Figure 9b As shown in (1). In this way, the user can obtain the first abnormal state information of the image forming apparatus through the shortcut menu, and can jump to the first page corresponding to the first abnormal state information through the third shortcut operation option, as shown in the reference. Figure 9b As shown in (2), so that the user can process the first exception according to the processing information displayed on the first page.

[0072] In some embodiments, the primary menu includes consumable function information; the secondary menu of the consumable function information includes consumable information of the image forming apparatus; the shortcut menu also includes at least some consumable information and a fourth shortcut operation option; the fourth shortcut operation option is used to enable the function of jumping to a second page; the second page is a page that displays complete consumable information.

[0073] In this embodiment, to prevent the image forming apparatus from shutting down and interrupting operations due to the depletion of consumables, and to ensure the continuity of operations, the user can view the consumable information of the image forming apparatus. Typically, the primary menu of the image forming apparatus contains consumable function information. The user can select consumable function information from the primary menu, and the control module 23 can respond to the selection signal received by the touch module 22 and display a secondary menu of consumable function information. The secondary menu of consumable function information includes the consumable information of the image forming apparatus. Thus, the user can check the consumable information of the image forming apparatus to determine if the consumables have run out and need to be replaced.

[0074] Viewing consumable information for the image forming apparatus through multi-level menus is complex and inefficient for users. To reduce this complexity and improve efficiency, a shortcut menu includes at least some consumable information and a fourth shortcut operation option. Users can drag to access this menu when needed. While the image forming apparatus is in normal operation, the shortcut menu is hidden. Dragging the menu in the current display responds to the touch module 22, switching it from hidden to visible. This allows the shortcut menu to display at least some consumable information and the fourth shortcut operation option. Users can access partial consumable information and directly jump to the second page (the page displaying complete consumable information) using the fourth shortcut operation option, providing comprehensive consumable information.

[0075] For example, the home screen displayed by the image forming apparatus is a first-level menu, see reference. Figure 10 As shown in (1), the primary menu contains consumable function information. If the user needs to view the consumable information of the image forming apparatus, they can select the consumable function information in the primary menu. In response to the selection operation of the consumable function information received by the touch module 22 from the primary menu, the control module 23 can display a secondary menu of the consumable function information, as shown in Figure (1). Figure 10 As shown in (2). The consumables information of the image forming apparatus is included in the secondary menu of the consumables function information.

[0076] To avoid requiring users to navigate through multiple menu levels to view consumable information for the image forming apparatus and to reduce user complexity, a shortcut menu can also include at least some consumable information for the image forming apparatus and a fourth shortcut operation option. (See reference...) Figure 11As shown in (1). In this way, the user can obtain information about the consumables of the image forming apparatus through the shortcut menu, and can jump to the second page through the fourth shortcut operation option, for reference. Figure 11 As shown in (2), so that the user can obtain detailed information about the consumables of the image forming apparatus based on the information displayed on the second page.

[0077] It should be noted that other functions can also be set in the shortcut menu, such as the function to adjust the brightness of the display interface of the image forming apparatus, or other functions, which can be set according to actual needs. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0078] In this embodiment, the shortcut menu includes information such as the list of ongoing jobs. It can be accessed by dragging the user across any functional interface of the image forming apparatus (e.g., copying, printing, scanning), without returning to the home page or navigating multiple times. For example, when performing a copying task, the user can directly drag, such as by pulling down, to trigger the control module of the image forming apparatus to display the shortcut menu. The user can view the list of ongoing jobs in the shortcut menu and perform corresponding operations on the jobs in the list through a first shortcut operation, such as canceling abnormal jobs. This avoids the cumbersome process of "returning to the home page → clicking the home page menu → entering the job list" in traditional technologies, reducing user operation complexity and improving processing efficiency.

[0079] Furthermore, the shortcut menu can display key summary information, such as a brief status of the ongoing task list or information on higher-level anomalies, rather than complete details. For example, when multiple anomalies exist, only the anomaly status information with the highest urgency, such as "paper jammed," is displayed to avoid information overload. When users need to process the information further, they can jump to the corresponding first page through the third shortcut operation option, forming a progressive operation chain of "summary → details."

[0080] Furthermore, when displaying the shortcut menu, the background remains visible even when the shortcut menu covers the current interface (so that the operating status of the image forming device can still be observed during operation), ensuring the continuity of the main task while providing seamless auxiliary functions. For example, when viewing the job list during printing, the user can simultaneously confirm the printing progress without interrupting the current workflow, significantly reducing the risk of misoperation.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the techniques in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] 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. An image forming apparatus, comprising: Display module; Touch module; The control module is configured to respond to the selection signal for the first function information in the primary menu received by the touch module, and display the secondary menu corresponding to the first function information; wherein, the primary menu includes image forming job list information, and the secondary menu of the image forming job list information includes a list of jobs in progress; The control module is further configured to respond to the selection signal for the first job in the list of ongoing jobs received by the touch module, and display the operation menu of the first job; the operation menu of the first job includes a first operation option; Its features are, The control module is further configured to respond to a drag operation received by the touch module on the current display interface, and switch the display state of the shortcut menu; when the shortcut menu switches from a hidden state to a displayed state, the shortcut menu covers the current display interface and is displayed; when the shortcut menu switches from a displayed state to a hidden state, the shortcut menu is hidden and the display of the first display interface is restored, the first display interface being the display interface covered by the shortcut menu; wherein, the shortcut menu includes the list of ongoing tasks and a first shortcut operation option; the first shortcut operation option is used to implement the same function as the first operation option, or to implement the function of jumping to the operation menu of the ongoing tasks.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary menu of the image forming job list information also includes a waiting job list; The control module is further configured to, in response to the selection signal for the second job in the waiting job list received by the touch module, display the operation menu of the second job; the operation menu of the second job includes a second operation option; The shortcut menu also includes a list of waiting jobs and a second shortcut operation option; the second shortcut operation option is used to perform the same function as the second operation option, or to perform the function of jumping to the operation menu of the waiting jobs.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control module is further configured to, after the in-process task is completed, select a third task from the waiting task list for execution according to a preset rule, and place the third task from the waiting task list into the in-process task list.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shortcut menu also includes an insertion function option, and / or the operation menu of the first job also includes the insertion function option; The control module is further configured to, in response to the selection signal for the printing function option received by the touch module, set the job to be printed at the target position in the waiting job list; wherein the job at the target position in the waiting job list is a job that will be selected as the third job according to a preset rule.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary menu includes a status list; the secondary menu of the status list includes the status information of the image forming apparatus; wherein, if the image forming apparatus is malfunctioning, the status information of the image forming apparatus includes the malfunction status information of the image forming apparatus. The shortcut menu also includes at least some status information of the image forming apparatus, wherein if the image forming apparatus is malfunctioning, the at least some status information includes at least some malfunctioning status information of the image forming apparatus.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the status information included in the shortcut menu contains at least some abnormal status information of the image forming apparatus, the shortcut menu also includes a third shortcut operation option, which is used to jump to the first page, the first page being the processing page corresponding to the at least some abnormal status information.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The at least partial state information includes at least partial abnormal state information of the image forming apparatus, including: The at least part of the status information includes first abnormal status information; the first abnormal status information is the abnormal status information corresponding to the highest level abnormality when the image forming apparatus has at least two abnormalities.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary menu includes consumables function information; the secondary menu of the consumables function information includes consumables information for the image forming apparatus. The shortcut menu also includes at least some consumable information and a fourth shortcut operation option; the fourth shortcut operation option is used to jump to the second page; the second page is a page that displays complete consumable information.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is specifically used to respond to the pull-down drag operation received by the touch module on the current display interface, cover the current display interface with the shortcut menu, and display the shortcut menu. In response to the pull-up drag operation received by the touch module on the current display interface, the shortcut menu is hidden and the first display interface is redisplayed.

10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The image formation type of the jobs in the ongoing job list is different from that of the jobs in the waiting job list.

11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The number of ongoing jobs includes one; the number of jobs in the waiting job list includes at least one.

Images