Image processing device

Abstract

To provide an image processing device and an image processing method capable of suppressing deterioration in convenience in using a shortcut to execute image processing.SOLUTION: An "output size" is extracted as a specific setting item from a plurality of setting items included in shortcut information 351 (S5), and whether a sheet of the "output size" exists is determined (S7). Unless the sheet of the "output size" exists, the size of the "output size" is changed to display a change UI screen D4 for executing a shortcut.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and an image processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been image processing devices equipped with a function that allows a preset setting value for image processing to be called up by a shortcut. Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that determines whether an image can be formed according to image forming conditions (setting values) such as the paper size for image formation, and if an image can be formed, displays a key section (shortcut) corresponding to the image forming conditions on a display unit in a first density that is easy for the user to see, and if an image cannot be formed, displays the key section corresponding to the image forming conditions in a density lighter than the first density. According to this, if there is a shortage of paper of the desired size, the user can understand that image formation using the corresponding key section cannot be performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-150009 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By the way, there are several items related to image processing whose values ​​are called by selecting a shortcut, such as color, image quality, magnification, etc., in addition to paper size. Here, for example, as described above, if there is a shortage of paper of a size corresponding to the value called by selecting a shortcut, image processing cannot be executed. The user can make it possible to execute image processing using the shortcut by replenishing paper of the missing size. However, instead of replenishing paper of the missing size, if the image processing device is in a state where paper of another size can be used, the user may want to execute image formation with values ​​associated with the shortcut for items other than paper size, and change only the paper used for image formation at this time to a usable size, if a shortcut is registered separately in which only the paper size item is set to another size that can be used by the image processing device, which is different from the size associated with the shortcut, and the values ​​set for items other than the paper size item are the same as the values ​​set in association with the shortcut, the user can select the other shortcut to execute image processing. However, if the other shortcut is not registered, it is necessary to set multiple items including paper size before executing image processing, which may be troublesome for the user.

[0005] The present application has been proposed in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an image processing device and an image processing method that can suppress a decrease in convenience when performing image processing using shortcuts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image processing device according to the present application comprises a housing, a touch panel provided in the housing, an image processing unit provided inside the housing, a control unit, and a memory, and the control unit executes the following processes: a process of storing information used to control the image processing unit in the memory, each corresponding to a plurality of setting items related to the control of the image processing unit, in response to an instruction received from the touch panel; a process of displaying a shortcut on the touch panel; an extraction process of extracting a specific setting item from the plurality of setting items set in the shortcut displayed on the touch panel; a process of displaying a screen on the touch panel prompting the user to select whether or not to use change information, which is information different from the information stored in the memory in correspondence with the extracted specific setting item, when a signal indicating selection of a shortcut is detected while the shortcut is being displayed; and a control process of controlling the image processing unit using the change information and information stored in the memory in correspondence with setting items other than the specific setting item, when an instruction from the touch panel while the screen is being displayed is an instruction to use change information.

[0007] In this way, the user can easily execute a function for a specific setting item among the multiple setting values ​​set in the shortcut by using information different from the information stored in memory corresponding to the specific setting item. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present application, it is possible to provide an image processing device and an image processing method that can suppress a decrease in convenience when image processing is performed using a shortcut. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the MFP. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of creating a shortcut according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]It is a flowchart showing the processing content of the shortcut execution process according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] It is a diagram for explaining the transition of the display screen of the touch panel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the processing content of the shortcut update process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the transition of the display screen of the touch panel related to the shortcut update process of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the processing content of the shortcut generation execution process according to the second embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of MFP> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. The MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 10 is a multifunctional device having a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, a FAX transmission function, and a FAX reception function. In the following description, the directions are described based on the user who uses the MFP 10. That is, in FIG. 1, the front right side is “front”, the back left side is “rear”, the diagonally right side is “right”, the diagonally left side is “left”, the upper side is “up”, and the lower side is “down”. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 10 includes a housing 11, a document table cover 21, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 23, paper feed trays 17, 18, a paper discharge tray 19, an operation panel 12, and a USB receptacle 43. The housing 11 is substantially box-shaped, and a document table cover 21 that covers a document table (not shown) is installed on the upper part. The document table cover 21 has a rotation axis (not shown) at the rear and can rotate upward. The MFP 10 is provided with an image sensor (not shown) below the document table, and moves the image scanner relative to the document supported by the document table to read the document.

[0011] An ADF 23 is installed on the upper left surface of the platen cover 21. The ADF 23 has an ADF cover 23a and an image scanner (not shown). The ADF cover 23a has a rotation axis (not shown) at its right end and can rotate upward. The ADF cover 23a can be positioned at a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position where it rotates upward and is slightly inclined upward from the rotation axis. The ADF cover 23a in the open position supports the document on its upper surface. The ADF 23 takes in the document supported by the ADF cover 23a in the open position from an opening (not shown), relatively moves the document with respect to the image scanner, reads the document, and discharges the document onto the upper surface of the platen cover 21.

[0012] The operation panel 12 has operation buttons such as a touch panel 41, a power button (not shown), and a numeric keypad (not shown). The operation panel 12 and the USB receptacle 43 are installed on the front side of the upper surface of the housing 11. The USB receptacle 43 is a receptacle conforming to the USB standard.

[0013] The paper feed trays 17 and 18 are detachably installed side by side vertically at the lower part of the front surface of the housing 11. The paper discharge tray 19 is installed recessed inward with respect to the front surface of the housing 11. Also, a paper feed unit (not shown), an image forming unit 37 (FIG. 2), and a discharge unit (not shown) are installed inside the housing 11. The sheet supported by the paper feed tray 17 or the paper feed tray 18 is conveyed to the image forming unit 37 by the paper feed unit. The image forming unit 37 forms an image on the sheet. The discharge unit discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed to the paper discharge tray 19. It is assumed that the paper feed tray 17 has A4-sized sheets and the paper feed tray 18 has B5-sized sheets.

[0014] <Electrical Configuration of the MFP> Next, the electrical configuration of the MFP 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the MFP 10 includes a CPU 32, a RAM 33, a ROM 34, a NVRAM (non-volatile memory) 35, an image forming unit 37, an image reading unit 38, a FAX communication unit 39, a user interface 40, a USB interface 42, a network interface 44, a document sensor, a first sheet sensor, and a second sheet sensor. In Fig. 2, the document sensor, the first sheet sensor, and the second sheet sensor are collectively referred to as a sensor 50. The ROM 34 stores a program for executing processes such as a shortcut generation process and a shortcut execution process, which will be described later, and the CPU 32 controls each unit connected by the bus 31 according to the program read from the ROM 34 while storing the process results in the RAM 33. The NVRAM 35 stores shortcut information 351 (described later), tray information 352, and a change count counter value 353. The tray information 352 includes information that the size of the sheets in the paper feed tray 17 is A4 size, and the size of the sheets in the paper feed tray 18 is B5 size. The change count counter value 353 is a value used in the shortcut update process described later.

[0015] The image forming unit 37 prints a color or monochrome image on a sheet by electrophotography, for example, according to a print job. The image forming unit 37 has four process cartridges corresponding to the four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, an exposure unit, a transfer roller, a fixing unit, etc. (not shown). Each of the process cartridges has a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a toner storage chamber, etc. (not shown). The exposure unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The developing roller supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. The transfer roller transfers the toner image to the sheet. The fixing unit thermally fixes the toner to the sheet.

[0016] The image reading unit 38 reads an image of the document using an image scanner under the document platen or an image scanner included in the ADF 23, and generates read data.

[0017] The FAX communication unit 39 transmits and receives FAX data to and from other FAX communication devices via a connected telephone line (not shown). The user interface 40 displays various setting screens and the operating status of the device on the touch panel 41. The user interface 40 also outputs signals to the CPU 32 according to operations performed by the user on the touch panel 41 and the operation buttons. The USB interface 42 reads and writes data in accordance with the USB standard from and to a USB-compatible storage medium connected to a USB receptacle 43. The USB-compatible storage medium is, for example, a USB memory. The network interface 44 performs, for example, wireless LAN communication, and communicates with a PC and a server (not shown) connected to the wireless LAN.

[0018] The document sensor detects whether or not a document is present in the opening of the ADF 23, for example, at predetermined time intervals, and when it detects the presence of a document, outputs a detection signal indicating that the document has been set to the CPU 32. The first sheet sensor and the second sheet sensor each output a detection signal corresponding to the number of sheets remaining in the paper feed trays 17 and 18 to the CPU 32.

[0019] The printing function is, for example, a function of printing a print job transmitted from, for example, a PC via the network interface 44, or recording data read from a USB memory or the like via the USB interface 42, on a sheet by the image forming unit 37. The copy function is, for example, a function of printing read data generated by the image reading unit 38 on a sheet by the image forming unit 37. The scan function is, for example, a function of transmitting read data generated by the image reading unit 38 to, for example, a PC or a server via the network interface 44, or writing the data to a USB memory or the like via the USB interface 42. The FAX receiving function is, for example, a function of printing FAX reception data received via the FAX communication unit 39 on a sheet by the image forming unit 37, transmitting the data to, for example, a PC via the network interface 44, or writing the data to a USB memory or the like via the USB interface 42. The FAX sending function is, for example, a function of transmitting read data generated by the image reading unit 38, transmission data transmitted from, for example, a PC via the network interface 44, or recording data read from a USB memory or the like via the USB interface 42, via the FAX communication unit 39.

[0020] The shortcut information 351 is information configured as a set of information including a "shortcut name", a "function", and values ​​for a plurality of setting items. The CPU 32 executes a process of creating the shortcut information 351 in response to an operation performed by the user on the touch panel 41 and storing it in the NVRAM 35 (an example of a process of storing information used for controlling the image processing unit in memory in correspondence with a plurality of setting items related to the control of the image processing unit in response to an instruction received from the touch panel, an example of a "shortcut registration process"). The "shortcut name" is a name given by the user to distinguish the shortcut. The "function" is the above-mentioned print function, copy function, scan function, FAX transmission function, FAX reception function, etc. The plurality of setting items are specifically "size", "quality", "color", etc., and the specific items differ depending on the value of the "function". For example, if the value of the "function" is (copy), the setting items include "output size", "quality", "color", "number of copies", "double-sided printing", etc. Also, for example, if the value of the "function" is (scan), the setting items include "scan size", "quality", "color", "enlargement / reduction", etc. The change count counter value 353 is information configured as a set of information consisting of values ​​for the items "shortcut name" and "count value", and the "shortcut name" is associated with the "shortcut name" of the shortcut information 351. When a set of information of the shortcut information 351 is created, the value of the "count value" of the corresponding change count counter value 353 is set to an initial value.

[0021] Here, it is assumed that eight sets of information are included in the shortcut information 351. The values ​​of the "shortcut name" of the eight sets of information are (color copy of A4 original), (monochrome copy of 100 sheets), (fax to XX), (color original scan), (original scan to USB), (double-sided copy high quality), (print from USB), and (print received fax).

[0022] For the shortcut (Color copy of A4 original), the "Function" value is (Copy), the "Output size" value is (A4), the "Quality" value is (Beautiful), the "Color" value is (Color), the "Number of copies" value is (1), and the "Double-sided printing" value is (Yes). The shortcut for (100 monochrome copies) has a "Function" value of (Copy), an "Output Size" value of (B5), a "Quality" value of (Normal), a "Color" value of (Monochrome), a "Number of Copies" value of (100), and a "Double-Sided Printing" value of (None). The shortcut for (FAX to Mr. / Ms. XX) has a "Function" value of (Send FAX) and a "Destination" value of (Ms. XX). For the shortcut (Scan color original), the "Function" value is (Scan), the "Read size" value is (A4), the "Quality" value is (Better), the "Color" value is (Color), the "Zoom" value is (None), and the "Destination" value is (Server). For the shortcut (Scan original to USB), the "Function" value is (Scan), the "Read size" value is (A4), the "Quality" value is (Bright), the "Color" value is (Color), the "Zoom" value is (None), and the "Destination" value is (USB memory). The shortcut for (High Quality Double-Sided Copy) has a "Function" value of (Copy), an "Output Size" value of (B5), a "Quality" value of (Beautiful), a "Color" value of (Color), a "Number of Copies" value of (1), and a "Double-Sided Printing" value of (Yes). For the shortcut (Print from USB), the "Function" value is (Print) and the "Destination" value is (USB memory). The shortcut for (Print received faxes) has a "Function" value of (Receive faxes) and an "Output" value of (Print).

[0023] <Shortcut creation process> Next, the shortcut generation process executed by the CPU 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5. When the power supply of the MFP 10 is turned on, the CPU 32 starts the shortcut generation process. First, the CPU 32 instructs the user interface 40 to display the main menu screen D1 shown in FIG. 5 on the touch panel 41. On the main menu screen D1, a "Copy" button, a "Scan" button, and a "FAX" button are displayed in an area D11. In addition, a "Shortcut" button D12 is displayed. By selecting a button, the user can execute a function corresponding to the selected button. When the user selects the "Shortcut" button D12, a list of shortcuts included in the shortcut information 351 is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the user does not select a button, but places a document on the ADF 23 for copying.

[0024] The CPU 32 checks at predetermined time intervals whether it has received a detection signal output from the document sensor, and when it receives a detection signal from the document sensor (FIG. 3, S1), it determines which shortcuts to display from among the information included in the shortcut information 351 based on the detection signal (S3). Since the detection signal is output from the document sensor, it determines which shortcuts require the operation of the image reading unit 38. Specifically, it determines that (A4 document color copy), (100 sheets monochrome copy), (FAX to Mr. / Ms. XX), (color document scan), (document scan to USB), and (double-sided copy high quality) are shortcuts that require the operation of the image reading unit 38.

[0025] Next, CPU 32 extracts a specific setting item from the multiple setting items included in shortcut information 351 (S5). Here, since MFP 10 is equipped with a first sheet sensor and a second sheet sensor, "output size" is extracted as a specific setting item from the multiple setting items. Next, CPU 32 determines whether or not there is a sheet of "output size" in order to determine whether or not the shortcut can be executed without error. First, it determines whether or not there is an A4 size sheet in paper feed tray 17 based on a detection signal from the first sheet sensor (S7). In response to the determination that there is an A4 size sheet (S7: YES), it then determines whether or not there is a B5 size sheet in paper feed tray 18 based on a detection signal from the second sheet sensor (S8). In response to the determination that there is a B5 size sheet (S8: YES), display information indicating that all the shortcuts determined in step S3 are executable is stored in RAM 33 (S12), and the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no B5-sized sheet (S8: NO), display information indicating that shortcuts with an "output size" value of (A4) are executable and shortcuts with an "output size" value of (B5) are not executable is stored in RAM 33 (S10), and the process proceeds to step S9.

[0026] On the other hand, in response to the determination that there is no A4 sheet (S7: NO), the CPU 32 next determines whether or not there is a B5 size sheet in the paper feed tray 18 based on the detection signal of the second sheet sensor (S11). In response to the determination that there is a B5 size sheet (S11: YES), display information indicating that the shortcut with the "output size" value of (A4) is not executable and the shortcut with the "output size" value of (B5) is executable is stored in the RAM 33 (S13), and the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, in response to the determination that there is no B5 size sheet (S11: NO), display information indicating that all the shortcuts determined in step S3 are not executable is stored in the RAM 33 (S15), and the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the CPU 32 generates UI (User Interface) screen data to be displayed on the touch panel 41 based on the display information stored in the RAM 33, transmits it to the user interface 40 (S9), and ends the process. When the user interface 40 receives the UI screen data, it displays a screen based on the UI screen data on the touch panel 41.

[0027] For example, when step S15 is executed, the CPU 32 generates UI screen data for displaying the shortcut selection screen D2 shown in FIG. 5. The case of step S15 is a case where there are no A4-sized sheets or B5-sized sheets, so that the buttons D21, D22, and D26 corresponding to the shortcuts (A4 original color copy), (100 sheets monochrome copy), and (double-sided copy high quality) whose "function" value is (copy) are displayed in gray, i.e., grayed out, to clearly indicate that they cannot be selected on the shortcut selection screen D2. In addition, the buttons D23, D24, and D25 corresponding to the shortcuts (Fax to XX), (color original scan), (original scan to USB), and (double-sided copy high quality) that can be executed even without sheets are displayed in black to clearly indicate that they can be selected. In addition, the "Main Menu" button D27 is displayed.

[0028] Also, for example, when step S13 is executed, the CPU 32 generates UI screen data for displaying the shortcut selection screen D3 shown in FIG. 5. The case of step S13 is a case where there is no A4 size sheet and there is a B5 size sheet, so that in the shortcut selection screen D3, a difference mark D311 is added to the button D31 corresponding to (A4 original color copy) with (A4) as the value of "output size" among shortcuts with (copy) as the value of "function". Here, the difference mark D311 is an exclamation mark. Also, among shortcuts with (copy) as the value of "function", buttons D32 and D36 corresponding to (100 sheets monochrome copy) (double-sided copy high quality) with (B5) as the value of "output size" are displayed in black. Also, buttons D33, D34, and D35 corresponding to (Fax to XX), (color original scan), and (original scan to USB), which are shortcuts that can be executed even without a sheet, are displayed in black. Also, a "Main Menu" button D37 is displayed.

[0029] The difference mark D311 is a mark indicating that the target shortcut can be executed by changing a part of the value of the shortcut information 351 related to the target shortcut. Here, the shortcut can be executed by changing the value of "output size" of the target shortcut (color copy of A4 original) from (A4) to (B5), so the CPU 32 creates UI screen data in which the difference mark D311 is added to the button D31 corresponding to (color copy of A4 original). This allows the user to recognize that although copying cannot be performed at the preset "output size," copying can be performed by changing the value.

[0030] Next, a shortcut execution process executed by the CPU 32 when a user who wishes to change the value of "output size" and make a copy in B5 size selects the button D31 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] When the button D31 with the difference mark is selected, the CPU 32 starts the shortcut execution process shown in FIG. 4. First, the CPU 32 generates change UI screen data for displaying the change UI screen D4 shown in FIG. 5, and outputs it to the user interface 40 (S23). When the user interface 40 receives the change UI screen data, it displays the change UI screen. In the change UI screen D4, a "Change the following items and execute?" and "Output paper size: A4→B5" message are displayed in an area D41, along with a "Change and execute" button and a "Cancel" button. In addition, a "Main menu" button D42 is displayed in the lower right of the change UI screen D4.

[0032] Next, the CPU 32 judges whether or not the "Change and execute" button has been selected (S25). If the "Change and execute" button has been selected within a predetermined time, the CPU 32 judges that the "Change and execute" button has been selected (S25: YES). If the CPU 32 judges that the "Change and execute" button has been selected (S25: YES), the CPU 32 changes the value of the "output size" to B5, executes the shortcut (S27), and ends the process. To execute the shortcut, in detail, the CPU 32 executes a process of causing the image forming unit 37 to form an image of the read data generated by the image reading unit 38, with the value of the "output size" set to (B5) and the values ​​of the other items set to values ​​related to (A4 original color copy) included in the shortcut information 351. By selecting the change UI screen D4, the user can execute a copy by changing only the "output size" of the shortcut information 351 that has been registered in advance. This makes it easier to execute a copy than resetting all of the multiple items related to the copy.

[0033] On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Change and execute" button was not selected (S25: NO), the CPU 32 instructs the user interface 40 to return to the shortcut selection screen D3 (FIG. 5) (S31) so that the user can select a shortcut again, and ends the processing.

[0034] Next, the shortcut update process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. When the CPU 32 executes step S27 of the shortcut execution process, it starts the shortcut update process for the executed shortcut. First, the CPU 32 judges whether the number of times the shortcut has been executed by changing the value is equal to or greater than a predetermined number based on the change count counter value 353 (S63). When it judges that the value of the "count value" corresponding to the change count counter value 353 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S63: YES), it generates UI screen data for displaying the update UI screen D5 shown in FIG. 7 and outputs it to the user interface 40 (S65). When the user interface 40 receives the UI screen data, it displays the update UI screen D5 on the touch panel 41. In the update UI screen D5, a "Change" button and a "Don't change" button are displayed together with the messages "Do you want to update the setting of "A4 original color copy"?" and "Output paper size: A4 to B5".

[0035] Next, it is determined whether the "Change" button has been selected (S67). If the "Change" button has been selected within a predetermined time, the CPU 32 determines that the "Change" button has been selected (S67: YES). If it is determined that the "Change" button has been selected (S67: YES), the change content is saved in the RAM 33, which is an internal memory (S69). More specifically, information indicating that the value of the "Output size" is (B5) is stored in the RAM 33. Next, the value of the "count value" corresponding to the change count counter value 353 is reset (S71). Next, UI screen data for displaying the shortcut name change UI screen D6 shown in FIG. 7 is generated and output to the user interface 40 (S73). When the user interface 40 receives the UI screen data, it displays the shortcut name change UI screen D6 on the touch panel 41. In the shortcut name change UI screen D6, a message "Do you want to update the shortcut name of "A4 original color copy"?", a text box D61, a "Change" button, and a "Don't change" button are displayed. 7 shows an example in which the value of "shortcut name" in shortcut information 351, (A4 original color copy), is pre-entered and displayed in text box D61. A user who wishes to change the value of "shortcut name" operates touch panel 41 or the like to enter, for example, "B5 original color copy" in text box D61, and then selects the "change" button.

[0036] Next, CPU 32 judges whether or not the "Change" button has been selected (S75). If the "Change" button has been selected within a predetermined time, CPU 32 judges that the "Change" button has been selected (S75: YES). If it is judged that the "Change" button has been selected (S75: YES), the value of the "Shortcut name" related to the target shortcut is set to the value input in text box D61, and the value of the "Output size" is set to (B5) based on the information stored in step S69, and shortcut information 351 is updated (S77), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is judged that the "Change" button has not been selected (S75: NO), shortcut information 351 is updated to the value of the "Output size" related to the target shortcut as (B5), and the value of the "Shortcut name" is not updated (S79), and the process ends. The user can easily update shortcut information 351 to a frequently used value for a shortcut that is frequently changed and used.

[0037] On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the corresponding "count value" of the change count counter value 353 is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number (S63: NO), the value of the corresponding "count value" of the change count counter value 353 is incremented (S81), and the process proceeds to step S83. If it is determined that the "Change" button on the update UI screen D5 has not been selected (S67: NO), the process proceeds to step S83. In step S83, the CPU 32 instructs the user interface 40 to display the main menu screen D1 (FIG. 5), and ends the process.

[0038] Here, MFP 10 is an example of an image processing device, image forming section 37, image reading section 38, and FAX communication section 39 are examples of an image processing section, and NVRAM 35 is an example of a memory. Step S9 is an example of a process of "displaying shortcuts on a touch panel", steps S5, S7, S8, S10, S11, S12, S13, and S15 are examples of an extraction process, step S23 is an example of a process of "displaying on a touch panel a screen that prompts a user to select whether or not to use change information that is information different from information stored in memory in correspondence with the extracted specific setting item", and step S27 is an example of a control process. The first sheet sensor and the second sheet sensor are examples of a detector, and paper feed trays 17 and 18 are examples of a sheet support section.

[0039] According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. (1) The user can easily execute copying by changing the value of the specific setting item "output size" among the items of the shortcut with the shortcut name (A4 color copy) preset in the shortcut information 351 from a sheet size (A4) where there is no sheet to a sheet size (B5) where there is a sheet on the change UI screen D4.

[0040] (4)(5) In step S5, the CPU 32 extracts "output size", an item that can detect the value state of the item using the first sheet sensor and the second sheet sensor, as a specific setting item from among the items related to shortcuts. In addition, in steps S7, S8, and S11, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the shortcut can be executed without error using the detection signals of the first sheet sensor and the second sheet sensor. As a result, the CPU 32 can add a difference mark D311 to the shortcuts whose shortcut information 351 has a value that is the size of a sheet not in the paper feed trays 17 and 18, and display the shortcut selection screen D3.

[0041] (8) When there is no sheet of size (A4) in the paper feed tray 17, the CPU 32 displays a difference mark D311 on the button D31 corresponding to (color copy of an A4 document) in which the value of the "output size" is (A4). This makes it easier for the user to recognize that a shortcut can be executed by changing the value of a specific setting item.

[0042] (9) In the shortcut update process, CPU 32 updates the value of shortcut information 351 for shortcuts that have been changed a predetermined number of times or more and executed. This allows the user to easily update the value of shortcut information 351 for shortcuts whose values ​​are changed frequently, and use the updated shortcuts. (10) Also, in step S77 of the shortcut update process, CPU 32 accepts an update to the value of "shortcut name." This allows the user to easily update the value of "shortcut name" to an optimal value.

[0043] [Second embodiment] Next, the shortcut generation execution process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The MFP 10 of the second embodiment does not have a first sheet sensor and a second sheet sensor, and the document sensor detects the size of the document. In detail, the document sensor detects whether or not there is a document in the opening of the ADF 23, for example, at predetermined time intervals, and if there is a document, outputs a detection signal corresponding to A4 size or B5 size to the CPU 32. The other configurations are the same as those of the MFP 10 of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0044] When the power supply of the MFP 10 is turned on, the CPU 32 starts the shortcut generation execution process. First, the CPU 32 instructs the user interface 40 to display the main menu screen D1 shown in Fig. 5 on the touch panel 41. Here, it is assumed that the user does not select a button on the touch panel 41, but places a B5-sized document on the ADF 23 to be scanned.

[0045] The CPU 32 checks whether it has received a detection signal output from the document sensor at predetermined time intervals, and when it receives a detection signal from the document sensor (FIG. 8, S41), it determines the shortcut to be displayed from the information included in the shortcut information 351 based on the detection signal, similar to step S3 (S43). Next, the CPU 32 extracts a specific setting item from the multiple setting items included in the shortcut information 351 (S45). Here, since the MFP 10 is equipped with a document sensor capable of detecting size, the "read size" is extracted as the specific setting item from the multiple setting items. Next, the CPU 32 determines whether the document size is B5 based on the detection signal (S47). When it is determined that the document size is B5 (S47: YES), it stores display information indicating that a difference mark is to be added to the shortcut whose "read size" value is (A4) in the RAM 33 (S49), and proceeds to step S51. On the other hand, if it is determined that the document size is not B5 (S47: NO), display information indicating that a difference mark is to be added to the shortcut whose "read size" value is (B5) is stored in the RAM 33 (S50), and the process proceeds to step S51.

[0046] In step S51, the CPU 32 generates UI screen data to be displayed on the touch panel 41 based on the display information stored in the RAM 33, and transmits it to the user interface 40 (S51). When the user interface 40 receives the UI screen data, it displays a UI screen based on the UI screen data on the touch panel 41. On the UI screen, buttons corresponding to each shortcut are displayed, similar to the shortcut selection screen D3. Also, based on the display information, a difference mark is added to the corresponding button and displayed. For example, when step S49 is executed, a difference mark is added to the "Color Document Scan" button and the "Document Scan to USB" button corresponding to the shortcuts (Color Document Scan) and (Document Scan to USB) whose "Read Size" value is (A4) and displayed. Here, it is assumed that the user has selected the "Color Document Scan" button.

[0047] When the "Color Document Scan" button is selected, the CPU 32 generates change UI screen data and outputs it to the user interface 40 (S51). When the user interface 40 receives the change UI screen data, it displays the change UI screen. On the change UI screen, a "Change and execute" button and a "Execute without changes" button are displayed along with the message "Do you want to change the following items and execute?" and "Reading size: A4 to B5". Since the function of the target shortcut is scanning, even if the value of "Reading size" remains (A4), the CPU 32 determines that the shortcut can be executed without error, and displays the "Execute without changes" button. Next, the CPU 32 determines whether the "Change and execute" button is selected (S53). If the "Change and execute" button is selected within a predetermined time, the CPU 32 determines that the "Change and execute" button is selected (S53: YES). If the CPU 32 determines that the "Change and execute" button is selected (S53: YES), the CPU 32 changes the value of "Reading size" to B5, executes the shortcut (S55), and ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Change and execute" button was not selected (S53: NO), the "read size" value remains A4, the shortcut is executed (S57), and the process ends. Note that changing the "read size" value to B5 and executing the shortcut means, in detail, that the CPU 32 sets the "read size" value to (B5), sets the values ​​of the other items to values ​​related to (color document scan) included in the shortcut information 351, and executes a process to transmit the read data generated by the image reading unit 38 to the network interface 44.

[0048] Here, the document sensor is an example of a detector, and the ADF 23 is an example of a document support section. Step S51 is an example of a "process for displaying a shortcut on a touch panel", steps S45, S47, S49, and S50 are an example of an extraction process, step S51 is an example of a "process for displaying on a touch panel a screen for prompting a user to select whether to use information stored in memory corresponding to the extracted specific setting item, or to use information different from the information stored in memory corresponding to the extracted specific setting item", and step S55 is an example of a control process.

[0049] According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. (1) The user can easily perform scanning by changing the value of the specific setting item “read size” among the items of the shortcut with the shortcut name (color document scan) preset in the shortcut information 351 from (A4) size to (B5) size on the change UI screen.

[0050] (2)(3) In step S45, the CPU 32 extracts, from among the items related to shortcuts, the "read size", which is an item whose value can be detected using the document sensor, as a specific setting item. In addition, in steps S47, S49, and S50, it is determined whether the value of the "document size" corresponds to the size detected by the detection signal of the document sensor. As a result, when the value of the "read size" is (B5) size, the CPU 32 can display, on the UI screen, a difference mark added to a button corresponding to a shortcut whose "read size" is (A4), and when the value of the "read size" is not (B5), it can display, on the UI screen, a difference mark added to a button corresponding to a shortcut whose "read size" is (B5). [Variations]

[0051] Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the first embodiment, since the MFP is provided with the first sheet sensor and the second sheet sensor, it has been described that the "output size" is set as the specific setting item in step S5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to store in advance, for example, in the NVRAM 35, which of the items in the shortcut information 351 is to be set as the specific setting item. In this way, the user can change the value of the specific setting item each time a shortcut is executed. In particular, in the case of an MFP that does not have a sensor, the user can check whether the value set in the shortcut information 351 matches the desired value for an item that cannot be detected using the sensor. It is also possible to store in advance which of the items is to be set as the specific setting item at the time of shipment of the MFP, or to set it by the user. For example, it is preferable that the CPU 32 executes a setting reception process that displays a setting screen that displays buttons corresponding to multiple setting items together with a message "Please select a specific setting item" on the touch panel 41, and executes a storage process that stores the item corresponding to the button selected by the user in the setting reception process as the specific setting item in the NVRAM 35. In this way, the user can freely store, for example, a setting item that he or she wants to check when using a shortcut key as a specific setting item.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the number of remaining sheets at the time of copying has been described as an example of "the execution of image processing is restricted", but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a configuration in which the MFP is provided with a toner sensor that detects the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage chamber, when the remaining amount of toner is low and printing such as copying is restricted, for example, "the number of copies" may be set as a specific setting item. In addition, for example, when the remaining amount of toner other than black is high and the remaining amount of black toner is low, "color" may be set as a specific setting item, and a difference mark may be displayed by determining whether it is (color) or (monochrome). In addition, when the supplied power is restricted, "image quality" may be set as a specific setting item. In addition, when a USB memory is not attached, "output destination" may be set as a specific setting item.

[0053] Also, step S1 has been described as processing based on detection in the ADF 23, but it may be processing based on detection on the platen, or a configuration in which both are detected may be used.

[0054] In addition, the first embodiment describes a configuration including a first sheet sensor and a second sheet sensor, and the second embodiment describes a configuration including a document sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the MFP includes multiple sensors, all detectable items may be extracted as specific setting items, or only specific items may be extracted.

[0055] In addition, in the shortcut selection screen D3, the difference mark is displayed as an example of a different display mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the difference mark may be displayed in a different color, or may be displayed in a blinking manner.

[0056] Also, although it has been explained that when the "Change and run" button is selected on the change UI screen D4, the shortcut is executed, the shortcut may also be executed when, for example, an operation button (such as the start button) is pressed after the "Change and run" button is selected.

[0057] Although the buttons D21, D22, and D26 are described as being displayed in a grayed-out manner on the shortcut selection screen D2, the display form is not limited thereto. For example, the buttons D21, D22, and D26 may be displayed with a cross mark superimposed thereon.

[0058] Although the example has been described with a CPP32, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be configured with multiple CPUs or multiple ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Furthermore, the present invention may be configured with any combination of CPUs and ASICs.

[0059] In addition, although the MFP 10 has been described as printing by an electrophotographic method, it can also be applied to other image processing devices that perform printing by, for example, an inkjet method. In addition, although the MFP 10 has been described as a multifunction device having a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, etc., it is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to an image processing device having at least one of these functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10 MFP 11. Cabinet 32 CPU 33 RAM 34 ROM 35 NVRAM 37 Image forming section 38 Image reading unit 39 Fax Communication Department 41 Touch Panel 50 Sensors

Claims

1. A housing and A touch panel provided on the housing; an image processing unit provided inside the housing; A control unit; A memory, The control unit is a process of storing information used for controlling the image processing unit in the memory in correspondence with a plurality of setting items related to control of the image processing unit in response to an instruction received from the touch panel; A process of displaying a shortcut on the touch panel; an extraction process of extracting a specific setting item from among the plurality of setting items set in the shortcut displayed on the touch panel; a process of displaying on the touch panel a screen prompting a user to select whether or not to use change information that is different from the information stored in the memory in correspondence with the extracted specific setting item when a signal indicating selection of the shortcut is detected during display of the shortcut; an image processing device characterized by executing a control process to control the image processing unit using the change information and the information stored in the memory corresponding to the setting items other than the specific setting item when a command from the touch panel while the screen is being displayed is a command to use the change information.

2. A detector is provided, The control unit, in the extraction process, The image processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the information stored in the memory in correspondence with a setting item related to a resource based on a signal output by the detector in accordance with the characteristics of the resource used by the image processing unit for image processing does not correspond to the characteristics of the resource, the setting item is set to the specific setting item.

3. A document support portion is provided, the detector outputs a signal corresponding to a size of the document supported by the document support portion; The control unit, in the extraction process, 3. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein when the information stored in the memory in correspondence with a setting item related to the size of the document does not correspond to the size of the document, the setting item is set as the specific setting item.

4. A detector is provided, The control unit, in the extraction process, The image processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that when it is determined based on a signal output by the detector in accordance with the state of a resource used by the image processing unit for image processing that the execution of the image processing using the information stored in the memory in correspondence with a setting item related to the resource is restricted in the state of the resource, the setting item is set to the specific setting item.

5. A seat support portion is provided, The detector outputs a signal corresponding to the remaining number of sheets supported by the sheet support portion, The control unit, in the extraction process, The image processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when it is determined that the remaining number of sheets limits the execution of the image processing, the setting item stored in the memory as the corresponding information for the size of the sheet is set as the specific setting item.

6. The memory stores the specific setting item, The control unit is 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific setting item extracted in the extraction process is the specific setting item stored in the memory.

7. The control unit is a setting reception process for receiving any one of the plurality of setting items as the specific setting item; 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a storage process for storing the specific setting item accepted in the setting acceptance process in the memory.

8. After executing the extraction process, the control unit 8. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the shortcut to which the specific setting item is set is displayed on the touch panel in a display manner different from that of the shortcut to which the specific setting item is not set.

9. The control unit is An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that for a shortcut to which a specific setting item for which the control process has been executed a predetermined number of times or more is set, an update process is executed to update the information stored in the memory corresponding to the specific setting item to the change information.

10. The control unit is A shortcut registration process is executed to register the shortcut together with a shortcut name; 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein in the update process, the shortcut name of the shortcut to be updated is changed.

11. An image processing method for an image processing device including a housing, a touch panel provided on the housing, an image processing unit provided inside the housing, and a memory, comprising: storing information to be used for controlling the image processing unit in the memory in correspondence with a plurality of setting items related to control of the image processing unit in response to an instruction received from the touch panel; displaying a shortcut on the touch panel; an extraction step of extracting a specific setting item from among the plurality of setting items set in the shortcut displayed on the touch panel; displaying, on the touch panel, a screen prompting a user to select whether or not to use change information that is different from the information stored in the memory in correspondence with the extracted specific setting item when a signal indicating selection of the shortcut is detected during display of the shortcut; an image processing method comprising: a control step of controlling the image processing unit using the change information and the information stored in the memory corresponding to the setting items other than the specific setting item, when a command from the touch panel while the screen is being displayed is a command to use the change information.

Images