Information processing device

Abstract

To improve operability in an information processing device capable of executing prescribed information processing by including display means and operation reception means.SOLUTION: According to a compound machine (10) as an information processing device relating to the present invention, a plurality of operation keys 110, 110, ... including a single side copy selection key 110a and a various copy selection key 110b is arranged on a portal screen 100 being a main operation screen. For example, when the single side copy selection key 110a is operated, a color type selection screen (200) being a next operation screen is displayed after setting a single side copy condition as one of various conditions related to a copy function. When the various copy selection key 110b is operated, a copy menu screen (300) being another operation screen is displayed. Even on the copy menu screen (300), a single side copy selection key (320a) having the same role on the portable screen 100 is arranged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus including a display unit, an operation reception unit, and a control unit capable of executing a process of switching a plurality of operation screens and displaying them on the display unit, and capable of executing a copy process of copying an image of a document onto a sheet-like image recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] An example of this type of technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to the technology disclosed in this Patent Document 1, in an image processing apparatus as an information processing apparatus, a menu screen in which a plurality of operation keys including a normal copy selection button and a simple copy selection button are arranged is displayed on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) as the display unit. In this menu screen, for example, when the normal copy selection button is operated (pressed), strictly speaking, when a user operation on the normal copy selection button is received by a touch panel as an operation reception unit, a normal display screen, which is an operation screen for normal copying, is displayed instead of the menu screen. In this normal display screen, setting of processing conditions related to a copy process as a predetermined information process is possible, including not only basic processing conditions such as paper selection but also various processing conditions including detailed processing conditions such as erasing blanks. On the other hand, in the menu screen, when the simple copy selection button is operated, a simple display screen, which is an operation screen for simple copying, is displayed instead of the menu screen. In this simple display screen, only setting of basic processing conditions among the processing conditions related to the copy process is possible.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, for example, on a menu screen, while a user is trying to operate a simple copy selection button, the user may accidentally operate a normal copy operation button. When it is desired to display a simple display screen instead of the normal display screen in a state where the normal display screen is displayed due to such an operation error, although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, it is presumed that the user will operate the simple copy selection button after displaying the menu screen again by a predetermined operation. To correct the operation error in this way, redisplaying the menu screen is inefficient and inconvenient from the viewpoint of operability.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel technology capable of improving operability in an information processing apparatus including a display unit, an operation reception unit, and a control unit capable of executing a process of switching a plurality of operation screens and displaying them on the display unit, and capable of executing a copy process of copying an image of an original document onto a sheet-like image recording medium. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus including a display unit, an operation reception unit, and a control unit capable of executing a process of switching a plurality of operation screens and causing the display unit to display them, on the premise that the information processing apparatus is capable of executing a copy process of copying an image of a document onto a sheet-like image recording medium. Under this premise, the control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen which is one of the plurality of operation screens. At least a first key and a second key are arranged on the first screen. When a user operation on the first key is received by the operation reception unit in a state where the first screen is displayed, the control unit causes the display unit to display a second screen which is an operation screen different from the first screen. On the other hand, when a user operation on the second key is received by the operation reception unit, the control unit causes the display unit to display a third screen which is an operation screen different from the first and second screens. At least a fourth key is arranged on the second screen. When a user operation on the fourth key is received by the operation reception unit in a state where the second screen is displayed, the control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen. On the contrary, at least a third key and a fifth key are arranged on the third screen. When a user operation on the third key is received by the operation reception unit in a state where the third screen is displayed, the control unit causes the display unit to display the second screen. On the other hand, when a user operation on the fifth key is received by the operation reception unit, the control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen. Here, the display modes of the first key and the third key are the same as or similar to each other.

[0007] Note that the position of the fourth key on the second screen and the position of the fifth key on the third screen may correspond to each other.

[0008] Also, the area of the fifth key on the third screen may be smaller than the area of the third key.

[0009] Furthermore, the fifth key on the third screen may be arranged at a position not adjacent to the third key.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus including a display means, an operation reception means, and a control means capable of executing a process of switching a plurality of operation screens and displaying them on the display means, and capable of executing a copy process of copying an image of a document onto a sheet-like image recording medium, the operability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] [First Embodiment] For the first embodiment of the present invention, the multi-function peripheral (MFP) 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

[0013] The multi-function peripheral 10 according to this first embodiment is installed in public spaces such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and libraries, assuming that it is used by an unspecified large number of people. This multi-function peripheral 10 has a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printing function, an image scanning function, and a fax function. Using these functions, the multi-function peripheral 10 provides various services such as a copy service, a print service, a scan service, and a fax service.

[0014] Such a multi-function peripheral 10 includes an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 14, and a paper feeding unit 16. In addition, the multi-function peripheral 10 includes a control unit 18, an auxiliary storage unit 20, a communication unit 22, an external storage medium communication unit 24, a photo printer 26, and an operation display unit 28. These are connected to each other via a common bus 30.

[0015] The image reading unit 12 is an example of an image reading means. That is, the image reading unit 12 reads an image of an original (not shown) and performs an image reading process of outputting two-dimensional read image data corresponding to the read image. For this reason, the image reading unit 12 includes an original table (not shown) on which the original is placed. In addition, the image reading unit 12 includes an image reading unit including a light source (not shown), a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, etc., and a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the image reading position by the image reading unit. Further, the image reading unit 12 includes an original pressing cover (not shown) for pressing the original placed on the original table.

[0016] The image forming unit 14 is an example of an image forming means. That is, the image forming unit 14 performs an image forming process of forming, that is, printing, an image based on appropriate image data such as the aforementioned read image data on a sheet-like image recording medium (not shown) such as paper. This image forming process is performed, for example, by a known electrophotographic method. For this reason, the image forming unit 14 includes a photosensitive drum (not shown), a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like. After an image is formed by the image forming process by the image forming unit 14, the paper, so to speak, the printed matter, is discharged to a paper discharge tray (not shown). Note that the image forming unit 14 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may perform the image forming process, for example, by an inkjet method.

[0017] The paper feeding unit 16 is an example of a paper feeding means. That is, the paper feeding unit 16 has one or more, generally a plurality of, paper feeding cassettes (not shown). Appropriate-sized paper is accommodated in these paper feeding cassettes. Then, the paper feeding unit 16 supplies the paper one by one from any of the paper feeding cassettes as a paper feeding source to the image forming unit 14. As the paper, for example, plain paper in B5 size, A4 size, B4 size, and A3 size, and glossy paper in A4 size are prepared.

[0018] The control unit 18 is an example of a control means that controls the entire multifunction peripheral 10. For this reason, the control unit 18 has a computer as a control execution means, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 18a. In addition, the control unit 18 has a main storage unit 18b as a main storage means that can be directly accessed by the CPU 18a The main storage unit 18b includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown). A control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the CPU 18a is stored in the ROM among these. The RAM constitutes a work area and a buffer area when the CPU 18a executes processing based on the control program.

[0019] The auxiliary storage unit 20 is an example of auxiliary storage means. That is, various data including the above-described read image data and other various image data are appropriately stored in the auxiliary storage unit 20. Such an auxiliary storage unit 20 has, for example, a hard disk drive (not shown). In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 20 may have a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

[0020] The communication unit 22 is an example of communication means. That is, the communication unit 22 is connected to a communication network (not shown) and is responsible for two-way communication via the communication network. Examples of the communication network here include a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and a public switched telephone network. In addition, the LAN includes a wireless LAN (a wireless LAN conforming to the IEEE_802.11 standard, so-called Wi-Fi (registered trademark)).

[0021] The external storage medium communication unit 24 is an example of external storage medium communication means. That is, the external storage medium communication unit 24 has an external storage medium mounting unit (not shown) on which various media as external storage media (not shown) can be mounted, and is responsible for two-way communication with the medium mounted on the external storage medium mounting unit. Examples of the media here include semiconductor media such as SD (Secure Digital) memory cards and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, as well as disk media such as CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs). In addition, the external storage medium communication unit 24 has an infrared communication unit (not shown) for performing two-way communication by the infrared communication function with a portable device (not shown) such as a smartphone or a tablet having an infrared communication function. That is, a portable device having an infrared communication function may be treated as an external storage medium.

[0022] The photo printer 26 is, for example, a sublimation printer and is an example of an image forming means separate from the image forming unit 14 that can perform a higher quality image forming process, so-called photo printing, than the image forming unit 14. As the paper to be printed by this photo printer 26, for example, two types of dedicated papers in L size and 2L size are prepared. These dedicated papers are stored in a paper storage unit (not shown) provided in the photo printer 26. Then, the paper after photo printing by this photo printer 26, that is, the photo as a printed matter, is discharged to a photo discharge port (not shown). Note that the photo printer 26 may be, for example, an inkjet printer (especially using dye ink) instead of a sublimation printer.

[0023] The operation display unit 28 is a so-called operation panel and has a display 28a as an example of display means and a touch panel 28b as an example of operation reception means. The display 28a has a substantially rectangular display surface, and the touch panel 28b is provided so as to overlap the display surface of the display 28a. Note that the display 28a is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), but is not limited thereto, and may be a display of another type such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. And the touch panel 28b is, for example, a capacitance type panel, but is not limited thereto, and may be a panel of another type such as an electromagnetic induction type, a resistive film type, or an infrared type. Further, the operation display unit 28 has appropriate light emitting means such as a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) in addition to the display 28a. In addition, the operation display unit 28 has appropriate hardware switch means such as a push button switch (not shown) in addition to the touch panel 28b.

[0024] Now, according to the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, for example, after the startup of the multifunction device 10, a portal screen (which may also be referred to as a "menu screen" or a "home screen") 100 as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display surface of the display 28a. This portal screen 100 is an operation screen for selecting any one of the services that the multifunction device 10 can provide, in other words, for selecting the operation mode of the multifunction device 10. Therefore, on the portal screen 100, a plurality of operation keys 110, 110,... corresponding to each service that the multifunction device 10 can provide, in other words, for instructing to select each of the respective services, are appropriately arranged. Each operation key 110 is attached with an appropriate mark (image) 112 and a character string 114 representing the service corresponding to the operation key 110.

[0025] Here, for example, an operation key 110a with a character string 114a of "single-sided copy", so to speak, a single-sided copy selection key 110a, is a key for instructing to select the copy function. And an operation key 110b with a character string 114b of "various copies", so to speak, a various copies selection key 110b, is also a key for instructing to select the copy function. That is, on the portal screen 100, two keys, namely a single-sided copy selection key 110a and a various copies selection key 110b, are arranged as keys for instructing to select the copy function. Specifically, the single-sided copy selection key 110a is a key for instructing to select the copy function after limiting the purpose (form) of copying by the copy function to single-sided copy (copying the image of the original on only one side of the paper). On the other hand, the various copies selection key 110b is a key for instructing to select the copy function without limiting the purpose of copying first.

[0026] In the copy function, single-sided copying is often the purpose. Especially when the multifunction device 10 is installed in the aforementioned convenience store, empirically, in more than 90% of the cases when the copy function is selected, single-sided copying is the purpose. From this, the single-sided copy selection key 110a is displayed in a more prominent manner than the various copy selection keys 110b, and more specifically, than other operation keys 110, 110,... (excluding the smartphone link selection key 110c described later) that include the various copy selection keys 110b. For example, it is displayed in a larger size. In addition, the single-sided copy selection key 110a is arranged at the upper part of the portal screen 100, and more specifically, at the position closer to the left in the upper part.

[0027] Incidentally, the operation key 110c with the string 114c "Linked with smartphone" attached is a smartphone link selection key for instructing the selection of the smartphone link function. According to the smartphone link function mentioned here, the multifunction device 10 can be linked with a mobile device such as the aforementioned smartphone or tablet, and appropriate data can be transferred from the mobile device to the multifunction device 10, and printing of an image based on the transferred data can be performed, especially photo printing can be performed. Since this smartphone link function is also used relatively frequently, the smartphone link selection key 110c is displayed in a prominent manner similar to the single-sided copy selection key 110a, and more specifically, it is displayed in the same size as the single-sided copy selection key 110a. In addition, the smartphone link selection key 110c is arranged at the upper part of the portal screen 100, and more specifically, at the position closer to the right in the upper part, that is, arranged side by side with the single-sided copy selection key 110a.

[0028] In such a portal screen 100, for example, it is assumed that a single-sided copy selection key 110a is operated (pressed), strictly speaking, a user operation on the single-sided copy selection key 110a (the portion where it is arranged) is received by the touch panel 28b. Then, the copy function is selected, and specifically, the copy mode is set as the operation mode of the multifunction device 10. At the same time, among the various conditions related to the copy function, the so-called single-sided copy condition for performing the above-mentioned single-sided copy is set. Then, instead of the portal screen 100, a color type selection screen 200 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 28a.

[0029] This color type selection screen 200 is one of the operation screens in the copy function, specifically, an operation screen for selecting the type (kind) of print color as one of the various conditions related to the copy function. At an appropriate position on this color type selection screen 200, for example, at the upper left position, an appropriate character string 210 prompting the user to select the color type is arranged. And below the character string 210, a plurality of operation keys 220, 220,... corresponding to the selectable color types, that is, for instructing the selection of the color type, are appropriately arranged. Each operation key 220 is attached with an appropriate character string 222 representing the color type corresponding to the operation key 220.

[0030] Among these operation keys 220, 220, …, for example, the operation key 220a with the character string 222a of "Full Color" attached thereto is a full-color selection key for selecting full color as the color type. And the operation key 220b with the character string 222b of "Black and White" attached thereto is a black-and-white selection key for selecting black and white as the color type. The other operation keys 220c, 220c, … are single-color selection keys for selecting single color as the color type. Note that for the color type, either full color or black-and-white color is often selected. From this, the full-color selection key 220a and the black-and-white selection key 220b are displayed in a more prominent manner than the single-color selection keys 220c, 220c, …, for example, they are displayed in a larger size. Additionally, the full-color selection key 220a and the black-and-white selection key 220b are arranged at the upper part of the color type selection screen 200, for example, they are arranged side by side horizontally with each other.

[0031] Also, at an appropriate position on the color type selection screen 200, for example, in the vicinity of the upper right corner of the color type selection screen 200, another operation key 230 is arranged. This operation key 230 is an end key for ending the copy function, that is, for ending the operation in the copy mode. Therefore, an appropriate character string 232 representing the role of the end key 230, for example, "End", is attached to the end key 230.

[0032] On this color type selection screen 200, for example, when any of the operation keys 220, 220,... for instructing to select a color type is operated, the color type corresponding to the operation key 220 is selected, that is, set. Then, instead of the color type selection screen 200, a paper selection screen (not shown) for setting the following conditions related to the copy function, for example, for selecting paper, is displayed on the display 28a. Thereafter, operation screens (not shown) for setting the necessary conditions related to the copy function are sequentially displayed. And when the setting by each operation screen is completed, copying (specifically, copy processing including image reading processing by the image reading unit 12 and image forming processing by the image forming unit 14) becomes possible, and the copying is to be performed.

[0033] In addition, on the color type selection screen 200, when the end key 230 is operated, the previous settings are canceled, that is, the setting of the copy mode and the setting of the single-sided copy condition are canceled. Then, instead of the color type selection screen 200, the portal screen 100 shown in the foregoing (FIG. 2) is displayed again on the display 28a.

[0034] Also, on the portal screen 100, when various copy selection keys 110b are operated (pressed), the copy function is selected, that is, the copy mode is set as the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10. Then, instead of the portal screen 100, a copy menu screen 300 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 28a.

[0035] This copy menu screen 300 is also one of the operation screens in the copy function, specifically a screen for selecting the purpose of copying. At an appropriate position on this copy menu screen 300, for example, at the upper left position, an appropriate string 310 is arranged to prompt the user to select the purpose of copying, so to speak, the copy menu. At the same time, below the string 310, a plurality of operation keys 320, 320,... corresponding to the selectable menu, in other words, for instructing the selection of the menu, are appropriately arranged. Here, nine operation keys 320, 320,... are arranged in a group in a layout (matrix) of three columns in the horizontal direction and three rows in the vertical direction. Each operation key 320 is attached with an appropriate mark (image) 322 and string 324 representing the menu corresponding to the operation key 320.

[0036] Among these operation keys 320, 320,..., for example, the operation key 320a with the string 324a of "copy on one side" attached has the same role as the one-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100, that is, it is a one-sided copy selection key. Therefore, when the one-sided copy selection key 320a on this copy menu screen 300 is operated, the one-sided copy conditions are set in the same way as when the one-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is operated. Then, instead of the copy menu screen 300, the color type selection screen 200 (described above, Figure 3) is displayed on the display 28a.

[0037] Also, at an appropriate position on the copy menu screen 300, for example, near the upper right corner of the copy menu screen 300, an end key 330 similar to the end key 230 on the color type selection screen 200 is arranged. A character string 332 similar to the character string 232 attached to the end key 230 on the color type selection screen 200, that is, "End", is also attached to the end key 330 on this copy menu screen 300. When the end key 330 on this copy menu screen 300 is operated, similar to when the end key 230 on the color type selection screen 200 is operated, the previous settings are cancelled. Specifically, the copy mode settings are cancelled. Then, instead of the copy menu screen 300, the portal screen 100 is displayed again on the display 28a.

[0038] Here, FIG. 5 shows a memory map 400 conceptually representing the configuration in the RAM of the main memory unit 18b.

[0039] As shown in this memory map 400, the RAM has a program storage area 410 and a data storage area 450. The above-mentioned control program is stored in the program storage area 410 of these. Specifically, the control program includes a display control program 412, an operation detection program 414, an image reading program 416, an image forming program 418, and a paper feed control program 420. In addition, the control program includes a communication control program 422, an external storage medium communication control program 424, and a photo printer control program 426. Further, the control program includes a portal screen control program 428, a color type selection screen control program 430, and a copy menu screen control program 432.

[0040] The display control program 412 is a program for generating display screen data necessary to cause the display 28a to display various screens including the aforementioned portal screen 100. The operation detection program 414 is a program for detecting the operation state with respect to the touch panel 28b. The image reading program 416 is a program for controlling the image reading unit 12. The image forming program 418 is a program for controlling the image forming unit 14. The paper feed control program 420 is a program for controlling the paper feed unit 16. The communication control program 422 is a program for controlling the communication unit 22. The external storage medium communication control program 424 is a program for controlling the external storage medium communication unit 24. The photo printer control program 426 is a program for controlling the photo printer 26. And the portal screen control program 428 is a program for causing the CPU 18a to execute a portal screen control task described later. The color type selection screen control program 430 is a program for causing the CPU 18a to execute a color type selection screen control task described later. The copy menu screen control program 432 is a program for causing the CPU 18a to execute a copy menu screen control task described later.

[0041] On the other hand, various data are stored in the data storage area 450. Examples of this various data include display image generation data 452, operation data 454, setting data 456, and the like.

[0042] The display image generation data 452 is data such as polygon data and texture data used for generating display screen data based on the aforementioned display control program 412. The operation data 454 is data representing the operation state with respect to the touch panel 28b, and more specifically, time-series data representing the touch position (coordinates) of the user with respect to the touch panel 28b. And the setting data 456 is data representing the setting contents of various conditions related to each function including the aforementioned copy function. That is, data representing settings such as the copy mode setting and the single-sided copy condition setting are also stored as the setting data 456.

[0043] As described above, the CPU 18a operates according to a control program, and particularly executes a portal screen control task according to the portal screen control program 428. The flow of this portal screen control task is shown in FIG. 6.

[0044] According to this portal screen control task, the CPU 18a first displays the portal screen 100 on the display 28a in step S1, specifically, displays the portal screen 100 according to the display control program 412. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S3.

[0045] In step S3, the CPU 18a waits for any user operation to be performed on the portal screen 100, specifically, waits for the user operation to be received by the touch panel 28b (S3: NO). In this step S3, when any user operation is received (S3: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S5.

[0046] In step S5, the CPU 18a determines whether the user operation received in step S3 is an operation to select single-sided copying, that is, whether the user operation is an operation on the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100. Here, for example, when the user operation received in step S3 is an operation on the single-sided copy selection key 110a (S5: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S7. On the other hand, when the user operation received in step S3 is not an operation on the single-sided copy selection key 110a (S5: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S13 described later.

[0047] In step S7, the CPU 18a sets the copy mode as the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10, that is, stores data indicating that as setting data 456. Thereby, the copy function is selected. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S9.

[0048] In step S9, the CPU 18a sets the above-described single-sided copy condition as one of the various conditions related to the copy function, and specifically stores data representing this as setting data 456. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S11.

[0049] In step S11, the CPU 18a starts executing the color type selection screen control task. This color type selection screen control task will be described in detail later. With this, the CPU 18a ends the portal screen control task.

[0050] Also, when the CPU 18a advances the process from step S5 to step S13 described above, in step S13, it determines whether the user operation received in step S3 above is an operation on the various copy selection keys 110b on the portal screen 100. Here, for example, if the user operation received in step S3 is an operation on the various copy selection keys 110b (S13: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S15. On the other hand, if the user operation received in step S3 is not an operation on the various copy selection keys 110b (S13: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S19 described later.

[0051] In step S15, the CPU 18a sets the copy mode as the operation mode of the multifunction device 10, that is, stores data representing this as setting data 456. Thereby, the copy function is selected. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S17.

[0052] In step S17, the CPU 18a starts executing the copy menu screen control task. This copy menu screen control task will be described in detail later. With this, the CPU 18a ends the portal screen control task.

[0053] Furthermore, when the CPU 18a proceeds with the processing from step S13 to step S19 as described above, in step S19, it performs processing according to the user operation received in step S3. For example, when the user operation received in step S3 is an operation on the smartphone link selection key 110c, appropriate processing is performed, including setting the operation mode of the multifunction device 10 to a mode corresponding to the smartphone link function. The same applies when any other operation key 110 is operated. With the execution of this step S19, the CPU 18a ends the portal screen control task.

[0054] Note that, although detailed explanations including illustrations are omitted, when no user operation is performed for a certain period (for example, several minutes) while the portal screen 100 is being displayed, the multifunction device 10 enters a standby state. In this standby state, instead of the portal screen 100, a predetermined standby screen is displayed on the display 28a. Then, when any user operation is performed in the standby state, the standby state is released. As a result, instead of the standby screen, the portal screen 100 is displayed on the display 28a again.

[0055] As described above, the CPU 18a starts executing the color type selection screen control task in step S11, and this color type selection screen control task is executed according to the color type selection screen control program 430. The flow of this color type selection screen control task is shown in FIG. 7.

[0056] According to this color task selection screen control task, the CPU 18a first displays the color type selection screen 200 on the display 28a instead of the portal screen 100 in step S101. This color type selection screen 200 is displayed according to the display control program 412. Then, the CPU 18a proceeds with the processing to step S103.

[0057] In step S103, the CPU 18a waits for any user operation to be performed on the color type selection screen 200. Specifically, it waits for the user operation to be received by the touch panel 28b (S103: NO). When any user operation is received in this step S103 (S103: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S105.

[0058] In step S105, the CPU 18a determines whether the user operation received in step S103 is an operation to terminate the copy function, that is, whether the user operation is an operation on the end key 230 on the color type selection screen 200. Here, for example, if the user operation received in step S103 is an operation on the end key 230 (S105: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S107. On the other hand, if the user operation received in step S103 is not an operation on the end key 230 (S105: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S111 described later.

[0059] In step S107, the CPU 18a cancels the previous settings, that is, cancels the copy mode setting and the single-sided copy condition setting. Specifically, it clears the aforementioned setting data 456. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S109.

[0060] In step S109, the CPU 18a starts executing the aforementioned portal screen control task. As a result, instead of the color type selection screen 200, the portal screen 100 is displayed on the display 28a, and it waits for any user operation to be performed on the portal screen 100. With this, the CPU 18a ends the color touch panel selection screen control task.

[0061] Also, when the CPU 18a proceeds with the processing from the aforementioned step S105 to step S111, in step S111, it performs processing corresponding to the user operation received in the aforementioned step S103. With this, the CPU 18a ends the color type selection screen control task.

[0062] In addition, as described above, in step S17 in the portal screen control task, the CPU 18a starts the execution of the copy menu screen control task, and this copy menu screen control task is executed according to the copy menu screen control program 432. The flow of this copy menu screen control task is shown in FIG. 8.

[0063] According to this copy menu screen control task, first, in step S201, the CPU 18a displays the copy menu screen 300 on the display 28a instead of the portal screen 100. This copy menu screen 300 is displayed according to the display control program 412. Then, the CPU 18a proceeds with the processing to step S203.

[0064] In step S203, the CPU 18a waits for any user operation to be performed on the copy menu screen 300, specifically, waits for the user operation to be received by the touch panel 28b (S203: NO). When any user operation is received in this step S203 (S203: YES), the CPU 18a proceeds with the processing to step S205.

[0065] In step S205, the CPU 18a determines whether the user operation received in step S203 is an operation to terminate the copy function, that is, whether the user operation is an operation on the end key 330 in the copy menu screen 300. Here, for example, if the user operation received in step S203 is an operation on the end key 330 (S205: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S207. On the other hand, if the user operation received in step S203 is not an operation on the end key 330 (S205: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S211 described later.

[0066] In step S207, the CPU 18a cancels the previous settings, that is, cancels the copy mode settings, and specifically clears the aforementioned setting data 456. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S209.

[0067] In step S209, the CPU 18a starts the execution of the aforementioned portal screen control task. As a result, instead of the copy menu screen 300, the portal screen 100 is displayed on the display 28a, and it is awaited that some user operation is performed on the portal screen 100. With this, the CPU 18a ends the copy menu screen control task.

[0068] Also, when the CPU 18a advances the process from step S205 to step S211 described above, in step S211, the CPU 18a determines whether the user operation received in step S203 is an operation on the single-sided copy selection key 320a in the copy menu screen 300. Here, for example, if the user operation received in step S203 is an operation on the single-sided copy selection key 320a (S211: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S213. On the other hand, if the user operation received in step S203 is not an operation on the single-sided copy selection key 320a (S211: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S217 described later.

[0069] In step S213, the CPU 18a sets the single-sided copy condition as one of the various conditions related to the copy function, and specifically stores data representing this as setting data 456. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S215.

[0070] In step S215, the CPU 18a starts executing the above-described color type selection screen control task. As a result, instead of the copy menu screen 300, the color type selection screen 200 is displayed on the display 28a, and it is awaited that some user operation is performed on the color type selection screen 200. With this, the CPU 18a ends the copy menu screen control task.

[0071] Furthermore, when the CPU 18a advances the process from step S211 to step S217 as described above, in step S217, the CPU 18a performs processing according to the user operation received in step S203 above. With this, the CPU 18a ends the copy menu screen control task.

[0072] As described above, according to the first embodiment, on the portal screen 100 which is so to speak the main operation screen, two keys, namely the single-sided copy selection key 110a and the various copy selection key 110b, are arranged as keys for instructing to select the copy function. And for example, when the single-sided copy selection key 110a is operated, the copy mode is set and the single-sided copy condition is set, and on top of that, instead of the portal screen 100, the color type selection screen 200 is displayed. On the other hand, when the various copy selection key 110b is operated, after the copy mode is set, instead of the portal screen 100, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed. On this copy menu screen 300, a single-sided copy selection key 320a having the same role as the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is arranged. That is, when the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 is operated, after the single-sided copy condition is set, instead of the copy menu screen 300, the color type selection screen 200 is displayed.

[0073] For example, on the portal screen 100, while a user is attempting to operate the single-sided copy selection key 110a, they may accidentally operate the various copy selection keys 110b instead. Due to such an operation error, even if the copy menu screen 300 is displayed, on the copy menu screen 300, a single-sided copy selection key 320a having the same role as the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is arranged. Therefore, the user can obtain the same result as operating the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 by operating the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300. That is, the user can obtain the same result as operating the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 without performing an operation to redisplay the portal screen 100. This greatly contributes to improving the operability of the multifunction machine 10.

[0074] Incidentally, the display mode of the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 and the display mode of the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 are generally similar, but may be configured to be even more similar. For example, aspects such as the shape and size of the mark (image) 112a attached to the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 and the corresponding aspects of the mark (image) 322a attached to the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 may be made the same. Also, aspects such as the content of the text represented by the character string 114a attached to the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 and the corresponding aspects of the character string 324a attached to the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 may be made the same. In addition, aspects such as the overall shape and size of the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 and the corresponding aspects of the entire single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 may be made the same. Extremely, the display mode of the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 and the display mode of the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 may be made exactly the same.

[0075] The CPU 18a in the first embodiment is, among other things, the CPU 18a that executes the portal screen control task, the color type selection screen control task, and the copy menu screen control task described above (Figs. 6 to 8), and can be said to be a display control means. And the portal screen 100 in the first embodiment is an example of the first screen according to the present invention. Also, the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is an example of the first key according to the present invention, and various copy selection keys 110b on the portal screen 100 are examples of the second key according to the present invention. Furthermore, the color type selection screen 200 in the first embodiment is an example of the second screen according to the present invention. And the copy menu screen 300 in the first embodiment is an example of the third screen according to the present invention, and the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 is an example of the third key according to the present invention.

[0076] In addition, the single-sided copy condition in the first embodiment is a specific condition. And the various conditions related to the copy function including the single-sided copy condition are, so to speak, a plurality of processing conditions.

[0077] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0078] In the second embodiment, a color type selection screen 200a as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, in the color type selection screen 200a in the second embodiment, an operation key 240 with a character string 242 of "various copies" attached thereto is arranged at an appropriate position of the color type selection screen 200a, for example, at a position to the left of the end key 230. This operation key 240 is a key having the same role as the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100, that is, a various copy selection key. That is, a various copy selection key 240 having the same role as the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100 is arranged on the color type selection screen 200a in the second embodiment. Note that the other configurations in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment except for a part of the color type selection screen control task described later. Therefore, for the parts similar to those in the first embodiment in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0079] In the color type selection screen 200a in the second embodiment, for example, when various copy selection keys 240a are operated, instead of the color type selection screen 200a, a copy menu screen 300 is displayed on the display 28a. In short, the same result as when the various copy selection keys 110b on the portal screen 100 are operated is obtained. Note that immediately before the various copy selection keys 240 on the color type selection screen 200a are operated, the single-sided copy condition is set. When the various copy selection keys 240 on the color type selection screen 200a are operated, in response to this, the setting of the single-sided copy condition is cancelled. Then, instead of the color type selection screen 200a, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed on the display 28a.

[0080] In such a second embodiment, the color type selection screen control task is executed in the flow as shown in FIG. 10. Note that the color type selection screen control task in the second embodiment is provided with steps S301 to S305 with respect to the color type selection screen control task in the first embodiment (FIG. 7), and is otherwise the same as the color type selection screen control task in the first embodiment.

[0081] Specifically, in step S105, when the user operation received in step S103 is not an operation on the end key 230 on the color type selection screen 200a (S105: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S301. In step S301, the CPU 18a determines whether the user operation received in step S3 is an operation on the various copy selection keys 240 on the color type selection screen 200a. Here, for example, when the user operation received in step S103 is an operation on the various copy selection keys 240 (S301: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S303. On the other hand, when the user operation received in step S103 is not an operation on the various copy selection keys 240 (S301: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S111.

[0082] In step S303, the CPU 18a cancels the setting of the single-sided copy condition, specifically, erases the data related to the single-sided copy condition among the aforementioned setting data 456. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S305.

[0083] In step S305, the CPU 18a starts executing the copy menu screen control task. As a result, instead of the color type selection screen 200a, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed on the display 28a, and it is awaited that some user operation is performed on the copy menu screen 300. With this, the CPU 18a ends the color type selection screen control task.

[0084] Thus, according to this second embodiment, a copy selection key 240 having the same role as the various copy selection keys 110b on the portal screen 100 is also arranged on the color type selection screen 200a. When the copy selection key 240 on the color type selection screen 200a is operated, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed instead of the color type selection screen 200a. That is, the same result as when the various copy selection keys 110b on the portal screen 100 are operated is obtained.

[0085] Here, for example, on the portal screen 100, while the user is trying to operate various copy selection keys 110b, they may accidentally operate the single-sided copy selection key 110b. Due to such an operation error, even if the color type selection screen 200a is displayed, on the color type selection screen 200a, various copy selection keys 240 having the same role as the various copy selection keys 110b on the portal screen 100 are arranged. Therefore, by operating the various copy selection keys 240 on the color type selection screen 200a, the user can obtain the same result as operating the various copy selection keys 110b on the portal screen 100. That is, the user can obtain the same result as operating the various copy selection keys 110b on the portal screen 100 without performing an operation to redisplay the portal screen 100. This also greatly contributes to improving the operability of the multifunction machine 10.

[0086] As described above, on the copy menu screen 300, a single-sided copy selection key 320a is arranged. Also in this second embodiment, when the single-sided copy selection key 320a is operated, instead of the copy menu screen 300, the color type selection screen 200a is displayed. And on the color type selection screen 200a, various copy selection keys 240 are arranged. When the various copy selection keys 240 are operated, instead of the color type selection screen 200a, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed. In short, according to this second embodiment, it is possible to directly transition between the color type selection screen 200a and the copy menu screen 300, especially without going through the portal screen 100.

[0087] The mode of the various copy selection keys 240 arranged on the color type selection screen 200a in this second embodiment is not limited to the mode described here, including its design, position, shape, size, etc.

[0088] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0089] In the third embodiment, a copy menu screen 300a as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 11, in the copy menu screen 300a in the third embodiment, the aspect of the single-sided copy selection key 320a is different from that in the first embodiment (and the second embodiment).

[0090] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the position (relative position) of the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 corresponds to, in other words, overlaps with, the position of the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100. That is, the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 is arranged in the upper left region of the copy menu screen 300, and similarly, the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is also arranged in the upper left region of the portal screen 100.

[0091] On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the position of the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300a does not correspond to, in other words, does not overlap with, the position of the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100. That is, the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300a is arranged in the upper right region of the copy menu screen 300a, that is, the region immediately to the left of the end key 330. On the other hand, the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is arranged in the upper left region of the portal screen 100 as described above.

[0092] Also, from another perspective, in the copy menu screen 300 in the first embodiment, the single-sided copy selection key 320 is arranged in the same region as the other operation keys 320, 320,... (for instructing to select a copy menu) so as to form a group with the other operation keys 320, 320,....

[0093] On the other hand, in the copy menu screen 300a in the third embodiment, the single-sided copy selection key 320a is arranged in an area different from the area where a group formed by the other operation keys 320, 320, ... is arranged, and is arranged so as to be isolated from the group, so to speak.

[0094] Furthermore, in the copy menu screen 300 in the first embodiment, the single-sided copy selection key 320a has the same shape and size as the other operation keys 320, 320, .... In addition, the single-sided copy selection key 320a is provided with appropriate marks 322(322a) and character strings 324(324a) in the same manner as the other operation keys 320, 320, ....

[0095] On the other hand, in the copy menu screen 300a in the third embodiment, the single-sided copy selection key 320a is different from the other operation keys 320, 320, ... in both shape and size. In addition, unlike the other operation keys 320, 320, ..., the single-sided copy selection key 320a is only provided with a character string 324(324a) and no mark 322(322a) is provided.

[0096] Thus, according to the third embodiment, the aspect of the single-sided copy selection key 320a in the copy menu screen 300a is different from that in the first embodiment. By adopting such a copy menu screen 300a according to the installation situation of the multifunction machine 10 including the installation location of the multifunction machine 10, the operability may be improved.

[0097] [Other application examples] Each of the above embodiments is a specific example of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can also be applied to aspects other than these embodiments.

[0098] For example, although appropriate character strings 114 are attached to the respective operation keys 110 on the portal screen 100, the character strings 114 may be attached near the operation keys 110. In addition to the character strings 114, character strings representing simple explanations about the services corresponding to the respective operation keys 110 may be attached.

[0099] And as the operation reception means, not only the touch panel 28b but also other means such as a mouse or a keyboard may be adopted. Further, a so-called projector with a touch screen function that projects each screen such as the portal screen 100 onto a screen and performs operations on the projected image may be adopted as the operation reception means (and display means).

[0100] Also, when the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is operated, or when the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 is operated, the color type selection screen 200 is configured to be displayed, but it is not limited to this. That is, on the color type selection screen 200, an appropriate operation screen other than the color type selection screen 200, such as a paper selection screen for selecting paper or an original size setting screen for setting the size of the original, may be displayed. In short, as the second screen according to the present invention, an appropriate operation screen other than the color type selection screen 200 may be adopted.

[0101] In addition, in each embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the copy function of the multifunction machine 10 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a photo printing function for performing photo printing. In this case, as an example, after limiting the paper to be printed (L size or 2L size), a first key for selecting the photo printing function and a second key for first selecting the photo printing function without limiting the paper to be printed are arranged on the portal screen 100. When the first key is operated, an operation screen different from the portal screen 100 is displayed after limiting the paper to be printed. On the other hand, when the second key is operated, another operation screen is displayed. An operation screen displayed when the second key is operated is provided with a third key having the same role as the first key. When the third key is operated, the same operation screen as that displayed when the first key on the portal screen 100 is operated is displayed. Even in such a case, the present invention can be applied.

[0102] The present invention can be applied not only to the multifunction machine 10 but also to an image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus) other than the multifunction machine 10. Further, the present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus other than the image processing apparatus.

[0103] Furthermore, the present invention can be provided not only in the form of an apparatus such as an image processing apparatus but also in the form of a program such as a display control program in the image processing apparatus and in the form of a method such as a display control method in the image processing apparatus.

[0104] In addition, the present invention can also be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium on which a display control program in the image processing apparatus is recorded. In this case, the display control program recorded on the recording medium is read by a computer of the image processing apparatus and executed by the computer, whereby an image processing apparatus similar to the present invention is realized. Examples of the recording medium mentioned here include the same semiconductor media and disk media as described above. Also, a built-in type (embedded type) medium such as a ROM or a hard disk drive that is incorporated into an image processing apparatus (computer system) rather than a portable medium can also be applied as the recording medium mentioned here.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10... Multifunction machine 12... Image reading unit 14... Image forming unit 18... Control unit 18a... CPU 18b... Main memory unit 28... Operation display unit 28a... Display 28b... Touch panel 100... Portal screen 110... Operation keys 110a... Single-sided copy selection key 110b... Copy selection key 112, 112a... Marks 114, 114a, 114b... Character strings 200, 200a... Color type selection screen 230... End key 240... Operation key 300, 300a... Copy menu screen 320... Operation key 320a... Single-sided copy selection key 322, 322a... Mark 324, 324a... Character string 330... End key

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus including a display means, an operation reception means, and a control means capable of executing a process of switching a plurality of operation screens and displaying them on the display means, and capable of executing a copy process of copying an image of a document to a sheet-like image recording medium, wherein the control means causes the display means to display a first screen on which at least a first key and a second key, which are one of the plurality of operation screens, are arranged; when a user operation on the first key is received by the operation reception means, causes the display means to display a second screen on which at least a fourth key, which is one of the plurality of operation screens, is arranged; when a user operation on the fourth key is received by the operation reception means, causes the display means to display the first screen; when a user operation on the second key is received by the operation reception means, causes the display means to display a third screen on which at least a third key and a fifth key, which are one of the plurality of operation screens, are arranged; when a user operation on the third key is received by the operation reception means, causes the display means to display the second screen; and when a user operation on the fifth key is received by the operation reception means, causes the display means to display the first screen, wherein the display mode of the first key and the display mode of the third key are the same or similar, the information processing apparatus.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the fourth key on the second screen and the position of the fifth key on the third screen correspond to each other.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the area of the fifth key is smaller than the area of the third key.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fifth key is arranged at a position not adjacent to the third key.

Images