Printing apparatus and

Abstract

To improve usability when selecting a function to be executed from a tab-type standby screen.SOLUTION: On the standby screen 25, the plurality of tabs 31-34 and the tab screen 40 corresponding to the tab 31 being in the selected state among the tab screens corresponding to the tabs 31-34 are displayed. Each tab screen of the tabs 31 to 34 includes a plurality of icons. At least one of the tab screens includes a specific function icon and at least one of a shortcut-registrable icon and a shortcut icon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for selecting and executing a function from a standby screen displayed on a display unit. [Background technology]

[0002] As various devices configured to be able to execute multiple functions, there is known an information processing device that displays a tab-format operation screen on a touch panel unit and allows the display content of the operation screen to be switched by switching the tabs, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the information processing device described in Patent Document 1, the operation screen is divided into tabs for each predetermined function, such as a copy function, a fax function, etc., and an extension tab is also provided. The extension tab has keys arranged thereon that can be arbitrarily registered by the user and that are registered with functions to be executed based on the user's frequently used settings or processing contents. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-262501 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the information processing device described in Patent Document 1, a tab for a specified function and a tab for a registration function are provided separately. Therefore, for example, if a user wants to use one of the specified functions and then use a specific registration function, or vice versa, the user needs to switch tabs, which is not necessarily user-friendly.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to improve the ease of use when selecting a function to be executed from a tab-format standby screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The function executing device of the present invention includes a display unit, a touch panel, and a control unit capable of executing a plurality of functions. The touch panel is configured to detect a pointing operation by a pointer on the display unit and the position of the pointing operation. The control unit executes a standby screen display process to display a standby screen on the display unit.

[0008] The standby screen has a tab display area and a tab screen display area. The tab display area is an area where a plurality of tabs are displayed. The tab screen display area is an area where a tab screen corresponding to one of a plurality of tab screens that is in a selected state is displayed. Each of the plurality of tab screens includes a plurality of icons associated with the tab corresponding to the tab screen.

[0009] Furthermore, in at least one of the plurality of tab screens, the plurality of icons on the tab screen include a default function icon and at least one of a shortcut registration icon and a shortcut icon. The default function icon is an icon registered in advance for each of the plurality of functions to execute one of the plurality of functions. The shortcut registration icon is an icon for registering a shortcut function that executes one of the plurality of functions under a specific execution condition that is set in advance. The shortcut icon is generated in place of the shortcut registration icon when a shortcut function is registered for the shortcut registration icon. This is an icon for executing the shortcut function.

[0010] The control unit further executes tab screen switching processing and icon operation response processing. The tab screen switching processing is processing for, when a standby screen is displayed on the display unit and an operation is performed on one of a plurality of tabs displayed in a tab display area on the standby screen that is not currently selected, selecting the tab that has been operated in response to the operation instead of the currently selected tab and displaying a tab screen corresponding to the selected tab in the tab screen display area.

[0011] The icon operation response processing is configured to start processing for executing the function registered in the default function icon when a default function icon is displayed on the standby screen and the default function icon is operated by pointing to the default function icon, to start processing for generating a shortcut icon in place of the shortcut registration icon by registering a shortcut function to the shortcut registration icon when a shortcut icon is displayed on the standby screen and the shortcut icon is operated by pointing to the default function icon, and to start processing for executing the shortcut function registered in the shortcut icon when a shortcut icon is displayed on the standby screen and the shortcut icon is operated by pointing to the default function icon.

[0012] In a function executing device configured as described above, at least one of the individual tab screens for each tab includes not only a default function icon but also at least one of a shortcut registration icon and a shortcut icon.

[0013] In other words, the default function icon for the default function and at least one of the shortcut registration icon and the shortcut icon can be simultaneously displayed on the standby screen. Therefore, when at least the tab screens that can be simultaneously displayed are displayed on the standby screen, the user can select the default function icon or at least one of the shortcut registration icon and the shortcut icon from the tab screen.

[0014] Therefore, according to the function executing device having such a configuration, it is possible to improve the ease of use when selecting a function to be executed from the standby screen in tab format. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a function execution device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation panel of the function executing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a standby screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a pseudo-standby screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing examples of various editing operations for an icon. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing examples of various editing operations on icons (continuation of FIG. 5); [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pseudo standby screen when a fax icon is removed from the standby screen and the fax reception mode is set to a fax-only mode; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pseudo standby screen when a fax icon is removed from the standby screen and the fax reception mode is set to manual mode; [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of a main control process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiment] (1-1) Configuration of the function execution device The function executing device 10 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 reads an image of a document and It has several specified functions, such as a scanning function that generates image data, a printing function that prints images on recording paper, a copying function that prints images read by the scanning function on recording paper, and a facsimile function that sends and receives facsimile data.

[0017] 1, the function executing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an input unit 14, an image reading unit 15, a printing unit 16, a media interface unit 17, a first communication unit 18, and a second communication unit 19, which are interconnected via a bus 20. The media interface unit will be abbreviated as "media I / F" hereinafter.

[0018] The control unit 11 has a CPU. The storage unit 12 has a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, a flash memory, etc. That is, the function executing device 10 has a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory.

[0019] The control unit 11 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in a non-transient physical recording medium. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 corresponds to the non-transient physical recording medium storing the program. Note that the various functions realized by the control unit 11 are not limited to being realized by executing a program, and some or all of the functions may be realized using one or more pieces of hardware.

[0020] The storage unit 12 stores data for various screens to be displayed on the display unit 13, including a standby screen 25 (see FIG. 2) described below. The storage unit 12 also stores a program for a main control process shown in FIG. 9 described below. The programs for executing the above functions may be included as part of the program for the main control process, or may be programs separate from the program for the main control process.

[0021] The display unit 13 has a display device capable of displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input unit 14 has input devices for receiving various input operations. The input devices of the input unit 14 include a power button 5, a numeric keypad 6, a back button 7, a home button 8, a stop button 9, and a touch panel 14a, all of which are shown in Fig. 2. The touch panel 14a is disposed in an image display area on the display device of the display unit 13 where an image is displayed.

[0022] The touch panel 14a is capable of detecting a pointing operation due to contact or proximity of a pointer with respect to the image display area of ​​the display unit 13. That is, when a pointing operation is being performed with a pointer with respect to the image display area of ​​the display unit 13, the touch panel 14a is configured to be able to output position information indicating a pointing position where the pointing operation is being performed. The touch panel 14a of this embodiment is configured to output position information continuously or periodically while a pointing operation is being performed with the pointer. Note that the touch panel 14a may be configured to be able to detect only contact as a pointing operation, or only proximity, or both contact and proximity.

[0023] The control unit 11 acquires position information output from the touch panel 14a, and based on the acquired position information, can detect whether or not a pointing operation has been performed by the indicator, the pointing position when a pointing operation has been performed, and at least one type of specific operation by the indicator when a pointing operation has been performed.

[0024] The specific operation that can be detected by the control unit 11 is at least a tap operation, which is an operation in which a pointing operation is performed with a pointer and then the pointer is released at the same position. There are various possible specific modes of the pointer that can perform the pointing operation, and for example, it may be a fingertip or a stylus. It may also be a specific pointing device such as a pen.

[0025] The image reading unit 15 includes an image sensor, reads an image of a document, and generates image data of the read image. The image reading unit 15 may also include an ADF. Note that ADF is an abbreviation for Automatic Document Feeder. The image reading unit 15 may also be configured to be capable of performing so-called double-sided scanning, which reads images from both sides of a document placed on a document platen or the ADF.

[0026] The printing unit 16 has a printing mechanism using inkjet technology or electrophotography technology and is capable of printing images on sheet-like recording paper. Note that the printing unit 16 may be configured to be capable of performing so-called double-sided printing, in which images are printed on both sides of the recording paper.

[0027] The media I / F 17 is an interface unit to which various storage media, such as a USB flash memory, are attached, and controls the writing and reading of data to and from the attached storage media.

[0028] The first communication unit 18 is a communication interface for connecting the function performing device 10 to a network for data communication. The first communication unit 18 may be connectable to at least one of various networks such as a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, and the Internet. The function performing device 10 may be capable of wired or wireless data communication with various information processing devices such as personal computers, smartphones, and tablet terminals via the first communication unit 18. Furthermore, the function performing device 10 may be connected to the Internet via the first communication unit 18 and be capable of data communication with various other servers and various information processing devices via the Internet.

[0029] The second communication unit 19 is an interface unit for communicating with external devices via a communication line 100. In this embodiment, the communication line 100 connected to the second communication unit 19 is, for example, a public telephone network. In the facsimile function, transmission and reception of facsimile data is basically performed via the second communication unit 19.

[0030] The function executing device 10 has a line jack 106 for connecting to an external device via a communication line 100, and a telephone jack 107 for connecting to an external telephone 110. Both of these jacks 106 and 107 are modular jacks of the same shape. The second communication unit 19 is connected to each of these jacks 106 and 107.

[0031] The second communication unit 19 is connected to the communication line 100 via the line jack 106. Furthermore, when an external telephone 110 is connected to the telephone jack 107, the second communication unit 19 is connected to the external telephone 110 via the telephone jack 107. Furthermore, the external telephone 110 is directly connected to the communication line 100 via the telephone jack 107 and the line jack 106.

[0032] (1-2) Operation panel configuration An operation panel 3 shown in Fig. 2 is provided on one side of a housing (not shown) of the function executing device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the operation panel 3 is provided with a power button 5, a numeric keypad 6, a back button 7, a home button 8, a stop button 9, a display unit 13, and a touch panel 14a. More specifically, the display unit 13 shown in Fig. 2 indicates an image display area of ​​a display device included in the display unit 13. The touch panel 14a is superimposed over almost the entire range of this image display area.

[0033] The power button 5 is operated by the user to turn on and off the power of the function performing device 10. When the power button 5 is pressed to turn on the function performing device 10 and start its operation, the control unit 11 performs a specific initialization process and then displays a standby screen 25 on the display unit 13. The user can switch the screen displayed on the display unit 13, make various settings, and execute various functions by performing various input operations starting from the standby screen 25.

[0034] The numeric keypad 6 is a collective term for multiple hard keys including hard keys for the numbers 0 to 9 that are operated by the user mainly when entering numbers, for example, when entering a destination number for facsimile data or the number of copies in the copy function.

[0035] The back button 7 is a hard key operated by the user to return the screen of the display unit 13 to the screen that was displayed immediately before the currently displayed screen. The home button 8 is a hard key operated by the user to display the standby screen 25 on the display unit 13. The stop button 9 is a hard key operated by the user to stop an operation that is currently being processed.

[0036] (1-3) Explanation of the standby screen The standby screen 25 is a so-called tab-format screen, and a screen corresponding to any one of the multiple tabs that is selected is displayed on the standby screen 25. Each of the multiple tabs is associated with a tab screen, and the standby screen 25 displays the tab screen corresponding to the selected tab.

[0037] Various information required to display the standby screen 25, such as image information for each tab and information for each icon included in each tab screen associated with each tab, as well as information regarding the content of the processing to be executed when various input operations are performed on the standby screen 25 via the input unit 14, are stored in the memory unit 12.

[0038] 2, the standby screen 25 has a tab display area 30 and a tab screen display area 36. In addition, the standby screen 25 displays an administrator button 28. A maximum of four tabs are displayed in the tab display area 30. In this embodiment, the total number of tabs Nt is greater than four, which is the maximum number of tabs that can be simultaneously displayed on the standby screen 25. Fig. 2 shows an example in which a first tab 31, a second tab 32, a third tab 33, and a fourth tab 34 are displayed in the tab display area 30 out of the Nt tabs from the first tab to the Nt-th tab.

[0039] Each tab displays its own name. A selected tab is displayed in a different manner from the other tabs. Examples of differentiating a tab from the other tabs include using a different color from the other tabs, making the tab larger than the other tabs, or adding a specific decoration to the tab. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the first tab 31 is selected and displayed in a different color from the other tabs.

[0040] Each tab screen associated with each tab is a screen on which a plurality of icons are arranged. In this embodiment, eight icons are displayed on one tab screen. That is, in the tab screen display area 36 on the standby screen 25, a tab screen corresponding to one selected tab out of the tab screens (first tab screen to Nt-th tab screen) corresponding to all Nt tabs from the first tab to the Nt-th tab is displayed. FIG. 2 shows an example in which a first tab screen 40, which is a tab screen associated with the first tab 31 in the selected state, is displayed.

[0041] The first tab screen 40 displays a first icon 41 to an eighth icon 48. The specific type of each icon can be changed with administrator authority, as will be described later. In the first tab screen 40 shown in FIG. 2, the first icon 41 is a fax icon, the second icon 42 is a copy icon, the third icon 43 is a scan icon, and the fourth icon 44 is a fax icon. Icon 44 is an unregistered icon, fifth icon 45 is a setting menu icon, sixth icon 46 is a secure print icon, seventh icon 47 is a 2in1 ID copy icon, and eighth icon 48 is an unregistered icon.

[0042] On the standby screen 25, a left button 26 and a right button 27 are displayed near both ends of the tab display area 30. The left-right arrangement order of the Nt tabs is predetermined. If another tab is arranged to the left of the four currently displayed tabs, tapping the left button 26 will scroll the tab to be displayed to the right, thereby displaying the tab arranged to the left of the four currently displayed tabs. Conversely, if another tab is arranged to the right of the four currently displayed tabs, tapping the right button 27 will scroll the tab to be displayed to the left, thereby displaying the tab arranged to the right of the four currently displayed tabs.

[0043] To switch from the tab screen of the currently selected tab to the tab screen of another tab, simply tap the tab to which you want to switch. If you tap a tab other than the currently selected tab, the tapped tab becomes selected, and the tab screen display area 36 of the standby screen 25 displays the tab screen corresponding to the newly selected tab.

[0044] For example, as shown on the left side of Fig. 3, assume that a first tab screen 40 corresponding to a first tab 31 is displayed as the standby screen 25. When, for example, a second tab 32 having a tab name of "Basic Function 2" is tapped from this state, the selected tab switches from the first tab 31 to the second tab 32, as shown on the right side of Fig. 3, and a second tab screen 50 corresponding to the second tab 32 after the switch is displayed in the tab screen display area 36.

[0045] Eight icons, a first icon 51 to an eighth icon 58, are also displayed on the second tab screen 50. On the second tab screen 50, the first icon 51 is a media print icon, the second icon 52 is a cloud icon, the third icon 53 is a convenient tool icon, and the fifth icon 55 is a shortcut icon for the scan-to-file function described below. The fourth icon 54 and the sixth icon 56 to the eighth icon 58 are all unregistered icons.

[0046] The icons included in the tab screen of the standby screen 25 can be broadly classified into three types. Specifically, there are function execution icons, setting icons, and unregistered icons. The function execution icons are icons in which a function to be executed is registered to execute one of the above-mentioned multiple specified functions possessed by the function executing device 10. The setting icons are icons in which a specific item or a list of multiple items to be set is registered to set various setting items. The unregistered icons are icons in which no functions or setting items are registered, and in which the user can newly register any function or setting item.

[0047] Function execution icons are further classified into two types: default function icons and shortcut icons. Default function icons are icons registered with a default function to be executed, in order to execute one of multiple default functions possessed by the function executing device 10, such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a web service function, or a convenient tool function. Default function icons are pre-registered when the function executing device 10 is shipped. Various setting values ​​registered in default function icons are predetermined default values. However, the user can confirm and change these default values ​​when tapping the default function icon to execute the corresponding function.

[0048] The shortcut icon can be preset by the user to have one of the multiple functions listed above. A shortcut icon is registered in the function executing device 10 so that the shortcut function is executed under a specific execution condition that has been set. The shortcut icon is not an icon that is pre-registered when the function executing device 10 is shipped, but an icon that is generated in place of an unregistered icon when the user arbitrarily performs a registration operation on the unregistered icon.

[0049] While the default function icons have the initial values ​​of each setting determined in advance, the shortcut icons allow the user to freely set and register the function to be executed and the setting conditions under which that function is to be executed.

[0050] For unregistered icons, any shortcut function can be registered to make them shortcut icons, any function can be registered to make them default function icons, or any setting item can be registered to make them settings icons.

[0051] Shortcut icons are further classified into two types: normal shortcut icons and one-touch shortcut icons. A normal shortcut icon is a shortcut icon that, when tapped, does not immediately start the registered shortcut function but instead displays a predetermined confirmation screen.

[0052] Normally, when a shortcut icon is tapped, a confirmation screen is displayed, through which the user can confirm or change the settings of the shortcut function. After the confirmation screen is displayed, if a specific execution start operation is performed, the registered shortcut function will be started.

[0053] On the other hand, a one-touch shortcut icon is an icon configured so that when the one-touch shortcut icon is tapped, the registered shortcut function is immediately started without requiring an input operation by the user.

[0054] On the standby screen 25 shown on the left side of FIGS. 2 and 3, where the first tab screen 40 corresponding to the first tab 31 is displayed, the fax icon as the first icon 41 is a default function icon for executing the facsimile function. The copy icon as the second icon 42 is a default function icon for executing the copy function. The scan icon as the third icon 43 is a default function icon for executing the scan function. The setting menu icon as the fifth icon 45 is a setting icon for setting the setting value of at least one setting item.

[0055] The secure printing icon as the sixth icon 46 is a default function icon for executing secure printing among the printing functions. Secure printing is a specific execution mode of the printing function, in which a print job with a password is sent from various information processing devices such as a personal computer or smartphone to the function performing device 10, and then printing is executed by entering the same password on the function performing device 10.

[0056] The seventh icon 47, the 2-in-1 ID copy icon, is a default function icon for executing the copy function, specifically the 2-in-1 ID copy function. The 2-in-1 ID copy function is a specific execution mode of the copy function, and is a function that reads images on both sides of a card-sized document and prints the images on the same side of a single sheet of recording paper.

[0057] 3, on the standby screen 25 on which the second tab screen 50 corresponding to the second tab 32 is displayed, the media print icon as the first icon 51 is a default function icon for executing media printing among the printing functions. Specifically, media printing is a function that causes the print function to print an image of image data stored in a storage medium connected to the media I / F 17.

[0058] The cloud icon as the second icon 52 is a default function icon for using a web service function. The web service function is a function for using a web service provided via a network such as the Internet, which allows users to upload images and files, view uploaded images, and download uploaded images.

[0059] The useful tool icon as the third icon 53 is a default function icon for using the useful tool function, which is a function for accessing a specific tool content providing site via a network such as the Internet and using various services provided by that tool content providing site.

[0060] The fifth icon 55 is a shortcut icon for the scan-to-file function, and is a shortcut icon in which a shortcut function for the scan-to-file function, which will be described later, is registered.

[0061] (1-4) Overview of functions possessed by the function execution device The functions that can be executed by the function executing device 10 and specific execution modes thereof will be described below. When a user wishes to use the copy function, the user places a document on a document tray or ADF (not shown) of the function executing device 10 and taps the copy icon on the standby screen 25 (in the example of FIG. 3, the second icon 42 on the first tab screen 40). Tapping the copy icon starts the copy function. Specifically, a copy setting screen is displayed on the display unit 13, displaying default setting values ​​for various setting items required to execute the copy function. The various setting values ​​can be confirmed, changed, etc. on the copy setting screen. Pressing the start button displayed on the copy setting screen executes the copy function based on the set setting values.

[0062] While the copy function is being executed, a pseudo-standby screen 80 shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on the display unit 13. When the copy function being executed is finished, the screen displayed on the display unit 13 switches from the pseudo-standby screen 80 back to the standby screen 25. The pseudo-standby screen 80 displays an executing function name 81 indicating the function currently being executed. The pseudo-standby screen 80 also displays a fax icon 86, a copy icon 87, and a scan icon 88 as default function icons.

[0063] By tapping any of these default function icons 86 to 88 displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80, the user can start the function corresponding to the tapped default function icon in parallel with the currently executing copy function. In this case, the functions that can be started in parallel are not limited to functions other than the currently executing function, and the same function as the currently executing function can also be started in parallel. For example, while the copy function is being executed, the user can perform various setting operations for the next copy by tapping the copy icon 87 on the pseudo-standby screen 80.

[0064] For example, by tapping the fax icon 86 on the pseudo standby screen 80, the user can perform the operation input required to send facsimile data in parallel with the copy function currently being executed. At this time, if the copy function has already finished reading the image of the document and is printing it onto recording paper, the user can set the document for facsimile transmission and execute facsimile transmission even while printing is in progress.

[0065] When the user wants to use the scan function, the user places a document on a document table or ADF (not shown) of the function executing device 10 and clicks the scan icon ( , tap the third icon 43 in the first tab screen 40. Tapping the scan icon starts the scan function. Specifically, a scan menu screen is displayed on the display unit 13. The scan menu includes, for example, scan to media, scan to file, etc.

[0066] When the desired scan menu is selected from the scan menu screen, the settings screen for the scan function corresponding to the selected scan menu is displayed. The scan function settings screen displays the default settings for the various settings required to execute the scan function of the selected scan menu. On this settings screen, the various settings can be confirmed or changed. Then, when the start button displayed on the settings screen is tapped, the scan function is executed based on the set settings.

[0067] As with the execution of the copy function described above, while the scan function is being executed, the pseudo-standby screen 80 shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on the display unit 13. By tapping any of the default function icons 86 to 88 displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80, the function corresponding to the tapped default function icon can be started in parallel with the currently executing scan function.

[0068] To use the facsimile function, the user taps the fax icon on the standby screen 25 (first icon 41 on the first tab screen 40 in the example of FIG. 3). Tapping the fax icon proceeds to processing for sending facsimile data. Specifically, a facsimile transmission setting screen is displayed, which displays the current settings for various settings required for facsimile transmission (e.g., document size, fax image quality, etc.) and an input field for the facsimile number. The user can enter the facsimile number on the facsimile transmission setting screen and tap the start button to start sending the facsimile data. While the facsimile data is being sent, the pseudo standby screen 80 is also displayed, and by tapping any of the default function icons on the pseudo standby screen 80, the function corresponding to the tapped default function icon can be started.

[0069] In this embodiment, there are at least two reception modes, which are the operating modes for receiving facsimile data among the facsimile functions: fax-only mode and manual mode. The user can set either of these two modes as the reception mode.

[0070] Of the two reception modes, the manual mode is a function that is set when an external telephone 110 is connected to the function-performing device 10 so that both facsimile and telephone calls can be used. Specifically, when a call comes in from the line, a ringtone sounds a set number of times. If the external telephone 110 is put on-hook during this ringing, the external telephone 110 and the line are connected, and if the call is a telephone call, an external call can be made using the external telephone 110. On the other hand, if a facsimile call is received, the facsimile data can be received by tapping the fax icon, which is one of the default function icons, and then following the on-screen instructions to receive the facsimile.

[0071] Next, the shortcut function will be described. As mentioned above, the user can register a shortcut function to an unregistered icon at will. Functions that can be registered as shortcut functions include, for example, the aforementioned standard functions, i.e., the fax function, copy function, scan function, web service function, and convenient tool function.

[0072] For example, if you want to register a shortcut function for the copy function, first tap the unregistered icon included in the tab screen of one of the tabs. When you tap the unregistered icon, a list of functions and setting items that can be registered is displayed. The user can select from the displayed list. From here, you can select the function or setting item to be registered.

[0073] When a setting item is selected, a new setting icon corresponding to that setting item is generated. In other words, the icon to be registered changes from an unregistered icon to the setting icon for the newly registered setting item. From then on, by tapping this setting icon, you can check or change the setting value of the registered setting item.

[0074] On the other hand, when any function is selected, a selection screen is displayed to allow the user to select whether to register the function as a default function icon or as a shortcut icon.

[0075] When registration as a default function icon is selected, a new default function icon corresponding to the selected function is generated. In other words, the icon to be registered changes from an unregistered icon to the default function icon that has just been registered. In this embodiment, it is also possible to newly register a default function icon that is the same as a default function icon that has already been provided at the time of shipment.

[0076] On the other hand, if registration as a shortcut icon is selected, a setting screen is displayed to allow the user to set the specific execution conditions under which the selected function should be executed. The user can use this setting screen to arbitrarily set the specific execution conditions for the selected function, i.e., the setting values ​​for various setting items required to execute the selected function. Then, when the user performs an operation indicating completion of the settings, a shortcut icon capable of executing the selected function under the specific execution conditions is generated. In other words, the icon to be registered changes from an unregistered icon to a shortcut icon for the currently registered shortcut function. Thereafter, by tapping this shortcut icon, the registered function can be easily executed according to the specific execution conditions registered.

[0077] When registering a shortcut function, the user can select whether to register the shortcut function as a normal shortcut function or as a one-touch shortcut function.

[0078] A normal shortcut function is a shortcut function in which tapping a shortcut icon does not immediately start function execution, but requires at least one further user operation to start function execution. In this embodiment, when a shortcut icon of a normal shortcut function is tapped, a confirmation screen including various setting values ​​of the shortcut function, an OK button, etc. is displayed on the display unit 13. When the user taps the OK button on the confirmation screen, the registered shortcut function is executed.

[0079] The one-touch shortcut function is a shortcut function in which, when a shortcut icon is tapped, a function is automatically executed without requiring any further user operation. On the standby screen 25 in a state where the second tab screen 50 shown on the right side of Fig. 3 is displayed, the fifth icon 55 is a shortcut icon to which a normal shortcut function is registered. As shown in Fig. 3, a normal shortcut mark 91 indicating that a normal shortcut function is registered is added to the shortcut icon of the normal shortcut function.

[0080] 5(b), which will be described later, the eighth icon 48 included in the first tab screen 40 corresponding to the first tab 31 is a shortcut icon, and in particular indicates an icon to which a one-touch shortcut function is registered. As shown in FIG. 5(b), a one-touch shortcut mark 92 indicating that a one-touch shortcut function is registered is added to the shortcut icon to which a one-touch shortcut function is registered.

[0081] (1-5) Explanation of management functions 2 and 3, an administrator button 28 is displayed on the standby screen 25. When the administrator button 28 is tapped, an authentication screen for administrator authentication is displayed. When a predetermined input operation for authentication, such as entering a password, is performed on the authentication screen, authentication processing is performed.

[0082] The authentication process is a process for determining whether or not specific authentication conditions are met. One of the authentication conditions is that the entered password matches a pre-registered legitimate password. If the authentication conditions are met as a result of the authentication process, a standby screen setting screen 60 as shown in FIG. 5(a) is displayed on the display unit 13. The standby screen setting screen 60 is a screen on which various editing operations can be performed on each icon included in each tab screen of each tab.

[0083] 5(a), the standby screen setting screen 60 has a tab display area 30, a tab screen display area 36, ​​and an edit button display area 61. Of these, the display contents of the tab display area 30 and the tab screen display area 36 are basically the same as those of the standby screen 25. Also, like the standby screen 25, the content of the tab screen 40 can be switched by switching the selection state of the tab.

[0084] Individual icon edit buttons for each type of edit operation are displayed in the edit button display area 61, for performing various edit operations on some or all of the icons included in each tab screen of each tab. Specifically, in this embodiment, the icon edit buttons displayed include a left move button 62, a right move button 63, a swap button 64, a delete button 65, and a delete all button 66.

[0085] The all-clear button 66 is a button for all-clearing all icons registered in all tabs at once. When the all-clear button 66 is tapped when no icons are selected, a confirmation screen is displayed asking whether or not it is OK to all-clear all icons registered in all tabs at once. When an operation is performed in response to the confirmation screen indicating that it is OK to all-clear all icons, all icons registered in all tabs are erased, and all icons in each tab become unregistered icons.

[0086] The delete button 65 is a button for deleting a specific selected icon (excluding unregistered icons). When the icon to be deleted is tapped to select the icon, and then the delete button 65 is tapped, the selected icon is deleted and replaced with an unregistered icon.

[0087] The swap button 64 is a button for swapping the positions of any two icons. The swapping procedure is roughly as follows: First, tap one of the two icons to be swapped (excluding an unregistered icon) to select it. In that state, tap the swap button 64. Then, tap another of the two icons to be swapped (this can be an unregistered icon), and the positions of the two icons to be swapped will be swapped. Note that after tapping the swap button 64, it is also possible to swap icons between different tabs by switching tabs and selecting an icon on another tab.

[0088] The right movement button 63 is a button for moving one of the icons to the right of that icon. When the icon to be moved moves to the right, the other icon that was originally placed to the right of it moves to the left. In other words, the right movement button 63 can also be said to be a button for swapping two icons adjacent to each other on the left and right.

[0089] The procedure for moving right is roughly as follows: First, tap the icon you want to move. The selected icon is placed in a selected state. When the right movement button 63 is tapped in this state, the positions of the selected icon and the icon located immediately to the right of it are swapped. Note that right movement is also possible between different tabs. For example, when the eighth icon, which is the rightmost icon on the nth tab screen, is moved to the right, the icon to be moved moves to the position of the first icon, which is the leftmost icon on the n+1th tab screen, which is the next tab screen after the nth tab screen. Instead, the icon that was located in the position of the first icon on the n+1th tab screen moves to the position of the eighth icon on the nth tab screen.

[0090] The left movement button 62 is a button for moving one of the icons to the left of that icon. When the icon to be moved moves to the left, the other icon that was originally placed to the left of that icon moves to the right. In other words, the left movement button 62, like the right movement button 63, can also be said to be a button for swapping two adjacent icons on the left and right.

[0091] The procedure for moving left is roughly as follows. First, tap the icon to be moved to select it. When the left movement button 62 is tapped in this state, the selected icon and the icon located to its left will swap positions. Left movement is also possible between different tabs. For example, when moving left with the first icon, which is the leftmost icon on the nth tab screen, as the icon to be moved, the icon to be moved moves to the position of the eighth icon, which is the rightmost icon on the n-1th tab screen, which is the tab screen immediately before the nth tab screen. Instead, the icon that was located at the position of the eighth icon on the n-1th tab screen moves to the position of the first icon on the nth tab screen.

[0092] Specific examples of various editing operations for icons will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 6(a), and 6(b). FIG. 5(a) shows an example of a standby screen setting screen 60 that is displayed when the administrator button 28 in the standby screen 25 is tapped and authentication processing is performed when the standby screen 25 is configured as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5(a) shows the standby screen setting screen 60 immediately after switching from the standby screen 25 of FIG. 3 to the standby screen setting screen 60, and the contents of each tab screen are exactly the same as those of the standby screen 25 of FIG. 3. After the standby screen setting screen 60 is displayed, various edits to the icons, as described above, can be performed using the edit buttons 62 to 66 displayed in the edit button display area 61.

[0093] Figure 5(b) shows the state in which, from the state in Figure 5(a), the security print icon as the sixth icon 46 and the 2in1 ID icon as the seventh icon 47 on the first tab screen 40 of the first tab 31, and the media print icon as the first icon 51 on the second tab screen 50 of the second tab 32 have each been erased using the erase button 65.

[0094] 5(b) shows a state in which a shortcut function has been newly registered for the unregistered icon serving as the eighth icon 48 on the first tab screen 40 of the first tab 31 in FIG. 5(a), and the eighth icon 48 has become a shortcut icon. The one-touch shortcut mark 92 described above is added to this shortcut icon. In other words, this shortcut icon indicates that a one-touch shortcut function has been registered.

[0095] It should be noted that new registration of a shortcut icon, a default function icon, or a setting icon for an unregistered icon can be performed on both the standby screen 25 and the standby screen setting screen 60.

[0096] FIG. 6(a) shows the state of FIG. 5(b) in the first tab screen 40 of the first tab 31. This shows a state in which the shortcut icon for the one-touch shortcut function as the eighth icon 48 has been moved to the left using the left movement button 62. By moving the shortcut icon as the eighth icon 48 to the left, the unregistered icon that was located at the position of the seventh icon 47 has been moved to the position of the eighth icon 48 instead.

[0097] Also, Figure 6(a) shows a state in which, from the state in Figure 5(b), the shortcut icon for the normal shortcut function as the fifth icon 55 on the second tab screen 50 of the second tab 32 has been replaced with an unregistered icon as the first icon 51 on the upper side using the swap button 64.

[0098] 6(b) shows a state in which, from the state in FIG. 6(a), the shortcut icon for the normal shortcut function as the first icon 51 located at the leftmost position on the second tab screen 50 of the second tab 32 has been moved to the left using the left movement button 62. When the leftmost first icon 51 on the second tab screen 50 is moved to the left using the left movement button 62, it is replaced across tabs with the eighth icon 48, which is the rightmost icon on the first tab screen 40 of the previous first tab 31.

[0099] 6(b) shows a state in which, from the state of FIG. 6(a), the web service icon as the second icon 52 on the second tab screen 50 of the second tab 32 has been swapped with an unregistered icon as the fourth icon 44 on the first tab screen 40 using the swap button 64. In other words, this shows an example of swapping icons across tabs between different tab screens.

[0100] After performing various editing operations on the standby screen setting screen 60, when the home button 8 is pressed, the standby screen 25 is displayed on the display unit 13. The standby screen 25 displayed at this time reflects the editing results of the various editing operations performed on the standby screen setting screen 60.

[0101] In this way, the user can customize each tab screen of each tab in various ways by performing various editing operations on the standby screen setting screen 60. In other words, the user can freely decide what icons to place on which tab screens.

[0102] (1-6) Supplementary explanation about the pseudo standby screen When execution of any of the specified functions is started, pseudo-standby screen 80 as shown in Fig. 4 is displayed during the execution. Also, if facsimile data arrives while standby screen 25 is displayed, processing for receiving the facsimile data as one of the facsimile functions is started, and pseudo-standby screen 80 is thereby displayed.

[0103] In this embodiment, among the various default function icons, a fax icon 86, a copy icon 87, and a scan icon 88 are displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80, so that even if any other function is being executed, one of the facsimile function, copy function, and scan function can be executed in parallel. Note that the number and types of default function icons displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80 may be determined as appropriate.

[0104] As described above, the icons displayed on the standby screen 25, i.e., the icons on each tab screen for each tab, can be edited in various ways, such as by deleting or moving, on the standby screen setting screen 60. Therefore, for the standby screen 25 having the first tab screen 40 as shown in the upper part of Fig. 7, it is also possible to delete the fax icon as the first icon 41.

[0105] Here, it is assumed that the fax-only mode is set as the receiving mode for facsimile data. In the fax-only mode, when a call is received, the fax-only mode is automatically set without requiring a user to operate the screen. This is a reception mode in which facsimile data is automatically received and stored in the storage unit 12. The first tab screen 40 in the upper part of Fig. 7 has registered as the fourth icon 44 a reception mode setting icon, which is a setting icon for transitioning to a screen for setting the reception mode of the facsimile function. As shown in Fig. 7, this reception mode setting icon displays the currently set reception mode.

[0106] When an editing operation is performed to delete the fax icon as the first icon 41 on the first tab screen 40, the contents of the first tab screen 40 change to a state in which the fax icon that existed as the first icon 41 is deleted and an unregistered icon is displayed instead, as shown in the middle of Figure 7. This prevents the user from sending facsimile data. However, if the receive mode is set to fax-only mode, facsimile data will be received automatically even if the fax icon has been deleted from the standby screen 25.

[0107] When the fax icon is deleted from the standby screen 25, if the receiving mode is set to the fax-only mode, the fax icon 86 will also disappear from the pseudo standby screen 80, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 7. Therefore, if the administrator wants to prohibit the sending of facsimile data, the administrator can delete the fax icon from the standby screen, thereby disabling the sending of facsimile data.

[0108] However, even if the facsimile icon is erased from the standby screen 25, if the reception mode for facsimile data is set to manual mode, the fax icon 86 will be displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80.

[0109] Specifically, for a standby screen 25 having a first tab screen 40 as shown in the upper part of Figure 8, when an editing operation is performed on the standby screen setting screen 60 to erase the fax icon as the first icon 41 in the first tab screen 40, the contents of the first tab screen 40 will be changed to a state in which the fax icon that existed as the first icon 41 has been erased and an unregistered icon is displayed instead, as shown in the middle part of Figure 8.

[0110] At this time, assume that manual mode is set as the reception mode for facsimile data. Manual mode is a reception mode that requires the user to operate the fax icon when receiving a call. On the first tab screen 40 shown in the upper and middle sections of Figure 8, the reception mode setting icon registered as the fourth icon 44 indicates that the currently set reception mode is manual mode.

[0111] When facsimile data is received while the standby screen 25 is displayed, the control unit 11 starts processing for receiving the facsimile data, which is one of the facsimile functions. At this time, the screen displayed on the display unit 13 switches from the standby screen 25 to the pseudo standby screen 80. In this case, although the fax icon has been removed from the standby screen 25, the pseudo standby screen 80 displays a fax icon 86, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 8. Therefore, the user can successfully receive the facsimile data in the manual mode by tapping the fax icon 86 displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80.

[0112] Even if the fax icon is deleted from the standby screen 25, if the reception mode is manual mode, the fax icon 86 will be displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80. In this case, the fax function that can be executed by tapping the fax icon 86 on the pseudo standby screen 80 is reception of facsimile data, and transmission is not possible. However, it is not essential to disable transmission, and if the fax icon 86 is displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80, tapping the fax icon 86 will also allow transmission of facsimile data. The specifications may be such that:

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, when all function execution icons relating to a particular default function are erased, the default function icon corresponding to that default function will no longer be displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80 as a general rule.

[0114] In addition, for a default function that is set to display a default function icon on the pseudo-standby screen 80, if there is at least one function execution icon for that default function among all tab screens, the default function icon for that default function will be displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80.

[0115] For example, suppose that the copy icon serving as the second icon 42 is deleted from the standby screen 25 shown on the left side of FIG. 3. In this case, although the copy icon is deleted, the 2-in-1 ID copy icon serving as the seventh icon 47, which is an icon for executing a function related to the copy function, still remains. In such a case, the copy icon 87 is displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80. If the 2-in-1 ID copy icon is also deleted in addition to the copy icon, and there are no longer any icons for executing a function related to the copy function across all tab screens, the copy icon 87 is no longer displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80.

[0116] (1-7) Explanation of main control process Next, the main control process executed by the control unit 11 to realize the various functions described above will be described with reference to Fig. 9. When the power button 5 is pressed to turn on the power and start up, the control unit 11 executes the main control process shown in Fig. 9.

[0117] 9 starts, the control unit 11 acquires standby screen information in S110. That is, information related to the standby screen 25 to be displayed on the display unit 13 is acquired from the storage unit 12. In S120, the standby screen 25 is displayed on the display unit 13 based on the standby screen information acquired in S110. Note that the initial values ​​of the tab screens, i.e., the tab screen to be displayed first on the standby screen 25 after startup, the tab screen in the standby screen 25 that is displayed after the execution of a function is completed, and the tab screen in the standby screen 25 that is displayed when the home button 8 is pressed, may be determined as appropriate, and in this embodiment, for example, it is the first tab screen 40 corresponding to the first tab 31.

[0118] In S130, it is determined whether the administrator button 28 on the standby screen 25 has been tapped. If the administrator button 28 has been tapped, the above-described authentication process is performed in S140. Then, if the authentication conditions, such as password matching, are met and the authentication is successful, the standby screen setting screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 13 in S150.

[0119] At S160, a display editing process is executed. Specifically, when an editing operation is performed using each of the icon editing buttons 62 to 66 displayed in the editing button display area 61 on the standby screen setting screen 60, processing such as moving or erasing the icon is performed according to the content of the editing operation. The standby screen information in the storage unit 12 is updated according to the result of the display editing process at S160.

[0120] In S170, it is determined whether the home button 8 has been pressed. If the home button 8 has not been pressed, the process returns to S160, the standby screen setting screen 60 continues to be displayed, and if an editing operation has been performed, the display editing process is executed. If the home button 8 has been pressed, the process returns to S110, and the standby screen 25 is displayed again on the display unit 13 via S110 and S120.

[0121] In S130, if the administrator button 28 on the standby screen 25 is not tapped, the process proceeds to S180. In S180, it is determined whether or not incoming facsimile data has been detected. If incoming facsimile data has been detected, the process proceeds to S250.

[0122] In S250, it is determined whether the fax icon, which is one of the default function icons, has been deleted from the standby screen 25. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the fax icon is pre-registered as the first icon 41 on the first tab screen 40, but it can also be deleted by the aforementioned modification operation.

[0123] If the fax icon has not been removed from the standby screen 25, the process proceeds to S270. If the fax icon has been removed from the standby screen 25, the process proceeds to S260. In S260, it is determined whether the reception mode is set to manual mode. If it is set to manual mode, the process proceeds to S270.

[0124] In S270, the pseudo standby screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 13. At this time, a fax icon 86 is displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 8. After the pseudo standby screen 80 is displayed, an incoming call handling process is executed in S290. If the process proceeds from S270 to S290, specifically, in S290, the process waits for the user to tap the fax icon 86 on the pseudo standby screen 80, and when the tap is performed, a receiving process of the facsimile data is executed. Once the facsimile data is received and stored in the memory unit 12, the incoming call handling process is terminated and the process proceeds to S110.

[0125] If the reception mode is not set to manual in S260, i.e., if it is set to fax-only mode, the process proceeds to S280. In S280, the pseudo standby screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 13. At this time, the fax icon 86 is not displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7. After the pseudo standby screen 80 is displayed, the process proceeds to S290 to execute an incoming call handling process. If the process proceeds from S280 to S290, specifically, the process automatically executes a facsimile data reception process without user operation. Once the facsimile data has been received and stored in the memory unit 12, the incoming call handling process is terminated and the process proceeds to S110.

[0126] If no incoming facsimile data is detected in S180, the process proceeds to S190. In S190, it is determined whether an instruction to start copying has been given. An instruction to start copying is given by tapping an icon corresponding to the copy function among the icons on the standby screen 25. In the example of the standby screen 25 shown in FIG. 3, the icon corresponding to the copy function is the copy icon or the 2-in-1 ID copy icon, and in S190, if either of these icons is tapped, it is determined that an instruction to start copying has been given.

[0127] If it is determined in S190 that a copy start instruction has been issued, the pseudo standby screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 13 in S200, and processing corresponding to the tapped copy function is executed in S210. Note that with regard to the pseudo standby screen 80 displayed in S200, the fax icon 86 is displayed if the reception mode of the facsimile function is the manual mode, but is not displayed if it is the fax-only mode.

[0128] The processing of S210 after displaying the pseudo standby screen 80 on the display unit 13 in S200 also includes determining whether or not a default function icon displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80 has been tapped, and if a tap has been made, executing the default function corresponding to the tapped default function icon in parallel.

[0129] If no instruction to start copying has been given in S190, the process proceeds to S220. In S220, it is determined whether an instruction to start a function other than the copy function has been given. Specifically, it is determined whether an icon other than the copy function icon among the icons displayed on the standby screen 25 has been tapped. The icons other than the copy function icon here include not only default function icons but also shortcut icons and setting icons. If an icon other than the icon is tapped, the process corresponding to the tapped icon is executed in S210. If no icon is tapped, the process proceeds to S230.

[0130] In S230, it is determined whether any of the multiple tabs displayed on the standby screen 25 has been tapped. If no tab has been tapped, the process returns to S130. If any of the tabs has been tapped, tab switching processing is executed in S240. Specifically, the tapped tab is set to a selected state, and the tab screen associated with that tab is displayed in the tab screen display area 36.

[0131] (1-8) Effects of the embodiment According to the embodiment described above, the following effects (1a) to (1f) are achieved. (1a) In the function executing device 10 of this embodiment, a default function icon, a shortcut icon, and an unregistered icon can be simultaneously displayed on the same tab screen. Therefore, from the standby screen 25 on which the same tab screen is displayed, the user can tap a default function icon to execute a function, tap an unregistered icon to create a new shortcut icon or another type of icon, or tap a shortcut icon to execute a shortcut function, without switching tabs.

[0132] Therefore, the function executing device 10 of this embodiment can improve usability when selecting a function to be executed from the standby screen in tab format. (1b) In the function executing device 10 of this embodiment, the standby screen setting screen 60 can be displayed with administrator authority, and various editing operations can be performed on each icon to be displayed on the standby screen 25. Therefore, a standby screen can be realized according to the user's purpose of use, preferences, etc.

[0133] (1c) In this embodiment, various editing operations for each icon that can be performed on the standby screen setting screen 60 include moving an icon to the right, moving an icon to the left, swapping icons, deleting one icon, and deleting all icons at once.

[0134] Therefore, for example, unnecessary icons can be deleted, or the same icon can be placed on multiple different tab screens, or the position of the icon can be changed, thereby realizing a standby screen that better reflects the user's purpose and preferences.

[0135] (1d) When any of the specified functions is started, a pseudo-standby screen 80 is displayed on the display unit 13. In this embodiment, the pseudo-standby screen 80 displays default function icons 86, 87, and 88 for the default functions of the facsimile function, copy function, and scan function, as shown in Fig. 4. By tapping any of the default function icons in the pseudo-standby screen 80, the user can execute another default function in parallel with the currently executing function.

[0136] (1e) When the function execution icon for a specific default function is deleted across all tab screens, the default function icon corresponding to that default function is no longer displayed on the pseudo-standby screen 80. Therefore, if you want to disable a specific default function, deleting all function execution icons for that default function effectively prevents the default function from being used unintentionally by the user.

[0137] (1f) Regarding the facsimile function, if the receiving mode is set to manual mode, even if all function execution icons related to the facsimile function are erased, the fax icon 86 is displayed on the pseudo standby screen 80. This allows the user to receive facsimile data normally in manual mode, even if sending facsimile data is prohibited.

[0138] In this embodiment, the fax icon corresponds to a facsimile function icon, and the unregistered icon corresponds to an example of a shortcut registration icon. The administrator button 28 corresponds to an administrator icon. The left movement button 62, the right movement button 63, and the swap button 64 all correspond to examples of position change buttons, and the erase button 65 and the all erase button 66 all correspond to examples of erase buttons. The normal shortcut mark 91 added to a shortcut icon in which a normal shortcut function is registered corresponds to a first image, and the one-touch shortcut mark 92 added to a shortcut icon in which a one-touch shortcut function is registered corresponds to a second image.

[0139] Also, in the main control processing of Figure 9, the processing of S120 corresponds to standby screen display processing, the processing of S150 corresponds to setting screen display processing, the processing of S210 corresponds to icon operation response processing, the processing of S240 corresponds to tab screen switching processing, the processing of S200, S270 and S280 correspond to pseudo standby display processing, and the processing of S210 and S290 correspond to an example of parallel execution processing.

[0140] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be practiced in various modified forms.

[0141] (2-1) The type of icons to be arranged on one tab screen can be freely determined. For example, only one of four types of icons, namely, default function icons, setting icons, shortcut icons, and unregistered icons, may be arranged on one tab screen, or two or more of these types of icons may be mixed. Furthermore, for example, a standby screen with no icons displayed on the tab screen may be provided in an initial state, such as at the time of shipment, and an administrator or user may be allowed to freely determine icons for the standby screen in that initial state.

[0142] (2-2) The number of icons arranged on one tab screen is eight, but this is merely an example. The number of icons arranged on one tab screen may be determined as appropriate. Furthermore, where and how multiple icons are arranged on the tab screen may also be determined as appropriate.

[0143] (2-3) The five types of editing operations, i.e., move left, move right, swap, erase, and erase all, described above are merely examples of various editing operations that can be performed on the standby screen setting screen 60. Editing operations with content different from these five types of editing operations may also be performed.

[0144] (2-4) The total number of tabs Nt may be changeable. For example, if the total number of tabs is 10 at the time of shipment, the user may be able to increase the total number of tabs to 11 or more, or conversely, decrease the total number to 9 or less.

[0145] (2-5) Where to display tabs and icons on the standby screen may be determined as appropriate. For example, on the standby screen 25 shown in FIG. 2, the tab display area 30 and the tab screen display area 36 may be upside down.

[0146] (2-6) If one of a plurality of specified functions is started while the standby screen is displayed, the pseudo standby screen may not be displayed depending on the type of the started function. For example, if the scan function is started, the pseudo standby screen may not be displayed.

[0147] The type and number of icons to be displayed on the pseudo standby screen may be determined as appropriate. For example, shortcut icons may be displayed on the pseudo standby screen. The administrator or the user may be able to add or change the contents.

[0148] (2-7) The functions that the function-executing device can execute, such as the facsimile function, scan function, copy function, print function, and web service function, are merely examples. Functions different from the above-mentioned functions may be configured to be executable. Furthermore, the types and number of executable functions may be determined as appropriate.

[0149] (2-8) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. All aspects included in the technical idea identified by the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10...function executing device, 11...control unit, 12...storage unit, 13...display unit, 14...input unit, 14a...touch panel, 15...image reading unit, 16...printing unit, 17...media interface unit, 18...first communication unit, 19...second communication unit, 25...standby screen, 26...left button, 27...right button, 28...administrator button, 30...tab display area, 31-34...first tab to fourth tab, 36...tab screen display area, 40...first tab Tab screen, 41-48, 51-58...1st icon to 8th icon, 50...2nd tab screen, 60...Standby screen setting screen, 61...Edit button display area, 62...Left movement button, 63...Right movement button, 64...Swap button, 65...Erase button, 66...All erase button, 80...Pseudo standby screen, 91...Shortcut mark, 92...One-touch shortcut mark, 100...Communication line, 110...External telephone.

Claims

1. A display unit; a touch panel capable of detecting a pointing operation by a pointer on the display unit and a position where the pointing operation is performed; a control unit capable of executing multiple functions; A function execution device comprising: the control unit executes a standby screen display process to display a standby screen on the display unit; the standby screen has a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are displayed, and a tab screen display area in which a tab screen corresponding to one of a plurality of tab screens corresponding to each of the plurality of tabs that is in a selected state is displayed, each of the plurality of tab screens includes a plurality of icons associated with a tab corresponding to the tab screen; In at least one of the plurality of tab screens, the plurality of icons on the tab screen include at least one of a default function icon registered in advance for each of the plurality of functions in order to execute one of the plurality of functions, a shortcut registration icon for registering a shortcut function in order to execute one of the plurality of functions under a specific execution condition set in advance, and a shortcut icon generated in place of the shortcut registration icon when the shortcut function is registered for the shortcut registration icon in order to execute the registered shortcut function, The control unit further a tab screen switching process for, when the standby screen is displayed on the display unit and any one of the plurality of tabs displayed in the tab display area of ​​the standby screen that is not currently in a selected state is operated by the instruction, selecting the tab that has been operated by the instruction, instead of the tab that is currently in a selected state, and displaying the tab screen corresponding to the selected tab in the tab screen display area; an icon operation response process that starts a process for executing a function registered in the default function icon when the default function icon is displayed on the standby screen and the default function icon is operated by the instruction, starts a process for generating the shortcut icon in place of the shortcut registration icon by registering the shortcut function to the shortcut registration icon when the shortcut registration icon is displayed on the standby screen and the shortcut icon is operated by the instruction, and starts a process for executing the shortcut function registered in the shortcut icon when the shortcut icon is displayed on the standby screen and the shortcut icon is operated by the instruction; A function-executing device that executes the function.

2. 2. A function executing device according to claim 1, the standby screen includes an administrator icon; The control unit an authentication process for determining whether a specific authentication condition is met when the administrator icon is operated while the standby screen is displayed on the display unit; a setting screen display process for displaying a standby screen setting screen on the display unit when the authentication condition is met by the authentication process; Run the standby screen setting screen has an edit button display area in addition to the tab display area and the tab screen display area, The edit button display area includes a plurality of buttons for executing at least one type of display edit process for processing some or all of the plurality of icons included in the plurality of tab screens. Individual icon edit buttons are displayed for each type of display / edit process, the control unit, when a specific editing operation including at least the instruction operation on the icon editing button is performed while the standby screen setting screen is displayed on the display unit, executes the display editing process corresponding to the editing operation. Function execution device.

3. 3. A function executing device according to claim 2, In the edit button display area, at least one of a position change button for executing a process of changing the display position of the icon as the display edit process, and a delete button for executing a process of deleting at least one of the plurality of icons included in the plurality of tab screens so that it is not displayed on the standby screen as the display edit process is displayed. Function execution device.

4. 4. A function executing device according to claim 3, The control unit a pseudo-standby display process for displaying a pseudo-standby screen including at least one of the predetermined function icons on the display unit when execution of any of the plurality of functions is started; a parallel execution process that, when the default function icon displayed on the pseudo-standby screen is operated, starts a function corresponding to the specified default function icon in parallel with a function currently being executed; Run the pseudo-standby display process is configured to, when any of the default function icons has been erased by the display editing process, not display the erased default function icon on the pseudo-standby screen. Function execution device.

5. 5. A function executing device according to claim 4, The plurality of functions includes a facsimile function capable of transmitting and receiving facsimile data, each of the predetermined function icons includes a facsimile function icon for executing the facsimile function; the facsimile function is configured to be able to set any one of a plurality of operation modes as an operation mode when receiving the facsimile data; the plurality of types of operation modes includes a specific operation mode in which the instruction operation on the facsimile function icon is required when receiving the facsimile data; the pseudo-standby display process is configured to display the facsimile function icon on the pseudo-standby screen when the operation mode is set to the specific operation mode, even if the facsimile function icon has been erased by the display editing process. Function execution device.

6. A function executing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The shortcut functions include a first shortcut function that is executed by performing at least one more pointing operation after the corresponding shortcut icon has been pointed to, and a second shortcut function that is executed by performing the pointing operation on the corresponding shortcut icon without requiring another pointing operation, the shortcut icon corresponding to the first shortcut function includes a first image indicating that the shortcut icon is associated with the first shortcut function; The shortcut icon corresponding to the second shortcut function has the second a second image different from the first image, which indicates that the shortcut function of Function execution device.

7. A function executing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The function executing device includes, as the plurality of functions, at least one of a scanning function that reads an image of an original document and generates data of the read image, a copying function that prints the image read by the scanning function on recording paper, and a facsimile function that sends and receives facsimile data.

8. a standby screen display step of displaying, on a display unit, a standby screen having a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are displayed, and a tab screen display area in which a tab screen corresponding to one of a plurality of tab screens corresponding to each of the plurality of tabs that is in a selected state is displayed, each of the plurality of tab screens includes a plurality of icons associated with a tab corresponding to the tab screen; In at least one of the plurality of tab screens, the plurality of icons on the tab screen include at least one of a default function icon registered in advance for each of the plurality of functions to execute one of the plurality of functions, a shortcut registration icon for registering a shortcut function to execute one of the plurality of functions under a specific execution condition set in advance, and a shortcut icon generated in place of the shortcut registration icon when the shortcut function is registered for the shortcut registration icon to execute the registered shortcut function, moreover, a tab screen switching step of, when any one of the plurality of tabs displayed in the tab display area of ​​the standby screen that is not currently in a selected state is selected while the standby screen is being displayed on the display unit, selecting the selected tab in place of the currently selected tab and displaying the tab screen corresponding to the selected tab in the tab screen display area; an icon operation response step of starting a process for executing a function registered in the default function icon when the default function icon is displayed on the standby screen and the default function icon is operated by pointing to the default function icon, starting a process for generating the shortcut icon in place of the shortcut registration icon by registering the shortcut function to the shortcut registration icon when the shortcut registration icon is displayed on the standby screen and the shortcut icon is operated by pointing to the default function icon, and starting a process for executing the shortcut function registered in the shortcut icon when the shortcut icon is displayed on the standby screen and the shortcut icon is operated by pointing to the default function icon; A function execution method comprising:

9. A display unit; a touch panel capable of detecting a pointing operation by a pointer on the display unit and a position where the pointing operation is performed; A control unit; A function execution program for executing a plurality of functions, which can be executed by the control unit in a function execution device comprising: The control unit executing a standby screen display process that causes the display unit to display a standby screen having a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are displayed and a tab screen display area in which a tab screen corresponding to one of a plurality of tab screens corresponding to each of the plurality of tabs that is in a selected state is displayed; each of the plurality of tab screens includes a plurality of icons associated with a tab corresponding to the tab screen; In at least one of the plurality of tab screens, the plurality of icons on the tab screen include at least one of a default function icon registered in advance for each of the plurality of functions in order to execute one of the plurality of functions, a shortcut registration icon for registering a shortcut function in order to execute one of the plurality of functions under a specific execution condition set in advance, and a shortcut icon generated in place of the shortcut registration icon when the shortcut function is registered in the shortcut registration icon in order to execute the registered shortcut function, The control unit further includes: a tab screen switching process for, when the standby screen is displayed on the display unit and any one of the plurality of tabs displayed in the tab display area of ​​the standby screen that is not currently in a selected state is operated by the instruction, selecting the tab that has been operated by the instruction, instead of the tab that is currently in a selected state, and displaying the tab screen corresponding to the selected tab in the tab screen display area; an icon operation response process that starts a process for executing a function registered in the default function icon when the default function icon is displayed on the standby screen and the default function icon is operated by the instruction, starts a process for generating the shortcut icon in place of the shortcut registration icon by registering the shortcut function to the shortcut registration icon when the shortcut registration icon is displayed on the standby screen and the shortcut icon is operated by the instruction, and starts a process for executing the shortcut function registered in the shortcut icon when the shortcut icon is displayed on the standby screen and the shortcut icon is operated by the instruction; A function execution program that executes the function.

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