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 device, and more particularly to an information processing device that includes a display means, an operation receiving means, and a control means that can execute a process of switching between multiple operation screens and displaying them on the display means, and that can execute a copy process of copying an image of an original onto a sheet-like image recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in an image processing device serving as an information processing device, a menu screen with multiple operation keys, including a normal copy selection button and an easy copy selection button, is displayed on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) serving as a display means. When, for example, the normal copy selection button is operated (pressed) on this menu screen—strictly speaking, when a user operation on the normal copy selection button is accepted by a touch panel serving as an operation acceptance means—a normal display screen, which is an operation screen for normal copying, is displayed instead of the menu screen. On this normal display screen, it is possible to set processing conditions for a copy process as a predetermined information processing, specifically, various processing conditions including not only basic processing conditions such as paper selection but also detailed processing conditions such as border erasure. On the other hand, when the easy copy selection button is operated on the menu screen, a simple display screen, which is an operation screen for easy copying, is displayed instead of the menu screen. On this simple display screen, it is possible to set only basic processing conditions among the processing conditions for the copy process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-154383 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, for example, a user may accidentally press the normal copy operation button on a menu screen while intending to press the quick copy selection button. If the normal display screen is displayed due to such an operational error and the user wishes to display the quick copy selection button instead of the normal display screen, it is presumed that the user will perform a predetermined operation to display the menu screen again and then press the quick copy selection button, although this is not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1. Displaying the menu screen again in this way to correct an operational error is inefficient and inconvenient from the standpoint of operability.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel technology that can improve operability in an information processing device that is equipped with a display means, an operation reception means, and a control means that can execute a process of switching between multiple operation screens and displaying them on the display means, and that can execute a copy process of copying an image of an original onto a sheet-like image recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention is based on the premise of an information processing apparatus that includes a display means, an operation accepting means, and a control means capable of executing a process of switching between and displaying a plurality of operation screens on the display means, and that is capable of executing a copy process of copying an image of an original onto a sheet-like image recording medium. Under this premise, the control means causes the display means to display a first screen, which is one of a plurality of operation screens. At least a first key and a second key are arranged on this first screen. When a user operation on the first key is accepted by the operation accepting means while this first screen is displayed, the control means causes the display means 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 accepted by the operation accepting means, the control means causes the display means 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 accepted by the operation accepting means while this second screen is displayed, the control means Cancel the previous settings, The control means displays the first screen on the display means. On the other hand, at least a third key and a fifth key are arranged on the third screen. When the operation accepting means accepts a user operation on the third key while the third screen is displayed, the control means displays the second screen on the display means. On the other hand, when the operation accepting means accepts a user operation on the fifth key, the control means Cancel the previous settings, The first screen is displayed on the display means, where the display manner of the first key and the display manner of the third key are the same as or similar to each other.

[0007] The position of the 4th key on the 2nd screen and the position of the 5th key on the 3rd screen may correspond to each other.

[0008] Moreover, 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 that is not adjacent to the third key. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve operability in an information processing device that is equipped with a display means, an operation reception means, and a control means that can execute a process of switching between multiple operation screens and displaying them on the display means, and that can execute a copy process of copying an image of an original onto a sheet-like image recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a portal screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a color type selection screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the copy menu screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a memory map conceptually showing the internal configuration of the RAM of the main storage unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the portal screen control task in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the color type selection screen control task in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the copy menu screen control task in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a color type selection screen in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the color type selection screen control task in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a copy menu screen in the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [First Example] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described using a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 10 shown in FIG. 1 as an example.

[0013] The multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment is installed in public spaces such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and libraries, with the assumption that it will be used by an unspecified number of people. The multifunction device 10 has multiple functions, such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a fax function. Using these functions, the multifunction device 10 provides various services, such as a copy service, a print service, a scan service, and a fax service.

[0014] Such a multifunction device 10 includes an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 14, and a paper feed unit 16. Additionally, the multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 18, an auxiliary storage unit 20, a communication unit 22, an external storage medium communication unit 24, and a photo printer 26. The multifunction device 10 also includes an operation display unit 28. These are connected to each other via a common bus 30.

[0015] Image reading unit 12 is an example of an image reading means. That is, image reading unit 12 performs image reading processing by reading an image of a document (not shown) and outputting two-dimensional read image data corresponding to the read image. To this end, image reading unit 12 is provided with a document table (not shown) on which the document is placed. Image reading unit 12 also includes an image reading unit including a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, etc. (not shown), and a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the image reading position of the image reading unit. Furthermore, image reading unit 12 is provided with a document pressing cover (not shown) for holding down the document placed on the document table.

[0016] Image forming unit 14 is an example of an image forming means. That is, image forming unit 14 performs image formation processing, i.e., printing, on paper serving as a sheet-like image recording medium (not shown) based on appropriate image data such as the above-mentioned scanned image data. This image formation processing is performed, for example, by a known electrophotographic method. For this purpose, image forming unit 14 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like (not shown). After an image is formed by the image formation processing by image forming unit 14, the paper, or the printed matter, is discharged to a paper output tray (not shown). Note that image forming unit 14 is not limited to an electrophotographic method, and may perform image formation processing by, for example, an inkjet method.

[0017] The paper feed unit 16 is an example of a paper feed means. That is, the paper feed unit 16 has one or more, typically multiple, paper feed cassettes (not shown). These paper feed cassettes store paper of appropriate standard sizes. The paper feed unit 16 uses one of the paper feed cassettes as a paper feed source and supplies paper one sheet at a time from the paper feed source to the image forming unit 14. Note that, for example, plain paper of B5 size, A4 size, B4 size, and A3 size, as well as glossy paper of A4 size are prepared as paper.

[0018] The control unit 18 is an example of a control means that controls the entire multifunction device 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 computer that the CPU 18a can directly access. The CPU 18a has a main memory unit 18b as a main storage means. The main memory unit 18b includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), not shown. The ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the CPU 18a. The RAM forms a working 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 an auxiliary storage means. That is, various data including various image data such as the above-mentioned scanned image data is 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 a 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. The communication network referred to here includes a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a public switched telephone network, etc. The LAN also 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 an external storage medium communication means. That is, the external storage medium communication unit 24 has an external storage medium attachment unit (not shown) to which various media as external storage media (not shown) can be attached, and is responsible for bidirectional communication with the media attached to the external storage medium attachment unit. The media referred to here include semiconductor media such as SD (Secure Digital) memory cards and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, as well as disc media such as CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs). The external storage medium communication unit 24 also has an infrared communication unit (not shown) for bidirectional communication via the infrared communication function with a mobile device (not shown), such as a smartphone or tablet, that has an infrared communication function. That is, a mobile device with an infrared communication function may be treated as an external storage medium.

[0022] Photo printer 26 is, for example, a dye-sublimation printer, and is an example of an image forming unit separate from image forming unit 14 that can perform higher quality image formation processing, known as photo printing, than image forming unit 14. Two types of dedicated paper, for example, L size and 2L size, are prepared as paper for printing by photo printer 26. These dedicated papers are stored in a paper storage unit (not shown) provided in photo printer 26. Then, the paper after photo printing by photo printer 26, i.e., the printed photo, is discharged through a photo discharge port (not shown). Note that photo printer 26 need not be a dye-sublimation printer, but may be, for example, an inkjet printer (especially one that uses dye ink).

[0023] The operation display unit 28 is a so-called operation panel and includes a display 28a as an example of a display means and a touch panel 28b as an example of an operation receiving means. The display 28a has a roughly rectangular display surface, and the touch panel 28b is provided so as to overlap the display surface of the display 28a. The display 28a is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), but is not limited to this and may be other types of displays such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The touch panel 28b is, for example, a capacitive panel, but is not limited to this and may be other types of panels such as an electromagnetic induction panel, a resistive film panel, or an infrared panel. In addition to the display 28a, the operation display unit 28 also includes appropriate light-emitting means such as a light-emitting diode (LED) (not shown). In addition to the touch panel 28b, the operation display unit 28 also includes appropriate hardware switch means such as a push button switch (not shown).

[0024] According to the multifunction peripheral 10 of the first embodiment, for example, after the multifunction peripheral 10 is started up, a portal screen (sometimes referred to as a "menu screen" or a "home screen") 100 as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display 28a (on its display surface). This portal screen 100 is an operation screen for selecting one of the services that the multifunction peripheral 10 can provide, in other words, for selecting an operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 10. Therefore, on the portal screen 100, a plurality of operation keys 110, 110, ... corresponding to the services that the multifunction peripheral 10 can provide, in other words, for instructing the selection of each of the services, are appropriately arranged. Each operation key 110 is provided with an appropriate mark (image) 112 and character string 114 representing the service corresponding to that operation key 110.

[0025] For example, the operation key 110a with the character string 114a "single-sided copy" attached, i.e., the single-sided copy selection key 110a, is a key for instructing selection of the copy function. The operation key 110b with the character string 114b "various copies" attached, i.e., the various copy selection key 110b, is also a key for instructing selection of the copy function. That is, the portal screen 100 has two keys, the single-sided copy selection key 110a and the various copy selection key 110b, arranged as keys for instructing selection of the copy function. Specifically, the single-sided copy selection key 110a is a key for instructing selection of the copy function after limiting the purpose (form) of copying by the copy function to single-sided copying (copying an image of an original onto only one side of a sheet of paper). On the other hand, the various copy selection key 110b is a key for instructing selection of the copy function first, without limiting the purpose of copying.

[0026] Note that single-sided copying is often the intended purpose of the copy function. In particular, when the multifunction device 10 is installed in the aforementioned convenience store, experience has shown that single-sided copying is the intended purpose in more than 90% of cases when the copy function is selected. For this reason, the single-sided copy selection key 110a is displayed in a more conspicuous manner, for example, in a larger size, than the various copy selection key 110b, specifically than the other operation keys 110, 110, ... including the various copy selection key 110b (excluding the smartphone link selection key 110c, which will be described later). In addition, the single-sided copy selection key 110a is located in the upper portion of the portal screen 100, specifically in a position closer to the left of the upper portion.

[0027] Incidentally, the operation key 110c, labeled with the character string 114c "Link with Smartphone," is a smartphone link selection key for instructing the user to select the smartphone link function. The smartphone link function allows the multifunction peripheral 10 to be linked with a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to transfer appropriate data from the mobile device to the multifunction peripheral 10 and print images, particularly photos, based on the transferred data. Because the 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, specifically in the same size as the single-sided copy selection key 110a. The smartphone link selection key 110c is also located at the top of the portal screen 100, specifically toward the right of the top, i.e., side-by-side with the single-sided copy selection key 110a.

[0028] On such portal screen 100, for example, suppose that the single-sided copy selection key 110a is operated (pressed), or more precisely, the touch panel 28b accepts a user operation on (the portion where) the single-sided copy selection key 110a is located. This selects the copy function, and more 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 single-sided copy condition, i.e., the aforementioned 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 for the copy function, and more specifically, is an operation screen for selecting the type (kind) of print color as one of the conditions for the copy function. An appropriate character string 210 prompting the user to select a color type is arranged in an appropriate position on this color type selection screen 200, for example, in a position toward the left at the top. Then, below the character string 210, a plurality of operation keys 220, 220, ... corresponding to the selectable color types, i.e., for instructing the user to select the color type, are arranged appropriately. Each operation key 220 is provided with an appropriate character string 222 indicating the color type corresponding to that operation key 220.

[0030] Among these operation keys 220, 220, ..., the operation key 220a with the character string 222a "full color" attached thereto is a full-color selection key for selecting full color as the color type. The operation key 220b with the character string 222b "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 monochrome selection keys for selecting monochrome as the color type. Note that either full color or black and white is often selected as the color type. For this reason, the full-color selection key 220a and the black and white selection key 220b are displayed in a more conspicuous manner than the monochrome selection keys 220c, 220c, ..., for example, in a larger size. Furthermore, the full-color selection key 220a and the black and white selection key 220b are arranged at the top of the color type selection screen 200, for example, side-by-side.

[0031] Furthermore, another operation key 230 is arranged at an appropriate position on the color type selection screen 200, for example, near the upper right corner of the color type selection screen 200. 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, for example, "end," which indicates the role of the end key 230, is attached to the end key 230.

[0032] On this color type selection screen 200, when any of the operation keys 220, 220, ... for instructing selection of a color type is operated, the color type corresponding to that operation key 220 is selected, that is, set. Then, in place of the color type selection screen 200, a paper selection screen (not shown) for setting the next condition 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 displayed in sequence. Then, when the settings on each operation screen are completed, copying (more 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 copy is then performed.

[0033] When the end key 230 is operated on the color type selection screen 200, the settings made up to that point are cancelled, i.e., the copy mode settings and the single-sided copy conditions settings are cancelled. Then, instead of the color type selection screen 200, the portal screen 100 (FIG. 2) described above is displayed again on the display 28a.

[0034] Furthermore, when the various copy selection key 110b is operated (pressed) on the portal screen 100, the copy function is selected, that is, the copy mode is set as the operation mode of the multifunction device 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 for the copy function, and more specifically, is a screen for selecting the purpose of copying. Appropriate character strings 310 are arranged in an appropriate position on this copy menu screen 300, for example, in the upper left position, prompting the user to select the purpose of copying, i.e., a copy menu. Additionally, below the character strings 310, a plurality of operation keys 320, 320, ... corresponding to selectable menus, in other words, for instructing the user to select the menu, are appropriately arranged. Here, the nine operation keys 320, 320, ... are arranged in a matrix of three columns horizontally and three rows vertically. Each operation key 320 is provided with an appropriate mark (image) 322 and character string 324 representing the menu corresponding to that operation key 320.

[0036] Among these operation keys 320, 320, ..., for example, the operation key 320a with the character string 324a "copy to one side" attached thereto has the same function 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, in place of the copy menu screen 300, the color type selection screen 200 described above (FIG. 3) is displayed on the display 28a.

[0037] Furthermore, an end key 330 similar to the end key 230 on the color type selection screen 200 is arranged at an appropriate position on the copy menu screen 300, for example, near the upper right corner of the copy menu screen 300. The end key 330 on this copy menu screen 300 is also provided with the same character string 332, i.e., "End," as the character string 232 provided on the end key 230 on the color type selection screen 200. When the end key 330 on this copy menu screen 300 is operated, the previous settings are cancelled, in the same way as when the end key 230 on the color type selection screen 200 is operated; more specifically, the copy mode setting is cancelled. Then, in place of the copy menu screen 300, the portal screen 100 is displayed again on the display 28a.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a memory map 400 that conceptually represents the internal configuration of the RAM of the main storage 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 program storage area 410 stores the control programs described above. Specifically, the control programs include 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. The control programs also include a communication control program 422, an external storage medium communication control program 424, and a photo printer control program 426. The control programs further include 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 required to display various screens, including the portal screen 100, on the display 28a. The operation detection program 414 is a program for detecting an operation state on 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. The portal screen control program 428 is a program for causing the CPU 18a to execute a portal screen control task, which will be 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, which will be 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, which will be described later.

[0041] On the other hand, various types of data are stored in the data storage area 450. These various types of 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 to generate display screen data based on the display control program 412. The operation data 454 is data representing the operation state of the touch panel 28b, and more specifically, is time-series data representing the touch position (coordinates) of the user on the touch panel 28b. The setting data 456 is data representing the settings of various conditions related to each function, including the copy function described above. That is, data representing settings of the copy mode, single-sided copy conditions, and the like is stored as the setting data 456.

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

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

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

[0046] In step S5, the CPU 18a determines whether the user operation accepted in step S3 is an operation to select single-sided copying, that is, whether the user operation is an operation on the single-sided copying selection key 110a on the portal screen 100. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S3 is an operation on the single-sided copying selection key 110a (S5: YES), the CPU 18a proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S3 is not an operation on the single-sided copying selection key 110a (S5: NO), the CPU 18a proceeds to step S13, which will be described later.

[0047] In step S7, the CPU 18a sets the copy mode as the operation mode of the multifunction device 10, and stores data indicating this as the setting data 456. This selects the copy function. The CPU 18a then advances the process to step S9.

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

[0049] In step S11, the CPU 18a starts executing a 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] Furthermore, when the CPU 18a advances the process from the above-mentioned step S5 to step S13, it determines in step S13 whether the user operation accepted in the above-mentioned step S3 is an operation on the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S3 is an operation on the various copy selection key 110b (S13: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S15. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S3 is not an operation on the various copy selection key 110b (S13: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S19, which will be described later.

[0051] In step S15, the CPU 18a sets the copy mode as the operation mode of the multifunction device 10, and stores data indicating this as the setting data 456. This selects the copy function. The CPU 18a then proceeds to step S17.

[0052] In step S17, the CPU 18a starts executing a 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 advances the process from step S13 to step S19, the CPU 18a performs processing in step S19 according to the user operation accepted in step S3. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S3 is an operation on the smartphone link selection key 110c, the CPU 18a performs appropriate processing, including setting the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 10 to a mode corresponding to the smartphone link function. The same applies when any other operation key 110 is operated. Upon execution of step S19, the CPU 18a ends the portal screen control task.

[0054] Although detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, if no user operation is performed for a certain period of time (for example, several minutes) while the portal screen 100 is displayed, the multifunction peripheral 10 enters a standby state. In this standby state, a predetermined standby screen is displayed on the display 28a instead of the portal screen 100. Then, if any user operation is performed in the standby state, the standby state is canceled. As a result, the portal screen 100 is displayed again on the display 28a instead of the standby screen.

[0055] As described above, in step S11, the CPU 18a starts execution of the color type selection screen control task, which is executed in accordance with the color type selection screen control program 430. The flow of this color type selection screen control task is shown in FIG.

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

[0057] In step S103, the CPU 18a waits for a user operation to be performed on the color type selection screen 200, specifically, for the user operation to be accepted by the touch panel 28b (S103: NO). In step S103, if a user operation is accepted (S103: YES), the CPU 18a proceeds to step S105.

[0058] In step S105, the CPU 18a determines whether the user operation accepted 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. For example, if the user operation accepted in step S103 is an operation on the End key 230 (S105: YES), the CPU 18a proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the user operation accepted in step S103 is not an operation on the End key 230 (S105: NO), the CPU 18a proceeds to step S111, which will be described later.

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

[0060] In step S109, the CPU 18a starts executing the portal screen control task described above. As a result, the portal screen 100 is displayed on the display 28a instead of the color type selection screen 200, and the system waits for some 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] Furthermore, when the CPU 18a advances the process from step S105 to step S111, the CPU 18a performs a process in step S111 according to the user operation accepted in step S103. With this, the CPU 18a ends the color type selection screen control task.

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

[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 in accordance with the display control program 412. Then, the CPU 18a advances the process to step S203.

[0064] In step S203, the CPU 18a waits for some user operation to be performed on the copy menu screen 300, more specifically, waits for the user operation to be accepted via the touch panel 28b (S203: NO). In step S203, if some user operation is accepted (S203: YES), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S205.

[0065] In step S205, the CPU 18a determines whether the user operation accepted 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 on the copy menu screen 300. For example, if the user operation accepted 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 accepted in step S203 is not an operation on the End key 330 (S205: NO), the CPU 18a advances the process to step S211, which will be described later.

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

[0067] In step S209, the CPU 18a starts executing the portal screen control task described above. As a result, the portal screen 100 is displayed on the display 28a instead of the copy menu screen 300, and the display 28a waits for some user operation to be performed on the portal screen 100. With this, the CPU 18a ends the copy menu screen control task.

[0068] Furthermore, when the CPU 18a advances the process from step S205 to step S211, it determines in step S211 whether the user operation accepted in step S203 is an operation on the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300. For example, if the user operation accepted 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 accepted 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, which will be described later.

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

[0070] In step S215, the CPU 18a starts executing the color type selection screen control task described above. As a result, the color type selection screen 200 is displayed on the display 28a in place of the copy menu screen 300, and the CPU 18a waits for some kind of user operation 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, the CPU 18a performs a process in step S217 according to the user operation accepted in step S203. With this, the CPU 18a ends the copy menu screen control task.

[0072] As described above, according to the first embodiment, two keys, a single-sided copy selection key 110a and a variety copy selection key 110b, are arranged on the portal screen 100, which serves as the main operation screen, as keys for instructing selection of a copy function. For example, when the single-sided copy selection key 110a is operated, a copy mode is set, and single-sided copy conditions are set. After that, the color type selection screen 200 is displayed instead of the portal screen 100. On the other hand, when the variety copy selection key 110b is operated, a copy mode is set, and the copy menu screen 300 is displayed instead of the portal screen 100. On this copy menu screen 300, a single-sided copy selection key 320a, which has the same function 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, the single-sided copy conditions are set, and the color type selection screen 200 is displayed instead of the copy menu screen 300.

[0073] For example, on the portal screen 100, a user may mistakenly operate the other copy selection key 110b while intending to operate the one-sided copy selection key 110a. Even if such an operation error causes the copy menu screen 300 to be displayed, the copy menu screen 300 has a one-sided copy selection key 320a that has the same function as the one-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100. Therefore, by operating the one-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300, the user can achieve the same result as operating the one-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100. In other words, the user can achieve the same result as operating the one-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 without having to perform an operation to display the portal screen 100 again. This greatly contributes to improving the operability of the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0074] 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, the shape, size, etc. of the mark (image) 112a attached to the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 may be the same as the corresponding mode of the mark (image) 322a attached to the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300. Furthermore, the content of the wording represented by the character string 114a attached to the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 may be the same as the corresponding mode of the character string 324a attached to the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300. In addition, the overall shape, size, etc. of the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 may be the same as the overall shape, size, etc. of the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300. In an extreme case, 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 exactly the same.

[0075] The CPU 18a in the first embodiment, which executes the portal screen control task, color type selection screen control task, and copy menu screen control task described above (FIGS. 6 to 8), is also, so to speak, a display control means. The portal screen 100 in the first embodiment is an example of a first screen according to the present invention. The one-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is an example of a first key according to the present invention, and the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100 is an example of a second key according to the present invention. The color type selection screen 200 in the first embodiment is an example of a second screen according to the present invention. The copy menu screen 300 in the first embodiment is an example of a third screen according to the present invention, and the one-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 is an example of a third key according to the present invention.

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

[0077] [Second Example] 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, the color type selection screen 200a in the second embodiment has an operation key 240 bearing the character string "Various Copy" 242 at an appropriate position on the color type selection screen 200a, for example, to the left of the end key 230. This operation key 240 has the same function as the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100, i.e., it is a various copy selection key. That is, the color type selection screen 200a in the second embodiment has a various copy selection key 240 having the same function as the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100. The rest of the configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for a portion of the color type selection screen control task described below. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the components in the second embodiment that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0079] In the second embodiment, when the various copy selection key 240a is operated on the color type selection screen 200a, for example, a copy menu screen 300 is displayed on the display 28a in place of the color type selection screen 200a. In essence, the same results are obtained as when the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100 is operated. Note that, immediately before the various copy selection key 240 on the color type selection screen 200a is operated, the single-sided copy conditions are set. Then, when the various copy selection key 240 on the color type selection screen 200a is operated, the single-sided copy conditions are cancelled in response. Then, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed on the display 28a in place of the color type selection screen 200a.

[0080] In this second embodiment, the color type selection screen control task is executed according to the flow shown in Fig. 10. The color type selection screen control task in this second embodiment is the same as the color type selection screen control task in the first embodiment (Fig. 7) except that steps S301 to S305 are added.

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

[0082] In step S303, the CPU 18a cancels the setting of the single-sided copy condition, and more specifically, erases the data relating to the single-sided copy condition from the 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, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed on the display 28a in place of the color type selection screen 200a, and the CPU 18a waits for some kind of user operation on the copy menu screen 300. With this, the CPU 18a ends the color type selection screen control task.

[0084] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the color type selection screen 200a also has a copy selection key 240 that has a role similar to that of the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100. When the copy selection key 240 on the color type selection screen 200a is operated, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed in place of the color type selection screen 200a. That is, the same result as when the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100 is operated is obtained.

[0085] For example, on the portal screen 100, a user may accidentally press the single-sided copy selection key 110b while intending to press the various copy selection key 110b. Even if such an operation error causes the color type selection screen 200a to be displayed, the color type selection screen 200a has a various copy selection key 240 that has the same function as the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100. Therefore, by operating the various copy selection key 240 on the color type selection screen 200a, the user can achieve the same results as by operating the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100. In other words, the user can achieve the same results as by operating the various copy selection key 110b on the portal screen 100 without having to perform an operation to display the portal screen 100 again. This also greatly contributes to improving the operability of the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0086] As described above, the copy menu screen 300 has a single-sided copy selection key 320a, and in the second embodiment, when the single-sided copy selection key 320a is operated, the color type selection screen 200a is displayed instead of the copy menu screen 300. The color type selection screen 200a has a variety copy selection key 240, and when the variety copy selection key 240 is operated, the copy menu screen 300 is displayed instead of the color type selection screen 200a. In short, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to transition directly between the color type selection screen 200a and the copy menu screen 300, particularly without going through the portal screen 100.

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

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

[0089] In the third embodiment, a copy menu screen 300a is displayed as shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, in the copy menu screen 300a in the third embodiment, the mode 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 and the position of the single-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 correspond to each other, in other words, they overlap. That is, the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300 is arranged in the upper left area 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 area of ​​the portal screen 100.

[0091] In contrast to this, in the third embodiment, the position of the one-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300a and the position of the one-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 do not correspond to each other, in other words, they do not overlap with each other. That is, the one-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300a is arranged in the upper right area of ​​the copy menu screen 300a, in other words, in the area immediately to the left of the end key 330. On the other hand, the one-sided copy selection key 110a on the portal screen 100 is arranged in the upper left area of ​​the portal screen 100, as described above.

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

[0093] In contrast to this, in the copy menu screen 300a in the third embodiment, the single-sided copy selection key 320a is arranged in a separate area from the area in which the group of other operation keys 320, 320, ... is arranged, so to speak, isolated from that group.

[0094] Furthermore, on 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 an appropriate mark 322 (322a) and character string 324 (324a), just like the other operation keys 320, 320, ....

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

[0096] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the appearance of the single-sided copy selection key 320a on the copy menu screen 300a is different from that in the first embodiment. By adopting such a copy menu screen 300a depending on the installation conditions of the multifunction device 10, including the installation location of the multifunction device 10, operability may be improved.

[0097] [Other application examples] The above-described embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do 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 an appropriate character string 114 is attached to each operation key 110 on the portal screen 100, the character string 114 may be attached near the operation key 110. Furthermore, in addition to the character string 114, a character string showing a brief explanation of the service corresponding to each operation key 110 may be attached.

[0099] The operation receiving means is not limited to the touch panel 28b, and other means such as a mouse or a keyboard may be adopted. Furthermore, a projector with a so-called touch screen function, which projects each screen such as the portal screen 100 onto a screen and allows operations to be performed on the projected image, may be adopted as the operation receiving means (and display means).

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

[0101] Additionally, in each embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to the copy function of the multifunction peripheral 10, but is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a photo printing function for printing photos. In this case, for example, a first key for selecting the photo printing function after limiting the paper size (L size or 2L size) to be used as the printing destination, and a second key for first selecting the photo printing function without limiting the paper size to be used as the printing destination, 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 size to be used as the printing destination. On the other hand, when the second key is operated, yet another operation screen is displayed. The operation screen displayed when the second key is operated includes a third key having the same function 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 also displayed. The present invention can be applied to such a case.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to application to the multifunction peripheral 10, but can also be applied to image processing devices (image forming devices) other than the multifunction peripheral 10. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to information processing devices other than image processing devices.

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

[0104] Additionally, the present invention can also be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium on which a display control program for an image processing device is recorded. In this case, the display control program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the image processing device and executed by the computer, thereby realizing an image processing device similar to the present invention. The recording medium referred to here includes the same semiconductor media and disk media as described above. Furthermore, instead of portable media, built-in (internal) media that are incorporated into the image processing device (computer system), such as ROMs and hard disk drives, can also be used as the recording medium referred to here. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a display means, an operation receiving means, and a control means capable of executing a process of switching between a plurality of operation screens and displaying them on the display means, and capable of executing a copy process of copying an image of an original onto a sheet-like image recording medium, the control means causes the display means to display a first screen, which is one of the plurality of operation screens and has at least a first key and a second key arranged thereon, when the operation accepting means accepts a user operation to the first key, causes the display means to display a second screen, which is one of the plurality of operation screens and has at least a fourth key arranged thereon, when the operation accepting means accepts a user operation to the fourth key, cancels the previous settings and causes the display means to display the first screen, when the operation accepting means accepts a user operation to the second key, causes the display means to display a third screen, which is one of the plurality of operation screens and has at least a third key and a fifth key arranged thereon, when the operation accepting means accepts a user operation to the third key, causes the display means to display the second screen, when the operation accepting means accepts a user operation to the third key, causes the display means to display the second screen, and when the operation accepting means accepts a user operation to the fifth key, cancels the previous settings and causes the display means to display the first screen; An information processing device, wherein the display manner of the first key and the display manner of the third key are the same or similar.

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 device according to claim 1 , wherein an area of ​​the fifth key is smaller than an area of ​​the third key.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the fifth key is arranged at a position not adjacent to the third key.

Images