Image forming apparatus and display control method

Abstract

To provide an image formation device and the like which can provide proper device information according to a state of the device by controlling display of a device configuration diagram.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: a display section which displays an information screen in which an operation state of the device is aggregated; and a control section which can perform display control in the display section. The control section controls display on the information screen of a device configuration diagram imitating an external appearance of the device on the basis of a detection result of execution of a job related to image formation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Image forming apparatuses such as multifunction printers are known to aggregate device information related to the operating status of the device, such as consumable information regarding the remaining amount of consumables and status information regarding the status of the device, and display it as an information screen. The information screen can be set as the initial screen when the device is started up, and is also configured to be callable via various display screens such as a basic screen that accepts switching of the job execution mode, etc., and a setting screen based on each execution mode such as copying. Since it is easy to obtain device information at an arbitrary timing, it is one of the display screens that are frequently referred to by users.

[0003] By the way, among image forming apparatuses, there are some that display the paper conveyance status within the apparatus and the location where an abnormality such as a jam has occurred on a device configuration diagram that mimics the appearance of the device. By referring to the device configuration diagram displayed on the display device, the user can visually imagine the paper conveyance status and the location where the abnormality has occurred, and grasp the device status.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a display device of an image forming apparatus that displays a device configuration diagram and, superimposed thereon, the conveyance status of paper conveyed from each paper feed cassette on an operation panel, and displays the occurrence position of a jam when the occurrence of a jam is detected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] It is expected that displaying a device configuration diagram, which offers superior visual notification, alongside the information screen will enable users to obtain appropriate device information according to the device's status. However, there have been no previous attempts to configure the information screen to display a device configuration diagram. For example, if a print or copy job is executed while the information screen is displayed, and the user wants to check the paper source tray, they had to switch the display screen to the settings screen for each execution mode related to print or copy to check the paper source.

[0007] The display device described in Patent Document 1 displays the paper transport status and jam occurrences as a device configuration diagram. However, the user has to operate a display mode switching key on the control panel to switch from the normal display mode, which displays the normal device information, to the paper transport display mode, which displays the device configuration diagram, and this does not make it easy to use.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide an image forming apparatus, etc., that can supply appropriate apparatus information according to the status of the apparatus by controlling the display of the apparatus configuration diagram. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure comprises a display unit that displays an information screen summarizing the operating status of the apparatus, and a control unit that can control the display on the display unit, wherein the control unit controls the display of an apparatus configuration diagram that mimics the appearance of the apparatus on the information screen based on the detection result of the execution of an image forming job.

[0010] Furthermore, the display control method relating to this disclosure is a display control method that displays an information screen summarizing the operating status of the device on a display device and controls the display on the display device, characterized in that it controls the display on the information screen of a device configuration diagram that mimics the appearance of the device, based on the detection result of the execution of a job related to image formation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, an image forming apparatus can be provided that can supply appropriate apparatus information according to the status of the apparatus by controlling the display of the apparatus configuration diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) A diagram illustrating the job management table. (b) A diagram illustrating the job history table. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction printer according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure illustrates an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure illustrates an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17]It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the third embodiment. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, for example, a multifunction peripheral capable of implementing jobs related to each execution mode such as copy, fax, image transmission, etc. in one housing will be described as one form of an image forming apparatus. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0014] Here, in the present disclosure, setting system buttons related to device settings such as brightness adjustment, volume, language setting, setting, large character mode, total usage count display, etc., and information on items other than settings such as consumable information and device status are collectively referred to as device setting items through charts, character strings, symbols, etc. And in the present disclosure, a display area that exclusively displays the device setting items and has a fixed display position is referred to as a fixed area.

[0015] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment includes a display unit that displays an information screen aggregating the operation status of the device, and a control unit capable of controlling the display in the display unit. The control unit controls the display on the information screen of the device configuration diagram simulating the appearance of the device based on the detection result of the execution of a job related to image formation. In particular, in the first embodiment, a form of controlling the display of the device configuration diagram according to whether a layout pattern for displaying a fixed area is selected on the home screen as a basic screen for receiving selection of the execution mode of the job will be described.

[0016] [1.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external perspective view that schematically illustrates the overall configuration of the multifunction device 10. Figure 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19, an image input unit 21, and a storage unit 23.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc.). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0018] The display unit 13 displays various information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be made up of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input from the user or other party. The operation input unit 15 can be composed of hard keys (e.g., a numeric keypad) or buttons. The operation input unit 15 can also be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, common methods such as resistive, infrared, electromagnetic induction, and capacitive touch input methods can be used for the touch panel.

[0020] The communication unit 17 is equipped with either a wired or wireless interface, or both, for communicating with other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, or a fax line.

[0021] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data on a recording medium such as paper. The image forming unit 19 feeds paper from the paper feeding unit 25, forms an image based on image data on the paper, and then discharges the paper to the paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0022] The image input unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading the original document. The image input unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge coupled device) or CIS (Charge image sensor), and may also have an automatic document feeder (ADF) or a flatbed for placing and reading the original document. The image input unit 21 is not particularly limited in its configuration as long as it generates image data by reading the reflected light image from the original document image with the image sensor. The image input unit 21 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image data stored on a portable storage medium such as a USB (Universal serial bus) memory or image data transmitted from an external device (not shown).

[0023] The memory unit 23 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the multifunction printer 10. The memory unit 23 can be configured with storage devices such as RAM (Random access memory), HDD (Hard disk drive), SSD (Solid state drive), and ROM (Read only memory).

[0024] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a job control program 231, a display control program 232, and a job execution detection program 233, and reserves a machine image storage area 234 and a job storage area 235.

[0025] The job control program 231 is a program read by the control unit 11 to perform processing related to each execution mode, such as print, copy, scan, fax, and Internet Fax, on a job-by-job basis. The control unit 11, having read the job control program 231, executes the job by controlling the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, image forming unit 19, and image input unit 21, etc. The control unit 11, having read the job control program 231, also performs tasks such as executing, holding, stopping jobs, registering and deleting jobs in the job management list (job queue) described later, and managing job history in the job history table.

[0026] The display control program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when controlling the display screen displayed via the display unit 13. Upon reading the display control program 232, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 a home screen that accepts the selection of the job execution mode, a settings screen (not shown) that accepts the input of various setting values ​​related to job execution, a system information screen (described later) as an information screen, and a machine image as a device configuration diagram. The display control program 232 also includes the machine image display control program 2321. Upon reading the machine image display control program 2321, the control unit 11 performs necessary determination processing to display the machine image and controls the display of the machine image based on said determination processing. For example, if the control unit 11 reads the machine image display control program 2321 and a layout pattern displaying a fixed area is selected on the home screen, and no job execution related to image formation is detected, it restricts the display of the machine image and displays device setting icons corresponding to device setting items. If the execution of a job related to image formation is detected, it controls the display of the machine image at the location where the device setting icons are displayed.

[0027] The job execution detection program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when it detects the execution of a job. The control unit 11, having read the job execution detection program 233, detects the execution of jobs related to printing, copying, scanning, faxing, Internet faxing, etc. The control unit 11, having read the job execution detection program 233, may detect the execution of a job based on the job start signal output by the execution of the job control program 231. Alternatively, if the job to be detected involves printing operations on paper or reading documents, it may also detect the execution of the job based on detection signals output according to the paper transport status or the status of setting the document at the reading position.

[0028] The machine image storage area 234 is a storage area that stores the machine image file that the control unit 11, which has read the machine image display control program 2321, will display as a machine image on the display unit 13.

[0029] The job storage area 235 includes a job registration area 2351 for registering and managing jobs to be executed, and an execution history storage area 2352 for storing the execution history of jobs as a job history. The job registration area 2351 manages jobs related to printing, copying, scanning, faxing, or Internet faxing, etc., based on a job management table. The execution history storage area 2342 manages the execution history of executed jobs based on a job history table.

[0030] Here, the job management table and the job history table will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3(a) is a diagram illustrating one example of the data structure of the job management table. Figure 3(b) is a diagram illustrating one example of the data structure of the job history table. In Figure 3, copy and print jobs (print jobs) are used as an example of job types.

[0031] The job management table shown in Figure 3(a) includes the following management items: Job ID, Set Time, Job Type, User Name, Number of Sets, Image Data, and Status. The Job ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the registered job. The Set Time represents the time the job was set. In this case, the Set Time can be the time the execution instruction for the copy job was entered, or it may be the time the original document to be copied was placed in the image input unit 21 (e.g., the scanner device). The Job Type represents the type of job. The User Name represents the user name executing the job. If the user executing the job is unknown (e.g., a job to make a small number of copies by directly operating the multifunction printer 10), this management item may be left blank. The Number of Sets represents the number of copies to be made. The Image Data represents the storage location (file path) of the image data that will be the source image for the copy. The Status represents the execution status of the job, for example, waiting, copying, etc.

[0032] For example, the job identified by job ID "0101" is a copy job of type "copy" that was set at the set time "2020 / 04 / 01 14:10". This copy job is an example where the user name "User_1" set the image data " / MFP / ADF / 003256789.jpg" as the source image and set the number of copies to "0200". The status of the copy job related to job ID "0101" is "waiting".

[0033] The job history table shown in Figure 3(b) includes the following history items: History ID, Job ID, Set Time, Job Type, User Name, and Status. The History ID is generated each time a job is executed (completed) and is an identifier that uniquely identifies each job history. The Job ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the registered job and is the same identifier as the Job ID in Figure 3(a). Note that Figure 3(b) is an example where the History ID and Job ID have the same identifier value, but of course, the History ID and Job ID may have different values, for example, if the job registration order (Job ID) and the execution order of the job (History ID) are different. The Set Time represents the time the job was set and is the same as the Set Time in Figure 3(a). The Job Type and User Name are also the same values ​​as the Job Type and User Name exemplified in Figure 3(a). The Status represents the execution status of the job, for example, OK meaning completed.

[0034] For example, the job history identified by history ID "0099" (job ID "0099") indicates a copy job of type "copy" that was set at the set time "2020 / 04 / 01 13:55". This copy job was set by the username "User_1", and the status of the copy job related to history ID "0099" is "OK" (completed).

[0035] The control unit 11, having read the job control program 231, can display a job list of the corresponding job on the system information screen, which serves as an information screen, based on the management items in the job management table and the history items in the job history table.

[0036] [1.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow of the first embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4. The processing described in Figure 4 is the process that the control unit 11 executes by reading the job control program 231, the display control program 232 (machine image display control program 2321), the job execution detection program 233, etc.

[0037] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a command to display the system information screen has been entered via the home screen or the like (step S10). If it determines that a command to display the system information screen has been entered, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a fixed area display layout has been selected on the home screen (step S10; Yes → step S20). On the other hand, if it determines that a command to display the system information screen has not been entered, the control unit 11 waits until a command to display the system information screen is entered (step S10; No).

[0038] If the control unit 11 determines that a fixed area display layout is selected on the home screen, it displays the device setting icon display area on the system information screen (step S20; Yes → step S30). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has detected the execution of a job (step S40). If it determines that it has detected the execution of a job, the control unit 11 displays the machine image on the system information screen and terminates the process (step S40; Yes → step S50). On the other hand, if it determines that it has not detected the execution of a job, the control unit 11 continues to display the device setting icon display area (step S40; No → step S30).

[0039] By the way, if the control unit 11 determines that no fixed area display layout is selected on the home screen, it displays the machine image on the system information screen and terminates the process (step S20: No → step S50).

[0040] [1.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a home screen W10 that accepts the selection of a job execution mode, and illustrates an example of a configuration in which a fixed area display layout is selected. The home screen W10 illustrated in Figure 5 can be configured as a basic screen that is displayed on the display unit 13, for example, when the power is turned on, when in standby mode, when recovering from sleep mode, etc., and accepts user operation input. The home screen W10 includes a function menu button display area R10, a fixed area display area R12, and a system information button B10.

[0041] The function menu button display area R10 is a display area that displays function menu buttons that accept selection of function menus. Figure 5 is an example showing function menu selection buttons for simple copy, simple fax, simple scan, and copy. The user can select the job execution mode by selecting the desired function menu selection button. Note that the example configuration of function menu selection buttons shown on the home screen W10 in Figure 5 is for illustrative purposes only, and the settings can be changed via a system settings screen or the like (not shown).

[0042] The fixed display area R12 is an area that displays device setting items related to language settings, operation guides, maintenance, etc., and is a display area with a fixed display position. Figure 5 is an example showing device setting items related to "toner level," "operation guide," "large font mode," "settings," "total pages used display," "brightness adjustment," and "volume." Note that the display position of the fixed display area R12 is not limited to the position exemplified in Figure 5 (below the function menu button display area R10), but may also be above the function menu button display area R10, or at either the left or right edge of the home screen W10.

[0043] The system information button B10 is a button that receives an input command to display the system information screen, which is an information screen whose details will be explained in the following figure, etc. When the system information button B10 is selected and an input command to display the system information screen is received, the control unit 11 displays the system information screen on the display unit 13.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates one example configuration of the system information screen W20 displayed by the control unit 11 in response to the selection of the system information button B10 on the home screen W10 as exemplified in Figure 5. Note that the system information screen W20 exemplified in Figure 6 is an example of the display configuration when no job execution is detected after the display of the device setting icon in step S30 of Figure 4 (step S30 → step S40; No).

[0045] The system information screen W20 includes a system information display area R20 that aggregates and displays the operating status of the device, and a job management display area R22. The system information display area R20 includes a job list display area R200 that can display a job list, such as a job queue related to scheduled jobs, jobs whose execution has been detected, jobs currently running, etc., and a history of executed jobs; a paper tray information area R202 that displays information about the size and remaining number of sheets of paper stored in the paper tray; a notification information display area R204 that displays notification information for the user; and a machine information display area R206 that displays machine information (device information) of the multifunction printer 10.

[0046] The job management display area R22 can display information related to job management, such as the status of running jobs and the cancellation of running jobs. The specific display modes of the job management display area R22 are explained in the following figure.

[0047] Furthermore, the system information screen W20 includes a device setting icon display area R208. The device setting icon display area R208 displays device setting icons corresponding to the device setting items that can be displayed in the fixed area display area R12 when the display (layout) of the fixed area display area R12 is selected in the home screen W10 as exemplified in Figure 5. Figure 6 is an example of displaying device setting icons related to "Operation Guide," "Large Font Mode," "Settings," "Total Number of Used Items Display," "Brightness Adjustment," and "Volume." Note that the device setting icons displayed in the device setting icon display area R208 may be device setting icons that perfectly correspond to the device setting items displayed in the fixed area display area R12, or they may be device setting icons that correspond to different device setting items. It is also possible to assign a priority to the device setting items (icons) to be displayed based on the user's wishes, the importance of the setting content, etc., and display a predetermined number of device setting icons in order of priority (for example, from the device setting item with the highest priority). The display in the device settings icon display area R208 can be selected to display the machine image display area, as described in the following figure, when job execution is detected.

[0048] Figure 7 illustrates an example of the display configuration of the system information screen W30A when job execution is detected. Note that Figure 7 is an example of operation corresponding to the process from step S40:Yes to step S50 in Figure 4.

[0049] When the control unit 11 detects the execution of a job, it displays the job queue related to the detected job in the job list display area R200. Figure 7 is an example showing a copy job whose execution has been detected in the job list display area R200.

[0050] On the system information screen W30A, the control unit 11 clearly indicates the paper tray containing the paper to be used for the detected copy job. In the paper tray information area R202, for example, tray 5 is displayed in a different display manner from other paper trays as the paper tray related to paper feeding. Figure 7 shows a different display manner in which the display area corresponding to tray 5 is filled with a diagonal line pattern. There are no restrictions on the display color, fill pattern, etc., as long as the display manner allows for the identification of the paper tray related to paper feeding. The configuration location of the indicated paper tray may be represented by blinking tray information, different fonts, different font sizes, etc., and it is also possible to guide users to the relevant location by voice guidance.

[0051] In addition to highlighting the paper feed tray in the paper feed tray information area R202, the control unit 11 displays a machine image in the machine image display area R210 instead of displaying the device setting icon in the device setting icon display area R208. In the machine image displayed in the machine image display area R210, the area R2101 corresponding to the paper feed tray highlighted in the paper feed tray information area R202 is highlighted. Similar to the display method of the paper feed tray in the paper feed tray information area R202, there are no particular restrictions on the display method such as display color and fill pattern, as long as the paper feed tray related to paper feeding can be identified in the overall configuration of the device. In this way, by highlighting the area corresponding to the paper feed tray that is the source of paper feeding in the machine image as an example of the operational area associated with the execution of a job (copy job), the user can easily grasp the operational area of ​​the job.

[0052] The control unit 11 can display information related to job management, such as the status of jobs currently running and the acceptance of cancellation instructions for jobs currently running, in the job management display area R22. Figure 7 is an example in which the paper source for a copy job is the paper feed tray (tray 5), and a copy cancel button for accepting copy cancellation instructions is displayed in the job management display area R22.

[0053] In Figure 7, the display of the machine image was shown by switching the display of the device setting icon display area R208 to the display of the machine image display area R210. However, the machine image display area R210 can also be displayed superimposed on the device setting icon display area R208. Figure 8 is an example of the system information screen W30B in which the machine image display area R212 is superimposed on the device setting icon display area R208.

[0054] Incidentally, the display position of the machine image display area R210 exemplified in Figure 7 or the machine image display area R212 exemplified in Figure 8 is not limited to the position set as the display position of the device setting icon display area R208. It is also possible to display it in a display position set as another display area, such as the paper tray information area R202. Furthermore, if the display of the machine image display area R210 or machine image display area R212 is unnecessary, it is of course possible to hide the machine image display portion by selecting it with a double tap or flick, and then redisplay the device setting icon display area R208.

[0055] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the display of the machine image is controlled according to the selection status of the display layout of the fixed area on the home screen based on the detection result of the execution of an image forming job, and therefore an image forming apparatus that can supply appropriate apparatus information according to the status of the apparatus can be provided.

[0056] [2 Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is a configuration in which, in the first embodiment, when job execution is detected, the system asks the user whether or not to display the machine image.

[0057] [2.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0058] [2.2 Processing Flow] The processing flow of the second embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9. Note that the processing according to the second embodiment is the same as the processing in the flowchart in Figure 4 described in the first embodiment, but replaced by the flowchart in Figure 9. Therefore, the same step numbers will be used for parts where the processing can be the same as that described in the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0059] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a command to display the system information screen has been entered via the home screen or the like (step S10). If it determines that a command to display the system information screen has been entered, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a fixed area display layout has been selected on the home screen (step S10; Yes → step S20). If it determines that a command to display the system information screen has not been entered, the control unit 11 waits until a command to display the system information screen is entered (step S10; No).

[0060] If the control unit 11 determines that a fixed area display layout is selected on the home screen, it determines whether or not it has detected the execution of a job (step S20: Yes → step S40). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that a fixed area display layout is not selected on the home screen, it displays the machine image on the system information screen and terminates the process (step S20: No → step S50).

[0061] In step S40, if it is determined that a job has been detected, the control unit 11 displays a query screen asking whether or not to display the machine image (step S40; Yes → step S60). On the other hand, if it is determined that no job has been detected, the control unit 11 waits until a job is detected (step S40; No).

[0062] When the control unit 11 receives an instruction to display a machine image, it displays the machine image and terminates the process (step S70; Yes → step S50).

[0063] On the other hand, if no instruction is received to display a machine image, the control unit 11 displays a device setting icon and terminates the process (step S70; No → step S30).

[0064] [2.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the system information screen W40, which displays the inquiry screen M10 for inquiring whether or not the machine image can be displayed. Note that Figure 10 is an example of operation corresponding to the process of step S60 in Figure 9.

[0065] The inquiry screen M10 includes a display that asks the user whether or not to display the machine image, a display button B12, and a cancel button B14.

[0066] In response to a query about whether or not to display the machine image, the display button B12 accepts the instruction input to display the machine image. On the other hand, the cancel button B14 accepts the instruction input to disable the display of the machine image. When the user selects the display button B12, the control unit 11 displays the machine image (machine image display area R210). On the other hand, when the user selects the cancel button B14, the control unit 11 restricts the display of the machine image and displays the device setting icon (device setting icon display area R208).

[0067] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the user can set whether or not to display the machine image, thus providing an image forming apparatus with superior operability.

[0068] [3 Third Embodiment] The third embodiment includes a receiving unit that accepts settings related to the display of the machine image, and controls the display of the machine image according to the setting status of the machine image's continuous display. In the third embodiment, if the continuous display of the machine image is set to "disabled," the display of the machine image is restricted even if the execution of an image formation job is detected, and the machine image is displayed on the system information screen if an event occurs that hinders the continuation of the execution of the image formation job. On the other hand, if the continuous display of the machine image is set to "enabled," the machine image is displayed at all times regardless of whether or not the execution of an image formation job is detected.

[0069] [3.1 Functional Configuration] Figure 11 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction printer 30 according to the third embodiment. The multifunction printer 30 according to the third embodiment includes a storage unit 33 in place of the storage unit 23 of the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment. Parts that can have the same configuration as the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0070] In the third embodiment, the storage unit 33 stores the job control program 231, the display control program 232 (machine image display control program 2321), the job execution detection program 233, and the system setting program 331, and reserves a machine image storage area 234 and a job storage area 235.

[0071] The system configuration program 331 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when it receives instructions to set or change device settings for the multifunction printer 30. After reading the system configuration program 331, the control unit 11 can function as a reception unit that receives settings related to the display of the machine image. After reading the system configuration program 331, the control unit 11 receives settings related to the display of the machine image, such as "always display the machine image," "display when a job is executed," or "do not display the machine image," and controls the display of the machine image based on the received settings.

[0072] [3.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow of the third embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 12. Note that the processing according to the third embodiment is the same as the processing in the flowchart in Figure 4 described in the first embodiment, but replaced by the flowchart in Figure 12. Therefore, the same step numbers will be used for parts that can be the same as the processing described in the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0073] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a command to display the system information screen has been input via the home screen or the like (step S10). If it determines that a command to display the system information screen has been input, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the machine image display is set to always be displayed (step S10; Yes → step S80). On the other hand, if it determines that no command to display the system information screen has been input, the control unit 11 waits until the command to display the system information screen is input (step S10; No).

[0074] If the control unit 11 determines that the machine image display is not set to always be displayed, it restricts the display of the machine image (machine image display area R210) on the system information screen (step S80; No → step S110). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has detected the execution of a job (step S40). If it determines that it has detected the execution of a job, the control unit 11 continues to restrict the display of the machine image (machine image display area R210) on the system information screen (step S40; Yes → step S110). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that it has not detected the execution of a job, it determines whether or not an event has occurred that would hinder the continuation of the execution of the image formation job (step S40; No → step S120). The control unit 11 considers low levels of consumables such as paper and toner or the occurrence of errors such as paper jams as events that would hinder the continuation of the execution of the image formation job, and monitors for low levels of consumables or the occurrence of errors.

[0075] If the control unit 11 determines that the remaining amount of consumables is low or that an error has occurred, it displays a machine image (machine image display area R210) (step S120; Yes → step S50). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the remaining amount of consumables is not low or that no error has occurred, it returns to step S110 (step S120; No → step S110).

[0076] By the way, if in step S80 the control unit 11 determines that the machine image display is set to always display, it displays the machine image (machine image display area R210) on the system information screen regardless of whether it detects the execution of an image formation job (step S80; Yes → step S50).

[0077] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not specific information has been specified by the user as the operating status of the multifunction printer 30 (step S90). If it determines that specific information has been specified by the user, the control unit 11 highlights the parts of the machine image that reflect the information specified by the user (step S90; Yes → step S100). On the other hand, if it determines that specific information has not been specified by the user, the control unit 11 continues to display the machine image (step S90; No → step S50).

[0078] [3.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation of the third embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the home screen W50, which displays the inquiry screen M12 that inquires whether or not the machine image can be displayed at all times.

[0079] The inquiry screen M12 includes a display that asks the user whether or not to always display the machine image, as well as a button B16 to display it and a button B18 to not display it.

[0080] In response to an inquiry about whether or not to display the machine image at all times, button B16, which displays the machine image, accepts the instruction to display the machine image at all times. On the other hand, button B18, which does not display the machine image, accepts the instruction to disable the display of the machine image at all times. When the user selects button B16 to display the machine image, the control unit 11 displays the machine image at all times, regardless of whether or not job execution has been detected. On the other hand, when the user selects button B18 to not display the machine image, the control unit 11 restricts (hides) the display of the machine image and displays the device setting icon. The control unit 11 then displays the machine image if an event occurs that hinders the continuation of job execution.

[0081] Figure 14 illustrates an example of the display configuration of the system information screen W60 when the machine image is set to not be displayed at all times and job execution is detected. Note that Figure 14 corresponds to the process from step S110 to step S40;Yes in Figure 12.

[0082] When the control unit 11 detects the execution of a job, it displays the job queue related to the detected job in the job list display area R200. Figure 14 is an example of displaying a copy job whose execution has been detected in the job list display area R200. However, since the machine image is set to not be displayed at all times, the control unit 11 restricts the display of the machine image and displays the device setting icon (device setting icon display area R208) on the system information screen W20. In addition, in the paper feed tray information area R202, it is also possible to display the paper feed tray that is in operation in conjunction with the execution of a job queue in a different display manner from other paper feed trays. In this case, there are no restrictions on the display color, fill pattern, etc., as long as the display manner makes it possible to distinguish the paper feed tray that is in operation from other paper feed trays, and the configuration location of the paper feed tray to be clearly indicated may be expressed by blinking tray information, different fonts, different font sizes, etc., and it is also possible to guide users to the relevant location by voice guidance.

[0083] Figure 15 illustrates an example of the display configuration of the system information screen W70A when the machine image is disabled and the continuation of job execution is hindered. Figure 15 corresponds to the process related to step S120;Yes → step S50 in Figure 12. Here, Figure 15 is an example assuming that tray 5, which is the paper supply source in a copy job, will soon run out of paper (near end).

[0084] On the system information screen W70A, the control unit 11 indicates that the paper feed tray (tray 5) containing the paper to be used for copying will soon run out of paper in the copy job. In the paper feed tray information area R202, for example, tray 5 is displayed in a different display manner from other paper feed trays as the paper feed tray involved in the paper feed. Figure 15 shows a display manner in which the display area corresponding to tray 5 is filled with a diagonal line pattern as an alternative display manner. There are no restrictions on the display color, fill pattern, etc., as long as the display manner allows for the identification of the paper feed tray involved in the paper feed. The configuration location of the indicated paper feed tray may be represented by blinking tray information, different fonts, different font sizes, etc., and it is also possible to guide users to the relevant location by voice guidance.

[0085] In addition to highlighting the paper tray in the paper tray information area R202, the control unit 11 displays the machine image in the machine image display area R210 instead of the display in the device setting icon display area R208. In the machine image displayed in the machine image display area R210, the area R2103 corresponding to the paper tray (tray 5) that is about to run out of paper is highlighted along with an icon indicating that the paper is out. Similar to the display method of the paper tray in the paper tray information area R202, there are no particular restrictions on the display method such as the display color and fill pattern of area R2103, as long as the paper tray related to paper feeding can be identified in the overall configuration of the device. In this way, by highlighting the area in the machine image that corresponds to the location where an event that hinders the continuation of job execution occurs, the user can easily grasp the location where the event occurred.

[0086] Figure 16 illustrates another display configuration example for the system information screen W70B when the machine image is disabled and the continuation of job execution is hindered. Here, Figure 16 is an example assuming an error related to a paper jam occurs in a copy job.

[0087] The control unit 11 displays the machine image display area R210. The display position of the machine image display area R210 is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be displayed in the paper tray information area R202, which is different from the device setting icon display area R208. In the machine image displayed in the machine image display area R210, a predetermined mark indicating that a paper jam error has occurred is placed at the location R2105 where the paper jam occurred, so that the location where the error (paper jam) occurred in the overall device configuration can be clearly indicated.

[0088] Figure 17 illustrates an example of the display configuration of the system information screen W80A, where the machine image is set to always display and the machine image (machine image display area R210) is displayed regardless of whether or not job execution is detected. Note that Figure 17 corresponds to the process related to step S80;Yes → step S50 in Figure 12.

[0089] Then, as shown in the system information screen W80B of Figure 18, when the user specifies the remaining number of sheets icon for tray 5 (shaded area in Figure 18) displayed in the paper tray information area R202 as specific information representing the operating status of the multifunction printer 30, the control unit 11 highlights the area R2107 that reflects the information specified by the user (the remaining number of sheets icon for tray 5), and notifies the configuration position (mounting position) of tray 5 in the machine image. With this configuration, the user can easily understand, for example, the location of the paper tray that requires paper replenishment in the device configuration.

[0090] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the display of the machine image is controlled according to the setting for continuous display of the machine image based on the detection result of the execution of jobs related to image formation, thereby providing an image forming apparatus that can supply appropriate apparatus information according to the status of the apparatus. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, even if the continuous display of the machine image is set to be disabled, if an event occurs that hinders the continuation of the execution of jobs related to image formation, the machine image is displayed on the system information screen, so the user can easily grasp what is happening on the apparatus.

[0091] This disclosure describes a configuration in which a diagram of the device configuration, which mimics the appearance of the device, is displayed on an information screen. The device configuration diagram can also be displayed on other display screens that the image forming apparatus can display, such as a home screen that accepts the selection of a job execution mode, or a settings screen (not shown) that accepts the input of various settings related to job execution.

[0092] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0093] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible.

[0094] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0095] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, in addition to realizing the functions of the embodiments described above by executing the loaded program, the functions of this disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0096] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable storage medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is, of course, also included in this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10, 30 multifunction devices 11 Control Unit 13 Display section 15 Operation Input Section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image Input Section 23, 33 Storage section 231 Job control program 232 Display Control Program 2321 Machine Image Display Control Program 233 Job Execution Detection Program 234 Machine Image Storage Area 235 Job storage area 2351 Job registration area 2352 Execution history storage area 331 System Configuration Program

Claims

1. A display unit that shows an information screen summarizing the operating status of the device, The system comprises a control unit capable of controlling the display in the aforementioned display unit, The control unit, If the setting to display the device setting icon corresponding to the device setting item for which device setting input is accepted is enabled on the information screen, Based on the detection results of the execution of jobs related to image formation, If the execution of the image formation job is not detected, the display of the device configuration diagram on the information screen is restricted and the device settings icon is displayed. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the execution of the aforementioned image forming job is detected, the apparatus configuration diagram is displayed at the display position of the apparatus setting icon on the information screen.

2. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, with respect to the display of the apparatus configuration diagram, the parts corresponding to the operating parts associated with the execution of the job are highlighted.

3. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the execution of the aforementioned image forming job is detected, the apparatus configuration diagram is displayed superimposed on the apparatus setting icon.

4. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the execution of the aforementioned image forming job is detected, a screen is displayed to inquire whether the apparatus configuration diagram can be displayed.

5. The device includes a receiving unit that accepts settings related to the display of the aforementioned device configuration diagram, The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the display of the apparatus configuration diagram is set to be disabled, the display of the apparatus configuration diagram is restricted even if the execution of the image forming job is detected, and if an event occurs that hinders the continuation of the execution of the image forming job, the apparatus configuration diagram is displayed on the information screen.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the event that prevents the continuation of the execution of the image forming job is a decrease in the remaining amount of consumables related to image forming or the occurrence of an error.

7. The control unit, If the device configuration diagram is set to always display, the device configuration diagram will be displayed on the information screen regardless of whether or not the execution of the image formation job is detected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, with respect to the display of the apparatus configuration diagram, the configuration position on the apparatus configuration diagram corresponding to the operating status of the apparatus specified by the user is highlighted based on the information representing the operating status of the apparatus.

8. It is equipped with a display device that shows an information screen summarizing the operating status of the device, A display control method for an image forming apparatus that controls the display in the aforementioned display device, If the setting to display the device setting icon corresponding to the device setting item for which device setting input is accepted is enabled on the information screen, Based on the detection results of the execution of jobs related to image formation, If the execution of the image formation job is not detected, the display of the device configuration diagram on the information screen is restricted and the device settings icon is displayed. A display control method characterized in that, when the execution of the image formation job is detected, the device configuration diagram is displayed at the display position of the device setting icon on the information screen.

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