JP4635761B2 - Image forming apparatus and method for controlling image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus control method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus including an operation panel capable of displaying a plurality of types of operation screens and inputting various operations, and an image. The present invention relates to a method for controlling a forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, apparatuses such as MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), copying machines, facsimile machines, and printers connected to a network (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image forming apparatuses”) exist. Among these devices, parameters can be set from an operation unit provided in the main body of the device, and various operations (control of the image forming apparatus) can be performed from an external computer (external device) via a network. There is.

  In this type of image forming apparatus, password information corresponding to the user name of the operator is stored in a storage device, and when the user name and password of the operator are input from the operation unit, the storage device is referred to. Authenticate the operator. That is, when the image forming apparatus is used, the user name and password are input from the operation unit, and the use of the apparatus is permitted when authentication is performed.

  In the field of image forming apparatuses, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that displays an operation panel screen in a state suitable for each user when a plurality of different levels of users use the image forming apparatus. ing.

  Patent Document 2 below pays attention to the fact that the key pressing speed on the panel is slowed when the user is not guided by the operation of the device, and monitors the key pressing speed and reaches a predetermined value. If not, a facsimile machine that automatically activates the help function is disclosed.

Patent Document 3 below is optimal for the control skill of the viewer by controlling the presentation of help information based on the operation history for the menu display operation and the help display operation. An apparatus for presenting menu information is disclosed.
JP 2003-101692 A JP-A-8-9077 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-284034

  In general, when a plurality of users having different levels use the operation panel of one image forming apparatus, it is difficult to understand and difficult to operate for a user with a low level of operation skill if many functions are provided in the operation panel. There is. In particular, in an image forming apparatus having many functions, displaying a complicated screen to cover all functions is not a problem for a user who is proficient in operation, but is very understandable for a user who is not proficient. The problem arises that it is difficult and inconvenient.

  On the other hand, if a configuration in which a normal operation panel configuration and a simple operation panel configuration are prepared and the user arbitrarily switches the configuration is adopted, the switching operation itself will be complicated. In addition, in order to change the screen display, the user must open and operate the setting change menu, which is troublesome.

  In addition, as a response to an operator who is not familiar with the operation, there is a method of displaying guidance (help), but this method does not improve the operability by changing the operation method itself.

  Further, the technique of Patent Document 1 displays an operation panel screen prepared for each user by authenticating the operator by inputting the user name and password of the operator. It is necessary to set in advance which screen is displayed, which is troublesome.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is capable of forming an optimal operation panel display for each user without making the user aware of it and without losing the operability of the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control method for an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is capable of displaying a plurality of types of operation screens, an operation panel for inputting various operations, and a specific type of operation panel. Counting means for counting the number of times the operation has been performed, and changing means for changing the operation screen displayed on the operation panel to a different one when the count value by the counting means exceeds a predetermined value. The operation screen is provided with a setting means for accepting a setting operation and a canceling means for accepting an operation for canceling the setting, the counting means counts the number of times the operation of the canceling means is executed, and the changing means When the count value indicating the number of times the operation of the cancel unit is executed exceeds a predetermined value, the operation screen is changed to a simple operation screen with fewer setting units.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus can change the predetermined value to an arbitrary value.
Preferably, the image forming apparatus holds a predetermined value for each of a plurality of functions that can be used by the operator.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an operator authentication unit that authenticates the operator, and a storage unit that stores information about the operator, and the counting unit cancels the operator authenticated by the operator authentication unit. When the count value by the counting means exceeds a predetermined value, the changing means confirms that the operator authenticated by the operator authenticating means has performed a specific operation that is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. Store in the storage means.

Preferably, when the operator is authenticated by the operator authentication unit, the image forming apparatus refers to the storage unit, and the operator authenticated by the operator authentication unit operates the canceling unit greater than or equal to a predetermined value. In this case, the operation screen displayed on the operation panel is different from the normal operation screen, and is a simple operation screen with fewer setting means .
Preferably, the setting means provided on the normal operation screen is for setting each of a plurality of functions for image forming processing, and the setting means provided on the simple operation screen is a predetermined value for each of the plurality of functions. Is set to change the default values for some of these functions.
Preferably, the simplified operation screen is displayed in order to display the setting means for setting items different from the setting items of the setting means being displayed together with a smaller number of setting means than the normal operation screen. These means are further provided.
Preferably, the simplified operation screen displays a description of the setting operation by the setting means, together with a smaller number of setting means than the normal operation screen.
Preferably, the simple operation screen is further provided with means for changing the operation screen displayed on the operation panel from the simple operation screen to the normal operation screen, together with a smaller number of setting means than the normal operation screen.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus can display a plurality of types of operation screens, an operation panel for inputting various operations, and a specific operation after a specific operation is performed. Measuring means for measuring the time until the operation is performed, and changing means for changing the operation screen displayed on the operation panel to a different one when the measurement time by the measuring means exceeds a predetermined value.

  Preferably, the changing means changes the operation screen displayed on the operation panel to a simple operation screen when the measurement time by the measuring means exceeds a predetermined value.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus can change the predetermined value to an arbitrary value.
Preferably, the image forming apparatus holds a predetermined value for each of a plurality of functions that can be used by the operator.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an operator authentication unit that authenticates the operator, and a storage unit that stores information related to the operator, and the measurement unit specifies the operator authenticated by the operator authentication unit. The change means measures the time from when the operation is performed until the specific operation is performed, and when the measurement time by the measurement means exceeds a predetermined value, the change means performs the operation for a predetermined time by the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means. The fact that it has not been stored is stored in the storage means.

  Preferably, when the operator is authenticated by the operator authentication unit, the image forming apparatus refers to the storage unit and records that the operator authenticated by the operator authentication unit has not operated for a predetermined time. In this case, the operation screen displayed on the operation panel is different from the normal operation screen.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display a plurality of types of operation screens, count an operation panel on which various operations are input, and the number of times a specific operation is performed on the operation panel. method of controlling an image forming apparatus and a counting means is provided and cancellation means for accepting an operation to cancel the setting and setting means for accepting the setting operation on the operation screen, the operation of the canceling means by counting means When the count value indicating the number of executions exceeds a predetermined value, the operation screen displayed on the operation panel and the simplified operation screen provided with fewer setting means are changed.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display a plurality of types of operation screens, an operation panel on which various operations are input, and a specific operation is performed after the specific operation is performed. The control method of the image forming apparatus provided with the measuring unit that measures the time until the measurement unit is configured to change the operation screen displayed on the operation panel to a different one when the measurement time by the measuring unit exceeds a predetermined value. To do.

  According to these inventions, when the count value by the counting means or the measurement time by the measuring means exceeds a predetermined value, the operation screen displayed on the operation panel can be changed to a different one, so that the user is not conscious, It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus control method capable of displaying an optimal operation panel for each user without impairing user operability.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus (MFP) having a touch panel type operation panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the drawing, the image forming apparatus includes an image reader unit 101 including a scanner for reading a document, an operation panel 103 including a liquid crystal display device and a touch panel, a print engine 105, and a paper feed cassette 107. Yes.

  The image forming apparatus determines the user's operation proficiency level on the operation panel 103, and provides a simpler operation panel configuration for users with low operation proficiency levels to improve operability.

  As a result, in an environment where a plurality of different levels of users use the operation panel of one image forming apparatus, it is possible to provide each user with an optimal operation panel configuration without making the user aware of it.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an entire circuit showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes a CPU 201, a RAM 203, a ROM 205, an operation panel 103 including a panel reset key 103a, a scanner unit 209, a printer unit 211, a storage device 215, and a NIC (network interface card) 215 as main components. Yes.

  The NIC 215 is an interface for receiving print job data from a PC via a network and transmitting image data in scanning or FAX transmission.

  The scanner unit 209 is a known device that scans a set original and obtains image data of the original.

  The printer unit 211 is a device that converts image data created by the scanner unit 209 into print data for printing by a known electrophotographic method, and prints an image such as a document based on the converted data. .

  The operation panel 103 is an apparatus for registering and selecting a copy image quality, paper settings, and a scan image transmission destination, and includes a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel laminated on the surface thereof.

  The CPU 201 reads a necessary program from the ROM 205 and controls the functions of the entire system. The ROM 205 stores a program for controlling the entire image forming apparatus. The RAM 203 serves as a work area when the CPU 201 executes a program. In addition, image data read by the scanner unit 209 is temporarily stored.

3 to 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus has a user authentication function, and the user must input a user ID and a password in order to use the image forming apparatus. In step S101, user authentication using a user ID and password is executed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen for performing user authentication displayed on operation panel 103 in step S101.

  Referring to the figure, the user inputs an ID and a password according to this screen. The image forming apparatus performs user authentication by determining whether the combination of the input ID and password is stored in the storage device 213.

  If the authentication is OK, a login process is performed in step S103. Here, it is assumed that the user ID is logged in with the name “Testuser”.

  In step S105, the setting of the operation screen at the time of the previous login of the user corresponding to the user ID is referred from the storage device 213. In step S107, whether the setting of the user's operation screen is the “normal operation screen” or the “simple operation screen”. It is determined whether it is.

  If it is the “simple operation screen”, in step S133 (FIG. 5), a selection screen for allowing the user to decide whether or not to select the simple operation screen is displayed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a selection screen displayed on the operation panel 103 in step S133.
As shown in the figure, the user is prompted to log in normally, to use the simple operation screen last time, and to ask whether the simple operation screen is used again this time. On this screen, the user can select whether to use the simple operation screen or the normal operation screen.

  When the user checks the item “Do not display this screen at next login” on the screen of FIG. 7, the operation screen from the next time is fixed to the screen selected in FIG.

  If the selected screen is a normal operation screen in step S135 of FIG. 5, the process proceeds to step S109, and if it is a simple operation screen, the process proceeds to step S137.

  Note that it is possible to proceed to step S137 as it is without displaying the screen of FIG. 7 in step S133.

  If the user operation screen setting is “normal operation screen” in step S107, or if “normal operation screen” is selected in step S135, in step S109, a specific key input count is counted. The value of the “operation key counter” is cleared, and a normal operation screen as usual is displayed on the operation panel 103 in step S111.

  Note that a plurality of operation key counters may be prepared for each function such as copying and faxing. These operation key counters count only when the corresponding function (copy, fax, etc.) is selected.

  8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating specific examples of the normal operation screen displayed on the operation panel 103. FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 8, the user can select paper, magnification, and single / double-side as basic copy settings. On the screen shown in FIG. 9, the user can make settings such as a cover sheet, binding margin creation, and image addition as settings for the application function of copying.

  In step S113, the user starts an operation to use the corresponding function. That is, the user performs a copy operation (or fax operation, scan operation, etc.) using the operation panel.

  In step S115, each time a specific key (here, the panel reset key 103a used for canceling the operation) is pressed once, the operation key counter is incremented by 1 (step S123).

  In step S117, it is determined whether the operation key counter has exceeded a predetermined threshold before the user finishes the operation (the job of the corresponding function is finished or logs off). If exceeded, in step S125, the setting of the operation screen corresponding to the user ID is stored in the storage device 213 as a “simple operation screen”. The threshold for determining the contents of the operation key counter may be changed by the user. Further, since the assumed number of times that the panel reset key is pressed depending on the function is different, a different threshold may be provided for each function.

  Thereafter, in step S127, a switching selection screen to the simple operation screen is displayed on the operation panel 103.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a switching selection screen displayed on the operation panel 103 in step S127.

  As shown in the figure, the user is asked whether or not to switch the screen to the simple operation screen. On this screen, the user can select whether to use the simple operation screen or the normal operation screen.

  If “Yes” is selected in the switching selection screen in step S129, the process proceeds to step S137, and the simple operation screen is displayed. If “No” is selected, the original normal operation screen is restored. After returning to the normal operation screen, the operation key counter is cleared again in step S131. When the counter exceeds the threshold again, the switching selection screen (FIG. 10) to the simple operation screen may be displayed again or may not be displayed.

  In step S117, NO, or after the processing in step S131, it is determined in step S119 whether the copy operation (or fax operation, scan operation, etc.) has been completed. If YES, in step S121, the operation using the operation panel is terminated and the logoff state is set. If NO, the process returns to step S113.

  Next, the display process of the simple operation screen that is executed after step S137 in FIG. 5 will be described.

In step S137, a simple operation screen is displayed on the operation panel 103.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a simple operation screen displayed on the operation panel 103.

  In the screen of FIG. 11, the user has suggested that one of two types of “simple copy” and “copy using various functions” is selected as an example of switching to the simple operation screen. Is doing.

  Further, as shown at the bottom of the screen in FIG. 11, a display for returning to the “normal operation screen” may be performed at any time. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, an “advice” field may be provided at the bottom of the screen in order to provide auxiliary information to an unfamiliar user.

  Furthermore, a function may be provided in which the key being described blinks when the “advice” column is touched while the key in the “advice” column is being explained.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 when a simple copy is selected.

  When the user selects “simple copy” on the screen of FIG. 11, a simple setting as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. On this screen, items that can be input by the user are minimized so that even an unfamiliar user can make an accurate setting.

The user makes settings according to the screen of FIG. 12, and presses the start key to start copying.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 during copying.

  During copying or after completion, a screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed to prompt an unaccustomed user to perform the next operation.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 when a copy using various functions is selected.

  When “copy using various functions” is selected, wizard-type settings as shown in FIGS. 14 to 19 are provided to the user. The user makes settings according to them and presses the start key to start copying. Then, during or after copying, a screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed to prompt an unaccustomed user to perform the next operation.

  More specifically, in the screen of FIG. 14, the user is asked whether the original is to be copied only on the front side, and the copy mode is set based on the question. When “Next” in the screen is pressed, the screen of FIG. 15 is displayed.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 15, the user is asked whether or not copying is desired on the back side of the paper, and the copy mode is set based on the question. When “Next” in the screen is pressed, the screen in FIG. 16 is displayed.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 16, the user is asked whether to change the paper type and size, and the copy mode is set based on the question. When “Next” in the screen is pressed, the screen in FIG. 17 is displayed.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 17, the user is asked whether to change the number of output copies and the finish, and the copy mode is set based on the question. When “Next” in the screen is pressed, the screen in FIG. 18 is displayed.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 18, the user is asked whether to execute another function, and the copy mode is set based on the question. When “Next” in the screen is pressed, the screen in FIG. 19 is displayed.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG.

  On the screen of FIG. 19, the fact that the copy setting has been completed is displayed, and the user is asked whether to confirm / change the setting. When an original is set and the start key is pressed, copying starts.

  In step S139 in FIG. 5, a copy operation using the operation panel is executed. In step S141, a copy operation end screen is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S121.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the operation key counter counts the number of times the panel reset key that is considered to be used by many users unfamiliar with the operation, and the simplified operation screen is displayed based on the counted value. The normal operation screen is to be switched. Thereby, an appropriate display according to the user's situation can be performed on the operation panel without causing the user to perform a special operation and without causing the user to be particularly conscious.

[Second Embodiment]
Since the configuration of the image forming apparatus (MFP) in the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the processes shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 are performed in place of the processes shown in FIGS.

  20 and 21 are flowcharts showing a part of the processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  Referring to the figure, the processing in steps S201 to S207 is the same as the processing in steps S101 to S107, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  If the user operation screen setting is “normal operation screen” in step S207, or if “normal operation screen” is selected in step S135 (FIG. 5), no operation is performed by the user in step S209. In step S211, the normal operation screen (FIGS. 8 and 9) as usual is displayed on the operation panel 103.

  In step S213, the user starts an operation to use the corresponding function. That is, the user performs a copy operation (or fax operation, scan operation, etc.) using the operation panel.

  In step S215, it is determined whether any key is pressed. If NO, the process proceeds to step S219. If “YES” in the step S215, it is determined whether or not the internal timer is counting in a step S251. If NO in step S251, the internal timer starts counting in step S253. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S219.

  If “YES” in the step S251, the counting of the internal timer is ended in a step S255. In step S257, it is determined whether the count time exceeds a predetermined threshold. If exceeded, in step S259, the setting of the operation screen corresponding to the user ID is stored in the storage device 213 as a “simple operation screen”. Note that the threshold for determining the contents of the internal timer may be changed by the user. In addition, since the time required for key operation differs depending on the function (and the timing of pressing the key differs depending on the function), a different threshold may be provided for each function.

  Thereafter, in step S261, a switching selection screen (FIG. 10) to the simple operation screen is displayed on the operation panel 103.

  If “Yes” is selected on the switching selection screen in step S263, the process proceeds to step S137 (FIG. 5), and a simple operation screen is displayed. If “No” is selected, the original normal operation screen is restored. After returning to the normal operation screen, the internal timer is cleared again in step S265. When the value of the internal timer exceeds the threshold value again, the switching selection screen (FIG. 10) for the simple operation screen may be displayed again or may not be displayed.

  In step S257, NO, or after the process in step S265, it is determined in step S219 whether the copy operation (or fax operation, scan operation, etc.) has been completed. If YES, in step S221, the operation using the operation panel is terminated and the logoff state is set. If NO, the process returns to step S213.

  The internal timer may be prepared for each function such as for copying and for faxing. They count only when the relevant function is selected.

  In this embodiment, when the user starts an operation to use the corresponding function, the internal timer starts counting when any key is pressed, and then when the key is pressed, the internal timer is started. Stop counting the timer and get the count time. It is determined that the longer the count time, the greater the user's hesitation in key operations.

  When the obtained count time exceeds the threshold value, the switching selection screen to the simple operation screen is displayed, and at the same time, the operation screen of the corresponding user is stored as the “simple operation screen” in the storage device.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the interval time of key input, which is considered to be long for a user unfamiliar with the operation, is measured, and the simple setting screen is displayed or the normal operation screen is displayed based on the measured value. It is supposed to switch between. Thereby, an appropriate display according to the user's situation can be performed on the operation panel without causing the user to perform a special operation and without causing the user to be particularly conscious.

[Others]
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the predetermined value that is the threshold value can be changed for each function. However, the function indicated here refers to a copy, a fax, and a printer installed in a recent image forming apparatus. In addition to such a broad function, a narrow function (for example, single-sided copy or double-sided copy) included in each of the broadly defined functions is also included.

[Effects of the embodiment]
According to the configuration of the first embodiment, the number of times that a specific operation (e.g., an operation for canceling the setting by the operator such as pressing the panel reset key) is performed is counted. When the value is exceeded, it is determined that the operator is unfamiliar, and the operation panel can be switched to simple and easy-to-understand operation screen information instead of normal operation screen information.

  In addition, since there are individual differences in determining that the operation is unfamiliar, the predetermined value used for switching determination can be arbitrarily changed.

  Further, since the number of times that a specific operation is assumed to be performed for each function of the image forming apparatus is different, it is possible to hold different predetermined values for each function.

  Further, by providing the image forming apparatus with an operator authentication function for authenticating an operator and a storage device for storing information related to the operator, it stores that a specific operation has been performed a predetermined number of times for each authenticated operator. It is also possible.

  Further, when the operator is authenticated, the storage device is referred to whether or not the operator has performed a specific operation a predetermined number of times in the past, and if it has been performed, the operation screen can be switched immediately. .

  Further, according to the configuration of the second embodiment, the time from when a specific operation is performed to when the specific operation is performed is measured, and when the time is longer than a predetermined time, the operator performs the operation. It is possible to determine that the operator is an unfamiliar operator and to switch the operation panel to simple and easy-to-understand operation screen information instead of normal operation screen information.

  The time from when a specific operation is performed to when the specific operation is performed may be a simple pattern such as the time from when a key is pressed until the next key is pressed, It may be a limited pattern such as a time from when a key is pressed until a different specific key is pressed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically determine whether the operator is unfamiliar with the operation, and by providing a simple operation screen (with reduced functions) from the normal operation screen, Can provide an optimal operating environment.

  Note that the processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card and provided to the user. You may decide to do it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  Thus, the above-described embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus (MFP) having a touch panel type operation panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an entire circuit showing a system configuration of an image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen which performs the user authentication displayed on the operation panel 103 by step S101. It is a figure which shows the selection screen displayed on the operation panel 103 by step S133. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a normal operation screen displayed on the operation panel 103. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a normal operation screen displayed on the operation panel 103. FIG. It is a figure which shows the switching selection screen displayed on the operation panel 103 by step S127. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the simple operation screen displayed on the operation panel. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 when a simple copy is selected. FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the content displayed on the operation panel 103 during copying. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of contents displayed on an operation panel 103 when a copy using various functions is selected. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of contents displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG. 17. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the content displayed on the operation panel 103 after the screen of FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Image reader part, 103 Operation panel, 103a Panel reset key, 105 Print engine, 209 Scanner part, 211 Printer part, 213 Storage device.

Claims (10)

It is possible to display multiple types of operation screens, an operation panel for inputting various operations,
Counting means for counting the number of times a specific operation has been performed on the operation panel;
A change means for changing the operation screen displayed on the operation panel from a normal operation screen to a simple operation screen when the count value by the counting means exceeds a predetermined value ;
The operation screen includes a setting unit for accepting a setting operation and a canceling unit for accepting an operation for canceling the setting.
The counting means counts the number of times the operation of the canceling means is executed,
Said changing means when said count value indicating the number of times the operation has been performed of the canceling means exceeds a predetermined value, to change the normal operating screen, said setting means provided within fewer the simple operation screen , Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined value can be changed to an arbitrary value. The operator to hold the predetermined value for each of a plurality of functions that can be used, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. An operator authentication means for authenticating the operator;
Storage means for storing information related to the operator,
The counting means counts the number of times the operation of the canceling means by the operator authenticated by the operator authenticating means is performed ;
The change means stores in the storage means that when the count value by the count means exceeds a predetermined value, the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means has performed a specific operation of a predetermined value or more. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3 . When the operator is authenticated by the operator authentication means, with reference to the storage means, when the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means is operating the cancellation means greater than a predetermined value, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein an operation screen displayed on the operation panel is a simple operation screen that is different from a normal operation screen and has fewer setting units. The setting means provided on the normal operation screen is for setting each of a plurality of functions for image forming processing,
The setting means provided on the simple operation screen has a predetermined value set in advance for each of the plurality of functions, and is for changing the specified value for a part of the functions. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. In the simple operation screen, the simple operation screen is changed to display setting means for setting items different from the setting items of the setting means being displayed together with a smaller number of setting means than the normal operation screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a description of a setting operation by the setting unit is displayed on the simple operation screen together with a smaller number of the setting units than the normal operation screen. . The simple operation screen is further provided with means for changing the operation screen displayed on the operation panel from the simple operation screen to the normal operation screen, together with a smaller number of the setting means than the normal operation screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. It is possible to display multiple types of operation screens, an operation panel for inputting various operations,
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a counting unit that counts the number of times that a specific operation has been performed on the operation panel;
The operation screen includes a setting unit for accepting a setting operation and a canceling unit for accepting an operation for canceling the setting.
When the count value indicating the number of times the canceling unit has been operated by the counting unit exceeds a predetermined value, the operation screen displayed on the operation panel is changed to a simple operation screen with fewer setting units provided. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus.

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