JP6640671B2 - Image forming apparatus and screen display control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and the like.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a device control method and the like that can control a target device using an appearance image on an operation screen have been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Also, in the description of the operation method of the device, by indicating the position supported by the user when operating the movable part to be operated, the user can perform the appropriate operation, and the device may be damaged or the user may be injured. An operation explanation method for preventing the operation is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-11-184591 JP-A-2004-272449

  Furthermore, various notations (labels / engravings) have been made on the unit surface in order to alert the user of the device to the use and the safety.

  However, even if such a mark is made, there is a case where the user does not pay much attention when operating the unit, and as a result, there is a problem that an operation error or an appropriate response cannot be performed. I was

  In particular, if the unit with the precautionary mark is inside the device, it will not be visible from the outside, so it will only be seen during maintenance or when the cover is opened according to the instructions on the operation screen described above. There was a problem that there was no.

  In particular, even if the appearance of the device or the structure of the device is displayed on the display screen, the image of the caution notation is displayed in a small size, and there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the image from the screen.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides an image that can appropriately alert a user by displaying information necessary for the user in another display form when an operation is displayed on a display screen. An object is to provide a forming apparatus and the like.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
At least an explanation screen display means for displaying an explanation screen including an explanation image of the image forming apparatus on which the cautionary mark is displayed,
Attention mark displayed on the explanation image, apart from the attention sign displayed on the explanation image, attention sign display means to enlarge and display on the explanation screen,
It is characterized by having.

The image display control device of the present invention includes:
At least, an explanation screen display control means for performing control for displaying an explanation screen including an explanation image in which a cautionary mark is displayed,
Attention mark displayed on the explanation image, apart from the attention sign displayed on the explanation image, attention sign display control means for controlling the enlargement and display on the explanation screen,
It is characterized by having.

  The present invention displays an explanation screen including at least an explanation image of the device on which the attention sign is displayed, and displays the attention sign displayed on the explanation image in an enlarged manner separately from the attention sign displayed on the explanation image. Will be done. Therefore, as the user, the cautionary mark is displayed in a display form different from the explanation image, so that the cautionary mark can be easily visually recognized, and the user can be appropriately alerted.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of an explanation database (DB) according to the first embodiment. 5 is an operation flow for describing processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fixing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a fixing belt refresh operation process in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an example of a screen in a fixing belt refresh operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an example of a screen in a fixing belt refresh operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an example of a screen in a fixing belt refresh operation according to the first embodiment. It is an operation flow for explaining processing in the second embodiment. It is a figure for explaining the example of a screen in a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure for explaining the processing flow of operation of a 3rd embodiment, and an example of a screen. It is a figure for explaining the processing flow of operation of a 3rd embodiment, and an example of a screen. It is a figure for explaining composition of a memory part in a 4th embodiment. It is an operation | movement flow for demonstrating the process in 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multifunction peripheral will be described as an example.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1.1 Description of Configuration]
First, a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100, an image input unit 110, an image processing unit 120, an image forming unit 130, an operation unit 140, a display unit 150, a storage unit 160, a sensor unit 170, and a communication unit. And a section 180.

  The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 160, and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like.

  The image input unit 110 is a functional unit for inputting image data to the image forming apparatus 10. The input image data is subjected to various types of image processing by the image processing unit 120, output by the image forming unit 130, and the image is transmitted to another device by the communication unit 180.

  As the image input unit 110, for example, an image may be read by a document reading device such as a scanner and output as image data, the communication unit 180 may receive image data from an external storage device, Image data may be received from a device (for example, a server or a mobile communication terminal device).

  The image processing unit 120 is a functional unit for performing various image processing on image data. For example, various processes such as image sharpening process, color conversion process, and scaling process can be executed.

  The image forming unit 130 is a functional unit that forms an image. For example, a laser printer or the like can form an image on recording paper.

  The operation unit 140 is a functional unit for receiving an operation input from a user. For example, it may be realized by a hardware key, or may be realized by a software key using a touch panel integrated with the display unit 150. Further, the present invention may be realized by an application executed on the portable terminal device. That is, any functional unit that allows a user to perform an operation input on the image forming apparatus 10 may be used.

  The display unit 150 is a functional unit capable of displaying various information to the user and displaying an explanation screen in the present embodiment. For example, it is constituted by a liquid crystal display (LCD).

  The display unit 150 may be a display device externally attached to the image forming apparatus 10, or may be displayed on a portable terminal device or the like connectable to the image forming apparatus 10.

  The storage unit 160 is a functional unit that stores various programs necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and various data. The storage unit 160 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and the like.

  The storage unit 160 stores an explanation database (DB) 162. Here, an example of the data configuration of the description DB 162 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the description DB 162 includes an identification ID (for example, “0124”) for specifying the description, a description (for example, “toner...”), And a description image (for example, “ MS001.JPG ") and a cautionary mark (for example," high temperature ") included in the explanation image.

  Here, the description, the description image, and the caution notation may be stored as needed. As for the caution notation, the type of caution notation or an image may be stored. Further, the position (coordinate) indicating the cautionary notation may be stored together.

  Attention notation refers to pictograms, figures, and icons that call attention to the user. For example, "!" Indicating a caution is displayed. These are usually figures such as pictograms, but may be characters such as "attention!"

  Although the description image stores actual image data, for example, the location of an external server (for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) may be stored. In the present embodiment, the description DB 162 stores the image. The description will be made assuming that the information is stored in the storage unit 160 of the forming apparatus 10 in advance, but the information may be stored on a server (on a cloud) or may be added by a user.

  The sensor unit 170 is a functional unit for detecting various states in the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the temperature of the fixing unit is detected by a temperature sensor, paper jam is detected by a conveyance sensor, and the remaining amount of toner is detected by a toner remaining amount sensor.

  The communication unit 180 is a functional unit for communicating with an external device, an external terminal, or a network. For example, other devices may be an interface (IF) such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), SD card IF, RS-232C, or a network interface such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. In addition, an interface for short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

[1.2 Basic processing flow]
Next, the display of the explanation screen in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when the explanation is displayed on the screen, the processing of FIG. 3 is executed.

  First, a description is displayed (step S102). Subsequently, it is determined whether there is an explanation image associated with the explanation (step S104). Here, if there is an explanation image (Step S104; Yes), the explanation image is displayed (Step S106). Here, the normal explanation image is an external view of the apparatus or an internal view at the stage of displaying the explanation. It is displayed as a diagram or displayed as a photo. Also, a moving image display or an animation display may be used. In this manner, the image relating to the apparatus main body and the apparatus is displayed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether there is a cautionary mark associated with the explanation image (step S108). Here, if there is a cautionary mark, the cautionary mark is displayed separately from the cautionary mark displayed in the explanation image (step S108; Yes → S110).

  Although the display order in FIG. 3 is displayed from the explanation for convenience of explanation, the display order may be different (for example, the explanation is displayed after the explanation image is displayed).

  Here, FIG. 4 shows a part of the operation screen displayed by the processing of FIG. In FIG. 4, the appearance of the device (image of the internal structure) is displayed in a region R100. Here, in the device appearance image displayed in the region R100, a cautionary mark is displayed in M100. However, in this state, the display is small and may be overlooked by some users. Thus, as in the area M102, the cautionary mark is separately displayed or displayed in another display mode.

  As a result, the user checks the caution mark more carefully. When the cautionary mark is displayed as another display mode, the cautionary mark may be displayed in a different color, for example, or may be displayed blinking. Further, other notification processing, such as outputting a sound, may be performed.

  Further, the cautionary mark may be displayed so as to be superimposed on the explanation image, or may be displayed at another place. Further, when the information is displayed so as to be superimposed on the explanation image, it is preferable that the notice is displayed so as not to overlap with the cautionary mark (displayed in advance) included in the explanation image. In the present embodiment, by displaying a caution mark included in the description image as a balloon from the location of the caution mark included in the description image, the caution mark included in the description image and the caution mark displayed in another display mode are displayed. Is also displayed.

  Further, the cautionary mark included in this explanation image and the cautionary mark displayed in another display mode need not be simultaneously displayed. For example, a balloon may be displayed when the attention mark of the explanation image is selected (for example, a touch operation). In addition, by providing a cautionary mark display area, it may be displayed separately.

[1.3 Application example]
Next, a case where the present invention is applied to an operation in a specific image forming apparatus will be described. As a specific operation, a case where the fixing belt refresh operation processing is executed will be described as an example.

  Here, the fixing belt refresh operation is a process performed during maintenance of the fixing device. For example, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the fixing device 50. Here, the fixing roller 52 and the fixing belt 54 are located, and a polishing member 56 for polishing the surface of the fixing belt 54 is attached.

  This is a process in which the surface of the fixing belt 54 can be polished by being driven to rotate for a predetermined time under a constant temperature condition (for example, heating by turning on a heater).

  First, a menu is displayed (step S152 in FIG. 6). The menu display is a diagram shown in FIG. 7A, and a menu display for selecting a process is displayed on the display unit 150. Here, a menu is selected. In the embodiment, “fixing belt refresh” is selected, so that fixing belt refresh processing is executed.

  When the fixing belt refresh process is selected, next, a refresh operation preparation process is executed (step S154). At this time, the explanation screen of FIG. 7B is displayed on the display unit 150. On this explanation screen, only the explanation is displayed.

  Here, when execution is selected, the temperature of the fixing unit is detected by the sensor unit 170 (step S156). If the temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the heater is turned on (step S158; Yes → step S160). If the temperature is higher than the second predetermined temperature, the cooling fan is driven (Step S158; No → Step S162; Yes → Step S164).

  When the temperature is between the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature, it is determined that the preparation is completed, and the process proceeds to step S166 (step S158; No → Step S162; No → Step S166).

  Here, the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature may be the same temperature or different temperatures. In this case, the first predetermined temperature <the second predetermined temperature.

  Then, in step S166, an explanation display is performed (step S166). Here, FIG. 7C shows an example in which the explanation is displayed on the display unit 150. In FIG. 7C, a description and a description image are displayed. Further, an image (icon / pictogram) of the cautionary mark included in the explanation image is separately displayed. As described above, the attention notation included in the actual explanatory image (apparatus overview photograph) is displayed in another display form, such as a balloon, as in a balloon.

  Note that the cautionary mark may be displayed in another manner. For example, a display mode in which only the image of the cautionary mark is displayed in a large size, an animation is displayed, or a blinking display may be performed.

  Further, the cautionary mark may be displayed so as to be superimposed on the explanation image, or may be displayed at another place. Further, when the information is displayed so as to be superimposed on the explanation image, it is preferable that the notice is displayed so as not to overlap with the cautionary mark (displayed in advance) included in the explanation image. In the present embodiment, by displaying a caution mark included in the description image as a balloon from the location of the caution mark included in the description image, the caution mark included in the description image and the caution mark displayed in another display mode are displayed. Is also displayed.

  Further, the cautionary mark included in this explanation image and the cautionary mark displayed in another display mode need not be simultaneously displayed. For example, a balloon may be displayed when the attention mark of the explanation image is selected (for example, a touch operation). In addition, by providing a cautionary mark display area, it may be displayed separately.

  Subsequently, the user waits for a start operation instruction (step S168). The display screen at this time is shown in FIG. When the user performs a start operation at this timing (for example, “execute” is selected on the display screen of FIG. 8A), the fixing temperature reaches a predetermined value, and the exterior cover is closed. If yes (step S170; Yes), a refresh operation (polishing operation) process is executed (step S172).

  At this time, the display screen of FIG. 8B is displayed on the display unit 150. Then, by rotating the fixing belt 54 for a predetermined time, the surface of the fixing belt 54 is polished by the polishing member 56, and the fixing belt is refreshed.

  When the fixing belt refresh operation processing ends, an end processing is executed (step S174). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8C, a display screen for removing the fixing belt refresh tool (that is, removing the polishing member 56) is displayed. At this time, the same figure as the cautionary mark included in the display image is displayed in another display form.

  When the fixing belt refresh tool is removed, the screen changes to the display screen of FIG. 9 by selecting (touching) “Next” in FIG. 8C. That is, the transition to the display screen also ends the fixing belt refresh tool.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to display a cautionary mark in another display mode / display mode in addition to the previously displayed explanatory text and explanatory image. The explanation image needs to display the entire device or the entire part required for the operation in order to explain the whole. In that case, there has been a problem that the image of the caution mark becomes small.

  By applying the invention of the present embodiment, it is possible to display an image of a cautionary mark while displaying an appropriate explanatory image.

[2. Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when there is a caution mark, another display is performed. This embodiment has the same functional configuration as the first embodiment, and is obtained by replacing the processing flow of FIG. 3 with FIG. Therefore, the same processing is denoted by the same reference numeral, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When the explanation screen is being displayed, another display is made for the caution mark (step S110). Here, when confirmation is required for the attention (step S202; Yes), an attention confirmation window (attention screen) is separately displayed (step S204).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to superimpose the information on the explanation screen originally displayed. Note that the caution check may be performed on another screen or may be displayed in another area.

  Then, if there is a confirmation operation (step S206; Yes), this processing is ended. As described above, according to the present embodiment, not only the caution mark is displayed as a separate display but also as a separate window, so that the user can be further alerted.

  Here, whether or not attention is required may be displayed in association with the description DB 162 or may be executed as an operation flow. Also, it may be displayed according to the type of the cautionary mark to be displayed.

[3. Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an embodiment in a case where a message is displayed in a normal maintenance process.

  For example, FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an explanation screen when replacing waste toner. FIG. 12 (a) is a diagram which shows the operation processing at the time of toner replacement completely.

  For example, when it is detected that the waste toner is full (the waste toner container is full) (Step S302; Yes), an explanation screen for replacement is displayed on the display unit 150 (Step S304).

  When the process of FIG. 3 is executed when this explanation screen is displayed, the cautionary mark is enlarged and displayed in a balloon. Then, an explanation screen is displayed until the jammed paper is removed (Step S306; No → Step S304).

  FIG. 12B shows a part of the explanation screen. The explanation display shows a part of the appearance of the image forming apparatus (display around the waste toner bottle) and an explanation. Here, a caution mark is displayed on a part of the appearance of the image forming apparatus. However, since the display is small, the visibility is not good.

  This is because if the operation of the image forming apparatus is used for explanation, the whole image will be included, and the cautionary mark will be displayed small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12B, only the cautionary mark is displayed as another display mode / display mode.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an explanation screen when a jam is detected. FIG. 13A is a diagram completely illustrating an operation process when a jam is detected.

  For example, when a jam is detected (Step S352; Yes), an operation explanation screen inside the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit 150 in order to remove a sheet from the image forming apparatus (Step S354).

  When the process of FIG. 3 is executed when this explanation screen is displayed, the cautionary mark is enlarged and displayed in a balloon. Then, an explanation screen is displayed until the waste toner container is replaced (Step S356; No → Step S354).

  FIG. 13B shows a part of the explanation screen. In the explanation display, a part of the appearance of the image forming apparatus and an explanation are displayed. Here, a cautionary mark (display for operation) is displayed on a part of the appearance of the image forming apparatus. However, since the display is small, the visibility is not good. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13B, only the cautionary mark is displayed as another display mode / display mode.

[4. Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which, when an attention mark is included in an image, the image is automatically recognized and another display is performed.

  Here, the configuration of the storage unit 160 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the storage unit 160 stores an explanation DB 162 and a cautionary notation image 164.

  Here, the description DB 162 only needs to include at least a description and a description image. That is, the cautionary mark need not be stored. The attention mark image 164 stores an attention mark image to be recognized and displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the processing flow in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment is replaced with the processing flow in FIG. Here, the same processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  An explanation image is displayed (step S106), and it is determined whether or not the displayed explanation image includes a cautionary mark (step S402). That is, if the cautionary mark is recognizable from the explanation image (step S402; Yes), the cautionary mark is read and another display is performed (step S404).

  In the present embodiment, the cautionary mark is stored as the cautionary mark image 164. However, for example, the cautionary mark may be cut out from the description image and displayed in an enlarged manner.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the caution mark image 164 is not stored in association with the description DB 162. Thus, for example, even if the image is an image added later or an image downloaded from a network, the caution mark can be displayed separately.

[5. Fifth Embodiment]
A fifth embodiment will be described. In the first to fourth embodiments, the image forming apparatus has been described as an example. However, any screen display control apparatus that controls the display of such an operation screen can be similarly applied. It is possible.

  For example, when the present invention is applied to a computer, a high-voltage current flows in a power supply unit of the computer, and thus, attention is required. Therefore, when replacing parts of the computer, it is conceivable to separately display a cautionary note of high voltage current caution.

  In addition, when these explanation displays are displayed on the portable terminal device, it is conceivable that the explanation display is performed on the portable terminal device.

  That is, when an operation manual or an operation screen such as HTML, PDF, or image file is displayed, or when an attention image is included in the explanation image, the attention image may be recognized and displayed separately.

[6. Modification]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. include.

  The program that operates in the embodiment is a program that controls a CPU or the like (a program that causes a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, a RAM) at the time of processing, and thereafter stored in a storage device such as various ROMs and HDDs. -Writing is performed.

  When the program is to be distributed in the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, it goes without saying that the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

Reference Signs List 10 image forming apparatus 100 control unit 110 image input unit 120 image processing unit 130 image forming unit 140 operation unit 150 display unit 160 storage unit 162 description DB
164 Attention mark image 170 Sensor unit 180 Communication unit

Claims (6)

At least an explanation screen display means for displaying an explanation screen including an explanation image of the image forming apparatus on which the cautionary mark is displayed,
Attention mark displayed on the explanation image, apart from the attention sign displayed on the explanation image, attention sign display means to enlarge and display on the explanation screen,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cautionary mark display unit expands and displays the cautionary mark separately from the cautionary mark included and displayed in the explanation image. 3.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a caution screen corresponding to the caution mark is further displayed so as to be superimposed on the explanation screen. 4.   4. The cautionary mark display unit according to claim 1, wherein the cautionary mark is displayed on the description screen in a display mode different from a cautionary mark displayed on the description image. 5. The image forming apparatus as described in the above.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attention mark display unit recognizes the attention mark from the explanation image and displays the attention mark based on a recognized result. Forming equipment. At least, an explanation screen display control means for performing control for displaying an explanation screen including an explanation image in which a cautionary mark is displayed,
Attention mark displayed on the explanation image, apart from the attention sign displayed on the explanation image, attention sign display control means for controlling the enlargement and display on the explanation screen,
A screen display control device comprising: