JPH0414351B2 - - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify an operation part by providing a display part and a function key on an operation part of a copying machine, etc., and improving its efficiency of utilization. CONSTITUTION:A soft key 200 is provided to the operation part 100 of the copying machine, etc. This soft key 200 includes function keys F1-F6 having different functions according to the utilization state of the copying machine, and the liquid crystal display part which displays a key label of the keys F1-F6, a message to an operator, input data from a ten-key, etc. Thus, the functions keys for the functions are provided without corresponding displays one to one, and plural pieces of information are displayed on one display part, so while the operation part is simplified, the addition and change of the functions are performed easily.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[Technical Field] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image. [Prior Art] Conventionally, in a device capable of forming an image, such as a copying machine, it has been used as a means for displaying functional information necessary for performing image formation, such as magnification and paper size input by key input. , LEDs corresponding to each key or switch were lit, and the setting status of the function corresponding to the key was displayed on a one-to-one basis depending on the setting position of each key or switch. However, with the diversification of image forming functions, as mentioned above, using an operation section with a one-to-one correspondence between keys and functions has the drawback of making the operation section more complicated and increasing the size of the device. It was hot. In addition, while the functions of image forming apparatuses have diversified, as image forming apparatuses have become more widespread, opportunities to perform the above-mentioned advanced image formation are increasing, even for non-experts, and it is important to master the use of image forming apparatuses. It had the drawback of being difficult. [Purpose] The present invention has been made in view of the above drawbacks, and an object of the present invention is to display a plurality of functional information related to image formation and a plurality of messages instructing the transition of display contents. Moreover, different input means correspond to the display positions of multiple messages that instruct the transition of different display contents that need to be displayed simultaneously, so that the necessary display contents can be displayed at the required time in as little space as possible. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying images. [Example] An example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is an embodiment of a copying machine. still,
Functional information related to image formation is "negative", which will be described later.
"A3 → B4", "A3 → A4", "A3 → B5",
“B4→A4”, “B4→B5”, “A4→B5”,
"A4 → B4", "A4 → A3", "B4 → A3",
"B5→A4", "B5→B4", "B5→A3",
"Soushin" and "Hensyuu" correspond. Furthermore, messages instructing the transition of display contents correspond to "option", "kakunin", "setsumei", and "ETC", which will be described later. Furthermore, methods for changing the display mode include adding a question mark, an exclamation, and a blinking display. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the operating section in this embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an operation unit commonly used in conventional copying machines and the like, and its explanation will be omitted. 200 is a soft key, 201 is F1
(Function 1) to F6 are function keys (hereinafter referred to as soft keys), and 202 is a liquid crystal display section for displaying the labels of the function keys 201. Note that the label is used to indicate the function since the function corresponding to one key is not uniquely determined. 203 is a reset key for resetting the function set by the soft key (function key) 201, and 204 is a lamp (LED) indicating the reset state. Function key label display section (liquid crystal display section) 20
A detailed diagram of 0 is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
A 5 x 7 dot matrix liquid crystal display is used for 32 characters. An enlarged view of one character (within the dotted line) in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, 1 is a 5×7 dot portion of the liquid crystal display for displaying characters, and 2 is a 5×1 dot portion for displaying underbars. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the liquid crystal display in this embodiment. 3 is a liquid crystal display controller that judges key data from the key input section 5 and sends a display liquid crystal address and display character data to the liquid crystal driver 4 through the D line. A detailed diagram of the driver No. 4 is shown in FIG. In addition, 6 is a peripheral CPU for liquid crystal display,
In FIG. 4, it is included in driver 4. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the driver drives the liquid crystal display section 202 in a matrix manner. In other words, there are 4 drivers, including the peripheral CPU 6, and there are 40 lines from each driver in the vertical direction, so there are 160 lines. In the horizontal direction, the peripheral CPU6
There are 8 lines because 8 lines out of 16 from COM ₁ to COM ₁₆ are used. Using a total of 160 x 8 lines, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the liquid crystal display section is 5 x
It drives 32 8 dots (160 x 8 dots),
Characters are displayed on the liquid crystal using address data from the controller 3. For more details,
Please refer to the connection example of Hitachi's HD44780 and HD44100. One embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above. Hereinafter, the display will be briefly explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. In FIG. 2, the data displayed on the liquid crystal display section 202 can be roughly divided into key labels of the function keys 201 of F1 to F6, messages to the operator, and display of input data from the numeric keypad. To distinguish between the soft key label and the message, a quotation mark is attached to the message, an under bar is attached to the soft key label, and the under bar blinks to request input from the numeric keypad. To distinguish whether a soft key label item has been set or not, a question mark is added after the label to indicate whether the soft key label has been set or has not been selected.
If it has been selected, an exclamation mark will be added. For this purpose, each function has a function set flag for determining whether it has been set or not, and the controller 3 in FIG. 4 sets the flag when the function setting is completed.
Turn on. When setting the copy function using the soft key 200, various soft key labels are displayed on the label display section 202 of the LCD. Among them, the soft key labels commonly used for each function are displayed. Table 1
Shown below.

【table】

[Table] The detailed operation of the display unit will be explained below. When the power is turned on or when each copy state is canceled, the liquid crystal display section 202 enters the reset mode. In other words, in normal copy state,
Copy magnification becomes 100%. The state of display in this state is shown in transition state 7-1 in FIG. Thereafter, by using the soft keys 200 in FIG. 1 to add or change copy functions such as changing the copy magnification, the mode becomes optional. The display after the reset mode will be described below with reference to the state transition diagram of FIG. 7 and the flowchart of FIG. In the reset mode display state (5, 1, 5, 2) of transition state 7-1 in FIG.
When you press 6 (5, 3), transition state 7-2 is displayed, and items that can be added to or changed in the reset state are displayed as soft key labels (5, 3).
4). In the transition state 7-2, the soft key labels that cannot be displayed are displayed as in the transition state 7-3 by pressing the soft key labeled "ETC" (5, 6). Here again "ETC"
If a key is input and there is no optional soft key label to be displayed, the display returns to the reset mode display state of transition state 7-1 (5, 7). By inputting the soft key of the option label you want to set in the display state of transition state 7-2, the corresponding option can be set (5,
8). The setting procedure for each option will be described in more detail later. The reset mode display of FIG. 1 204 occurs when at least one optional function is set.
The LED will turn off, indicating that it is not in reset mode. Further, when the setting of each option is completed, the state returns to the transition state 7-2 or 7-3 where the setting is started. As an example, a case will be described in which a "negative" soft key input is made in transition state 7-3.
By inputting "negative", the operation unit sets a copy function of creating a black and white inverted image. The display then becomes transition state 7-4, changing the question mark after the soft key label to an exclamation mark to indicate that negative input has been set. Then, when the "ETC" key is input in transition state 7-4, transition state 7-3
From 7-4 to 7-1', as in the transition to 7-1 in
to move to. Hierarchically, transition state 7-1' is also 7
-1 is also equivalent, but since an optional function has been set, the reset mode is displayed as an option. This state is called option mode. However, with an exclamation mark,
If you want to change the optional function that has been set, you can change it by entering the soft key with that soft key label (for example, if you want to change the option function in transition state 7-4).
By inputting the soft key input F1 at , the state returns to transition state 7-3. ), but in some cases it cannot be changed. This is a case where changing the setting of that function is not permitted due to the setting contents of other set optional functions. For example, in the transition state 7-2, "change" is an abbreviation for editing function setting, but if the copy magnification is uniquely determined by the settings of this editing function, it means changing the setting of the copy magnification in 7-2. Soft key input F4 cannot be accepted. Then, the display section flashes EXCLAMATIONMARK "!" on the soft key label where the setting change has been input, as a means of indicating that the setting cannot be changed. In the example, the "!" of the soft key label "□→□!" indicating the same magnification of the transition state 7-2 is blinked (5, 10). Further, in order to return from the option mode to the reset mode, the reset key 203 shown in FIG. 1 is input. By inputting this reset key 203, all the optional functions set so far are cleared and the reset mode display LED 204 lights up.
The display on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 202 is also as shown in FIG.
Display the reset mode as in 1 (5,
1). The display state of the liquid crystal display section 202 and soft key input acceptance state upon transition between reset mode and option mode have been described above.Next, the copy function setting procedure using soft keys in transition states 7-2 and 7-3 will be explained. do. Copy functions that are considered effective when set using soft keys include setting the copy magnification, specifying the sorter operation mode and the sorter/bin to be used, specifying the document reading position, and selecting the paper feed stage from the multi-stage paper feed section. There are various possibilities such as specifying paper size, image editing procedure settings, image transfer destination settings for copiers with facsimile function, etc. Function information is the information that represents these functions that are set using soft keys. It is called. Here, we will take the copy magnification setting as an example.
This will be explained using the state transition diagrams shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Reset mode In transition state 7-1 in Figure 7, a soft key label (□→□) indicating 1-size copy is displayed.
This is intended to improve operability by making it easier to change the magnification considering that the reset mode is often used in which only the magnification is changed. (5th
5, 11) To change the magnification, press the soft key labeled with the underbar magnification display soft key. This makes it possible to change the magnification (Fig. 5, 5, 8). There are two methods for specifying the magnification: a method of specifying the magnification as a percentage of the original using a numeric keypad, and a method of selecting from fixed magnifications. Figure 77
-1, when the F4 soft key is pressed to change the magnification, the display becomes as shown in FIG. 9-1 and magnification setting begins (6, 1). 9-1 F1 to F
The labels corresponding to 6 are, in order, reduction between fixed sizes (F1), expansion between fixed sizes (F2), same size specification (F3), arbitrary magnification specification (F4), and vertical-horizontal magnification. Independent designation (F5) and confirmation of the setting state before changing the magnification (F6). Here, when the function key F1 of the label for reduction between fixed sizes (□→□) is pressed, the display changes to transition state 9-2, and all or part of the combination of reduction between fixed sizes is displayed as a soft key label. Do (6, 2). By inputting the corresponding soft key, the magnification is determined as shown in 9-6.
Turn on the function set flag (6, 3) and display an exclamation mark. 7- in Figure 7
Transition to state 2. If the desired combination is not displayed in step 9-2, pressing the soft key F6 labeled ETC will display other combinations as shown in step 9-3. Here, by pressing the soft key of the corresponding reduction rate label, the screen moves to 9-6. If there is another ETC input here, if other combinations exist, it will be displayed in the 9-3 format (6, 4), but if there are no other combinations, the 9-1 magnification setting will be changed. Return to the type selection state (6, 5). In other words, by holding down the ETC function key, you can exit the current setting mode and select another setting mode. If there is an input from soft key F2 for expansion between fixed sizes in transition state 9-1 (6, 6), 9-
4 or less, the same processing as in 9-2 is performed. When the same magnification input is received from the soft key F3 at 9-1 (6, 7), the magnification is set to 100% and the transition state 7-2 in FIG. 7 is entered into an option input acceptance state other than the magnification. This is also the case when there is a positive input F6 of F6 at 9-1. When a magnification designation input is made from soft key F4 at 9-1 (6, 8), the display section displays "Biracy" with a quotation mark as shown at 9-7, and the operation section waits for the magnification input. The underline blinks at the top of the F4 key to request input from the numeric keypad (6,
8). Here, M is the magnification
It is an abbreviation that means. Now, the magnification is determined by the input (6, 9) from the numeric keypad 102 in FIG. 1 and the input from the enter key 101 (for example, 123%), and the transition state 9-8 in FIG. 9 is displayed. (6,10). If there is an error in the set magnification, an error message is displayed and the system waits for the magnification input (6, 11). If you want to change the setting value in 9-8, press the soft key where the setting value is displayed (F4 in the example).
It becomes the state of 7 and can be reset (6, 1). or,
9-8 by pressing the softkey labeled OK softkey in transition state 9-8.
In the state where the magnification of 14 is determined, the transition state is shifted to 7-2 (6, 13). Also, confirm the setting value by inputting the enter key after inputting on the numeric keypad in 9-7,
It is also possible to transition to state 9-14 as shown by the dotted line (6, 14). If the independent designation input of vertical-horizontal magnification is made from soft key F5 in 9-1, press 9-9.
The display will look like this (6, 15). At 9-9, the current status and input method are displayed as "vertical, horizontal, vertical, vertical (numeric keypad)", and after a certain period of time has elapsed due to the timer, the system waits for input in the horizontal direction (X direction) at 9-10 (6, 16). . In addition to time-up by a timer, operator input such as the clear key 104 in FIG. 1 can also be considered as a condition for entering the input waiting state. Now, we are waiting for the input of 9-10, but it is called MX (Magnification X) in the sense of magnification in the X direction (horizontal direction).
After the abbreviation 9-9, the previously set magnification in the X direction is displayed, and an underbar blinks below it to request input of a change value. Now, when the magnification in the
Waiting for the direction (horizontal) magnification input (6, 1
8). In addition, in the case of input using only the enter key without using the numeric keypad, the value initially displayed at 9-10 is set as is. As a result, when changing the magnification only in the Y direction, there is no need to input redundant inputs in the X direction that do not need to be changed, leading to improved operability (the same applies when changing only the X direction). . Further, the previous set value on the underbar is cleared by the numeric keypad input, and the newly input numeric keypad input is displayed (6, 19). The underbar during blinking becomes a soft key label for change instruction by inputting the enter key, and stops blinking. If the magnification in the Y direction (horizontal direction) is input using the same procedure, the state becomes 9-12 (6, 20).
Here, you can change the set magnification of M _x and M _y by inputting the soft keys corresponding to the underbars of the set magnification display area (6,
21). The magnification displayed on the blinking underbar of 9-10 and 9-9 according to the change instruction may be the value before entering 9-9, or may be the value changed by inputting the enter key. The same applies to the magnification display in 9-7. When a soft key input labeled "OK" is entered in the transition state 9-12 of FIG. 9, a display like 9-13 is displayed, and the process moves to 7-2 of FIG. 7 (6, 22). In addition, in Figure 9, if there is a request to confirm the setting state before the magnification change in 9-1, even if the magnification is changed by inputting the enter after 9-1, the magnification display will not be set before 9-1. display the
Cancel the current settings (6, 23). In transition state 9-10, "Setsumei" is displayed as the soft key label of soft key F5. This is because the status at 9-9 and the message display of the input means disappear at 9-10 to display operator input data.
This key label is used to solve the problem of inexperienced operators being unable to continue inputting. It has a function of notifying the operator of the current input state and input method by returning the display to the state of 9-9 by inputting this soft key label (6, 17). Although the input means having this function is not shown, it may be a conventionally used fixed function key. Note that the operation unit may be provided with a preset key that stores a series of the above-mentioned operations in a memory and allows the series of operations to be performed on behalf of the user with a single key input. Further, when an error occurs and key input is not accepted, the error status and countermeasures for resolving the error may be displayed in other details as described above on the key label display section. In addition, the key to select the desired mode and data is
The soft key may be a different key. [Effects] As detailed above, according to the present invention, a plurality of pieces of functional information related to image formation and a plurality of messages instructing the transition of display contents can be displayed.
Moreover, different input means correspond to the display positions of multiple messages that instruct the transition of different display contents that need to be displayed simultaneously, so that the necessary display contents can be displayed at the necessary time in as little space as possible. , it becomes possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can display images.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an operation section of a copying machine that is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows soft key section 2 in Figure 1.
00 is an enlarged view of the function key 201 and the liquid crystal display section 202. Figure 3 shows the liquid crystal display section 202.
Detailed view of. FIG. 4 is a simple block diagram for driving the liquid crystal display section 202 from the key input section 5. 5 and 7 are flowcharts and state transition diagrams for setting various functions. 6 and 9 are flowcharts and state transition diagrams for specifying magnification. FIG. 8 is a detailed view showing the driver 4 of FIG. 4. 201...Function key, 202...Liquid crystal display section, 3...Controller, 4...Driver, 203...Reset key, 6...Veriferal CPU.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Display means having a plurality of display positions; a plurality of input means provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of display positions on the display means; the display means is capable of transitioning display contents; It is capable of displaying multiple functional information related to image formation and multiple messages instructing the transition of display contents, and is capable of displaying multiple messages instructing the transition of mutually different display contents that are displayed at the same time. Different input means correspond to each display position, and when the input means is operated in a state where a plurality of functional information related to the formation of the image is displayed on the display means, the input means is operated. If the display content displayed at a display position corresponding to the position of the input means is functional information related to the formation of the image, the function information corresponding to the display content is input and the same display content is displayed in a display mode. The input means is displayed in an identifiable manner by changing the display, and the input means is operated in a state where a message instructing the transition of the display contents is displayed on the display means. When the display content displayed at the display position corresponding to the position of the operated input means is a message instructing the transition of the display content, the display content is transitioned to the display content corresponding to the display content. An image forming apparatus comprising a control means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functional information related to image formation includes magnification information necessary for performing image formation. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the message instructing the transition of the display contents includes a message instructing to notify a method of inputting functional information related to the formation of the image. .