Abstract:
The present invention provides a system and method for disguising the depth of tree menus via popup options. In architecture, the system includes a display device that displays a top menu, and an input device to enable a user to select an option. A graphical user interface displays a second level menu on the display device in response to the option selection, and leaves a portion of the top menu visible to the user. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for disguising the depth of tree menus. The method operates by displaying a top menu on a display device and enabling a user to select an option. A second level menu is then displayed in response to the option selection, wherein the second level menu leaves a portion of the top menu visible to the user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for exhibiting device functionality via menus. More particularly, the disclosure relates to systems and methods for disguising the depth of tree menus, such as through use of popup options in some embodiments.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Typically, printing, photocopying, faxing, and e-mailing have each been accomplished through use of separate machines. Recently, however, multi-function devices have been produced that provide the functionality of two or more of these separate machines.  
           [0003]    Although the functionality of multi-function scanner/facsimile/copier devices provides the user with the advantage of only having to purchase and store a single machine that can be used for multiple tasks, this multiple functionality can create user interface complexity. Specifically, use of a multi-function scanner/facsimile/copier device can be complicated by the fact that the user has several different options when a document is placed in the multi-function scanner/facsimile/copier device. For instance, when a document is inserted into an automatic document feeder of the multi-function scanner/facsimile/copier device, the user may need to specify whether the document is to be copied, e-mailed, or faxed by the multi-function scanner/facsimile/copier device.  
           [0004]    The desired functionality can be selected by the user with relative ease if the machine is a “high end” model. These models may include many different dedicated keys and/or a touch screen having many dedicated soft keys. Selection can be more difficult in the case of “lower end” machines that either do not have the display screen space or many dedicated keys due to cost considerations.  
           [0005]    Such lower end machines are often provided with navigation keys that enable the user to select the desired functionality while navigating through a series of menus presented in a device display. Although providing the user with a method for selecting the desired functionality, the process with which the user selects this functionality can be tedious. For instance, the user may have to make many entries in the navigation menus before arriving at the desired functionality. This causes the user to traverse deep into a structured menu tree to perform the desired functionality. The structured menu tree then typically is re-traversed by the user as the user “backs out” of the menu tree. This tedious methodology can lead to increased user frustration.  
           [0006]    From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a system and method for simplifying the task of exhibiting device functionality via menus.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for disguising the depth of tree menus. Briefly described, in architecture, a preferred embodiment of the system can include a display device that displays a top menu, and an input device that enables a user to select an option. A second level menu mechanism displays a second level menu on the display device in response to the option selection and leaves a portion of the top menu visible to the user.  
           [0008]    The present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for disguising the depth of tree menus. In this regard, the preferred method can be broadly summarized by the following steps: ( 1 ) displaying a top menu on a display device; ( 2 ) enabling a user to select an option; and ( 3 ) displaying a second level menu in response to the option selection, where the second level menu leaves at least a portion of the top menu visible to the user.  
           [0009]    The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale; emphasis is being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the environment for a multi-function device that can utilize the graphical user interface (GUI) system of the present invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example of the multi-function device including the GUI system of the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example control panel of the multi-function device, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the GUI system of the present invention utilized by multi-function devices, such as a scanner/facsimile/copier, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the describe original document process utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3A.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the send process utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0017]    Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the login process utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the folder process utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7A is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the e-mail process utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7B is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the e-mail setting process utilized by the e-mail process, as shown in FIG. 7A.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8A is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the fax process utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8B is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the fax setting process utilized by the fax process, as shown in FIG. 8A.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9A is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the copier process utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9B is a flow chart illustrating preferred functionality of an example of the copy document setting process utilized by the copier process, as shown in FIG. 9A.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 10A through 10E are block diagrams illustrating examples of the original document setting menu displays utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 11A through 11C are block diagrams illustrating examples of the logon menu displays utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 12A through 12G are block diagrams illustrating examples of the e-mail menu displays created by the GUI system of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIGS. 13A through 13D are block diagrams illustrating examples of the facsimile menu displays utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 14A through 14G are block diagrams illustrating examples of the copier menu displays utilized by the GUI system of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0030]    Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the present invention will be described. While the invention is described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed therein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0031]    The present invention relates to menu depth traversal within structured menu trees. Preferred embodiments of the GUI system of the present invention utilize overlapping pop-up option menus in order to disguise the depth in the tree structure menu traversal. By utilizing this technique, second level menus, which can use an overlapping pop-up box, leave a portion of the underlying menu in view. Therefore, the user does not perceive that they have traveled far down the menu tree when making their required option selections. By utilizing the pop-up option menus to disguise the depth in the tree structured menu traversal, user satisfaction has been significantly improved, as compared to using hard key navigation with a limited menu display capability, for example.  
         [0032]    Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of possible system configurations that illustrate the flexibility and platform independence of the present invention. The multi-function devices, such as the scanner/facsimile/copier devices  21 ,  22  and  24 , are provided for illustration purposes only and could be provided in various forms. The scanner/facsimile/copier devices  21 ,  22  and  24  are hereafter referred to as multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 . The diagram of FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  that use the GUI system of the present invention, which disguises the depth in tree menus, such as via pop-up menus. Each of the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  in FIG. 1 are uniquely illustrated to emphasize that multi-function devices may comprise diverse hardware platforms.  
         [0033]    As can be seen in FIG. 1, the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 , may be connected to a local network  18 , computer  21  and/or to a network  28 . A stand-alone multi-function device  21  may be directly connected to a server  26  via a communication link  18 . Network  18  may be, for example, an Ethernet type network (e.g., 10 BASE 2, 10 BASE 5, 10 BSAF, 10 BASE-T, base band network, a coaxial cable, a dial-in, LAN, WAN, PSTN, Intranet and Internet. The multi-function device  22  may also be supported by a computer  23 . This enables the computer  23  to directly control the multi-function device  22 . The multi-function device  24  may also be directly connected to a network  28  to provide stand-alone capability. The network  28  may be for example, but not limited to, a dial-in, LAN, WAN, PSTN, Intranet and Internet communication links.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 2A is a schematic illustrating an example architecture for the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  shown in FIG. 1. As will be further discussed in FIG. 2A, the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  comprises device hardware  31 , input devices  37 , output devices  34 , display devices  38 , and memory  32 . The memory  32  stores software and/or firmware that controls operation of the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 , and a local interface  33  (e.g., internal bus) to which each of the other identified components electrically connect. The input devices  37  and display devices  38  are illustrated together on control panel  36  for the purposes of discussion of the GUI system  60  of the present invention that disguises the depth in tree menus. It is contemplated that the input device  37  and display devices  38  can reside on separate control panels.  
         [0035]    The device hardware  31  includes the various electrical components used in performing the various functions of the multi-function scanner/facsimile/copier device  21 ,  22  and  24 . For instance, these components can include the mechanisms necessary for processing the operating system  35  control instructions that enable the printing, photocopying, e-mailing, and faxing by the multi-function device  21 ,  22  and  24 . As identified in FIG. 2A, the memory  32  comprises operating system  35 , which contains the various execution commands necessary to control the device mechanisms and their operation. In addition, the memory  32  includes GUI system  60  that is adapted to control the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 , and assists the user to control the device through the use of a menu system that disguises the depth in the tree menus. The GUI system  60  is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 3.  
         [0036]    The operating system  37  and the GUI system  60  each can be implemented in software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The GUI system  60  can be stored and transported on any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system apparatus, or device.  
         [0037]    The computer readable medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) (magnetic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed. The program can be electronically captured via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.  
         [0038]    The output devices  34  typically include interface elements for transmitting electronic information from the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 , to other devices that are connected to the device. For instance, these interface elements can include components adapted to send data via e-mail or fax to a computing device and fax machine, respectively. In addition, where the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  include printing functionality, the output devices  35  can include the various printing components necessary to output hardcopy documents when the device is used as a printer or photocopying machine.  
         [0039]    The input devices  37  typically comprise user interface elements such as a keyboard, numeric keypad, and various buttons with which a user can input various commands and settings. The keyboard, numeric keypad, and various buttons are herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 2B. In addition, the input devices  37  can include interface elements for receiving electronic information from, by way of example, a computing device  23  (FIG. 1). The multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  is adapted for printing, and various components used to transform hardcopy document into electronic form such as a platen, automatic document feeder, and document scanner.  
         [0040]    The display device  38  normally comprises a display screen as well as indicator lights that convey various information to the user. Where the display devices include a display screen, the display screen can comprise, for example, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch sensitive screen, and a combination of both or like devices. If indicator lights are provided, these lights can comprise individual light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light-emitting elements. The display screen is herein defined in further detail with regard to example control panel  36  discussed with regard to FIG. 2B.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 2B illustrates an example control panel  36  of the multi-function scanner/facsimile/copier device  21  that can be used to facilitate user interface with the device. As identified in this figure, the control panel  36  normally includes a display  41  with which information can be presented to the user and with which commands can be communicated to the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 . To lower the cost of the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 , the display  41  preferably comprises an LCD that does not possess touch screen functionality.  
         [0042]    In addition to the display  41 , the control panel  36  can include a keyboard  44  with which the user can enter various alphabetic and numeric characters. By way of example, this keyboard  44  typically is a QWERTY type keyboard, although other keyboard styles would also be suitable. In addition to the keyboard  44  is a numeric keypad  45  with which the user can enter numeric characters. As identified in FIG. 2B, the numeric keypad  45  is normally arranged in similar manner to that found on conventional push-button telephones. As will be discussed below, this arrangement aids the user in entering phone numbers when fax functionality is desired.  
         [0043]    In addition to the keyboard  44  and numeric keypad  45 , the control panel  36  normally further includes a help button  46  with which the user can access tutorial information. This tutorial information is presented with the display  41 , a series of directional keys  42  with which the user can navigate various menus presented via the display, and a select button  43  with which the user can select an item from one of these menus. The control panel  36  can additionally include a menu button  51 , a reset button  52 , a cancel job button  53 , and a start button  54 .  
         [0044]    The menu button  51  can be used to access the various menus that are presented to the user with the display  41 . The reset button  52  resets the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  after information has been entered by the user or various selections made. The cancel job button  53  is used to cancel a task that the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  has begun to execute (e.g., a print job, a photocopy job, an e-mail job, or a fax job). Finally, the start button  54  is used to initiate a task to be performed by the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 . In addition to buttons, the control panel  36  can further include indicator lights  47  that identify the operational status of the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 . For instance, the indicator lights  47  can indicate that the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  is ready, for receiving and/or sending data, is experiencing a problem that calls for the user&#39;s attention.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 3A is a flow chart that illustrates functionality of an example of the GUI system  60  (FIG. 2A) for a multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  that disguises the depth in tree menus via pop-up menus. The GUI system  60  controls the menu system in which a user may select functionality of a multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24 .  
         [0046]    First, the GUI system  60  that disguises the depth in a tree-structured menu via popup menu options is initialized at step  61 . Next at step  62 , the GUI system  60  displays a top screen layout on the display  41 . An example of the top screen layout is herein disclosed in FIG. 10A. The example of the stop screen layout illustrates the multi-function capability of defining a document modifying the characteristics of the document, copying the document and enabling the sending of the document. At step  63 , the user then describes the original document set-up using a describe original document process. The describe original document process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 3B.  
         [0047]    At step  64 , the user selects the desired function for the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  through input into the GUI system  60 . At step  65 , the multi-function devices  21 ,  22  and  24  indicate the function selected on display  41  (FIG. 2B). This indication of which function is selected can be, but is not limited to, providing a bold border around the graphical screen button, or a reverse video effect on the textual list in the function button to indicate the function selected.  
         [0048]    At step  66 , the GUI system  60  then determines whether a send option was selected. If it is determined at step  66  that a send option was selected, the GUI system  60  then proceeds to step  67  and executes the send process. The send process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIGS.  4 - 8 . After performing the send function, the GUI system  60  then proceeds to step  69 . However, if it is determined at step  66  that the user has not selected the send function, the GUI system  60  then proceeds to step  68  to execute the copier process. The copier process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 9A. After performing the selected copier process at step  107 , the GUI system  60  then proceeds to step  69 .  
         [0049]    At step  69 , the GUI system  60  then determines whether multi-function scanner/copiers  21 ,  22  and  24  is done processing the current operation. If it is determined at step  69  that the GUI system  60  is not done processing the current operation, the GUI system  60  then proceeds to repeat steps  64  through  69 . However, if it is determined at step  69  that the GUI system  60  is done processing the current operation, the GUI system  60  then returns to display the top screen layout at step  62 , for further processing.  
         [0050]    Illustrated in FIG. 3B is a flow chart depicting functionality of an example of the describe original document process  80  utilized by the GUI system  60  of the present invention. The describe original document process  80  enables a user to describe the configuration of the original document to be processed. First, the describe original document process  80  is initialized at step  81 . At step  82 , the display original document layout is displayed on display  41  (FIG. 2B). An example of the original document layout is illustrated in FIG. 10B. As illustrated in the example, the original document layout includes, but is not limited to, the ability to define the size, sides and type characteristics of the original document.  
         [0051]    Next, the describe original document process  80  determines whether the scale option is selected. If it is determined at step  83  that the scale option is not selected, the describe original document process  80  then skips to step  86 . However, if it is determined at step  83  that the scale option was selected, the describe original document process  80  then displays the original scale option at step  84 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the scale options is illustrated in FIG. 10C. As illustrated in the example, the scale options include, but are not limited to, letter size, legal size, executive and A4 sizes in the pop-up menu depicted by the bold outline. As can be seen, the pop-up menu is displayed over a portion of the original document top screen menu. The menu overlapping disguises the depth in tree structure menu traversal. At step  85 , the user inputs the original media size utilizing the scale option screen layout displayed at step  84 .  
         [0052]    At step  86 , the describe original document process  80  then determines whether the simplex or duplex option has been selected. If it is determined at step  86  that the simplex or duplex option has not been selected, the describe original document process  80  then proceeds to step  91 . However, if it is determined at step  86  that the simplex or duplex option was selected, the describe original document process  80  then displays the number of side options at step  87 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the number of sides is illustrated in FIG. 10D. In this example, the pop-up menu is depicted by the bold outline that illustrates the number of sides for the original document. At step  88 , the describe original document  80  then allows the user to select the original media number of sides.  
         [0053]    At step  91 , the describe original document process  80  then determines whether the type of image option was selected. If it is determined at step  91  that the type of image option was not selected, the describe original document process  80  then skips to step  94 . However, if it is determined at step  91  that the type of image option was selected, the describe original document process  80  then displays the original document option at step  92 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the type of original options is herein displayed in FIG. 10E. The pop-up menu that displays the type of original options is illustrated in bold and includes, but is not limited to, text, photo, and both types for the description of the original document. As shown, the originals options are depicted in bold and are displayed over a portion of the original document top screen menu. At step  93 , the describe original document process  80  allows the user to select the original type of document.  
         [0054]    At step  94 , the describe original document process  80  determines whether the user is finished describing the original document. If it is determined at step  94  that the user is not done describing the original document, the describe original document process  80  then returns to repeat step  82  through  93 . However, if it is determined at step  94  that the user is finished describing the original document, the describe original document process then exits at step  99 .  
         [0055]    Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting the functionality of an example of the send process  100  utilized by the GUI system  60  of the present invention. The user has, but is not limited to, the choices of sending an e-mail, fax or sending a document to a folder. When an option is selected, a new screen or screens will be displayed to allow the user to specify the particulars of the send option. Once a send option has been selected and specified, the send option box will be checked. If the option is pressed again, the check will be removed and the option will become inactive. However, the specification set up for that option is not lost. Pressing the option once again will take the user to the option set up screen or screens with the previous specifications attached. The send process  100  utilized by the GUI system  60  of the present invention will now be described.  
         [0056]    First, the send process  100  is initialized at step  101 . At step  102 , the send process  100  displays the top send screen layout over the top screen layout to indicate that the send functionality was selected. An example of the top send screen layout is illustrated in FIG. 11A and as previously described above. Next, at step  103 , the send process  100  allows the user to select the desired send type. At step  104 , the send process  100  then indicates the type selected.  
         [0057]    At step  105 , the send process  100  then determines whether there are more send options that the user desires to have indicated. If it is determined at step  105  that more send options are desired, the send process  100  then returns to repeat steps  103  through  105 . This option will enable a user to select multiple send options at the same time. For example, the user will be able to send a document by e-mail and by fax to different destinations in the same procedure.  
         [0058]    If it is determined at step  105  that the user does not desire to select or send options, the send process  100  then determines at step  106  whether or not the user is required to log in. Logging in is required if authentication for the system is enabled. If authentication is enabled, then the first time a user presses one of the send options, they must perform the login process. The send process  100  performs the login process at step  107 . The login process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 5.  
         [0059]    After performing the login process at step  107 , or if it is determined at step  106  that login is not required, the send process  100  then determines whether the document scanned is to be sent to a folder at step  111 . If it is determined at step  111  that the document is to be sent to a folder, the send process  100  then performs the folder process at step  112 . The folder process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 6.  
         [0060]    After performing the folder process at step  112 , or if it is determined at step  111  that the document is not to be sent to a folder, the send process  100  then determines whether or not the document is to be e-mailed at step  113 . If it is determined at step  113  that the document is to be sent via e-mail, the send process  100  then performs the e-mail process at step  114 . The e-mail process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIGS. 7A and 7B.  
         [0061]    After performing the e-mail process at step  114 , or if it is determined at step  113  that the document is not to be e-mailed, the send process  100  then determines whether the document is to be sent by fax at step  115 . If it is determined at step  115  that the document is to be sent by fax, the send process  100  then performs the fax process at step  116 . The fax process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIGS. 8A and 8B.  
         [0062]    After performing the fax process at step  116 , or if it is determined at step  115  that the fax process is not to be performed, the send process  100  then determines whether it is done processing the current document at step  117 . If it is determined at step  117  that it is not done sending the current document, the send process  100  then returns to repeat steps  102  through  117 . However, if it is determined at step  117  that the send process  100  is done sending the current document, the send process  100  exits at step  119 .  
         [0063]    Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting functionality of an example of the login process  120  for the GUI system  80  of the present invention. First, the login process  120  is initialized at step  121 . At step  122 , the login process  120  displays the top login screen layout over the send layout display. An example of the top login screen layout is illustrated in FIG. 11B. The top login screen layout includes, but is not limited to, user, password, and domain input fields.  
         [0064]    At steps  123  and  124 , the login process  120  requests the input of the user name and password. At step  125 , the login process  120  then acquires a default of the domain name, if available. The domain name can be a system administrator settable default. The login process  120  then displays any available default name at step  126 . At step  131 , the login process  120  then allows the user to change any default domain name displayed.  
         [0065]    After the user has an opportunity to change or input the domain name, the login process  120  then performs an authentication of the login data at step  132 . At step  133 , the login process  120  determines whether the login data is okay. If it is determined at step  133  that the login data is not okay, the login process  120  then identifies the bad login data at step  134  and requests a change of the bad login data at step  135 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the change of the bad login data is herein displayed in FIG. 11C. In the example, the bad login data pop-up menu is illustrated over a portion of an underlying menu. The login process  120  then returns to repeat steps  132  and  133 . However, if it is determined at step  133  that the login data is okay, the login process  120  then exits the login process at step  139 .  
         [0066]    Illustrated in FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting functionality of an example of the send to folder process  140 . First, the folder process  140  is initialized at step  141 . Next, at step  142 , the folder process  140  displays a top folder screen layout over the send layout. An example of the top folder screen layout is illustrated in FIG. 11D. The top folder screen layout includes, but is not limited to, the destination folder and the file name to be sent to the destination folder. Next, folder process  140  prompts the user to indicate the desired destination of the file to be sent at step  143 .  
         [0067]    The folder process  140  then verifies the indicated desired destination, at step  144 . At step  145 , it is determined whether the desired destination of the document is okay. If it is determined at step  145  that the desired destination of the document is not okay, the folder process  140  then requests the user to input a new desired destination at step  146 , and then returns to repeat steps  144  and  145 . However, if it is determined at step  145  that the desired destination is okay, the folder process  140  then prompts the user to indicate the file name of the file to be saved, at step  147 .  
         [0068]    At step  151 , the folder process  140  then determines whether the desired file name is okay. If it is determined at step  151  that the desired file name is not okay, the folder process  140  then requests the user to put in a file name at step  152 , and then returns to repeat steps  147  and  151 . However, if it is determined at step  151  that the desired file name is okay, the folder process  140  then determines whether the document to be sent to the folder is scanned at step  153 . If it is determined at step  153  that the document to be sent to the folder is scanned, then the folder process  140  skips to step  155 . However, if it is determined at step  153  that the document to be sent to the folder is not scanned, then the folder process  140  scans the document at step  154 .  
         [0069]    At step  155 , the folder process  140  then copies the document to the indicated folder destination, at step  155 . At step  156 , the folder process  140  then determines whether more folder destinations are desired. If it is determined at step  156  that more folder destinations are desired, the folder process  140  then returns to repeat steps  143  through  156 . However, if it is determined at step  156  that there are no more folder destinations desired, the folder process  140  then exits at step  159 .  
         [0070]    Illustrated in FIG. 7A is a flow chart of an example of the e-mail process  160  utilized by the send process  100  in the GUI system  60  of the present invention. The e-mail process  160  is utilized in the send process  100  of the GUI system  60  of the present invention. The e-mail process  160  enables a user to e-mail a copy of a document.  
         [0071]    First, the e-mail process  160  is initialized at step  161 . Next, the e-mail process  160  displays the top e-mail screen layout over the send layout screen at step  162 . An example of the top e-mail screen layout is illustrated in FIG. 12A. This example of an e-mail screen illustrated in FIG. 12A is the first screen to be displayed after the e-mail send option is selected on the send option screen and after authentication is established. Each of the fields “From,” “To,” “CC,” and “Subject” can be selected to open an entry screen where the desired text can be typed in. Selecting any of these functions and beginning to type any character keys will move a user into an entry screen. Also, it is possible to have the “From” field already filled in if either the authentication has been completed or if the “From” value is established by another “Send” destination. Once a user is identified, their e-mail address is filled in automatically. A reset key can clear all the text in the “From,” “To,” “CC,” and “Subject” fields.  
         [0072]    At step  163 , the e-mail process  160  obtains the sender ID. The user selects the recipient fields at step  164  and the e-mail process  160  displays the recipient ID layout over the top e-mail screen layout at step  165 . An example of the recipient ID layout is illustrated in FIG. 12B. The example of the recipient ID layout includes, but is not limited to, a text area to allow for input of the recipient e-mail ID.  
         [0073]    At step  166 , the e-mail process  160  then determines whether the address book is selected. If it is determined at step  166  that the address book is selected, the e-mail process  160  then displays entry in the address book for the user to select, as the “To” or “CC” recipient as step  167 . After allowing the user to select entries from the address book, the e-mail process then proceeds to step  172 . An example of the address book layout is illustrated in FIG. 12C. As shown in FIG. 12C, the address book layout includes a listing of potential recipients for receiving the e-mail. The potential recipients are illustrated in this example as being in a table that can be manipulated utilizing scrolling menus, however, it should be known that the inventors contemplate that other types of displaying mechanisms can be used.  
         [0074]    However, if it is determined at step  166  that the address book is not selected, the e-mail process  160  then requests the user to provide the recipient ID “To” or “CC’ at step  168 . At step  169 , the e-mail process  160  then searches a scanner/facsimile/copier database for an e-mail address for the recipient ID. At step  171 , the e-mail process  160  then determines whether the recipient e-mail address is found. If it is determined at step  171  that the recipient e-mail was found, the e-mail process  160  proceeds to step  172 . However, if it is determined at step  171  that the recipient e-mail address is not found, the e-mail process  160  then returns to repeat steps  166  through  171 .  
         [0075]    At step  172 , the e-mail process  160  then determines whether there are more recipients to receive the e-mail, at step  172 . If it is determined at step  172  that there are more recipients to receive the e-mail, the e-mail process  160  then returns to repeat steps  166 - 172 . However, if it is determined at step  172  that there are no more recipients to receive the e-mail, the e-mail process  160  then requests the user to provide a “Subject” title at step  173 .  
         [0076]    At step  174 , the e-mail process  160  allows the user to select the e-mail setting format/color/file. An example of the e-mail setting process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 7B. At step  175 , the e-mail process  160  determines whether the document to be e-mailed is scanned. If it is determined at step  175  that the document to be e-mailed is scanned, the e-mail process  160  then proceeds to step  177  to send the e-mail. However, if it is determined at step  175  that the document to be e-mailed is not scanned, then the e-mail process  160  scans the document at step  176 .  
         [0077]    At step  177 , the e-mail process  160  then sends the e-mail to each “To” and “CC” recipient. At step  178 , the e-mail process  160  then determines whether there are more e-mails to be sent. If it is determined at step  178  that there are more e-mails to be sent, the e-mail process  160  then returns to repeat steps  162  through  178 . However, if it is determined at step  172  that there are no more e-mails to be sent, the e-mail process  160  then exits at step  179 .  
         [0078]    Illustrated in FIG. 7B is a flow chart depicting functionality of an example of the e-mail setting process  180  utilized by the e-mail process  160 , as shown in FIG. 7A. First, the e-mail setting process  180  is initialized at step  181 . At step  182 , an e-mail settings layout is displayed. An example of the e-mail settings layout is illustrated in FIG. 12D and is described above.  
         [0079]    At step  183 , the e-mail setting process  180  then determines whether the resolution option is selected. If it is determined at step  183  that the resolution option is not selected, the e-mail setting process  180  then proceeds to step  186 . However, if it is determined at step  183  that the resolution option was selected, the resolution option layout is then displayed at step  184 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the resolution options is illustrated in FIG. 12E. The resolutions options pop-up menu is indicated in FIG. 12E by bold highlight. The resolution options pop-up menu is also displayed as being over a portion of the e-mail screen. At step  185 , the user is able to select the digital sending resolution desired.  
         [0080]    At step  186 , the e-mail setting process  180  determines whether the color or black and white options are selected. If it is determined at step  186  that the color or black and white options are not selected, the e-mail setting process  180  then proceeds to step  191 . However, if it is determined at step  186  that the color or black and white options are selected, the e-mail setting process  180  then displays the color or black and white option layout at step  187 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the color or black and white options is illustrated in FIG. 12F. The color or black and white options layout illustrated in FIG. 12F is displayed over a portion of the top e-mail screen layout. The example further illustrates that the color or black and white option layout pop-up menu is within the bold lines. At step  188 , the user is then able to select the digital sending color setting desired.  
         [0081]    At step  191 , the e-mail setting process  180  then determines whether the file format option is selected. If it is determined at step  191  that the file format options is not selected, the e-mail setting process  180  then proceeds to step  194 . However, if it is determined at step  191  that the file settings option is selected, the file format options layout is then displayed at step  192 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the file format options is illustrated in FIG. 12G. The file format options layout is depicted as the area within the bold and is displayed over the top screen e-mail layout. The file format option layout selections includes, but are not limited to, .pdf, TIFF, M-TIFF and JPEG type files types. At step  183 , the user is permitted to select the desired file format.  
         [0082]    At step  194 , the e-mail setting process  180  then determines whether the e-mail settings are done. If it is determined at step  194  that the e-mail settings are not done, the e-mail setting process  180  then returns to repeat steps  182  through  194 . However, if it is determined at step  194  that the e-mail settings are done, the e-mail setting process  180  then exits at step  191 .  
         [0083]    Illustrated in FIG. 8A is a flow chart depicting functionality of an example of the fax process  200 . The fax process  200  is utilized in the send process  100  of the GUI system  60  of the present invention. The fax process  200  enables a user to fax a copy of a document. First, the fax process  200  is initialized at step  201 . At step  202 , the fax process  200  displays the top fax screen layout over the send layout screen. An example of the top fax screen layout is illustrated in FIG. 13A. This example of the top fax screen layout illustrated in FIG. 1  3 A is the first screen to be displayed after the fax send option is selected. Each of the fields “from,” “to,” “cc,” and “subject” can be selected to open an entry screen where the desired text can be typed in. Selecting any of these functions and then beginning to type any character keys will move a user into the entry screen. Also, it is possible to have the “from” field already filled in if either the authentication has been completed, or if the “from” value is established by another send destination. Once the user is identified, the fax number is automatically filled in. At step  203 , the fax process  200  then obtains a sender ID. At step  204 , the fax process  200  then has the user select the recipient field. By selecting the recipient field, the fax process  200  displays a recipient layout screen in the top fax layout screen.  
         [0084]    At step  205 , the fax process  200  then determines whether the address book is selected. If it is determined at step  205  that the address book is selected, the fax process  200  then displays the entries in an address book for the user to select the recipient and fax number for that recipient, at step  206 . An example of the address book layout is illustrated in FIG. 13B. As shown, the address book layout includes, but is not limited to, a listing of potential recipients for receiving the fax. The potential recipients are in a table that can be manipulated utilizing scrolling menus, however, it should be known that the inventors contemplate other types of displaying mechanisms can be used. After allowing the user to select entries in the address book, the fax process  200  then proceeds to step  212  to determine whether there are more recipients.  
         [0085]    However, if it is determined at step  205  that the address book is not selected, the fax process  200  then requests the user to provide the recipient ID or fax number at step  207 . At step  208 , the fax process  200  then determines whether there was recipient ID input. If it is determined at step  208  that the recipient ID was not input, the fax process  200  then skips to step  212  to see whether there are more recipients of the fax. However, if it is determined at step  208  that a recipient ID was input, then the fax process  200  then searches a scanner/printer database for a fax number for the recipient ID input. At step  210 , the fax process  200  determines whether the recipient fax number was found. If it is determined at step  210  that the recipient fax number was found, the fax process  200 , the fax process  200  proceeds to step  212  to determine whether there are more recipients of the fax. However, if it is determined at step  210  that the recipient fax number was not found, the fax process  200  then returns to repeat steps  205  through  210 .  
         [0086]    At step  212 , the fax process  200  then determines whether there are more recipients of the fax. If it is determined at step  212  that there are more recipients of the fax, the fax process  200  returns to repeat steps  205  through  212 . However, if it is determined at step  212  that there are no more recipients of the fax, the fax process  200  then requests the user to provide a subject title, at step  213  and checks the fax settings at step  214 . The fax setting process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 8B.  
         [0087]    After checking the fax settings, the fax process  200  then determines at step  215  whether the document to be faxed is scanned. If it is determined at step  215  that the document to be faxed is scanned, then the fax process  200  skips to step  217  to send the fax. However, if it is determined at step  215  that the document to be faxed is not scanned, the fax process  200  then scans the document at step  216 . At step  217 , the fax process  200  then sends the fax to each recipient identified above.  
         [0088]    At step  218 , the fax process  200  then determines whether there are more faxes to be sent. If there are more faxes to be sent, the sent fax process  200  then returns to repeat steps  202  through  218 . However, if it is determined at step  218  that there are no more faxes to be sent, the fax process  200  then exits at step  219 .  
         [0089]    Illustrated in FIG. 8B is a flow chart depicting functionality of an example of the fax setting process  220  utilized by the fax process  200 , as shown in FIG. 8A. First, the fax setting process  210  is initialized at step  221 . At step  222 , the fax setting process  220  then displays the fax setting layout. An example of the fax setting layout is illustrated in FIG. 13C. The fax setting layout includes, but is not limited to, fax settings such as the resolution of the fax copy to be sent.  
         [0090]    At step  223 , the fax setting process  220  then determines whether the resolution option is selected. If it is determined at step  223  that the resolution option is not selected, the fax setting process then proceeds to step  226 . However, if it is determined at step  223  that the resolution option is selected, then the fax setting process  220  displays the resolution options at step  224 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the resolution options is illustrated in FIG. 13D. The resolutions options pop-up menu illustrated in FIG. 13D is displayed over a portion of the fax setting layout illustrated in FIG. 13C. The resolution options for fax setting are depicted in the menu within the bold outline and consists of standard and high resolution selections. At step  225 , the user is directed to select the digital sending resolution desired.  
         [0091]    At step  226 , the fax setting process  220  then determines whether there are more fax settings to set. If it is determined at step  226  that there are more fax settings to be set, the fax setting process  220  then returns to repeat steps  222  through  226 . However, if it is determined at step  226  that there are no more fax settings to be set, then the fax setting process  220  exits at step  229 .  
         [0092]    Illustrated in FIG. 9A is a flow chart depicting functionality of an example of the copier process  240  utilized in the GUI system  60  of the present invention. The copier process  240  enables a user to make copies of a desired document. First, the copier process  240  is initialized at step  241 . At step  242 , the top copier screen layout is displayed. An example of the top copier layout screen is illustrated in FIG. 14A. The example top copier layout screen illustrated in FIG. 14A depicts selections for indicating the original document, scale and contrast options, copy option and send options.  
         [0093]    At step  243 , the copier process  240  then directs the user to select the desired copier option. At step  244 , the copier process  240  determines whether the original option was selected. If it is determined at step  244  that the original option was selected, the copier process  240  then performs the original document setting process  80  (FIG. 3B).  
         [0094]    After performing the original document setting process  80  or determining that the original option was not selected, the copier process  240  then determines whether the scale and contrast option is selected at the original document to copy, at step  246 . An example scale and contrast layout includes, but is not limited to, the enlarge/reduce and contrast dark/light options. Shown in FIG. 14B is an example illustrating that the scale option is selected and will enable a user to enlarge or reduce the copy document. If it is determined at step  246  that the scale or contrast option was selected, the copier process  240  then displays the scale and contrast layout over the contrast and send buttons at step  247 . An example of the scale and contrast layout is illustrated in FIG. 14C. In the example, the copy document setting layout illustrates that the copy is to be 97% scale of the original and that the copy contrast is to be darker than the original. Also illustrated, is that the copy document is to be printed in an A4 size media. At step  248 , the copier process  240  then directs the user to define the scale and contrast of the copied document.  
         [0095]    After allowing the user to define the scale and contrast of the copier document at step  248  or if it is determined at step  246  that the scale and contrast is not selected, the copier process  240  then determines whether the copy function was selected at step  251 . If it is determined at step  251  that the copy was selected, the copier process  240  then performs a copy document setting process at step  252 . The copy document setting process is herein defined in further detail with regard to FIG. 9B.  
         [0096]    After performing the copy document setting process or if it is determined at step  251  that the copy was not selected, the copier process  240  determines whether there are more selections desired at step  253 . If it is determined that there are more selections desired by the user, the copier process  240  then returns to repeat steps  243  through  253 . However, if it is determined at step  253  that the user does not desire any more selections, the copier process  240  then determines at step  254  whether the document to be copied is scanned. If it is determined at step  254  that the document to be copied is scanned, then the copier process  240  proceeds to step  256  to copy the document. However, if it is determined at step  254  that the document to be copied is not scanned, then the copier process  240  scans the document at step  255 . At step  256 , the copier process  240  then copies the document and exits at step  259 .  
         [0097]    Illustrated in FIG. 9B is a flow chart depicting functionality of an example of the copy document setting process  260  utilized by the copier process  240 , as shown in FIG. 9A. The copy document setting process  260  enables the user to select the desired setting for the document to be copied. First, the copy document setting process  260  is initialized at step  261 . At step  262 , the copy document settings layout is displayed. An example of the copy document settings layout is illustrated in FIG. 14D. The copy document settings layout displayed in FIG. 14D indicates the current settings for the copy document. The copy document settings layout also includes, but is not limited to, options for the user to select in order to customize the copy process. As shown in FIG. 14D, the current copy document is setup to be one-sided and to be out of tray  2 , which is letter size paper, The copy document settings layout also includes options for the user to customize the tray selected, the sides of the copy, and copy N-up settings. The N-up settings option allows more than one page image to be displayed on one side of a printed page.  
         [0098]    At step  263 , the copy document setting process  260  determines whether the copy tray option is selected. If it is determined at step  263  that the copy tray option is not selected, then the copy document setting process  250  proceeds to step  266 . However, if it is determined at step  253  that the copy tray option was selected, then the copy document setting process  260  displays the copy tray options layout at step  264 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the copy tray options is illustrated in FIG. 14E. As shown in FIG. 14E, the copy tray options layout is displayed over a portion of the copy document setting layout. The copy tray options are depicted in the bold lines and depict the source tray to be utilized for the copy document. At step  265 , the user is directed to select the desired copy tray option.  
         [0099]    At step  266 , the copy document setting process  260  then determines whether the sides option is selected. If it is determined at step  266  that the sides option is not selected, then the copy document setting process  260  then proceeds to step  271 . However, if it is determined at step  266  that the sides option was selected, the copy document setting process  260  then displays the copy sides layout at step  267 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the copy sides options is illustrated in FIG. 14F. The copy sides layout pop-up menu is displayed over a portion of the copy document settings layout and includes the number of sides for the copies to be copied upon. The copy sides options pop-up menu shown in FIG. 14F, is depicted in the bold lines. At step  268 , the user is directed to select the copy medium number of sides.  
         [0100]    At step  271 , the copy document setting process  260  determines whether the number of images per side option is selected. If it is determined at step  271  that the number of images per side option is not selected, then the copy document setting process  260  proceeds to step  274 . However, if it determined at step  271  that the number of images per side option is selected, then the copy document setting process  260  displays the copy N-up setting layout at step  272 . An example of the pop-up menu that displays the copy N-up setting options is illustrated in FIG. 14G. The copy N-up settings menu is depicted in the bold lines and is displayed over a portion of the copy document settings layout. The N-up settings option allows more than one page image to be displayed on one side of a printed page. At step  263 , the user is directed to select the copy N-up setting.  
         [0101]    At step  274 , the copy document setting process  260  then determines whether there are more copy document settings to be selected. If it is determined that there are more copy document settings to be selected, then the copy document setting process  260  returns to repeat steps  262  through  274 . However, if it is determined at step  274  that the copy document settings selection is done, the copy document setting process  260  then exits at step  279 .  
         [0102]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail in the foregoing description and drawings for purposes of example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications thereof can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.