Abstract:
A multifunction apparatus having plurality types of functions and a display device that indicates one of the functions including: a selection device that is operated so as to select a function to be used among the plurality types of functions; and a display control device that makes the display device display information regarding the function selected with the selection device in an appearance that is different from appearances for rest of the plurality types of functions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-193973 filed Jul. 1, 2005 in the Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to a multifunction apparatus having various functions. Application of the present invention is especially effective for a multifunction apparatus having an image reading function and an image recording function. 
     In a multifunction apparatus having various functions, a user operates a selection device, such as a selection button, in order to select a function. 
     If the selected function has optional features, information on the optional features of the selected function is shown on a display device, such as a LCD. A user selects an optional feature to be used among the displayed information shown on the display device. 
     However, a function selected and shown in the display device or the information on the optional features related to the selected function is displayed in letters in monochrome, usually in a white or a black color. 
     Consequently, in this conventional multifunction apparatus, a user needs to correctly read displayed letters in order to check a selected function or information on optional features of the selected function. There has been a problem that a selected function or information on optional features cannot be instantly checked. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a multifunction apparatus may be preferably provided with a technique wherein displayed information can be instantly and easily checked. 
     A multifunction apparatus having plurality types of functions and a display device that indicates one of the functions including: a selection device that is operated so as to select a function to be used among the plurality types of functions; and a display control device that makes the display device display information regarding the function selected with the selection device in an appearance that is different from appearances for rest of the plurality types of functions. 
     With the above-described invention, information on a selected function of the multifunction apparatus and information related to the selected function are displayed in a manner different among each of the functions of the multifunction apparatus. Therefore, a selected function and related information can be instantly and easily checked. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view showing a multifunction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the multifunction apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is an explanatory view showing an example of a standard image shown on a display panel of the multifunction apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is an explanatory view showing an example of display when a photo print function of the multifunction apparatus is selected; 
         FIG. 5  is an explanatory view showing an example of display when a copy print function is selected; 
         FIG. 6  is an explanatory view showing an example of display when a facsimile function is selected; 
         FIG. 7  is an explanatory view showing an example of display when an image reading function is selected; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart explaining a main control flow for controlling the display panel of the multifunction apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart explaining a control flow when the photo print function is selected; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart explaining a control flow when the copy print function is selected; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart explaining a control flow when the facsimile function is selected; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart explaining a control flow when the image reading function is selected; and 
         FIGS. 13A ,  13 B,  13 C, and  13 D are explanatory views each showing another example of display when the photo print function, the copy print function, the facsimile function, and the image reading function are respectively selected. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a multifunction apparatus, which may include a facsimile function; an image reading function (scanning function); a copy function (a copy print function); a photo print function (digital photo print function), wherein printing is performed so as to provide an image quality equivalent to a quality of a photograph; and a printer function. It is contemplated that the present invention can be used in similar type devices or processes. 
     [1. Schematic Structure of Multifunction Apparatus] 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a multifunction apparatus  1  is provided with a CPU (Central Processing unit)  21 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  22 , a Flash ROM (Flash Read Only Memory)  23 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  24 , an image memory  25 , a line I/F (Interface) unit  26 , a modem  27 , a buffer  28 , a scanner  29 , a control circuit having an encoding unit  30  and a decoding unit  31 , a printer  32 , an operation panel  2 , a display panel  16 , and an amplifier  33 . These components of the multifunction apparatus  1  are connected to one another via a busline  34 . 
     The operation panel  2 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , may be disposed in the front end side of the upper surface of the multifunction apparatus  1 . The operation panel  2  is provided with an electric power switch  3  for the multifunction apparatus  1 , input switches including function selection keys  11 - 14  and numeric keys  15 , and a display panel  16 . 
     In the present embodiment, the display panel  16  is constituted with a color display device made with a liquid crystal display device or the like. The display panel  16  displays various information for a user in the form of letters or images corresponding to a command signal from the CPU  21  based on a user&#39;s operation on the input switches, such as the function selection keys  11 - 14  or the numeric keys  15 . 
     The operation panel  2  is furthermore provided with a stop/end switch  4 , a color operation start switch  5 , and a monochrome operation start switch  6 . The stop/end switch  4  is operated for a mandatory termination of an operation currently being performed (such as a copy operation). The color operation start switch  5  is operated so as to execute a copy operation or an image reading operation in color. The monochrome operation start switch  6  is operated so as to execute a copy operation or an image reading operation in monochrome (black and white). 
     The operation panel  2  is still further provided with a pointing key  7 , an OK key  8 , a clear key  9 , and a menu key  10 . The pointing key  7  is operated so as to select (focus on) an information item being displayed on the display panel  16 . The OK key  8  is operated so as to confirm the item selected with the pointing key  7 . The clear key  9  is operated so as to cancel the item confirmed with the OK key  8 . The menu key  10  is operated so as to display various setting items for operation of the multifunction apparatus  1  on the display panel  16 . 
     The function selection key  11  (to be referred to as a digital photo print key  11 ) is operated so as to select the photo print function. The selection key  12  (to be referred to as a copy key  12 ) is operated so as to select the copy print function. The selection key  13  (to be referred to as a facsimile key  13 ) is operated so as to select the facsimile function. The selection key  14  (to be referred to as a scan key  14 ) is operated so as to select the image reading function. 
     The line I/F unit  26  shown in  FIG. 2  is used so as to conduct line control. The line I/F unit  26  receives various signals, such as a ringing signal sent from a switching equipment  35  or a signal indicating a telephone number of a caller (caller number). Moreover, when transmission is performed, the line I/F unit  26  transmits a dial signal to the switching equipment  35  corresponding an operation with the numeric keys  15 . 
     Additionally, the line I/F unit  26  is provided with a terminal for an external telephone (not shown) so as to permit a connection with an external telephone  30 . The multifunction apparatus  1  and the external telephone  30  are connected with a telephone line via the line I/F unit  26 . 
     The CPU  21  controls individual components, connected via the busline  34 , corresponding to various signals sent/received via the line I/F unit  26 , and executes the facsimile function, the image reading function and so on. The ROM  22  stores control programs executed in the multifunction apparatus  1 , which are shown in the flowcharts in  FIGS. 8 to 12 . 
     The Flash ROM  23  is a rewritable nonvolatile memory device wherein written (stored) data is maintained even after the electric power of the multifunction apparatus  1  is turned off. Then RAM  24  is a memory device wherein sequential writing/reading of stored data is possible. The RAM  24  temporarily stores various data when each operation is performed in the multifunction apparatus  1 . 
     The image memory  25  is a memory device so as to store communication history, image data including a bit image for printing or image data read by the scanner  29 . The image memory  25  may include a dynamic RAM (DRAM) which is inexpensive and has a large capacity. When image data is received, the data is temporarily stored in the image memory  25 . After printing is performed by the printer  32  based on the image data, the data is erased from the image memory  25 . 
     The modem  27  modulates, demodulates and transmits image information and communication data. Moreover, the modem  27  sends and receives various procedural signals for transmission control. The buffer  28  temporarily stores data including encoded image information received from, or to be sent to a device on another end of a line. 
     The scanner  29  reads an original image, inserted through an original image insertion opening (not shown), as image data. The encoding unit  30  encodes image data read by the scanner  29 . The decoding unit  31  reads out image data stored in the buffer  28  or the image memory  25 , and decodes the image data. The data decoded by the decoding unit  31  is printed on a recording paper by the printer  82 . 
     The printer  32  according to the present embodiment is a known inkjet printer having a recording paper conveyance motor, a carriage motor, and a printing head and so on. The recording paper conveyance motor conveys recording paper. The carriage motor moves a carriage carrying the printing head. The printing head ejects ink onto recording paper. 
     The amplifier  38  outputs calling sound or voice via a speaker connected thereto. 
     [2. Operation of Multifunction Apparatus  1  According to Present Embodiment] 
     In the multifunction apparatus  1  according to the present embodiment, when one of the selection keys  11 - 14 , such as the digital photo print key  11 , is operated so as to select one of the functions, the selected function and information related to optional features provided for the selected function are shown on the display panel  16  in a specific color which is different from the colors used when other functions are selected. 
     When none of the selection keys  11 - 14  is operated, or a selected function is not executed after one of the selection keys  11 - 14  is operated due to the OK key  8  or the color operation start switch  6  not being operated within a predetermined period (for example, within 30 seconds in the present embodiment), a standard image is shown on the display panel  16 . 
     In the present embodiment, current date and time are shown in the standard image as shown in  FIG. 3 . However, this standard image can be changed by a user&#39;s setting operation. 
     When one of the selection keys  11 - 14  is operated, the selected function and the optional features of the selected function are displayed with a specific prevailing color which represents the selected function. Specifically, when the digital photo print key  11  is operated, as shown in  FIG. 4 , an indication that the photo print function is selected and the optional features of the photo print function are shown in color, wherein red is the prevailing color, on the display panel  16 . When the copy key  12  is operated, as shown in  FIG. 5 , an indication that the copy function is selected and the optional features of the copy function are shown in color, wherein green is the prevailing color, on the display panel  16 . 
     When the facsimile key  13  is operated, as shown in  FIG. 6 , an indication that the facsimile function is selected and the optional features of the facsimile function are shown in color, wherein blue is the prevailing color, on the display panel  16 . Furthermore, when the scan key  14  is operated, as shown in  FIG. 7 , an indication that the image reading function is selected and the optional features of the image reading function are shown in color, wherein yellow is the prevailing color, on the display panel  16 . 
     When the copy key  12  or the facsimile key  13  is operated, in addition to the display of an indication and the optional features of a selected function with a specific prevailing color representing the selected function, information directly inputted by a user with the numeric keys  15  is also displayed. Such information inputted by a user is displayed in an inputted information display section A, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , whereas an indication of a selected function is shown in a function display section B. Information shown in the inputted information display section A is displayed in a different color from the color used in the function display section B. 
     Specifically, when the copy key  12  is operated so as to select the copy print function, an indication that the copy print function is selected is shown in the function display section B in color wherein a green color is the prevailing color. If the numeric keys  15  are operated so as to specify a number of print copies while this display is shown, a number is shown in black-and-white in the inputted information display section A corresponding to the operation with the numeric keys  15 . 
     When the facsimile key  13  is operated so as to select the facsimile function, an indication that the facsimile function is selected is shown in the function display section B in color wherein blue is the prevailing color. If the numeric keys  15  are operated so as to input a destination number (facsimile number) while this display is shown, the destination number is shown in black-and-white in the inputted information display section A corresponding to the operation with the numeric keys  15 . 
     The following explains a control flow of the above-described distinctive operation according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIGS. 8-12 . 
     [2.1 Main Control Flow (See  FIG. 8 )] 
     When the power switch  3  is turned on, the main control flow ( FIG. 8 ) is initiated. In S 1 , the standard image (see  FIG. 3 ) is shown on the display panel  16  so as to indicate that the multifunction apparatus  1  is in standby for a user&#39;s input. 
     In S 3  it is determined whether or not any of the selection keys  11 - 14  or the pointing key  7  has been operated. If it is determined that one of the keys has been operated (S 3 : YES), in S 5  to S 11  it is determined which key has been operated. On the other hand, if it is determined that none of the selection keys  11 - 14  or the pointing key  7  has been operated (S 3 : NO), in S 3  it is determined again whether or not any of the keys has been operated. 
     If it is determined that none of the selection keys  11 - 14  has been operated, that is, it is determined NO in all the determination steps in S 5  to S 11 , then in S 13  a job is executed corresponding to an operated key. Then, the process goes back to S 1 . 
     In S 5 , if it is determined that the digital photo print key  11  has been operated (S 5 : YES), in S 15  an indication that the photo print function (the digital photo print function) is selected and the optional features of the photo print function are shown in color, wherein red is the prevailing color, on the display panel  16 . In S 17 , when some of the optional features of the photo print function are selected and the photo print function is executed, the process goes back to S 1 , wherein the multifunction apparatus  1  is in the standby state. Details on the process in S 17  will be described later. 
     In S 7  if it is determined that the copy key  12  has been operated (S 7 : YES), in S 19  an indication that the copy print function is selected and the optional features of the copy print function are shown in color, wherein green is the prevailing color, on the display panel  16 . In S 21 , when some of the optional features of the copy print function are selected and the copy print function is executed, the process goes back to S 1 , wherein the multifunction apparatus  1  is in the standby state. Details on the process in S 21  will be described later. 
     In S 9  if it is determined that the facsimile key  13  has been operated (S 9 : YES), in S 23  an indication that the facsimile function is selected and the optional features of the facsimile function are shown in color, wherein blue is the prevailing color, on the display panel  16 . In S 25  when some of the optional features of the facsimile function are selected and the facsimile function is executed, the process goes back to S 1 , wherein the multifunction apparatus  1  is in the standby state. Details on the process in S 25  will be described later. 
     In S 11  if it is determined that the scan key  14  has been operated (S 11 : YES), in S 27  an indication that the image reading function is selected and the optional features of the image reading function are shown in color, wherein yellow is the prevailing color, on the display panel  16 . In S 29  when some of the optional features of the image reading function are selected and the image reading function is executed, the process goes back to S 1 , wherein the multifunction apparatus  1  is in the standby state. Details on the process in S 29  will be described later. 
     [2.2 Photo Print Function (Digital Photo Print Function)] 
     When the photo print function is selected (S 5 : YES), S 17  in the control flow, shown in  FIG. 9 , is initiated. Firstly, in S 31  it is determined whether or not either of the pointing key  7  or the OK key  8  has been operated. If it is determined that one of the pointing key  7  or the OK key  8  has been operated (S 31 : YES), in S 33  it is determined that whether or not the pointing key  7  has been operated. 
     If it is determined that the pointing key  7  has been operated (S 33 : YES), in S 35  a selector which highlights (focuses on) a selected optional feature is moved, for example in a up-and-down direction, corresponding to the number of operation (operation amount) on the pointing key  7 . Subsequently, the process goes back to S 31 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the pointing key  7  has not been operated (S 33 : NO), in S 37  it is determined whether or not the OK key  8  has been operated. If it is determined that the OK key  8  has been operated (S 37 : YES), in S 39  an optional feature selected with the pointing key  7  is confirmed. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 31 . 
     If it is determined that the OK key  8  has not been operated (S 37 : NO), in S 41  it is determined whether or not the clear key  9  has been operated. If it is determined that the clear key  9  has been operated (S 41 : YES), in S 48  the optional feature selected with the pointing key  7  is canceled. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 31 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the clear key  9  has not been operated (S 41 : NO), in S 45  it is determined whether or not the numeric keys  15  have been operated. If it is determined that the numeric keys  15  have been operated (S 45 : YES), in S 47  the number inputted with the numeric keys  15  is set as a number of print copies and shown in the inputted information display section A. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 31 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , the inputted information display section A is not shown. This state of display shows a case wherein no information has been inputted with the numeric keys  15 . In a case wherein a number of print copies is not set with the numeric keys  15 , the inputted information display section A is not shown, and the number of print copies is automatically set one. 
     If it is determined that the numeric keys  15  have not been operated (S 45 : NO), in S 49  it is determined whether or not one of the color operation start switch  5  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated. If it is determined that one of the color operation start switch  5  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated (S 49 : YES), in S 51  the photo print function is executed in accordance with an optional feature setting currently set. Then, the present control is ended. 
     In the present embodiment, when the photo print function is executed, photo printing is performed in color irrespective of whichever switch being operated between the color operation start switch  5  and the monochrome operation start switch  6 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that neither of the color operation start switch  5  nor the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated (S 49 : NO), in S 53  it is determined whether or not the stop/end switch  4  has been operated. If it is determined that the stop/end switch  4  has been operated (S 53 : YES), in S 55  the optional feature setting currently set is canceled. Then, the present control is ended. 
     In S 53  if it is determined that the stop/end switch  4  has not been operated (S 53 : NO), in S 57  a job is executed corresponding to an operated key. Then, the present control is ended. 
     [2.3 Copy Print Function] 
     In S 7  when the copy print function is selected (S 7 : YES), in S 21  the control flow shown in  FIG. 10  is initiated. Firstly, in S 61  it is determined whether or not either of the pointing key  7  or the OK key  8  has been operated. If it is determined that one of the pointing key  7  or the OK key  8  has been operated (S 61 : YES), in S 63  it is determined whether or not the pointing key  7  has been operated. 
     If it is determined that the pointing key  7  has been operated (S 63 : YES), in S 65  a selector which highlights (focuses on) a selected optional feature is moved, for example in a up-and-down direction corresponding to the number of operation (operation amount) on the pointing key  7 . Subsequently, the process goes back to S 61 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the pointing key  7  has not been operated ( 63 : NO), in S 67  it is determined that the OK key  8  has been operated. If it is determined that the OK key  8  has been operated (S 67 : YES), in S 69  the optional feature selected by the pointing key  7  is confirmed. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 61 . 
     If it is determined that the OK key  8  has not been operated (S 67 : NO), in S 71  it is determined whether or not the clear key  9  has been operated. If it is determined that the clear key  9  has been operated (S 71 : YES), in S 73  the optional feature selected with the pointing key  7  is canceled. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 61 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the clear key  9  has not been operated (S 71 : NO), in S 75  it is determined whether or not the numeric keys  15  have been operated. If it is determined that the numeric keys  15  have been operated, in S 77  the number inputted with the numeric keys  15  is set as the number of print copies, and shown in the inputted information display section A. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 61 . 
     If it is determined that the numeric keys  15  have not been operated (S 75 : NO), in S 79  it is determined whether or not any of the color operation start switch  5  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated. If it is determined that one of the color operation start switch  5  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated (S 79 : YES), in S 81  the copy print function is executed in accordance with the optional feature setting currently set. Then, the present control is ended. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that neither of the color operation start switch  5  nor the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated (S 79 : NO), in S 83  it is determined whether or not the stop/end switch  4  has been operated. If it is determined that the stop/end switch  4  has been operated (S 83 : YES), in S 85  the optional feature setting currently set is canceled. Then, the present control is ended. 
     If it is determined that the stop/end switch  4  has not been operated (S 83 : NO), in S 87  a job is executed corresponding to an operated key. Then, the present control is ended. 
     [2.4 Facsimile Print Function] 
     When the facsimile function is selected (S 9 : YES), in S 25  the control flow shown in  FIG. 11  is initiated. Firstly, in S 91  it is determined whether or not either of the pointing key  7  or the OK key  8  has been operated. If it is determined that one of the pointing key  7  or the OK key  8  has been operated (S 91 : YES), in S 93  it is determined whether or not the pointing key  7  has been operated. 
     If it is determined that the pointing key  7  has been operated (S 93 : YES), in S 95  a selector which highlights (focuses on) a selected optional feature is moved, for example in a up-and-down direction corresponding to the number of operation (operation amount) on the pointing key  7 . Subsequently, the process goes back to S 91 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the pointing key  7  has not been operated (S 93 : NO), in S 97  it is determined whether or not the OK key  8  has been operated. If it is determined that the OK key  8  has been operated (S 97 : YES), in S 99  an optional feature selected with the pointing key  7  is confirmed. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 91 . 
     If it is determined that the OK key  8  has not been operated (S 97 : NO), in S 101  it is determined whether or not the clear key  9  has been operated. If it is determined that the clear key  9  has been operated (S 101 : YES), in S 103  the optional feature selected with the pointing key  7  is canceled. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 91 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the clear key  9  has not been operated (S 101 : NO), in S 105  it is determined whether or not the numeric keys  15  have been operated. If it is determined that the numeric keys  15  have been operated (S 105 : YES), in S 107  the number inputted with the numeric keys  15  is set as a destination number (facsimile number), and shown in the inputted information display section A. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 91 . 
     If it is determined that the numeric keys  15  have not been operated (S 105 : NO), in S 109  it is determined whether or not any of the color operation start switch  5  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated. If it is determined that one of the color operation start switch  6  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated (S 109 : YES), in S 111  the facsimile data function is executed according to the optional feature setting currently set. Then, the present control is ended. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that neither of the color operation start switch  5  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated (S 109 : NO), in S 113  it is determined whether or not the stop/end switch  4  has been operated. If it is determined that the stop/end switch  4  has been operated (S 113 : YES), in S 115  the optional feature setting currently set is canceled. Then, the present control is ended. 
     If it is determined that the stop/end switch  4  has not been operated (S 113 : NO), in S 117  a job is executed corresponding to an operated key. Then, the present control is ended. 
     [2.5 Image Reading Print Function] 
     When the image reading (scan) function is selected (S 11 : YES), in S 29  the control flow shown in  FIG. 12  is initiated. Firstly, in S 121  it is determined whether or not either of the pointing key  7  or the OK key  8  has been operated. If it is determined that the one of the pointing key  7  or the OK key  8  has been operated (S 121 : YES), in S 123  it is determined whether or not the pointing key  7  has been operated. 
     If is determined that the pointing key  7  has been operated (S 123 : YES), in S 125  a selector which highlights (focuses on) a selected optional feature is moved, for example in a up-and-down direction, corresponding to the number of operation (operation amount) on the pointing key  7 . Subsequently, the process goes back to S 121 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the pointing key  7  has not been operated (S 123 : NO), in S 127  it is determined whether or not the OK key  8  has been operated. If it is determined that the OK key  8  has been operated (S 127 : YES), in S 129  the optional feature selected with the pointing key  7  is confirmed. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 121 . 
     If it is determined that the OK key  8  has not been operated (S 127 : NO), in S 131  it is determined whether or not the clear key  9  has been operated. If it is determined that the clear key  9  has been operated (S 131 : YES), in S 133  the optional feature selected with the pointing key  7  is cancelled. Subsequently, the process goes back to S 121 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the clear key  9  has not been operated (S 131 : NO), in S 135  it is determined whether or not either of the color operation start switch  5  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated. If it is determined that one of the color operation start switch  5  or the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated (S 135 : YES), in S 137  the image reading function is executed according to the optional feature currently set. Then, the present control is ended. 
     On the other hand, if it is determined neither of the color operation start switch  5  nor the monochrome operation start switch  6  has been operated (S 135 : NO), in S 139  it is determined whether or not the stop/end switch  4  has been operated. If it is determined that the stop/end switch  4  has been operated (S 139 : YES), in S 141  the optional feature currently set is cancelled. Then, the present control is ended. 
     If it is determined that the stop/end switch  4  has not been operated (S 139 : NO), in S 143  a job is executed corresponding to an operated key. Then, the present control is ended. 
     [3. Features of Multifunction Apparatus According to Present Embodiment] 
     In the multifunction apparatus  1  according to the present embodiment, when one of the selection keys  11 - 14  is operated, an indication that the function is selected and optional features of the selected function are shown in color wherein a specific color, which represents the function, is the prevailing color. Therefore, a selected function can be instantly and easily recognized. 
     Moreover, display in the inputted information display section A and the function display section B is shown in different colors. As a result, the inputted information display section A and the function display section B can be easily and reliably distinguished. Therefore, a user can even more instantly and reliably recognize information and function inputted or selected by himself/herself. 
     OTHER EMBODIMENTS 
     In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multifunction apparatus having a facsimile function, an image reading function (scanning function), a copy function (copy print function), a photo print function (digital photo print function) wherein printing is performed so as to provide an image quality equivalent to a quality of a photograph. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. 
     In the above-described embodiment, a selected function is displayed in a specific color which is different from the colors used when other functions are selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this way of display. The way of display can be different, for example, with using a different display pattern for each of the functions. 
     Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, displayed information including optional features is shown in an identical color. However, the present invention is not limited to this way of display. For example, optional features can be displayed in a color equivalent to the color in the function display section B, but with different density or contrast. 
     Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the ways of display in the function display section B and the inputted information display section A are different by showing displayed information in each section in a different color. However, the present invention is not limited to this way of display. The ways of display in each section can be different by using, for example, different patterns, such as the hatching patterns shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D . 
     Still furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, displayed information in the function display section B and the inputted information display section A are shown in different colors. However, the present invention is not limited to this way of display. 
     Additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the way of display is different for each of functions selected in accordance with software. However, the present invention is not limited to this way of display. The way of display can be different for each of functions electrically selected with a hardware structure. 
     Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, when the photo print function is selected, display is shown in color wherein red is the prevailing color. When the copy print function is selected, display is shown in color wherein green is the prevailing color. When the facsimile function is selected, display is shown in color wherein blue is the prevailing color. When the image reading function is selected, display is shown in color wherein yellow is the prevailing color. However, the present invention is not limited to this way of display. 
     Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, displayed information shown on the display panel  16  is shown in a specific color assigned to each of the functions so as to represent the function. However, the present invention is not limited to this way of display. For example, the selection keys  11 - 14  can be also illuminated with a color equivalent to the color used so as to indicate a selected function on the display panel  16 . 
     Although the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods are used. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should only be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.