Image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus includes a display section and a control unit. The display section is configured to display a plurality of picture segments. The control unit is configured to execute a display operation to display the plurality of picture segments. The plurality of picture segments correspond to a plurality of options corresponding to an image formation related function. The control unit executes a picture segment selection operation to select picture segments, of which number is equal to a predetermined display number, as normal picture segments among the plurality of picture segments. The control unit executes a prominent display operation to select picture segments, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number, as provisional picture segments among the plurality of picture segments and to allow the display section to prominently display the provisional picture segments during a predetermined prominent display time.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-124266, filed May 31, 2012. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to image forming apparatuses and particularly relates to a technique which allows the user to select a setting content of an image formation related function.

There has been a technique known in the art in which in order to execute various image formation related functions that image forming apparatus has, an operation screen, which selectably displays optional picture segments (hereinafter referred to as picture segments), such as icons, corresponding to options that can be setting contents of the respective functions, is displayed on a display device. With this technique, the user can input any setting content of each function through an easy operation of selecting a picture segment.

Further, since the size of the operation screen is limited according to the size of the display device, the number of picture segments capable of being displayed on the operation screen is limited accordingly. To tackle this problem, techniques have been known in which picture segments to be displayed on the operation screen are changed for display on the display device.

Referring to such a technique, for example, there is a technique which alternatively switches modes between a normal display mode, in which all function selection keys (picture segments) are arranged on an image formation related function listing screen (operation screen), and a simple display mode, in which only usually-used function selection keys are arranged on the image formation related function listing screen according to the user's preference or proficiency. Alternatively, in some imaging device, selectable menu items are superimposed to display menu items as much as possible.

SUMMARY

An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a display section and a control unit. The display section is configured to display a plurality of picture segments. The control unit is configured to execute a display operation to display the plurality of picture segments. The plurality of picture segments correspond to a plurality of options corresponding to an image formation related function. The control unit executes a picture segment selection operation to select picture segments, of which number is equal to a predetermined display number, as normal picture segments among the plurality of picture segments. The control unit executes a prominent display operation to select picture segment, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number, as provisional picture segments among the plurality of picture segments and to allow the display section to prominently display the provisional picture segments during a predetermined prominent display time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1is a schematic structural diagram showing a multifunction peripheral1as one example of an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral1includes an original document reading unit5, an original document feeding unit6, a main body part8, and an operation unit7.

The original document reading unit5is arranged on the top of the main body part8. The original document reading unit5includes a scanner section51composed of an exposure lamp, a charge coupled device (CCD), etc., a copy holder52formed of a transparent member, such as glass or the like, and an original document reading slit53.

The scanner section51is movable by a drive unit (not shown). In order to read an original document placed on the copy holder52, the scanner section51scans an image of the original document, while being moved along the surface of the original document at a site that faces the copy holder52, and then outputs obtained image data to a control unit10, which will be described later. Alternatively, in order to read an original document fed from the original document feeding unit6, the scanner section51is moved to a site that faces the original document reading slit53. Then, the scanner section51obtains an image of the original document through the original document reading slit53in synchronization with conveyance of the original document by the original document feeding unit6and outputs obtained image data to the control unit10, which will be described later.

The original document feeding unit6is arranged above the original document reading unit5. The original document feeding unit6includes an original document placement section61, an original document ejection section62, and an original document conveyance mechanism63. An original document is to be placed on the original document placement section61. The original document ejection section62ejects an original document from which an image has been read. The original document conveyance mechanism63feeds out original documents placed on the original document placement section61sheet by sheet to convey them to a position that faces the original document reading slit53and ejects each original document to the original document ejection section62.

The main body part8includes a paper feed cassette461, a manual feed tray462, a paper feed roller412, an image forming unit4, a stacking tray47, and an exit tray48. The paper feed roller412feeds out paper sheet by sheet from the paper feed cassette461or the manual feed tray462to convey it to the image forming unit4. The image forming unit4forms an image onto the conveyed paper. The stacking tray47and the exit tray48are destinations where the paper on which the image is formed is ejected.

The image forming unit4includes a paper conveyance section41, an optical scanning device42, a photosensitive drum43, a developing section44, a transfer section45, and a fixing section46.

The paper conveyance section41is provided in the middle of a paper conveyance path in the image forming unit4. The paper conveyance section41includes a conveyance roller413, a conveyance roller414, and a conveyance roller415, for example. The conveyance roller413supplies paper conveyed through the paper feed roller412to the photosensitive drum43. The conveyance roller414conveys the paper to the stacking tray47. The conveyance roller415conveys the paper to the exit tray48.

The optical scanning device42outputs laser light on the basis of image data input to the control unit10. The optical scanning device42scans the photosensitive drum43with the output laser light to form an electrostatic latent image onto the photosensitive drum43.

The developing section44allows toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum43to form a toner image. The transfer section45transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum43to paper. The fixing section46heats the paper to which the toner image is transferred to fix the toner image to paper.

The operation unit7is provided on the front part of the multifunction peripheral1and is capable of receiving various operation instructions by the user.FIG. 2is an explanatory drawing showing one example of the operation unit7. As shown inFIG. 2, the operation unit7includes a touch panel71, indicators72a-72f, input keys73a-73d, switches74a-74m, a start key75, a stop key76, and a reset key77.

The touch panel71includes a liquid crystal display device (display section) P having a function as a touch panel as an image formation related function. By the touch panel function, when the user touches a soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display device P, an instruction corresponding to a function of the pressed soft key is input to the touch panel71. Further, by the touch panel function, a track of the position where the user touches on the liquid crystal display device P is input to the touch panel71as an instruction of a gesture operation. On the basis of the track information received at the touch panel71, the control unit10, which will be described later, receives input of the instruction of the gesture operation.

The touch panel71receives the instruction of the gesture operation. Examples of the gesture operation include tapping, pinching, swiping, flicking, etc. The tapping is an operation of lightly tapping the liquid crystal display device P. The pinching is an operation of pinching the liquid crystal display device P with two fingers or an operation of spreading the two fingers from such a pinching state. The swiping is an operation of sliding a finger with it kept in touch with the liquid crystal display device P as it is. The flicking is an operation of moving a finger so as to lightly sweeping the liquid crystal display device P.

The indicators72a-72fare made of light emitting diodes or the like and are blinked or lighted on or off to indicate states of the multifunction peripheral1. For example, the indicator72ais blinked during printing. The indicator72bis blinked during data sending to the outside. The indicator72cis blinked during data receiving from the outside. The indicator72dis blinked during access to data stored in a hard disk, a memory, etc. provided in the multifunction peripheral1. The indicator72eis lighted on or blinked upon occurrence of an abnormal event. The indicator72fis lighted on during the time when the multifunction peripheral1is powered on.

The input keys73a-73dare provided for input of numerals and signs and for deletion and confirmation of an input character string. For example, the input keys73aare collectively called a numeral key group provided for input of numerals and signs. The input key73bis generally called a clear key provided for deletion of an input character string. The input key73cis generally called a speed key provided for reading and input of a character string stored in advance in a memory or the like. The input key73dis generally called an enter key (return key) provided for confirmation of a character string input instruction or a soft key selection instruction.

The switches74a-74mare switches for selection of a function to be executed by the control unit10among a plurality of image formation related functions that the control unit10is executable. Referring to a typical one, for example, the switch74jis a switch for selection of a copy function for printing using image data read by the scanner section51.

The start key75is provided to start each operation of various functions. The stop key76is provided to stop each operation of the various functions. The reset key77is provided to return each setting content of the various functions to the initial state.

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing one example of an electric configuration of the multifunction peripheral1. In the multifunction peripheral1, the original document reading unit5, the original document feeding unit6, the image forming unit4, the operation unit7, a communication unit9, the control unit10, etc. are connected together communicably. Description of the components assigned to the same reference numerals as those inFIGS. 1 and 2is omitted hereinafter unless otherwise specified.

The communication unit9includes a facsimile communication section91and a network I/F section93. The facsimile machine communication unit91is connected to a telephone line95. The facsimile communication section91includes a network control unit (NCU) to control connection between the telephone line and the other party's facsimile machine and a modulator-demodulator circuit to modulate/demodulate signals for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication section91is configured to send image data read by the original document reading unit5to another facsimile machine via the telephone line95and to receive image data sent from another facsimile machine.

The network I/F section93is connected to a local area network (LAN)97. The network I/F section93is a communication interface circuit for execution of communication between a terminal device connected to the LAN97, such as a personal computer and the like, and the multifunction peripheral1. The network I/F section93is configured to send image data read by the original document reading unit5to an external computer, such as a personal computer and the like, via the LAN97and to receive image data sent from an external computer.

The control unit10includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) to execute predetermined arithmetic operation, memories, such as a read only memory (ROM) to store predetermined control programs and a random access memory (RAM) to temporarily store data, storage media, such as a hard disc drive (HDD) to store various data, such as image data, etc., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) as a dedicate hardware capable of high speed processing of a predetermined operation, such as image processing, and peripheral circuits for them. The control unit10allows the CPU to execute the control programs stored in the ROM and the like to execute various processing and controls each operation of the components of the multifunction peripheral1. Thus, the control unit10can execute the plurality of image formation related functions that the multifunction peripheral1has.

The control unit10can perform control to allow the user to input any of the setting contents of the image formation related functions. Specifically, the control unit10includes a selection instruction receiving section11, a picture segment selection section12, a provisional picture segment selection section13, a prominent display control section14, a normal display control section15, a switching instruction receiving section16, and a display switching control section17. It is noted that a frequency storing control section18shown inFIG. 3will be described later in another embodiment.

The components11-19will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 4-6.FIG. 4is an explanatory drawing showing one example of an operation screen to allow the user to input a setting content of the copy function.

When any of the switches74a-74mis pressed, the selection instruction receiving section11receives a selection instruction to select an image formation related function corresponding to the pressed switch74a-74m. For example, when the user presses the switch74j(FIG. 2), the selection instruction receiving section11receives a selection instruction about the copy function.

For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the display region of the liquid crystal display device P is divided in advance into two of an option display region A1and a message display region A2. The picture segment selection section12selects ten icons D1-D10displayed in the option display region A1as normal picture segments ND. The ten icons D1-D10are selected from icons (picture segments) corresponding to a plurality of detailed image formation related functions (a paper selecting function, a zooming function, a density adjusting function, etc.) that can be setting contents of the copy function, for example.

Here, the number of icons displayed in the option display region A1is not limited to ten and is set in advance for each image formation related function to be the number equal to or smaller than an upper limit of the number of icons that the option display region A1can display according to the size of the option display region A1and each size of the icons corresponding to the respective image formation related functions. The set number is stored in advance as a predetermined display number C in the ROM or the like.

It is noted that a soft key BN and a soft key BP to change the normal picture segments ND displayed in the option display region A1are displayed also in the option display region A1. In the message display region A2, various messages may be displayed which relate to an image formation related function corresponding to an selection instruction received in the selection instruction receiving section11.

When the selection instruction receiving section11receives a selection instruction to select an image formation related function, the number of icons corresponding to the selected function (the copy function inFIG. 4) as an image formation related function corresponding to the selection instruction may be larger than the predetermined display number C in some cases. In these cases, the provisional picture segment selection section13selects icons, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C, among a plurality of icons corresponding to the selected function.

The prominent display control section14executes a prominent display operation during the time until a predetermined time limit T elapses after the selection instruction receiving section11receives a selection instruction to select an image formation related function. In the prominent display operation, the prominent display control section14allows the liquid crystal display device P to display the icons selected by the provisional picture segment selection section13, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C. The time limit T herein is set at short time of several seconds and is stored in the ROM or the like.

FIG. 5is an explanatory drawing showing one example of the liquid crystal display device P in executing the prominent display operation. Description made below is based on an assumption that the predetermined display number C is set in advance at ten, for example, and the number of the icons corresponding to the copy function is14.

As shown inFIG. 5, for example, the prominent display control section14enlarges the option display region A1to a maximum size of the display region of the liquid crystal display device P during the time until the time limit T elapses after the selection instruction of the copy function is received. The number of the icons corresponding to the copy function as the selected function is14, which is larger than the predetermined display number C. Accordingly, the provisional picture segment selection section13selects14icons D1-D14, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C, among the14icons corresponding to the copy function. Then, the prominent display control section14allows the14icons selected by the provisional picture segment selection section13to be displayed in the enlarged option display region A1.

When the time limit T elapses after the selection instruction receiving section11receives the selection instruction to select the image formation related function, the prominent display control section14terminates the prominent display operation. The normal display control section15performs an operation to allow the picture segment selection section12to select the predetermined display number C of icons as the normal picture segments ND among the plural icons corresponding to the selected function and performs a normal display operation to display the normal picture segments ND in the option display region A1. Further, the normal display control section15size reduces the option display region A1enlarged in the prominent display operation up to be the display region in set size.

Specifically, when the time limit T elapses after the selection instruction receiving section11receives the selection instruction of the copy function, the prominent display operation is terminated. The normal display control section15allows the picture segment selection section12to select ten icons D1-D10, of which number is equal to the predetermined display number C, as the normal picture segments ND among the14icons corresponding to the copy function, as shown inFIG. 4, for example.

The switching instruction receiving section16receives a picture segment switching instruction as an instruction to change the normal picture segments ND displayed in the option display region A1. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 4, for example, when the user presses the soft key BN or the soft key BP, the switching instruction receiving section16receives the picture segment switching instruction.

When the switching instruction receiving section16receives the picture segment switching instruction, the number of icons corresponding to a selected function may be larger than the predetermined display number C in some cases. At this time, the display switching control section17executes an operation to allow the picture segment selection section12to newly select other normal picture segments ND (a second picture segment group), rather than the normal picture segments ND (a first picture segment group) displayed in the option display region A1. Accordingly, the picture segment selection section12selects icons of which number is equal to or smaller than the predetermined display number C as new normal segments ND (the second picture segment group) among the plurality of icons corresponding to the selected function, rather than the normal picture segments ND (the first picture segment group). Further, the display switching control section17executes a display switching operation to display in the option display region A1the normal picture segments ND (the second picture segment group) newly selected by the picture segment selection section12.

For example, as shown inFIG. 4, when the soft key BN is pressed in the state when the normal picture segments ND of the icons D1-D10are displayed in the option display region A1, the switching instruction receiving section16receives a picture segment switching instruction.

FIG. 6is an explanatory drawing showing one example of the liquid crystal display device P in executing the display switching operation. When the switching instruction receiving section16receives the picture segment switching instruction, the number of icons corresponding to the copy function is larger than the predetermined display number C. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 6, for example, the display switching control section17controls the picture segment selection section12to newly select four icons D11-D14, of which number is equal or smaller than the predetermined display number C, as normal picture segments ND, rather than the normal picture segments ND of the icons D1-D10. Then, the display switching control section17performs the display switching operation to allow the normal picture segments ND of four icons D11-D14newly selected by the picture segment selection section12to be displayed in the option display region A1.

It is noted that, as shown inFIG. 6, for example, even when the soft key BP is pressed in the state in which the normal picture segments ND of the icons D11-D14are displayed in the option display region A1as the first picture segment group, the switching instruction receiving section16receives the picture segment switching instruction. At this time, as shown inFIG. 4, for example, the display switching control section17controls the picture segment selection section12to newly select ten icons D1-D10, of which number is equal to the predetermined display number C, as the normal picture segments ND, rather than those in the first picture group of the icons D11-D14. Then, the display switching control section17performs the display switching operation to allow the normal picture segments ND of the ten icons D1-D10newly selected by the picture segment selection section12to be displayed in the option display region A1.

Operations of the respective components11-17to allow the user to select an icon will be described in detail next with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8.FIG. 7is a flowchart depicting one example of a first half of an operation to allow the user to select an icon.

As shown inFIG. 7, for example, when the user presses any one of the switches74a-74m(FIG. 2), the selection instruction receiving section11receives a selection instruction to select an image formation related function corresponding to the pressed switch74a-74m(S1). When the number of the icons corresponding to the selected function is larger than the predetermined display number C upon receipt of the selection instruction to select the function by the selection instruction receiving section11(YES in S2), the provisional picture segment selection section13selects icons, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C, among a plurality of icons corresponding to the selected function (S3).

During the time when the time limit T elapses after the selection instruction receiving section11receives the selection instruction to select the image formation related function (NO in S4), the prominent display control section14executes the prominent display operation (S5). In the prominent display operation, as shown inFIG. 5, for example, the icons, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C, selected by the provisional picture segment selection section13are displayed in the enlarged option display region A1.

Subsequently, when the time limit T elapses after the selection instruction receiving section11receives the selection instruction to select the image formation related function (YES in S4), or when the number of the icons corresponding to the selected function is equal to or smaller than the predetermined display number C in step S2(NO in S2), the normal display control section15allows the picture segment selection section12to select icons, of which number is equal to the predetermined display number C, as the normal picture segments ND among the icons corresponding to the selected function (S6).

Thereafter, the normal display control section15executes the normal display operation (S7). As shown inFIG. 4, for example, in the normal display operation, the option display region A1is size reduced to the initially set size and displays the normal picture segments ND selected by the picture segment selection section12in step S6after the size reduction. Further, a message relating to the selected function is displayed in the message display region A2.

FIG. 8is a flowchart showing one example of a latter half of the operation to allow the user to select an icon. As shown inFIG. 8, for example, when the number of the icons corresponding to the selected function is larger than the predetermined display number C (YES in S9) where the soft key BN or the soft key BP (FIGS. 4-6) is pressed so that the switching instruction receiving section16receives the picture segment switching instruction (YES in S8), the display switching control section17controls the picture segment selection section12to select icons as new normal picture segments ND (S10). The new normal picture segments ND at this time are icons, of which number is equal to or smaller than the predetermined display number C among the icons corresponding to the selected function, rather than the normal picture segments ND. Next, the display switching control section17executes the display switching operation (S11). Then, the routine returns to step S8. The display switching operation in step S11results in display of the new normal picture segments ND, which are newly selected by the picture segment selection section12in step S10, in the option display region A1.

It is noted that when the number of the icons corresponding to the selected function is not larger than the predetermined display number C in step S9(NO in S9), the routine directly returns to step S8.

Further, when the user selects any of the icons (YES in S12) in the state in which the normal display operation or the display switching operation results in display of the normal picture segments ND in the option display region A1, and where the switching instruction receiving section16receives no picture segment switching instruction (NO in S8), an option corresponding to the selected icon is reflected as a setting content of the selected function (S13). By contrast, during the time when the user selects no icon (NO in S12), returning to step S8is repeated.

As described above, with the configuration according to Embodiment 1, picture segments, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C, are displayed during the predetermined time limit T. This can allow the user to notice the presence of picture segments that can be the setting contents of the corresponding image formation related function.

Further, according to the configuration of Embodiment 1, after the picture segments, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C, are displayed as options during the predetermined time limit T, the icons, of which number is equal to the predetermined display number C, are displayed. Accordingly, the user can see change in the number of the options that can be the setting contents of the selected function. Thus, the user can easily notice that the number of the options that can be the setting contents of the selected function is larger than the predetermined display number C, thereby reducing a risk of ignoring the presence of the options that can be the setting contents of each image formation related function.

Moreover, with the configuration of Embodiment 1, the user can see the liquid crystal display device P displaying, different from the usual one, an aspect in which the option display region A1is enlarged so that icons, of which number is larger than the usual number, are displayed. This enables the user to easily notice that the number of the options that can be the setting contents of the selected function is larger than the predetermined display number C, thereby reducing a risk of ignoring the presence of the options that can be the setting contents of each image formation related function.

Furthermore, with the configuration of Embodiment 1, even if no desired icon is displayed in the option display region A1, the user can allow the switching instruction receiving section16to receive the picture segment switching instruction by pressing the soft key BN or the soft key BP shown inFIGS. 4-6, or the like. Accordingly, display switching enables a desired icon to be displayed in the option display region A1.

It is noted that the configuration shown inFIGS. 1-7in Embodiment 1 is a mere example and not intended to limit the present disclosure to the embodiment.

FIG. 9is an explanatory drawing showing one example of the liquid crystal display device P in executing the normal display operation. As shown inFIG. 9, for example, the normal display control section15may gradually size reduce the enlarged option display region A1to the set size in the normal display operation.

According to the configuration of Embodiment 2, the user can see gradual size reduction of the enlarged option display region A1, thereby allowing the user to easily notice that the option display region A1has been enlarged. Thus, the user can easily notice that the number of the options that can be the setting contents of the selected function is larger than the predetermined display number C, thereby reducing a risk of ignoring the presence of the options that can be the stetting contents of each image formation related function.

FIG. 10is an explanatory drawing showing one example of the liquid crystal display device P in executing the prominent display operation other than that shown inFIG. 5. In Embodiments 1 and 2, as shown inFIG. 5, for example, the prominent display control section14is configured to enlarge the option display region A1to display icons, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C, selected by the provisional picture segment selection section13in the enlarged option display region A1in the prominent display operation.

However, in place of the above configuration, as shown inFIG. 10, for example, the prominent display control section14may be configured to size reduce the14icons D1-D14, of which number is larger than the predetermined display number C, selected by the provisional picture segment selection section13so as to display them within the option display region A1in the prominent display operation. In combination, the normal display control section15may be configured not to size reduce the enlarged option display region A1to the set size in the normal display operation.

According to Embodiment 3, the user can see the liquid crystal display device P displaying different from the usual one, an aspect in which icons, of which number is larger than the normal number, are size reduced and displayed in the option display region A1. This enables the user to easily notice that the number of the options that can be the setting contents of the options is larger than the predetermined display number C, thereby reducing a risk of ignoring the presence of the options that can be the setting contents of each image formation related function.

Alternatively, in the configuration described in Embodiment 3, the provisional picture segment selection section13may be configured to select all the icons, of which number is large than the predetermined display number C, corresponding to the selected function.

Detailed description will be made below.FIG. 11is an explanatory drawing showing one example of the liquid crystal display device P in executing the prominent display operation other than those shown inFIGS. 5 and 10. For example, given that the number of the icons corresponding to the selected function is n, which is larger than the predetermined display number C. The provisional picture segment selection section13may select all the n icons corresponding to the selected function. Then, the prominent display control section14size reduces the n icons D1-Dn selected by the provisional picture segment selection section13to displays them within the option display region A1in the prominent display operation, as shown inFIG. 11, for example.

With the configuration according to Embodiment 4, the user can confirm the number of icons displayed in the option display region A1or check the degree of size reduction of the icons to intuitively grasp the magnitude of the number of the options corresponding to the selected function.

Furthermore, in the configuration according to any of Embodiments 1-4, the control unit10may be configured to further function as a frequency storing control section18to store a frequency of icon selection. In combination, the picture segment selection section12may be configured to select icons selected as the normal picture segments ND in descending order of the selection frequency stored in the frequency storing control section18.

Specifically, each time the user selects an icon in step S12(YES in S12), as shown inFIG. 8, for example, the frequency storing control section18may increment the accumulated number of times of selection of the icon and store it in the RAM in association with information for icon identification. It is noted that the user's operation on the operation unit7can set the accumulated number of times stored in the RAM at zero (reset). In other words, the accumulated number of times stored in the RAM by the frequency storing control section18represents the selection frequency of each icon during the time until the user's reset.

In combination, the picture segment selection section12may select icons, of which number is equal to the predetermined display number C, in descending order of the accumulated number of times of selection of each icon stored by the frequency storing control section18in step S6. Further, the picture segment selection section12may select, rather than the normal picture segments ND, icons, of which number is equal to or smaller than the predetermined display number C, in descending order of the accumulated number of times of selection of each icon stored by the frequency storing control section18in step S10.

With the configuration according to Embodiment 5, icons are selected as the usual picture segments ND in descending order of the selection frequency. Accordingly, the user can change the icons displayed in the option display region A1to select a desired icon from the icons displayed in descending order of the selection frequency in the option display region A1. Thus, the user can perform selection efficiently.

Moreover, the control unit10may be simplified so as not to function as the switching instruction receiving section16and the display switching control section17in any of the configurations in Embodiments 1-4. In combination, steps S8-11(FIG. 8) may not be performed so that step S12is performed after step S7.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, description has been made about the configurations in which the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is applied to the multifunction peripheral1. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and may be applied to any of scanners, facsimile machines, and copiers.