Abstract:
An operation unit configured to control an image forming apparatus, including a mode selector for permitting an operator to select an image data handling mode. A display displays an operation permitted in the selected image data handling mode, the display disposed on a right side of the mode selector. An executing device executes the operation displayed on the display, the executing device disposed on a right side of the display. The display displays a sub-operation based on a selection of the operation, the sub-operation being shown as a pictorial representation of a format of an image to be formed on a recording medium.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a copier, printer facsimile apparatus or similar image forming apparatus and more particularly to an operation unit including a readable screen for displaying various functions available with an image forming apparatus. 
     It is a common practice to arrange on, e.g., an electrophotographic machine an input device for allowing the operator to input various copying conditions as well as other conditions. The input device includes a print start key for starting a copying operation, a stop key for stopping it, numeral keys for inputting, e.g., a desired number of copies, and a magnification set key for setting a desired magnification. 
     Recent diffusion of microcomputers and extension of functions available therewith have implemented various kinds of copiers capable of executing various kinds of control with microcomputers. A microcomputer-controlled copier is capable of easily controlling a sophisticated copying process with a control program. Further, various functions including a function of displaying simple faults, e.g., the absence of papers and paper jams and a function of displaying the number of copies output have been added to the copier, making the most of the merits of a microcomputer. An advanced copier is capable of producing duplex copies each carrying images on both sides thereof, capable of sorting copies one by one, or capable of interrupting a copying operation under way, executing another copying operation, and resuming the previous copying operation after the completion of the interrupt copying operation. This kind of copier not only promotes convenient use, but also enhances efficiency. 
     Different keys are assigned to the above various functions while different information relating to the functions are displayed on a screen. The number of keys to be operated and the number of information to be displayed naturally increase with an increase in the number of functions available with the apparatus. It is, however, difficult to arrange all of the keys and screen in a limited flat area available on the top of the casing of the apparatus. Should the keys and screen be reduced in size in order to be accommodated in the limited area, they would be difficult to operate. Moreover, a number of keys arranged on the limited area would make the operation appear troublesome to perform. This is particularly true with a dual machine having a combined copier and facsimile function or a combined copier and printer function, and a multiplex machine having a combined copier, facsimile and printer function. 
     In light of the above, there has recently been put to practical use an image forming apparatus including mechanical keys implementing only a start key, numeral keys and other basic keys and a touch panel implementing set keys and operation keys relating to various functions. The touch panel uses liquid crystal and selectively displays different key portions. Specifically, the apparatus displays information on a branched function step basis in order to make the screen readable, i.e., arranges function keys in a hierarchical fashion. In addition, icons and pop-up pictures as well as devised screen layout are used for reducing troublesome manipulation. 
     However, the problem with the touch panel scheme is that when the operator performing a sequence of setting steps desires to change any condition already set, the operator must sequentially switch the screen until a function step including the desired condition appears, and then change the condition. This operation is extremely troublesome to perform. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a readable operation unit for an image forming apparatus capable of promoting, while arranging functions hierarchically, the easy understanding of the contents of operation in relation to the other conditions and thereby enhancing the operator&#39;s total recognition of the set contents. 
     In accordance with the present invention, in an operation unit for an image forming apparatus for executing at least a part of various functions relating to image formation hierarchically by switching a screen, items representative of the various functions are displayed on the screen while being classified and divided from each other. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically showing a control system included in an image forming apparatus to which an operation unit embodying the present invention is applied; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view showing a specific configuration of the operation unit; 
         FIG. 3  shows a specific initial picture to appear on a screen or touch panel in a copy mode; 
         FIG. 4  shows a specific picture to appear on the screen for registering or calling a program; 
         FIG. 5  shows another specific initial picture; 
         FIG. 6  shows a specific condition in which functions are set; 
         FIG. 7  shows a specific picture to appear during copying; 
         FIG. 8  shows a specific pop-up picture showing the kinds of documents in detail; 
         FIG. 9  is identical with  FIG. 8  except that “Photo” is highlighted; 
         FIG. 10  shows the kinds of documents arranged in the basic picture; 
         FIG. 11  shows a condition wherein slightly high image density is selected; 
         FIG. 12  shows a specific pop-up picture displaying details of special document feed; 
         FIG. 13  shows a specific picture to appear at the time of manual paper feed; 
         FIG. 14  shows a specific picture for selecting paper-priority magnification change after the selection of an integrated copying function; 
         FIG. 15  shows a specific picture for selecting an editing function; 
         FIG. 16  shows a specific picture for erasing a frame; 
         FIG. 17  shows a specific picture for selecting a cover/slip sheet function; 
         FIG. 18  shows a specific picture for selecting a duplex/integration/division function; 
         FIGS. 19-22  show specific pictures relating to the duplex/integration/division function; 
         FIG. 23  shows a specific initial picture to appear on the screen when a stored file printing function is selected; 
         FIG. 24  shows a specific picture for reading documents to be stored; and 
         FIG. 25  shows a specific picture for setting conditions after the selection of a stored file. 
     
    
    
     While  FIGS. 3-25  show various information in Japanese, the information may, of course, be shown in any other language. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, a control system included in an image forming apparatus is shown and includes an operation and display section  8 . The operation and display section  8  is representative of an operation unit embodying the present invention. As shown, a microprocessor  1  is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory)  3 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  4 , a nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM)  5 , and I/O (Input/Output) port  6  and a serial CCU (Communication Control Unit)  7  by an address, data and control bus  2 . The microprocessor  1  executes a program assigned to the image forming apparatus. The I/O port  6  is connected to motors, solenoids and other output loads and sensors arranged in the image forming apparatus. The serial CCU  7  interchanges signals with the operation and display section  8 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a specific configuration of the operation and display section  8 . As shown, a touch panel type screen  80  is positioned at substantially the center of the section  8  for displaying the statuses of the apparatus and messages. The screen  80  is implemented by a touch panel and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Circuitry for detecting touch panel keys and a coordinates detecting method are conventional and will not be described specifically. Numeral keys and an enter key (#)  81  are arranged at the right-hand side of the screen  80 . A start key  82  is positioned at the right-hand side of the numeral keys  81  and implemented as a disk greater in diameter than the numeral keys  81 . A clear/stop key  83  is interposed between the numeral keys and enter key  81  and the start key  82  for canceling a numerical value input or interrupting or ending a copying operation. Arranged above the numeral keys and enter key  81  are a program key  84 , a reset/preheat key  85 , and an interrupt key  86 . A trial copy key  87  is positioned beneath the interrupt key  86 . When a plurality of copies are desired, a trial or first copy may be produced in order to determine the quality of the image. A set/counter key  88  is located at the top left of the screen  80  for varying initial set values and operating conditions in accordance with the conditions of use. A copy function key  90 , a copy server function key  91  and a printer function key  92  are positioned at the left-hand side of the screen  80  and beneath the set/counter key  88 . With these keys  90 - 92 , the apparatus is capable of selectively functioning as a copier, a copy server or a printer, as desired. The mechanical configuration and operation of the apparatus including such an operation and display section are conventional and will not be shown or described specifically. While the operation and display section  8  is applied to a multiplex machine, it is similarly applicable to a copier, facsimile apparatus, printer or similar singular image forming apparatus. 
       FIG. 3  shows a specific basic or initial picture to appear on the screen  80 ,  FIG. 2 , when the apparatus is operated in a copier mode. As shown, the basic picture includes a first area  80   a  allowing the operator to input a kind of documents, desired copy density, and special document feed. A second area or message area  80   b  displays operation statuses and messages including “Ready to copy.” shown in  FIG. 3 . A third area  80   c  displays the remaining capacity of a memory in percentage or displays a connection copy key when a connection unit is set, as illustrated. A fourth area  80   d  displays the number of documents written to the memory, the number of documents (sets of documents) set, and the number copies (sets of copies) produced. A fifth area  80   e  allows the operator to select a sort mode, a stack mode, a staple mode or a punch mode, as desired. A sixth area  80   f  displays the contents of registered functions that are often used. To register desired functions, the operator presses the program key  84 ,  FIG. 2 , in order to call a picture shown in  FIG. 4 . The picture shown in  FIG. 4  allows the operator to register up to ten different functions. A seventh area  80   g  displays function items (tabs). When the operator touches, e.g., a “Magnification Change” key belonging to a group of function items, a magnification change picture appears from below. If desired, “Manual Feed” that is another function item may appear when a manual feed tray, not shown, is opened. 
     From the copier operation standpoint, the screen  80  may be divided into a first display section (first area  80   a ) relating the handling of documents, a second display section relating to the configuration of copies including paper size and magnification change, and a third display section (fifth area  80   e ). Of course, such display sections may overlap each other, if desired. 
       FIG. 5  shows a second basic picture that is a simplified version of the basic picture of  FIG. 3  and available for a user desiring limited display. As shown, when the operator gives priority to an automatic paper selecting function at the time of initial setting, an “Auto Paper Selection” key appears, but the kinds of paper trays do not appear. When the operator does not touch the magnification change key in the basic picture, only a “x1” key and a “Paper-Priority Magnification Change” key appear. Further, if the operator does not touch any registered function key, no registered function keys appear. In the specific condition shown in  FIG. 5 , “Available Memory Capacity” appears in place of the connection copy key because no connection units are set. Even such limited display shows the operator reading conditions, copying conditions and whether or not a finisher is present while classing them into discrete sections in a readable way. The operator can therefore touch any one of such sections while recognizing the conditions of the other sections. 
       FIG. 6  shows a specific picture to appear when the operator selects, e.g., reduction “A3→A4/B4→B5”, duplex spread copying with simplex documents, sorting, and stapling papers at the top left corner in the basic picture shown in  FIG. 3 . A “Confirm” key may be caused to appear for the first time in the picture shown in  FIG. 6 . When the start key  82 ,  FIG. 2 , is pressed, a picture shown in  FIG. 7  appears. As shown, a message “Copying” is shown in the second area  80   b  while the contents of magnification change is shown over the sixth area  80   f  and seventh area  80   g . In  FIG. 7 , a “Reserve” key allows the operator to set the contents of the next copying operation while the current copying operation is under way. Specifically, when the operator touches the “Reserve” key, sets the contents of a reserve copying operation, sets documents on an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), not shown, and presses the start key, the reserve copying operation begins automatically on the completion of the current copying operation. 
     Assume that the operator touches a “Kind of Document” key in the picture shown in  FIG. 3  in order to input the kind of documents. Then, a picture shown in  FIG. 8  appears, i.e., only the contents of the first area  80   a  changes. In  FIG. 8 , a “Text” key is assigned to documents mainly consisting of characters. A “Text/Photo” key is assigned to documents consisting of photos and characters. A “Photo” key is assigned to photos or graphics. A “Light Document” key is assigned to low density documents including documents written in pencil and counterfoils; thin lines apt to appear discontinuous can be faithfully copied. A “Copy” key is assigned to the copies of documents; the thickening and defacing of characters can be reduced. For example, when the operator touches the “Photo” key in the picture of  FIG. 8 , a picture shown in  FIG. 9  appears. When the operator touches an “OK” key in the picture of  FIG. 9 , the basic picture of  FIG. 3  again appears. If the operator does not select “Simplified Display of Kind of Documents” at the time of initial setting, then the kinds of documents are shown in the basic picture, as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     As for the density of copies, there are available “Auto Density” for automatically setting adequate image density, “Density Control” for allowing the operator to adjust image density in multiple steps, and “Combined Density Control” for allowing the operator to control only the density of an image printed in a dark background. For “Combined Density Control”, in the basic picture of  FIG. 3  in which “Auto Density” is highlighted, the operator touches either a “Light” key or a “Dark” key.  FIG. 11  shows a picture in which slightly high density is selected in the combined density control condition. In this case, too, only a limited portion of the first area  80   a  changes and allows the operator to select reading conditions while recognizing the other copying conditions. 
     As for the ADF, the number of documents that can be stacked is limited, and documents are automatically fed, assuming a standard thickness. To cope with these limitations, the operator may touch the “Special Document Feed” key. As a result, a picture shown in  FIG. 12  appears. When the number of documents to be stacked on the ADF is greater than the preselected number of documents, the operator touches a “Mass Documents” key in the picture of  FIG. 12 . Then, the ADF automatically feeds the documents without forcing the operator to press the start key every time the operator stacks the documents on the ADF. When the operator touches a “Mixed Sizes” key, the ADF feeds a stack of documents of different sizes. 
     Assume that the operator desires to copy any one of documents that cannot be stacked on a feed tray, not shown, postcards or similar relatively thick papers, and OHP (Over Head Projector) films. Then, the operator opens the manual feed tray, touches the “Manual Feed” key, and presses the enter key  81 ,  FIG. 2 . As a result, a picture shown in  FIG. 13  appears. When use is made of OHP films or thick papers of regular size, the operator touches an “OHP” key or a “Thick Paper” key. When the operator intending to use papers of irregular size touches an “Irregular Size” key, a picture, not shown, allowing the operator to input a vertical size and a horizontal size appears. The operator watching such a picture inputs the vertical and horizontal sizes of the papers on the numeral keys, presses the enter key, and then presses an “OK” key. As a result, the basic picture of  FIG. 3  again appears except that the “Irregular Size” key is highlighted in placed of the “Auto Paper Selection” key. 
     Various kinds of enlargement and reduction are available as a magnification changing function. For example, it is possible to automatically enlarge or reduce the size of images in accordance with the size of papers selected. For this purpose, the operator touches the “Paper-Priority Magnification Change” key in the sixth area  80   f ,  FIG. 3 , and then selects papers. When the operator touches a “Slightly Small” key, there is set 93% reduction using the center as a reference. When the operator touches the “Magnification Change” key, a picture shown in  FIG. 14  and showing “−”, “+”, “Numeral Key Zoom”, “Reduce”, “Enlarge” and “Applied Magnification Change” appears. 
     Specifically, the picture of  FIG. 14  allows the operator to set paper-priority magnification change after setting integrated copying which will be described later. The “Reduce” key or the “Enlarge” key allows the operator to select a regular magnification or fixed magnification (35%, 50%, 61%, 71%, 82%, 87%, 115%, 122%, 141%, 200% and 400%). The “Numeral Key Zoom” allows the operator to reduce or enlarge an image between 32% and 400% on a 1% basis. Alternatively, the operator may touch the “Reduce” key or the “Enlarge” key and then adjust the magnification by using the “−” key or the “+” key. The applied magnification changing function includes “Dimension-Priority Magnification Change”, “Independent Magnification Change %”, and “Independent Magnification Change mm”. The “Dimension-Priority Magnification Change” refers to enlargement or reduction effected by specifying the length of one side of a document and the length of one side of a copy corresponding to each other; a magnification is automatically calculated on the basis of the two lengths. The “Independent Magnification Change %” and “Independent Magnification Change mm” each copies a document in a particular magnification in each of the vertical and horizontal directions. 
     The copying conditions include “Edit”, “Cover/Slip Sheet” and “Duplex/lntegration/Division” in addition to “Magnification Change”, as follows. When the operator touches an “Edit” key, an “Edit” picture shown in  FIG. 15  appears. As shown, the “Edit” picture includes a “Double Copy” key for producing two copies of a single document at the top and bottom or at the right and left of a single paper. A “Repeat” key allows a plurality of copies of a single document to be produced on a single paper in accordance with the paper size and the magnification selected. A “Margin” key allows the operator to define a margin at the left or the right of a paper by touching “←”, “→”, “↓” and “↑”. A “Center Erase” key i s used to erase a shadow appearing at the center of a copy when a book or similar bound document is copied. A “Frame Erase” key is used to erase shadows appearing around a copy derived from a book or similar bound document. With the “Center Erase” or “Frame Erase” key, it is possible to set a desired width for erasure. Particularly, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the “Frame Erase” key allows the same width or a particular width to be set in each of the vertical and horizontal directions, as desired. A “Centering” key automatically shifts the image of a document to the center of a paper. 
     The “Cover/Slip Sheet” key allows documents to be copied on cover papers or allows slip sheets to be inserted between the chapters of documents. Specifically, there are available a “Front Cover” key for copying the first document page on a paper assigned to a front cover, a “Both Covers” key for copying the first and last document pages on two cover papers, respectively, a “Chapter Division” key for inserting slip sheets between the chapters of documents, and a “Slip Sheet” key for inserting slip sheets between the pages of documents.  FIG. 17  shows a picture to appear when the operator touches the “Cover/Slip Sheet” key. It is to be noted that when “Simplex→Duplex” copy is selected, “Chapter Division” allows designated documents to be copied on the front sides of papers like the first document page without exception. 
     By suitably combining the setting of the sides of documents and the setting of the sides of copies, it is possible to effect duplex copying, integrated copying, and division copying, as desired. Specifically, when the “Duplex/lntegration/Division” key is pressed, a picture shown in  FIG. 18  appears. In a duplex copy mode, simplex documents may be copied on both sides of papers, or duplex documents may be copied on both sides of papers. If desired, a plurality of documents may be copied on a single paper. Specifically,  FIG. 19  shows a picture to appear when a mode for copying each two pages of a document on one side of a paper is selected.  FIG. 20  shows a specific picture in which a mode for copying each four pages of a document on both sides of a paper is selected. Further,  FIG. 21  shows a picture for allowing the operator to select “Right/Left Spread” and “Top/Bottom Spread” for each of documents and copies. 
     Division copying includes “Spread→Simplex” for copying the right and left pages of a spread document on one side of two papers, and “Duplex→Simplex” for copying both sides of a duplex document on one side of two papers. To select “Spread→Simplex”, the operator touches a “Division/Book” key in the picture of  FIG. 18 . As a result, a picture shown in  FIG. 22  appears. The operator touches an “OK” key in the picture of  FIG. 22 . To select “Duplex→Simplex”, the operator presses a “Duplex” key of  FIG. 18  assigned to documents, a “Simplex” key assigned to copies, and an “OK” key. A plurality of documents may be copied in order of page in the form of a book. This kind of copying includes “Right/Left Page Duplex” for copying a spread book on both sides of a paper, “Front/Rear Page Duplex” for copying a spread document on both sides of a paper in the same configuration as the document, “Mini Book” for copying four simplex documents in order of page, and “Magazine” for copying a plurality of documents in order of page (when folded and stacked).  FIG. 22  shows a specific condition in which “Page Duplex Copy Priority” and “Right/Left Page Duplex” are selected. To select “Front/Rear Page Duplex”, the initial setting is changed. If desired, “Right/Left” Page Duplex” and “Front/Rear Page Duplex” may be displayed together. 
       FIG. 23  shows a picture to appear when the operator intending to store image data read in the apparatus in the form of a file and print them out presses the copy server key  91 ,  FIG. 2 . When the operator touches a “Document Read” key appearing in the first area  80   a  in  FIG. 23 , a picture shown in  FIG. 24  appears. In  FIG. 24 , the first area  80   a  and sixth area  80   f  are identical with the corresponding areas of the basic picture assigned to copying. The operator sets reading conditions in the picture of in the above areas  80   a  and  80   f  and then causes the apparatus to read documents. Various functions available for reading documents are identical with the functions described in relation to copying and will not be described specifically in order to avoid redundancy. To print the stored file, the operator calls the picture shown in  FIG. 23 . Because a stored file is present, a “Print Condition” key in the fifth area  80  is highlighted. When the operator touches the “Print Condition” key, a picture shown in  FIG. 25  appears. Then, the operator selects a document and sets desired printing conditions as in the copy mode operation. 
     In summary, it will be seen that the present invention provides a readable operation unit for an image forming apparatus displaying items representative of various functions relating to image formation while classifying and dividing them on a switchable screen. The operator can therefore easily understand the contents of operation in relation to the other functions despite that the functions are arranged in a hierarchical construction. Further, the operator can grasp the kind of image data and how the image data are processed and output as a single flow. 
     Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.