Patent Publication Number: US-2018041648-A1

Title: Operation console, image processing apparatus and display method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) on Patent Application No. 2010-190418 filed in Japan on Aug. 27, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an operation console having a touch-panel display and, more specifically, to a technique facilitating user input and image confirmation. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     A technique of displaying software keys on a screen image of a touch-panel display, allowing a user to operate the software keys has been known. 
     By way of example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-177526 (hereinafter referred to as &#39;526 Reference) discloses an image processing apparatus in which, when a user selects a simple-operation mode by a mode selection key, an operation screen image including various software keys used for operation in the simple-operation mode is displayed. The various software keys include a start key, a setting key and ten keys. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-131528 (hereinafter referred to as &#39;528 Reference) discloses an image forming apparatus detecting user behavior and changing arrangement of UI components displayed on a display operation unit. The UI components of which arrangement is changed in &#39;528 Reference include a display unit, ten keys and a start key. 
     Further, conventionally, a technique of displaying a preview image on a screen of a display device, allowing a user to confirm a finished state of the image and giving an instruction for image processing has been known. 
     By way of example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-203439 (hereinafter referred to as &#39;439 Reference) discloses an image processing apparatus in which a preview image satisfying prescribed conditions among a plurality of preview images is displayed with emphasis. 
     In the apparatuses related to images as described above, numerical values such as the number of copies are often input as parameters for setting operations of the apparatuses. Ten keys are used for inputting the numerical values. In an apparatus using a touch-panel display, the ten keys are also displayed as virtual keys on the touch-panel display. Since the ten keys are used with high frequency, it is desirable that the ten keys are displayed constantly. 
     On the other hand, image previews are displayed also with high frequency. For displaying a preview image, display area as large as possible is desired. If the ten keys are displayed on the screen image, however, the usable area becomes undesirably smaller. 
     In view of the foregoing, it may be helpful to make some operation to switch the display of ten keys on and off. The method of display switching, however, may have room for improvement. It is particularly desirable, when the preview image is to be displayed, to provide the preview display as smooth as possible and to allow immediate change of settings using ten keys when necessary. Further, it may be comfortable for the user if he/she can confirm the preview image as an object during the setting. 
     The techniques disclosed in &#39;526, &#39;528 and &#39;439 References are silent about the problem related to the display switching between preview images and ten keys. Therefore, according to the techniques disclosed in these References, it is often the case that the user, who is to confirm the preview image and to make an operation using the virtual ten keys, has to erase the ten keys, as the ten keys are displayed even if setting change is unnecessary, when a preview image is displayed. Further, when the user wishes to change settings and has the ten keys displayed, he/she may feel uncertain on which preview image the process is being done. Specifically, there is a trade-off between operability and visibility when the user is to confirm the preview image and when the user is to change settings using the ten keys, and it has been difficult to solve this trade-off by the conventional techniques described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is preferable to provide an operation console that can solve the operability-visibility trade-off and has both superior operability and superior visibility. 
     It is further preferable to provide an operation console that allows easy confirmation of a preview image and easy change of setting at the time of output of the preview image, and allows the user to clearly understand on which preview image the setting is being changed at the time of setting change. 
     If possible, it is preferred that the display can be returned from setting change to preview image display with a simple and intuitive operation. 
     According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an operation console provided on an image processing apparatus including an image input device for inputting image data, and an output device for outputting the image data input by the image input device. The operation console includes: a display device having a display area for displaying a virtual key; and a first input receiving device receiving an input operation to the virtual key. The virtual key includes ten keys for inputting a set value related to an output by the output device. The operation console further includes a first display control device displaying, when the image data is input by the image input device, an image based on the image data on the display device with higher priority than the ten keys. 
     In the display area, the ten keys for inputting a setting value related to an output by the output device are displayed. Therefore, it is possible for the user to input through the ten keys, without requesting display of the ten keys. When the image data is input, an image based on the image data is displayed with higher priority than the ten keys, on the display device. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the user to erase the ten keys to confirm the input image. As a result, an operation console usually having high operability of ten keys and having superior visibility for the user of the image when the image data is input, can be provided. 
     Preferably, the operation console further includes: a request key display device displaying, when the image data is input by the input device, a request key for requesting display of the ten keys with higher priority than the image on the display area of the display device, in place of the ten keys. On the one hand, when the image data is input, display of the image is given higher priority than the ten keys. Therefore, the user can easily confirm the contents of the image. On the other hand, when the request key is operated, the ten keys are displayed with higher priority than the image. Therefore, when a setting value related to output is to be input, the user can operate the request key to have the ten keys displayed with higher priority than the image, to perform desired input. Thus, user operability can be improved. 
     More preferably, the display device further includes a setting value display area for displaying a set value related to the output by the output device. The request key display device displays the request key close to the setting value display area. Since the request key is displayed close to the setting value display area, the relation between the two can easily be understood. Further, when the user wants to input a setting value related to output, the user can easily found the request key by looking the vicinity of the display area where the setting value is displayed. Thus, user operability can further be improved. 
     More preferably, the operation console further includes an instruction receiving device receiving an instruction requesting display of the ten keys with higher priority than the image; and a second display control device, responsive to the instruction receiving device receiving the instruction, for causing the display device to display the ten keys superposed in front of the image with at least a part of the image displayed viewable. Even when the ten keys are displayed in front of the image, the user can confirm part of the contents of the image. Therefore, it is possible for the user to input a setting value while he/she is aware on which image the output is set. Thus, the user can make setting related to the image with ease and without confusion. 
     More preferably, the ten keys are transparent images. Therefore, even when the ten keys are displayed in front of the image, it is possible for the user to easily confirm the contents of the image. As a result, it is possible to input the setting value while the user is aware on which image the output is set. 
     More preferably, the oration console further includes a second input receiving device receiving an input operation on the image displayed on said display screen; and a request key display device, responsive to the second input receiving device receiving the input operation, for causing the display device to display a request key requesting display of the ten keys with higher priority than the image, in place of the ten keys. 
     At least a part of the image is constantly displayed in the display area. The user can make an operation on the image at any time. The user can end the ten key display whenever an operation is made on the image, when the user wants to confirm contents of the image. As a result, it is possible for the user to easily confirm the contents of the image. 
     Further, when the user wishes to input a setting value related to output, the user can display the ten keys with higher priority than the image by making an operation on the request key. Thus, user operability can be improved. 
     More preferably, the operation console further includes a request key display device causing the display device to display a request key requesting display of the ten keys with higher priority than the image, in place of the ten keys, when a predetermined, prescribed time passes without any input operation on the ten keys. Therefore, if the user does not want to input any setting value related to output, the display of ten keys is automatically terminated. Therefore, it is easier for the user to confirm the contents of the image. If an operation of ten keys becomes necessary, the user may operate the request key and the ten keys are displayed again and can be operated. Thus, user operability can be improved. 
     More preferably, a start key for requesting output by the output device is always displayed as the virtual key on the display area. Therefore, regardless of the state of display of the display device, the user can immediately execute output of an image from the output device, by operating the start key. Thus, user operability can be improved. 
     More preferably, the operation console further includes a start instruction receiving device receiving an input operation to the start key; and a returning device, responsive to the start instruction receiving device receiving the operation, for returning display state of the display device to a state before the input data is input by the input device. 
     Because of the function of returning device, at the end of image data output, the ten keys are displayed on the display area. Thus, it is possible for the user to perform normal operation on the ten keys without requesting display of the ten keys, when the image data is not input (hereinafter referred to as “input standby state”). As a result, user operability can be improved. 
     According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus including any of the above-described operation consoles, the image input device for inputting image data, and the output device for outputting the input image data. Since the image processing apparatus is provided with the operation console having superior operability and superior visibility as described above, output errors and the like resulting from erroneous operation by the user can be reduced. Thus, an image processing apparatus highly convenient for the user can be provided. 
     According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of display in an operation console provided on an image processing apparatus including an image input device for inputting image data, an output device for outputting the image data input by the image input device, and the operation console. The operation console includes a display device having a display area for displaying a virtual key and an input receiving device receiving an input operation to the virtual key. The display method includes the steps of; displaying, as the virtual key, ten keys for inputting a set value related to an output by the output device, on the display area; and displaying, when image data is input by the image input device, an image based on the image data with higher priority than the ten keys, on the display device. 
     In the absence of image data input, ten keys for inputting a setting value related to the output by the output device are displayed on the display area. Thus, it is possible for the user to perform normal operation on the ten keys without requesting display of the ten keys. As a result, user operability can be improved. 
     When the image data is input, the image based on the image data is displayed on the display device with higher priority than the ten keys. Therefore, when the image data is input, the user can easily confirm the contents of the image, and hence, an operation console having superior visibility to the user can be provided. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an appearance of an image forming apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  schematically shows an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a basic layout configuration of a basic screen image of various operational modes. 
         FIG. 5  shows an example of a copy mode basic screen image as an initial screen image. 
         FIG. 6  shows an example of a FAX mode basic screen image as the initial screen image. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  show control structure of a computer program for realizing a copy mode process. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  show control structure of a computer program for realizing a FAX mode process. 
         FIG. 11  shows a state of the copy mode basic screen image when a scan-in process ends. 
         FIG. 12  shows a state of the copy mode basic screen image when a ten-key icon is touched. 
         FIG. 13  shows a state of the copy mode basic screen image when a preview image is touched. 
         FIG. 14  shows a state of the FAX mode basic screen image when the scan-in process ends. 
         FIG. 15  shows a state of the FAX mode basic screen image when a gesture operation is made on a tab key. 
         FIG. 16  shows a state of the FAX mode basic screen image when a number display area is touched. 
         FIG. 17  shows a state of the FAX mode basic screen image when the preview image is touched. 
         FIG. 18  shows an example of a group of transparent virtual ten keys. 
         FIG. 19  shows an example of the copy mode basic screen image where a setting key displayed on a function selection area is used as the request key. 
         FIG. 20  shows an example of the copy mode basic screen image as the initial screen image. 
         FIG. 21  shows a state of the copy mode basic screen image when the setting key as the request key shown in  FIG. 19  is touched. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference characters. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. 
     [Image Forming Apparatus  100 ] 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , an image forming apparatus  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is a Multifunction Printer (MFP) having scanner function, copy function, facsimile (hereinafter denoted as FAX) function and the like. When the user sets any of the operational modes such as the copy mode and the FAX mode, image forming apparatus  100  executes processes corresponding to the set operational mode. 
     &lt;Hardware Configuration&gt; 
     [Operation Unit  120  of Image Forming Apparatus  100 ] 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , image forming apparatus  100  includes an operation unit  120 . Operation unit  120  is formed of an operation panel provided with an upper surface inclined to be lower on the front side than the deeper side, to be easily viewable by the user on an upper front side of image forming apparatus  100 . Operation unit  120  includes a touch-panel display  130  arranged from the center to the left side on the surface of operation unit  120  and a display operation unit  140  arranged on the right side on the surface of operation unit  120 . Touch-panel display  130  and display operation unit  140  are held in one housing. Operation unit  120  communicates with a CPU  300 , which will be described later, through an input/output interface (not shown). 
     Touch-panel display  130  includes a display panel  132  and a touch-panel  134  stacked on display panel  132 . On display panel  132 , a home screen image (not shown), and basic screen images of various operational modes are displayed. The home screen image is an image allowing selection of a desired operational mode from a plurality of operational modes executable by image forming apparatus  100 . By way of example, on the home screen image, an icon as a software key for selecting the copy mode and an icon as a software key for selecting the FAX mode are displayed. The basic screen image is an image allowing setting of various functions and parameters in various operational modes. Display panel  132  is controlled by a CPU  300 . On the screen image of display panel  132 , software keys are displayed. When the user presses any of the software keys with his/her finger, touch-panel  134  detects the pressed position and outputs a coordinate signal. CPU  300  compares the display position of the software key and the coordinates from the touch-panel on a program, and based on the result of comparison, determines which of the keys has been operated. Further, in accordance with the pressed key, CPU  300  selects an operational mode, sets various functions and parameters, and gives an operation instruction. Though the size and shape of touch-panel display  130  are not specifically limited, one having a rectangular shape of 1024 pixels×600 pixels of landscape orientation may be used. 
     Display operation unit  140  includes a pilot lamp  142  and various hardware keys such as a power key  144 , an energy saving key  146  and a home key  148 . Pilot lamp  142  includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and it is turned on or off or flickered by the control of CPU  300 . Pilot lamp  142  is normally off, and it flickers in association with mode transition when, for example, transition from a normal mode to a power saving mode takes place. The normal mode refers to a state in which main power is on and all operational modes are executable. The energy saving mode refers to a state in which the main power is on and only some limited operational modes are executable. Since electric power is not supplied to units that are used only in the non-executable operational modes, energy consumption can be saved. 
     Power key  144  gives an instruction to make a transition from the energy saving mode or the like to the normal mode. It is noted that power key  144  does not control the main power supply of image forming apparatus  100 . The main power is turned on/off by a main power switch (not shown) separate from power key  144 . 
     Energy saving key  146  toggles between the normal mode and the energy saving mode. The image forming apparatus enters the energy saving mode when energy saving key  146  is pressed and when a predetermined, prescribed time period passes without any operation by the user. 
     Home key  148  gives an instruction to make a transition to the home screen image (not shown). When the user presses home key  148 , the home screen image is displayed on display panel  132 . 
     If the user operates any of the above-described icons displayed on the home screen image, any of operational modes including the copy mode, FAX mode and the like is selected. On display panel  132 , a basic screen image of the selected operational mode is displayed as the initial screen image. The user operation by the user for operating an icon includes, for example, a touch operation (input operation based on the position of pressing by the user) and a gesture operation (input operation based on the trajectory of operation by the user). These examples are not limiting, and any operation generally used in the field of art may be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the basic screen image of each operational mode includes a system area  1000 , a function setting/confirmation area (hereinafter referred to as “function selecting area”)  2000 , a preview area  3000 , an action panel area  4000  and a task trigger area  5000 . These five areas are arranged in the following manner, in accordance with a basic layout. Specifically, system area  1000  is arranged at the top of the screen image. Preview area  3000  is arranged at the center of the screen image. Function selecting area  2000  is arranged on the left side of area  3000 . Action panel area  4000  is arranged on the upper right side of area  3000 . Task trigger area  5000  is arranged on the lower right side of area  3000 . The five areas forming the basic screen image of each operational mode and the basic layout are common in all operational modes. 
     As examples of the basic screen images of various operational modes, the basic screen image for the copy mode and the basic screen image for the FAX mode will be described in the following. These images are displayed as initial screen images when the copy mode and the FAX mode are selected, respectively. 
     [Copy Mode Basic Screen Image  7100 ] 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , on system area  1000  of copy mode basic screen image  7100 , a character sequence “COPY”  1102  indicating the copy mode, a log-out key  1104  for executing log-out and the like are displayed. On log-out key  1104 , a logged-in user name is displayed. In system area  1000 , an area  1106  indicating the current job status is provided and, by way of example, an icon indicating that the copy process is currently being executed and an icon indicating that the process is currently suspended (both not shown) are displayed in this area  1106 . 
     On function selecting area  2000  of screen image  7100 , various setting keys for changing various functions and conditions such as parameters related to the copy mode are displayed. In the present embodiment, a key  2102  for switching color mode, a key  2104  for changing copy density, a key  2106  for changing copy magnification, a key  2108  for changing document size, a key  2110  for changing size of recording paper to be used, a key  2112  for setting duplex copy function, and a key for setting stapling function are displayed as various setting keys. If the user touches any of the keys  2102  to  2114 , a setting screen image (for example, density setting screen image, magnification setting screen image, document setting screen image or the like) corresponding to the pressed key is displayed on display panel  132 . 
     Above the various setting keys  2102  to  2114  in area  2000 , an area  2116  is provided for displaying the number of copies input by the user. In area  2116 , character sequence “copy number” and a numerical value indicating the number of copies are displayed. In the present embodiment, it is possible to input up to 4-digit number as the numerical value indicating the number of copies, and in the initial state, “0” is displayed. Below the above-described various setting keys  2102  to  2114  in area  2000 , change keys  2012  to  2016  for changing display style of various setting keys  2102  to  2114  are displayed. Change key  2012  causes only the setting keys related to the functions registered in advance as “favorites” to be displayed. Change key  2014  causes only the setting keys related to the function or functions of which setting has been changed to be displayed. Change key  2016  causes setting keys related to all functions of which setting can be changed in the corresponding operational mode to be displayed. In the following description, it is assumed that change key  2016  has been selected and setting keys related to all functions of which setting can be changed in the copy mode are displayed on area  2000 . 
     If not all setting keys to be displayed can be displayed in area  2000 , various setting keys are displayed in upward/downward scrollable manner. Here, the display positions of change keys  2012  and  2016  are fixed. The user may switch the display portion of various setting keys upward/downward by a touch operation (scroll operation) or a gesture operation (flick operation in upward/downward direction). 
     On preview area  3000  of screen image  7100 , a group of virtual ten keys  3102  is displayed, for inputting, for example, the number of copies. The group of virtual ten keys  3102  includes numeric keys of 0 to 9 and a clear (C) key. The group of virtual ten keys  3102  is always displayed on the background area  3103  as a window. In the present embodiment, background area  3103  is non-transparent. The user can close the background area  3103  by touching a “close” key  3101  displayed in background area  3103 . When background area  3103  is closed, the group of virtual ten keys  3102  is also erased. Therefore, in the present specification, closing of background area  3103  may be also referred to as end of display of virtual ten keys  3102 . Below the group of virtual ten keys  3102 , a mimic image  3104  showing the current status of image forming apparatus  100  is displayed. It is possible for the user to display a paper setting screen image on display panel  132  by touching mimic image  3104 . 
     On action panel area  4000  of screen image  7100 , various execution keys for executing recommended functions in the copy mode are displayed. The recommended functions refer to functions selected in the past in combination with the function selected by the user. In the present embodiment, as the various execution keys, a key  4102  for automatically selecting copy magnification in accordance with the recording paper to be used, a key  4104  for registering currently set conditions (job program), a key  4106  for executing image data filing, a key  4108  for transmitting image data simultaneously with a copy process, a key  4110  for inserting a section, a key  4112  for deleting a section, and a key  4114  for displaying a screen image showing contents of a scan-in process are displayed. 
     On task trigger area  5000  of screen image  7100 , a scan-in key  5102 , a clear-all key  5104 , a monochrome start key  5106  and a color start key  5108  are displayed. Scan-in key  5102  is for starting execution of a scan-in process. In the scan-in process, in image forming apparatus  100 , a document is scanned and a preview image based on the obtained scan data is displayed on preview area  3000 . Clear-all key  5104  cancels all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed, and returns the settings to the default state. Monochrome start key  5106  is for starting a monochrome copy process in which a document is scanned and a monochrome copy is taken based on the obtained image data (or on scan data obtained by the scan-in process). Color start key  5108  is for starting a color copy process in which a document is scanned and a color copy is taken based on the obtained image data (or on scan data obtained by the scan-in process). As described above, in the present specification, the image data scanned by the scan-in process is referred to as “scan data” and distinguished from other image data. 
     [FAX Mode Basic Screen Image  7300 ] 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , on system area  1000  of FAX mode basic screen image  7300 , a key  1302  for requesting display of an address book, a number display area  1304  for displaying an input FAX number of a transmission destination, a search icon  1306  for requesting display of a search screen image for designating a transmission destination are displayed. For prescribed FAX numbers, search numbers are registered in advance. By designating a search number, a desired transmission destination can be designated. 
     On area  2000  of FAX mode basic screen image  7300 , various setting keys for changing settings of various functions and conditions such as parameters related to the FAX mode are displayed. In the present embodiment, as the various setting keys, a key  2302  for changing the density of FAX document, a key  2304  for changing image quality of FAX document, a key  2306  for changing transmission size or the like of FAX document, a key  2308  for setting a bulk document mode, a key  2310  for setting a thin-paper reading function, a key  2312  for setting a mixed-size document processing function, and a key  2314  for setting a document number counting function are displayed. If any of the keys  2302  to  2306  is touched by the user, a setting screen image corresponding to the touched key is displayed on display panel  132 . These setting screen images include, by way of example, a density setting screen image, an image quality setting screen image, and a document setting screen image. On keys  2308  to  2314 , check boxes are displayed. If any of the keys  2308  to  2314  is touched, the check box of the touched key is checked, and the function corresponding to the touched key is set. Below the above-described various setting keys  2302  to  2314  on area  2000 , change keys  2012  and  2014  as mentioned above, and a key  2316  for requesting display of a screen image showing a list of special functions different from the functions displayed on area  2000  are displayed. In the following description, it is assumed that change key  2012  has been selected, and only the setting keys related to the functions registered as “favorites” in the FAX mode are displayed on area  2000 . 
     If not all setting keys to be displayed can be displayed in area  2000 , various setting keys are displayed in upward/downward scrollable manner. Here, the display positions of change keys  2012  to  2316  are fixed. The user may switch the display portion of various setting keys upward/downward by a touch operation (scroll operation) or a gesture operation (flick operation in upward/downward direction). 
     On preview area  3000  of FAX mode basic screen image  7300 , a group of virtual ten keys  3302  for inputting a FAX number or the like is displayed. The group of virtual ten keys  3302  includes numeric keys of 0 to 9, symbol keys such as “#”, a clear (C) key, and an OK key. The group of virtual ten keys  3302  is always displayed on a background area  3303  as a window. In the present embodiment, background area  3303  is non-transparent. It is noted that in background area  3303 , the “close” key for closing background area  3303  is not displayed. 
     On area  3000 , an icon indicating whether or not a FAX document is placed on a platen or on an automatic document feeder (ADF) (both not shown), and a window  3304  indicating current status of fax transmission setting are displayed. 
     On action panel area  4000  of FAX mode basic screen image  7300 , various execution keys for executing recommended functions in the FAX mode are displayed. In the present embodiment, as the various setting keys, a key  4302  for searching a desired FAX number by a registered number, a key  4304  for executing a global address search, a key  4306  for executing a call of a set condition (job program) registered in advance, a key  4308  for executing temporary automatic saving of image data, and a key  4310  for executing image data filing are displayed. 
     On task trigger area  5000  of FAX mode basic screen image  7300 , a scan-in key  5302 , a clear all key  5304 , a start key  5306  and an on-hook key  5308  are displayed. Scan-in key  5302  is for starting the scan-in process. In the scan-in process, image forming apparatus  100  scans the FAX document, and a preview image based on the obtained scan data is displayed on preview area  3000 . Clear-all key  5104  cancels all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed, and returns the settings to the default state. Start key  5306  is for starting the FAX transmission process. On-hook key  5308  is to set the line to the on-hook state. 
     [Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus  100 ] 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , image forming apparatus  100  includes, in addition to operation unit  120  described above, a document reading unit  102 , an image forming unit  104 , a paper feed unit  106 , and a paper discharge unit  108 . In the following, operations in the copy mode and the FAX mode will be described, to illustrate the overall hardware configuration of image forming apparatus  100 . 
     —Copy Mode— 
     In the present embodiment, in the copy mode, document reading unit  102  and image forming unit  104  mainly operate to execute any of the mono-copy process, color copy process and scan-in process. The scan-in process will be described later. 
     (Normal Monochrome Copy Process and Color Copy Process) 
     When the copy mode is selected on the home screen image (not shown) and a monochrome start key  5106  or a color start key  5108  is touched while the scan-in process described above is not being done, a document placed manually or by an ADF on a platen is read as image data by document reading unit  102 . The read image data is input to CPU  300  implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, shown in  FIG. 3 , and subjected to various image processing operations. Then, the image data is output to image forming unit  104 . 
     Image forming unit  104  is for printing an image of the document based on the image data on a recording medium (in most cases, on a sheet of recording paper). Image forming unit  104  includes a photoreceptor drum  222 , a charger  224 , a laser scanning unit (hereinafter denoted as LSU)  226 , a developer  228 , a transfer device  230 , a cleaning device  232 , a fixing device  234  and a neutralizer, not shown. 
     In image forming unit  104 , a main feeding path  236  and a reverse feeding path  238  are provided. Paper feed unit  106  draws out sheets of recording paper stacked on a paper feed cassette  240  or on a manual feed tray  242  one by one, and feeds the sheet of paper to main feeding path  236  of image forming unit  104 . The sheet of recording paper fed from paper feed unit  106  is fed along main feeding path  236 . 
     While the sheet of recording paper is fed along main feeding path  236 , the sheet passes between photoreceptor drum  222  and transfer device  230 , and further passes through fixing device  234 , whereby printing is done on the sheet of recording paper. 
     Photoreceptor drum  222  rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by cleaning device  232  and the neutralizer and, thereafter, uniformly charged by charger  224 . 
     LSU  226  modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of photoreceptor drum  222  with the modulated laser beam in a main scanning direction, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of photoreceptor drum  222 . 
     Developer  228  develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying toner to the surface of photoreceptor drum  222 , and thus, a toner image is formed on the surface of photoreceptor drum  222 . When the monochrome copy process is executed, developer  228  supplies monochrome toner. When the color copy process is executed, developer  228  supplies color toner including yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K). 
     Transfer device  230  transfers the toner image on the surface of photoreceptor drum  222  to the sheet of recording paper passing between transfer device  230  and the photoreceptor drum  222 . 
     Fixing device  234  includes a heating roller  248  for heating the sheet of recording paper and a pressure roller  250  for pressing the sheet of recording paper. As the sheet of recording paper is heated by heating roller  248  and pressed by pressure roller  250 , the toner image that has been transferred to the sheet of recording paper is fixed on the sheet. A heater provided in heating roller  248  is heated by electric power supplied to fixing device  234  and controlled such that temperature of heating roller  248  attains to an appropriate temperature for fixing. 
     At a position of connection between main feeding path  236  and reverse feeding path  238 , a separation pawl  244  is arranged. When printing is done only on one side of the sheet of recording paper, separation pawl  244  is so positioned that the sheet of recording paper fed from fixing device  234  is guided to paper discharge tray  246  or a paper discharge unit  108 . 
     When printing is done on both sides of the sheet of recording paper, separation pawl  244  is turned to a prescribed direction, so that the sheet of recording paper is guided to reverse feeding path  238 . The sheet of recording paper passes through reverse feeding path  238 , turned upside-down and again fed to main feeding path  236 , and while it is again fed along main feeding path  236 , printing is done on its rear surface, and thereafter the sheet is guided to paper discharge tray  246  or to paper discharge unit  108 . 
     The sheet of recording paper printed in the above-described manner is guided to paper discharge tray  246  or to paper discharge unit  108 , and discharged to paper discharge tray  246  or to any of paper discharge trays  110  of paper discharge unit  108 . 
     Paper discharge unit  108  may perform a process of sorting a plurality of printed sheets of paper to be output to different discharge trays  110 , a process of punching each sheet of recording paper or a process of stapling the sheets of recording paper. Assume that a number of copies of the printing are to be prepared. In that case, sheets of recording paper are sorted and discharged to paper discharge trays  110  such that each tray  110  contains each set of printed sheets, and the set of printed sheets in each tray  110  is stapled or punched. 
     (Monochrome Copy Process and Color Copy Process after Scan-in Process) 
     When the copy mode is selected on the home screen image (not shown), the scan-in process described above is done and thereafter, monochrome start key  5106  or a color start key  5108  may be touched. In such a case, scanning of the document image and the image processing on the image data described above do not take place, and image forming unit  104  performs the image forming process in the similar manner as described above on the scan data that has been read in the scan-in process and stored temporarily in the storage device. 
     —FAX Mode— 
     In the present embodiment, in the FAX mode, the scan-in process and the FAX transmission process are executed by the operations of document reading unit  102  and FAX communication unit  160  shown in  FIG. 3 . Further, the FAX communication process is executed by the operation of FAX communication unit  160 . Further, the FAX reception process is executed by the operations of FAX communication unit  160  and image forming unit  104 . The scan-in process will be described later. 
     (Normal FAX Transmission Process) 
     When the FAX mode is selected on the home screen image (not shown) and a start key  5306  described above is touched while the scan-in process is not being done, a document placed manually or by an ADF on a platen is read as image data by document reading unit  102 . The read image data is input to CPU  300 , and subjected to various image processing operations. Then, the image data is output to FAX communication unit  160 . 
     (FAX Transmission Process After Scan-in Process) 
     On the other hand, when the FAX mode is selected on the home screen image (not shown), the scan-in process as will be described later is done and thereafter, the start key (not shown) may be touched. In such a case, scanning of the document image and the image processing on the image data described above do not take place, and the scan data that has been read in the scan-in process and temporarily stored in the storage device is output to FAX communication unit  160 . 
     FAX communication unit  160  of image forming apparatus  100  on the transmitting side connects a transmitting side line to a designated transmission destination, converts the input image data or scan data to communication data in compliance with facsimile transmission standard, and transmits the converted data to a facsimile machine (such as an image forming apparatus  100  having the facsimile function) on the receiving side. 
     (FAX Communication Process) 
     When the line is connected, a FAX communication unit  160  of image forming apparatus  100  on the receiving side detects a communication request signal from FAX communication unit  160  of image forming apparatus  100  on the transmitting side, and transmits an acknowledgement signal. Thereafter, by way of example, FAX communication units  160  on the transmitting and receiving sides pass performance information supported by transmitting side and receiving side, determine highest possible speed of communication and method of coding/code correction of image data, and set the method of communication of modems. Then, using the image signal format in compliance with the communication method, data is transmitted from FAX communication unit  160  of image forming apparatus  100  on the transmitting side to FAX communication unit  160  of image forming apparatus  100  on the receiving side. When transmission ends, the line is disconnected. 
     (FAX Reception Process) 
     FAX communication unit  160  of image forming apparatus  100  on the receiving side converts the received data to image data and passes the data to an image forming unit  104 . The received data may be converted to image data at the image forming unit  104 . The image forming unit  104  prints an image of a document based on the image data converted from the received data on a sheet of recording paper, in a manner similar to the operation in the copy mode described above. 
     &lt;Electrical Configuration&gt; 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , image forming apparatus  100  includes: operation unit  120  allowing setting of various functions and parameters related to various operational modes such as the copy mode and the FAX mode; an ROM (Read Only Memory)  306  for storing a program or programs; an HDD  302  including a hard disk providing a non-volatile storage area capable of storing programs and data even when power supply is shut off; and an RAM  308  providing a storage area when a program is executed. 
     Image forming apparatus  100  further includes a bus  310  connected to document reading unit  102 , image forming unit  104 , FAX communication unit  160 , operation unit  120 , HDD  302 , ROM  306 , RAM  308 , and network I/F  304 ; and CPU  300  connected to bus  310  and controlling these units and components for realizing general functions of the image forming apparatus. 
     In HDD  302 , various data such as the image data scanned by document reading unit  102  are stored. ROM  306  stores computer programs for realizing general operations of image forming apparatus  100  as well as a computer program for realizing the copy mode process and the FAX mode process, which will be described later. ROM  306  further stores basic screen image data for displaying basic screen images for various operational modes such as the copy mode and the FAX mode. 
     RAM  308  provides a function of a working memory temporarily storing results of operations and processes by CPU  300 , and a function of a frame memory for storing image data. CPU  300  executes control related to various functions of image forming apparatus  100  in accordance with computer programs stored in ROM  306 . Specifically, control of various units including document reading unit  102 , image forming unit  104 , touch-panel display  130  and display operation unit  140  of operation unit  120 , HDD  302 , ROM  306  and RAM  308  is realized by CPU  300  executing a prescribed computer program. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a public line is connected for transmitting/receiving image data, to FAX communication unit  160  of image forming apparatus  100 . To network I/F  304 , a network line is connected. To the network line, a computer or the like using image forming apparatus  100  as a network-supported printer, or a computer or the like identified by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) designated through the Internet may be connected. When connected to the Internet through the network line, image forming apparatus  100  can obtain necessary information through the Internet. 
     &lt;Software Configuration&gt; 
     (Copy Mode Process) 
     The program for realizing the copy mode process is activated when the user touches an icon for selecting the copy mode displayed on the home screen image (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the program includes a step S 1000  of displaying screen image  7100  (see  FIG. 5 ) as the initial screen image, on display panel  132 , and a step S 1001  of determining whether or not scan-in key  5102  is touched. 
     The program further includes a step S 1002 , executed if it is determined at step S 1001  that scan-in key  5102  is not touched (NO), of determining whether or not the start key (monochrome start key  5106  or color start key  5108 ) is touched, and a step S 1003 , executed if it is determined at step S 1002  that the start key has been touched (YES), of executing the process (the monochrome copy process or the color copy process described above) corresponding to the touched start key. 
     The program further includes a step S 1004 , executed if it is determined at step S 1002  that the start key has not yet been touched (NO), of determining whether or not clear all key  5104  has been touched, and a step S 1005 , executed if it is determined at step S 1004  that clear all key  5104  has been touched (YES), of cancelling all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed and returning the settings to the default state. If it is determined at step S 1004  that clear all key  5104  has not been touched (NO), or after the process of step S 1005 , the control returns to step S 1001 . 
     The program further includes a step S 1006 , executed if it is determined at step S 1001  that scan-in key  5102  is touched (YES), of causing document reading unit  102  to start document reading, a step S 1007  of displaying an icon for requesting display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  on preview area  3000  (hereinafter referred to as a ten-key icon), in place of the group of ten keys  3102 , and a step S 1008  of displaying a preview image based on the scan data on preview area  3000 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the program further includes a step S 1009  of determining whether or not there is any parameter of which setting has been changed, and a step S 1100 , executed if it is determined at step S 1009  that there is a function or parameter of which setting has been changed (YES), of reflecting the contents of setting change on the preview image displayed in preview area  3000 . Here, the preview image is displayed on the front-most side of preview area  3000 . 
     The program further includes a step S 1101 , executed if it is determined at step S 1009  that there is not a function or parameter of which setting has been changed (NO), of determining whether or not the ten-key icon displayed on preview area  3000  has been touched, and a step S 1102 , executed if it is determined at step S 1001  that the ten-key icon has been touched, of displaying the group of virtual ten keys  3102  superposed in front of the preview image, in place of the ten-key icon. 
     The program further includes a step S 1103 , executed if it is determined at step S 1101  that the ten-key icon has not been touched (NO), of determining whether or not the preview image displayed on preview area  3000  has been touched, and a step S 1104 , executed if it is determined at step S 1103  that the preview image has been touched (YES), of displaying the ten-key icon in place of the group of virtual ten keys  3102 . 
     The program further includes a step S 1105 , executed if it is determined at step S 1103  that the preview image is not touched (NO), of determining whether or not clear all key  5104  has been touched, and a step S 1106 , executed if it is determined at step S 1105  that clear all key  5104  has been touched (YES), of cancelling all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed, and returning the settings to the default state. 
     The program further includes a step S 1107 , executed if it is determined at step S 1105  that the clear all key has not been touched (NO), of determining whether or not the start key (monochrome start key  5106  or color start key  5108 ) has been touched, and a step S 1108 , executed if it is determined at step S 1107  that the start key has been touched (YES), of executing the process (monochrome copy process or color copy process based on the scan data) corresponding to the touched start key. 
     If it is determined at step S 1107  that the start key has not been touched (NO), or after the process of step S 1100 , S 1102 , S 1104  or S 1106 , the control returns to step S 1009 . 
     In the present embodiment, the process from step S 1006  to step S 1008  described above correspond to the scan-in process in the copy mode. 
     (FAX mode process) 
     The program for realizing the FAX mode process is activated when the user touches an icon for selecting the FAX mode displayed on the home screen image (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the program includes a step S 2000  of displaying FAX mode basic screen image  7300  (see  FIG. 6 ) as the initial screen image on display panel  132 , and a step S 2001  of determining whether or not scan-in key  5302  has been touched. 
     The program further includes a step S 2002 , executed if it is determined at step S 2001  that scan-in key  5302  has not been touched (NO), of determining whether or not start key  5306  has been touched, and a step S 2003 , executed if it is determined at step S 2002  that start key  5306  has been touched (YES), of executing the process (FAX transmission process described above) corresponding to the touched start key  5306 . 
     The program further includes a step S 2004 , executed if it is determined at step S 2002  that start key  5306  has not been touched (NO), of determining whether or not clear all key  5304  has been touched, and a step S 2005 , executed if it is determined at step S 2004  that clear all key  5304  has been touched (YES), of cancelling all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed, and returning the settings to the default state. If it is determined at step S 2004  that clear all key  5304  is not touched (NO), or after the process of step S 2005 , the control returns to step S 2001 . 
     The program further includes a step S 2006 , executed if it is determined at step S 2001  that scan-in key  5302  has been touched (YES), of causing document reading unit  102  to start document reading, a step S 2007  of ending the display of the group of virtual ten keys  3302  displayed on preview area  3000  (closing background area  3303 ), and a step S 2008  of displaying the preview image based on the scan data on preview area  3000 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the program further includes a step S 2009  of determining whether or not there is any function or parameter of which setting has been changed, and a step S 2100 , executed if it is determined at step S 2009  that there is a function or parameter of which setting has been changed (YES), of reflecting the contents of setting change on the preview image displayed in preview area  3000 . Here, the preview image is displayed on the front-most side of preview area  3000 . 
     The program further includes a step S 2101 , executed if it is determined at step S 2009  that there is no function or parameter of which setting has been changed (NO), of determining whether or not number display area  1304  displayed on system area  1000  has been touched, and a step S 2102 , executed if it is determined at step S 2101  that number display area  1304  has been touched (YES), of displaying the group of virtual ten keys  3302  superposed on the front side of the preview image. 
     The program further includes a step S 2103 , executed if it is determined at step S 2101  that number display area  1304  has not been touched (NO), of determining whether or not the preview area displayed in preview area  3000  has been touched, and a step S 2104 , executed if it is determined at step S 2103  that the preview image has been touched (YES), of ending the display of the group of virtual ten keys  3302 . 
     The program further includes a step S 2105 , executed if it is determined at step S 2103  that the preview image has not been touched (NO), of determining whether or not clear all key  5304  has been touched, and a step S 2106 , executed if it is determined at step S 2105  that clear all key  5304  has been touched (YES), of cancelling all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed and returning the settings to the default state. 
     The program further includes a step S 2107 , executed if it is determined at step S 2105  that clear all key  5304  has not been touched (NO), of determining whether or not start key  5306  has been touched, and a step S 2108 , executed if it is determined at step S 2107  that start key  5306  has been touched (YES), of executing the process (FAX transmission process based on the scan data) corresponding to the touched start key  5306 . 
     If it is determined at step S 2107  that start key  5306  has not been touched (NO), or after the process of step S 2100 , S 2102 , S 2104  or S 2106 , the control returns to step S 2009 . 
     In the present embodiment, the process from step S 2006  to step S 2008  described above corresponds to the scan-in process in the FAX mode. 
     &lt;Operation&gt; 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 17 , image forming apparatus  100  operates in the following manner. General operations of image forming apparatus  100  except for the operation described below are the same as those of a conventional image forming apparatus. 
     —Operation in the Copy Mode— 
     The user presses home key  148  of display operation unit  140 . When home key  148  is pressed, the home screen image (not shown) appears on display panel  132 . The user touches an icon for selecting the copy mode displayed on the home screen image. In response, screen image  7100  (see  FIG. 5 ) appears as the initial screen image, on display panel  132  (step S 1000 ). It is assumed that at this time, various functions and parameter settings in the copy mode are in the default (standard) state. 
     The user confirms screen image  7100 , and if setting change is to be made, he/she touches various setting keys  2102  to  2114  displayed in area  2000 , to change the settings of various functions and parameters in the copy mode. Here, if the user touches clear all key  5104  (YES at step S 1004 ), all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed are cancelled, and the settings can be returned to the default state (step S 1005 ). 
     Assume that the user wishes to confirm the preview image of the document image before starting the copy process, so that he/she touches scan-in key  5102  after placing the document manually on the platen. When scan-in key  5102  is touched (YES at step S 1001 ), the image forming apparatus executes the scan-in process in the copy mode in the following manner. 
     In the scan-in process, first, document reading unit  102  starts reading of the document placed on the platen (step S 1006 ). When document reading starts, ten-key icon  3108  for requesting display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  is displayed, in place of the group of virtual ten keys  3102 , on preview area  3000  of screen image  7100  (step S 1007 ). Ten key icon  3108  is displayed close to area  2116  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
     The scan data read by document reading unit  102  is input to CPU  300 . CPU  300  executes various image processing operations on the input scan data, and displays a preview image  3106  based on the scan data on preview area  3000  of screen image  7100 , in place of mimic image  3104  (step S 1008 ). Here, the scan data is temporarily stored in a storage device (for example, RAM (Random Access Memory)  308  shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     When the scan-in process ends, the user confirms preview image  3106 , and if setting conditions are to be changed, he/she touches various setting keys  2102  to  2114  displayed on area  2000 , to change the settings of various functions and parameters in the copy mode. Here, if the user touches clear all key  5104  (YES at step S 1105 ), all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed are cancelled, and the settings can be returned to the default state (step S 1106 ). 
     If the setting conditions have been changed by the user, it is determined by CPU  300  that there is a function or parameter of which setting has been changed (YES at step S 1009 ), and the contents of setting change are reflected on preview image  3106  (step S 1100 ). At this time, preview image  3106  is displayed on the front-most side of preview area  3000 . 
     In order to input a desired number of copies, the user touches ten-key icon  3108  displayed in preview area  3000 . When ten-key icon  3108  is touched (YES at step S 1101 ), the group of virtual ten keys  3102  is displayed superposed on the front side of preview image  3106  in preview area  3000 , in place of ten-key icon  3108  (step S 1102 ). Here, the group of virtual ten keys  3102  is displayed not fully hiding preview image  3106 , so that at least a part of preview image  3106  is viewable (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     The user inputs the desired numerical value (in the present embodiment,  14 ) by touching the displayed group of virtual ten keys  3102 . In area  2116 , the input numerical value is displayed. After the input of numerical value by the user, if a predetermined, prescribed time (in the present embodiment, 3 seconds) passes without any operation by the user, the input numerical value is set as the number of copies. 
     After setting the number of copies, the user touches preview image  3106 . When preview image  3106  is touched (YES at step S 1103 ), ten-key icon  3108  is displayed close to area  2116 , in place of the group of virtual ten keys  3102 , on preview area  3000  (step S 1104 ). Thus, preview image  3106  as a whole is displayed (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     The user confirms the set number of copies displayed on area  2116  and preview image  3106 , and thereby confirms the manner of output. If all are considered acceptable, the user touches monochrome start key  5106  or color start key  5108 . In response (YES at step S 1107 ), the monochrome copy process or the color copy process based on the scan data read by the scan-in process is executed (step S 1108 ). 
     It may be the case that the user wishes to execute the copy process directly, omitting confirmation of the preview image of document image. In such a case, the user directly touches monochrome start key  5106  or color start key  5108 , without touching scan-in key  5102 . In response (YES at step S 1002 ), the normal monochrome copy process or color copy process is executed (step S 1003 ). 
     After the end of monochrome copy process or color copy process, screen image  7100  (see  FIG. 5 ), which is the initial screen image, is displayed on display panel  132 . It is assumed that regarding the settings of various functions and parameters in the copy mode at this time, the conditions set for the previous copy process are maintained. 
     —Operation in the FAX mode— 
     The user presses home key  148  of display operation unit  140 . When home key  148  is pressed, the home screen image (not shown) appears on display panel  132 . The user touches an icon for selecting the FAX mode displayed on the home screen image. In response, FAX mode basic screen image  7300  (see  FIG. 6 ) appears as the initial screen image, on display panel  132  (step S 2000 ). It is assumed that at this time, various functions and parameter settings in the FAX mode are in the default (standard) state. 
     The user confirms FAX mode basic screen image  7300 , and if setting change is to be made, he/she touches various setting keys  2302  to  2314  displayed in area  2000 , to change the settings of various functions and parameters in the FAX mode. Here, if the user touches clear all key  5304  (YES at step S 2004 ), all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed are cancelled, and the settings can be returned to the default state (step S 2005 ). 
     Assume that the user wishes to confirm the preview image of the FAX document image before starting the FAX transmission process. Then, he/she touches scan-in key  5302  after placing the document manually on the platen. In response (YES at step S 2001 ), the scan-in process in the FAX mode is executed in the following manner. 
     In the scan-in process, first, document reading unit  102  starts reading of the document placed on the platen (step S 2006 ). Referring to  FIG. 14 , when reading of the FAX document starts, in preview area  3000  of FAX mode basic screen image  7300 , display of the group of virtual ten keys  3302  ends (step S 2007 ). Further, various setting keys  2302  to  2314  in area  2000  are hidden on the left side of the screen image and, in place of various setting keys  2302  to  2314 , a tab key  2318  is displayed. 
     The scan data read by document reading unit  102  is input to CPU  300 . CPU  300  performs various image processing operations on the input scan data, and thereafter displays preview image  3306  based on the scan data on preview area  3000  of FAX mode basic screen image  7300 , in place of window  3304  (step S 2008 ). Here, the scan data is temporarily stored in a storage device (for example, RAM (Random Access Memory)  308  shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     After the end of scan-in process, the user confirms preview image  3306 , and if setting condition is to be changed, he/she makes a gesture operation of moving tab key  2318  from the left to the right side of the screen image, so that various setting keys  2302  to  2314  are displayed on area  2000  (see  FIG. 15 ). Settings of various functions and parameters in the FAX mode are changed by touch operations on various setting keys  2302  to  2314 . Here, if the user touches clear all key  5304  (YES at step S 2105 ), all functions and parameters of which settings have been changed are cancelled, and the settings can be returned to the default state (step S 2106 ). 
     If the setting conditions have been changed by the user, it is determined by CPU  300  that there is a function or parameter of which setting has been changed (YES at step S 2009 ), and preview image  3306  is changed reflecting the contents of the changed setting or settings (step S 2100 ). At this time, preview image  3306  is displayed on the front-most side of preview area  3000 . 
     In order to input a desired FAX number, the user touches number display area  1304  displayed on system area  1000 . When number display area  1304  is touched (YES at step S 2101 ), the group of virtual ten keys  3302  is displayed partially superposed in front of preview image  3306 , on preview area  3000  (step S 2102 ). Here, the group of virtual ten keys  3302  is displayed not fully hiding preview image  3306 , so that at least a part of preview image  3306  is viewable (see  FIG. 16 ). 
     The user inputs the desired numerical value (in the present embodiment, 123456789) by touching the displayed group of virtual ten keys  3302 . In number display area  1304 , the input numerical value is displayed. After the input of numerical value by the user, if a predetermined, prescribed time (in the present embodiment, 3 seconds) passes without any operation by the user, the input numerical value is set as the FAX number of transmission destination. 
     After setting the FAX number of transmission destination, the user touches preview image  3306  displayed on preview area  3000 . When preview image  3306  is touched (YES at step S 2103 ), the display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  on preview area  3000  ends (step S 2104 ). Consequently, preview image  3306  as a whole is displayed. Further, the user moves various setting keys displayed on area  2000  by a gesture operation from the right to the left side of the screen image, so that various setting keys  2302  to  2314  are hidden on the left side of the screen image, so that tab key  2318  is again displayed (see  FIG. 17 ). 
     The user confirms the FAX number of transmission destination displayed on number display area  1304  and preview image  3306 , and thereby confirms the manner of output. If all are considered acceptable, the user touches start key  5306 . In response (YES at step S 2107 ), the FAX communication process based on the scan data read by the scan-in process is executed (step S 2108 ). 
     It may be the case that the user wishes to execute the FAX transmission process directly, omitting confirmation of the preview image of FAX document image. In such a case, the user directly touches start key  5306  without touching scan-in key  5302 . When start key  5306  is touched (YES at step S 2002 ), the normal FAX transmission process is executed (step S 2003 ). 
     After the end of FAX transmission process, FAX mode basic screen image  7300  (see  FIG. 6 ), which is the initial screen image, is displayed on display panel  132 . It is assumed that regarding the settings of various functions and parameters in the FAX mode at this time, the conditions set for the previous FAX transmission process are maintained. 
     &lt;Function/Effect&gt; 
     According to the embodiment described above, operation unit  120  with touch-panel display  130  is provided on image forming apparatus  100  including: document reading unit  102  for inputting image data; and image forming unit  104  and FAX communication unit  160  for outputting the input image data. Touch-panel display  130  includes display panel  132  for displaying screen image  7100  or  7300  including virtual keys, and touch-panel  134  for receiving an operation on the virtual keys. On screen image  7100  or  7300 , a group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  allowing input of the number of copies or the FAX number is displayed, as virtual keys. When the image data is input from document reading unit  102 , touch-panel display displays preview image  3106  or  3306  based on the image data on basic screen image  7100  or  7300  with higher priority than the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 . 
     In the input standby state waiting for the input of image data, the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  is displayed on basic screen image  7100  or  7300 . Therefore, in the image data input standby state, the user can make an ordinary input operation on the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  without requesting display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 . Therefore, no operation is necessary for displaying the group of virtual ten keys. As a result, an operation console with superior user operability can be provided. 
     When the image data is input, it is highly likely that the user wishes to confirm the contents of preview image  3106  or  3306 . Therefore, preview image  3106  or  3306  is displayed with higher priority than the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 . No operation is necessary to delete the group of virtual ten keys. Thus, an operation console having superior user operability and visibility can be provided. 
     Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when image data is input from document reading unit  102 , touch-panel display  130  displays, in place of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 , ten-key icon  3108  or number display area  1304  for requesting display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  on screen image  7100  or  7300  with higher priority than preview image  3106  or  3306 . When the image data is input, display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  ends. Therefore, the user can more easily confirm the contents of preview image  3106  or  3306 . If the user wishes to input the number of copies or the FAX number, the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  can be displayed with higher priority than preview image  3106  or  3306 , by an input operation to ten-key icon  3108  or number display area  1304 . Therefore, user operability is improved. 
     Further, according to the above-described embodiment, basic screen image  7100  includes area  2116  for displaying the number of copies, and ten-key icon  3108  is displayed close to area  2116 . Therefore, the function of ten-fkey icon  3108  can more easily be understood, and when the user wishes to input the number of copies, he/she can easily find the position of ten-key icon  3108 . Accordingly, input operation using ten-key icon  3108  is facilitated, and user operability can further be improved. 
     Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when a touch operation of ten-key icon  3108  or number display area  1304  is received, in response, touch-panel display  130  displays the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  superposed on the front side of preview image  3106  or  3306  on screen image  7100  or  7300 , with at least a part of preview image  3106  or  3306  kept viewable. It is possible for the user to confirm a part of the contents of preview image  3106  or  3306  and, therefore, he/she can set conditions such as the number of copies or the input of FAX number while he/she is surely aware on which image the conditions are to be set. Thus, the user can make various settings related to the image with ease and without confusion. 
     Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when an input operation to preview image  3106  or  3306  is received, touch-panel display  130  displays ten-key icon  3108  or number display area  1304  on screen image  7100  or  7300  in response to the input operation, in place of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 . A part of preview image  3106  or  3306  is kept displayed. Therefore, if the user wishes to confirm the contents of preview image  3106  or  3306 , he/she may make an input operation on the preview image to end the display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 . As a result, it is possible for the user to easily confirm the contents of preview image  3106  or  3306 . Further, if the user wishes to input the number of copies or the FAX number, the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  can be displayed with higher priority than preview image  3106  or  3306 , by an input operation to ten-key icon  3108  or number display area  1304 . Therefore, user operability is improved. 
     Further, according to the above-described embodiment, on basic screen image  7100  or  7300 , monochrome start key  5106  and color start key  5108 , or start key  5306  for requesting start of the copy process or the FAX transmission process by image forming unit  104  or FAX communication unit  160  is always displayed, as a virtual key. Regardless of the state of display of touch-panel display  130 , it is possible for the user to immediately execute the process by image forming unit  104  or by FAX communication unit  160  by an input operation to monochrome start key  5106 , color start key  5108  or start key  5306 . Thus, user convenience can further be improved. 
     Further, according to the above-described embodiment, in response to the input operation to monochrome start key  5106 , color start key  5108  or start key  5306 , touch-panel display  130  returns the state of display on touch-panel display  130  to the state before the input of image data from document reading unit  102 . At the end of copy process or FAX transmission process by image forming unit  104  or FAX communication unit  160 , basic screen image  7100  or  7300  is displayed, and the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  is displayed. In the image data input standby state, it is possible for the user to make an ordinary input operation on the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 , without requesting the display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 . Therefore, user operability can further be improved. 
     Further, according to the above-described embodiment, image forming apparatus  100  includes operation unit  120  having superior operability and visibility. Therefore, erroneous printing or erroneous transmission by image forming unit  104  or FAX communication unit  160  resulting from an erroneous operation by the user can be reduced. Thus, image forming apparatus  100  with high user convenience can be provided. 
     &lt;Modifications&gt; 
     In the embodiment above, when the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  is displayed, preview image  3106  or  3306  is hidden by non-transparent background area  3103  or  3303 . The present invention, however, is not limited to such an embodiment. By way of example, background area  3103  may be provided as a transparent, see-through image, so that preview image  3106  is not hidden by background area  3103 , as is shown in  FIG. 18 . Even when the group of virtual ten keys  3102  is displayed in front of preview image  3106 , the user can easily confirm the contents of preview image  3106 . As a result, it is possible for the user to set conditions such as the input of the number of copies, easily grasping on which image the output is set. Thus, the user can make settings related to the image with ease and without confusion. As to the transparency of background area  3103 , any portion not having any influence to the touch operation may be made transparent other than background area  3103  ( 3303 ). By way of example, the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  may be made transparent, as long as the numerals and signs are visible. 
     In the embodiment above, at the end of copy process or FAX transmission process, basic screen image  7100  (see  FIG. 5 ) or basic screen image  7300  (see  FIG. 6 ) as the initial screen image is displayed. The present invention, however, is not limited to such an embodiment. By way of example, basic screen image  7100  (see  FIG. 12 ) or basic screen image  7300  (see  FIG. 16 ) having preview image  3106  or  3306  displayed on the background side of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  may be displayed. In that case, regarding the settings of various functions and parameters in the copy mode or the FAX mode, it is assumed that the conditions set at the last copy process or FAX transmission process are maintained. Further, it is assumed that, as preview image  3106  or  3306 , an image based on the scan data read by the scan-in process at the time of last copy process or last FAX transmission process is displayed. Therefore, when the user is to perform additional copy process or FAX transmission process, it is possible to smoothly give an instruction related to the process. Further, basic screen image  7100  (see  FIG. 12 ) and basic screen image  7300  (see  FIG. 16 ) are in such a state that allows only partial confirmation of preview images  3106  and  3306 . Therefore, even when a different user executes a process next, possibility of leakage of confidential information is low. 
     In the embodiment above, after the scan-in process, when preview image  3106  or  3306  is touched, the display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  ends (steps S 1103  and S 1104  or steps S 2103  and S 2104 ). The present invention, however, is not limited to such an embodiment. 
     By way of example, it may be possible to automatically end the display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  if a predetermined, prescribed time period (for example, 3 seconds) passes without a touch operation or any other operation on the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 . Here, in the copy mode, ten-key icon  3108  is automatically displayed. In the FAX mode, number display area  1304  is displayed. If the user does not wish to input the number of copies or the FAX number, the display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  automatically ends and, therefore, it becomes easier for the user to confirm the contents of preview image  3106  or  3306 . As a result, user convenience can be improved. 
     Alternatively, when a portion other than the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302  on basic screen image  7100  or  7300  is touched, display of the group of ten keys  3102  or  3302  may end. The display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  may end when “close” key  3101  on background area  3103  is touched. In that case, if a numerical value is input by a touch operation of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 , it is preferable to have the input numerical value reflected on the number of copies (or the FAX number) in synchronization with the end of display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 . 
     In the embodiment above, as a request key requesting display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102 , ten-key icon  3108  is used on screen image  7100 . The present invention, however, is not limited to such an embodiment. By way of example, as shown in  FIG. 19 , as the request key, a setting key displayed on area  2000  of screen image  7100  may be used. Referring to  FIG. 19 , in area  2000 , at a position where area  2116  was provided in the embodiment above, a setting key  2118  for requesting display of the group of virtual ten keys  3102  is provided. On setting key  2118 , a character string of “copy number” and a numerical value indicating the number of copies are displayed. If the user touches setting key  2118 , the group of virtual ten keys  3102  is displayed on preview area  3000 . Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the function of setting key  2118 , it is preferred to display ten-key icon  3108  (that does not function as the request key) in the vicinity of key  2118 . 
     If setting key  2118  functions as the request key as shown in  FIG. 19 , it is preferred that screen image  7100  shown in  FIG. 20  is used as the initial screen image. Referring to  FIG. 20 , on screen image  7100  displayed as the initial screen image, at an upper portion of background area  3103  displayed on preview area  3000 , the character string of “copy number” and the numerical value indicating the number of copies are displayed. Here, on background area  3103 , “close” key  3101  is not displayed. Further, on area  2000 , a key  2119  for setting the page collection function is displayed together with various setting keys  2102  to  2114 . 
     When the scan-in process is executed with the initial screen image shown in  FIG. 20  being displayed, preview image  3106  is displayed and setting key  2118  is displayed in place of the group of virtual ten keys  3102 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . Here, since setting key  2118  is inserted above various setting keys  2102  to  2114 , setting key  2119  shown at the lowermost portion of various setting keys  2102  to  2114  will be moved downward and hidden. 
     It is preferred that screen image  7100  shown in  FIG. 21  is displayed when setting key  2118  shown in  FIG. 19  is touched. Referring to  FIG. 21 , when setting key  2118  is touched, the group of virtual ten keys  3102  is displayed superposed on the front side of preview image  3106 , and the character string “copy number” is displayed on setting key  2118 . The numerical value indicating the number of copies is displayed at an upper portion of background area  3103 . Here, setting key  2118  does not function as the request key. 
     Though the initial setting of numerical value indicating the number of copies is “0” in the embodiment above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and it may be “1”. Here, the numerical value indicating the number of copies is always 1 or larger. Therefore, even if the numeric key “0” should be pressed on the group of virtual ten keys  3102  or  3302 , the numerical value indicating the number of copies remains “1”. 
     The embodiments as have been described here are mere examples and should not be interpreted as restrictive. The scope of the present invention is determined by each of the claims with appropriate consideration of the written description of the embodiments and embraces modifications within the meaning of, and equivalent to, the languages in the claims.