Operation console enabling appropriate selection of operational mode by the user, electronic device and image processing apparatus provided with the operation console, and method of displaying information on the operation console

摘要

In order to enable appropriate selection of one operational mode from a plurality of operational modes by the user, on a home screen image allowing selection of an operational mode of an image forming apparatus, displayed are: an icon for selecting a copy mode related to image formation at the center; an icon for selecting a FAX mode with priority as a frequently selected mode related to image transmission; and icons allowing direct selection of other operational modes related to image transmission. On a condition setting screen image of a mode related to image transmission, a software button or buttons allowing transition to another mode related to image transmission are displayed.

主权项

1. An operation console provided on an apparatus as an object of control operating in a mode selected by a user from a plurality of modes, comprising:
a display device displaying a plurality of information items corresponding to said plurality of modes, aligned with their sizes changed considering either priority of the modes or difference in output from the apparatus as the object of control; a detector arranged superposed on said display device, for detecting a mode selected by the user based on an information item displayed at a position touched by a fingertip of the user; and a display controller controlling said display device; said modes include two or more communication modes; and said display controller includes a circuit displaying an inclusive information item allowing selection of one of the communication modes given priority among the two or more communication modes and allowing selection of another communication mode through said communication mode given priority, and a plurality of information items allowing selection of any of said two or more communication modes.