JP5526089B2 - Input device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device capable of displaying a button image on a touch panel including a display unit and a detection unit, and an image forming apparatus including the input device.

  Some input devices include a touch panel including a display unit that can display an image and a detection unit that detects an operation on the display unit. Some of such input devices can appropriately set the arrangement position of buttons displayed on the touch panel (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-219501 A

  However, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the shape of the button cannot be changed, it is not possible to give a feature to each button. If the buttons have no characteristics, all of the buttons displayed on the touch panel have the same shape, which makes it difficult for the user to understand (difficult to distinguish) the buttons.

An object of the present invention is to provide an input device in which the shape of a button can be changed in order to give the button a characteristic.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including the input device.

  The present invention includes a display unit, a detection unit that detects an operation on the display unit, a storage unit that stores shape image data corresponding to each of a plurality of shapes, and the shape image data stored in the storage unit. A selection unit that selects any one of a plurality of shapes based on each of the images, and a generation unit that sets the size of the shape of the image selected by the selection unit and generates the first button image A storage control unit that stores in the storage unit first button image data corresponding to the first button image generated by the generation unit, and the first stored in the storage unit by the storage control unit And a display control unit that displays a first button image based on the button image data on the display unit.

  In addition, when the first button image is generated, the generation unit further generates a second button image related to a case where the first button image is operated, and the storage control unit generates the first button image. Button image data and second button image data corresponding to a second button image are stored in the storage unit, and the display control unit reads the first button image data from the storage unit and stores the first button image data. The first button image based on one button image data is displayed on the display unit, and when the operation of the display unit to the area corresponding to the first button image is detected by the detection unit, the storage It is preferable that the second button image data is read from the unit and a second button image based on the second button image data is displayed on the display unit instead of the first button image.

  In addition, the input device creates an image relating to a shape corresponding to the graphic based on the reading unit that reads the graphic image drawn on the sheet and the graphic image read by the reading unit, and corresponds to the image It is preferable to further include a button image creation unit that stores image data as the shape image data in the storage unit.

  The input device further includes a login processing unit that performs login processing based on authenticating identification information input from the outside, and the storage control unit corresponds to the identification information authenticated by the login processing unit. The first button image data is stored in the storage unit, and the display control unit corresponds to the identification information authenticated by the login processing unit when the login processing is performed by the login processing unit. Preferably, the first button image data is read from the storage unit, and a first button image based on the first button image data is displayed on the display unit.

  The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus including the input device described above.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an input device in which the shape of the button can be changed to give the button a characteristic, and an image forming apparatus including the input device.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a copier according to an embodiment of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a copier. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an operation part. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st screen displayed on a touch panel. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd screen displayed on a touch panel. It is a figure for demonstrating the 3rd screen displayed on a touch panel. It is the 1st figure for explaining the 2nd button picture. It is a 2nd figure for demonstrating a 2nd button image. It is a figure for demonstrating the 4th screen displayed on a touch panel. It is a 1st figure for demonstrating the arrangement position of a 1st button image. It is a 2nd figure for demonstrating the arrangement position of a 1st button image. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of an input device (copy machine).

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an input device and an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The input device can be mounted on various devices. Hereinafter, an example in which the input device is mounted on the image forming apparatus will be described. First, a copier 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overall configuration of a copier 1 according to an embodiment of an image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the copier 1 includes a document transport unit 10, a document reading unit 20, a paper transport unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a transfer unit 50, and a fixing unit 60.
The document transport unit 10 is an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), and includes a document placement unit 11, a first feed roller 12, a guide 13, a timing roller pair 14, and a document discharge unit 15. The first feed roller 12 supplies the document G placed on the document placement unit 11 to the timing roller pair 14 one by one in order. The timing roller pair 14 is a timing at which the document reading unit 20 reads an image of the document G and a timing at which the document G is supplied to a position where the image of the document G is read by the document reading unit 20 (a position where the guide 13 is disposed). In order to match, the conveyance of the original G or the conveyance stop of the original G is performed. The guide 13 guides the conveyed document G to a first reading surface 21a described later. The document discharge unit 15 discharges the document G whose image has been read by the document reading unit 20 (passed through the guide 13) to the outside of the copier body 2.
A document stacking unit 16 is formed outside the copying machine main body 2 in the document discharge unit 15. In the document stacking unit 16, the documents G discharged from the document discharge unit 15 are stacked and stacked.

  The document reading unit 20 includes a first reading surface 21a and a second reading surface 22a. The first reading surface 21 a is formed along the upper surface of the first contact glass 21 disposed to face the guide 13 and serves as a surface for reading an image of the document G. The second reading surface 22a is disposed adjacent to the first reading surface 21a (in the case shown in FIG. 1, over the most right side of the first reading surface 21a). The second reading surface 22 a is used when reading an image of the document G without using the document transport unit 10. The second reading surface 22a is formed along the upper surface of the second contact glass 22 on which the document G is placed, and serves as a surface for reading an image of the document G.

  The document reading unit 20 includes an illumination unit 23, a first mirror 24, a second mirror 25, a third mirror 26, an imaging lens 27, and an imaging unit 28 inside the copier body 2. . The illumination unit 23 and the first mirror 24 move in the sub-scanning direction X, respectively. The second mirror 25 and the third mirror 26 are disposed on the left side of the illumination unit 23 and the first mirror 24 in FIG. Further, the second mirror 25 and the third mirror 26 are the first reading surface 21 a or the second reading surface 22 a through the first mirror 24, the second mirror 25, the third mirror 26, and the imaging lens 27. To the imaging unit 28 while moving in the sub-scanning direction X while keeping the distance (optical path length) constant.

  The illumination unit 23 is a light source that irradiates the original G with light. The first mirror 24, the second mirror 25, and the third mirror 26 are mirrors for guiding the light reflected by the document G to the imaging lens 27 while keeping the optical path length constant. The imaging lens 27 focuses the light incident from the third mirror 26 on the imaging unit 28. The imaging unit 28 is an imaging device for obtaining image data based on an imaged optical image by converting incident light into an electrical signal. For example, the imaging unit 28 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary). It is an image sensor such as Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

The paper transport unit 30 includes a second feed roller 31, a third feed roller 32, a registration roller pair 33, and a paper discharge unit 34. The second feed roller 31 supplies paper T (image forming medium) stored in the paper feed cassette 36 to the transfer unit 50. The third feed roller 32 supplies the paper T (image forming medium) placed on the manual feed tray 37 to the transfer unit 50. The registration roller pair 33 performs the conveyance of the paper T or the conveyance stop of the paper T in order to match the timing when the toner image reaches the transfer unit 50 and the timing when the paper T is supplied to the transfer unit 50. Further, the registration roller pair 33 performs skew (oblique feeding) correction of the paper T. The paper discharge unit 34 discharges the paper T on which the toner image is fixed to the outside of the copier body 2.
A paper discharge stacking unit 35 is formed outside the copier body 2 in the paper discharge unit 34. In the paper discharge stacking unit 35, the paper T discharged from the paper discharge unit 34 is stacked and stacked.

The image forming unit 40 is for forming a toner image. The image forming unit 40 includes a photosensitive drum 41, a charging unit 42, a laser scanner unit 43, a developing device 44, a cleaning unit 45, a toner cartridge 46, 1 A next transfer roller 47, an intermediate transfer belt 48, and a counter roller 49 are provided.
The photoconductor drum 41 (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d) functions as a photoconductor or an image carrier in order to form toner images of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. Around each photosensitive drum 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 41, a charging unit 42, a laser scanner unit 43, a developing device 44, A cleaning unit 45 is disposed. The charging unit 42 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. The laser scanner unit 43 is arranged apart from the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 based on image data relating to the original G read by the original reading unit 20. As a result, the exposed portion of the charge is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 44 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41. The cleaning unit 45 removes toner and the like remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 after the surface of the photosensitive drum 41 is neutralized by a static eliminator (not shown).
The toner cartridge 46 stores toner of each color supplied to the developing device 44. The toner cartridge 46 and the developing device 44 are connected by a toner supply path (not shown).

  The primary transfer rollers 47 (47a, 47b, 47c, 47d) are arranged on the opposite sides of the intermediate transfer belt 48 from the photosensitive drums 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, respectively. The intermediate transfer belt 48 is a belt that passes through the image forming unit 40 and the transfer unit 50. A part of the intermediate transfer belt 48 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drums 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d and the primary transfer rollers 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, and the photosensitive drums 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d. The toner image formed on the surface is primarily transferred. The opposing roller 49 is a driving roller that is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 48 having an annular shape, and advances the intermediate transfer belt 48 in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG.

  The transfer unit 50 includes a secondary transfer roller 51. The secondary transfer roller 51 is disposed on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt 48 from the opposing roller 49, and a part of the intermediate transfer belt 48 is sandwiched between the opposing roller 49. Further, the secondary transfer roller 51 secondarily transfers the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 48 onto the paper T.

  The fixing unit 60 includes a heating rotator 61 and a pressure rotator 62. The heating rotator 61 and the pressure rotator 62 sandwich the paper T on which the toner image is secondarily transferred, melt and pressurize the toner, and fix the toner to the paper T.

Next, the functional configuration of the copy machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the copy machine 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation unit 70.
As shown in FIG. 2, the copier 1 includes the above-described components (a document transport unit 10, a document reading unit 20, a sheet transport unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a transfer unit 50, and a fixing unit 60). The engine unit 3 is configured by the paper transport unit 30, the image forming unit 40, the transfer unit 50, and the fixing unit 60. Note that the description of the components described with reference to FIG. 1 is omitted.
Further, the copier 1 includes an operation unit 70, a storage unit 80, and a control unit 90 in addition to the functional configuration described above. Note that an embodiment of the input device of the present invention includes a document reading unit 20, an operation unit 70, a storage unit 80, and a control unit 90.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 70 includes a numeric key 71, a touch panel 72, a start key 73, and the like. The numeric keypad 71 is operated to input numbers such as the number of copies to be printed.
The touch panel 72 displays a plurality of keys (button images) to which various functions (for example, a print magnification setting function and a function for allocating a plurality of pages to one sheet of paper T (such as 2 in 1)) are assigned. . The keys displayed on the touch panel 72 are operated to cause the copier 1 to execute any one of various functions. More specifically, the touch panel 72 includes a display unit 72a (see FIG. 2) and a detection unit 72b (see FIG. 2) that detects an operation on the display unit 72a. The detection unit 72b is a touch sensor.
The start key 73 is operated to execute printing. When any key is operated, the operation unit 70 supplies a signal indicating that this key has been operated to the control unit 90.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 80 includes a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The storage unit 80 stores image data based on the document G read by the document reading unit 20. Further, the storage unit 80 stores a control program used in the copier 1, data used by the control program, and the like. In addition, the storage unit 80 stores shape image data corresponding to each of images related to a plurality of shapes. The shape of the image is, for example, a circle, a star shape, an arrow shape, or the like.

The control unit 90 controls the document conveying unit 10, the document reading unit 20, the engine unit 3, the operation unit 70, and the like.
The control unit 90 includes a selection unit 91, a generation unit 92, a storage control unit 93, a display control unit 94, a button image creation unit 95, a login processing unit 96, and an arrangement control unit 97.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the first screen displayed on the touch panel 72. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the second screen displayed on the touch panel 72. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a third screen displayed on the touch panel 72.
The display control unit 94 (see FIG. 2) displays an image on the touch panel. Details of the display control unit 94 will be described later.

  First, the display control unit 94 displays an initial screen on the touch panel 72. For example, a button that is frequently used when an image is printed on the paper T is displayed on the initial screen. As a more specific example, a “color setting” button, a “double-side setting” button, and an “image quality setting” button are displayed on the initial screen. A function for adjusting the color of the image printed on the paper T is assigned to the “color setting” button. A function for forming images on both sides of the paper T is assigned to the “double-side setting” button. A function for adjusting the image quality of an image printed on the paper T is assigned to the “image quality setting” button.

  Then, when a predetermined operation is performed on the button displayed on the touch panel 72, the display control unit 94 changes the arrangement position of the button or displays a pop-up for changing the shape of the button. I do. The predetermined operation is an operation of touching the button a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time (double click operation as an example), or an operation of continuing to touch the button for a predetermined time (long press operation). . As an example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the “image quality setting” button displayed on the initial screen, the display control unit 94 changes the button arrangement position as shown in FIG. A pop-up display including a “button arrangement setting” button and a “button image setting” button for changing the shape of the button image is performed. It should be noted that the button arrangement position and the button shape can be changed not only for buttons displayed on the initial screen but also for buttons displayed on other screens. In this way, the display control unit 94 can change the screen displayed on the touch panel 72 to a screen for changing the buttons by performing a predetermined operation on the buttons displayed on the touch panel 72.

  When the “set button image” button is selected, the display control unit 94 changes the popup from the display illustrated in FIG. 4 to the display illustrated in FIG. 5. The pop-up display illustrated in FIG. 5 is a screen for selecting any one shape from among a plurality of button image shapes. Then, the selection unit 91 selects any one image among images related to a plurality of shapes based on the shape image data stored in the storage unit 80. That is, when the user selects any one of a plurality of shapes based on operating the touch panel 72, the selection unit 91 selects an image corresponding to the shape selected by the user. Here, for example, it is assumed that a star shape is selected by the selection unit 91.

  The generation unit 92 sets the shape size of the image selected by the selection unit 91 and generates a first button image. As a specific example, when a star-shaped shape is selected by the selection unit 91 and then the “edit” button displayed in FIG. 5 is operated, the display control unit 94 displays a pop-up as a selected star. Change the display to edit the shape of the mold. The pop-up display for editing the star shape is, for example, a screen for adjusting the size of the shape as shown in FIG. Here, the size of the shape can be set by the generation unit 92 based on a user's adjustment operation, or can be automatically set by the generation unit 92.

When setting the size of the shape based on the user's adjustment operation, the generation unit 92 changes the shape (for example, a star shape) step by step when the enlargement button “+” displayed on the touch panel 72 is operated by the user. When the reduction button “−” displayed on the touch panel 72 is operated by the user, the shape (for example, star shape) is gradually reduced.
On the other hand, when automatically adjusting the size of the button image, the generation unit 92 sets the size of the text to be arranged in the button image when a shape to be set (for example, a star shape) is used as the button image. The shape is enlarged or reduced to match. Here, the text arranged in the shape (button image) is set in advance. As a specific example, when an image quality setting function is assigned to a shape (button image) to be set, the text arranged in the shape is “image quality setting”. Therefore, the generation unit 92 can determine the size (area) occupied by the text based on the font size of the “image quality setting” and the like, and can place the text of the determined size inside the shape. The size of the shape is set so that

  The storage control unit 93 stores the first button image data corresponding to the first button image generated by the generation unit 92 in the storage unit 80. In this case, the storage control unit 93 can store the first button image data corresponding to the first button image including the text in the storage unit 80. For example, in the case where “image quality setting” is arranged as text inside the first button image, the storage control unit 93 corresponds to the first button image in which the text “image quality setting” is arranged inside the button shape. The first button image data to be stored is stored in the storage unit 80.

  In addition, the storage control unit 93 associates the first button image data with the function assigned to the first button image based on the first button image data, and stores the first button image data in the storage unit. Store in 80. For example, when the image quality setting function is assigned to the first button image, the storage control unit 93 associates the first image data corresponding to the first button image with the image quality setting function, and the first button image. 1 button image data is stored in the storage unit 80.

  The display control unit 94 causes the touch panel 72 to display a first button image based on the first button image data stored in the storage unit 80 by the storage control unit 93. As a specific example, the display control unit 94 displays a first button image in which “image quality setting” is arranged as text on the touch panel 72 (see FIG. 10A as an example). When the first button image is operated, the control unit 90 stores the first button image (first button image data) in the storage unit 80 by the storage control unit 93 in association with the first button image. Activate the image quality setting function.

  FIG. 7 is a first diagram for explaining the second button image. FIG. 8 is a second diagram for explaining the second button image.

  When the first button image is generated, the generation unit 92 can further generate a second button image related to the case where the first button image is operated. The second button image is, for example, an image when the first button image displayed on the touch panel 72 is pressed (touched), or an image when the operation on the first button image displayed on the touch panel 72 is invalid. The image when the first button image displayed on the touch panel 72 is selected, the image when the first button image displayed on the touch panel 72 is selected and pressed, and the image displayed on the touch panel 72 This is an image when the first button image is selected / invalid.

  Here, the first button image is a normal image (when the button is not pressed or selected), and as shown in an example in FIG. Is formed. This shadow can be formed as follows, for example. That is, first, when an image is selected by the selection unit 91, the generation unit 92 duplicates (copies) a shape corresponding to the selected image. Next, the generation unit 92 fills the duplicated shape (one rectangular part) with black and arranges one rectangular part below the shape (the other rectangular part) that is the basis of the duplication. That is, the generation unit 92 raises the priority of the other rectangular part over the one rectangular part. Next, the generation unit 92 moves the position of one rectangular part by a predetermined distance in the lower right direction. Such a method for producing the first button image can also be applied to producing a second button image described below. Note that the color of the first button image is, for example, gray.

  Further, the image when the first button image is pressed becomes the second button image as shown in FIG. 7B. That is, in the second button image shown in FIG. 7B, shadows are formed on the left side and the upper side of the rectangular portion 202.

  In addition, an image when the operation on the first button image is invalid, a second button image as shown in FIG. 7C is an example. That is, in the second button image shown in FIG. 7C, the shape is the same as that of the first button image shown in FIG. 7A, and the color is different from that in the first button image shown in FIG. Also, the transmission is increased by a predetermined ratio (for example, 30%). That is, the color of the second button image shown in FIG. 7C is lighter than that of the first button image.

  Further, the image when the first button image is selected is the second button image as shown in FIG. 8A. That is, the second button image shown in FIG. 8A has the same shape as the first button image shown in FIG. 7A, and the color is the same as that of the first button image shown in FIG. Are in different colors. For example, in the second button image shown in FIG. 8A, the color is blue.

  Further, the image when the first button image is selected / pressed is the second button image as shown in FIG. 8B. That is, the second button image shown in FIG. 8B has the same shape as the second button image shown in FIG. 7B, and the color is the same as that of the second button image shown in FIG. Are in different colors. For example, in the second button image shown in FIG. 8B, the color is blue.

  Further, the image when the first button image is selected / invalid is the second button image as shown in FIG. 8C. That is, the second button image shown in FIG. 8C has the same shape as the second button image shown in FIG. 7C, and the color is the same as that of the second button image shown in FIG. Are in different colors. For example, in the second button image shown in FIG. 8C, the color is light blue.

  When such a second button image is generated by the generation unit 92, the storage control unit 93 stores the first button image data and the second button image data corresponding to the second button image. Store in 80.

  The display control unit 94 reads the first button image data from the storage unit 80 and causes the touch panel 72 to display the first button image based on the first button image data. Further, the display control unit 94 receives the second button image data from the storage unit 80 when the detection unit 72b detects an operation on the touch panel 72 (display unit 72a) to the area corresponding to the first button image. The second button image based on the second button image data is read and displayed on the touch panel 72 instead of the first button image.

  That is, first, the display control unit 94 reads the first button image data from the storage unit 80, and displays the first button image (normal button image) based on the first button image data on the touch panel 72. Let When the user touches the touch panel 72 to operate (select) the first button image, the display control unit 94 corresponds to the operation (selection) of the plurality of second button image data. Data is read from the storage unit 80. For example, when the area of the touch panel 72 corresponding to the first button image is touched by the user, the display control unit 94 corresponds to the second button image corresponding to the second button image as shown in FIG. 7B. The second button image data is read from the storage unit 80, and the second button image is displayed on the touch panel 72 instead of the first button image.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a fourth screen displayed on the touch panel 72.
The button image creation unit 95 (see FIG. 2) creates an image related to the shape corresponding to the graphic based on the graphic image read by the document reading unit 20 as the reading unit, and image data corresponding to the image. Are stored in the storage unit 80 as shape image data. In this case, the document reading unit 20 reads a graphic image drawn on the document G (sheet).

  That is, when the “Create” button is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 5, the display control unit 94 causes the touch panel 72 to display the button image creation screen shown in FIG. 9. The preparation screen includes a “read” button for reading a figure by the document reading unit 20, a “copy” button for copying the figure, a “paste” button for pasting the copied figure, and a button image of the figure. Are arranged, and a “cancel” button for canceling the operation is arranged. Further, the production screen includes a plurality of buttons (“black” button, “white” button, “red” button, “yellow” button, and “blue” button) for setting the color of the figure, and a display area 721. Buttons (“Zoom Up” button and “Zoom Down” button) for enlarging or reducing the image (shape) displayed on the screen are arranged.

  When the “read” button is operated and the image of the figure drawn on the original G is read by the original reading unit 20, the button image preparation unit 95 is based on the read figure. Create a button image. As a specific example, when the graphic drawn on the original G is read by the original reading unit 20, the button image preparation unit 95 extracts the characteristic points by analyzing the graphic, and the feature points Are connected by lines or curves. As a result, the button image creation unit 95 obtains image data regarding the shape corresponding to the graphic drawn on the document G. Then, the button image creation unit 95 displays an image (shape) based on the obtained image data in a predetermined display area 721. When an image (shape) is displayed in the display area 721, the button image creation unit 95 can enlarge or reduce the size of the image (shape), and the color of the image (shape). Can also be changed. When “OK” is selected on the button image creation screen, the button image creation unit 95 stores image data corresponding to the image displayed in the display area 721 in the storage unit 80 as shape image data. In this way, the button image creation unit 95 can increase the number of shape image data selected by the selection unit 91.

  The button image creating unit 95 not only creates an image related to the shape based on the graphic read by the document reading unit 20, but also based on the graphic of the image data stored in a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or the like. It is also possible to produce an image of the shape.

  The login processing unit 96 (see FIG. 2) performs login processing based on authenticating identification information input from the outside. The identification information is stored in, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, and is input to the copier 1 when the IC card is brought close to a card reader (not shown) installed in the copier 1. . The login processing unit 96 performs authentication based on comparing the identification information input from the outside with the identification information stored in advance. The login processing unit 96 executes login processing when the identification information input from the outside matches the identification information stored in advance.

  The storage control unit 93 stores the first button image data in the storage unit 80 in association with the identification information authenticated by the login processing unit 96. That is, the storage control unit 93 stores the first button image data in the storage unit 80 in association with the user who has generated the first button image.

  When the login processing unit 96 performs the login process, the display control unit 94 reads the first button image data corresponding to the identification information authenticated by the login processing unit 96 from the storage unit 80, A first button image based on one button image data is displayed on the touch panel 72. That is, the display control unit 94 reads the first image data corresponding to the user for which the login processing has been performed by the login processing unit 96 from the storage unit 80, and displays the first button image based on the first image data. This is displayed on the part 72a.

  FIG. 10 is a first diagram for explaining the arrangement position of the first button image. FIG. 11 is a second diagram for explaining the arrangement position of the first button image.

The arrangement control unit 97 (see FIG. 2) changes the arrangement position of the first button image displayed on the touch panel 72.
That is, when “button layout setting” is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 4, the layout control unit 97 can change the layout position of the first button image. Then, the display control unit 94 causes the touch panel 72 to display a first button image that is a target for changing the arrangement position based on a user operation.

  For example, in the case of changing the arrangement position of the star-shaped “image quality setting button” as the first button image, the arrangement control unit 97 performs “ Based on the drag of the “image quality setting button” and the drop at the desired arrangement position, the arrangement position (coordinates) after the change of the image quality setting button is specified. Then, the arrangement control unit 97 compares the changed arrangement position (coordinates) with the arrangement position (coordinates) of the first button image other than the “image quality setting button”, and the arrangement positions of both do not overlap. In this case, the arrangement position of the “image quality setting button” is changed. Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, the display control unit 94 displays the “image quality setting button” on the touch panel 72 at the position where the user dropped the “image quality setting button”.

  Further, as indicated by an arrow C in FIG. 11A, the arrangement control unit 97 changes the arrangement position after changing the image quality setting button when the user drags and drops the “image quality setting button”. Specify (coordinates). Then, the arrangement control unit 97 compares the arrangement position (coordinates) after the change with the arrangement position (coordinates) of the first button image other than the “image quality setting button”, and the two arrangement positions overlap. In this case, the arrangement positions of the “image quality setting button” and the first button image (“paper setting button”) arranged at the position where the “image quality setting button” is dropped are switched. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the display control unit 94 displays the “image quality setting button” at the position where the user dropped the “image quality setting button”, and puts the “image quality setting button” at the position before the change. “Paper setting button” is displayed.

  When the user performs an operation for returning the arrangement position of each first button image on the touch panel 72 to the initial state, for example, the “image quality setting button” or the “paper setting button” is used. Is set to return to the initial position.

  Next, the operation of the input device 100 (copy machine 1) in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the input apparatus 100 (copier 1).

  In step ST <b> 1, the selection unit 91 selects any one of a plurality of shapes based on the shape image data stored in the storage unit 80. That is, when the user selects any one of a plurality of shapes (for example, a circle, a star shape, an arrow shape, etc.) based on the operation of the touch panel 72, the selection unit 91 is selected by the user. An image corresponding to the selected shape is selected.

  In step ST <b> 2, the generation unit 92 sets the size of the shape for the image selected by the selection unit 91. For example, when an image corresponding to a star shape is selected by the selection unit 91, the selection unit 91 enlarges or reduces the star shape. Thereby, the generation unit 92 generates a first button image.

  In step ST3, the storage control unit 93 stores the first button image data corresponding to the first button image in the storage unit 80.

  In step ST4, the display control unit 94 reads the first button image data from the storage unit 80, and causes the touch panel 72 to display the first button image based on the first button image data.

As described above, according to the input device 100 of the present embodiment, the following effects are produced.
That is, the input device 100 according to the present embodiment is selected by the selection unit 91 that selects any one of a plurality of shapes based on the shape image data stored in the storage unit 80 and the selection unit 91. A generating unit 92 that sets the size of the shape of the image and generates a first button image; and storage unit 80 stores first button image data corresponding to the first button image generated by the generating unit 92. And a display control unit 94 that causes the touch panel 72 to display a first button image based on the first button image data stored in the storage unit 80 by the storage control unit 93. As a result, the input device 100 can make the shape of the first button image different from other button images in order to give the buttons displayed on the touch panel 72 a feature.

  In addition, the display control unit 94 of the input device 100 reads the first button image data from the storage unit 80 and causes the touch panel 72 to display the first button image based on the first button image data, and the detection unit 72b. When an operation on the touch panel 72 to the area corresponding to the first button image is detected, the second button image data is read from the storage unit 80 and replaced with the second button image data instead of the first button image. The second button image is displayed on the touch panel 72. As a result, the display control unit 94 displays the second button image corresponding to the characteristic first button image on the touch panel 72 even when the first button image having a characteristic than other button images is operated. Can be made.

  Further, the button image creation unit 95 of the input device 100 creates an image related to the shape corresponding to the graphic based on the graphic image read by the document reading unit 20, and converts the image data corresponding to the image into the shape image data. Is stored in the storage unit 80. Thereby, the button image preparation part 95 can increase the number of shape image data. Therefore, the input device 100 can create a more characteristic first button image according to the user's preference.

  Further, the display control unit 94 of the input device 100 stores the first button image data corresponding to the identification information authenticated by the login processing unit 96 in the storage unit 80 when the login processing unit 96 performs the login process. And the first button image based on the first button image data is displayed on the touch panel 72. Thereby, the display control unit 94 can set the first button image for each user.

In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, It can implement with a various form.
The copier 1 of the present embodiment is a color copier, but is not limited to this form and may be a monochrome copier.
In the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, the toner image is transferred to the paper T via the intermediate transfer belt 48 (indirect transfer method). However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and is formed on the photosensitive drum. The transferred toner image may be directly transferred to the paper T (direct transfer method).
The copier 1 of the present embodiment is configured to print one side of the paper T, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to print both sides of the paper.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the copying machine 1 described above. That is, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be a multi-function machine having a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function.
The image forming medium on which the toner image is fixed by the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the paper T, and may be a film sheet such as an OHP (overhead projector) sheet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Copy machine (image forming apparatus), 20 ... Document reading part (reading part), 70 ... Operation part, 72 ... Touch panel, 72a ... Display part, 72b ... Detection part, 80 ... Storage part, 90 ... Control part, 91 ... Selection unit, 92 ... Generation unit, 93 ... Storage control unit, 94 ... Display control unit, 95 ... Button image creation unit, 96 ... Login processing unit, 100 ... Input device

Claims (4)

A display unit;
A detection unit for detecting an operation on the display unit;
A storage unit for storing shape image data corresponding to each of images related to a plurality of shapes;
A reading unit that reads an image of a graphic drawn on a sheet;
A button image creation unit that creates an image related to the shape corresponding to the graphic based on the graphic image read by the reading unit, and stores the image data corresponding to the image in the storage unit as the shape image data;
A selection unit that selects any one of images related to a plurality of shapes based on each of the shape image data stored in the storage unit;
A generation unit configured to generate a first button image by setting a size of an image selected by the selection unit;
A storage control unit that stores, in the storage unit, first button image data corresponding to the first button image generated by the generation unit;
A display control unit for causing the display unit to display a first button image based on the first button image data stored in the storage unit by the storage control unit ;
The display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen for changing the shape of the button when a predetermined operation is performed on the button displayed on the display unit,
The input unit is an input device that reads an image when a predetermined button is operated on the first screen . The generation unit generates a second button image when the first button image is generated, and further, when the first button image is operated,
The storage control unit stores the first button image data and the second button image data corresponding to the second button image in the storage unit,
The display control unit reads the first button image data from the storage unit, displays a first button image based on the first button image data on the display unit, and causes the detection unit to display a first button image. When an operation on the display unit in the area corresponding to the button image is detected, the second button image data is read from the storage unit and replaced with the first button image to the second button image data. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a second button image based thereon is displayed on the display unit. Based on authenticating identification information input from the outside, further comprising a login processing unit for performing a login process,
The storage control unit stores the first button image data in the storage unit in association with the identification information authenticated by the login processing unit,
When the login processing is performed by the login processing unit, the display control unit reads the first button image data corresponding to the identification information authenticated by the login processing unit from the storage unit, and input device according to the first button image based on 1 button image data to claim 1 or 2 is displayed on the display unit. An image forming apparatus including an input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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