JP5623379B2 - Input device and processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention particularly relates to an input device capable of selecting and setting a specific processing condition, inputting data, and the like by performing an operation such as pressing a screen component such as a soft key displayed on the screen, and The present invention relates to a processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus including the same.

  In recent years, especially in the business field, an image forming apparatus is not only a copying function but also an apparatus called a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that has functions such as an image reading function (scanner function), facsimile transmission / reception, and a printer. Widely spread. Recent image forming apparatuses typified by such multi-function peripherals can perform various types of image forming processing for each function such as copying and image reading in order to meet various requests from users regarding image forming processing. It ’s coming.

  In the image forming apparatus, it is possible to perform various types of image forming processes according to the purpose as described above, and the convenience for the user is improved. However, even in the case of executing simple processing, for example, the target key is found out from many processing condition selection keys arranged on the screen of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, and the position is accurately determined. There is a tendency that skill is required for the operation, for example, the user has to press the button, and as a result, there are inevitably many operation errors by the user.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 describes a case where a desired operation key and a position where the operation keys around it are also pressed on a display panel in which a large number of keys are displayed by reducing the operation keys. Even if there is a display device, it is easy to confirm which operation key has been recognized and a correct key pressing operation can be performed at the same time. Yes.

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the display panel is provided with a first area and a second area, and a plurality of operation keys are displayed in the first area. When a specific operation key is pressed on the display device and when the pressed position is detected for a predetermined time or longer, the operation key whose position is detected is displayed in the second area of the display panel so that it can be easily seen. Is done. If a different key is displayed when the user intends to press the desired key, slide the finger on the display panel until the correct key is displayed without the user removing the finger from the display panel. After that, when the finger is released, processing corresponding to the detected key is executed.

  As described above, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the user can confirm the operation key specified by the display device while sliding his / her finger on the display panel, and the desired operation key is recognized as in the past. The display device is caused to execute processing corresponding to a desired operation key without repeatedly pressing the display panel until it is done.

JP 2005-78342 A

Although the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 certainly improves the operability of the display device, it is considered that the following problems still exist. That is, when the user operates the display panel, the user normally presses the key within a time that is regarded as an instant without taking a long time to press the key, and then releases the finger from the display panel.
However, in the above invention, when the user presses an unintended key, it is necessary to slide the finger without releasing it from the display panel until the correct key is displayed. Once pressed, you must always be aware that you do not take your finger off the key immediately, even if you press it correctly. Further, in order for the key pressed by the user to be displayed in the second area of the display panel, the pressing operation for a certain time or more is required.

  Further, as described above, the user slides the finger on the display panel, for example, while watching both the first area where the key is actually pressed and another second area where the pressed key is displayed. It is also possible to increase the burden especially for users who do not have sufficient physical ability. Thus, the conventional technology still has room for improvement.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, particularly when a screen component such as a soft key displayed on the screen of the panel is erroneously pressed. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can be easily confirmed and that can easily correct a pressing error even if the finger is once released from the screen, and a processing device including the input device.

  An input device according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems has the following configuration. That is, display means for displaying a plurality of first screen components that can be pressed in the screen arranged so as to be adjacent to each other, and the first screen configuration by the first pressing operation on the screen of the display means It is determined whether or not a plurality of elements are simultaneously pressed, and when it is determined that a plurality of elements are simultaneously pressed, a first means for specifying a plurality of simultaneously pressed first screen components, and the display means Even after the screen is released from the pressing by the first pressing operation, the information of the plurality of specified first screen components is held, and the specifying is performed by the second pressing operation executed after the first pressing operation. When it is determined that any one of the plurality of the first screen components is pressed, the first screen in which the determined first screen component is pressed by the second pressing operation Structure And a second means for determining as an element.

  In the input device according to the aspect of the invention, the display unit may include the plurality of display units when the first unit specifies a plurality of first screen components simultaneously pressed by the first pressing operation. The second screen component is displayed in an area where the first screen component is displayed, and the second means is configured to display the first screen while the second pressing operation depresses the area including the second screen component. When it is performed to slide in any one direction among a plurality of first screen components simultaneously pressed by a pressing operation, the one first screen component displayed in the slide direction is It is determined that the button is pressed by the second pressing operation.

  It is desirable that the second screen component has a pattern that at least partially overlaps a plurality of first screen components that are simultaneously pressed by the first pressing operation. The display means may display a plurality of first screen components that are simultaneously pressed by the first pressing operation specified by the first means in a color different from that of the other first screen components. Useful for

The most representative one of the first screen components is a key for selecting at least a predetermined processing condition. Furthermore, the input device according to the present invention can substantially exhibit its function by being installed in the processing device, and one of the processing devices is processing relating to image formation such as copying, image reading, printing, facsimile transmission / reception. An image forming apparatus that performs the above.

As described above, in the input device according to the present invention, when the user presses a first screen component such as a key displayed on the screen of the display means to select, input, or set a processing condition. In the case where a plurality of first screen components are simultaneously pressed in the first pressing operation (first pressing operation), the screen is released from the pressing by releasing the pressing means such as a finger from the screen of the display means. Even if released, until the second pressing operation (second pressing operation) is performed, the second means of the input device holds the information of the first screen component simultaneously pressed.
As a result, even if the user inadvertently removes his / her finger from the screen after the first pressing operation, the processing device equipped with the input device does not perform any processing corresponding to the pressed first screen component. The user can calm down or press the desired key again for a time that he or she can be satisfied with.

  When the second screen component is displayed in the area of the first screen component that is simultaneously pressed by the display means, the second pressing operation is performed by sliding while pressing the area including the second screen component. Since the two means confirm the pressing of the first screen element in the sliding direction, it can be easily corrected to the pressing of the first screen component desired by the user.

  Further, since the display means displays the plurality of first screen components that are simultaneously pressed in a color different from that of the other first screen components, it is possible to determine which type of input device the input device needs only by gazing at the pressed area on the display means screen. It is possible to easily confirm whether the one-screen component has been pressed, and the mental and physical burden on the user is greatly reduced.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a layout of an operation panel included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional block configuration mainly including an operation panel unit in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a screen display operation on the touch panel executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another screen display operation on the touch panel executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a function list screen related to image forming processing displayed on a touch panel in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a keyboard screen displayed on the touch panel in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a key display image on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a key display image on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment described here is an example which actualized this invention, and the technical scope of this invention is not limited by this.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a typical example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, an overall configuration inside the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 1, details of parts not directly related to the present invention are omitted. Although some image forming apparatuses have various functions, the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is assumed to be a digital multifunction machine 10 having functions such as a printer, a copying machine, a scanner, and a fax machine. It will be called an image forming apparatus 10.

  Since the digital multi-function peripheral as shown in FIG. 1 operates as a copying machine, it has an image reading unit for an original image including documents, photographs, figures and the like. First, when a user prints, for example, a document P using the multifunction machine 10, the document P is placed on the light-transmitting document table 13 or the document table 15 shown in FIG. The copy conditions are input from the operation panel 21 and a printing instruction is issued. The operation panel 21 is installed in front of the document table 13 when viewed from the user side when operating the multifunction machine 10, for example, so as to be slightly inclined toward the user side.

  The operation panel 21 allows the user to input setting conditions for image reading and image formation, that is, printing, instructions regarding processing, etc., and to check the input setting conditions and instructions or messages displayed in response thereto. Used for. The operation panel 21 will be described in more detail later. In order to enable the input of the setting conditions and instructions as described above or the display of a message after the input, etc., the touch panel and hard keys installed in the vicinity thereof are provided. (For example, a numeric keypad, a start key, a clear key, a stop key, a reset key, a power key, etc.).

  When printing is instructed from the operation panel 21, printing is performed by the operation of each unit (mechanical drive unit). As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 includes an image forming unit main body 11 and a platen cover 12 attached above the main body 11. The document table 13 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 11, and the document table 13 is opened and closed by a platen cover 12. The platen cover 12 is provided with an automatic document feeder 14, a placement table 15, and a sheet discharge table 16.

  When a document is placed on the placing table 15 instead of on the document table 13 in order to copy the document, the automatic document feeder 14 pulls the document one by one into the conveyance path and sets the document reading position X. The paper is passed through and discharged to the paper discharge tray 16. When the document passes through the reading position X, the document is read by the image reading unit 17 provided below the document table 13.

  The image reading unit 17 includes a light source 18 having a shape elongated in the main scanning direction that irradiates the document table 13 from below, various mirrors 19 that guide light corresponding to the document image incident from the document table 13, and various mirrors 19. It is mainly configured by an image data generation unit 20 that receives the guided light, converts it into an electrical signal, and performs image processing as required.

  An image forming unit 22 that prints image data is provided below the image reading unit 17 of the multifunction machine main body 11. The image data that can be printed by the image forming unit 22 is not limited to that generated by the image data generating unit 20 as described above. A recent multifunction device 10 is configured as a network through a LAN or the like, and usually includes image data received by the multifunction device 10 from a user terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) included in the network.

  An electrophotographic method is used as a printing method performed by the image forming unit 22. That is, the photosensitive drum 24 is uniformly charged by the charger 25, and then the photosensitive drum 24 is irradiated by the laser 23 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 24, and toner is applied to the latent image by the developing device (rotary developing device) 26. In this method, a visible image is formed by adhering, and the visible image is transferred to a transfer medium by a transfer roller.

  In a multi-function device that supports full-color images, the developing device 26 rotates, and a developing unit that stores toner of the corresponding color is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 24. In this state, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 24 is developed with toner stored in the developing device 26 and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27. In this image forming apparatus, the developing unit 26 includes four developing units (Y), (C), (M) that store toners of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), respectively. ), (K). By repeating the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 27 for each color, a full color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 27.

  The sheet-like transfer medium on which the full color image formed as described above is printed, for example, printing paper, is placed in the paper feed cassettes 29a, 29b, and 29c. When the image forming unit 22 performs printing, one transfer medium is pulled out from any one of the paper feed cassettes using the pickup roller 30 and is sent to the intermediate transfer belt 27 by the transport roller 31 or the like. When the visible image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is transferred to the transfer medium, the image forming unit 22 sends the transfer medium to the fixing unit 28 (fixing device) by the transport belt in order to fix the visible image. The fixing unit 28 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium, so that the visible image is fixed to the transfer medium.

  The completed transfer medium (printed material) after fixing is discharged from the image forming unit 22 of the main body 11 to the outside, and on the left side of the main body 11 and the paper feed cassette unit of the image forming apparatus is a discharge unit for such printed material. A plurality of discharge trays are provided. In the case of the image forming apparatus 10, the paper discharge tray is a standard tray 33 that is a discharge destination when the user does not specify a print output destination, and is a discharge destination when a print output destination is specified. Two discharge trays 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e are provided. However, it is also possible to designate the standard tray 33 as the discharge destination.

  A sorting device 32 is installed between a portion including the standard tray 33 and the paper discharge trays 34a to 34e and a portion including the main body 11 and the paper feed cassette unit, and connects the two. Although the detailed description of the operation mechanism is omitted, the sorting device 32 sorts each printed matter created by a plurality of different users and discharged from the image forming unit 22, for example, and discharges designated by the standard tray 33 or each user. It plays the role of feeding into the trays 34a to 34e.

  The main body 11 of the image forming apparatus includes a control circuit unit 35. The control circuit unit 35 is an interface for performing communication between a CPU (Central Processing Unit), various storage devices, and a user terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. Etc. The control circuit unit 35 stores various control programs, information, and data for operating the image forming apparatus, and controls the operation panel 21, the image reading unit 17, the image forming unit 22, the sorting device 32, and the like as a whole. To do. As shown in FIG. 1, the image data generation unit 20 is also connected to the control circuit unit 35.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a layout of various keys arranged on the operation panel 21 described above. In FIG. 2, an image forming processing function selection key including a copy function selection key 41a, a printer function selection key 41b, a scanner function selection key 41c, and a facsimile function selection key 41d is provided at the left end portion of the operation panel 21. When, for example, the copy function selection key 41a is pressed among these keys, an initial screen is displayed on the touch panel 44 in the center for setting conditions for executing copying and checking conditions after the setting. When the start key 46 provided at the right end of the operation panel 21 is pressed, the document is copied.

  Similarly to the copy function selection key 41a, the scanner function selection key 41c and the facsimile function selection key 41d can execute jobs corresponding to the respective functions by pressing them and pressing the start key 46. On the other hand, the printer function selection key 41b is used when setting processing conditions and confirming the printing status when the multifunction machine 10 is used as a network printer.

  Three color mode selection keys 42 (automatic color, full color, black and white) are provided on the right side of the image forming processing function selection keys 41a to 41d. These hard keys are used, for example, to select a color mode for print output in a copy job. Further, a system menu / counter key 43 is provided above the image forming processing function selection keys 41a to 41d. The key 43 is used mainly for setting at the operation preparation stage of the multifunction device 10 such as initial setting of various image forming processing functions in the multifunction device 10 and other basic settings.

  Further, a group of ten keys 45 are provided on the right side of the touch panel 44, and a stop / clear key 47 for interrupting the image forming process and clearing processing condition values input by the ten key 45, etc. A reset key 48 for returning the processed condition values and the like to the initial values is arranged. In addition to the hard keys described above, various hard keys for executing predetermined purposes such as “document management” and “department management” are prepared as shown in FIG.

The touch panel 44 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) layer and a pressing operation (pressing) detection layer thereon. When a predetermined area of the touch panel 44 is pressed by the user, a signal corresponding to the position or area pressed by the pressing operation detection layer is generated, and the pressing operation is detected. The signal form generated by the pressing operation depends on the structure of the pressing operation detection layer. For example, a typical example is an electric signal based on a change in capacitance between electrodes constituting the pressing operation detection layer or a change in potential of the electrode. One of things.
Then, the pressed position and the pressed area on the screen displayed on the touch panel 44 are calculated from the pressed detection signal by the arithmetic circuit of the multifunction machine 10, and the pressed detection area is, for example, a soft key pattern displayed on the LCD below it. If it is included in this area, it is electrically processed as if the soft key was pressed. The operation panel 21 of the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment is equipped with a large touch panel 44, so that most of the processing condition input and setting operation related to image formation and content confirmation after the setting can be performed through the touch panel 44. It has become. As described above, the operation panel 21 or the touch panel 44 constitutes an input device for processing conditions and the like in a processing apparatus such as the multifunction machine 10.

FIG. 3 is a functional block configuration diagram showing a configuration viewed from the functions of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, particularly the functions related to the screen display operation on the operation panel 21. Corresponding. The outline of each functional block will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the input / display unit 51 substantially corresponds to the transmissive insulator layer and the LCD provided in the uppermost layer of the touch panel 44 (see FIG. 2) described above, which is directly pressed by the user with a finger or the like. The input / display unit 51 includes graphic elements (screen configuration elements) such as soft keys necessary for inputting setting conditions relating to image forming processing such as copying, instructions relating to the processing, etc., input setting conditions and instructions, information or Display a response message to them.

  The press detection unit 52 substantially corresponds to the above-described press operation detection layer constituting the touch panel 44, detects a press of a screen component such as a soft key displayed on the screen of the input / display unit 51, and The pressing detection signal is transmitted to the pressed position calculation unit 53. The pressed position calculation unit 53 calculates the pressed position on the touch panel 44 as at least one of position coordinates or a pressed area having a two-dimensional spread based on the pressed detection signal received from the pressed detection unit 52.

  The display program / display screen data storage unit 54 displays on the input / display unit 51 in order to execute a display driving program for the display control unit 55 to display the screen on the input / display unit 51 and image forming processing such as copying. The basic screen data such as the operation screen to be performed, the function initial setting screen of the multifunction machine 10, the keys to be combined with the basic screen, the screen constituent element data such as key explanation characters and special patterns, and the like are stored. The storage unit 54 is allocated to, for example, a large-capacity flash memory, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EPROM or a ROM.

  The display control unit 55 mainly includes a display instruction unit 56 and a pressed key determination unit 57, and acquires and holds a display drive program from the display program / display screen data storage unit 54 in advance after the MFP 10 is activated. The pressed key determination unit 57 includes information on the pressed position calculated by the pressed position calculation unit 53 and display program / display screen data when the user presses the key area displayed on the screen of the input / display unit 51. It is determined which key is pressed based on the information of the region position where each key to be acquired from the storage unit 54 and displayed on the input / display unit 51 by the display control unit 55 is arranged. The display instruction unit 56 generates display screen data corresponding to the pressing operation of the key based on the key information determined to be pressed by the pressed key determination unit 57, and displays the generated screen on the input / display unit 51. To instruct.

  The image forming apparatus (multifunction device 10) according to the present embodiment has the configuration described above with reference to FIGS. Next, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the user uses the screen of the input / display unit 51 (or the touch panel 44 in FIG. 2) of the operation panel 21 for the purpose of initial setting of the image forming apparatus and image forming processing. A screen display operation performed by the image forming apparatus when the displayed key is pressed will be described.

  As mentioned at the beginning, the types of processing condition input and setting items for recent image forming devices such as the MFP 10 and the initial setting items before using the device will vary depending on the advanced functionality of the device. The number of keys for selecting and setting processing conditions displayed on the screen by the input / display unit 51 of the operation panel 21 is increasing. First, an example of a display screen in which a user is likely to cause an erroneous operation of pressing a key will be shown.

  FIG. 6 shows a screen displayed by the input / display unit 51 when the copy function selection key 41a on the operation panel 21 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed to enter the copy mode screen, and when the “function list” tab of the screen is further pressed. An example is given. As shown in this figure, 16 keys 61 for selecting copy processing condition settings are arranged vertically and horizontally at small intervals. On the right side of the group of keys 61, a screen switching key 62 for switching to a screen for displaying the arrangement of the remaining copy processing condition setting selection keys that could not be displayed on this screen is provided. A shortcut key 63 for calling the copy processing conditions set in is also displayed.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a name input screen displayed by the input / display unit 51 when the name of the transmission destination in the facsimile function is registered and set in the multifunction device 10 in advance. A group of keyboard keys 64 for romaji input / kanji conversion is arranged at the center of the screen, and an input character display section 65 for displaying characters input by pressing the key 64 or characters converted into kanji is arranged at the top. ing. Even in this screen, the arrangement interval of the keys 64 is narrow, and the size thereof is further smaller than that of the keys 61 shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, there are many keys to be pressed on the input screen, and the keys are arranged in a small size and a narrow interval. In such a screen, it is necessary for the user to carefully press the intended key carefully, and if the user is not skilled in key operation, a plurality of keys may be pressed simultaneously. In particular, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is provided with keys such as “Erase all” and “Conversion” for performing kanji conversion in the vicinity of the group of keyboard keys 64. In the conventional input device, for example, the key 64 is intended to be pressed. When the “Erase All” key is pressed at the same time and the “Erase All” button is recognized, the characters entered so far are also erased.

  4 is performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention when a key to be displayed on the screen of the input / display unit 51 shown in FIG. 3 (or the touch panel 44 of the operation panel 21 shown in FIG. 2) is pressed. It is a flowchart for demonstrating screen display operation | movement. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an image of the key arrangement area portion displayed on the screen of the input / display unit 51 during the screen display operation of the image forming apparatus. Although a large number of keys are actually arranged on the screen of the input / display unit 51, FIGS. 8 and 9 show an arrangement area portion of four keys out of them. Hereinafter, the screen display operation according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 8 and 9 with reference to FIG.

  First, on the screen of the input / display unit 51, an array of a plurality of keys for inputting and setting processing conditions by being pressed by the user is displayed (step S1). In this state, the press detection unit 52 monitors whether or not any key is pressed by the user. When the key is pressed, the press detection unit 52 detects it (step S2), and transmits the press detection signal to the press position calculation unit 53.

Based on the detection signal received from the press detection unit 52, the pressed position calculation unit 53 represents the range of the pressed area (pressed area) on the screen of the input / display unit 51 and the representative position coordinates representing the pressed area. Both are calculated (step S3). Next, the pressed position calculation unit 53 transmits the calculation result to the pressed key determination unit 57 of the display control unit 55. The pressed key determination unit 57 calculates the overlapping area between the pressed region and each key region displayed on the screen of the input / display unit 51 using the pressed region data among the above calculation results (step S4). ).
As the overlapping area here, an area that is normalized by dividing the overlapping area of each key area and the pressed area by a predetermined area value is adopted. It is desirable to employ the maximum value of the overlapping area between the pressed area and each key as the constant area value. In this way, when the overlap area is the maximum, the normalized area is 1 for the key, and even if the key size changes or the overlap area changes, a relative comparison can be made between the keys. The overlapping area is calculated not only when the pressed area overlaps with a plurality of key areas but also when only one key overlaps.

  Next, the pressed key determination unit 57 determines whether or not a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed by the user based on the calculated overlapping area (step S5). For example, the pressed state shown in FIG. 8A is a case where the pressed area 72 calculated by the pressed position calculation unit 53 overlaps only with the key a. This is a case where the key is normally pressed, and the pressed area representative position 71 displayed by X calculated and determined by the pressed position calculation unit 53 also exists on the key a. In this case, since the overlapping area with respect to the key a is a finite value other than 0 and 0 with respect to other keys, the pressed key determination unit determines that “no simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys” and determines that the key a is pressed. . Then, the pressed key determination unit 57 transmits to the display instruction unit 56 that the key a has been confirmed. Based on the received pressed key confirmation result, the display instruction unit 56 changes the color of the key a on the screen to a color different from the other keys and displays it on the input / display unit 51 (step S9). Here, the color change includes simple brightness change.

  In FIG. 8A, the pressed area 72 is indicated by a dotted line and the pressed area representative position 71 is indicated by an X for convenience, but may not be displayed on the actual screen of the input / display unit 51. Absent. This is the same in FIG. 8 (b) and subsequent drawings and FIG.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows a pressed state where the pressed area 72 calculated by the pressed position calculation unit 53 overlaps both the key a and the key b. In FIG. 8B, the area of the overlapping area 73a between the pressed area 72 and the key a and the area of the overlapping area 73b between the pressed area 72 and the key b are relatively substantially equal. The pressed area representative position 71 is also an intermediate position between the adjacent keys a and b. In this case, the pressed key determination unit 57 determines the overlapping area reference value (for example, the normalized area) in which the overlapping area of the keys a and b calculated by itself (for example, the normalized area is 0.5 for both the keys a and b) is predetermined. It is determined that the area is larger than 0.21), it is determined that the keys a and b are simultaneously pressed, and a message to that effect is transmitted to the display instruction unit 56 (step S5). , B) are temporarily held.

The display instruction unit 56 changes the color of the keys a and b on the screen to be different from those of the other keys based on the received determination result of the simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys, and also overlaps the key a and the key b (screen The key intermediate area 74 (see FIG. 8B) is displayed on the input / display unit 51 as a component (step S6). In addition, information on a plurality of keys determined to be simultaneously pressed is temporarily stored. In the case of FIG. 8B, the key intermediate area 74 is an arrow mark that indicates the direction of the keys a and b. After the user presses the area including the key intermediate area 74, either The key is slid while being pressed in the key direction (that is, the direction indicated by the arrow) (hereinafter referred to as slide pressing) to prompt the user to respecify the key that the user intended to press.
Therefore, in this state, the press detection unit 52 monitors the slide press operation of the area including the key intermediate area 74 by the user. If there is no slide press, the press detection unit 52 enters a standby state, but if there is a slide press, the press detection unit 52 detects it (step S7) and transmits the detection signal to the press position calculation unit 53. In this case, the pressed position calculation unit 53 calculates the temporal change of the pressed region position or the temporal change of the representative position coordinates of the pressed based on the temporal change of the received detection signal, and the result is sent to the pressed key determination unit 57. Send. The pressed key determination unit 57 determines the slide direction from the received calculation result, determines whether the key displayed in the slide direction is the key a or b, and transmits the determination result of the key to the display instruction unit 56 (step S56). S8). Finally, the display instruction unit 56 changes the color of the confirmation key on the screen based on the received pressed key confirmation result and displays it on the input / display unit 51 (step S9).
According to the screen display operation according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of keys pressed at the same time and the key intermediate area 74 are displayed on the screen of the input / display unit 51 (step S6), the user simultaneously presses on the screen. The screen display content (for example, FIG. 8B) does not change even if the finger is released from the key area, or a key different from the simultaneously pressed key is pressed.

  The press detection unit 52 detects that the finger is released from the screen and no more presses on the screen, or another key press, and a signal related to the detection is transmitted to the press key determination unit 57 via the press position calculation unit 53. Even when the key is pressed, the pressed key determination unit 57 and the display instruction unit 56 hold the information on the simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys as described above. Based on the information, nothing is performed until the slide is pressed in step S7. Also does not work. Thus, after the first pressing operation, the user can select the correct key by calmly performing the slide pressing again even if the finger is once released from the screen.

In the display operation flow in the above embodiment, the pressed key determination unit 57 determines that there is simultaneous pressing when the areas of the overlapping regions 73a and 73b are substantially the same as shown in FIG. 8B. . However, when the pressed area 72 extends over the keys a and b, there are various ways of straddling, and there are also simultaneous pressings over a plurality of more than two keys. The press is determined as follows.
FIG. 8C also shows a case where the pressed area 72 extends over the keys a and b, but the area of the overlapping area 73a (for example, normalized area 0.6) is slightly larger than the area 73b (for example, normalized area 0.4). As in the case of FIG. 8B, the pressed key determination unit 57 compares the areas of the overlapping regions 73a and 73b with a predetermined overlapping area reference value (normalized area 0.2), and both are equal to or more than the reference value. Therefore, it is determined that the keys a and b are simultaneously pressed, and based on the determination, the colors of the keys a and b are changed and the key intermediate area 74 is displayed. Unlike in FIG. 8B, the pressed area representative position 71 is on the key a, but is not considered in determining the pressed key. Also in FIG. 8A, the area of the overlapping region is actually compared with the reference value and it is determined that the key a is pressed.

  In FIG. 8D, the area (for example, normalized area 0.8) of the overlapping area 73a related to the pressed area 72 is considerably larger than the area 73b (for example, normalized area 0.2). The pressed key determination unit 57 uses the same method as in FIG. 8C, determines that the area of the overlapping region 73a is equal to or larger than the reference value, and the area of 73b is smaller than the reference value. It is determined that the key a has been pressed despite being straddled. Accordingly, only the color of the key a is changed on the screen of the input / display unit 51, and the pressing of the key a is confirmed.

  Simultaneous key presses may extend to more keys than just two keys. For example, in FIG. 9A, the central area of the arrangement area of the four keys a, b, c, and d displayed on the screen is pressed with a relatively strong force, and the range of the pressed area 75 is calculated widely. The case where the pressed area representative position 71 is near the intersection on the separation band that separates the four keys is shown. Since the areas 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d of the pressed area 75 and each key are substantially the same, it is determined that four keys are simultaneously pressed. In this case, for example, a combined pattern of sagittal patterns indicating the direction of each of the four keys is displayed as the key intermediate area 77 so as to overlap the four keys.

  FIG. 9B shows a case where the pressed area 75 is shifted to the key d side as compared with FIG. 9A. In this figure, since the area of the overlapping region 76a relating to the key a is smaller than the other overlapping regions 76b, 76c, 76d, it is determined that three keys are simultaneously pressed. In this case, for example, a combined pattern of sagittal patterns indicating the directions of the three keys b, c, and d is displayed as the key intermediate area 78.

  In each of the cases of FIGS. 8C and 9, the case of FIG. 8B has been described by sliding the area including the key intermediate area displayed on the screen in the target key direction. So that the correct key can be selected.

  In the above-described embodiment according to the screen display operation flowchart of FIG. 4, the press detection unit 52 belonging to the touch panel 44 (FIG. 2) or the like generates a detection signal including the range of the press area on the screen. The range of the pressed area and the pressed area representative position are calculated using the detection signal. However, in addition to this, even an image forming apparatus including a touch panel that has a simple structure and can calculate only the pressed position coordinates from the detection signal can substantially perform the screen display operation according to the above-described embodiment. is there.

  In this case, in step S3 in FIG. 4, the pressed position calculation unit 53 calculates only the pressed position coordinates. In step S4, the pressed key determination unit 57 assumes and sets a pressed area centered on the calculated pressed position coordinates, for example, a circular area having a predetermined radius centered on the pressed position coordinates as the pressed area. The pressed areas set in this way correspond to the pressed areas 72 and 75 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In other words, the pressed areas 72 and 75 are replaced with the pressed areas set by the pressed key determination unit 57. Therefore, the display operation after step S4 after the pressing area is set follows the flow shown in FIG. 4 and proceeds in the same manner as the flow in the first embodiment.

  Further, the following second mode is also possible as the screen display operation according to the present invention. According to the first embodiment, when the pressed key determination unit 57 determines in step S5 in FIG. 4 that a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed, in step S6, the colors of the simultaneously pressed keys are changed and displayed. A key intermediate area (see 74, 77, 78 in FIGS. 8 and 9) for sliding down to confirm the correct key to be pressed is displayed on the screen. However, in the second mode, when a plurality of keys are pressed at the same time, the color of the keys is changed and the pressed key is clearly shown but the key intermediate area is not displayed. In this state, the user first presses the key. After the operation, the finger or the like is once released from the screen, and the intended key pressing operation is again performed among the simultaneously pressed keys to determine the key.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart when the image forming apparatus according to the present invention executes a screen display operation according to the second embodiment. Steps S11, S12, S13, and S14 are the same as steps S1, S2, S3, and S4 in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In step S15 subsequent to step S14, the pressed key determination unit 57 determines whether or not a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed by the user based on the overlapping area calculated by the pressed position calculation unit 53, as in the first embodiment. judge.

  When the pressed key determination unit 57 determines that “no simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys”, the fact that the key pressed by the user has been determined is transmitted to the display instruction unit 56. Then, the display instruction unit 56 changes the color of the key on the screen based on the received pressed key confirmation result and displays it on the input / display unit 51 (step S18). On the other hand, when the pressed key determination unit 57 determines that a plurality of keys are pressed at the same time, it transmits a message to that effect to the display instruction unit 56 (step S15) and information on the plurality of keys determined to be simultaneously pressed is a pressed key determination unit. 57 Holds itself temporarily. On the other hand, the display instruction unit 56 changes the color of the simultaneous pressing key on the screen based on the received determination result of the simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys, displays the key on the input / display unit 51 (step S16), and displays the key determination information by itself. Memorize temporarily.

  Next, in this state, the press detection unit 52 releases the screen from the press by releasing the finger or the like from the screen of the input / display unit 52, and again presses the intended key from among the simultaneous press keys whose colors have been changed. Monitor whether or not to perform the operation of pressing again. If there is no press, the press detection unit 52 enters a standby state, but if there is a key press, the press detection unit 52 detects it (step S17) and transmits the detection signal to the press position calculation unit 53.

  Based on the detection signal received from the pressing detection unit 52, the pressed position calculation unit 53 calculates the pressed area and the pressed area representative position coordinates on the screen of the input / display unit 51, as in the flow step related to the first pressing operation. (Step S13), and then the pressed key determination unit 57 calculates the overlap area between the calculated pressed area and each key area on the screen of the input / display unit 51 (Step S14), and then the second press It is determined whether or not the operation is simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys (step S15). At this stage, when it is determined that “no simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys” and the pressed key is confirmed, the display instruction unit 56 changes the color of the confirmed key and displays it on the input / display unit 51 to complete the display operation ( Step S18). However, if it is determined in step S15 that a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed, the steps S16 → S17 → S13 → S14 → S15 are repeated until the pressed key is determined.

  In the second mode, as in the first embodiment, when the plurality of keys simultaneously pressed in step S16 are displayed with the color changed, the pressed key determination unit 57 and the display instruction unit 56 simultaneously press which key. Information on whether or not it is determined, and based on this, the display state of the screen remains unchanged until one of the simultaneous pressing keys is pressed again.

  As described above, according to the display operation performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus simultaneously presses a plurality of keys displayed on the screen of the input / display unit such as a touch panel. When the determination is made, the colors of the plurality of keys themselves are directly changed and displayed, so that the user can very easily confirm which key the device has recognized. In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed, even if the user releases the pressing means such as a finger from the display screen, the simultaneously pressed plurality of keys are selected. Since the image forming apparatus does not immediately perform any processing in response to the simultaneous pressing of the key, the user can calm down or correct the pressing operation to a desired correct key over a time that he can be satisfied with. It becomes possible.

  Although the embodiment in the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such an image forming apparatus, and complicated input / setting operations such as processing conditions and data can be performed. It is also useful when applied widely to an input device having a large screen such as a touch panel or a processing device having the input device.

21 Operation Panel 41a Copy Function Selection Key 41b Printer Function Selection Key 41c Scanner Function Selection Key 41d Facsimile Function Selection Key 42 Color Mode Selection Key 43 System Menu / Counter Key 44 Touch Panel 45 Numeric Keypad 46 Start Key 47 Stop / Clear Key 48 Reset Key 51 Input / display unit 52 Press detection unit 53 Press position calculation unit 54 Display program / display screen data storage unit 55 Display control unit 56 Display instruction unit 57 Press key determination unit 61 Copy processing condition setting selection key 62 Screen switching key 63 Shortcut key 64 Keyboard key 65 Input character display portion 71 Pressed area representative position 72, 75 Pressed area 73a, 73b, 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d Overlapping area 74, 77, 78 Key pressed area and key intermediate area

Claims (6)

Display means for displaying a plurality of first screen components that can be pressed in the screen, arranged so as to be adjacent to each other;
It is determined whether or not a plurality of the first screen components are simultaneously pressed by a first pressing operation on the screen of the display means, and when it is determined that the buttons are simultaneously pressed, A first means for identifying a first screen component;
Even after the screen of the display means is released from the pressing by the first pressing operation, the second pressing operation is performed after the first pressing operation, retaining information on the plurality of identified first screen components. When it is determined that any one of the specified plurality of first screen components is pressed, the determined first screen component is pressed by the second pressing operation. And a second means for confirming as the first screen component ,
When the first means specifies a plurality of first screen components that are simultaneously pressed by the first pressing operation, the display means is configured to display a second in a region where the plurality of first screen components are displayed. A screen component is displayed, and the second means includes a plurality of first screen configurations in which the second pressing operation is simultaneously pressed by the first pressing operation while pressing a region including the second screen component. When it is performed to slide in any one direction of the elements, it is determined that the one first screen component displayed in the sliding direction is pressed by the second pressing operation. An input device. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the second screen component includes a pattern that at least partially overlaps a plurality of first screen components that are simultaneously pressed by the first pressing operation. The display means displays a plurality of first screen components that are simultaneously pressed by the first pressing operation specified by the first means in a color different from other first screen components. The input device according to claim 1 or 2 . The first screen component, the input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a key for selecting at least predetermined processing conditions. The processing apparatus provided with the input device in any one of Claims 1-4 . The processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

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