JP2000108453A - Image-processing apparatus and method for controlling image-processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remarkably improve an operability for inputting characters on a display means. SOLUTION: When set information including character information is designated to be input through a touch panel, a CPU displays a virtual keyboard 4009 to a screen output device 2013 to overlap with an operation screen 4000a including a character input part where the set information is displayed, displays input information input from the virtual keyboard 4009 to an input character display part 4011 and updates the set information to the input information input from the virtual keyboard 4009.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a plurality of data processing functions and display means for displaying a setting screen for inputting setting information for the data processing functions, and a control method of the image processing apparatus. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional image processing apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer generally reads a document in a main scanning direction pixel by line using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD line sensor. In addition, by relatively moving the photoelectric conversion element and the original in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, the original image electrically read by the photoelectric conversion element is printed out. ing.

The above-described image processing apparatus has various functions related to a printing method and the like. An operation instruction input means for instructing setting of the functions, and a function set by an instruction from the operation instruction input means are provided. Display means for displaying the set value and the like to the user. In a conventional image processing apparatus, this display means is usually constituted by a CRT or a liquid crystal display device, and the user confirms setting values and the like instructed for each function of the image processing apparatus on the screen of the display means. be able to.

[0004] The operation instruction input means is input by a key or button in the form of hardware, and is also displayed on the screen of the display means by using a coordinate input device such as a touch panel sheet or the like. When a key is pressed on the touch panel sheet, an operation instruction or the like is input.

[0005] Further, among the setting information of each function provided in the conventional image processing apparatus, there is setting information which requires input of characters, numerals and the like. When entering the setting information,
A software virtual keyboard is displayed on the display together with the setting information input unit (character input unit), which is an area where the setting information is input on the screen of the display unit, and the setting information is input using the virtual keyboard. The input character string is displayed on the setting information input section.

In the method of inputting setting information using the virtual keyboard, specifically, a setting information input section for inputting a setting is designated from the screen of the display means to instruct display of the virtual keyboard. Operating the soft key or the hard key for displaying the virtual keyboard on the display means. The input from the virtual keyboard is reflected in the setting information input section, and the desired setting information can be input.

[0007]

In the above-described conventional image processing apparatus, when inputting the setting information using the virtual keyboard, unless the virtual keyboard is displayed at a position that does not overlap with the setting information input section on the display screen, Since the setting information input unit is hidden by the virtual keyboard, it is not possible to input the setting information from the virtual keyboard while visually checking the input setting information, thereby causing erroneous input and lowering operability.

However, depending on the arrangement of the setting information input unit on the display screen (operation screen), it may not be possible to display the virtual keyboard at a position that does not overlap with the setting information input unit. For this reason, by changing the layout on the display screen, placing the setting information input unit at a position that does not overlap with the virtual keyboard even if it is displayed, or reducing the size of the virtual keyboard as a whole, The setting information input section and the virtual keyboard are displayed on the display means so as not to overlap.

For the above-mentioned reasons, the arrangement of the setting information input section on the display means is restricted to some extent, so that the degree of freedom in the design of the display screen is reduced, and the appearance and operability are reduced. there were. Furthermore, when a virtual keyboard key is directly pressed by a finger from the touch panel, if the display size of the virtual keyboard is reduced, when the target key is pressed, the key and the adjacent key are simultaneously pressed. However, there is a problem that erroneous input is likely to occur and operability is significantly reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to display setting information when input of setting information including character information is instructed by input instruction means. A character input screen is displayed on the display means overlying the setting screen including the setting information display section to be input, input information input from the character input screen is displayed on the display means over the setting screen, and the setting information is displayed on the character input screen. Even if the character input screen is displayed at an arbitrary position in a size that is easy for the user to input by instructing to update the input information input from the user, regardless of the arrangement of the setting information display unit on the setting screen, The present invention provides an image processing apparatus and a control method of the image processing apparatus, which can perform an input operation while visually confirming information input from a character input screen and can significantly improve operability for a user. It is.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting screen (an operation screen 4000a shown in FIG. 6) having a plurality of data processing functions and for inputting setting information for the data processing functions. In an image processing apparatus having display means for displaying (screen output device 2013 shown in FIG. 3), a first method for displaying the setting information on a setting information display section (character input sections 4001 to 4008 shown in FIG. 6) of the setting screen. Display control means (CPU 200 controlling based on a control program stored in ROM 2003 shown in FIG. 1)
1), input instructing means (touch panel 2019 shown in FIG. 3) for instructing the input of the setting information, and display on the display means when the setting information instructed by the input instructing means includes character information. Character input screen (virtual keyboard 4009 shown in FIG. 7) overlaid on the setting screen
The second display control means (ROM 20 shown in FIG. 1)
C, which is controlled based on the control program stored in C.03
PU2001) and third display control means (ROM 20 shown in FIG. 1) for displaying input information input from the character input screen on the setting screen displayed on the display means.
C, which is controlled based on the control program stored in C.03
PU 2001), and an updating unit (CPU 2001 for controlling based on a control program stored in ROM 2003 shown in FIG. 1) for updating the setting information to input information input from the character input screen.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the third display control means includes means for displaying input information input from the character input screen on an input information display section of the character input screen (input character display shown in FIG. 7). Section 4011).

In a third aspect of the present invention, the third display control means displays on the setting information display section when the setting information instructed by the input instruction means includes character information. Setting information to be displayed on the input information display section.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the first display control means, when the setting information is updated by the updating means to input information inputted from the character input screen, the first display control means It is displayed on the setting information display section.

In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the first display control means displays the setting information and title information of the setting information on the setting information display unit, and the third display control means Is for displaying the input information input from the character input screen and the title information on a setting screen displayed on the display means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the character input screen is a keyboard screen.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the character input screen is a ten-key screen.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the input information display section displays the input information in a plurality of lines.

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, the plurality of data processing functions include a plurality of functions relating to image formation.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting screen (operation screen 4000 shown in FIG. 6) having a plurality of data processing functions and displaying setting information for the data processing functions.
a) display unit (screen output device 2 shown in FIG. 3)
013), the input instruction step of instructing the input of the setting information (step not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9), and the setting information instructed by the input instruction step is a character. A first display step (step (4) in the flowchart of FIG. 9) of displaying a character input screen on the display unit so as to overlap the setting screen displayed on the display unit when the information is included; A second display step (step (9) in the flowchart of FIG. 9) in which input information input from a screen is displayed on the display unit so as to overlap the setting screen displayed on the display unit; And an update step (step (7) in the flowchart of FIG. 9) for updating to the input information.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an entire system of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 2000 is Control.
er Unit (controller), a scanner (scanner) 2070 as an image input device and a printer (printer) 209 as an image output device
5 etc., and on the other hand, LAN (Local Area)
Network 2011 or a public line (WAN)
(Wide Area Network)) A controller for inputting and outputting image information, device information, and the like by connecting to 2051.

Reference numeral 2001 denotes a CPU, which is a controller for controlling the entire system. 2002 is a RAM, a CPU
This is a system work memory for operating the image processing apparatus 2001 and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. Reference numeral 2003 denotes a ROM, which is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. 2004 is H
A DD (hard disk drive) stores system software, image data, and the like.

Reference numeral 2006 denotes an operation unit I / F.
(User Interface) is an interface unit for connecting the controller 2012 to the controller 2000. The image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 is displayed on the operation unit 20.
12 is output. In addition, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

Reference numeral 2010 denotes a network I / F (network interface) which is connected to the LAN 2011 and performs input / output of information between the controller 2000 and the LAN 2011. Reference numeral 2050 denotes a modem (modem) connected to a public line (WAN) 2051 and connected to the controller 2000 and W.
Inputs / outputs information from / to the AN 2051. The above-described devices and the like are connected to the system bus 2007 and arranged.

An image bus I / F (image bus interface) 2005 connects the system bus 2007 and the image bus 2008 for transferring image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge for converting the data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394, and the following devices and the like are connected and arranged on the image bus 2008.

Reference numeral 2060 denotes a raster image processor (R
IP), a PDL (Page Description Language) code transmitted from the computer 5001 or the like connected to the LAN 2011 or the like is developed into a bitmap image. A device I / F 2002 connects the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095, which are image input / output devices, to the controller 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

Reference numeral 2080 denotes a scanner image processing unit which performs correction, processing, editing, and the like on image data input from the scanner 2070. Reference numeral 2090 denotes a printer image processing unit.
The image data output by the printer 2095 is corrected based on the characteristics of the printer 2095, resolution conversion, and the like. Reference numeral 2030 denotes an image rotation unit which performs rotation processing of image data. Reference numeral 2040 denotes an image compression unit, and multi-value image data is JP
Binary image data such as EG is JBIG, MMR, MH
And the like.

Reference numeral 2071 denotes an image input unit interface.
The device I / F 2020 and the scanner 2070 are connected. Reference numeral 2096 denotes a printing unit interface, which is a device I /
F2020 and the printer 2095 are connected.

Hereinafter, the image input / output device will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 shown in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In the drawing, reference numeral 2072 denotes a document feeder.
The document placed on the tray 2073 is fed to a platen (not shown), and when reading of the document by the scanner 2070 is completed, the document placed on the platen glass is discharged. 21
Reference numerals 01 to 2104 denote paper cassettes for storing paper of different paper sizes and different paper orientations on which an image is formed by the printer 2095. Reference numeral 2111 denotes a paper output tray,
095 is a tray from which sheets on which images are formed are discharged.

The operation will be described below. A scanner 2070, which is an image input device, irradiates an image of a document placed on a document table (not shown) with light, and a CCD (not shown).
By scanning with a line sensor, a document image is converted into an electrical signal as raster image data. The manuscript paper is set on a tray 2073 of a manuscript feeder 2072, and when the apparatus user instructs reading start from the operation unit 2012, the CPU 2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 2070 via the image input unit interface 2071, and
Reference numeral 072 feeds (supplies) the document sheets placed on the tray 2073 to the document table one by one, and performs a document image reading operation.

Printer 2095 which is an image output device
Is a portion for forming raster image data transmitted from the controller 2000 shown in FIG. 1 on a sheet via a printing unit interface 2096, and the method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt (not shown). There is an ink jet method, which prints an image directly on paper by discharging ink from a micro nozzle array.
Any image forming method may be used.

The printing operation of the printer 2095 is started by an instruction transmitted from the CPU 2001 of the controller 2000 via the printing unit interface 2096. The printer 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and the corresponding paper cassettes 2101 and 210 are provided.
2, 2103, and 2104. Further, the paper discharge tray 2111 is for stacking paper sheets printed by the printer 2095.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an example of the configuration of the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 2013 denotes a screen output device which comprises an LCD, a CRT display, etc., and displays an operation screen and soft keys of the system (image processing apparatus) of the present embodiment. Note that a touch panel sheet 2019 is pasted on the screen output device 2013, and when a soft key displayed on the screen output device 2013 is pressed, the touch panel sheet 2019 displays the pressed position information of the controller 2000 shown in FIG. C
Notify PU2001.

Reference numeral 2014 denotes a start key, which is a hard key that is pressed to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key 2014, two colors of LED 2018 of green and red are provided, and the emission color of the LED 2018 indicates whether the start key 2014 can be used. Reference numeral 2015 denotes a stop key, which is a hard key that is pressed to stop or interrupt an operation in operation. Reference numeral 2016 denotes an ID key, which is a hard key that is pressed when a user's user ID is input. Reference numeral 2017 denotes a reset key, which is a hard key that is pressed to initialize settings of the image processing apparatus input from the operation unit 2012.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of the operation unit 2012 and the operation unit I / F 2006 shown in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, a CPU 2001 has a ROM 2
003 based on a control program and the like stored in the program ROM 003, and generally controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 2007. The scanner 20 connected via the image input unit interface 2071
70, the input information is read from the
An image signal as output information is output to a printer 2095 connected via the control unit 096.

The program RO of the ROM 2003
In M, a control program as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored. RAM 2002 is CPU2
001 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like.

The CPU 2001 has an operation unit I / F 2006
Touch panel 2019 and hard keys 2014 to 20 via an operation input unit I / F (input port) 20061 inside
17 to receive the user input and obtain the operation content.

Display screen data to be displayed on the screen output device 2013 is generated by the CPU 2001 on the basis of the acquired operation contents and the above-described control program, and is output via an output device controller (output port) 20062 for controlling the screen output device 2013. LCD, CR
A display screen is output to a screen output device 2013 including T or the like.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Touch panel 2019 shown in FIG.
Send to 2. In the input determination unit 3002, the coordinate position information transmitted from the touch panel 2019 and the R shown in FIG.
Based on the coordinate data 3006 (including the display position coordinates of the character input unit displayed on the screen output device 2013) stored in the OM 2003, the HDD 2004 or the like, it is determined whether or not an input instruction to the character input unit has been made. I do.
If it is determined that an input instruction has been given to the character input unit, a request is made to the keyboard processing unit 3003 to create a virtual keyboard.

When the virtual keyboard is already displayed on the screen output device 2013, the coordinate data 30 including the display position coordinates of the keys displayed on the virtual keyboard is displayed.
Based on 06, it is determined whether or not a key of the virtual keyboard has been pressed. If it is determined that a key has been pressed, the type information of the pressed key is transmitted to the keyboard processing unit 3003.

Upon receiving the virtual keyboard creation request, the keyboard processing unit 3003 reads the ROM 200 shown in FIG.
3, keyboard data 3 stored in the HDD 2004 or the like
008, a virtual keyboard is created. further,
Touch panel 2 is displayed on the input character display area on the virtual keyboard.
The character string data 3 stored in the RAM 2002 or the like shown in FIG.
007 is set, and the display of the created virtual keyboard is requested to the keyboard display unit 3004.

When the type information of the key pressed on the virtual keyboard is received, a character or the like corresponding to the key type information is set in the input character display section on the virtual keyboard, and the virtual keyboard is displayed again. Is requested from the keyboard display unit 3004.

The keyboard display unit 3004 displays the virtual keyboard requested to be displayed on display means such as the screen output device 2013, and displays the screen output device 2013.
Updates the operation screen displayed in.

The screen displayed on the screen output device 2013 shown in FIG. 3 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 shows the screen output device 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation screen displayed at 013.

In the figure, reference numeral 4000a denotes an operation screen. Reference numeral 10 denotes a copy key (COPY) which is pressed when inputting an operation, setting, or the like for a copy function of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
When is pressed, the display of the screen output device 2013 is switched to a copy function operation screen (not shown). Note that on the copy function operation screen, operations, settings, and the like can be input for a plurality of image forming functions provided in the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a SEND key for operating and setting various transmission functions such as a transmission function such as E-mail and a transmission function by Fax or Internet Fax which are functions of the image processing apparatus shown in this embodiment. When the SEND key 11 is pressed, the display of the screen output device 2013 switches to the SEND function operation screen. The operation screen 4000a corresponds to the SEND function operation screen.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a RETRIEVE key, which is a function of selectively receiving necessary information, which is a function of the image processing apparatus shown in this embodiment, for example, by specifying an Internet address and setting the WAN 20 through the modem 2050 shown in FIG.
Internet WWW (World-Wi-51)
de Web) to receive an HTML file or the like, for example, the LAN 201 shown in FIG.
1 or a function of receiving an E-mail from a mail server (not shown) connected to the WAN 2051, for example, FA
Various RETRIEV, such as X polling reception function
This key is pressed when inputting an operation, setting, or the like for a function. When the RETRIEVE key is pressed, the display of the screen output device 2013 is not shown.
The screen switches to the function operation screen.

Reference numeral 13 denotes an address book key.
04 to the screen output device 2
Press this button to add to the destination list 19 in 013 and display it. A new registration key 14 is pressed when a new destination address is added to the destination list 19.
An edit key 15 is depressed when editing the destination address displayed in the destination list 19. A delete key 16 is pressed to delete the destination address of the destination list 19 from the destination list 19. A scan setting key 17 is depressed when setting the scanner 2070 shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a DESTINATION display field (destination list) in which a list of destinations is displayed. For example, the transmission destination list 19 includes E-mail, LAN2
For example, a printer connected to 011 and the like, an IP address of the printer, a server name, a group name, and the like are displayed.

Reference numeral 4001 denotes a title display unit, and a character input unit 40
"Subject", which is the title of the character string that is the setting information to be displayed in 02, is displayed. Reference numeral 4003 denotes a title display section, which is a title of a character string displayed on the character input section 4004, "Message (Message)".
Is displayed. Reference numeral 4005 denotes a title display section, which is a title of a character string displayed on the character input section 4006, "file name (F
ileName) "is displayed. A title display unit 4007 displays a title “signature” of the character string displayed on the character input unit 4008. In addition,
“Sinc” already input to character input unit 4008
eerry "is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation screen 4000
a, character input units 4002, 4004, 400
6,4008 displays a character string which is setting information input by the user. Also, title display sections 4001, 4003, 4
005 and 4007 are the character input units 4002 and 40 described above.
Titles indicating the meanings of the character strings displayed in 04, 4006, and 4008 in the function settings are displayed.

The operation screen 4000a (SEN) shown in FIG.
The character string input on the D function operation screen)
Specifically, a subject (Subject), a message (Message), a signature (Signature) attached to an e-mail or the like transmitted to another computer or a server, a file name (FileName) for storing a file transmitted to a file server or the like Etc.

In the present embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which a character string displayed on the character input unit 4008 for displaying a signature is edited on the screen output device 2013 using a virtual keyboard displayed on the operation screen 4000a. .

First, when the character input unit 4008 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed and the character input unit 4008 is selected as a character input object, the position where the character input unit 4008 is not hidden on the operation screen in a conventional image processing apparatus. A virtual keyboard was displayed.

However, the operation screen 4000a shown in FIG.
In the case where the character input unit 4008 is located substantially at the center of the screen as in the above, it is difficult to display the virtual keyboard on the screen output device 2013 so that the character input unit 4008 is not hidden. It was necessary to change the virtual keyboard such as reducing the size of the virtual keyboard and reducing the number of keys on the virtual keyboard.

The change of the virtual keyboard as described above is as follows.
In any case, it is difficult for the user to make an input from the virtual keyboard, which causes an erroneous input. In the present embodiment, when a character input unit 4008 is selected as a character input target with respect to a conventional image processing apparatus, a virtual keyboard 4 having an input character display unit 4011 shown in FIG.
009 is displayed on the screen output device 2013.

FIG. 7 shows the screen output device 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual keyboard displayed at 013.

In the figure, a virtual keyboard 4009 is displayed on the screen output device 2013 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 4010 denotes a title display area, which is the title "Signature" of the selected character input area 4008 of the operation screen 4000a shown in FIG.
e) "is displayed. Reference numeral 4011 denotes an input character display unit, on which “Sincerely” displayed on the character input unit 4008 when the character input unit 4008 is selected is displayed.

Reference numeral 4012 denotes a cancel key which is depressed to stop character input. An OK key 4013 is pressed when character input is completed. 4014 is a key group,
Numbers, alphabets, various symbols (for example, “＠”,
"/", ".", ",", "_", ":", ";",
When editing a key for displaying characters such as "~" (including symbols necessary for inputting an Internet homepage address and an E-mail address) and a character string displayed on the input character display portion 4011 Keys used for (Delete key, AllClear key,
When the key is pressed, a number, an alphabet, various symbols, and the like displayed on the pressed key are displayed on the input character display unit 4011.

Reference numeral 4015 denotes a cursor movement key which is depressed when moving the cursor displayed on the input character display section 4011 right and left. Reference numeral 4016 denotes a cursor movement key which is pressed to scroll the input character display portion 4011 up and down when the input character string cannot be displayed in one line.

Reference numeral 4017 denotes a WWW key. When this key is pressed, "ww" is displayed on the input character display portion 4011.
w. Is entered at once. 4018 is a com key,
When this key is pressed, an input character string display unit 401 is displayed.
"Com" is input to 1 at a time.

As described above, the input character display section 4011
The character input unit 400 shown in FIG.
The character displayed in 8 is displayed. The title display section 4010 displays a title indicating what the character string input from the virtual keyboard 4009 represents for the function setting of the image processing apparatus. Shown title display sections 4001, 4003, 4
005, 4007.

When the character input section 4008 is selected,
The same title “Signature” displayed on the corresponding title display section 4007 is displayed on the title display section 4010 of the virtual keyboard 4009. Characters input from key group 4014 of virtual keyboard 4009 are displayed at the cursor display position of input character display portion 4011.

By pressing a key group 4014 or the like on the virtual keyboard 4009, the user can edit a character string displayed on the input character display portion 4011, such as inputting, deleting, and correcting characters. In the present embodiment, as an example, the character string is changed from “Sincerely” to “Sincely”.
rely yours. ". When the editing is completed, by pressing an OK key 4013, an operation screen 4000a shown in FIG. 8 described below is displayed.

FIG. 8 shows the screen output device 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an example of an operation screen 4000a displayed on the screen 013, and is an operation screen displayed when a character string is edited using the virtual keyboard 4009 shown in FIG. 7 and an OK key 4013 is pressed. The same components as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, on the screen output device 2013, the virtual keyboard 4009 shown in FIG.
The character input unit 4008 reflects and displays the contents of the character edited by the virtual keyboard 4009.

The virtual keyboard 400 shown in FIG.
When the user presses the CANCEL key 4012 after editing the character on the virtual keyboard 4009, the character editing content on the virtual keyboard 4009 until the cancel key is pressed is canceled.
As shown in the operation screen 4000a shown in FIG.
The character string at 08 remains as it was before the virtual keyboard 4009 was displayed on the screen output device 2013.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by instructing the character input unit on the operation screen by pressing the panel of the touch panel 2019 shown in FIG.
The display means such as the screen output device 2013 shown in FIG.
By displaying the virtual keyboard 4009 provided with the input character display section 4011 shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus having setting information input means for inputting characters to a target character input section can be provided.

In the present embodiment, an example is described in which a character is input on a SEND function operation screen for inputting an operation and a setting for a SEND function, which is one of the functions of the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. Although described above, other screens displayed on the screen output device 2013 shown in FIG. 3, for example, a copy function operation screen, a RETRIE
Character input can also be performed on the VE function operation screen or the like in the same manner as described above.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A character string editing processing procedure for a character input unit in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.
This processing procedure is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 2003 shown in FIG.
To be executed when needed.

The coordinate data 3006 shown in FIG.
Character string data 3007 and keyboard data 3008 are R
The data is transferred from the data ROM of the OM 2003 to the RAM 2002.

First, in step (1), the character input sections 4002, 4004, 400 of the operation screen 4000a displayed on the screen output device 2013 shown in FIG.
6,4008, it is determined whether a character input instruction has been given. In step (1), C shown in FIG.
The PU 2001 inputs the position information of the screen pressed by the user from the touch panel 2019 superimposed on the screen output device 2013, and further inputs the operation screen 4000 illustrated in FIG.
The coordinate data 3006a is input from the RAM 2002,
Position coordinates and coordinate data 3006 of the screen pressed by the user
, It is determined whether the input instruction is a character input instruction and to which character input unit the input instruction is.

The determination in step (1) is performed every time the touch panel 2019 is pressed, and is repeated until it is determined that an input instruction has been given to the character input unit. In step (1), when there is a character input instruction, that is, when it is determined that the character input instruction has been made, after determining which character input unit displayed on the operation screen 4000a the input instruction is, In steps (2) and (3), the character string data 3007 currently displayed by the character input unit instructed to input characters, FIG.
The virtual keyboard 4 is assigned to the screen output device 2013 shown in FIG.
Keyboard data 3008 for displaying 009 is input.

Next, in step (4), a virtual keyboard 4009 is created based on the data input in steps (2) and (3) and displayed on the screen output device 2013 as shown in FIG. . Virtual keyboard 400
After displaying “9”, it is determined in step (5) whether or not a key input has been performed from the virtual keyboard 4009.

In step (5), as in step (1), the position information of the pressed screen from the touch panel 2019 and the keyboard data 3008 are input, and the position information of the pressed screen and the keyboard data 3008 are entered. , It is determined whether a key of the virtual keyboard 4009 displayed on the screen output device 2013 has been pressed.

In step (5), the virtual keyboard 400
If it is determined that the key input is not the key input of the virtual keyboard 4009, the process returns to step (5) to wait for the key input of the virtual keyboard 4009. If it is determined that a key of the virtual keyboard 4009 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step (6) to determine which key of the virtual keyboard 4009 has been pressed, and the process branches depending on the type of the pressed key.

In step (6), OK key 401
3. If it is determined that any key other than the CANCEL key 4012 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step (9).
Virtual keyboard 4009 depending on the type of key pressed
The character string in the upper input character display section 4011 is edited, and the edited character string is displayed on the input character display section 4011 shown in FIG. Then, the process returns to step (5) and the process is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the OK key 4013 has been pressed, the flow advances to step (7) to input a character string displayed on the input character display unit 4011 on the virtual keyboard 4009. Part 400
In step (8), the virtual keyboard 4009 is assigned to the operation screen 400 of the screen output device 2013.
0a is deleted from above, and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, in step (6), CANC
When the EL key 4012 is pressed, the character input unit 40
08, the virtual keyboard 4009 is set to the operation screen 4 of the screen output device 2013 in step (8).
000a, and the process ends.

To summarize the above-described embodiment, in the conventional image processing apparatus, in the method of inputting characters by displaying a virtual keyboard on the operation screen displayed on the screen output device, the input characters are not displayed. Adjust the layout of the character input part and the display position of the virtual keyboard, and reduce the display size of the virtual keyboard so that the displayed character input part and the displayed virtual keyboard do not overlap on the operation screen. Restrictions such as reducing the number of keys were required. Therefore, there are problems such as a low degree of freedom in screen design and difficulty in character input using a virtual keyboard.

However, in the image processing apparatus shown in the present embodiment, the input character display section 4011 is attached to the virtual keyboard 4009, and the characters on the input character display section 4011 are operated. Screen 4000
A title indicating which character input section is a character input section on a is displayed on the title display section 4010 of the virtual keyboard 4009.

Therefore, the virtual keyboard 4009 may be displayed at an arbitrary position on the screen output device 2013.
The virtual keyboard 4009 may be displayed so as to overlap any position on the operation screen 4000a, and the size of the virtual keyboard 4009 and the number of keys to be arranged may be changed. It is not necessary to avoid overlapping, and therefore, there is no restriction on the display of the virtual keyboard in the conventional image processing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to design and display a virtual keyboard that is easy for the user to input a key, thereby greatly improving the operability of the user. Can be improved.

Further, a virtual keyboard with good operability can be provided on the operation screen of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment without sacrificing the degree of freedom of the screen design. The effect is that the improvement of the property can be expected.

In this embodiment, when the character to be input to the character input unit is a numeral, the virtual numeric keypad is displayed on the screen output device 2013 instead of displaying the virtual keyboard 4009 shown in FIG. May be configured. Also in this case, the virtual numeric keypad has an input character display section, and the input numbers are displayed on the input character display section.

Further, the virtual keyboard 40 shown in FIG.
The input character display unit 4011 may be configured to display the input character string in a plurality of lines. With this configuration, even when a large number of characters are input, the input can be performed smoothly while viewing the entire text without using the scroll keys. In addition, hiragana and katakana can be input from the virtual keyboard 4009.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0102]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of data processing functions and having a display means for displaying a setting screen for inputting setting information for the data processing functions, the setting information is displayed on the setting screen. First to be displayed in the section
Display control means, input instructing means for instructing input of the setting information, and when the setting information instructed by the input instructing means includes character information, the setting screen displayed on the display means Second display control means for displaying a character input screen in a superimposed manner, third display control means for displaying input information input from the character input screen in a superimposed manner on the setting screen displayed on the display means, Updating means for updating the setting information to the input information input from the character input screen, so that even if the character input screen is displayed at an arbitrary position and in an arbitrary size, the input information to be input is confirmed. The setting can be input while the user is operating, and the operability of the user can be significantly improved.

According to the second aspect, the third display control means displays the input information input from the character input screen on the input information display section of the character input screen. Can be confirmed on the character input screen.

[0104] According to the third invention, the third display control means is displayed on the setting information display section when the setting information instructed by the input instructing means includes character information. Since the setting information is displayed on the input information display section, the setting information that has already been set can be easily edited.

According to the fourth aspect, the first display control means sets the input information to the setting information when the setting information is updated by the updating means to input information input from the character input screen. Since the setting information is displayed on the information display unit, the updated setting information can be displayed on the setting screen.

According to the fifth aspect, the first display control means displays the setting information and the title information of the setting information on the setting information display section, and the third display control means Since the input information input from the character input screen and the title information are superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the display unit, the user can easily grasp the title of the input setting information. .

According to the sixth aspect, since the character input screen is a keyboard screen, characters such as alphabets, numbers, and symbols can be input.

According to the seventh aspect, since the character input screen is a ten-key screen, numbers and the like can be input.

According to the eighth aspect, the input information display section displays the input information in a plurality of lines, so that a large amount of input information can be displayed collectively.

According to the ninth aspect, since the plurality of data processing functions include a plurality of functions related to image formation, the operability of setting input for the image formation function can be improved.

According to a tenth aspect, in the control method of the image processing apparatus having a plurality of data processing functions and having a display section for displaying a setting screen on which setting information for the data processing functions is displayed, An input instruction step of instructing input of information, and when the setting information instructed to be input in the input instruction step includes character information, the character input screen is superimposed on the setting screen displayed on the display unit. A first display step of displaying on a display unit, a second display step of displaying input information input from the character input screen on the display unit so as to overlap the setting screen displayed on the display unit, And updating the setting information to the input information. Therefore, even if the character input screen is displayed in an arbitrary position and in an arbitrary size, the setting input is performed while confirming the input information to be input. Bets can be, it is possible to greatly improve the user operability.

Therefore, even if the character input screen is displayed at an arbitrary position in a size that is easy for the user to input, the user can visually check the information input from the character input screen regardless of the arrangement of the setting information display section of the setting screen. The input operation can be performed while the user is performing the operation, and the operability of the user can be significantly improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an entire system of an image processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a scanner and a printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an operation unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an operation unit and an operation unit I / F illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the screen output device shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual keyboard displayed on the screen output device shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the screen output device shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2000 Controller 2001 CPU 2002 RAM 2003 ROM 2004 HDD 2006 Operation unit I / F 2012 Operation unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/023 G06F 3/023 310L H03M 11/04 (72) Inventor Hiroshi Matsuda 3-chome Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo 30-2 Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Toshiya Kanazawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yuka Nagai 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F term (reference) in Canon Inc.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of data processing functions and a display means for displaying a setting screen for inputting setting information for the data processing functions, wherein the setting information is displayed on a setting information display section of the setting screen. First display control means for displaying the setting information; input instruction means for instructing the input of the setting information; and when the setting information instructed by the input instruction means includes character information, the display information is displayed on the display means. A second display control means for displaying a character input screen superimposed on the setting screen, and a third display means for superimposing and displaying input information input from the character input screen on the setting screen displayed on the display means. An image processing apparatus comprising: display control means; and updating means for updating the setting information to input information input from the character input screen. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said third display control means displays input information input from said character input screen on an input information display section of said character input screen. . 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the third display control unit is configured to, when the setting information instructed to be input by the input instructing unit includes character information, change the setting information displayed on the setting information display unit to the input information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image is displayed on a display unit. 4. The first display control unit displays the input information on the setting information display unit when the setting information is updated by the updating unit to input information input from the character input screen. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The first display control unit displays the setting information and title information of the setting information on the setting information display unit, and the third display control unit inputs the setting information from the character input screen. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input information and the title information to be displayed are superimposed on a setting screen displayed on the display unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the character input screen is a keyboard screen. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the character input screen is a ten-key screen. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input information display unit displays the input information in a plurality of lines. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of data processing functions include a plurality of functions related to image formation. 10. A control method for an image processing apparatus having a plurality of data processing functions and having a display unit for displaying a setting screen on which setting information for the data processing functions is displayed, wherein input of the setting information is instructed. An input instruction step, and when the setting information instructed to be input in the input instruction step includes character information, a character input screen is displayed on the display unit so as to overlap the setting screen displayed on the display unit. A second display step of superimposing input information input from the character input screen on the setting screen displayed on the display unit and displaying the setting information on the display unit; and displaying the setting information on the input information. And an updating step of updating the image processing apparatus.