JP2002342035A - Touch panel input device and image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable even a handicapped person or an aged person to easily perform an operation. SOLUTION: A touch panel is provided with a display part capable of displaying a plurality of operation keys for performing an input operation corresponding to information as input items and an input part capable of recognizing the input operation to the input item corresponding to a pressurizing position to the display part, and a display switching means switches the display contents of the display part. By a display content identification means, the display positions of the plurality of the operation keys piled up and arranged on the surface of the touch panel and displayed at the display part corresponding to the display contents of the display part are tactilely identified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a touch panel input device and an image recording device, and more particularly to a touch panel input device and an image recording device capable of responding to various operators with the spread of universal design.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, OA equipment, in particular, image recording apparatuses such as copiers, facsimile machines, printers, and multifunction peripherals thereof, have a plurality of functions and can perform various operations. In a device having a plurality of functions, it is necessary to provide a plurality of operation keys as the number of functions increases. However, providing a plurality of operation keys may complicate the configuration of the device and increase the size of the device. On the other hand, a so-called touch panel input device integrates a display device and an input device, and can input desired information by touching a predetermined area of a display screen. Many operations can be performed by switching the display on the display unit, and there is no need to provide a plurality of operation keys, which is efficient for a device having a plurality of functions. For this reason, many image recording apparatuses such as copying machines are provided with a so-called touch panel input device, and the touch panel input device can mainly operate the device.

[0003]

However, the conventional touch panel input device has the following problems.
That is, in the conventional touch panel input device, when a large number of operation keys are displayed on the display unit, it is necessary to pass a line of sight to every corner of the display unit in order to find out which operation key is the desired key. is there. Further, each time the display is switched, it is necessary to know in which area the desired operation key is displayed. For this reason, although there is no inconvenience when a sighted person operates the touch panel input device, it may be difficult when a visually impaired person operates the touch panel input device. That is, for example, if the display area of the operation keys is too small or the characters displayed on the operation keys are too small, it takes time to search for a desired operation key, and as a result, the operation itself takes time. . In addition, there is a possibility that the operation key cannot be correctly determined and an erroneous operation is caused. Furthermore, it may not be used at all depending on the degree of disability.

Further, when a person with an upper limb disability operates the touch panel input device, his / her finger sometimes touches operation keys other than the target operation key among the operation keys simultaneously displayed on the display unit. Yes, as a result, an erroneous operation may be caused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel input device and an image recording device which can be easily operated even by a disabled person or an elderly person. And

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display unit capable of displaying a plurality of operation keys for performing an input operation corresponding to information as an input item. A touch panel having an input unit for recognizing an input operation on the input item in accordance with a pressed position on the unit, a display switching unit for switching display content of the display unit, and a display switch unit arranged on the surface of the touch panel. And a display content identification member that enables the display positions of the plurality of operation keys displayed on the display unit to be tactilely identified according to the display content of the display unit.

To perform an input operation on the touch panel, the input operation cannot be performed unless information as input items such as functions and setting contents is displayed. Therefore, the touch panel includes a display unit capable of displaying a plurality of operation keys for performing an input operation corresponding to information as input items.

[0008] Further, means is required for enabling input operations on input items displayed on the display unit to be recognized. Therefore, by providing an input unit capable of recognizing an input operation corresponding to the pressed position, when the pressed position matches the position where the input item is displayed, it is recognized that the input operation has been performed on the input item. . Further, the display contents of the display section are switched by the display switching means. This makes it easy to check when there are multiple input items such as functions to be displayed and setting contents, display with emphasis on operability, display with emphasis on function list, and easy confirmation of the position of operation keys as input items. Various displays such as a display emphasizing performance are enabled.

Further, in the display content identification member, the user can indicate in which area of the operation key the operation key or the like displayed on the display section is displayed, and the operation key display position such as the shape and size of the operation key. Recognition is possible by touching. Specifically, as the display content identification member, for example,
It is conceivable that a hole having the same shape as the operation keys is formed in a plate that can be arranged on the display unit, and the operation key can be pressed through the hole even when the plate is arranged on the display unit. It is also conceivable that a flexible sheet is formed with projections such as Braille at positions corresponding to the operation keys. By arranging the display content identification member on the surface of the touch panel, it is possible to grasp the display content of the display unit without necessarily having to look at the display, and even the elderly or visually impaired can input easily. Operations can be performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the touch panel input device according to the first aspect, the display switching means can switch an operation key for the same input item to a display in a different form.

As the same input item, for example, operation keys for the same function, the same setting content, and the like can be considered. The display switching means changes the form of the same input item in accordance with the user and the environment in which the same input item is used, that is, the display area, the shape and size of the operation key, and the operation key display position. Switch to display by form. This enables a display that emphasizes operability, a display that emphasizes the list of functions, a display that emphasizes position confirmation, and the like, and switches to a display that can be easily operated by any user. Can be.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the touch panel input device according to the second aspect, the display switching means can switch between different input items to be displayed by operation keys of the same shape and the same size. It is characterized by.

[0013] The display switching means displays different operation items corresponding to the user and the environment in which the operation keys have the same shape and the same size.
That is, the same operation key has a plurality of functions and switches the display content on the display unit, so that the operation keys of the same shape and the same size displayed in the same area can function differently. For example, the operation key A on the first display screen functions as an operation key for setting the paper size of the copying machine, and the operation key A on the second display screen is an operation key for setting the magnification of the copying machine. It can be configured to function as

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the touch panel input device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the display content identification member is detachably provided on a display surface of the display unit. It is characterized by.

For example, the display content identification member is configured to be simply placed on the display unit, or one end of the display unit is connected to one end of the display content identification member by a sign. It can be configured to be detachable from the display unit by opening and closing through the interface, or to be slidable so that it can be arranged by pulling out the display content identification member from the display unit. By making the display content identification member detachable, it is possible to cope with both users who need the display content identification member and users who do not.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the touch panel input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the touch panel input device further includes a voice generating means for notifying a content displayed on the display unit by voice. When the display content of the display section is switched by the display switching means, and when an input operation is performed on the touch panel, the voice generating means notifies the user of the fact by voice.

A voice generating means is provided for grasping the display contents and operation contents of the display unit without necessarily observing visually. The sound generating means, when the display on the display is switched, notifies by voice that "display contents have been switched", and when an input operation has been performed by the user, for example, the pressed operation key Is displayed by voice indicating which function is to be set, and what setting has been made by pressing the operation key. It is to be noted that a means for adjusting the sound volume and sound quality of the sound may be further provided. In addition, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the output voice can be switched in language, that is, informed not only in Japanese but also in English and the like.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the touch panel input device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the touch panel input device further comprises setting means for selectively setting whether or not to perform notification by the voice generating means. .

By setting whether or not to perform the notification by voice by the setting means, it is possible to cope with both the user who needs the voice and the user who does not need the voice. Further, for example, a configuration may be employed in which notification is provided by voice when the first display screen is displayed on the display unit, and notification is not performed by voice when the second display screen is displayed. In addition, the setting of whether or not to notify by voice,
It can be set for each use of the touch panel input device,
Whether or not to notify by voice may be determined in advance, and thereafter, the configuration may be such that it automatically follows the set contents.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a predetermined recording sheet in accordance with image information after execution of various operations.
An image recording apparatus comprising the touch panel input device according to any one of the preceding items.

By providing the above-mentioned touch panel input device in the image recording device, it is possible to provide an image recording device which is easy for various users to operate.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a touch panel input device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the touch panel input device 10 is connected to an image recording device 12 that records an image on a predetermined recording sheet in accordance with image information after execution of various operations.

The image recording device 12 includes an image reading unit 14, an output unit 16, and a main control unit 18.
The image recording apparatus 12 is connected to a host computer (hereinafter referred to as a host P) which is an external device through an interface (not shown).
20). Further, the image recording device 12 is provided with an input / output control unit 22 of the touch panel input device 10.
(Details will be described later).

The image reading section 14 is a so-called scanner, and is connected to the main control section 18 via an interface. The image reading unit 14 reads a document image placed on a document table (not shown), creates image data including characters and images and control data (command data) for the read image, and stores these data. It is transmitted to the main control unit 18.

The output unit 16 includes a print head composed of optical components such as a laser diode, a polygon mirror, and a lens (not shown), an electrophotographic process device such as a photoconductor, a charger, and a developing device. And a paper supply unit for performing the above-mentioned operations, and is connected to the main control unit 14 via the interface 22.

The output unit 16 generates a laser beam from a laser diode of the print head based on each data transmitted from the main control unit 18 and places the laser beam on a photoreceptor uniformly charged by a charger. To form an electrostatic latent image, develop the electrostatic latent image by a developing device, and transfer and record a predetermined character or image on a recording sheet supplied from a sheet feeding unit.

The main control unit 18 receives each data transmitted from the image reading unit 14 or the host PC 20, analyzes each received data, and transmits the analyzed data to the output unit 16. Further, the main control unit 18 inputs / outputs various information to / from each unit constituting the image recording device 12 and controls the image recording device 12
And the like are controlled.

The touch panel input device 10 includes an input / output control unit 22 and an input / output unit 24. Input / output control unit 2
2 is connected to the input / output unit 24 and drives and controls the input / output unit 24, that is, the display unit 36
And the drive control of the touch panel 38 is performed.
In other words, it transmits various data such as programs required for driving and controlling the display unit 36 and the touch panel 38 and receives input information from the display unit 36 and the touch panel 38. Further, the input / output control unit 22 also inputs various information to the main control unit 18 of the image recording device 12.

The input / output control unit 22 has a central processing unit 30 (hereinafter, referred to as a CP) that controls various processes related to input / output.
U30). The CPU 30 has a ROM 3
The display contents of the display unit 36 are switched according to various programs stored in the audio generator 4 (details will be described later).
A setting is made as to whether or not notification is to be performed on contents such as switching of display contents and operation confirmation by 0 (details will be described later).

The input / output control unit 22 includes a ROM 32 and a RAM 34 in addition to the CPU 20.
These components are connected to the CPU 20.

The ROM 32 stores the touch panel input device 10
Various programs required for driving and controlling the display, screen data as the contents of the display screen displayed on the display unit 36, coordinates of display positions of operation keys for displaying information as input items, shapes and sizes of the operation keys Data on the like is stored. Then, these various programs and various data are output to the CPU 30.

In the RAM 34, data on the screen currently displayed on the display unit 36, selected functions for processing to be performed, and a touch panel 38
Is temporarily stored.

The input / output unit 24 is composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like, and is a display unit 3 for displaying the status and functions of the image recording apparatus.
6. The touch panel 38 includes a touch panel 38 disposed on the display unit 36 and capable of recognizing an input operation on the image recording device 12 in accordance with a pressed position on the display unit 36, and a sound generator 40.

The display unit 36 is provided with the touch panel input device 10
In addition to displaying each function of the image recording apparatus 12 connected to the operation keys and operation keys as input items at predetermined coordinate positions, the processing state of the image recording apparatus 12 and an error message are displayed. The display on the display unit 36 is switched by CP.
This is performed according to an instruction from U30. The display unit 36
Are provided with key guards 42 and 44 as display content identification means detachably attached to the display unit 36.

As an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 36, an initial screen, that is, a default screen 60 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A. This default screen 6
0 minimizes the number of operation keys that are displayed so that the user does not need to move the finger or the line of sight very much, and also displays the operation keys and characters in a large size so that a person with a visual impairment with a narrow visual field can Elderly people can recognize it. In addition, the shape of the operation key is changed for each function to facilitate recognition.

The default screen 60 includes a circle button 80, a cross button 82, and a square button 84 from the upper left, and pressing any one of these buttons displays the type of copy,
That is, any one of color, single color, and black and white can be selected and set. Note that, when the round button 80, the cross button 82, and the square button 84 are shifted from the default screen 60 to another screen, for example,
Other functions such as paper size, magnification, and density are displayed (see FIG. 5B). A message display area 86 is provided in the lower part of the default screen 60 so that selectable contents, the current state of the image recording apparatus 12, and the like are displayed.

In the lower left column of the message display area 86,
A switching button 88 displayed as “character” is provided, and when the switching button 88 is pressed, the display screen is switched to the sighted-eye screen 70 (see FIG. 6B). On the clear-eye screen 70, the number of functions displayed is larger than that of the default screen 60, and the operation keys and characters are displayed smaller than the default screen 60 so that the list of functions is improved.

On the screen displayed on the display unit 36, when one operation key for a desired function is pressed, the input content included in the function is changed. For example, when the magnification setting function is displayed on the cross button 82 in the upper part of the default screen, the cross button 82 is kept pressed to change the magnification to 100%, 122%, 14%.
It changes to 1% ... When the desired magnification is displayed,
By stopping pressing the cross button 82, the magnification can be set.

The key guards 42 and 44 are shown in FIGS.
Is a plate-like body made of synthetic resin or the like having substantially the same shape and the same size as the display surface of the display section 36 as shown in FIG.
It can be placed on top. And the key guard 42,
Holes 50 and 52 corresponding to the operation keys displayed on the display unit 36 are formed in the display unit 44. When the key guards 42 and 44 are mounted on the display unit 36, the display unit 36 (touch panel 38) by the user is provided. So as not to obstruct the touching finger. The key guards 42 and 44 are made of a transparent material so as not to disturb the display on the display unit.

The touch panel 38 is provided so as to overlap with the display unit 36 and has a touch input area corresponding to a display area of operation keys and the like displayed on the display unit 36. The touch panel 38 includes an analog resistance film laminated on two layers, an upper layer and a lower layer. And touch panel 3
8, a voltage is applied from a voltage applying device (not shown),
When an arbitrary portion of the touch panel 38 is pressed, a voltage divided by resistance is detected as a pressed position detection voltage, and the detected position data is supplied to the CPU 30. Thereby, the input about the seed function related to the operation key including the pressed position is recognized.

In the normal state (default state) of the image recording device 12, the sound generator 40
In accordance with the instruction from, the operation state of the image recording device 12 is notified by voice. In other words, the sound generator 40 notifies the user of the change in the display content of the display unit 36 by voice via a speaker (not shown), or notifies the user when an input operation to the touch panel input device 10 is performed. The content of the input operation is notified by voice. Further, when an operation abnormality occurs in the touch panel input device 10 or the image recording device 12, it is possible to notify by voice that the operation abnormality has occurred. Note that whether or not to perform various notifications by the sound generator 40 can be selectively set.

Hereinafter, an example of the processing flow of the touch panel input / output device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, in the present embodiment, since the touch panel input device 10 is connected to the image recording device 12, an example in which the density is set when copying is performed by the image recording device 12 has been described.

In step 100 of FIG. 4, the image recording device 12 is in the initial state, and a default screen 60 is displayed on the display section 36 of the touch panel input device 10 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A. Have been. When any operation is performed at this time, the sound generator 40 outputs a confirmation sound for the operation.

In the next step 102, the switching button 88
CPU 30 determines whether or not is pressed. When the switch button 88 is pressed while the default screen 60 is displayed, an input signal indicating that the switch button 88 has been pressed is transmitted from the touch panel 38 to the CPU 30, and the CPU 30 makes a positive determination in step 102. When the switching button 88 is pressed,
The sound generator 40 gives a sound notification such as "switch the display screen". If this judgment is affirmed, the routine proceeds to step 106. If the switch button 88 has not been pressed, step 104
Proceed to.

In step 104, the default screen 60
Is displayed, it is determined whether or not the square button 84 has been pressed. When the square button 84 is pressed, input information indicating that the square button 84 has been pressed is transmitted from the touch panel 38 to the CPU 30, the determination in step 104 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 106. When the square button is pressed at this time, the sound generator 40 is pressed.
As a result, a confirmation sound for the operation is output, such as "copy type is black and white". If the square button 84 has not been pressed, the process returns to step 100. At this time, the default screen 36 remains displayed on the display unit 36.

In step 106, the CPU 30 receives the pressing of the switching button 88, and causes the CPU 30 to read the sighting screen 70 from the ROM 32.
Is read out, and the data is displayed on the display unit 36.
Send to The display unit 36 receives the data and switches the display to the sighted screen 70. When the display is switched to the display for the sighted screen 70, the output of the sound by the sound generator 40 is stopped. Alternatively, in response to the pressing of the square button 84, the CPU 30 reads the necessary data from the ROM 32, and operates the operation keys having the same shape and the same size as those of the default screen on the display unit 36, and the displayed functions are different. A screen 62 is displayed.

In the next step 108, the user presses the density change button until the desired density is obtained. That is,
On the operation screen 62, the square button 84 at the upper right is pressed.
As a result, the position of the black circle of the density display bar 78 displayed at the end of the message display area 86 moves,
The character display in the cross button 84 switches to “Yaikoi”, “Koi”, etc., and the set density changes (FIGS. 5C and 5D).
reference). In addition, the sound generator 40 notifies the set density by voice as the status changes to "Yakoi" and "Koi".

In the screen 70 for sighted eyes, the screen 70
The density is set by depressing a density change button, which is displayed in the lower part of the screen, which is displayed as "Koi" or "Light". As a result, the position of the black circle of the density display bar 78 provided between the density change buttons is moved, and the character display at the right end of the message display area 86 is switched to “Yaikoi”, “Koi”, etc. The concentration changes (see FIGS. 6C and 6D).

The density is set by stopping the pressing of the density change button, and the density set in step 110 is determined. This routine ends when the density setting is determined.
When a predetermined time elapses after the end of this routine, the display on the display unit 36 automatically switches to the default screen 60.

Next, as an example of the processing flow of the touch panel input / output device 10, an example in which the magnification is set when copying is performed by the image recording device 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

At step 200 in FIG. 7, the image recording device 12 is in the initial state, and a default screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 36 of the touch panel input device 10 as shown in FIGS. Have been. Next step 2
In 02, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the switching button 88 has been pressed. Default screen 60
When the switch button 88 is pressed while is displayed, an input signal indicating that the switch button 88 has been pressed is transmitted from the touch panel 38 to the CPU 30, and the determination of step 102 is affirmed in the CPU 30. The switch button 8
When the button 8 is pressed, the voice generator 40 gives a voice notification such as "switch the display screen". If this judgment is affirmed, the routine proceeds to step 206. If the switching button 88 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 204.

In step 204, the default screen 60
Is displayed, it is determined whether or not the square button 84 has been pressed. When the square button 84 is pressed, input information indicating that the square button 84 has been pressed is transmitted from the touch panel 38 to the CPU 30, the determination in step 204 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 206. At this time, when the square button is pressed, the sound generator 40
A confirmation sound for the operation is output, such as "Copy type is black and white". If the square button 84 has not been pressed, the process returns to step 200. At this time, the default screen 60 remains displayed on the display unit 36.

In step 206, the CPU 30 receives the pressing of the switch button 88 and causes the CPU 30 to read the sighted screen 7 from the ROM 32.
0 is read, and the data is displayed on the display unit 3.
Send to 6. The display unit 36 receives the data and switches the display to the sighted screen 70. On the clear-eye screen 70, the second operation key from the left in the upper row functions as a magnification change button. Alternatively, in response to the pressing of the square button 84, the CPU 30 reads data necessary for displaying the operation screen 62 from the ROM 32, and displays the data on the display unit 36 with operation keys having the same shape, size, and size as the default screen. Then, an operation screen 62 having different displayed functions is displayed. On the operation screen 62, the cross button 82 displayed in the upper middle of the screen functions as a magnification change button.

In the next step 208, the user presses the magnification change button until the desired magnification is obtained. That is,
On the operation screen 62, the cross button 82 is pressed. Thereby, the cross button 82 functions as a magnification change button,
In response to the pressing of the cross button 82, the displayed characters in the cross button 82 are changed to, for example, 100%, 115%, 122%.
% And 141% (see FIGS. 8B to 8E). Along with this switching, the sound generator 40 outputs a confirmation sound of the setting contents, such as "The magnification is 100%."

In the sighted screen 70, the screen 70
By pressing the magnification change button 90 displayed in the upper part of the screen, “Please select a magnification” is displayed in the message display area 86 of the sighted screen 70, and a magnification selection key 92 is displayed below the message display area 86. Is displayed to inform that preparation for setting the magnification is ready. Then, by pressing any desired one of the magnification selection keys 92, the magnification can be set (see FIGS. 9B and 9C).

In the next step 210, on the operation screen 62, the setting of the selected magnification is confirmed by pressing the confirmation button 94 at the lower right of the operation screen (FIGS. 8E and 8F).
reference). Further, on the sighted screen 70, a magnification selection key 92
The magnification is set by pressing, and the setting is determined. When the setting of the magnification is determined, this routine ends. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of this routine,
The display on the display unit 36 automatically switches to the default screen 60.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the display on the display unit 36 can be switched so that any user, such as a sighted person, an elderly person, or a visually impaired person, can visually check the display contents of the display unit. Confirmation can be performed. Display 3
The operation keys displayed in 6 are circles, crosses,
It consists of operation keys of a simple shape such as a square, and these operation keys have a sufficient size and the number of operation keys displayed at a time is small, so that the user can look at every corner of the display screen. Even without passing over, the display position of the operation key can be grasped, and the visually impaired person can easily perform the operation.

Further, by adding sound as needed, the contents can be grasped by sound without necessarily grasping the display contents of the display unit 36 visually. Further, by providing the key guards 42 and 44 as the display content identification members, the display content of the display unit can be grasped by touch. Further, the key guard prevents a desired operation key from being accidentally pressed simultaneously with an operation key other than the intended one,
Erroneous operation is reduced.

In addition, with the spread of universal design in recent years, various people can use one device,
There is an increasing demand for increasing the opportunities for people with disabilities to work. According to the present invention, it is possible to respond to such a demand.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a touch panel input device and an image recording device that can be easily operated even by a disabled person or an elderly person. There is an excellent effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a touch panel input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a key guard as a display content identification member of the touch panel input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a key guard as a display content identification member of the touch panel input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation when setting a density in the touch panel input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the touch panel input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the touch panel input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation when setting a magnification in the touch panel input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the touch panel input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the touch panel input device according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 touch panel input device 12 image recording device 14 image reading unit 16 output unit 18 main control unit 22 input / output control unit 24 input / output unit 30 CPU (display switching unit, setting unit) 36 display unit 38 touch panel 40 sound generator (sound generation) Means) 42 key guard (display content identification member) 44 key guard (display content identification member)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 386 G06F 3/00 601 5G435 G06F 3/00 601 3/12 W 3/12 G09B 21/00 B G09B 21/00 G09F 9/00 366A G09F 9/00 366 366G 27/00 C 27/00 B41J 29/00 TF term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 BB10 CQ04 CQ14 CQ15 CQ29 CQ32 CQ34 CQ36 2H0GA GA03 GA30 GA48 GA52 GB14 5B021 AA30 LG00 5B087 AA09 AB05 AB12 CC12 CC15 CC26 DD10 5E501 BA02 BA11 CA04 CA08 CB05 EA10 EA11 EB05 FA03 FA04 FA13 FA32 FA43 FB43 5G435 EE03 EE49 GG43 LL12

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A display unit capable of displaying a plurality of operation keys for performing an input operation corresponding to information as an input item, and an input operation on the input item being recognizable according to a pressed position on the display unit. A touch panel provided with an input unit for performing the display, a display switching unit for switching display contents of the display unit, and the display unit is disposed on the surface of the touch panel so as to be superimposed and displayed on the display unit according to the display contents of the display unit. A touch panel input device, comprising: a display content identification member that enables a display position of a plurality of operation keys to be tactilely identified. 2. The touch panel input device according to claim 1, wherein said display switching means is capable of switching operation keys for the same input item to display in a different form. 3. The touch panel input device according to claim 2, wherein the display switching means is capable of switching to a display using operation keys of the same shape and the same size for different input items. 4. The touch panel input device according to claim 1, wherein the display content identification member is detachably provided on a display surface of the display unit. 5. A voice generating means for notifying the content displayed on the display unit by voice, wherein an input operation to the touch panel is performed when display content of the display unit is switched by the display switching means. The touch panel input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when there is a voice, the voice generating means notifies the user by voice. 6. The touch panel input device according to claim 5, further comprising setting means for selectively setting whether or not to perform notification by said voice generating means. 7. An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a predetermined recording sheet in accordance with image information after execution of various operations, wherein the touch panel input device according to claim 1 is provided. An image recording apparatus, comprising: