JP2009129313A - Information processing program and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing program and an information processing apparatus which displays an operation screen convenient for an operator among a plurality of operation screens for a normal-sight person and for a visually-handicapped person. <P>SOLUTION: Whether a PC 1 is operated by a visually-handicapped person or a normal-sight person is determined according to respective setting contents of the PC 1 which are set by the operator and the features of operator's input operation and the operation screen convenient for the operator is displayed on an LCD 17. When input operation is performed by a visually handicapped person, the operation screen is changed to a visually handicapped UI, and when input operation is performed by a normal-sight person, the operation screen is changed to a normal-sight UI, so that the PC 1 is convenient for both the visually handicapped person and the normal-sight person. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing program and an information processing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an information processing program for supporting a visually impaired person to use a general personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”), a screen reader that utters and reads out character information displayed on a PC display There is known an information processing program called. As an information processing program for supporting such a visually impaired person's use of a PC, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that a visually impaired person can easily display a browser operation screen for acquiring and displaying WWW (World Wide Web) information. When a display area for displaying a menu (for example, items such as link destination information) for enabling WWW information to be acquired by operation is provided, and the browser acquires menu information for the visually impaired in addition to the WWW information In addition, there is described an information processing program for improving the operability of a visually impaired person by displaying each information on an operation screen of a browser.
JP 2002-288071 A (0004 paragraph etc.)

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, the menu item for the visually impaired displayed on the browser is also included in the WWW information displayed on the browser. The browser and the screen reader repeatedly hear similar information, and it becomes troublesome to understand the information displayed on the operation screen of the browser. In addition, a new menu for visually handicapped persons is displayed on the operation screen of the browser, so that it is easy to use for visually handicapped persons, but the operation screen becomes complicated and difficult for sighted persons. That is, there is a demand for an information processing program that is easy to use whether operated by a visually impaired person or operated by a sighted person.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is convenient for an operator from among a plurality of operation screens including an operation screen for a sighted person and an operation screen for a visually impaired person. An object is to provide an information processing program and an information processing apparatus that can be switched to a good operation screen.

  In order to achieve this object, the information processing program according to claim 1 is connected to an input means for inputting input information according to the operation of the operator, and can display characters and images as display information on the display means. Display information for the sighted person including the display information can be installed on a computer that can install a display information sound generating program for converting predetermined display information displayed on the display means into sound, and the display information sound generating program is a target for sounding. A first display step for displaying any one of the display information including display information on the display means, and a display for the visually impaired person displayed on the display means by the first display step. A second display step of displaying on the display means request information for instructing a request to switch information to the display information for the sighted person, from the input means An input acquisition step for acquiring input information to be input to the computer, the input information acquired by the input acquisition step, or the display information for the visually impaired based on the setting information of the computer. Based on the first determination step for determining whether to display and the input information acquired by the input acquisition step, the request is received via the request information displayed on the display means by the second display step. A second determination step for determining whether or not an instruction has been given; and if the display information for the visually impaired is determined to be displayed on the display means by the first determination step, the visual impairment is determined by the first display step. The display information for the person is displayed on the display means, and it is determined in the second determination step that the request for the request information is instructed. The case, to execute and display designation step of displaying the sighted display information on said display means by said first display step.

  An information processing program according to claim 2 is the information processing program according to claim 1, wherein the first determination step is based on input information acquired by the input acquisition step or setting information of the computer. It is determined whether the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display means or the display information for the sighted person is displayed on the display means, and the display designation step is performed by the first determination step. When it is determined that the display information for sighted people is displayed on the display means, or when it is determined that the request for the request information is instructed by the second determination step, the sighting by the first display step is performed. Display information for the person is displayed on the display means.

  The information processing program according to claim 3 is the information processing program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display means displays a pointer formed by a character or an image at a display position instructed by an operator. The input means is configured by a pointing device that inputs input information that instructs the display position of the pointer and causes the computer to execute processing corresponding to the display position of the pointer. Input information input to the computer from a pointing device is acquired, and the second display step is performed when the display information for the visually handicapped person is displayed on the display means by the first display step. Alternatively, a processing execution button which is formed of an image and is the request information is displayed on the display means, In the second determination step, the display position of the pointer displayed on the display means points to a process execution button that is the request information, and the processing corresponding to the display position of the pointer is performed in the input acquisition step. When the input information to be executed by the computer is acquired, it is determined that the request is instructed via the request information.

  An information processing program according to claim 4 is the information processing program according to claim 3, wherein the display means displays the display information in a window formed in a display area of a predetermined size. In the first display step, the display information for the visually handicapped person is displayed in the window, and in the second display step, the processing execution button as the request information is displayed by the display information for the visually handicapped person. Displayed in a window.

  An information processing program according to claim 5 is the information processing program according to claim 3, wherein the display means displays the display information in a window formed in a display area of a predetermined size. In the first display step, the display information for the visually handicapped person is displayed in the window, and in the second display step, the processing execution button as the request information is displayed by the display information for the visually handicapped person. Display in a display area other than the window to be displayed.

  The information processing program according to claim 6 is the information processing program according to claim 4, wherein the display means displays a plurality of the windows, and the display information for the visually impaired is contained in one window. Display information to be displayed and display information to be displayed in a separate window. In the second display step, the processing execution button as the request information is displayed on the display information for the visually impaired. Displayed in each window.

  An information processing program according to a seventh aspect is the information processing program according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the request information includes display information that is not voiced by the display information voice program.

  An information processing program according to claim 8 is the information processing program according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the display means displays a cursor formed by a character or an image at a display position instructed by an operator. A pointer formed by a character or an image is displayed at a display position designated by an operator, and the input means designates a display position of the cursor and performs a process corresponding to the display position of the cursor. A key input device for inputting input information to be executed by the computer, or a pointing device for instructing a display position of the pointer and inputting input information for causing the computer to execute processing corresponding to the display position of the pointer. In the input acquisition step, the key input device enters the computer. Input information to be input or input information input to the computer from the pointing device, and prohibiting the display position of the cursor displayed on the display means from pointing to the process execution button, or The key input device targeted for the process execution button by prohibiting input of input information input by the key input device when the display position of the cursor displayed on the display means points to the process execution button. There is a prohibition step for prohibiting the operation by.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 is an input unit that inputs input information according to an operation by an operator, a display unit that displays characters and images as display information, and predetermined display information displayed on the display unit. An information processing apparatus comprising: a first storage unit that stores a display information voice program for voice conversion, wherein the display information voice program stored in the first storage unit is an object to be voiced. Second storage means for storing display information for visually impaired persons including certain display information, third storage means for storing display information for sighted persons including the display information, and the third storage means. First display control means for displaying one of the display information for sighted persons and the display information for the visually impaired stored in the second storage means on the display means; Display by means of display control means Second display control means for displaying on the display means request information for instructing a request to switch the display information for visually impaired persons displayed on the stage to the display information for sighted persons, and from the input means to the computer Based on input information acquired by the input acquisition means, input information acquired by the input acquisition means, or setting information of the computer, the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display means. The request is instructed via the request information displayed on the display means by the second display control means based on input information acquired by the first determination means and the input acquisition means. A second determination unit that determines whether the display information is displayed on the display unit by the first determination unit and the first determination unit; The display control means displays the display information for the visually impaired on the display means, and when the second determination means determines that the request for the request information is instructed, the first display control means Display specifying means for displaying display information for sighted persons on the display means.

  According to the information processing program of claim 1, the first determination step displays the display information for the visually impaired on the display unit based on the input information acquired by the input acquisition step or the setting information of the computer. Therefore, for example, when the input information input to the computer indicates the characteristics of the input operation by the visually impaired person, the display information for the visually impaired person is displayed on the display means. Alternatively, for example, when the setting information of the computer is set to be suitable for the visually impaired, the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, there is an effect that it is convenient for the visually impaired. Further, when it is determined in the second determination step that the request is instructed via the request information, the sighted person display information is displayed on the display means. Therefore, even when the computer operator is a sighted person and the display information for the visually impaired is to be displayed on the display means, the display means can be indicated by instructing the request via the request information. The display information for the visually impaired displayed on the screen can be switched to the display information for the sighted person. Therefore, there is an effect that it is easy to use even for sighted people.

  According to the information processing program of the second aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing program of the first aspect, the first determination step includes the input information acquired by the input acquisition step or the setting information of the computer. Based on this, it is determined whether display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display means or display information for the sighted person is displayed on the display means. Therefore, for example, when the input information input to the computer indicates the characteristics of the input operation by the sighted person, or when the setting information of the computer is set to be suitable for the sighted person, the display information for the sighted person is displayed. Although displayed on the display means, the sighted person displays the display information for the visually handicapped person displayed on the display means by notifying the request through the request information regardless of the determination in the first determination step. There is an effect that it is possible to switch to the display information for the person.

  According to the information processing program of the third aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing program of the first or second aspect, the display position of the pointer displayed on the display means points to the processing execution button as the request information, and When the input information that causes the computer to execute processing corresponding to the display position of the pointer is acquired in the input acquisition step, the second determination step determines that a request for request information has been instructed. For visually impaired persons, it is difficult to operate the pointing device so that the display position of the pointer points to the processing execution button, so the display information for visually impaired persons displayed on the display means is changed to display information for sighted persons. It is difficult to switch. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the possibility that the visually impaired information is erroneously switched to the sighted display information when the visually impaired person operates the computer.

  According to the information processing program of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the information processing program of claim 3, the process execution button as the request information is displayed in the window in which the display information for the visually impaired is displayed. Is done. For example, if the display area of the window is smaller than the entire display area of the display means, the sighted person can easily find the process execution button simply by paying attention to the window in which the display information for the visually impaired is displayed. There is an effect.

  According to the information processing program of claim 5, in addition to the effect of the information processing program of claim 3, the processing execution button as the request information is a display area other than the window in which the display information for the visually impaired is displayed. For example, when the process execution button is displayed at a predetermined position in the display area of the display means, the operator only needs to search for the predetermined position, so that the process execution button can be easily found. There is an effect that can be. Also, for example, when the display information for the visually impaired is more complicated than the display area other than the window, the processing execution button is displayed other than that window rather than being displayed in the window. Is displayed in the display area, the operator can easily find the process execution button.

  According to the information processing program of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the information processing program of claim 4, for example, a plurality of windows for displaying the display information for the visually impaired are displayed on the display means. When the process execution button as the request information is displayed in only one window, the sighted person must check the windows one by one and find the process execution button from the plurality of windows. If a process execution button is displayed in each window in which display information for the visually impaired is displayed, a sighted person can easily use the process execution button regardless of which of the multiple windows is focused on. Can be found in Therefore, the sighted person can easily switch the display information for the visually impaired person displayed on the display means to the display information for the sighted person even when a plurality of windows are displayed on the display means. .

  According to the information processing program of claim 7, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the request information is constituted by display information that is not voiced by the display information audio program. Therefore, the visually impaired person is not notified of the presence of the request information. Therefore, the visually impaired cannot recognize the request information, so the request is instructed via the request information, and the display information for the visually impaired displayed on the display means is switched to the display information for the sighted person. Is difficult. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the possibility that the visually impaired information is erroneously switched to the sighted display information when the visually impaired person operates the computer.

  According to the information processing program of claim 8, in addition to the effect of the information processing program according to any of claims 3 to 7, the display position of the cursor displayed on the display means is prohibited from pointing to the process execution button. Alternatively, by prohibiting input of input information input by the key input device when the display position of the cursor displayed on the display means points to the process execution button, the key input device for the process execution button is used. The operation is prohibited by the prohibit step. Therefore, in order to operate the processing execution button, the pointing device must be operated. However, since it is difficult for a visually impaired person to operate the pointing device, the display information for the visually impaired person displayed on the display means is displayed. It is difficult to switch to display information for sighted people. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the possibility that the visually impaired information is erroneously switched to the sighted display information when the visually impaired person operates the computer.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the ninth aspect, the first determination unit displays the display information for the visually impaired on the display unit based on the input information acquired by the input acquisition unit or the setting information of the computer. Therefore, for example, when the input information input to the computer indicates the characteristics of the input operation by the visually impaired person, the display information for the visually impaired person is displayed on the display means. Alternatively, for example, when the setting information of the computer is set to be suitable for the visually impaired, the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, there is an effect that it is convenient for the visually impaired. Further, when it is determined that the request is instructed via the request information by the second determination unit, the display information for the sighted person is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, even when the computer operator is a sighted person and the display information for the visually impaired is to be displayed on the display means, the display means can be indicated by instructing the request via the request information. The display information for the visually impaired displayed on the screen can be switched to the display information for the sighted person. Therefore, there is an effect that it is easy to use even for sighted people.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, application software X having an operation screen for a visually impaired person and an operation screen for a sighted person and a screen switching function for automatically switching the operation screen is installed in the PC 1. When the application software X is being executed and the application software X determines whether the operator operating the PC 1 is a visually impaired person or a sighted person, The operation screen is switched to an operation screen that is easy for the operator to operate.

  Although details will be described later, a screen switching button BT7 (see FIG. 2A) for switching the operation screen for the visually impaired to the operation screen for the sighted is provided on the operation screen for the visually impaired. Therefore, the sighted person can switch the operation screen without waiting for the operator's determination performed by the application software X.

  FIG. 1 illustrates the hardware configuration of the PC 1, FIG. 2 illustrates an operation screen of the application software X, FIG. 3 illustrates an installation process of the application software X, and FIG. 4 illustrates an operator determination process and an operation screen switching control process in the application software X. To do.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a PC 1 in which application software X is installed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  When the above-described application software X is being executed on the PC 1, for example, when an input operation is performed by a visually impaired person, even if an operation screen that is easy to use for a sighted person is displayed, it is easy for a visually impaired person to use. Since it can be switched to a good operation screen, it is easy to use for visually handicapped people who need time for each operation.

  Further, when an input operation is performed by a sighted person, even if an operation screen that is easy to use for visually impaired persons is displayed, the operation screen can be switched to an operation screen that is easy to use for sighted persons. Furthermore, even if the sighted person does not wait for the operator's determination performed by the application software X, the screen can be switched to an operation screen that is easy to use for the sighted person by operating the screen switching button BT7.

  The application software X is a program for using various functions such as a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function that the MFP 100 connected via the LAN 200 has. The MPF 100 is connected to the telephone line network 300 for data transmission by the facsimile function.

  The PC 1 mainly includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a hard disk 14, a keyboard 15, a mouse 16, an LCD 17, a speaker 18, and a LAN interface 20, which are connected to each other via a bus line 26.

  The CPU 11 is connected to the control of each function of the PC 1 and the bus line 26 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 12, RAM 13, and hard disk 14, or various signals transmitted / received via the LAN interface 20. Each part is controlled.

  The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the PC 1. The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory, and is a memory for temporarily storing various data when each operation of the PC 1 is executed.

  The RAM 13 is provided with a condition matching flag memory 13a, a key input count memory 13b, a mouse input count memory 13c, and a user type memory 13d.

  The condition conformance flag memory 13a is a memory in which a condition conformance flag indicating whether each setting of the PC 1 set by the operator is a setting that can be easily used by a visually impaired person. Each setting of the PC 1 is a setting that can be easily used by a visually impaired person, for example, when software that supports the use of a PC by a visually impaired person is installed or an operating system (hereinafter referred to as “OS”). This is the case when the moving speed of the mouse pointer (an example of the pointer described in the claims) is set to be slow in the setting, or when the character size of the character information displayed on the LCD 17 is set to be large. . This condition conforming flag is set to “ON” (for example, “1”) when the condition as described above is satisfied, and is set to “OFF” when the condition is not satisfied or is initialized. (For example, “0”). Each setting in the PC as described above corresponds to the setting information described in the claims.

  The key input count memory 13b is a memory for counting the number of times that the keyboard 15 is operated by the operator and a predetermined key operation (for example, key pressing) is performed. For example, “1” is added each time the keyboard 15 is operated by the operator and a predetermined key operation is performed.

  The mouse input count memory 13c is a memory for counting the number of times that the mouse 16 is operated by the operator and a predetermined mouse operation (for example, mouse click) is performed. For example, “1” is added every time the mouse 16 is operated by the operator and a predetermined mouse operation is performed.

  The user type memory 13d is a memory in which a user type indicating whether the operator operating the PC 1 is a visually impaired person or a sighted person is stored. A user type (for example, “1”) indicating that the operator operating the PC 1 is visually impaired when it is determined by the user type determination process (see FIG. 5) described later that the user is visually impaired. ) Is stored, and a user type (for example, “2”) indicating that the person is a sighted person is stored. When initialized, it is set to “0”.

  The hard disk 14 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and the data stored in the hard disk 14 is retained even after the PC 1 is turned off. The hard disk 14 is provided with an OS memory 14a, a screen reader software memory 14b, and an application software X memory 14c.

  The OS memory 14a is a memory in which an OS that is basic software is stored. The OS is a program for managing each unit connected to the bus line 26, and is a program necessary when the operator uses the PC 1.

  For example, the entire display area of the LCD 17 is managed by the OS, and the program being executed on the PC 1 can display characters, images, and the like only within the display area of the LCD 17 permitted by the OS.

  Therefore, when displaying a character or an image on the LCD 17, the program being executed on the PC 1 must first allocate a display area of a desired size from the OS. Hereinafter, a display area of a desired size allocated from the OS (permitted by the OS) is referred to as a window, and each program having a window allocated from the OS is referred to as acquiring a window from the OS. When the program being executed on the PC 1 acquires a window from the OS, it can freely display characters and images only in the acquired window.

  Even if a plurality of programs are executed on the PC 1 and each program being executed acquires a window, or when a single program acquires a plurality of windows, the OS independently handles each window. Since it is managed, each window is displayed on the LCD 17.

  In addition, the program that has acquired the window returns the acquired window from the LCD 17 to the OS when the execution of the program ends or when the window acquired from the OS becomes unnecessary. Can be erased. Hereinafter, when each program returns a window to the OS and erases the window from the LCD 17 is referred to as closing the window.

  In addition, this OS has a plurality of setting items related to input operations as described below, and the operator selects one of a plurality of options provided in each setting item. By setting, the PC 1 can be used more comfortably.

  For example, the moving speed of the mouse pointer displayed on the LCD 17 is set to be faster or slower than a predetermined (OS initial value) moving speed, and the character size of the character information displayed on the LCD 17 is set as follows. It is possible to make settings such as making the character size larger or smaller than a predetermined (initial value of the OS) character size.

  The screen reader software memory 14b is a memory in which screen reader software (speech reading software) that makes the character information displayed on the LCD 17 sound and read it out is stored. The screen reader software is software for assisting visually impaired people to use the PC 1. When the character information displayed on the LCD 17 is selected by a key operation or the like, the selected character information is voiced and emitted by the speaker 18. For example, when the buttons BT1 to BT11 (excluding BT7) (details will be described later in FIG. 2A) displayed on the LCD 17 are selected, the button names are voiced and emitted. The visually impaired person can operate the PC 1 based on the voice.

  Application software X memory 14 c is a memory in which application software X for using each function of MFP 100 connected via LAN 200 is stored. When the application software X is used by a visually impaired person, since the screen reader software is executed at the same time, the character information displayed on the operation screen of the application software X is voiced and emitted from the speaker 18. Therefore, the visually impaired person can operate the application software X based on the sound.

  The application software X memory 14c includes an initial setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3A, a main process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, a user type determination process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, and a flowchart of FIG. Program for executing the usage status acquisition process shown in FIG. 6, the operation acquisition process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6B, the screen switching process A shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, and the screen switching process B shown in the flowchart of FIG. An example of the information processing program described in 1) is stored.

  The application software X memory 14c includes a visually impaired person UI memory 14c1, a sighted person UI memory 14c2, a switching execution flag memory 14c3, a confirmation display flag memory 14c4, and a UI type memory 14c5. ing.

  The visually-impaired person UI memory 14c1 is a memory for storing a visually-impaired person UI (details will be described later in FIG. 2A), which is an operation screen on which a visually-impaired person can easily perform an input operation. The UI memory 14c2 is a memory for storing a sighted user UI (details will be described later in FIG. 2B), which is an operation screen that is easy for a sighted person to input.

  The switching execution flag memory 14c3 stores a switching execution flag indicating whether the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is switched to the visually impaired person UI or the sighted person UI depending on the characteristics of the input operation of the operator. Memory. When the switching execution flag is set to “on” (for example, “1”), the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is displayed on the UI for the visually impaired or sighted according to the characteristics of the input operation of the operator. It is switched to the user UI. On the other hand, when the switching execution flag is set to “off” (for example, “0”), the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is not switched.

  The confirmation display flag memory 14c4 has dialog boxes B and C for confirming whether to switch the operation screen when the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is switched according to the characteristics of the input operation of the operator (FIG. 9). Is a memory in which a confirmation display flag indicating whether or not to display (see) on the LCD 17 is stored.

  If the confirmation display flag is set to “on” (for example, “1”), the operation screen is switched when the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is switched according to the characteristics of the input operation of the operator. Dialog boxes B and C (see FIG. 9) for confirming whether or not are displayed on the LCD 17. Then, when an instruction to switch the operation screen is input by the operator, the operation screen is switched. On the other hand, if the confirmation display flag is set to “off” (for example, “0”), the dialog boxes B and C for confirming whether to switch the operation screen are not displayed, and an instruction from the operator is input. Regardless, the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is switched.

  The UI type memory 14c5 is a memory that stores a UI type indicating whether the operation screen to be displayed on the LCD 17 is a visually impaired person UI or a sighted person UI. When a UI type (for example, “1”) indicating a visually impaired person UI is stored in the UI type memory 14c5, the visually impaired person UI is displayed on the LCD 17, and a UI type (for example, a sighted person UI) is displayed. , “2”) is stored, the UI for sighted people is displayed on the LCD 17. That is, when the execution of the application software X is started, an operation screen corresponding to the UI type stored in the UI type memory 14c5 is displayed on the LCD 17.

  The keyboard 15 is a key input device provided with a plurality of keys. When the operator presses a key, an input signal corresponding to the pressed key is input to the PC 1. The mouse 16 is a pointing device for designating the display position of the mouse pointer displayed on the LCD 17. When the position of the mouse 16 is moved by the operator, an input signal corresponding to the amount of movement is input to the PC 1 and the display position of the mouse pointer is moved according to the input signal.

  The mouse 16 is provided with a mouse button that can be operated by the operator while moving the position where the mouse 16 is placed. When the operator presses the button, a predetermined input signal is sent to the PC 1. Is input. The operator can change each setting item such as the OS or use the application software X by operating the keyboard 15 and the mouse 16.

  The LCD 17 displays the operation procedure and the status of the process being executed, and displays information corresponding to pressing of the keyboard 15 and operation of the mouse 16. The speaker 18 converts an audio signal or the like made into sound by the screen reader software into sound and emits the sound.

  The LAN interface 20 enables data communication with various external devices connected to the LAN 200 by connecting one end of the LAN cable to the connection port of the LAN interface 20 and connecting the other end to the LAN 200. This is a known circuit.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2, a UI for visually impaired persons (an example of display information for visually impaired persons described in claims) and a UI for sighted persons (display information for sighted persons described in claims). An example) will be described.

  FIG. 2A is an image diagram showing an example of a visually impaired person UI stored in the visually impaired person UI memory 14c1, and FIG. 2B is a sighted person UI stored in the sighted person UI memory 14c2. It is an image figure which shows an example.

  The visually impaired person UI and the sighted person UI are operation screens of the application software X. When the application software X is being executed, one of the operation screens is displayed on the LCD 17.

  When displaying each operation screen on the LCD 17, the application software X acquires a window corresponding to the shape of each operation screen from the OS, and displays the operation screen in the acquired window. The operator can use various functions of the MFP 100 by performing an input operation according to the visually impaired person UI or the sighted person UI displayed in the window of the LCD 17.

  First, the UI for the visually impaired will be described. The visually impaired user uses images and uses character information a lot, and screen reader software allows the visually impaired to perform all other operations except switching the operation screen. It is configured.

  A selection box SB1 and a setting button BT1 are provided above the visually impaired UI. The selection box SB1 is a rectangular display area where the MFP 100 that can be used in the application software X is displayed as character information, and the setting button BT1 is a button for performing various settings of the application software X.

  Further, a scan button BT2, a photo media capture button BT3, a copy button BT4, a PC-FAX button BT5, a device setting button BT6, and a screen switching button BT7 are provided on the left side of the visually impaired UI. It has been.

  The scan button BT2 is a button for using the scanner function of the MFP 100, and the photo media capture button BT3 is a button for using the photo media capture function of the MFP 100. The copy button BT4 is a button for using the copy function of the MFP 100, and the PC-FAX button BT5 is a button for using the PC-FAX function of the MFP 100.

  The device setting button BT6 is a button for performing various settings of the MFP 100, and the screen switching button BT7 (an example of request information described in claims) is used to display the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 to the sighted user UI. It is a button for switching. This screen switching button BT7 is a part of the UI for the visually impaired, but is a button displayed on the LCD 17 when the processing of S361 of screen switching processing A (see FIG. 7) described later is executed.

  Since the screen switching button BT7 is provided in the visually impaired person UI, the sighted person determines the operator performed in the main process (see FIG. 4) (the operator who operates the PC 1 is the visually impaired person). The user can switch the UI for visually impaired persons displayed on the LCD 17 to the UI for sighted persons by operating the screen switching button BT7 without waiting for the determination of whether the person is sighted or sighted. Is good.

  Further, an image button BT8, an OCR button BT9, an email button BT10, and a file button BT11 are provided in the center of the visually impaired person UI. The image button BT8 is a button for displaying an image data file read using the scanner function on the LCD 17, and the OCR button BT9 creates a text data file based on the image data file read using the scanner function. This button executes an OCR function.

  The e-mail button BT10 is a button for sending e-mail, and the file button BT11 is a button for displaying various files stored in the hard disk 14 on the LCD 17.

  The setting button BT1 is given a button name “Setting”, and the button name is displayed on the setting button BT1. Similarly, “scan” for the scan button BT2, “photo media capture” for the photo media capture button BT3, “copy” for the copy button BT4, “PC-FAX” for the PC-FAX button BT5, device setting The button BT6 is “device setting”, the screen switching button BT7 is “screen switching”, the image button BT8 is “image”, the OCR button BT9 is “OCR”, the email button BT10 is “Email”, the file A button name “file” is assigned to the button BT11, and each button name is displayed on each button BT2 to BT11.

  Further, the button names displayed on the buttons BT1 to BT11 (excluding BT7) and the character information displayed on the selection box SB1 are configured to be voiced by the screen reader software. Input operation is easy for visually impaired people.

  Since the button name displayed on the screen switching button BT7 is composed of an image so as not to be voiced by screen reader software, the visually handicapped person is not notified of the presence of the screen switching button BT7. Accordingly, since the visually impaired person cannot recognize the screen switching button BT7, it is difficult to perform an input operation on the screen switching button BT7 and switch the visually impaired person UI to the sighted person UI. Therefore, when a visually handicapped person operates PC1, the possibility that the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is erroneously switched to the sighted person UI can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the screen switching button BT7 is configured to accept only an input operation with the mouse 16. Since it is difficult for a visually impaired person to perform an input operation using the mouse 16, the input operation is performed on the screen switching button BT 7, and the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is changed to the sighted person UI. It is difficult to switch to Therefore, when a visually handicapped person operates PC1, the possibility that the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is erroneously switched to the sighted person UI can be reduced.

  As described above, the visually impaired user's UI is provided with the buttons BT1 to BT11 and the selection box SB1, so that each button BT1 to BT1 is used by using the keyboard 15 or the mouse 16 in order to use each function. A specific operation for specifying one of the buttons BT1 to BT11 or the selection box SB1 to be operated from the BT11 or the selection box SB1 is performed, and then an operation instruction is input.

  The input focus is set so that one of the buttons BT1 to BT11 and the selection box SB1 is specified as an operation target, that is, the buttons BT1 to BT11 and the selection box SB1 in which an execution instruction can be input. These buttons are referred to as buttons BT1 to BT11 and selection box SB1. When the input focus is set to the buttons BT1 to BT11 and the selection box SB1, a rectangular symbol called a cursor is displayed on the outline of the buttons BT1 to BT11 and the selection box SB1 to which the input focus is set. The operator can recognize which button BT1 to BT11 or the selection box SB1 has the input focus set. In addition, when the input focus is set (changed) to another button BT1 to BT11 or the selection box SB1, the input focus is moved.

  When performing an input operation using the keyboard 15, the specific operation is performed, for example, by pressing a Tab key provided on the keyboard 15. Each time the Tab key is pressed, the input focus is moved to the buttons BT1 to BT11 (excluding BT7) and the selection box SB1 one by one in a predetermined order. The operator repeatedly presses the Tab key until the input focus is set in the buttons BT1 to BT11 (except BT7) or the selection box SB1 to be operated, and presses the return key when the input focus is set. An execution instruction can be input to the buttons BT1 to BT11 (excluding BT7) and the selection box SB1. Thereafter, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, regardless of the visually impaired user's UI (for example, in a dialog box A (see FIG. 3B) described later), an input operation with the keyboard 15 or the mouse 16 is performed. Regardless, when an execution instruction is input to one button displayed on the LCD 17, it is said that the button is pressed.

  Each time the input focus is set to the buttons BT1 to BT11 (except BT7) or the selection box SB1, the screen reader software is displayed on the buttons BT1 to BT11 (except BT7) to which the input focus is set. The button name and the character information displayed in the selection box SB11 are voiced and emitted from the speaker 18.

  Further, when a specific operation is performed using the mouse 16, the specific operation and the execution instruction are performed simultaneously. For example, the mouse pointer displayed on the LCD 17 is superimposed on the display positions of the buttons BT1 to BT11 and the selection box SB1, and the mouse button is pressed (hereinafter referred to as “mouse click”). A specific operation is performed on BT1 to BT11 and the selection box SB1, and an execution instruction is input.

  Next, the UI for sighted people will be described.

  FIG. 2B is an image diagram illustrating an example of a UI for sighted people. The sighted user UI is an operation screen of the application software X, and the operator can use various functions of the MFP 100 by performing an input operation according to the sighted user UI. Further, this sighted person UI uses a lot of images and is configured such that if the mouse 16 is used, the input operation can be completed with a smaller number of operations than the keyboard 15. The input operation using the mouse 16 is easier to perform.

  A selection box SB21 and a setting button BT21 are provided above the sighted user UI. The selection box SB21 is a rectangular display area in which the MFP 100 that can be used in the application software X is displayed as character information, and the setting button BT21 is a button for performing various settings of the application software X.

  In addition, a scan button BT22, a photo media capture button BT23, a copy button BT24, a PC-FAX button BT25, and a device setting button BT26 are provided on the left side of the sighted user UI.

  The scan button BT22 is a button for using the scanner function of the MFP 100, and the photo media capture button BT23 is a button for using the photo media capture function of the MFP 100. The copy button BT24 is a button for using the copy function of the MFP 100, and the PC-FAX button BT25 is a button for using the PC-FAX function of the MFP 100. The device setting button BT26 is a button for performing various settings of the MFP 100.

  Further, an image image button GBT21, an OCR image button GBT22, an email image button GBT23, and a file image button GBT24 are provided on the right side of the sighted user UI. The image image button GBT21 is a button for displaying an image data file read using the scanner function on the LCD 17, and the OCR image button GBT22 is a text based on the image data file read using the scanner function. This is a button for executing an OCR function for creating a data file.

  The e-mail image button GBT 23 is a button for transmitting e-mail, and the file image button GBT 24 is a button for displaying various files stored in the hard disk 14 on the LCD 17.

  The setting button BT21 is given a button name “Setting”, and the button name is displayed on the setting button BT21. Similarly, the scan button BT22 is “scan”, the photo media capture button BT23 is “photo media capture”, the copy button BT24 is “copy”, the PC-FAX button BT25 is “PC-FAX”, and the device setting. The button BT26 is "device setting", the image image button GBT21 is "image", the OCR image button GBT22 is "OCR", the email image button GBT23 is "Email", and the file image button GBT24 is "file". The button names are assigned to the buttons BT22 to BT26 and GBT21 to GBT24, respectively.

  The button names displayed on the buttons BT21 to BT26 and the character information displayed on the selection box SB21 are each configured to be voiced by screen reader software. Since the button name of the GBT 24 is composed of an image, it is not voiced by screen reader software.

  That is, since the visually impaired person is not notified of the presence of the image buttons GBT21 to GBT24, it is difficult for the visually impaired person to recognize the image buttons GBT21 to GBT24. It is difficult to perform an input operation. Therefore, when an input operation is performed on each of the image buttons GBT21 to GBT24, it can be considered that an input operation has been performed by a sighted person.

  Each of the image buttons GBT21 to GBT24 is configured to accept only an input operation with the mouse 16. That is, the specific operation and execution instruction are input to the image buttons GBT21 to GBT24 only when the mouse pointer is overlaid on the display position of the image buttons GBT21 to GBT24 and the mouse button is clicked. It is configured to be.

  Since it is difficult for a visually impaired person to perform an input operation using the mouse 16, when an input operation is performed on each of the image buttons GBT21 to GBT24, the input operation is more reliably performed by a sighted person. It can be considered that it was done.

  Next, the initial setting process executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing the initial setting process of the PC 1.

  This initial setting process is a process for setting a switching execution flag in accordance with an input operation by the operator and initializing a confirmation display flag and a UI type value. The MFP 100 connected via the LAN 200 is set in the initial setting process. This is a process executed when application software X to be used is installed in the hard disk 14.

  In this initial setting process, first, it is determined whether to use a screen switching function for switching to an operation screen that is easy for the operator to use, depending on the settings of the PC 1 set by the operator and the characteristics of the input operation of the operator. A dialog box A for confirmation (see FIG. 3B) is displayed on the LCD 17 (S1).

  A dialog box is an operation screen for displaying a message requesting an instruction for a process to be executed or a message requesting confirmation to the operator and allowing the operator to input an instruction for the process. . Here, in the initial setting process, a window is acquired from the OS, and a dialog box A is displayed in the acquired window.

  First, the dialog box A will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3B is an image diagram illustrating an example of the dialog box A. The dialog box A is an operation screen for displaying a message requesting an instruction to use the screen switching function and having the operator input the instruction.

  The dialog box A includes a text box TB31 in which a message for confirming whether to use the screen switching function is displayed, a button BT31 in which an instruction to use the screen switching function is input by the operator, and a screen by the operator. A button BT32 for inputting an instruction not to use the switching function is provided.

  For example, in the text box TB31, the character information “Monitoring the screen operation performed by the user and automatically switching to a screen type designed for the user's operation method” is displayed. Further, the button name “Yes” is assigned to the button BT31, the button name “No” is assigned to the button BT32, and the button names are displayed on the buttons BT31 and BT32. Yes.

  Character information displayed in the text box TB31 and button names displayed on the buttons BT31 and BT32 are each configured to be voiced by the screen reader software. Input operations are easy for visually impaired people.

  When the button BT31 is pressed by the operator's input operation, the switching execution flag stored in the switching execution flag memory 14c3 of the hard disk 14 is set to “on”, and when the button 32 is pressed, The switching execution flag is set to “off”. Note that when one of these buttons BT31 and BT32 is pressed, the window in which the dialog box A is displayed is closed.

  Here, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG. When the processing of S1 is completed, it is next determined whether or not the “Yes” button BT31 of the dialog box A displayed on the LCD 17 is pressed by the operator's operation (S2), and the “Yes” button BT31 is pressed. In this case (S2: Yes), the switching execution flag stored in the switching execution flag memory 14c3 of the hard disk 14 is set to “ON” (S3). On the other hand, when the “No” button BT32 is pressed (S2: No), the switching execution flag is set to “off” (S4).

  When the switching execution flag is set to “ON”, the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is switched to the visually impaired user UI or the sighted user UI depending on the characteristics of the input operation of the operator. It is done. On the other hand, when the switching execution flag is set to “off”, the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is not switched.

  Next, the confirmation display flag stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14 is set to “ON” (S5), and the UI type (eg, “2” indicating the sighted user UI is stored in the UI type memory 14c5 of the hard disk 14). ”) Is stored (S6), and the initial setting process is terminated.

  When the application software X is started to be executed, if the UI type memory 14c5 stores the UI type indicating the visually impaired person UI, the visually impaired person UI is displayed on the LCD 17, and the sighted person UI is displayed. When the UI type shown is stored, a UI for sighted people is displayed on the LCD 17.

  When the application software X is installed in the hard disk 14 by the initial setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3A, the switching execution flag can be set according to the input operation of the operator, the confirmation display flag, and the UI type value And can be initialized respectively.

  Next, a main process executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing of the PC 1. This main process is a process for switching to an operation screen that can be easily used by the operator according to the settings of the PC 1 set by the operator and the characteristics of the input operation of the operator. This is a process that is executed every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes).

  In this main process, first, each of the memories 13a to 13d provided in the RAM 13 is initialized (S11). Next, it is determined whether or not the switching execution flag stored in the switching execution flag memory 14c3 of the hard disk 14 is set to “ON” (S12). If the switching execution flag is set to “ON” ( (S12: Yes), user type determination processing is executed (S13). The user type determination process (described later) (S13) is a process for determining whether the operator operating the PC 1 is a visually impaired person or a sighted person. On the other hand, when the switching execution flag is “OFF” (S12: No), each process of S13 to S20 is skipped, and this main process is terminated.

  Next, it is determined what the user type is determined by the user type determination process (S13) (S14). When it is determined by the user type determination process (S13) that the user is visually impaired, that is, when the user type indicating the visually impaired is stored in the user type memory 13d of the RAM 13, the UI type memory of the hard disk 14 is stored. The UI type stored in 14c5 is read (S15).

  Then, it is determined whether the read UI type is a UI type indicating a sighted user UI (S16). If the UI type is a UI type indicating a sighted user UI (S16: Yes), screen switching processing A is executed ( S17) This main process is terminated. The screen switching process A (S17) (described later) is a process for switching the sighted person UI displayed on the LCD 17 to the visually impaired person UI. On the other hand, if the user type indicates a visually impaired person (S16: No), the process of S17 is skipped and the main process is terminated.

  In the process of S14, when it is determined that the user is sighted by the user type determination process (S13), that is, when the user type indicating the sighted person is stored in the user type memory 13d of the RAM 13, the hard disk The UI type stored in the 14 UI type memories 14c5 is read (S18).

  Then, it is determined whether the read UI type is a UI type indicating a visually impaired user UI (S19). If the UI type indicates a visually impaired user UI (S19: Yes), screen switching processing B is executed. (S20), and this main process is terminated. The screen switching process B (S20) (to be described later) is a process for switching the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 to the sighted person UI. On the other hand, when the user type indicates a sighted person (S19: No), the process of S20 is skipped and the main process is terminated.

  According to the main process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is possible to switch to an operation screen that can be easily used by the operator according to each setting of the PC 1 set by the operator and the characteristics of the input operation of the operator. Therefore, when an input operation is performed by a visually handicapped person, even if a sighted person UI is displayed on the LCD 17, it can be switched to the visually handicapped person UI, which is convenient for a visually handicapped person who needs time for each operation. Further, when an input operation is performed by a sighted person, even if the UI for the visually impaired is displayed on the LCD 17, the UI is switched to the sighted person UI, which is convenient for the sighted person.

  Next, the user type determination process (S13) executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the user type determination process (S13) of the PC1. In this user type determination process (S13), whether the operator who operates the PC 1 is a visually impaired person according to each setting of the PC 1 set by the operator and the characteristics of the input operation of the operator. Or it is the process for determining whether it is a sighted person.

  In this user type determination process (S13), first, the key input count memory 13b and the mouse input count memory 13c in the RAM 13 are initialized (S31), and a usage status acquisition process is executed (S32).

  Here, the usage status acquisition process (S32) executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the use status acquisition process (S32) of the PC1. This usage status acquisition process (S32) is a process for acquiring the setting of the PC 1 set by the operator and determining whether the setting is set to be easily used by the visually impaired.

  In this usage status acquisition process (S32), first, it is determined whether screen reader software is installed in the hard disk 14 (S51). If screen reader software is installed (S51: Yes), the condition of the RAM 13 is met. The condition conformance flag stored in the flag memory 13a is set to “ON” (S52). On the other hand, if the screen reader software is not installed (S51: No), the condition conformance flag is set to “off” (S53). Then, the usage status acquisition process ends.

  When the screen reader software is installed in the hard disk 14 by the usage status acquisition process (S32) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the PC 1 is set to be easily used by visually impaired persons. The flag can be set to “on”. Since the screen reader software is mainly used by visually impaired persons, if installed on the PC 1, it can be considered that there is a high possibility that an operation is performed by the visually impaired person.

  Now, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG. When the processing of S32 is completed, it is next determined whether or not the condition conforming flag stored in the condition conforming flag memory 13a of the RAM 13 is set to “ON” (S33), and the condition conforming flag is set to “ON”. If yes (S33: Yes), an operation acquisition process is executed (S34). On the other hand, when the condition conformance flag is set to “OFF” (S33: No), each process of S34 to S41 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S42.

  Here, the operation acquisition process (S34) executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing the operation acquisition process (S34) of the PC1. This operation acquisition process (S34) is a process for acquiring an input operation performed by the operator using the keyboard 15 and an input operation performed using the mouse 16.

  In this operation acquisition process (S34), first, a key operation performed by the keyboard 15 or a mouse operation performed by the mouse 16 is acquired (S61), and the acquired input operation is an input operation to the application software X. Is determined (S62). In the process of S62, when the acquired input operation is an input operation for the application software X (S62: Yes), the operation acquisition process is terminated. On the other hand, when the acquired input operation is not an input operation for the application software X (S62: No), the process returns to S61, and the processes of S61 to S62 are repeated.

  Of the input operations performed by the operator using the keyboard 15 and the input operations performed using the mouse 16 by the operation acquisition process (S34) shown in the flowchart of FIG. The input operation performed can be acquired.

  Now, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG. When the processing of S34 is completed, next, an input operation of Tab key press, Ctrl key and Tab key press, space key press, Alt key press, arrow key press is acquired by operation acquisition processing (S34). If any input operation is acquired (S35: Yes), “1” is added to the key input count memory 13b of the RAM 13 (S36).

  Then, it is determined whether the numerical value stored in the key input count memory 13b exceeds “10” (S37). If the numerical value exceeds “10” (S37: Yes), the user of the RAM 13 The user type indicating the visually handicapped person (for example, “1”) is stored in the type memory 13d (S38), and the user type determination process is terminated.

  In the process of S37, when the numerical value is “10” or less (S37: No), the process returns to the process of S34, and the processes of S34 to S37 described above are repeated.

  Also, in the process of S35, if no input operation has been acquired (S35: No), it is determined whether a mouse click has been acquired (S39), and if a mouse click has been acquired (S39: Yes), “1” is added to the mouse input count memory 13c of the RAM 13 (S40). Then, it is determined whether the numerical value stored in the mouse input count memory 13c exceeds “5” (S41). If the numerical value exceeds “5” (S41: Yes), the user of the RAM 13 A user type (for example, “2”) indicating a sighted person is stored in the type memory 13d (S42), and the user type determination process is terminated.

  If the mouse click is not acquired in the process of S39 (S39: No), the process returns to the process of S34, and the processes of S34 to S39 described above are repeated. If the numerical value is “5” or less in the process of S41 (S41: No), the process returns to the process of S34, and the processes of S34 to S41 described above are repeated.

  It can be considered that the visually handicapped person has fewer input operations with the mouse 16 than the sighted person because it is difficult to perform the input operation while viewing the operation screen. Further, since a sighted person can perform an input operation while visually recognizing the operation screen, the input operation using the mouse 16 that can complete the input operation with a smaller number of operations than the keyboard 15 is more common than the disabled person. Can be considered.

  Therefore, when there are many input operations with the keyboard 15 as determined in the process of S37, it can be considered that the visually impaired person is using, and the input with the mouse 16 is performed as determined in the process of S41. When there are many operations, it can be considered that a sighted person is using.

  Since the application software X is configured to be operable by an input operation using the keyboard 15 and an input operation using the mouse 16, if a visually handicapped person or a sighted person performs an input operation, the difference in the characteristics of the input operations is different. The feature can be easily and easily detected.

  The user type determination process (S13) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 sets the PC 1 set by the operator, the number of input operations performed by the operator using the keyboard 15, or the mouse 16 It can be determined whether the operator who is operating the PC 1 is a visually handicapped person or a sighted person according to the number of input operations performed. When it is determined that the user is visually impaired, the user type indicating the visually impaired person is stored in the user type memory 13d, and when it is determined that the person is sighted, the user type memory 13d indicates the sighted person. User type can be stored.

  Next, the screen switching process A (S17) executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the screen switching process A (S17) of the PC1. This screen switching process A (S17) is a process for switching the UI for sighted people displayed on the LCD 17 to the UI for the visually impaired, and when the operation screen is switched to the UI for the visually impaired. This is a process for displaying the screen switching button BT7 in the display area of the visually impaired person UI.

  In this screen switching process A (S17), first, it is determined whether or not the confirmation display flag stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14 is set to “ON” (S71), and the confirmation display flag is set to “ON”. Is set (S71: Yes), a dialog box B for confirming whether the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is switched to the UI for the visually impaired is displayed (S72). Here, the screen switching process A acquires a window from the OS, and displays a dialog box B in the acquired window. If the confirmation display flag is set to “OFF” in the process of S71 (S71: No), the process of S72 to S75 is skipped and the process proceeds to S76.

  Here, the dialog box B will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9A is an image diagram illustrating an example of the dialog box B. FIG. The dialog box B is an operation screen for displaying a message for requesting confirmation of switching the operation screen to the visually impaired user UI and allowing the operator to input the instruction.

  The dialog box B includes a text box TB41 in which a message for confirming whether to switch the operation screen to the visually impaired user UI, and a check box CB41 in which an instruction not to display the dialog box B on the LCD 17 is input. A button BT41 to which an instruction to switch the operation screen to the visually impaired UI is input by the operator, and a button BT42 to input an instruction to not switch the operation screen to the visually impaired UI by the operator Is provided.

  For example, in the text box TB41, character information “It is possible to switch to a screen suitable for keyboard operation corresponding to voice reading software” is displayed. In addition, on the right side of the check box CB41, character information “Do not display this dialog from now on” is displayed. Further, the button name BT41 is given a button name “Yes”, the button BT42 is given a button name “No”, and the button name is displayed on each button BT41, BT42. Yes.

  Character information displayed in the text box TB41 provided in the dialog box B, character information displayed on the right side of the check box CB41, and button names displayed on the buttons BT41 and BT42 are respectively Since it is configured to be voiced by screen reader software, it is easy for a visually impaired person to perform an input operation as well as a sighted person.

  When the button BT41 is pressed by the operator's input operation, the operation screen of the LCD 17 is switched to the visually impaired person UI. When the button BT42 is pressed, the operation screen is not switched. Note that when one of these buttons BT41 and BT42 is pressed, the window in which the dialog box B is displayed is closed.

  Further, when the buttons BT41 and BT42 are pressed by the operator's input operation, if a check mark is input to the check box CB41 by the operator's input operation, the check mark is stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14. The confirmation display flag is set to “off”.

  Now, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG. When the processing of S72 is completed, it is next determined whether or not the “Yes” button BT41 of the dialog box B displayed on the LCD 17 is pressed by the operation of the operator (S73), and the “Yes” button BT41 is pressed. In the case (S73: Yes), it is determined whether a check mark is input to the check box CB41 of the dialog box B (S74).

  In the process of S74, when a check mark is input in the check box CB41 of the dialog box B (S74: Yes), the confirmation display flag stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14 is set to “off”. (S75).

  On the other hand, if no check mark is input in the check box CB41 (S74: No), the process of S75 is skipped and the process proceeds to S76.

  Then, the UI type memory 14c5 of the hard disk 14 stores the UI type (for example, “1”) indicating the visually impaired user UI (S76), and the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is stored in the UI type memory 14c5 memory. The operation screen corresponding to the UI type to be selected, that is, the UI for the visually impaired is switched (S77). That is, the screen switching process A closes the window in which the sighted person UI is displayed, acquires the window from the OS, and displays the visually impaired person UI in the acquired window. Then, the screen switching button BT7 is displayed in the display area of the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 (S361), and this screen switching processing A is terminated.

  In the process of S73, if the “No” button BT42 in the dialog box B is pressed (S73: No), it is determined whether a check mark is input to the check box CB41 in the dialog box B (S78).

  In the process of S78, when a check mark is input in the check box CB41 of the dialog box B (S78: Yes), the confirmation display flag stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14 is set to “off”. (S79).

  On the other hand, if no check mark is input in the check box CB41 (S78: No), the process of S79 is skipped and the screen switching process A is terminated.

  When the sighted person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is switched to the visually impaired user UI by the screen switching process A shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, if the confirmation display flag is set to “ON”, the operation A dialog box B for confirming whether the screen is switched to the UI for the visually impaired can be displayed on the LCD 17. Further, when the dialog box B is displayed, the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is displayed on the LCD 17 on the condition that an instruction to switch the operation screen to the visually impaired UI is input by the operator. You can switch to Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visually impaired person UI from being displayed on the LCD 17 even though the operator is a sighted person.

  Further, when the visually impaired user UI is displayed on the LCD 17, the screen switching button BT7 is displayed in the display area, so that the sighted person can determine the operator performed in the main process (see FIG. 4). Even without waiting, it is possible to switch the UI for visually impaired person displayed on the LCD 17 to the UI for sighted person by operating the screen switching button BT7.

  Next, the screen switching process B (S20) executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the screen switching process B (S20) of the PC1. This screen switching process B (S20) is a process for switching the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 to the sighted person UI. In this screen switching process B (S20), first, it is determined whether or not the confirmation display flag stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14 is set to “ON” (S81), and the confirmation display flag is set to “ON”. Is set (S81: Yes), a dialog box C for confirming whether to switch the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 to the UI for sighted people is displayed (S82). Here, the screen switching process B acquires a window from the OS, and displays a dialog box C in the acquired window. If the confirmation display flag is set to “OFF” in the process of S81 (S81: No), the process of S82 to S85 is skipped and the process proceeds to S86.

  Here, the dialog box C will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9B is an image diagram illustrating an example of the dialog box C. The dialog box C is an operation screen for displaying a message requesting confirmation of switching the operation screen to the sighted UI, and for allowing the operator to input the instruction.

  The dialog box C includes a text box TB51 for displaying a message for confirming whether to switch the operation screen to the UI for sighted eyes, a check box CB51 for inputting an instruction not to display the dialog box C on the LCD 17, A button BT51 for inputting an instruction to switch the operation screen to the sighted user UI by the operator and a button BT52 for inputting an instruction to not switch the operation screen to the sighted UI by the operator are provided. Yes.

  For example, the text box TB51 displays the text information “You can switch to a visual screen suitable for mouse operation. (Note: You cannot read with the reading software. You cannot use the keyboard.)” Has been. In addition, on the right side of the check box CB51, character information “Don't display this dialog from now on” is displayed. Further, the button name BT51 is given a button name “Yes”, the button BT52 is given a button name “No”, and each button name is displayed on each button BT51, BT52. Yes.

  Character information displayed in the text box TB51 provided in the dialog box C, character information displayed on the right side of the check box CB51, and button names displayed on the buttons BT51 and BT52 are respectively It is composed of images so as not to be voiced by screen reader software. That is, since the visually impaired person is not notified of the contents such as the character information displayed in the dialog box C, it is difficult for the visually impaired person to recognize the dialog box C. Therefore, it is difficult for a visually impaired person to perform an input operation on the button BT51 of the dialog box C and to switch the visually impaired person UI to the sighted person UI. Therefore, when a visually handicapped person operates PC1, the possibility that the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is erroneously switched to the sighted person UI can be reduced.

  The dialog box C is configured to accept only an input operation with the mouse 16, and the operation screen of the LCD 17 is switched to the sighted UI only when the button BT51 is pressed with the mouse 16. Since it is difficult for a visually impaired person to perform an input operation using the mouse 16, it is difficult to switch the visually impaired person UI to the sighted person UI by pressing the button BT51. Therefore, when a visually handicapped person operates PC1, the possibility that the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is erroneously switched to the sighted person UI can be reduced. When the button BT52 is pressed, the operation screen is not switched. Note that when one of these buttons BT51 and BT52 is pressed, the window in which the dialog box C is displayed is closed.

  In addition, when the buttons BT51 and BT52 are pressed, if a check mark is input to the check box CB51 by the operator's input operation, the confirmation display flag stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14 is set to “OFF”. "Is set.

  Now, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG. When the processing of S82 is completed, it is then determined whether or not the “Yes” button BT51 of the dialog box C displayed on the LCD 17 is clicked by the operator's operation (S83), and the “Yes” button BT51 is clicked by the mouse. If it is determined (S83: Yes), it is determined whether a check mark is input to the check box CB51 of the dialog box C (S84).

  In the process of S84, when a check mark is input to the check box CB51 of the dialog box C (S84: Yes), the confirmation display flag stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14 is set to “off”. (S85).

  On the other hand, if no check mark is input in the check box CB51 (S84: No), the process of S85 is skipped and the process proceeds to S86.

  The UI type memory 14c5 of the hard disk 14 stores the UI type (for example, “2”) indicating the sighted user UI (S86), and the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is stored in the UI type memory 14c5 memory. The screen is switched to an operation screen corresponding to the UI type, that is, a sighted user UI (S87), and the screen switching process B is terminated. That is, the screen switching process B closes the window in which the visually impaired user UI is displayed, acquires the window from the OS, displays the sighted user UI in the acquired window, and ends the process.

  In the process of S83, when the “No” button BT52 of the dialog box C is pressed (S83: No), it is determined whether a check mark is input to the check box CB51 of the dialog box C (S88).

  In the process of S88, when a check mark is input in the check box CB51 of the dialog box C (S88: Yes), the confirmation display flag stored in the confirmation display flag memory 14c4 of the hard disk 14 is set to “off”. (S89).

  On the other hand, if no check mark is input in the check box CB51 (S88: No), the process of S89 is skipped, and the screen switching process B is terminated.

  If the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is switched to the sighted person UI by the screen switching process B shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, if the confirmation flag is set to “ON”, the operation screen A dialog box C for confirming whether or not to switch to the UI for sighted people can be displayed on the LCD 17. Further, when the dialog box C is displayed, the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 is changed to the sighted user UI on condition that an instruction to switch the operation screen to the sighted user UI is input by the operator. Can be switched. In order to switch the operation screen to the UI for sighted persons, it is necessary to perform an input operation with the mouse 16, but it is difficult for a visually handicapped person to perform the input operation by operating the mouse 16, so the operation screen is switched. Is difficult. Therefore, when a visually handicapped person operates the PC 1, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is erroneously switched to the sighted person UI.

  As described above, the application software X according to the embodiment of the present invention corresponds to the settings of the PC 1 set by the operator and the characteristics of the input operation of the operator when the application software X is being executed on the PC 1. Thus, it is possible to determine whether the operator operating the PC 1 is a visually impaired person or a sighted person, and to switch to an operation screen that is easy for the operator to use. Therefore, when an input operation is performed by a visually handicapped person, even if a sighted person UI is displayed on the LCD 17, it can be switched to the visually handicapped person UI, which is convenient for a visually handicapped person who needs time for each operation. Further, when an input operation is performed by a sighted person, even if the UI for the visually impaired is displayed on the LCD 17, the UI is switched to the sighted person UI, which is convenient for the sighted person.

  Furthermore, since the screen switching button BT7 is provided in the visually impaired person UI, the sighted person determines the operator performed in the main process (see FIG. 4) (the operator who operates the PC 1 is visually impaired person). It is possible to switch the UI for visually impaired persons displayed on the LCD 17 to the UI for sighted persons by operating the screen switching button BT7 without waiting for whether the person is sighted or not. Convenience is good.

  Next, a usage status acquisition process A, which is a modification of the usage status acquisition process (see FIG. 6A) executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1, will be described with reference to FIG. In the usage status acquisition process (S32) described with reference to FIG. 6A, only one setting of the PC 1 set by the operator is acquired, and it is determined whether the setting is set to be easily used by the visually impaired. However, in this usage status acquisition process A, a plurality of settings of the PC 1 set by the operator are acquired, and it is determined whether the plurality of settings are set to be easily used by the visually impaired.

  FIG. 10A is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the RAM 33 when the usage status acquisition process A is executed in the PC 1. When the usage status acquisition process A is executed in the PC 1, a new configuration is added to the RAM 13 (see FIG. 1). Since the other electrical configurations are the same, only the RAM 33 will be described here, and the description of the other identical parts will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the RAM 33 is provided with a condition matching count memory 33e in addition to the configuration of the RAM 13 described in FIG. The description of the same configuration as the RAM 13 described in FIG. 1 is omitted.

  The condition matching count memory 33e is a memory for counting the number of settings that are easily set for the visually impaired among the settings of the PC 1 set by the operator. For example, software for supporting the visually impaired's use of the PC is installed, the moving speed of the mouse pointer is set slower than a predetermined (initial value of the OS) in the OS setting, or the LCD 17 If the character size of the character information displayed on the screen is set larger than a predetermined (OS initial value) character size, the setting of the PC 1 is set to be easy to use for visually impaired persons. 1 "is added.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10B, the usage status acquisition process A executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described.

  FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the usage status acquisition process A of the PC 1. This usage status acquisition process A is a process for acquiring a plurality of settings of the PC 1 set by the operator and determining whether the plurality of settings are set to be easily used by the visually impaired.

  In this usage status acquisition process A, first, the condition matching count memory 33e in the RAM 33 is initialized (S91). Next, in the OS setting, it is determined whether or not the moving speed of the mouse pointer is set slower than the setting at the time of OS installation (S92), and is set slower than the setting at the time of installation. If this is the case (S92: Yes), "1" is added to the condition matching count memory 33e of the RAM 33 (S93). On the other hand, if it is not set later than the setting at the time of installation (S92: No), the process of S93 is skipped and the process proceeds to S94.

  Next, in the OS setting, it is determined whether the character size used for the screen display is set larger than the setting at the time of OS installation (S94), and is set larger than the setting at the time of installation. If it is (S94: Yes), "1" is added to the condition matching count memory 33e of the RAM 33 (S95). On the other hand, if it is not set larger than the setting at the time of installation (S94: No), the process of S95 is skipped and the process proceeds to S96.

  Next, it is determined whether or not screen reader software is installed on the hard disk 14 (S96). If screen reader software is installed (S96: Yes), "1" is added to the condition matching count memory 33e of the RAM 33. (S97). On the other hand, if the screen reader software is not installed (S96: No), the process of S97 is skipped and the process proceeds to S98.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the screen reader software is being executed (S98). If the screen reader software is being executed (S98: Yes), "1" is added to the condition matching count memory 33e of the RAM 33 (S98). S99). On the other hand, if the screen reader software is not executed (S98: No), the process of S99 is skipped and the process proceeds to S100.

  Then, it is determined whether the numerical value stored in the condition matching count memory 33e of the RAM 33 exceeds “2” (S100). If it exceeds “2” (S100: Yes), the condition matching flag of the RAM 33 is determined. The condition conformance flag stored in the memory 33a is set to “ON” (S101), and this usage status acquisition process A is terminated. On the other hand, if it is “2” or less (S100: No), the condition conformance flag is set to “off” (S102), and this usage status acquisition process A ends.

  A plurality of settings of the PC 1 set by the operator are acquired by the usage status acquisition process A shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10B, and the number of settings set to be easy to use for the visually impaired is “2”. If it exceeds, the condition conformance flag can be set to “on” on the assumption that the PC 1 is set to be easily used by the visually impaired. If the number of settings that are easy to use for visually impaired persons exceeds “2”, it can be considered that the possibility that the visually impaired person is performing an operation is higher.

  Next, a modified example of the application software X will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

  The application software X described above displays the screen switching button BT7 in the display area of the visually impaired user UI when the visually impaired UI is displayed on the LCD 17, which will be described next. In the modified example, in addition to the above-described embodiment, when each button BT1 to BT11 (except BT7) of the visually impaired user UI is pressed, each function operation displayed on the LCD 17 according to the pressed button The screen switching button BT7 is also displayed in the display area of the screen (see FIG. 12A).

  2, the visually impaired person UI and the sighted person UI are provided with buttons BT1 to BT11 (except for BT7), BT21 to BT26, and GBT21 to GBT24 for using each function of the MFP 100, respectively. It has been. When the operator presses the button, a function operation screen corresponding to the pressed button is displayed on the LCD 17.

  The function operation screen is an operation screen for setting the application software X or an operation screen for using each function of the MFP 100, and an operation for allowing the operator to input an instruction such as a setting item. It is a screen.

  Next, the function execution process A executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11A is a flowchart showing the function execution process A of the PC 1.

  In the function execution process A, when the visually impaired UI is displayed on the LCD 17, the function operation screen corresponding to the buttons BT1 to BT11 (excluding BT7) pressed by the operator is displayed on the LCD 17, and This is a process for displaying the screen switching button BT7 in the display area of the displayed function operation screen. The function execution process A is a process that is repeatedly executed from the start of execution of the application software X until the end of the execution. The function execution process A is stored in, for example, the application software X memory 14c.

  In the function execution process A, first, it is determined whether the buttons BT1 to BT11 in the visually impaired user's UI are pressed by the operator (S371). In the process of S371, the process waits until the buttons BT1 to BT11 are pressed (S371: No). When the buttons BT1 to BT11 are pressed (S371: Yes), the pressed buttons BT1 to BT11 are the screen switching buttons. It is determined whether it is BT7 (S372).

  In the process of S372, when the pressed buttons BT1 to BT11 are the screen switching buttons BT7 (S372: Yes), the screen switching process B (S20) of FIG. 8 is executed, and the process returns to the process of S371, and is described above. Each process of S371-S20 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the pressed buttons BT1 to BT11 are not the screen switching button BT7 (S372: No), a function operation screen corresponding to the pressed buttons BT1 to BT11 (excluding BT7) is displayed on the LCD 17 (S373). . Here, the function execution process A acquires a window from the OS, and displays a function operation screen corresponding to the pressed buttons BT1 to BT11 (excluding BT7) in the acquired window.

  Then, the screen switching button BT7 is displayed in the display area of the function operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 (S374), the process returns to S371, and the processes of S371 to S374 are repeated.

  For example, if the scan button BT2 is pressed with the keyboard 15 or the mouse 16 when the UI for the visually impaired is displayed on the LCD 17, the LCD 17 displays the scanner of the MFP 100 as shown in FIG. A scanner function operation screen (an example of a function operation screen) for using the function is displayed, and a screen switching button BT7 is displayed in the display area of the displayed scanner function operation screen.

  FIG. 12A is an image diagram showing an example of a scanner function operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 on the condition that the scan button BT2 is pressed when the visually impaired UI is displayed on the LCD 17. FIG. .

  The scanner function operation screen includes a storage format selection button SB61, a resolution selection button SB62, a scan type selection button SB63, a screen switching button BT7, a decision button BT61, and a cancel button BT62.

  The storage format selection button SB61 is a button for selecting one of a plurality of options as a storage format for image data generated when a document is read using the scanner function of the MFP 100. A resolution selection button The SB 62 is a button for selecting one of a plurality of options for the resolution of image data generated when a document is read using the scanner function.

  The scan type selection button SB63 is a button for selecting one of a plurality of options for the number of colors of image data generated when the original is read using the scanner function, and the screen switching button BT7. Is a button for switching the operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 to the UI for sighted people.

  The decision button BT61 is a button for determining the storage format of the image data, the resolution of the image data, and the number of colors of the image data, and instructing the start of reading of the document. When the decision button BT61 is pressed, Based on the item selected by the buttons SB61 to SB63, the document placed on the document reading surface of the MFP 100 is read, and image data is generated. The cancel button BT62 is a button for closing the scanner function operation screen displayed on the LCD 17.

  As described above, when the visually impaired user UI is displayed on the LCD 17, when the scan button BT2 is pressed, the scanner function operation screen is displayed on the LCD 17, and further, the displayed scanner function operation is displayed. A screen switching button BT7 is displayed in the display area of the screen.

  As an example, the scanner function operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 when the scan button BT2 is pressed has been described. However, when the other buttons BT1 to BT11 (except BT7) are pressed, the screen is displayed on the LCD 17. Since the same applies to each function operation screen to be performed, the description thereof is omitted.

  Functions corresponding to the buttons BT1 to BT11 (excluding BT7) pressed by the operator when the visually impaired person UI is displayed on the LCD 17 by the function execution process A shown in the flowchart of FIG. The operation screen can be displayed on the LCD 17, and the screen switching button BT7 can be displayed in the display area of the displayed function operation screen.

  Accordingly, the sighted person can easily switch the UI for visually impaired persons displayed on the LCD 17 to the UI for sighted persons by operating the screen switching button BT7 regardless of which function operation screen is being operated. So it is easy to use.

  Further, for example, even if the display of the LCD 17 is complicated, such as when the operation screen of another program is displayed in addition to the UI for the visually impaired and each function operation screen on the LCD 17, The screen switching button BT7 can be easily found by simply finding one of the visually impaired person UI and the function operation screen. Therefore, the sighted person can easily switch the visually impaired person UI to the sighted person UI even when the display on the LCD 17 is complicated, which is easy to use.

  Next, the function execution process B executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11B is a flowchart showing the function execution process B of the PC 1.

  The function execution process B is a process for displaying on the LCD 17 a function operation screen corresponding to the buttons BT21 to BT26 and GBT21 to GBT24 pressed by the operator when the UI for sighted persons is displayed on the LCD 17. Yes, it is a process that is repeatedly executed from the start of execution of the application software X until the end of the execution. This function execution process B is stored in the application software X memory 14c, for example.

  In this function execution process B, first, it is determined whether or not the buttons BT21 to BT26 and GBT21 to GBT24 in the sighted user UI are pressed by the operator (S381). In the process of S381, the process waits until the buttons BT21 to BT26 and GBT21 to GBT24 are pressed (S381: No). If any button is pressed (S381: Yes), the pressed buttons BT21 to BT26, A function operation screen corresponding to GBT21 to GBT24 is displayed on LCD 17 (S382).

  Here, the function execution process B acquires a window from the OS, and displays a function operation screen corresponding to the pressed button in the acquired window. And it returns to the process of S381 and repeats each process of S381-S382.

  For example, when the UI for sighted person is displayed on the LCD 17 and the scan button BT22 is pressed by the keyboard 15 or the mouse 16, the LCD 17 displays the scanner function of the MFP 100 as shown in FIG. The scanner function operation screen for using is displayed. However, the screen switching button BT7 is not displayed.

  FIG. 12B is an image diagram illustrating an example of a scanner function operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 on the condition that the scan button BT22 is pressed when the sighted UI is displayed on the LCD 17. This scanner function operation screen is provided with a storage format selection button SB61, a resolution selection button SB62, a scan type selection button SB63, an enter button BT61, and a cancel button BT62. The selection buttons SB61 to SB63 and the buttons BT61 and BT62 are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, when the sighted UI is displayed on the LCD 17, even if the scan button BT22 is pressed, only the scanner function operation screen is displayed on the LCD 17, and the screen switching button BT7 is displayed. Do not show.

  Here, as an example, the scanner function operation screen displayed on the LCD 17 when the scan button BT22 is pressed has been described. However, when the other buttons BT21 to BT26 and GBT21 to GBT24 are pressed, they are displayed on the LCD 17. The same applies to each function operation screen, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The function operation screen corresponding to the buttons BT21 to BT26 and GBT21 to GBT24 pressed by the operator when the UI for sighted person is displayed on the LCD 17 by the function execution process B shown in the flowchart of FIG. Can be displayed on the LCD 17.

  As described above, in this modification, when the visually impaired person UI is displayed on the LCD 17 and the buttons BT1 to BT11 (except BT7) are pressed by the operator, the button corresponds to the pressed button. A function operation screen is displayed on the LCD 17, and a screen switching button BT7 is displayed in the display area of the displayed function operation screen. Accordingly, the sighted person can easily switch the UI for visually impaired persons displayed on the LCD 17 to the UI for sighted persons by operating the screen switching button BT7 regardless of which function operation screen is being operated. So it is easy to use.

  Even if the display of the LCD 17 is complicated, such as when an operation screen of another program is displayed on the LCD 17 in addition to the UI for the visually impaired and the function operation screen, the sighted person is not visually impaired. The screen switching button BT7 can be easily found simply by finding one of the UI and the function operation screen. Therefore, the sighted person can easily switch the visually impaired person UI to the sighted person UI even when the display on the LCD 17 is complicated, which is easy to use.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the screen switching process A (see FIG. 7) of the above embodiment, the screen switching button BT7 is displayed in the display area of the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 by the process of S361. Instead of the processing of S361, the screen switching button BT7 may be displayed outside the display area of the visually impaired user UI displayed on the LCD 17.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13A, the screen switching button BT7 is displayed at a predetermined position in the display area of the LCD 17 (for example, a predetermined position at the lower right of the display area). Then, even if a sighted person displays a plurality of operation screens on the LCD 17 and the display on the LCD 17 is complicated, the screen switching button BT7 can be easily found by searching for the predetermined position. Therefore, the sighted person can easily switch the visually impaired person UI to the sighted person UI even when the display on the LCD 17 is complicated, which is easy to use. When the sighted person UI is displayed on the LCD 17, the screen switching button BT7 is not displayed on the LCD 17, as shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, when the image switching button BT7 is pressed, the visually impaired person UI displayed on the LCD 17 is switched to the sighted person UI. However, the visually impaired person UI is displayed in the display area of the visually impaired person UI. And a check box CB for instructing to switch the UI for the visually impaired to the UI for the sighted person, and when the check box CB is checked, on the condition that the setting button BT1 is pressed, the operation screen May be switched to the UI for sighted people.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation screen of the application software X is switched to the UI for the visually impaired or the UI for the sighted. However, for example, the UI for the visually impaired and the UI for the sighted A plurality of application software having the above may be stored, and the operation screen of each application software may be switched when each application software is being executed.

  In the above embodiment, the mouse is used as an example of a pointing device, but any device that can specify the display position of the mouse pointer may be used. For example, a touch panel, a trackball, a trackpad, and the like are applicable.

  In the screen switching process B (S20) of the above embodiment, when the dialog box C is displayed on the LCD 17, the dialog box C is displayed on the LCD 17, and then the buttons BT51 and 52 of the dialog box C are predetermined. If there is no time (for example, 5 minutes) input operation, it may be determined that the BT 52 has been pressed.

  In the user type determination process (S13) of the above embodiment, the number of times a specific key is pressed is counted. However, the number of times the specific key is pressed is not limited to these keys, and is often used while using the application software X or the OS. Any type of key can be used.

  In the above embodiment, when the UI for sighted people displayed on the LCD 17 is switched to the UI for the visually impaired, the display area of the switched UI for the visually impaired (or outside) is displayed. Although the screen switching button BT7 is displayed, even when the application software X is started and the UI for the visually impaired is simply displayed on the LCD 17, the UI for the visually impaired is displayed (or outside). The screen switching button BT7 may be displayed.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of PC in embodiment of this invention. (A) is an image figure which shows an example of UI for visually impaired persons, (b) is an image figure which shows an example of UI for sighted persons. (A) is a flowchart which shows the initialization process of PC. FIG. 6B is an image diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box A. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of PC. It is a flowchart which shows the user type determination process of PC. (A) is a flowchart which shows the use condition acquisition process of PC, (b) is a flowchart which shows the operation acquisition process of PC. It is a flowchart which shows the screen switching process A of PC. It is a flowchart which shows the screen switching process B of PC. (A) is an image figure which shows an example of the dialog box B, (b) is an image figure which shows an example of the dialog box C. (A) is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a RAM of a PC, and (b) is a flowchart showing a PC usage status acquisition process A. (A) is a flowchart showing the function execution process A of the PC, and (b) is a flowchart showing the function execution process B. It is the image figure which showed an example of the scan function operation screen displayed on LCD. It is an image figure which showed an example of UI for visually impaired persons displayed on LCD, and an example of UI for sighted persons.

Explanation of symbols

1 PC (an example of a computer, an example of an information processing device)
14b Screen reader software memory (an example of first storage means)
14c1 UI memory for the visually impaired (an example of second storage means)
14c2 UI memory for sighted people (an example of third storage means)
15 Keyboard (example of key input device, example of input means)
16 Mouse (example of pointing device, example of input means)
17 LCD (an example of display means)
S13 An example of the first determination step, an example of the first determination means S14 to S20, S372 An example of the display designation step, an example of the display designation means S17, S20 An example of the first display step, the first display control means Example S34 Example of input acquisition step, Example of input acquisition means S361, S374 Example of second display step, Example of second display control means S372 Example of second determination step, Example of second determination means

Claims (9)

Input means for inputting input information according to the operation of the operator is connected, and display information can be voiced by displaying characters and images as display information on the display means and making predetermined display information displayed on the display means into sound. On the computer where the program can be installed,
The display means displays either one of the display information for the sighted person including the display information and the display information for the visually handicapped person including the display information to be voiced by the display information audio program. 1 display step;
Second display step of displaying request information for instructing a request to switch the display information for the visually impaired displayed on the display means to the display information for the sighted person in the first display step on the display means. When,
An input acquisition step of acquiring input information input from the input means to the computer;
A first determination step of determining whether to display the display information for the visually impaired on the display means based on the input information acquired by the input acquisition step or the setting information of the computer;
A second determination step of determining whether the request is instructed via the request information displayed on the display means by the second display step based on the input information acquired by the input acquisition step;
If it is determined in the first determination step that the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display means, the display information for the visually impaired person is displayed on the display means in the first display step, When it is determined in the second determination step that the request for the request information has been instructed, a display designation step for causing the display means to display the display information for the sighted person is performed in the first display step. A characteristic information processing program. In the first determination step, the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display means based on the input information acquired in the input acquisition step or the setting information of the computer, or the sighted Whether to display the display information for the person on the display means,
In the display designation step, it is determined that the display information for the sighted person is displayed on the display means in the first determination step, or that the request for the request information is instructed in the second determination step. The information processing program according to claim 1, wherein, when it is performed, the display information for the sighted person is displayed on the display means in the first display step. The display means displays a pointer formed by characters or images at a display position instructed by an operator.
The input means is configured by a pointing device that inputs input information that instructs the display position of the pointer and causes the computer to execute processing corresponding to the display position of the pointer.
The input acquisition step acquires input information input from the pointing device to the computer,
In the second display step, when the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display means in the first display step, a process execution button that is formed of characters or images and is the request information is displayed. Display on the display means;
The second determination step indicates a process execution button whose display position of the pointer displayed on the display means is the request information, and a process corresponding to the display position of the pointer by the input acquisition step 3. The information processing program according to claim 1, wherein when input information to be executed by a computer is acquired, it is determined that the request is instructed via the request information. The display means displays the display information in a window formed in a display area of a predetermined size;
The first display step displays the display information for the visually impaired in the window,
4. The information processing program according to claim 3, wherein the second display step displays a process execution button as the request information in a window in which the display information for the visually impaired is displayed. The display means displays the display information in a window formed in a display area of a predetermined size;
The first display step displays the display information for the visually impaired in the window,
The information processing program according to claim 3, wherein the second display step displays a process execution button as the request information in a display area other than a window in which the display information for the visually impaired is displayed. The display means displays a plurality of the windows,
The display information for the visually impaired is composed of display information to be displayed in one window and display information to be displayed in another window.
5. The information processing program according to claim 4, wherein the second display step displays a process execution button as the request information in each window in which the display information for the visually impaired is displayed.   The information processing program according to claim 1, wherein the request information is configured by display information that is not voiced by the display information audio program. The display means displays a cursor formed of characters or images at a display position designated by the operator, and displays a pointer formed of characters or images at a display position designated by the operator.
The input means indicates a display position of the cursor, and indicates a display position of the key input device for inputting input information for causing the computer to execute processing corresponding to the display position of the cursor, or the display position of the pointer, A pointing device for inputting input information for causing the computer to execute processing corresponding to the display position of the pointer;
The input acquisition step acquires input information input from the key input device to the computer or input information input from the pointing device to the computer,
The key input is performed when the display position of the cursor displayed on the display means is prohibited from pointing to the process execution button, or when the display position of the cursor displayed on the display means indicates the process execution button. 8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a prohibiting step of prohibiting an operation by the key input device for the process execution button by prohibiting input of input information input by the device. Information processing program according to Crab. An input means for inputting input information in accordance with an operation by an operator, a display means for displaying characters and images as display information, and a display information sounding program for making predetermined display information displayed on the display means sound In an information processing apparatus comprising first storage means for storing,
Second storage means for storing display information for visually impaired persons including display information that is to be voiced by the display information voice program stored in the first storage means;
Third storage means for storing display information for sighted persons including the display information;
First display for displaying either one of display information for sighted people stored in the third storage means and display information for visually impaired persons stored in the second storage means on the display means Display control means;
Second display for displaying on the display means request information for instructing a request to switch the display information for visually impaired persons displayed on the display means to the display information for sighted persons by the first display control means. Control means;
Input acquisition means for acquiring input information input to the computer from the input means;
First determination means for determining whether to display the display information for the visually impaired on the display means based on the input information acquired by the input acquisition means or the setting information of the computer;
Second determination means for determining whether the request is instructed via the request information displayed on the display means by the second display control means based on the input information acquired by the input acquisition means; ,
When it is determined by the first determination means that the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display means, the display information for the visually impaired is displayed on the display means by the first display control means, Display specifying means for causing the display means to display the display information for the sighted person by the first display control means when it is determined that the request for the request information is instructed by the second determination means; An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: