JP2012008954A - Input device, compound machine and input control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device, a compound machine and an input control program capable of suppressing the wrong operation of an item newly displayed due to the display update.SOLUTION: For example, in a state in which an operator is bringing an input medium 33 closer to an input prediction position A1 in attempt to operate an item 32 related to a copy function, when an update to a division screen is performed, a MFP1 arranges the item 32 having the copy function in a left side region 34 including the input prediction position A1. In other words, a division screen is displayed to assign the copy function to the left side region 34 and a telephone function to a right side region 36.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device, a multifunction peripheral, and an input control program.

  Various devices are known in which an instruction can be input by pressing a switch displayed on a screen. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function and a telephone function, which can input an instruction by pressing a switch on the screen. According to the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a job of another function is interrupted while displaying a certain function, the screen is divided, and the original screen is displayed on one screen. The other switch displays a switch relating to a job of another function that has been interrupted.

JP 2006-135780 A

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an event occurs immediately before the operator tries to press a switch on the screen and the screen is suddenly divided, the operator does not notice the change of the screen. Or, the screen may be pushed down with momentum. If a switch that is different from the switch that the operator tried to press is newly displayed at the pressed position, there is a possibility that processing unintended by the operator may be executed. For example, when the operator is trying to press a switch on the screen, an incoming call is received from the outside, and a “telephone disconnect switch” suddenly appears at the position where the operator was trying to press the switch. If the “disconnect switch” is pressed, the telephone is disconnected against the intention of the operator.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an input device, a multifunction peripheral, and an input control program that can prevent an item that is newly displayed due to display update from being erroneously operated. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve this object, the input device of the present invention displays items to which processing has been assigned in advance in an operation reception area in the screen, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the operation reception area An update unit that updates a display of the screen on a divided screen in which a plurality of unit regions are provided and items are arranged in each unit region, and the operator operates on the divided screen displayed by the update unit. A position acquisition unit that acquires a predicted input predicted position before display update by the update unit, and the input predicted position acquired by the position acquisition unit among the plurality of unit areas provided in the divided screen. Of the items arranged on the divided screen displayed by the update unit, the region specifying unit for specifying the unit region to include, the item newly displayed by display update is the region. The specified unit area by specifying means and a item placement means for placing in a different unit areas.

  In the input device, the item arrangement unit may arrange an item displayed when the predetermined condition is satisfied in a unit area specified by the area specifying unit.

  The present invention can be configured in various modes such as an input device, a control device that controls the input device, an input method, an input control program that controls the input device, and a recording medium that records the input control program. .

  According to the input device of the first aspect, the region specifying unit specifies a unit region including the predicted input position among the plurality of unit regions provided on the divided screen. Then, the items newly displayed by the display updating by the item arranging means are arranged in a unit area different from the unit area specified by the area specifying means. Therefore, even if the predicted input position acquired before the display update is actually operated after the display update, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent an item newly displayed by the display update from being erroneously operated.

  According to the input device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the item displayed when the predetermined condition is satisfied is arranged in the unit area including the input predicted position. Therefore, even if the predicted input position acquired before the display update is actually operated after the display update, the input predicted position is one of the items displayed when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent a newly displayed item, which is unexpected for the operator, from being erroneously operated.

  According to the input device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the predetermined condition is satisfied when one position in the operation reception area is continuously operated, and the operator Even if the one position is manipulated even after the display update without noticing the display update, it is possible to prevent the newly displayed item from being erroneously manipulated by the display update. There is an effect.

  According to the input device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to third aspects, the display on the screen is updated when the operator brings the input medium close to the operation reception area, and the operator Even if the input medium is brought into contact with the operation reception area after the display update without noticing the display update, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of a newly displayed item due to the display update. There is an effect that can be done.

  According to the input device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the position designated by the last operation performed among the operations performed before the predetermined condition is satisfied. However, even if it is a case where it is operated again after the display update, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent an item newly displayed by the display update from being erroneously operated.

  According to the input device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fifth aspects, at least a part of the operation prediction item arranged at the input predicted position is before and after the display update. Arranged on the split screen to overlap. Therefore, it is possible for the operator to easily find the operation prediction item to be operated from before the display update even in the divided screen after the display update, and the operation is easy.

  According to the input device of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect, since the rate of change of the size of the operation prediction item is made smaller than the rate of change of the size of items other than the operation prediction item. For the operator, it is possible to easily find the operation prediction item to be operated from before the display update even in the divided screen after the display update, and there is an effect that the operation is easy.

  According to the input device according to claim 8, in addition to the effect of claim 7, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed after the display update, or when the operation prediction item is actually operated after the display update, Since the operation prediction items are reduced and displayed, there is an effect that a screen with a good balance of the sizes of the items can be displayed.

  According to the multifunction device of the ninth aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the unit area including the input predicted position includes an item related to the selected function, and includes the input predicted position. In a unit area different from the area, items related to other functions interrupted later are arranged. Therefore, even if the predicted input position acquired before the display update is actually operated after the display update, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent an item related to another function interrupted later from being erroneously operated.

  According to the input control program of the tenth aspect, the same operation effect as that of the input apparatus according to the first aspect is achieved by being executed in the input device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen transition in LCD. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation reception process executed by the MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating update processing executed by the MFP.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) 1 which is an embodiment of the input device of the present invention.

  The MFP 1 has various functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a scan function, a printer function, and a telephone function. The MFP 1 can select a function to be executed among various functions. A screen related to the selected function is displayed on the LCD 16 of the MFP 1. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, the MFP 1 updates the display on the LCD 16 when there is an interrupt request for a function different from the currently selected function. In particular, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to suppress an item that is newly displayed by display update from being erroneously operated by an operator.

  The MFP 1 includes a CPU 10, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, a flash memory 14, an operation key 15, an LCD 16, a touch panel 17, a scanner 20, a printer 21, an NCU 23, a modem 24, a handset 25, a timer circuit 26, a network interface 26A (hereinafter referred to as a network interface 26A). / F26A) is mainly provided. The CPU 10, ROM 11, RAM 12, and flash memory 14 are connected to each other via a bus line 27. Further, the operation key 15, LCD 16, touch panel 17, scanner 20, printer 21, NCU 23, modem 24, handset 25, timing circuit 26, network I / F 26 A, and bus line 27 are connected to each other via the input / output port 28. ing.

  The CPU 10 controls the functions of the MFP 1 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 11 and the flash memory 14, data stored in the RAM 12, or various signals transmitted / received via the NCU 23, Each unit connected to the input / output port 28 is controlled.

  The ROM 11 is a non-rewritable memory provided with an input control program 11a, an item management table 11b, and the like. The CPU 10 executes an update process (FIG. 4) described later according to the input control program 11a. The item management table 11b stores a correspondence relationship between an item 32 (see FIG. 2) to be described later and a process assigned in advance to each item 32.

  The RAM 12 is a rewritable volatile memory, and includes a selection function memory 12a, a display update time memory 12b, a current operation time memory 12c, a current operation position memory 12d, a previous operation time memory 12e, and a previous operation position. A memory 12f, an input predicted position memory 12g, and a continuous mode flag 12h are provided. The selected function memory 12a stores a function selected by the operator from among the functions of the MFP 1. The display update time memory 12b stores the time when the display on the screen 16a (FIG. 2) of the LCD 16 is updated to the divided screen. The current operation time memory 12c stores the time when the latest operation among the operations performed on the screen 16a is performed. The current operation position memory 12d stores a position in the screen 16a operated at the time stored in the current operation time memory 12c. The previous operation time memory 12e stores the time when the previous operation was performed among the operations performed on the screen 16a. The previous operation position memory 12f stores the position in the screen 16a operated at the time stored in the previous operation time memory 12e.

  The predicted input position memory 12g stores a position (input predicted position) in the screen 16a that is predicted to be operated by the operator. In the present embodiment, when the approach position of the input medium 33 or the same position (one position) in the screen 16a is continuously operated, the operation position is acquired as the input predicted position, and the input predicted position memory 12g is stored. Details of the predicted input position will be described later with reference to FIG. The continuous mode flag 12h is a flag indicating whether or not the same position in the screen 16a is continuously operated. When the same position in the screen 16a is operated continuously, the continuous mode flag 12h is turned on. On the other hand, after one position in the screen 16a is operated, another position is operated next, or after the inside of the screen 16a is operated, a predetermined determination time (in the case of this embodiment, 0.5). If no operation is detected within a second), the continuous mode flag 12h is turned off.

  The flash memory 14 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and is provided with an item area table 14a. The item area table 14a stores a display area set in advance for an item 32 (FIG. 2) described later. The operation key 15 is a hard key for inputting an instruction to the MFP 1. The LCD 16 is a liquid crystal display device and displays various images such as the item 32.

  A touch panel 17 is provided over the entire area of the screen 16a (FIG. 2) of the LCD 16. An area where the touch panel 17 is provided (in the case of the present embodiment, the entire area of the screen 16a) is an operation reception area where an operation by the operator can be received. The entire area of the touch panel 17 is finely divided in a lattice shape, and an electrostatic sensor is provided for each of the divided detection areas. Each detection area is associated with coordinate information (X coordinate, Y coordinate) based on a coordinate system in which the upper left vertex of the touch panel 17 is the origin, the right direction is the X direction, and the lower direction is the Y direction. ing. Therefore, when the operator touches the input medium 33 (FIG. 2) such as a finger on the screen 16a, the touch panel 17 operates on the coordinate information of the detection area where the touch of the input medium 33 is detected, that is, in the screen 16a. Output the specified position. When the operator brings the input medium 33 closer to the screen 16a, the touch panel 17 outputs the coordinate information of the detection area where the approach of the input medium 33 is detected, that is, the approach position of the input medium 33.

  The touch panel 17 may be stacked in close contact with the LCD 16 or may be stacked with a gap between the touch panel 17 or a transparent film.

  The scanner 20 performs a reading operation of reading a document and converting it into electronic data when the facsimile function, the scan function, or the copy function is executed. The printer 21 performs a printing operation for printing an image on recording paper when the facsimile function and the printer function are executed. The NCU 23 controls a telephone line. The modem 24 modulates a transmission signal into a form suitable for transmission over a telephone line when transmitting a facsimile, and demodulates a modulation signal transmitted from the telephone line when receiving a facsimile. The handset 25 is for making a call with an external device. The clock circuit 26 is a circuit that clocks the current time (including date). The network I / F 26A is an interface for connecting the MFP 1 to the Internet or a LAN line (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition in the LCD 16. Note that, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, a screen for displaying one function is referred to as a “single screen” in the present embodiment. In addition, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 2, the screen 16a is divided into two so as to provide a plurality of unit areas, and a screen for displaying different functions in each unit area is referred to as “divided screen” in this embodiment. Called. In the following description, in the divided screen, the left unit area toward the screen 16a is referred to as a left area 34, and the right unit area toward the screen 16a is referred to as a right area 36.

  As shown in FIG. 2, function display information 30 indicating a selected function, set value information 31 indicating a set value, and an item 32 for receiving an operation are displayed on a single screen. If any item 32 is operated during the display of this single screen, the MFP 1 executes a process assigned in advance to the operated item 32.

  As described above, each item 32 is displayed in the display area set in the item area table 14a (FIG. 1). Therefore, the MFP 1 identifies the item 32 operated by the input medium 33 based on the operation position detected by the touch panel 17 and the display area of each item 32, and performs a process assigned in advance to the identified item 32. Do it.

  If there is an interrupt request for another function while the single screen shown in the upper part of FIG. 2 is being displayed, the MFP 1 changes (updates) the display of the screen 16a from the single screen to the split screen. Here, there is an interrupt request when the operator is trying to operate any item 32 in the single screen, and there is a case where the update to the divided screen is suddenly performed. In this case, if an item 32 related to a function that has been interrupted later is displayed at a position where the operator is about to operate, an unexpected item 32 is suddenly displayed for the operator, which may hinder the work. is there.

  Therefore, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment acquires the predicted input position predicted to be operated by the operator on the split screen prior to the update to the split screen, and the input predicted position has an interrupt request. The item 32 that was displayed at the time (that is, the item 32 related to the selected function) is arranged.

  For example, when a copy function single screen is being displayed and the operator is approaching the input predicted position A1 (see FIG. 2) and there is a telephone function interrupt request, the MFP 1 The left area 34 including the predicted input position A1 is set as a copy function display, and the right area 36 not including the predicted input position A1 is set as a display of the telephone function interrupted later. On the other hand, when an update to the split screen is performed in a state where the operator is making the input medium 33 approach the input predicted position A2, the MFP 1 displays the right area 36 including the input predicted position A2 as a display of the copy function. The left area 34 that does not include the predicted input position A2 is displayed as a telephone function that has been interrupted later.

  Therefore, from the viewpoint of the operator, the items 32 displayed when the interrupt request is made are collectively arranged in the unit area including the position (input predicted position) that the user has attempted to operate before the display update. . Therefore, even when the operator is about to operate the screen 16a and there is a sudden interrupt request, and the update to the split screen is performed, the operator does not change the item 32 that the user has been trying to perform before the display update. The operation can be continued smoothly.

  From the viewpoint of the operator, the item 32 newly displayed by updating to the divided screen (that is, the item 32 related to the function interrupted later) is arranged in the unit area not including the input predicted position. Thus, for example, the display was updated when the operator tried to operate the screen 16a, but the operator did not notice the update of the display or noticed the update of the display. Even if the input predicted position to be tried is actually operated after the display is updated, the item 32 relating to the function interrupted later is not displayed at the operation position and its vicinity. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the operator from operating the newly displayed item 32 which is unexpected for the operator by mistake.

  Further, the MFP 1 identifies the item 32 arranged at the input predicted position among the items 32 displayed when the interrupt request is made, as the operation prediction item 32A. Then, the MFP 1 determines the arrangement of each item 32 so that the display area of the operation prediction item 32A does not change before and after the display update, and arranges each item 32 on the divided screen.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the predicted input position A1 is acquired, the item 32 that is arranged at the predicted input position A1 and assigned the process of subtracting the number of copies is specified as the predicted operation item 32A. On the other hand, when the predicted input position A2 is acquired, the item 32 arranged at the predicted input position A2 and assigned with the process for executing printing is specified as the operation predicted item 32A. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 maintains the arrangement and size of the operation prediction item 32A even after the update to the divided screen. On the other hand, the items 32 other than the operation prediction item 32A are arranged on the divided screen after being reduced compared to before the display update (that is, during single screen display).

  According to the MFP 1, since the arrangement of the operation prediction item 32A does not change before and after the display update, the operator easily finds the operation prediction item 32A that the user has attempted to operate from before the display update even in the divided screen after the display update. Can be operated easily.

  Further, since the items 32 other than the operation prediction item 32A are reduced, the size of the operation prediction item 32A is maintained, so that the operation prediction item 32A is more conspicuous than the other items 32 in the divided screen after the display update. . Therefore, it is possible for the operator to easily find the operation prediction item 32A to be operated from before the display update even in the divided screen after the display update.

  Furthermore, since the arrangement and size of the operation prediction item 32A do not change even after the display is updated, the operator is not aware that the display has been updated, and has attempted to operate before the display update (input predicted position). Even if it is operated as it is, the operation prediction item 32A originally intended to be operated can be operated.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation reception process executed by the CPU 10 of the MFP 1. This process is to execute the process assigned to the operated item 32 when the item 32 is operated, and is periodically repeated after the MFP 1 is turned on.

  First, the CPU 10 determines whether or not an operation on the screen 16a is detected in step S302 (hereinafter, step is omitted) (S302). If the determination in S302 is affirmative (S302: Yes), the CPU 10 stores the current time of the clock circuit 26 in the current operation time memory 12c (S304), and the operation position detected by the touch panel 17 is determined as the current operation position. The data is stored in the memory 12d (S306). The time stored in the current operation time memory 12c is hereinafter referred to as the current operation time, and the position stored in the current operation position memory 12d is hereinafter referred to as the current operation position.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not one position in the screen 16a is continuously operated. Specifically, the difference between the previous operation time stored in the previous operation time memory 12e and the current operation time is within 0.5 seconds, and the previous operation position stored in the previous operation position memory 12f and the current operation are stored. It is determined whether or not the position is the same position (S308). In the determination in S308, it is not required that the previous operation position and the current operation position completely match, and the previous operation position (that is, the area in which the touch of the input medium 33 is detected in the previous operation) is determined. When at least a part of the current operation position (that is, the area where the touch of the input medium 33 is detected in the current operation) overlaps, it is determined that the previous operation position and the current operation position are the same position.

  When it is determined that one position in the screen 16a is continuously operated (S308: Yes), the CPU 10 sets the continuous mode flag 12h to on (S310). On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference between the previous operation time and the current operation time is 0.5 seconds or more, or the previous operation position stored in the previous operation position memory 12f is determined to be different from the current operation position. (S308: No), the CPU 10 sets the continuous mode flag 12h to off (S312).

  Next, the CPU 10 stores the current operation time in the previous operation time memory 12e (S314), and stores the current operation position in the previous operation position memory 12f (S316). Then, the CPU 10 executes the process assigned to the item 32 designated by the operation detected in S302 (S318), and ends the operation reception process.

  If no operation is detected (S302: No), the CPU 10 determines whether 0.5 seconds or more have elapsed since the previous operation time stored in the previous operation time memory 12e (S320). When 0.5 seconds or more have not elapsed since the previous operation time (S320: No), the CPU 10 ends the operation reception process. On the other hand, when 0.5 second or more has elapsed from the previous operation time (S320: Yes), the CPU 10 sets the continuous mode flag 12h to off (S322), and ends the operation reception process.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an update process executed by the CPU 10 of the MFP 1. This update process is started when there is an interrupt request from a communicable external device, and the display on the screen 16a is changed to a split screen in response to the interrupt request from the communicable external device. Update. Then, when updating to the divided screen, the unit area including the input predicted position is specified, and in the divided screen after the display update, the item 32 regarding the function being selected is arranged in one of the specified unit areas, An item 32 relating to the function interrupted later is arranged in the other unit area. It is assumed that a single screen of functions stored in the selected function memory 12a is displayed on the screen 16a at the start of this update process. Even during the execution of this update process, the operation reception process (FIG. 3) described above with reference to FIG. 3 is periodically performed independently.

  First, the CPU 10 determines whether or not there is an interrupt request for another function different from the function stored in the selected function memory 12a from a communicable external device (S402). In the present specification, the “interrupt request from an external device capable of communication” refers to the MFP 1 from an input device other than the MFP 1 such as the operation key 15 or the touch panel 17, that is, from an operator other than the operator who is operating the MFP 1. Means an input interrupt request. Therefore, for example, when a call is received from an external device (that is, when a call request is received from an external device) while the copy function is selected, a print request is received from an external device such as a personal computer via the network I / F 25A. Or when receiving a request for image capture by the scanner 20, receiving facsimile data from an external device via a telephone line (not shown) (that is, receiving a facsimile communication request), etc. This corresponds to a specific example when there is a request for inclusion.

  If the determination in S402 is affirmative (S402: Yes), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the input medium 33 is approaching the screen 16a based on the output of the touch panel 17 (S404). In other words, it is determined whether there is an interrupt request while the input medium 33 is approaching. Note that the MFP 1 stores the detection result of the touch panel 17 in the RAM 12 or the like for a certain period of time, and the CPU 10 may make the determination in S404 by referring to the past detection result stored in the RAM 12. .

  When there is an interrupt request while the input medium 33 is approaching (S404: Yes), the CPU 10 acquires the approach position of the input medium 33 detected by the touch panel 17 as the input predicted position, and the input predicted position memory 12g ( (S410).

  On the other hand, when there is an interrupt request when the input medium 33 is not approaching (S404: No), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the continuous mode flag 12h (FIG. 1) is on (S406). When the continuous mode flag 12h is on (S406: Yes), the CPU 10 acquires the previous operation position as the input predicted position and stores it in the input predicted position memory 12g (S411). That is, when it is determined that there is an interrupt request when one position in the screen 16a is continuously operated, the one position is acquired as an input predicted position. While continuously operating one position in the screen 16a, there is a possibility that the operator does not look at the screen 16a by looking away. Therefore, if there is a sudden interrupt request during continuous operation and the screen is updated to a split screen, the operator may not be aware of the display update and may operate the one position even after the display is updated. is there.

  When the input predicted position is acquired in this way, the CPU 10 next identifies the item 32 at the input predicted position as the operation predicted item 32A (S412), and divides the screen 16a (S413). Next, the CPU 10 identifies a unit area including the predicted input position from the left area 34 and the right area 36 (S414), and determines whether the input predicted position is included in the left area 34 (S415). . When the input predicted position is included in the left region 34 (S415: Yes), the CPU 10 determines the right region 36 as a unit region in which the item 32 regarding the function (interrupt function) interrupted later is arranged (S416). The left region 34 is determined as a unit region in which the item 32 relating to the selected function (selected function) is arranged (S418).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the input predicted position is included in the right region 36 (S415: No), the CPU 10 uses the left region 34 as a unit region in which the item 32 regarding the function (interrupt function) interrupted later is arranged. The right area 36 is determined (S422) as a unit area in which the item 32 related to the currently selected function (selected function) is arranged.

  Next, the CPU 10 stores the current time of the clock circuit 26 in the display update time memory 12b (FIG. 1) (S424). Then, the CPU 10 arranges the item 32 in each of the left area 34 and the right area 36 (S426). In this case, the CPU 10 arranges the item 32 related to the selection function in one area specified as the unit area including the predicted input position, and arranges the item 32 related to the interrupt function in the other unit area.

  Here, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment determines the arrangement of each item 32 and displays it on the divided screen so that the arrangement and size of the operation prediction item 32A do not change before and after the display update. In addition, among the items 32 arranged on the divided screen, each item 32 other than the operation prediction item 32A is displayed in a size reduced at a predetermined reduction rate compared to the case where it is displayed on a single screen. .

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the input prediction is finished (S428). In the update process of the present embodiment, the operation prediction item 32A is actually operated when a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) or more has elapsed from the time stored in the display update time memory 12b, or in the divided screen after the display update. When it is determined that the input prediction has been completed.

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the time stored in the display update time memory 12b and the operation prediction item 32A has not been operated, the determination in S428 is denied (S428: No), and the CPU 10 waits for processing. To do.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed after the display update on the split screen, or when the operation prediction item 32A is actually operated on the split screen (S428: Yes), the CPU 10 changes the operation prediction item 32A to another Are reduced and displayed on the divided screen (S432), and thereafter normal operation is performed (S434), and the process returns to S402.

  When the predetermined time or more has elapsed after the display update, or when the operation prediction item 32A is actually operated, the operator is likely to be aware of the update to the divided screen. That is, there is a low possibility that the operator will perform an erroneous operation without noticing the update to the divided screen. Therefore, after the input prediction is completed, the operation prediction item 32A is also reduced and displayed at the same reduction ratio as the other items 32, so that a screen with a good balance of the sizes of the items 32 can be displayed.

  If there is no interrupt request (S402: No), the CPU 10 executes a normal operation (S434) and returns to the process of S402. If there is an interrupt request (S402: Yes), but the approach of the input medium 33 is not detected (S404: No), and the continuous mode flag is off (S406: No), the CPU 10 displays the default divided screen. Is displayed (S408). In the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, a screen in which the selected function item 32 is arranged in the left region 34 and the interrupt function item 32 is arranged in the right region 36 is displayed as a default divided screen. . Although not shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, when the interrupted function ends, the MFP 1 updates the display on the screen 16a from the split screen display to the single screen display.

  According to the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, when the display is updated when the operator brings the input medium 33 close to the screen 16a, or one position in the screen 16a is continuously operated. If there is an interrupt request and the display is updated, the operator is not aware of the update of the display or noticed the update of the display. Even if the operation is actually performed after the display update, it is possible to prevent the item 32 newly displayed due to the display update from being erroneously operated.

  In the above embodiment, the MFP 1 corresponds to an example of an input device and a multifunction peripheral, and the touch panel 17 corresponds to an example of a detection unit. The left area 34 and the right area 36 correspond to an example of a unit area. The CPU 10 that executes S402 corresponds to an example of a request determination unit. The CPU 10 that executes S410 and S411 corresponds to an example of a position acquisition unit. The CPU 10 that executes S412 corresponds to an example of an item specifying unit. The CPU 10 that executes S413 corresponds to an example of an update unit. The CPU 10 that executes S414 corresponds to an example of an area specifying unit. The CPU 10 that executes S426 corresponds to an example of an item arrangement unit. The CPU 10 that executes S432 corresponds to an example of a specific item reduction unit.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 has been described as an example of the input device. However, various devices such as a mobile phone, an electronic game machine, and a digital camera can be examples of the input device.

  The present invention is also applicable to an apparatus that does not have a touch panel. For example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) operated by a mouse or a keyboard can be an example of an input device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 may have a mail function for transmitting and receiving mail via the Internet, and a wireless communication function for communicating with other devices wirelessly. In that case, the present invention may also be applied when there is an interrupt request for a mail function or a wireless communication function in response to a request from another device.

  In the MFP 1 of the above embodiment, the operation prediction item 32A is arranged on the divided screen without changing the arrangement of the operation prediction item 32A before and after the display update. However, the operation prediction item 32A may be arranged so that at least part of the display area of the operation prediction item 32A overlaps before and after the display update. In this way, it is possible for the operator to easily find the operation prediction item 32A to be operated from before the display update even in the divided screen after the display update, and the operation is easy.

  In the MFP 1 of the above embodiment, the size of the operation prediction item 32A is arranged on the divided screen without changing before and after the display update. However, the operation prediction item 32A may be configured to be reduced and displayed on the divided screen before the display update. Even in this case, if the rate of change of the size of the operation prediction item 32A is made smaller than the rate of change of the size of the item 32 other than the operation prediction item 32A, the operation prediction item 32A is arranged on the divided screen. good. In this way, since the operation prediction item 32A is more conspicuous than the other items 32 on the screen after the display update, for the operator, the operation prediction item 32A intended to be operated before the display update is displayed after the display update. Even in the divided screen, it is easy to find out and there is an effect that the operation is easy.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the approach position of the input medium 33 or the continuous operation position by the input medium 33 was acquired as an input predicted position (S410, S411). However, instead of this, the position designated by the last operation performed among the operations performed before the interrupt request may be obtained as the input predicted position.

  In this way, even if the position specified by the last operation performed before the interrupt request is made is operated again after updating to the split screen, the display update is performed. It can suppress that the item 32 newly displayed is operated accidentally.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the approach position of the input medium 33 detected by the touch panel 17 or the continuous operation position by the input medium 33 was acquired as an input predicted position. However, instead of this, the area acquired as the approach position of the input medium 33 and the area including the surrounding area are set as the input predicted position, or the area acquired as the continuous operation position by the input medium 33 and the area including the surrounding area are set. You may comprise so that it may become an input prediction position.

  Further, in the case where the item 32 in the screen 16a is operated by an indicator such as a cursor, the position indicated by the indicator such as the cursor or the position when there is an interrupt request. It is also possible to configure such that a region including is acquired as an input predicted position.

  In the MFP 1 of the above embodiment, two unit areas are provided in the divided screen. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where three or more unit areas are provided in the divided screen. Even in that case, the item 32 displayed when the predetermined condition is satisfied is arranged in the unit area including the input predicted position, and the item 32 newly displayed by the display update is the unit area not including the input predicted position. What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may arrange | position.

  In the update process of the above embodiment, after determining that there is an interrupt request (S402: Yes), the CPU 10 may determine whether there is an input prediction. And, for example, if there is a period of no operation before a request for interruption continues for a certain period of time, it is determined that there is no input prediction, and the default divided screen is displayed without acquiring the input prediction position. You may comprise so that it may do. Further, in the above update process, it is determined that the approach of the input medium 33 is detected (S404: Yes), but when the approach position is away from the display area of the item 32, there is no input prediction. It may be configured such that a predetermined divided screen is displayed without determining the input predicted position.

1 MFP (an example of an input device and a multifunction device)
11a Input control program 16a Screen 17 Touch panel (an example of detection means)
32 Item 34 Left area (example of unit area)
36 Right area (example of unit area)
A1 Input predicted position A2 Input predicted position

Claims (10)

An input device for displaying an item to which processing is assigned in advance in an operation reception area in the screen,
Update means for updating the display of the screen on a divided screen in which a plurality of unit areas are provided in the operation reception area and items are arranged in each unit area when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A position acquisition unit that acquires an input predicted position predicted to be operated by an operator on the divided screen displayed by the update unit, before the display update by the update unit;
Of the plurality of unit areas provided in the divided screen, area specifying means for specifying a unit area including the input predicted position acquired by the position acquisition means;
Item arrangement in which items newly displayed by display update among items arranged on the divided screen displayed by the updating means are arranged in a unit area different from the unit area specified by the area specifying means And an input device.   The input device according to claim 1, wherein the item arranging unit arranges an item displayed when the predetermined condition is satisfied in a unit area specified by the area specifying unit.   The position acquisition means acquires the one position as the input predicted position when the predetermined condition is satisfied when one position in the operation reception area is continuously operated. The input device according to claim 1 or 2. Detecting means for detecting the approach position of the input medium with respect to the operation reception area;
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the position acquisition unit acquires an approach position of the input medium detected by the detection unit as the input predicted position.   The position acquisition means acquires a position designated by an operation performed lastly among operations performed before the predetermined condition is satisfied as the input predicted position. The input device according to any one of the above. Among items displayed when the predetermined condition is satisfied, an item specifying unit that specifies, as an operation prediction item, an item arranged at the input predicted position acquired by the position acquisition unit,
The item arrangement unit is configured to display the divided screen displayed by the updating unit so that at least a part of the display area of the operation prediction item specified by the item specifying unit overlaps before and after display update. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation prediction item is arranged on the screen. The item placement means includes:
Of the items displayed when the predetermined condition is satisfied, items other than the operation prediction item specified by the item specifying unit are reduced more than before the display update by the updating unit, and the divided screen is displayed. While placing in
The operation prediction item specified by the item specifying means is arranged on the divided screen with a rate of change in size smaller than that of items other than the operation prediction item. 6. The input device according to 6.   When a predetermined time or more has elapsed after the display update by the update unit, or when the operation prediction item specified by the item specifying unit is actually operated after the display update by the update unit, the operation prediction item The input device according to claim 7, further comprising a specific item reduction unit that reduces and displays the item. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the input device is a multi-function device that executes a plurality of functions.
Request determination means for determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied when there is an interrupt request for another function when an item related to the selected function among the plurality of functions is displayed in the operation reception area. With
The item placement means includes:
When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied by the request determining unit, the unit region specified by the region specifying unit among the plurality of unit regions included in the divided screen relates to a function being selected. A multi-function peripheral in which items are arranged and items relating to the other functions are arranged in a unit area different from the unit area specified by the area specifying means. An input control program that is executed in an input device that displays items assigned processing in advance in an operation reception area in the screen,
The input device;
Update means for updating the display of the screen on a divided screen in which a plurality of unit areas are provided in the operation reception area and items are arranged in each unit area when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A position acquisition unit that acquires an input predicted position predicted to be operated by an operator on the divided screen displayed by the update unit, before the display update by the update unit;
Of the plurality of unit areas provided in the divided screen, area specifying means for specifying a unit area including the input predicted position acquired by the position acquisition means;
Item arrangement in which items newly displayed by display update among items arranged on the divided screen displayed by the updating means are arranged in a unit area different from the unit area specified by the area specifying means An input control program that functions as a means.

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