JP2012032988A - Operation apparatus and operation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation unit 103 allowing a user to visually acquire an operation feeling of an appropriate key associated with sound information related to a key operation and improving the operability with respect to the user.SOLUTION: The operation unit 103 includes: sound information detecting means 502 for detecting sound information related to the operation of a key; sound intensity level determination means 504 determining which sound intensity level the detected sound information falls under, out of a plurality of sound intensity levels stepwise determined with the sound intensity of the operation sound used as a reference; parameter storage means 507 associating the sound intensity level with a parameter indicating the strength of visual impression in the display mode at the time of selection and storing them as a parameter table; and a display mode change means 506 changing the display mode at the time of selection based on a parameter of the parameter table associated with the determined sound intensity level. The user can thus visually acquire the operation feeling of the appropriate key.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation device and an operation method, and more specifically, it is possible for a user to visually obtain an appropriate key operation feeling corresponding to sound information related to key operation, and to improve operability for the user. The present invention relates to an operation device and an operation method that can be used.

  Currently, image forming apparatuses such as copiers, digital multifunction peripherals, and printers are installed in offices. In these image forming apparatuses, when copying a document or printing data received by fax, noise such as a sound of rotating a transfer drum or a sound of separating paper is generated. For this reason, if fax data is received or copied during a telephone call or business negotiation, it may be difficult to hear the voice of the telephone or business partner.

  Therefore, in recent years, an image forming apparatus with high soundproofing that prevents noise generated during copying and printing from leaking outside the apparatus and an image forming apparatus that suppresses noise itself have been developed.

  The sound generated by the image forming apparatus is not only noise generated during printing, but also, for example, a notification sound for notifying that an operation key displayed on the operation panel has been pressed, and receiving data by fax. A notification sound indicating that the printing has been completed, a notification sound indicating a warning such as out of paper, and the like. These notification sounds are not so loud and may be erased by noise in the office. For this reason, when noise is generated, there is a problem that the user does not get a feeling of operating the keys, receives data by fax, completes printing, or is unaware of running out of paper.

  In order to solve the problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-333881 (Patent Document 1) discloses a storage means for storing a sound designated by a user, a sound collection means, and a sound collection means by the sound collection means. There is disclosed an image forming apparatus comprising: a specifying unit that specifies a characteristic of a sound that has been recorded; and a mode switching unit that switches an operation mode based on the sound stored in the storage unit or the characteristic. . With this configuration, if the situation-specific sound generated in a situation where it is desired to suppress the sound generated by the operation of the image forming apparatus is registered in the storage means, The image forming apparatus operates in an operation mode that suppresses a generated sound. For this reason, the operation performed around the image forming apparatus is not hindered, and a notification sound that can be easily heard by the user can be notified.

JP 2004-333881 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, a normally used notification sound is changed (switched) to a user-specified notification sound. Therefore, a user who is accustomed to listening to a normal notification sound may misunderstand that the key input associated with the notification sound is inappropriate when the notification sound is changed, and the key operation input is not properly transmitted to the user. There is a problem.

  Incidentally, in recent years, in an operation unit of a commercially available image forming apparatus, when a key displayed on a screen is selected by a user, an operation sound corresponding to the key is generated and the display form of the key is temporarily changed. The structure which switches automatically is adopted. As a result, the user can know that the key operation has been performed, both auditorily and visually, and it is sufficient that the input by the key operation (key operation input, key input) is surely performed. It can be recognized.

  However, in this configuration, the key display form is uniquely determined for sound information related to key operations such as noise generated around the operation unit, drive sound of the image forming apparatus, and volume of key operation sound. It is a configuration. Therefore, when the sound information fluctuates for some reason and the user cannot audibly recognize the key operation input, the user can input the key operation sufficiently only by switching the key display mode. There is a problem that it cannot be recognized.

  For example, in the case where the sound information is noise generated from the periphery of the operation unit, if the intensity of the noise is large, a preset operation sound is drowned out by the noise, and the user operates the key operation using the operation sound. Cannot be audibly recognized. Also, for example, when the sound information is the volume of the operation sound of the key, if the user decreases the volume of the operation sound to hold a conference, the user naturally recognizes the key operation by the operation sound audibly. Can not do. In such a case, the user cannot fully recognize the key operation input.

  On the other hand, for any sound information, a method of setting the visual impression of the key display form described above to be uniformly emphasized can be considered. However, if the visual impression is excessively emphasized, the user may be visually impaired such as flickering and uncomfortable, and the user may be given a comfortable (appropriate) key operation feeling visually. There is a problem that it cannot be done.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and the user can visually obtain an appropriate key operation feeling corresponding to the sound information related to the key operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device and an operating method capable of improving operability.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the operation device according to the present invention generates an operation sound corresponding to the selected key when a predetermined key displayed on the screen is selected by the user. In addition, it is premised on an operating device that temporarily switches the display mode of the key to a display mode at the time of selection for notifying the user of the selection of the key.

  In the operation device, sound information detecting means for detecting sound information related to the operation of the key, and a detected sound among a plurality of sound intensity levels determined stepwise based on the sound intensity of the operation sound A sound intensity level determining means for determining which sound intensity level the information corresponds to; Further, the operating device associates the sound intensity level with a parameter indicating the strength of visual impression in the display mode at the time of selection according to the level of the sound intensity level, and stores it as a parameter table. And display form changing means for changing the display form at the time of selection based on a parameter of the parameter table corresponding to the determined sound intensity level.

  With this configuration, the visual impression of the display mode when the key is selected is emphasized or suppressed according to the sound intensity level of the sound information related to the key operation. Therefore, according to the environment of key operation, the user can obtain an appropriate key operation feeling both auditorily and visually. As a result, it is possible to improve the operability for the user and allow the user to smoothly perform key operations.

  Further, the sound information is the intensity of noise generated from the periphery of the device, and the intensity level becomes higher as the intensity of the noise becomes larger than the intensity of the operation sound. In this way, the parameters are determined in a stepwise manner, and the parameters are set so that the impression is enhanced as the sound intensity level increases.

  With this configuration, when the noise intensity is high and the user cannot hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is greatly emphasized, so the user visually recognizes the input of the key operation. It becomes possible. On the other hand, when the sound intensity of the noise is small and the user can sufficiently hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is suppressed. It is possible to obtain an appropriate key operation feeling without learning.

  Further, the sound information is a volume of the operation sound that is preset by the user and is directly proportional to the sound intensity of the operation sound, and the sound intensity level becomes lower as the volume of the operation sound decreases. The parameters may be determined step by step, and the parameters may be set such that the impression is enhanced as the sound intensity level is lowered.

  With this configuration, when the volume of the operation sound is low and the user cannot hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is greatly emphasized, so the user visually recognizes the input of the key operation It becomes possible. On the other hand, when the volume of the operation sound is large and the user can sufficiently hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is suppressed. It is possible to obtain an appropriate key operation feeling without learning.

  The parameter includes a display magnification ratio indicating a ratio of a key display area at the time of selection to a key display area at the time of non-selection, and / or a background color of a key at the time of selection with respect to a density of a background color of the key at the time of non-selection. The display density indicating the density ratio can be included.

  With this configuration, in order to change the display magnification ratio and / or display density that is most likely to affect the strength of the visual impression according to the sound intensity level of the sound information, the change can be made visually. It is possible to switch the impressions significantly. As a result, the effects described above can be further achieved.

  The operating device can be applied to an image forming apparatus.

  With this configuration, the user who uses the image forming apparatus can obtain an optimal key operation feeling, can comfortably execute the key operation, and can smoothly advance the key operation.

  In the present invention, when a predetermined key displayed on the screen is selected by the user, an operation sound corresponding to the selected key is generated and the display mode of the key is notified to the user of the key selection. Therefore, it can be provided as an operation method for temporarily switching to the display mode at the time of selection. That is, in the operation method, a sound information detection step for detecting sound information related to the operation of the key, and a plurality of sound intensity levels determined in stages based on the sound intensity of the operation sound are detected. The sound intensity level determining step for determining which sound intensity level the sound information corresponds to, the sound intensity level, and the visual impression in the selection display form according to the level of the sound intensity level. A reference step of referring to a parameter table that associates and stores a parameter indicating strength, and a display mode changing step of changing the display mode at the time of selection based on a parameter of the parameter table corresponding to the determined sound intensity level; The operation method characterized by including can be provided. Even with this configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  According to the operation device and operation method of the present invention, it is possible for the user to visually obtain an appropriate key operation feeling corresponding to the sound information related to the key operation, and to improve the operability for the user. It becomes possible.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is an enlarged view of the image reading part which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention, and an operation part. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an operation unit and a multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the 1st sound intensity level table which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention (FIG.7 (a)), and an example of the 1st parameter table which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention are shown. It is a figure (FIG.7 (b)). It is a figure (Drawing 8 (a)) showing an example of the relation between the parameter concerning a first embodiment of the present invention, and a display mode at the time of selection, and was displayed on the touch panel concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure (FIG.8 (b)) which shows an example of an initial setting screen. FIG. 9A shows an example of an initial setting screen when the user selects the “color selection” key (FIG. 9A), and an example of the initial setting screen after a predetermined time has elapsed since the “color selection” key was selected. It is a figure (FIG.9 (b)) which shows this. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an operation unit and a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart (flow chart of image formation) for showing the execution procedure which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart (flow volume adjustment flowchart) for showing the execution procedure which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. FIG. 13A shows an example of a system menu screen displayed on the touch panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the volume displayed on the touch panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure (FIG.13 (b)) which shows an example of an adjustment screen. The figure (Fig.14 (a)) which shows an example of the 2nd sound intensity level table which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention, and an example of the 2nd parameter table which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention are shown. It is a figure (FIG.14 (b)).

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus provided with an operation device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming apparatus and operation apparatus>
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus (for example, a multi-function machine) including an operation apparatus (for example, an operation unit) according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall internal configuration of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multifunction peripheral including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like. As an example, the operation of the multifunction device 100 when providing a document copy function using the multifunction device will be briefly described.

  When the user prints, for example, a document P using the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 or the mounting table 102 shown in FIG. 1 and the operation unit 103 provided near the document table 101 is operated. Enter the copy conditions and instruct printing. The configuration of the operation unit 103 will be described later. When the printing instruction is given, printing is performed by operating the following units (drive units) described below.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention includes a main body 104 and a platen cover 105 attached above the main body 104. A document table 101 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 104, and the document table 101 is opened and closed by a platen cover 105. The platen cover 105 is provided with an automatic document feeder 106, a placement table 102, and a sheet discharge table 107.

  The automatic document feeder 106 includes a document conveyance path 108 formed in the platen cover 105, a pickup roller 109 and conveyance rollers 110A and 110B provided in the platen cover 105, and the like. The document conveyance path 108 is a document conveyance path that leads from the mounting table 102 to the paper discharge table 107 via a reading position X where reading is performed by the image reading unit 111 provided in the main body 104.

  The automatic document feeder 106 pulls out documents one by one from a plurality of documents placed on the table 102 to the inside of the conveyance path 108 by a pickup roller 109, and passes the document drawn by the conveyance rollers etc. through the reading position X. Then, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 107 by the transport roller 110B. When the document passes through the reading position X, the document is read by the image reading unit 111.

  The image reading unit 111 is provided below the document table 101, and its details are shown in FIG. The image reading unit 111 includes a first light source 112 that illuminates the document table 102 in the scanning direction, a slit 113 that selectively allows light from the document table, and a mirror 114 that guides light from the document table. The movable carriage 115, the second movable carriage 117 including mirrors 116A and 116B that reflect the reflected light from the first movable carriage 115 again, and the lens group 118 that optically corrects the light guided by the mirror, An image sensor 119 that receives light corrected by the lens group 118, and an image data generator 120 that converts the light received by the image sensor 119 into an electrical signal and performs correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like as necessary. It consists of and.

  When reading a document on the automatic document feeder 106, the light source 112 moves to a position where the reading position X can be irradiated and emits light. Light from the light source 112 is reflected by a document that passes through the document table 101 and passes through the reading position X, and is guided to the image sensor 119 by the slit 113, mirrors 114, 116A, and 116B, and the lens group 118. The image sensor 119 converts the received light into an electrical signal and transmits it to the image data generation unit 120. The light received by the image sensor 119 is input to the image data generation unit 120 as analog electrical signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), where analog-digital conversion is performed. Digitized. Further, the image data generation unit 120 uses the sequentially converted digital signal as unit data, and generates image data including a plurality of unit data by performing correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like on the unit data.

  Further, the image reading unit 111 can read not only a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder 106 but also a document placed on the document table 101. When reading the document placed on the document table 101, the first carriage 114 moves in the sub-scanning direction while emitting the light source 112, so that the optical path length from the light source 112 to the image sensor 119 is constant. The second moving carriage 117 moves in the direction of the image sensor 119 at a half speed of the first moving carriage 115.

  The image sensor 119 electrically outputs the light from the document placed on the document table 101 based on the light guided to the mirrors 114, 116 A, and 116 B, as in the case of the document conveyed to the automatic document feeder 106. The signal is converted into a signal, and based on this, the image data generation unit 120 generates image data and stores it in the storage unit 120B.

  An image forming unit 121 that prints image data is provided below the image reading unit 111 of the main body 104. The image data that can be printed by the image forming unit 121 is generated from the image data generating unit 120 as described above, or from a terminal such as a personal computer connected to the MFP 100 and a network such as a LAN from the network interface. Is received via

  As a printing method performed by the image forming unit 121, an electrophotographic method is used. That is, the photosensitive drum 122 is uniformly charged by the charger 123, and then a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 122 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 122 with a laser 124. In this method, a visual image is formed and the visible image is transferred to a transfer medium by a transfer roller.

  Note that in a multi-function device that supports full-color images, the developing device (rotary developing device) 125 is rotated in the circumferential direction around a rotation axis that is configured in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The developing unit storing the toner is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 122. In this state, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 122 is developed with toner stored in the developing device 125 and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 126A. The developing unit 125 includes four developing units 125 (Y), (C), (M), and yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), respectively. (K). By repeating the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 126A for each color, a full color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 126A.

  A transfer medium on which a visible image is printed, that is, a sheet, is placed on a sheet feeding tray such as a sheet feeding cassette 132, 133, or 134.

  When the image forming unit 121 performs printing, one transfer medium is pulled out from any one of the paper feed trays by using the pickup roller 135, and the transferred transfer medium is intermediate transfer belt by the transport roller 136 or the registration roller 137. It is fed between 126A and the transfer roller 126B.

  When the visible image on the intermediate transfer belt 126A is transferred to the transfer medium fed between the intermediate transfer belt 126A and the transfer roller 126B, the image forming unit 121 uses the transport belt 127 to fix the visible image. The transfer medium is sent to the fixing unit 128 (fixing device). The fixing unit 128 includes a heating roller 129 with a built-in heater and a pressure roller 130 pressed against the heating roller 129 with a predetermined pressure. When the transfer medium passes between the heating roller 129 and the pressure roller 130, the visible image is fixed to the transfer medium by heat and a pressing force to the transfer medium. The fixed transfer medium is discharged to a discharge tray 131.

  Through the above procedure, the multifunction peripheral 100 provides the user with a copy function process.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 103 to input setting conditions, characters, numbers, and the like for the image formation as described above, and confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions and the like are input, a touch panel 301 (operation panel), a touch pen 302, and operation keys 303 provided in the operation unit 103 are used.

  The touch panel 301 employs an analog resistance film method, and has a structure in which a translucent upper film and a lower glass substrate are overlapped via a spacer, and each of the upper film and the lower glass substrate. A transparent electrode layer made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like is provided on the facing surface. Further, when the upper film is pressed by the user, the transparent electrode layer on the upper film side and the transparent electrode layer on the lower glass substrate side corresponding to the pressed position are in contact with each other. By applying a voltage to the upper film or the lower glass substrate and taking out a voltage value corresponding to the pressed position from the lower glass substrate or the upper film, a coordinate value (pressed position) corresponding to the voltage value is detected. If the detected pressed position is included in the display area of a setting item key (for example, “color selection” key) in the initial setting screen displayed on the touch panel, for example, the setting condition (“color” )) Is entered. The same applies to, for example, character keys, keyboard keys, numeric keys, etc. in addition to the setting item keys.

  In addition, a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided below the lower glass substrate, and the display unit displays a screen such as an initial setting screen or a keyboard screen. A specific screen is displayed. As a result, the touch panel 301 has both a function of inputting setting conditions and the like and a function of displaying the setting conditions and the like.

  Further, when a key on the screen is selected by the user, the display unit temporarily (several seconds) switches the display form of the key to a preset display form at the time of selection, and the user performs a key operation. It is configured to visually notify that.

  Further, an operation sound generator (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and when the user selects a predetermined key on the screen, the operation sound generator generates an operation sound corresponding to the key (for example, , Beep sound) is generated for a predetermined time (several seconds). Thereby, the operation sound generator is configured to audibly notify the user that a key operation has been performed.

  In addition, a touch pen 302 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301. When the user touches the touch pen 301 with the tip of the touch pen 302, the coordinate value corresponding to the contact position (pressed position) is the same as described above. Then, the user can press and select the displayed setting item key or the like with the touch pen 302.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 303 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and for example, a numeric keypad 304, a start key 305, a clear key 306, a stop key 307, a reset key 308, and a power key 309 are provided. The numeric keypad 304 is used to input specific numbers when setting the number of copies and the magnification.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral and the operation unit according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 404, and a driver 405 corresponding to each drive unit. They are connected by a bus 406. The CPU 401 uses, for example, the RAM 403 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like, and receives data and instructions from the driver 405 and the operation unit 103 (not shown) based on the execution result. The operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled. In addition, each means (shown in FIG. 5) other than the above-described drive unit is realized by the CPU 401 executing a program.

  An internal interface 407 is also connected to the internal bus 406 of the control circuit, and the internal interface 407 connects the control circuit of the operation unit 103 and the control circuit of the multifunction device 100. The CPU 401 receives a command signal from a control circuit such as the operation unit 103 via the internal interface 407 and transmits a command signal, data, and the like to the control circuit such as the operation unit 103.

  The control circuit of the operation unit 103 includes an internal bus 416, a CPU 409, a ROM 410, a RAM 411, an LCD 412, operation keys 413 (303), a touch panel 414 (301), an operation sound generator 415, and an internal interface 408. When the user operates the operation key 413 or the touch panel 414, the CPU 409 transmits a command signal based on the operation to the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100 via the internal interface 408. Further, the CPU 409 causes the LCD 412 and the operation sound generator 415 to temporarily switch the key display form or generate an operation sound. The functions of the CPU 409, the ROM 410, and the RAM 411 are the same as described above, and the respective means (shown in FIG. 5) described later are realized by the CPU 409 executing the program. The ROM 410 stores programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<First embodiment of the present invention>
Next, an execution procedure of the operation unit 103 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the operation unit and the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating an execution procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the operation unit 103 is activated together with the multifunction device 100, and the display accepting unit 501 of the operation unit 103 displays a copy service screen (here, an image). An initial setting screen corresponding to the setting conditions for formation) is displayed on the touch panel (FIG. 6: S101).

  Here, when the display accepting unit 501 displays the initial setting screen, the sound information detecting unit 502 is notified of the fact. Upon receiving the notification, the sound information detection unit 502 detects the intensity of noise around the operation unit 103 (sound information related to key operation) (FIG. 6: S102).

  Any detection method may be used. For example, there is a method of detecting noise intensity (unit: dB) using a noise meter 503 provided in the vicinity of the operation unit 103 in advance. Depending on the mounting form of the noise meter 503, the type of noise to be detected (for example, human noise, driving sound inside the image forming apparatus, etc.) varies. In the present embodiment, the detection unit of the noise meter 503 is attached to face the outside of the operation unit 103, so that the detected noise is mainly noise caused by human noise. If the detection unit is directed to the inside of the operation unit 103, noise due to driving sound is generated.

  When the sound information detecting means 502 detects the intensity of noise, it notifies the sound intensity level determining means 504 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the sound intensity level determination unit 504 refers to the first sound intensity level table stored in advance in the sound intensity level storage unit 505 (FIG. 6: S103).

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a first sound intensity level table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the first parameter table according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the first sound intensity level table 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, a noise intensity range 701 (for example, “exceeds 77 dB”) determined stepwise based on the operation intensity. 701a) and a sound intensity level 702 (for example, “Large” 702a) determined corresponding to the sound intensity range of the noise are stored in association with each other.

  Here, the sound intensity level 702 is determined in a stepwise manner so that the sound intensity level 702 becomes higher as the noise intensity becomes larger than the operation sound intensity. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the case where the intensity of the noise is “exceeding 77 dB” 701a, which is larger than the intensity of the operation sound, the sound intensity level is “high”. 702a is stored in association. Further, when the intensity of the noise is “67 dB or more and 77 dB or less” in a medium range as compared with the intensity of the operation sound, “medium” having a medium sound intensity level is associated and stored. Is done. Further, when the intensity of the noise is “less than 67 dB” in a small range as compared with the intensity of the operation sound, “small” having a low intensity level is associated and stored.

  Note that the correspondence between the noise intensity range 701 and the intensity level 702 is determined by, for example, the user operating the operation sound in a predetermined sound intensity noise (for example, “60 dB”). ) Is determined based on whether or not the user can hear the operation sound.

  Now, the sound intensity level determination means 504 referring to the first sound intensity level table 700 determines which sound intensity level the detected noise intensity corresponds to among the plurality of sound intensity levels. (FIG. 6: S104). Specifically, the sound intensity level determination means 504 includes a specified value (for example, an upper limit value and a lower limit value) that defines the noise intensity range 701 in the first sound intensity level table 700, and the detected noise. It is determined whether the detected noise intensity is included in which noise intensity range 701 by comparing with the intensity. As a result of the determination, the sound intensity level determining means 504 determines the sound intensity level 702 corresponding to the noise intensity range 701 including the noise intensity as the sound intensity level for the detected noise.

  When the sound intensity level determining means 504 determines the sound intensity level, it notifies the display form changing means 506 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the display form changing unit 506 refers to the first parameter table stored in advance in the parameter storage unit 507 (FIG. 6: S106).

  In the first parameter table 703, as shown in FIG. 7B, the display mode at the time of selection according to the sound intensity level 704 (for example, “large” 704a) and the level of the sound intensity level 704 is displayed. Are stored in association with parameters 705 (for example, display magnification “130%” 705a1, display density “130%” 705a2). Here, in this embodiment, noise intensity is adopted as the sound information. For this reason, the parameter 705 of the first parameter table 703 is a parameter (display magnification “130%” 705a1, display enhancement factor) in which the impression is emphasized as the sound intensity level 704 (“large” 704a) corresponding to the noise increases. The density is set to be “130%” 705a2).

  As a result, for example, when the sound intensity of noise is large and the user cannot hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is greatly emphasized, so the user visually recognizes the input of the key operation. It becomes possible to do. On the other hand, when the sound intensity of the noise is small and the user can sufficiently hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is suppressed. It is possible to obtain an appropriate key operation feeling without learning.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the parameter 705 stores, for example, a display enlargement ratio (the key appears to sink, and may be referred to as a sinking amount or a dent amount) and a display density. . Here, the display magnification ratio indicates a ratio (unit:%) of the key display area at the time of selection to the key display area (area) at the time of non-selection. Therefore, as the display enlargement ratio increases, the display area of the key at the time of selection increases, and thus the visual impression of the display mode at the time of selection is emphasized. The display magnification stored in the first parameter table 705 is 100% or more. The display density indicates the ratio (unit:%) of the background color of the key at the time of selection to the density of the background color of the key at the time of non-selection. Therefore, as the display density increases, the density of the background color of the key at the time of selection increases, so that the visual impression of the display form at the time of selection is emphasized. The display density stored in the first parameter table 705 is 100% or more.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the parameter and the display mode at the time of selection according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen displayed on the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Corresponding to predetermined parameters (display magnification ratio, display density), a predetermined selection display form is determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the display magnification of the parameter 705 of the first parameter table 703 is “110%” 705b1 and the display density is “100%” 705b2, The background color of the key becomes “white” as the background color of the key when it is not selected, and the display area of the key is 10 in the right direction and the downward direction with respect to the upper left end 801 of the (square shape) key when not selected. (For example, the dimension between the lower end 802 of the key when not selected and the lower end 803 of the key when selected is 1 mm).

  When the display enlargement ratio is “120%” 705c1 and the display density is “110%” 705c2, the background color of the key at the time of selection is a mixed color “light gray” obtained by adding 10% of black to white. The key display area is enlarged by 20% in the right direction and the downward direction with reference to the upper left end (the dimension between the lower end of the key when not selected and the lower end of the key when selected is 3 mm).

  Further, when the display enlargement ratio is “130%” 705a1 and the display density is “130%” 705a2, the background color of the key at the time of selection is a mixed color “dark gray” obtained by adding 30% black to white. The key display area is enlarged by 30% in the right direction and the downward direction with reference to the upper left end (the dimension between the lower end of the key when not selected and the lower end of the key when selected is 5 mm).

  Now, the display mode changing means 506 referring to the first parameter table 703 sets the display mode at the time of selection when the setting item key is selected as the parameter of the first parameter table 703 corresponding to the determined sound intensity level. It changes based on 705 (FIG. 6: S107). Specifically, the display mode changing unit 506 stores the parameters (display magnification ratio) of the selection mode corresponding to the previous sound intensity level (“medium”) stored in the selection mode display mode storage unit 508 in advance. “120%” and display density “110%”) are parameters 705 (display magnification “130%” 705a1 and display density) of the first parameter table 703 corresponding to the determined sound intensity level (“large” 704a). “130%” 705a2). Thereby, the change of the display mode at the time of selection is completed.

  When the change of the display mode at the time of selection is completed, the display mode changing unit 506 notifies the display receiving unit 501 to that effect, and the display receiving unit 501 that has received the notification displays an initial setting screen on the touch panel 301.

  On the initial setting screen 804, as shown in FIG. 8B, a message 805 that an image can be formed, a plurality of setting item keys 806, a start key 807, and a cancel key 808 are displayed in a selectable manner. .

  Now, when the user selects a predetermined setting item key (for example, “color selection” key 806a) while viewing the initial setting screen 804 (FIG. 6: S107 YES), the display accepting unit 501 displays the “color selection” key 806a. The initial condition (for example, “monochrome”) stored in advance in a predetermined memory is changed to a setting condition (“color”) corresponding to the “color selection” key 806a (stored, set). (FIG. 6: S108).

  In addition, the display receiving unit 501 notifies the operation sound generating unit 509 that the “color selection” key 806a has been selected. Upon receiving the notification, the operation sound generating means 509 generates an operation sound (for example, a beep sound) corresponding to the “color selection” key 806a at a predetermined sound intensity (“60 dB”) for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds). (FIG. 6: S109).

  Further, the display accepting unit 501 refers to the parameters (display enlargement ratio “130%” 705a1 and display density “130%” 705a2) stored in the display mode storage unit 508 at the time of selection, and the “color selection” key. 806a is switched and displayed for a predetermined time (several seconds) in the selection display mode based on the parameter (FIG. 6: S110).

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen when the “color selection” key is selected by the user. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen after a predetermined time has elapsed since the “color selection” key was selected.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the selection mode 900 of the “color selection” key 806a selected by the user has a “dark gray” background color, and the key display area is not selected. With reference to the upper left end 901 of the “color selection” key, the image is enlarged 30% in the left direction and the lower direction.

  As a result, when the operation sound is drowned out due to the loudness of noise, that is, when the user cannot audibly recognize the input of the key operation, the visual display in the key selection display mode Will be emphasized. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the input by the key operation.

  When the intensity of noise is small (for example, “25 dB” or the like), the selected display format 900 is the display magnification “110%” 705b1 and the display density “100%” 705b2 shown in FIG. The visual impression is suppressed. For this reason, the user does not feel the key flickering and feel uncomfortable. Since the change of the display mode at the time of selection is the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the display accepting unit 501 completes the switching display, the background color of the selected “color selection” key 902 is changed from white to gray as shown in FIG. 9B (FIG. 6: S111). As a result, the user knows that the “color selection” key 902 has already been set (selected).

  While viewing the initial setting screen 804, the user confirms the setting item key selected by the user and selects the start key 807 on the initial setting screen 804 (FIG. 6: S112 YES). The selection is accepted, and together with the selection of the start key 807, the setting condition (for example, “color”) stored in a predetermined memory is notified to the image forming unit 510. Receiving the notification, the image forming unit 510 performs image formation based on the setting conditions selected by the user (FIG. 6: S113). Thereby, the image formation is completed.

  If the user does not select the start key 807 on the initial setting screen (FIG. 6: S112 NO), the process returns to S107, and the display accepting unit 501 accepts image forming setting conditions from the user (FIG. 6). : S107).

<Operations and effects of the first embodiment of the present invention, examples and comparative examples>
To give an example of the effects described above, the results may vary slightly depending on the sound intensity of the operation sound, the display area (size) of the setting item key, display color, display density, noise type, and the like. The operation unit 103 (first embodiment operation unit) including the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention (sound information detection means 502, sound intensity level determination means 504, parameter storage means 507, display form change means 506). ) And an operation unit (first comparative example operation unit) having the same configuration as that of the first example operation unit except that the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention is not provided. The result when the user inputs a plurality of setting conditions (color selection “color”, paper “A4”, enlargement / reduction “70%”, document size “B4”) is shown.

  First, as operating environment conditions, the strength of the operation sound is “60 dB” (volume “2”), the display magnification of the display mode parameter when selected is “120%”, and the display density is “110%”. In the case where the noise intensity is “80 dB” (corresponding to the case where construction is performed in the vicinity), the operation unit in the first embodiment expands the display according to the noise intensity (sound intensity level). The rate was “130%”, the display density was “130%”, and the visual impression of the display form when the key was selected was emphasized. Therefore, even if the user cannot hear the key operation sound due to noise and cannot recognize the key operation input audibly, the user can visually recognize the key operation input. It was. As a result, the key operation by the user proceeds smoothly, and the time required for the key operation for inputting the setting condition tends to be completed in about several seconds.

  On the other hand, in the first comparative example operation unit, the visual impression of the display mode when the key is selected is not emphasized. For this reason, although the user is anxious about noise and selects a key, the user cannot fully confirm the input of the key operation visually and audibly. As a result, each time a user selects a key, the user checks whether or not a setting condition is input, and the time required for the key operation tends to take several tens of seconds to several minutes.

  Next, as operating environment conditions, the strength of the operation sound is “60 dB” (volume “2”), the display magnification rate of the display mode parameter when selected is “120%”, and the display density is “110%”. In the case where the noise intensity is “25 dB” (corresponding to a quiet room), in the operation unit of the first embodiment, the display enlargement ratio is “110” according to the noise intensity (sound intensity level). % ”And the display density was“ 100% ”, and the visual impression of the display form when the key was selected was suppressed. Therefore, the user does not feel visually uncomfortable (flickering) according to the display mode at the time of selection of the key, and can fully recognize the input of the key operation audibly by the strength of the operation sound. As a result, the key operation by the user proceeds smoothly, and the time required for the key operation for inputting the setting condition tends to be completed in about several seconds.

  On the other hand, in the first comparative example operation unit, the visual impression of the display mode at the time of key selection is not suppressed. Therefore, although the user can sufficiently recognize the input of the key operation audibly, the user must visually input the key operation even if the user feels that the key flickers and feels strange. As a result, the time required for the key operation tends to be several tens of seconds.

  As described above, in the operation unit 103 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sound information detection unit 502 that detects the intensity of noise generated from the periphery of the operation unit 103 by a noise meter, and the intensity of the noise is the above-described noise intensity. Which sound intensity level the detected noise intensity corresponds to among the multiple intensity levels that are determined in stages so as to become higher as the operation sound intensity increases And a sound intensity level determining means 504 for determining. Further, the operation unit 103 adjusts the strength of the impression, which is set so that the sound intensity level and the visual impression of the display form at the time of selection become emphasized as the sound intensity level increases. A parameter storage unit 507 for associating and storing a parameter to be displayed as a first parameter table, and a display for changing the display mode at the time of selection based on the parameter of the first parameter table corresponding to the determined sound intensity level And a form changing unit 506.

  Thereby, the visual impression of the display mode at the time of key selection is emphasized or suppressed according to the intensity of noise generated from the periphery of the operation unit 103. The user can obtain an appropriate key operation feeling both auditorily and visually. As a result, it is possible to improve the operability for the user and allow the user to smoothly perform key operations.

<Second embodiment of the present invention>
Next, an execution procedure of the operation unit 103 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Compared with the first embodiment, the difference of the second embodiment is that the sound information is preset by the user and is the volume of the operation sound that is directly proportional to the strength of the operation sound. The strength level is determined in a stepwise manner so as to become a low level as the volume of the operation sound decreases, and the parameter is set so that the impression is emphasized as the sound strength level decreases. It is a point. Since other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 9) used in the description of the first embodiment as appropriate.

  FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the operation unit and the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a first flowchart (image forming flowchart) for illustrating an execution procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a second flowchart (volume adjustment flowchart) for illustrating an execution procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the operation unit 103 is activated together with the multifunction device 100, and the display accepting unit 501 of the operation unit 103 displays the initial setting screen 804 shown in FIG. (FIG. 11: S201).

<Adjusting operation sound volume>
Here, when the user normally selects a system menu key (not shown) provided at a position where the user cannot visually recognize (for example, a side surface portion of the operation unit 103) (FIG. 11: S202 YES), the display is performed. The accepting unit 501 accepts the selection of the system menu key and displays a system menu screen on the touch panel 301 for setting and managing the system of the entire operation unit 103 (or the entire multifunction peripheral) (FIG. 12: S301). .

  FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a system menu screen displayed on the touch panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a volume adjustment screen displayed on the touch panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  On the system menu screen 1300, as shown in FIG. 13A, a message 1301 indicating that the menu is a system menu and a system item key 1302 for setting conditions relating to the system (for example, for adjusting the volume of the operation sound). , A volume adjustment key 1302a), an OK key 1303, and a cancel key 1304 are displayed.

  Here, when the user selects the volume adjustment key 1302a (FIG. 12: S302 YES), the display receiving means 501 receives the selection of the volume adjustment key, and a screen related to the volume adjustment of the operation sound (here, the volume adjustment screen). Is displayed on the touch panel (FIG. 12: S303).

  On the volume adjustment screen 1305, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), a message 1306 for prompting the user to adjust the volume of the operation sound and a volume gradually increasing from left to right are displayed. A plurality of volume keys 1307 (for example, “0 (silence)” key 1307a), an OK key 1308, and a cancel key 1309 are displayed.

  Here, the volume (also referred to as volume) of the operation sound is an amount (unit:-) set in advance by the user, and the volume corresponds to the strength of the operation sound, the frequency of the operation sound, and the operation sound. The amount depends on the duration of occurrence. The volume of the operation sound is a sensory amount (non-physical amount) by the user, and is different from the intensity of the operation sound, which is the physical amount described above. Further, the volume of the operation sound is directly proportional to the intensity of the operation sound. For example, when the volume of the operation sound is “1”, the sound intensity of the operation sound is “40 dB”, although it may be slightly changed according to the performance of the operation sound generator (operation sound generation means 509). When the sound volume is “2”, the strength of the operation sound is “60 dB”.

  When the user selects a predetermined volume key 1307 (“0 (silence)” key 1307a) while looking at the volume adjustment screen 1305 (FIG. 12: S304 YES), the display receiving means 501 receives the selection of the volume key. This is notified to the operation sound generating means 509. Upon receiving the notification, the operation sound generating means 509 uses the operation sound volume (for example, “2”) stored (set) in advance in a predetermined memory as the operation sound volume corresponding to the selected volume key ( "0 (silence)") is changed (rewritten) (FIG. 12: S305). When the volume change is completed, the operation sound generating unit 509 notifies the display accepting unit 501 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the display receiving unit 501 changes the background color of the selected “0 (silence)” key 1207a from white to gray.

  Furthermore, the display receiving unit 501 notifies the sound information detecting unit 502 that a predetermined volume key has been selected. Upon receiving the notification, the sound information detection unit 502 detects the volume of the operation sound corresponding to the volume key (“0 (silence)”) (FIG. 12: S306).

  When the sound information detecting unit 502 detects the volume of the volume key, it notifies the sound intensity level determining unit 504 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the sound intensity level determination unit 504 refers to the second sound intensity level table stored in advance in the sound intensity level storage unit 505 (FIG. 12: S307).

  FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example of a second sound intensity level table according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of the second parameter table according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the second sound intensity level table 1400, as shown in FIG. 14A, the operation sound volume 1401 (for example, “0 (silence)” 1401a determined stepwise based on the sound intensity of the operation sound. ) And a sound intensity level 1402 (for example, “small” 1402a) determined in accordance with the volume of the operation sound are stored in association with each other.

  Here, the sound intensity level 1402 of the second sound intensity level table 1400 is determined stepwise so that the sound intensity level 1402 becomes lower as the volume of the operation sound decreases. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, “0” (silence) 1401a having a low volume of the operation sound is stored in association with “small” 1402a having a low sound intensity level. Further, “1” and “2” having a medium sound volume are stored in association with “medium” having a medium sound intensity level. Further, “4” and “5” having a large volume of the operation sound are associated with “large” having a large sound intensity level.

  Now, the sound intensity level determining means 504 referring to the second sound intensity level table 1400 determines which sound intensity level the detected sound volume corresponds to among the plurality of sound intensity levels (FIG. 12). : S308). Specifically, the sound intensity level determination means 504 compares the volume 1401 of the operation sound in the second sound intensity level table 1400 with the detected sound volume, and determines whether or not they match. As a result of the determination, the sound intensity level determining unit 504 determines the sound intensity level 1401 of the second sound intensity level table 1400 corresponding to the matching sound volume as the sound intensity level for the detected sound volume.

  When the sound intensity level determining means 504 determines the sound intensity level, it notifies the display form changing means 506 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the display form changing unit 506 refers to the second parameter table stored in advance in the parameter storage unit 507 (FIG. 12: S309).

  In the second parameter table 1403, as shown in FIG. 14B, the display mode at the time of selection according to the sound intensity level 1404 (for example, “small” 1404a) and the level of the sound intensity level 1404 is displayed. Are stored in association with parameters 1405 (for example, display magnification “130%” 1405a1 and display density “130%” 1405a2). Here, in this embodiment, the volume of the operation sound is adopted as the sound information. Therefore, the parameter 1405 of the second parameter table 1403 is a parameter (display enlargement ratio “130%” 1405 a 1, in which the impression is emphasized as the sound intensity level 1404 (“small” 1404 a) corresponding to the volume decreases) The density is set to be “130%” 1405a2).

  Thereby, for example, when the volume of the operation sound is low and the user cannot hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is greatly emphasized, so that the user visually recognizes the input of the key operation. It becomes possible to do. On the other hand, when the volume of the operation sound is large and the user can sufficiently hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is suppressed. It is possible to obtain an appropriate key operation feeling without learning.

  Now, the display mode changing means 506 referring to the second parameter table 1403 sets the display mode at the time of selection when the setting item key is selected as the parameter of the second parameter table 1403 corresponding to the determined sound intensity level. It changes based on 1405 (FIG. 12: S310). Specifically, the display mode changing unit 506 stores the parameters (display magnification ratio) of the selected display mode corresponding to the previous sound intensity level (“medium”) stored in advance in the selected display mode storage unit 508. “120%” and display density “110%”) are parameters 1405 (display magnification “130%” 1405a1 and display density) of the first parameter table 1403 corresponding to the determined sound intensity level (“small” 1404a). “130%” 1405a2). Thereby, the change of the display mode at the time of selection is completed.

  When the change of the display mode at the time of selection is completed, the display mode changing unit 506 notifies the display receiving unit 501 to that effect, and the display receiving unit 501 that has received the notification displays a volume adjustment screen 1305.

  When the user who has selected the predetermined volume key 1307 selects the OK key 1308 while viewing the volume adjustment screen 1305 (FIG. 12: S311 YES), the display accepting unit 501 accepts the selection of the OK key 1308, and returns to S301. A system menu screen 1300 shown in FIG. 12A is displayed on the touch panel 301 (FIG. 12: S301).

  If the user does not select the OK key 1308 in the volume adjustment screen 1305 (FIG. 12: S311 NO), the process returns to S304, and the display receiving means 501 receives selection of a specific volume key from the user (FIG. 12). 12: S304).

  In S301, when the user selects the OK key 1303 while viewing the system menu screen 1300 (FIG. 12: S312 YES), the display accepting unit 501 accepts the selection of the OK key 1303, returns to S201, and returns to FIG. An initial setting screen 804 shown in (b) is displayed on the touch panel 301 (FIG. 11: S201). Note that the system item keys 1302 other than the volume adjustment key 1302a in the system menu screen 1300 are not directly related to the present embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

<Image formation>
In S201, when the user selects a predetermined setting item key 806 (for example, “color selection” key 806a) while viewing the initial setting screen 804 (FIG. 11: S203 YES), the display accepting unit 501 performs “color selection”. Upon selection of the key 806a, the initial condition (for example, “monochrome”) stored in advance in a predetermined memory is changed to the setting condition (“color”) corresponding to the “color selection” key 806a (stored, Setting) (FIG. 11: S204).

  Further, the display receiving means 501 notifies the operation sound generating means 509 that the “color selection” key 806a has been selected, and the operation sound generating means 509 having received the notification has the volume set by the user earlier. Then, an operation sound (beep sound) corresponding to the “color selection” key 806a is generated for a predetermined time (several seconds) (FIG. 11: S205). When the volume is “0 (silence)”, the operation sound generating means 509 does not generate an operation sound.

  Further, the display accepting unit 501 refers to the parameters (display enlargement ratio “130%” 1405a1 and display density “130%” 1405a2) stored in the display mode storage unit 508 at the time of selection, and the “color selection” key. 806a is switched and displayed for a predetermined time (several seconds) in the selection display mode based on the parameter (FIG. 11: S206).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the display mode 900 when the “color selection” key 806a is selected, the background color is “dark gray”, and the display area of the key is not selected. With reference to the upper left end 901 of the “color selection” key, the image is enlarged 30% in the left direction and the lower direction.

  Thereby, when the user cannot audibly recognize the input of the key operation due to the absence of the key operation sound, the visual impression in the display mode at the time of selecting the key is emphasized. Become. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the input by the key operation.

  When the volume of the operation sound of the key is large (for example, “5”, etc.), the display mode 900 at the time of selection is the display magnification “110%” 705b1 and the display density “100%” shown in FIG. "705b2" and the visual impression is suppressed. For this reason, the user does not feel the key flickering and feel uncomfortable. Since the change of the display mode at the time of selection is the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the display accepting unit 501 completes the switching display, as shown in FIG. 9B, the background color of the selected “color selection” key 902 is changed from white to gray (FIG. 11: S207). .

  Further, when the user selects the start key 807 in the initial setting screen 804 (FIG. 11: S208 YES), image formation is performed based on the set setting conditions (for example, “color”) stored in a predetermined memory. Is executed (FIG. 11: S209). On the other hand, if the start key 807 is not selected (FIG. 11: S208 NO), the process returns to S202 (FIG. 11: S202). Since these cases are the same as those in the first embodiment, a detailed description is omitted.

<About the effect | action and effect of 2nd embodiment of this invention, an Example, a comparative example>
If an example which shows the effect mentioned above is given, operation provided with composition (sound information detection means 502, sound intensity level determination means 504, parameter storage means 507, display form change means 506) of the second embodiment of the present invention. Unit 103 (second example operation unit) and an operation unit (second comparative example operation unit) having the same configuration as the second example operation unit except that the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention is not provided. ) In the following operating environment conditions, the user inputs a plurality of setting conditions (color selection “color”, paper “A4”, enlargement / reduction “70%”, document size “B4”). Results are shown.

  First, when the volume of the operation sound is set to “0 (silence)” for performing a conference or the like as the operation environment condition, the operation unit according to the second embodiment responds to the volume (sound intensity level) of the operation sound. Thus, the display enlargement ratio was “130%”, the display density was “130%”, and the visual impression of the display mode when the key was selected was emphasized. Therefore, even if the user cannot hear the operation sound of the key, the user can visually recognize the input of the key operation. As a result, the key operation by the user proceeds smoothly, and the time required for the key operation for inputting the setting condition tends to be completed in about several seconds.

  On the other hand, in the second comparative example operation unit, the visual impression of the display mode when the key is selected is not emphasized. Therefore, although the user has selected a key, the input by the key operation cannot be sufficiently confirmed both auditorily and visually. As a result, each time a user selects a key, the user checks whether or not a setting condition is input, and the time required for the key operation tends to take several tens of seconds to several minutes.

  Next, when the volume of the operation sound is set to “5” so that the operation sound reverberates as the operation environment condition, the operation unit according to the second embodiment according to the volume (sound intensity level) of the operation sound. The display enlargement ratio is “110%” and the display density is “100%”, which suppresses the visual impression of the display mode when the key is selected. Therefore, the user does not feel visually uncomfortable due to the display mode at the time of selection of the key, and the input of the key operation can be sufficiently recognized audibly by the strength of the operation sound. As a result, the key operation by the user proceeds smoothly, and the time required for the key operation for inputting the setting condition tends to be completed in about several seconds.

  On the other hand, in the second comparative example operation unit, the visual impression of the display mode at the time of key selection is not suppressed. For this reason, although the user can sufficiently recognize the input of the key operation audibly, the user must visually operate the key although it feels flickering and uncomfortable. As a result, the time required for the key operation tends to be several tens of seconds.

  As described above, in the operation unit 103 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the sound information detection unit 502 that detects the volume of the operation sound that is preset by the user and is directly proportional to the strength of the operation sound, and the operation A sound intensity level that determines which sound intensity level the detected operation sound volume corresponds to from among a plurality of sound intensity levels that are stepwise determined so as to decrease as the sound volume decreases. Determination means 504. In addition, the operation unit 103 displays the sound intensity level and the strength of the impression set so that the visual impression of the display form at the time of selection becomes an emphasized parameter as the sound intensity level becomes lower. A parameter storage means 507 for associating the indicated parameters with each other and storing them as a second parameter table, and a display for changing the display mode at the time of selection based on the parameters of the second parameter table corresponding to the determined sound intensity level Form change means 506 is provided.

  As a result, when the volume of the operation sound is low and the user cannot hear the operation sound (when the volume of the operation sound needs to be reduced or muted due to a conference, negotiation, etc.) Since the impression is greatly emphasized, the user can visually recognize the input of the key operation. On the other hand, when the volume of the operation sound is large and the user can sufficiently hear the operation sound, the impression of the display form at the time of selection is suppressed. It is possible to obtain an appropriate key operation feeling without learning.

  The parameters according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present invention employ the display magnification and the display density that are most likely to affect the strength of the visual impression. May be adopted. For example, the visual impression is emphasized with respect to the color of the key when not selected, the display color indicating the color of the key when selected, and the visual shape is emphasized with respect to the shape of the key when not selected The display shape showing the key shape at the time of selection, the image of the key impression at the time of non-selection has been added (images of wave display, wave hitting, spreading ripples, etc.) For example, a display image showing a key image at the time of selection may be used. The display enlargement ratio is configured such that the key display area is enlarged rightward and downward with reference to the upper left end of the key when not selected, but other configurations (for example, leftward and upward) Expansion in the direction).

  In addition, the sound information detection unit 502 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to detect the intensity of noise using a noise meter, but other configurations may be used. For example, the sound information detection means 502 is based on the number of people in the room where the operation unit 103 (multifunction device 100) is installed and the noise intensity per person (unit noise intensity) calculated empirically. The noise intensity in the room (number of persons × unit noise intensity) may be calculated (detected) as the intensity of noise generated from the periphery of the operation unit 103. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a noise meter, and cost performance can be improved.

  In addition, the sound information detection unit 502 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to detect noise intensity when the display reception unit 501 displays the initial setting screen on the touch panel. It doesn't matter. For example, the sound information detection unit 502 may be configured to detect the intensity of noise at the time when the user logs in (for each user).

  Also, for example, the sound information detection unit 502 is configured to detect the intensity of noise every predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes) from the time when the display receiving unit 501 displays the initial setting screen on the touch panel. It doesn't matter. With this configuration, even if the ambient noise intensity suddenly increases for some reason, such as the start of construction, the display mode at the time of key selection is changed appropriately. It is possible to obtain at a proper timing.

  In addition, the system menu key according to the second embodiment of the present invention is usually provided at a position where the user cannot visually recognize, but for example, an initial setting screen displayed when the administrator logs in It may be configured to be selectable at a predetermined position.

  In the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the copy service processing of the multi-function peripheral 100 is employed. However, the operation unit 103 can be employed for a facsimile transmission / reception service, a print service, and the like. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the operation unit 103 is applied to a multifunction machine has been described. However, various image forming apparatuses, various electronic devices, and various measurement apparatuses each including the operation unit 103 (operation device) having the touch panel 301 are described. Even if applied to the above, the same effect is obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit 103 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the operation unit 103 or the multi-function device 100 reads the program, and the operation unit 103 or the multi-function device 100 implements the above-described units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the operation device and operation method according to the present invention are useful not only for multi-function peripherals but also for copying machines, printers, etc., and in response to sound information related to key operations, the user can operate appropriate keys. It is effective as an operation device and an operation method that can visually obtain a feeling and can improve the operability for the user.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 103 Operation part 501 Display reception means 502 Sound information detection means 503 Noise meter 504 Sound intensity level determination means 505 Sound intensity level storage means 506 Display form change means 507 Parameter storage means 508 Selection display form storage means 509 Operation sound generation Means 510 Image forming means

Claims (6)

When a predetermined key displayed on the screen is selected by the user, an operation sound corresponding to the selected key is generated, and the display form of the key is displayed at the time of selection for notifying the user of the key selection. In the operating device for temporarily switching to
Sound information detecting means for detecting sound information related to the operation of the key;
A sound intensity level determining means for determining which sound intensity level the detected sound information corresponds to among the plurality of sound intensity levels determined stepwise based on the sound intensity of the operation sound;
Parameter storage means for associating and storing as a parameter table the sound intensity level and a parameter indicating the strength of visual impression in the display mode at the time of selection according to the level of the sound intensity level;
Display mode changing means for changing the display mode at the time of selection based on the parameter of the parameter table corresponding to the determined sound intensity level;
An operating device comprising: The sound information is the intensity of noise generated from the periphery of the device,
The sound intensity level is determined in stages so that the noise intensity becomes higher as the noise intensity becomes larger than the operation sound intensity,
The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the parameter is set to be a parameter that enhances the impression as the sound intensity level increases. The sound information is a volume of the operation sound that is preset by the user and is directly proportional to the sound intensity of the operation sound,
The sound intensity level is determined in a stepwise manner so as to become lower as the volume of the operation sound decreases,
The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the parameter is set so that the impression is emphasized as the sound intensity level is lowered. The parameter includes a display magnification ratio indicating a ratio of a key display area at the time of selection to a key display area at the time of non-selection, and / or a background color of a key at the time of selection with respect to a density of a background color of the key at the time of non-selection. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a display density that indicates a ratio of the density.   An image forming apparatus comprising the operation device according to claim 1. When a predetermined key displayed on the screen is selected by the user, an operation sound corresponding to the selected key is generated, and the display form of the key is displayed at the time of selection for notifying the user of the key selection. In the operation method to temporarily switch to
A sound information detection step for detecting sound information related to the operation of the key;
A sound intensity level determining step for determining which sound intensity level the detected sound information corresponds to among sound intensity levels determined in stages based on the sound intensity of the operation sound;
A reference step of referring to a parameter table that stores the sound intensity level in association with a parameter indicating the strength of visual impression in the display mode at the time of selection according to the level of the sound intensity level;
A display form changing step for changing the selection display form based on the parameter of the parameter table corresponding to the determined sound intensity level;
The operation method characterized by including.

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