JP2012095139A - Operation device and operation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation part 102 allowing easy confirmation of the displaying orientation of a preview image, thereby improving user's operability.SOLUTION: An operation part 102 comprises: orientation setting information storage means 406 which stores various kinds of orientation setting information regulating the displaying orientation of a preview image; orientation setting information acquisition means 407 which when the preview image is displayed in a preview image screen in a predetermined displaying orientation, acquires the orientation setting information from the orientation setting information storage means; tab display reception means 408 which selectably displays as a tab key the acquired orientation setting information on the preview image screen; and display adjustment means 410 which displays the tab key of the orientation setting information corresponding to the displaying orientation of the displayed preview image so as to make the same screen as the preview image screen.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation device and an operation method, and more particularly, to an operation device and an operation method capable of easily confirming a display direction of a preview image and improving user operability.

  In an image forming apparatus having a copy function, multi-functionalization is progressing to meet various needs of users. As the number of functions increases, the number of setting item keys (selection item keys) for realizing various functions is also increasing. On the other hand, there is a limitation on the space related to the display screen of the operation panel. Therefore, in order to efficiently use the limited display screen space, only the setting item keys related to representative functions are listed in an indexed manner, and the setting item keys related to other functions are related to each representative function. It is devised so that it is arranged in a hierarchy in a plurality of stages in the lower layer of the setting item key.

  However, if the user is not familiar with the use of the image forming apparatus having the operation panel display screen described above, a predetermined setting item key is traced through a plurality of levels after the document is correctly placed on the document table. Selecting is a difficult task. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot appropriately obtain a printed matter (copy matter) desired by the user.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-299228 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image formation that includes a copy function and includes display means for displaying various types of information. An apparatus is disclosed. In the image forming apparatus, the guidance screen related to the operation of the copy function is displayed on the display unit together with the selection operation screen for prompting the user to perform a selection operation. The image forming apparatus further includes display control means for controlling the display means to display a copy image according to the selection operation content of the user.

  With this configuration, the user performs a selection operation to obtain an output product that meets his / her wish from the selection operation screen according to the guidance on the guidance screen related to the copy function operation, and then indicates the intention of completing the selection operation. For example, a copy image according to the selection operation is previewed. Therefore, the user can visually confirm whether or not an output product that meets his / her wishes can be obtained before the actual copy process is executed. As a result, a user-friendly guidance function is provided, and the convenience of the user can be dramatically improved.

  Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-037696 (Patent Document 2) discloses an image input / output processing apparatus equipped with a network function, a scanner function, and a FAX function. In the image input / output processing apparatus, a processing speed determination unit that determines a print processing speed based on an original installation direction and print processing conditions and determines whether the original installation direction is appropriate, and if the original installation direction is not appropriate And an operation display means for displaying and prompting the user to change.

  With this configuration, the print processing time is reduced by determining the optimal document placement direction from the user's setting information, document size, and placement direction before printing, and prompting the user to make changes as necessary. It can be made to.

JP 2008-299228 A JP 2003-037696 A

  However, the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not describe a preview image function for displaying a preview image of a document on an operation panel (touch panel). Therefore, it is unclear whether the user's convenience can be improved or the print processing time can be shortened even if the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are applied to the preview image function. .

  In recent years, most operation units of the image forming apparatus are configured to have the above-described preview image function. In the preview image function, a preview image corresponding to the image data of the document is displayed as a display orientation preset by a specific user such as a manufacturer. Here, the display direction of the preview image may not match the content direction (vertical writing or horizontal writing) of the preview image. In this case, if a user who is not familiar with the preview image function views the preview image, it is not known whether there is an error in the placement of the document or in the display of the preview image, leading to misunderstanding and confusion. There's a problem.

  In particular, when executing a function for performing condition setting while viewing a preview image, for example, an aggregation function for aggregating and printing two or more original images, the display direction of the preview image is the direction of the content of the preview image. If they do not match, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to input setting conditions related to the aggregation function, and erroneous setting conditions are input. As a result, a secondary problem of causing miscopying also occurs.

  In addition, for example, an A4 size document or a B5 size document may be placed only in one orientation (for example, only in landscape orientation). May be limited. Then, if the user cannot change the display direction of the preview screen and inputs a setting condition related to the aggregation function while viewing the preview image, there is a problem that the input is incorrect.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can easily check the display direction of the preview image and can improve the operability for the user and the operation. It aims to provide a method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an operation device according to the present invention includes a setting item screen for displaying predetermined setting item keys and a display in which a preview image corresponding to image data of a document is set in advance. An operation device that displays a preview image screen displayed in a direction on a touch panel is assumed.

  In the operation device, the orientation setting information storage means for storing various orientation setting information for defining the display orientation of the preview image, and the orientation when the preview image is displayed on the preview image screen in a predetermined display orientation. Direction setting information acquisition means for acquiring the orientation setting information from setting information storage means, tab display reception means for selectively displaying the acquired orientation setting information as a tab key on the preview image screen, and a preview image to be displayed Display adjustment means for displaying the tab key of the orientation setting information corresponding to the display orientation so that the same screen as the preview image screen is displayed.

  With this configuration, if the user visually recognizes the tab key on the same screen as the preview image screen on which the preview image is displayed, it is possible to easily confirm that the tab key orientation setting information corresponds to the display direction of the preview image. It becomes possible. Therefore, the user who has confirmed the display direction of the preview image can avoid the misunderstanding and confusion that he / she does not know whether there is an error in placing the original document or whether the preview image screen has an error, The visibility and operability for the user can be improved.

  Further, when the tab display accepting unit accepts selection of a predetermined tab key from the user, the tab display accepting unit includes a display orientation changing unit that changes the display orientation of the preview image to the display orientation corresponding to the selected tab key orientation setting information. It can be configured as follows.

  Furthermore, it is possible to provide screen display receiving means for receiving the display direction of the preview image as the direction of image data when a predetermined process is performed.

  Further, the display adjustment means can be configured to display a mark indicating the position of the original plate on the original plate at the reference position of the preview image corresponding to the reference position of the original image data.

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

  With this configuration, a user who uses the image forming apparatus appropriately inputs his / her desired setting conditions, for example, post-processing setting conditions such as aggregation and punch / staple, without making a mistake based on the preview image. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be used comfortably.

  The present invention provides an operation method for displaying on a touch panel a setting item screen for displaying a predetermined setting item key and a preview image screen for displaying a preview image corresponding to image data of a document in a preset display orientation. Can be provided as That is, in the operation method, when the preview image is displayed on the preview image screen in a predetermined display orientation, the orientation setting information storage unit stores various orientation setting information for defining the display orientation of the preview image. Corresponding to the orientation setting information acquisition step for acquiring the orientation setting information, the tab display reception step for selectively displaying the acquired orientation setting information as a tab key on the preview image screen, and the display direction of the displayed preview image It is possible to provide an operation method characterized by including a display adjustment step of displaying the tab key of the orientation setting information so as to be the same screen as the preview image screen. 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 to easily confirm the display orientation of the preview image, and it is possible to improve the operability for the user.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present 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. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral and an operation unit in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a 1st flowchart for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7A shows an example of a copy function screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and the orientation, main scanning direction, and sub-scanning direction of document image data according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship (FIG. 7B). FIG. 8A shows an example of an orientation setting information table according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 8A), and FIG. 8B shows an example of display directions of various preview images in the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 8B). It is. FIG. 9A shows an example of the tab display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 9A), and FIG. 9B shows an example of the copy function screen on which the tab display screen is displayed in the embodiment of the present invention. )). FIG. 10A shows an example when a vertically long and horizontally written document is placed horizontally in the embodiment of the present invention, and a vertically long and horizontally written preview image is displayed horizontally in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of the case (FIG. 10B). FIG. 11A shows an example when a vertically long and horizontally written preview image is displayed vertically in the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 11A), and a screen on which setting item keys related to aggregation in the embodiment of the present invention are displayed. It is a figure (FIG.11 (B)) which shows an example.

  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 provided with the operation device according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus in which a folding device and a bookbinding device are connected. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted. The image forming apparatus of the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multifunction machine equipped with a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy service, a scanner service, a facsimile service, a printer service, and the like. Function as an image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, for example, an operation of the MFP 100 (Multi Function Peripheral) when using a copy service will be briefly described.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 provided on the upper surface of the multifunction device 100, and a copy service setting is input from the operation unit 102. The operation unit 102 displays a copy function screen (initial screen) related to the copy service provided by the MFP 100. The copy function screen includes a plurality of function item keys (for example, an “aggregate” key, “ “Punch / staple” key, etc.) are displayed in a selectable manner. The user selects / inputs a setting condition by selecting a function item key, and inputs a setting condition (output condition) related to the copy service.

  In addition, on the copy function screen, a “preview” key for displaying an image of the document placed on the document table 101 on the touch panel of the operation unit 102 is displayed in a selectable manner. When the user selects the “preview” key, an image reading unit 103 described later operates (also referred to as prescan), and a preview image obtained by reducing the read image data is displayed on a predetermined preview image screen. Accordingly, the user selects various function item keys while viewing the preview image, and inputs his / her desired setting conditions.

  After the input of the setting conditions is completed, the user presses a start key provided on the operation unit 102 to cause the multifunction peripheral 100 to start a copy service process.

  When the multifunction peripheral 100 starts the copy service process, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the image reading unit 103 on the document placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108 and subjected to basic correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like, and image data corresponding to the document is generated.

  The image data may be transmitted together with an output (image formation) instruction from the network 110 via the communication cable 109 connected to the multifunction peripheral 100. When image data is transmitted from the network 110, the processing of the image reading unit 103 is omitted.

  In addition, the image data is added with image data obtained by pre-scanning, one image data obtained by integrating a plurality of image data, and predetermined additional information (characters, number of pages, etc.) upon input of user setting conditions. It is also assumed that the image data has been processed.

  An image forming unit 111 is a drive unit that transfers the image data as a toner image. The image forming unit 111 is provided with a photosensitive drum 112. The photosensitive drum 112 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum, the exposure unit 114, the developing unit 115, the transfer unit 116, the cleaning unit 117, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 113 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 112. The exposure unit 114 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 112 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 115 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the conveyed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, a sheet) by the transfer device 116. The cleaning unit 117 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 112. These series of processes are executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 112.

  The sheet is conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 118 provided in the multi-function peripheral 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 118 to the conveying path by a pickup roller 119. Each of the paper feed cassettes 118 stores sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on the setting relating to the output condition.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 112 and the transfer device 116 by the conveyance roller 120 and the registration roller 121. When the sheet is fed, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 116 and conveyed to the fixing device 122. Note that the sheet conveyed to the conveyance roller 120 may be conveyed from the manual feed tray 123 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the sheet on which the toner image is transferred passes between a heating roller 124 and a pressure roller 125 provided in the fixing device 122, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed to the sheet. Is done. The heat amount of the heating roller 124 is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the sheet, the image formation is completed, and the sheet on which the visible image is fixed is conveyed to the folding device 126 via the fixing device 122.

  The conveyed sheet is subjected to a folding process by a folding device 126 in accordance with setting conditions input by the user. When no folding process is input, the sheet only passes through the folding device 126. Further, when the user inputs post-processing (for example, stapling, punching, bookbinding, etc.) as a setting condition, the passed sheet is conveyed to the bookbinding device 127 for post-processing, and is stacked and stored in the paper discharge tray 128. The

  Since the folding device 126 and the bookbinding device 127 can be detached from the multifunction peripheral 100, when the folding device 126 and the bookbinding device 127 are removed, the sheet on which the visible image is fixed by the fixing device 122 is printed matter. As shown in FIG.

  Through the above procedure, the multi-function device 100 provides a copy service to the user. Other services are driven and provided by the image reading unit 103, the image forming unit 111, and the like described above. The MFP 100 of the present invention includes a print service for forming image data transmitted from the network 110, a scan service for reading image data of a document, a facsimile transmission / reception service for transmitting / receiving image data to / from the network 110, and image data read once. You may provide a memory service to save.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 102 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions are input, a touch panel 201 (operation panel), a touch pen 202, and operation keys 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 adopts 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. When the detected pressed position is included in a display area such as a function item key in the screen displayed on the touch panel, the content of the function item is input (set).

  In addition, a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided below the lower glass substrate. The display unit displays a screen such as an initial screen or a copy function screen, for example. A specific screen is displayed above. As a result, the touch panel 201 has both a function of inputting setting conditions and the like and a function of displaying the setting conditions and the like.

  In addition, a touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and when the user touches the tip of the touch pen 202 with the touch panel 201, 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 function item key or the like with the touch pen 202.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the MFP 100 and the operation unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 102 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) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, and a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit. They are connected by a bus 306. The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, etc., and receives data and instructions from the driver 305 and the operation unit 102 (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. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing the program.

  An internal interface 307 is also connected to the internal bus 306 of the control circuit, and the internal interface 307 connects the control circuit of the operation unit 102 and the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100. The CPU 301 receives a command signal from a control circuit such as the operation unit 102 via the internal interface 307 and transmits a command signal, data, and the like to the control circuit such as the operation unit 102.

  The control circuit of the operation unit 102 includes an internal bus 315, a CPU 309, a ROM 310, a RAM 311, an LCD 312, operation keys 313 (203), a touch panel 314 (201), and an internal interface 308. When the user operates the operation key 313 or the touch panel 314, the CPU 309 transmits a command signal based on the operation to the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100 via the internal interface 308. The functions of the CPU 309, the ROM 310, and the RAM 311 are the same as described above, and each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later is realized by the CPU 309 executing a program. The ROM 310 stores programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP and the operation unit of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a first flowchart for illustrating the execution procedure of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a second flowchart for illustrating the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the operation unit 102 is activated together with the multifunction device 100, and the screen display reception unit 401 of the operation unit 102 displays a preset initial screen (for example, a copy function screen). It is displayed on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S101).

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a copy function screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, on the copy function screen 700, setting item keys 701 (for example, an “aggregation” key 701a, a “punch / staple” key, etc.) for setting a copy service condition, and a document are displayed. A “preview” key 702 for displaying the image data of the document placed on the table 101 as a preview image and a preview image screen 703 for displaying the preview image are displayed.

  Here, the user places the document in a predetermined orientation on the document table 101. The orientation of the document indicates a portrait orientation in which the document is placed vertically on the document table 101 or a landscape orientation in which the document is placed in landscape orientation. Then, when the user selects (presses) the “preview” key 702 on the copy function screen 700 (FIG. 5: S102 YES), the screen display accepting unit 401 accepts the selection of the “preview” key 702, and notifies that. This is notified to the control unit 402 of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 402 that has received the notification instructs the image reading unit 403 to read the image data, and the image reading unit 403 that has received the instruction reads the image data of the document on the document table 101 and outputs the image data. Is stored in the image data storage unit 404 (FIG. 6: S201). The case where the user does not select the “preview” key 702 (FIG. 5: S102 NO) will be described later.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the image data direction of the document, the main scanning direction, and the sub-scanning direction according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, in the document table 705, as shown in FIG. 7B, the upper left corner of the document table 705 is the origin 706 (reference 0), the right direction from the origin 706 is the sub-scanning direction, and the lower direction is the main direction. The scanning direction is set in advance. Note that the origin 706 corresponds to the document alignment position of the document table 705. When the user places the document 707 on the document table 705, the corner of the document 707 is positioned at the document alignment position. In other words, the document 707 is placed in correspondence with the upper left corner 706 of the document table 705.

  Since the image data 704 of the document 707 read according to the setting is image data of the surface of the document placed on the document table 101 with the back side up, the origin is the upper right corner 708 and the upper right corner From 708, the left direction is stored as the X-axis direction (sub-scanning direction), and the downward direction is stored as the Y-axis direction (main scanning direction).

  When the image reading unit 403 stores the image data in the image data storage unit 404, the image reading unit 403 notifies the preview image display unit 405 via the control unit 402. Upon receiving the notification, the preview image display unit 405 acquires image data from the image data storage unit 404, generates a preview image corresponding to the image data, and stores the orientation setting stored in the orientation setting information storage unit 406 in advance. The information table is referred to (FIG. 6: S202).

  FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the orientation setting information table according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the orientation setting information table 800, as shown in FIG. 8A, orientation setting information 801 (for example, “upper side facing backward” 801a, “upper side facing left” 801b) and the orientation setting information 801 are the initial conditions. Initial condition information 802 indicating whether or not it is set in advance (for example, “1” 802a indicating that the initial condition is set in advance, “0” 802b indicating that the initial condition is not set in advance) and Are stored in association with each other.

  The preview image display unit 405 acquires orientation setting information 801 corresponding to “1” 802a indicating that it has been set in advance from the orientation setting information table 800 (for example, “upper side facing backward” 801a).

  FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of display directions of various preview images in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, the orientation setting information 801 is information defining the display orientation when the preview image is displayed. Specifically, it is information that defines the direction of each axis when the plane coordinate system of the image data of the document is converted into the display plane coordinate system of the preview image. For example, when the preview image display unit 405 acquires “upward side toward back” 801a (“upward side upward”) as the orientation setting information 801, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B, The origin (upper right corner 708) of the image data 704 is the upper right corner 804 of the preview image 803, the X-axis direction of the image data 704 is the left direction of the preview image 803, and the Y-axis direction of the image data 704 is the preview image 803. Downward. In this case, for example, when the document is placed sideways and the orientation setting information is “upper side up”, the display direction of the preview image is landscape (landscape). Note that the display direction of the preview image indicates the portrait orientation in which the preview image is displayed in the portrait orientation on the preview image screen 703 or the landscape orientation in which the preview image is displayed in landscape orientation.

  On the other hand, when the preview image display unit 405 acquires “upper side left” 801 b as the orientation setting information 801, the origin (upper right corner 708) of the image data 704 is the upper left corner 806 of the preview image 805, and the image data The X-axis direction of 704 is set as the downward direction of the preview image 805, and the Y-axis direction of the image data 704 is set as the right direction of the preview image 805. In this case, for example, when the document is placed sideways and the orientation setting information is “upper side left”, the display direction of the preview image is portrait (portrait).

  Note that the upper side of “upper side facing backward” (or “upper side facing left”) refers to one side of image data (or a document) in the X-axis direction from the origin 706 of the platen 101 (platen glass), in other words, a document. This corresponds to the upper side of the document placed on the table 101. Therefore, “upwardly facing the upper side” means that the upper side of the read image data is directed upward (the upper side of the document placed on the document table 101 is directed upward). “Left-facing” means that the upper side of the read image data faces left (the upper side of the document placed on the document table 101 faces left).

  Now, the preview image display means 405 displays the preview image on the preview image screen 703 in the display orientation corresponding to the orientation setting information described above (FIG. 6: S203).

  Here, when the preview image display means 405 displays the preview image, it notifies the orientation setting information acquisition means 407 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the orientation setting information acquisition unit 407 acquires the orientation setting information 801 from the orientation setting information table 800 (FIG. 6: S204).

  When the orientation setting information acquisition unit 407 acquires the orientation setting information 801, the tab display reception unit 408 is notified of this. Receiving the notification, the tab display accepting unit 408 reads the tab display screen data stored in the tab display screen storage unit 409 in advance and is acquired by the orientation setting information acquisition unit 407 in the tab key of the tab display screen. Orientation setting information 801 is arranged.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a tab display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the tab display screen 900 has a substantially horizontally long shape that fits in a part of the display area of the preview image screen 703, and the display area is divided into two upper and lower stages. In the upper display area 901, the number of tabs corresponding to the number of the orientation setting information 801 are arranged in series in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) so as not to overlap each other. In the lower display area 902, a message “set direction” 902a indicating that the predetermined number of tab keys in the upper stage corresponds to the type of display direction of the preview image is arranged.

  The tab display accepting unit 408 performs the orientation setting information 801 (“upward on the upper side” 801a, “upward on the upper side” 801b) from the left tab 901a of the upper display area 901 in a predetermined order (for example, orientation setting information). 801 are arranged in the order acquired from the orientation setting information table 800). Then, the tab display accepting means 408 displays the orientation setting information 801 immediately below the preview image in the preview image screen 703 so that it can be selected as a tab key (FIG. 6: S205). At this time, the “preview” key 702 in the preview image screen 703 is displayed just below the tab display screen 900.

  Here, when the tab display accepting means 408 displays a tab key corresponding to the orientation setting information 801, the display adjusting means 410 is notified accordingly. Upon receiving the notification, the display adjustment unit 410 acquires orientation setting information (“upward side up” 801a) corresponding to the display direction of the preview image 903 from the preview image display unit 405, and acquires the acquired orientation setting information ( A tab key that coincides with “upper side facing back” 801a), that is, “upper side facing back” key 901a is displayed to be the same screen as the preview image screen 703 (FIG. 6: S206).

  Further, the display adjustment unit 410 has a mark 904 (for example, a document alignment position 706 on the document table 705) at a reference position 904a of the preview image 903 corresponding to the reference position 708 (origin) of the document image data 704. An arrow mark) is displayed (FIG. 6: S207).

  FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a copy function screen on which a tab display screen is displayed in the embodiment of the present invention.

  On the copy function screen 905, as shown in FIG. 9B, in addition to the setting item key 701, tab keys 901 corresponding to the display directions of various preview images 903 are displayed in the preview image screen 703 so as to be selectable. At the same time, a tab key indicating the display direction of the preview image 903, that is, the “upper side facing backward” key 901 a is displayed on the same screen as the preview image screen 703. Further, the mark 904 is displayed at the reference position of the preview image 704.

  As a result, if the user visually recognizes the tab key (“upper side up” key 901a) on the same screen as the preview image screen 703 on which the preview image 903 is displayed, the tab key (“upper side up” key 901a) is displayed. It is possible to easily confirm that the arranged orientation setting information (“upper side faces back”) corresponds to the display orientation of the preview image 903. Therefore, the user who has confirmed the display orientation of the preview image 903 can avoid the misunderstanding and confusion that he / she does not know whether there is an error in the placement of the original made by the user or whether there is an error in the preview image screen 703. Thus, the visibility and operability for the user can be improved.

  Further, when the user visually recognizes the mark 904, it is possible to easily confirm the document alignment position 706 of the original 707 placed on the basis of the mark 904. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the difference between the orientation of the original 707 and the display orientation of the preview image 903, and can reliably avoid the above-described misunderstandings and confusion.

  Here, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 9B, a horizontally long document 901, a vertically written document 901 is placed horizontally on the document table 101, and the orientation setting information “upper side” When the corresponding preview image 902 is displayed in landscape orientation by “backward”, each row of the preview image 902 is displayed in the vertical direction (vertical direction), so that the preview image 903 reflects the image of the document 707 as it is. There is no particular problem.

  In this case, for example, while viewing the preview image 903, the user selects a predetermined setting item key 701 (FIG. 5: S103 NO) without selecting a specific tab key (FIG. 6: S208 NO), and displays the screen. Even if the accepting unit 401 accepts the selection of the setting item key 701 (FIG. 5: S104), an inappropriate setting condition is not input.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example when a vertically long and horizontally written document is placed sideways in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example when a vertically long and horizontally written preview image is displayed horizontally in the embodiment of the present invention.

  On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a horizontally long document 1001 is placed on the document table 101 in a landscape orientation, and the orientation setting information “upper side in the back” When the corresponding preview image 1002 is displayed in landscape orientation according to “orientation”, each row of the preview image 1002 that should be displayed in horizontal writing is displayed in the vertical direction (vertical direction), so that the preview image 1002 is viewed from the user. It is clear that the content of the preview image is difficult to visually recognize and the display direction of the preview image is inappropriate.

  In this case, while viewing the preview image 1002, the user selects a specific tab key that is not the same screen as the preview image screen 703 (for example, the “upward left side” key 901b) (FIG. 6: S208 YES), The tab display receiving unit 408 receives a selection of a specific tab key and notifies the display direction changing unit 411 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the display orientation changing means 411 changes the display orientation of the preview image 1003 displayed by the preview image display means 405 to the display orientation corresponding to the selected tab key orientation setting information (FIG. 6). : S209).

  The preview image 1002 displayed at the present time is such that the origin of the image data is the upper right corner, the X axis direction of the image data is the left direction, and the image data The Y-axis direction is the downward direction. Therefore, the display orientation changing means 411 sets the origin to the upper left corner so that the preview image corresponds to the orientation setting information “upper side is left” 801b (901b), and the X-axis direction of the image data is downward. And the Y-axis direction of the image data is the right direction. As a result, the displayed preview image 1002 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the preview image is displayed in the vertical direction, and the horizontally written document is also in the horizontal direction (left and right direction).

  When the display orientation changing unit 411 changes the display orientation of the preview image, the display adjusting unit 410 notifies the display adjusting unit 410 of the change. The display adjustment unit 410 that has received the notification acquires orientation setting information (“upper side left” 801b) of the preview image after the change from the preview image display unit 405 in the same manner as described above. The tab key that matches ("upper side leftward" 801b), that is, the "upper side leftward" key 901b is displayed to be the same screen as the preview image screen 703 (FIG. 6: S206).

  Further, the display adjustment unit 410 displays a mark indicating the document alignment position 706 on the document table 705 at the reference position of the preview image corresponding to the reference position 1004 (origin) of the image data 1002 of the document 1001 (FIG. 6: S207).

  FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example when a vertically long and horizontally written preview image is displayed vertically in the embodiment of the present invention.

  On the copy function screen, as shown in FIG. 11A, a preview image 1101 written in horizontal writing is displayed in the horizontal direction, and a mark 1102 indicating the position of document alignment is displayed in the upper left corner of the preview image 1101. Displayed in the section. A tab key corresponding to the display direction of the preview image 1101, that is, the “upper side left” key 901 b is displayed so as to be the same screen as the preview image screen 703. As a result, the user can easily change the display orientation of the preview image 1101 according to the content of the preview image 1101 to have an appropriate display orientation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from being misunderstood or confused by displaying the preview image 1101, and it is possible to prevent the user from entering erroneous setting conditions and the occurrence of miscopying.

  When the user selects, for example, the “aggregate” key 701a among the setting item keys 701 while viewing the preview image 1101 shown in FIG. 11A (FIG. 5: S103 YES), the screen display accepting unit 401 The selection of the “aggregation” key 701 a is accepted, and the setting item key related to the “aggregation” is compared with other setting item keys, corresponding to (adapting to) the display direction (“vertical direction”) of the preview screen 1101. Then, it is displayed at a position that can be preferentially selected by the user.

  FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which setting item keys related to aggregation according to the embodiment of the present invention are displayed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, if the display direction of the preview image 1101 is vertical, the setting item key corresponding to (adapts to) the vertical orientation, specifically, two image data in the horizontal direction. A “horizontal arrangement 2 in 1 aggregation” key 1103 arranged in one and collected into one image data is displayed so as to be selectable in a central portion that is easily selected by the user. The setting item key is a setting item key that is convenient for storing vertically oriented image data in one image data. On the other hand, a setting item key that does not correspond to the vertical orientation (non-conforming), specifically, a “vertical arrangement 2 in 1 aggregation” key 1104 that arranges two image data in the vertical direction and aggregates them into one image data is displayed by the user. It is displayed in a selectable manner on the side that is difficult to select. As a result, it is possible to smoothly promote the user's input of the setting conditions, and it is possible to prevent occurrence of input mistakes and miscopying of the setting conditions.

  When the user selects the start key 205 while viewing the copy function screen (FIG. 5: S105 YES), the screen display accepting unit 401 accepts the selection of the start key 205 and receives the preview image from the preview image displaying unit 405. Orientation setting information (for example, “upper side facing left” 801b) is acquired. Then, the screen display receiving unit 401 receives the acquired preview image orientation setting information (for example, “upper side left” 801 b), that is, the display orientation of the preview image, as the orientation of the image data for image formation (FIG. 5 :). S106).

  Then, the screen display accepting unit 401 notifies all the setting conditions to the control unit 402 of the multifunction peripheral 100. Receiving the notification, the control unit 402 instructs the image forming unit 412 to form an image based on the setting conditions received until the start key 205 is selected. Receiving the instruction, the image forming unit 412 performs image formation based on the set condition (FIG. 5: S107).

  Here, when the image forming unit 413 executes image formation and acquires image data from the image data storage unit 404, the direction of the image data is changed to the display direction of the preview image. For example, when the display direction of the preview image is the orientation setting information “upper side is left” or “upper side is back”, the origin of the image data is the upper left corner, and the X axis direction of the image data is the lower direction. The Y-axis direction of the image data 704 is the right direction. Then, the image forming unit 412 forms an image based on the image data. As a result, even if the user inputs the setting condition while viewing the preview image, the setting condition is accurately reflected in the image formation, and the user intends to print the printed material corresponding to the preview image, that is, the user's intention. It becomes possible to obtain the printed matter reliably. Of course, no miscopy occurs.

  In S102, if the user does not select the “Preview” key 702 (FIG. 5: S102 NO), for example, when a predetermined setting item key 701 in the copy function screen 700 is selected (FIG. 5: S103 YES), the screen display is displayed. The accepting unit 401 accepts selection of the setting item key 701 (FIG. 5: S104). In this case, when it is not necessary to input setting conditions using the preview image, for example, when the user places a document on the document table 101, selects the start key 205, and simply outputs a copy. Is applicable.

  In S105, if the user does not select the start key 205 (FIG. 5: S105 NO), the process returns to S102, and the screen display accepting means 401 selects the “preview” key from the user (FIG. 5: S102). The selection of the setting item key is accepted (FIG. 5: S103).

  As described above, in the operation unit 102 of the present invention, the orientation setting information storage unit 406 that stores various orientation setting information that defines the display orientation of the preview image, and the preview image on the preview image screen in a predetermined display orientation. When displayed, orientation setting information acquisition means 407 for acquiring the orientation setting information from the orientation setting information storage means, and tab display for selectively displaying the acquired orientation setting information as a tab key on the preview image screen A receiving unit 408; and a display adjusting unit 410 that displays a tab key of orientation setting information corresponding to a display direction of the displayed preview image so as to be the same screen as the preview image screen.

  Thus, if the user visually recognizes the tab key on the same screen as the preview image screen on which the preview image is displayed, it is possible to easily confirm that the tab key direction setting information corresponds to the display direction of the preview image. It becomes. Therefore, the user who has confirmed the display direction of the preview image can avoid the misunderstanding and confusion that he / she does not know whether there is an error in placing the original document or whether the preview image screen has an error, The visibility and operability for the user can be improved.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the orientation setting information includes “upper side facing backward” and “upper side facing left”, but is not limited to this, for example, “upper side facing right” or “ "Upper side downward" may be used. The orientation setting information may be designed to indicate the rotation angle of the preview image.

  In the operation unit 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the copy service processing of the multi-function peripheral 100 is adopted. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the operation unit 102 is applied to the multifunction peripheral 100 has been described. However, various image forming apparatuses, various image processing apparatuses, and various types including the operation unit 102 (operation device) having the touch panel 301 are described. Even if it is applied to an image processing device, various image display devices, etc., the same effects can be obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit 102 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 102 or the multifunction device 100 is caused to read the program, and the operation unit 102 or the multifunction device 100 implements the respective 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 multifunction peripherals but also for copying machines, printers, and the like, and can easily change the orientation of a preview image, and can be operated by a user. It is effective as an operation device and an operation method capable of improving the above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 102 Operation part 401 Screen display reception means 402 Control means 403 Image reading means 404 Image data storage means 405 Preview image display means 406 Orientation setting information storage means 407 Orientation setting information acquisition means 408 Tab display acceptance means 409 Tab display screen storage Means 410 Display adjustment means 411 Display orientation changing means 412 Image forming means

Claims (6)

An operation device for displaying on a touch panel a setting item screen for displaying a predetermined setting item key and a preview image screen for displaying a preview image corresponding to image data of a document in a preset display orientation.
Orientation setting information storage means for storing various orientation setting information defining the display orientation of the preview image;
Orientation setting information acquisition means for acquiring the orientation setting information from the orientation setting information storage means when the preview image is displayed on the preview image screen in a predetermined display orientation;
Tab display accepting means for selectively displaying the acquired orientation setting information as a tab key on the preview image screen;
An operation device comprising: display adjustment means for displaying a tab key of orientation setting information corresponding to a display orientation of a displayed preview image so as to be the same screen as the preview image screen. Further, when the tab display accepting unit accepts selection of a predetermined tab key from the user, the tab display accepting unit includes a display orientation changing unit that changes the display orientation of the preview image to the display orientation corresponding to the selected tab key orientation setting information. The operating device according to claim 1. The operation device according to claim 1, further comprising a screen display receiving unit configured to receive a display direction of the preview image as a direction of image data when a predetermined process is performed. 4. The display adjustment unit displays a mark indicating a document alignment position on the document table at a reference position of a preview image corresponding to a reference position of image data of the document. 5. Operating device.   An image forming apparatus comprising the operation device according to claim 1. In an operation method for displaying on a touch panel a setting item screen for displaying a predetermined setting item key and a preview image screen for displaying a preview image corresponding to image data of a document in a preset display orientation.
When the preview image is displayed on the preview image screen in a predetermined display orientation, the orientation for acquiring the orientation setting information from orientation setting information storage means for storing various orientation setting information for defining the display orientation of the preview image A setting information acquisition step;
A tab display accepting step for displaying the acquired orientation setting information as a tab key so as to be selectable on the preview image screen;
A display adjustment step of displaying a tab key of orientation setting information corresponding to a display orientation of a displayed preview image so as to be the same screen as the preview image screen.

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