JP2013025433A - Operation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation device capable of preventing the device from malfunctioning due to an erroneous operation by a user when an operation of a key is received.SOLUTION: An operation device 100 comprises: a display part 10; a first function key 120 which is displayed at the display part 10 and demonstrates a corresponding function when an input operation is received; a second function key 130 which is displayed at the display part 10, demonstrates a function different from the first function key 120 when the input operation is received, is in an invalid state when the first function key 120 is in a valid state, and is not displayed in the state that the first function key 120 is displayed; and a sub control part 40 which turns the first function key 120 to the invalid state, turns the first function key 120 to non-display and displays the second function key 130 in a first stage after the first function key 120 receives the input operation, and controls the state of the second function key 130 according to the number of times that the first function key 120 and the second function key 130 receive the input operation in a period until a second stage.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation device that receives an input operation of a key displayed on a display unit and performs an operation corresponding to the input operation.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus having a plurality of functions such as an image forming apparatus displays a plurality of keys on a display unit, accepts a predetermined key input operation performed by a user, and performs an operation corresponding to the operated key. There is something. Conventionally, there has been disclosed an operation panel input device in which an input area is provided on a peripheral portion of a touch panel so that a plurality of functions can be easily selected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The operation panel input device described in Patent Literature 1 displays a basic screen on which keys for setting basic functions are displayed at four corners on a touch panel, and sets detailed functions when any key is selected. A detailed screen with the keys displayed at the four corners is displayed on the display unit.

JP 2007-286996 A

  In the operation panel input device described in Patent Literature 1, when the user selects a key, the display position of the key is erroneously operated (touched) several times continuously. In the operation input device, each time a key is operated, the screen display is switched and a key for selecting another function is displayed. As a result, the user operates a plurality of keys in succession, and the details are displayed. The function selection key displayed on the screen is operated. Therefore, the operation input device has a problem that a function different from the function that the user wants to select is selected.

  Further, in the operation panel input device described in Patent Document 1, when an instruction is received to operate a plurality of functions, the control unit of the device advances a plurality of processes at the same time. There was a delay. In this case, in the internal processing, since the state is changed to the state after the image switching, the user who knows what the key displayed instead of the operated key is set to the key on the detail screen In order to enable the function, the key displayed on the basic screen may be operated continuously several times. Since the operation input device accepts an operation after image switching, a function intended by the user may be set. However, depending on the number of times the key is operated, the function screen is switched from the detail screen to a more detailed function setting screen, so that a function different from the function intended by the user may be selected.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an operation device that can prevent the device from malfunctioning due to a user's erroneous operation when a key operation is accepted.

  The operation device according to the present invention includes a display unit, a first function key, a second function key, and a control unit. The display unit displays the first function key and the second function key. When the first function key accepts an input operation, the first function key performs a corresponding function. When the second function key accepts an input operation, the second function key performs a function different from that of the first function key. When the first function key is in a valid state, the second function key is in an invalid state, and in a state where the first function key is displayed. It is hidden. The control unit hides the first function key and displays the second function key in a first stage after the first function key receives the input operation. Then, the control unit sets the state of the second function key to the valid state or the invalid state according to the number of times the first function key and the second function key have accepted the input operation during the period until the first stage is completed. In the second stage thereafter, the second function key is enabled.

  The number of times the user operates the first function key and the second function key differs depending on the situation. For example, the user may not operate the second function key, but erroneously operates the second function key displayed in place of the first function key several times. In addition, when the user knows that the second function key is displayed instead of the first function key, the first function key or the second function is used to enable the function of the second function key. The key may be operated many times with awareness. In the present invention, the state of the second function key is controlled to the valid state or the invalid state according to the number of times the first function key and the second function key have accepted the input operation during the period until the first stage is completed. To do. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to determine whether or not to accept a key operation depending on a situation where the user operates the first function key and the second function key, and it is possible to prevent the apparatus from malfunctioning due to a user's erroneous operation.

  In the operation device of the above invention, when the number of times the first function key and the second function key are accepted is less than the threshold during the period until the first stage is finished, the second function key is disabled, and the first stage is If the number of times the operations of the first function key and the second function key are accepted is greater than or equal to the threshold during the period until the end, the second function key is made valid.

  As a result, when the user erroneously operates the first function key and the second function key, the operation is not accepted, so that it is possible to prevent a function not intended by the user from being set. Further, when the user operates the second function key more than a threshold value in consideration of the first function key and the second function key in order to validate the function of the second function key, the user receives the operation of the second function key. The intended function can be set. Further, even when the third function key is set to be displayed instead of the second function key, the operation of the third function key is not accepted, so that the user can select the first function key and the second function key. Even if the operation is performed, it is possible to prevent a function not intended by the user from being set.

  In the said invention, it is preferable to display a 1st function key and a 2nd function key in the same display position of a display part. This is because when the first function key receives an input operation and disappears and the second function key is displayed, the display position of the second function key can be easily grasped.

  In the said invention, it is preferable to set a 1st function key and a 2nd function key to the key which exhibits the function which contradicts. This is because, when the first function key is operated by mistake, the function opposite to the function set to the first function key can be set immediately by operating the second function key immediately after the operation.

  In the said invention, a 1st step is set to the period after a 1st function key receives input operation until a display part displays the image of a 2nd function key. Thereby, even if switching of the image displayed on the display unit from the first function key to the second function key is delayed, a function according to the user's intention can be set.

  In the above invention, the first stage is set to a period from when the first function key accepts the input operation until the display unit displays the image of the second function key and a predetermined time elapses. If the second function key is displayed immediately when the first function key is operated, if the user accidentally touches the first function key several times, the second function key is touched. The function set for the key may become effective. However, setting as described above can prevent an erroneous operation from being accepted.

  In the above invention, the operating device includes an image forming unit and functions as an image forming device. In this case, the first function key is set as a key for causing the image forming unit to start the image formation, and the second function key is set as a key for causing the image forming unit to stop the image formation. . As a result, when the image forming unit has erroneously started image formation, the image formation can be stopped by operating the copy stop key a predetermined number of times.

  In the above invention, the operating device includes an information processing unit and a communication unit, and functions as an information processing device. In this case, the first function key is set as a key for causing the external device to start a specific function, and the second function key is set as a key for causing the external device to stop a specific function. Thus, the operation of the external device can be controlled by the operating device, and the external device can be prevented from malfunctioning due to an erroneous operation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the device from malfunctioning due to a user's erroneous operation when a key operation is accepted.

1 is a perspective view of an upper part of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram of an operating device. It is an image of a home screen displayed on the operating device. It is an image of a copy basic screen displayed on the operating device. (A) is an image of a copy execution screen displayed on the controller device. (B) is an image of a copy execution screen different from (A). It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the sub-control part of an operating device. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the main control part of a main apparatus. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a copy process performed by the main apparatus. It is a timing chart. It is a block diagram of the information processor concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is an image of a print start screen displayed on the display unit. 6 is an image of a print execution screen displayed on the display unit. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the control part of information processing apparatus. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a main control unit of the image forming apparatus.

  First, the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 that is an example of an operating device includes an operating device 1 and a main device 2. The operating device 1 includes a display unit 10 and an operation unit 14 (touch panel 76). The operation unit 14 is disposed on the upper side of the display surface of the display unit 10.

  In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 described later, the display of the lid member provided on the upper surface of the document table 31 is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the controller device 1 includes a display unit 10, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a sub control unit 40. The controller device 1 also includes a copy key 120 and a copy cancel key 130. The copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130 are displayed on the display unit 10.

  The main apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a paper feeding unit 5, a storage unit 6, an image processing unit 7, a communication unit 8, and a main control unit 9.

  The main control unit 9 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The sub-control unit 40 controls each unit of the controller device 1 based on the control signal output from the main control unit 9. Further, the sub control unit 40 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation received by the operation unit 14 to the main control unit 9.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading unit 3 includes a document table 31 and a scanner unit 32. The image reading unit 3 reads the image of the document placed on the document table 31 with the scanner unit 32.

  The image forming unit 4 includes image forming units 44Y, 44M, 44C, and 44K, a primary transfer belt 45, a support roller 46, a primary transfer belt driving roller 47, primary transfer rollers 441 to 444, a secondary transfer unit 48, and a fixing unit 49. Consists of. The image forming units 44Y, 44M, 44C, and 44K form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images, respectively. A primary transfer belt 45 that is an endless belt is disposed above the image forming units 44Y, 44M, 44C, and 44K. The primary transfer belt 45 is stretched around a support roller 46 and a primary transfer belt drive roller 47, is stretched in a loop shape, and rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow R. Primary transfer rollers 441 to 444 are disposed on the inner peripheral side of the primary transfer belt 45. The primary transfer rollers 441 to 444 are opposed to the photosensitive drums 401 to 404 provided in the image forming units 44Y, 44M, 44C, and 44K with the primary transfer belt 45 interposed therebetween.

  The image forming unit 4 forms a color or monochrome toner image based on the image read by the image reading unit 3, and transfers the toner image onto the paper fed by the secondary transfer unit 48. The fixing unit 49 fixes the toner image on the paper.

  The paper feed unit 5 includes a paper feed tray 55, paper feed rollers 61 to 64, a paper discharge roller 65, and a paper discharge tray 41. The paper feed tray 55 is disposed below the image forming units 44Y, 44M, 44C, and 44K. The paper feeding unit 5 conveys the paper to the secondary transfer unit 48 for the toner image formed by the image forming unit 4, conveys the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred, to the fixing unit 49, and removes the paper on which the toner image has been fixed. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 41.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the storage unit 6 temporarily stores an image processed by the image processing unit 7, print data received by the communication unit 8, and the like.

  When the operation unit 14 accepts an operation of a key for selecting an image processing function such as reduction / enlargement, the image processing unit 7 performs image processing on the image read by the image reading unit 3 and the image forming unit 4. Output image data. The image processing unit 7 performs image processing on the image data received by the communication unit 8 and outputs the processed image data to the image forming unit 4.

  The communication unit 8 receives image data sent from an external device such as the information processing device 110 connected to the communication network 140 and outputs the image data to the image processing unit 7.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 10 includes an LED drive circuit 71, a plurality of LEDs 72 for backlight, a liquid crystal drive circuit 73, and a liquid crystal panel 74. The operation unit 14 includes a touch position detection circuit 75 and a touch panel 76. The storage unit 15 includes a ROM 50 and a RAM 60.

  The LED drive circuit 71 controls lighting / extinction, brightness, and the like for the plurality of backlight LEDs 72.

  The liquid crystal drive circuit 73 controls the liquid crystal panel 74 to display images such as the copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130 on the liquid crystal panel 74.

  The touch position detection circuit 75 detects the touch position on the touch panel 76 and outputs a signal corresponding to the touch position to the sub-control unit 40. The touch panel 76 may be either a pressure sensitive type or an electrostatic type.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the sub-control unit 40 causes the liquid crystal panel 74 to display the image of the home screen 81 shown in FIG. 5 in the initial state immediately after the power is turned on or in the job standby state. The home screen 81 is a screen for the user to select a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus 100. The home screen 81 displays a plurality of job selection icons 101 to 108.

  The storage unit 15 stores in advance in the ROM 50 a plurality of images that the liquid crystal drive circuit 73 displays on the liquid crystal panel 74 and coordinate information of display positions of icons and keys included in each image. When the sub control unit 40 causes the liquid crystal driving circuit 73 to display an image on the liquid crystal panel 74, the sub control unit 40 reads out coordinate information of icons and keys included in the image from the ROM 50. Further, an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 74 is temporarily stored in the RAM 60.

  The touch panel 76 outputs a signal corresponding to the position touched by the user to the sub-control unit 40. For example, the coordinate information of the position touched on the touch panel 76 (for example, the touched center position) is output.

  The sub-control unit 40 confirms which icon or key display position of the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 74 is the touch position coordinate output from the touch panel 76. Then, when the coordinate of the touch position is the display position of the icon or key, the sub-control unit 40 assumes that the icon or key is touched and signals that the icon or key has been touched (touch detection). Signal) to the main control unit 9.

  When the touch detection signal is input, the main control unit 9 performs processing according to the touch detection signal.

  In the following description, the sub-control unit 40 will simplify the description of a series of processes for detecting the position where the icon (or key) is touched and outputting a touch detection signal. For example, in the following description, touching the display position of an icon (or key) included in the screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 74 on the touch panel 76 is described as touching the icon (or key) on the screen. To do.

  When the sub control unit 40 detects the touch of the copy icon 101 on the home screen 81, the sub control unit 40 displays the image of the copy start screen 82 shown in FIG. 6 on the liquid crystal panel 74 instead of the home screen 81.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the copy start screen 82 includes a setting key group 111, a job key group 112, a numeric key group 113, and a copy key 120 which is a first function key.

  The setting key group 111 is a key group for setting more detailed functions when a copy job is selected. In FIG. 6, as an example of the setting key group 111, a color mode key, a document key, a copy density key, a magnification key, and a paper key are displayed.

  The job key group 112 is a key group for setting a job linked to copying. In FIG. 6, as an example of the job key group 112, a program call key, a transmission key, an automatic temporary storage key, a filing key, and an eco program key are displayed simultaneously with printing.

  A numeric key group 113 is a key group for inputting the number of copies and the like, and FIG. 6 shows a numeric keypad and a clear (C) key.

  The copy key 120 is a key for causing the image forming apparatus 100 to start a copy process.

  When the sub control unit 40 detects the touch of the copy key 120 on the copy start screen 82, the sub control unit 40 displays the image of the copy stop screen 83 shown in FIG. 7 on the liquid crystal panel 74 instead of the copy start screen 82.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the copy cancel screen 83 has substantially the same key layout as the copy start screen 82, and includes a setting key group 111, a job key group 112, a numeric key group 113, and a second function key. The copy cancel key 130 is provided.

  The copy cancel key 130 is displayed on the copy cancel screen 83 at the same display position (same coordinates) as the copy key 120 on the copy start screen 82.

  When the copy cancel key 130 receives an input operation, the copy cancel key 130 performs a function different from the function set in the copy key 120, that is, a copy cancel function that is a function opposite to the copy key 120. The copy cancel key 130 is in an invalid state when the copy key 120 is valid, and is not displayed when the copy key 120 is displayed. The key valid state is a state in which the key can accept an input operation and exhibit its function, and the key invalid state is a state in which the key does not accept an input operation.

  In the copy cancel screen 83, keys that can be selected are limited. That is, in the setting key group 111, only the key frame is displayed, and none of the keys can be selected. For the job key group 112, only some keys can be selected. FIG. 7 shows a case where only the program call key and the eco program key can be selected. All the numeric key groups 113 can be selected.

  As described above, the layout of the copy start screen 82 and the copy cancel screen 83 is made the same, and the copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130 whose functions are contradictory are arranged at the same position. The key can be selected intuitively without searching for the display position of the stop key 130.

  7B, the copy cancel key 130B is not displayed at the same display position (same coordinates) as the copy key 120 on the copy start screen 82, and is adjacent to the copy key 120. It is also possible to display the position. Even in such a display, the user can intuitively select a key without looking for the display position of the copy key 120 or the copy cancel key 130B.

  In the present invention, a threshold value for determining the number of times the copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130 are touched, that is, the number of times the input operation has been received, is provided, and the function of the copy cancel key 130 is set according to the number of times the key has received the input operation. It is determined whether or not to validate, that is, whether or not to stop copying. It is conceivable that the display position of the copy key 120 is accidentally or accidentally touched several times in succession and the copy stop key 130 displayed instead is also touched. However, it is because it is thought that a user's intention touches many times continuously.

  Further, when the copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130B are arranged as shown in FIG. 7B, the left end of the copy key 120 is touched several times, and the copy cancel key 130B displayed instead is also touched. Because it is possible.

  The threshold for determining that the number of times the copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130 have received an input operation (total number of touches) is due to an erroneous operation is set to, for example, three. When the copy stop key 130 is touched once within a certain period of time after the copy key 120 is touched once (the period from the start of the first stage to the end of the first stage), that is, with the copy key 120 It is assumed that the user touches the copy key 120 by mistake when the copy stop key 130 receives the input operation twice and is less than the threshold value of 3 times. At this time, the copy cancel key 130 is disabled. That is, the copy process is continued without accepting the operation of the copy cancel key 130.

  On the other hand, when the copy cancel key 130 is touched twice or more within a certain period of time after the touch of the copy key 120 (the period from the start of the first stage to the end of the first stage), that is, the copy key 120. If the number of times the copy cancel key 130 has received an input operation is three times or more, which is a threshold value, it is assumed that the user touches the copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130 consciously. At this time, the copy cancel key 130 is enabled. That is, the operation of the copy cancel key 130 is accepted and the copy process is stopped.

  Further, the sub-control unit 20 sets the copy cancel key 130 to the valid state after a certain time has elapsed after the copy key 120 is touched once (second stage). That is, when the copy cancel key 130 is touched after a lapse of a certain time after the copy key 120 is touched once (second stage), the sub control unit 20 accepts the operation of the copy cancel key 130 and copies. Cancel processing.

  In this way, malfunction of the image forming apparatus due to a user's erroneous operation is prevented. Even if the switching of the image on the display unit may be delayed, when the key is operated more than a threshold value, the key displayed instead can be validated.

  Note that the number of times that the display position of the copy key 120 is erroneously touched may vary depending on the user. Therefore, the controller device 1 is configured such that the threshold value for determining that the number of touches of the copy cancel key 130 is due to an erroneous operation can be changed to an arbitrary number. Therefore, in the controller device 1, for example, when the number of touches of the copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130 is three consecutive times, it is determined that the user has made an erroneous operation. Is possible.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, when the copy cancel key 130 is touched, the copy process is stopped and the display on the liquid crystal panel 74 is switched from the copy cancel screen 83 to the copy start screen 82. At this time, the image forming apparatus 100 is set so that the copy process is not resumed after the copy process is stopped even if the copy stop key 130 is continuously touched twice or more. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, even if the copy key 120 or the copy cancel key 130 is pressed a plurality of times, there is no malfunction such as repeatedly executing and stopping the copy process.

  Next, processing performed in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described based on a flowchart. As shown in FIG. 8, when the copy icon 101 is touched on the home screen 81 displayed on the liquid crystal panel 74, the sub control unit 40 displays a copy start screen 82 on the liquid crystal panel 74. The sub-control unit 40 waits for any key to be touched (S1: N).

  When the sub control unit 40 detects that a key other than the copy key 120 is touched (S1: Y, S2: N), the sub control unit 40 performs processing corresponding to the key (S3). For example, when a paper key is touched, a paper selection screen is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 74.

  When the sub control unit 40 detects that the copy key 120 has been touched (S1: Y, S2: Y), it outputs a copy start signal to that effect to the main control unit 9. Further, the sub-control unit 40 starts measuring a predetermined time and displays a copy stop screen 83 on the liquid crystal panel 74 (S4).

  The fixed time is a time (first stage) from when the first key touch is detected until the display screen is switched in response to the key touch. That is, in the above case, this is the time from when the copy key 120 on the copy start screen 82 is touched to when the display screen is switched to the copy stop screen 83. In this case, the second stage starts after the copy cancel key 130 is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the main control unit 9 detects the copy start signal output from the sub control unit 40 (S21), the main control unit 9 starts the copy process (S22). In addition, the main control unit 9 performs the completion of copying and checks whether or not the sub-control unit 40 outputs a copy stop signal described later (S23, S24).

  The main control unit 9 does not detect the copy start signal output from the sub control unit 40 (S22: Y), and when the copy is completed (S24: N, S23: Y), the copy end signal is sub-controlled. The data is output to the unit 40 (S27).

  When the main control unit 9 detects a copy stop signal output by the sub control unit 40 before the copy is completed (S23: N, S24: Y), the main control unit 9 stops the copy process (S25) and cancels the copy. Is output to the sub-control unit 40 (S26).

  The copy process is as follows. As shown in FIG. 10, the main control unit 9 causes the scanner unit 32 to read the image of the document placed on the document table 31. The scanner unit 32 outputs the read color image data to the image processing unit 7 (S31).

  When the color image data is input, the image processing unit 7 separates the color image into single color images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and converts the single color images into image forming units 44Y, 44M, 44C and 44K. The image forming units 44Y, 44M, 44C, and 44K form a single color toner image based on the input single color image. The single color toner images formed by the image forming units 44Y, 44M, 44C, and 44K, respectively, are sequentially primary transferred by the primary transfer rollers 441 to 444 so as to be superimposed on the primary transfer belt 45, thereby forming one color toner image (S32). ).

  The primary transfer belt 45 conveys the primarily transferred toner image to a secondary transfer position where the primary transfer belt drive roller 47 and the secondary transfer unit 48 face each other.

  The main control unit 9 conveys the paper P by the paper supply unit 5 when the image forming unit 4 is forming a color toner image. That is, the main control unit 9 transfers the paper P stored in the paper feed tray 55 to the secondary transfer unit 48 where the secondary transfer unit 48 faces the primary transfer belt 45 by the paper feed rollers 61 to 64 arranged in the transport path. 3 to the position in the transport direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. At this secondary transfer position, the color toner image on the primary transfer belt 45 is secondarily transferred to the paper P (S33).

  The main controller 9 transports the paper P onto which the color toner image has been secondarily transferred to the fixing unit 49, and fixes the color toner image on the paper P (S34). Then, the main control unit 9 discharges the paper P on which the color toner image is fixed from the image forming apparatus 100 to the paper discharge tray 41 by the paper discharge roller 65 (S35).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the sub-control unit 40 does not touch the copy cancel key 130 once after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of counting a certain period of time until the end of copying (S5: N, S6: N, S5: N, S6: Y, S7: N, S9: N) When the copy process is completed (S7: Y), a copy start screen 82 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 74 (S8).

  Further, the sub-control unit 40 does not touch the copy cancel key 130 after the fixed time has elapsed (S6: Y) and before the copy process is completed (S7: N) (S6: N, S7: N) If the copy process is completed (S6: Y), the copy start screen 82 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 74 (S8). And the process after step S1 is performed.

  On the other hand, if the copy cancel key 130 is touched (S9: Y) before the copy process is completed (S7: N), the sub control unit 40 sends a copy cancel signal that indicates that the copy cancel key has been operated. It outputs to the main control part 9 (S10). Further, when the sub control unit 40 detects a copy stop completion signal output after the main control unit 9 stops the copy process (S11: Y), the sub control unit 40 displays a copy start screen 82 on the liquid crystal panel 74 (S8). And the process of step S1 is performed.

  If the copy cancel key 130 is touched only once after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of counting a certain period of time (S5: N, S6: N, S5: Y, S12) : N, S13: N, S12: Y), the processing after step S7 is performed. This corresponds to a case where the display position of the copy key 120 is touched twice in succession, and it is considered that the user touched it accidentally (accidentally), so that the touch of the copy cancel key 130 is not accepted.

  On the other hand, if the copy cancel key 130 is touched twice or more after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of counting a certain period of time (S5: Y, S12: N, S13: Y) ), A copy stop signal is output (S10), and the processing after step S11 is performed. This corresponds to a case where the display position of the copy key 120 is continuously touched three times or more, and it is considered that the user touched with his own will, and therefore the touch of the copy cancel key 130 is accepted.

  In the above description, as shown in FIG. 11A, the screen is copied after receiving the touch (input operation) of the copy key 120 during the period T1, which is the first stage timed by the sub-control unit 40. The time until switching to the cancel screen 83 until the copy cancel key 130 is displayed is shown. This period T1 can be set to another period according to the length of time for which the image is switched. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), when the copy key 120 is touched and the screen is switched to the copy cancel screen 83 in a short time, the touch of the copy key 120 is detected and then the copy cancel screen 83 is displayed. It is also possible to set the period T2 (first stage) until the fixed time T3 elapses after switching.

  If the second function key is displayed immediately when the first function key is operated, if the user accidentally touches the first function key several times, the second function key is touched. The function set for the key may become effective. However, by setting the period T2 as described above, it is possible to prevent the function set in the second function key from being activated due to an erroneous operation.

  When the period T2 is set in this way, the processing performed by the sub-control unit 20 is the same as the other processing except that the length of the fixed time to be confirmed is different in step S6 and step S12 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is.

  As described above, according to the present invention, whether or not the touch (operation) of the copy cancel key 130 is accepted is determined based on the number of times the display position of the copy key 120 is touched. 100 can be prevented from malfunctioning.

  In the above description, the copy key 120 and the copy cancel key 130 whose display positions are the same are described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a key at a certain display position is touched. Any other key can be applied as long as another key for selecting a different function is displayed at the same position or close to each other.

  In the above description, the case where the image forming apparatus 100 performs the copy process has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to other processes. For example, when performing fax processing, it is possible to set a fax key that is a fax processing start key as a first operation key and a fax cancel key as a second operation key.

  Next, an operation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an information processing apparatus that accepts an input operation of a first function key and a second function key displayed on a display unit using a mouse will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus 110 includes a display unit 210, an operation unit 214, a storage unit 215, an information processing unit 216, a communication unit 217, and a control unit 240. The information processing apparatus 110 also causes the image forming apparatus 100 that is an external apparatus to start a printing function that is a specific function, and a printing that is a key that causes the image forming apparatus 100 to stop printing. A stop key 232 is provided. The print start key 222 and the print cancel key 232 are displayed on the display unit 210.

  The display unit 210 displays characters and images created by the user. In addition, the display unit 210 displays a print start screen and a print stop screen described later.

  The operation unit 214 includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. For example, when the user operates the mouse and clicks the print start button displayed on the display unit 210, the operation unit 214 outputs a signal indicating that the print start operation has been received to the control unit 240.

  The storage unit 215 includes a ROM 252, a RAM 262, and an HDD (hard disk) 282, and stores processing programs and application programs executed by the information processing apparatus 110 and data such as sentences and images created by the user.

  The information processing unit 216 executes the application program, performs information processing based on the operation of the operation unit 214, and creates data such as text and images.

  The communication unit 217 communicates with the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication network 140.

  The control unit 240 controls each unit of the information processing apparatus 110.

  In the information processing apparatus 110, when printing is selected during execution of an application program or the like, an image of a print start screen 85 as shown in FIG.

  The print start screen 85 includes a printer selection menu 292, a print range selection menu 294, a print number selection menu 296, a print start key 222 that is a first function key, and a cancel key 223.

  The printer selection menu 292 is a menu for selecting a printer (image forming apparatus) used for printing. The print range selection menu 294 is a menu for selecting a print range. The print number selection menu 296 is a menu for selecting the number of print copies. The print start key 222 is a key that, when an input operation is accepted, transmits image data to a selected printer (image forming apparatus) and causes a function to start printing of the image data. The cancel key 23 is a key for canceling the display of the print start screen 85 on the display unit 12.

  In the information processing apparatus 110, when the print start key 222 is selected on the print start screen 85, the control unit 240 causes the display unit 210 to display the print stop screen 86 shown in FIG.

  The print cancel screen 86 has substantially the same configuration as the print start screen 85, and instead of these keys, a print cancel key 232, which is a second function key, is displayed at the display positions of the print start key 222 and the cancel key 223. Is done.

  Thus, the operability can be improved by displaying the print start key 222 and the print stop key 232 at the same display position.

  The control unit 240 of the information processing apparatus 110 performs processing as illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is obtained by replacing the following three points with the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, (1) The sub-control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 100 is replaced with the control unit 240 of the information processing apparatus 110. (2) Replace the copy with print. For example, the copy key 120 is replaced with a print start key 222, and the copy cancel key 130 is replaced with a print cancel key 232. (3) In step S54, the information processing apparatus 110 is read as outputting image data to be printed by the image forming apparatus 100 in addition to the print start signal.

  As described above, the process performed by the control unit 240 of the information processing apparatus 110 illustrated in FIG. 15 is the same as the process performed by the sub control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. A detailed description of the flowchart is omitted.

  The main control unit 9 of the image forming apparatus 100 performs processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 is obtained by replacing the following two points with the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, (1) A copy is read as a print. For example, the copy start screen 82 is replaced with a print start screen 85, and the copy stop screen 83 is replaced with a print stop screen 86. (2) In step S71, it is read that the image data to be printed is detected in addition to the copy start signal.

  As described above, the process performed by the main control unit 9 of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the process performed by the main control unit 9 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. Detailed description of the flowchart shown is omitted.

  Since the information processing apparatus 110 determines whether to accept the operation of the print cancel key 232 based on the number of operations at the display position of the print start key 222, the image forming apparatus 100 malfunctions even if the user performs an erroneous operation. Can be prevented.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation apparatus 2 ... Main apparatus 3 ... Image reading part 4 ... Image formation part 5 ... Paper feed part 6 ... Memory | storage part 7 ... Image processing part 8 ... Communication part 9 ... Main control part 10 ... Display part 12 ... Display part 14 ... Operating section 15 ... Storage section 20 ... Sub control section 23 ... Cancel key 31 ... Document table 32 ... Scanner unit 40 ... Sub control section 41 ... Discharge tray 50 ... ROM 60 ... RAM 74 ... Liquid crystal panel 76 ... Touch panel 100 ... Image Forming device 110 ... Information processing device 120 ... Copy key 130 ... Copy stop key 210 ... Display unit 214 ... Operation unit 215 ... Storage unit 216 ... Information processing unit 217 ... Communication unit 222 ... Print start key 232 ... Print stop key 240 ... Control Section 252 ... ROM 262 ... RAM

Claims (10)

A display unit;
A first function key that is displayed on the display unit and that performs a corresponding function when an input operation is received;
When an input operation is received and displayed on the display unit, a function different from that of the first function key is exhibited, and when the first function key is in an enabled state, it is in an invalid state, and the first function key is displayed. A second function key that is hidden when
In a first stage after the first function key accepts an input operation, the first function key is disabled, the first function key is hidden, and the second function key is displayed. Depending on the number of times the first function key and the second function key have received an input operation during the period until the first stage is completed, the second function key is controlled to be in the valid state or the invalid state, and thereafter In a second stage, a control unit that activates the second function key;
An operating device comprising: In the period until the first stage ends, the control unit
When the number of times that the first function key and the second function key have received an input operation is less than a threshold, the second function key is disabled,
2. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein when the number of times the first function key and the second function key have received an input operation is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the second function key is enabled. 3.   The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the second function key is displayed at the same display position as the first function key in the display unit.   4. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the second function key is a key that exhibits a function opposite to that of the first function key. 5. The first stage includes
After the first function key accepts an input operation,
The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is a period until the display unit displays an image of the second function key. The first stage includes
After the first function key accepts an input operation,
The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays an image of the second function key and is a period until a predetermined time elapses.   The operation device according to claim 1, further comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet. The first function key is a key for causing the image forming unit to start image formation,
The operation device according to claim 7, wherein the second function key is a key that causes the image forming unit to stop image formation.   The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising: an information processing unit that performs information processing to generate data; and a communication unit that transmits data generated by the information processing unit to an external device. The first function key is a key for causing the external device to start a specific function,
The operation device according to claim 9, wherein the second function key is a key that causes the external device to stop a specific function.

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