JP2013141795A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of improving an input operation and preventing user's confusion.SOLUTION: The image forming device 100 includes a touch panel display 182, a control unit 110 for controlling operation of the device according to an input from the touch panel display 182, and a user authentication unit 150 for authenticating a user. A virtual numerical keypad 200 including a plurality of numerical keys 210 is displayed on the touch panel display 182. A "00" key 230 is included in the virtual numerical keypad 200. The image forming device 100 displays or hides the "00" key 230 according to the user authenticated by the user authentication unit 150 (step S1010, S1020 and S1030).

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having an input function for inputting numerical values (numeric characters).

  As one type of information equipment, an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) is installed in many offices (company, office, etc.). In such offices, there are many cases where an image forming apparatus having a print function or a copy function is connected to a network and used by a plurality of users. Further, like a multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)) which is one of such image forming apparatuses, a copy mode, an image communication mode (typically a facsimile mode), a network compatible print mode, and a scanner mode. In many cases, a plurality of modes have a plurality of modes.

  In an image forming apparatus, there are many opportunities to input numerical values such as the number of copies. Therefore, in order to facilitate the input of numerical values, the image forming apparatus may include a numeric keypad including a plurality of numeric keys. Conventionally, a numeric keypad having a “00” key and a “000” key is known in order to reduce the number of key inputs. Patent Documents 1 to 3 listed below disclose such a numeric keypad.

JP 57-94835 A JP-A-1-177626 JP-A-3-105411

  Like the numeric keys described in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 3, by providing a “00” key and a “000” key, the numerical value input operation is improved. However, when it is not necessary to use the “00” key and the “000” key, if these keys are provided, the user may be confused and the operability of key input may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can improve an input operation and prevent user confusion. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a touch panel display, a control unit for controlling the operation of the own device in accordance with an input from the touch panel display, and a plurality of numbers. The display control means for performing control which displays the key group containing a key on a touchscreen display, and the user authentication means for authenticating a user are included. The key group further includes a specific key for inputting a plurality of specific numbers, and the display control means is a switch for switching between display and non-display of the specific key in accordance with the user authenticated by the user authentication means. Including means.

  A key group including a specific key is displayed on the touch panel display, and in the numerical value input using the key group, the display and non-display of the specific key are switched according to the authenticated user. Since the usage status of the image forming apparatus varies depending on the user, the above configuration can provide a key display suitable for the usage status for each user. For example, a specific key is displayed for a user who frequently inputs a numerical value having a large number of digits. Since the specific key can input a plurality of digits, it is possible to input a plurality of digits by a single input operation by operating the specific key. Thereby, input operation can be improved. In particular, an image forming apparatus capable of high-speed printing has a large input numerical value for the number of prints that can be set. Greatly contributes to improved operation. On the other hand, for example, the specific key is not displayed for a user who has few opportunities to input a numerical value with a large number of digits. Thereby, when a specific key is not required, unnecessary display can be prevented as much as possible, and confusion of the user who operates the key group displayed on the touch panel display can be prevented.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes storage means for storing user specifying information for specifying a user and information on whether or not to display a predetermined specific key in association with each other, and the switching means includes user authentication In response to authentication by the means, information on whether or not to display the specific key associated with the user specific information of the authenticated user is read from the storage means, and the display and non-display of the specific key are switched based on the read information Including means.

  The storage means stores information indicating whether or not the specific key is displayed in association with user specifying information for specifying the authenticated user. Therefore, by reading out these pieces of information, the display and non-display of the specific key can be easily switched according to the user authenticated by the user authentication means.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes storage means for storing the user specifying information for specifying the user and any one of a plurality of classes classified according to the use status of the image forming apparatus in association with each other. In response to the authentication by the user authentication unit, the switching unit reads out the class information associated with the user identification information of the authenticated user from the storage unit, and displays the specific key according to the read class information. Means for switching the display are included.

  The user's usage status can be understood from the class information classified according to the usage status of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, by switching between display and non-display of the specific key according to the read class information, it is possible to easily provide a key display suitable for the use situation for each user.

  In this case, preferably, the image forming apparatus uses the usage status totaling unit for totaling the usage status of the image forming apparatus for each user and the class information stored in the storage unit as the totaled result by the usage status totaling unit. And class information updating means for updating accordingly.

  By updating the class information according to the counting result by the usage status counting means, the class information corresponding to the user can be automatically set. In addition, since the class information set by the class information update unit reflects the recent usage status of the user, it is possible to provide a key display more suitable for the usage status for each user.

  More preferably, the user authentication means includes means for displaying the key group on the touch panel display in a state where the specific key is not displayed, and authentication for accepting an input of an authentication code using the key group displayed on the touch panel display. Code receiving means and means for authenticating the user based on the authentication code received by the authentication code receiving means.

  When inputting an authentication code, a specific number (for example, “0”) is rarely input continuously. Therefore, a user who operates a key group displayed on a touch panel display by hiding a specific key. Can be effectively prevented.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes accepting means for accepting an input by the specific key, and the display control means responds to acceptance of the input of the specific key by the accepting means and has a plurality of digits corresponding to the specific key. Emphasis display means for emphasizing and displaying a specific number on the touch panel display is included.

  By inputting a numerical value using a specific key, the input operation can be improved when inputting a numerical value having a large number of digits. On the other hand, in the input of numerical values having a large number of digits, input errors generally increase. When inputting a numerical value using a specific key, by emphasizing and displaying a specific number of digits corresponding to the specific key on the touch panel display, input errors can be reduced even when a numerical value having a large number of digits is input. For example, in inputting the number of copies, if an input error occurs when the number of copies is large, the waste of printing costs becomes very large. Therefore, when inputting a numerical value with a large number of digits, input mistakes can be reduced, so that waste of printing costs can be effectively suppressed.

  More preferably, the specific key is a numeric key (“00” key) for inputting two digits of zero. Thereby, for example, when a well-cut numerical value such as “100” or “200” is input, the input operation can be improved more easily. The specific key may be a numeric key (“000” key) for inputting three digits of zero, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain an image forming apparatus that can improve an input operation and can prevent user confusion.

1 is a control block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the virtual ten key displayed on a touchscreen display (figure of the state where the "00" key was displayed). It is a figure (figure in the state where the "00" key is not displayed) which shows the structure of the virtual ten key displayed on a touch panel display. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key display table held in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic copy screen displayed on a touch panel display of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a magnification setting screen displayed on a touch panel display of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a detailed flow of step S1000 of FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is the figure which expanded and showed the display column in which the input numerical value is displayed in a virtual numeric keypad. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key display table held in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. It is a figure (figure in the state where a "000" key is displayed) which shows the structure of the virtual ten key displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 1st modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the virtual ten key displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the virtual ten key displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd modification of this invention. It is a figure (figure in the state where the "00" key is not displayed) which shows the structure of the virtual ten key displayed on the touchscreen display of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd modification of this invention.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(First embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, an MFP having a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “FAX”) function, and the like. (Digital multifunction device). In the image forming apparatus 100, when one of various operation modes including a copy mode, a scanner mode, and a FAX mode is selected by the user, various processes corresponding to the selected operation mode can be executed. The image forming apparatus 100 has a so-called laser (electrophotographic) printing function that uses laser light for exposure. However, other types of printing functions may be provided. The image forming apparatus 100 is a high-speed machine capable of high-speed printing.

[Hardware configuration]
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 110, a scanner unit 120, an image processing unit 130, an image forming unit 140, a user authentication unit 150, a FAX communication unit 160, a network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F”). 170) and an operation panel 180.

  The control unit 110 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 114, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 116, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 118. A BUS line 190 is connected to the CPU 112, and the ROM 114, the RAM 116, and the HDD 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 190. The CPU 112 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation panel 180 and the like, thereby performing operations of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 and communication with an external device such as an information processing apparatus (not shown). Execute the process. The various computer programs described above are stored in advance in the ROM 114 or the HDD 118, and are read from the ROM 114 or the HDD 118 and transferred to the RAM 116 when desired processing is executed. The CPU 112 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 116 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 112. The CPU 112 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by the instruction, such as a register in the RAM 116, HDD 118, and CPU 112.

  The HDD 118 stores a computer program for realizing general operations of the image forming apparatus 100. This computer program is provided from an information processing apparatus or the like via the network 50 and the network I / F 170. The computer program may be provided by a storage medium such as a DVD on which the computer program is recorded. That is, a DVD as a computer program recording medium may be mounted on a DVD drive (not shown) built in image forming apparatus 100, and the computer program may be read from the DVD and installed in HDD 118. In addition, the HDD 118 stores various data including image data and the like.

  Further, the scanner unit 120, the image processing unit 130, the image forming unit 140, the user authentication unit 150, the FAX communication unit 160, the network I / F 170, and the operation panel 180 are electrically connected to the BUS line 190.

  The scanner unit 120 includes a document detection sensor and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (none of which is shown). The document detection sensor is a light source (not shown) for an image surface of a document placed on a document placement table (not shown) manually by a user or by an automatic document feeder (not shown). The reflected light image obtained by irradiating light from the above is formed on the CCD line sensor. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image and outputs it to the image processing unit 130 as image data. That is, when copying or scanning a document, the scanner unit 120 reads image information from a document placed on a document placement table by a document detection sensor and converts the read image information into an electrical signal by a CCD line sensor. The data is output to the image processing unit 130 as data.

  The image processing unit 130 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown). The image processing unit 130 performs various kinds of processing including predetermined image processing such as rasterization processing on the image data received from the scanner unit 120 or the information processing apparatus or the like, and generates print data with predetermined gradation. Created and output to the image forming unit 140.

  The image forming unit 140 prints an image indicated by image data on a recording sheet, and includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit (LSU), a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. And a static eliminator. For example, the image forming unit 140 is provided with a conveyance path, and a recording sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit (not shown) is conveyed along the conveyance path. The paper feed unit pulls out the recording paper stored in a paper cassette (not shown) or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray one by one, and sends the recording paper to the conveyance path of the image forming unit 140. . While the recording paper is being transported along the transport path of the image forming unit 140, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, and further passes through the fixing device to perform printing on the recording paper. It is.

  The photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device and a static eliminator and then uniformly charged by a charging device. The laser scanning unit modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with this laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. To do. The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum.

  The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller for pressing the recording paper. The recording paper is heated by the heating roller and is pressed by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper. The recording paper discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

  The network I / F 170 has an interface with the network 50. The image forming apparatus 100 can perform data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with an information processing apparatus or the like on the network 50 via the network I / F 170. The image forming apparatus 100 can receive a command signal for instructing execution of various processes such as a print job from the information processing apparatus via the network I / F 170.

  The FAX communication unit 160 provides connection to the public line 60. The FAX communication unit 160 also transmits / receives image data via the public line 60.

  Operation panel 180 includes a touch panel display 182. The touch panel display 182 is a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device in which a display panel 184 and a touch panel 186 are overlapped. The display panel 184 provides the user with various information such as information relating to the status of the image forming apparatus 100 and the status of various processes. The touch panel display 182 also provides an interactive operation interface for the user. This interactive operation interface accepts user instructions for the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100 from the touch panel 186, displays the contents of the instructions on the display panel 184, and sends a control signal corresponding to the instructions to the control unit 110 or Output to the MPU of the image processing unit 130.

  In image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, numeric input of 0 to 9, clear input, and partial symbol input are performed by the user pressing a software key displayed on touch panel display 182. Done.

  The user authentication unit 150 executes login by inputting an authentication code on an authentication screen (not shown) displayed on the touch panel display 182 when the image forming apparatus 100 is activated. The authentication code input operation is performed using a software key displayed on the touch panel display 182.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a copy mode, a scanner mode, a printer mode, and a FAX mode as basic operation modes. The image forming apparatus 100 further includes modes such as a magnification setting mode, a margin setting mode, an image shift setting mode, and an authentication code input mode in addition to the operation mode. The magnification setting mode is a mode for setting the copy magnification in the copy mode. The margin setting mode is a mode for setting margins in the copy mode. In the margin setting mode, for example, a margin (margin) for binding the copied recording paper is set. The image shift setting mode is a mode for moving an image in the copy mode. In this image shift setting mode, for example, when the size of the original and the size of the paper to be copied are different, a moving amount for making a copy by moving the image is set. The authentication code input mode is a mode for inputting an authentication code from the touch panel display 182.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 has various modes, and depending on the mode selected by the user, input of a number (numerical value) may be required. For example, in the copy mode, input of a numerical value is required when setting the number of copies. In the magnification setting mode, the margin setting mode, and the image shift setting mode, input of numerical values is required when inputting the magnification, the margin size, and the shift amount, respectively. In the FAX mode, when a FAX number is directly input, input of a number (numeric string) is required. In the authentication code input mode, input of a number (numeric string) is required when the authentication code is input. Note that a numeric string starting from 0 may be input when inputting a FAX number or the like in the FAX mode, or when inputting an authentication code in the authentication code input mode.

  These numerical values (numbers) are input by the user operating (pressing) a software key displayed on the touch panel display 182. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a virtual numeric keypad on the touch panel display 182 when a numerical value needs to be input. A numerical value is input by the user operating the virtual numeric keypad.

  Referring to FIG. 2, virtual numeric keypad 200 (200 a) displayed on touch panel display 182 includes a plurality of numeric keys 210, a clear key 220, and a “00” key 230. Each key of the virtual numeric keypad 200 is displayed in a background area 240 that is a window, and a display field 250 for displaying a numerical value (number) corresponding to the input key is displayed in the background area 240. The “00” key 230 is a key for continuously inputting zero (“0”). By operating the “00” key 230, two digits can be input by one input operation. That is, by pressing the “00” key 230, an input result similar to that when the “0” key is pressed twice in succession is obtained. The “00” key 230 can be continuously pressed. For example, “20000” is input when the “2” key → the “00” key 230 → the “00” key 230 is continuously pressed. If the maximum number of inputs that can be input is exceeded by continuously pressing the “00” key 230, the input is not possible, and this is notified by an error sound. The “00” key 230 is arranged in an area adjacent to the “0” key.

  In particular, in the copy mode, it is possible to perform a large amount of copying, and therefore a numerical value having a large number of digits may be input as the number of copies. In the image forming apparatus 100 capable of high-speed printing, the number of copies can be set up to, for example, “99999 copies”. In an image forming apparatus capable of high-speed printing, a numerical value having a large number of digits is often input as the number of copies. In this case, 100 copies, 200 copies, 300 copies to 1000 copies, 2000 copies, 3000 copies to Opportunities to input a large number of good copies such as Therefore, the operability of the input operation is improved by displaying the “00” key 230.

  In the present embodiment, the display and non-display of the “00” key 230 are switched according to the user who is authenticated in the authentication code input mode. Whether or not to display the “00” key 230 is preset for each user. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 has a table format in advance for the correspondence between the authentication code, the user name, and whether or not the “00” key 230 is displayed. For example, a key display table 300 as shown in FIG. 4 is stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 114, the RAM 116, or the HDD 118. Whether or not to display the “00” key 230 is set by one or a plurality of managers. At this time, for example, it is preferable to set whether or not to display the “00” key 230 in consideration of the usage status of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 100.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in this key display table 300, the authentication code, the user name, and information on whether or not “00” key 230 is displayed are associated with each other. In this example, the user A is set to display the “00” key 230, and the user B and the user C are set not to display the “00” key 230. In the authentication code input mode, when the user A is authenticated, the control unit 110 is set to display the “00” key 230, and when the user B and the user C are authenticated, the setting is not to display the “00” key 230. And Therefore, when the user A is authenticated, the virtual numeric keypad 200a on which the “00” key 230 is displayed is displayed on the touch panel display 182 in a mode in which a numerical value input is requested. On the other hand, when the user B or the user C is authenticated, the virtual numeric keypad 200 (200b) that does not display the “00” key 230 shown in FIG. The In the virtual numeric keypad 200b in which the “00” key 230 is not displayed, the number of keys to be displayed is reduced, so that the display space of each key is expanded accordingly. Thus, in the present embodiment, the display mode of the virtual numeric keypad 200 is switched according to the authenticated user.

  Here, a copy mode and a magnification setting mode will be described as an example in which the virtual numeric keypad 200 is displayed on the touch panel display 182 in order to input numerical values (numbers). Hereinafter, a case where the “00” key 230 is displayed on the virtual numeric keypad 200 will be described. However, depending on the authenticated user, the “00” key 230 may not be displayed on the virtual numeric keypad displayed on the touch panel display 182.

  When the copy mode is selected, the initial screen of the copy basic screen 400 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the touch panel display 182. This initial screen is a screen that is first displayed on the touch panel display 182 when the copy mode is selected by the user. Referring to FIG. 5, on the initial screen of copy basic screen 400, function setting area 410 displays various setting keys for changing the settings of various functions in the copy mode. In this embodiment, as various setting keys, a key 410a for switching the color mode, a key 410b for changing the size of the document, a key 410c for changing the size of the recording paper to be used, and the double-sided copy function , A key 410e for changing the copy magnification, a key 410f for changing the copy density, and a key 410g for setting the finishing function are displayed. In the function selection area 410, below the various setting keys 410a to 410g, the change keys 412 and 414 for changing the display style of the various setting keys 410a to 410g and the setting keys 410a to 410g cannot be changed. A key 416 for displaying a list of other functions is displayed.

  In the preview area 420, a virtual numeric keypad 1200 (200a) for inputting the number of copies is displayed. The virtual numeric keypad 1200 includes numeric keys 210 to 0 to 9 and a clear (C) key 220. A “00” key 230 is displayed on the virtual numeric keypad 1200 (200a). Each key of the virtual numeric keypad 1200 is always displayed in the background area 240 that is a window. In the background area 240, a character string “number of copies” indicating the number of copies and a numerical value indicating the set number of copies are further displayed. A numerical value indicating the number of copies is displayed in the display field 250 (250a). On the initial screen, “1” which is a default setting is displayed as a numerical value indicating the number of copies.

  In the action panel area 430, various execution keys for executing the recommended function in the copy mode are displayed. The recommended function is a function that has been selected in combination with the function selected by the user in the past. In the task trigger area 440, a preview key 442, a reset key 444, a monochrome start key 446, a color start key 448, and the like are displayed.

  When the user operates (presses) the key 410e on the initial screen of the copy basic screen 400, the display screen of the touch panel display 182 is switched to the magnification setting screen 500 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, on this magnification setting screen 500, various scaling keys for setting the copy magnification are displayed. The scaling key includes keys 510 to 516 for reducing or enlarging the original image to a size corresponding to the size of the recording paper when copying on a recording paper having a size different from that of the original. The magnification setting screen 500 further displays a key 520 for setting the copy magnification to an arbitrary magnification. When the user operates (presses) the key 520, a virtual numeric keypad 2200 (200) for inputting a copy magnification is displayed on the magnification setting screen 500. Similar to the virtual numeric keypad 1200 for inputting the number of copies, the virtual numeric keypad 2200 includes a numeric key 210 from 0 to 9 and a clear (C) key 220. In this magnification setting mode, the magnification can be set up to 400 times. Therefore, the “00” key 230 is displayed on the virtual numeric keypad 2200 immediately after display in a state where the input operation is possible. In the background area 240 of the virtual numeric keypad 2200, a display field 250 (250b) for displaying the input numerical value and a button 260 for closing the virtual numeric keypad 2200 are displayed. In the display column 250, a numerical value indicating the copy magnification is displayed.

Software configuration
With reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, a control structure of a computer program executed in the image forming apparatus 100 to perform the numeric keypad display process and the numerical value display process will be described.

《Numpad display processing》
Referring to FIG. 7, in the authentication code input mode, this program performs step S1000 for performing user authentication processing (login processing), and whether or not the authenticated user is a predetermined user after step S1000. In step S1010 for determining and branching the control flow according to the determination result, and in step S1010, when it is determined that the authenticated user is a predetermined user, the “00” key 230 is displayed on the virtual numeric keypad 200. In step S1020 for ending this program, and in step S1010, if it is determined that the authenticated user is not a predetermined user, the “00” key 230 is not displayed on the virtual numeric keypad 200. And step S1030 for terminating the program.

  In step S1010, when user authentication is performed in the authentication code input mode, the display of the “00” key 230 and the setting of non-display are switched with reference to the key display table 300 shown in FIG. Specifically, information on the presence / absence of display of the “00” key 230 associated with the user name of the authenticated user is read from the storage unit, and the “00” key 230 to the virtual numeric keypad 200 is read based on the read information. Switch between display and non-display.

  FIG. 8 is a detailed flow of step S1000 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, this routine determines whether or not the authentication code input mode is selected, and waits until the authentication code input mode is selected. In step S2000, the authentication code input mode is selected in step S2000. In step S2010, the virtual numeric keypad 200b on which the “00” key 230 is not displayed is displayed on the touch panel display 182. After step S2010, it is determined whether an authentication code has been input, and waits until the authentication code is input. Step S2020, and when it is determined in step S2020 that an authentication code has been input, a login process is executed based on the input authentication code, and this routine is terminated.

  The selection of the authentication code input mode in step S2000 includes the case where the authentication code input mode is selected by the user and the case where the authentication code input mode is activated when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on.

《Numeric display processing》
Referring to FIG. 9, this program determines whether or not “00” key 230 is displayed, and in step S3000 that branches the flow of control according to the determination result, and in step S3000, “00” key When it is determined that 230 is displayed, it is determined whether or not the “00” key 230 is pressed by the user, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result. In steps S3010 and S3000, “ When it is determined that the “00” key 230 is not displayed, and when it is determined in step S3010 that the “00” key 230 is not pressed by the user, another numeric key 210 is pressed by the user. And step S3020 that branches the control flow according to the determination result.

  The program further accepts the input of the numeric key 210 when it is determined in step S3020 that the numeric key 210 has been pressed by the user, and displays a number (numerical value) corresponding to the pressed numeric key 210 in the display field 250. When it is determined in step S3030 and the step S3010 that the “00” key 230 is pressed by the user, the input of the “00” key 230 is accepted, and the “00” key 230 is input. It is determined in step S3040 that the corresponding number (“00”) is highlighted in the display field 250, after step S3030 and step S3040, and in step S3020, that the number key 210 has not been pressed by the user. In case, it is determined whether or not the numerical input is completed, and the control is performed according to the determination result. And a step S3050 for branching flow.

  If it is determined in step S3050 that the numerical value input has not ended, the control returns to step S3000. If it is determined that the numerical value input has ended, the program ends. In step S3040, for example, “00” is highlighted by bold display.

[Operation]
The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The image forming apparatus 100 executes user authentication processing (login processing) in the user authentication mode. In the user authentication mode, the virtual numeric keypad 200 is displayed on the touch panel display 182 to input an authentication code. In the user authentication mode, the “00” key 230 is not displayed on the virtual numeric keypad 200 (step S2010 shown in FIG. 8). This is because in the case of user authentication, a code of about 4 digits is usually input, and zero (“0”) is not input continuously.

  When the authentication code is input by the user, control unit 110 executes login processing (step S2030 shown in FIG. 8). When the user is authenticated by the login process, the control unit 110 refers to the key display table 300 shown in FIG. 4 and sets whether to display or hide the “00” key 230 according to the authenticated user ( Steps S1020 and S1030 shown in FIG. Specifically, in response to the user authentication, information on the presence / absence of display of the “00” key 230 associated with the user name of the authenticated user is read from the storage unit, and the “00” key 230 is read based on the read information. Toggle between display and non-display settings.

  In the key display table 300 shown in FIG. 4, whether or not the user is to display the “00” key 230 for each authenticated user is set in advance. For example, when the authenticated user is user A (YES in step S1010 shown in FIG. 7), control unit 110 sets the display setting of “00” key 230 to “display”. In this case, when the user selects a mode that requires numerical input, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the virtual numeric keypad 200a on which the “00” key 230 is displayed on the touch panel display 182 (step shown in FIG. 7). S1020). On the other hand, when the authenticated user is, for example, user B or user C (NO in step S1010 shown in FIG. 7), control unit 110 sets the display setting of “00” key 230 to “non-display”. In this case, when the user selects a mode that requires numeric input, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the virtual numeric keypad 200b on which the “00” key 230 is not displayed on the touch panel display 182 (step S1030 shown in FIG. 7). ).

[Effects of the present embodiment]
As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by using the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The virtual numeric keypad 200 including the “00” key 230 is displayed on the touch panel display 182, and in the numerical input using the virtual numeric keypad 200, the “00” key 230 is displayed on the touch panel display 182 according to the authenticated user. Toggle hide. Since the usage status of the image forming apparatus 100 varies depending on the user, the above configuration can provide key display (virtual numeric keypad) suitable for the usage status for each user. For example, a “00” key 230 is displayed for a user who frequently inputs a numerical value having a large number of digits. This “00” key 230 can input two digits of zero (“0”) by one input operation, so that the key input is compared with the case where the “0” key is operated twice in succession. The number of times can be reduced. Thereby, input operation can be improved.

  In particular, in the image forming apparatus 100 capable of high-speed printing, since the input value of the settable number of copies is large, an input operation is performed in such an image forming apparatus 100 by providing a “00” key 230 on the virtual numeric keypad 200. Contribute greatly to improvement.

  On the other hand, for example, the “00” key 230 is not displayed for a user who rarely inputs a numerical value having a large number of digits. Thereby, when the “00” key 230 is not necessary, unnecessary display can be prevented as much as possible, and confusion of the user who operates the virtual numeric keypad 200 displayed on the touch panel display 182 can be prevented.

  The image forming apparatus 100 holds a user name for identifying a user and information indicating whether or not to display the predetermined “00” key 230 in association with each other, and is authenticated in response to user authentication. The information indicating whether or not the “00” key 230 associated with the user name is displayed is read from the storage unit, and the display and non-display of the “00” key 230 are switched based on the read information. As described above, since the information indicating whether or not the “00” key 230 is displayed is stored in association with the user name of the user to be authenticated, by reading out this information, the user authenticated in the user authentication mode can be notified. Accordingly, the display and non-display of the “00” key 230 can be easily switched.

  Further, when inputting an authentication code, a code of about 4 digits is often input, and zero (“0”) is rarely input continuously, so the “00” key 230 is not displayed. Thus, confusion of the user who operates the virtual numeric keypad 200 displayed on the touch panel display 182 can be effectively prevented.

  In the mode in which the “00” key 230 is displayed, when the “00” key 230 is pressed by the user, “00” corresponding to the “00” key 230 is highlighted on the touch panel display 182. By inputting a numerical value using the “00” key 230, the input operation can be improved when inputting a numerical value having a large number of digits. On the other hand, in the input of numerical values having a large number of digits, input errors generally increase. Since the “00” key 230 is often used when inputting a numerical value having a large number of digits, a numerical value (“00”) corresponding to the “00” key 230 is input when inputting a numerical value using the “00” key 230. ) Is emphasized and displayed on the touch panel display 182 so that the user can easily recognize a numerical value having a large number of digits. Thereby, even when inputting a numerical value with a large number of digits, input errors can be reduced. Here, in inputting the number of copies, if an input error occurs when the number of copies is large, the waste of printing cost becomes very large. For this reason, it is possible to effectively reduce wasteful printing costs by reducing input mistakes when inputting numerical values with a large number of digits.

  In addition, since the “00” key 230 is a numeric key for inputting two digits of zero, the input operation is improved more easily when inputting a numerical value such as “100”, “200”, etc. it can.

(Second Embodiment)
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, for each authenticated user, one of a plurality of types (type attributes) ranked according to the usage status of the image forming apparatus is set. The display and non-display of the “00” key 230 are switched according to the set type. The usage status of the image forming apparatus is, for example, the usage frequency such as the number of copies performed within a predetermined period, and more specifically, for example, the number of print jobs performed within a predetermined period, the number of copies output. And the number of copies. In this embodiment, according to the use situation (usage frequency), it is ranked into three types of light (Light), normal (Normal), and heavy (Heavy), and any of these types is authenticated. Is set in advance for each user.

  More specifically, in this embodiment, a key display table 600 shown in FIG. 10 is stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 114, the RAM 116, or the HDD 118 instead of the key display table 300 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, in this key display table 600, any type classified by the authentication code, the user name, and the usage status is associated with each other. In this example, user A is set as a heavy user, user B is set as a normal user, and user C is set as a light user. Unregistered users are recognized as guest users or outsiders.

  When the user authentication is performed, the image forming apparatus determines whether to display the “00” key 230 based on the type associated with the user name of the authenticated user. Which type is to be the type for displaying the “00” key 230 is determined by an administrator or the like as appropriate. In the present embodiment, control unit 110 is configured to display “00” key 230 when the authenticated user is set as a heavy user. Specifically, in the authentication code input mode, for example, when user A is authenticated, since user A is set as a heavy user, control unit 110 is configured to display “00” key 230. On the other hand, in the authentication code input mode, for example, when any one of the user B, the user C, and the non-registered user is authenticated, these users are users other than heavy users (normal users, light users, or guest users). The control unit 110 is set not to display the “00” key 230.

  It is preferable to set each type of light, normal, and heavy in consideration of the actual use of the image forming apparatus for each user. However, it is also possible to set each type as appropriate without considering the usage record.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 13, a control structure of a computer program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Since the control structure of the computer program for performing the numerical value display process is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  In the authentication code input mode, this program performs step S4000 for performing user authentication processing (login processing), and determines whether or not the authenticated user is set as a heavy user after step S4000. In step S4010 for branching the control flow accordingly, and in step S4010, when it is determined that the authenticated user is set as a heavy user, the virtual keypad 200 is set to display the “00” key 230. In step S4020 and step S4010 for ending this program, if it is determined that the authenticated user is not set as a heavy user, the virtual keypad 200 is set not to display the “00” key 230. And step S4030 for terminating the program.

  In step S4000, the same processing as that executed by the computer program shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

  In step S4010, when user authentication is performed in the authentication code input mode, it is determined whether or not the authenticated user is a heavy user by referring to the key display table 600 shown in FIG. 11, and according to the determination result. , “00” key 230 is switched between display and non-display settings. Specifically, the type associated with the user name of the authenticated user is read from the storage unit, and the display and non-display of the “00” key 230 on the virtual numeric keypad 200 are switched based on the read information.

[Operation]
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment operates as follows. Operations other than the operation of switching between display and non-display of the “00” key 230 are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 100 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description of similar operations will not be repeated.

  When the user is authenticated by the login process, the control unit 110 refers to the key display table 600 shown in FIG. 11 to determine which type of the authenticated user, and “00” according to the determination result. ”Key 230 is set to display or not (steps S4020 and S4030 shown in FIG. 12). Specifically, in response to the user authentication, the type associated with the user name of the authenticated user is read from the storage unit, and whether or not the type of the user authenticated based on the read information is a heavy user Is determined (step S4010 shown in FIG. 12). If the authenticated user type is a heavy user (YES in step S4010 shown in FIG. 12), control unit 110 sets the display setting of “00” key 230 to “display” (step S4020). On the other hand, when the type of the authenticated user is other than the heavy user (NO in step S4010 shown in FIG. 12), control unit 110 sets the display setting of “00” key 230 to “non-display” (step S4030). ). Since the unregistered user is a user who is not registered in the image forming apparatus, it is easily recognized on the device side that it is not a heavy user.

[Effects of the present embodiment]
As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by using the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Since the usage status of the user can be known depending on the type classified according to the usage status of the image forming apparatus, switching between display and non-display of the “00” key 230 according to the read type makes it easy for each user. In addition, it is possible to provide a key display suitable for the usage situation.

(Third embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to display the “00” key 230 when the authenticated user is set as a heavy user or a normal user in the second embodiment. .

  Referring to FIG. 13, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, each process except for the process in step S5000 is the same as each process executed by the computer program shown in FIG. Hereinafter, different parts will be described. Since the control structure of the computer program for performing the numerical value display process is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  If it is determined in step S4010 that the authenticated user is not set as a heavy user, the program determines whether the authenticated user is set as a normal user, and according to the determination result. Step S5000 that branches the flow of control is included.

  If it is determined in step S4010 that the authenticated user is set as a heavy user, and if it is determined in step S5000 that the authenticated user is set as a normal user, control is performed. Proceeding to step S4020, in step S4020, the virtual ten key 200 is set to display the “00” key 230. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5000 that the authenticated user is not set as a normal user, the control proceeds to step S4030, and in step S4030, the virtual ten-key 200 is set not to display the “00” key 230. It is said.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment learns the usage status of the image forming apparatus for each authenticated user, and sets the type set according to the usage status. Update. In other words, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment automatically adds a type to the user by learning the usage situation for each user, and automatically displays and hides the “00” key 230 according to the user type. Determine the display.

  In the initial setting, each user is set as a light user. The image forming apparatus counts the number of print jobs performed within a predetermined period, the number of copies output, the number of copies, etc., and ranks them according to usage frequency for each predetermined period, and updates the classification of light / normal / heavy To do.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 14, a control structure of a computer program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment in order to perform a type attribute update process will be described. Since the control structure of the computer program for performing the numeric keypad display process and the numerical value display process is the same as that of the second embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  This program calculates, for each user, the number of print jobs performed within a predetermined period, the number of copies output, the number of copies, etc., to calculate the usage frequency within the predetermined period, and after step S6000, It is determined whether or not the calculated use frequency is high, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S6010 that the use frequency is high, the user type is set to the heavy user. In step S6020 to be determined, and in step S6010, when it is determined that the usage frequency is not high, it is determined whether the usage frequency is medium, and the control flow is branched according to the determination result. In step S6030, when it is determined that the usage frequency is medium, the user type is set to normal. And a step S6040 to be determined over The.

  In step S6030, when it is determined that the use frequency is not medium (when it is determined that the use frequency is low), the program further determines step S6050 for determining the user type as a light user, and step S6020. After step S6040 and step S6050, update the type attribute of the user to the determined type and end this program.

  In step S6010, it is determined whether the frequency of use is high or not, for example, depending on whether a print job of 100 copies or more or 100 or more copy outputs has been printed a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period. be able to. Also in step S6030, the frequency of use is medium depending on whether a print job of 100 copies or more, or 100 or more copy outputs, has been printed more than a predetermined number of times less than step S6010 within a predetermined period. It can be determined whether or not. However, the criteria for determination in step S6010 and step S6030 are appropriately determined by an administrator or the like.

[Effects of the present embodiment]
As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by using the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  For each user, the number of print jobs performed within a predetermined period, the number of copies output, the number of copies, etc. are summed up, and the user type is updated according to the summation result, automatically depending on the user You can set the type attribute. In addition, since the set type attribute reflects the recent usage status of the user, a key display more suitable for the usage status can be provided for each user.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an MFP that is an example of an image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. As long as the touch panel display is provided, the image forming apparatus may be other than the MFP. For example, an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer may be used.

  In the said embodiment, although the example which comprised the touchscreen display from the touchscreen integrated liquid crystal display device was shown, this invention is not limited to such embodiment. The display panel constituting the touch panel display may be a display panel other than the liquid crystal display panel (liquid crystal display). Examples of the display panel other than the liquid crystal display panel include a display panel made of an organic EL or the like. Further, the touch panel display may have a configuration in which a display panel and a touch panel are overlapped, or may have a configuration in which a display panel and a touch panel are integrally formed, for example. Any method of input detection in the touch panel display may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatus is a high-speed machine capable of high-speed printing has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image forming apparatus may be an apparatus other than a high speed machine. The number of copies that can be input may be other than “99999 copies”.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a numerical value (“00”) input with the “00” key is highlighted in bold is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The highlighted display of the numerical value input by the “00” key may be other than the bold display. For example, the numerical value input by the “00” key may be displayed in a different color from the numerical values input by other numerical keys, or may be highlighted by a method such as lighting the numerical value. Furthermore, the numerical value input by the “00” key may be highlighted by highlighting or highlighting. It should be noted that the numerical value input by the “00” key may be a normal display as the numerical values input by other numerical keys.

  As a method for suppressing erroneous input of numerical values (input errors) using the virtual numeric keypad, for example, in addition to numerical value highlighting, a numerical value input after input of a numerical value is read out by voice. When a “00” key is input, A method of ringing may be used. That is, it is possible to make it easy to recognize an erroneous input by hearing or the like other than vision. For example, in the copy mode, when a copy start is performed in a state in which the number of copies equal to or greater than a preset number has been input, a pop-up message is displayed that confirms whether the number of copies is large but printing is allowed. You may do it.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a user name as user specifying information for specifying a user is stored in a storage unit such as an HDD has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The user specifying information for specifying the user may be other than the user name. For example, you may make it memorize | store a user ID etc. in a memory | storage part as user specific information.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the display and non-display of the “00” key are switched for each user has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the display and non-display of the “00” key may be switched in units of groups to which the user belongs.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the “00” key is not displayed when the “00” key is hidden is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. When the “00” key is not displayed, for example, it may be grayed out (displayed in light gray and incapable of input).

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the “00” key is used as a specific key for inputting a plurality of specific numbers is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In addition to the “00” key, for example, a “000” key may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a virtual numeric keypad 3200 (200) on which both the “00” key 230 and the “000” key 270 are displayed may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the specific key for inputting a specific number of digits may be other than the “00” key and the “000” key. In other words, the specific key may be a key for inputting a number other than zero (“0”) as a specific number. For example, a “99” key or the like for inputting “9” in a plurality of digits may be used. In the copy mode, if the maximum number of copies that can be input is, for example, “9999”, and if it is desired to copy a larger number of copies, the maximum number of copies that can be input is input for the time being. In that case, displaying the “99” key can improve the numerical value input operation.

Further, the specific key for inputting a plurality of digits of zero may be other than “00” key and “000” key. Specifically, for example, a key for inputting a plurality of digits of zero by a combination with other numeric keys can be used. Referring to FIG. 16, for example, a “ ^0x ” key 280 is displayed on the virtual numeric keypad 4200 (200) instead of the “00” key. The “ ^0x ” key 280 is a key for continuously inputting zero (“0”) in combination with other numeric keys. After the “0 ^x ” key 280 is input, the number of times that zero (“0”) is to be continuously input is designated by the numeric key. For example, after pressing the "0 ^x" key 280, and presses the "2" key, the entry "00", and presses the "3" key, it is entered as "000". After the “ ^0x ” key 280 is input, only the number keys that can be input among a plurality of number keys are displayed (becomes active). Referring to FIG. 17, when “0 ^x ” key 280 is pressed, for example, “0 ^x ” key 280 is highlighted and becomes a virtual numeric keypad 4200 </ b> A (200) on which input numeric keys are displayed. Since numeric keys that cannot be input are not displayed, confusion for the user is prevented and an easy-to-understand operation is possible.

In the above, a predetermined time after the input of "0 ^x" key 280 is not pressed another key, or, if you close the virtual numeric keypad without pressing another key, so as to be numeric input as "0" Also good. With this configuration, the “0” key can be eliminated, and space can be saved more effectively.

  In the above-described embodiment, the key layout, key size, shape, and the like of the other keys of the virtual numeric keypad (for example, numeric keys) may be changed according to whether the “00” key is displayed or not. Good. For example, a virtual numeric keypad on which the “00” key is not displayed may be configured as a virtual numeric keypad 5200 shown in FIG. In the virtual numeric keypad 5200, since the “00” key is not displayed, the display space of other keys is expanded. Therefore, the numeric keys 210a and the clear key 220a are enlarged in size. Furthermore, the background area, which is a virtual numeric keypad window, may be reduced according to the key arrangement, the size and shape of the keys, and the like. With this configuration, it is possible to easily suppress an increase in the key arrangement space, so that the virtual numeric keypad can be displayed in a space-saving manner for performing other displays on the touch panel display.

  In the second and third embodiments, an example in which the type of user is classified into three types of light / normal / heavy is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. There may be two user type classifications, or more than three.

  In the fourth embodiment, an example is shown in which the initial setting of the type attribute of each user is set to a light user. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The initial setting of the type attribute of each user can be arbitrarily set for each user. That is, as an initial setting, for example, as shown in the second embodiment, a desired type attribute is set for each authenticated user, and the set type attribute is set in accordance with the subsequent use situation. You may make it update.

  In the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the “00” key is displayed when the authenticated user is set as a heavy user. The invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, as in the third embodiment, the “00” key may be displayed when the authenticated user is set as a heavy user or a normal user.

  Note that embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the techniques disclosed above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Control part 120 Scanner part 130 Image processing part 140 Image forming part 150 User authentication part 160 FAX communication part 170 Network I / F
180 Operation panel 182 Touch panel display 200, 200a, 200b, 1200, 2200 Virtual numeric keypad 210 Number key 220 Clear key 230 “00” key 250 Display field 300, 600 Key display table 400 Copy basic screen 500 Magnification setting screen

Claims (7)

A touch panel display;
In response to an input from the touch panel display, a control means for controlling the operation of the device itself;
Display control means for performing control to display a key group including a plurality of numeric keys on the touch panel display;
A user authentication means for authenticating the user,
The key group further includes a specific key for inputting a plurality of specific numbers,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display control unit includes a switching unit for switching between display and non-display of the specific key in accordance with a user authenticated by the user authentication unit. Storage means for storing user identification information for identifying the user and information indicating whether or not the specific key is displayed in advance in association with each other;
In response to the authentication by the user authentication unit, the switching unit reads out information on whether or not the specific key is displayed associated with the user specific information of the authenticated user from the storage unit, and based on the read information The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for switching between display and non-display of the specific key. Storage means for storing user identification information for identifying a user and any one of a plurality of classes classified according to the usage status of the image forming apparatus in association with each other;
In response to the authentication by the user authentication unit, the switching unit reads out the class information associated with the user specifying information of the authenticated user from the storage unit, and according to the read out class information, the specific key The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for switching between display and non-display. Usage status totaling means for counting the usage status of the image forming apparatus for each user;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a class information update unit configured to update the class information stored in the storage unit according to a totaling result by the usage status totaling unit. The user authentication means includes
Means for displaying the key group on the touch panel display in a state where the specific key is not displayed;
An authentication code receiving means for receiving an input of an authentication code using the key group displayed on the touch panel display;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for authenticating a user based on the authentication code received by the authentication code receiving means. A reception unit for receiving an input by the specific key;
In response to acceptance of the input of the specific key by the receiving unit, the display control unit includes highlight display means for highlighting and displaying a plurality of specific numbers corresponding to the specific key on the touch panel display. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific key is a numeric key for inputting two digits of zero.

Images