JP2014022927A - Multifunction machine and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce erroneous input when an external numeric input keyboard is used.SOLUTION: A multifunction machine comprises: a display control unit which selectively displays, on an operation panel, a plurality of operation screens classified into a telephone type and a pocket calculator type, in accordance with the operation; a conversion mode switching unit which, when the displayed operation screen is a telephone type, sets a telephone type mode as a character code conversion mode, and when the displayed operation screen is a pocket calculator type, sets a pocket calculator type mode, while an external hardware keyboard having numeric keys vertically and horizontally arranged is connected; and a character code conversion unit which, in the telephone type mode, performs character code conversion corresponding to the telephone type numeric key layout and, in the pocket calculator type mode, performs character code conversion corresponding to the pocket calculator type numeric key layout.

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction machine including an operation panel capable of displaying a software keyboard.

  Among multifunctional devices that combine the functions of multiple types of devices, there is an office device called MFP (Multi-functional Peripheral). The MFP can be used as a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer, a network scanner, a document server, and the like. In recent years, MFPs have become more familiar with convenient functions that are familiar to users of personal computers, such as a web browsing function.

  Generally, the operation panel of the MFP has a group of hardware keys arranged vertically and horizontally for inputting numerical values (numerical values). That is, a so-called numeric keypad is arranged on the operation panel. The numeric keypad is used for inputting a telephone number (FAX number) in facsimile transmission, designating the number of copies in copying, and other numerical input.

  In addition to hardware keys including a numeric keypad, a touch panel is assembled on the operation panel of the MFP. The touch panel here is an input / output device in which a display such as a liquid crystal panel and a touch pointing device are integrated. The surface of the touch panel serves as both a screen on which an image serving as an operation screen is displayed and a touch surface for operation. The operation screen displayed by the touch panel is appropriately changed according to the operation by the user.

  Various operations performed using the touch panel include input of arbitrary characters. A software keyboard is displayed on the touch panel to enable character input. For example, on an operation screen for registering a destination for facsimile communication in advance, a full arrangement type keyboard on which numeric keys and other character keys are arranged is displayed. The user can register an easily distinguishable character string as a destination name associated with the FAX number. A full layout type keyboard is also displayed on an operation screen for setting a scan job in which a paper document is converted into data by a scanner and stored or transmitted to an external device. The user can give a desired document name to the file obtained by data conversion.

  An MFP having a touch panel and capable of externally attaching a hardware keyboard is known. The MFP described in Patent Document 1 switches a font used for displaying an operation screen in accordance with a key notation language on a connected external keyboard. The multi-function image forming apparatus (corresponding to an MFP) described in Patent Document 2 has an interface for enabling connection of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) keyboard.

JP 2007-265087 A JP 2010-21724 A

  It is conceivable to display a software numeric keypad on a touch panel as needed without arranging a hardware numeric keypad on the operation panel. By omitting the hardware numeric keypad, the operation panel can be downsized. By implementing an interface that accepts input from an external numeric keyboard, it is possible to meet the needs of users who want to use the hardware numeric keypad. Furthermore, if an interface that can be connected to a commercially available general-purpose external numeric keyboard is adopted, the user can select and use a commercially available product that suits user-friendly preferences.

  However, unlike the software numeric keypad, the external numeric keyboard, which is hardware, naturally has a fixed numeric key layout. For this reason, there is a case where the numeric key arrangement is different between the software numeric keypad displayed on the operation panel and the external numeric keyboard, and in this case, there is a possibility that an incorrect numeric input may occur. Details are as follows.

  As is widely known, the numbers 0 and 1 to 9 are arranged in the “phone type” where “0” is located near “9” and “calculator type” where “0” is located near “1”. " A hardware numeric keypad provided on an operation panel of a conventional MFP is a telephone type similar to a numeric keypad provided on a facsimile machine or a telephone because the MFP has a facsimile function. Therefore, a telephone type is preferable as the numeric key arrangement of the software numeric keypad displayed on the facsimile operation screen.

  However, the numeric key arrangement of a numeric keyboard that is generally marketed as a peripheral device of a personal computer is a calculator type. For this reason, there is a concern that a user who attaches a calculator-type numeric keyboard and uses the telephone-type numeric keypad will misunderstand the input because the telephone-type numeric keypad is displayed on the operation panel. If the user thinks that “the numeric key arrangement in the MFP is a telephone type” according to the conventional practice, it is easy to make a mistake. In particular, if the user who thinks like this is a visually impaired person, forgetting or not realizing that the external numeric keyboard is a calculator type, the external numeric keyboard that is actually a calculator type is used as a telephone type. It can be manipulated.

  On the other hand, it is considered that a calculator-type numeric keypad is easy to use for users who are used to operating personal computers. Therefore, when displaying a software numeric keypad on an operation screen related to functions familiar to a user of a personal computer such as Web browsing, file operation, and spreadsheet, it is preferable that the numeric key arrangement is a calculator type. However, in this case, when a telephone-type external numeric keyboard is used, there is a possibility that erroneous input may occur. Also in this case, if the user is visually impaired, an erroneous input is likely to occur.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to reduce erroneous input when an external numeric input keyboard is used.

  A multifunction device that achieves the above object is a multifunction device having an operation panel capable of displaying a software keyboard, and for attaching an external hardware keyboard in which numeric keys, which are operation keys for numerical input, are arranged vertically and horizontally. An external connection interface, a display control unit that selectively displays a plurality of operation screens classified into a telephone type and a calculator type on the operation panel according to an operation, and the hardware keyboard is connected to the external connection interface When the operation screen displayed on the operation panel is a telephone type in a state in which the telephone is in use, a telephone type mode is set as a character code conversion mode for outputting a character code corresponding to a signal from the hardware keyboard. When the operation screen displayed on the operation panel is a calculator type, the character A conversion mode switching unit for setting a calculator type mode as a tercode conversion mode, and a character code conversion corresponding to a telephone type numeric key arrangement in the telephone type mode, and a calculator type numeric key arrangement in the calculator type mode. A character code conversion unit that performs corresponding character code conversion.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce erroneous input when an external hardware keyboard for numerical input is used.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of an operation panel. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the function structure which concerns on the input with an external ten keyboard. It is a figure which shows a telephone-type number key arrangement | sequence and a calculator-type number key arrangement | sequence. It is a figure which shows an example of a telephone type | mold operation screen. It is a figure which shows the other example of a telephone type | mold operation screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a calculator type | mold operation screen. It is a figure which shows the other example of a calculator type | mold operation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen for the setting of audio | voice guidance. It is a figure which shows a response | compatibility with the key and key number of a calculator type | mold numeric keyboard. It is a figure which shows the example of a conversion table. It is a flowchart of a conversion mode switching process. It is a flowchart of the external receiver processing routine in the conversion mode switching process. It is a flowchart of an external key input process. It is a figure which shows the other example of a calculator type | mold ten keyboard. It is a flowchart of a mode temporary change process. It is a flowchart of the replacement routine of the number already input in the mode temporary change process.

  An MFP is given as an example of a multifunction machine operated using a touch panel. An MFP is an office device that can be used as a copier, printer, network scanner, facsimile machine, document server, and the like.

  The MFP 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 has an external appearance similar to that of an in-body paper discharge type copier, and has an external shape that fits in a substantially prismatic installation space. An in-cylinder discharge space 20 for stacking printed sheets is present above the center in the height direction, and an image scanner 24 and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 24 are disposed above the in-cylinder discharge space 20. Has been. The lower portion of the in-body discharge space 20 is the printer portion 1B. An operation panel 22 is disposed on a column portion 1 </ b> C that supports the image scanner 24 on the right side of the in-body discharge space 20.

  A numeric input keyboard (hereinafter referred to as “ten keyboard”) 5 and a telephone receiver 6 can be connected to the MFP 1 as external hardware according to an optional configuration. The numeric keyboard 5 is used for inputting various numerical values including a telephone number. The numeric keyboard 5 is used for cursor operation instead of touching a button on the touch panel in addition to inputting numerical values when voice guidance, which is a user assistance function for visually impaired persons, is performed. The handset 6 is used when the MFP 1 is used as a telephone. At that time, the user can input a telephone number using the numeric keyboard 5.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 22 includes a touch panel portion 22A and a fixed key panel 22B. A touch panel having a display for displaying an operation screen and a pointing device for detecting a touched position in the display surface is assembled to the touch panel unit 22A. A plurality of hardware keys (fixed keys) including a start key 41, a stop key 42, and a reset key 43 are arranged on the hard key panel 22B. However, the operation panel 22 of this embodiment does not have a hardware numeric keypad. Instead, a software numeric keypad is displayed on the touch panel unit 12A as necessary.

  FIG. 3 shows the hardware configuration of the MFP 1. A main controller 10 responsible for overall control of the MFP 1 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a computer that executes control programs and various applications, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 that stores control programs, and a program execution work area. S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) 13 and battery-backed NV-RAM (nonvolatile memory) 14 for storing setting data necessary for control. The NV-RAM 24 stores a conversion table 90 for converting a signal from the externally attached numeric keyboard 5 into a character code.

  The operation panel 22 has a voice output unit 225 for voice guidance. The ADF 23 conveys the original sheet to a reading position in the image scanner 24 for copying, image input, or facsimile transmission. The image scanner 24 optically reads image information recorded on the document sheet. The printer engine 25 prints a monochrome or color image by electrophotography on one or both sides of the paper supplied from the multistage paper stacker 26.

  A modem 27 and an NCU (Network Control Unit) 28 are used for facsimile communication over a public telephone network. The external handset 6 is connected to the modem 27. The communication interface 29 connects the MFP 1 to a data communication network for communication with an external device. The communication interface 29 includes a USB interface as an external connection interface for connecting the external numeric keyboard 5.

  The storage 30 is a mass storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage 30 is used as a medium for storing a control program and control data. The control data includes screen data for displaying an operation screen by the operation panel 22. Further, the storage 30 is provided with a box 32 which is a memory area for storing various documents.

  The MFP 1 having the above configuration has a numeric input control function effective in an optional configuration state in which the external numeric keyboard 5 is connected. This numerical input control function is a function for preventing erroneous input when the numeric keyboard 5 is used, and an operation screen displayed on the operation panel 22 regardless of the numeric key layout indicated by the key markings on the numeric keyboard 5. In response, the signal from the numeric keyboard 5 is converted into a character code. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the MFP 1 related to the numerical input control function will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration related to input by the external numeric keyboard 5. The MFP 1 includes a display control unit 101, an operation input unit 102, a character input unit 103, an auxiliary mode setting unit 104, a conversion mode switching unit 105, a character code conversion unit 106, a conversion mode temporary change unit 107, and a number substitution unit 108. Have. These elements are functional elements realized by the CPU 11 of the main controller 10 executing a predetermined computer program.

  Display control unit 101 causes operation panel 22 to display an operation screen corresponding to the state of MFP 1 using screen data DQ stored in storage 30. The screen data DQ is image data, text data, and parameters representing parts constituting the screen, such as a screen background, buttons, and message text. The display control unit 101 configures a screen by appropriately combining parts.

  In the present embodiment, at least a screen with numerical input and a screen deeply related thereto among the operation screens displayed by the display control unit 101 are classified into either a telephone type or a calculator type. In the following description, operation screens classified as telephone type are collectively referred to as a telephone type screen Q10, and operation screens classified as calculator type are sometimes collectively referred to as a calculator type screen Q20. When switching the contents of the screen display, the display control unit 101 notifies the conversion mode switching unit 105 of the operation screen classification (screen type) to be newly displayed.

  The operation input unit 102 determines the content of the operation performed on the operation panel 22 and performs processing in accordance with an instruction from the user. For example, in a state where an operation screen having selection buttons corresponding to a plurality of functions is displayed on the operation panel 22, the selection button touched by the user is analyzed from the position indicated by the touch panel output. Then, the display control unit 101 is instructed to switch the display to the operation screen for the detailed setting related to the function corresponding to the selection button (for example, duplex copying). In addition, when the start key 41 is pressed, the operation input unit 102 that has detected the start key 41 gives an execution start instruction to a component that executes a job previously specified by the user.

  The character input unit 103 is responsible for character input among operation inputs. For example, when a character string is input by a user into a character input field in the operation screen, the character input unit 103 stores characters input in order. When an input confirmation operation such as pressing of the OK key is performed, the character input unit 103 transmits the stored input character string to the operation input unit 102. When the character input field is a telephone number input field, the character input unit 103 notifies the conversion mode temporary change unit 107 that it is in a state of accepting input of a telephone number.

  The user auxiliary mode setting unit 104 switches between the auxiliary mode and the non-auxiliary mode according to the mode selection operation by the user. When the assist mode is set, voice guidance for explaining the contents of the operation screen and how to operate is performed as a user assist operation. When the non-auxiliary mode is set, voice guidance is not performed.

  The conversion mode switching unit 105 switches the character code conversion mode for outputting the character code in accordance with a signal from the external numeric keyboard 5 according to the screen type notified from the display control unit 101. When the notified screen type is a telephone type, the conversion mode switching unit 105 sets the telephone type mode, and when the notified screen type is a calculator type, the conversion mode switching unit 105 sets the calculator type mode. The telephone type mode is a mode in which the numeric key arrangement of the numeric keyboard 5 is regarded as a telephone type regardless of the actual arrangement. On the other hand, the calculator type mode is a mode in which the numeric key arrangement of the numeric keyboard 5 is regarded as the calculator type regardless of the actual arrangement.

  Further, when the conversion mode switching unit 105 is notified of a state change from on-hook to off-hook of the external handset 6 from the modem 27, that is, when it is assumed that the user is going to make a call using the MFP 1, Regardless of the screen type notified from the display control unit 101, the conversion mode is set to the telephone type mode.

  The character code conversion unit 106 converts a signal from the numeric keyboard 5 input via the USB interface 295 into a character code. At that time, the character code conversion unit 106 refers to the conversion table 90 and performs character code conversion according to the input / output correspondence indicated by the conversion table 90. The conversion table 90 has data indicating the input / output correspondence in the telephone type mode and the input / output correspondence in the calculator type mode. The character code conversion unit 106 basically performs character code conversion by applying the data of the corresponding mode in the conversion table 90 according to the conversion mode set by the conversion mode switching unit 105.

  Note that the numeric keyboard 5 which is a USB keyboard outputs a signal when a key is pressed and when the key is released. Each time a signal is output, the character code conversion unit 106 performs character code conversion.

  Conversion mode temporary change unit 107 and number substitution unit 108 realize an additional function that is limited when a telephone number is input. The conversion mode temporary change unit 107 changes the conversion mode at a predetermined time in a state where the calculator type mode is set. As a result, the conversion mode temporarily becomes the telephone type mode until the conversion mode temporary change unit 107 or the conversion mode switching unit 105 returns to the calculator type mode as described later. When the calculator type mode is set and the character input unit 103 accepts a telephone number input, the number replacing unit 108 is already set as a telephone number when a specific key called “0 position key” is pressed. Replaces the entered number with a number that corresponds to the telephone-type numeric key layout.

  5A and 5B show telephone-type and calculator-type numeric key arrangements. The telephone type is standardized by the COMITE Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique (CCITT). On the other hand, the calculator type is standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

  In both the telephone type and the calculator type, a total of 10 numbers from 0 and 1 to 9 are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns. In the telephone type, numbers from 1 to 9 are arranged in order from the left end of the uppermost row to the right end of the third row, and 0 is arranged in the center column of the lowermost row. In the calculator type, 0 is arranged at the left end of the bottom row, and numbers 1 to 9 are arranged in order from the left end of the second row from the bottom to the right end of the top row.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a telephone type operation screen. The operation screen Q11 is a screen for inputting a telephone number of a facsimile transmission destination. The operation screen Q11 has a telephone-type numeric keypad (software key) 61 and an input number display field 62 for displaying numbers input by the user. When the user inputs a predetermined number using the numeric keypad 61 and touches the OK button 63, the input number is set as the destination telephone number.

  FIG. 7 shows another example of the telephone type operation screen. The operation screen Q12 is a screen for basic setting operation of the copy function, and has selection buttons corresponding to basic setting items such as print color, paper size, and magnification. When the user touches the selection button, a screen for detailed setting of the selected item is displayed.

  In the upper right corner of the operation screen Q12, a number 64 indicating the set value for the number of copies is displayed. The number 64 “1” shown in the figure is the default value for the number of copies. When the user wants to change the number of copies, for example, the user touches the portion where the number 64 is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, a numerical value input window SK1 having a telephone-type numeric keypad is popped up on the operation screen Q12. As a result, the user can specify a number other than the default value as the number of copies.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a calculator-type operation screen. The operation screen Q21 is a screen for web browsing. Various operation buttons are displayed at the upper end of the operation screen Q21, and a Web page is displayed below the operation buttons. In the illustrated example, the Web page has a telephone number input field 65.

  When the user touches the telephone number input field 65, as shown in FIG. 8B, a character input window SK2 having a full arrangement keyboard is popped up on the operation screen Q21. In the window SK2, numeric keys 0 and 1 to 9 are arranged in a line along the left-right direction, and alphabet keys are arranged below the numeric keys. The key arrangement in the window SK2 is a so-called ten-keyless format, which is a common arrangement in a notebook personal computer or the like.

  Note that the Web browser can determine that the number to be entered by the user in the telephone number input field 65 is a telephone number based on the tag of the Web page description language.

  FIG. 9 shows another example of a calculator type operation screen. The operation screen Q22 is a screen related to a box storage function that stores data read from an original sheet by the image scanner 24 in the storage 30 as a file. On the operation screen Q22, an icon representing a box as an option is displayed together with a message 70 prompting the user to select a storage destination box. In FIG. 9A, the selected icon 71 is highlighted to distinguish it from other icons.

  When the user selects a storage destination and touches the OK button 72, an operation screen Q22b is displayed instead of the operation screen Q22 as shown in FIG. 9B. The operation screen Q22b has a message display field 75 for informing that the name of the file to be saved can be changed, a box name display field 76 for the save destination, and a display field 77 for the current file name (document name). The user who wants to change the file name touches the display field 76, for example. Then, a window having a keyboard is popped up as in the example of FIG. As a result, the user can give an arbitrary name to the file to be saved.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of an operation screen for setting voice guidance. In the operation screen Q31 displayed when a predetermined screen switching operation is performed, the user can specify whether or not voice guidance is necessary. The operation screen Q31 has selection buttons 81 and 82 for performing / not performing voice guidance (ON / OFF). In the figure, the selection button 81 corresponding to the voice guidance function being turned on is highlighted. This means that the current selection state is a state in which the ON setting for performing voice guidance is selected. When the user touches the OK button 83 in this state, the auxiliary mode is set by the user auxiliary mode setting unit 104, and voice guidance is performed.

  FIG. 11 shows the correspondence between keys and key numbers in the calculator-type numeric keyboard 5. The numeric keyboard 5 is an OADG109 type USB numeric keyboard standardized by the PC Open Architecture Developers' Group (OADG). In the numeric keyboard 5, the key marked with 0 has the size of two keys marked with other numbers. Each key on the numeric keyboard 5 corresponds to a key number corresponding to the position of the key in the key layout. The key numbers corresponding to the numbered keys 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are “90”, “93”, “98”, “103” in order. ”,“ 92 ”,“ 97 ”,“ 102 ”,“ 91 ”,“ 96 ”,“ 101 ”. The numeric keyboard 5 outputs a signal indicating the key number corresponding to the pressed key, that is, the pressed key position in the key arrangement surface.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a conversion table 90 for character code conversion. In the conversion table 90, as shown in the figure, each key number (conversion input) 901 that can be output by the OADG109 type numeric keyboard 901 is a number (conversion output) 902 to be output in the telephone type mode, and output in the calculator type mode. A number (converted output) 903 to be associated is associated. In the figure, the conversion output is represented by numbers 0 and 1 to 9 for easy understanding, but actually, character codes that specify these numbers are associated with the conversion input.

  In a state where the telephone type mode is set by the conversion mode switching unit 105 described above, a set (phone type conversion information) of the key number 901 and the numeral 902 in the conversion table 90 is applied to character code conversion. For example, when the key number “91” is input, a character code representing 1 is output from the character code conversion unit 106. If the input is “97”, the output represents 5. If the input is “103”, the output represents 9.

  On the other hand, in a state where the calculator type mode is set as the conversion mode, a set (calculator type conversion information) of the key number 901 and the number 903 in the conversion table 90 is applied to the character code conversion. For example, when the key number “91” is input, a character code representing 7 is output from the character code conversion unit 106. If the input is “97”, the output represents 5. If the input is “103”, the output represents 3.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of conversion mode switching processing executed by the conversion mode switching unit 105. Even if the external numeric keyboard 5 is connected (YES in # 10), the conversion mode switching unit 105 ends the process if the voice guidance is not on (NO in # 11). That is, the substantial process of the conversion mode switching process is executed only in a situation where the user is a visually handicapped person and therefore it is estimated that there is a high possibility that an error in the numeric keypad operation will occur.

  When the operation screen (including the window) is switched by the display control unit 101 (YES in # 12), if the screen type of the newly displayed screen or window is the telephone type (YES in # 14), the conversion mode The switching unit 105 sets the telephone type mode as the conversion mode (# 15). If the screen type of the newly displayed screen or window is a calculator type (YES in # 16), conversion mode switching unit 105 sets the calculator type mode as the conversion mode (# 17). If the newly displayed screen is a screen that does not relate to numerical input and is not classified as a telephone type or a calculator type (NO in # 16), the conversion mode switching unit 105 leaves the current conversion mode as it is. To finish the process.

  On the other hand, when the operation screen is not switched by the display control unit 101 (NO in # 12), the conversion mode switching unit 105 executes an external handset process (# 13). The flow of processing of the external handset processing routine is shown in FIG.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, the conversion mode switching unit 105 checks whether or not the external receiver 6 is connected (# 131). When the handset 6 is connected (YES in # 131) and the modem 27 is notified of the off-hook state of the handset 6 (YES in # 132), the conversion mode switching unit 105 sets the telephone type mode as the conversion mode. (# 133).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of conversion mode switching processing executed by the character code conversion unit 106. The character code conversion unit 106 checks the presence / absence of a key state change based on a signal from the numeric keyboard 5 which is a USB keyboard (# 20). If there is no change in pressing and releasing (NO in # 20), character code conversion unit 106 ends the process. When there is a key state change (YES in # 20), the character code conversion unit 106 acquires the key number of the key whose state has changed (# 21).

  Subsequently, the character code conversion unit 106 checks whether or not the current conversion mode set by the mode switching unit 105 or the conversion mode temporary change unit 107 is a calculator type mode (# 22). If the current conversion mode is the calculator type mode (YES in # 22), the character code conversion unit 106 applies the calculator type conversion information in the conversion table 90 to convert the key number into a character code (# 23). . On the other hand, if the current conversion mode is not the calculator type mode (NO in # 22), the character code conversion unit 106 applies the telephone type conversion information in the conversion table 90 to convert the key number into the character code. (# 24). After that, the character code conversion unit 106 that has performed the character code conversion in accordance with the conversion mode in this way passes the obtained character code to the character input unit 103 (# 25).

  FIG. 16 shows another example of a calculator-type numeric keyboard. The illustrated numeric keyboard 5b is a USB keyboard, but not the above-mentioned OADG109 type. There is a slight difference between the numeric key arrangement of the numeric keyboard 5b and the numeric key arrangement of the numeric keyboard 5 described above. The difference is that the ten keyboard 5b has a key 53 which is engraved with “00” which is convenient for inputting the amount. The key 53 is arranged in the center column of the lowest row in the figure in the 4 × 3 numeric key arrangement, and the key 52 adjacent to the left of this key 53 is a key marked with “0”.

  Comparing the numeric key arrangement (calculator type) of the numeric keyboard 5b with the telephone type numeric key arrangement 200, it can be seen that the key 53 corresponds to the “0” key in the telephone type numeric key arrangement 200. . Here, it is assumed that the user operates the numeric keyboard 5b assuming that the numeric key arrangement is a telephone type. Then, when the user presses the key to input “0”, “00” is input to the MFP 1. That is, an erroneous input occurs. An erroneous input also occurs when the user presses a key with the intention of inputting any one of “1”, “2”, “3”, “7”, “8”, “9”.

  However, when the user intends to input a single number but a character that is not a single number such as “00” is input to the MFP 1, the key is that the user intends to input “0”. Only when is pressed. In other words, if “00” is input when a single number is to be input, the user misunderstands that the numeric key layout of the numeric keyboard 5b is not a calculator type but a telephone type. It can be estimated that.

  Therefore, the MFP 1 has a function of setting the conversion mode to a telephone type when the key 53 that does not correspond to a single number is pressed in an operation situation in which only a single number is input in order of inputting a telephone number. It has a function that automatically corrects numbers that have already been entered. The elements responsible for these additional functions are the conversion mode temporary change unit 107 and the number substitution unit 108.

  The key 53 relating to the determination that the user is mistaken is referred to as “0 position key” in the present specification because this corresponds to “0” in the telephone-type numeric key arrangement 200. The 0-position key is defined as “a key that corresponds to 0 in a telephone-type numeric key arrangement, and does not correspond to any of the numbers 0 and 1 to 9 in a calculator-type numeric key arrangement”.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the mode temporary change process executed by the conversion mode temporary change unit 107 and the number substitution unit 108. If it is not the calculator type mode (NO in # 30), and if it is in the calculator type mode but is not in a state of accepting an input of a telephone number (NO in # 31), the mode temporary change process is substantially terminated immediately.

  For example, when a calculator type operation screen Q20 such as the operation screen Q21 related to browsing shown in FIG. 8 is displayed and a telephone number is input, a 0-position key such as the key 53 is pressed ( If YES in # 32), the conversion mode is changed to the telephone type (# 33). Then, the number replacement unit 108 executes the processing of the input number replacement routine (# 34).

  Thereafter, when an operation for confirming the input of numbers is performed (YES in # 35), that is, when the telephone number input acceptance state is canceled, conversion mode temporary change unit 107 changes the conversion mode from the telephone type to the calculator type. (# 36).

  In the auxiliary mode in which voice guidance is performed, simultaneous pressing of a plurality of predetermined keys on the numeric keyboard 5b (there may be a slight time lag) causes the numeric keyboard 5b to change the operation of the numeric keyboard 5b and other instructions. This is an operation to switch to the input mode. In other instruction input modes, a specific key (for example, a key marked with “5”) functions as a key for confirming the input. The user can confirm the input of the telephone number by inputting a telephone number of a predetermined digit and then switching to another instruction input mode and pressing a specific key.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an input digit replacement routine in the mode temporary change processing. The number replacement unit 108 acquires a number already input as a telephone number from the character input unit 103 (# 341). The numbers obtained at this time are obtained by character code conversion corresponding to a calculator-type numeric key arrangement. The number replacement unit 108 pays attention to all the obtained numbers one by one in order and applies the character code conversion corresponding to the telephone type numeric key arrangement instead of the calculator type to the key number corresponding to the obtained number. (# 342 to # 346). For example, “1” is replaced with “7”, and “2” is replaced with “8”. When the key 53 is not invalidated and “00” is included in the acquired number, “00” is replaced with “0”. When the replacement has been completed for all the acquired numbers (YES in # 345), the number replacement unit 108 hands over the replaced numbers that can be regarded as true input information by the user to the character input unit 103 (# 347). .

  According to the above embodiment, when a visually handicapped person uses the calculator-type external numeric keyboards 5 and 5b, it becomes easy to correctly input numerical values on the telephone-type operation screen.

  In the above-described embodiment, automatic switching of the conversion mode according to the screen type is prohibited, and manual mode setting for fixing the conversion mode to a calculator type which is a numerical key arrangement of a commercially available numeric keyboard is enabled. Can do. Even when the automatic switching of the conversion mode in accordance with the screen type is prohibited, the mode temporary change process of FIG. 17 and the replacement of the entered digits of FIG. 18 may be executed.

  Telephone type mode and calculator type mode triggered by a long press of a key at a specific position on the external numeric keyboard 5 or 5b or a substantially simultaneous press of two predetermined keys (the pressing deviation is within a predetermined time). May be switched. You may notify by voice guidance that the conversion mode was switched.

  The connection method of the external numeric keyboard is not limited to the method using the USB interface, but may be a method using the PS / 2 port. In the mode temporary change process of FIG. 17, the process from step # 32 to step # 34 is omitted, and when the telephone number input is accepted in the calculator type mode, an operation for confirming the input of the telephone number is performed. Until then, the calculator type mode may be changed to the telephone type mode. In addition, the functional configuration, hardware configuration, and operation of the MFP 1 may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to a multifunction machine other than an MFP as long as an operation screen that is preferably classified as a telephone type and an operation screen that is preferably classified as a calculator type are displayed.

1 MFP (MFP)
5,5b Ten keyboard (hardware keyboard)
61 Numeric keypad (software keyboard)
SF1, SK2 window (software keyboard)
22 Operation panel 295 USB interface (external connection interface)
Q10 Telephone type operation screen Q11, Q12 operation screen Q20 Calculator type operation screen Q21, Q22, Q22b Operation screen 90 Conversion table 101 Display control unit 104 Accessibility mode setting unit 105 Conversion mode switching unit 106 Character code conversion unit 107 Conversion mode temporary change Part 108 Number substitution part 6 Handset 30 Storage

Claims (10)

A multi-function machine having an operation panel capable of displaying a software keyboard,
An external connection interface for externally attaching a hardware keyboard in which numeric keys that are operation keys for numeric input are arranged vertically and horizontally;
A display control unit for selectively displaying a plurality of operation screens classified into a telephone type and a calculator type on the operation panel according to an operation;
When the hardware keyboard is connected to the external connection interface and the operation screen displayed on the operation panel is a telephone type, a character that outputs a character code corresponding to a signal from the hardware keyboard When the telephone type mode is set as the code conversion mode and the operation screen displayed on the operation panel is a calculator type, a conversion mode switching unit for setting the calculator type mode as the character code conversion mode;
A character code conversion unit that performs character code conversion corresponding to a telephone-type numeric key arrangement in the telephone-type mode, and performs character code conversion corresponding to a calculator-type numeric key arrangement in the calculator-type mode. Multifunction machine. The character code conversion unit
When performing character code conversion corresponding to the telephone-type numeric key arrangement, each of ten numbers from 0 and 1 to 9 and a key number that can be indicated by the output of the hardware keyboard are represented by the hardware. Apply telephone type conversion information that associates the numeric key arrangement on the keyboard as telephone type,
Calculator type for associating each of the ten numbers with the key number as if the numeric key arrangement on the hardware keyboard is a calculator type when performing character code conversion corresponding to the calculator type numeric key arrangement The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion information is applied. A mode setting unit that switches between an auxiliary mode for performing an auxiliary operation for assisting an operation by a visually impaired person and a non-auxiliary mode that does not execute the auxiliary operation according to a mode selection operation;
The conversion mode switching unit performs a process of setting the telephone type mode or the calculator type mode according to the classification of the operation screen only when the hardware keyboard is connected and in the auxiliary mode. Item 3. The multifunction device according to item 1 or 2. The multifunction device according to claim 3, wherein the user assistance operation is voice guidance. The screen for setting the copy operation and the screen for setting the facsimile communication operation are classified into the telephone type,
The screen for setting a box operation for accessing a memory for storing a document in an internal storage and a screen for web browsing are classified into the calculator type. Compound machine. A conversion mode temporary change unit for changing the calculator type mode to the telephone type mode until an operation for confirming the input of the telephone number is performed when the phone number input is accepted in the calculator type mode; 6. A multifunction machine according to claim 1. In the calculator-type mode and accepting a telephone number input, the telephone-type numeric key arrangement among the plurality of keys of the hardware keyboard corresponds to the number 0, and the calculator-type numeric key arrangement A conversion mode temporary change unit for changing the calculator-type mode to the telephone-type mode when the 0-position key, which is a key that does not correspond to any of 10 numbers from 0 and 1 to 9, if any, is pressed. The multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The multifunction device according to claim 7, further comprising: a number replacing unit that replaces a number already input with a number corresponding to the telephone-type number key arrangement when the 0 position key is pressed. A telephone handset can be attached externally,
The multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the conversion mode switching unit sets the telephone type mode as the character code conversion mode when the handset enters an off-hook state. A computer program executed in a multi-function peripheral having an operation panel capable of displaying a software keyboard,
In the computer that the multifunction device has,
A display control process for selectively displaying a plurality of operation screens classified into a telephone type and a calculator type on the operation panel according to an operation;
An operation screen displayed on the operation panel in a state where the hardware keyboard is connected to an external connection interface for externally attaching a hardware keyboard in which numeric keys as numeric operation keys are arranged vertically and horizontally Is a telephone type, a telephone type mode is set as a character code conversion mode for outputting a character code corresponding to a signal from the hardware keyboard, and an operation screen displayed on the operation panel is a calculator type A conversion mode switching process for setting a calculator type mode as the character code conversion mode;
Performing character code conversion corresponding to a telephone-type numeric key arrangement in the telephone-type mode, and performing character code conversion processing for performing character code conversion corresponding to a calculator-type numeric key arrangement in the calculator-type mode. A featured computer program.

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