JP2015158922A - Image display operation device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display operation device and an image forming apparatus that can clarify the positional relationship between an image to be edited and other images to facilitate the editing operation of the image.SOLUTION: There is provided an image forming apparatus (100) that includes an operation unit (120) provided with a touch panel display (130) and an operation unit-side control part (131), where the operation unit (120) is provided with a preview area for displaying images, a function selection area for displaying a menu for selecting functions to be operated to the images, a plurality of display modes, and a display control part (131) that changes, when one display mode of the plurality of display mode has been selected, the size of the function selection area on the basis of the selected display mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and an image display operation apparatus provided in the image forming apparatus, and in particular, displays a preview of an image output based on input image data. Thus, the present invention relates to an image display operation device having a function for a user to check an image state or edit an image, and an image forming device.

  Recent copying machines have been commercialized as products equipped with various copying processing functions as one of the methods for proposing the characteristics of digital multifunction peripherals.

  For example, as an example of a digital multi-function peripheral, an input unit having a function of additionally inputting image data and an output unit that outputs an image based on the image data input by the input unit are output by the output unit. 2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus having a function of previewing an image to be edited and editing image data is known. According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to easily edit an image output before executing a job.

  In recent years, a touch panel display is often used as an operation panel in such an image forming apparatus. The touch panel display includes a liquid crystal panel (display panel) and a touch panel laminated on the liquid crystal panel.

  Normally, an item (software button) for selecting an operation mode in the image forming apparatus is displayed on the touch panel display. The user presses the position of a desired item from the items displayed on the touch panel display. The user feels as if he has pressed the software button. Information on which position is pressed by the user is sent from the touch panel to a computer that controls the image forming apparatus, and what operation is performed according to the pressed position is determined by a program executed on the computer. The

  The touch panel display can provide both a display function and an operation function. It is superior in that it has a smaller installation area, a variety of display functions, and a variety of functions than those provided with a display unit and an operation unit separately.

  Moreover, the function of recognizing the locus | trajectory which the user moved the finger | toe which contacted the touch panel display surface is implement | achieved in the recent touch panel display. With this function, the user can instruct an appropriate operation that sensuously matches the movement by moving a finger on the touch panel display. In this specification, operating the electronic device by such an operation is referred to as “gesture operation”. Gesture operations include the following.

  When a preview of an image read by the scan function is displayed on the touch panel display, the following operations are possible.

  (1) On the touch panel display, the position where the image to be operated is displayed is tapped twice with a finger. Such an operation is called “double tap”. When an image is double-tapped, it can be considered that the image is enlarged, displayed in a reduced size, or shifted to a mode for editing the image.

  (2) Move the two fingers on the image to be operated (while touching the image) so that the distance between them is increased. Such an operation is called “pinch out” or “pinch open”. When a pinch-out or a pinch-open is performed on the image, it is conceivable that the image is enlarged and displayed in accordance with the movement of the finger.

  (3) Move two fingers on the image to be operated so that the distance between them is small. Such an operation is called “pinch-in” or “pinch close”. When pinch-in or pinch-close is performed on an image, the image may be reduced and displayed in accordance with the movement of the finger.

In addition to these, tap the position where the image to be operated is displayed by tapping with a finger, drag to move the displayed image with a finger, flick to lightly display the displayed image with a finger, 2 displayed images A pinch pinched with a finger of a book is an example of a gesture operation.
Note that the tap and the double tap do not detect the user's operation trajectory with respect to the touch panel display, and may not be strictly a gesture. However, here, the above-described operation on an image including a tap and a double tap is called a gesture operation.

In the present specification, an operation on the touch panel display other than the gesture operation described above is referred to as a “touch operation”.
The touch operation is not a direct operation on an image, but generally an operation for realizing a function as a substitute for a hardware key. Typically, an operation for detecting a user request based on a display position of a software button (generally a user interface component) displayed on a touch panel display and a user operation position on the touch panel display. Say.

  In a multi-function peripheral having such a touch panel display as an operation panel, various finishing process settings for images can be performed on the operation panel. The finishing process includes settings related to various image processes such as a margin size, a stamp stamp process, a staple process, or a punch punching process.

  However, in a conventional multifunction machine, there are cases where actual printing fails when finishing processing is performed. For example, when a finishing process for punching holes is set and printing is actually performed, a miscopy may occur in which the positions of the punch holes overlap with the output image. As a result, consumables (toner and recording paper) are wasted.

In view of this, a technique has been proposed that enables preview display of an image on the basic screen of the copy operation mode in the image forming apparatus (see Patent Document 1).
According to this image forming apparatus, the screen of the operation display unit is roughly divided into three.
Software buttons for setting conditions at the time of image formation and setting finishing conditions are arranged in the areas on both sides of the operation display section. In the center, a preview image of the document is arranged.

There are multiple types of preview image display modes in this image forming apparatus.
In the first display mode, a predetermined number (for example, five) of images are arranged horizontally. In this case, the image arranged at the center of the operation display unit is displayed larger than the other images.
The second display mode is a display method in which images of odd and even pages of a plurality of documents to be read are displayed in a spread state. When there are a large number of pages of images displayed on the operation display unit, these spread pages are stacked and displayed like a book (booklet).
The third is a method of displaying a plurality of document images arranged in a matrix. When the original image cannot be displayed on the screen, it is possible to confirm all by scrolling the screen.

  As described above, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, by using the preview display effectively, it is possible to confirm the finished state of the document, and to reduce finishing process setting mistakes, copy failures, and the like. .

JP 2008-203439 A

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.
In other words, when previewing multiple pages, it is necessary to display a series of pages including those pages in the preview area when trying to move a specified page among the multiple pages to another position. In the technique described in Document 1, if the specified page is moved to another position while previewing on one page or a spread page, the operation can be performed because the context of the specified page is not understood. There is a problem that it is difficult to operate.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and the positional relationship between an image to be edited and other images when the image is edited in the image display operation device and the image forming device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display operation device and an image forming device which can be clearly defined and can facilitate an image editing operation.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image display operation device, an image display unit that displays an image, a function selection display unit that displays a function selection menu operated on the image, a plurality of display modes, A display control unit that changes a size of an area indicating the function selection display unit based on the selected display mode when one display mode of a plurality of display modes is selected. Features.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to the first aspect, the function selection display unit includes a function setting icon and a function name text as the function selection menu, and the display control unit Displays only the icon, or displays the icon and the text, thereby changing the size of the area indicating the function selection display unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to the second aspect, the display control unit displays only the icon as the display form of the function selection display unit based on a gesture operation including a flick. Switching between a display form to be displayed and a display form to display the icon and the text.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to the third aspect, the function selection display unit displays the icon and the text from a display form that displays only the icon. When the display mode is changed, the function selection display unit is displayed translucently.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image display operation device further includes an information display unit that displays information including a proposal for the operation of the image. To do.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to the fifth aspect, the information display unit reduces a size of a region indicating the information display unit when the information display unit is displayed in a reduced size. For this purpose, a reduction button to be operated is displayed.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, when the reduction button is pressed, the size of the area indicating the information display unit is reduced and the button is displayed. It is characterized by being.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, when a predetermined time has elapsed without an operation on the information display unit, the information display unit is It is folded and features a button instead.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the image display operation device further includes a processing start item display unit that displays an item for starting processing on the image. To do.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to the ninth aspect, the process start item display unit is displayed to reduce a size of an area indicating the process start item display unit. Features.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image display operation device according to the tenth aspect, the processing start item display unit displayed to reduce the size of the area is based on a gesture operation including a flick. It is characterized by being enlarged as a size.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention includes the image display operation device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, and an image forming unit that forms the image on a recording medium.

  According to the present invention, an image display operation device includes an image display unit that displays an image, a function selection display unit that displays a function selection menu operated on the image, a plurality of display modes, and the plurality of display modes. A display control unit that changes a size of an area indicating the function selection display unit based on the selected display mode when one of the display modes is selected, for example, When a user tries to perform editing operations such as moving pages, the image display mode is selected and displayed so that the number of preview images displayed automatically increases, and The positional relationship between the resulting image and other images can be clarified, and the user's editing operation can be facilitated. As a result, it is possible to eliminate miscopying due to an operation mistake or the like and to improve operability.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the home screen displayed on the touchscreen of the image forming apparatus of the said embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of the division | segmentation of the display area of the display screen in the touchscreen display of the said image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of a display area division | segmentation in the fit mode in the preview display of the said image forming apparatus. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display area division mode in a finished preview mode in preview display of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a manner of dividing a display area in an image editing mode in preview display of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a manner of dividing a display area in a document display mode in preview display of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit in the image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touchscreen display which comprises the said operation unit. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display screen when screen display mode is a fit mode in the image forming apparatus of an Example, (b) is a screen display mode in the said image forming apparatus in image edit mode (1D mode). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen when it switches.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a document reading unit 102 having a function of additionally inputting image data, and an image is formed on a recording medium based on the image data input by the document reading unit 102. The image forming unit 104, a display panel (display unit) 132 for displaying a preview image based on the image data, and a function for previewing the display image based on the image data input from the document reading unit 102 on the display panel 132 are provided. In the image forming apparatus 100 including the operation unit (image display operation device) 120, the configuration of the image display operation device according to the present invention is adopted as the configuration of the operation unit 120.

  The operation unit 120 functioning as an image display operation device has a function of setting an image output condition of an image output by the image forming unit 104, and sets the image output condition of the output image on the display panel 132. It is configured.

  The plurality of document images displayed on the display panel 132 displays a preview of the form of the document image captured from the document reading unit or the like of the image forming apparatus 100 and is formed on the recording paper from the image forming unit. The output form of the image is displayed as a finished preview image.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus that is a kind of image processing apparatus. The image display operation device according to the present invention may be applied to an image processing device or an electronic device other than such an image forming device.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of operation modes, and when the operation mode is switched and the screen of the display device is switched, the user does not have to remember the screen configuration. Any device provided with a display device for displaying information may be used so that the user can easily obtain the information required by the user.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a touch panel display (operation screen) that can be operated by a gesture operation method and a touch operation method that does not depend on a gesture operation. It may be a device provided with a display, and further may be a device provided with a display panel capable of only display that cannot be operated and buttons for operation.

The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic method.
In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes, as operation modes, a copy mode, a facsimile mode (FAX mode), a document filing mode (a mode in which a scanned image is stored in a storage device inside the image forming apparatus), and a mail mode (a scanned image is stored). Mode for sending in a format attached to an e-mail). The image forming apparatus 100 may further include a network printer mode.

  The present invention is not limited to this, and any image forming apparatus can be used as long as the screen is switched for each operation mode. Further, the printing method is not limited to the electrophotographic method.

First, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a document reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a paper feeding unit 106, a paper discharge processing device 108, and an operation unit 120.

  The operation unit 120 includes a touch panel display 130 and a display operation unit 140. The touch panel display 130 includes a display panel 132 configured by a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a touch panel (touch operation recognition unit) 134 that detects a position pressed by a user's finger disposed on the display panel 132. . The display operation unit 140 includes an indicator lamp 142, a power key 144, an energy saving key (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving key”) 146, and a home key for returning the display screen of the touch panel display 130 to a home screen for selecting an operation mode. 148.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 includes the touch panel display 130 as a main operation device and the display operation unit 140 including hardware keys and indicator lights. The keys (the power key 144, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148) of the display operation unit 140 are characterized in that they are configured as hardware buttons in contrast to the software buttons configured by the touch panel display 130.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the display operation unit 140 having such a configuration, and may include only the touch panel display 130. If the user selects the operation mode on the home screen displayed on the touch panel display 130, the screen may be switched to the initial screen in the selected operation mode. An operation mode of such an image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

(Copy mode)
Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in the copy mode will be described.
In this copy mode, the document reading unit (hereinafter referred to as “scanner unit”) 102 and the image forming unit 104 mainly operate.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a document placement table is read as image data by the document reading unit 102, and the read image data is input to a CPU 300 including a microcomputer shown in FIG. Thus, various image processing is performed on the image data, and the image data is output to the image forming unit 104.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 104 prints an image of a document indicated by image data on a recording medium (in many cases, recording paper), and includes a photosensitive drum 222, a charging device 224, and a laser. A scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as “LSU”) 226, a developing device 228, a transfer device 230, a cleaning device 232, a fixing device 234, and a static elimination device (not shown) are provided.

  The image forming unit 104 is provided with a main transport path 236 and a reverse transport path 238, and the recording paper fed from the paper feed unit 106 is transported along the main transport path 236. The paper feed unit 106 pulls out the recording paper stored in the paper cassette 240 or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 242 one by one, and sends the recording paper to the main conveyance path 236 of the image forming unit 104.

  While the recording paper is being conveyed along the main conveyance path 236 of the image forming unit 104, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum 222 and the transfer device 230, and further passes through the fixing device 234 to be recorded. Printing on paper is performed.

  The photosensitive drum 222 rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 232 and the static eliminator and then uniformly charged by the charging device 224.

  The LSU 226 modulates a laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 in the main scanning direction with the laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222. To do.

  The developing device 228 develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 222, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222.

  The transfer device 230 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 onto a recording sheet that passes between the transfer device 230 and the photosensitive drum 222.

  The fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller 250 for pressing the recording paper. The recording sheet is heated by the heating roller 248 and pressed by the pressure roller 250, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is fixed on the recording sheet. The heater is heated by the electric power supplied to the fixing device 234 so that the temperature of the heating roller 248 becomes a temperature suitable for fixing. In addition, when it transfers to energy saving mode, the electric power supplied to this heater will be stopped or reduced, for example.

  A branching claw 244 is disposed at a connection position between the main conveyance path 236 and the reverse conveyance path 238. When printing is performed only on one side of the recording paper, the branch claw 244 is positioned, and the recording paper from the fixing device 234 is guided to the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108 by the branch claw 244.

  When printing is performed on both sides of the recording paper, the branching claw 244 is rotated in a predetermined direction so that the recording paper is once guided to the paper discharge tray 246 side, and then is switched back and transported toward the reverse transport path 238. It is guided. The recording sheet passes through the reverse conveyance path 238, is reversed on the front and back, and is conveyed again to the main conveyance path 236. During the re-conveyance of the main conveyance path 236, printing on the back surface is performed and the recording paper is discharged. It is guided toward the paper tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108.

  The recording paper printed as described above is guided toward the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 246, or the recording paper on each paper discharge tray 110 of the paper discharge processing device 108. Discharged to either.

  In the paper discharge processing device 108, a process for sorting and discharging a plurality of recording papers to each paper discharge tray 110, a process for punching each recording paper, and a process for stapling each recording paper are performed. For example, when a plurality of printed materials are created, each recording sheet is sorted and discharged to each paper discharge tray 110 so that a part of the printed material is allocated to each paper discharge tray 110. In addition, a punching process by the punching unit 111 or a stapling process by the staple unit 112 is performed on each recording sheet on the paper discharge tray 110 to create a printed matter.

(Facsimile mode)
Hereinafter, an operation in the facsimile mode will be described.
In the facsimile mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 and the FAX communication unit 160 operate mainly for the transmission operation, and the reception operation is performed by the FAX communication unit 160 and the image forming unit 104. Operate.

(Transmission operation)
In the image forming apparatus 100, the facsimile mode is designated, the document placed on the document table is read as image data by the document reading unit 102, and the read image data includes the microcomputer shown in FIG. Here, various image processing is performed on the image data, and this image data is output to the FAX communication unit (FAX communication unit 160 in FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the FAX communication unit 160 of the transmission-side image forming apparatus 100 connects the specified transmission-side line to the specified transmission destination, and the image data is communication data that conforms to the facsimile communication standard. And transmitted to a receiving facsimile machine (for example, the image forming apparatus 100 having a facsimile function).

(Communication operation)
When the line is connected, the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side detects a communication request signal from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmitting side, and transmits a response signal. After that, for example, the FAX communication unit 160 transfers the capability information implemented on the transmission side and the reception side, and determines the communication speed and the encoding / code correction method of the image data at the maximum available capacity. To set the modem communication method. Data is transmitted from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmission side to the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the reception side using a static image signal method that matches this communication method. When transmission is completed, the line is disconnected.

(Reception operation)
The FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side converts the received data into image data and sends it to the image forming unit 104. Note that the image forming unit 104 may convert the received data into image data. The image forming unit 104 prints the image of the document indicated by the image data converted from the received data on the recording paper, similarly to the operation in the copy mode described above.

Next, a control block configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 is further cut off from energization with the operation unit 120 capable of setting functions installed in the apparatus as a copy mode and a facsimile mode, and a ROM 306 for storing programs and the like. Even if it is a case, the hard disk 302 which is a non-volatile storage area which can memorize | store a program, data, etc. and RAM (Random Access Memory) 308 for providing the storage area at the time of executing a program are included.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a path 310 connected to the document reading unit 102, the image forming unit 104, the FAX communication unit 160, the operation unit 120, the ROM 306, the hard disk 302, and the RAM 308, and an image connected to the path 310. CPU300 for implement | achieving the general function as a forming apparatus.

  The hard disk 302 stores an image data file of a document scanned by the image forming apparatus 100. The hard disk 302 also stores initial screen data for each operation mode. (It is possible to store in the ROM 306 without using the hard disk 302)

  The ROM 306 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. As the data stored together with the program in the ROM 306, initial screen data of each operation mode may be stored. The CPU 300 controls the image forming apparatus 100 according to the program and data stored in the ROM 306 and executes control related to each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a public line is connected to the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 for transmission and reception of image data, and a network line is connected to the network interface 304. A computer or the like using the image forming apparatus 100 as a network compatible printer is connected to the network line, or a computer or the like specified by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) designated via the Internet is connected. . When connected to the Internet in this way, the image forming apparatus 100 can acquire necessary information via the Internet.

  The RAM 308 provides a function as a working memory that temporarily stores the results of calculation and processing by the CPU 300 and a function as a frame memory that stores image data.

  Control of the document reading unit 102, the image forming unit 104, the touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 constituting the operation unit 120, the ROM 306, the hard disk 302, and the RAM 308 is performed by the CPU 300 executing predetermined programs. Note that the operation unit 120 communicates with the CPU 300 via an input / output interface.

  The operation unit 120 is configured by a plate-like panel that is provided so as to be easily viewed by the user. On the surface of the operation unit 120, the touch panel display 130 is in the left area, and the display operation unit 140 (the indicator lamp 142 and the power key 144 that is a hardware button, the energy saving key 146 and the home key 148) is in the right area. Is provided. The touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 are configured so that the operation unit 120 is integrated as a whole.

  As described above, the touch panel display 130 includes the display panel 132 and the touch panel 134 disposed on the display panel 132.

  In the touch panel display 130, a home screen for selecting an operation mode in the image forming apparatus 100, a current state of the image forming apparatus 100, a destination designation state, a job processing state, and the like are displayed on the display panel 132. A selection button, which is a software button, is displayed on the preview display area of the display panel 132. When the area where the selection button is displayed is pressed with a finger, the touch panel 134 detects the pressed position. By collating the display position of the selection button and the position where the touch panel 134 is pressed on the program, the operation mode selection, function setting, operation instruction, and the like of the image forming apparatus 100 are performed. In addition to such a touch operation (command input operation based on a pressed position by a user), the image forming apparatus 100 also supports the above-described gesture operation (command input operation based on an operation locus by a user).

  In addition, the indicator lamp 142 of the display operation unit 140 is configured by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the CPU 300 controls lighting / extinguishing (/ flashing). When the user presses the power key 144 provided separately from the main power switch, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the standby mode (for example, only the FAX reception operation is possible with the main power on) to the normal mode. All the operation modes of the image forming apparatus 100 can be used. The indicator lamp 142 lights up in conjunction with this state. Further, when a predetermined period of time that the user does not operate elapses or when the user presses the energy saving key 146, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the normal mode to the energy saving mode, and the image forming apparatus 100 Only some of the operation modes can be used. The indicator lamp 142 blinks in conjunction with this state. Further, when the user presses the energy saving key 146 in the energy saving mode, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. The home key 148 is a hardware key for returning the display on the touch panel display 130 to the initial state (home screen). Note that processing when the power key 144, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148 are pressed is not limited to these.

  Note that a key lamp whose lighting / extinction (/ flashing) is controlled by the CPU 300 may be embedded in the hardware buttons (the power key 144, the energy saving key 146, and the home key 148) of the display operation unit 140. For example, this key lamp shines around the circular key 5 in a ring shape, or shines at the center of the key. This key lamp lights up at a timing when it is permitted to use the hardware button as an operation device (when the hardware button is used, processing is executed).

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described two operation modes (copy mode and fax mode). On touch panel display 130, software buttons for setting functions in the respective operation modes and buttons for setting previews or destinations as image forming images are displayed as necessary.

  When the operation mode is different, the touch panel display 130 displays a different screen. Even in such a case, the touch panel display 130 is divided into a plurality of areas (and the size of the area is variable) so that information requested by the user can be easily found. It comprises the essential part of the invention of displaying information. In particular, in the image forming apparatus 100, when an operation mode is selected on the home screen of the touch panel display 130 provided as a main display operation device, an initial screen of each operation mode is displayed.

  In this initial screen, (1) the basic layout is divided into five areas (“system area”, “function selection area”, “preview area”, “action panel area”, “task trigger area”) and arranged appropriately. Therefore, when the user operates from the upper left to the lower right (because the flow line of the user's viewpoint and the flow line of the fingertip are realized in the same manner as a conventional machine that does not include such a large touch panel display 130. (2) Easy to set, (2) Even in different operation modes, the concept displayed in each of the five areas is the same, and even if the operation modes are different, the user can operate without confusion Is possible. (3) The size of the “function selection area” is changed depending on the display mode. In conjunction with this, the size of the “preview area” is also changed. Function setting information and preview information can be accurately transmitted to the user. (4) A “function selection area”, an “action panel area”, and a “task trigger area” are arranged on opposite sides with the “preview area” in the center. As a result, a function is selected in the area arranged on one side (“function selection area”), processing by the function selected in the area arranged in the center is confirmed in the preview, and the area arranged on the other side ("Action panel area" and "task trigger area") can request execution of processing. That is, the movement of the eyes and the movement of the hand accompanying the process are linear, and the operation can be performed smoothly.

Here, a home screen on the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a home screen displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the home screen 330 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a home system area 340 corresponding to the above-described system area, an icon display area 350, an icon display switching tab button 352, and a memo display area 354. Including.

  The home system area 340 includes an area 342 that displays an icon indicating a home screen, an area 344 that displays the name of the displayed screen, an area 346 that displays a login user name, and a logout button (software button). An area 348 in which is displayed is arranged. On the right end of the home system area 340, an area for displaying the current time is arranged.

  In the icon display area 350, an icon representing an operation mode is displayed together with the name or abbreviation of the operation mode. In this embodiment, an icon 372 for selecting a copy mode, an icon 362 for selecting a fax mode, an icon 370 for selecting a document filing mode, an icon 360 for selecting a mail mode, and the like are displayed as icons. Displayed in area 350. The icon display area 350 also shows icons for selecting other processes. These icons include, for example, an icon for starting a system setting process, an icon for starting a language setting process, an icon for displaying a job status, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, in the icon display area 350, the icons are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 7 rows vertically and horizontally. The icons arranged from the center of the icon display area 350 are displayed larger than the icons arranged on the peripheral side.

  When the user flicks the icon display area 350 to the left, the icons (icon arrangement) displayed on the screen move so as to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow 332. When the user flicks the icon display area 350 to the right, the icon displayed on the screen moves so as to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow 334.

  In the present embodiment, the movement amount of the icon on the screen by the flick operation is determined by the movement amount and the speed of the fingertip in the flick operation. If the movement speed of the fingertip is equal, the movement amount of the icon increases as the movement amount increases. If the movement amount of the fingertip is equal, the movement amount of the icon increases as the movement speed increases. It is preferable that the initial speed of the screen movement is approximately equal to the moving speed of the fingertip.

  It is assumed that the icons in the icon display area 350 move as if they are arranged on the side of the virtual cylinder. That is, when the screen is repeatedly moved to the right side, the same screen is repeatedly displayed as when the cylinder is rotated.

  In the memo display area 354, maintenance information and the like desired to be notified to all users of the image forming apparatus 100 are displayed.

Next, the configuration of the basic layout of the display screen on the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described by taking the basic layout during the copy mode operation as an example.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an aspect of dividing the display area of the display screen in the touch panel display of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

(Copy basic screen layout)
The basic screen in the copy mode (hereinafter referred to as “copy basic screen”) on the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 is a screen that is first displayed when the copy mode is selected, as shown in FIG. is there.

  One feature of the present embodiment is that previews are basically possible on all screens including the copy basic screen. A similar image preview can be selected, for example, when sending a fax, sending an image by e-mail, or filing an image. In any of these operation modes, the basic screen configuration regarding the preview display is the same. Therefore, in the following description, only the copy basic screen will be described.

First, a basic layout in the touch panel display 130 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 5, the basic layout of the touch panel display 130 is a horizontally long touch panel display 130 (for example, horizontal 1024 pixels × vertical 600 pixels), a system area 400 arranged at the top, and a central part of the screen. Preview area (preview display area) 480, function setting / confirmation area 410 arranged on the left side of preview area 480 (hereinafter referred to as function selection area 410), action panel area 482 arranged on the upper right part of preview area 480 , And a task trigger area (operation key display area) 484 arranged at the lower right of the preview area 480.

  Note that the number of areas in the touch panel display 130 is not limited to five, and the left and right arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement of the left and right areas may be reversed according to the user's dominant hand. . Further, the position of the system area 400 may be at the bottom. Also, it may not be displayed depending on the state or setting.

  In the system area 410, the current state of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed, the title of the operation mode being operated, and the status / state of the image forming apparatus 100 are displayed. For example, the system area 400 displays an operation mode name, an interrupt key, a login user name, a job status being processed, a built-in memory usage status, a time, and the like.

  In the function selection area 410, function selection menus (icons, buttons, etc.) operated by the user for setting of each function, switching of display, and confirmation of setting are displayed in icon mode, regular mode, and express mode. Changed and displayed.

In the icon mode, only the function setting icons are displayed in the function selection area 410 so that the preview area 480 is the largest.
In the express mode, even if the preview area 480 is the narrowest, the function selection area 410 displays a large screen on which functions can be set at one time.
In the regular mode, the size of the preview area 480 is intermediate between the icon mode and the express mode, and the function name is displayed in the function selection area 410 together with the function setting icon.

  In preview area 480, an output (finished) image of the document is displayed. An image is displayed using dummy data or scan data, and the image displayed in the preview area 480 is changed every time the user changes the finish. This preview area 480 has two modes: a finish display with a dummy image in the virtual mode before scanning, and a finish display with the actual image in the scan-in mode after scanning. There are two types before and after document setting.

  The preview area 480 includes a preview change button group 450 for changing the display style of the preview area 480 below the preview area 480. The preview change button group 450 includes a rotation button 458 for rotating the preview by a desired angle, a zoom bar 460 for enlarging and reducing the preview image, and an original display mode button 452 for instructing change to an original display mode to be described later. A finish preview button 454 for instructing a change to the finish preview screen, and a fit to screen button 456 for instructing a change to the fit to screen mode (hereinafter referred to as “fit mode”) are arranged. Yes.

  When the rotation button 458 is touched, a dialog for designating the rotation angle of the preview is displayed. When a desired angle is specified, the preview image displayed in the preview area is rotated by that angle. Even if a gesture operation is performed on the preview image, the preview can be rotated. For example, when two fingers are placed on the preview image and the fingertip is rotated, the preview image rotates along the rotation direction of the finger by an angle determined according to the movement amount of the finger.

  When the plus button 462 of the zoom bar 460 is touch-operated or the bar-466 is gesture-operated (dragged or slid) to the plus button 462 side, the preview is enlarged and displayed. In addition, even when a gesture operation is performed on the finished document image displayed in the preview area (the document image is pinched out / pinch open with a fingertip), the preview is enlarged and displayed.

  When the minus button 464 of the zoom bar 460 is touched or the bar 466 is gesture-operated (drag or slide) to the minus button 464 side, the preview is reduced and displayed. In addition, even if a gesture operation is performed on the finished document image displayed in the preview area (the document image is pinched in / pinch closed with a fingertip), the preview is reduced and displayed.

  When the number of pages of the document image displayed in the preview area 480 is large, a display page selection button (page number input button, page forward button, page return button, single page display button, multiple page display) that can be touch-operated. Button, etc.) may be displayed. It should be noted that the page of the document to be previewed and page return can be performed by sliding touching (flicking) the document image. If the document image displayed in the preview area 480 is large, a scroll bar that can be touched or gestured may be displayed.

  In the action panel area 482, information on assistance, advice, and suggestions regarding the operation is displayed. In this action panel area 482, for example, when a certain user selects a specific function, a function related to the function is displayed, or other functions regarding the function are displayed in a purpose-oriented manner. A function selected in combination in the past by a user of a group to which the user belongs is displayed as a “recommended function”.

On the left side of the action panel area 482, an action panel reduction button 486 operated by the user when the action panel area 482 is reduced is displayed.
When the action panel reduction button 486 is pressed, the action panel area 482 is reduced and displayed in a button format on the right side of the screen as will be described later. When the action panel reduction button 486 is pressed again, the reduced action panel area 482 is displayed in an enlarged manner. That is, the action panel area 482 can be reduced or enlarged by pressing a button by the user. Accordingly, the preview area 480 is enlarged or reduced. By such a screen operation, confirmation of the preview image and confirmation of the operation hint can be easily performed based on the user's intention.

  In the task trigger area 484, an item (software button) serving as a trigger for starting a process in the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. The item is displayed when all the settings in the specified operation mode are completed and the image forming apparatus 100 can be actually operated. For example, the task trigger area 484 includes a scan start button (“SCAN IN” button in FIG. 6 and later), a monochrome copy start button (MONO START), a color copy start button (COLOR START), and a clear all button (CA). Is displayed.

The scan start button is a button for starting a process of reading and previewing a document once in copying, FAX transmission, and the like.
The monochrome copy start button is a button for starting a process of reading a document and immediately forming the monochrome image on a recording sheet.
Similarly, the color copy start button is a button for immediately starting a process for forming a color image of a document. The clear all button is a button for clearing all input information.

  Even if the operation mode is changed (in the initial screen of any operation mode), the positions where these five areas are arranged are not changed. In addition, the area changes in size in the horizontal direction (longitudinal direction) of the screen of the touch panel display 130 as in the switching display of the icon mode / regular mode / express mode in the function selection area 410 (and the preview area 480).

  Such an arrangement of the five regions is arranged by paying attention to the user's viewpoint flow line and the operation flow line while taking into account the user interface in the conventional machine. With this arrangement, on the touch panel display 130, the user's line of sight moves from the upper left to the lower right, and the user's operation (the fingertip of the dominant hand) moves from the upper left to the lower right.

  In order to transition from one operation mode to another operation mode, in a normal operation, the home key 148 is pressed to select another operation mode on the home screen. In this way, the operation mode is switched via the home screen.

(Display layout in each image display mode)
Next, image display modes corresponding to each operation mode in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how the display area is divided in the fit mode in the preview display of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 7 is the display area division in the finished preview mode in the preview display of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an aspect of dividing the display area in the image editing mode in the preview display of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 9 is a diagram of dividing the display area in the document display mode in the preview display of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an aspect.

In the image forming apparatus 100, the operation unit 120 has a plurality of (1) fit mode, (2) finished preview mode, (3) image editing mode, and (4) document display mode according to the function of editing image data. It has an image display mode.
Hereinafter, a screen configuration in each image display mode using a preview will be described.

  In any screen display mode, the arrangement positions of the preview area 480, the function selection area 410, the action panel area 482, and the task trigger area 484 displayed on the touch panel display 130 are basically the same. However, their width (length in the longitudinal direction of the touch panel display 130) varies depending on the screen.

(1) Fit Mode In the fit mode, as shown in FIG. 6, the touch-to-screen screen 500 is displayed on the touch panel display 130. The fit-to-screen screen 500 is used, for example, when displaying an image read when a scan-in operation is completed.

  A preview area 480 is arranged at the center of the fit-to-screen screen 500. Here, a preview image 502 of one page of the document is displayed so as to be as large as possible in the preview area 480.

A function selection area 410 is arranged on the left side of the preview area 480.
In the function selection area 410, a function icon group 512 and a text group 514 describing the function of each function icon are displayed.
An action panel area 482 is arranged on the upper right side of the preview area 480. Below that, a task trigger area 484 is arranged.

  When the right end of the function selection area 410 is flicked to the left side, the function selection area 410 is reduced and displayed on the left side of the screen, and only the function icon group 512 is displayed. The text group 514 is erased. Even in this state, since the function icon group 512 for function selection is displayed, the user can be aware of each function. As a result, the user can perform operations without confusion when selecting a function.

  Further, when the right end of the function selection area 410 is flicked to the right side, the function selection area 410 is pulled out to the right side. At this time, the background of the function selection area 410 is translucent, and the user can view the image in the preview area 480. The entire preview image can also be confirmed when selecting a function. Thereby, the user can easily select an appropriate function.

  When the action panel reduction button 486 is pressed, the action panel area 482 is reduced and displayed on the right side, and an expansion button 522 (see FIG. 8) is displayed. When the expand button 522 is pressed, an action panel area 482 is expanded and displayed on the left side. This operation is the same for display screens in other screen display modes.

(2) Finished Preview Mode In the finished preview mode, a finished preview screen 510 is displayed on the touch panel display 130 as shown in FIG. A preview area 480 is arranged at the center of the finished preview screen 510. In preview area 480, preview images of a plurality of documents are displayed.

On the left side of the finished preview screen 510, the function selection area 410 is reduced and displayed.
Only the function icon group 512 is displayed in the function selection area 410. The text group 514 is not displayed. An action panel area 482 is arranged on the upper right side of the preview area 480. Below that, a task trigger area 484 is arranged.

  The horizontal width of the preview area 480 is increased by the amount by which the width of the function selection area 410 is reduced. Therefore, when a large number of images are arranged inside the preview area 480 as in the finished preview, the entire configuration becomes easy to understand. The image arranged in the center of the preview area 480 is also displayed so large that the content can be sufficiently confirmed.

  In the finished preview mode, only the function icon group 512 is displayed and the text group 514 is not displayed. However, when the right end of the function icon group 512 is flicked to the right side, the function selection area 410 is expanded from the function icon group 512 and displayed on the right side. After expansion, a text group 514 is displayed on the right side of the function icon group 512, which is the same as the fit-to-screen screen 500. However, the function selection area 410 is translucent. Through the function selection area 410, the preview area 480 can be viewed.

  After the function selection area 410 is expanded, when a predetermined time elapses without the function icon or text being operated, the function selection area 410 is reduced again and the display returns to the display of only the function icon group 512. Also, when the execution of the function selected by the user is completed, the function selection area 410 is reduced and the display returns to the display of only the function icon group 512.

(3) Image editing mode (1D mode)
In the image editing mode, an image editing mode screen 520 is displayed on the touch panel display 130 as shown in FIG. A preview area 480 is arranged at the center of the image editing mode screen 520. In preview area 480, preview images of a plurality of documents are displayed side by side. On the image editing mode screen 520, not only an image is displayed but also processing such as insertion of a blank page and deletion of a partial area of the image can be performed.

  Similar to the finished preview screen 510, the function selection area 410 is reduced and displayed on the left side of the image editing mode screen 520. Only the function icon group 512 is displayed in the function selection area 410.

  In the image editing mode screen 520, unlike the finished preview screen 510, the action panel area 482 displayed on the finished preview screen 510 is folded to the right side (in other words, drawn to the right side) in the image editing mode screen 520, instead of An expand button 522 is displayed.

When the expand button 522 is pressed, an action panel area 482 is expanded and displayed.
Also in this case, the action panel area 482 is translucently displayed, and the display of the lower preview area 480 can be confirmed.

When a predetermined time elapses without any operation on the action panel area 482, the action panel area 482 is folded again and replaced with the expand button 522.
Similarly, when the left end of the task trigger area 484 displayed in a reduced size is flicked to the left side, the task trigger area 484 is enlarged to a normal size. The background of the task trigger area 484 at this time is also translucent.

  When the task trigger area 484 is displayed, the buttons in the task trigger area 484 can be operated. After the task trigger area 484 is displayed, when a predetermined time has passed without any instruction, the task trigger area 484 is reduced and displayed.

  In the image editing mode, the task trigger area 484 is also reduced and displayed on the right side of the image editing mode screen 520. In this case, only a part of the buttons in the task trigger area 484 can be seen. In the image editing mode, priority is given to editing the page image. Therefore, there is no problem even if the task trigger region 484 is reduced and displayed in this way.

  Accordingly, in the image editing mode, the widths of the function selection area 410, action panel area 482, and task trigger area 484 are reduced, so that most of the display area of the touch panel display 130 can be used as the preview area 480. Therefore, it is possible to easily edit an image and confirm the image after editing.

  In the image editing mode, instead of the action panel area 482, the expansion button 522 is reduced and displayed on the upper right side of the screen, and the task trigger area 484 is reduced on the lower right side of the screen. Thereby, even when the image is being edited, the user can know the positions of the action panel area 482 and the task trigger area 484, so that the image editing can be performed with peace of mind.

(4) Document Display Mode In the document display mode, a document display mode screen 530 is displayed on the touch panel display 130 as shown in FIG. A preview area 480 is arranged at the center of the document display mode screen 530. In the preview area 480, a plurality of read page images are arranged in a matrix.

On the left side of the document display mode screen 530, the function selection area 410 is reduced and displayed.
Only the function icon group 512 is displayed in the function selection area 410. The text group 514 is not displayed. Similar to the fit-to-screen screen 500, the action panel area 482 and the task trigger area 484 are normal displays.

  The area of the preview area 480 is larger than that of the fit-to-screen screen 500, and a large number of pages can be displayed. In the present embodiment, the plurality of images are arranged in accordance with the horizontal width of the preview area 480. When there are many images and some of them cannot be displayed, a scroll bar 532 is displayed at the right end of the preview area 480. By operating the scroll bar 532, the image displayed in the preview area 480 can be moved up and down. The image can be moved up and down by flicking the screen up and down.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the operation unit 120 in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the touch panel display constituting the operation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the operation unit 120 according to the present embodiment includes processing in the operation position detection unit 135, screen display unit 136, display image generation unit 137, and operation unit 120 in addition to the display panel 132 and the touch panel 134. An operation unit side control unit (display control means) 131 for controlling the operation is provided.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an original reading unit 102 for inputting image data, an image processing unit 103, an accumulation unit 105 for accumulating image data input from the original reading unit 102, and an image output for outputting an image of a printer, a transmission unit, or the like. Means 107 is provided, and the operation is controlled by the main control unit 101.

  The document reading unit 102 has an additional reading function that enables additional reading (additional input) of a new document after reading of a desired document (image data) is completed.

The operation position detection unit 135 detects an operation position performed on the touch panel 134.
The screen display unit 136 displays the image formed by the display image generation unit 137 on the display panel 132 and displays a screen corresponding to each of a plurality of image display modes.

  The display image generation unit 137 forms a predetermined image based on an instruction from the operation unit side control unit 131 based on the image data input to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and creates an image in a finished state according to the setting of the finishing process. It has the function to form.

  The operation unit side control unit 131 is connected to the main control unit 101 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and functions as a control unit in the touch panel display 130.

Here, the characteristic operation unit side control part 131 is demonstrated in detail.
As shown in FIG. 11, the operation unit side control unit 131 previews a display image based on the document read from the document reading unit 102 on the touch panel display 130, and displays a plurality of pages displayed as previews. And a scroll display function for moving and displaying images.

  Further, the operation unit side control unit 131 includes image display mode selection means 1310. When selecting a function desired by the user, the image display mode selection unit 1310 selects an image display mode suitable for the function desired by the user from among a plurality of image display modes according to an operation for selecting the function. The touch panel display 130 has a function of displaying a display screen corresponding to the image display mode.

  Further, when the user selects a desired function, the image display mode selection unit 1310 displays the one-page image display or the two-page image display (so-called spread display) when the image display mode displayed on the touch panel display 130 is selected. Has a function of changing to an image display mode for previewing a plurality of images larger than two pages in accordance with an operation for selecting the function.

  In the present embodiment, an operation for selecting a function desired by the user is an operation of selecting and moving an image displayed on the touch panel display 130 by touching the finger with a finger, that is, touching an image with a finger to lighten the operation. It includes a flick operation.

  Further, the operation of selecting a function desired by the user includes selecting an image to be edited by touching it with a finger and sliding the touch panel display 130 in any one of the left and right directions. Shall be.

  Next, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when a user selects a desired function, a case where the display screen is switched by the operation of the touch panel display 130 by the user will be described based on an example with reference to the drawings. .

(Example)
In the embodiment, when the image to be edited is moved and edited in the image forming apparatus 100, the display screen is switched by an operation on the touch panel display 130 when the screen display mode is the fit mode.
12A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when the screen display mode is the fit mode in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 12B is an image editing mode (1D mode) in the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display screen when it switches to ().

  In the embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 12A, the touch panel display 130 displays a fit-to-screen screen 500 in the fit mode.

In the preview area 480 of the fit-to-screen screen 500, an image to be edited (hereinafter referred to as “target image”) P1 is displayed as a preview.
The target image P <b> 1 is a display image formed based on one image data among a plurality of image data input in the image forming apparatus 100.

  When the target image P1 is moved (or inserted), the target image P1 displayed on the fit-to-screen screen 500 is slide-touched (flicked) in either the left or right direction. Accordingly, the operation unit side control unit 131 recognizes that the target image P1 is moved in the left-right direction on the teaching screen. Then, an image editing mode selection unit 1310 selects an image editing mode optimal for moving the image, and an image editing mode screen 520 corresponding to the image editing mode is displayed as shown in FIG. .

  On the image editing mode screen 520, a plurality of images (Pn1, Pn2, Pn3...) Related to the target image P1 are displayed so that the arrangement of input image data can be confirmed.

  When selecting a place (or a place to insert) the target image P1, a plurality of images (Pn1, Pn2, Pn3,...) Can be selected by flicking the image editing mode screen 520 in either the left or right direction. Scrolls the preview image in the left or right direction to find the target position.

  When a target position on the image editing mode screen 520 (between the images Pn2 and Pn3 in this embodiment) is selected, the target position is selected and determined by, for example, double-tapping the target position with a finger. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the target image P1 is displayed in a state of being arranged between the image Pn2 and the image Pn3 on the image editing mode screen 520.

  According to the embodiment, when the target image P1 displayed on the fit-to-screen screen 500 is moved (or inserted), the target image P1 is simply slid and touched without performing an operation of switching the display screen. An image editing mode optimal for image movement is automatically selected, and an image editing mode screen 520 corresponding to the image editing mode can be displayed. Thereby, since a plurality of images (Pn1, Pn2, Pn3...) Related to the target image P1 can be displayed, the target image P1 can be easily moved (or inserted) to the target position.

  In the embodiment, the target image P1 is slid in the left-right direction to switch to the image editing mode screen 520 in which a plurality of images are arranged in the left-right direction. By sliding and touching in the vertical direction, the image editing mode screen 520 may be switched to a display screen in which a plurality of images are arranged in the vertical direction.

  In the embodiment, the moving function which is a function desired by the user is instructed by sliding and touching the target image P1 in the left-right direction. However, as shown in FIG. The movement function may be instructed by touching the page movement key 482a.

  In the embodiment, the user touches the target image P1 to switch the display screen of the touch panel display 130 from the fit-to-screen screen 500 to the image editing mode screen 520. However, the display screen is switched. Is not limited to this.

  As a modification, for example, when the target image P1 is a “2 in 1” display image in which two pages of images are arranged for one page and double-sided printing is performed, a finished preview screen 510 is displayed as shown in FIG. You may make it switch.

  As described above, the image display mode selection unit 1310 can select and display the optimum image display mode corresponding to the form of the edited image (single-sided printing, double-sided printing, etc.) according to the user's operation.

  Since configured as described above, according to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, the image forming apparatus 100 including the operation unit 120 having a function of displaying a preview of an image output based on the input image data. The operation unit side control unit 131 that controls the processing / operation of the operation unit 120 includes the image display mode selection means 1310, so that when the user performs image editing, an operation for selecting the user's function ( For example, an optimum image display mode corresponding to the function desired by the user and the form of the edited image is selected from a plurality of image display modes according to an operation of moving the edited image by slide touch) and displayed on the touch panel display 130. can do. As a result, when editing an image, the positional relationship between the image to be edited and the other image can be clarified and the image editing operation can be facilitated, so that the operability is improved. A forming apparatus can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiments and examples, an example in which the operation unit 120 according to the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 has been described. However, a plurality of images may be used depending on the function of editing image data. Any image forming apparatus including an operation unit (image display operation apparatus) having a display mode and a function of displaying a preview of an image to be output is limited to the image forming apparatus and the copying machine configured as described above. Instead, it can be developed in other image forming apparatuses.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, that is, changes are made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. Embodiments obtained by combining technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Main control part 102 Document reading part 103 Image processing means 104 Image forming part 105 Storage means 107 Image output means 120 Operation unit (image display operation apparatus)
130 Touch panel display (display means)
131 Operation unit side control section (display control means)
132 Display panel (display means)
134 Touch Panel 135 Operation Position Detection Unit 136 Screen Display Unit 137 Display Image Generation Unit 330 Home Screen 400 System Area 410 Function Selection Area 452 Document Display Mode Button 454 Preview Button 456 Fit-to-Screen Button 480 Preview Area 482 Action Panel Area 484 Task Trigger area 500 Fit-to-screen screen 510 Preview screen 520 Image editing mode screen 530 Document display mode screen 1310 Image display mode selection means P1 Target image

Claims (12)

An image display unit for displaying an image;
A function selection display unit for displaying a function selection menu operated on the image;
Multiple display modes,
A display control unit that changes a size of an area indicating the function selection display unit based on the selected display mode when one display mode of the plurality of display modes is selected;
An image display operation device comprising: The function selection display section includes a function setting icon and a function name text as the function selection menu,
The display control unit changes a size of an area indicating the function selection display unit by displaying only the icon or displaying the icon and the text. Image display operation device.   The display control unit switches the display mode of the function selection display unit between a display mode displaying only the icon and a display mode displaying the icon and the text based on a gesture operation including flicking. The image display operation device according to claim 2.   When the display mode of the function selection display unit is changed from the display mode displaying only the icon to the display mode displaying the icon and the text, the function selection display unit is displayed in a translucent state. The image display operation device according to claim 3, wherein:   5. The image display operation device according to claim 1, further comprising an information display unit configured to display information including a proposal regarding the operation of the image.   The said information display part displays the reduction button operated in order to reduce the magnitude | size of the area | region which shows the said information display part, when the said information display part is reduced and displayed. Image display operation device.   The image display operation device according to claim 6, wherein when the reduction button is pressed, the size of the area indicating the information display unit is reduced and the button is displayed.   The information display unit is folded when a predetermined time has passed without any operation on the information display unit, and a button is displayed instead. The image display operation device according to item.   The image display operation device according to claim 1, further comprising a processing start item display unit that displays an item for starting processing for the image.   The image display operation device according to claim 9, wherein the process start item display unit is displayed to reduce a size of an area indicating the process start item display unit.   11. The image display according to claim 10, wherein the processing start item display unit displayed to reduce the size of the area is enlarged as a normal size based on a gesture operation including flicking. Operating device. An image display operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An image forming unit for forming the image on a recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images