JP2016066258A - Image forming apparatus and button customization method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to easily customize buttons to be displayed on an operation panel.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes button arrangement means and object display means. The button arrangement means arranges buttons in a plurality of areas provided on an operation screen. The object display means displays an object indicating that the buttons can be arranged in areas where the buttons are not arranged during editing of the operation screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image forming apparatus and a button customization method in the image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral can change machine settings by an operation of an administrator. For example, the digital multi-function peripheral can improve the user operability by customizing a user interface screen (UI screen) operated by the user. UI screen customization includes, for example, hiding UI components (buttons and icons) included in the UI screen, changing the layout, and adding new UI components.

JP 2012-124605 A

  As described above, in the conventional digital multi-function peripheral, when UI parts (buttons or icons) are added to the UI screen (operation panel) operated by the user, a plurality of UI parts provided on the UI screen can be arranged. The locations are added in a predetermined order from the vacant place. For this reason, the arrangement of a plurality of types of UI parts cannot be easily customized according to the user's preference.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a button customization method capable of easily customizing buttons displayed on an operation panel.

  According to the embodiment, an image forming apparatus that displays an operation screen includes button arrangement means and object display means. The button arrangement unit arranges buttons in a plurality of areas provided on the operation screen. The object display means displays an object indicating that the button can be arranged in an area where the button is not arranged when the operation screen is edited.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen that is an initial screen of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating button customization processing by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the edit state screen in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the display position change of the execution button accompanying the switching of a home screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the home screen at the time of input operation for moving the empty area in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the home screen after the movement of the empty area in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the home screen in operation which changes the button size in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the empty area set with the button size change in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the empty area set with the button size change in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the registration method list screen in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) 1 as an image forming apparatus has a function of connecting to a local area network. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is connected to a server 2, a user terminal 3, and an administrator terminal 4 in a local area network via a router 5. The digital multifunction peripheral 1 is connected to an external network such as the Internet through a firewall 6 connected to the router 5. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can access an external device (for example, a Web server) via an external network (Internet or the like) and use a function (Web service or the like) provided by the external device. The digital multifunction device 1 has a function of connecting to a telephone line. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected to a PBX 9 that connects a FAX 7 and a telephone 8. The digital multifunction peripheral 1 is connected to the telephone exchange via the PBX 9.

  A digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) 1 functions as an image forming apparatus (printing apparatus). The digital multifunction peripheral 1 has a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a network communication function, a facsimile communication function, and the like. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be connected to networks having various configurations. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be set in various ways according to the user's usage mode. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 restricts specific functions according to the setting contents and selects a data processing method. For example, the administrator specifies the settings related to security such as the print restriction setting for each department or user, the encryption strength for each device, the overwrite deletion setting, and the network port blocking.

  The server 2 is a server computer having a processor, a memory, an interface, and the like. The server 2 performs data communication with each device in the local area network via the router 5. In the server 2, various processing functions are realized by the processor executing programs stored in the memory.

  The user terminal 3 is a terminal device used by the user. The user terminal 3 includes a processor, a memory, an interface, an operation unit, a display unit, and the like. The user terminal 3 performs data communication with each device in the local area network connected via the router 5. In the user terminal 3, various processing functions are realized by the processor executing the program stored in the memory. The user terminal 3 is a personal computer, for example. The user terminal 3 may be a portable terminal device that can communicate with the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

  The administrator terminal 4 is a terminal device used by the administrator. The administrator terminal 4 includes a processor, a memory, an interface, an operation unit, a display unit, and the like. The administrator terminal 4 performs data communication with each device in the local area network via the router 5. In the administrator terminal 4, various processing functions are realized by the processor executing the program stored in the memory. The administrator terminal 4 may be any device that can communicate with the digital multifunction peripheral 1. The administrator terminal 4 is configured by, for example, a personal computer. The administrator terminal 4 may be a portable terminal device that can communicate with the digital multifunction peripheral 1.

  The administrator terminal 4 sets information (Web application information) about functions provided in an external device connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 1 via an external network that can be executed by a button operation on the digital multifunction peripheral 1. Can do. The administrator terminal 4 stores, as Web application information, functions provided in an external device that can be used by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by operation of the administrator. For example, the administrator terminal 4 has an access destination (URL (uniform resource locator) address or the like) to an external device such as a Web server, a name of a function provided by the external device (Web service name, Web application name, or the like). Entered by the administrator. Further, the administrator terminal 4 can transmit the Web application information to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 for storage.

Next, the configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 includes a system control unit 10, a scanner 11, a printer 12, and an operation panel 13 (display unit 14). The system control unit 10 comprehensively controls each unit in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The system control unit 10 is connected to the scanner 11, the printer 12, and the operation panel 13 (display unit 14). For example, the system control unit 10 controls the scanner 11 or the printer 12 in accordance with an operation instruction input to the operation panel 13 or the user terminal 3. Further, the system control unit 10 acquires setting information input from the operation panel 13 or the administrator terminal 4.

  The scanner 11 is an image acquisition unit that converts an image on a document surface into image data. For example, the scanner 11 optically scans the document surface to read an image on the document surface as color image data or monochrome image data. The scanner 11 includes a scanning mechanism, a photoelectric conversion unit, a document feeder (ADF), and the like. The printer 12 is an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium. For example, the printer 12 forms a color image or a monochrome image on a sheet. As the printer 12, a printer 12 that forms an image by a printing method such as an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or a thermal transfer method can be applied.

  The operation panel 13 is a user interface. The operation panel 13 includes various operation buttons such as a numeric button, a start button, a copy button, a scan button, and a FAX button, and a display unit 14 with a built-in touch panel. The operation panel 13 functions as an operation unit for a user to input an operation instruction and a display unit for displaying guidance for the user. For example, the operation panel 13 is used not only for instructing execution of processing, but also for an administrator to input information regarding settings for the digital multi-function peripheral. On the display unit 14, for example, an operation screen (menu screen) that allows the user to instruct the execution of processing by performing a touch operation with a fingertip or a pen tip is displayed. The operation screen includes various objects such as execution buttons, marks, characters, symbols, icons, and the like. In the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment, an execution button displayed on the operation screen can be customized by operating the operation panel 13 (display unit 14).

  The system control unit 10 includes a processor (CPU) 20, a random access memory (RAM) 21, a read only memory (ROM) 22, a nonvolatile memory 23, an image processing unit 24, a page memory 25, a hard disk drive (HDD) 26, a network An interface (NW I / F) 27, a communication unit 28, a media interface (I / F) 29, and the like are included.

  The processor 20 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 20 implements various processing functions by executing control programs stored in the ROM 22, the nonvolatile memory 23, or the HDD 26. The RAM 21 is a main memory that functions as a working memory. The ROM 22 stores a control program that controls the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and control data. The nonvolatile memory 23 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory 23 stores a control program and control data for realizing various processing functions.

  The control program executed by the processor 20 includes a program for customizing the operation screen displayed on the display unit 14. This program executes button customization processing to display an operation screen including a plurality of objects (buttons, etc.) on the display unit 14, and adds, moves, and deletes buttons to be displayed on the operation screen according to user operations. , An editing function such as changing the size (enlargement / reduction) of the area in which the buttons are arranged can be realized. In the present embodiment, a plurality of areas can be provided on the operation screen, and buttons can be arranged in each area. Further, when the button customization process is executed (when editing the operation screen), an object (for example, a + mark) indicating that the button can be arranged in an area where the button is not arranged (hereinafter referred to as an empty area). Can be displayed to indicate to the user an available area to which the button can be added. The processor 20 instructs the user to start the button registration process for registering the object (+ mark) displayed in the empty area, move the display position on the operation screen of the area where the object is displayed, and the like. Used to detect the operation.

  The non-volatile memory 23 has a storage area for storing information (machine setting information) indicating the current machine setting of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The machine setting is a setting related to a basic operation for the digital multifunction machine 1. Machine settings are set separately from settings (processing settings) for individual jobs (copy, scan, print, etc.) to be executed. The machine setting is, for example, a setting related to a function executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 such as security setting or operation restriction. The machine setting information may be stored in the HDD 26.

  The image processing unit 24 processes image data read by the scanner 11 or image data received via a network. The page memory 25 is a memory having a storage area for developing image data for at least one page. The HDD 26 is a large-capacity memory for data storage. For example, the HDD 26 stores image data to be printed.

  The network interface (NW I / F) 27 is an interface for performing data communication with each device in the local area network via the router 5. The communication unit 28 is an interface for performing facsimile communication using a telephone line via the PBX 9. The media interface (I / F) 29 is an interface for directly (locally) connecting an external storage device such as a memory device or a memory card.

  The HDD 26 has various databases. For example, the HDD 26 has a user information database (DB) 31. The user information database 31 stores user information including basic information of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The basic information of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is information indicating a usage form, security strength, basic functions to be used, installation environment, and the like. The information on the usage mode includes, for example, information related to the operation screen displayed on the display unit 14 set for each user. Information about the operation screen is set for each user or by an administrator through the operation screen and stored in the HDD 26, for example. Information stored in these databases may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 23. Further, the HDD 26 stores information (such as Web application information) set in the administrator terminal 4.

Next, the operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in this embodiment will be described.
First, an initial stage process in which the user uses the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described.
The digital multi-function peripheral 1 performs user authentication before receiving execution instructions for various processes from the user. For example, the operation panel 13 is provided with an authentication button for instructing execution of user authentication processing. When the authentication button is operated, the processor 20 starts a user authentication process and displays a guide for inputting user authentication information on the display unit 14. The user inputs user authentication information in accordance with the guidance displayed on the display unit 14. The processor 20 acquires user authentication information input by the user, and compares the user authentication information with the registrant authentication information stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 (or the server 2 connected to the network) to authenticate the user. Execute the process. The user authentication information can be information such as numbers input using a numeric keypad or information stored in an external recording medium 17 such as an IC card. When the authentication information is input from the external recording medium 17, the user authentication information is read through a media interface (I / F) 29 such as an IC card reader.

  When the user authentication is successful, the processor 20 reads the user information registered for the user from the user information database 31. The processor 20 displays a home screen on the display unit 14 in accordance with the setting content included in the user information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen 50 that is an initial screen of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the upper side of the home screen 50 corresponds to the screen title name 40 (home), the user name 42 of the user who has been authenticated, and the print restriction setting (number of remaining allocations) set for the user. A QUIOTA display 44 which is a graph, a job status 46 indicating the operation state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and a help button 47 for instructing display of a help screen are displayed.

  In the central part of the home screen 50, for example, an area where four execution buttons 48 can be arranged in two stages (upper and lower stages) is provided. The example shown in FIG. 2 shows a state in which execution buttons 48A, 48B, 48D, 48E, and 48G are arranged in five areas. A specific function is set in advance for each of the plurality of execution buttons 48A, 48B, 48D, 48E, and 48G. For example, “execution button 48A is“ reduced copy from A3 to A4 ”, execution button 48B is“ send to me ”, execution button 48D is“ ID card copy, execution button 48E is “store in shared folder”, execution Each function of “Web service” is set in the button 48G.

  The execution button 48 can customize the type of button and the display position of the button for each user. The display position of the execution button 48 can be arbitrarily designated by an instruction from the user. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, the home screen 50 may include an area where the execution button 48 is arranged and an empty area where the execution button 48 is not arranged. In the present embodiment, the empty areas 48C, 48F, and 48H in which the execution button 48 is not arranged are made blank as shown in FIG. Can be recognized.

  The execution button 48 displayed on the home screen 50 can be switched in units of screens, for example, according to an instruction from the left button 50A or the right button 50B. In the present embodiment, for example, three home screens 50 (left screen, center screen, and right screen) are provided. A display target screen mark 50C indicating which of the three home screens 50 is to be displayed is displayed at the bottom of the home screen 50. The display target screen mark 50C includes three marks corresponding to the three screens, and the mark corresponding to the home screen 50 to be displayed is filled. The display target screen mark 50C shown in FIG. 2 indicates that the center home screen 50 (center screen) among the three screens is to be displayed. The user can confirm a screen that can be displayed based on the display target screen mark 50C and can operate the left button 50A or the right button 50B.

  In the home screen 50 shown in FIG. 2, the two execution buttons 48A and 48B on the left side of the upper stage are set as automatic execution buttons. The automatic execution button is a button that can execute a function assigned to the button without operating an operation button such as a start button or a copy button provided on the operation panel 13. The automatic execution button can be designated by a user operation in the button customization process, for example. Further, the automatic execution button is displayed in a form that can be distinguished from a normal execution button. For example, the automatic execution button is displayed on the home screen 50 with a background color different from that of other normal execution buttons, and specific marks 51A and 51B indicating the automatic execution button are displayed in the upper left corner of each button, for example. Added.

  A setting button 49 is provided on the lower side of the home screen 50. The setting button 49 is a button for instructing the transition to a mode for editing the execution button 48 (button customization processing) and changing the form (theme) of the home screen 50.

Next, button customization processing by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the execution button 48 is touched by the user on the home screen 50 (ACT A1) and execution of button editing (button customization processing) is instructed (Yes in ACT A2), the processor 20 changes the home screen 50 to the editing state. (Transition to edit status screen) (ACT A3).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the editing status screen 50H1 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, a delete button 52A, 52B, 52D, 52E, 52G for instructing to delete the button is provided at the upper right corner of each of the plurality of execution buttons 48A, 48B, 48D, 48E, 48G. Provided. Further, in the empty areas 48C, 48F, and 48H where the execution button 48 is not arranged, + marks 54C, 54F, and 54H are provided as objects indicating that the buttons can be arranged. The + marks 54C, 54F, and 54H are arranged, for example, in the center of the empty areas 48C, 48F, and 48H.

  The object indicating that the button can be arranged may be other than the + mark, and it is desirable that the user can intuitively recognize that the button can be added. As the object, for example, a symbol, a figure, a mark, a character, a picture (including an icon or the like) can be used, and a specific display color determined in advance may be used. In addition, the display position of the object may be other than the center of the empty area, and can be changed according to the shape and size so that the user can easily select or move the object.

  The execution buttons 48A, 48B, 48D, 48E, and 48G, and the empty areas 48C, 48F, and 48H have direction marks for instructing the change of the button display position according to the current position of each button. It is provided in the vicinity. For example, a left direction mark, a right direction mark, and a downward direction mark are provided in the execution buttons 48A, 48B, and 48D and the empty area 48C arranged in the upper part of the home screen 50. The execution buttons 48E and 48G and the empty areas 48F and 48H arranged in the lower part of the home screen 50 are provided with a left direction mark, a right direction mark, and an upward direction mark.

  When the delete button is designated by the user in the editing state, the processor 20 deletes the corresponding execution button from the editing state screen 50H. When the execution button is deleted from the editing status screen 50H, the processor 20 sets an empty area to indicate that the button can be arranged at the same position, and displays a + mark and a direction mark.

  The home screen 50 is provided with an edit end button 53. When the edit end button 53 is instructed (Yes in ACT A6), the processor 20 ends the button customization process.

  On the other hand, when an operation for changing the position is performed by the user on one of the execution buttons or the empty area in the edit state (Yes in ACT A7), the processor 20 executes the execution button 48 according to the user's operation. Alternatively, a button arrangement changing process for changing the position of the empty area is executed ((ACT A8)).

  In the present embodiment, as the operation (second operation) for changing (moving) the position of the execution button 48 or the empty area, for example, the following first changing device, second changing device, and third changing operation are performed. is there. The first change operation is an operation for instructing the moving direction by operating the execution button 48 or the direction mark provided in the empty area. The second changing operation is an operation of moving the execution button 48 or the empty area to the position after the change by dragging and dropping. The third change operation is an operation for changing the size of the plurality of execution buttons 48 or the empty area.

  When it is detected that the first change operation has been performed, the processor 20 executes a process of moving the execution button 48 or the display position of the empty area in the direction indicated by the direction mark instructed by the user operation. The processor 20 performs the first operation when a touch operation (tap operation) is performed on or near the execution button 48 or the direction mark provided in the empty area displayed on the operation panel 13 (display unit 14). Determine that a change operation has been performed.

  For example, when a touch operation on the left direction mark 55A of the execution button 48G shown in FIG. 4 is detected, the processor 20 moves the execution button 48G leftward by one area (moves to the position of the original empty area 48F). Thus, the empty area 48F is moved to the display position of the original execution button 48G. That is, the display positions of the execution button 48G and the empty area 48F are switched. Similarly, when a touch operation on the upward mark 55B of the execution button 48H shown in FIG. 4 is detected, the processor 20 moves the execution button 48H upward by one area (moves to the position of the original execution button 48D). The execution button 48D is moved to the display position of the original empty area 48H. That is, the display positions of the empty area 48H and the execution button 48D are switched.

  Further, when a touch operation on the right direction mark 55C of the execution button 48D shown in FIG. 4 is detected, the processor 20 switches the home screen 50 to be displayed to the right screen and executes it at the upper left position of the right screen. The button 48D is moved. Also, the execution button or empty area set at the upper left position of the right screen of the home screen 50 is moved to the position of the upper right edge (original execution button 48D) of the central screen (switched to the central screen). Appears in the case).

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a change in the display position of the execution button that accompanies switching of the home screen 50 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the execution button 48D on the center screen is moved to the upper left position of the right screen of the home screen 50 (execution button 56A). As shown in FIG. 5, since the execution button is not arranged in any area on the right screen, each empty area 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, 56F, other than the position where the execution button 56A is arranged. 56G and 56H display + marks 57B, 57C, 57D, 57E, 57F, 57G, and 57H, respectively. The display target screen mark 50C indicates that the right screen is a display target.

  In this embodiment, the home screen 50 is provided with three screens (left screen, center screen, and right screen) arranged in the left-right direction. However, the home screen 50 has a configuration in which a plurality of screens are provided in the vertical direction. Also good. In this case, an upper direction mark is provided in the execution button 48 and the empty area arranged in the upper stage, and a lower direction mark is provided in the execution button 48 and the empty area arranged in the lower stage. When the user touches the up direction mark or the down direction mark, as described above, the processor 20 switches the home screen 50 to the next screen (upper screen, lower screen), and executes the button 48 or an empty area. The position of is moved.

  Next, when it is detected that the second change operation has been performed, the processor 20 executes a process of moving the execution button 48 or the display position of the empty area according to the drag-and-drop operation. For example, the processor 20 changes the touched execution button 48 to a movable state (movement mode) when the user touches the execution button 48 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or longer. When the user slides his / her finger on the operation panel 13 (display unit 14) while touching the execution button 48, the processor 20 displays the execution button 48 in accordance with the touch position moved by the slide. Change the position. When the touch by the user is released, the processor 20 determines a position to which the execution button 48 is moved based on the position where the execution button 48 is displayed when the touch is released. For example, an empty area including the center position of the execution button 48 (or an area where the execution button 48 is disposed) is determined, and the corresponding area is determined as a position to be moved.

  The processor 20 displays the execution button 48 moved by the slide operation at the position to be moved, and other execution buttons according to the original position of the execution button 48 moved by the user operation and the position of the movement destination. 48 or the position of an empty area is changed.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the execution button 48 or the execution button 48 that is arranged from the position next to the original position of the execution button 48 moved by the user operation to the position of the movement destination is displayed for each stage (upper stage, lower stage) of the home screen 50. Each empty area is moved by one area. That is, the execution button 48 moved by the user operation is inserted into the destination position, and the other execution buttons 48 or empty areas are slid according to the insertion of the execution button 48.

In the above example, the case where the position of the execution button 48 is changed has been described. However, an empty area where the execution button 48 is not arranged can be moved in the same manner. FIG. 6 shows a display example of the home screen 50 at the time of an input operation for moving the empty area 48H shown in FIG. 4 in the present embodiment.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the user touches the empty area 48 </ b> H with the finger F <b> 1 so that the empty area 48 </ b> H is designated as a movement target. As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the finger F2 is slid leftward by the user, the processor 20 moves the display position of the execution button 48 according to the touch position of the finger F2.

  When the touch by the user is released, the processor 20 determines a position to which the execution button 48 is moved based on the position where the execution button 48 is displayed when the touch is released. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the touch is released after the empty area 48 </ b> H is moved to the lower left area of the home screen 50, the processor 20 moves the area of the lower left position of the lower home screen 50. Decide as a destination.

FIG. 7 shows a display example of the home screen 50 after moving the empty area 48H in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the processor 20 moves the empty area 48H moved by the slide operation, and moves the execution button 48E, the empty area 48F, and the execution button 48G to the right by one area.

  In the above description, when the position of one execution button 48 or a vacant area is moved, the display position is also moved for a plurality of other execution buttons 48 or vacant areas depending on the movement destination (FIG. 7). (Execute button 48E, empty area 48F, execute button 48G). In this embodiment, when the position of the execution button 48 or the empty area is moved, the display positions of the execution button 48 or the empty area to be moved and the execution button 48 or the empty area arranged in the destination area are displayed. You may make it replace.

  In the example described above, the execution button 48 or the display position of the empty area is changed by the second change operation in the same stage (the lower stage in FIGS. 6 and 7), but between different stages (from the lower stage to the upper stage, It is also possible to change the display position of the execution button 48 or the empty area from the upper stage to the lower stage.

  Further, in the above description, when the execution button 48 or the empty area is touched for a certain time or more, the touched execution button 48 or the empty area is set as the movement target (transition to the movement mode). The execution button 48 or the empty area to be moved may be set by another input operation. For example, when the icon displayed on the execution button 48 or the + mark displayed in the empty area is touched for a predetermined time or more, the movement target is set. By this input operation, it is possible to clearly distinguish the operation for the direction mark provided in the execution button 48 or the empty area and the operation for specifying the execution button 48 or the empty area to be moved.

  Furthermore, the home screen 50 may be switched by moving the execution button 48 or the empty area to the vicinity of the end (left end, right end) of the home screen 50 by a slide operation. For example, when the home screen 50 is on the center screen, the execution button 48 or the empty area is moved to the vicinity of the left end of the home screen 50 (within a predetermined range), and the user performs a certain time (for example, 1 second) or more. When the touched state remains, the processor 20 switches the home screen 50 to the left screen. Thereby, since the execution button 48 or the movement of the empty area and the switching of the home screen 50 can be performed by the second change operation (drag operation), the input operation can be made more efficient.

  Next, when it is detected that the third change operation has been performed, the processor 20 changes the size of the plurality of execution buttons 48 or the empty area according to the operation of changing the size, and changes the size according to the change of the size. , A new free area where buttons can be placed is set.

  First, a case will be described in which all execution buttons 48 or empty areas arranged on the home screen 50 are uniformly resized according to an input operation by the user. For example, the processor 20 can move the position of the outer peripheral frame when a state where the execution button 48 arranged on the home screen 50 or the outer peripheral frame (side) of the empty area is touched for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more. Change to state (resize mode).

  Here, when the execution button 48 arranged on the home screen 50 or the upper or lower side of the empty area is touched and the finger is slid vertically on the operation panel 13 (display unit 14) while being touched, The processor 20 determines that the third change operation has been performed. The processor 20 moves the position of the upper side or the lower side according to the touch position moved by the slide, and changes the size of the execution button 48 or the empty area according to the movement of the position of the upper side or the lower side. When the touch is released by the user, the processor 20 determines the execution button 48 or empty area displayed when the touch is released to the changed size and displays it.

  Further, when the execution button 48 or the size of the empty area is changed (size reduction), when the home screen 50 has an area where neither the execution button 48 nor the empty area is arranged, the processor 20 arranges the button in this area. Set a new available free area. That is, the processor 20 displays a frame indicating the range of empty areas in which the execution button can be arranged, and displays a + mark and a direction mark in the frame indicating each empty area.

  In addition, when the execution button 48 arranged on the home screen 50 or the left side or the right side of the empty area is touched and the finger is slid left and right on the operation panel 13 (display unit 14) while being touched, the processor 20 moves the position of the left side or the right side according to the touch position moved by the slide. Also. The processor 20 changes the size of the execution button 48 or the empty area in accordance with the movement of the position of the left side or the right side. Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, an empty area in which buttons can be arranged is newly set.

In addition, the execution buttons 48 arranged at the upper left and right ends and the lower left and right ends arranged on the home screen 50 or corners of the empty area are touched, and the touch panel remains touched with the finger on the operation panel 13 (display unit 14). Is slid, the processor 20 moves the positions of the vertical and horizontal sides connected at the touched corner in accordance with the touch position moved by the slide. Further, the processor 20 changes the size of the execution button 48 or the empty area in accordance with the movement of the position of the vertical side and the horizontal side.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the home screen 50 during the operation of changing the button size in the present embodiment.
In the example shown in FIG. 8, the corner of the empty area 48H in the lower right corner is touched by the user's finger F3, and the finger F4 is slid in the upper left direction while being touched. The processor 20 moves the original right side (vertical side) to the left in accordance with the slide of the finger F4, moves the lower side (horizontal side) to the upper direction, and sets the size of the original execution button 48 and the empty area. In addition to the reduction, each arrangement on the home screen 50 is changed.

  As a result, the home screen 50 is provided with a blank area 60 in which neither the execution button 48 nor the empty area is arranged. When the touch is released at the position of the finger F <b> 4 shown in FIG. 8, the processor 20 sets a free area where buttons can be placed in the blank area 60.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an empty area set in accordance with the button size change in the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the original execution button 48 whose size has been changed and a plurality of empty areas 62A having the same size as the empty area are arranged so as to fill the entire blank area 60 (one horizontal row). Minutes and 2 vertical columns). In each empty area 62A, a + mark 63A and a direction mark corresponding to the arrangement are displayed. Direction marks in the vertical and horizontal directions are displayed in the execution buttons 48 and the empty areas arranged in the middle row.

  As described above, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of the present embodiment, the size of the plurality of execution buttons 48 or empty areas displayed on the operation panel 13 (display unit 14) can be changed by the third change operation. A free area where buttons can be arranged can be newly set according to the change in size.

  In the above description (FIGS. 8 and 9), when the size of the execution button 48 or the empty area is changed (reduction / enlargement), the aspect ratio of the execution button 48 or the empty area is made constant. The aspect ratio may be changed according to the size change in the vertical direction or the size change in the horizontal direction.

  Furthermore, in the above description, when the execution button 48 or the outer peripheral frame of the empty area is touched for a certain time or longer, the mode is changed to the size change mode. However, the size can be changed by other input operations. May be. For example, the processor 20 accepts an instruction to shift to the size change mode by a predetermined button operation by the user, and the changed size (for example, 1/2 times, 1/3 times, 1.5 times, 2 times, etc.) Is specified. The processor 20 changes the size of the execution button 48 or the empty area according to the changed size designated by the user.

  In the above description, all the execution buttons 48 or empty areas arranged on the home screen 50 are uniformly resized according to the input operation by the user, but the execution buttons 48 or empty areas are selectively displayed. It is also possible to change the size. For example, as described above, by touching one execution button 48 or a frame of an empty area and performing a slide operation, the size can be changed in the same manner as described above, or the execution button 48 or the empty area whose size is to be changed can be changed by the user. It is possible to change the size by individually selecting and selecting the changed size.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an empty area set in accordance with the button size change in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 shows an example in which only the two execution buttons 64A and 64B are increased in size.

  When the size is selectively changed with respect to the execution button 48 or the empty area, the other execution buttons 48 or empty areas not selected by the user are automatically arranged according to a predetermined rule. It is possible to change. Further, when the execution button 48 or the empty area that cannot be displayed on the home screen 50 is generated by enlarging the execution button 48 or the empty area, it may be moved to another screen.

  In this way, by changing the size of the execution button 48 or the empty area individually arranged on the home screen 50, for example, by increasing the size of the frequently used execution button 48, the button operation is facilitated. It is also possible.

  Next, a case where a new execution button 48 is added to the home screen 50 will be described.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the + mark 54H of the empty area 48H at the lower right end of the editing state screen 50H where the execution button 48 is not arranged is selected by the user, for example, by a tap operation (first operation) ( In ACT A9 (Yes), the processor 20 starts the button registration process. The processor 20 causes the display unit 14 to display a registration method list screen for allowing the user to select the registration method of the execution button 48 (ACT A10).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a registration method list screen 90 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the registration method list screen 90 in this embodiment includes, for example, a registration button 92A, a registration button 92B, a registration button 92C, and a return button 91. The registration button 92A is a button for registering the execution button 48 from the operation history when the user has used the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in the past. The registration button 92B is a button for registering the execution button 48 to which a function (Web application) provided in the external device is assigned. The registration button 92 </ b> C is a button for registering an execution button 48 for a function (preset button) registered in advance in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The return button 91 is a button for returning to the editing state screen 50H.

  When the registration button 92C is instructed by the user, the processor 20 deletes the registration method list screen 90 and displays the preset registration screen on the display unit 14 (ACT A12).

  On the preset registration screen 93, for example, a list of a plurality of functions (preset buttons) registered in advance in the digital multifunction device 1 is displayed. For example, the list display includes a plurality of preset buttons for using a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a network communication function, and a facsimile communication function provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Here, when any of the preset buttons is displayed by a user operation (ACT A13), the processor 20 places the selected preset button at the position of the empty button 48H selected as the registration target. Set the execution button to which the function is assigned. That is, the processor 20 displays an icon representing the function of the preset button instead of the + mark 54H displayed in the empty area 48H.

  When the registration button 92B is instructed by the user, the processor 20 deletes the registration method list screen 90 and causes the display unit 14 to display the Web application registration screen (ACT A14).

  The web application registration screen 94 includes, for example, a plurality of web applications that can be used in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 based on web information (stored in the HDD 26) previously set by the administrator in the administrator terminal 4. A list of application buttons corresponding to functions provided by the external device is displayed. For example, in each application button, the name of the Web application (Web service name, Web application name, etc.) set by the administrator and the URL indicating the access destination are described. Here, when any one of the plurality of application buttons is selected by a user operation (ACT A15), the processor 20 assigns the function of the selected application button to the position of the empty button 48H selected as the registration target. Set the execution button. That is, the processor 20 displays an icon representing the function of the application button instead of the + mark 54H displayed in the empty area 48H.

  When the registration button 92A is instructed by the user, the processor 20 deletes the registration method list screen 90 and displays the operation history registration screen on the display unit 14 (ACT A16).

  On the operation history registration screen 97, for example, a list of functions (operation histories) used by the user in the past based on information related to the user's operation history included in the user information database 31 is displayed. For example, the list display includes information such as the icon of the function used, the name of the function, various setting contents when using the function, and the use date and time. Here, when any operation history is selected by a user operation from the list display (ACT A17), the processor 20 indicates the user indicated by the selected operation history at the position of the empty button 48H selected as the registration target. Set the execution button to which the function used in the past was assigned. That is, the processor 20 displays an icon representing the function of the application button instead of the + mark 54H displayed in the empty area 48H.

  In this way, when a new execution button is added to the home screen 50, a preset registration screen, an operation history registration screen, or a web application registration screen is used for the functions and web applications provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Then, an arbitrary function can be selected and registered for an empty area. In this way, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment, the buttons displayed on the operation panel can be easily customized.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital compound machine, 10 ... System control unit, 11 ... Scanner, 12 ... Printer, 13 ... Operation panel, 14 ... Display part, 20 ... Processor, 21 ... RAM, 22 ... ROM, 23 ... Non-volatile memory, 24 ... Image processing unit, 25 ... page memory, 26 ... hard disk drive (HDD), 27 ... network interface, 28 ... communication unit, 29 ... media interface, 31 ... user information database.

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus that displays an operation screen,
Button arrangement means for arranging buttons for a plurality of areas provided on the operation screen;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an object display unit configured to display an object indicating that the button can be arranged in an area where the button is not arranged when the operation screen is edited. First detecting means for detecting a first operation for selecting the object;
The registration processing means for executing a button registration process for registering the button in the area in which the object is displayed in response to the detection of the first operation. Image forming apparatus. Second detection means for detecting a second operation for moving the area;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a moving unit configured to move a display position on the operation screen in an area where the object is displayed according to the second operation. Resizing means for resizing the plurality of areas;
Further comprising area setting means for newly setting an area where the buttons can be arranged in accordance with the size change of the plurality of areas,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the button arrangement unit displays the object in an area newly set by the area setting unit. A button customization method in an image forming apparatus that displays an operation screen,
Buttons are arranged for a plurality of areas provided on the operation screen,
A button customizing method, wherein an object indicating that the button can be arranged is displayed in an area where the button is not arranged when the operation screen is edited.