JP2018173999A - Image processing apparatus, object display method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability in an operation input section of an image processing apparatus.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus includes: display means for displaying a plurality of objects indicating functions of the apparatus and to be selection-operated, in a display screen; control means for implementing a function allocated to an object selected; and editing means which edits display settings of the objects in object editing mode. The editing means displays a moving button for switching between a first object and a second object adjacent to the object, in a part of at least one of the first and second objects, and changes display settings of the objects so as to switch the objects when the moving button is selected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The embodiment described in this specification relates to a software technique for improving usability in an operation input unit of an image processing apparatus.

  In recent years, an increasing number of electronic devices have an image display unit that also has an operation input unit using a touch panel method. In such a device, a plurality of objects (icons) as software buttons or shortcut buttons are displayed on the image display unit, and any one of the icons is selected (touched) with a finger or a pen, so that the icon is displayed. The specific function of the corresponding device is performed, or the detailed setting screen of the specific function is called.

  In such a device, from the viewpoint of improving the operability for the user, there is a case where it is desired to customize the layout so that it can be easily used by changing the arrangement of a plurality of displayed icons. In response to such needs, a configuration is known in which an icon is moved by a user touching an icon on a display unit and performing a drag and drop operation.

JP 2010-97552 A

  However, this configuration has a disadvantage that the icon cannot be moved to the position desired by the operator depending on the user's unfamiliarity with the drag-and-drop touch operation or the state of the user's hand or device. For example, if the crimping sensitivity is reduced during the icon movement operation, the device will determine that the touch has been interrupted, and against the operator's intention, the icon position may be determined during the movement. is there.

  An object of the embodiment is to provide a technique for improving usability in an operation input unit of an image processing apparatus.

  An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a display unit that displays a plurality of objects that can be selected and operated on a display screen, and a control unit that performs a function assigned to the object when the object is selected. And editing means for editing the display setting of each object in the object editing mode, and the editing means is arranged between the first object and a second object adjacent to the first object. A move button for exchanging is displayed on a part of at least one of the first object and the second object. When the move button is selected, each object is displayed so that the arrangement of both objects is exchanged. Change the setting.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions inside the image processing apparatus of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display / operation panel of the image processing apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation example at the time of icon arrangement editing of the image processing apparatus of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of icon display displayed on the display / operation panel before icon arrangement | positioning edit. It is a figure which shows the example of an icon display at the time of an icon arrangement | positioning edit start. It is a figure which shows the example of operation during icon arrangement | positioning edit. It is a figure which shows the example of operation during icon arrangement | positioning edit. It is a figure which shows the example of an icon display after icon arrangement editing of a display / operation panel. It is a figure which shows the example of an icon display which also enabled arrangement | positioning exchange of the icons of the diagonal direction. It is a figure which shows the other example icon display before icon arrangement | positioning edit. It is a figure which shows the other example icon display before icon arrangement | positioning edit. It is a figure which shows the example of an icon display before icon arrangement | positioning edit in case there exists an administrator definition icon regarding 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an icon display at the time of the icon arrangement | positioning edit start when there exists an administrator definition icon. It is a figure which shows the example of another icon display at the time of the icon arrangement | positioning edit start in case there exists an administrator definition icon. It is a figure which shows the example of icon display at the time of the icon arrangement | positioning start in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of operation during icon arrangement editing in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of operation during icon arrangement editing in 2nd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a display means for displaying a plurality of objects that can be selected and operated on the display screen, representing a function of the apparatus, a control means for performing a function assigned to the object when the object is selected, There is provided an image processing apparatus having editing means for editing display settings of each object in an edit mode.

  The editing means of the image processing apparatus includes a movement button for exchanging the arrangement between the first object and the second object adjacent to the first object, at least one of the first object and the second object. When the movement button is selected, the display setting of each object is changed so that the arrangement of both objects is exchanged.

  More specifically, a plurality of objects having the same outer shape are displayed in a grid pattern on the display screen. The movement button is displayed in a neighboring area that is an area close to a neighboring object.

  Hereinafter, aspects of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes a scanner function as an image reading apparatus, functions of a printer and a copier as an image forming apparatus, a facsimile or mail transmission function for transferring image data read by the scanner, and the like. This is a function-integrated digital composite copier (Multi Function Printer: MFP).

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, a so-called quadruple tandem color printing function that prints four colors of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) at a time as a printer and a copier.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 1 for outputting image information as an output image, and a paper feed cassette 3 (4 in this example) capable of supplying paper of an arbitrary size used for image output to the image forming unit 1. Two sheet feeding cassettes) and a scanner 5 as image reading means for taking in data from a document holding image information. Above the image forming unit 1, when the document is a sheet, after the image information is read by the scanner 5, the document is discharged from the reading position to the discharge position, and an automatic document that guides the next document to the reading position. A feeding device 7 is provided.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes a display / operation panel 4 as a display unit that starts scanning for reading image information of an original document by the scanner 5 and inputs other necessary items and displays various information. Yes.

  As shown in the figure, the display / operation panel 4 is positioned above a document table on which a document is placed when the scanner 5 is used, and is movably supported by a pivotable and bendable arm member. It has become.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the display / operation panel 4 includes a touch panel display 40 and an operation panel 41, and details of these components will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration inside the image processing apparatus 100. The image processing apparatus 100 includes a processor 10, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, a touch panel display 40, an operation panel 41, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 50, a scanner 60, a printer 70, and a network I. / F (Interface) 80. These units exchange control signals and data with each other via a communication bus.

  The processor 10 is an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and loads a program stored in the ROM 30 or the HDD 40 into the DRAM 20 and executes various processes according to the program. . The DRAM 20 is a volatile main storage device. The ROM 30 is a read-only nonvolatile storage device that permanently stores data, and stores a basic input output system (BIOS) at the time of system startup.

  The HDD 50 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that can be permanently stored, and stores data and programs used by the user. More specifically, the HDD 50 stores setting data for each user who uses the image processing apparatus 100 as a user database. Here, the “setting data” includes data for setting an icon arrangement whose details will be described later.

  The touch panel display 40 has functions as a display unit and an operation input unit, and can specify various settings and operations of the apparatus by selecting an object image (icon) displayed on the display unit with a finger or the like. it can.

  In this embodiment, the touch panel display 40 includes an input unit of a capacitive touch panel and a display unit of a flat panel. The touch panel supports multi-touch that detects a plurality of simultaneous contacts, and can obtain coordinate values (X value, Y value) according to the contact position. The flat panel has a light emitting element for display on the entire surface of the panel. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the entire panel surface of the touch panel display 40 is an image display area.

  Then, the touch panel display 40 displays an icon to be described later as a shortcut button at predetermined coordinates defined in advance in the image display area. When the icon is touched with a finger or a pen, the function of the device (for example, copy, scan, fax) assigned to the icon is called under the control of the processor 10, and a detailed setting screen (for example, the function) A copy screen, a scan screen, a fax screen) is displayed, or the function is directly executed.

  The operation panel 41 mainly has a function as an operation input unit, and includes various hardware buttons (switches) described later.

  The network I / F 80 is a unit responsible for communication with external devices, and includes a LAN (Local Area Network) board. The network I / F 80 includes a device that conforms to the near field communication standard and a connector that conforms to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard.

   FIG. 3 is an external view for explaining the overall configuration of the display / operation panel 4 including the touch panel display 40 and the operation panel 41 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display / operation panel 4 includes a touch panel display 40 having functions of a display unit and an operation input unit, a function setting key 42, a numeric key 43, a start key 44, a reset key 45, and a stop. It is roughly divided into an operation panel 41 provided with various hardware keys such as a key 46 and mainly serving as an operation input unit.

  The touch panel display 40 includes a liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch panel. In the image display area of the touch panel display 40, various operation screens that can be operated by the touch panel are displayed. A display example of the operation screen displayed on the touch panel display 40 will be described in detail later.

  The function setting key 42 is a hardware key for selecting various functions of the image processing apparatus 100. As the function setting key 42, for example, a scan function selection key 42a for selecting a scan function, a copy function selection key 42b for selecting a copy function, a FAX function selection key 42c for selecting a fax function, and the like are provided. It has been.

  The numeric keypad 43 is a hardware key for inputting numbers and the like. The numeric keypad 43 is used for inputting information such as the number of copies, department code, fax number, user identification information (user ID, password, mail address, etc.), for example.

  The start key 44 is a hardware key for instructing the start of the operation of the function selected by the image processing apparatus 100. For example, in the copy function, a copy operation is started in response to an instruction from the start key 44.

  The reset key 45 is a hardware key for instructing resetting of setting contents (discarding setting data, initialization, etc.). For example, the setting input through the touch panel is reset in response to the pressing operation of the reset key 45.

  The stop key 46 is a hardware key for instructing interruption of an operation being executed by the image processing apparatus 100. For example, when the stop key 46 is pressed during the copying operation of this apparatus, the copying operation is interrupted.

  In addition to the various keys described above, the operation panel 41 shown in FIG. 3 includes a help (HELP) key for instructing display of a user guide, a setting / registration key for instructing execution of setting or registration, Template key for selecting a template as registered data, interrupt key for requesting an interrupt for operation, status confirmation key for confirming the status of the relevant digital multifunction device, key for performing security settings, etc. Key, power saving key to switch between power saving operation mode to reduce power consumption and normal operation mode, on-hook / pause key to put on-hook state as a telephone function, clear to clear numbers entered with the numeric keypad etc. Key, an alarm indicator for notifying the abnormality in the digital multi-function peripheral, etc. That.

  Hereinafter, the overall operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. In the image processing apparatus 100, when the main power is turned on, the processor 10 reads out and executes a basic program such as BIOS from the ROM 30 and executes it, thereby performing a startup process. Thereafter, the processor 10 reads out and executes the data in the initial setting state from the HDD 50 or the DRAM 20, thereby displaying an icon or the like in the image display area of the touch panel display 40 in an initial (default) state, and enters a standby state.

  Further, the processor 10 waits until receiving various request signals (operation input signal, fax reception, etc.), and when the request signal is received, the operation corresponding to the request (copy, fax, icon arrangement editing described later). The various units are controlled so as to perform various setting processes including. When the main power is turned off, the processor 10 stores data necessary for the next startup in the HDD 50 and terminates the operation of the entire apparatus.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example in the icon arrangement editing mode when the icon arrangement displayed on the touch panel display 40 is edited.

  In the operation shown in FIG. 4, the processor 10 loads a program stored in the HDD 40 in advance into the DRAM 20 and executes the program, executes an operation according to the program code, and other hardware such as the touch panel display 40. Realized by collaboration. That is, each of these units functions as an editing unit that edits the icon arrangement.

  When a predetermined button is selected, the processor 10 shifts to an icon arrangement editing mode for editing the arrangement of icons (that is, image objects indicating device functions) displayed in the touch panel display 40 (ACT001). .

  When the icon arrangement editing mode is started, the processor 10 identifies the user ID of the user to be edited (ACT002), reads the setting data associated with the user ID from the user DB of the HDD 40, and performs the setting. An icon having contents according to the data is displayed on the touch panel display 40 (ACT002).

  When identifying the user ID in the above ACT002, a screen prompting the user ID to be input is displayed on the touch panel display 40, and collation with the input user ID is performed.

  Here, the user ID can be input by operating a hardware button such as the numeric keypad 43 and / or touching a button such as a number displayed on the touch panel display 40. Furthermore, a card reader (not shown) can be used to bring a magnetic card or IC card in which a user ID is recorded close to the card reader.

  Note that when the user ID input and collation processing is performed prior to the start of the icon arrangement editing mode, such processing in ACT002 may be omitted.

  5 and 6 are diagrams showing an example of icons displayed in the image display area (display screen) of the touch panel display 40. FIG. 5 shows a state before entering the icon arrangement editing mode, and FIG. 6 shows icon arrangement editing. Each state at the start of the mode is shown.

  In this embodiment, the case where the icons (objects) indicating the functions of the device are arranged in a total of 8 (4 (horizontal) × 2 (vertical)) = total 8 on the touch panel display 40 is shown. The number of is not limited to this.

  In the illustrated form, for simplification of explanation, numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to the icons, but in actuality, characters indicating the functions of the image processing apparatus 100 are assigned to the icons. (For example, “copy”, “FAX”, “scan”, etc.) and a picture representing the function are displayed as images.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the icons displayed on the touch panel display 40 are roughly classified into two types, those in which the function of the device is defined and those that are not defined.

  Among these, an undefined icon is displayed in the center with an image of characters and symbols indicating that it is undefined (in this example, an index of a “+” symbol). Further, undefined icons (three icons “3”, “4”, and “8” in this example) are collectively displayed on one side (right side in this example) of the image display area of the touch panel display 40. It is like that.

  These undefined icons whose device functions are not defined are prohibited from moving (exchanged) in the display position in the touch panel display 40 until the device functions are defined. By adopting such a rule (that is, a description of a program) for an undefined icon, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the defined icon is as much as possible.

  To define (assign) a device function to an undefined icon, the icon is selected (touched) with a finger or the like during the icon arrangement editing mode. Thereby, the screen of the touch panel display 40 is switched to a list display screen (not shown) on which a list of functions that can be defined is displayed, and by performing a predetermined operation on the screen, the functions of the device are assigned. Thereby, the icon and the specific function are associated with each other.

  On the other hand, predefined icons (in this example, five icons “1”, “2”, “5”, “6”, “7”) that define the function of the device are as shown in FIG. During the icon layout editing mode, to change (exchange) the index for canceling the defined function (in this example, the symbol “x” button on the upper right side of the icon) and the layout position between the two icons An instruction button (arrow head button) is displayed as an index of. Each of these indicators has a function as a software button (switch). Hereinafter, a button with this symbol “x” is also referred to as a “definition release button”, and an arrow head button is also referred to as a “position movement button”. Called.

  First, the definition release button will be described. When the definition release button is selected during the icon arrangement editing mode, that is, when the “x” indicator is touched with a finger or the like, the defined function is released after the defined function is released. It becomes a definition icon. For this reason, the said icon moves to the right side within the display area (display screen) of the touch panel display 40 as needed.

  For example, when the definition release button of the icon “7” in FIG. 6 is selected, the index and the arrowhead index (position movement button) on the left side disappear, and the above “+” indicating that it is undefined. Are newly displayed (generated), but the icons are not rearranged, that is, the display position in the touch panel display 40 is not changed. This is because the undefined icon arrangement setting is set to be displayed collectively on the right side of the display screen of the touch panel display 40 as described above.

  On the other hand, for example, when the definition release button for the icon “1” in FIG. 6 is selected, not only the deletion of the index and the two position movement buttons and the generation of the index “+”, but also the display of the icon The position (arrangement) moves to the location of the icon “7”. In this case, in this example (default setting), each defined icon moves so as to be sequentially moved up according to the number. That is, the “2” icon moves to the left, the “5” icon moves to the upper right, and the “6” and “7” icons move one to the left. However, the icon movement mode may be set to other settings. For example, when the “×” index of the “1” icon is selected, the display position of the “1” icon is the “7” icon. It is also possible to set so that the other icons “2”, “5”, and “6” are not moved.

  Next, a position movement button for changing (exchange) the arrangement position between two icons will be described. In the present embodiment, each of the position movement buttons (arrow heads) is displayed as one pair of icons capable of moving the display position (placement exchange).

  For example, the icon “2” in the example of FIG. 6 can be exchanged with the icon “1” adjacent to the left side and between the icon “6” adjacent to the lower side. However, it is possible to change the arrangement. Therefore, a “<” position movement button is displayed in the left area of the “2” icon, and a “>” position movement button is also displayed in the right area of the “1” icon.

  Similarly, a “∨” position movement button is displayed in the area below the “2” icon, and a “∧” position movement button is also displayed in the area above the “6” icon.

  On the other hand, since the “3” icon adjacent to the right side of the “2” icon is an undefined icon, the position movement button is not displayed in the area on the right side of the “2” icon. Further, since there is no adjacent icon above the “2” icon, the position movement button is not displayed in the area above the “2” icon.

  Hereinafter, a predetermined area in an icon in which a position movement button for changing a display position (placement exchange) between two icons is displayed is referred to as a “neighboring area”.

  The buttons for exchanging the arrangement and canceling the functions (that is, the arrow head and the “x” button) are displayed only when editing the icon arrangement, and are not displayed when the icon arrangement editing mode ends (see FIG. 5). ).

  Therefore, in a state other than the icon arrangement editing mode, even if a position change button (neighboring area) in a predefined icon or a place corresponding to “×” is selected by touching with a finger or the like, arrangement exchange or function release is not performed. Instead, display and various operations related to the function defined by the icon are performed.

  On the other hand, in the icon arrangement editing mode, even if the center area in the defined icon, in other words, the area other than the neighboring area or the area corresponding to the function release button is selected with the touch of a finger or the like, it is assigned to that icon. The screen display and various operations related to the functions are not performed. That is, in the icon arrangement editing mode, calling of a function corresponding to the icon and direct operation through the icon touch operation are prohibited.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart, when an editing screen with icon arrangement reflecting the user's setting is displayed, the processor 10 monitors input signals from the operation input unit (touch panel display 40 and operation panel 41) and receives a signal from the user. Wait for operation input. When the operation input signal from the user is detected, the processor 10 determines whether the operation is an icon rearrangement operation (ACT004).

  This determination is made based on whether or not a neighboring region based on a predefined coordinate value in the position change button, that is, the icon is selected (contacted). That is, if it is determined that a neighboring area has been selected (ACT004 YES), the processor 10 controls the display of the touch panel display 40 so as to exchange the corresponding two icon arrangements, thereby The display position of the icon is changed (ACT005).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the detected operation input signal is not due to the selection of the neighboring area (NO in ACT 004), the processor 10 performs processing for other operations according to the content of the operation input signal. (ACT006). Here, the processing for other operations is, for example, the cancellation of the function based on the selection of the definition cancellation button described above, the end of the editing mode based on the selection of the editing end button (see FIG. 6), and the like.

  Thus, the processor 10 repeats the processes of ACT004 to ACT006 according to the user's operation input, and when selection of the edit end button is detected (YES in ACT007), saves (updates) the data of the setting contents of the user's icon. Thus, the user DB of the HDD 50 is updated (ACT 008), and the series of processes is terminated.

  The user icon setting data updated here is associated with the total number of icons to be displayed on the touch panel display 40, the number of vertical and horizontal stages where each icon is arranged, the ID for each icon, and the ID. Settings data, data selected by the user for rules for placing undefined icons, and the like. Further, as the setting data associated with the ID for each icon, there are data indicating whether or not it has been defined, data indicating the function of the defined device, and the like. These data are read again at the next user ID authentication.

  7 and 8 show an operation example when the position of two icons is moved by touching the position movement button. As shown in the figure, when the position moving button with the downward arrow head displayed on the lower side of the “2” icon is selected (touched with a finger), the “6” icon and the position located below the button are moved. Change. FIG. 9 shows a display screen when the editing mode is terminated.

  As described above, the direction of the arrow head of the position movement button according to the present embodiment indicates the movement direction of the icon, and is easy to understand visually.

  In the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, unlike the drag and drop operation, the icon can be moved (that is, the arrangement of adjacent icons can be exchanged) with one touch, so that the icon arrangement can be easily and quickly changed. It becomes possible to do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the capacitive type is exemplified as the touch panel display 40, but the touch panel display 40 is not limited to this, and other types such as a pressure bonding type (resistance film type) are also applicable.

  In the above-described embodiment, the position movement button is configured to display an arrow (arrowhead) indicator indicating the icon movement direction in any of the four neighboring areas on the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the icon. It is not limited to. As another example, characters such as “up (UP)”, “down (DOWN)”, “left (LEFT)”, and “right (RIGHT)” are displayed in four areas on each side of the icon. It is good also as a structure.

  Furthermore, in addition to these configurations, as shown in FIG. 10, four regions are added as neighboring regions on each corner side of the icon so as to exchange the location with the icon in the oblique direction. It is also possible to provide a structure in which characters indicating the moving direction, such as an arrow indicating the moving direction (see illustration) and “upper right”, “lower right”,.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the position movement button on the upper right side of the “5” icon is provided at a position close to other position movement buttons and definition release buttons, so that erroneous operations are likely to occur relatively. Can be considered. In such a case, it is preferable that the position moving button on the upper right side of the “5” icon is not displayed. Even in such a configuration, by touching the position moving button on the lower left side of the “2” icon, the same effect as that obtained by touching the position moving button on the upper right side of the “5” icon can be obtained. It is done.

  In the above-described embodiment, the position movement button is displayed on each of the pair of replaceable icons. However, the position movement button may be displayed only on one of the icons. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, a position movement button can be displayed across the icons. As described above, the position movement button may be configured to be provided in a part of the icon.

  Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment has described the setting example in which undefined icons are collectively arranged on the right side of the display screen of the touch panel display 40, the present invention is not limited to this. Other examples include a setting example in which undefined icons are collectively arranged on the left side of the display screen, as well as a setting example in which the undefined icons are collectively arranged on the lower side of the display screen, as shown in FIG. It is good also as the example of a setting arrange | positioned collectively.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, all the icons to which the device functions are assigned can be arranged and replaced. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, among the icons whose functions are set (defined) in the display unit, for example, a specific icon is set in a specific place on the display screens of all users by the setting of the system administrator. And is configured to prohibit its movement. Hereinafter, such an icon will be referred to as an “administrator-defined icon”, and a description will be given mainly of parts that are different from the first embodiment, and description of the same parts is omitted.

  The administrator-defined icon is an icon in which the function of the apparatus is fixedly defined by the administrator or the like. For example, when double-sided printing or 2-in-1 printing mode is set as a fixed form, such as “ECO copy”, or the destination is fixed. This is used when performing facsimile communication. In addition, it has technical characteristics different from the undefined icon in that it can be set to an arbitrary display position desired by the administrator at the time of initial setting.

  This administrator-defined icon is similar to the “undefined icon” described above in that the display position cannot be moved (placement exchange), and therefore the position movement button (arrowhead) is not displayed. Further, it is prohibited to delete the display of the administrator-defined icon or to initialize (delete) the setting function, and therefore, the above-described definition release button (“×” button) at the upper right of the icon is not displayed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the icon “6” is the administrator-defined icon described above, and the change of the display position of the icon itself is prohibited. Therefore, the above-described arrow head (position movement button) is not displayed for the administrator-defined icon during icon arrangement editing. In addition, since the function initialization by the general user is prohibited while the device functions are assigned, the definition release button by the “x” symbol at the upper right of the icon is not displayed.

  Assuming that this administrator-defined icon is simply an “arrangement exchange prohibition icon”, as shown in FIG. 14, all the icons adjacent to the defined “7” icon are icons whose arrangement exchange is prohibited. Therefore, the rearrangement of the icon “7” cannot be performed, and only the definition cancellation by the “x” symbol is permitted.

  However, even in such a case, as shown in FIG. 15, if the neighborhood area and the position movement button are added to each corner side of the icon, the icon “7” is “2” on the upper left of the icon. It becomes possible to exchange the placement with the icon.

  In addition, the two predefined icons located on both sides of the administrator-defined icon are exceptionally configured to allow the arrangement exchange between both icons, in other words, the arrangement exchange over the administrator-defined icon. You can also

  In the second embodiment for realizing such an arrangement exchange, as shown in FIG. 16, two predefined icons located on both sides of the administrator-defined icon (in this example, “5 adjacent to the left and right sides of the administrator-defined icon”). ”And“ 7 ”icons), a position movement button (in this example, an index of a curved arrow) for changing the display position (placement exchange) between these two icons is displayed as an administrator-defined icon for each icon. It is displayed in the neighboring area. On the other hand, since no predefined icon exists below the administrator-defined icon below the “2” icon adjacent to the upper side of the administrator-defined icon, the position movement button is not displayed.

  From this state, when the index on the left side of the “7” icon or the index on the right side of the “5” icon is selected (touched with a finger or the like), the arrangement of these two icons is switched with each other under the control of the processor 10. Are displayed on the touch panel display 40 (see FIGS. 16 and 17).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, even when there is an object (movement prohibition icon) for which the movement of the display position (placement replacement) is prohibited, both sides of the specific icon (administrator definition icon) are present. For two icons displayed adjacent to each other, that is, a pair of icons facing each other via the movement prohibition icon, the icon arrangement is exchanged when an index of a neighboring area adjacent to the movement prohibition icon is selected. Is done. As a result, regardless of the display position (arrangement location) of the movement prohibition icon, the arrangement exchange of the defined icons is realized, and usability is ensured.

  The configuration of the second embodiment can be basically performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 described above.

  According to the configuration of each embodiment described above, it is possible to change the display position of two icons by one-touch operation of selecting a position movement button displayed on the icon (touching with a finger or the like) and exchanging the arrangement thereof. As a result, even users who are unfamiliar with drag-and-drop touch operations can easily and quickly move icons to the desired position. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus in which usability in the operation input unit is improved.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the icons to be arranged have the same outer shape. However, these icons need not have the same outer shape. As another example, for example, an undefined icon or an administrator-defined icon can be displayed with a different outline from the defined icon so that the icon can be distinguished from the defined icon at a glance. In addition, it is not always necessary that the defined icons have the same outer shape. However, from the viewpoint of defining the coordinates of each button displayed on the icon and simplifying the processing, the icons have the same outer shape. A configuration is preferable.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the display / operation panel 4 is positioned above the document table and is supported by the arm member that can be rotated and bent. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a typical type, that is, a configuration in which the display / operation panel is fixedly provided on the front side of the paper table (the side close to the user) may be used.

  In general, the present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main characteristics thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications, various improvements, alternatives and modifications belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image processing apparatus 1 Image forming part, 3 cassette, 5 scanner, 7 automatic document feeder 10 processor (control means), 20 DRAM, 30 ROM, 50 HDD, 60 scanner, 70 printer, 80 network I / F,
4 Display / operation panel (display means)
40 touch panel display 41 operation panel 42 function setting keys (42a scan function selection key, 42b copy function selection key, 42c FAX function selection key), 43 numeric keys, 44 start key, 45 reset key, 46 stop key

Claims (6)

Display means for displaying an image on the screen;
The display means displays a defined object to which the device function is assigned and an undefined object to which the device function is not assigned. When the predefined object is selected, the assigned object is assigned to the defined object. And a control means for performing the function,
In the edit mode for editing the display settings of the defined object and the undefined object, the control means transmits a move button for the two defined objects adjacent to each other to at least one of the two defined objects. When at least a part is displayed and the move button is selected, the display setting is changed so as to exchange the arrangement of the two predefined objects, and the neighboring predefined objects and undefined objects are changed. An image processing apparatus, wherein display of the movement button is prohibited.   The control means displays, on the display means, a movement-inhibited object to which device functions are assigned and placement is prohibited together with the defined object, and the two defined objects located on both sides of the movement-inhibited object. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement button is displayed so that at least a part of the movement button overlaps at least one of the two predefined objects.   The control means displays the defined object that can be selected and operated and represents the function of the device, displays the undefined object that can be selected and operated, and moves the move button to at least two adjacent defined objects. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus displays the image on one of the defined objects on the other defined object side, and the moving button points to the other defined object. 4. . An object display method by an image processing apparatus including a display unit,
The display means displays a defined object to which the device function is assigned and an undefined object to which the device function is not assigned,
In an edit mode for editing display settings of the defined object and the undefined object, a move button for two adjacent defined objects is overlapped with at least a part of the move button on at least one of the two defined objects. Display as
When the move button is selected, the display setting is changed to exchange the arrangement of the two predefined objects,
Prohibit display of the move button for the nearby defined and undefined objects,
When the editing mode ends and the predefined object is selected, a function assigned to the predefined object is performed. The display unit displays a movement prohibition object, to which a function of the apparatus is assigned and prohibition of relocation, together with the defined object,
The movement buttons for the two defined objects located on both sides of the movement prohibited object are displayed so that at least a part of the movement buttons overlaps at least one of the two defined objects. 4. The method according to 4. In an image processing apparatus provided with a display means,
The display means displays a defined object to which the function of the image processing device is assigned and an undefined object to which the function of the image processing device is not assigned,
In an edit mode for editing display settings of the defined object and the undefined object, a move button for two adjacent defined objects is overlapped with at least a part of the move button on at least one of the two defined objects. Display as
When the move button is selected, the display setting is changed to exchange the arrangement of the two predefined objects,
Prohibit display of the move button for the nearby defined and undefined objects,
An object display program for executing a function assigned to a predefined object when the editing mode is completed and the predefined object is selected.