JP2020057403A - Numeric value input device in image processing device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a numeric value input device in an image processing device with which it is possible to reduce possibility for a user to mistakenly press a clear key while operating on a numeric keypad, and a control method of the numeric value input device.SOLUTION: A numeric value input device includes a touch panel display, and displays a numeric value input area 242 on the touch panel display. Numeric keys of 0-9 and a clear key ([C] key) for clearing an inputted numeric value are displayed in the numeric value input area 242. The clear key is disposed in a diagonal direction to a prescribed numeric key ("0" key) that is closest to the clear key, and none of numeric keys is present in adjacent areas in a lateral direction of the prescribed numeric key. Thus, it is possible to reduce possibility for a user to mistakenly press a clear key while operating on a numeric keypad, allowing the user to input numeric values quickly and feeling at ease.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

  The present invention relates to a numerical value input device in an image processing apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a numerical value input device capable of suppressing an erroneous operation of a clear key for deleting an input numerical value and a control method thereof.

  As one type of image processing apparatus, a multifunction peripheral (MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral)) having a plurality of functions, such as a copy, print, facsimile (hereinafter, also referred to as a facsimile), and a scanner, is widely used. The MFP not only forms an image on recording paper based on digital data of a document read by a scanner, digital data received via a communication line, and the like, but also processes the digital data by image processing to send a fax or e-mail. Can be sent as An instruction to the MFP is issued via an operation unit provided in the MFP.

  For example, when copying a document, the user sets the document on the MFP, operates the operation unit to input copy conditions (conditions for the number of copies, black-and-white copy, color copy, duplex printing, etc.), and then executes a copy execution key (start key). )Press. The number of copies is input using numerical keys 0 to 9 (hereinafter referred to as numeric keys) of the operation unit. If the input of the number of copies is incorrect, the user presses a clear key (hereinafter, also referred to as a C key), deletes all the input values, and inputs again.

  To send a fax, the original to be sent is set on the MFP, and the fax number of the destination is input using the numeric keypad in the same manner as described above. If the wrong fax number is entered, press the clear key to delete all the entered values, and then enter again. After inputting the fax number of the transmission destination, press the transmission execution key (start key). After the set document is read and subjected to image conversion (conversion to fax data), transmission to the set transmission destination is performed.

  Various arrangements are known for a numeric keypad in an image processing apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an arrangement of numeric keys shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows a touch panel provided in the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 1, a ten key, a decimal point key, and a clear key (C key) are arranged in a right area 11 a of the touch panel 11.

  Patent Document 2 listed below discloses an arrangement of numeric keys shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a screen of a liquid crystal monitor of a touch panel provided in the image processing apparatus. In FIG. 1, a numeric keypad and a clear key are arranged in a right area.

  Patent Document 3 listed below discloses an arrangement of numeric keys shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a screen of an operation unit (liquid crystal touch panel) provided in the image input / output system. In FIG. 3, a numeric keypad and a clear key (C key) are arranged in a lower right area.

  Patent Document 4 listed below discloses an arrangement of numeric keys shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a screen of the touch panel 601 included in the operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 4, a numeric keypad and a clear key (C key) are arranged in a left area 650.

  Patent Document 5 below discloses an arrangement of numeric keys shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a screen of a touch panel display unit provided in the information processing apparatus. In FIG. 5, a numeric keypad is arranged in the right area of the screen, and a clear key is arranged in the center of the screen.

JP-A-11-282314 JP 2005-178359 A JP 2006-334931 A JP 2010-1111044 A JP 2011-68098 A

  As described above, in recent years, a touch panel display (touch panel and liquid crystal display device) has been adopted as an operation unit in an image processing apparatus, and numeric keys are also displayed as soft keys on the touch panel. In such a numerical value input device, since it is necessary to display other keys and information on the touch panel display together with the numeric keys and the C keys, the size of the numeric keys and the C keys is taken into consideration in consideration of the balance of the entire screen. And layout needs to be designed. Furthermore, since the size of a touch panel display that is normally used is up to about 10 inches, it is necessary to narrow the interval between the numeric keypad and the C key and arrange the keypad in a narrow range.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a key arrangement in which the distance between adjacent keys is small is adopted. As shown in FIG. 6, there is a high possibility that a key operation is erroneous in an arrangement with a small interval. That is, there is a problem that a key different from the intended key is touched. In particular, the C key is a key for clearing all the entered values, so if you touch the C key by mistake even though the correct value is entered, enter all the values from the beginning It is complicated.

  When the user directly touches the numeric keypad and touches the numeric keypad with the right hand, the C key is hidden with the right hand. Therefore, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, there is a high possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key. For example, when the user wants to touch the key “2” and the user's finger moves toward the lower part (shaded portion) of the key “2”, the user touches the C key adjacent to the key “2”. It is likely to end up. Similarly, when the user tries to touch the key “0”, if the user's finger moves toward the right side (shaded portion) of the key “0”, the finger is adjacent to the key “0”. There is a high possibility that the C key will be touched.

  This is a problem that occurs when the C key is arranged near the numeric keypad as shown in FIGS. In the case where the C key is arranged at a distance from the numeric keypad as shown in FIG. 5, such a problem is unlikely to occur, but the design of the numeric keypad, the C key and the execution key (start key), and the design with one hand There is a problem that impairs operability. That is, the keys of the related functions (numeric keypad and C key) are not arranged in one place. In addition, the user cannot input a numeric value by pressing the numeric keypad with one hand (for example, the right hand), press the C key when the user inputs an error, and press the execution key when the input is completed. .

  Therefore, the present invention can arrange the numeric keypad and the clear key in a narrow range without impairing the designability of the key arrangement and the operability of the key, and there is a possibility that the clear key is erroneously pressed during numeric input by the numeric keypad. It is an object of the present invention to provide a numerical value input device in an image processing device and a control method thereof, which can reduce the number of images.

  The above object can be achieved by the following.

  That is, the numerical value input device in the image processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention is arranged so as to be superimposed on the display means for displaying a numerical value input screen including a plurality of numerical keys for inputting numerical values, and the display means. Input means for specifying a specified position on the numerical value input screen, and when a position on any of the plurality of numerical keys is specified by the input means, a numerical value corresponding to the numerical key including the position is displayed. Storage means for storing. On the numerical value input screen, a clear key for deleting the numerical value stored in the storage means is displayed. The plurality of numeric keys and the clear key have the same shape. The clear key is arranged diagonally to a predetermined numeric key closest to the clear key among the plurality of numeric keys. None of the plurality of numeric keys exists in an area adjacent to the predetermined numeric key in the left-right direction. The orthographic projection of the clear key on the axis extending in the left-right direction in the numerical value input screen is included in the orthographic projection of the numerical key area on the axis, which is the area where all of the numerical keys are displayed. Each of the plurality of numeric keys is a key uniquely determined. No key is arranged between the clear key and a predetermined numerical key. Further, a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process using the numerical value stored in the storage means is displayed on the numerical value input screen. The key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process is displayed such that the orthogonal projection of the key on the axis has a portion overlapping the orthogonal projection of the numerical key area on the axis.

  Preferably, a part of the orthogonal projection of the key for causing the image processing apparatus to start the predetermined process on the axis overlaps the orthogonal projection of the numerical key area on the axis.

  More preferably, a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process is larger than a plurality of numeric keys and a clear key.

  More preferably, the vertical interval between the clear key and the predetermined numeric key is wider than the vertical interval between adjacent numeric keys among the plurality of numeric keys.

  Preferably, the numerical keys and the clear key are the same size.

  More preferably, the plurality of numeric keys constitute numeric keys for inputting integer values of 0-9.

  More preferably, in an area on the numerical value input screen adjacent to the upper side and the left side of the clear key, no key is displayed in a range of the same size as at least one numerical key of the plurality of numerical keys.

  Preferably, the display means and the input means are a touch panel display.

  More preferably, the above-mentioned predetermined process is a copy process for forming an image of a document on recording paper.

  A control method according to a second aspect of the present invention provides an image including: a display unit that displays an image; and an input unit that is arranged to overlap the display unit and specifies a specified position on the display unit. It is a control method of the numerical value input device in the processing device. This control method includes a step of displaying a numerical value input screen including a plurality of numerical keys for inputting numerical values on a display means, a step of specifying a designated position on the numerical value input screen by the input means, Receiving a position on any one of the plurality of numerical keys by means, and storing a numerical value corresponding to the numerical key including the position. The control method further includes a step of displaying, on the numerical value input screen, a clear key for deleting the numerical value stored in the storing step. Here, the plurality of numeric keys and the clear key have the same shape. The clear key is arranged diagonally to a predetermined numeric key closest to the clear key among the plurality of numeric keys. None of the plurality of numeric keys exists in an area adjacent to the predetermined numeric key in the left-right direction. The orthographic projection of the clear key on the axis extending in the left-right direction in the numerical value input screen is included in the orthographic projection of the numerical key area on the axis, which is the area where all of the numerical keys are displayed. Each of the plurality of numeric keys is a key uniquely determined. No key is arranged between the clear key and a predetermined numerical key. In addition, the control method includes a step of displaying, on the numerical value input screen, a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process using the numerical value stored in the storing step. A key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process is displayed such that an orthographic projection of the key on the axis described above has a portion overlapping an orthographic projection of the numerical key area on the axis.

  Preferably, a part of the orthogonal projection of the key for causing the image processing apparatus to start the predetermined process on the axis overlaps the orthogonal projection of the numerical key area on the axis.

  More preferably, a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process is larger than a plurality of numeric keys and a clear key.

  More preferably, the vertical interval between the clear key and the predetermined numeric key is wider than the vertical interval between adjacent numeric keys among the plurality of numeric keys.

  Preferably, the numerical keys and the clear key are the same size.

  More preferably, the plurality of numeric keys constitute numeric keys for inputting integer values of 0-9.

  More preferably, in an area on the numerical value input screen adjacent to the upper side and the left side of the clear key, no key is displayed in a range of the same size as at least one numerical key of the plurality of numerical keys.

  Preferably, the display means and the input means are a touch panel display.

  More preferably, the above-mentioned predetermined process is a copy process for forming an image of a document on recording paper.

  According to the present invention, there is a possibility that the user may accidentally press the clear key during numeric input using the numeric keypad while arranging the numeric keypad and the clear key in a narrow range without impairing the design of the key arrangement and the operability of the key. Can be reduced. Therefore, the user can promptly input the numerical value with peace of mind.

  Further, the clear key may be arranged between the numeric keypad and a key for causing the image processing apparatus or the like to start a predetermined process. According to this configuration, when the user inputs a numerical value incorrectly, the user can easily clear the input value, and a series of operations from the numerical value input to the start of the processing can be smoothly performed.

It is a figure showing the conventional operation screen. It is a figure showing the conventional operation screen. It is a figure showing the conventional operation screen. It is a figure showing the conventional operation screen. It is a figure showing the conventional operation screen. It is a figure showing arrangement of a ten key and a clear key displayed on a conventional operation screen. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a basic layout configuration of a basic screen in each operation mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a basic screen of a copy mode displayed on an operation unit. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed in the image processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area of FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a numerical value input area in which the arrangement of C keys is different from that in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a numerical value input area in which the arrangement of the C key is different from that in FIGS. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a numerical value input area in which the size and arrangement of the C key are different from those in FIG. 12. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a numerical value input area in which the arrangement of C keys is different from that in FIG. 15. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a numerical value input area in which the size and arrangement of the C key are different from those in FIG. 12. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a numerical value input area in which the arrangement of C keys is different from that in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a numerical value input area in which the arrangement of the C key is different from those in FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a numerical value input area in which the arrangement of the C key is different from that in FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a numerical value input area in which the shape of the C key is different from that of FIG. 12. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a numeric keypad area different from FIGS. 12 to 21. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a numerical value input area displayed when the screen layout of FIG. 10 is displayed symmetrically.

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

  An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a digital multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a fax function, an e-mail function, a copy function, and a printer function.

  Referring to FIG. 7, image processing apparatus 100 includes document reading unit 110, image forming unit 120, operation unit 130, paper feed unit 140, manual paper feed tray 142, and paper discharge processing unit 150. The operation unit 130 includes a touch panel display 132 and an operation key unit 134. The touch panel display 132 includes, for example, a display panel configured by a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel arranged on the display panel and detecting a touched position. Operations on the image processing apparatus 100 are mainly performed through the touch panel display 132. A small number of function keys (for example, a power ON / OFF key for turning on / off the power of the image processing apparatus 100) are arranged as hard keys on the operation key unit 134.

  Referring to FIG. 8, image processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 102 that controls the entire image processing apparatus 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 104 for storing programs and the like, (Random Access Memory) 106 as a storage device, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108 as a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is cut off. The ROM 104 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image processing apparatus 100.

  The image processing apparatus 100 further includes an image processing unit 122, a screen generation unit 124, a fax communication unit 112, a network I / F 114, and a bus 116. The CPU 102, the ROM 104, the RAM 106, the HDD 108, the fax communication unit 112, the network I / F 114, the document reading unit 110, the image forming unit 120, the image processing unit 122, the screen generation unit 124, and the operation unit 130 are connected to the bus 116. . Data (including control information) exchange between the units is performed via a bus 116. The CPU 102 reads a program from the ROM 104 onto the RAM 106 via the bus 116 and executes the program using a part of the RAM 106 as a work area. That is, the CPU 102 controls each unit configuring the image processing apparatus 100 according to the program stored in the ROM 104, and realizes each function of the image processing apparatus 100.

  The fax communication unit 112 includes a fax modem, and is connected to an external public telephone line 180. The fax modem is an interface for the image processing apparatus 100 to perform fax communication with an external device via the public telephone line 180.

  The network I / F 114 is connected to an external network 182, and includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) as an interface for the image processing apparatus 100 to communicate with the external device via the network 182.

  The image communication mode of the image processing apparatus 100 includes a fax mode in which image data is transmitted and received by a fax modem via a public telephone line, an Internet fax mode in which image data is transmitted and received by the NIC through the Internet, and image data transmission to e-mail. There are an e-mail communication mode (scan-to-mail) for attachment and transmission, and an image transmission mode (scan-to-folder) for transferring image data to a specific folder of a PC via a network.

  The document reading unit 110 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) for reading an image, a document detection sensor for detecting a document set on a document table, an automatic document feeder (ADF), and the like. Is read and image data is input. The image data is temporarily stored in an image memory (not shown). The image processing unit 122 performs various image processing on the read image data. The image forming unit 120 prints the image data on a recording sheet. The image data is stored in the HDD 108 as needed.

  The paper supply unit 140 holds recording paper for image formation. The manual feed tray 142 is a tray for manually feeding recording paper.

  The operation unit 130 receives an input such as an instruction to the image processing apparatus 100 by a user. The image displayed on the touch panel display 132 is generated by the screen generation unit 124. The user checks the state of the image processing apparatus 100 and the processing status of the job on the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132. By selecting a key displayed on the touch panel display 132 on the touch panel overlaid on the display panel (touching a corresponding portion on the touch panel), a function setting, an operation instruction, and the like of the image processing apparatus 100 can be performed. Ten keys (hereinafter referred to as numerical keys) for inputting numerical values of 0 to 9 are also displayed on the touch panel display 132.

  The CPU 102 monitors the operation of the user on the operation unit 130 (the touch panel display 132 and the keys of the operation key unit), and displays information to be notified to the user, such as information on the state of the image processing apparatus 100, on the touch panel display 132.

  Hereinafter, each mode for executing the functions (copy function, printer function, scanner function, and fax function) provided in the image processing apparatus 100 will be briefly described.

(Copy mode)
When the image processing apparatus 100 is used as a copier, image data of a document read by the document reading unit 110 (hereinafter, also referred to as document data) is output from the image forming unit 120 as a copy.

  The image of the document set at the reading position can be read electronically by the CCD provided in the document reading unit 110. The read image data is completed in the image memory as output data (print data), and then stored in the HDD 108. When there are a plurality of originals, the reading operation and the storing operation are repeated. Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 130, the image data stored in the HDD 108 is sequentially read out at appropriate timing and sent to the image memory. Then, the image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 120 in synchronization with the image forming timing in the image forming unit 120.

  When a plurality of read image data are to be printed, similarly, output data is stored in the HDD 108 in page units, sent from the HDD 108 to the image memory, and repeated for the number of output sheets. Transmitted to the unit 120.

  In the paper supply unit 140, the recording paper is pulled out by a pickup roller, and is transported to the image forming unit 120 by a plurality of transport rollers. The image forming unit 120 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum by exposing the charged photosensitive drum according to the input image data. After the toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image portion on the photosensitive drum, an image of the toner is transferred onto the conveyed recording paper via a transfer belt. Thereafter, the recording paper is heated and pressurized (this fixes an image on the recording paper), and is discharged to the discharge tray 152.

(Fax mode)
The image processing apparatus 100 can transmit and receive a fax to and from an external fax apparatus via the fax communication unit 112 and the public telephone line 180.

  When the image processing apparatus 100 is used as a facsimile apparatus, the image processing apparatus 100 reads out image data from the HDD 108, converts the image data into a data format for facsimile communication, and transmits the read data via the facsimile communication unit 112 and the public telephone line 180. Of fax machines. Also, data received by fax from the fax machine can be formed as image data on the image memory, and stored in the HDD 108 and printed by the image forming unit 120 as described above.

  When performing fax transmission, the user operates the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132 and the operation key unit 134 to set the conditions for fax transmission, and then presses a key for instructing execution of fax transmission. The fax transmission conditions include the fax number of the destination, the size of the original, the density of the transmitted image, the image quality of the transmitted image, and the like. In the case of simultaneous transmission in which the same original is transmitted to a plurality of transmission destinations collectively, a fax number for each transmission destination and transmission conditions for each transmission destination are set.

(Printer mode)
When the image processing apparatus 100 is used as a printer, image data received via the communication unit 112 is output from the image forming unit 120 via an image memory or the like.

  The communication unit 112 receives image data from a terminal device (not shown) such as a PC connected to the network 182. The received image data is sent to the image memory in page units as output image data, and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data is sent again from the HDD 108 to the image memory, and transmitted to the image forming unit 120 in the same manner as in the above-described copy mode, and the image is formed.

(Scanner mode)
When the image processing apparatus 100 is used as, for example, a network scanner, the document data read by the document reading unit 110 is transmitted from the communication unit 112 to a terminal device such as a computer via the network 182. Also in this case, the original is electronically read by the CCD provided in the original reading unit 110. Then, the read document data is completed as output data on the image memory, and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data is sent again from the HDD 108 to the image memory, and after establishing communication with the designated destination via the operation unit 130, is transmitted from the communication unit 112 to the designated destination. .

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 has a plurality of operation modes, and the touch panel display 132 displays different screens according to the selected operation mode. Each screen is divided into a plurality of areas, and information is displayed in each area. The screens displayed on the touch panel display 132 are unified as described below so that the user can easily find information requested by different screens.

  Referring to FIG. 9, basic screens of various operation modes displayed on operation unit 130 include system area 200, function setting / confirmation area (hereinafter, referred to as function selection area) 210, preview area 240, action panel area 260, And five areas including a task trigger area 280. These five areas are arranged according to the basic layout. That is, the system area 200 is arranged at the top of the basic screen. Preview area 240 is arranged at the center of the basic screen. The function selection area 210 is arranged on the left side of the preview area 240 on the basic screen. The action panel area 260 is arranged on the upper right side of the preview area 240 on the basic screen. The task trigger area 280 is arranged on the lower right side of the preview area 240 on the basic screen. The five regions and the basic layout that constitute the basic screen in the various operation modes described above are common to all the operation modes.

  With such a basic layout, when the user uses the image processing apparatus 100, the user operates from the upper left to the lower right of the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132. Therefore, the flow line of the user's viewpoint and the flow line of the fingertip are realized similarly to the conventional device without the touch panel display 132, so that the user can easily set the image processing apparatus 100. Further, even in different operation modes (different basic screens), the information displayed in the corresponding areas is similar. Therefore, even if the operation modes are different, the user does not get confused and can set the function of the image processing apparatus 100. And numerical values can be input.

  With reference to FIG. 10, a copy mode basic screen will be described as an example of a basic screen displayed on the operation unit 130 of the image processing apparatus 100. In the system area 200 of the basic screen 300 of the copy mode, the character “copy” indicating the copy mode and the job status are displayed.

  In the function selection area 210 of the copy mode basic screen 300, setting keys for changing the settings of various functions and parameters such as parameters relating to the copy mode are displayed. In FIG. 10, setting keys 212 to 224 are displayed. The setting key 212 is a key for setting whether the document data is displayed in color or monochrome. The setting key 214 is a key for changing a document size. The setting key 216 is a key for adjusting the density of the document data. The setting key 218 is a key for setting the magnification of the document data. The setting key 220 is a key for setting the size and type of printing paper. The setting key 222 is a key for setting a printing surface for printing paper. The setting key 224 is a key for performing setting related to sorting or grouping of print results. When any of the setting keys 212 to 224 is touched by the user, a setting screen (for example, a density setting screen, an image quality setting screen, a document setting screen, etc.) corresponding to the touched key is displayed on the touch panel display 132. You. In the function selection area 210, below the setting keys 212 to 224, keys 226 and 228 for changing the display style of the setting keys 212 to 224 and another function key 230 are displayed. The key 226 is a key for displaying only setting keys related to functions registered in advance as “favorite”. The key 228 is a key for displaying only a setting key related to a function whose setting has been changed. Other function key 230 is a key for requesting display of another special function different from the function displayed in function selection area 210.

  When all the setting keys to be displayed cannot be displayed in the function selection area 210, the various setting keys are displayed so as to be vertically scrollable. However, the display positions of the keys 226 to 230 remain fixed. The user can switch the display portion of the various setting keys up and down by touch operation (scroll operation) or gesture operation (flick operation in up and down direction).

  A numerical value input area 242 for setting the number of copies is displayed in the preview area 240 of the basic screen 300 in the copy mode. The numerical value input area 242 includes a key area 244 and a copy number display area 246. The key area 244 includes numerical keys (numeric keys) 0 to 9 and a clear key (C key) 250. The area where the numeric keypad is displayed is called a numeric keypad area 248. The copy number display area 246 is an area for displaying the number of copies input by the user.

  An execution key for executing the recommended function in the copy mode is displayed in the action panel area 260 of the basic screen 300 in the copy mode. In FIG. 10, the execution keys 262 to 270 are displayed. The execution key 262 is a key for faxing image data scanned simultaneously with copying. The execution key 264 is a key for calling a program in which a predetermined copy function is registered. The execution key 266 is a key for automatically temporarily storing scanned image data. The execution key 268 is a key for storing image data scanned by adding information to the folder. The execution key 270 is a key for calling an eco-program for reducing power consumption.

  A preview key 282, a clear all key (CA key) 284, a color start key 286, and a monochrome start key 288 are displayed in the task trigger area 280 of the basic screen 300 of the copy mode. The preview key 282 is a key for starting execution of the scan-in process. When the preview key 282 is touched, the document is scanned, and a preview image based on the scan data is displayed in the preview area 240. The CA key 284 is a key for canceling all functions and parameters whose settings have been changed and returning the settings to the default state. The color start key 286 is a key for starting color printing. A monochrome start key 288 is a key for starting monochrome printing.

  With reference to FIG. 11, a control structure of a program executed in image processing apparatus 100 will be described. When the power of the image processing apparatus 100 is turned on, the CPU 102 reads out this program from the ROM 104 and executes it. When the power ON / OFF key of the operation key unit 134 is pressed, power supply to the image processing apparatus 100 is started (power is turned on).

  When the power of the image processing apparatus 100 is turned on, after a predetermined warm-up operation, in step 400, the CPU 102 controls the screen generation unit 124 to generate a home screen, and displays the home screen on the touch panel display 132 of the operation unit 130. Let it. In that state, the CPU 102 waits for a user operation on the touch panel display 132. On the home screen, a mode selection key for selecting each operation mode of the image processing apparatus 100 is displayed.

  In step 402, the CPU 102 determines whether a mode selection key on the home screen has been touched. Whether any of the mode selection keys has been touched is determined based on the coordinate data of the touch position transmitted from the touch panel to the CPU 102. The CPU 102 specifies a position on the displayed screen from the received coordinate data, and determines whether or not the specified position is within a range where the mode selection key is displayed. If it is determined that the specified position is within the range in which the mode selection key is displayed, CPU 102 determines that the mode selection key has been touched, and control proceeds to step 406. At this time, the CPU 102 determines an operation mode corresponding to the touched mode selection key, and stores information specifying the operation mode in the RAM 106. If it is determined that no touch has been made, control proceeds to step 404.

  In step 404, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the power ON / OFF key of the operation key unit 134 has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the CPU 102 ends the program. If it is determined that it has not been pressed, control returns to step 402.

  In step 406, CPU 102 refers to RAM 106 and displays, on touch panel display 132, a basic screen of the operation mode corresponding to the information specifying the operation mode (the operation mode corresponding to the mode selection key touched in step 402). I do. For example, when copy is selected in step 402, a screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. While the screen is displayed, CPU 102 waits for a user operation on touch panel display 132.

  In step 408, CPU 102 determines whether or not a key on the screen displayed on touch panel display 132 has been touched. If it is determined that any key on the screen has been touched, control proceeds to step 412. Otherwise, control proceeds to step 410.

  In step 410, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the power ON / OFF key of the operation key unit 134 has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the CPU 102 ends the program. If it is determined that it has not been pressed, control returns to step 408.

  In step 412, the CPU 102 executes a process corresponding to the key touched in step 408. Thereafter, control returns to step 408. By repeating steps 408 to 412, processing for setting conditions relating to each operation mode of the image processing apparatus 100 is executed, and final processing is executed according to the set conditions. For example, in the copy mode, when the user touches a key on the copy basic screen in FIG. 10, the above-described setting processing is executed according to the touched key. That is, after the keys in the function selection area 210 and the numerical value input area 242 are touched to set the copy conditions, when the key in the task trigger area 280 is touched, copy processing is executed.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 can execute the process in the designated operation mode in response to the operation of the operation unit 130 by the user.

  Hereinafter, the user's operation on the numerical value input area 242 will be described in more detail. When the user copies a document, the user touches setting keys 212 to 224 in the function selection area 210 on the basic screen 300 in the copy mode as necessary to set copy conditions. The number of copies is input using the numeric keypad in the numerical value input area 242. In the numerical value input area 242 shown in FIG. 10, the C key 250 is arranged outside the numeric key area 248, so that when the user touches the numeric keypad to input the number of copies, the user touches the C key 250 by mistake. Very unlikely. This point will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  In the numeric input area 242 shown in FIG. 12, all numeric keys have the same shape and size (horizontal length w, vertical length h) and are arranged in a grid. That is, nine numerical keys (keys “1” to “9”) are arranged at regular intervals in the left-right direction at a predetermined interval (horizontal interval) p1, and at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction (vertical interval). They are arranged at equal intervals at p2. The vertical interval p2 is smaller than the horizontal interval p1 (p2 <p1). The other one of the numeric keys (the key of “0”) is arranged at the bottom of the leftmost row and separated from the key of “7” by the vertical interval p2.

  The C key 250 has the same shape and size as the numeric keys. The C key 250 is arranged outside the numeric keypad area 248, adjacent to the numeric keypad area 248. The keys are not adjacent to the upper and left sides of the C key 250. That is, no keys are arranged above and to the left of the C key 250 in a range (indicated by areas 252 and 254) larger than the size of the numeric key. The C key 250 is closest to the “9” key, and is disposed diagonally below and to the right of the “9” key. As described above, since the C key 250 is arranged with respect to the numeric keypad, the possibility that the user accidentally presses the C key 250 while operating the numeric keypad is extremely low. That is, since no keys are arranged in the upper region 252 and the left region 254 of the C key 250, the possibility that the user touches the upper region 252 or the left region 254 of the C key 250 during operation of the numeric keypad is very low. Therefore, the possibility that the C key 250 is pressed by mistake is very low. In addition, since the C key 250 is located diagonally below and to the right of the “9” key, the possibility that the user presses the C key 250 to press the “9” key is extremely low. Therefore, the user can promptly input the number of copies in peace. In addition, since the C key 250 is arranged close to the numeric keypad, if an input of a numerical value is incorrect, the input value can be easily cleared.

  After the setting of the copy conditions including the input of the number of copies is completed, the user touches the color start key 286 or the black and white start key 288 in the task trigger area 280 arranged in the lower right area of the screen 300 in FIG. . Thus, as described above, the image processing apparatus 100 starts the copy processing of the document.

  As shown in FIG. 10, since the numeric keypad area 248, the C key 250, and the task trigger area 280 are arranged diagonally from the upper left to the lower right, the user moves from the upper left to the lower right using the right hand. Copy operation can be performed by natural operation.

  As described above, the example of the arrangement of the C key and the numeric keypad for reducing the possibility of touching the C key by mistake during the operation of the numeric keypad has been described, but the key arrangement is not limited to this. If the C key has the same shape and size as the numeric keys, the arrangement may be as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG.

  13 and 14, the C key is arranged on the right side of the numeric keypad area 248. In FIG. 13, the C key is located at the same position in the vertical direction with respect to the nearest numeric key (the “9” key) at the interval (d1> p1) larger than the horizontal interval p1 of the numeric keypad in the horizontal direction. Are located in Therefore, the possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key when touching the “9” key is reduced. Since no keys are arranged above and below the C key, this also reduces the possibility that the C key is touched by mistake.

  In FIG. 14, the C key is located on the right side of the two closest numeric keys (the “6” key and the “9” key) at the same interval p1 as the left and right intervals of the numeric keypad. It is arranged at a position shifted in the direction (the center of the key is shifted vertically with respect to any of the two adjacent numeric keys). As described above, the C key is arranged at the left / right distance p1 from the numeric keypad, and the C key is vertically overlapped with each of the closest numeric keys (the “6” key and the “9” key). Is less than the vertical length h of the numeric key. For example, the length d2 at which the key “6” and the C key overlap in the vertical direction is d2 <h. The same applies to the length in which the “9” key and the C key overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the user touches the “6” key or the “9” key, the possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key is reduced. In this case, it is preferable that d2 = h / 2 because the C key is adjacent to the two numeric keys (the “6” key and the “9” key). Further, since no keys are arranged above and below the C key, this also reduces the possibility that the C key is touched by mistake.

  When the C key is larger than the numeric key, the keys may be arranged as shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. The horizontal length of the C key is the same as the horizontal length w of the numeric key, but the vertical length of the C key is longer than the vertical length h of the numeric key. In FIG. 15, the C key is arranged on the numeric keypad similarly to FIG. The C key is arranged adjacent to the numeric keypad area 248 and outside the numeric keypad area 248. No keys are adjacent to the upper and left sides of the C key. That is, the keys are not arranged on the upper side and the left side of the C key in a range larger than the size of the numeric key. The C key is closest to the “9” key and is disposed diagonally below and to the right of the “9” key. As described above, since the C key is arranged with respect to the numeric keypad, the possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key while operating the numeric keypad is extremely low. That is, since the keys are not arranged in the upper area and the left area of the C key, it is very unlikely that the user touches the upper area or the left area of the C key while operating the numeric keypad. The possibility of touching is very low. Further, since the C key is located diagonally below and to the right of the “9” key, the possibility that the user touches the “9” key and touches the “C” key is extremely low.

  In FIG. 16, the horizontal length of the C key is the same as the horizontal length w of the numeric key, but the vertical length of the C key is longer than the vertical length h of the numeric key . The C key is arranged on the right side of the closest numeric key (the “9” key) at the same interval as the left-right interval p1 of the numeric keypad. The length d3 of the numeric key (the “9” key) adjacent to the C key in the vertical direction is less than the vertical length h of the numeric key, as in FIG. 14 (d3 <h). Therefore, when the user touches the “9” key, the possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key is reduced.

  When the C key is larger than the numeric key, the keys may be arranged as shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. In FIG. 17, the vertical length of the C key is the same as the vertical length h of the numeric key, but the horizontal length of the C key is longer than the numeric key length w. The C key is arranged adjacent to the numeric keypad area 248 so that a part thereof is outside the numeric keypad area 248. The key is not adjacent to the left side of the C key. That is, the keys are not arranged on the upper side and the left side of the C key in a range larger than the size of the numeric key. The C key is closest to the “9” key, and is disposed diagonally below and to the right of the “9” key. The interval between the C key and the “9” key is the same as the vertical interval p2 of the numeric keypad, but the length d4 that the C key overlaps with the adjacent numeric key (the “9” key) in the horizontal direction is , The length of the numeric key in the left-right direction is less than w (d4 <w). As described above, since the C key is arranged on the numeric keypad, the possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key when touching the “9” key is reduced.

  In FIG. 18, the vertical length of the C key is the same as the vertical length h of the numeric key, but the horizontal length of the C key is longer than the numeric key length w. In FIG. 18, the C key is close to three numeric keys ("0", "8", and "9" keys), but is separated from any of them by at least the left-right space p1 and the up-down space p2 of the numeric keypad. Are located. Therefore, the C key is arranged so that a part thereof goes out of the numeric keypad area 248. The distance d5 between the C key and the “0” key is larger than the horizontal distance p1 (d5> p1). The distance d6 between the C key and the keys "8" and "9" is larger than the vertical distance p2 (d6> p2). Therefore, when the user touches the “0”, “8” or “9” key, the possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key is reduced.

  Note that the C key may be arranged completely outside the numeric keypad area 248 as shown in FIGS. In FIG. 19, the C key is located at the lower right corner of the numerical value input area 242. In FIG. 20, the C key is located at the bottom of the numerical value input area 242 and at the center in the left-right direction.

  When the C key has a shape different from that of the numerical keys, the keys may be arranged as shown in FIG. In FIG. 21, the C key has a shape obtained by rotating an L-shaped character 90 degrees to the left. This C key has, for example, a shape in which the upper side (length w) protrudes upward and the left side (length h) protrudes leftward in the C key shown in FIG. This C key has a part (the left protruding part) located within the numeric keypad area 248, and the other part located outside the numeric keypad area 248. The key is not adjacent to the upper part of the upper protrusion of the C key and to the left of the left protrusion. That is, the keys are not arranged on the upper side and the left side of the C key in a range larger than the size of the numeric key. The C key is closest to the “9” key, and is disposed diagonally below and to the right of the “9” key. The length d7 of the numerical key adjacent to the numerical key (the key of “9”) vertically overlaps with the numerical key is less than the vertical length h of the numerical key (d7 <h). Further, the length d8 of the C key and the adjacent numeric key (the “9” key) overlapping in the left-right direction is less than the length w of the numeric key in the left-right direction (d8 <w). Therefore, when the user touches the “9” key, the possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key is reduced.

  Further, the arrangement of the numeric keys is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIGS. The arrangement shown in FIG. 22 may be used. In any of the arrangements of FIGS. 22A and 22B, if the C key is arranged in the numeric keypad area 248 as shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 and FIGS. It is possible to reduce erroneous touching of the C key when operating the numeric keypad.

  Further, the outer shapes of the numerical keys and the C keys shown in FIGS. 12 to 21 are shapes having more linear portions than curved portions, but are not limited thereto. For example, the shape may not include a curved portion, or may be a shape having more curved portions.

  The arrangement of the ten numeric keys in the numeric keypad area is arbitrary. For example, an arrangement such as a numeric keypad provided on a computer keyboard may be used. That is, in FIG. 12, the keys “1” to “3” and the keys “7” to “9” may be exchanged.

  Further, the basic screen 300 in the copy mode shown in FIG. 10 is a screen suitable for operation with the right hand, but when operated with the left hand, the key arrangement on the screen in FIG. May be arranged symmetrically. That is, the function selection area 210 is arranged on the right side of the preview area 240, the action panel area 260 is arranged on the upper left of the preview area 240, and the task trigger area is arranged on the lower left of the preview area 240. May be arranged. In that case, in FIGS. 10 to 21, the C key is preferably arranged on the left side of the numeric keypad area 248. As an example, key arrangements corresponding to FIGS. 12 and 21 are shown in FIGS.

  As described above, if the C key and the numerical key closest to the C key (not limited to one) do not overlap at all in the vertical and horizontal directions, or if they overlap, the overlapping length is the numerical key. Is smaller than the size (the length of the numeric keys in the overlapping direction) or the interval between the C key and the numeric key closest to the C key is wider than the interval between the numeric keys. The possibility that the C key is touched by mistake can be reduced.

  In addition to the above arrangement, the color of the C key may be different from that of the numeric keypad. For example, the numeric keypad may be an achromatic color (gray) having lightness but no color, and the C key may be a chromatic color such as red, blue or yellow. This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize the C key, and can expect the user to psychologically avoid the C key (be careful not to press the C key). Touching can be more reliably suppressed.

  Although the case of the copy mode has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. If the numerical value input area is displayed on the screen, by arranging the C key in the numeric key area in the same manner as described above, it is possible to prevent the C key from being erroneously touched when operating the numeric keypad. For example, on the basic screen of the fax mode, a numerical value input area is displayed in order to input a destination fax number. Further, the image processing apparatus has a function of registering in advance a destination for fax transmission and e-mail transmission (scan-to-mail) or a storage destination for an image transmission mode (scan-to folder), and calling and using the destination. May be. The registration information is assigned and stored with a numerical value of a predetermined number of digits (for example, 4 digits). Therefore, it is necessary to input a numerical value in order to call up the registration information. Therefore, when inputting a number for calling the registration information, a numerical value input area is displayed on the screen. If a password is set for each user, a numerical value input area is displayed on the screen when a password is input. As described above, in the image processing apparatus, the numerical value input area is often displayed on the operation screen. Depending on the image processing apparatus, the numerical value input area is displayed on the operation unit in dozens of scenes.

  Further, in the copy mode basic screen 300 shown in FIG. 10, a numerical value input area is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to such a screen. When the basic screen is displayed for the first time, it is not necessary to include the numerical value input area. In that case, for example, if a key for displaying a numerical value input area is arranged in the function setting area, when the user touches the key, the numerical input area is displayed and the numerical input can be accepted. it can.

  In addition to the image processing apparatus, if the apparatus includes a touch panel display, displays ten keys and C keys as soft keys, and accepts user operations, the C key may be arranged in the ten key area in the same manner as described above. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the C key by mistake.

  As described above, the present invention has been described by describing the embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented with various changes. be able to. For example, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which a key for starting a predetermined process such as a copy start key as shown in FIG. 5 is arranged below (directly below) the numeric keypad.

100 image processing device 102 control unit (CPU)
104 ROM
106 RAM
108 HDD
110 Document reading unit 112 Fax communication unit 114 Network I / F
116 Bus 120 Image forming unit 122 Image processing unit 124 Screen generation unit 130 Operation unit 132 Touch panel display 134 Operation key unit 140 Paper feed unit 142 Manual paper feed tray 150 Paper discharge processing unit 152 Paper discharge tray 180 Public telephone line 182 Network 240 Preview Area 242 Numerical value input area 244 Key area 246 Number of copies display area 248 Numeric keypad area 250 Clear key (C key)

Claims (18)

A numerical value input device in an image processing device,
Display means for displaying a numerical input screen including a plurality of numerical keys for inputting numerical values,
Input means arranged to be superimposed on the display means and for specifying a designated position on the numerical value input screen;
When a position on any one of the plurality of numerical keys is specified by the input unit, a storage unit that stores a numerical value corresponding to the numerical key including the position,
On the numerical value input screen, a clear key for deleting the numerical value stored in the storage means is displayed,
The plurality of numeric keys and the clear key have the same shape,
The clear key is disposed obliquely to a predetermined numeric key closest to the clear key among the plurality of numeric keys,
Neither of the plurality of numeric keys exists in an area adjacent to the predetermined numeric key in the left-right direction,
The orthographic projection of the clear key to the axis extending in the left-right direction in the numerical value input screen is included in the orthogonal projection of the numerical key area, which is an area where all of the plurality of numerical keys are displayed, to the axis.
Each of the plurality of numeric keys is a key determined uniquely,
No key is arranged between the clear key and the predetermined numeric key,
Further, a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process using the numerical value stored in the storage unit is displayed on the numerical value input screen,
A key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process is displayed such that an orthographic projection of the key on the axis has a portion overlapping an orthographic projection of the numerical key area on the axis. Numerical input device.   2. The orthographic projection of a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process on the axis overlaps an orthographic projection of the numerical key area on the axis. Numeric input device.   3. The numerical value input device according to claim 1, wherein a key for causing the image processing device to start a predetermined process is larger than the plurality of numerical keys and the clear key. 4.   The vertical interval between the clear key and the predetermined numeric key is wider than the vertical interval between adjacent numeric keys of the plurality of numeric keys. 2. The numerical value input device according to item 1.   The numerical value input device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of numerical keys and the clear key have the same size.   The numerical value input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of numerical keys constitute numeric keys for inputting integer values of 0 to 9.   In a region on the numerical value input screen adjacent to the upper side and the left side of the clear key, no key is displayed in a range of the same size as at least one numerical key of the plurality of numerical keys. The numerical value input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:   8. The numerical value input device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit and the input unit are a touch panel display. 9.   9. The numerical value input device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is a copy process for forming an image of a document on a recording sheet. A control method of a numerical value input device in an image processing device,
The numerical value input device,
Display means for displaying an image;
Input means for identifying a specified position on the display means, which is arranged so as to be superimposed on the display means,
And displaying a numerical value input screen including a plurality of numerical keys for inputting numerical values on the display means.
A step of specifying a designated position on the numerical value input screen by the input means;
Receiving, by the input means, a position on any one of the plurality of numerical keys, and storing a numerical value corresponding to the numerical key including the position,
The numerical value input screen further includes a step of displaying a clear key for deleting the numerical value stored by the storing step,
The plurality of numeric keys and the clear key have the same shape,
The clear key is disposed obliquely to a predetermined numeric key closest to the clear key among the plurality of numeric keys,
Neither of the plurality of numeric keys exists in an area adjacent to the predetermined numeric key in the left-right direction,
The orthographic projection of the clear key to the axis extending in the left-right direction in the numerical value input screen is included in the orthogonal projection of the numerical key area, which is an area where all of the plurality of numerical keys are displayed, to the axis.
Each of the plurality of numeric keys is a key determined uniquely,
No key is arranged between the clear key and the predetermined numeric key,
In addition, the numerical value input screen includes a step of displaying a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process using the numerical value stored in the storing step,
A key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process is displayed such that an orthographic projection of the key on the axis has a portion overlapping an orthographic projection of the numerical key area on the axis. And control method.   11. An orthographic projection of a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process on the axis overlaps an orthographic projection of the numerical key area on the axis. Control method.   12. The control method according to claim 10, wherein a key for causing the image processing apparatus to start a predetermined process is larger than the plurality of numerical keys and the clear key.   13. The vertical interval between the clear key and the predetermined numeric key is wider than the vertical interval between adjacent numeric keys of the plurality of numeric keys. 2. The control method according to claim 1.   14. The control method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of numeric keys and the clear key have the same size.   15. The control method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of numeric keys constitute numeric keys for inputting integer values of 0 to 9.   In a region on the numerical value input screen adjacent to the upper side and the left side of the clear key, no key is displayed in a range of the same size as at least one numerical key of the plurality of numerical keys. The control method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the control method is characterized in that:   The control method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the display unit and the input unit are a touch panel display.   18. The control method according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined process is a copy process for forming an image of a document on recording paper.

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