JP2024001953A - Electronic apparatus and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a function which enables a user to utilize each function of a device in accordance with a series of implementation flows, without the occurrence of oversight of a setting method with respect to a setting item and in response to a change that is intuitive and very easy to understand visually.

SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus is equipped with: a touch panel; and a control circuit which displays a first hierarchy screen containing a plurality of first operation objects indicating a plurality of first items respectively that are function setting items, and a pointing object on the touch panel, and which automatically and movably displays the pointing object so as to draw a trajectory and causes the pointing object to reach an upper part of one first operation object to be tap-operated, and which displays the pointing object in a state that the pointing object is displayed overlapped on one first operation object to be tap-operated, and in a mode of prompting tap operation with respect to the pointing object, in order to provide guidance of function implementation.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device having a touch panel and a method of controlling the electronic device.

Electronic devices such as MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) and ATM devices installed in convenience stores and offices are often equipped with touch panels that allow intuitive operation. In addition, these devices are often used by users who are not familiar with machine operation, and are rarely used repeatedly, so it is assumed that there is no expectation of improvement in proficiency, so the displayed buttons and functions are simple. Many things are summarized in. However, with technological advances, electronic devices are becoming more multi-functional, and considering that UI changes and functions are added through updates to the software built into electronic devices, operating instructions and help displays on these electronic devices are becoming more and more complex. is essential for all users, and various means have been devised to enable access to explanation screens and the like with as quick and simple operations as possible. Furthermore, as electronic devices become more multi-functional, it becomes necessary to display detailed settings and detailed item screens, and the display of troubleshooting processes such as paper jams is as important as the help display.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-193423 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-113535 JP2014-81920A

Patent Document 1 is very similar in that it includes a virtual stylus that assists operations other than direct operations with a finger or a stylus pen, and that the virtual stylus is accompanied and placed over the operation object. However, the purpose of this virtual stylus is to assist in cases where direct operation with a finger or stylus pen is not easy due to the display screen, and operation errors are likely to occur. It can only be operated, and there are no unique operation functions that can only be achieved with a virtual stylus.

Although Patent Document 2 is a guide for users, it first performs user authentication, determines the tendency of the group to which the user belongs, and allows an inexperienced user to set detailed items corresponding to the operation tendency of the group to which the user belongs. The purpose of the guide is to assist in guiding when using the functions, and not to guide users from the start point to the end point of a series of flows, so the effectiveness of the guide will be low for users who have no experience operating the device. there is a possibility.

In Patent Document 3, additional screens and information such as a help screen and a setting item screen corresponding to the operation object are displayed by a "tracing" operation, which is different from tapping, on the operation object, but the tap operation with a finger is the main method. In operating devices that use finger tracing, there is a possibility that the existence of the finger tracing operation itself may be overlooked, and if awareness of the "tracing operation" on the touch panel is low, it is necessary to make the existence known, but in the end, the tracing operation itself may be overlooked. There is a problem as to how to display the help for. Also, if you trace across multiple buttons, an explanation screen corresponding to the multiple buttons will be displayed on each page, and you can switch the display screen with the "Next button", but the trace of the operation will not remain visually. In some cases, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize his/her own operations, and there may be cases where the tracing operations on multiple buttons are not necessarily the intended ones. Additionally, displaying help information by switching screens may cause screen transitions and interruptions in operation, which may disrupt the user's understanding of the flow.
In addition, instead of preparing a special process or hard keys and soft keys to enter help mode, help is displayed using a ``trace operation'' that allows a quick transition from the main operation of tapping. Users who operate it for the first time are likely to miss the existence of the ``tracing operation'' itself, and because the tap operation and tracing operation are similar, the user may misunderstand the operation and cause confusion.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, an object of the present invention is to enable the user to quickly and seamlessly configure each function of the device through intuitive and visually extremely easy-to-understand changes without overlooking the setting method for setting items. The goal is to provide functions that can be used according to the execution flow.

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:
touch panel and
Displaying a first layer screen including a plurality of first operation objects each indicating a plurality of first items that are function setting items and a pointing object on the touch panel;
Automatically moving and displaying the pointing object so as to draw a trajectory so that the pointing object reaches one first operation object to be operated by tapping,
displaying the pointing object in a manner that prompts a tap operation on the pointing object in a state where the pointing object is displayed superimposed on the one first operation object to be tapped;
When the pointing object is tapped by an input means in a state where the pointing object is displayed superimposed on the one first operating object, the first operating object indicated by the one first operating object A second layer screen including a plurality of second operation objects each representing a plurality of second items that are items in a lower layer than the first layer screen, pop up over at least a portion of the
When one second operation object included in the second layer screen is tapped by the input means, until one second operation object is tapped for each of all the first operation objects. , repeat this process,
a start button object for automatically moving and displaying the pointing object in a trajectory when one second operation object is tapped for each of the first operation objects to execute the function; execution of the function by displaying the pointing object in a manner that prompts a tap operation on the pointing object with the pointing object superimposed on the start button object. Equipped with a control circuit for guiding.

According to the present invention, the user can quickly and smoothly use each function of the device according to a series of execution flows with intuitive and visually extremely easy-to-understand changes without overlooking the setting method for setting items. function can be provided.

Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in this disclosure.

1 shows an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown. An example of touch panel display is shown.

1. Hardware configuration of image forming device

FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Image forming apparatus 10 includes a control circuit 100 . The control circuit 100 is composed of a CPU 11a (Central Processing Unit) which is a processor, a RAM 11b (Random Access Memory), a ROM 11c (Read Only Memory) which is a memory, a dedicated hardware circuit, etc., and controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. Controls movement control. The CPU 11a loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes it, thereby executing the operations described in the operation flow below and controlling the display and operation input of the touch panel 17. The ROM 11c permanently stores programs and data executed by the CPU 11a. The ROM 11c is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

The control circuit 100 is an operation unit that includes an image reading unit 12 (image scanner), an image processing unit 14 (including a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), an image memory 15, an image forming unit 16 (printer), and a display unit 17a. It is connected to a touch panel 17, a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device 18 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a facsimile communication section 19, a network communication interface 13 (communication section), and the like. The control circuit 100 controls the operations of the above-mentioned parts connected to it, and transmits and receives signals and data to and from each part. The operation section of the touch panel 17 is one form of an input device, and an audio input device including a microphone may be provided as the input device.

2. Image forming apparatus control method

FIG. 2 and subsequent figures show examples of display on the touch panel.

In the initial state, the control circuit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays the main menu screen 200 on the entire screen on the touch panel 17, and displays the pointing object 110 at the normal position 111 (initial position).

Main menu screen 200 (FIG. 2) is the top screen that the user first recognizes. The main menu screen 200 includes one or more (in this embodiment, a plurality of) function selection operation objects 210-213. The plurality of function selection operation objects 210-213 each indicate one or more (in this embodiment, a plurality of) functions (language switching, copying, fax, and network printing). The function selection operation objects 210-213 are GUI button objects that can be tapped by the user using the input means 112 (user's finger, stylus pen, etc., hereinafter the same). In this example, the plurality of function selection operation objects 210-213 include a language switching button object 210, a copy button object 211, a fax button object 212, and a network print button object 213.

When one function selection operation object 210 - 213 included in the main menu screen 200 is tapped by the input means 112 , the control circuit 100 hides the main menu screen 200 and displays one function selection operation object 210 . A screen showing additional information on a lower layer of the function indicated by -213 is displayed in full screen, and the pointing object 110 is displayed at the normal position 111. When the user taps the copy button object 211 on the main menu screen 200, the control circuit 100 displays a screen (a screen 310 showing how to place the original) showing additional information on a lower hierarchy of the item (copy) indicated by the copy button object 211. ) is displayed in full screen (Figure 3).

The normal position 111 of the pointing object 110 is a position that does not overlap the plurality of function selection operation objects 210-213 (in this example, the upper left of the screen). The pointing object 110 may be a simple graphic object such as a round object, or may be an object representing an icon or a character. In order to make the user aware of the function of the pointing object 110, the control circuit 100 may display a speech bubble such as a "guide pointer" when the screen starts up, when switching, etc. (FIG. 4). Note that in this embodiment, the tap operation and the drag operation may be performed either with the input means in contact with the touch panel 17 or without contact.

Pointing object 110 can be dragged using input means 112 . The pointing object 110 can be moved by a drag operation only when the input means 112 overlaps the pointing object 110. When the pointing object 110 is dragged (arrow) by the input means 112 from a state where the input means 112 overlaps the pointing object 110, the control circuit 100 moves the pointing object 110 to the touch panel 17 along with the movement of the input means 112. The image is displayed moving as if drawing a trajectory above. The pointing object 110 also moves along with the drag operation (FIG. 5).

On the other hand, when the pointing object 110 is not touched by the input means 112, normal actions such as screen switching are enabled by a tap operation or the like by the input means 112. For example, when the user taps the fax button object 212 on the main menu screen 200 (FIG. 6), the control circuit 100 hides the main menu screen 200 and displays a lower layer of the item (fax) indicated by the fax button object 212. The screen is switched by displaying the screen (fax menu screen 800) showing additional information in full screen (FIG. 7).

Note that if the pointing object 110 is at a position other than the normal position 111 when the user taps the fax button object 212 on the main menu screen 200 (that is, before switching the screen), the control circuit 100 When the fax button object 212 on the menu screen 200 is tapped (FIG. 8), the main menu screen 200 is hidden and a screen (fax menu screen) showing additional information in the hierarchy below the item (fax) indicated by the fax button object 212 is displayed. 800) is displayed on the full screen, and furthermore, the pointing object 110 is displayed at the normal position 111 (FIG. 7).

The pointing object 110 has multiple modes, such as a "simple guide mode" aimed at users with low operating proficiency, and a "functional coverage mode" aimed at intermediate proficiency users who want to cover more detailed functions. "and so on. These modes can be changed by tapping the pointing object 110 while the pointing object 110 does not overlap with the plurality of function selection operation objects 210-213, changing the shape and color of the pointing object 110, or displaying a speech bubble. (Figure 9).

That is, the control circuit 100 switches between a plurality of different guide modes when the pointing object 110 is tapped by the input means 112 in a state where the pointing object 110 does not overlap the plurality of first operation objects. The control circuit 100 changes the display mode of the pointing object 110 and/or displays information (speech bubble) indicating switching of the guide mode.

The control circuit 100 controls whether the pointing object 110 is inputted while the pointing object 110 is being dragged by the input means 112 and displayed over one function selection operation object (for example, the copy button object 211). When the means 112 performs a tap operation, a guide start decision screen 400 for deciding to start guiding is displayed as a pop-up. The guide start determination screen 400 is a screen that asks whether or not to start the guide corresponding to the superimposed function selection operation object (for example, the copy button object 211). When the guide start determination screen 400 is operated and guide start is determined, the control circuit 100 selects the function (copy) indicated by one function selection operation object (for example, copy button object 211) on which the pointing object 110 is superimposed. The first layer screen 500, which is a function setting screen related to the above, is displayed, and guidance for the copy function is started (FIG. 10).

It depends on the mode of the pointing object 110 whether to perform a minimum function guide or to perform a guide that covers all functions. At that time, an option may be displayed to select whether to start the guide in "simple guide mode" or "comprehensive function mode". The guide is started by tapping the displayed guide start option.

If "No" or the like is selected in the option for deciding to start guiding on the guide start decision screen 400, the guide start decision screen 400 is closed and hidden. If the pointing object 110 is tapped with the guide start decision screen 400 closed and hidden, the guide start decision screen 400 will be displayed again.

The control circuit 100 controls the control circuit 100 when the operation of the pointing object 110 by the input means 112 is interrupted while the pointing object 110 is displayed superimposed on the copy button object 211 and the guide start determination screen 400 is being displayed as a pop-up. At this time, the display of the pointing object 110 superimposed on the copy button object 211 and the pop-up display of the guide start determination screen 400 are continued. In other words, when the pointing object 110 is dragged and displayed over the copy button object 211 and the input means 112 is removed from the touch panel 17 in this state, the control circuit 100 moves the pointing object 110 to the copy button object. It continues to be displayed on top of 211. The control circuit 100 pops up the guide start determination screen 400 based on the judgment criterion that the pointing object 110 is displayed overlapping any of the function selection operation objects 210-213. In other words, whether the input means 112 is touching the touch panel 17 or not is irrelevant to the judgment criterion. Even if the input means 112 is not operating the touch panel 17, the control circuit 100 pops up the guide start determination screen 400 if the pointing object 110 overlaps any of the function selection operation objects 210-213.

The user moves the pointing object 110 by dragging and overlapping the pointing object 110 from the copy button object 211 to the fax button object 212 to display the guide start decision screen 400 regarding fax, which is the item indicated by the fax button object 212. will pop up. When the pointing object 110 is moved and displayed, and the function selection operation objects 210-213 that overlap the pointing object 110 change one after another, the guide start determination screens 400 corresponding to the function selection operation objects 210-213 are changed one after another. is displayed in a pop-up. (Figure 11).

For example, while the pointing object 110 is displayed over the copy button object 211 and the guide start decision screen 400 is being displayed as a pop-up, the user does not tap any option on the guide start decision screen 400. , the pointing object 110 is directly moved to the fax button object 212 by a drag operation. Then, the overlap between the copy button object 211 and the pointing object 110 is canceled, and at the same time, the guide start decision screen 400 regarding the copy function disappears and becomes hidden, and the pointing object 110 is displayed superimposed on the fax button object 212. Then, a guide start decision screen 400 regarding the fax function pops up. (Figure 11)

When the pointing object 110 is displayed overlapping the copy button object 211 (function selection operation object), a guide start determination screen 400 pops up to ask whether to start guiding the copy-related function. When the user taps "Yes" or the like on the guide start determination screen 400 using the input means 112 and decides to start the guide, the guide corresponding to the mode is started. When guiding begins, there is a visual indication that the pointing object 110 is "guiding" by a change in shape and color, or a steady position.

When the guidance is started, the control circuit 100 automatically moves and displays the pointing object 110 so as to draw a trajectory until it reaches one function selection operation object 210-213 to be tapped. The control circuit 100 performs a pointing operation in a manner (such as blinking) that prompts a tap operation on the pointing object 110 while the pointing object 110 is displayed superimposed on one function selection operation object 210-213 to be tapped. Object 110 is displayed.

As a specific example, an overview will be given using a guide regarding the copy function as an example. When guidance of the copy function is started, the pointing object 110 moves to the center or tab portion of the copy button object 211, which is the function selection operation object to be operated by the user next. The pointing object 110 repeatedly flashes or the like only on the copy button object 211, which is a function selection operation object to be operated, to prompt the user to perform a tap operation (FIG. 12).

When the user taps the copy button object 211 while being guided by the guide, it is also possible to change the transition destination screen according to the guide mode. For example, in the case of "simple guide mode", the screen transitions to the function setting screen 500 that includes the minimum required setting items, and in the case of "comprehensive function mode", the screen transitions to the default setting screen or detailed setting items (simple editing, output settings, etc.). The screen changes to a function setting screen 500 including layout settings).

When the user who is prompted by the pointing object 110 to operate the copy button object 211 taps the copy button object 211, the screen transitions to a function setting screen 500. When the guide is in progress, the pointing object 110 is displayed at the same position as before the screen transition from the main menu screen 200 to the function setting screen 500. Thereafter, the display is automatically moved over the first operation object that the user should operate next, and prompts the user to operate it by blinking or the like.

The function setting screen 500 (first hierarchical screen) includes one or more (in this embodiment, plural) first operation objects 510-511. The plurality of first operation objects 510-511 each indicate one or more (in this embodiment, plural) first items (document size and resolution). The first operation objects 510-511 are GUI button objects that can be tapped by the user using the input means 112. In this example, the plurality of first operation objects 510-511 include a document size object 510 and a resolution object 511.

When the guidance is started, the control circuit 100 automatically moves and displays the pointing object 110 so as to draw a trajectory, and causes the pointing object 110 to reach the document size object 510 (first operation object) to be tapped. The control circuit 100 prompts a tap operation on the pointing object 110 (by blinking, etc.) in a state where the pointing object 110 is displayed superimposed on the document size object 510 (first operation object) to be tapped, A pointing object 110 is displayed (FIG. 13).

When the pointing object 110 is displayed superimposed on the document size object 510 (first operation object) and the pointing object 110 is tapped by the input means 112, the control circuit 100 displays the document size object 510 (first operation object). Document size selection including a plurality of second operation objects each indicating a plurality of second items (A4, B4) that are items in a lower hierarchy of the first item (document size) indicated by the first operation object) The screen 600 (second layer screen) is displayed in a pop-up manner over at least a portion of the plurality of first operation objects 510-511 on the function setting screen 500 (first layer screen).

The document size selection screen 600 (second hierarchical screen) is hierarchical additional information of the first item (document size) indicated by the document size object 510 on which the pointing object 110 is displayed in an overlapping manner. The document size selection screen 600 displays one or more (in this example, a plurality of) second items that are items in a lower hierarchy of the first item (document size) indicated by the first operation object (document size object 510). Each includes one or more (in this example, a plurality of) second operation objects 611-612. In this example, the second operation objects 611-612 are objects for selecting the document size, and include an A4 object 611 and a B4 object 612.

The control circuit 100 determines the setting items based on the guide mode, and displays information and second operation objects 611-612 in the document size selection screen 600 (second layer screen). For example, in the case of the "simple guide mode", the control circuit 100 limits the number of setting items by displaying only A4 object 611 and B4 object 612 as document size candidates on the document size selection screen 600, etc. present. Alternatively, help information such as the ability to measure the size of a document using a scale provided on a platen on which the document is placed in the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 may be additionally displayed on the document size selection screen 600. When one second operation object (A4 object 611 in this example) included in document size selection screen 600 is tapped, control circuit 100 determines that input to A4 object 611 has been performed. In this case, the control circuit 100 displays "A4" on the document size object 510 and hides the document size selection screen 600.

The control circuit 100 automatically moves and displays the pointing object 110 to the resolution object 511 to be tapped next, and selects an item in a lower hierarchy of the first item (resolution) indicated by the resolution object 511 (first operation object). A resolution selection screen 610 (second layer screen) including a plurality of second operation objects each indicating a plurality of second items (a plurality of DPI values) is displayed as a pop-up. The control circuit 100 repeats the guidance, and when the input of the minimum required items is completed, the pointing object 110 automatically moves and displays on the operation object that advances the screen transition and function flow, such as the "Next" button, and blinks, etc. prompts the user to tap (Figure 13).

In this way, the control circuit 100 controls whether one second operation object (A4 object 611) included in the second layer screen (original size selection screen 600) regarding the first operation object (original size object 510) When a tap operation is performed by the input means 112, one second operation object (A4 object 611, one object indicating one DPI value) is generated for each of the first operation objects (document size object 510, resolution object 511). ) repeats this process until the button is tapped. The control circuit 100 performs a tap operation on one second operation object (A4 object 611, an object indicating one DPI value) for each of the first operation objects (document size object 510, resolution object 511). Then, the pointing object 110 is automatically moved and displayed as if drawing a trajectory until it reaches the start button object 512 for executing the function, and the pointing object 110 is displayed superimposed on the start button object 512. In this state, the pointing object 110 is displayed in a manner (blinking, etc.) that prompts a tap operation on the pointing object 110. Thereby, the control circuit 100 guides the execution of the function (FIG. 13).

On the other hand, in the case of the "functional comprehensive mode", detailed function setting items corresponding to the operation object overlaid by the pointing object 110 are displayed on the second hierarchical screen 600-610. The detailed function may include setting items that are not essential for function execution (such as a button for executing simple editing, uploading to the cloud at the same time as copying, etc.). That is, in a plurality of different guide modes, the control circuit 100 controls the type and/or number of the plurality of first operation objects included in the first layer screen, and/or the number of the plurality of second operation objects included in the second layer screen. The types and/or number of operation objects are made different.

In either the "simple guide mode" or the "functional comprehensive mode", it is possible to perform a tap operation on the operation object using the input means 112 even during guidance using the pointing object 110.

When the pointing object 110 is dragged by the input means 112, the control circuit 100 moves and displays the pointing object 110 in accordance with the movement of the input means 112, and temporarily interrupts guidance including automatic movement display. The control circuit 100 controls the control circuit 100 when a tap operation is performed on the pointing object 110 by the input means 112 in a state where the pointing object 110 is dragged and displayed over the one first operation object. A second layer screen including a plurality of second operation objects each indicating a plurality of second items that are items in a lower hierarchy than the first item indicated by one operation object is Displayed over at least a portion of the first operation object. When one second operation object included in the second layer screen is tapped by the input means 112, the control circuit 100 restarts the guide including automatic movement display of the pointing object 110 (FIG. 14).

In other words, by dragging the pointing object 110 using the input means 112, the user can manually move the pointing object 110 over any desired operation object. In this case, guiding is temporarily interrupted. When the pointing object 110 is placed over an arbitrary operation object, a second layer screen (original size selection screen 600, resolution selection screen 610) is displayed as a pop-up, similar to when the guide is executed. If the user changes the setting value of the second item (document size, resolution) after this operation, the guide is restarted. On the other hand, if all the setting values of the second item that are required to be set have already been set, the pointing object 110 is automatically moved and displayed on the start button object 512 for screen transition and function execution, and the pointing object 110 The pointing object 110 is displayed in a manner (blinking, etc.) that prompts a tap operation on the object (FIG. 14).

On the other hand, when the pointing object 110 is displayed superimposed on the first operation objects 510-511 and the second layer screen (original size selection screen 600, resolution selection screen 610) is displayed, the first operation When the objects 510-511 are tapped, the first operation object performs the same operation as when no guidance is performed. The guide is restarted after the setting value of the first item is set and changed.

When the pointing object 110 is dragged by the input means 112, the control circuit 100 moves and displays the pointing object 110 in accordance with the movement of the input means 112. When the operation of the pointing object 110 by the input means 112 is interrupted while the pointing object 110 has moved to a steady position 111 which is a position where the pointing object 110 does not overlap the plurality of first operation objects 510-511, the control circuit 100 controls the guide end. The control circuit 100 resumes guiding when the pointing object 110 at the normal position 111 is tapped by the input means 112 (FIG. 15).

In other words, the guidance can be ended by returning the pointing object 110 to the normal position 111. The color and shape of the pointing object 110 that has been guided may change. When the guide is finished, the guide can be restarted by tapping the pointing object 110 located at the normal position 111, and the guide start determination screen 400 may be displayed as a pop-up (FIG. 15).

The control circuit 100 tap-operates one second operation object (an A4 object 611, an object indicating one DPI value) for each of the first operation objects (a document size object 510, a resolution object 511). The guide is repeated until the copy function execution flow is completed, and the main menu screen 200 is displayed again. The control circuit 100 displays the normal position 111 of the pointing object 110 and ends the guidance.

If the pointing object 110 is displayed over the first operation object (original size object 510) and the original size selection screen 600 (second layer screen) is displayed during guide execution, the first By tapping the pointing object 110 displayed over the operation object (original size object 510), a conventionally set function explanation screen or detailed function screen 900 is displayed on the screen. (Figure 16)

If a function corresponding to "return" related to screen transition or function flow is executed during guide execution, if the function flow is in operation, guidance will continue and the screen will return to the main menu screen 200, that is, the initial state. If so, the pointing object 110 finishes guiding and returns to the normal position 111.

3. Conclusion

According to this embodiment, when a touch panel is adopted as the operation screen of an MFP, ATM device, etc., it is possible to display help for functions and operation buttons and guide the functions using an input device that is easy to visually recognize. I can do it. A pointing object 110 is always displayed on the touch panel regardless of the display screen. Guidance is performed by guiding the pointing object 110, allowing users of a wide range of skill levels to smoothly execute the flow of function execution.

By always displaying the pointing object 110 on the touch panel that is easy to visually recognize, the present invention reduces the possibility that the user will miss the support function provided by the device, compared to Patent Document 3, and the pointing object 110 Since the user can always visually recognize the operation errors, it is less likely to make an operational error, and the order of operations can be tracked on the same screen. Further, since the operation function by the input means 112 and the function executable by the pointing object 110 are completely separated, it is easy for the user to distinguish between the operation means. Furthermore, since the pointing object 110 functions simply by overlapping it with the operation object, there is no need for an operation process after the pointing object 110 is moved, and compared to Patent Document 1, it is easier for the user to cover all functions, and the pointing object 110 has a unique Roles can be instantly understood or predicted by users.

In addition, compared to Patent Document 2, since it guides the user from the start point to the end point of the function flow, even if the user to be supported has a lower level of proficiency, the user can control transition screens and items by switching the guide mode. By narrowing down the list, users with intermediate level of proficiency can also be supported.

Although each embodiment and each modification of the present technology has been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes may be made within the scope of the gist of the present technology. Of course.

10 Image forming apparatus 100 Control circuit 110 Pointing object 111 Regular position 112 Input means 17 Touch panel

Claims (7)

touch panel and
Displaying a first layer screen including a plurality of first operation objects each indicating a plurality of first items that are function setting items and a pointing object on the touch panel;
Automatically moving and displaying the pointing object so as to draw a trajectory so that the pointing object reaches one first operation object to be operated by tapping,
displaying the pointing object in a manner that prompts a tap operation on the pointing object in a state where the pointing object is displayed superimposed on the one first operation object to be tapped;
When the pointing object is tapped by an input means in a state where the pointing object is displayed superimposed on the one first operating object, the first operating object indicated by the one first operating object A second layer screen including a plurality of second operation objects each representing a plurality of second items that are items in a lower layer than the first layer screen, pop up over at least a portion of the
When one second operation object included in the second layer screen is tapped by the input means, until one second operation object is tapped for each of all the first operation objects. , repeat this process,
a start button object for automatically moving and displaying the pointing object in a trajectory when one second operation object is tapped for each of the first operation objects to execute the function; execution of the function by displaying the pointing object in a manner that prompts a tap operation on the pointing object with the pointing object superimposed on the start button object. An electronic device equipped with a guiding control circuit. The electronic device according to claim 1,
The control circuit includes:
When the pointing object is dragged by the input means, the pointing object is moved and displayed in accordance with the movement of the input means, and the guide including the automatic movement display is temporarily interrupted;
When the pointing object is dragged and displayed superimposed on one first operation object, when the pointing object is tapped by the input means, the one first operation object is A second layer screen including a plurality of second operation objects each indicating a plurality of second operation objects that are items in a lower layer than the first item shown in the first layer screen is displayed on the first layer screen. overlaying at least a portion of the manipulated object;
When one second operation object included in the second layer screen is tapped by the input means, the guide including the automatic movement display of the pointing object is resumed. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control circuit includes:
When the pointing object is dragged by the input means, the pointing object is moved and displayed in accordance with the movement of the input means, and the pointing object is at a steady position where it does not overlap with the plurality of first operation objects. When the operation of the pointing object by the input means is interrupted while the pointing object is moved to , the guiding is terminated;
The electronic device resumes guiding when the pointing object at the normal position is tapped by the input means. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control circuit includes:
It is possible to run the guide in several different guide modes,
In the plurality of different guide modes, the type and/or number of the plurality of first operation objects included in the first layer screen and/or the plurality of second operations included in the second layer screen Electronic equipment that has different types and/or numbers of objects. The electronic device according to claim 4,
The control circuit includes:
When the pointing object is tapped by the input means while the pointing object is in a position that does not overlap the plurality of first operation objects, switching the plurality of different guide modes;
An electronic device that changes a display mode of the pointing object and/or displays information indicating switching of a guide mode. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control circuit includes:
displaying on the touch panel a main menu screen including one or more function selection operation objects each representing one or more functions, and displaying a pointing object at an initial position that does not overlap with the one or more function selection operation objects;
When the pointing object is dragged by an input means, the pointing object is moved and displayed in accordance with the movement of the input means,
When the pointing object is subjected to a tap operation by the input means while the pointing object is being dragged and displayed on top of one function selection operation object, a guide for determining the start of guidance is provided. Display the start decision screen as a pop-up,
When the guide start decision screen is operated and guide start is determined, the first layer screen related to the function indicated by the one function selection operation object on which the pointing object is superimposed is displayed, and the guide for the function is displayed. Start Electronics. A method for controlling an electronic device having a touch panel, the method comprising:
Displaying a first layer screen including a plurality of first operation objects each indicating a plurality of first items that are function setting items and a pointing object on the touch panel;
Automatically moving and displaying the pointing object so as to draw a trajectory so that the pointing object reaches one first operation object to be operated by tapping,
displaying the pointing object in a manner that prompts a tap operation on the pointing object in a state where the pointing object is displayed superimposed on the one first operation object to be tapped;
When the pointing object is tapped by an input means in a state where the pointing object is displayed superimposed on the one first operating object, the first operating object indicated by the one first operating object A second layer screen including a plurality of second operation objects each representing a plurality of second items that are items in a lower layer than the first layer screen, pop up over at least a portion of the
When one second operation object included in the second layer screen is tapped by the input means, until one second operation object is tapped for each of all the first operation objects. , repeat this process,
a start button object for automatically moving and displaying the pointing object in a trajectory when one second operation object is tapped for each of the first operation objects to execute the function; execution of the function by displaying the pointing object in a manner that prompts a tap operation on the pointing object with the pointing object superimposed on the start button object. Guide control method.

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