JP4325808B2 - Operation input device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention provides a plurality of input keys for setting operating conditions of a device, a touch panel type display unit, a help key for displaying guidance for a predetermined menu key on the display unit, and in response to an operation of the help key. The present invention relates to an operation input device incorporated in an image forming apparatus that includes a guidance display control unit that switches and displays guidance display hierarchically.

  The operation input device described above is provided in an image forming apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral in which a plurality of functions such as a copying function and a facsimile function are integrated. For example, such an image forming apparatus has many functions that can be realized. It is configured to be selectively set by a menu key displayed on the touch panel display.

  However, since it is difficult for an operator to become familiar with the operation method for all such many functions, a help key is provided in the input key, and guidance display is performed on the display unit when the help key is operated. A guidance display control unit is provided so as to guide the operator to various menu operation methods.

  Such guidance display is hierarchical in accordance with various functions and setting purposes, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, so that the display screen of the guidance content desired by the operator can be efficiently reached. In order to return the display screen from one layer to the original layer, it is necessary to operate the “Close” key and “Back” key provided on the display screen of each layer. there were.

  For example, in order to close all the guidance displays from the screen state of FIG. 8D in which the guidance displays are hierarchically displayed and return to the ready screen as shown in FIG. When the “enlarged / reduced copy screen close” key 122 in the upper right part of the “/ reduced copy” detail screen 12 is operated, the “enlarged / reduced copy” detail screen 12 is closed and the screen state shown in FIG. When the “function setting close screen” key 113 in the upper right part of the “function setting” details screen 11 in FIG. 8C is operated, the “function setting” details screen 11 is closed and FIG. The help screen 10 as shown in b) is displayed. When the “help screen close” key 104 in the upper right part of the help screen 10 is operated in FIG. 8B, the help screen 10 is closed and the screen is changed to the ready screen.

  In this way, the guidance display is displayed in a hierarchy on a plurality of display screens, and in order to return to the original display screen from each display screen, the above-mentioned “Close” and “Return” keys must be operated each time. For example, the deeper the display screen, the greater the number of operations for returning to the original screen, which is troublesome for the operator.

Therefore, an operation panel having buttons and a display device is provided for the purpose of providing an information input device and an information input method for learning a “return” operation according to a user operation and improving the operability of the information terminal. An information input device that provides a user interface that hierarchically narrows down operations desired by the user using an operation menu that is a function category. After the execution of a certain function is finished, When the negative operation such as "" is performed, the executed screen is stored, and when the same function is finished again, the information input device returns to the display screen of the previous second hierarchy, which is the previous previous hierarchy. Has been proposed.
JP 2004-318715 A

  However, in the above-described conventional information input device, it is necessary to execute a predetermined learning step in order to return to the display screen two layers before, and such a learning algorithm cannot be realized unless it is incorporated in the control program. There was a problem that became complicated.

  Furthermore, a technique has also been proposed in which the guidance display is terminated by operating the help key again while the guidance display is performed by operating the above-described help key. For an operator who wants to end the guidance display, there is a problem that selecting and operating a specific help key from among a plurality of input keys provided on the operation input device is very troublesome except for a skilled operator. .

  An object of the present invention is to provide an operation input device that can easily end guidance display even for an unfamiliar operator in view of the above-described conventional drawbacks.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first characteristic configuration of the operation input device according to the present invention is, as described in claim 1 of the claims, a plurality of input keys for setting operating conditions of the device, A touch panel display unit, a help key for displaying guidance for a predetermined menu key on the display unit, and a menu key display screen for setting a copy menu in response to the operation of the help key are switched to a guidance display screen. An operation input device configured to include a guidance display control unit that hierarchically switches and displays an impedance display, wherein the guidance display control unit is an arbitrary key operation of the input key arranged in a region other than the display unit in response to end the guidance display on, the menu key display by sea urchin is configured to return to the screen just before switching to the guidance display screen It lies in the fact that.

According to the above configuration, the guidance display is terminated in response to an arbitrary key operation of the input key arranged in a region other than the display unit, and the menu key display screen immediately before switching to the guidance display screen is displayed. As long as the returning function is realized and it is not necessary to incorporate a learning algorithm for executing a predetermined learning step into the control program, the control program is not complicated. Further, instead of selecting and operating a specific key necessary for ending the guidance display, the operator immediately presses any key of the input keys arranged in a region other than the display unit, thereby promptly displaying the guidance display. And the menu key display screen immediately before switching to the guidance display screen can be returned to. That is, even an unfamiliar operator can appropriately end the guidance display and return to the menu key display screen immediately before switching to the guidance display screen .

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operation input device that allows an inexperienced operator to easily end the guidance display.

  An embodiment when the operation input device according to the present invention is applied to an operation unit of a digital multi-function peripheral will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 includes an operation unit 2 on which a plurality of menu setting keys for setting various menus, a start key for starting copying, FAX operation, and the like using the set menus, An image reading unit 4 that sequentially reads a series of documents set on the document placing unit 3 and converts them into electronic data, and a toner image is formed on the sheet based on the image data converted into electronic data by the image reading unit 4. An electrophotographic image forming unit 5 for forming and outputting, a plurality of paper feed cassettes 6 (6a to 6d) each containing sheets of different sizes or types, and a manual paper feed port provided on the left side of the machine ( (Not shown).

  The operation unit 2 is disposed on the front side of the image reading unit 4 and is disposed in the center as shown in FIG. 3, and a touch panel display for detecting an operation on each menu key by displaying a plurality of menu keys and the like. Unit 20, a status display unit 25 arranged at the top of the display unit 20 for displaying the status of printing, transmission, reception, memory, and error, a main power LED 29 for displaying the status of the main power source with LED, Various input keys 40 provided on both sides of the display unit 20 are provided. The input key 40 is arranged on the right side of the display unit 20, and includes a basic control key group for copying operation including a numeric input key 21, a start key 22, a stop key 23 and the like for setting the number of copies, and the display unit 20. A mode selection key group 24 composed of a key group for shifting to an operation mode corresponding to the operated key, and an LED for indicating that effect, and an upper right side of the display unit 20 for guidance. A help key 26 for entering a display, a logout key 27 for logging off by user management, and a power key 28 for putting the multifunction device 1 into an operable state or a sleep mode.

  The display unit 20 includes a message display area 201 for displaying the status of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and operation messages at the top, and a menu setting key area 202 below the message display area 201. In the menu setting key area 202, a basic mode setting tab 204 for setting basic copy menus such as paper size, copy magnification, copy density, and sorting, and frequently used menus are individually set on the user side. A user function tab 205 that can be registered, a function list tab 206 on which a plurality of menu keys for selecting a plurality of application functions prepared in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 are displayed, and a shortcut to a specific menu screen. And a program tab 207 for registering shortcut operations.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 2 includes an operation control unit 30 that detects operations on various input keys and displays and outputs corresponding operations. The operation control unit 30 includes a CPU 301 that controls display of the display unit 20 and various LEDs based on a predetermined control program, a ROM 302 that stores the control program, a RAM 303 that is used in a working area, and the display. A VRAM 304 that expands display data to the unit 20, a liquid crystal driver 305 that drives the display unit 20 based on the display data of the VRAM 304, and a position detection unit 306 that detects the position of the display unit 20 operated by an operator. The input buffer circuit 307 for inputting operation signals such as the start key 22 and the numerical value input key 21, and the input / output port 308 provided between the input buffer circuit 307 and the CPU 301. Connected to the main body control unit 7 that controls the copying operation via a communication line. To have.

  More specifically, when the display unit 20 is operated by an operator, position information detected by the position detection unit 306 is input to the CPU 301 via the input / output port 308, and is developed in the VRAM 304 by the CPU 301. It is determined which menu key 203 has been selected based on the displayed data. The CPU 301 expands the display screen corresponding to the operated menu key in the VRAM 304 based on the control program, so that the display screen of the display unit 20 is updated and displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the functional block configuration for displaying and ending the guidance is for displaying and ending the guidance on the digital multi-function peripheral 1 via the input key 40 from the operator or the display unit 20 of the touch panel type. The guidance display control part 41 which receives these input operations and reflects those operations on the display part 20 is provided.

  When the display of the display unit 20 is not a guidance display, the guidance display control unit 41 switches the display of the display unit 20 to a guidance display as shown in FIG. 8 when the help key 26 is operated. When the display of the display unit 20 is a guidance display, when the input key 40 is operated, the display immediately before switching the display of the display unit 20 to the guidance display, for example, a ready screen as shown in FIG. 5 is switched. It is configured as follows.

  The processing from displaying the ready / reduction copy guidance to returning to the original ready screen from the ready screen after starting the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. I will explain.

  When the digital multifunction device 1 is turned on (S1) and the initial setting is performed for each functional block (S2), the display unit 20 reads the document from the image reading unit 4 as electronic data, and the electronic unit Based on the data, a ready screen as shown in FIG. 5 showing a state in which print output is possible from the image forming unit 5 is displayed (S3).

  When the help key 26 is operated by an operator (S4), the guidance display control unit 41 displays the display on the display unit 20 at the present time as the ready screen and not the guidance display. A help screen 10 corresponding to the initial screen of the guidance display as shown in FIG. The help screen 10 has a message display unit 101 for displaying an operation message, a function selection key group 102 for selecting a function to be checked, and a function detail for displaying details of a function selected by the function selection key group 102. A display area 103 and a “help screen close” key 104 for closing the help screen 10 are configured.

  When an arbitrary key of the input key 40 is operated by the operator (S6), the guidance display control unit 41 indicates that the display of the display unit 20 at the present time is the guidance display. The display immediately before switching the display to the guidance display, that is, the ready screen is displayed (S3). On the other hand, when the operator operates the function selection key group 102, for example, the “copy function” without operating any key of the input key 40 (S6) (S7), FIG. As shown, the details of the “copy function” selected by the function selection key group 102 are displayed in the function detail display area 103 (S8).

  When an arbitrary key of the input key 40 is operated by the operator (S9), the guidance display control unit 41 displays the guidance display because the display of the display unit 20 at the present time is the guidance display. The display immediately before switching the display to the guidance display, that is, the ready screen is displayed (S3). On the other hand, an operator selects any item from the list displayed in the function detail display area 103, for example, “about function setting” without operating any key of the input key 40 (S9). When this is done (S10), as shown in FIG. 8C, the “detailed function settings” detailed screen 11 is displayed on the help screen 10 (S11). The “function setting” detail screen 11 includes a first item name display unit 111 for displaying an item name selected in the function detail display area 103, an item selection key group 112 for selecting an item to be examined, The “function setting” detail screen 11 is composed of a “function setting screen closing” key 113.

  When an arbitrary key of the input key 40 is operated by the operator (S12), the guidance display control unit 41 displays the guidance display because the display of the display unit 20 at the present time is the guidance display. The display immediately before switching the display to the guidance display, that is, the ready screen is displayed (S3). On the other hand, an operator, for example, “enlarged / reduced copy” is selected from the list displayed in the item selection key group 112 without operating any key of the input key 40 (S12). Then (S13), as shown in FIG. 8D, an “enlarged / reduced copy” detail screen 12 is displayed in a window on the help screen 10 and the “function setting” detail screen 11 (S14). The “enlarged / reduced copy” detailed screen 12 includes a second item name display unit 121 for displaying the item name selected in the item selection key group 112 and a “enlarged / reduced copy” detailed screen 12 for closing the “enlarged / reduced copy” detailed screen 12. This button is constituted by a key 122 that closes an enlarged / reduced copy screen.

  When an arbitrary key of the input key 40 is operated by an operator (S15), the guidance display control unit 41 displays the guidance display because the current display on the display unit 20 is the guidance display. The display immediately before switching the display to the guidance display, that is, the ready screen is displayed (S3).

  That is, once the guidance is displayed by operating the help key 18, the guidance display can be immediately ended by operating any key of the input key 40.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the key for ending the guidance display is assigned to the input key 40 has been described, but only a part of the input key 40 may be assigned as the key for ending the guidance display. Good. For example, only the numerical input key 21 and the start key 22 among the input keys 40 are assigned as keys for ending the guidance display, and any of the numerical input keys 21 and the start key 22 is displayed during the guidance display. The guidance display is terminated only when the key is operated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the key for ending the guidance display is assigned to the input key 40. However, in addition to the input key 40 or in place of the input key 40, as shown in FIG. A key for ending the guidance display, for example, a “guidance end” key 105 may be provided on the screen of the display unit 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the guidance display is immediately terminated when an arbitrary key of the input key 40 is operated to end the guidance display. However, when the arbitrary key of the input key 40 is operated, FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, a screen for confirming whether or not to end the guidance display may be displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the help key to activate the guidance display has been described. However, the activation of the guidance display is not limited to the operation of the help key, but when a predetermined condition set in advance is satisfied. The guidance display may be activated. For example, after an arbitrary or predetermined menu key is operated, a candidate key that needs to be operated next is not operated even after a predetermined time has elapsed, or the same key or a group of keys related to the same menu are continuously displayed It may be activated when it is operated and it is determined that the operation is confused.

  Each embodiment mentioned above may be constituted independently, or may be constituted combining.

  Note that the above-described embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the specific configuration of each block can be changed and designed as appropriate within the scope of the effects of the present invention.

Functional block diagram for displaying and ending guidance Illustration of digital multifunction device Illustration of the operation unit Block diagram of the operation control unit Explanatory drawing of the display unit with the ready screen displayed Flow chart for explaining the operation related to the end of the guidance display Flow chart for explaining the operation related to the end of the guidance display It is explanatory drawing of the guidance display displayed on a display part, (a) is a help screen, (b) is the state in which "copy function" was operated in the help screen, (c) is a detailed screen about "function setting" , (D) “Enlarged / reduced copy” detail screen Explanatory drawing of the configuration with the “End Guidance” key on the help screen Explanatory drawing of confirmation screen for guidance display end

2: Operation unit 20: Display unit 26: Help key 40: Input key 41: Guidance display control unit

Claims (1)

Multiple input keys for setting the operating conditions of the device, a touch panel display, a help key for displaying guidance for a predetermined menu key on the display, and a copy menu in response to the operation of the help key switching the menu key display screen on the guidance display screen, an operation input device configured to include a guidance display control unit that hierarchically switching display the guidance display,
The guidance display control unit terminates the guidance display in response to an arbitrary key operation of the input key arranged in an area other than the display unit, and displays the menu key display screen immediately before switching to the guidance display screen. incorporated in the image forming apparatus is urchin configured by returning the operation input device.