JP5024397B2 - Input device and input control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device and an input control program.

  Conventionally, input devices such as a touch panel for inputting information are known. Since this input device can be operated by directly touching the touch panel without using an input device such as a keyboard or buttons, the operation is simple and very convenient for the user.

  However, since this input device touches the touch panel with a finger or the like for the purpose of input, the touch panel is easily soiled by fingerprints and the like, and the visibility of various information displayed on the display surface superimposed under the touch panel is maintained. For this purpose, a cleaning operation for wiping the touch panel is required.

  The information terminal device provided with the touch panel described in Patent Document 1 has an operation mode called “cleaning mode”. When this cleaning mode is turned on, input is not accepted for a certain period of time thereafter, and the background is black and the stains on the screen are conspicuous, improving the workability of the screen cleaning by the user. .

JP 2004-355078 A

  However, the information terminal device provided with the touch panel described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that an input operation cannot be performed for a certain time after the cleaning mode is turned on. Usually, the necessity of cleaning the touch panel is often felt when using the touch panel. Especially in an input device in which the touch panel is used by a plurality of people, a user other than the user who performs the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode also inputs on the touch panel. It is inconvenient because it cannot be operated.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an input device and an input control capable of performing an input operation of the touch panel while the user is cleaning the touch panel while facilitating the cleaning of the touch panel by the user. The purpose is to provide a program.

In order to achieve the object, the input device according to claim 1, when the inside of the detection region is touched by an input medium, display information is displayed on a touch panel for detecting the touch position and a display surface on which the touch panel is overlapped. A display unit to display; a setting means for setting a plurality of operation reception areas in association with each of a plurality of display information displayed on the display surface in the detection area; and each operation set by the setting means An execution unit that executes processing associated with the operation reception area when any of the reception areas detects contact with the input medium, the plurality of operation reception areas and the plurality of operations as with the display information corresponding to the reception area each overlap, an input device for displaying the display information on the display surface, the detection area is divided into a plurality of divided regions, to the input medium Ri and touched contact position, storing means for storing the contact frequency of the input medium in each divided region, a divided region of the contact number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number stored by said memory means, the processing by the execution means An area dividing unit that divides the detection area as an invalid area that suppresses execution, and a divided area in which the number of contacts stored by the storage unit is smaller than the predetermined number, and an effective area that permits processing by the execution unit ; The display information is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area divided by the area dividing means, and an image showing the invalid area on the display surface corresponding to the invalid area divided by the area dividing means. When the area display means to be displayed and the operation reception area in the effective area are contacted by the input medium, a process associated with the operation reception area is displayed. Is executed, the case where the operation reception area of the invalid region is touched by the input medium, and control means for controlling not to execute the processing associated with the operation reception region, the operation of the invalid area Position changing means for displaying the display information corresponding to the reception area on the display surface corresponding to the effective area, and display information to be displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area by the position changing means is displayed in the effective area. A display determination unit that determines whether or not display can be performed on a corresponding display surface; and when the display determination unit determines that display is not possible, a divided region with a small number of touches is selected from the plurality of invalid regions. First changing means for changing as the effective area by the area dividing means, and as the effective area by the first changing means A changed divided area; and display control means for displaying the display information on the display surface corresponding to the divided area, wherein the setting means is associated with the display information displayed on the display surface by the position changing means. Then, the operation reception area is set .

  Here, suppressing the execution of the process by the execution unit means that the execution unit performs a process such as prohibiting the execution of the process by the execution unit or controlling the detection of the contact position by the contact of the input medium. As long as it is not performed, various modes can be adopted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the input device according to the first aspect , the input medium is separated from the invalid area after the divided area that has been made the invalid area by the area dividing means is contacted by the input medium. Contact determining means for determining whether or not the input medium is separated from the detection area by the contact determining means until the input medium is separated from the detection area until the input medium leaves. An image showing the invalid area displayed on the display surface corresponding to the divided area changed to the effective area by the second changing means; Display changing means for erasing the display.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the input device according to claim 2, if the divided region by the second changing means is changed to the valid area is changed to the valid area by said first changing means And a third changing means for changing the divided area to the invalid area, wherein the display changing means is provided on the display surface corresponding to the divided area changed to the invalid area by the third changing means. Displaying an image indicating a region, and when the divided region is changed to the invalid region by the third changing unit, the display control unit is divided into the effective region by the region dividing unit, and The display information is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the divided area changed to the effective area by the second changing means.

Invention according to claim 4, in the input device according to claim 3, wherein the third changing means, the divided areas the contact number is large among the divided areas is changed to the valid area by first changing means Is changed to the invalid area.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the input device according to any of the second to fourth aspects, the touch panel detects a capacitance that changes according to a contact area of the input medium that contacts the detection region. The contact determination means includes a capacitance determination means for determining whether or not the capacitance changed by the contact of the input medium in the divided area that is the invalid area is smaller than a predetermined value, When the electrostatic capacity determination means determines that the electrostatic capacity is smaller than the predetermined value, the second changing means is contacted by the input medium until the input medium is released from contact with the invalid area. The divided area is changed to the effective area.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the input device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the display unit includes a backlight device, and includes a power supply switching unit that turns off a current supplied to the backlight device. The power supply switching unit turns off the current supplied to the backlight device when the contact determination unit determines that the input medium is separated from the detection area.

The input control program according to claim 7, when the inside of the detection area is touched by an input medium, the touch panel that detects the touch position, the display unit that displays display information on a display surface on which the touch panel is superimposed, One of a setting means for setting a plurality of operation reception areas in association with each of a plurality of display information displayed on the display surface in the detection area, and each operation reception area set by the setting means When the contact of the input medium is detected, an execution means for executing processing associated with the operation reception area is included, and the plurality of operation reception areas and the plurality of operation reception areas correspond to each of the plurality of operation reception areas. to overlap and the display information, an input device the computer executable input control program for displaying the display information on the display surface, wherein the detection region is a plurality of divided territory To be divided, and the touched contact position by the input medium, storage means for Ru stored in the storage unit and the contact frequency of the input medium in each divided region, the number of contacts stored by the storage means is equal to or higher than a predetermined number The divided area is an invalid area that suppresses the execution of the process by the execution unit, and the divided area whose number of contacts stored by the storage unit is smaller than the predetermined number is an effective area that permits the process by the execution unit, An area dividing means for dividing the detection area; and the display information is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area divided by the area dividing means, and corresponds to the invalid area divided by the area dividing means. An area display means for displaying an image indicating the invalid area on the display surface, and the operation receiving area in the effective area when touched by the input medium Control that executes processing associated with the operation reception area, and controls not to execute processing associated with the operation reception area when the operation reception area in the invalid area is touched by the input medium Means, position changing means for displaying display information corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area on a display surface corresponding to the effective area, and display on a display surface corresponding to the effective area by the position changing means. Display determination means for determining whether or not the display information to be displayed can be displayed on a display surface corresponding to the effective area, and when the display determination means determines that the display information cannot be displayed, the contact among the plurality of invalid areas A first changing means for changing a divided area with a small number of times as the effective area; a divided area divided as the effective area by the area dividing means; A display control unit that causes the display information to be displayed on the display surface corresponding to the divided region changed as the effective region by the first changing unit, and the setting unit includes the position change unit The operation receiving area is set in association with display information displayed on the display surface by means .

According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, the contact position touched by the input medium is stored, and when the detection area detects the contact of the input medium, the processing associated with the operation reception area is performed. The area is divided into an effective area that is permitted to be executed and an invalid area that suppresses execution of processing associated with the operation reception area when contact with the input medium is detected. Then, display information is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the valid area, and an image indicating the invalid area is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the invalid area. Since the invalid area where the execution of the process associated with the operation reception area is suppressed can prevent malfunction even when the user is cleaning, it is preferable for the user to clean the invalid area. Since the image indicating the invalid area can be displayed and the user can recognize the invalid area, the user can easily clean the touch panel. Moreover, since the input area is provided even during the cleaning of the touch panel by the user, the touch panel can be input.

Further, displayed on the display surface of the display information corresponding to the operation reception region of invalid region corresponds to the effective area, in association with the display information displayed on the display surface, the operation reception area is set. As a result, even when the user is cleaning the touch panel, the process associated with the operation reception area corresponding to more display information displayed on the display surface can be executed.

Also, contact touch number is a predetermined number or more divided regions invalid region, contact frequency detection region is divided the predetermined number is smaller than the divided area as an effective area. If the display information to be displayed on the display surface corresponding to the valid area out of the display information corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area cannot be displayed on the display surface corresponding to the valid area, the number of times of contact among a plurality of invalid areas A divided area having a small number is changed as an effective area. Then, display information is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the divided area divided as the effective area of the detection area and the divided area changed as the effective area. Thereby, even when there are many divided areas having a contact count of a predetermined number or more, the process associated with the operation reception area corresponding to more display information displayed on the display surface can be reliably executed. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the input medium has moved away from the detection area after the divided area which has been set as the invalid area is contacted by the input medium, the input medium is brought into contact with the invalid area. The divided area touched by the input medium is changed to an effective area until it leaves. In addition, the image indicating the invalid area displayed on the display surface corresponding to the divided area that is the invalid area is deleted. In the case where the divided area that is set as the invalid area is contacted by the input medium, there is a high possibility that the divided area has been contacted because it has been cleaned by the user's wiping operation or the like. Therefore, when the input medium moves away from the detection area after the divided area that has been set as the invalid area is touched by the input medium, that is, when the cleaning of the divided area by the user is completed, the divided area that has been cleaned by the user is valid. Since the area is changed, the user can perform an input operation efficiently.

According to the invention described in claim 3 , when the contacted divided area is changed to the effective area, the divided area changed to the effective area is changed to the invalid area and changed to the invalid area. An image indicating the invalid area is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the divided area. In addition, display information is displayed on a display surface corresponding to the divided area divided as the effective area among the detection areas and the divided area changed to the effective area. Thereby, the process linked | related with the operation reception area | region corresponding to more display information displayed on a display surface can be performed reliably. In addition, the user can reliably clean the area that is soiled by the contact with the input medium.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the display information to be moved to the display surface corresponding to the effective area among the display information corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area is the display surface corresponding to the effective area. Of the divided areas that have been changed to effective areas when they cannot be displayed, the divided areas that have a large number of contacts are changed to invalid areas. Accordingly, since the dirt due to the contact with the input medium is changed to the invalid area preferentially, the cleaning by the user can be performed more efficiently.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the capacitance changed by the contact of the input medium in the divided area defined as the invalid area is smaller than the predetermined value, the input medium leaves after being brought into contact with the invalid area. Until then, the divided area touched by the input medium is changed to an effective area. In general, the capacitance changed by the contact of the wiping member such as cloth is smaller than the capacitance changed by the finger contact. Therefore, when the capacitance changed by the contact of the input medium is smaller than a predetermined value, the input medium Can be thought of as a wiping member such as a cloth. Therefore, when the electrostatic capacitance changed by the contact of the input medium in the divided area that is set as the invalid area is smaller than a predetermined value, that is, when contact is made by a wiping member such as cloth, it is determined that the cleaning of the divided area is completed. This makes it possible to reliably determine the completion of cleaning in the divided area of the touch panel.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the input medium moves away from the detection area after the divided area set as the invalid area is contacted by the input medium, the divided area is supplied to the backlight device provided in the display unit. The current is turned off. Thereby, since the display surface becomes dark, dirt such as fingerprints on the touch panel is easily noticeable, and the user can easily determine whether or not the cleaning of the touch panel is surely completed.

(A) is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an MFP which is an embodiment of the input device of the present invention, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD. It is the schematic explaining an example of the operation method in cleaning mode based on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the frequency | count measurement process of contact in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning control process in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic explaining an example of the operation method in cleaning mode based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning control process in 1st Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a multifunction peripheral device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) 1 will be described as an example as an input device and an input control program of the present invention.

  The MFP 1 has various functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, a scan function, and a printer function. The user of the MFP can cause the MFP 1 to execute the process assigned to the operation reception area by operating the operation reception area set on the touch panel 17 (see FIG. 1). The operation reception area is an input button (of the present invention) displayed on the display surface 161 (see FIG. 1B) of the LCD 16 (see FIG. 1B) in the detection area 171 (see FIG. 1B) of the touch panel 17. This is an area set in association with display information).

[First Embodiment]
<Electrical configuration>
An electrical configuration of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The MFP 1 includes a CPU 10, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, a flash memory 14, an operation key 15, an LCD 16 (corresponding to a display unit of the present invention), a touch panel 17, a scanner 20, a printer 21, an NCU 23, and a modem. 24.

  The CPU 10, ROM 11, RAM 12, and flash memory 14 are connected to each other via a bus line 26. Further, the operation key 15, LCD 16, touch panel 17, scanner 20, printer 21, NCU 23, modem 24, and bus line 26 are connected to each other via an input / output port 27.

  The CPU 10 controls the functions of the MFP 1 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 11, RAM 12, or flash memory 14, or various signals transmitted / received via the NCU 23, and the input / output port 27. It controls each part connected to the.

  The ROM 11 is a non-rewritable memory that stores the control program 111 and the like executed by the MFP 1. The CPU 10 executes the contact count measurement process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the cleaning control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 according to the control program 111. The RAM 12 is a rewritable volatile memory for temporarily storing various data. The RAM 12 stores a contact position of the input medium detected by the touch panel 17. The operation key 15 is a hard key for inputting an instruction to the MFP 1.

  The LCD 16 is a liquid crystal display device, and has a display surface 161 (see FIG. 1B) on which the touch panel 17 is superimposed, and displays an image on the display surface 161. The LCD 16 has a backlight device below the display surface 161. The backlight device emits light by supplying current to illuminate the display surface 161 so that the display on the display surface 161 is easy to see.

  The touch panel 17 is a projection-type capacitive touch panel, and the entire detection area 171 (see FIG. 1B) is finely divided in a lattice shape, and an electrode is provided for each of the divided unit areas. ing. When an input medium such as a user's finger approaches or comes into contact with the detection area 171 of the touch panel 17, electrostatic coupling occurs between the input medium and the electrode, and according to the contact area of the input medium in contact with the detection area 1717, Electrostatic capacitance changes occur.

  The touch panel 17 has vertical and horizontal orientations, and coordinate information for identifying each unit area is attached to each unit area individually. The coordinate information of the upper left unit area toward the surface of the touch panel 17 is (0, 0), and the right direction (X direction shown in FIG. 1B) and the lower direction (Y direction shown in FIG. 1B). Coordinate information (X, Y) is attached so that the values are continuous toward each other. The coordinate information increases in the right and downward directions of the touch panel 17. The coordinate information of the upper right unit area toward the surface of the touch panel 17 is (Xm, 0), and the coordinate information of the lower left unit area is (0, Ym), and the coordinate information of the lower right unit area is (Xm, Ym). The touch panel 17 detects and outputs the coordinate information of the unit area where the capacitance change of the electrode is seen as the contact position where the input medium is in contact.

In the touch panel 17, a plurality of operation reception areas are set in the detection area 171 in association with each of the plurality of input buttons 31 to 35 (see FIG. 1B) displayed on the display surface 161 (the present invention). Equivalent to setting means). When contact with the input medium is detected in any of the set operation reception areas, processing associated with the operation reception area is executed (corresponding to the execution means of the present invention). The operation reception area and the process associated with the operation reception area are stored in the ROM 11 in association with the corresponding input buttons 31 to 35. For example, in FIG. 1B, a copy button 31, a scan button 32, a FAX button 33, and a print button 34 are stored in the ROM 11 in association with a copy function, a scan function, a FAX function, and a printer function, respectively. 1B, the cleaning mode button 35 is stored in the ROM 11 in association with a cleaning control process (see FIG. 4) described later. For example, when the contact of the operation reception area corresponding to the copy button 31 by the user is detected, the copy function is executed.

  The detection area 171 of the touch panel 17 is divided into divided areas composed of a plurality of unit areas. In this embodiment, the touch panel 17 shown in FIG. 1B has twelve divided areas 71 to 82 generated by dividing the detection area 171 into four equal parts in the X direction and three equal parts in the Y direction. The boundaries between the divided areas 71 to 82 are indicated by broken lines. In FIG. 1B, the broken lines indicating the boundaries between the divided areas 71 to 82 are shown for convenience of explanation, and are not displayed on the display surface 161. In the present embodiment, the divided areas 71 to 82 are areas in which the detection area 171 is divided into 12 equal parts, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is only necessary to be divided into at least two. Further, the sizes of the divided regions 71 to 82 may not be the same.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 1 is provided with two operation modes, a normal mode and a cleaning mode. In the normal mode, various functions such as a copy function, a scan function, a FAX function, and a printer function are executed when an operation receiving area corresponding to the input buttons 31 to 35 (see FIG. 1B) is touched by an input medium. It is a state to be done. In this embodiment, in the normal mode, when the contact of the cleaning mode button 35 (see FIG. 1B) by the user is detected, the mode is shifted to the cleaning mode. In the normal mode, the number of times that each of the divided areas 71 to 82 is touched by a user's finger or the like is measured as needed and stored in a contact count memory 142 described later.

  The cleaning mode is an operation mode that assists the user in cleaning the surface of the touch panel 17. In the cleaning mode, the detection area 171 is divided into an invalid area and an effective area. The invalid area is an area that prohibits execution of the process associated with the divided area when the divided area determined to be dirty is touched by the input medium based on the number of times of contact with the user's finger. The effective area is an area in which a divided area that is determined not to be dirty based on the number of times of contact with the user's finger executes a process associated with the divided area. In the present embodiment, when the operation reception area in the effective area is touched by the input medium during the cleaning mode, the process associated with the operation reception area is executed, and the operation reception area in the invalid area is touched by the input medium. If it is, the CPU 10 controls so as not to execute the process associated with the operation reception area (corresponding to the control means of the present invention).

  Returning to FIG. The scanner 20 is for reading an original when executing a FAX function, a scan function, or a copy function. The printer 21 is for printing an image on recording paper. The NCU 23 controls a telephone line. The modem 24 modulates a transmission signal into a form suitable for transmission over a telephone line during facsimile transmission, and demodulates a modulation signal transmitted from the telephone line during facsimile reception.

  The flash memory 14 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The flash memory 14 includes an area coordinate memory 141, a contact count memory 142, a cleaning mode flag memory 143, an area division memory 144, a fingerprint flag memory 145, and a parameter storage memory 146. The flash memory 14 stores a fingerprint image 30 (see FIG. 2B) indicating a human fingerprint.

The area coordinate memory 141 is a memory in which the sizes of the divided areas 71 to 82, the center coordinates of the divided areas 71 to 82, and identification information for specifying the divided areas 71 to 82 are stored in association with each other. The identification information for identifying the divided areas 71 to 82 can identify each divided area, such as numbers assigned 1, 2,..., 12 in order from the divided area 71 to the divided area 82, for example. I just need it. In the present embodiment, the area coordinate memory 141 stores the identification information, the sizes of the divided areas 71 to 82, and the center coordinates of the divided areas 71 to 82, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, the identification information, the size of the divided areas 71 to 82, and the coordinates of the predetermined positions of the divided areas 71 to 82 may be stored in association with each other.

  The contact count memory 142 is a memory for storing the contact count Tn in which the divided areas 71 to 82 are touched by the user's finger. In the contact number memory 142, identification information for specifying the divided areas 71 to 82 and the number of contact times Tn in the divided areas 71 to 82 are stored in association with each other.

  The cleaning mode flag memory 143 is a memory in which a cleaning mode flag is stored. The cleaning mode flag is a flag indicating whether or not it is the cleaning mode based on the pressing of the cleaning mode button 35 by the user. If the cleaning mode flag is on, it indicates that the cleaning mode is on, while if the cleaning mode flag is off, it indicates that the cleaning mode is not on.

  The area division memory 144 is a memory that stores whether the division areas 71 to 82 are valid areas or invalid areas in the cleaning mode. The area division memory 144 includes identification information for identifying the divided areas 71 to 82, invalid information indicating that the divided areas 71 to 82 are invalid areas, or valid information indicating that the divided areas 71 to 82 are valid areas. Are stored in association with each other.

  The fingerprint flag memory 145 is a memory in which a fingerprint flag is stored. The fingerprint flag is a flag indicating whether or not a fingerprint image 30 (see FIG. 2B) indicating a fingerprint is displayed in the area of the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided areas 71 to 82 in the cleaning mode. The fingerprint image 30 is displayed in the area of the display surface 161 corresponding to the invalid area. That is, the fingerprint image 30 is displayed in an area on the display surface 161 corresponding to an area that is highly likely to be dirty due to finger contact. When the fingerprint flag memory is on, it indicates that the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161. On the other hand, when the fingerprint flag memory is off, the fingerprint image 30 is not displayed on the display surface 161. It shows that. The fingerprint flag memory 145 stores identification information for identifying the divided areas 71 to 82 and the fingerprint flags in the divided areas 71 to 82 in association with each other. In the initial state, all the fingerprint flags are off.

  The parameter storage memory 146 is a memory that stores various parameters in the contact count measurement process and the cleaning control process. In the parameter storage memory 146, for example, the threshold value T0 of the number of times of contact in which each of the divided areas 71 to 82 is set as an invalid area in the cleaning mode, and the threshold value of the change amount of the capacitance of the electrode that is determined to be a finger contact Is memorized. Generally, the amount of change in capacitance due to contact with a wiping member such as cloth is smaller than the amount of change in capacitance due to contact with a finger. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the detected amount of change in capacitance is equal to or greater than the threshold value of the amount of change stored in the parameter storage memory 146, it is determined that the contact is made with a finger, while the detected static If the change amount of the electric capacity is smaller than the change amount threshold value, it is determined that the contact is caused by the wiping member.

<Operation of Embodiment>
Next, the operation of the MFP 1 in the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

(Contact count measurement process)
First, with reference to FIG. 3, the contact count measurement process executed by the CPU 10 of the MFP 1 will be described. This contact count measurement process is a process that is executed when contact by the input medium is detected by the CPU 10 in the normal mode, that is, when a change in capacitance of the electrode is detected by the CPU 10. In this embodiment, when the change in the capacitance of the electrode is detected by the CPU 10, the coordinate information of the unit area where the change in the capacitance is detected is stored in the RAM 12 as the contact position where the input medium is in contact (this book). Equivalent to the storage means of the invention). The amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode detected by the CPU 10 is stored in the RAM 12 in association with the coordinate information.

  In the contact count measurement process, first, it is determined whether or not the change amount of the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode detected by the CPU 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step 300, hereinafter, step is denoted as S). The predetermined value is a threshold value of the amount of change in capacitance that is determined to be a touch with a finger stored in the parameter storage memory 146. When it is determined that the amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode detected by the CPU 10 is equal to or less than the predetermined value (S300: YES), it is determined that the contact is due to the wiping member, and this process is terminated.

  When it is determined that the amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode detected by the CPU 10 is greater than a predetermined value (S300: NO), it is determined that the contact is made with a finger, and the number of contact times Tn of the divided region corresponding to the contact position is determined. It is counted (S302).

  Specifically, in S302, the coordinate information stored in the RAM 12 is first determined based on the center coordinates and size of the divided areas 71 to 82 (see FIG. 1B) stored in the area coordinate memory 141. The divided area to be identified is specified. Next, the identification information stored in the area coordinate memory 141 is specified corresponding to the specified divided area, and the contact count Tn stored in association with the specified identification information is read. Then, the contact count detected by the CPU 10 at the start of execution of the contact count measurement process, that is, “1” is added to the read contact count Tn. The added contact number Tn is stored in the contact number memory 142 in association with the identified identification information.

  In the present embodiment, when the added contact count Tn is stored in the contact count memory 142 in association with the specified identification information, it is stored in the contact count memory 142 in association with the identification information specified before the addition. The contact count Tn that has been made is erased. In the present embodiment, when the plurality of divided areas 71 to 82 are simultaneously contacted by the input medium, the number of times of contact Tn corresponding to the plurality of contacted divided areas is respectively incremented by “1”.

  In S304, the operation corresponding to the contact position is executed, and this process is terminated. In S304, the process associated with the operation reception area corresponding to the contact position is read from the ROM 11 and executed.

(Cleaning control process)
Next, a cleaning control process executed by the CPU 10 of the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  This cleaning control process is a process executed when the CPU 10 detects a contact in the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35. When the CPU 10 detects a contact in the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35, the MFP 1 shifts to the cleaning mode. The size of each of the input buttons 31 to 35 is set such that one input button can be displayed in one divided area, and each input button 31 to 35 is set in one predetermined divided area among the divided areas 71 to 82. Is displayed. FIG. 2A is a display example of the display surface 161 when the contact of the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35 by the CPU 10 is detected. In the present embodiment, the case where the contact of the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35 is detected is a case where the cleaning mode button 35 is pressed by the user's finger as shown in FIG. . The arrangement of input buttons and the like displayed on the display surface 161 before the cleaning control process is executed (see FIG. 2A) is stored in the flash memory 14.

  In this cleaning control process, first, the button display area size is acquired (S400). The button display area size means that when the contact of the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35 is detected, the cleaning mode button 35 is excluded from the input buttons 31 to 35 displayed on the display surface 161. This is the size of the area occupied by the input buttons 31-34. Specifically, in this embodiment, the button display area size is indicated by the number of input buttons 31 to 34. For example, in FIG. 2A, there are four button display area sizes: a copy mode button 31, a scan mode button 32, a FAX mode button 33, and a print mode button 34. In the present embodiment, the button display area size may be calculated every time the processing of S400 is performed by the CPU 10, or the button display area size in each screen display is stored in advance in the ROM 11, and is read from the ROM 11 by the CPU 10. Also good.

  In S <b> 402 of FIG. 4, the contact count Tn by the finger in each of the divided areas 71 to 82 is read from the contact count memory 142. In S404, it is determined whether or not the contact count Tn of each of the divided areas 71 to 82 read in S402 is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0 stored in the parameter storage memory 146. As a result of the determination, the contact count Tn is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0. The divided area determined to be an invalid area. For the divided areas set as invalid areas, identification information for identifying the divided areas 71 to 82 and invalid information indicating that the divided areas are invalid areas are associated with each other and stored in the area division memory 144. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that among the divided areas 71 to 82, the divided areas 73 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 are determined to have the contact count Tn equal to or greater than the threshold value T0 and set as invalid areas. Then, identification information specifying the divided areas 73 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 and invalid information are stored in the area divided memory 144 in association with each other.

  A divided area in which the contact count Tn of each divided area 71 to 82 read in S402 is determined to be smaller than the threshold value T0 stored in the parameter storage memory 146 is set as an effective area (S406). That is, in S406, among the divided areas 71 to 82, a divided area that has not been set as an invalid area in S404 is set as an effective area. The divided areas determined as effective areas are stored in the area division memory 144 in association with identification information for identifying the divided areas 71 to 82 and effective information indicating that the divided areas are effective areas. In the present embodiment, the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided area 77 are set as effective areas. Then, the identification information for specifying the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided area 77 and the valid information are stored in the area divided memory 144 in association with each other.

  It is determined whether the effective area size is equal to or larger than the button display area size (S408). The effective area size is the sum of the sizes of the divided areas determined as the effective areas in S406. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the effective area size is indicated by the number of divided areas determined as effective areas in S406. In S408, the effective area size is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the calculated effective area size is equal to or larger than the button display area size acquired in S400. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the effective area size is equal to or larger than the button display area size (S408: YES), the step process proceeds to S414.

As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the effective area size is smaller than the button display area size (S408: NO), the number N of divided areas that satisfy the shortage of the button display area size with respect to the effective area size is calculated (S410). In S410, at least the number of divided areas N required to satisfy the difference between the effective area size and the button display area size is calculated. For example, in the present embodiment, the effective area size of the effective area including the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided area 77 is smaller than the button display area size including the four input buttons 31 to 34. In this case, three input buttons can be displayed in the effective area corresponding to the three divided areas, and the effective area in which the remaining one input button is displayed is insufficient. Since at least one divided area is necessary for one input button to be displayed, the number N of divided areas necessary to satisfy the difference between the effective area size and the button display area size is “1”. .

  Among the invalid areas, N divided areas with a small number of contact times Tn are changed to valid areas (S412). In S <b> 412, among the divided areas determined as invalid areas in S <b> 404, the N-th divided areas are changed to effective areas in the order of decreasing number of contact times Tn. In the area division memory 144, in association with the identification information for identifying the divided area changed to the effective area in S412, the effective information indicating that the divided area is the effective area and the invalid area due to the insufficient button display area size. Information indicating that the area has been changed is stored. Note that the invalid information stored in association with the identification information for specifying this divided area in S404 is deleted. In this embodiment, since the number N of divided areas is “1”, one of the divided areas 73 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 that are invalid areas is changed to an effective area with the smallest number of contact times Tn. Is done. In the present embodiment, among the divided areas 73 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82, the divided area having the smallest number of contact times Tn is the divided area 73, and the divided area 73 is changed to the effective area.

  Input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed in the effective area (S414). In the present embodiment, in S414, in the divided areas 71 to 82, the divided areas 74 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 are invalid areas, and the divided areas 71 to 73 and the divided areas 77 are valid areas. In S414, the input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided areas 71 to 73 and the divided areas 77, respectively. Then, an operation reception area is set in association with each of the input buttons 31 to 34 displayed on the display surface 161.

  The fingerprint image 30 stored in the flash memory 14 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to each divided area set as an invalid area (S416). In S <b> 416, the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the invalid area where contact with the finger is significantly detected. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that one fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to each of the divided areas set as invalid areas. In S416, the fingerprint flag stored in the fingerprint flag memory 145 in association with the identification information for specifying the divided areas 71 to 82 where the fingerprint image 30 is displayed is changed to ON.

  FIG. 2B is a display example of the display surface 161 when the process of S416 is executed. In S414, the divided area 71 in which the copy button 31 is an effective area, the divided area 72 in which the scan button 32 is an effective area, the divided area 73 in which the FAX button 33 is an effective area, and the divided area 77 in which the print button 34 is an effective area. Are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to. Then, an operation reception area is set in association with each of the copy button 31, the scan button 32, the FAX button 33, and the print button 34 displayed on the display surface 161. The divided area 73 is an area that has been set as an invalid area in S404 but has been changed to an effective area in S412. In S416, the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to each of the divided areas 74 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 that are set as invalid areas. In FIG. 2B, the divided areas 74 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 that are invalid areas are collectively referred to as an invalid area 200, which is indicated by a thick broken line. In FIG. 2B, the oval shape indicated by diagonal lines is a fingerprint image 30.

In S418 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not there is a contact with the input medium in the detection area 171. In S418, whether or not there is a contact due to the input medium is determined by whether or not a change in the capacitance of the electrode is detected by the CPU 10, as in the contact count measurement process (see FIG. 3). Similarly to the contact count measurement process (see FIG. 3), when the change in the capacitance of the electrode is detected by the CPU 10, the coordinate information of the unit area in which the change in the capacitance is detected is in contact with the input medium. The contact position is stored in the RAM 12. The amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode detected by the CPU 10 is stored in the RAM 12 in association with the coordinate information. When it is determined that there is no contact due to the input medium (S418: NO), the process of S418 is repeated until it is determined that there is contact due to the input medium.

  When it is determined that there is a contact by the input medium in the detection area 171 (S418: YES), it is determined whether or not the contact position where the contact is detected is only the effective area (S420). Here, the contact positions where contact is detected are all the positions touched by the input medium from when the contact by the input medium is detected until it is detected that the input medium is separated from the detection area 171. It is. In S420, based on the center coordinates and size of the divided areas 71 to 82 stored in the area coordinate memory 141, the divided area corresponding to the coordinate information as the contact position stored in the RAM 12 is specified and specified. The divided areas are stored in the RAM 12. Then, based on the invalid information and the valid information in the area division memory 144, it is determined whether or not the identified divided area is an effective area. Based on the determination result, it is determined whether or not all of the identified divided areas are valid areas.

  When it is determined that the contact position where the contact is detected is only the effective region (S420: YES), the number of times of contact of the contacted effective region is counted (S422). In S422, the number of contacts is counted in the same manner as S302 in the contact count measurement process (see FIG. 3). Specifically, first, identification information stored in the area coordinate memory 141 is specified corresponding to the divided area included in the effective area where contact is detected, and stored in association with the specified identification information. The contact count Tn is read out. Then, the contact count detected in S418, that is, “1” is added to the read contact count Tn. The added contact number Tn is stored in the contact number memory 142 in association with the identified identification information.

  In the present embodiment, when the added contact count Tn is stored in the contact count memory 142 in association with the specified identification information, it is stored in the contact count memory 142 in association with the identification information specified before the addition. The contact count Tn that has been made is erased. In the present embodiment, when the plurality of divided areas 71 to 82 are simultaneously contacted by the input medium, the number of times of contact Tn corresponding to the plurality of contacted divided areas is respectively incremented by “1”.

  In S424, the normal operation is executed, and the step process proceeds to S418. In S424, similarly to S304 in the contact count measurement process (see FIG. 3), the process associated with the operation reception area corresponding to the contact position is read from the ROM 11 and executed.

  When it is determined that the contact position where the contact is detected is not only the effective region (S420: NO), it is determined whether or not the change amount of the capacitance of the electrode detected in S418 is equal to or less than a predetermined value ( S426). The predetermined value is a threshold value of the amount of change in capacitance that is determined to be a touch with a finger stored in the parameter storage memory 146. In the present embodiment, when the contact position where the contact is detected in S418 includes both the effective area and the invalid area, it is highly likely that the user accidentally touched the effective area during cleaning of the invalid area by the user. In S426, it is determined whether or not the change amount of the capacitance of the electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode is greater than the predetermined value (S426: NO), it is determined that the contact is made with a finger, and the step process proceeds to S422.

When it is determined that the amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode is equal to or less than the predetermined value (S426: YES), it is determined that the contact is caused by the wiping member, and is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the invalid area that is touched. The fingerprint image 30 is erased (S428). In S428, the fingerprint flag stored in the fingerprint flag memory 145 in association with the identification information specifying the divided areas 71 to 82 from which the fingerprint image 30 is erased is changed to OFF. In S428, the number of contacts stored in the number-of-contacts memory 142 is reset to “0” in association with the identification information specifying the divided areas 71 to 82 from which the fingerprint image 30 is erased. In this embodiment, S
In 428, the invalid area in which contact with the wiping member is detected is determined to have been cleaned by the user with the wiping member to remove dirt from the finger, and the display surface corresponding to the invalid area in which contact with the wiping member is detected The fingerprint image 30 displayed in 161 is erased.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the invalid area 200 shown in FIG. 2B is cleaned by the wiping member. In this case, the detection area touched by the detection of contact from the input medium in S418 until the input medium is detected to be separated from the detection area 171 after the contact by the input medium is detected is the invalid area 200. Therefore, in S420, it is determined that the contact position is not only the effective area (S420: NO). Since the invalid area 200 is contacted by the wiping member, the amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S426: YES), and corresponds to the invalid area 200 as shown in FIG. The fingerprint image 30 displayed on the display surface 161 is erased (S428). The description regarding FIG. 2C will be described later.

  In S430 of FIG. 4, the number M of divided areas of the invalid area in which contact is detected in S418 is calculated. In S430, based on the divided area in which contact is detected stored in the RAM 12 in S420, the number M of divided areas constituting the invalid area in which contact is detected in S418 is calculated. In the present embodiment, since the contact of the invalid area 200 is detected in S418, the number M of divided areas of the contacted invalid area calculated in S430 is “8”.

  In S432, it is determined whether or not the number N of divided areas that satisfy the shortage of the button display area size with respect to the effective area size calculated in S410 is 0 or less. If it is determined that the number N of divided areas is greater than 0 (S432: NO), the invalid area where contact is detected in S418 is changed to an effective area (S434). In the area division memory 144, effective information that the divided area is an effective area is stored in association with the identification information for specifying the divided area changed to the effective area in S434. Note that the invalid information stored in association with the identification information for specifying this divided area in S404 is deleted. In the present embodiment, in S428, the contact count stored in the contact count memory 142 is reset in association with the identification information that identifies the divided areas 71 to 82 from which the fingerprint image 30 has been erased, but in S434, The contact count stored in the contact count memory 142 may be reset in association with the identification information that identifies the divided area from which the fingerprint image 30 has been erased, that is, the divided areas 71 to 82 that have been changed to effective areas. .

  In S436, the divided area changed to the effective area in S412 is changed to the invalid area. In the area division memory 144, invalid information that the divided area is an invalid area is stored in association with the identification information that identifies the divided area changed to the invalid area in S436. Note that the valid information stored in association with the identification information for identifying this divided area in S412 and the information indicating that the invalid area has been changed to the valid area due to insufficient button display area size are deleted. In S436, when the number N of divided areas calculated in S410 is larger than the number M of divided areas calculated in S430, the divided areas changed to effective areas in S412 are counted up to the Nth in descending order of the number of contact times Tn. The divided area is changed to an invalid area.

  In the present embodiment, the number N of divided areas that satisfy the shortage of the button display area size with respect to the effective area size calculated in S410 is “1” (S432: NO), and the divided areas 74 to 76 that constitute the invalid area 200. The divided areas 78 to 82 are changed to effective areas (S434). Then, the divided area 73 changed to the valid area in S412 is changed to the invalid area (S436).

The number N of divided areas satisfying the shortage of the button display area size with respect to the effective area size is touched from the number N of divided areas satisfying the shortage of the button display area size with respect to the effective area size calculated in S410. The number M of divided areas of the invalid area is changed to a value obtained by subtraction (S438), and the step process proceeds to S414.

  FIG. 2C is a display example of the display surface 161 when the process of S438 is executed, the step process is shifted to S414, and the processes of S414 and S416 are executed. In the present embodiment, since the invalid area 200 is detected to be in contact with the wiping member in S418 to S426, as shown in FIG. 2C, the invalid area 200 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the invalid area 200 in FIG. The fingerprint image 30 that has been deleted is erased (S428). The divided areas 74 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 constituting the invalid area 200 in which contact is detected are changed to effective areas (S434), and the divided area 73 changed to an effective area in S412 is changed to an invalid area. (S436).

  In this embodiment, the number N of divided areas in S438 is a value obtained by subtracting “8” that is the number M of divided areas calculated in S430 from “1” that is the number N of divided areas calculated in S410, that is, “−7”. " Then, the step process proceeds to S414, and input buttons are displayed in the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided areas 74 to 82, which are effective areas (S414).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, the copy button 31 corresponds to the divided area 71, the scan button 32 corresponds to the divided area 72, the FAX button 33 corresponds to the divided area 81, and the print button 34 corresponds to the divided area 77. Each is displayed on the display surface 161. Then, an operation reception area is set in association with each of the copy button 31, the scan button 32, the FAX button 33, and the print button 34 displayed on the display surface 161. That is, in this embodiment, since the divided area 73 has been changed to an invalid area, the FAX button 33 displayed in the divided area 73 in FIG. 2B has been changed to an effective area in FIG. It is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area 81. Then, an operation reception area is set in the divided area 81 in association with the FAX button 33. Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area 73 which is an invalid area (S416).

  As a result of the determination in S432 of FIG. 4, when it is determined that the number N of divided areas that satisfy the shortage of the button display area size with respect to the effective area size calculated in S410 is 0 or less (S432: YES), the display surface 161 It is determined whether the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the screen (S439). Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is a fingerprint flag that is stored in the fingerprint flag memory 145 in association with identification information that identifies the divided areas 71 to 82. If it is determined that the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161 (S439: YES), the step process proceeds to S418.

  When it is determined that the fingerprint image 30 is not displayed on the display surface 161 (S439: NO), the entire detection area 171 is set as an invalid area (S440). In S440, the entire detection area 171, that is, all the divided areas 71 to 82 are set as invalid areas.

  In S442, the current supplied to the backlight device is turned off for a predetermined time. The process of S442 makes the display surface 161 dark when the current supplied to the backlight device is turned off for a predetermined time.

  After the current supplied to the backlight device is turned off for a predetermined time, the mode is shifted to the normal mode (S444), and this process is terminated. In S444, the current supplied to the backlight device is turned on, and the display surface 161 is displayed before the cleaning control process is executed after the contact of the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35 is detected. Return to (see FIG. 2A).

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the divided region 73 is cleaned by the wiping member in FIG. As in the case where the invalid area 200 shown in FIG. 2B is cleaned by the wiping member, the divided area 73 is detected by S418 to S426 and is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area 73. The fingerprint image 30 is erased (S428). Since the contacted divided area is only the divided area 73, the number M of divided areas is “1” (S430). Since the number N of divided areas calculated in S438 is “−7”, N is determined to be 0 or less (S432: YES). Since the displayed fingerprint image 30 is erased by the processing of S428, the fingerprint image 30 is not displayed on the display surface 161 (S439: NO), and therefore all the divided areas 71 to 82 are set as invalid areas (S440). Then, as shown in FIG. 2D, the current supplied to the backlight device is turned off, and the display surface 161 becomes dark (S442). In S444, the mode is changed from the cleaning mode to the normal mode, and the display surface 161 is as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the contact position touched by the input medium is stored, and the divided area in which the detection area 171 is determined not to be dirty or less dirty is associated with the divided area. When the input area touches a divided area that is determined to be dirty, the area is divided into an invalid area that prohibits execution of the process associated with the divided area (see FIG. 4 (see S404 to S406). Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the effective area, and the fingerprint image 30 indicating the invalid area is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the invalid area. . Since the invalid area where the execution of the process associated with the operation reception area is prohibited can be prevented from malfunctioning even while the user is cleaning, it is preferable for the user to clean the invalid area. Therefore, since the fingerprint image 30 can be displayed to allow the user to recognize the invalid area, the user can easily clean the touch panel 17. Further, since the input area is provided even during the cleaning of the touch panel 17 by the user, the input operation of the touch panel 17 can be performed.

  Input buttons 31 to 34 corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the valid area, and the operation reception area is set in association with the input button 161 displayed on the display surface 161. (See S414 shown in FIG. 4). Specifically, in FIG. 2A, the input buttons 31 to 34 displayed in the divided areas 79 to 82 are divided into the divided areas 71 to 73 which are effective areas and the divided areas as shown in FIG. It is displayed in area 77. Then, an operation reception area is set in association with each of the input buttons 31 to 34 displayed on the display surface 161. As a result, even when the touch panel 17 is being cleaned by the user, it is possible to execute processing associated with operation reception areas corresponding to more input buttons 31 to 34 displayed on the display surface 161.

  Divided areas where the number of contact times Tn is equal to or greater than the predetermined number T0 are set as invalid areas (see S404 in FIG. 4), and the detection areas are divided using the divided areas where the number of contact times Tn is smaller than the predetermined number T0 as effective areas (see FIG. 4). S406 shown). When the input buttons 31 to 34 corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area cannot be displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the valid area, the divided area having a small number of contact times Tn among the plural invalid areas is changed as the valid area. (See S408 to S412 shown in FIG. 4). Then, the input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area divided as the effective area in the detection area 171 and the divided area changed as the effective area.

Specifically, in FIG. 2B, all of the input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided areas 77 which are the effective areas divided based on the number of times of contact. Since it cannot be performed, among the divided areas 73 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 which are invalid areas, the divided area 73 with a small number of contact times Tn is changed as an effective area. Then, the input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided areas 71 to 73 and the divided area 77. Thus, even when there are many divided areas where the contact count Tn is equal to or greater than the predetermined number T0, the process associated with the operation reception areas corresponding to the more input buttons 31 to 34 displayed on the display surface 161 is ensured. Can be executed.

  When it is determined that the input medium has moved away from the detection area after the divided area that has been set as the invalid area is touched by the input medium (see S418 in FIG. 4), the input is performed after the input medium has been brought into contact with the invalid area and then left. The divided area touched by the medium is changed to an effective area (see S434 shown in FIG. 4). In addition, the fingerprint image 30 indicating the invalid area displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area that is the invalid area is deleted (see S428 in FIG. 4). In the case where the divided area that is set as the invalid area is contacted by the input medium, there is a high possibility that the divided area has been contacted because it has been cleaned by the user's wiping operation or the like. Therefore, when the input medium moves away from the detection area after the divided area that has been set as the invalid area is touched by the input medium, that is, when the cleaning of the divided area by the user is completed, the divided area that has been cleaned by the user is valid. Since the area is changed, the user can perform an input operation efficiently.

  When the contacted divided area is changed to an effective area (see S434 shown in FIG. 4), the divided area changed to the effective area is changed to an invalid area (see S436 shown in FIG. 4). Then, the fingerprint image 30 indicating the invalid area is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area changed to the invalid area (S416 shown in FIG. 4). Further, input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area divided as the effective area among the detection areas and the divided area changed to the effective area (S414 shown in FIG. 4).

  Specifically, the divided area 73 changed to the effective area is changed to an invalid area, and the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area 73 as shown in FIG. In addition, input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided areas 74 to 82 which are effective areas. Thereby, the process linked | related with the operation reception area | region corresponding to more input buttons 31-34 displayed on the display surface 161 can be performed reliably. In addition, the user can reliably clean the area that is soiled by the contact with the input medium.

  When the input buttons 31 to 34 corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area cannot be displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the valid area, the divided area having a large contact count Tn among the divided areas changed to the valid area is the invalid area. Changed to Accordingly, since the dirt due to the contact with the input medium is changed to the invalid area preferentially, the cleaning by the user can be performed more efficiently.

  When the capacitance changed by the contact of the input medium in the divided area defined as the invalid area is smaller than a predetermined value (see S426 shown in FIG. 4), the input medium is brought into contact with the invalid area until it leaves. The divided area touched by the above is changed to an effective area (see S434 shown in FIG. 4). In general, the capacitance changed by the contact of the wiping member such as cloth is smaller than the capacitance changed by the finger contact. Therefore, when the capacitance changed by the contact of the input medium is smaller than a predetermined value, the input medium Can be thought of as a wiping member such as a cloth. Therefore, when the electrostatic capacitance changed by the contact of the input medium in the divided area that is set as the invalid area is smaller than a predetermined value, that is, when contact is made by a wiping member such as cloth, it is determined that the cleaning of the divided area is completed. Thus, the completion of the cleaning in the divided area of the touch panel 17 can be reliably determined.

When the input medium moves away from the detection area after the divided area, which is set as the invalid area, is contacted by the input medium, the current supplied to the backlight device included in the LCD 16 is turned off as shown in FIG. (See S442 shown in FIG. 4). Thereby, since the display surface 161 becomes dark, dirt such as fingerprints on the touch panel 17 is easily noticeable, and the user can easily determine whether or not the cleaning of the touch panel 17 has been completed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, in the cleaning mode, when all the input buttons 31 to 34 cannot be displayed in the effective area divided based on the contact count Tn, the contact among the divided areas determined as the invalid area based on the contact count Tn. Those with a small number of times Tn have been changed to effective areas. In the second embodiment, in the cleaning mode, when all the input buttons 31 to 34 cannot be displayed in the effective area divided based on the contact count Tn, the input is performed so that all the input buttons 31 to 34 can be displayed in the effective area. A case where the size of the buttons 31 to 34 is reduced will be described. In the following description, only configurations and operations different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and detailed descriptions of configurations and operations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

<Electrical configuration>
Since the electrical configuration of the MFP 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. However, in the second embodiment, the CPU 10 executes the contact count measurement process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the cleaning control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 according to the control program 111 stored in the ROM 11.

<Operation of Embodiment>
Next, the operation of the MFP 1 in the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG.

(Contact count measurement process)
Since the contact count measurement process according to the second embodiment is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Cleaning control process)
Next, a cleaning control process executed by the CPU 10 of the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  This cleaning control process is a process executed when the CPU 10 detects a contact in the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35. When the CPU 10 detects a contact in the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35, the MFP 1 shifts to the cleaning mode. The size of each of the input buttons 31 to 35 is set such that one input button can be displayed in one divided area, and each input button 31 to 35 is set in one predetermined divided area among the divided areas 71 to 82. Is displayed. FIG. 5A is a display example of the display surface 161 when the contact of the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35 by the CPU 10 is detected. In the present embodiment, the case where the contact of the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35 is detected is a case where the cleaning mode button 35 is pressed by the user's finger as shown in FIG. . The arrangement of input buttons and the like displayed on the display surface 161 before the cleaning control process is executed (see FIG. 5A) is stored in the flash memory 14.

In S600 shown in FIG. 6, the button display area size is acquired. The button display area size means that when the contact of the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35 is detected, the cleaning mode button 35 is excluded from the input buttons 31 to 35 displayed on the display surface 161. This is the size of the area occupied by the input buttons 31-34. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the button display area size is the sum of the sizes of the input buttons 31 to 34 calculated based on the lengths of the input buttons 31 to 34 in the vertical and horizontal directions. In the present embodiment, the button display area size may be calculated every time the process of S400 is performed by the CPU 10,
The button display area size for each screen display may be stored in advance in the ROM 11 and read from the ROM 11 by the CPU 10.

  In the present embodiment, the processing of S602 to S606 shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the processing of S402 to S406 (see FIG. 4) in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In S606 shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the effective area size is equal to or larger than the button display area size. The effective area size is the sum of the sizes of the divided areas determined as the effective areas in S606. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the effective area size is the sum of the sizes of the effective areas calculated based on the lengths in the vertical and horizontal directions for each continuous effective area. In step S608, the effective area size is calculated, and it is determined whether the calculated effective area size is equal to or larger than the button display area size acquired in step S600. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the effective area size is equal to or larger than the button display area size (S608: YES), the step process proceeds to S612.

  When it is determined that the effective area size is smaller than the button display area size (S608: NO), the size of the input buttons 31 to 34 is reduced in accordance with the effective area size determined as the effective area in S606 (S610). In S610, the reduction ratio of the input buttons 31 to 34 may be a reduction ratio corresponding to a size that allows all the input buttons 31 to 34 to be displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the effective area. However, among the sizes in which all the input buttons 31 to 34 can be displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the effective area, it is preferable that the input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed as large as possible with respect to the input buttons 31 to 34. This is preferable because the input operation is easy.

  In the present embodiment, all the input buttons 31 to 34 may not be reduced at the same reduction rate, and all the input buttons 31 to 34 may not be reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the copy button 31, the scan button 32, and the FAX button 33 may be reduced, and the print button 34 may be displayed without being reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the processing of S612 to S624 shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the processing of S414 to S426 (see FIG. 4) in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the total size of each of the copy mode button 31, the scan mode button 32, the FAX mode button 33, and the print mode button 34 is acquired as the button display size in S600. The As in the first embodiment, in S602 to S606, the divided areas 73 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 are set as invalid areas, and the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided areas 77 are divided as effective areas. To do.

  FIG. 5B is a display example of the display surface 161 when the process of S614 is executed. In the present embodiment, since the sum of the sizes of the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided areas 77, which are effective area sizes, is smaller than the button display area size (S608: NO), the input buttons 31 to 34 are matched to the effective area size. Is reduced (S610). Then, the reduced input areas 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided areas 71 to 72 and the divided areas 77 which are effective areas, and are associated with the input buttons 31 to 34 displayed on the display surface 161. Thus, an operation reception area is set (S612).

For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the copy button 31, the scan button 32, and the FAX button 33 are reduced so that they can be displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided areas 71 to 72 that are effective areas. The print button 34 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area 77 without being reduced. As shown in FIG. 5B, the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to each of the divided areas 73 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 which are invalid areas. In FIG. 5B, the divided areas 73 to 76 and the divided areas 78 to 82 that are invalid areas are collectively referred to as an invalid area 500, which is indicated by a thick broken line. In FIG. 5B, the ellipse indicated by diagonal lines is the fingerprint image 30.

  As a result of the determination in S624 shown in FIG. 6, when it is determined that the amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode of the touch panel 17 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S624: YES), it is determined that the contact is made by the wiping member. The fingerprint image 30 displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the invalid area is deleted (S626). In S626, the fingerprint flag stored in the fingerprint flag memory 145 in association with the identification information specifying the divided areas 71 to 82 from which the fingerprint image 30 is erased is changed to OFF. In S626, the number of contacts stored in the number-of-contacts memory 142 is reset to “0” in association with the identification information specifying the divided areas 71 to 82 from which the fingerprint image 30 is erased. In this embodiment, in S626, the divided area constituting the invalid area that has been touched may be changed to an effective area, and the fingerprint image 30 displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the invalid area that has been touched may be erased. .

  In S628, it is determined whether or not the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is a fingerprint flag that is stored in the fingerprint flag memory 145 in association with identification information that identifies the divided areas 71 to 82. When it is determined that the fingerprint image 30 is displayed on the display surface 161 (S628: YES), the step process proceeds to S616. If it is determined that the fingerprint image 30 is not displayed on the display surface 161 (S628: NO), the step process proceeds to S630.

  In the present embodiment, the processing of S630 to S634 shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the processing of S440 to S444 (see FIG. 4) in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the invalid area 500 shown in FIG. 5B is cleaned by the wiping member, as in the first embodiment. In this case, contact by the input medium is detected in S616. Since the detection area that is in contact with the input medium after it is detected that the input medium has been detected to be separated from the detection area 171 is the invalid area 500, the contact position is the only effective area in S618. It is determined that it is not (S618: NO). Since the invalid area 500 is contacted by the wiping member, the amount of change in the capacitance of the electrode is not more than a predetermined value (S624: YES), and corresponds to the invalid area 500 as shown in FIG. The fingerprint image 30 displayed on the display surface 161 is erased (S626). FIG. 5C is a display example of the display surface 161 when the process of S626 is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, in this embodiment, since the fingerprint image 30 is not displayed on the display surface 161 (S628: NO), all the divided areas 71 to 82 are set as invalid areas (S630). Then, as shown in FIG. 5D, the current supplied to the backlight device is turned off, and the display surface 161 becomes dark (S632). In S634, the mode is changed from the cleaning mode to the normal mode, the current supplied to the backlight device is turned on, and the display surface 161 is as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In the present embodiment, when the input buttons 31 to 34 corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area cannot be displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the valid area, the input buttons 31 to 34 correspond to the valid area. 161 is reduced to a size that can be displayed (see S610 in FIG. 6). Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the reduced input buttons 31 to 34 are displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to the effective area (see S612 shown in FIG. 6). Thus, even when there are many divided areas where the contact count Tn is equal to or greater than the predetermined number T0, the process associated with the operation reception areas corresponding to the more input buttons 31 to 34 displayed on the display surface 161 is ensured. Can be executed.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various aspect can be taken in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  In the first and second embodiments, the MFP 1 is described as an example of the input device and the input control program of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modes can be adopted as long as it has a touch panel.

  In the first and second embodiments, dirt on the touch panel cleaned by the user is caused by the touch of the user's finger, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various input media such as a touch pen are employed. can do. Generally, the amount of change in capacitance due to contact with a wiping member such as cloth is smaller than the amount of change in capacitance due to contact with a touch pen or the like. Therefore, even when the input medium is a touch pen or the like, as in the first and second embodiments, if the detected change amount of the capacitance is equal to or greater than the change amount threshold value stored in the parameter storage memory 146. If the detected change amount of the electrostatic capacitance is smaller than the threshold value of the change amount, control may be performed so that it is determined that the contact is caused by the wiping member.

  In the first and second embodiments, all the input buttons 31 to 34 displayed on the display surface 161 are displayed in the effective area (see S414 shown in FIG. 4 or S612 shown in FIG. 6), but at least 1 Two input buttons may be displayed in the effective area. For example, only an input button with a high use frequency or an input button related to an important operation such as an input button for inputting whether or not an operation can be performed may be displayed in the effective area.

  In the first embodiment, in S414 of FIG. 4, the input buttons 31 to 34 are arbitrarily displayed on the display areas 161 corresponding to the divided areas 71 to 73 and the divided areas 77 that are effective areas. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an input button that is frequently used or an input button related to an important operation, such as an input button for inputting whether or not an operation is possible, has a contact count Tn of the effective region. You may display on the display surface 161 corresponding to few division areas. Since the input button with high use frequency or the input button related to the important operation is displayed in the divided area where the number of contact times Tn is small in the effective area, the display surface 161 corresponding to the divided area is less dirty. The input buttons are easy to see and the input operation is easy.

Also in the second embodiment, in S610 and S612 of FIG. 6, any of the input buttons 31 to 34 is reduced, and the divided areas 71 to 73 and the divided areas in which the input buttons 31 to 34 are each set as an effective area. 77 is arbitrarily displayed on the display surface 161 corresponding to each of 77. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an input button that is frequently used or an input button related to an important operation, such as an input button for inputting whether or not an operation can be performed, has the smallest reduction rate. Alternatively, a display screen may be displayed corresponding to a divided area with a small number of contact times Tn in the effective area.

Since the reduction rate of the input button with the high use frequency or the input button related to the important operation becomes the smallest, that is, the input button with the high use frequency or the input button related to the important operation is displayed the largest. In addition, an input button with a high use frequency or an input button related to an important operation is a display surface 161 corresponding to a divided area with a small number of contact times Tn in the effective area, that is,
It is displayed on the display surface 161 in an area with little dirt. As a result, the user can easily see the input buttons, and the input operation is facilitated.

  In the first and second embodiments, a fingerprint image 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) showing a human fingerprint is displayed in the invalid area, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the invalid area is displayed. If it shows that it is, various aspects, such as displaying the display color in an invalid area | region in the color different from an effective area | region, and displaying a character, for example, are employable.

  In the first and second embodiments, the cleaning control process (see FIGS. 4 and 6) is performed by the CPU 10 in the operation reception area corresponding to the cleaning mode button 35 when the cleaning mode button 35 is pressed by the user's finger. Executed when contact is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning mode button 35 is provided on the operation key 15, and the cleaning control process is executed by pressing the cleaning mode button 35 provided on the operation key 15. May be. Further, when a divided area where the contact count Tn exceeds a predetermined number is detected among the divided areas 71 to 82 based on the contact count memory 142, the mode is automatically shifted to the cleaning mode without any user operation. Then, the cleaning control process may be executed.

  In the first and second embodiments, the coordinate information and size of the divided areas 71 to 82, the contact count Tn in the divided areas 71 to 82, invalid information or valid information indicating that the divided areas are invalid areas or valid areas, The fingerprint flag indicating whether or not the fingerprint image is displayed is associated with the identification information for specifying the divided areas 71 to 82, and the area coordinate memory 141, the contact count memory 142, the area divided memory 144, and the fingerprint Each is stored in the flag memory 145. However, for example, the coordinate information and size of the divided areas 71 to 82, the number of contact times Tn in the divided areas 71 to 82, invalid information or valid information of the divided areas, in association with the identification information specifying the divided areas 71 to 82, One table showing the fingerprint flag may be stored in the flash memory 14.

  4 and 6, S404, S406, S604, and S608 are area dividing means of the present invention, S408 and S608 are display determining means of the present invention, S412 is a first changing means of the present invention, and S414. , S416, S612, and S614 correspond to region display means of the present invention, S414 and S612 correspond to position change means of the present invention, and S414 corresponds to display control means of the present invention. 4 and 6, S418 is contact determination means, S426 is capacitance changing means, S428 is display changing means, S434 is second changing means, S436 is third changing means, and S442 is power switching means. , S610 corresponds to a reduction means.

1 MFP
10 CPU
11 ROM
12 RAM
14 Flash memory 16 LCD
17 Touch Panel 30 Fingerprint Image 31 Copy Button 32 Scan Button 33 FAX Button 34 Print Button 35 Cleaning Mode Button 71-82 Divided Area 141 Area Coordinate Memory 142 Contact Count Memory 143 Cleaning Mode Flag Memory 144 Area Divided Memory 145 Fingerprint Flag Memory 146 Parameter Storage Memory 161 Display surface 171 Detection area 200, 500 Invalid area

Claims (7)

When the inside of the detection area is contacted by the input medium, a touch panel that detects the contact position;
A display unit for displaying display information on a display surface on which the touch panel is superimposed;
Setting means for setting a plurality of operation reception areas in association with each of a plurality of display information displayed on the display surface in the detection area;
An execution means for executing processing associated with the operation reception area when any of the operation reception areas set by the setting means detects contact of the input medium;
An input device that displays the display information on the display surface such that the plurality of operation reception areas and the display information corresponding to each of the plurality of operation reception areas overlap.
The detection area is divided into a plurality of divided areas;
Storage means for storing the contact position touched by the input medium and the number of times of contact of the input medium in each divided region ;
The divided area with the contact count stored by the storage means being a predetermined number or more is set as an invalid area that suppresses the execution of the process by the execution means, and the divided area stored by the storage means is smaller than the predetermined number. , An area dividing unit that divides the detection area as an effective area that permits processing by the execution unit ;
The display information is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area divided by the area dividing means, and an image showing the invalid area on the display surface corresponding to the invalid area divided by the area dividing means. Area display means for displaying;
When the operation reception area in the effective area is touched by the input medium, the process associated with the operation reception area is executed, and the operation reception area in the invalid area is touched by the input medium A control means for controlling not to execute the process associated with the operation reception area;
Position changing means for displaying display information corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area on a display surface corresponding to the valid area;
Display determination means for determining whether display information to be displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area by the position changing means can be displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area;
A first changing means for changing, as the effective area, a divided area having a small number of contact times among the plurality of invalid areas when it is determined by the display determining means that display is impossible;
Display control means for displaying the display information on the display surface corresponding to the divided area divided as the effective area by the area dividing means and the divided area changed as the effective area by the first changing means; ,
With
The input device , wherein the setting unit sets the operation reception area in association with display information displayed on the display surface by the position changing unit . Contact determining means for determining whether or not the input medium has moved away from the invalid area after the divided area made the invalid area by the area dividing means has been contacted by the input medium;
When the input determination means determines that the input medium has moved away from the detection area, the divided area touched by the input medium is changed to the effective area from when the input medium has come into contact with the invalid area. Second changing means to perform,
Display changing means for erasing an image indicating the invalid area displayed on the display surface corresponding to the divided area changed to the effective area by the second changing means;
The input device according to claim 1 , further comprising: A third changing means for changing the divided area changed to the effective area by the first changing means to the invalid area when the divided area is changed to the effective area by the second changing means;
With
The display changing means displays an image indicating the invalid area on the display surface corresponding to the divided area changed to the invalid area by the third changing means,
The display control means includes a divided area divided as the effective area by the area dividing means when the divided area is changed to the invalid area by the third changing means, and the effective area by the second changing means. The input device according to claim 2 , wherein the display information is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the divided area changed to. The third changing means, according to claim 3, the divided region the contact number is large among the divided areas is changed to the valid area by the first changing means, and changes to the invalid region Input device. The touch panel detects a capacitance that changes according to a contact area of the input medium that is in contact with the detection region,
The contact determination unit includes a capacitance determination unit that determines whether or not a capacitance that has changed due to the contact of the input medium in the divided region that is the invalid region is smaller than a predetermined value.
When the electrostatic capacity determination means determines that the electrostatic capacity is smaller than the predetermined value, the second changing means is contacted by the input medium until the input medium is released from contact with the invalid area. The input device according to claim 2 , wherein the divided area is changed to the effective area. The display unit includes a backlight device,
Power supply switching means for turning off the current supplied to the backlight device;
Said power switching means, if said input medium by the contact determination means determines that the away from the detection area, one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that for turning off the current supplied to the backlight device The input device described in 1. When the inside of the detection area is contacted by the input medium, a touch panel that detects the contact position;
A display unit for displaying display information on a display surface on which the touch panel is superimposed;
Setting means for setting a plurality of operation reception areas in association with each of a plurality of display information displayed on the display surface in the detection area;
An execution means for executing processing associated with the operation reception area when any of the operation reception areas set by the setting means detects contact of the input medium;
An input control program executable by a computer of an input device that displays the display information on the display surface such that the plurality of operation reception areas and the display information corresponding to each of the plurality of operation reception areas overlap. And
The detection area is divided into a plurality of divided areas;
A touched contact position by the input medium, storage means for Ru stored in the storage unit and the contact frequency of the input medium in each divided region,
The divided area with the contact count stored by the storage means being a predetermined number or more is set as an invalid area that suppresses the execution of the process by the execution means, and the divided area stored by the storage means is smaller than the predetermined number. , An area dividing unit that divides the detection area as an effective area that permits processing by the execution unit ;
The display information is displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area divided by the area dividing means, and an image showing the invalid area on the display surface corresponding to the invalid area divided by the area dividing means. Area display means for displaying;
When the operation reception area in the effective area is touched by the input medium, the process associated with the operation reception area is executed, and the operation reception area in the invalid area is touched by the input medium A control means for controlling not to execute the process associated with the operation reception area;
Position changing means for displaying display information corresponding to the operation reception area in the invalid area on a display surface corresponding to the valid area;
Display determination means for determining whether display information to be displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area by the position changing means can be displayed on the display surface corresponding to the effective area;
A first changing means for changing, as the effective area, a divided area having a small number of contact times among the plurality of invalid areas when it is determined by the display determining means that display is impossible;
Display control means for displaying the display information on the display surface corresponding to the divided area divided as the effective area by the area dividing means and the divided area changed as the effective area by the first changing means; ,
To the computer,
The input control program , wherein the setting means sets the operation reception area in association with display information displayed on the display surface by the position changing means .

Images