JP5356270B2 - Operation device and image forming apparatus provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device and an image forming apparatus including the operating device, and more particularly, to an operating device capable of causing a user who repeatedly presses and releases a button on a touch panel to press the button accurately, and the same. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile apparatus includes an operation device as a man-machine interface, and an operation device using a touch panel is known. As is well known, the touch panel is an operation device having both a display function and a detection function. The touch panel displays an operation button as an image, and a user's operation position (press position) by a press sensor or the like provided on the display surface. To detect.

  For example, among image forming apparatuses including the touch panel, those having an angle adjustment function of an operation surface (display surface) of the touch panel are known. This angle adjustment function is a function for variably setting the tilt angle of the touch panel in order to provide a comfortable operating environment for the operating device regardless of the height of the user.

  However, a user who uses the image forming apparatus for the first time may operate the touch panel while the operation surface is set at an inappropriate angle. In such a case, the user does not want to recognize the operation button recognition area. There are cases where the user touches or touches an operation button displayed adjacently. This is because if the tilt angle of the touch panel is set large, a user with a short height such as a wheelchair user can easily perform a touch operation, but a user with a standard height tends to unintentionally press a position shifted upward. On the contrary, if the tilt angle of the touch panel is set to be small, it becomes easy for a user with a standard height to operate, but a user with a short height tends to unintentionally press a position shifted downward.

  Therefore, in order to make the angle adjustment means of the touch panel more practical, the development of a technology that assists the user's touch operation and prevents erroneous operation even when the touch panel is not used at an optimal angle setting. It's essential.

  As this technique, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-31914 (Patent Document 1) displays a plurality of operation buttons on a touch panel, detects a touch position of a user on the touch panel, and the touch position is the operation button. An operation device that determines whether or not there is an operation on the operation button by checking whether or not it is within a recognition area set wider than the display area of the display area, and is outside the display area of the recognition area Based on the touch frequency made, the direction recognition means for determining the touch position deviation direction with respect to the display area, and the touch position detection value when the area on the touch position deviation direction side than the recognition area is touched An operation device comprising: a detection value correction unit that adds a predetermined correction value and corrects the operation button so as to be within a recognition area of the operation button. It has been disclosed. With this configuration, based on the touch frequency made outside the display area of the recognition area, a predetermined correction value for the touch position detection value when touching the area on the side of the touch position shift direction from the recognition area In addition, the operation button is corrected so that it falls within the recognition area of the operation button.For example, even when a touch operation is performed between the recognition areas of adjacent operation buttons, the desired operation button can be operated. You can do it.

JP 2009-31914 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the recognition area of the operation button is changed, a user who presses the same pressing position (area) as the previous time may have a predetermined effect. If the operation screen does not change after pressing once, the user usually tries to press a position other than the previously pressed position. If it is changed, the user who depresses the operation button may be confused.

  Further, in recent years, in the display form of the operation buttons for the user, the display form indicating the center position of the display area of the operation buttons is less likely to be pressed down by the user than the display form simply indicating the operation button. Knowledge has been obtained. Therefore, there is a possibility that it is possible to prevent the user from depressing the button by actively changing the display form of the operation button rather than changing the recognition area of the operation button.

  On the other hand, there is a demerit that it is difficult to see the instruction (character) content of the operation button with the operation button indicating the center position, which reduces the depressing rate for the user. For this reason, when an operation button indicating the center position is displayed on the screen displayed first, there is a problem that the user cannot properly understand the content of the instruction of the operation button. Therefore, when displaying the operation button indicating the center position, which reduces the depressing rate, it is necessary to devise the display timing.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and includes an operation device capable of causing a user who repeatedly presses and releases the button on the touch panel to press the button accurately, and the same. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the operating device according to the present invention employs the following configuration.

That is, the operation device includes a screen display means for displaying a screen including an instruction display button indicating the instructions that instruction is shown in a central position on the touch panel, a predetermined position in the screen via the touch panel by the user A press detection unit that detects the pressed position when pressed, a press determination unit that determines whether or not the pressed position detected by the press detection unit is a position within the display area of the instruction display button; If it is determined that the pressed position is not a position within the display area of the instruction display button, a counting unit that counts the number of determination results, and whether the number of times counted by the counting unit exceeds a predetermined threshold and pressing off determining means for determining whether, when the count is judged to have exceeded the threshold value, on the screen display means, the display of the instruction display button, the instruction display A central position display button the center position in the display area is shown to contain an indication of the tongue, instructs to switch the display of the heart position display button in the a low pressing out rate than pressed out rate in the instruction display button Button display switching means, and the button display switching means instructs the screen display means to switch the display of the instruction display button to the display of the center position display button. Is determined to be within the display area of the center position display button, the button display switching means instructs the screen display means to return from the display of the center position display button to the display of the instruction display button.

  With this configuration, the center position display button for lowering the depressing rate is displayed for the user who repeatedly depresses the instruction display button, and the center position display is displayed so that the user can easily understand the position to be pressed. Make it easier to aim at the button press position. Therefore, the user who has visually recognized the center position display button can accurately press the center position display button, and the user can smoothly perform the operation on the touch panel. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of stress on the user due to the depressing of the instruction display button, and to improve the convenience of the user interface in the operation device.

With this configuration, when the user who repeatedly presses and depresses can properly press the display area of the center position display button, the user wants to input the operation condition continuously to return to the display of the instruction display button. It is possible to continuously press the instruction display button to be pressed, and to allow the user to smoothly perform the operation on the touch panel . The threshold value is increased or decreased in accordance with the size of the instruction display button. In addition, the center position display button is provided with two lines intersecting each other in a rectangular frame formed by a boundary line of the display area of the instruction display button, and the intersection indicates the center position. A specific display color is assigned to each of the regions that are configured and divided into four by the two lines, so that gradation of different display colors is formed step by step as the entire center position display button.

  The operating device can be applied to an image forming apparatus.

  With this configuration, a user who performs a touch operation on the image forming apparatus can comfortably operate the touch panel.

  According to the operation device and the image forming apparatus including the operation device of the present invention, it is possible to reliably cause the user to repeatedly press the button on the touch panel to press the button.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention. It is an enlarged view of the image reading part 111 which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part 103 which concerns on this invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of control system hardware of a multifunction peripheral 100 and an operation unit 103 according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen 700 displayed on the touch panel 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a pressed position instruction table 703 according to the embodiment of the present invention. . The conceptual diagram (Drawing 8C) which shows the relation between the display field of the directions display button concerning the embodiment of the present invention, and the coordinate system on touch panel 301, and the figure showing an example of display button table 800 concerning the embodiment of the present invention ( FIG. 8D). FIG. 9E shows an example of an initial screen 900 on which a center position display button according to an embodiment of the present invention is displayed, and FIG. 9F shows an example of a center position display button according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is. It is a figure (FIG. 10G) which shows an example of the initial screen 1000 on which the center position display button which concerns on other embodiment of this invention was displayed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus provided with an operation device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming apparatus and operation apparatus>
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus (for example, a multi-function machine) including an operation apparatus (for example, an operation unit) according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multifunction peripheral including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like. As an example, the operation of the multifunction device 100 when providing a document copy function using the multifunction device will be briefly described.

  When the user prints, for example, a document P using the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 or the mounting table 102 shown in FIG. 1 and the operation unit 103 provided near the document table 101 is operated. Enter the copy conditions and instruct printing. The configuration of the operation unit 103 will be described later. When the printing instruction is given, printing is performed by operating the following units (drive units) described below.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention includes a main body 104 and a platen cover 105 attached above the main body 104. A document table 101 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 104, and the document table 101 is opened and closed by a platen cover 105. The platen cover 105 is provided with an automatic document feeder 106, a placement table 102, and a sheet discharge table 107.

  The automatic document feeder 106 includes a document conveyance path 108 formed in the platen cover 105, a pickup roller 109 and conveyance rollers 110A and 110B provided in the platen cover 105, and the like. The document conveyance path 108 is a document conveyance path that leads from the mounting table 102 to the paper discharge table 107 via a reading position X where reading is performed by the image reading unit 111 provided in the main body 104.

  The automatic document feeder 106 pulls out documents one by one from a plurality of documents placed on the table 102 to the inside of the conveyance path 108 by a pickup roller 109, and passes the document drawn by the conveyance rollers etc. through the reading position X. Then, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 107 by the transport roller 110B. When the document passes through the reading position X, the document is read by the image reading unit 111.

  The image reading unit 111 is provided below the document table 101, and its details are shown in FIG. The image reading unit 111 includes a first light source 112 that illuminates the document table 102 in the scanning direction, a slit 113 that selectively allows light from the document table, and a mirror 114 that guides light from the document table. The movable carriage 115, the second movable carriage 117 including mirrors 116A and 116B that reflect the reflected light from the first movable carriage 115 again, and the lens group 118 that optically corrects the light guided by the mirror, An image sensor 119 that receives light corrected by the lens group 118, and an image data generator 120 that converts the light received by the image sensor 119 into an electrical signal and performs correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like as necessary. It consists of and.

  When reading a document on the automatic document feeder 106, the light source 112 moves to a position where the reading position X can be irradiated and emits light. Light from the light source 112 is reflected by a document that passes through the document table 101 and passes through the reading position X, and is guided to the image sensor 119 by the slit 113, mirrors 114, 116A, and 116B, and the lens group 118. The image sensor 119 converts the received light into an electrical signal and transmits it to the image data generation unit 120. The light received by the image sensor 119 is input to the image data generation unit 120 as analog electrical signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), where analog-digital conversion is performed. Digitized. Further, the image data generation unit 120 uses the sequentially converted digital signal as unit data, and generates image data including a plurality of unit data by performing correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like on the unit data.

  Further, the image reading unit 111 can read not only a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder 106 but also a document placed on the document table 101. When reading the document placed on the document table 101, the first carriage 114 moves in the sub-scanning direction while emitting the light source 112, so that the optical path length from the light source 112 to the image sensor 119 is constant. The second moving carriage 117 moves in the direction of the image sensor 119 at a half speed of the first moving carriage 115.

  The image sensor 119 electrically outputs the light from the document placed on the document table 101 based on the light guided to the mirrors 114, 116 A, and 116 B, as in the case of the document conveyed to the automatic document feeder 106. The signal is converted into a signal, and based on this, the image data generation unit 120 generates image data and stores it in the storage unit 120B.

  An image forming unit 121 that prints image data is provided below the image reading unit 111 of the main body 104. The image data that can be printed by the image forming unit 121 is generated from the image data generating unit 120 as described above, or from a terminal such as a personal computer connected to the MFP 100 and a network such as a LAN from the network interface. Is received via

  As a printing method performed by the image forming unit 121, an electrophotographic method is used. That is, the photosensitive drum 122 is uniformly charged by the charger 123, and then a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 122 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 122 with a laser 124, and toner is attached to the latent image by the developing device 125. In this method, a visual image is formed and the visible image is transferred to a transfer medium by a transfer roller.

  Note that in a multi-function device that supports full-color images, the developing device (rotary developing device) 125 is rotated in the circumferential direction around a rotation axis that is configured in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The developing unit storing the toner is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 122. In this state, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 122 is developed with toner stored in the developing device 125 and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 126A. The developing unit 125 includes four developing units 125 (Y), (C), (M), and yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), respectively. (K). By repeating the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 126A for each color, a full color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 126A.

  A transfer medium on which a visible image is printed, that is, a sheet, is placed on a sheet feeding tray such as a sheet feeding cassette 132, 133, or 134.

  When the image forming unit 121 performs printing, one transfer medium is pulled out from any one of the paper feed trays by using the pickup roller 135, and the transferred transfer medium is intermediate transfer belt by the transport roller 136 or the registration roller 137. It is fed between 126A and the transfer roller 126B.

  When the visible image on the intermediate transfer belt 126A is transferred to the transfer medium fed between the intermediate transfer belt 126A and the transfer roller 126B, the image forming unit 121 uses the transport belt 127 to fix the visible image. The transfer medium is sent to the fixing unit 128 (fixing device). The fixing unit 128 includes a heating roller 129 with a built-in heater and a pressure roller 130 pressed against the heating roller 129 with a predetermined pressure. When the transfer medium passes between the heating roller 129 and the pressure roller 130, the visible image is fixed to the transfer medium by heat and a pressing force to the transfer medium. The fixed transfer medium is discharged to a discharge tray 131.

  Through the above procedure, the multifunction peripheral 100 provides the user with a copy function process.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit 103 according to the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 103 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions are input, a touch panel 301 (operation panel), a touch pen 302, and operation keys 303 provided in the operation unit 103 are used.

  The touch panel 301 employs an analog resistive film method, and has a structure in which a translucent upper film and a lower glass substrate are overlapped via a spacer, and each of the upper film and the lower glass substrate. A transparent electrode layer made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like is provided on the facing surface. Further, when the upper film is pressed by the user, the transparent electrode layer on the upper film side and the transparent electrode layer on the lower glass substrate side corresponding to the pressed position are in contact with each other. By applying a voltage to the upper film or the lower glass substrate and taking out a voltage value corresponding to the pressed position from the lower glass substrate or the upper film, a coordinate value (pressed position) corresponding to the voltage value is detected. When the detected pressed position is included in the display area of the item key (item button or the like) in the setting screen displayed on the touch panel, the setting condition associated with the item is input. The origin 0 (0, 0) of the coordinate system of the touch panel 301 is set in advance at the lower left corner of the touch panel, and the vertical direction of the touch panel 301 is the Y axis and the horizontal direction is the X axis.

  In addition, a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided below the lower glass substrate, and the display unit displays a screen such as an initial screen so that the screen is displayed on the touch panel. Is done. The display unit displays a screen and an image corresponding to preset screen data and image data of a center position display button described later. As a result, the touch panel 301 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions.

  In addition, a touch pen 302 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301. When the user touches the touch pen 301 with the tip of the touch pen 302, the coordinate value corresponding to the contact position (pressed position) is the same as described above. Then, the user can press and select the displayed item key with the touch pen 302.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 303 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and for example, a numeric keypad 304, a start key 305, a clear key 306, a stop key 307, a reset key 308, and a power key 309 are provided. The numeric keypad 304 is used to input specific numbers when setting the number of copies and the magnification.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 103 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 404, and a driver 405 corresponding to each drive unit. They are connected by a bus 406. The CPU 401 uses, for example, the RAM 403 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like, and receives data and instructions from the driver 405 and the operation unit 103 (not shown) based on the execution result. The operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled. In addition, each means (shown in FIG. 5) other than the above-described drive unit is realized by the CPU 401 executing a program.

  An internal interface 407 is also connected to the internal bus 406 of the control circuit, and the internal interface 407 connects the control circuit of the operation unit 103 and the control circuit of the multifunction device 100. The CPU 401 receives a command signal from a control circuit such as the operation unit 103 via the internal interface 407 and transmits a command signal, data, and the like to the control circuit such as the operation unit 103.

  The control circuit of the operation unit 103 includes an internal bus 415, a CPU 409, a ROM 410, a RAM 411, an LCD 412, operation keys 413 (303), a touch panel 414 (301), and an internal interface 408. When the user operates the operation key 413 or the touch panel 414, the CPU 409 transmits a command signal based on the operation to the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100 via the internal interface 408. The functions of the CPU 409, the ROM 410, and the RAM 411 are the same as described above, and the respective means (shown in FIG. 5) described later are realized by the CPU 409 executing the program. The ROM 410 stores programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, a procedure in which the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention causes the user to reliably press the button will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the operation unit 103 and the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating an execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the user places the document P on the document table 101 and turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the operation unit 103 is activated together with the multifunction device 100, and the screen display unit 501 of the operation unit 103 relates to image formation. An initial screen (here, the copy condition screen shown in FIG. 7A) is displayed on the touch panel 301 (FIG. 6: S101).

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen 700 displayed on the touch panel 301 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  In the initial screen 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, a message 701 that copying can be executed and instructions corresponding to image formation settings (for example, “aggregation”, “paper setting”, “color correction”, etc.) A predetermined number of instruction display buttons 702 are displayed.

  In response to the display of the initial screen 700 by the screen display unit 501, the pressing detection unit 502 of the operation unit 103 is activated and starts detecting the pressing of the initial screen 700 by the user via the touch panel 301.

  For example, when the user presses a predetermined position in the initial screen while trying to press the “aggregate” display button with a finger while looking at the initial screen 700, the press detection unit 502 displays the pressed position (X coordinate value) pressed by the user. , Y coordinate value) is detected (FIG. 6: S102), and the detected pressing position is transmitted to the pressing determination means 503. Upon receiving the pressed position, the pressing determination unit 503 refers to the pressed position instruction table stored in advance in the pressed position instruction storage unit 504, and determines whether or not the pressed position is a position in the display area of the instruction display button. Is determined (FIG. 6: S103).

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the pressed position instruction table 703 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the pressed position instruction table 703, as shown in FIG. 7B, a coordinate value range 704 corresponding to the display area of the instruction display button 702 (hereinafter referred to as a comparison coordinate value) and the instruction content indicated by the instruction display button 702 are displayed. 705 is stored in association with each other. Here, the comparison coordinate value range 704 corresponding to the display area of the instruction display button 702 is set to a range of coordinate values overlapping the display area of the instruction display button 702 based on the coordinate system set on the touch panel 301. The For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the comparison coordinate value range 704 a corresponding to the display area of the “aggregate” display button 702 a is set to the X coordinate value range 704 a 1 based on the coordinate system set on the touch panel 301. −17 ”(coordinate value), and the Y coordinate value range 704a2 becomes“ 30-34 ”(coordinate value). The same applies to the other instruction display buttons 702. Note that the origin 0 (0, 0) of the coordinate system is set in advance at the lower left end of the touch panel as described above, and the vertical direction of the touch panel 301 is the Y axis and the horizontal direction is the X axis. It goes without saying that the setting is appropriately changed as necessary, and the range of the comparison coordinate value is also changed accordingly.

  The pressing determination unit 503 includes a boundary value (upper limit X coordinate value, lower limit) of the coordinate value (X coordinate value, Y coordinate value) corresponding to the pressed position and the comparison coordinate value range 704 corresponding to the display area of the instruction display button 702. X coordinate value, upper limit Y coordinate value, lower limit Y coordinate value). As a result of the comparison, the X coordinate value corresponding to the pressed position is smaller than the upper limit X coordinate value and larger than the lower limit X coordinate value (when the X coordinate value is within the range of the comparison X coordinate value), When the Y coordinate value corresponding to the pressed position is smaller than the upper limit Y coordinate value and larger than the lower limit Y coordinate value (when the Y coordinate value is within the range of the comparison Y coordinate value), the press determination unit 503 , It is determined that the pressed position is a position in the display area of the instruction display button 702. In other cases (for example, when the X coordinate value is outside the range of the comparison X coordinate value, the Y coordinate value is outside the range of the comparison Y coordinate value, etc.), the press determination unit 503 determines that the press position is the instruction. It is determined that the position is not within the display area of the display button 702. When the pressing determination unit 503 determines that the pressed position is not within the display area of the predetermined instruction display button 702, the pressing determination unit 503 refers to the comparison coordinate value range 704 corresponding to the display area of the instruction display button 702 that has not been determined. The above-described determination is performed.

  As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the pressed position is a position within the display area of the specific instruction display button 702 (FIG. 6: S103 YES), the press determination unit 503 displays the instruction display button 702 (comparison coordinate value). Instruction content 705 (for example, “aggregation” 705a) corresponding to the range 704) is acquired from the pressed position instruction table 705, and a command signal corresponding to the instruction content is transmitted to the image formation control unit 505 (FIG. 6: S104). ).

  Receiving the command signal, the image formation control unit 505 executes processing based on the command signal. For example, if the command signal is a command signal corresponding to the “aggregation” content, the image formation control unit 505 causes the screen display unit 501 to display a predetermined number of instruction display buttons (for example, “2 in 1”, “ 4), the screen display unit 501 that has received the notification switches the display from the initial screen 700 to the aggregation setting screen. The procedure after the pressing determination unit 503 transmits a predetermined command signal to the image formation control unit 505 will be described later.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if it is determined that the pressed position is not a position within the display area of any instruction display button 702 (FIG. 6: S103 NO), the press determining unit 503 indicates that (hereinafter referred to as “unpressed”). To the counting means 506. Upon receiving the notification, the counting unit 506 adds “one time” to the number N (hereinafter, referred to as the number of times of pressing-down) whose initial value is set as “0 times” in advance, and sets the number of times of pressing-off “ Count once "(FIG. 6: S105).

  When the counting means 506 counts the number N of depresses, the depressing number N is notified to the depressing determination means 507, and the depressing determination means 507 that has received the notification reports the number N of depressing and a predetermined internal memory. Is compared with a predetermined threshold value stored in advance (for example, “once”) to determine whether or not the number N of depressing times exceeds the threshold value (FIG. 6: S106).

  When the number N of depressing does not exceed the threshold value (FIG. 6: S106 NO), the depressing determination unit 507 does nothing. In this case, the process returns to S102, and the press detection unit 502 waits until the user presses it.

  The user who has not been able to properly press the “aggregate” display button 702a confirms that the initial screen 700 is not changed, and tries to press the “aggregate” display button 702a again. Here, when the user appropriately presses the display area of the instruction display button 702a (for example, the “aggregate” display button 702a) (FIG. 6: S103 YES), as described above, the pressing determination unit 503 presses the button. The instruction signal corresponding to the instruction content of the instruction display button (for example, the content of “aggregation”) is transmitted to the image formation control means 505 (FIG. 6: S104), and the image formation control means 505 receiving the instruction signal Predetermined processing is executed.

  On the other hand, when the user has not been able to press the display area of the instruction display button 702a (for example, the “aggregate” display button 702a), that is, the press determination unit 503 determines which of the instruction display buttons has the pressed position. If it is determined that the position is not within the display area 702a (FIG. 6: S103 NO), the counting means 506 counts the number of times of pressing-off N as “twice” (FIG. 6: S105), and presses the number N of times of pressing-off. The disconnection determination means 507 is notified. Then, the press release determination means 507 that has received the press release number N “2 times” determines that the press release number N “2 times” has exceeded the threshold value “1 time” (FIG. 6: S106 YES). This is notified to the button display switching means 508. Upon receiving the notification, the button display switching unit 508 causes the screen display unit 501 to switch the display of the instruction display button on the initial screen 700 to the display of the center position display button indicating the center position of the display area of the instruction display button. An instruction is given (FIG. 6: S107).

  Any method may be used for switching the display of the center position display button. For example, the following method is used.

  That is, when the button display switching unit 508 that has received the notification instructs the screen display unit 501 to switch to the display of the center position display button (FIG. 6: S107), the screen display unit 501 that has received the instruction displays the display. With reference to the display button table stored in advance in the button storage unit 509, the image data of the center position display button corresponding to the screen currently displayed (initial screen 700) is acquired.

  FIG. 8D is a diagram showing an example of the display button table 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the display button table 800, as shown in FIG. 8D, information 801 relating to the screen (for example, “initial screen” 801a, hereinafter referred to as screen information) and an instruction display for identifying the instruction display button displayed on the screen. Button identification information 802 and image data 803 of the center position display button corresponding to the instruction display button are stored in association with each other. In FIG. 8D, for easy understanding, an image corresponding to the image data 803 of the center position display button related to the display button table 800 is displayed as it is. The center position display button 901 is designed to have the same size as the corresponding instruction display button 702.

  The screen display unit 501 collates the screen information (“initial screen” 801a) of the initial screen 700 currently displayed with the screen information 801 of the display button table, and displays an instruction corresponding to the collated screen information 801. Button identification information 802 (for example, “aggregation” 802a) and image data 803 of the center position display button are acquired. Next, the screen display unit 501 identifies the image data of the instruction display button 702 of the initial screen 700 based on the acquired instruction display button identification information 802, and the received center position of the image data of the specified instruction display button 702 is determined. The display button image data 803 is replaced. Thereby, the display of the instruction display button 702 is switched to the display of the center position display button.

  FIG. 9E is a diagram showing an example of the initial screen 900 on which the center position display button according to the embodiment of the present invention is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 9E, the center position display button 901 is displayed at the same position of the corresponding instruction display button 702 on the initial screen 900 where the button display is switched. The center position display button 901 is configured such that two diagonal lines 901b intersect each other in a rectangular frame formed by the boundary line of the display area, and the intersection 901c indicates the center position of the display area. Has been. As a result, the user who has visually recognized the center position display button 901 recognizes the center position of the center position display button 901, and if the center position display button 901 is pressed, the instruction content of the corresponding instruction display button 702 is displayed. A command signal is transmitted to the image formation control unit 505.

  Furthermore, each triangular area divided into four by two diagonal lines 901a is given a specific display color, and the center position display button 901 as a whole forms a gradation with different display colors step by step. doing. For example, as shown in FIG. 9E, the triangular area 901d above the center position display button 901 has a gray color with the highest brightness among the four triangular areas, and the left and right triangular areas 901e. Is assigned a gray color with a lightness lower than the lightness of the display color of the upper triangular area 901d, and the lower triangular area 901f has a gray color with the lowest lightness among the four triangular areas. Is attached. Accordingly, the center position 901c of the center position display button 901 is displayed so as to protrude forward from the initial screen 900, and the user who has viewed the center position display button 901 aims at the center position of the center position display button 901. , And the rate of disengagement of the center position display button 901 (instruction display button 702) for the user is reduced.

  In addition, the background of the center position display button 901 has a gray color slightly darker than the display colors of the four triangular areas 901d, 901e, and 901f, and instructions (characters) of the instruction display button 702 corresponding to the center position display button 901. 901g is displayed. As a result, the user can confirm the center position 901c and determine the center position display button 901 corresponding to the instruction display button 702 that the user wants to press among the plurality of displayed center position display buttons 901. .

  By the way, when the button display switching unit 508 instructs the screen display unit 501 to switch the display of the center position display button, the count unit 506 is notified that the counted number N of depressing depressions will be reset, and the counting unit 506. Resets the number N of depresses (FIG. 6: S108).

  Further, the button display switching unit 508 instructs the counting unit 506 not to count the number of times of pressing-down N even when the count unit 506 receives a notification that the counting unit 506 has been released from the pressing determination unit 503 (the counting unit 506 is instructed). (Invalidate) (FIG. 6: S109). Thereby, even if the user does not press the display area of the center position display button 901 on the initial screen 900 on which the center position display button 901 is displayed, the counting unit 506 is not activated (FIG. 6: S102 → S103NO → S102). ).

  Now, for example, when the user presses the center position of the center position display button 901 corresponding to the “aggregate” display button 702a while looking at the center position display button 901, as described above, the pressing determination unit 503 causes the pressing to be performed. It is determined that the position is within the display area of the “aggregate” display button 702a (FIG. 6: S103 YES), and a command signal corresponding to the “aggregate” content is transmitted to the image formation control means 505 (FIG. 6: S104). . As described above, the image formation control unit 505 that has received the command signal notifies the screen display unit 501 that the aggregation setting screen is displayed.

  Here, when the press determination unit 503 transmits a predetermined command signal (command signal corresponding to the content of “aggregation”) to the image formation control unit 505, the button display switching unit 508 displays the image by the press determination unit 503. Transmission of a predetermined command signal (a command signal corresponding to the content of “aggregation”) to the formation control unit 505 is detected. The type of command signal detected by the button display switching means 508 is not limited to the command signal corresponding to the instruction content of a specific instruction display button. For example, the user may give up pressing the “aggregate” instruction button 702a and press another instruction display button 702, the clear key 308, or the like. When the button display switching unit 508 that has detected the transmission of the command signal has already instructed the screen display unit 501 to switch the button display (FIG. 6: S110 YES), the button 901 displays the center position display button 901. Is returned to the display of the instruction display button 702 (FIG. 6: S111).

  The screen display unit 501 that has received the instruction returns the button display. For example, the image forming control unit 505 that has received a predetermined command signal from the pressing determination unit 503 receives a command corresponding to the content of “aggregation”. When a command signal for switching the display on the touch panel 301 from the initial screen 700 to the aggregation setting screen is received like the signal, the image formation control unit 505 causes the screen display unit 501 to display the aggregation setting screen from the initial screen display. In order to instruct to switch to the display, the screen display unit 501 receives instructions from the button display switching unit 508 and the screen formation control unit 505, respectively. In this case, the screen display unit 501 executes the instruction from the image formation control unit 505 with priority over the instruction from the button display switching unit 508, and displays the aggregation setting screen on the touch panel 301.

  On the other hand, when the image formation control unit 505 receives a command signal that does not switch the display of a predetermined screen (aggregation setting screen), such as a command signal corresponding to the content of “2 in 1” in the “aggregation” setting condition. The image formation control unit 505 does not instruct the screen display unit 501 to switch the screen display. In this case, the instruction by the button display switching unit 508 has priority, and the screen display unit 501 executes the instruction from the button display switching unit 508 and displays the instruction from the display of the center position display button 901 already displayed. The display of the button 702 is restored.

  Further, the button display switching unit 508 that has instructed the screen display unit 501 to return to the display of the instruction display button 702 cancels the invalidation of the counting unit 506 (FIG. 6: S112), and the counting unit 506 is released again. The number of times N can be counted. As a result, even if the user continuously repeats pressing and releasing the instruction display button 702 on a predetermined screen, the above-described procedure is executed, and the user can appropriately execute the pressing of the center position display button 901. Become.

  By the way, when the button display switching unit 508 does not instruct the screen display unit 501 to switch the button display (FIG. 6: S110 NO), the button display switching unit 508 instructs the counting unit 506 to count the number N of pressed-offs. Is reset, and the counting means 506 resets the number N of depressing times (FIG. 6: S113). Thereby, for example, after the counting means 506 counts the number of times of depressing “one” (“NO” in FIG. 6) (FIG. 6: S105 → S106 NO), the user appropriately presses the instruction display button 702 (FIG. 6: S103 YES). The means 506 is in a state where the number of depressing times N “1” is held, but this can be solved.

  When the user inputs his / her desired copy conditions to the multifunction peripheral 100 (image formation control unit 505) via the operation unit 103 and presses the start key 307, the image formation control unit 505 sets the start key 307. In response to the input, printing is started. In this case, the image reading unit 510, the image storage unit 511, and the image forming unit 512 are controlled based on the copy conditions corresponding to the command signals received so far, and image formation is executed. To do. That is, when the image reading unit 510 reads image data of a document and stores it in the image storage unit 511, the image forming unit 512 executes image formation based on the image data stored in the image storage unit 511. .

<Operation / Effects on Operation Unit 103 according to Embodiment of the Present Invention>
Next, operations and effects when the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention is used will be described.

  A predetermined number of users (for example, 10 people) wait in front of the operation unit 103 and correspond to a predetermined instruction display button 702 (for example, an “aggregate” display button 702a) on the touch panel of the operation unit 103. A screen displaying only the center position display button 901 (for example, the center position display button 901a corresponding to “aggregation” shown in FIG. 9E) (hereinafter referred to as an example screen) is displayed to the user who has been waiting. The center position display button 901 was pressed by a single pressing operation. Then, out of a predetermined number of users, the number of users who could not press the center position display button 901 with a single pressing operation is counted, and the ratio (also referred to as a pressing-down rate or error rate) is counted. Calculated. Then, although the press-off rate fluctuated according to the size of the screen (touch panel 301), the size of the center position display button 901, etc., the press-off rate on the example screen was as low as about 20%.

  On the other hand, instead of the center position display button 901 in the above-described embodiment screen, a screen (hereinafter, referred to as a comparative example screen) that displays only an instruction display button 702 (for example, an “aggregate” display button 702a shown in FIG. 7A). ), And the press release rate was calculated in the same manner as described above. Again, although the release rate varies depending on the size of the screen (touch panel 301), the size of the instruction display button 702, etc., the release rate on the comparative example screen was about 50%. As described above, it is understood that the center position display button 901 according to the present invention is easier for the user to aim at as a target to be pressed and the press release rate can be reduced compared to the instruction display button 702. The For this reason, in the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is presumed that it is possible to reduce the depressing rate of the user who repeatedly depresses by switching the display to the center position display button 901 described above.

  As described above, the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the screen display unit 501 that displays a screen including the instruction display button 702 that indicates an instruction on the touch panel 301, and the screen display unit 501 by the user via the touch panel 301. When the predetermined position is pressed, a pressing detection unit 502 that detects the pressing position, and whether or not the pressing position detected by the pressing detection unit 502 is a position within the display area of the instruction display button 702. And a press determination unit 503 for determining the above. Further, when it is determined that the pressed position is not within the display area of the instruction display button 702, the operation unit 103 counts the counting unit 506 that counts the number of times the determination result is depressed, and the counting unit. A depressing determination unit 507 that determines whether or not the number N of depressing depressions counted by 506 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the screen display unit when it is determined that the number N of depressing depressions exceeds the threshold 501 includes button display switching means 508 for instructing to switch the display of the instruction display button 702 to the display of the center position display button 901 indicating the center position of the display area of the instruction display button 702.

  As a result, the center position display button for lowering the press release rate is displayed for the user who repeats the press release with respect to the instruction display button, and the center position display button is displayed so that the user can easily understand the position to be pressed. It is easy to aim at the pressing position with respect to. Therefore, a user who has visually recognized the center position display button can accurately press the center position display button, and can reduce the instruction display button press release rate. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of user stress due to the depressing of the instruction display button, and to improve the convenience of the user interface in the operation unit.

  Further, the operation unit 103 can be configured such that the threshold value is 1.

  With this configuration, if a user who repeatedly presses and releases the instruction display button 702 feels dissatisfaction or annoyance due to the release of the instruction, the user usually releases the second press (after releasing the press twice). Therefore, by displaying the center position display button 901 when the button is released twice, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of dissatisfaction and irritation, and to allow the user to operate the touch panel 301 comfortably. It can be executed. If the user presses the button twice, usually the user clearly recognizes the instruction display button 702 that the user should press, so the display of the instruction display button 702 is displayed as the center position display button 901. The user can press the center position display button 901 corresponding to the instruction display button 702 without hesitation, and there is almost no problem even if the button display is switched.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the button display switching unit 508 instructs the screen display unit 501 to switch the display of the instruction display button to the display of the center position display button, but other configurations may be used. . For example, the button display switching unit 508 may instruct the screen display unit 501 to display a message indicating that the instruction display button is not properly pressed together with the instruction. The message display may be voice guidance.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9E, the center position display button 901 (referred to as the first center position display button) as a whole forms gradations with different display colors step by step. Any other configuration may be used as long as it indicates the center position of the display area of the instruction display button 702. For example, as shown in FIG. 9F, the center position is black and the button peripheral edge is white, and the second center position display button 902 that forms gradation step by step from the center to the peripheral edge, the center position is white. In addition, the button peripheral edge may be black, and a third center position display button 903 that forms a gradation stepwise from the center to the peripheral edge may be employed. Further, a fourth center position display button 904 configured to display two diagonal lines intersecting with each other in black around the button (rectangular frame), and the intersection indicates the center position of the display area, the button periphery In the (rectangular frame), a fifth center position display button 905 configured to display two cross lines that intersect each other in black and indicate the center position of the display area may be employed. . In addition, a plurality of ellipses (or circles) with the same center position and different major diameters (or radii) are displayed around the button (rectangular frame) to indicate the center position of the display area. A plurality of rectangles (or squares) whose center positions are the same and whose long sides are different in stages are displayed around the sixth center position display button 906 and the periphery of the button (rectangular frame), and the center position of the display area A seventh center position display button 907 configured to indicate may be adopted. Regardless of which button from the second center position display button 902 to the seventh center position display button 907 described above is employed, the above-described depressing rate can be reduced as long as the center position is indicated.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the button display switching unit 508 simply instructs the screen display unit 501 to switch the indication display button display to the center position display button display. I do not care. For example, as shown in FIG. 10G, the button display switching unit 508 instructs the screen display unit 501 to switch to the display of the center position display button 901, and the area 1001 other than the display area of the center position display button 901 is displayed. It may be instructed to change to a predetermined color (for example, black or gray). With this configuration, it becomes easier for the user to aim at the pressed position of the center position display button, and the pressing-off rate can be further reduced. In FIG. 10G, the area 1001 other than the display area of the center position display button 901 does not include the message display area 1002 indicating that copying can be executed in the initial screen 1000. 1002 may be included.

  In addition, the pressing detection unit 502 of the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by using a resistive film method. Instead, for example, it is employed in a technical field related to a touch panel such as a surface acoustic wave method. You may implement | achieve using a system.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the threshold value used by the depressing determination unit 507 as a determination criterion is “one time”. However, the threshold value is increased or decreased in accordance with the size of the instruction display button included in the display screen. It doesn't matter. In the embodiment of the present invention, the area occupied by the instruction display button with respect to the initial screen (for example, 110 mm in length and 210 mm in width) is relatively large (for example, 8 mm in length and 25 mm in width). When the area occupied by the instruction display button is relatively small (for example, 5 mm in length and 20 mm in width), the instruction display button for the small fingertip is small. Is easy to press, and it is difficult for an adult with a large fingertip to press the instruction display button, and the pressing-off rate may vary depending on the user. In such a case, if the threshold value is increased or decreased according to the user, the drop-off rate may be particularly reduced.

  In the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the copy service processing of the multi-function peripheral is adopted. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the operation unit 103 is applied to a multifunction peripheral has been described. However, the present invention is applied to various image forming apparatuses, various electronic devices, and the like that include the operation unit 103 (operation device) having the touch panel 301. However, the same effect is obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit 103 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the operation unit 103 or the multi-function device 100 reads the program, and the operation unit 103 or the multi-function device 100 implements the above-described units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the operation device according to the present invention and the image forming apparatus provided with the operation device are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for copiers, printers, and the like, and for users who repeatedly press and release buttons on the touch panel. This is effective as an operating device capable of accurately pressing a button and an image forming apparatus including the operating device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 103 Operation part 312 Hard key 501 Screen display means 502 Press detection means 503 Press determination means 504 Press position instruction storage means 505 Image formation control means 506 Count means 507 Press release determination means 508 Button display switching means 509 Display button storage means 510 Image reading means 511 Image storage means 512 Image forming means

Claims (4)

A screen display means for displaying a screen on the touch panel including the instruction display button indicating the instructions that instruction is shown in the central position,
When a predetermined position in the screen is pressed by the user via the touch panel, a pressing detection unit that detects the pressing position;
A pressing determination unit that determines whether or not the pressing position detected by the pressing detection unit is a position in a display area of the instruction display button;
When it is determined that the pressed position is not a position within the display area of the instruction display button, a counting unit that counts the number of times of the determination result;
A depressing determination means for determining whether or not the number of times counted by the counting means exceeds a predetermined threshold;
When it is determined that the number of times has exceeded the threshold value, the display of the instruction display button is displayed on the screen display means by a center position display button whose center position is indicated in a display area including the instruction of the instruction display button. there are, a button display switching means for instructing to switch the display of the heart position display button in a lower pressed out rate than pressed out rate in the instruction display button,
After the button display switching unit instructs the screen display unit to switch the display of the instruction display button to the display of the center position display button, the pressing determination unit displays the center position display button. If it is determined that the position of the region, the button display switching means, said screen displaying means, operation unit which instructs to return to the display of the instruction display button from the display of the center position display button. The threshold value is, the operating device according to 請 Motomeko 1 is increased or decreased in response to the magnitude of the instruction display button. The center position display button is configured such that two lines intersecting each other are provided in a rectangular frame formed by the boundary line of the display area of the instruction display button, and the intersection indicates the center position. A specific display color is assigned to each of the four regions divided by the two lines, and a gradation of different display colors is formed step by step as the entire center position display button. Or the operating device of 2. An image forming apparatus comprising the operation device according to claim 1.