JP5474878B2 - Operating device and operating method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device and an operating method, and more specifically, an operating device and an operating method capable of displaying a character string beyond the character display area even if the character string does not fit in the character display area. About.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a display device that can switch and display a plurality of languages has, for example, a character unit corresponding to a plurality of types of languages (Japanese, English, German, etc.) previously stored in a storage unit built in the display device. However, each language is assigned a priority for display, and there is a display device that sequentially switches the language according to a preset priority and displays it on the screen by operating a language switching button.

  However, in the display device of the prior art, if character data is stored in a word unit format in each language, there is a problem that a necessary memory capacity increases as the number of languages used and the number of words used increase. . In particular, languages in which characters are defined by alphabets (English, German, French, Italian, etc.) also include mutually sharable characters, and further a combination of “consonant + consonant” (for example, “pr”, In “gy” and the like, although the pronunciation is different, there is no change in visual recognition, and there is also a problem in that there is a redundant portion in terms of memory efficiency.

  In addition, the letter “yen” in Japanese is written as “Circle” in English, “Kreis” in German, and words that can be written in about 2-3 letters in Japanese are other languages (especially alphabets). (Language sphere defined in (1)) is expressed as a word (character string) with the number of characters nearly 10 or more. As a result, there is a problem that when a word having the same meaning is expressed and switched to another language and displayed, a foreign language word requires more space to display than Japanese. On the other hand, if the space to be allocated in order to display words having the same meaning among multiple languages is equalized, there is a problem that extra redundant space is generated in Japanese display or the like.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-244278 (Cited Document 1), a first display pattern of a predetermined character displayed on the screen using any one of a plurality of languages and the A menu display method is disclosed that has a second display pattern having a character size smaller than that of the first display pattern. In the menu display method, a predetermined menu item is displayed on a screen in a language selected by an operation of selecting one of the plurality of languages, and a menu item assigned to display the predetermined menu item on the screen. The displayable area is the same size for all languages. When it is determined that all of the characters to be displayed on the predetermined menu item are selected from the first display pattern and arranged, the menu display method Selects and displays at least a part of characters to be displayed on the predetermined menu item from the second display pattern. This makes it possible to select an appropriate character display pattern for the assigned menu item displayable area even when there are a large number of characters to be displayed in an arbitrary language. Characters can be stored in the displayable area, and the menu display can be prevented from interfering with the display of video information as much as possible.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-229956 (Patent Document 2) discloses a first language switching unit that selectively switches a language displayed on a predetermined display unit during operation in a predetermined operation mode; An image forming apparatus including a second language switching unit that switches a language displayed in another operation mode to the same language according to the language switching unit is disclosed. As a result, even if the device is installed in a country other than the destination of the device and the device breaks down during use, the display language can be switched, so that repair is possible in the country where the device is installed.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-160753 (Patent Document 3) discloses character string analysis means for analyzing information on a character string displayed in a character string display area, an analysis result by the character string analysis means, and the character string display. Disclosed is a display control device comprising: a character string display area changing means for changing a size of the character string display area and a layout on the window necessary for storing the character string based on information of a window displaying the area Has been. As a result, the type of display language can be easily switched without unnecessarily increasing the size of the driver.

JP-A-2005-244278 JP 2007-229956 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-160753

  However, in the technique described in any one of Patent Documents 1-3, a predetermined character display area (message) provided on the operation screen can be used for words translated in any language (translated character strings, simply character strings). It is assumed that the adjustment has been made in advance so as to be within the area. Such a language is usually a multiple language used by a large number of ethnic groups, and is called an optional language.

  By the way, in recent years, multinationalization and globalization have progressed, and an operation device having a language display switching function as described above for a minority language (for example, Catalan or Catalan in Spain) used by minorities. Is required. However, if the pre-translation character string is translated as it is in the minority language, the translated character string cannot be simplified (long culture) due to the number of characters, font size, etc., and becomes a descriptive character string. There is a problem that the size of the normal character display area cannot be accommodated. Such a minority language is called a non-option language with respect to the option language. The character string translated in the non-option language is adjusted so as to fit in the character display area as a simplified (abbreviated) number of characters that can be understood by a minority group over a long period of time.

  On the other hand, even if the character string translated in the non-option language is not simplified, it is displayed in the character display area in the initial stage without being simplified, so that the user who uses a minority language can perform the operation. There is a desire to use the device. However, the non-simplified character string translated in the non-option language is displayed only in the number of characters that can be displayed in the character display area when displayed in the character display area on the configuration of the operation device, Since characters that cannot be displayed are discarded, there is a problem that when a user using a minority language visually recognizes the character string, the meaning of the character string cannot be understood.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and even if the character string is translated in a predetermined minority language that does not fit in the character display area such as a display button, the character display area is It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation device and an operation method that can make a user easily understand the meaning of the character string by displaying the character string beyond.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the operation device according to the present invention is configured such that when a predetermined language name key is selected from a plurality of language name keys on which language names are displayed, an operation screen is displayed. The following configuration is adopted on the premise of an operating device that changes and displays the character string in the character display area into a character string translated in the language of the selected language name key.

  In the operation device, when a predetermined language name key is selected, the selected language of the selected language name key is simplified in advance so that a character string translated in the selected language fits in the size of the character display area. Language determination means for determining whether the language is a simplified option language or a non-simplified non-option language, and as a result of the determination, when the language selected by the language name key is the non-option language And non-option language display accepting means for displaying the character string translated in the non-option language beyond the size of the character display area.

  With this configuration, when a character string expressed in a non-option language is displayed beyond the character display area, it is also displayed in other display areas other than the character display area, and the meaning of the character string is displayed to the user. Can be notified in detail. In addition, even if a character string expressed in a non-option language is not simplified, it is displayed in the character display area, so there is no need to simplify the character string. However, it is possible to quickly provide an operating device having a language display switching function.

  Further, when the non-option language display accepting unit displays the character string exceeding the size of the character display area, the character string overlaps with another character string displayed in another character display area. In this case, the display form of the character string can be changed so as not to overlap the other character string.

  The non-option language display accepting means displays the character string when the display form of the character string cannot be displayed on the operation screen when the character string display form is changed. A character that cannot be displayed is hidden, and a character immediately before the hidden character is changed to a symbol indicating omission.

  Further, the non-option language display accepting means changes the display form of the character string displayed in the character display area so as to fit within the size of the character display area when the character display area is selected by the user. Can be configured.

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

  In the present invention, when a predetermined language name key is selected from among a plurality of language name keys in which language names are displayed, the character string in the character display area of the operation screen is changed to the language of the selected language name key. It can be provided as an operation method of the operation device that changes and displays the translated character string. That is, in the operation method, when a predetermined language name key is selected, the selected language name key is selected so that the character string translated in the selected language fits in the size of the character display area. A language determination step for determining whether the language is an option language simplified in advance or a non-option language that has not been simplified. As a result of the determination, the language selected by the language name key is the non-option language. In this case, it is possible to provide an operation method characterized by including a non-option language display receiving step of displaying a character string translated in the non-option language beyond the size of the character display area. Even with this configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the operation device and operation method of the present invention, even if a character string is translated in a predetermined minority language that does not fit in a character display area such as a display button, the character string is displayed beyond the character display area. This makes it easier for the user to understand the meaning of the character string.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention, and an operation part. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral and an operation unit in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an example of a language switching table according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 6A), and FIG. 6B shows an example of a language determination table according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 6B). FIG. 7A shows an example of a display form change in a character string of an option language according to the embodiment of the present invention and an example of an initial screen in the option language displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st figure (FIG. 7 (B)). Second view (FIG. 8A) showing an example of the initial screen in the option language displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention, and the display form change in the character string of the non-option language of the embodiment of the present invention It is the 1st figure (FIG. 8 (B)) which shows an example. The 2nd figure (Drawing 9 (A)) which shows an example of a display form change in a character string of a non-option language of an embodiment of the present invention, and an initial in non-option language displayed on a touch panel of an embodiment of the present invention It is the 1st figure (Drawing 9B) which shows an example of a screen. FIG. 10A shows an example of a display form change in the character string of the non-option language according to the embodiment of the present invention, and an initial time in the non-option language displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is the 2nd figure (Drawing 10B) showing an example of a screen.

  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 provided with an operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multi-function machine including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like. Function as an image forming apparatus. The operation of the MFP 100 (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) when using the copy function will be briefly described below.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 provided on the upper surface of the multifunction device 100, and a copy function setting is input from the operation unit 102. The operation unit 102 displays a copy function screen (initial screen) related to the copy function provided by the multifunction peripheral 100, and a plurality of setting item keys related to the copy function are displayed in a selectable manner. On the copy function screen, function item keys for each function are displayed so as to be selectable in a tab format. The user inputs setting conditions related to the copy function via the copy function screen.

  In the character display area corresponding to the key of the copy function screen, a character string corresponding to the function of the key is displayed in a predetermined language set in advance. As will be described later, the operation unit 102 is provided with a plurality of language name keys. When the user selects a predetermined language name key, the characters displayed in the character display area of the copy function screen are displayed. The column is switched to a character string translated in the language of the selected language name key (described later).

  When the user completes the input of the setting conditions, the user presses the start key provided on the operation unit 102 to cause the multifunction peripheral 100 to start the copy function process.

  When the multifunction peripheral 100 starts processing of the copy function, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the image reading unit 103 on the document placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108 and subjected to basic correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like, and image data corresponding to the document is generated.

  An image forming unit 109 is a drive unit that transfers the image data as a toner image. The image forming unit 109 is provided with a photosensitive drum 110. The photosensitive drum 110 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum, the exposure unit 112, the developing unit 113, the transfer unit 114, the cleaning unit 115, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 111 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. The exposure unit 112 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 113 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the conveyed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, a sheet) by the transfer device 114. The cleaning unit 115 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 110.

  The sheets are conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 116 provided in the multi function peripheral 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 116 to the conveying path by a pickup roller 117. Each of the paper feed cassettes 116 stores sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on the settings relating to the output conditions.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer device 114 by the conveyance roller 118 and the registration roller 119. When the sheet is fed, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 114 and conveyed to the fixing device 120. Note that the sheet conveyed to the conveyance roller 118 may be conveyed from the manual feed tray 121 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the sheet on which the toner image is transferred passes between a heating roller 122 and a pressure roller 123 provided in the fixing device 120, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed to the sheet. Is done. The heat amount of the heating roller 122 is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the sheet, the image formation is completed, and the sheet on which the visible image is fixed is discharged to the discharge tray 124 via the fixing device 120.

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

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 102 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 201 (operation panel), a touch pen 202, and operation keys 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, by pressing an item key in the screen displayed on the touch panel 201, a setting condition corresponding to the pressed item key is input.

  A display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the back surface of the touch panel 201, and the display unit displays a screen such as an initial screen, for example. A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and when a user brings the tip of the touch pen 202 into contact with the touch panel 201, a sensor provided under the touch panel 201 detects the touch destination.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided.

  Near the upper part of the touch panel 201, a plurality of hard keys 210 corresponding to language name keys and a language name 211 corresponding to the language name key are provided as a pair. Specifically, hard keys 210 corresponding to the language names “Japanese”, “English” (English), “Catala” (Catalan), “Espanol” (Spanish), “русский” (Russian) are provided. When pressed by the user, the display language displayed on the touch panel 201 in the language corresponding to the pressed key is switched to the language of the language name 211 corresponding to the hard key 210. The portion where the language name 211 is displayed is a liquid crystal unit, and can be changed to another language name according to the setting of the administrator or the like. Japanese is set in advance as the display language of the display screen displayed on the touch panel 201. Further, the above-described hard key 210 is provided with an LED that illuminates in red, and when the hard key 210 is pressed, the LED provided in the hard key 210 is lit in red. Yes. The language names are not limited to those described above, and examples include German, French, Dutch, Italian, Chinese, Korean, and ethnic minority languages in the Chugoku region.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the MFP 100 and the operation unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 102 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) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, and a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit. They are connected by a bus 306. The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, etc., and receives data and instructions from the driver 305 and the operation unit 102 (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. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing the program.

  An internal interface 307 is also connected to the internal bus 306 of the control circuit, and the internal interface 307 connects the control circuit of the operation unit 102 and the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The control circuit of the operation unit 102 includes an internal bus 315, a CPU 309, a ROM 310, a RAM 311, an LCD 312, operation keys 313 (203), a touch panel 314 (201), and an internal interface 308. When the user operates the operation key 313 or the touch panel 314, the CPU 309 transmits a command signal based on the operation to the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100 via the internal interface 308. The functions of the CPU 309, the ROM 310, and the RAM 311 are the same as described above, and each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later is realized by the CPU 309 executing a program. The ROM 310 stores programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP and the operation unit of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for illustrating the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the multifunction device 100 and the operation unit 102 are activated, and the display receiving unit 401 of the operation unit 102 causes the display to be displayed first in a predetermined initial setting memory. The screen information (for example, initial screen) of the operation screen is acquired, and the operation screen (initial screen) corresponding to the acquired screen information is acquired from a plurality of operation screens (data) stored in advance in the operation screen storage unit 402. (FIG. 5: S101).

  Next, the display accepting unit 401 acquires a language name (for example, “Japanese”, which is the initial language name) of the initial language to be displayed first, which is stored in advance in a predetermined language setting memory (FIG. 5). : S102), referring to the language switching table of the language switching storage means 403.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the language switching table 600 includes predetermined screen information 601 (for example, “initial screen”) and a character display area (button area) on the operation screen of the screen information 601. The language name 602 (for example, “Japanese”) of the displayed character string and the character string 603 (for example, “paper selection”) translated in the language of the language name 602 are stored in association with each other.

  Here, in the predetermined screen information 601 of the language switching table 600, the character string 603 corresponding to one language name 602 and the character string 603 corresponding to the other language name 602 have the same meaning. It is configured as follows. For example, in the screen information “initial screen”, the character string “paper selection” of the language name “Japanese”, the character string “Paper Selection” of the language name “English” (English), and the language name “Catala” (Catalan) ) Of the character string “Selccio de paper” have the same meaning.

  Now, the display receiving means 401 referring to the language switching table 600, the character string (“paper selection”, “paper selection”, “Japanese”) corresponding to the screen information (“initial screen”) and the initial language name (“Japanese”) acquired earlier. When “staple / punch” or the like is acquired from the language switching table 600 (FIG. 5: S103), the language determination unit 404 is notified of this fact. Upon receiving the notification, the language determination unit 404 determines whether the initial language is an option language that has been simplified in advance so that a character string translated in the initial language fits in the size of the character display area. It is determined whether the language is a non-option language that has not been marked (FIG. 5: S104).

  Specifically, the language determination unit 404 refers to the language determination table in the language determination storage unit 405.

  In the language determination table 604, as shown in FIG. 6B, the language name 605 (for example, “Japanese”) corresponding to the language name 602 of the language switching table 600 and the language of the language name 605 are displayed. Determination information 606 (for example, “option language”, “non-option language”) indicating whether the language is an option language or a non-option language is stored in association with each other.

  Here, the option language corresponds to, for example, an initial language (“Japanese”), a number of languages such as English, and one character string (for example, “paper” for one character display area of an operation screen described later. “Selection”, “Staple / Punch”, etc.) are pre-adjusted and simplified so that they are all displayed. On the other hand, the non-option language corresponds to, for example, a minority language such as Spanish Catalan, and one character string is a descriptive expression and is not simplified at all for one character display area (long It is not possible to display a single character string (for example, “Eleccio de paper”, “Unelemental basic d'angles / egresso a la”, etc.) in the normal character display area size. There are many languages.

  The language determination unit 404 referring to the language determination table 604 refers to the determination information (“optional language”) associated with the initial language (“Japanese”) from the language determination table 604, and determines the determination information. After confirming the contents, it is determined that the initial language is the option language (FIG. 5: S104 YES). When the option language is determined, the language determination unit 404 notifies the display reception unit 401 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the display receiving unit 401 arranges the character string corresponding to the option language in the character display area of the initial screen acquired earlier.

  Note that the case where the language is determined to be a non-option language (FIG. 5: S104 NO) will be described later.

  Here, when the display receiving unit 401 arranges the character string in the character display area, the display form of the character string is changed (adjusted) so that the character string fits in the size of the character display area. (FIG. 5: S105).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the display receiving unit 401 includes a horizontal size 701a and a vertical size 701b of the first character string 701 (for example, “paper selection”), The horizontal size 702a and the vertical size 702b of the first character display area 702 in which the first character string 701 is arranged are respectively compared, and the horizontal size 701a and the first size 701a of the first character string 701 are compared. When the vertical size 701 b is smaller than the horizontal size 702 a and the vertical size 702 b of the first character display area 702, the first character string 701 is stored in the first character display area 702. Place as it is.

  On the other hand, the horizontal size 703a or the vertical size 703b of the second character string 703 (for example, “staple / punch”) corresponds to the second character display area 704 in which the second character string 703 is arranged. When the size is larger than the horizontal size 704a or the vertical size 704b, the display receiving means 401 starts from the second character display area 704 of the second character string 703 as shown in FIG. A search is made for a meaningless character 706 (for example, “/” slash) that does not constitute a word that is in front of the protruding portion of the character 705 (for example, “N”) and is adjacent to the protruding portion of the character 705. Then, a line feed is inserted immediately before (or immediately after) the meaningless character 706 searched to reduce the horizontal size of the second character string 703. In addition, although the vertical size of the second character string 707 after the line feed is increased by inserting a line feed into the second character string 703, the second character string 707 is displayed in the corresponding character display area 704. It is simplified beforehand so that it may fit in the magnitude | size. For this reason, the second character string 707 after the line feed fits into the size of the corresponding character display area 704. The display accepting unit 401 arranges the second character string 707 having a smaller horizontal size inside the character display area 704.

  When all the character strings are arranged in the character display area of the initial screen, the display receiving unit 401 displays the initial screen on which the character strings are arranged on the touch panel (FIG. 5: S106).

  On the initial screen 708, as shown in FIG. 7B, a Japanese character string 709 is displayed in a state that fits in the size of the corresponding character display area 710. Further, the predetermined character display area 710 is displayed so as to be selectable as a predetermined selection item key, and a setting condition relating to the copy function can be input.

  Now, while viewing the initial screen 708, the user wants to change the character string 709 displayed in the character display area 710 to a character string translated in another language (translated character string), and the operation unit 102 When the predetermined language name key 210 (for example, “English” key) provided on the screen is selected, the display receiving unit 401 receives the selection of the language name key 210 (FIG. 5: S107 YES), and returns to S102. The selected language name (“English”) of the language name key 210 is acquired (FIG. 5: S102), and the screen information 601 (“initial screen”) of the currently displayed initial screen is obtained from the language switching table 600. Then, a character string 603 (translation character string) corresponding to the selected language name 602 (“English”) is acquired (FIG. 5: S103), and the language determination is made accordingly. To notify the stage 404. Upon receiving the notification, the language determination unit 404 performs the above-described language determination for the selected language corresponding to the selected language name (FIG. 5: S104).

  Here, since the selected language is “English” (English) corresponding to a number of languages, the language determination unit 404 determines that the selected language is the option language as described above (FIG. 5). : S104 YES), this is notified to the display receiving means 401. Upon receiving the notification, the display receiving unit 401 deletes the character string (for example, “paper selection”) previously displayed on the initial screen, and the previously acquired character string (for example, “Paper Selection”) The display form of the character string is changed so as to fit in the size of the character display area on the screen (FIG. 5: S105), and the changed character string is arranged in the character display area. Note that since the selected language is the optional language, all the character strings fit within the size of the corresponding character display area if the display form is changed. When all the character strings are arranged in the corresponding character display areas, the display receiving unit 401 displays the initial screen after the arrangement on the touch panel (FIG. 5: S106).

  In the initial screen 800 after the selection of the “English” key, as shown in FIG. 8A, an English character string 801 replacing the Japanese character string fits in the size of the corresponding character display area 802. Displayed with status. Thus, the user can select a predetermined character display area as a key while confirming the meaning of the character string.

  In S107, when the user selects a language name key 210 (for example, “Catala” key) on which a predetermined language name “Catala” is displayed, the display reception unit 401 selects the language name key 210. Upon receipt (FIG. 5: S107 YES), the selected language name (“Catala”) of the language name key 210 is acquired (FIG. 5: S102), and characters corresponding to the screen information 601 of the initial screen and the selected language name 602 are obtained. The column 603 is acquired (FIG. 5: S103). Then, the language determination unit 404 determines whether the selected language is an option language or a non-option language (FIG. 5: S104).

  Here, since the selected language “Catala” is a non-option language (FIG. 5: S104 NO), the language determination unit 404 determines that it is the non-option language and informs the non-option language display reception unit 406 to that effect. Notice. Then, the non-option language display accepting unit 406 that has received the notification acquires the character string translated in the non-option language from the display accepting unit 401, and converts the character string into the size of the character display area. Is displayed.

  Specifically, the non-option language display reception unit 406 erases the character string previously displayed on the initial screen, and changes the character string to the character display area without changing the display form of the character string. (FIG. 5: S108). As a result, the character string expressed in the non-option language is displayed beyond the character display area, so that it is also displayed in other display areas other than the character display area. It becomes possible to inform in detail.

  Next, the non-option language display accepting unit 406, when the character string overlaps another character string displayed in another character display area, the non-option language display accepting unit 406 prevents the character string from overlapping the other character string. The display form is changed (FIG. 5: S109).

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, one character string 803 (for example, “Seleccio de paper”) is replaced with the other character string 804 (for example, “Una impression a double car”) adjacent to the right. ), The non-option language display accepting unit 406 overlaps the character 805 (for example, “aper”) in the portion that overlaps the other character string 804 of the one character string 803 with the character in front. A meaningless character 806 (for example, “” space) adjacent to the character of the portion 805 is searched, a line feed is inserted immediately before (or immediately after) the searched meaningless character 806, and the horizontal direction of the one character string 803 is changed. The size is reduced so that it does not overlap with the other character string 804. This prevents the character strings from being overlapped with each other without losing the meaning without breaking the meaning of the word in the one character string 803. Similarly, the display form of the other character string 804 is changed in relation to the upper, lower, left, and right character strings.

  In addition, by adding a line break to the character string, the vertical size of the character string after the line break is lengthened, and when the entire character string whose display form has been changed cannot be displayed on the initial screen, The non-option language display accepting unit 406 hides characters that cannot be displayed in the character string, and displays a symbol indicating omission just before the non-displayed characters.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, one character string 901 located at the right end (for example, “Unelement basic d'angles / egreso a la”) is vertically adjacent to the other character string. 902 (for example, “La pagina d'agregacaio”, “E-mail”, “Program”) and the right edge 900 of the initial screen, and the entire one character string 901 is displayed on the initial screen. If the character string 901 cannot be displayed, the non-option language display receiving unit 406 overlaps with the other character string 902 adjacent to the lower part of the one character string 901 so that characters 903 ( “D'ingres / egreso a la”) is hidden and the symbol 9 indicating omission is displayed immediately before the hidden character 903. 4 (for example, a three-point display "...") is displayed. As a result, the character string is displayed on the initial screen as much as possible to make it easier for the user to understand the meaning of the character string.

  When all the character strings are arranged in the corresponding character display areas, the non-option language display receiving unit 406 displays an initial screen on which the character strings are arranged on the touch panel (FIG. 5: S106).

  On the initial screen 905 after the selection of the “Catala” key, as shown in FIG. 9B, a Catalan character string 906 is displayed beyond the size of the corresponding character display area 907. As a result, the character string 906 and the character display area 907 are displayed so as to overlap each other, and although the visibility to the user is inferior, the character string 906 is displayed as much as possible, and the meaning of the character string to the user is understood. Help.

  Here, when the user selects a predetermined character display area without selecting the predetermined language name key 210 while looking at the initial screen (FIG. 5: S107 NO), the non-option language display receiving unit 406 An input of a setting condition (paper setting) corresponding to a character string in the character display area (for example, “Selccio de paper”) is accepted (FIG. 5: S110 YES → S111). Next, the non-option language display receiving unit 406 determines whether or not the setting condition that has received the input is a switching setting condition for switching the current operation screen (FIG. 5: S112).

  As a result of the determination, if the setting condition is the switching setting condition (FIG. 5: S112 YES), the process returns to S101, and the non-option language display accepting means 406 displays the switching destination operation screen from the switching setting condition. Information is acquired and an operation screen corresponding to the acquired screen information is acquired from the operation screen storage unit 402 (FIG. 5: S101). Next, the non-option language display receiving unit 401 uses the language name (“Catala”) of the selected language corresponding to the non-option language (FIG. 5: S102), and the corresponding character string is stored in the language switching storage unit. Obtained from the language switching table 600 of 403 (FIG. 5: S103). Then, the non-option language display reception unit 401 notifies the language determination unit 404 to that effect, and causes the language determination described above to be executed (FIG. 5: S104).

  Here, since the selected language is a non-option language (FIG. 5: S104 NO), the non-option language display accepting unit 401 displays the character string after the switching display beyond a predetermined character display area. (FIG. 5: S108). As a result, once a non-option language is selected, even if the operation screen is switched, the displayed character string is displayed beyond the character display area, and the user is informed of the meaning of the character string in detail. Become.

  On the other hand, when the setting condition is not the switching setting condition (FIG. 5: S112 NO), the non-option language display accepting unit 406 sets the display form of the character string corresponding to the character display area to the size of the character display area. Change to fit.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 (A), the non-option language display receiving means 406 includes a horizontal size 1001a and a vertical size 1001b of the selected Catalan character string 1001, and the character string. The horizontal size 1002a and the vertical size 1002b of the character display area 1002 in which 1001 is arranged are respectively compared, and the character 1003 of the portion of the character string 1001 that protrudes from the character display area 1002 (for example, “de paper ") is not displayed, and an abbreviation symbol 1004 (three-point display" ... ") is displayed immediately before the non-displayed character 1003. Then, the non-option language display accepting unit 406 changes the background color of the character display area 1002 in which the changed character string 1005 is displayed to a selection color (for example, gray color) indicating selection.

  In the initial screen 1006 after the selection of the predetermined character display area, as shown in FIG. 10B, the background color of the selected character display area 1007 is changed and the Catalan characters in the character display area are changed. A column 1008 is displayed within the character display area 1007. Thereby, the visibility for the user can be improved, and the user can confirm the selected character display area.

  In S110, when the display reception unit 401 displays a character string corresponding to the option language on the initial screen, the user selects a predetermined character display area on the initial screen, and the character display area When the setting condition corresponding to the character string displayed on is input, the display receiving unit 401 receives the setting condition corresponding to the character string in the character display area (FIG. 5: S110 YES → S111). When the setting condition corresponding to the character string in the character display area is the switching setting condition (FIG. 5: S112 NO), the process returns to S101, and the display accepting unit 401 displays the switching destination operation screen. Obtained from the operation screen storage means 402 (FIG. 5: S101), using the language name of the initial language (“Japanese”) or the selected language (“English”) corresponding to the option language (FIG. 5: S102), A corresponding character string is acquired from the language switching table 600 of the language switching storage unit 403 (FIG. 5: S103). In this case, since it is determined as an option language (FIG. 5: S104 YES), the character string after the switching display is adjusted and displayed so as to fit in a predetermined character display area (FIG. 5: S105). In S112, when the setting condition received by the display receiving unit 401 is not the switching setting condition (FIG. 5: S112 NO), the display receiving unit 401 changes the background color of the selected character display area to the selected color. It will simply change. Since the subsequent procedure is the same as described above, it is omitted.

  When the user completes the input of predetermined setting conditions and selects the start key 205, the display receiving means 401 or the non-option language display receiving means 406 receives the selection of the start key 205 (FIG. 5: S113 YES) ), And notifies the function providing means 407 of the setting conditions input so far. Upon receiving the notification, the function providing unit 407 executes the copy function based on the setting condition (FIG. 5: S114). Thereby, the copy function desired by the user is provided.

  As described above, when the predetermined language name key 210 is selected, the operation unit 102 according to the present invention indicates that the selected language of the selected language name key 210 is a character string corresponding to the selected language. Language determination means 404 for determining whether the character string is an option language that has been adjusted in advance so as to fit within the size of the character string, or a non-option language that has not been adjusted, and as a result of the determination, the language name key When the selected language of 210 is the non-option language, a non-option language display receiving unit 406 is provided that displays a character string translated in the non-option language beyond the size of the character display area.

  As a result, the character string expressed in the non-option language is displayed beyond the character display area, so that it is also displayed in other display areas other than the character display area. It becomes possible to inform in detail. In addition, even if a character string expressed in a non-option language is not simplified, it is displayed in the character display area, so there is no need to simplify the character string. However, it is possible to quickly provide the operation unit 102 having a language display switching function.

  In the operation unit 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the non-option language display receiving unit 406 changes the display form of the character string, the character string includes characters before and after meaningless characters. The display form is changed by inserting a line feed, but other configurations may be used. For example, the non-option language display receiving unit 406 may be configured to change the display form of the character string by reducing the font size of the character string by several steps.

  In the operation unit 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a character string is acquired based on the language name or the determination information 606 of the language determination table 604 is acquired. The above-described processing may be performed based on a country name code indicating a language country instead of the language name.

  In the operation unit 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the hard key 210 corresponding to the language name key and the language name 211 corresponding to the language name key are provided near the upper part of the touch panel 201. Other configurations, for example, the language name key described above may be configured to be selectably displayed within a predetermined system screen.

  Further, although the operation unit 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to support an option language as an initial language, it may be configured to support a non-option language.

  In the operation unit 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the copy function processing of the multifunction peripheral 100 is employed. However, the operation unit 102 can be employed for a facsimile transmission / reception function, a print function, and the like. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the operation unit 102 is applied to the multifunction peripheral 100 has been described. However, various image forming apparatuses, various image processing apparatuses, and various types including the operation unit 102 (operation device) having the touch panel 201 are described. Even if it is applied to an image processing device, various image display devices, etc., the same effects can be obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit 102 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 102 or the multifunction device 100 is caused to read the program, and the operation unit 102 or the multifunction device 100 implements the respective 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 and operation method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for copiers, printers, etc., and even for character strings in languages that do not fit in the character display area such as display buttons, By displaying beyond the display area, it is effective as an operation device and an operation method that can make it easier for the user to understand the meaning of the character string.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 102 Operation part 401 Display reception means 402 Operation screen memory | storage means 403 Language switching storage means 404 Language determination means 405 Language determination storage means 406 Non-option language display reception means 407 Function provision means

Claims (8)

When a given language name key is selected from a plurality of language name keys in which language names are displayed, the character string in the character display area of the operation screen is translated into the language of the selected language name key. In the operation device that changes and displays
When a predetermined language name key is selected, the selected language corresponding to the selected language name key is simplified in advance so that the character string translated in the selected language fits in the size of the character display area. Language determination means for determining whether the language is an optional language or a non-simplified non-option language;
As a result of the determination, when the language selected by the language name key is the non-option language, a non-option language display that displays the character string translated in the non-option language beyond the size of the character display area An operating device comprising: a receiving unit. When the non-option language display accepting means displays the character string exceeding the size of the character display area, the character string overlaps with another character string displayed in another character display area. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein a display form of the character string is changed so as not to overlap the other character string. The non-option language display accepting means can display the character string if the entire character string cannot be displayed on the operation screen when the display form of the character string is changed. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein a non-display character is hidden, and a character immediately before the non-display character is changed to a symbol indicating omission. The non-option language display accepting unit changes the display form of the character string displayed in the character display area so as to fit in the size of the character display area when the character display area is selected by the user. The operating device according to any one of Items 1-3.   An image forming apparatus comprising the operation device according to claim 1. When a given language name key is selected from a plurality of language name keys in which language names are displayed, the character string in the character display area of the operation screen is translated into the language of the selected language name key. In the operation method of the operating device that is changed to display,
When a predetermined language name key is selected, the selected language corresponding to the selected language name key is simplified in advance so that the character string translated in the selected language fits in the size of the character display area. A language determination step for determining whether the language is an optional language or a non-optional language that is not simplified;
As a result of the determination, when the language selected by the language name key is the non-option language, a non-option language display that displays the character string translated in the non-option language beyond the size of the character display area An operation method comprising: a reception step.   A program for causing a computer to execute the setting condition input method according to claim 6.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 7.

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