JP5697262B2 - Display input device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display input device and an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus equipped with a plurality of types of functions (for example, a copy function, a scan function, a fax function, and a box function) that can change set values is known. Such an image forming apparatus is generally provided with a display input device for receiving from a user an instruction to select a function to be used among a plurality of types of functions and an instruction to change a setting value of the selected function. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

  The display input device of Patent Document 1 is provided with a plurality of function selection keys respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of functions. Each of the plurality of function selection keys is a hard key. Then, when any one of the plurality of function selection keys is pressed by the user, the display input device displays a setting screen for receiving a setting instruction for the function corresponding to the pressed function selection key. (The function corresponding to the pressed function selection key can be executed).

  In addition, conventionally, a display input device has been known in which a plurality of function selection keys (soft keys) are displayed on a display unit with a touch panel, thereby receiving an instruction to select a function to be executed from among a plurality of types of functions from a user. It has been. When such a display input device is turned on, a function selection screen including a plurality of function selection keys respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of functions is displayed as an initial screen. Thereby, the user can display the setting screen of the desired function on the display input device by touching the display position of the function selection key corresponding to the desired function among the plurality of function selection keys.

JP 2011-199773 A

  In a display input device that receives an instruction for selecting a function to be executed by displaying a function selection screen from a user, an initial screen transition key for returning the display screen to an initial screen (function selection screen) is usually provided. When the user wants to execute another function while displaying the setting screen of a certain function, the user temporarily returns the display screen to the initial screen (function selection screen) by pressing the initial screen transition key, By selecting a desired function on the screen (function selection screen), a setting screen for the desired function is displayed. However, from the user's point of view, when switching the function to be executed (setting screen to be displayed), it is troublesome (requires complicated operation) to return the display screen to the initial screen (function selection screen) one by one. bad.

  On the other hand, in a display input device provided in advance with each of a plurality of function selection keys as a hard key, the user wants to execute another function while displaying a setting screen of a certain function. By simply pressing the function selection key corresponding to, it becomes possible to execute the desired function without displaying the initial screen (the desired function setting screen is displayed), so it is not so troublesome. However, in this form of display input device, it is difficult to reduce the number of parts because a plurality of hard keys (function selection keys for receiving function selection instructions) corresponding to a plurality of functions must be provided. There is an inconvenience that it is (it is difficult to reduce costs).

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can reduce the number of parts and can improve the convenience when the display screen is switched by the user. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the display input device of the present invention displays a selection screen for receiving an instruction to select a function to be executed from among a plurality of types of functions, and the function to be executed on the selection screen is selected. A display unit that displays a setting screen for receiving a setting instruction related to the selected function, and a touch panel unit that is provided on the display unit and detects a plurality of touch positions touched by the user, It is equipped with. Then, the display unit is a screen switching that is a touch operation that is performed while one or more of the two touched points are touched after two points on the touch panel unit are touched while the setting screen is displayed. When the touch panel unit accepts the operation, the setting screen to be displayed is switched to a setting screen corresponding to a function different from the function corresponding to the current setting screen without transitioning to the selection screen.

  In the configuration of the present invention, as described above, the display unit touches two or more touched points after touching two points on the touch panel unit while displaying the setting screen. When the touch panel unit accepts a screen switching operation, which is a touch operation performed as it is, the setting screen to be displayed is changed to a setting screen corresponding to a function different from the function corresponding to the current setting screen without transitioning to the selection screen. Switch. As a result, when the user wants to switch the setting screen to be displayed (i.e., to execute a function different from the function corresponding to the current setting screen), it is not necessary to return the display screen to the selection screen one by one. Is reduced. In addition, since the setting screen to be displayed can be switched simply by touching two points on the touch panel unit and performing a touch operation while touching one or more of the two touched points, the operation until the setting screen to be displayed is switched. The number is small and the burden on the user is small. Note that after the two touch points on the touch panel unit are touched, the display unit does not switch the setting screen to be displayed unless a touch operation is performed while one or more of the touched points are touched. Therefore, a user who wants to give a setting instruction with the current setting screen needs to perform a normal touch operation (for example, an operation of tapping one point on the touch panel unit) on the touch panel unit, and needs to perform a special touch operation. There is no. As a result, the convenience when the user switches the display screen is improved.

  Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a plurality of hard keys (function selection keys for receiving a function selection instruction) respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of functions, the number of parts can be reduced (cost reduction can be achieved). ).

  In the above configuration, preferably, the touch panel unit has been touched while two points are being touched while the display unit is displaying the setting screen, and a predetermined time has passed while the two points are being touched. Then, the screen switching operation is accepted, while the screen switching operation is not accepted unless two points are touched and a predetermined time has passed. As a result, the user can switch the setting screen to be displayed by simply performing a simple touch operation on the touch panel unit (an operation to keep touching two points on the touch panel unit). good. In addition, from the user's point of view, even if two touch points on the touch panel are accidentally touched, the setting screen to be displayed is switched unintentionally if the finger is released from the touch panel immediately (before the predetermined time elapses). Convenience is good because it never happens. Furthermore, after two points on the touch panel unit are touched, another process (a process different from the screen switching process) triggered by the absence of a touch operation on the touch panel unit immediately (before a predetermined time elapses) Differentiation can be easily achieved.

  In the above configuration, the display unit is preferably displayed when the touch operation on the touch panel unit disappears after the touch operation on the touch panel unit disappears after the screen switching operation can be accepted on the touch panel unit. Display the setting screen as it is. Accordingly, when the user wants to confirm the setting screen to be displayed, the user only has to remove all fingers from the touch panel unit, which is convenient.

  In the above configuration, the display unit preferably displays the screen switching information for assisting the screen switching operation by the user together with the setting screen when the touch panel unit can accept the screen switching operation. Thereby, the convenience of the user can be easily improved. Further, when the display unit displays such screen switching information, the user can be made aware that the screen switching operation can be accepted.

  In this configuration, the display unit displays a plurality of pieces of function information each indicating a plurality of types of functions as screen switching information, and when the touch panel unit accepts a screen switching operation, the plurality of pieces of function information are set in a predetermined display position. The function information arranged at the predetermined display position may be sequentially switched by moving in order, and the setting screen corresponding to the function information existing at the predetermined display position may be displayed.

  In addition, the display unit displays a plurality of function information indicating each of a plurality of types of functions as screen switching information, and when the touch panel unit accepts a screen switching operation, the display size of the plurality of function information is increased in order. The function information whose display size is enlarged may be sequentially switched, and a setting screen corresponding to the function information whose display size is enlarged may be displayed.

  Furthermore, the display unit displays a plurality of pieces of function information respectively indicating a plurality of types of functions as screen switching information, and when the touch panel unit accepts a screen switching operation, additional information predetermined for the plurality of function information is sequentially displayed. By adding, the function information to which the additional information is added may be sequentially switched, and a setting screen corresponding to the function information to which the additional information is added may be displayed.

  When the screen switching information (a plurality of function information) as described above is displayed, the convenience of the switching operation of the setting screen by the user is improved.

  Preferably, when displaying the screen switching information, the display unit makes the brightness of the display area outside the display area of the screen switching information darker than the brightness of the display area of the screen switching information. This makes it easier to see the screen switching information. In addition, the user can be made aware that the screen switching operation can be accepted.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable to include a notification unit that notifies that the screen switching operation can be accepted when the touch panel unit can accept the screen switching operation. Thereby, the user can be surely recognized that the screen switching operation can be accepted in the touch panel unit.

  In this case, the notification unit is a vibration generation unit that vibrates the display input device, and the vibration generation unit notifies that the screen switching operation can be accepted by vibrating the display input device. When the display input device is vibrated in this way, the user can easily recognize that the screen switching operation can be accepted.

  In the above configuration, preferably, the display unit displays the setting screen without resetting the previous setting contents when switching the setting screen to be displayed based on the screen switching operation received by the touch panel unit. Accordingly, when the user wants to execute the function with the same setting contents as the setting contents set previously, it is not necessary to set again from the beginning, which is convenient.

  An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the display input device. In such an image forming apparatus, convenience at the time of switching operation of the display screen by the user is improved. In addition, the number of parts can be reduced (cost reduction).

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a display input device and an image forming apparatus that can reduce the number of parts and can improve the convenience when the display screen is switched by the user. Can do.

1 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus including a display input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed view of the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which showed an example of the screen (main menu screen) displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which showed an example of the screen (copy function setting screen) displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which showed an example of the screen (fax function setting screen) displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a touch operation when switching a setting screen displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a screen displayed at that time; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a touch operation when switching a setting screen displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a screen displayed at that time; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a touch operation when switching a setting screen displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a screen displayed at that time; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a touch operation when switching a setting screen displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a screen displayed at that time; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a touch operation when switching a setting screen displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a screen displayed at that time; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a touch operation when switching a setting screen displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a screen displayed at that time; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a touch operation when switching a setting screen displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a screen displayed at that time; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a touch operation when switching a setting screen displayed on the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a screen displayed at that time; The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement when switching the setting screen displayed in the display input device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

(Overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) capable of executing a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a transmission (scanning) function, a fax function, and a box function will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 101 (corresponding to a “display input device”), a document conveying unit 102A, an image reading unit 102B, a sheet feeding unit 103, a sheet conveying unit 104, An image forming unit 105, a fixing unit 106, a post-processing unit 107, and the like are provided.

  The operation panel 101 is disposed on the front side of the apparatus, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation panel 101 includes a liquid crystal display unit 12 (corresponding to a “display unit”) in which a touch panel unit 11 is provided on a display surface. The touch panel unit 11 is a multi-touch panel that can simultaneously detect a plurality of touch positions touched by a user. The liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a screen on which software keys and messages for accepting an input operation (touch operation) from a user are arranged. The screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 12 will be described in detail later. The touch panel unit 11 covering the display surface of the liquid crystal display unit 12 is provided to detect a soft key designated by the user (a soft key touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11). The operation panel 101 is also provided with a numeric keypad 13 for accepting numerical input, a start key 14 for accepting a function execution start instruction, and the like as hard keys.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the document conveying unit 102A is attached so as to be openable and closable around a rotating shaft (not shown) provided on the back side of the image reading unit 102B. The document conveying section 102A pulls out the document D set on the document setting tray 21, sends it to above the conveyance reading contact glass 20a, and discharges it to the document discharge tray 22. The document transport unit 102A also has a function of pressing the document D placed on the placement reading contact glass 20b.

  The image reading unit 102B reads the document D and generates image data. Although not shown, the image reading unit 102B is provided with optical system members such as an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor. Then, the image reading unit 102B irradiates the document D passing through the conveyance reading contact glass 20a or the document D placed on the placement reading contact glass 20b, and receives the reflected light from the document D. Image data is generated by A / D converting the output value of the image sensor. Thus, printing can be performed based on the image data obtained by the reading operation (scanning operation) of the document D by the image reading unit 102B. It is also possible to store image data obtained by a scanning operation.

  The paper feed unit 103 has a plurality of cassettes 31 for storing paper P, and supplies the paper P stored in the plurality of cassettes 31 to the paper transport unit 104. The paper feed unit 103 is provided with a pickup roller 32 that pulls out the stored paper P, and a separation roller pair 33 for suppressing double feeding of the paper P.

  The paper transport unit 104 transports the paper P inside the image forming apparatus 100. More specifically, the paper P supplied from the paper supply unit 103 passes through the image forming unit 105 and the fixing unit 106 in this order as the paper transport unit 104 transports the paper P. The paper transport unit 104 is provided with a plurality of transport roller pairs 41 for transporting the paper P. Furthermore, a registration roller pair 42 is also provided that waits for the paper P in front of the image forming unit 105 and sends the paper P to the image forming unit 105 in time.

  The image forming unit 105 forms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image onto the paper P. The image forming unit 105 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a charging device 52, an exposure device 53, a developing device 54, a transfer roller 55, a cleaning device 56, and the like.

  As a toner image forming process and a toner image transfer process, first, the photosensitive drum 51 is rotationally driven, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 52. The exposure device 53 outputs a light beam L based on the image data, and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The developing device 54 develops toner by supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

  The transfer roller 55 can rotate while being pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Further, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 55. In this state, the registration roller pair 42 measures the timing and causes the paper P to enter between the transfer roller 55 and the photosensitive drum 51. As a result, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the paper P. When the toner image transfer process is completed, the cleaning device 56 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

  The fixing unit 106 heats and presses the toner image transferred onto the paper P to fix it. The fixing unit 106 includes a fixing roller 61 having a built-in heat source, and a pressure roller 62 that is pressed against the fixing roller 61. The paper P on which the toner image is transferred is heated and pressed by passing between the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper P and printing is completed.

  The post-processing unit 107 receives the printed paper P from the fixing unit 106 and performs post-processing such as sorting, stapling, and punching. Then, the post-processing unit 107 performs post-processing on the printed paper P and then discharges the paper P to the discharge tray 71.

(Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus)
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 includes a CPU 111 that is a central processing unit, an image processing unit 112, a storage unit 113, and the like. The image processing unit 112 includes an ASIC dedicated to image processing, a memory, and the like, and performs various types of image processing (enlargement / reduction, density conversion, data format conversion, etc.) on the image data. The storage unit 113 includes a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, and the like. For example, programs and data necessary for executing functions are stored in the ROM, and the programs and data are expanded in the RAM.

  The main control unit 110 is connected to the document conveying unit 102A, the image reading unit 102B, the paper feeding unit 103, the paper conveying unit 104, the image forming unit 105, the fixing unit 106, the post-processing unit 107, and the like. The main control unit 110 performs overall control, image processing control, drive control of a motor that rotates various rotating bodies, and the like based on the program and data stored in the storage unit 113.

  An operation panel 101 is also connected to the main control unit 110. The operation panel 101 includes a display control unit 15 connected to the main control unit 110. The display control unit 15 includes a CPU and the like, and receives an instruction from the main control unit 110 and controls the display operation of the operation panel 101. For example, when a soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 12 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the display control unit 15 detects the coordinates of the touch position based on the output of the touch panel unit 11. That is, the display control unit 15 detects a soft key (a soft key designated by the user) touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11. A storage unit 16 is connected to the display control unit 15. Data indicating the correspondence between the output of the touch panel unit 11 and the coordinates of the touch position is stored in the storage unit 16.

  Further, the operation panel 101 includes a vibration generating unit 17. The vibration generating unit 17 includes, for example, a vibration motor (a motor in which a weight is biased and attached to the motor shaft). Thereby, the vibration generation part 17 vibrates by driving. Then, the display control unit 15 controls the drive of the vibration generating unit 17 and vibrates the operation panel 101.

  The main control unit 110 is connected to the communication unit 120. The communication unit 120 is connected to the external computer 200 through a network, for example, so that communication is possible. Accordingly, printing can be performed based on the image data transmitted from the computer 200, and the image data obtained by the scanning operation can also be transmitted to the computer 200. In addition, a modem or the like may be incorporated in the communication unit 120. In this case, fax communication can be performed with the external fax machine 300 via a network such as a telephone line.

  (Operation panel display screen)

  When the main power is turned on, the operation panel 101 displays a main menu screen MS (corresponding to a “selection screen”) as shown in FIG. 4 as an initial screen. The main menu screen MS is provided with a plurality of soft keys K respectively corresponding to several types of functions in order to accept from the user an instruction for selecting a function to be executed from among the plurality of types of functions.

  When a function to be executed on the main menu screen MS is selected by the user (the display position of any one of the plurality of soft keys K is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11), the operation panel 101 displays a setting screen SS (for example, see FIGS. 5 and 6) for receiving a setting instruction regarding the selected function.

  For example, when the display position of the soft key K1 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the operation panel 101 displays a copy function setting screen SSC (see FIG. 5). On the copy function setting screen SSC, a plurality of setting keys FK respectively corresponding to a plurality of setting items whose setting values can be changed when the copy function is executed are arranged. FIG. 5 shows, as an example, a setting screen SSC on which a plurality of setting keys FK respectively corresponding to setting items of paper selection, reduction / enlargement, density, duplex / division, and page aggregation are arranged. In each of the plurality of setting keys FK, the current setting value of the corresponding setting item is written. When one of the plurality of setting keys FK is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the operation panel 101 sets, for example, a setting item corresponding to the designated setting key FK. A screen (not shown) for setting a value is displayed. As a result, the user can recognize the current setting values of the plurality of setting items related to the copy function, and can also change the setting values.

  When the display position of the soft key K2 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the operation panel 101 displays a setting screen (not shown) for receiving a setting value setting instruction for the transmission (scan) function. indicate. When the display position of the soft key K3 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the operation panel 101 displays a setting screen SSF (see FIG. 6) for receiving a setting instruction for setting values of the fax function. . In the fax function, for example, the fax destination address and transmission format also correspond to the set values.

  When the display position of the soft key K4 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the operation panel 101 performs printing based on data stored in the user box (for example, image data obtained by a scanning operation). A setting screen (not shown) for accepting settings necessary for execution is displayed. When the display position of the soft key K5 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the operation panel 101 performs printing based on data stored in the job box (for example, image data transmitted from the computer 200). A setting screen (not shown) for accepting settings necessary for execution is displayed. When the display position of the soft key K6 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the operation panel 101 performs printing based on data stored in the fax reception box (fax data received by the communication unit 120). A setting screen (not shown) for accepting settings necessary for the operation is displayed. When the display position of the soft key K7 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the operation panel 101 receives settings necessary for executing printing based on data stored in the external memory (USB). A setting screen (not shown) is displayed.

  The soft key K8 is a soft key K corresponding to the program function, and when the display position of the soft key K8 is touched by the user via the touch panel unit 11, the liquid crystal display unit 12 is selected from the registered programs. A program selection screen (not shown) for receiving an instruction to select a program to be called from the user is displayed. By the way, the program function is a function for registering, as a program, one or more setting items (setting values) selected in advance by the user among a plurality of setting items relating to a copy function, a transmission (scanning) function, and the like. is there.

(Switch setting screen to be displayed)
The operation panel 101 is provided with a main menu key MK (see FIGS. 2 and 3) as a hard key. The main menu key MK is a key for returning the display screen to the main menu screen MS. Therefore, when the user wants to execute another function while displaying the setting screen SS of a certain function, the user presses the main menu key MK to display the main menu screen MS, and the main menu screen MS The user selects a desired function (touches the display position of the soft key K corresponding to the desired function among the plurality of soft keys K via the touch panel unit 11). Thereby, the display screen can be switched to the setting screen SS of a desired function.

  However, from the user's point of view, when switching the setting screen SS to be displayed, it is troublesome to return the display screen to the main menu screen MS one by one. Also, normally, once the display returns to the main menu screen MP, the setting values set on the previous setting screen SS are reset. For this reason, when it is desired to execute a function based on the same setting value as the setting value on the previous setting screen SS, it is necessary to reset the function from scratch, which is also troublesome for the user.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the setting screen SS to be displayed can be switched to a setting screen SS different from the current setting screen SS without transitioning to the main menu screen MS.

  Specifically, a user who wants to switch the setting screen SS to be displayed first displays the setting screen SS (for example, the copy function setting screen SSC) as shown in FIG. Touch two points and hold them without removing your finger from the two touched points. In addition, as a position of two points to touch, any position of the touch panel part 11 may be sufficient.

  When two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched, the display control unit 15 detects that two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched based on the output of the touch panel unit 11 and measures the time from the detection point. Then, the display control unit 15 switches the setting screen SS to be displayed based on a screen switching operation on the touch panel unit 11 after a predetermined time has elapsed while two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched. The display unit 12 is made to perform the transition to the screen switching mode. In other words, the touch panel unit 11 switches the screen if two points have been touched while the liquid crystal display unit 12 is displaying the setting screen SS and the predetermined time has passed since the two points have been touched. While accepting the operation, if the predetermined time has not passed while the two points are touched, the screen switching operation is not accepted. The screen switching operation is a touch operation performed while touching one or more points out of two points touched on the touch panel unit 11. This screen switching operation will be described in detail later.

  When the screen switching operation can be accepted on the touch panel unit 11 (when the screen switching mode is entered), the display control unit 15 switches the screen to assist the user in the screen switching operation as shown in FIG. An information image SC (corresponding to “screen switching information”) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 12 together with the setting screen SS. For example, the liquid crystal display unit 12 superimposes the screen switching information image SC on the current setting screen SS, and displays the current setting screen SS as a background screen. Then, the display control unit 15 drives the vibration generating unit 17 to vibrate the operation panel 101. That is, the vibration generating unit 17 notifies the user that the screen switching operation can be accepted (the screen has been switched to the screen switching mode) by vibrating the operation panel 101.

  Note that a sound generation unit (not shown) may be provided in the operation panel 101, and the user may be notified that the screen switching operation can be accepted by the sound generated from the sound generation unit. In this case, the sound generation unit corresponds to a “notification unit”. Alternatively, the operation panel 101 may be provided with a light emitting unit (not shown) such as an LED, and the light emitting unit may emit light to notify the user that the screen switching operation can be accepted. In this case, the light emitting unit corresponds to a “notification unit”.

  Here, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays, as the screen switching information image SC, a plurality of function information images F (corresponding to “function information”) respectively indicating a plurality of functions along an elliptical circular locus. Each of the plurality of function information images F is an icon, and the corresponding function is indicated by a symbol. The function information image F1 indicates a copy function. The function information image F2 shows a transmission (scanning) function. The function information image F3 shows a fax function. The function information image F4 shows a user box function. The function information image F5 shows the job box function. The function information image F6 shows a fax reception box function. The function information image F7 shows a direct printing function.

  When the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays the screen switching information image SC (a plurality of function information images F) superimposed on the current setting screen SS, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a predetermined function information image F corresponding to the current setting screen SS. Arranged at the display position P. Further, the liquid crystal display unit 12 enlarges the display size of the function information image F corresponding to the current setting screen SS (the function information image F arranged at the predetermined display position P) larger than the display size of the other function information image F. At the same time, the additional information image A (for example, an image representing a frame) is added to the function information image F (the function information image F arranged at the predetermined display position P) corresponding to the current setting screen SS. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display unit 12 makes the brightness of the display area outside the display area of the screen switching information image SC (the plurality of function information images F) darker than the brightness of the display area of the screen switching information image SC.

  Accordingly, the user recognizes that the setting screen SS to be displayed can be switched, and performs the screen switching operation (touch operation while touching one or more of the two points touched on the touch panel unit 11). I do).

  As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the display control unit 15 moves the touch position of one of the two points while the two points are touched after the two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched. Is detected, the touch panel unit 11 determines that a screen switching operation has been performed. Alternatively, although not shown, the display control unit 15 also detects a touch operation that moves both of the two touch positions while the two points are touched after the two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched. Then, it is determined that the screen switching operation has been performed on the touch panel unit 11. For example, when one touch position moves so as to draw an arc along the arrow direction in FIG. 9, the display control unit 15 determines that a screen switching operation has been performed on the touch panel unit 11. In FIG. 9, a white arrow indicates a moving direction of the touch position, and a white circle indicates a touch position where the touch is continuously fixed.

  Here, the moving direction of the touch position is not particularly limited. That is, if the touch position moves in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the diagonal direction of the screen, the display control unit 15 determines that a screen switching operation has been performed on the touch panel unit 11. In addition, when both of the two touch positions are moved, the display control unit 15 can display the screen even if the movement directions of the two touch positions are different from each other (a direction in which the interval between the two points is narrowed or a direction in which the two points are widened). It is determined that a switching operation has been performed.

  As another example, as shown in FIG. 10, the display control unit 15 touches two touch points on the touch panel unit 11 and then moves the touch position of the single point while touching the single point. Is detected, the touch panel unit 11 determines that a screen switching operation has been performed. In this case, the touch of one point continues after two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched, but the touch of another point is lost. For example, when one touch position moves along the arrow direction in FIG. 10, the display control unit 15 determines that a screen switching operation has been performed on the touch panel unit 11. In FIG. 10, a white arrow indicates the moving direction of the touch position.

  Furthermore, as another example, as shown in FIG. 11, the display control unit 15 touches the panel surface with a finger at another position while one point is touched after two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched. When a touch operation (tap operation) is detected, it is determined that a screen switching operation has been performed on the touch panel unit 11. In FIG. 11, a white star indicates a tapped touch position, and a white circle indicates a touch position that is continuously fixed. Alternatively, when the display control unit 15 detects a touch operation (flick operation) that touches the panel surface with another finger while one point is touched after two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched. Also, it is determined that the screen switching operation has been performed on the touch panel unit 11.

  9 to 11 illustrate a state in which the function information image F1 is arranged at the predetermined display position P and the copy function setting screen SSC corresponding to the function information image F1 is displayed as the background screen. Yes. That is, the setting screen SS when the screen switching operation can be accepted in the touch panel unit 11 (when the screen switching mode is entered) is the copy function setting screen SSC.

  When detecting that such a screen switching operation has been performed, the display control unit 15 causes the liquid crystal display unit 12 to switch the setting screen SS to be displayed. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 12 is a touch operation that is performed while two or more touched points are touched after two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched while the setting screen SS is being displayed. When the touch panel unit 11 accepts the screen switching operation, the setting screen SS to be displayed without changing to the main menu screen MS is displayed on the setting screen SS corresponding to a function different from the function corresponding to the current setting screen SS. Switch to.

  For example, when the touch panel unit 11 receives the screen switching operation illustrated in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal display unit 12 passes through the predetermined display position P until the touch operation for moving the touch position stops as illustrated in FIG. 12. A plurality of function information images F are circularly moved along an elliptical circular locus. Thereby, the plurality of function information images F are sequentially moved to the predetermined display position P, and the function information images F arranged at the predetermined display position P are sequentially switched. In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 12 enlarges the display size of the function information image F present at the predetermined display position P to be larger than the display size of the other function information image F, and adds it to the function information image F present at the predetermined display position P. An information image A is added. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a setting screen SS corresponding to the function information image F present at the predetermined display position P as a background screen. Thus, the liquid crystal display unit 12 switches the setting screen SS to be displayed without transitioning to the main menu screen MS.

  In addition, when the touch panel unit 11 receives the screen switching operation illustrated in FIG. 10, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a plurality of function information images until the operation for moving the touch position stops as illustrated in FIG. 13. F is sequentially moved to the predetermined display position P, and the function information image F arranged at the predetermined display position P is sequentially switched. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a setting screen SS corresponding to the function information image F present at the predetermined display position P as a background screen. Other display operations are the same as when the touch panel unit 11 accepts the screen switching operation shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the touch panel unit 11 receives the screen switching operation illustrated in FIG. 11, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays the predetermined display position P every time a tap operation (flick operation) is performed as illustrated in FIG. 14. The function information image F to be arranged is switched once. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a setting screen SS corresponding to the function information image F present at the predetermined display position P as a background screen. Other display operations are the same as when the touch panel unit 11 accepts the screen switching operation shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a state in which the function information image F3 is arranged at the predetermined display position P, and the fax function setting screen SSF corresponding to the function information image F3 is displayed as the background screen. Yes.

  Then, the user confirms that the setting screen SS corresponding to the desired function has been switched, and finishes the screen switching operation on the touch panel unit 11. That is, the user releases all fingers from the touch panel unit 11.

  At this time, the display control unit 15 detects that there is no touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 (the screen switching operation is completed), and cancels the screen switching mode. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 12 hides the screen switching information image SC (a plurality of function information images F). Further, the liquid crystal display unit 12 darkens the brightness of the display area outside the display area of the screen switching information image SC, but returns the brightness of the darkened display area to the original brightness. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays the setting screen SS displayed as the background screen when the touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 is lost.

  As a result, the function corresponding to the setting screen SS after switching can be executed (the screen switching mode is released). For example, if there is no touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 in the state shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a fax function setting screen SSF (see FIG. 6). At this time, the liquid crystal display unit 12 has previously been set by the user on the setting screen SS after switching (for example, the destination address has been previously input on the setting screen SSF of the fax function). ), The setting screen SS is displayed without resetting the previous setting contents.

(Flow for switching the setting screen to be displayed)
The flow when switching the setting screen SS to be displayed will be described below along the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, it is assumed that the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a setting screen SS for accepting a setting instruction related to the function selected by the user at the start of the flowchart of FIG. Then, when the display control unit 15 detects that two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched by the user while the liquid crystal display unit 12 is displaying the setting screen SS, the flowchart of FIG. 15 starts.

  In step S <b> 1, the display control unit 15 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed while two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched. As a result of the determination, if the predetermined time has passed while the two points of the touch panel unit 11 are touched, the process proceeds to step S2, and if the predetermined time has not passed while the two points of the touch panel unit 11 are touched, The determination in step S1 is repeated (the current setting screen SS is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 12 without shifting to the screen switching mode).

  In step S2, the display control unit 15 shifts to a screen switching mode (a mode in which a screen switching operation can be accepted in the touch panel unit 11). That is, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays the screen switching information image SC (a plurality of function information images F) so as to overlap the current setting screen SS. At this time, the liquid crystal display unit 12 distributes the function information image F corresponding to the current setting screen SS to the predetermined display position P, and sets the display size of the function information image F existing at the predetermined display position P to other function information. The additional information image A is added to the function information image F that is larger than the display size of the image F and exists at the predetermined display position P. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display unit 12 makes the brightness of the display area outside the display area of the screen switching information image SC (the plurality of function information images F) darker than the brightness of the display area of the screen switching information image SC.

  In step S <b> 3, the display control unit 15 drives the vibration generation unit 17 to vibrate the operation panel 101. That is, the vibration generating unit 17 notifies the user that the screen has shifted to the screen switching mode (the screen switching operation can be accepted) by vibrating the operation panel 101.

  In step S4, the display control unit 15 determines whether or not one or more points on the touch panel unit 11 remain touched based on the output of the touch panel unit 11 (whether or not the touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 has been lost). to decide. If one or more points on the touch panel unit 11 remain touched as a result of the determination, the process proceeds to step S5.

  When the process proceeds to step S5, the display control unit 15 performs a screen switching operation (one or more of the two points touched after the two points of the touch panel unit 11 are touched based on the output of the touch panel unit 11). It is determined whether or not the touch panel unit 11 has accepted a touch operation performed as it is. If the touch panel unit 11 accepts a screen switching operation as a result of the determination, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the display control unit 15 causes the liquid crystal display unit 12 to switch the setting screen SS to be displayed based on the output of the touch panel unit 11. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays the setting screen SS corresponding to the function information image F present at the predetermined display position P as a background screen. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S5, when the touch panel unit 11 does not accept the screen switching operation, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, if one or more points on the touch panel unit 11 are not touched (the touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 disappears), the process proceeds to step S7.

  When the process proceeds from step S4 to step S7, the display control unit 15 cancels the screen switching mode. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 12 hides the screen switching information image SC (a plurality of function information images F). In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 12 darkens the brightness of the display area outside the display area of the screen switching information image SC, but returns the brightness of the darkened display area to the original brightness. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays the setting screen SS displayed as the background screen as it is when the touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 is lost. As a result, the function corresponding to the setting screen SS after switching can be executed (the screen switching mode is released).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the liquid crystal display unit 12 (display unit) is touched between two points on the touch panel unit 11 while the setting screen SS is being displayed. When the touch panel unit 11 accepts a screen switching operation that is a touch operation performed while one or more points are touched, the setting screen SS to be displayed is displayed without changing to the main menu screen MS (selection screen). Switch to the setting screen SS corresponding to a function different from the function corresponding to the SS. Accordingly, when the user wants to switch the setting screen SS to be displayed (i.e., to execute a function different from the function corresponding to the current setting screen SS), the display screen does not have to be returned to the main menu screen MS. So the annoyance is reduced. Moreover, since the setting screen SS to be displayed can be switched by simply touching two points on the touch panel unit 11 and performing a touch operation while touching one or more of the two touched points, the setting screen SS to be displayed is switched. The number of operations is small and the burden on the user is small. Note that the liquid crystal display unit 12 switches the setting screen SS to be displayed if a touch operation is not performed while one or more of the two touched points are touched after two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched. Absent. Therefore, a user who wants to give a setting instruction with the current setting screen SS may perform a normal touch operation (for example, an operation of tapping one point on the touch panel unit 11) on the touch panel unit 11, and a special touch operation. There is no need to do. As a result, the convenience when the user switches the display screen is improved.

  Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a plurality of hard keys (function selection keys for receiving a function selection instruction) respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of functions, the number of parts can be reduced (cost reduction can be achieved). ).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the touch panel unit 11 is determined in advance while the two points are touched after the two points are touched while the liquid crystal display unit 12 is displaying the setting screen SS. If the predetermined time has passed, the screen switching operation is accepted. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not passed while the two points are touched, the screen switching operation is not accepted. As a result, the user can switch the setting screen SS to be displayed simply by performing a simple touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 (an operation to continue touching two points on the touch panel unit). Good sex. Further, from the viewpoint of the user, even if two points on the touch panel unit 11 are accidentally touched, the setting screen SS to be displayed is intended if the finger is released from the touch panel unit 11 immediately (before a predetermined time elapses). Convenience is good because it never switches. Furthermore, another process (a process different from the screen switching process) triggered by the absence of a touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 immediately after the two points on the touch panel unit 11 are touched (before a predetermined time elapses). Can be easily differentiated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the liquid crystal display unit 12 is configured to perform the touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 when the touch operation on the touch panel unit 11 is eliminated after the screen switching operation can be received on the touch panel unit 11. The setting screen SS that was displayed at the time of disappearing is displayed as it is. Accordingly, when the user wants to confirm the setting screen SS to be displayed, the user only has to release all the fingers from the touch panel unit 11, which is convenient.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the liquid crystal display unit 12 can accept the screen switching operation on the touch panel unit 11, the screen switching information image SC (for assisting the screen switching operation by the user) ( Screen switching information) is displayed together with the setting screen SS. Thereby, the convenience of the user can be easily improved. In addition, when the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays such a screen switching information image SC, the user can recognize that the screen switching operation can be accepted.

  In this case, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays a plurality of function information images F (function information) each indicating a plurality of types of functions as a screen switching information image SC, and when the touch panel unit 11 receives a screen switching operation, By sequentially moving the function information image F to a predetermined display position P, the function information image F arranged at the predetermined display position P is sequentially switched to correspond to the function information image F existing at the predetermined display position P. The setting screen SS to be displayed may be displayed. When the touch panel unit 11 receives a screen switching operation, the display size of the plurality of function information images F is sequentially increased to sequentially switch the function information image F whose display size is enlarged, and the display size is enlarged. A setting screen SS corresponding to the function information image F may be displayed. Further, when the touch panel unit 11 receives a screen switching operation, the function information image F to which the additional information image A is added is added to the plurality of function information images F in order by adding the predetermined additional information image A in order. The setting screen SS corresponding to the function information image F to which the additional information image A is added may be displayed sequentially. When such a screen switching information image SC (a plurality of function information F) is displayed, the convenience of the switching operation of the setting screen SS by the user is improved.

  Note that the function information image F arranged at the predetermined display position P is sequentially switched, the function information image F whose display size is enlarged is sequentially switched, and the function information image F to which the additional information image A is added is sequentially switched. It is not necessary to perform all three display controls, and any one or two display controls may be selectively performed.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the liquid crystal display unit 12 displays the brightness of the display area outside the display area of the screen switching information image SC when the screen switching information image SC is displayed. Make it darker than the brightness of the display area. This makes it easy to see the screen switching information image SC. In addition, the user can be made aware that the screen switching operation can be accepted.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the touch panel unit 11 can accept the screen switching operation, the vibration generating unit 17 (notifying unit) that informs that the screen switching operation can be accepted. ). Accordingly, the user can be surely recognized that the screen switching operation can be accepted in the touch panel unit 11. The vibration generating unit 17 notifies that the screen switching operation can be accepted by vibrating the operation panel 101. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the screen switching operation can be accepted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the liquid crystal display unit 12 switches the setting screen SS to be displayed based on the screen switching operation received by the touch panel unit 11, the setting screen SS is not reset without resetting the previous setting content. Is displayed. Accordingly, when the user wants to execute the function with the same setting contents as the setting contents set previously, it is not necessary to set again from the beginning, which is convenient.

  It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above-described embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope.

11 Touch Panel 12 Liquid Crystal Display (Display)
17 Vibration generator (notification unit)
100 Image forming apparatus 101 Operation panel (display input device)
A Additional information image (additional information)
F, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7 Function information image (function information)
MP main menu screen (selection screen)
P Predetermined display position SC Screen switching information image (screen switching information)
SS, SSC SSF setting screen

Claims (12)

A setting screen for receiving a selection instruction for selecting a function to be executed from among a plurality of types of functions and receiving a setting instruction for the selected function when the function to be executed is selected on the selection screen. A display for displaying a screen;
A touch panel unit provided for the display unit for detecting a plurality of touch positions touched by the user,
The display unit is a touch operation that is performed while two or more touched points are touched after two points on the touch panel unit are touched while the setting screen is displayed. When the touch panel unit accepts a switching operation, the setting screen to be displayed is switched to the setting screen corresponding to a function different from the function corresponding to the current setting screen without transitioning to the selection screen. Characteristic display input device.   If two predetermined points have been touched while two points are touched after the two points are touched while the display unit is displaying the setting screen, the touch panel unit is configured to display the screen. 2. The display input device according to claim 1, wherein the screen switching operation is not accepted unless the predetermined time has passed while two points are being touched while the switching operation is accepted.   If the touch operation on the touch panel unit disappears after the display unit can accept the screen switching operation on the touch panel unit, the display screen is displayed when the touch operation on the touch panel unit disappears. The display input device according to claim 2, wherein the display is displayed as it is.   The said display part displays the screen switching information for assisting the said screen switching operation by a user with the said setting screen, when reception of the said screen switching operation is attained in the said touch panel part. The display input device according to 2 or 3.   The display unit displays a plurality of function information indicating a plurality of types of functions as the screen switching information, and when the touch panel unit accepts the screen switching operation, the plurality of function information is displayed in a predetermined manner. The function information arranged at the predetermined display position is sequentially switched by sequentially moving to a position, and the setting screen corresponding to the function information existing at the predetermined display position is displayed. 5. The display input device according to 4.   The display unit displays a plurality of function information respectively indicating a plurality of types of functions as the screen switching information, and when the touch panel unit accepts the screen switching operation, the display size of the plurality of function information is sequentially enlarged. 6. The display input according to claim 4, wherein the function information whose display size is enlarged is sequentially switched, and the setting screen corresponding to the function information whose display size is enlarged is displayed. apparatus.   The display unit displays a plurality of pieces of function information respectively indicating a plurality of types of functions as the screen switching information, and when the touch panel unit accepts the screen switching operation, additional information predetermined for the plurality of function information 5. The function information to which the additional information is added is sequentially switched by adding in order, and the setting screen corresponding to the function information to which the additional information is added is displayed. The display input device according to any one of 6.   The display unit, when displaying the screen switching information, makes the brightness of the display area outside the display area of the screen switching information darker than the brightness of the display area of the screen switching information. The display input device according to any one of 4 to 7.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies that the screen switching operation can be accepted when the screen switching operation can be accepted in the touch panel unit. The display input device described in 1. The notification unit is a vibration generating unit that vibrates the display input device,
The display input device according to claim 9, wherein the vibration generation unit notifies that the screen switching operation can be accepted by vibrating the display input device.   The said display part displays the said setting screen, without resetting the previous setting content, when switching the said setting screen displayed based on the said screen switching operation which the said touch panel part received. The display input device according to any one of 10.   An image forming apparatus comprising the display input device according to claim 1.

Images