JP5896976B2 - Display input device and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display unit and a display input device including a touch panel. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus provided with the display input device.

  For example, a display input device that performs input via a screen may be attached to devices and devices for inputting various settings. Setting and character input are enabled by the display input device. In mobile phone terminals and the like, the number of hard keys provided is limited, and a plurality of roles (meanings) may be assigned to one key. For this reason, there is a case where an input error occurs or the number of times the key is pressed increases because the process assigned to the key is not known in the current state. In order to prevent such a decrease in operability, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technique.

  Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an input unit that inputs a key press as an instruction to execute a process assigned to the key, a long press detection unit that detects a long press state in which the key is continuously pressed, An input device comprising a notification means for performing a predetermined notification operation for notifying the user of the process assigned to the key and prohibiting input by the input means when it is detected that the input state has been pushed. Have been described. According to this configuration, the user can easily check the process assigned to each key (see Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0021], etc.).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-312105

  An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction machine, a printer, or a FAX apparatus may be provided with a display input device. The display input device may be referred to as an “operation panel”. The operation panel of the image forming apparatus displays a screen for selecting setting items and a screen for setting setting values. Since there are a large number of selectable setting items and settable setting values, a plurality of (many) types of screens are prepared.

  Specifically, when the user wants to set a certain set value, first, the highest screen in the hierarchy is displayed on the operation panel. Then, operate the buttons (keys) for selecting setting items (which can also be classified and categories) on the screen (touch the display position) to display the screen of the next layer (one layer below) Let Further, if necessary, a button for selecting one of the setting items further prepared in the selected setting item is operated. Such selection of buttons is repeated until the desired screen is reached. In other words, in order to reach a desired screen, an operation is required in which the operation of the buttons is repeated and the screen hierarchy is lowered one by one so as to follow an appropriate route. Thus, the display on the operation panel has a hierarchical structure (a tree-like structure).

  Conventionally, in order to switch the display screen, it is necessary to actually operate the buttons in the screen. In other words, the screen display cannot be switched unless the button display position is touched. Therefore, in order to confirm lower screens for a plurality of layers, it is necessary to switch the screens by actually pressing a button (operating the button) a plurality of times (the same number of times as the moving layer). For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to easily confirm what kind of screen is present in the lower hierarchy. In particular, in one operation, it is not possible to confirm a screen of two or more lower layers than the current screen, and the operation must be repeated for a plurality of buttons. If the screen after switching is not a desired screen, an operation to return to the original screen must be performed. Therefore, in order to reach a desired screen and set a set value, a lot of time and operation may be required.

  Further, in order to complete the setting of the image forming apparatus, it may be necessary to go down more than one or two levels (for example, settings related to the system). In such a case, it is necessary to repeat the transition of the screen (switching the screen in the lower hierarchy direction). In addition, since the target screen has a deep hierarchy, it may be difficult to find a route to the desired screen, and the transition to the wrong screen and the return operation may be repeated. In such a case, the number of button operations is considerably increased, and the operation becomes complicated. In addition, there is a problem that it may not be understood which layer is the current layer due to repeated screen switching and returning operation.

  Here, the mobile phone terminal described in Patent Document 1 displays the function (processing) assigned to the long-pressed key. However, only the assigned functions are displayed, and what screen is displayed cannot be confirmed unless the button is actually pressed. Further, in order to change the level of the display screen, an operation for the button is required each time, and it is not possible to check a screen separated by a plurality of levels by one operation. In addition, there is a possibility that it is not possible to know which layer is the current layer by repeatedly pressing the key and repeating the subsequent return operation.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention enables transition for a plurality of screens and selection of transition destination screens based on one simple operation on a button (key). This makes it easy to confirm the hierarchical structure of the screen display.

  In order to solve the above problem, the display input device according to claim 1 displays a button in the screen, and in the normal mode, the screen in the lower hierarchy and the screen in the upper hierarchy are displayed from the displayed screen according to the operated button. A display unit that switches a screen to be displayed, and a touch panel unit that receives an operation on the screen of the display unit and receives an operation on a button displayed on the display unit, and the touch panel unit When the display unit receives a predetermined first operation, the display unit starts display in the transparent transition mode. In the transparent transition mode, the current display screen is set as the transition source screen, and the transition source screen is displayed. As the time elapses, the screen gradually disappears, and the display ratio of the transition destination screen located one level lower than the transition source screen is increased with the passage of time, and the screen to be displayed is changed. When the transition is completed due to full transparency of the transition source screen, the transition destination screen that has completed the transition is set as the new transition source screen, and the new transition source screen is arranged. A screen corresponding to one of the buttons, and a screen located one level lower than the new transition source screen as a new transition destination screen, the transparent transition display is continued, and the transition destination screen is displayed. When the touch panel unit accepts a predetermined second operation during the transparent transition display, the transparent transition display on the transition destination screen is stopped, and the touch panel unit follows the second operation and the transition source screen. When the touch panel unit accepts a selection operation for selecting a button within the screen and a predetermined confirmation operation following the selection operation, the button selected at the time of the confirmation operation A screen for as the transition destination screen, it was decided to resume the transmission transition display.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make a transition for a plurality of screens based on one simple operation on a button (key) and to select a lower layer screen to be displayed, and what screen is in the lower layer. Therefore, it is possible to provide a display input device that can easily confirm the hierarchical structure of the screen display.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the screen display of the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission transition display in the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the transparent transition display over the some hierarchy in the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the transparent transition display in the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating 2nd operation with the operation panel which concerns on embodiment, and cancellation of a transition. It is a figure for demonstrating 2nd operation with the operation panel which concerns on embodiment, and cancellation of a transition. It is a figure for demonstrating selection operation with the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating selection operation with the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of resumption of finalizing operation and a transparent transition display with the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of resumption of finalizing operation and a transparent transition display with the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition to the upper hierarchy in the middle by the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the transparent transition display toward the lower hierarchy in the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the transparent transition display toward the upper hierarchy in the operation panel which concerns on embodiment.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the present invention can be applied to various display input devices, but an operation panel 1 (corresponding to a display input device) provided in a multifunction machine 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Schematic configuration of MFP 100)
First, an outline of the main body of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  The MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with an image reading unit 2a, a document conveying unit 2b, an operation panel 1 and the like at the top (details of the operation panel 1 will be described later). The document transport unit 2b continuously transports the documents stacked on the document placing tray 21 one by one toward the reading position (the feed reading contact glass 22) of the image reading unit 2a. Further, the document conveying section 2b can be opened and closed by swinging the front side by a fulcrum (not shown) provided on the back side of the sheet of FIG. For example, an original such as a book can be placed on the placement reading contact glass 23, and the original can be suppressed by closing the original conveying portion 2b. The image reading unit 2a reads a document passing through the feed reading contact glass 22 or a document placed on the placement reading contact glass 23 to generate image data. The generated document image data is used for copying and transmission.

  In addition, the printing unit 3 is provided inside the multifunction peripheral 100 main body. The printing unit 3 includes a paper feeding unit 3a, a conveyance unit 3b, an image forming unit 3c, an intermediate transfer unit 3d, and a fixing unit 3e.

  The paper feed unit 3a stores and supplies paper used for printing. The transport unit 3b is a path for transporting paper in the apparatus. The image forming unit 3c includes an exposure device 32 that exposes the photosensitive drums provided in the image forming units 31Bk, 31Y, 31C, and 31M and the image forming units 31Bk to 31M for the respective colors (black, yellow, cyan, and magenta). Including. Each of the image forming units 31Bk, 31Y, 31C, 31M and the exposure device 32 generates a toner image of each color based on the image data. The intermediate transfer unit 3d receives the primary transfer while superimposing the generated toner images from the image forming units 31Bk, 31Y, 31C, and 31M without deviation, and applies the secondary transfer of the toner images to the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 3a. Transcript. The fixing unit 3e fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The transport unit 3 b discharges the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 3 e to the discharge tray 33.

(Operation panel 1)
Next, an example of the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment.

  The operation panel 1 functions as a display input device for setting printing such as copying, document reading, and image data transmission. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, it is provided above the front surface of the multifunction peripheral 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 1 includes a display unit 11.

  The display unit 11 is a liquid crystal display panel. However, any display panel can be used as long as it can display a screen and an image, and a display panel other than a liquid crystal panel, such as an organic EL display panel, may be used. The display unit 11 displays a screen for selecting a setting item (function to be used) to be set and a screen for setting a setting value. The display unit 11 displays images such as buttons (keys) for selecting setting items, setting values, setting completion, setting cancellation, and job execution instructions on each screen. The user operates the buttons displayed on the display unit 11 (touches the display position of the buttons) to make settings related to jobs and systems that can be executed by the multifunction peripheral 100 such as printing, scanning, and transmission.

  A touch panel unit 12 is provided on the upper surface of the display unit 11. The touch panel unit 12 is for detecting a touched position and coordinates. In addition, what can detect the touch of several points is used for the touchscreen part 12 (for example, electrostatic capacitance system).

  The operation panel 1 is provided with the following hard keys. For example, a numeric keypad 13 for inputting numbers and a start key 14 for instructing to start processing such as copying after various settings are provided. There are also provided keys for selecting a function such as a copy key 15 that is pressed when using the copy function, a transmission key 16 that is pressed when using a transmission function such as a scanner function, and a FAX function. In addition, a system menu key 17 that is pressed when system settings of the multifunction peripheral 100 such as department management, user management, and communication settings are performed is also provided.

(Hardware configuration of MFP 100)
Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 100 according to the embodiment.

  A main control unit 4 is provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. The main control unit 4 controls, for example, the operation panel 1, the image reading unit 2a, the document conveying unit 2b, the printing unit 3 (the paper feeding unit 3a, the conveying unit 3b, the image forming unit 3c, and the fixing unit 3e).

  The main control unit 4 includes, for example, an element that performs processing and calculation such as the CPU 41. The CPU 41 performs calculations and the like based on a control program stored in the storage unit 42 and controls each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100. The main control unit 4 divides the control unit that performs overall control and image processing, and the engine control unit that controls printing by turning on and off the motor that rotates the image forming and various rotating bodies. It may be divided for each function.

  The storage unit 42 is communicably connected to the main control unit 4. The storage unit 42 is configured by combining nonvolatile and volatile storage devices such as ROM, RAM, and HDD. The storage unit 42 can store various data such as a control program, control data, setting data, and image data of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The main control unit 4 is communicably connected to a communication unit 43 (communication interface) including various connectors, sockets, a FAX modem, and the like. The communication unit 43 is communicably connected to a plurality of external computers 200 (for example, personal computers and servers) and a FAX apparatus 300 (only one is shown for convenience in FIG. 7) via a network, a public line, or the like. For example, using the communication unit 43, image data obtained by reading an original by the image reading unit 2a can be transmitted to the computer 200 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 300 (scanner function, FAX function). In addition, printing or the like can be performed based on image data transmitted from the computer 200 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 300 and input to the multifunction peripheral 100 using the communication unit 43 (printer function, FAX function).

  In addition, for example, the main control unit 4 performs image processing on image data obtained by reading a document by the image reading unit 2 a and image data input to the multifunction peripheral 100 via the communication unit 43. A portion 44 is provided. The image data processed by the image processing unit 44 is transmitted to the image forming unit 3c and used for printing, stored in the storage unit 42, or transmitted from the communication unit 43 to the computer 200 or the like.

  The main control unit 4 is connected to the operation panel 1 so as to be communicable. The main control unit 4 receives signals indicating the input contents and setting contents made on the operation panel 1 from the operation panel 1, and the printing unit 3 so that jobs such as copying and transmission are performed in accordance with the settings of the user. The document transport unit 2b, the image reading unit 2a, the communication unit 43, the storage unit 42, and the like are controlled.

  Next, the operation panel 1 of this embodiment will be described. The operation panel 1 includes a panel control unit 10, a memory 18, a display unit 11, a touch panel unit 12, a numeric keypad unit 13, a start key 14, a copy key 15, a transmission key 16, a system menu key 17, and the like.

  The panel control unit 10 includes a CPU, an IC, a driver circuit for the panel of the display unit 11, and the like. The panel control unit 10 controls display on the display unit 11. Moreover, the panel control part 10 receives the output of the touch panel part 12, and recognizes the coordinate of the position pressed (touched) by the display part 11 (touch panel part 12). Data such as a table indicating the correspondence between the output of the touch panel unit 12 and the coordinates is stored in the memory 18. The panel control unit 10 compares the coordinates of the pressed position with the image data of the screen displayed on the display unit 11, and identifies and recognizes the button operated (pressed) on the screen. Further, the panel control unit 10 receives a signal from the hard key and recognizes which hard key is pressed.

  Further, the memory 18 stores screen data D1 for displaying each screen in response to an operation on the touch panel unit 12 (buttons arranged on each screen) and hard keys. The screen data D1 includes, for each screen, screen background data, frame image data, buttons and messages displayed on the screen, data such as explanatory text (image data, text data, display position definition data), etc. Includes various data required for display. In response to the operation, the panel control unit 10 reads out data required for display of the screen to be displayed next from the screen data, and causes the display unit 11 to switch the screen.

(Hierarchical structure of screen display)
Next, a hierarchical structure of screen display on the operation panel 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display hierarchical structure of the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment.

  In the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, the screen display has a hierarchical structure. When a key such as the system menu key 17, the copy key 15, and the send key 16 is pressed, a main menu screen prepared for each function is displayed (see FIG. 5). Main menu screen 51). For example, a main menu screen for copying, copying for transmission, and system setting for system setting are prepared. Each main menu screen corresponds to the first hierarchy (the highest hierarchy) in FIG.

  When the button displayed on the screen is operated, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a lower layer screen corresponding to the button operated from the upper layer screen. In addition, for example, a button for returning to a higher hierarchy such as a return button B14 is arranged in the screen. When the button for returning to the upper layer is operated, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a screen at a level higher than the currently displayed screen.

  In FIG. 4, a screen (screen C3, screen D2, screens E2 to E4, etc.) surrounded by a frame as a mark is the lowest layer on the transition path. In other words, the screen surrounded by a frame as a mark corresponds to the screen of the end point without any lower hierarchy in the route. The screen of the lowest hierarchy is a screen for setting by selecting a setting value, for example. As shown in FIG. 4, the screen for setting the setting value is not necessarily the same hierarchy, and what hierarchy the lowest hierarchy corresponds to depends on the route. For this reason, the number of times the button is operated before reaching the screen differs depending on the type of the screen for setting the setting value.

  Since it has such a hierarchical structure, in order to reach the target screen, the user has to go from the first layer (the highest layer) to the target screen (desired screen). Operate the button multiple times to follow the path.

(Normal screen switching operation)
In the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, the transparent transition mode can be set, and continuous screen transition can be performed by one operation. However, first, a normal (normal mode) screen switching operation (screen transition) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12 are diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment.

  In this description, a case where the setting related to the system of the multifunction peripheral 100 is performed will be described as an example. Specifically, a case will be described in which the system menu key 17 (see FIG. 2) is pressed on the operation panel 1 to perform settings relating to user management. The same applies to other settings (routes), but the description is omitted.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a main menu screen 51 displayed when the system menu key 17 is pressed. When the system menu key 17 is pressed, the panel control unit 10 displays the main menu screen 51 on the display unit 11. The main menu screen 51 is the highest-level screen among the screens related to system settings.

  In this description, the case where the system menu key 17 (see FIG. 2) is pressed to make settings related to the system of the multifunction device 100 will be described as an example. Specifically, a case where settings relating to user management are performed on the operation panel 1 will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a main menu screen 51 displayed when the system menu key 17 is pressed. When the system menu key 17 is pressed, the panel control unit 10 displays the main menu screen 51 on the display unit 11. The main menu screen 51 is the highest-level screen among the screens related to system settings. In the normal mode, the user repeats the operation on the buttons so as to reach the target screen. Specifically, in the normal mode, the panel control unit 10 operates the user management button B1 (a button including a character string of “user management”) (touching the display position), and is in a transparent transition mode (details will be described later). If an operation of releasing a finger is performed without performing the first operation (long press) for performing display, the screen is immediately switched (temporarily) on the display unit 11.

  A plurality of buttons are arranged on the main menu screen 51. The buttons arranged on the main menu screen 51 indicate a large classification of setting items. When performing settings relating to user management, the user operates the user management button B1 (touching the display position; the same applies hereinafter). When a button other than the user management button B1 in the main menu screen 51 is operated, a corresponding screen (for example, a screen related to various system settings such as maintenance and language settings) is displayed, but the details are omitted. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the user management button B1 is operated, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a user management screen 52 corresponding to the next lower layer. The user management screen 52 includes an authentication method button B2 (a button that accompanies and corresponds to the character string “user management” and includes a character string “change”) and a user list button B3 (character string “local user list”). And a button including a character string “registration / edit”) and a local authorization button B4 (a button corresponding to and corresponding to a character string “local authorization” and including a character string “change”), A guest authorization button B5 (button associated with and corresponding to the character string “Guest authorization setting” and including the character string “change”) is displayed. The authentication method button B2 sets whether to perform local authentication (authentication based on user information stored in the MFP 100) or network authentication (authentication based on user information stored in the server via the network). This button is used to display a screen for performing the operation. The user list button B3 is a button for registering and editing a user who is permitted to use the multifunction machine 100. The local authorization button B4 is a button for displaying a screen for restricting or canceling functions that can be used (for example, functions such as copying, scanning, and transmission) for each user. The guest authorization button B5 is a button for displaying a screen for performing settings for a person (guest) who cannot be authenticated and cannot use the multifunction device 100 because it is not originally registered in the multifunction device 100 or the server. .

  When the guest authorization button B5 is operated on the user management screen 52, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a guest authorization setting screen 53 corresponding to the next lower layer, as shown in FIG. It should be noted that when a button other than the guest authorization button B5 is pressed on the user management screen 52, the corresponding screen is displayed, but the details are omitted.

  The guest authorization setting screen 53 includes a guest authorization approval / disapproval button B6 (button that accompanies and corresponds to the character string of “guest authorization” and includes a character string of “change”) and a guest property button B7 (character of “guest property”). A button associated with the column and corresponding to the column and including the character string “change”) is displayed. The guest approval / disapproval button B6 is a button for displaying a screen for setting whether or not to allow the guest to temporarily use the MFP 100. The guest property button B7 is a button for displaying a screen for setting guest information (guest properties).

  When the guest property button B7 is operated on the guest authorization setting screen 53, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display the guest property setting screen 54 corresponding to the next lower layer as shown in FIG. In addition, when a button other than the guest property button B7 is pressed on the guest authorization setting screen 53, the corresponding screen is displayed, but the details are omitted.

  The guest property setting screen 54 has a total of eight buttons for setting information when a guest is treated as a user. By touching any of the buttons on the guest property setting screen 54, as shown in FIG. 8, a user name (= guest name), a login name for logging in as a guest, and a password for logging in as a guest Etc. can be set. When a button corresponding to a setting item requiring input of a character string (for example, user name = guest name) is operated, the panel control unit 10 displays a software keyboard (not shown) for character string input. Among the buttons arranged on the guest property setting screen 54, an authorization information button B8 (a button that accompanies and corresponds to the character string of “authorization information” and includes a character string of “change”) is a function of the MFP 100. A button for displaying a screen for changing a function that can be used by the guest or a function that can be used by the guest, such as copying and sending.

  When the authorization information button B8 is operated on the guest property setting screen 54, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a use restriction setting screen 55 corresponding to the next lower layer, as shown in FIG. In addition, when a button other than the authorization information button B8 is pressed on the guest property setting screen 54, the corresponding screen is displayed, but the details are omitted.

  The use restriction setting screen 55 is provided with a total of nine buttons for restricting the functions that can be used by the guest. It is possible to determine the functions that can be used when the user is a guest by operating a button arranged on the use restriction setting screen 55.

  For example, regarding printing, the guest can set whether or not the multifunction peripheral 100 can be used as a copier or a printer, and whether or not color printing can be performed. Whether or not to allow the guest to store the image data read by the image reading unit 2a in an external memory (for example, a USB memory that can be connected to the multifunction device 100) or the storage unit 42 with respect to transmission. And whether to allow transmission by network or FAX. Of the buttons arranged on the use restriction setting screen 55, the transmission restriction button B9 (a button that accompanies and corresponds to the character string “transmission restriction” and includes the character string “change”) is displayed by the guest. The button is a button for displaying a screen for setting whether or not the function of transmitting image data (excluding facsimile transmission) can be used in the network computer 200 or the storage device among the 100 functions.

  When the transmission restriction button B9 is operated on the use restriction setting screen 55, the panel control unit 10 causes the display part 11 to display a transmission restriction setting screen 56 corresponding to the next lower layer as shown in FIG. In addition, when a button other than the transmission restriction button B9 is pressed on the use restriction setting screen 55, a screen corresponding to the operated button is displayed. However, the details are omitted.

  The transmission restriction setting screen 56 is a screen for setting a setting value, and is a hierarchically lowermost screen. On the transmission restriction setting screen 56, one of a setting value “permit transmission to the guest” and a setting value “not allow the guest to transmit” can be selected.

  Specifically, the transmission restriction setting screen 56 includes a restriction execution button B10 (a button including a character string “set”) for executing transmission restriction, and no restriction execution for preventing transmission restriction. Button B11 (a button including a character string “not set”) is displayed. When the restriction execution button B10 is operated and the OK button B12 (a button including a character string “OK”) is operated, the panel control unit 10 recognizes that the setting for restricting transmission is made. The panel control unit 10 transmits the setting contents to the main control unit 4. As a result, the main control unit 4 controls the communication unit 43 so that image data cannot be transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 100 to the guest. Alternatively, the panel control unit 10 does not accept the transmission execution instruction from the guest and ignores it. On the other hand, when the restriction non-execution button B11 is operated and the OK button B12 is operated, the panel control unit 10 recognizes that a setting for performing transmission restriction is made. When this setting is made, the panel control unit 10 accepts the setting of the transmission job by the guest and transmits the setting content to the main control unit 4. The main control unit 4 controls the communication unit 43 and the image reading unit 2a in accordance with the transmitted setting contents to execute a transmission job.

  Here, an OK button B12 is arranged on the screen of the lowest hierarchy (the screen for setting the setting value). In addition to the screen of FIG. 10, an OK button B12 may be arranged on the screen for setting the setting value. When the operation for the OK button B12 is performed and the setting of the setting value is completed, the panel control unit 10 switches the screen to the screen of the highest hierarchy (returns to the basic screen and the main menu screen).

  Each screen is also provided with a cancel button B13 (a button including a character string “cancel”) for canceling the setting. When an operation is performed on the cancel button B13, the panel control unit 10 does not change the current setting value and causes the display unit 11 to display a screen of the highest hierarchy (main menu screen 51). Further, a return button B14 (a button including a character string “RETURN”) is arranged on a screen other than the top layer. When an operation is performed on the return button B14, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a screen one level higher than the current screen (returns the route).

  In this way, the display unit 11 displays buttons on the screen and, based on the output of the touch panel unit 12 for accepting operations on the buttons displayed on the display unit 11, screens on a lower layer from the currently displayed screen, The screen to be displayed is switched to either one of the upper layer screens.

  Further, from the viewpoint of later explanation, on the above-mentioned user management screen 52 (see FIG. 6), the user list button B3 (corresponding to and corresponding to the character string of “local user list”, the character string “registration / edit” is displayed. A screen (each screen of a route when the user list button B3 is operated) displayed when the (including button) is operated will be described. In addition, on the guest authorization setting screen 53 (see FIG. 7), this is displayed when the guest authorization permission / inhibition button B6 (a button that accompanies and corresponds to the character string “guest authorization” and includes the character string “change”) is operated. Screen (the screen of the route when the guest authorization permission button B6 is operated) will also be described.

  When the user list button B3 is operated on the user management screen 52, as shown in FIG. 11, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a registration / edit screen 57 corresponding to the next lower layer. The registration / edit screen 57 is a screen for registering a user and changing registered contents.

  The registration / edit screen 57 includes a new registration button B15 (button that accompanies and corresponds to the character string “new registration” and includes a character string “registration”) and an edit button B16 (accommodates the character string “edit”). , And a button including the character string “edit”). The new registration button B15 is a button for displaying a screen for newly registering a person (user) who can use the multifunction device 100 in the multifunction device 100 (storage unit 42). The edit button B16 is a button for displaying a screen for editing (changing or correcting) user information (user properties) already stored in the multi-function peripheral 100 (storage unit 42) as an available user.

  When the edit button B16 is operated on the registration / edit screen 57, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a user property setting screen (not shown) corresponding to the next lower layer. The user property setting screen is similar to the guest property setting screen 54 shown in FIG. The user information can be set for items similar to those on the guest property setting screen 54 by inputting characters, numbers, and symbols using the software keyboard. For example, on the user property setting screen, a user name, a login name for logging in, a password for logging in by the user, and the like can be set and changed.

  The user property setting screen is also displayed when the new registration button B15 is operated on the registration / edit screen 57. When the edit button B16 is operated, the panel control unit 10 displays the contents previously input and stored in the memory 18 in the user property setting screen. On the other hand, when the new registration button B15 is operated, the panel control unit 10 displays a new user property setting screen in which no input is made. Although there are screens below the user property setting screen, a detailed description is omitted.

  On the other hand, when the guest authorization enable / disable button B6 (button associated with and corresponding to the character string of “guest authorization” and including the character string of “change”) is operated on the guest authorization setting screen 53, as shown in FIG. The panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a guest authorization permission / inhibition setting screen 58 corresponding to the next lower layer. The guest authorization permission / inhibition setting screen 58 is a screen for setting whether or not to allow use by a guest. In other words, the guest authorization permission / inhibition setting screen 58 is a screen for setting whether or not only a pre-registered user is permitted to use the multifunction device 100.

  On the guest authorization permission / inhibition setting screen 58, an authorization button B17 (a button including a character string “authorize”) and an unapproved button B18 (a button including a character string “not authorized”) are displayed. The authorization button B17 is operated when a guest (a user who is not registered in the multifunction device 100) is temporarily allowed to use the multifunction device 100. The disapproval button B18 is operated when the guest is temporarily not allowed to use the multifunction device 100.

  When the authorization button B17 is operated on the guest authorization permission / inhibition setting screen 58 and the OK button B12 is further operated, the panel control unit 10 is in a state of allowing use by the guest. Specifically, when the correct guest name and guest password are entered on the login screen (not shown) displayed in the logout state, the login state is entered, and the settings made by the guest via the touch panel unit 12 or hard keys are set. Accept (Note that the login state is canceled when a certain period of time is left or the job is completed, and the operation panel 1 and the multifunction peripheral 100 are in the logout state).

  On the other hand, when the disapproval button B18 is operated on the guest approval / disapproval setting screen 58 and the OK button B12 is further operated, the panel control unit 10 is not allowed to be used by the guest. Specifically, even if a guest name or guest password is entered on the login screen (not shown) displayed in the logout state, the login state is not entered, and the operation panel 1 displays the job settings and Keep the job execution instruction unacceptable.

(Overview of transparent transition display)
Next, an outline of the transparent transition display of the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transparent transition display on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment.

  The touch panel unit 12 receives a first operation that is predetermined as an instruction to perform a transparent transition display (an instruction to shift to the transparent transition mode). When the touch panel unit 12 receives the first operation, the panel control unit 10 sets the mode of the display unit 11 to the transparent transition mode toward the lower layer. Here, in the transparent transition display toward the lower layer, the panel control unit 10 gradually deletes the transition source screen which is the currently displayed screen as time elapses, and moves to a layer one level lower than the transition source screen. The display unit 11 is caused to perform a display of changing (switching) the screen to be displayed by increasing the ratio of the displayed transition destination screen with the passage of time. In other words, when performing the transparent transition display toward the lower layer, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display the screen so that the upper layer screen gradually disappears and the lower layer screen gradually appears.

  Although details will be described later, the transparent transition mode can be ended by performing a predetermined end operation to release all fingers from the touch panel unit 12. In other words, after the first operation, the transparent transition mode is maintained until an end operation is performed, for example, the touch on the touch panel unit 12 is continued.

  This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 13, the user management screen 52 (see FIG. 6) is the first transition source screen, the guest authorization setting screen 53 (see FIG. 7) is the first transition destination screen, and the user management screen 52 changes to the guest authorization setting screen 53. An example of the transparent transition display when performing the transparent transition display is shown.

  Here, first, the first operation will be described. What operation is the first operation can be determined as appropriate. The touch panel unit 12 according to the present embodiment receives, as a first operation, an operation of long-pressing the display position of any button displayed in the screen in the normal mode. For other buttons, such as an operation to touch two points on any button on the screen, or an operation to move the touch position across the area in the button along the length of the button. You may make it accept operation as 1st operation.

  Then, based on the output of the touch panel unit 12, the panel control unit 10 performs a long press operation (first operation) on any button in the normal mode, and an instruction input for performing a transparent transition display (instruction to shift to the transparent transition mode) ) Details of the end of the transparent transition mode (return to the normal mode) will be described later.

  Specifically, the panel control unit 10 continues the predetermined long press time (for example, about 0.5 to several seconds) after the button display position is touched based on the output of the touch panel unit 12, and the same. When the button display area continues to be touched, it is recognized that a long press (first operation) has been made. Using this recognition as a trigger, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to start a transparent transition display. The first transition source screen of the transparent transition display is a screen on which the button on which the first operation is performed is arranged (the uppermost screen in the example of FIG. 13).

  If the long press is continued, the touch position may deviate from the long press position. In addition, there are some users who are difficult to keep pushing the same position due to hand injuries or the like. Therefore, even though the panel control unit 10 recognizes that the touch position has shifted based on the output of the touch panel unit 12, if the shifted distance is within a predetermined allowable range, the touch (first operation) is continued. You may make it recognize that it exists.

  When the first operation is performed and the transmissive transition display is started by the transition to the transmissive transition mode, the panel control unit 10 takes the predetermined time to display the pixels of the transition source screen (upper layer screen). Then, step by step (gradually) replaced with the transition destination screen (screen of the lower hierarchy).

  Specifically, in the first (first) transparent transition display, the panel control unit 10 sets the screen on which the first operation is performed as the transition source screen, and performs the first operation in a normal operation (in a normal mode). The screen (corresponding screen) displayed when the button is operated is used as the transition destination screen, and the transparent transition display is performed on the display unit 11. Specifically, in FIG. 13, on the user management screen 52, a long press operation (first operation) for the guest authorization button B5 (a button that accompanies and corresponds to the character string “Guest authorization setting” and includes the character string “Change”). ), The panel control unit 10 shows an example of transition display (switching) on the guest authorization setting screen 53 that is displayed when the guest authorization button B5 is operated on the user management screen 52 in the first transparent transition. ing.

  In the transmissive transition display, for example, the panel control unit 10 repeats a process of replacing a part of the pixels of the transition source screen with the pixels of the transition source screen periodically (at regular intervals) for a predetermined number of times, and transitions in stages. The transition destination screen is displayed so as to overlap (float) with the original screen, and finally the switching to the transition source screen (100% transparency of the transition source screen) is completed. In other words, the panel control unit 10 can replace all of the pixels in the transition source screen with a certain number of pixels in the transition source screen and the pixels in the transition destination screen a predetermined number of times from the transition start time, with a predetermined number of times. Repeat until. Note that the predetermined number of times (the number of steps from the start to the completion of the transition) can be determined as appropriate (for example, dozens to 100 times).

  A transparent (animated) display in which the transition source screen disappears stepwise (gradually) and the transition destination screen appears stepwise (gradually) by repeating a certain number of pixel replacements a predetermined number of times Can be switched (see the middle diagram of FIG. 13). The interval between the replacement process and the next replacement process (the pixel replacement process cycle) can be determined in advance by input to the touch panel unit 12. Alternatively, the required time from the start of transmission to the completion of the transition from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen can be determined in advance by input to the touch panel unit 12. In this case, the panel control unit 10 obtains a replacement process interval by dividing the required time by a predetermined number of replacements, and in the transparent transition mode, performs a pixel replacement process based on the obtained interval.

  The transparent transition display is not limited to the transition pattern as described above, and the display on the screen may gradually change from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen by another expression method. For example, the panel control unit 10 decreases the density of the transition source screen at regular intervals, and by increasing the density of the transition source screen at regular intervals, the transition source screen disappears step by step. The display unit 11 may be switched so that the display screen appears in stages. Further, the pixels of the transition source screen may be gradually replaced with the pixels of the transition destination screen in units of lines from one of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the display unit 11 toward the opposite side (partially transparent expression). . Alternatively, the transition destination screen may appear to slide from any side of the display unit 11.

  In this way, various transmission effects can be expressed by devising the number and position of the pixels that are replaced with the pixels of the transition destination screen from the transition source screen at regular intervals. A program for performing such a transparent transition display is stored in the memory 18 as a transparent transition display program D2 (see FIG. 3). The panel control unit 10 changes the display of the display unit 11 based on the transparent transition display program D2, the image data of the transition source screen, and the transition destination screen.

  In summary, the panel control unit 10 takes a predetermined time (for example, about 1 to 3 seconds. It can be determined as appropriate), and from one transition source screen to one lower than the certain transition source screen. The display unit 11 is caused to perform a transparent transition to the transition destination screen corresponding to the hierarchy.

  Note that, as shown in the middle diagram of FIG. 13, in order to more clearly indicate that the screen is transitioning, the panel control unit 10 displays a light color during transition from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen. Or you may display on the display part 11 so that a halftone display may be performed with respect to the whole screen. Then, when the replacement of all the pixels in the screen from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen is completed, the panel control unit 10 stops the display that gives a light color or the shaded display to the entire screen. .

(Repeat automatic transparent transition display)
Next, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the second operation (operation for the user to select the next transition destination screen) is not performed during the transparent transition display on the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment. The automatic repetition of the transparent transition display will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transparent transition display across a plurality of layers on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for transparent transition display on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment.

  In the MFP 100 of the present embodiment, when a screen transition is performed in the transparent transition mode, a transition destination screen (next) is performed by performing a second operation (details will be described later) during the transition from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen. Can be selected (details will be described later).

  On the other hand, when there is no second operation during the transition from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen, the panel control unit 10 automatically selects the next (new) transition destination screen and automatically proceeds to the lowermost screen. The transparent transition display is continued on the display unit 11 (repeated).

  Therefore, before explaining the selection of the next transition destination screen by the second operation with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the selection of the automatic transition destination screen (transition route) when the second operation is not performed. The automatic repetition of the transparent transition display will be described below.

  In the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, the touch on the touch panel unit 12 (one-point touch) is continued in the transparent transition mode (the touch on the touch panel unit 12 started by the first operation is continued), and further When the second operation is not performed, the panel control unit 10 sets the transition destination screen whose transition has been completed as a new transition source screen, and is one of the screens located in the hierarchy one level lower than the new transition source screen. Select the screen. The panel control unit 10 then causes the display unit 11 to perform the next transparent transition display toward the lower hierarchy with the selected screen as a new transition destination screen (automatically continues the transparent transition display). In other words, the transparent transition display toward the next layer is automatically started.

  In FIG. 14, the panel control unit 10 selects a transition destination screen whose transition has been completed as a new transition source screen, selects a screen one level below the screen where the transition has been completed as a new transition destination screen, and transmits An example of the flow of transition in the case of causing the display unit 11 to continue (repeat) the transition display is shown.

  Thus, after the first operation is performed, simply by continuing the touch, the transparent transition display toward the lower layer direction is repeated, and the screen can be automatically switched between two screens or more. Therefore, if the touch is continued after the first operation, it is possible to confirm what screen is on a certain route toward the lowest hierarchy.

  For example, when the first operation is performed on the user management screen 52 and the touch is continued without performing the second operation (selection operation of the next transition destination screen), the panel control unit 10 displays the user management screen 52 → guest The display unit 11 is switched in the order of the authorization setting screen 53 → the guest property setting screen 54 → the use restriction setting screen 55 → the transmission restriction setting screen 56. The panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to perform a transparent transition display when switching between these screens (see FIG. 14).

  As described above, when the second operation is not performed during the transition, the panel control unit 10 automatically determines the next transition destination screen (determines the path of the transparent transition toward the lower layer), and the display unit. 11 continues the transparent transition display.

  In automatic route selection in the case where the second operation is not performed, it is necessary to determine which route is followed to transition to a lower layer. In other words, when the second operation is not performed, the route is automatically determined, the transition source screen and the transition destination screen are switched and the transparent transition display is continued, and the screen displayed when any button is operated is a new screen. It is necessary to determine whether to make the transition destination screen.

  Here, a route to be traced by repeating the transparent transition display over two screens or more can be determined as follows. For example, the panel control unit 10 may select the next transition destination screen so as to follow a predetermined screen transition route, and cause the display unit 11 to perform transparent transition display over a plurality of screens. In this case, route data D3 that defines in which way the screen is switched when the first operation is performed on which button in the memory 18 in units of buttons arranged in the screen (see FIG. 3). Is memorized.

  Further, the panel control unit 10 may cause the display unit 11 to perform a transparent transition display over a plurality of screens, assuming that a button at a predetermined position among the buttons arranged on the screen is operated. In this case, the memory 18 stores route data D3 (see FIG. 3) that defines which position of the buttons arranged in the screen is handled. FIG. 14 shows the screen displayed when the button located in the lowermost right position (right side and lower side) among the buttons arranged in the displayed screen is operated as the next (new). ) As an example of the transition destination screen, an example of defining a transition route is shown.

  Further, the panel control unit 10 may perform a transparent transition display over a plurality of screens so as to follow a route that can reach the screen of the deepest hierarchical layer. In other words, the route may be determined so that the number of screens to be switched is maximized by repeating the transparent transition display. In this case, for each button, data defining a route that can reach the screen of the deepest hierarchy is stored in the memory 18 as route data D3 (see FIG. 3).

  The panel control unit 10 performs route data when the second operation is not performed while the touch on the touch panel unit 12 is continued after the first operation (while the touch after the first operation is continued). Based on D3, a new transition destination screen is selected in accordance with the completion of the transition due to the transparency to the transition destination screen, and the display unit 11 repeats the transparent transition display toward the lower layer screen. Thereby, automatic screen switching is performed over a plurality of screens.

  When the transparent transition display to the lowest layer (for example, the screen for setting the setting value) is completed, there is no screen lower than that screen, so the panel control unit 10 uses the transparent transition mode. As long as there is no end (return to normal mode) or there is an instruction to execute transparent transition display toward the upper layer (reverse transition operation), the screen of the lowest layer is continuously displayed on the display unit 11.

  The route for automatic screen transition may be determined by any of the above methods. However, as shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to set in advance a route to be followed when automatic transparent transition display is repeated.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of the transparent transition setting screen 59 regarding the setting of the screen transition path when the second operation is not performed. The transparent transition setting screen 59 can be displayed by performing a predetermined operation on the operation panel 1. The transparent transition setting screen 59 includes a first button B19 (a button including a character string of “defined route”), a second button B20 (a button including a character string of “reference to button position”), a third button A button B21 (a button including a character string of “the lowest layer”) is provided. In addition, four check boxes C1, C2, C3, and C4 are attached to the second button B20.

  The first button B19 is operated when the transparent transition display is repeated over two or more screens so as to follow a predetermined screen transition route. The third button B21 is operated when the transparent transition display is repeated over two or more screens so as to follow a route that is deepest in the hierarchy and can reach the lower screen.

  The second button B20 is operated when the transparent transition display is repeated over two or more screens, assuming that a button at a predetermined position among the buttons arranged in the screen after the transition is operated. The The button position can be selected by the check boxes C1 to C4.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the panel control unit 10 automatically selects the next transition destination screen, which button is the next transition destination screen among the buttons displayed on the transition destination screen. A cursor C5 indicating whether the screen is displayed when the button is operated may be displayed on the display unit 11. In other words, in the transparent transition of the screen, the panel control unit 10 may highlight the button that is handled as being operated by attaching an image to the button on the display unit 11 with the cursor C5. In the example of FIG. 14, a rectangular figure is shown as the cursor C5, but other images such as an arrow, a circle, an ellipse, a symbol, and a character may be displayed as the cursor C5.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the next transition destination screen is automatically selected, the next transition destination screen is displayed when any of the buttons displayed on the transition destination screen is operated. In order to indicate whether the screen is to be displayed, the panel control unit 10 may change the color of the button corresponding to the transition destination screen from that of other buttons (buttons that do not correspond). For example, the panel control unit 10 displays the button color corresponding to the transition destination screen in gray or blue, the characters in the button are displayed in white on the display unit 11, and the button color corresponding to the transition destination screen is white, The characters in the button are displayed on the display unit 11 in black.

(Select transition destination screen in transparent transition display)
Next, selection of a transition destination screen in the transparent transition display (transparent transition mode) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining the second operation on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment and the suspension of the transition. 18 and 19 are diagrams for explaining the selection operation on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment. 20 and 21 are diagrams for explaining an example of the confirmation operation and the resumption of the transparent transition display on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment.

  In the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, the screen on which the first operation is performed is set as a transition source screen, and the screen displayed when the button that has performed the first operation is operated in a normal operation (in a normal mode). As described above, a transparent transition display can be performed. In addition, it is possible to cause the panel control unit 10 to automatically select a route (next transition destination screen) and to automatically and continuously repeat the transparent transition display up to the screen of the lowest hierarchy.

  However, the user may want to confirm a screen different from the screen on the transition path toward the lower layer selected by the panel control unit 10. In some cases, the user selects a button in the first operation, but wants to check a screen that is one level below other buttons arranged on the screen on which the first operation is performed.

  Therefore, in the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, the screen corresponding to the desired button (the screen corresponding to the button on which the first operation has been performed) is performed by performing the second operation, the selection operation, and the confirmation operation during the transparent transition display. Or a screen different from the screen that is automatically selected) can be newly selected as the transition destination screen, and the transparent transition display can be performed.

<Second operation>
Therefore, first, the second operation will be described with reference to FIG. The uppermost diagram in FIG. 16 shows the guest authorization button B5 (button associated with the character string “Guest authorization setting” corresponding to the character string “Guest authorization setting” and including the character string “Change”) on the user management screen 52 (see FIG. 6). In this example, the first operation is performed.

  In the middle diagram of FIG. 16, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to start transition in the transparent transition mode, the user management screen 52 is set as the transition source screen, and the guest authorization setting corresponding to the guest authorization button B5. A state in which the screen 53 (see FIG. 7) is used as a transition destination screen and the transparent transition display is performed on the display unit 11 is illustrated. Further, the middle diagram of FIG. 16 shows a state in which the second operation is performed during the transition.

  Here, the second operation will be described. The touch panel unit 12 of the present embodiment accepts a two-point touch as a second operation. Specifically, the touch panel unit 12 continues an operation of adding a touch position (continuing a touch on the touch panel unit 12 from the first operation) in a state where the touch of one point is continued from the first operation. The operation for newly touching the touch panel unit 12) is accepted as the second operation. Other gesture operations may be accepted as the second operation.

  And the lowermost figure of FIG. 16 shows a state in which the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to stop the transparent transition display on the transition destination screen based on the touch panel unit 12 accepting the second operation. ing. As shown in the lowermost diagram of FIG. 16, when the panel control unit 10 stops (stops) the transparent transition display, the panel control unit 10 removes the components of the transition destination screen and causes the display unit 11 to restore and display only the transition source screen. . The panel control unit 10 may cause the display unit 11 to stop the transparent transition display by maintaining the screen at the time when the second operation is performed without removing the components of the transition destination screen.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the second operation in the process of repeating the transparent transition display (the screen below the screen on which the first operation was performed) will be described. The uppermost diagram in FIG. 17 shows the guest authorization button B5 (button associated with the character string “Guest authorization setting” corresponding to the character string “Guest authorization setting” and including the character string “Change”) on the user management screen 52 (see FIG. 6). In this example, the first operation is performed.

  In the second diagram from the top in FIG. 17, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to start transition in the transparent transition mode, and from the user management screen 52 to the guest authorization setting screen 53 (see FIG. 7). The state where the transparent transition display is completed is shown. Further, the second diagram from the top in FIG. 17 shows that at least one touch on the touch panel unit 12 is continued.

  In the third diagram of FIG. 17, the panel control unit 10 sets the guest authorization setting screen 53 as a new transition source screen by automatically selecting a new transition destination screen, and the guest property setting screen 54 (FIG. 17). 8) is a new transition destination screen, and a transparent transition display is performed on the display unit 11. Further, the third diagram in FIG. 17 shows that the touch panel unit 12 has accepted the second operation (two-point touch) during the transition from the guest authorization setting screen 53 to the guest property setting screen 54. Yes.

  In the lowermost diagram of FIG. 17, the panel control unit 10 displays the transparent transition display on the transition destination screen (guest property setting screen 54) based on the touch panel unit 12 receiving the second operation. Shows the state of being stopped.

  As described above, when the touch panel unit 12 receives the second operation during the transparent transition display on the new transition destination screen, the panel control unit 10 stops the transparent transition display on the new transition destination screen.

<Selection operation>
Next, the selection operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 corresponds to FIG. FIG. 19 corresponds to FIG.

  18 shows a user management screen 52 (see FIG. 6) that is a transition source screen when the transparent transition display is canceled by the second operation. And the state which starts selection operation on the user management screen 52 is shown.

  Further, the uppermost diagram in FIG. 19 shows a state in which the transparent transition display is stopped by the second operation in the process of repeating the transparent transition display (on the screen below the screen on which the first operation is performed). The guest authorization setting screen 53 (see FIG. 7), which is a transition source screen, is shown. And the state which starts selection operation on the guest authorization setting screen 53 is shown.

  Here, the selection operation will be described. The selection operation is an operation following the second operation, and is an operation for selecting a button in the transition source screen. The touch panel unit 12 of the present embodiment accepts an operation for moving at least one of a plurality of touches by the second operation as a selection operation. Specifically, the touch panel unit 12 accepts, as a selection operation, an operation of moving while touching any one touch position while two touches are continued from the second operation. Other gesture operations may be accepted as selection operations.

  The middle diagram of FIG. 18 shows that the panel control unit 10 performs one selection operation on the touch panel unit 12 and displays one button in the clockwise direction on the display unit 11. An example of shifting is shown. Further, in the lowermost diagram of FIG. 18, since the panel control unit 10 has not been confirmed to confirm the selection, the selected button is displayed on the display unit 11 in the middle of FIG. 18. An example in which one more position is shifted in the clockwise direction from the state shown in the figure.

  The middle diagram of FIG. 19 illustrates an example in which the panel control unit 10 has shifted the selected button on the display unit 11 by performing a selection operation on the touch panel unit 12. . Further, in the lowermost diagram of FIG. 19, since the panel control unit 10 has not been confirmed to confirm the selection, the selected button is displayed on the display unit 11 in the middle of FIG. The example which shifted further (returned to the original) from the state of a figure is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the cancel button B13 and the return button B14 may not be selected (not selected) in the selection operation.

  Here, in order to clearly indicate the selected button, the panel control unit 10 highlights the selected button from the selection operation (after the selection operation is performed) until the confirmation operation. Let the display unit 11 perform this.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to perform highlighting by attaching an image to the selected button. Specifically, in the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, the panel control unit 10 displays the cursor C5 on the display unit 11 so as to surround the selected button. In the examples of FIGS. 18 and 19, a broken-line rectangular figure is shown as the cursor C5. However, other images such as arrows, circles, ellipses, symbols, and characters may be displayed as the cursor C5. .

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the panel control unit 10 changes the color of the selected button from the other buttons (buttons that are not selected). For example, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display the selected button in gray or blue and the unselected button in white (as usual). By these highlighting, the user can easily confirm which of the buttons on the transition source screen in the state where the transparent transition display is stopped is selected.

  Here, after the selection operation, the panel control unit 10 moves the position of the highlighted button (selected button) in the predetermined order on the display unit 11 until the confirmation operation for confirming the selection. You may make it make it. In this case, if the moving speed is too fast, the confirming operation cannot be performed with the desired button being selected. Therefore, the panel control unit 10 moves the position of the button for highlighting the display unit 11 in a predetermined order at a predetermined interval (about 1 to several seconds).

  Further, the panel control unit 10 may move the position of the button to be highlighted by moving the display unit 11 in accordance with the moving direction of the finger in the selection operation from the selection operation to the confirmation operation. Good. For example, when the touch position is moved in the upward direction, the position of the highlighted button (the button in the selected state) moves to a button positioned one higher than the button in the currently selected state. Even when the touch position moves in the downward direction, the right direction, the left direction, or the diagonal direction, the position of the selected button moves to the button that exists in the movement direction of the touch position with respect to the selected button. In this case, every time one of the two touch positions is moved, the panel control unit 10 changes the position of the selected button.

<Confirm operation>
Next, the confirmation operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 corresponds to FIGS. 16 and 18. FIG. 21 corresponds to FIGS. 17 and 19.

  First, the confirmation operation will be described. The confirmation operation is an operation following the selection operation, and is an operation for confirming a button to be selected in the screen (transition source screen) in which the transparent transition display is stopped. The touch panel unit 12 of the present embodiment accepts an operation for reducing the number of touches on the touch panel unit 12 as a confirming operation from a state in which multiple points are touched (two-point touch) in the selection operation. Specifically, the touch panel unit 12 accepts an operation for reducing the touch position by one (at least one operation for releasing the touch) as a confirmation operation in a state where a plurality of touches are continued by the selection operation. Note that other gesture operations may be accepted as a confirmation operation.

  20 is the user management screen 52 (see FIG. 6), and the user list button B3 (associated with the character string of “local user list”) corresponding to the character string of “local user list” by the selection operation, A state in which a confirmation operation is performed in a state in which a button including a character string is selected is shown.

  21 is different from the case shown in FIG. 15 (when a route is automatically selected), in the guest authorization setting screen 53 (see FIG. 7), a guest authorization approval / disapproval button by a selection operation. A state in which a confirmation operation is performed in a state where B6 (a button corresponding to and corresponding to the character string “guest authorization” and including the character string “change”) is selected is shown.

  The middle diagram of FIG. 20 shows a screen (user list button B3) corresponding to the button (user list button B3) for which the user management screen 52 is set as the transition source screen and the selection is confirmed by the confirmation operation on the touch panel unit 12. The state where the transparent transition display is resumed is shown with the registration / edit screen 57 (see FIG. 11) as the transition destination screen. In other words, when the touch panel unit 12 accepts a predetermined confirmation operation following the selection operation, the panel control unit 10 displays a screen corresponding to the button selected at the confirmation operation (when the confirmation operation is performed). The transparent transition display is resumed with the screen corresponding to the button highlighted in (5) as the transition destination screen.

  The lowermost diagram in FIG. 20 shows a state where the transparent transition display from the user management screen 52 to the registration / edit screen 57 is completed. In this way, by performing the second operation, the selection operation, and the confirmation operation, in the transparent transition mode, a screen arranged on a route different from the route illustrated in FIG. 15 (the route automatically selected) is displayed. Can be confirmed.

  Further, the middle diagram in FIG. 21 shows that the confirmation operation on the touch panel unit 12 is performed in the process of repeating the transparent transition display (on the screen below the screen on which the first operation is performed), so that the guest Transparent transition display is resumed with the authorization setting screen 53 as the transition source screen and the screen corresponding to the button (guest authorization permission / inhibition button B6) for which selection has been confirmed (guest authorization permission / inhibition setting screen 58, see FIG. 12) as the transition destination screen. Indicates the state of the In other words, the panel control unit 10 performs a selection operation for the touch panel unit 12 to select a button in the transition source screen following the second operation, and a confirmation operation for the touch panel unit 12 to be determined in advance following the selection operation. When accepted, the screen that corresponds to the button that was selected during the confirming operation (the screen that corresponds to the button that was highlighted when the confirming operation was performed) is used as the new transition destination screen, and the transparent transition display is resumed. To do.

  21 shows a state where the transparent transition display from the guest authorization setting screen 53 to the guest authorization permission / inhibition setting screen 58 has been completed. In this way, even when the transparent transition display is repeated until the lowest level is reached, the second operation, the selection operation, and the confirmation operation are performed, so that the path (as illustrated in FIG. A screen arranged on a route different from the automatically selected route) can be confirmed.

(Set value when reaching the bottom layer)
Next, setting of a setting value when reaching a setting value setting screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  The lowermost screen in FIG. 21 is a hierarchically lowermost screen (a screen having no lower hierarchy than this screen). The lowermost screen in FIG. 21 is a guest authorization approval / disapproval setting screen 58 on which whether or not the use of the guest multifunction device 100 is permitted can be set as a setting value.

  Here, the touch panel unit 12 sets the setting value on the displayed screen when it reaches the screen for setting the setting value when the transparent transition display is continued and reaches the screen for setting the setting value. The predetermined setting value setting operation is accepted.

  In the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, the touch panel unit 12 sets a set value separately in a state where any point is touched on the lowermost screen (while the transparent transition mode is continued). After touching the display area of the buttons for setting the setting values (in the example of FIG. 21, the authorization button B17 and the disapproval button B18) arranged on the screen for the purpose (the lowest layer screen), the buttons are arranged in the screen. An operation for touching the display area of the OK button B12 is accepted as a setting value setting operation. When it is recognized in the transparent transition mode that the setting value setting operation has been performed based on the output of the touch panel unit 12, the panel control unit 10 recognizes that the setting value has been set. Then, the panel control unit 10 stores the set setting value in the memory 18 or the storage unit 42 and updates the setting.

(Transition to higher layer)
Next, with reference to FIG. 22, a transparent transition display to an upper layer in the transparent transition mode of the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a transition to a higher hierarchy in the middle of the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment.

  In the transparent transition mode, the transparent transition display toward the lower layer is repeated. When the lowest screen is reached, there is no further lower screen. Therefore, the panel control unit 10 continues to display the lowermost screen on the display unit 11 unless an end operation for ending the transparent transition mode or a reverse transition operation for performing a transition to a higher hierarchy is performed.

  However, there is a case where it is desired to confirm again the screen (screen in the path) displayed in the process of repeating the transparent transition display. Further, there is a case where it is desired to return to the upper hierarchy and confirm the screen of another route by the second operation.

  Therefore, the touch panel unit 12 performs a reverse transition operation determined in advance as an instruction to return to the upper layer while performing the transparent transition display toward the lower layer or in a state where the transition to the lowermost screen is completed. When accepted, the panel control unit 10 cancels the transparent transition display transitioning to the lower hierarchy and returns to the upper hierarchy so as to rewind and reproduce the screen switching process in the transparent transition display toward the lower hierarchy. The display unit 11 is caused to perform a transparent transition display toward the display (see FIG. 17).

  When performing the transparent transition display toward the upper layer, the panel control unit 10 rewinds the screen switching process in the transparent transition display toward the lower layer while the reverse transition operation is continued. Then, the display unit 11 is made to display a transparent transition toward the upper layer (rewind playback). The transparent transition display toward the upper layer is the transition to the screen on which the first operation has been performed unless the transparent transition display is resumed toward the lower layer (reverse transition operation is stopped) or the normal mode is not restored. Repeat (continue) until complete.

  Here, the touch panel unit 12 touches the touch panel unit 12 at two points, and accepts an operation (a gesture operation such as pinch-in or binch-out) for reducing or expanding the distance between the two touched points as a reverse transition operation. After the reverse transition operation, while the two-point touch is continued, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to perform a transparent transition display toward an upper layer. Note that operations other than the first operation, the second operation, the selection operation, the confirmation operation, and the end operation, such as a three-point touch, may be accepted as the reverse transition operation.

  Specifically, rewind playback processing will be described. When a reverse transition operation is performed in a state where the transparent transition display toward the lower layer is being performed, the panel control unit 10 stops the transparent transition display transitioning to the lower layer. The panel control unit 10 sets the transition destination screen in the transparent transition display toward the lower layer as the reverse transition source screen, and sets the transition source screen in the transparent transition display toward the lower layer as the reverse transition destination screen. . And the panel control part 10 makes the display part 11 perform the transparent transition display which increases the display ratio of a reverse transition destination screen with progress of time, gradually erasing the reverse transition original screen to a higher hierarchy direction with progress of time. .

  On the other hand, when the transition to the lowest layer is completed in the transparent transition display to the lower layer and after the transparency to the transition destination screen is completed, the next transparent transition display is not started. When a reverse transition operation is performed, the panel control unit 10 sets the currently displayed screen as the reverse transition source screen, and sets the screen one level higher than the currently displayed screen as the reverse transition destination screen. The display unit 11 is caused to perform a transparent transition display toward the display.

  Even in the transparent transition display toward the upper layer, the panel control unit 10 performs a step by periodically (at regular intervals) replacing the reverse transition source screen with pixels of the reverse transition destination screen a predetermined number of times. Thus, the reverse transition destination screen is displayed so that it overlaps the reverse transition source screen. Then, the panel control unit 10 finally causes the display unit 11 to complete switching to the reverse transition source screen (100% transmission to the reverse transition source screen). In other words, the panel control unit 10 converts the pixels in the reverse transition source screen to a predetermined number of pixels in the reverse transition source screen and the pixels in the reverse transition destination screen a predetermined number of times from a transition start time to a pixel in the reverse transition destination screen. Repeat until everything is replaced. Note that the predetermined number of times (the number of steps from the start to the completion of the transition) can be determined as appropriate (for example, dozens to 100 times).

  By repeating a certain number of pixel replacements a predetermined number of times, the reverse transition source screen disappears stepwise (gradually) and the reverse transition destination screen appears stepwise (gradually) (animated) ) The screen to be displayed can be switched. In the transparent transition display toward the upper layer, the interval between the replacement process and the next replacement process (the pixel replacement process cycle) may be determined in advance by input to the touch panel unit 12.

  Then, when the touch panel unit 12 receives an operation for resuming the transparent transition display toward the lower layer (resume operation), the panel control unit 10 displays the transparent transition display toward the lower layer on the display unit 11. Let it resume. In addition, when the touch panel unit 12 is an operation of canceling the touch of one point out of the two-point touch and an operation of narrowing or expanding the distance between the two touched points as a reverse transition operation, An operation for changing both positions of the two touched points is accepted as an operation for resuming the transparent transition display. Note that other gesture operations may be accepted as a resume operation.

  At this time, the panel control unit 10 resumes the transparent transition display toward the lower layer with the reverse transition destination screen as the transition source screen and the reverse transition source screen as the transition destination screen. When the second operation, the selection operation, or the confirmation operation is performed during the transparent transition toward the resumed lower hierarchy, the panel control unit 10 stops the transparent transition display and the selection is confirmed in the transition source screen. A transparent transition display is performed toward the screen corresponding to the button. Thereby, the screen of the path | route different from the transparent transition display toward the previous lower hierarchy can be displayed on the display part 11. FIG.

(End of transparent transition mode)
Next, the end of the transparent transition mode (transparent transition display) will be described.

  When the touch panel unit 12 receives a predetermined end operation, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to end the transparent transition mode (transparent transition display toward the lower hierarchy or the upper hierarchy).

  Here, the end operation can be determined as appropriate. In the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, an operation of releasing all fingers from the touch panel unit 12 (releasing all touches) is treated as an end operation. The touch panel unit 12 recognizes the release of all touches. Based on the output of the touch panel unit 12, the panel control unit 10 recognizes that no position is touched (recognizes that the end operation has been performed). Note that the end operation is not limited to the above example, and can be appropriately determined such as an operation of moving the touch position in a specific direction or a three-point touch operation.

  When the end operation is performed, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to end the transparent transition display. In other words, the operation panel 1 (the display unit 11 and the touch panel unit 12) returns to the normal mode, and returns to a state where the screen is not switched unless any button is operated.

  Then, when the end operation is performed (when the transparent transition mode is ended), the panel control unit 10 may display a screen on which the first operation is performed for the first time (a screen on which the transparent transition display is started). As a result, the screen of the original hierarchy can be displayed suddenly even if the transition is made for a plurality of levels.

  When the end operation is performed (when the transparent transition mode is ended), the panel control unit 10 displays the current transition source screen (reverse transition destination screen, screen on the upper layer side) or the current transition destination screen ( Only the reverse transition source screen and the screen on the lower layer side may be displayed on the display unit 11 to end the transparent transition display. In this way, even if the screen has already been switched for a plurality of layers, it is possible to jump from the screen on which the first operation is performed for the first time to the screen of a different layer. Of the transition source screen and the transition destination screen (reverse transition source screen and reverse transition source screen), the screen with the larger ratio displayed when the end operation is performed may be displayed.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 15, a screen to be displayed when the end operation is performed (when the transparent transition display is ended) may be set on the transparent transition setting screen 59. For this setting, the transparent transition setting screen 59 includes a fourth button B22 (a button that includes a character string “return to the first screen”) and a fifth button B23 (a button that includes a character string “stays on the transitioned screen”). ) Is placed. The fourth button B22 is operated to display a screen on which the transparent transition display is started when the end operation is performed. The fifth button B23 is operated when displaying the current transition source screen or the current transition destination screen on the display unit 11 when the end operation is performed.

(Transparent transition display flow)
Next, the flow of the transparent transition display on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the transparent transition display toward the lower hierarchy on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the transparent transition display toward the upper layer on the operation panel 1 according to the embodiment.

  In the operation panel 1 of the present embodiment, when the transparent transition mode is set, the transparent transition can be performed toward both the upper layer and the lower layer, and the transition direction can be switched depending on the presence or absence of the reverse transition operation. First, the flow of transparent transition display toward the lower layer will be described with reference to FIG.

<Transparent transition display toward lower layers>
23 starts when the panel control unit 10 recognizes that the first operation (long press operation) has been performed on any display position in the screen based on the output of the touch panel unit 12. In other words, it is when the condition for starting the transparent transition display toward the lower hierarchy is satisfied.

  First, the panel control unit 10 starts a transparent transition (switching) display from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen toward the lower layer (step # 1). Subsequently, the panel control unit 10 confirms whether or not an end operation (an operation for releasing all fingers from the touch panel unit 12, an operation for ending the transparent transition mode) has been performed (step # 2).

  If an end operation is performed (Yes in step # 2), the panel control unit 10 ends the transmissive transition display (transparent transition mode) on the display unit 11 and returns to the normal input state (step # 3). And the panel control part 10 displays the predetermined screen (The screen which started the transparent transition display, the current transition origin screen, or the current transition destination screen) based on the setting of the transparent transition setting screen 59 made in advance. (Step # 4). Then, this flow ends.

  On the other hand, when the end operation has not been performed (No in Step # 2), the panel control unit 10 confirms whether or not the second operation has been performed based on the output of the touch panel unit 12 (Step # 5). When the second operation is performed (Yes in Step # 5), the panel control unit 10 stops the transmissive transition display (Step # 6).

  Further, the panel control unit 10 recognizes the selected button by the selection operation and the confirmation operation based on the output of the touch panel unit 12 (step # 7). Subsequently, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to resume the transparent transition display on the screen corresponding to the selected button (step # 8).

  After step # 8 and when there is no second operation (No in step # 5), panel control unit 10 determines whether the transition to the transition destination screen has been completed (all the pixels on the screen become pixels on the transition destination screen). (Replaced) is confirmed (step # 9).

  If the transition has not been completed (No in step # 9), the flow returns to step # 2. On the other hand, if the transition is completed (Yes in step # 9), the panel control unit 10 confirms whether or not the screen on the lowest layer has been reached (step # 10). When the screen reaches the lowermost layer due to the transparent transition (Yes in step # 10), there is no new transition destination screen, so the panel control unit 10 continues until the reverse transition operation or the end operation is performed. The screen is continuously displayed on the display unit 11 (Step # 10a → End). When a transition instruction (reverse transition operation) toward the upper hierarchy is made, the flow shown in FIG. 24 is started.

  On the other hand, when the screen of the lowest layer has not been reached (No in step # 10), the panel control unit 10 sets the transition destination screen for which transition has been completed as a new transition source screen, and is one level lower than the new transition source screen. The display unit 11 is caused to perform the second and subsequent transparent transition displays with the screen of the next layer as the transition destination screen (step # 10b).

<Transparent transition display toward higher layers>
Next, the flow of the transparent transition display toward the upper layer will be described with reference to FIG. 24 starts when the panel control unit 10 recognizes that a reverse transition operation has been performed (an instruction to perform a transparent transition display toward an upper layer has been input) based on the output of the touch panel unit 12. It is. In other words, it is when the condition for starting the transparent transition display toward the upper hierarchy is satisfied.

  First, when a reverse transition operation is performed, the panel control unit 10 temporarily stops the transparent transition display toward the lower layer (step # 11). Then, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to perform a transparent transition display in the reverse direction toward the upper layer (step # 12).

  Then, panel control unit 10 confirms whether or not an end operation (an operation for releasing all fingers from touch panel unit 12, an operation for ending the transparent transition mode) has been performed (step # 13). If an end operation has been performed (Yes in step # 13), the panel control unit 10 ends the transmissive transition display (transparent transition mode) on the display unit 11 and returns to the normal input state (step # 14). And the panel control part 10 displays the predetermined screen (The screen which started the transparent transition display, the current transition origin screen, or the current transition destination screen) based on the setting of the transparent transition setting screen 59 made in advance. (Step # 15). Then, this flow ends.

  On the other hand, when the end operation has not been performed (No in step # 13), the panel control unit 10 determines whether or not the transition to the screen on which the first operation has been performed is completed in the transparent transition display toward the upper layer. Is confirmed (step # 16).

  When the screen on which the first operation has been performed has been reached by repeating the transparent transition toward the upper layer (Yes in step # 16), there is no new reverse transition source screen, so the panel control unit 10 resumes. Until the operation (cancellation of reverse transition operation, instruction to resume transparent transition display toward lower layers) or the end operation is performed, the screen on which the first operation has been performed is continuously displayed on the display unit 11 (step # 17 → End). If a restart operation is performed, the flow shown in FIG. 23 is started.

  On the other hand, when the screen on which the first operation has been performed has not been reached (No in step # 16), panel control unit 10 confirms whether the reverse transition operation is continued based on the output of touch panel unit 12. (Step # 18). If it is continued (Yes in Step # 18), the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to continue to display the reverse transition transition (Step # 19). In the case of continuing the transparent transition display in the upper layer direction, when the transition to the reverse transition destination screen is completed, the panel control unit 10 sets the completed reverse transition destination screen as a new reverse transition source screen, and creates a new reverse transition. Corresponding to the original screen, the display unit 11 is caused to display a transparent transition toward the upper layer, with the screen of the layer one level higher than the new reverse transition source screen as the new reverse transition destination screen.

  On the other hand, if the reverse transition operation is canceled (No in step # 18), this flow ends (end). If all the touches are released, the operation panel 1 returns to the normal mode. If the one-point touch is continued, the transparent transition display toward the lower layer is resumed, and the flow of FIG. 23 is performed.

  Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, when the transition from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen is completed (when the transmittance of the transition source screen becomes 100%), touching any position on the touch panel unit 12 is performed. If it continues, the transition destination screen immediately after the transition is set as the new transition source screen, and the transparent transition display is started with the screen one level lower than the new transition source screen as the transition destination screen. explained.

  However, a waiting time may be provided from the time when the transition from the transition source screen to the transition destination screen is completed until the transparent transition display from the new transition source screen to the transition destination screen is started. The waiting time may be about 1 to 10 seconds as long as the content of the screen on which the transition is completed can be confirmed. When the waiting time elapses from the completion of the transition to the screen, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to resume the transparent transition display. If the second operation is performed during this waiting time, the screen corresponding to the operated button becomes a new transition destination screen in the next transparent transition display started after the waiting time ends.

  When a waiting time is provided, if a reverse transition operation is performed during the waiting time, the panel control unit 10 sets the currently displayed screen as the reverse transition source screen, corresponds to the currently displayed screen, and is currently displayed. Alternatively, a transparent transition display may be performed toward the upper hierarchy with the screen of the hierarchy one level higher than the reverse transition destination screen. Alternatively, when a reverse transition operation is performed, no animation display (transparent transition display) is performed, and the panel control unit 10 displays the screen displayed by the display unit 11 as the currently displayed screen (standby screen). Alternatively, the screen may be switched to a screen one level higher.

  In addition, when a waiting time is provided, when an end operation is performed during the waiting time, the panel control unit 10 displays only the current screen (screen displayed during the waiting time) on the display unit 11. You may make it display. In this way, by providing the waiting time, the user can sufficiently confirm the transitioned screen. In addition, it becomes easy to understand the route through which the screen is switched by the transparent transition display.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, at the time when the transition from the reverse transition source screen in the upper hierarchy direction to the reverse transition destination screen is completed based on the reverse transition operation (at the time when the transparency of the reverse transition source screen becomes 100%). If the reverse transition operation continues, the reverse transition destination screen that has completed the transition is set as a new reverse transition source screen, corresponding to the new reverse transition source screen, and one more than the new reverse transition source screen. The example of starting the transparent transition display in the upper hierarchy direction using the upper hierarchy screen as the reverse transition destination screen has been described.

  However, since the reverse transition operation is continued, the transparent transition display from the new reverse transition source screen to the reverse transition destination screen is started from the point when the transition from the reverse transition source screen to the reverse transition destination screen is completed. Until that time, a waiting time may be provided. The waiting time may be about 1 to 10 seconds as long as the content of the screen on which the transition in the reverse direction (upper layer direction) is completed can be confirmed. If the reverse transition operation is continued, the panel control unit 10 may cause the display unit 11 to resume the transparent transition display in the upper hierarchy direction after the waiting time has elapsed from the completion of the transition to the screen. Good.

  Also, in the case of a transparent transition display in the upper hierarchy direction, if a waiting time is provided, it is conceivable that an end operation is performed during the waiting time. If the end operation is performed during the waiting time, the panel control unit 10 may cause the display unit 11 to display only the current screen (the screen displayed during the waiting time).

  As a result, when the transparent transition display to the upper layer is performed by the reverse transition operation, the user can sufficiently confirm what screen is displayed by providing a waiting time. . In addition, since a waiting time is also provided when displaying a transparent transition to an upper layer, the user can easily understand the route through which the screen is switched by the transparent transition display.

  In this way, the display input device (operation panel 1) according to the embodiment displays the button in the screen, and in the normal mode, the screen from the currently displayed screen to the lower layer screen is displayed according to the operated button. A display unit 11 for switching a screen to be displayed on any one of the upper layer screens, a touch panel unit 12 for receiving an operation on the screen of the display unit 11 and receiving an operation on a button displayed on the display unit 11; including. When the touch panel unit 12 receives a predetermined first operation, the display unit 11 starts display in the transparent transition mode. In the transparent transition mode, the screen that is currently displayed is used as a transition source screen. The original screen is gradually erased as time passes, and the transparent transition display that transitions the screen to be displayed by increasing the display ratio of the transition destination screen located one level below the transition source screen with the passage of time. When the transition is completed with full transparency of the transition source screen, the transition destination screen that has completed the transition is set as the new transition source screen, and the screen corresponds to any button arranged on the new transition source screen. Then, the screen located at the level one lower than the new transition source screen is used as the new transition destination screen, the transparent transition display is continued, and the touch panel unit 12 determines in advance during the transparent transition display on the transition destination screen. When the received second operation is received, the transparent transition display on the transition destination screen is stopped, and the touch panel unit 12 performs a selection operation for selecting a button in the transition source screen following the second operation, and a selection operation. Subsequently, when the touch panel unit 12 accepts a predetermined confirmation operation, the transparent transition display is resumed with the screen corresponding to the button selected at the confirmation operation as the transition destination screen.

  Accordingly, when the first operation is performed, the transparent transition mode is set, and the display unit 11 can perform automatic and continuous transition over a plurality of screens by one (one time) operation. In addition, during a screen transition in the first transparent transition display, a simple series of operations (second operation, selection operation, confirmation operation) is performed, and a transition to another screen (next transition destination screen) can be performed. You can choose. For example, when the transition destination screen in the first transparent transition display is not the intended screen, the transition path can be changed immediately. In this way, the user can determine the path (process) in the display for changing the screen continuously and automatically toward the lower layer.

  Therefore, when the first operation is performed and it is noticed that the screen is not a desired screen during the transition to the transition destination screen, the transition destination can be easily switched to a screen of a different lower layer. To change the transition destination, an additional and simple series of gesture operations (second operation, selection operation, and confirmation operation) may be performed. Then, the screen corresponding to the button selected by the selection operation (the screen associated with the selected button, the screen after switching by the button operation in the normal mode) can be transitionally displayed as a lower layer screen next. it can. For this reason, it is possible to freely and easily confirm what screen is present in the lower hierarchy based on the user's intention. It is also possible to check what screen is arranged on which level. In the normal mode, the screen corresponding to the operated button is temporarily switched from one screen (switched without transmitting), whereas in the transparent transition mode, the screen of the next layer (lower layer) is Since the screen transition is performed in a mode different from the normal mode as it is gradually displayed (floating up), the normal mode and the transparent transition mode (transparent transition display) can be differentiated.

  In addition, when the display unit 11 continues the transparent transition display from the new transition source screen to the new transition destination screen, the touch panel unit 12 accepts the second operation during the transparent transition display to the new transition destination screen. The transparent transition display on the new transition destination screen is stopped, the touch panel unit 12 selects the button in the transition source screen following the second operation, and the touch panel unit 12 following the selection operation. When a predetermined confirmation operation is accepted, the transparent transition display is resumed with the screen corresponding to the button selected at the confirmation operation as the new transition destination screen.

  As a result, even in the subsequent transparent transition display after transition from the original hierarchy to the next lower hierarchy (even in the middle of the repeated transparent transition display), the user can easily perform the next operation by the second operation. A transition destination screen (transition route) can be selected, and a route toward a lower layer in the transparent transition mode can be easily determined.

  Further, the touch panel unit 12 accepts, as a first operation, an operation of long-pressing any button displayed in the screen in the normal mode, and the display unit 11 displays the screen on which the first operation is performed as the first transition source. A screen corresponding to the button on which the first operation has been performed is used as a first transition destination screen, and transparent transition display is performed. The touch panel unit 12 continues to touch the touch panel unit 12 from the first operation. An operation for touching the unit 12 is accepted as a second operation, an operation for moving at least one of the plurality of touches by the second operation is accepted as a selection operation, and an operation for reducing the number of touches on the touch panel unit 12 is confirmed Accept as.

  As a result, a simple operation (first operation) is performed once, and the screen is automatically and continuously switched over a plurality of hierarchies over a plurality of hierarchies. Can be selected. Moreover, the second operation is also a simple operation, and the user can easily select the next transition destination screen (transition route), and can easily determine the route toward the lower layer in the transparent transition mode. it can.

  Further, the display unit 11 highlights the selected button from the start of the selection operation to the confirmation operation, and positions the buttons to be highlighted in a predetermined order, or The transparent transition display is resumed with the screen corresponding to the button highlighted at the time when the confirmation operation is performed as the transition destination screen.

  Thereby, the user can arbitrarily select a button displayed on the transition source screen by a selection operation. Further, it is possible to easily select a button corresponding to a screen to be displayed next.

  Further, the display unit 11 performs highlighting by making the color of the selected button different from the unselected button in the transition source screen or by attaching an image to the selected button. Thereby, the button in the selected state can be easily recognized.

  In addition, the display unit 11 performs a reverse transition operation that is determined in advance as an instruction to return to the upper layer when the transparent transition display is performed toward the lower layer or when the transition to the lowermost screen is completed. When the touch panel unit 12 accepts, the transparent transition display transitioning to the lower hierarchy is stopped, and the screen switching process in the transparent transition display toward the lower hierarchy is traced back to the upper hierarchy so as to rewind and play back. When the touch panel unit 12 accepts a predetermined restart operation, the transparent transition display toward the lower layer is resumed.

  Accordingly, it is possible to change the screen by performing a continuous display change that is transparent not only in the lower hierarchy direction but also in the upper hierarchy direction. And the user can reconfirm the screen once displayed by transition. In addition, in the transparent transition display toward the resumed lower hierarchy, by performing the second operation or the like, the lower hierarchy screen is displayed in a different route from the transparent transition display toward the previous lower hierarchy. Can do.

  When the touch panel unit 12 receives a predetermined end operation, the display unit 11 may end the transparent transition mode, return to the normal mode, and display a screen on which the first operation is started. Thereby, when the transparent transition display is ended by the end operation, the screen at the start of the transparent transition display can be jumped over one or more layers and suddenly returned.

  Further, when the touch panel unit 12 receives a predetermined end operation, the display unit 11 ends the transparent transition display and returns to the normal mode, and displays the current transition source screen or the current transition destination screen. You may make it do. Thereby, it is possible to return to the normal mode on the screen displayed by the transition.

  According to this configuration, when the transition to the transition destination screen toward the lower hierarchy is completed without performing the second operation, the display unit 11 sets the screen on which the transition is completed as a new transition source screen, A transparent transition display to the next lower layer may be automatically performed toward a new transition destination screen that is determined so as to follow a predetermined screen transition route. In this case, the user can automatically display lower-level screens one after another without any operation and confirm the contents of the screen. In addition, the screen on which the transition is completed is set as the transition source screen, and the second operation is performed on the button at a predetermined position among the buttons arranged in the screen on which the transition is completed. The transparent transition display may be automatically performed. In this case, the user can automatically display lower-level screens one after another and confirm the contents of the screens without any operation and under a certain law. Alternatively, a transparent transition display to the next lower layer is automatically performed with the screen that has completed the transition so as to follow the path that can reach the lower screen that is deepest in the hierarchy as a new transition source screen. You may do it. Thus, the user can automatically check the lower layer screens one after another without any operation up to the deepest (lowermost) layer. As a result, the transparent transition toward the lower layer can be continued automatically and continuously.

  The image forming apparatus (multifunction machine 100) (multifunction machine 100) includes the above-described operation panel 1 (display input device (operation panel 1)). According to this configuration, the user can perform a path (process) that follows the hierarchy in the automatic screen transition toward the lower hierarchy only by performing a simple series of operations (second operation, selection operation, confirmation operation). ) Is easily determined. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100) that can confirm the contents of a screen across a plurality of layers with a simple operation. Further, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100) that can confirm what screen is arranged in which level.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to a display input device having a display unit and a touch panel unit, and an image forming apparatus.

100 MFP (image forming device) 1 Operation panel (display input device)
11 Display unit 12 Touch panel unit 51 Main menu screen (screen) 52 User management screen (screen)
53 Guest authorization setting screen (screen) 54 Guest property setting screen (screen)
55 Usage restriction setting screen (screen) 56 Transmission restriction setting screen (screen)
57 Registration / Editing Screen (Screen) 58 Guest Authorization Approval Setting Screen 59 Transparent Transition Setting Screen (Screen)
B1 User management button (button) B2 Authentication method button (button)
B3 User list button (button) B4 Local authorization button B4 (button)
B5 Guest authorization button (button) B6 Guest authorization permission button (button)
B7 Guest property button (button)
B8 Authorization information button (button) B9 Transmission restriction button (button)
B10 Restriction execution button (button) B11 Restriction execution button (button)
B12 OK button (button) B13 Cancel button (button)
B14 Back button (button) B19 First button (button)
B20 2nd button (button) B21 3rd button (button)
B22 4th button (button) B23 5th button (button)

Claims (10)

A button that displays a button in the screen, and in the normal mode, a display unit that switches a screen to be displayed from a displayed screen to a lower-layer screen or an upper-layer screen according to the operated button; ,
A touch panel unit for receiving an operation on a screen of the display unit and receiving an operation on a button displayed on the display unit,
When the touch panel unit receives a predetermined first operation,
The display unit starts displaying in the transparent transition mode, and in the transparent transition mode, the currently displayed screen is set as a transition source screen, and the transition source screen is gradually erased over time, and the transition source screen is displayed. When the display transition of the transition destination screen located in the hierarchy one level below is increased with the passage of time, and the transparent transition display that transitions the screen to be displayed is performed, and the transition is completed by the total transparency of the transition source screen The transition destination screen that has completed the transition is set as the new transition source screen, and is a screen corresponding to one of the buttons arranged on the new transition source screen, one lower than the new transition source screen. The transparent transition display is continued with the screen located in the hierarchy of the screen as the new transition destination screen, and the touch panel unit accepts a predetermined second operation during the transparent transition display on the transition destination screen. When the transparent transition display on the transition destination screen is stopped, the touch panel unit selects a button in the transition source screen following the second operation, and the selection operation follows the selection operation. When the touch panel unit accepts a predetermined confirming operation, the transparent transition display is resumed with the screen corresponding to the button selected at the confirming operation as the transition destination screen. apparatus.   When the display unit continues the transparent transition display from the new transition source screen to the new transition destination screen, the touch panel unit performs the second transition display during the transparent transition display to the new transition destination screen. When the operation is accepted, the transparent transition display on the new transition destination screen is stopped, the selection operation for the touch panel unit to select a button in the transition source screen following the second operation, When the touch panel unit accepts a predetermined confirmation operation following the selection operation, the transparent transition display is resumed with the screen corresponding to the button selected at the confirmation operation as the new transition destination screen. The display input device according to claim 1. The touch panel unit receives, as the first operation, an operation of long-pressing any button displayed in the screen in the normal mode,
The display unit performs the transparent transition display with the screen on which the first operation is performed as the first transition source screen, the screen corresponding to the button on which the first operation is performed as the first transition destination screen,
The touch panel unit accepts an operation to newly touch the touch panel unit while continuing the touch from the first operation to the touch panel unit as the second operation, and among the plurality of touches by the second operation, The display input device according to claim 1, wherein an operation for moving at least one is accepted as the selection operation, and an operation for reducing the number of touches on the touch panel unit is accepted as the confirmation operation.   The display unit highlights the selected button from the start of the selection operation to the confirmation operation, and positions of the buttons to be highlighted in a predetermined order, or The transparent transition display is resumed with the screen corresponding to the highlighted button at the time when the confirmation operation is performed as the transition destination screen by moving the finger according to the moving direction of the finger in the selection operation. The display input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The display unit performs the highlighting by changing a color of a selected button of the transition source screen from an unselected button or attaching an image to the selected button. The display input device according to claim 4, wherein   The display unit performs a reverse transition operation predetermined as an instruction to return to the upper layer when the transparent transition display toward the lower layer is performed or when the transition to the lowermost screen is completed. When the touch panel unit receives, the transparent transition display that transitions to the lower hierarchy is stopped, and the screen switching process in the transparent transition display toward the lower hierarchy is replayed back and played back to the upper hierarchy. 6. The transparent transition display toward the lower layer is resumed when the transparent transition display is performed and the touch panel unit accepts a predetermined restart operation. The display input device according to claim 1. When the touch panel unit receives a predetermined end operation,
The display according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display unit displays the screen on which the first operation is started by ending the transparent transition mode and returning to a normal mode. Input device. When the touch panel unit receives a predetermined end operation,
7. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit ends the transparent transition display, returns to a normal mode, and displays the current transition source screen or the current transition destination screen. The display input device according to Item 1. When the transition to the transition destination screen toward the lower hierarchy is completed without performing the second operation,
The display unit sets the screen on which the transition is completed as the new transition source screen, and transmits the transparency to the next lower layer toward the new transition destination screen determined so as to follow a predetermined screen transition route. The transition operation is automatically performed, or the screen on which the transition is completed is set as the transition source screen, and the second operation is performed on the button at a predetermined position among the buttons arranged in the screen on which the transition is completed. The transparent transition display toward the next lower layer is automatically performed as a new one, or a screen whose transition has been completed so as to follow the route that can reach the lower screen that is deepest in the hierarchy is newly created. 9. The display input device according to claim 1, wherein the transparent transition display toward the next lower layer is automatically performed as the transition source screen.   An image forming apparatus comprising the display input device according to claim 1.