JP5958030B2 - Display device, display control method, display control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device, a display control method, a display control program, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a display control technique in a display device having a biological communication function.

  There is a technique for communicating with a terminal device carried by a user by using a biometric communication function in an image forming apparatus (for example, a multifunction machine).

  For example, when a user touches an operation panel, an image forming apparatus having a biometric communication function communicates with a terminal device carried by the user using the user's human body (biological body) as a communication path, and receives authentication information from the terminal device. Obtain and authenticate. And there exists a technique which controls the operation | movement with respect to operation according to the authentication result (for example, patent document 1).

  Further, when using the biometric communication function as described above, the user needs to keep touching the electrodes provided on the operation panel from the start to the end of the biometric communication (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-226248 A JP 2010-2999 A

  In general, operations on the operation panel are often performed with one finger. Even when the above biometric communication function is used, many users touch the electrode with one finger.

  Therefore, it is easy for the finger to move away from the electrode during biometric communication and the communication path is cut off, and there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure the stability of communication.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, and it aims at providing the technique which ensures the stability of communication in biometric communication.

The display device includes an operation display unit, an electrode unit, and a notification unit. The operation display unit includes an operation screen that displays operation keys related to the operation, and receives an operation input by a user's contact with the operation keys. The electrode unit is provided on the operation screen in order to perform biometric communication using the terminal device carried by the user and the biometric channel of the user as a communication path. The notification unit notifies that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than an operation key for receiving an input of an operation related to biometric communication. Here, the operation display unit stops the operation of accepting input from the user during the biometric communication.

The display control method is a method for controlling the display device, and includes a display step, a notification step, and a communication step . Here, the display device is provided with an electrode portion on an operation screen capable of displaying information, and when the user contacts the electrode portion, biometric communication is possible using a terminal device carried by the user and a living body as a communication path. Device. In the display step, an operation key for receiving an input of a biometric communication operation is displayed on the operation screen. In the notification step, notification is made that the contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than an operation key for receiving an input of an operation related to biometric communication. In the communication step, the operation of accepting input from the user is stopped during the biometric communication.

  According to the display device and the display control method, the user can be notified that the area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user who uses the biometric communication function to touch the electrode with a plurality of fingers. And a user comes to touch an electrode naturally with a several finger | toe, and it becomes easy to ensure the stability of communication in biometric communication here.

  Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

It is a perspective view showing the whole living body communication system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an electrode part and an operation display part. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen which starts biometric communication, (B) is a figure which shows an example of the conventional operation screen during biometric communication. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen in biocommunication concerning one Embodiment of this invention, (B) is a figure which shows an example of a state when a user touches an electrode with several fingers. . It is a figure which shows the function structural example of a terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a display control process. (A) is a figure which shows the 1st modification of the operation screen in biometric communication, (B) is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of the operation screen in biocommunication. (A) is a figure which shows the 3rd modification of the operation screen in biometric communication, (B) is a figure which shows the 4th modification of the operation screen in biocommunication. It is a figure which shows the modification of the operation screen which starts biometric communication. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of a display control process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may be different from the actual ratios.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire biological communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the biological communication system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a terminal device 200 carried by a user operating the image forming apparatus 100 in a pocket or wearing it.

  The image forming apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 can communicate with each other (hereinafter, referred to as “biological communication”) using a living body (user's human body) as a communication path (dotted line in the drawing).

  Here, the image forming apparatus 100 includes, for example, a print function for printing an image on a recording sheet, a scan function for optically reading an original image, a copy function for printing an image read by the scan function on a recording sheet, and image data. This is a multifunction machine having a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving.

  Of course, the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, and may be a printing apparatus, a scanner apparatus, a copier, a facsimile apparatus, or the like.

  The terminal device 200 is a portable terminal having a biometric communication function. Of course, the terminal device 200 only needs to have a biometric communication function, and may be, for example, a mobile phone, an IC card (for example, an employee card), a wristwatch, a key, or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100. As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an electrode unit 103, a biometric communication unit 104, an operation display unit 105, a document reading unit 106, an image forming unit 107, An input / output interface unit 108 and a power source unit 109 are provided.

  The control unit 101 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the CPU stores predetermined programs and various data stored in the ROM in the RAM. By reading and executing, the function units (102 to 109) described later are controlled in an integrated manner.

  The storage unit 102 stores various data. For example, the storage unit 102 stores image data read by the scan function, print data received from an external device (not shown), image data received by facsimile, and the like. Further, the storage unit 102 may store identification information of a user who is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 100.

  Note that the storage unit 102 is realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, or the like.

  The electrode part 103 is a part which a user touches (touches) when said biometric communication is performed, for example, is formed with transparent conductive resin. That is, the electrode unit 103 functions as a transparent electrode that electrically connects the image forming apparatus 100 and the human body.

  The biological communication unit 104 performs biological communication with the terminal device 200 carried by the user using the human body (biological body) touching the electrode unit 103 as a communication path. Here, there are a current method and an electric field method as a method of biometric communication. In the current method, the biological communication unit 104 performs communication by passing a weak current (alternating current) through the human body and placing information on the current. On the other hand, in the electric field method, the biometric communication unit 104 generates an electric field in the vicinity of the human body and dielectrically polarizes the human body that is a dielectric. As a result, the entire human body becomes a communication path with an electric field. At this time, the terminal device 200 detects this electric field variation as a signal. Therefore, in the electric field method, the terminal device 200 and the human body do not need to be in direct contact, and communication is established even if there is an insulator between the signal paths.

  The operation display unit 105 is a so-called touch panel that includes a display unit 151 that displays operation keys for various operations and an operation unit 152 that receives input of user operations.

  The display unit 151 displays various images such as operation keys under the control of the control unit 101. For example, the display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display screen or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display screen.

  The operation unit 152 detects a position touched by the user (hereinafter, also referred to as “touch position”), and specifies a user input (instruction) based on the detected touch position.

  The document reading unit 106 optically reads a document image and acquires image data. For example, the document reading unit 106 includes a light source that emits light to the document, an image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line, and a lens or mirror that guides the reflected light from the document to the image sensor to form an image. And a carriage for moving a mirror and a light source.

  The image forming unit 107 forms (prints) an image based on the image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process. For example, the image forming unit 107 is configured as a laser printer having a recording paper conveyance device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an LD (Laser Diode), a scanning unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, a fixing device, and the like. Is done.

  Of course, the image forming unit 107 is not limited to a laser printer, and may be configured as a printer of another method such as an ink jet method.

  The input / output interface unit 108 connects the image forming apparatus 100 to an external apparatus (excluding the terminal apparatus 200, for example, an external PC) through a network connection or a USB connection, and transmits and receives various data. For example, the network here includes a LAN (Local Area Network) and the like.

  The power supply unit 109 controls power supply to each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the power supply unit 109 also performs switching control between a normal mode for supplying power to the entire image forming apparatus 100 and a power saving mode for supplying power to a part of the image forming apparatus 100. The power supply by the power supply unit 109 is not limited to external power supply, but may be power supply from a battery.

  Next, configurations and usage modes of the electrode unit 103 and the operation display unit 105 will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the electrode unit 103 and the operation display unit 105.

  As illustrated, the operation unit 152 of the operation display unit 105 is stacked on the display unit 151. The operation unit 152 includes a pair of a first conductive sheet 1522 and a second conductive sheet 1523 arranged to face each other via a spacer (not shown). The upper first conductive sheet 1522 is a transparent conductive sheet, and a predetermined voltage is applied to both ends thereof. The lower second conductive sheet 1523 is also a transparent conductive sheet, and a plurality of protrusions (not shown) are formed in a matrix on the surface. When the upper side of the first conductive sheet 1522 is touched by a user operation, the first conductive sheet 1522 and the second conductive sheet 1523 are in physical contact at the touch position. At this time, the operation unit 152 detects the touch position by two-dimensionally detecting the electrical resistance between the first conductive sheet 1522 and the second conductive sheet 1523.

  And the electrode part 103 is laminated | stacked on the 1st conductive sheet 1522 via the transparent insulating sheet 1521 so that it may show in figure.

  As described above, the structure in which the transparent operation unit 152 (the second conductive sheet 1523, the first conductive sheet 1522, and the insulating sheet 1521) and the transparent electrode unit 103 are stacked on the display unit 151 allows the user to The information displayed on the display unit 151 can be viewed from above the electrode unit 103.

  When the upper surface (shaded portion) of the electrode unit 103 is touched by the user, the operation unit 152 can detect the touch position independently of the electrode unit 103. At this time, in the electrode part 103, the touch position becomes an electrical connection part with the human body in the biological communication with the terminal device 200.

  FIG. 4A is an example of a screen displayed on the display portion 151. In the illustrated example, an operation screen for starting biometric communication is shown.

  As shown in the figure, for example, the display unit 151 includes a copy function tab 11 that accepts selection related to the copy function, a scan function tab 12 that accepts selection related to the scan function, and a FAX function tab 13 that accepts selection related to the facsimile function. Then, a function selection screen having a print function tab 14 for accepting selection related to the print function is displayed.

  When any one tab (11-14) is selected, the display unit 151 displays operation keys for various functions related to the selected tab (11-14). For example, as shown in the figure, when the scan function tab 12 is selected, the display unit 151 includes a first operation key 21, a second operation key 22 for starting each function related to the scan function, The third operation key 23 is displayed. Here, the first operation key 21 is an operation key for starting a function of scanning a document image and transmitting it to the terminal device 200 by biometric communication (also referred to as “Scan to terminal device function”). The second operation key 22 is an operation key for starting a function of scanning a document image and transmitting it by E-mail (also referred to as “Scan to E-mail function”). The third operation key 23 is an operation key for starting a function of scanning a document image and storing it in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) (also referred to as “Scan to HDD function”).

  When the area of the first operation key 21 is touched by the user, the operation unit 152 assumes that an instruction to start the “Scan terminal device function” has been issued.

  By the way, conventionally, even when any one of the first, second, and third operation keys (21 to 23) is operated, while the function is being executed, FIG. The screen continues to be displayed. Therefore, even when an instruction to start a function involving biometric communication such as “Scan to terminal device function” is made by operating the first operation key 21, the screen of FIG. Will continue to be displayed.

  As a result, it is assumed that the user needs to touch the area of the first operation key 21 even during the biometric communication after starting the “Scan terminal function”, and touches the electrode unit 103 with one finger. Often doing.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional operation screen when the electrode unit 103 is touched with one finger during biometric communication.

  However, the electrode part 103 is arrange | positioned over the whole display part 151 (display screen), as shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the user does not need to touch the area of the first operation key 21 with one finger. Rather, considering the stability of biometric communication, it is preferable that the electrode unit 103 is touched with a plurality of fingers rather than a single finger during biometric communication.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 101 notifies the user that the area that can contact the electrode unit 103 is larger than the first operation key 21.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen during biometric communication according to the present embodiment. Also in this embodiment, when the user touches the area of the first operation key 21, a screen as shown in FIG. 4B is displayed. Then, in response to the first operation key 21 being touched, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the control unit 101 “can touch the entire screen with a plurality of fingers” on the display unit 151. Is displayed to notify the user that the area that can contact the electrode unit 103 is larger than the first operation key 21.

  In this way, the user can know that the area of the electrode unit 103 that can be touched during biometric communication is larger than the first operation key 21, and the user can touch the electrode unit 103 with a plurality of fingers. .

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state example when the user touches the electrode unit 103 with a plurality of fingers. In the portion surrounded by a dotted line in the figure, if the electrode unit 103 is touched with a plurality of fingers during biometric communication, the stability of communication in biometric communication is greater than when the electrode unit 103 is touched with one finger. Is easily secured.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the terminal device 200. As illustrated, the terminal device 200 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, an input / output unit 203, and a biometric communication unit 204.

  The control unit 201 controls the entire terminal device 200. Specifically, the control unit 201 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and the CPU reads each predetermined program and various data stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes them to execute each function unit (202 to 202) described later. 204).

  The storage unit 202 stores various data. For example, the storage unit 202 stores identification information of a portable user, a password, information related to print settings, an operation log, image data, and the like.

  Note that the storage unit 202 is realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, and the like, and preferably includes a non-volatile secondary storage device.

  The input / output unit 203 receives an instruction from the user. The input / output unit 203 displays various information and images on a display. For example, the input / output unit 203 is realized by a touch panel (or liquid crystal display), a hard switch, or the like.

  The biometric communication unit 204 performs biometric communication with the image forming apparatus 100 using the user's human body (biological body) touching the electrode unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 as a communication path. However, the terminal device 200 also needs to be provided with an electrode part similar to the electrode part 103 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Next, a characteristic operation of the biological communication system 1 configured as described above in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of display control processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100. This process is realized by the CPU of the control unit 101 reading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program, and the control unit 101 controls each functional unit.

  The control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 starts this flow at a timing when the power source of the main body is turned on (power supply by the power source unit 109 is started).

  First, the control unit 101 displays the above-described function selection screen on the display unit 151 as an initial screen (step S101).

  When the power is turned on, the control unit 101 monitors a user operation on the electrode unit 103 disposed on the operation unit 152 via the operation unit 152.

  In this state, the control unit 101 determines whether or not an operation for instructing the start of biometric communication has been performed (step S102). For example, when the control unit 101 detects that the scan function tab 12 illustrated in FIG. 4A is selected on the operation unit 152 and then the first touch key 21 is touched, the biometric communication starts. It is determined that an operation for instructing has been performed.

  The control unit 101 waits until an operation for instructing the start of biometric communication is performed by repeating the determination process in step S102 (step S102: No). On the other hand, when an operation for instructing the start of biometric communication is performed in step S102 (step S102: Yes), the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S <b> 103, the control unit 101 determines whether the biometric communication instructed by the user is the first biometric communication or the second biometric communication depending on whether a predetermined criterion is satisfied. (Step S103).

  In the present embodiment, in step S103, the control unit 101 performs the first operation when the communication time required for the biometric communication instructed by the user is longer than a predetermined reference time (for example, 5 seconds). It is determined to be biometric communication. On the other hand, the control part 101 determines with 2nd biometric communication, when the communication time concerning biometric communication instruct | indicated by the user is completed in less than predetermined reference time.

  If the biometric communication instructed by the user is determined to be the first biometric communication (step S103: Yes), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the control unit 101 notifies the user that the area that can contact the electrode unit 103 during biometric communication is larger (wider) than the first operation key 21 (step S104). For example, in step S104, the control unit 101 may display a message 41 indicating that “the entire screen can be touched with a plurality of fingers” on the display unit 151, as shown in FIG.

  As a result, the user touches the electrode unit 103 with a plurality of fingers as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the control unit 101 stops the operation of accepting input from the user by the operation unit 152 while biometric communication is performed (input restriction). Specifically, the control unit 101 causes the operation unit 152 to stop voltage application to the first conductive sheet 1522 illustrated in FIG. 3 so that the touch position is not detected.

  Following step S104, the control unit 101 starts the biometric communication (first biometric communication) designated by the user in step S103 via the biometric communication unit 104 (step S105). For example, in the first biometric communication, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits and receives data (for example, communication data including image data) that requires time for communication with the terminal device 200 via the biometric communication unit 104.

  When such first biometric communication is started, the control unit 101 determines whether or not all communication data scheduled to be exchanged with the terminal device 200 has been transmitted and received by the biometric communication unit 104 (step S106).

  Here, the control unit 101 continues the biometric communication until all scheduled communication data is transmitted / received (step S106: No).

  Then, when all the scheduled communication data is transmitted / received (step S106: Yes), the control unit 101 causes the biometric communication unit 104 to end the biometric communication (first biometric communication) with the terminal device 200, The notification to the user performed in step S104 is terminated on the display unit 151 (step S107).

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the notification in step S104 is performed during the period from the start to the end of biometric communication. However, the timing of this notification is not limited to this.

  When the biometric communication ends, the control unit 101 resumes the operation of accepting an input from the user by the operation unit 152 (input restriction release).

  Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the power supply is turned off (power supply by the power supply unit 109 is stopped) (step S108).

  Here, when the power is not turned off (step S108: No), the control unit 101 returns the processing to step S102, and when the power is turned off (step S108: Yes), the control unit 101 ends this flow. Let

  By the way, when it determines with the biometric communication instruct | indicated by the user in step S103 being 2nd biometric communication (step S103: No), it progresses to step S109.

  In step S109, the control unit 101 starts biometric communication (second biometric communication) designated by the user in step S102 by using the biometric communication unit 104 (step S109). For example, in the second biometric communication, data (for example, user identification information used for user authentication) that does not take much time compared to the first biometric communication is transmitted to and received from the terminal device 200.

  When such second biometric communication is started, the control unit 101 determines whether or not all the communication data scheduled to be exchanged with the terminal device 200 has been transmitted / received by the biometric communication unit 104 (step S110).

  That is, the control unit 101 causes the biometric communication unit 104 to continue biometric communication until all planned communication data is transmitted / received (step S110: No), and all planned communication data is transmitted / received. Then (step S110: Yes), the biometric communication unit 104 ends the biometric communication (second biometric communication) with the terminal device 200. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S108 described above.

  By performing the above display control processing with the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to prompt the user who uses the biometric communication function to touch the electrode unit 103 with a plurality of fingers. Therefore, the user naturally comes into contact with the electrode unit 103 with a plurality of fingers, and the stability of communication in biometric communication is easily ensured.

  Further, in the display control process described above, the operation of accepting input from the user is stopped while biometric communication is being performed. Therefore, even if an operation key (for example, the copy function tab 11) other than the first operation key 21 is touched after the start of biometric communication, it can be regarded as not an instruction from the user.

  In the display control process described above, when performing biometric communication (that is, second biometric communication) that does not take a relatively long time for communication, the user is not prompted to touch the electrode unit 103 with a plurality of fingers. I have to. As a result, the load on the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced.

  Note that each processing unit in the above-described flowchart is divided according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the image forming apparatus 100. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method of classification of the processing steps and the names thereof. The processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100 can be divided into more processing steps. One processing step may execute more processes.

  Moreover, said embodiment intends to illustrate the summary of this invention, and does not limit this invention. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the control unit 101 receives an input of an operation related to biometric communication (such as an operation on the first operation key 21), the region that can be contacted with the electrode unit 103 is the first operation key. It is informing that it is larger than 21.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 101 may perform the same notification at other timings and periods.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the control part 101 determines whether it is 1st biometric communication or 2nd biometric communication in step S103 according to the communication time concerning biometric communication.

  However, the present invention may employ a different determination method. For example, in step S103, the control unit 101 determines that the first biometric communication is performed when the amount of data communication related to the biometric communication instructed by the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference amount (for example, 1 megabyte). When the amount is less than the predetermined reference amount, the second biological communication may be determined.

  In step S103, the control unit 101 determines that the first biometric communication is performed when the image data is included in the communication data exchanged with the terminal device 200 through the biometric communication instructed by the user. May be determined as the second biometric communication.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 101 displays the message 41 on the display unit 151 in step S <b> 104, thereby indicating to the user that the area that can contact the electrode unit 103 is larger than the first operation key 21. Notify.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in step S104, the control unit 101 may perform the same notification by visually displaying on the display unit 151 an area that the user should contact during biometric communication.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of visually displaying a region that a user should contact during biometric communication.

  As shown in the figure, for example, the control unit 101 may display the “hand” image 42 on the display unit 151 as an area to be contacted by the user during biometric communication in step S104. Thus, the user can intuitively understand that the hand may be placed on the “hand” image displayed on the display unit 151. Also in this case, the control unit 101 may display the message 41 together with the “hand” image 42.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a second example in which a region that should be touched by a user during biometric communication is visually displayed.

  As shown in the figure, for example, in step S104, the control unit 101 specifies operation keys other than the first operation key 21 operated by the user (second, The third operation keys 22, 23) may be grayed out.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a third example in which a region that should be touched by a user during biometric communication is visually displayed.

  As shown in the figure, for example, in step S104, the control unit 101 specifies operation keys other than the first operation key 21 operated by the user (second, The names of the third operation keys 22 and 23) may be changed and displayed. In the illustrated example, the control unit 101 changes the names of the second operation key 22 and the third operation key 23 to the same names as the first operation key 21 (that is, “Scan to terminal device start”).

  FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a fourth example in which a region that should be touched by a user during biometric communication is visually displayed.

  As shown in the figure, for example, in step S104, the control unit 101 may enlarge and display the first operation key 21 operated by the user in order to clearly indicate a region that the user should contact during biometric communication.

  In addition, in step S104, the control unit 101 may notify the user that the area accessible to the electrode unit 103 is larger than the first operation key 21 by a method other than displaying on the display unit 151. . For example, the control unit 101 may notify by voice, vibration, lighting (flashing) of a predetermined lamp, or the like.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which starts biometric communication when the scanning function tab 12 is selected and the 1st operation key 21 is touched after that, of course, it is not limited to this case.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the operation screen for starting biometric communication.

  As shown in the figure, the biometric communication unit 104 may start biometric communication when the print function tab 14 is selected and then a predetermined operation key 51 is touched.

  Here, the illustrated operation key 51 is an operation key for starting a function (also referred to as “portable printing”) for acquiring an image stored in the terminal device 200 and printing the image on the image forming apparatus 100.

  In addition, the present invention can be applied to any electronic device as long as the display device has a biological communication function. A general PC, a tablet computer, or the like is used instead of the image forming apparatus 100. Also good.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the operation part 152 stops the reception operation | movement of the input from a user, while biometric communication is performed (input restriction). Here, the operation unit 152 stops the input receiving operation over the entire frame of the display screen.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation unit 152 may stop the input receiving operation except for a part of the display screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A and the like, the control unit 101 displays the communication end button 31 on the display unit 151, and accepts an input by a touch operation on the area even during biometric communication. You may leave it. Accordingly, the control unit 101 can forcibly end the biometric communication when the communication end button 31 is touched during the biometric communication.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the control part 101 discriminate | determines whether it is 1st biometric communication or 2nd biometric communication prior to the start of biometric communication (step S103), and performs 1st biometric communication. Only in this case, the user is notified that the area that can contact the electrode unit 103 is larger than the first operation key 21 (step S104).

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 101 determines that the first biological communication (communication that requires a relatively long time) is performed when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the biological communication was started, You may make it perform notification of said step S104.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart (a modified example of the display control process illustrated in FIG. 7) in the case where notification is performed when the duration of biometric communication exceeds a predetermined time.

  Similar to the display control process illustrated in FIG. 7, the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 starts this flow at a timing when the power is turned on (power supply from the power supply unit 109 is started).

  First, the control unit 101 displays the above-described function selection screen on the display unit 151 as an initial screen (step S201).

  When the power is turned on, the control unit 101 monitors a user operation on the electrode unit 103 disposed on the operation unit 152 via the operation unit 152.

  In this state, the control unit 101 determines whether an operation for instructing the start of biometric communication has been performed (step S202). For example, when the control unit 101 detects that the scan function tab 12 illustrated in FIG. 4A is selected on the operation unit 152 and then the first touch key 21 is touched, the biometric communication starts. It is determined that an operation for instructing has been performed.

  The control unit 101 waits until an operation for instructing the start of biometric communication is performed by repeating the determination process in step S202 (step S202: No). On the other hand, when an operation for instructing the start of biometric communication is performed in step S202 (step S202: Yes), the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S203, the control unit 101 starts biometric communication designated by the user in step S202 via the biometric communication unit 104 (step S203).

  For example, the biometric communication unit 104 transmits / receives communication data to / from the terminal device 200 carried by the user touching the electrode unit 103 via the living body (user's human body).

  When biometric communication is started in this way, the control unit 101 sets a predetermined timer and starts measuring the elapsed time of biometric communication (step S204).

  Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not all the communication data scheduled to be exchanged with the terminal device 200 has been transmitted and received by the biometric communication unit 104 (step S205).

  Here, when all the scheduled communication data has not been transmitted / received yet (step S205: No), the control unit 101 continues the biometric communication by the biometric communication unit 104, and the process proceeds to step S206. To do.

  When the process proceeds to step S206, the control unit 101 acquires the value of the timer and specifies the elapsed time of biometric communication. Then, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the specified elapsed time of biometric communication exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (step S206).

  At this time, if the elapsed time of biometric communication does not exceed a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (step S206: No), the control unit 101 returns the process to step S205.

  On the other hand, when the elapsed time of biometric communication exceeds the predetermined time (step S206: Yes), the control unit 101 moves the process to step S207.

  When the process proceeds to step S207, the control unit 101 notifies the user that the area that can contact the electrode unit 103 during biometric communication is larger (wider) than the first operation key 21 (step S207).

  For example, in S207, the control unit 101 may display a message 41 indicating that “the entire screen can be touched with a plurality of fingers” on the display unit 151, as shown in FIG.

  Note that the control unit 101 stops the operation of accepting an input from the user by the operation unit 152 during the biometric communication (input restriction).

  Next, the control unit 101 returns the process to step S205.

  On the other hand, when all scheduled communication data is transmitted / received by the biometric communication unit 104 in step S205 (step S205: Yes), the control unit 101 ends biometric communication with the terminal device 200.

  And the control part 101 resets the said timer (step S208), and when the notification to the user was performed by step S207, the notification is complete | finished (step S209).

  When the biometric communication ends, the control unit 101 resumes the operation of accepting an input from the user by the operation unit 152 (input restriction release).

  Then, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the power supply is turned off (power supply by the power supply unit 109 is stopped) (step S210).

  Here, when the power is not turned off (step S210: No), the control unit 101 returns the process to S202, and when the power is turned off (step S210: Yes), the control unit 101 ends this flow. .

  By performing the above display control process (modified example) in the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to determine whether to perform the notification in step S104 (S207) according to the elapsed time (continuation time) of biometric communication.

  The configuration of the biological communication system 1 described above is not limited to the above-described configuration because the main configuration has been described in describing the features of the above-described embodiments. Further, the configuration of the general image forming apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 is not excluded.

  In addition, each functional configuration of the above-described biological communication system 1 is classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of each functional configuration. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. Each functional configuration can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes.

  The program for operating the image forming apparatus 100 and the terminal apparatus 200 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or CD-ROM, or online via a network such as the Internet. May be provided in In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored in a ROM, HDD, or the like. Further, this program may be provided as, for example, a single application software, or may be incorporated in the software of the apparatus as one function of the image forming apparatus 100 or the terminal apparatus 200.

  The processing of each component described above can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, it may be executed by one hardware or a plurality of hardware.

1 biological communication system,
11 Copy function tab,
12 Scan function tab,
13 Facsimile function tab,
14 Print function tab,
21 1st operation key 22 2nd operation key,
23 Third operation key,
100 image forming apparatus,
101 control unit (image forming apparatus),
102 storage unit (image forming apparatus),
103 electrode part,
104 biological communication unit (image forming apparatus),
105 operation display section,
106 Document reading unit,
107 Image forming unit,
108 I / O interface,
109 power supply,
200 Terminal device.

Claims (31)

An operation display unit that includes a screen that displays operation keys related to the operation, and that receives an operation input by a user's contact with the operation keys;
In order to perform biometric communication using the terminal device carried by the user and the biometric path of the user as a communication path, an electrode unit provided on the screen;
A notification unit for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than an operation key for receiving an input of an operation related to the biometric communication;
I have a,
The operation display unit stops an operation of accepting an input from a user during the biometric communication . An operation display unit that includes a screen that displays operation keys related to the operation, and that receives an operation input by a user's contact with the operation keys;
In order to perform biometric communication using the terminal device carried by the user and the biometric path of the user as a communication path, an electrode unit provided on the screen;
A notification unit for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than an operation key for receiving an input of an operation related to the biometric communication;
Have
The notification unit
According to whether or not the biometric communication satisfies a predetermined criterion, it is determined whether the biometric communication is a first biometric communication or a second biometric communication,
Wherein performs the notification in the case where the first is determined that the biological communication, does not perform the notification when it is determined that the second biological communication, the display device you wherein a. An operation display unit that includes a screen that displays operation keys related to the operation, and that receives an operation input by a user's contact with the operation keys;
In order to perform biometric communication using the terminal device carried by the user and the biometric path of the user as a communication path, an electrode unit provided on the screen;
A notification unit for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than an operation key for receiving an input of an operation related to the biometric communication;
Have
The notification unit performs the notification in the case where the operation display unit receives an input of an operation according to the living body communication, the display device you wherein a. An operation display unit that includes a screen that displays operation keys related to the operation, and that receives an operation input by a user's contact with the operation keys;
In order to perform biometric communication using the terminal device carried by the user and the biometric path of the user as a communication path, an electrode unit provided on the screen;
A notification unit for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than an operation key for receiving an input of an operation related to the biometric communication;
Have
The notification unit
The message is displayed on the screen performs the notification, the display device you wherein a. The operation display unit
5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein an operation for receiving an input from a user is stopped during the biometric communication. The notification unit
Such communication time in the living body communication is determined that the first biological communication when Ru der than a predetermined reference time, it is determined that the second biological communication when the communication time is less than the reference time, that the The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the display device is characterized. The notification unit
Wherein according communication amount to the living body communication is determined that the first biological communication when Ru der than a predetermined reference amount, it is determined that the second biological communication when the amount of the data communication is less than the reference amount, The display device according to claim 2 . The notification unit
When image data is included in the communication data related to the biometric communication, it is determined as the first biometric communication, and when image data is not included in the communication data , it is determined as the second biometric communication. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the display device is characterized. The notification unit
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the notification is performed by visually displaying the contact area on the screen. The notification unit
  The display device according to claim 1, wherein the notification is performed by displaying a message on the screen. An electrode unit is provided on a screen capable of displaying information, and a user touches the electrode unit to control a display device capable of biometric communication using a terminal device carried by the user and a living body as a communication path. Display control method,
A display step of displaying an operation key for receiving an input of the operation of the biometric communication on the screen;
A notification step for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key;
A communication step for performing the biometric communication ;
Have
In the communication step,
Between the living communication, and stops the reception operation of the input from the user, the table示制your way to, characterized in that. An electrode unit is provided on a screen capable of displaying information, and a user contacts the electrode unit to control a terminal device carried by the user and a display device capable of biological communication using a living body as a communication path. Display control method,
A display step of displaying an operation key for receiving an input of the operation of the biometric communication on the screen;
A notification step for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key;
Have
In the notification step,
According to whether or not the biometric communication satisfies a predetermined criterion, it is determined whether the biometric communication is a first biometric communication or a second biometric communication,
It said first performs the notification when the living body is determined communicating with, when said second is determined that the biological communication does not perform the notification, Table示制your way to, characterized in that. An electrode unit is provided on a screen capable of displaying information, and a user contacts the electrode unit to control a terminal device carried by the user and a display device capable of biological communication using a living body as a communication path. Display control method,
A display step of displaying an operation key for receiving an input of the operation of the biometric communication on the screen;
A notification step of notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key when an input of an operation related to the biometric communication is received in the display step;
Table示制your way to and characterized in that it has a. An electrode unit is provided on a screen capable of displaying information, and a user contacts the electrode unit to control a terminal device carried by the user and a display device capable of biological communication using a living body as a communication path. Display control method,
A display step of displaying an operation key for receiving an input of the operation of the biometric communication on the screen;
A notification step for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key;
Have
In the notification step,
The message is displayed on the screen performs the notification, Table示制your way to, characterized in that. A communication step for performing the biometric communication;
In the communication step,
The display control method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein an operation of accepting an input from a user is stopped during the biometric communication. In the notification step,
When the communication time required for the biometric communication is equal to or longer than a predetermined reference time, the first biometric communication is determined, and when the communication time is less than the reference time, the second biometric communication is determined. The display control method according to claim 12 . In the notification step,
When the amount of data communication related to the biometric communication is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference amount, the first biometric communication is determined, and when the amount of data communication is less than the reference amount, the second biometric communication is determined . The display control method according to claim 12 . In the notification step,
When image data is included in the communication data related to the biometric communication, it is determined as the first biometric communication, and when image data is not included in the communication data , it is determined as the second biometric communication. The display control method according to claim 12 , characterized in that: In the notification step,
The display control method according to claim 11, wherein the notification is performed by visually displaying the contact area on the screen. In the notification step,
The display control method according to claim 11, wherein the notification is performed by displaying a message on the screen. An electrode unit is provided on a screen capable of displaying information, and when the user contacts the electrode unit, the terminal device carried by the user and the display device capable of biological communication using the living body as a communication path are controlled by the computer. A display control program to be executed by
A display step of displaying an operation key for receiving an input of the operation of the biometric communication on the screen;
A notification step for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key;
A communication step for performing the biometric communication;
To the computer,
Wherein the communication step, during the biological communication, and stops the reception operation of the input from the user, the table示制control program that is characterized in that. An electrode unit is provided on a screen capable of displaying information, and when the user contacts the electrode unit, the terminal device carried by the user and the display device capable of biological communication using the living body as a communication path are controlled by the computer. A display control program to be executed by
A display step of displaying an operation key for receiving an input of the operation of the biometric communication on the screen;
A notification step for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key;
To the computer,
In the notification step,
According to whether or not the biometric communication satisfies a predetermined criterion, it is determined whether the biometric communication is a first biometric communication or a second biometric communication,
Wherein performs the notification when it is judged first biological communication with, the not performed the notification when it is determined that the second biological communication, Table示制control program that is characterized in that. An electrode unit is provided on a screen capable of displaying information, and when the user contacts the electrode unit, the terminal device carried by the user and the display device capable of biological communication using the living body as a communication path are controlled by the computer. A display control program to be executed by
A display step of displaying an operation key for receiving an input of the operation of the biometric communication on the screen;
A notification step of notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key when an input of an operation related to the biometric communication is received in the display step;
Table 示制control program that is characterized in that to execute the computer. An electrode unit is provided on a screen capable of displaying information, and when the user contacts the electrode unit, the terminal device carried by the user and the display device capable of biological communication using the living body as a communication path are controlled by the computer. A display control program to be executed by
A display step of displaying an operation key for receiving an input of the operation of the biometric communication on the screen;
A notification step for notifying that a contact area where the user can contact the electrode unit is larger than the operation key;
To the computer,
In the notification step,
The message is displayed on the screen performs the notification, Table示制control program that is characterized in that. Causing the computer to execute a communication step for performing the biometric communication;
In the communication step,
The display control program according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein an operation of accepting an input from a user is stopped during the biometric communication. In the notification step,
When the communication time required for the biometric communication is equal to or longer than a predetermined reference time, the first biometric communication is determined, and when the communication time is less than the reference time, the second biometric communication is determined. The display control program according to claim 22 . In the notification step,
When the amount of data communication related to the biometric communication is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference amount, the first biometric communication is determined, and when the amount of data communication is less than the reference amount, the second biometric communication is determined . The display control program according to claim 22 . In the notification step,
When image data is included in the communication data related to the biometric communication, it is determined as the first biometric communication, and when image data is not included in the communication data, it is determined as the second biometric communication. The display control program according to claim 22, In the notification step,
The display control program according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the notification is performed by visually displaying the contact area on the screen. In the notification step,
The display control program according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the notification is performed by displaying a message on the screen. A computer-readable recording medium storing the display control program according to any one of claims 21 to 30.

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