JP6093079B2 - Numerical input device, image processing apparatus including the same, and control method of these apparatuses - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation device provided in an image processing device or the like, and more particularly to a numerical value input device capable of suppressing an erroneous operation on a clear key for erasing an input numerical value and an image processing device including the same.

  As one type of image processing apparatus, a multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)) having a plurality of functions such as copying, printing, facsimile (hereinafter also referred to as a fax), and a scanner is widely used. The MFP not only forms an image on recording paper based on digital data of a document read by a scanner, digital data received via a communication line, and the like, but also performs image processing on the digital data to perform fax or e-mail. Can be sent as An instruction to the MFP is given via an operation unit provided in the MFP.

  For example, when copying a manuscript, set the manuscript in the MFP, operate the operation unit to input copy conditions (conditions such as the number of copies, black and white copy, color copy, duplex printing, etc.), and then execute a copy execution key (start key). )push. The number of copies is entered using numeric keys 0 to 9 (hereinafter referred to as numeric keys) on the operation unit. If the number of copies is wrong, press the clear key (hereinafter also referred to as C key) to erase all input values and then input again.

  In the case of fax transmission, the transmission original is set in the MFP, and the fax number of the transmission destination is input using the numeric keypad as described above. If you enter an incorrect fax number, press the clear key to erase all input values and then enter them again. After entering the fax number of the destination, press the send execution key (start key). After the set original is read and converted into an image (converted into fax data), transmission to the set transmission destination is performed.

  Various arrangements are known for the numeric keypad in the image processing apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses the arrangement of numeric keys shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows a touch panel provided in the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 1, a numeric keypad, a decimal point key, and a clear key (C key) are arranged in the right area 11 a of the touch panel 11.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses the arrangement of the numeric keypad shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a screen of a liquid crystal monitor of a touch panel equipped in the image processing apparatus. In FIG. 1, a numeric keypad and a clear key are arranged in the right area.

  Patent Document 3 below discloses the arrangement of numeric keys shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a screen of an operation unit (liquid crystal touch panel) equipped in the image input / output system. In FIG. 3, a numeric keypad and a clear key (C key) are arranged in the lower right area.

  Patent Document 4 below discloses the arrangement of the numeric keypad shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a screen of the touch panel 601 included in the operation unit equipped in the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 4, a numeric keypad and a clear key (C key) are arranged in the left area 650.

  Patent Document 5 below discloses the arrangement of numeric keys shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a screen of a touch panel display unit provided in the information processing apparatus. In FIG. 5, a numeric keypad is arranged in the right area of the screen, and a clear key is arranged in the center of the screen.

JP-A-11-282314 JP 2005-178359 A JP 2006-334931 A JP 2010-1111044 A JP 2011-68098 A

  As described above, in recent years, a touch panel display (touch panel and liquid crystal display device) is employed as an operation unit in an image processing apparatus, and a numeric keypad is also displayed as a soft key on the touch panel. In such a numerical input device, it is necessary to display other keys and information along with the numeric keypad and the C key on the touch panel display. Therefore, the size of the numeric keypad and the C key is considered in consideration of the balance of the entire screen. And you need to design the layout. Furthermore, since the size of the touch panel display that is normally used is up to about 10 inches, it is necessary to narrow the interval between the numeric keypad and the C key and arrange them in a narrow range.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a key arrangement with a small interval between adjacent keys is employed. As shown in FIG. 6, in an arrangement where the interval is narrow, there is a high possibility of erroneous key operation. That is, there is a problem that a key different from the intended key is touched. In particular, since the C key is a key for clearing all input numerical values, if the C key is accidentally touched even though the correct numerical values are input, all the numerical values are input from the beginning. It must be done and it is complicated.

  When the user directly touches the numeric keypad and touches the numeric keypad with the right hand, the C key is hidden with the right hand. Therefore, in the arrangement as shown in FIG. 6, there is a high possibility that the C key is accidentally touched. For example, when the user wants to touch the “2” key and the user's finger moves toward the lower part (shaded portion) of the “2” key, the user touches the C key adjacent to the “2” key. There is a high possibility that Similarly, when the user tries to touch the “0” key, if the user's finger moves toward the right side (shaded portion) of the “0” key, it is adjacent to the “0” key. There is a high possibility of touching the C key.

  This is a problem that occurs when the C key is arranged in the vicinity of the numeric keypad as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5, when the C key is arranged apart from the numeric keypad, such a problem is unlikely to occur. However, the design of the numeric keypad, the C key and the execution key (start key), and one-handed There is a problem that impairs operability. That is, the related function keys (the numeric keypad and the C key) are not arranged together. In addition, the user cannot smoothly execute a series of operations such as pressing the numeric key with one hand (for example, the right hand), inputting a numerical value, pressing the C key if input is incorrect, and pressing the execution key when the input is completed. .

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the numeric keypad and the clear key can be arranged in a narrow range without impairing the design of the key arrangement and the operability of the key, and the clear key may be accidentally pressed during numerical input by the numeric keypad. An object of the present invention is to provide a numerical value input device capable of reducing the image quality and an image processing apparatus including the same.

  The above object can be achieved by the following.

  In other words, the numerical value input device according to the first aspect of the present invention is arranged to display a numerical value input screen including a plurality of numerical keys for inputting numerical values, and to be superimposed on the display portion. An input unit for specifying the designated position above, and a storage unit for storing a numerical value corresponding to the numeric key including the position when the input unit specifies a position on any of the plurality of numeric keys And comprising. Each of the plurality of numeric keys has a substantially rectangular shape, and a substantially square-shaped clear key for deleting a numeric value stored in the storage unit is further displayed on the numeric value input screen. The clear key is arranged in an oblique direction along a diagonal line of a predetermined numerical key closest to the clear key among the plurality of numerical keys.

  Preferably, the clear key is further arranged in any one of the width range of the plurality of numeric keys and the height range of the entire numeric keys. The clear key and the predetermined numerical key have the same height and / or width. None of the plurality of numeric keys is arranged in the range of the same width as the clear key and the same height as the predetermined numeric key adjacent to the upper side of the clear key, and adjacent to the left side of the clear key. Multiple numeric keys in the same height range as the clear key and the same width as the specified numeric key, or in the range adjacent to the right side of the clear key and the same height as the clear key and the same width as the given numeric key None of them are arranged.

  More preferably, the plurality of numeric keys constitute a numeric keypad for inputting an integer value of 0-9.

  More preferably, the plurality of numeric keys and the clear key have the same shape and the same size, the plurality of numeric keys are arranged in a lattice pattern, and the interval between the numeric keys adjacent to each other among the plurality of numeric keys is Among the plurality of numerical keys, the interval between the numerical keys adjacent to the left and right is constant.

  Preferably, the display unit further displays a key for starting a predetermined process in a predetermined device using the numerical value stored in the storage unit, and the clear key is for starting the predetermined process with the numerical key. Located between the keys.

  More preferably, in the area on the numerical value input screen adjacent to the upper side and the left side of the clear key, no key is displayed within the same size range as at least one of the numerical keys.

  More preferably, the display unit and the input unit are touch panel displays.

  An image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the numerical value input device described above, and executes image processing using a numerical value input by the numerical value input device.

  According to the present invention, the user may accidentally press the clear key during numerical input using the numeric keypad while keeping the numeric keypad and clear key in a narrow range without impairing the design of the key arrangement and the operability of the key. Can be reduced. Therefore, the user can input a numerical value promptly with peace of mind.

  In addition, by arranging the clear key between the numeric keypad and a key for causing the image processing apparatus or the like to start predetermined processing, the user can easily clear the input value when the numerical input is wrong. It is possible to smoothly perform a series of operations from inputting a numerical value to starting execution of processing.

It is a figure which shows the conventional operation screen. It is a figure which shows the conventional operation screen. It is a figure which shows the conventional operation screen. It is a figure which shows the conventional operation screen. It is a figure which shows the conventional operation screen. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the numeric keypad and clear key which are displayed on the conventional operation screen. 1 is a perspective view showing an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the basic layout structure of the basic screen of each operation mode. It is a figure which shows the basic screen of the copy mode displayed on an operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed in the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area | region of FIG. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which arrangement | positioning of C key differs from FIG. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which FIGS. 12-13 differs in arrangement | positioning of C key. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which the magnitude | size and arrangement | positioning of C key differ from FIG. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which arrangement | positioning of C key differs from FIG. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which the magnitude | size and arrangement | positioning of C key differ from FIG. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which the arrangement | positioning of C key differs from FIG. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which FIG.17 and FIG.18 differs in arrangement | positioning of C key. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which the arrangement | positioning of C key differs from FIGS. It is a figure which shows the numerical value input area from which the shape of C key differs from FIG. It is a figure which shows the numeric keypad area | region different from FIGS. It is a figure which shows the example of the numerical value input area displayed when the screen layout of FIG. 10 is arrange | positioned symmetrically and displayed.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a fax function, an e-mail function, a copy function, and a printer function.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a document reading unit 110, an image forming unit 120, an operation unit 130, a paper feeding unit 140, a manual paper feed tray 142, and a paper discharge processing unit 150. The operation unit 130 includes a touch panel display 132 and an operation key unit 134. The touch panel display 132 includes, for example, a display panel configured by a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel that is disposed on the display panel and detects a touched position. Operations on the image processing apparatus 100 are mainly performed via the touch panel display 132. A small number of function keys (for example, a power ON / OFF key for turning on / off the power of the image processing apparatus 100) are arranged as hard keys in the operation key unit 134.

  Referring to FIG. 8, an image processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 102 that controls the entire image processing apparatus 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 104 that stores a program and the like, a volatile property, and the like. A random access memory (RAM) 106, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 108, which is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is turned off. The ROM 104 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image processing apparatus 100.

  The image processing apparatus 100 further includes an image processing unit 122, a screen generation unit 124, a fax communication unit 112, a network I / F 114, and a bus 116. The CPU 102, ROM 104, RAM 106, HDD 108, fax communication unit 112, network I / F 114, document reading unit 110, image forming unit 120, image processing unit 122, screen generation unit 124, and operation unit 130 are connected to the bus 116. . Data (including control information) is exchanged between the units via the bus 116. The CPU 102 reads a program from the ROM 104 onto the RAM 106 via the bus 116, and executes the program using a part of the RAM 106 as a work area. That is, the CPU 102 controls each part of the image processing apparatus 100 according to a program stored in the ROM 104, and realizes each function of the image processing apparatus 100.

  The fax communication unit 112 includes a fax modem and is connected to an external public telephone line 180. The fax modem is an interface for the image processing apparatus 100 to perform fax communication with an external apparatus via the public telephone line 180.

  The network I / F 114 is connected to an external network 182, and includes, for example, a network interface card (NIC) as an interface for the image processing apparatus 100 to communicate with the external apparatus via the network 182.

  The image communication mode provided in the image processing apparatus 100 includes a fax mode in which image data is transmitted / received via a public telephone line by a fax modem, an Internet fax mode in which image data is transmitted / received via the Internet by a NIC, and image data as e-mail. There are an e-mail communication mode (scan to e-mail) for transmitting and receiving attachments, an image transmission mode (scan to folder) for transferring image data to a specific folder on a PC via a network, and the like.

  The document reading unit 110 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) for reading an image, and a document detection sensor that detects a document set on a document table, an automatic document feeder (ADF), and the like. To input image data. Image data is temporarily stored in an image memory (not shown). The image processing unit 122 performs various image processing on the read image data. The image forming unit 120 prints image data on a recording sheet. The image data is stored in the HDD 108 as necessary.

  The paper feeding unit 140 holds recording paper for image formation. The manual paper feed tray 142 is a tray for manually feeding recording paper.

  The operation unit 130 receives an input of an instruction or the like from the user to the image processing apparatus 100. An image displayed on the touch panel display 132 is generated by the screen generation unit 124. The user confirms the state of the image processing apparatus 100 and the job processing status on the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132. By selecting a key displayed on the touch panel display 132 on the touch panel overlaid on the display panel (touching a corresponding part on the touch panel), function setting and operation instruction of the image processing apparatus 100 can be performed. Ten keys (hereinafter referred to as numerical keys) for inputting numerical values from 0 to 9 are also displayed on the touch panel display 132.

  The CPU 102 monitors user operations on the operation unit 130 (touch panel display 132 and keys of the operation key unit), and displays information to be notified to the user such as information on the state of the image processing apparatus 100 on the touch panel display 132.

  Hereinafter, each mode for executing the functions (copy function, printer function, scanner function, and fax function) installed in the image processing apparatus 100 will be briefly described.

(Copy mode)
When the image processing apparatus 100 is used as a copying machine, image data of a document read by the document reading unit 110 (hereinafter also referred to as document data) is output from the image forming unit 120 as a copy.

  An image of the original set at the reading position can be electronically read by the CCD provided in the original reading unit 110. The read image data is completed as output data (print data) on the image memory, and then stored in the HDD 108. When there are a plurality of documents, this reading operation and storage operation are repeated. Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 130, the image data stored in the HDD 108 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the image memory. Then, the image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 120 in synchronization with the image forming timing in the image forming unit 120.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of read image data, it is similarly stored as output data in the HDD 108 in units of pages, sent from the HDD 108 to the image memory, repeated for the number of output sheets, and image formation is performed at the timing of image formation. Is transmitted to the unit 120.

  In the paper feeding unit 140, the recording paper is pulled out by a pickup roller and conveyed to the image forming unit 120 by a plurality of conveying rollers. The image forming unit 120 forms an electrostatic latent image according to the image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum by exposing the charged photosensitive drum according to the input image data. After the toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image portion on the photosensitive drum, the toner image is transferred to the conveyed recording paper via the transfer belt. Thereafter, the recording paper is heated and pressurized (this fixes the image on the recording paper), and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 152.

(Fax mode)
The image processing apparatus 100 can perform fax transmission / reception with an external fax apparatus via the fax communication unit 112 and the public telephone line 180.

  When the image processing apparatus 100 is used as a fax apparatus, the image processing apparatus 100 reads out image data from the HDD 108, converts it into a data format for fax communication, and externally transmits the data via the fax communication unit 112 and the public telephone line 180. Can be sent to other fax machines. Further, data received by fax from a fax machine can be formed as image data on an image memory, and can be stored in the HDD 108 and printed by the image forming unit 120 in the same manner as described above.

  When executing the fax transmission, the user operates the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132 and the operation key unit 134 to set the fax transmission conditions, and then presses a key for instructing the execution of the fax transmission. The fax transmission conditions include the fax number of the destination, the size of the original, the density of the transmission image, the image quality of the transmission image, and the like. In the case of broadcast transmission in which the same document is transmitted to a plurality of transmission destinations, a fax number for each transmission destination and a transmission condition for each transmission destination are set.

(Printer mode)
When the image processing apparatus 100 is used as a printer, image data received via the communication unit 112 is output from the image forming unit 120 via an image memory or the like.

  The communication unit 112 receives image data from a terminal device (not shown) such as a PC connected to the network 182. The received image data is sent to the image memory in units of pages as output image data, and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data is sent again from the HDD 108 to the image memory and transmitted to the image forming unit 120 in the same manner as in the copy mode described above, and image formation is performed.

(Scanner mode)
When the image processing apparatus 100 is used as a network scanner, for example, document data read by the document reading unit 110 is transmitted from the communication unit 112 to a terminal device such as a computer via the network 182. Also in this case, the original is electronically read by the CCD provided in the original reading unit 110. The read document data is completed as output data on the image memory and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data is sent again from the HDD 108 to the image memory, and after communication with the transmission destination designated via the operation unit 130 is established, the image data is transmitted from the communication unit 112 to the designated transmission destination. .

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a plurality of operation modes, and different screens are displayed on the touch panel display 132 according to the selected operation mode. Each screen is divided into a plurality of areas, and information is displayed in each area. The screen displayed on the touch panel display 132 is uniformly configured as described below so that information requested by the user can be easily found even on different screens.

  Referring to FIG. 9, basic screens of various operation modes displayed on operation unit 130 include a system area 200, a function setting / confirmation area (hereinafter referred to as a function selection area) 210, a preview area 240, an action panel area 260, And it consists of five areas including a task trigger area 280. These five areas are arranged according to the basic layout. That is, the system area 200 is arranged at the top of the basic screen. The preview area 240 is arranged at the center of the basic screen. The function selection area 210 is arranged on the left side of the preview area 240 on the basic screen. The action panel area 260 is arranged on the upper right side with respect to the preview area 240 in the basic screen. The task trigger area 280 is arranged on the lower right side with respect to the preview area 240 on the basic screen. The five areas constituting the basic screen of the various operation modes described above and the basic layout are common to all the operation modes.

  With such a basic layout, when the user uses the image processing apparatus 100, the user operates from the upper left to the lower right of the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132. Therefore, the user's viewpoint flow line and fingertip flow line are realized in the same manner as in the conventional machine that does not include the touch panel display 132, so that the user can easily set the image processing apparatus 100. In addition, even if the operation modes are different (different basic screens), the information displayed in the corresponding area is similar, so that even if the operation modes are different, the user can set the functions for the image processing apparatus 100 without being confused. And numerical input is possible.

  With reference to FIG. 10, a basic screen in the copy mode will be described as an example of a basic screen displayed on the operation unit 130 of the image processing apparatus 100. In the system area 200 of the basic screen 300 in the copy mode, the character “copy” indicating the copy mode and the job status are displayed.

  In the function selection area 210 of the basic screen 300 in the copy mode, setting keys for changing setting of various functions and parameters regarding the copy mode are displayed. In FIG. 10, setting keys 212 to 224 are displayed. A setting key 212 is a key for setting whether to display document data in color or monochrome. A setting key 214 is a key for changing the document size. A setting key 216 is a key for adjusting the density of document data. A setting key 218 is a key for setting the magnification of the document data. A setting key 220 is a key for setting the size and type of printing paper. The setting key 222 is a key for setting a printing surface for the printing paper. A setting key 224 is a key for performing settings relating to sorting or grouping of print results. When any of the setting keys 212 to 224 is touched by the user, a setting screen (for example, a density setting screen, an image quality setting screen, and a document setting screen) corresponding to the touched key is displayed on the touch panel display 132. The In the function selection area 210, keys 226 and 228 for changing the display style of the setting keys 212 to 224 and other function keys 230 are displayed below the setting keys 212 to 224. The key 226 is a key for displaying only setting keys related to functions registered in advance as “favorites”. The key 228 is a key for displaying only the setting keys related to the function whose settings have been changed. Other function keys 230 are keys for requesting display of other special functions different from the functions displayed in the function selection area 210.

  In the function selection area 210, when all the setting keys to be displayed cannot be displayed, the various setting keys are displayed so as to be scrollable in the vertical direction. However, the display positions of the keys 226 to 230 remain fixed. The user can switch the display portion of various setting keys in the vertical direction by a touch operation (scroll operation) or a gesture operation (vertical flick operation).

  A numerical value input area 242 for setting the number of copies is displayed in the preview area 240 of the basic screen 300 in the copy mode. The numerical value input area 242 includes a key area 244 and a copy number display area 246. The key area 244 includes numeric keys (ten keys) 0 to 9 and a clear key (C key) 250. The area where the numeric keypad is displayed is called a numeric keypad area 248. The number of copies display area 246 is an area for displaying the number of copies input by the user.

  In the action panel area 260 of the basic screen 300 in the copy mode, an execution key for executing the recommended function in the copy mode is displayed. In FIG. 10, execution keys 262 to 270 are displayed. The execution key 262 is a key for fax transmission of image data scanned simultaneously with copying. The execution key 264 is a key for calling a program in which a predetermined copy function is registered. The execution key 266 is a key for automatically storing the scanned image data temporarily. An execution key 268 is a key for saving scanned image data with information added to a filter. The execution key 270 is a key for calling an eco program that reduces power consumption.

  In the task trigger area 280 of the basic screen 300 in the copy mode, a preview key 282, a clear all key (CA key) 284, a color start key 286, and a monochrome start key 288 are displayed. The preview key 282 is a key for starting execution of the scan-in process. When the preview key 282 is touched, the document is scanned and a preview image based on the scan data is displayed in the preview area 240. The CA key 284 is a key for canceling all the functions and parameters whose settings have been changed and returning the settings to the default state. The color start key 286 is a key for starting color printing. The monochrome start key 288 is a key for starting monochrome printing.

  With reference to FIG. 11, a control structure of a program executed in the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. When the image processing apparatus 100 is powered on, the CPU 102 reads this program from the ROM 104 and executes it. When the power ON / OFF key of the operation key unit 134 is pressed, power supply to the image processing apparatus 100 is started (power ON).

  When the image processing apparatus 100 is turned on, after a predetermined warm-up operation, in step 400, the CPU 102 controls the screen generation unit 124 to generate a home screen and display it on the touch panel display 132 of the operation unit 130. Let In this state, the CPU 102 waits for a user operation on the touch panel display 132. A mode selection key for selecting each operation mode of the image processing apparatus 100 is displayed on the home screen.

  In step 402, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the mode selection key on the home screen has been touched. Whether any mode selection key is touched is determined by the coordinate data of the touch position transmitted from the touch panel to the CPU 102. The CPU 102 identifies the position on the displayed screen from the received coordinate data, and determines whether or not the identified position is within the range in which the mode selection key is displayed. If it is determined that the specified position is within the range in which the mode selection key is displayed, the CPU 102 determines that the mode selection key has been touched, and control proceeds to step 406. At this time, the CPU 102 determines an operation mode corresponding to the touched mode selection key, and stores information for specifying the operation mode in the RAM 106. If it is determined that it has not been touched, control proceeds to step 404.

  In step 404, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the power ON / OFF key of the operation key unit 134 has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the CPU 102 ends the program. If it is determined that the button has not been pressed, control returns to step 402.

  In step 406, the CPU 102 refers to the RAM 106 and displays the basic screen of the operation mode corresponding to the information specifying the operation mode (the operation mode corresponding to the mode selection key touched in step 402) on the touch panel display 132. To do. For example, when copy is selected in step 402, the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. With the screen displayed, the CPU 102 waits for a user operation on the touch panel display 132.

  In step 408, the CPU 102 determines whether a key on the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132 has been touched. If it is determined that any key on the screen has been touched, control proceeds to step 412. Otherwise control passes to step 410.

  In step 410, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the power ON / OFF key of the operation key unit 134 has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the CPU 102 ends the program. If it is determined that the button has not been pressed, control returns to step 408.

  In step 412, the CPU 102 executes processing corresponding to the key touched in step 408. Thereafter, control returns to step 408. By repeating Steps 408 to 412, processing for setting conditions regarding each operation mode of the image processing apparatus 100 is executed, and final processing is executed according to the set conditions. For example, in the copy mode, when the user touches a key on the copy basic screen in FIG. 10, the setting process described above is executed according to the touched key. That is, after the keys in the function selection area 210 and the numerical value input area 242 are touched to set the copy conditions, the copy process is executed when the keys in the task trigger area 280 are touched.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 can execute processing in the designated operation mode in response to a user operation on the operation unit 130.

  Hereinafter, the user operation on the numerical value input area 242 will be described in more detail. When the user copies a document, the user touches the setting keys 212 to 224 in the function selection area 210 on the basic screen 300 in the copy mode to set copy conditions as necessary. The number of copies is input using the numeric keypad in the numerical value input area 242. In the numerical value input area 242 shown in FIG. 10, since the C key 250 is arranged outside the numeric keypad area 248, when the user touches the numeric keypad and inputs the number of copies, the user accidentally touches the C key 250. The possibility of getting out is very low. This point will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  In the numeric input area 242 shown in FIG. 12, all numeric keys have the same shape and size (horizontal length w, vertical length h), and are arranged in a grid pattern. That is, nine numeric keys ("1" to "9" keys) are arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction at a predetermined interval (left-right interval) p1, and predetermined intervals (up-down interval) in the vertical direction. It arrange | positions at equal intervals by p2. The vertical interval p2 is narrower than the horizontal interval p1 (p2 <p1). The remaining numeric key (“0” key) of the numeric keypad is arranged at the lowest level of the leftmost column and separated from the “7” key at the vertical interval p2.

  The C key 250 has the same shape and size as the numeric key. The C key 250 is disposed adjacent to the numeric key area 248 and outside the numeric key area 248. There are no adjacent keys on the upper and left sides of the C key 250. That is, on the upper side and the left side of the C key 250, no key is arranged in a range (indicated by areas 252 and 254) that is larger than the size of the numeric key. The C key 250 is closest to the “9” key and is arranged obliquely to the lower right of the “9” key. In this way, since the C key 250 is arranged with respect to the numeric keypad, the possibility that the user will accidentally press the C key 250 when operating the numeric keypad is very low. That is, since no keys are arranged in the upper area 252 and the left area 254 of the C key 250, it is very unlikely that the user touches the upper area 252 or the left area 254 of the C key 250 during the operation of the numeric keypad. Therefore, the possibility that the C key 250 is accidentally pressed is very low. In addition, since the C key 250 is located obliquely below and to the right of the “9” key, it is very unlikely that the user will press the C key 250 when trying to press the “9” key. Therefore, the user can input the number of copies promptly with peace of mind. Further, since the C key 250 is arranged close to the numeric keypad, the input value can be easily cleared if the numerical value is entered incorrectly.

  After the setting of the copy condition including the input of the number of copies is completed, the user touches the color start key 286 or the monochrome start key 288 in the task trigger area 280 arranged in the lower right area of the screen 300 in FIG. . Thereby, as described above, the image processing apparatus 100 starts the copy process of the document.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the numeric keypad area 248, the C key 250, and the task trigger area 280 are diagonally arranged from the upper left to the lower right, so that the user uses the right hand to move from the upper left to the lower right. Copy operations can be performed with natural operations.

  As described above, the arrangement example of the C key and the numeric keypad for reducing the possibility of accidentally touching the C key when operating the numeric keypad has been described, but the key arrangement is not limited to this. When the C key has the same shape and size as the numeric key, the arrangement shown in FIG. 13 or 14 may be used.

  13 and 14, the C key is arranged on the right side of the numeric keypad area 248. In FIG. 13, the C key is located at the same position in the up and down direction on the right side with a distance (d1> p1) larger than the left and right distance p1 of the numeric keypad in the left and right direction with respect to the closest numeric key ("9" key). Is arranged. Therefore, the possibility that the user accidentally touches the C key when the user touches the “9” key is reduced. This also reduces the possibility of accidentally touching the C key because no keys are placed above and below the C key.

  In FIG. 14, the C key is arranged on the right side at the same interval p1 as the left and right interval of the numeric keypad with respect to the two closest numeric keys (the “6” key and the “9” key). It is arranged at a position shifted with respect to the direction (a position where the center of the key is shifted vertically with respect to any of the two adjacent numerical keys). In this way, the C key is arranged with the left and right intervals p1 from the numeric keypad, but the length that overlaps each of the numeric keys (the “6” key and the “9” key) closest to the C key in the vertical direction. Is less than the length h in the vertical direction of the numeric key. For example, the length d2 in which the key “6” and the C key overlap in the vertical direction is d2 <h. The same applies to the length in which the “9” key and the C key overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the user touches the “6” key or the “9” key, the possibility of accidentally touching the C key is reduced. In this case, since the C key is adjacent to two numeric keys ("6" key and "9" key), it is preferable that d2 = h / 2. In addition, since no keys are arranged above and below the C key, this also reduces the possibility of touching the C key by mistake.

  Further, when the C key is larger than the numerical key, it may be arranged as shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. The horizontal length of the C key is the same as the horizontal length w of the numeric key, but the vertical length of the C key is longer than the vertical length h of the numeric key. In FIG. 15, the C key is arranged in a manner similar to FIG. 12 with respect to the numeric keypad. The C key is adjacent to the numeric key area 248 and is disposed outside the numeric key area 248. The key is not adjacent to the upper and left sides of the C key. That is, no keys are arranged on the upper side and the left side of the C key within the range of the size of the numeric key. The C key is closest to the “9” key and is arranged obliquely to the lower right of the “9” key. Thus, since the C key is arranged with respect to the numeric keypad, the possibility that the user touches the C key by mistake when operating the numeric keypad is very low. That is, since the keys are not arranged in the upper area and the left area of the C key, it is very unlikely that the user touches the upper area or the left area of the C key during the operation of the numeric keypad. The possibility of touching is very low. In addition, since the C key is located obliquely below and to the right of the “9” key, it is very unlikely that the user will touch the C key when trying to touch the “9” key.

  In FIG. 16, the horizontal length of the C key is the same as the horizontal length w of the numeric key, but the vertical length of the C key is longer than the vertical length h of the numeric key. . The C key is arranged on the right side at the same interval as the left and right interval p1 of the numeric keypad with respect to the closest numeric key (“9” key). The length d3 that overlaps the numeric key adjacent to the C key ("9" key) in the vertical direction is less than the vertical length h of the numeric key (d3 <h), as in FIG. Therefore, when the user touches the “9” key, the possibility of accidentally touching the C key is reduced.

  Further, when the C key is larger than the numeric key, it may be arranged as shown in FIG. In FIG. 17, the vertical length of the C key is the same as the vertical length h of the numeric key, but the horizontal length of the C key is longer than the numeric key length w. The C key is arranged adjacent to the numeric key area 248 so that a part of the C key goes out of the numeric key area 248. The key is not adjacent to the left side of the C key. That is, no keys are arranged on the upper side and the left side of the C key within the range of the size of the numeric key. The C key is closest to the “9” key and is arranged diagonally to the right of the “9” key. The interval between the C key and the “9” key is the same as the interval p2 in the vertical direction of the numeric keypad, but the length d4 that the C key overlaps with the adjacent numeric key (the “9” key) in the left-right direction is The length of the numeric key is less than the length w in the left-right direction (d4 <w). Thus, since the C key is arranged with respect to the numeric keypad, the possibility that the user touches the C key by mistake when the user touches the “9” key is reduced.

  In FIG. 18, the length in the vertical direction of the C key is the same as the length h in the vertical direction of the numeric key, but the length in the horizontal direction of the C key is longer than the length w of the numeric key. In FIG. 18, the C key is close to three numeric keys ("0", "8", and "9" keys), all of which are separated by more than the left and right intervals p1 and p2 of the numeric keypad. Has been placed. Therefore, the C key is arranged so that a part of the C key goes out of the numeric keypad region 248. The interval d5 between the C key and the “0” key is larger than the horizontal interval p1 (d5> p1). The distance d6 between the C key and the “8” and “9” keys is larger than the vertical distance p2 (d6> p2). Therefore, when the user touches the “0”, “8”, or “9” key, the possibility of accidentally touching the C key is reduced.

  Note that the C key may be disposed completely outside the numeric keypad region 248 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. In FIG. 19, the C key is located in the lower right corner of the numerical value input area 242. In FIG. 20, the C key is located at the bottom of the numerical value input area 242 and in the center in the left-right direction.

  Further, when the C key has a shape different from that of the numerical key, it may be arranged as shown in FIG. In FIG. 21, the C key has a shape in which the L-shape is rotated 90 degrees to the left. For example, the C key has a shape in which the upper side portion (length w) protrudes upward and the left side portion (length h) protrudes left in the C key shown in FIG. The C key has a part (left protruding portion) located in the numeric keypad area 248 and the other part located outside the numeric keypad area 248. The key is not adjacent to the upper side of the upper protruding portion of the C key and the left side of the left protruding portion. That is, no keys are arranged on the upper side and the left side of the C key within the range of the size of the numeric key. The C key is closest to the “9” key and is arranged diagonally to the right of the “9” key. The length d7 that overlaps the numeric key adjacent to the C key (the key “9”) in the vertical direction is less than the length h in the vertical direction of the numeric key (d7 <h). Also, the length d8 that overlaps the numeric key ("9" key) adjacent to the C key in the left-right direction is less than the length w in the left-right direction of the numeric key (d8 <w). Therefore, when the user touches the “9” key, the possibility of accidentally touching the C key is reduced.

  Further, the arrangement of the numeric keys is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIGS. The arrangement as shown in FIG. 22 may be used. 22A and 22B, if the C key is arranged in the numeric key area 248 as shown in FIGS. 12 to 17 and 19 to 21, It is possible to reduce erroneous touching of the C key when operating the numeric keypad.

  Moreover, although the shape of the outer periphery of the numerical key and C key shown in FIGS. 12-21 is a shape with more straight parts than a curve part, it is not limited to this. For example, it may have a shape that does not include a curved portion, or may have a shape that has more curved portions.

  Further, the arrangement of the ten numeric keys in the numeric key area is arbitrary. For example, it may be arranged like a numeric keypad provided on a computer keyboard. That is, in FIG. 12, the arrangement may be such that the keys “1” to “3” and the keys “7” to “9” are exchanged.

  Further, the copy mode basic screen 300 shown in FIG. 10 is a screen suitable for operation with the right hand, but when operated with the left hand, each area of FIG. 9 and the key arrangement on the screen of FIG. May be arranged symmetrically. That is, the function selection area 210 is arranged on the right side with respect to the preview area 240, the action panel area 260 is arranged on the upper left side with respect to the preview area 240, and the task trigger area is arranged on the lower left side with respect to the preview area 240. You may arrange in. In that case, in FIGS. 10 to 21, the C key is preferably arranged on the left side of the numeric keypad region 248. As an example, key arrangements corresponding to FIGS. 12 and 21 are shown in FIGS.

  As described above, when the C key and the numeric key closest to the C key (not necessarily one) do not overlap at all in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, or when they overlap, the overlapping length is the numeric key. When the numeric key is touched, the C key and the numeric key closest to the C key are wider than the numeric keypad. The possibility of touching the C key by mistake can be reduced.

  In addition to the above arrangement, the color of the C key may be different from that of the numeric keypad. For example, the numeric keypad may be achromatic (gray) having lightness but no color, and the C key may be chromatic colors such as red, blue, and yellow. This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize the C key, and the user can expect to avoid the C key psychologically (be careful not to press the C key). Touching can be more reliably suppressed.

  The case of the copy mode has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the case of a screen on which a numerical value input area is displayed, it is possible to prevent the C key from being touched by mistake when operating the numeric keypad by arranging the C key in the same manner as described above in the numeric keypad area. For example, on the basic screen in the fax mode, a numerical value input area is displayed for inputting a destination fax number. The image processing apparatus also has a function of registering in advance a destination for fax transmission and e-mail transmission (scan-to-mail) or a storage destination for an image transmission mode (scan-to-folder) and calling and using it. There are cases. Since the registration information is assigned and stored with a numerical value of a predetermined number of digits (for example, 4 digits), it is necessary to input a numerical value to call the registration information. Therefore, when a number for calling registration information is input, a numerical value input area is displayed on the screen. If a password is set for each user, a numerical value input area is displayed on the screen when the password is input. As described above, in the image processing apparatus, the numerical input area is often displayed on the operation screen, and depending on the image processing apparatus, the numerical input area is displayed on the operation unit in several tens of scenes.

  In the basic screen 300 in the copy mode shown in FIG. 10, a numerical value input area is displayed. However, the screen is not limited to such a screen. When the basic screen is displayed for the first time, the numeric input area may not be included. In that case, for example, if a key for displaying the numerical input area is arranged in the function setting area, when the user touches the key, the numerical input area is displayed and the numerical input can be accepted. it can.

  In addition to the image processing apparatus, if the apparatus includes a touch panel display, displays a numeric keypad and a C key as soft keys, and accepts a user operation, the C key is arranged in the numeric keypad area as described above. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the C key by mistake.

  The present invention has been described above by describing the embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is implemented with various modifications. be able to.

100 Image Processing Device 102 Control Unit (CPU)
104 ROM
106 RAM
108 HDD
110 Document Reading Unit 112 Fax Communication Unit 114 Network I / F
116 Bus 120 Image forming unit 122 Image processing unit 124 Screen generation unit 130 Operation unit 132 Touch panel display 134 Operation key unit 140 Paper feed unit 142 Manual paper feed tray 150 Paper discharge processing unit 152 Paper discharge tray 180 Public telephone line 182 Network 240 Preview Area 242 Numeric input area 244 Key area 246 Copies display area 248 Numeric keypad area 250 Clear key (C key)

Claims (14)

Display means for displaying a numerical input screen including a plurality of numerical keys for inputting numerical values;
An input unit arranged to be superimposed on the display unit and for specifying a designated position on the numerical value input screen;
When a position on any one of the plurality of numerical keys is specified by the input means, a numerical value input device comprising storage means for storing a numerical value corresponding to the numerical key including the position,
Each of the plurality of numeric keys has a substantially rectangular shape,
The numerical value input screen further displays a substantially square-shaped clear key for erasing the numerical value stored in the storage means,
The plurality of numeric keys and the clear key have the same shape and the same size,
A center of the clear key is arranged on a diagonal extension line of a predetermined number key closest to the clear key among the plurality of number keys. The clear key is further arranged in any one of a range of widths of the plurality of numeric keys and a range of heights of the plurality of numeric keys .
Adjacent to the upper side of the front Symbol clear key, said the range of the same height as the same width and the predetermined numerical keys and clear key, either not disposed of the plurality of numeric keys, and,
A range adjacent to the left side of the clear key and having the same height as the clear key and the same width as the predetermined numeric key, or adjacent to the right side of the clear key and the same height as the clear key and the predetermined key The numerical input device according to claim 1, wherein none of the plurality of numerical keys is arranged in a range having the same width as the numerical keys.   The numerical input device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of numerical keys constitute a numeric keypad for inputting an integer value of 0 to 9. The display means further displays a key for causing a predetermined device to start a predetermined process using the numerical value stored in the storage means,
The clear key is numeric input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that located between the key for starting the predetermined processing and the numeric key. In the area on the numerical value input screen adjacent to the upper side and the left side of the clear key, no key is displayed within a range of the same size as at least one of the numerical keys. 5. The numerical input device according to any one of 4 above. It said display means and input means, numerical value input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a touch panel display. The numerical input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , comprising:
An image processing apparatus that executes image processing using a numerical value input by the numerical value input apparatus. Display means for displaying an image;
A method for controlling a numerical input device, comprising: an input unit arranged to overlap the display unit, and specifying a specified position on the display unit;
Displaying a numerical value input screen including a plurality of numerical keys for inputting numerical values on the display means;
Identifying a specified position on the numerical input screen by the input means;
Storing the numerical value corresponding to the numerical key including the position in response to the position on any of the plurality of numerical keys being specified by the input means,
Each of the plurality of numeric keys has a substantially rectangular shape,
The method further includes a step of displaying a substantially square-shaped clear key for erasing the numerical value stored in the storing step on the numerical value input screen,
The plurality of numeric keys and the clear key have the same shape and the same size,
The center of the clear key is arranged on a diagonal extension line of a predetermined numeric key closest to the clear key among the plurality of numeric keys. The clear key is further arranged in any one of a range of widths of the plurality of numeric keys and a range of heights of the plurality of numeric keys .
Adjacent to the upper side of the front Symbol clear key, said the range of the same height as the same width and the predetermined numerical keys and clear key, either not disposed of the plurality of numeric keys, and,
A range adjacent to the left side of the clear key and having the same height as the clear key and the same width as the predetermined numeric key, or adjacent to the right side of the clear key and the same height as the clear key and the predetermined key The control method according to claim 8 , wherein none of the plurality of numeric keys is arranged in a range having the same width as the numeric keys. The control method according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein the plurality of numeric keys constitute a numeric keypad for inputting an integer value of 0 to 9. Using the stored numerical value, further including the step of displaying on the display means a key for causing a predetermined device to start a predetermined process,
The control method according to any one of claims 8 to 10 , wherein the clear key is located between the numerical key and the key for starting the predetermined process. Adjacent to the upper side and the left side of the clear key, the in the region of numerical input screen, in the same size range and at least one numeric key of the plurality of numeric keys, none of the key does not appear claims 8 to the method according to any one 1 1. The control method according to any one of claims 8 to 12 , wherein the display unit and the input unit are touch panel displays. A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising a numerical input device, and performing image processing using a numerical value input by the numerical input device,
Control method for controlling the numerical input device by a control method according to any one of claims 8-1 3.