JP6479100B2 - INPUT DEVICE, INPUT DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device, an input device control method, and a program.

  In recent years, multi-function devices have been developed as multi-function machines in which functions of image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles are integrated. In the multi-function device, a plurality of functions are integrated to execute a job, so that the number of input operations performed by a user in front of the device has been greatly increased.

  For example, when a document is read using the scanner function of the multifunction device and the scanned document is transmitted using the transmission function and printed at the same time as the multifunction device, the user needs to set parameters for each function. Specifically, in the original reading function, values such as resolution, density, and color / monochrome for reading the original are input. In the transmission function, a transmission destination, a title of a document to be transmitted, a comment on the document to be transmitted, and the like are input. Alternatively, in the print function, the paper size and type are input. Further, in the box function for saving a document, the document name, keyword, comment, index, importance, etc. of the document to be saved are input. The document reading and printing parameters differ depending on the capabilities of the multi-function device, and are provided as selectable option values, pull-down menus, and option lists. The transmission parameters are provided as an input text field for inputting text data, a selectable option value, a pull-down menu, and a list of options.

  In addition, when the physical size of a display unit (so-called display) provided to the user is limited, a software keyboard (for example, Patent Document 1) is provided to the user to perform input in the input text field. . The software keyboard indicates a keyboard displayed on the display screen. The user can input items by operating the key object on the software keyboard in the same manner as the key input operation.

JP 2008-23736 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technique, when the input of a certain input text field is completed using a software keyboard and an item of another input text field is selected and input, the software keyboard is always closed once. After that, the software keyboard is displayed again by selecting another input text field. In other words, if there are a plurality of input items, the user repeatedly performs the display / hide operation of the software keyboard, such as [Select input item-> Display software keyboard and input text-> Close software keyboard]. There was a need. For this reason, it took a lot of time to input the text field.

  If a plurality of input text fields are also displayed on the display unit while the software keyboard is displayed, and the input text field can be selected, input can be continued without closing the software keyboard once. However, the display unit of the multi-function device is generally small, and a large screen is required to display both the software keyboard and the input text field on the screen.

  FIG. 12 is an image diagram showing a specific example for explaining the above-described problem. Reference numeral 101 denotes a list screen of selection items using items of a plurality of input text fields and a pull-down menu. Reference numeral 102 denotes a state in which a software keyboard is displayed by designating an input text field (“document name”) 1010 on the list screen 101 (FIG. 13), and a value of the input text field can be input. When the user inputs an arbitrary input value in the input text field 1020 and presses an OK button 1021, the software keyboard is closed. When the software keyboard is closed, the value entered by the user in the input text field 1020 is entered in the document name input text field 1010 and the list screen 101 is displayed (FIG. 12).

  Next, the user can select any item on the list screen 101 and input or set an attribute. By designating another input text field ("keyword") 103 in the list screen, the software keyboard is displayed again (FIG. 14). The state in which the value of the input text field 1030 can be input is shown. When the user inputs an arbitrary input value in the input text field 102 and presses an OK button 1031, the software keyboard is closed. From the above description, it takes time and effort to open and close the software keyboard every time the input text field is finished using the software keyboard and moved to the next input text field.

An input device that causes a display unit to display a keyboard, a first type input item in which data is input via the keyboard, and a second type input item in which data is input without using the keyboard , between the third input items are pre-Symbol first input field and the first type is a first type that is displayed on the display unit, the second input items are pre-Symbol second type Display control means to be displayed on the display unit, and the next input object is specified based on the input item by being pressed by the user, and the first input item is not the second input item but the first input item. It is a key for changing the input object from an input item to the third input item, and has control means for controlling whether or not the key is displayed on the display unit together with the keyboard.

  According to the present invention, a key for receiving an instruction for changing an input item to be input to the next input item via a keyboard displayed on the display unit together with a keyboard displayed on the display unit is displayed on the display unit. Whether or not to display can be determined by an input item that is an input target among a plurality of input items.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a copying machine. The top view which shows the structure of the operation part shown in FIG. 2 is shown. The figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on an operation part is shown. An example of the input item screen is shown. An input item management table is shown. The flowchart of a screen display task is shown. The flowchart of an item input task is shown. The state which displayed the software keyboard for inputting the text type data of this invention is shown. The state which displayed the software keyboard for inputting the text type data of this invention is shown. The state which displayed the software keyboard for inputting the text type data of this invention is shown. The state which displayed the software keyboard for inputting the text type data of this invention is shown. The state which displayed the software keyboard for inputting the text type data of the prior art of this invention is shown. The state which displayed the software keyboard for inputting the text type data of the prior art of this invention is shown. The state which displayed the software keyboard for inputting the text type data of the prior art of this invention is shown.

Example 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Explanation about multifunction device>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a multi-function device (hereinafter simply referred to as a copying machine) 1001.

  The copying machine 1001 includes a controller unit 2000, to which a scanner 2070 as an image input device and a printer 2095 as an image output device are connected, and an operation unit 2012 is connected. Here, the operation unit 2012 has a display unit for displaying the screens shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 to 13. Here, the display unit is configured by a touch panel type LCD or the like, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by an organic EL or a plasma display. Furthermore, the controller unit 2000 has a CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 starts up an operation system (OS) by a boot program stored in the ROM 2003. On this OS, an application program stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 2004 is executed, thereby executing various processes. The HDD 2004 stores a program for realizing the item input device of the present invention. A RAM 2002 is used as a work area of the CPU 2001. The RAM 2002 provides a work area and an image memory area for temporarily storing image data. The HDD 2004 stores the application program and image data. An operation unit I / F (operation unit interface) 2006 and a network I / F (network interface) 2010 are connected to the CPU 2001 through a system bus 2007 together with the ROM 2003 and the RAM 2002. Further, a modem 2050 and an image bus I / F (image bus interface) 2005 are connected to the CPU 2001.

  An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface with an operation unit 2012 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Here, the display of the operation unit 2012 is controlled by the CPU 2001 based on a program stored in the HDD 2004 via the operation unit I / F. The image data to be displayed is, for example, the images shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 8 to 14. Keys such as “next input” and “previous input” for selecting a plurality of items to be input, a keyboard, a text display area, and other items are displayed. In addition, the operation unit I / F 2006 sends information input by the user in the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

  Next, the network I / F 2010 is connected to the LAN 1006 and inputs / outputs information to / from each device on the LAN 1006 via the LAN 1006. For example, it is used to send and receive e-mails and files, and to print content on the WEB. The modem 2050 is connected to the public telephone line 1008 and transmits / receives, for example, facsimile information via the public telephone line 1008.

  An image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge for connecting a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed and converting the data format. For example, the image bus 2008 is configured from a PCI bus or IEEE1394. On the image bus 2008, a raster image processor (hereinafter referred to as “RIP”) 2060, a device I / F 2020, a scanner image processing unit 2080, a printer image processing unit 2090, an image rotation unit 2030, and an image compression unit 2040 are provided. . Here, as an example of the controller unit 2000, a configuration using the system bus 2007 and the image bus 2008 and two buses has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The system bus 2007 and the image bus 2008 may be configured by a single bus. Alternatively, it may be configured by three or more buses.

  The RIP 2060 is a processor that develops a PDL code into a bitmap image. A scanner 2070 and a printer 2095 are connected to the device I / F 2020, and the device I / F 2020 performs image data synchronous / asynchronous conversion. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 2090 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like corresponding to the printer 2095 for the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 compresses multi-value image data into JPEG data and binary image data into data such as JBIG, MMR, and MH, and performs decompression processing thereof.

  The controller unit 2000 performs the following control. Control for realizing a copy function for printing out the image data read by the scanner 2070 by the printer 2095 is performed. In addition, the controller unit 2000 performs control for transmitting and receiving image information, device status information, and the like by connecting to the LAN 1006 and the public line 1008 (WAN). Further, the controller unit 2000 performs control to develop the received print data into a bitmap image using the RIP 2060 and print it.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG.

  The LCD display unit 2013 is controlled by the CPU 2001 according to a program stored in the HDD 2004. The LCD display unit 2013 has a structure in which a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. Further, when the copying machine 1001 is in a standby state, an operation screen of the copying machine as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. When a key displayed on the operation screen is touched, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 2001. A start key 2014 is used when starting a document reading operation. 2015 is a stop key, which is operated to stop an operation in progress. An ID key 2016 is used to input the user ID of the user. Reference numeral 2017 denotes a reset key, which is used when initializing the settings of the operation unit 2012 (settings such as the number of copies).

  FIG. 3 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit 2012 in the standby state of the copying machine 1001. This operation screen is created by the CPU 2001 according to a program stored in the HDD 2004. The same applies to various screens described below.

  A copy tab 901, a transmission / FAX tab 902, a box tab 903, a browser tab 904, and a right arrow tab 905 for selecting various functions are displayed at the top of the operation screen of the operation unit 2012.

  FIG. 3 shows an initial screen of the copy function when the copying machine 1001 is in a standby state or when the touch key on the copy tab 901 is pressed. Display regarding the copy function is performed in area 906. A status to be displayed by the copy function is displayed in an area where “can be copied” is displayed from above the area 906. In the area below it, the magnification, the selected paper feed stage, and the number of entries are displayed. Further, as touch keys for setting the operation mode of the copy function, keys such as equal magnification, magnification, paper selection, sorter, double-sided, interrupt, density adjustment, and characters are arranged. A left arrow key corresponding to lightening for density adjustment, a right arrow key corresponding to darkening, and an automatic key for automatically adjusting density are displayed. The operation mode designation screen that cannot be displayed on the initial screen is hierarchically displayed in the area 906 by pressing the application mode key.

  A display area 907 is an area for displaying the status of the copying machine 1001, for example, an alarm message such as a jam, or a status message indicating that PDL printing is being performed when PDL printing is being performed. It is an area. A system status / cancel touch key 908 is displayed in the display area 907. When the system status / cancel touch key 908 is pressed, a screen for displaying device information of the copier 1001 or a screen for displaying the print job status (not shown). Display). On this screen, it is possible to cancel the job.

  When the transmission / FAX tab 902 is pressed, a screen for transmitting an image read by the scanner 2007 is displayed. With this screen, transmission using the E-MAIL protocol for transmission to a device on the LAN 1006, transmission using the FTP protocol, facsimile transmission using the public line 1008, or the like can be selected.

  When the box tab 903 is pressed, the following screen is displayed. The image read on the copying machine 1001 is stored in the box area in the HDD 2004, the image data stored in the box area is designated and printed, or transmitted to the device on the LAN 1006 as described above. A setting screen (not shown) is displayed. When the browser tab 904 is pressed, a screen for inputting a URL for acquiring data, a screen for instructing saving of data acquired from the input URL, and a screen for instructing printing are displayed.

  Further, when the controller unit 2000 is equipped with five or more functions, the following screen is displayed. The right arrow key 905 is displayed on the right side of the four function tabs 901 to 904 of copy, send / fax, box, and browser, and when the right arrow key 905 is pressed, a screen for another function is displayed. It is like that.

  The list screen 101 in FIG. 4 is an example of input items displayed on the LCD display unit 2013. Reference numeral 101 denotes an example of a selection item using a text field item and a pull-down menu. This operation screen is created by the CPU 2001 according to a program stored in the HDD 2004. The same applies to various screens described below. A transmission / FAX tab 902, a box tab 903, a browser tab 904, and the like are pressed to display items for inputting an E-MAIL address, a subject, and an item for an image stored in the box.

  FIG. 5 shows an input item column used for inputting each item displayed on the list screen of FIG. 4 in the management table. The management table will be described in detail. The input designation screen shows the displayed screen. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the “list screen” of FIG. 5 is displayed. In addition, examples of the input screen include a screen for the user to log in. The input item name indicates the name of the item to be input. Mandatory / arbitrary indicates whether input of an item indicated by the input item name is essential or optional. The type indicates the type of data input to the item indicated by the input item name. For text items, text data such as alphabets, kana and kanji are input from the software keyboard. For items described as pull-down items, when data is input to the item indicated by the input item name, the corresponding data is selected from the pull-down menu. The order indicates the order selected as an input item. The initial value indicates an initial value when displaying the designated input item. When an input item having an initial value is selected, the initial value is displayed in the text field when no text data has been input yet. The purpose of use of each item is as follows. The table indicating the input items on the standby screen in FIG. 3 is not shown, but is configured in the same manner as the list screen and the login screen.

  FIG. 6 shows a task for selecting a screen to be displayed on the LCD display unit 2013 of the operation unit 2012. The CPU 2001 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 according to the program stored in the HDD 2004.

  When the screen display task starts, the CPU 2001 determines whether the task is a task for displaying a standby screen (step 601). If it is determined that the task is a task for displaying a standby screen, the CPU 2001 reads the management table shown in FIG. 5 (step 605), and displays an input field for input items (step 606). When determining that the standby screen is not displayed, the CPU 2001 determines whether to display the login screen next (step 602). When the CPU 2001 determines to display the login screen, it reads the management table shown in FIG. 5 (step 607) and displays the input field of the input items (step 608). When determining that the login screen is not displayed, the CPU 2001 determines whether to display the list screen (step 603). When determining that the list screen is to be displayed, the CPU 2001 reads the management table shown in FIG. 5 (step 609), and displays the input field of the input item (step 610). On the other hand, when determining that the list screen is not displayed, the CPU 2001 determines whether to display another screen (step 604). In the case of the other screen display, the management table shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is not a display of another screen, the screen display task is terminated.

  FIG. 7 is a task for inputting data into each input item column of the screen displayed by the screen display task of FIG. The CPU 2001 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 according to the program stored in the HDD 2004.

  When the item input task starts, the CPU 2001 determines whether there is an input (step 801). The presence / absence of input is determined based on whether the corresponding item input field is touched or whether a cursor (not shown) is moved to the corresponding item input field. Designating input items by moving or touching the cursor is well known and will not be described in detail.

  Next, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not the type of the input item is a pull-down type area shown in FIG. 5 (step 802). In the case of the pull-down type, a pull-down list is displayed (step 803), and the user is allowed to select a desired option from the list (step 804). If selected from the list, the process returns to step 801. On the other hand, if the area is not a pull-down type area, the CPU 2001 determines whether the input item type is the text type area (text field) shown in FIG. If it is not a text type area, input the item according to the input value. On the other hand, in the case of a text type input area, the CPU 2001 sets a pointer for selecting an input item (step 807). Here, data representing the order shown in FIG. 5 is set in the pointer. In this embodiment, the input item can be moved to another item different from the currently selected item by incrementing or decrementing the value of the pointer.

  Next, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not a text input area is designated for the first time in the displayed screen (step 808). When the text input area is designated for the first time, as shown in FIG. 8, the “previous input” button for returning to the previously input item is not displayed (step 809). Similarly, the CPU 2001 determines whether it is the last input item (step 810). If it is the last input item, as shown in FIG. 10, the “next input” button for moving to the next input item is not displayed (step 811).

  Here, whether or not it is the last input item is determined based on whether or not all other input items have been input. Or you may determine based on the data showing the order shown in FIG.

  If the text area is not the first designated text area and the last designated text area, the CPU 2001 displays both the “previous input” button and the “next input” button as shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 2001 displays a keyboard for inputting characters such as alphabets as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 (step 812). This keyboard displays a keyboard for inputting text. A text data display area for displaying the input text data is also displayed. Further, a “next input” or “previous input” key for selecting another input item and an “OK” key for confirming the input text are displayed. At this time, an input item name for specifying the item being input, priority information indicating whether input to the input item is essential or optional, and the like are also displayed on the displayed keyboard. Thus, even when the list screen is hidden by the displayed keyboard, it is possible to know the input item name and the input priority. Thus, by displaying the list screen representing the display area of the plurality of items and the keyboard in an overlapping manner, there is a remarkable advantage that the input screen can be reduced.

  The keyboard for inputting characters in the input items may be a known QWERTY keyboard, numeric keys, or the like in addition to those displayed. When text is input, the CPU 2001 stores the input text in the text buffer area of the RAM 2002, which is a temporary holding area (step 814).

  Next, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not the “next input” button has been operated (step 815). If the CPU 2001 determines that the “next input” button has been pressed, the CPU 2001 associates the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary holding area, that has been input with the input item with the input item name that has been input so far. (Step 816). Here, the input item name is specified by a pointer. Further, the CPU 2001 clears the text buffer for the next input item (step 817). When the text buffer area is cleared, the pointer for managing the input item name is incremented to specify the next input item (step 818). At this time, with the display of the keyboard maintained, the input item name and priority information for specifying the item being input on the keyboard are changed to the input item name and priority information indicated by the pointer (step 819). . Thereby, the movement of the input item can be realized.

  For example, if the item name and priority information input before the “next input” button is pressed are “document name” “input required” in the “list screen” shown in FIG. When the “Enter” button is pressed, the following is displayed. That is, with the keyboard display maintained, the input item name and priority information are changed to “comment” and “input required” according to the order data shown in FIG. This eliminates the need for the user to open and close the keyboard. Moreover, even if the list screen showing the display areas of a plurality of items is hidden by the keyboard, there is a remarkable advantage that information about the items to be input can be recognized immediately.

  At this time, if text data has already been entered and saved in the comment field, the saved text data may be displayed in the text display area.

  When determining that the “next input” button has not been pressed, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not the “previous input” button has been operated (step 820). If the CPU 2001 determines that the “Previous input” button has been pressed, the CPU 2001 associates the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary storage area, that has been input with the input item with the input item name that has been input so far. (Step 821). Here, the input item name being input is specified by a pointer. Further, the CPU 2001 clears the text buffer in order to display the data of the previous input item. When the text buffer area is cleared, the pointer for managing the input item name is decremented to specify the previous input item (step 822). If there is text data that has already been entered and saved in the previous input item, the saved text data is displayed.

  At this time, the keyboard display is continued, and the input item name and priority information for indicating the item being input on the keyboard are changed to the input item name and priority information indicated by the pointer (step 824). Thereby, the movement of the input item can be realized.

  If the “previous input” button has not been pressed, the CPU 2001 determines whether the “OK” button has been pressed (step 825). When determining that the “OK” button has been pressed, the CPU 2001 stores the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary storage area that has been input, in correspondence with the input item of the input item name that has been input so far. (Step 826). Further, the CPU 2001 clears the text buffer (step 827). When the text buffer area is cleared, the keyboard is hidden (step 828), and this process is terminated. If it is determined that the “OK” button has not been pressed, the process returns to step 813.

  When this process ends, the text data stored in step 816, step 820, and step 825 may be displayed on the list screen. That is, the input text data may be displayed for text type input items such as “document name”, “keyword”, and “comment” on the list screen shown in FIG. By doing so, the user has a remarkable advantage that all the input items can be confirmed together.

  Here, the description is not limited to the example in which the input items are changed while the keyboard display is continued by sequentially displaying the text type input items using the order data shown in FIG.

  It is possible to reduce the opening / closing operation of the software keyboard by the user by using only the type of data shown in FIG. 5 without using the order data. The CPU 2001 executes the following processing according to the program stored in the HDD 2004.

  For example, if the CPU 2001 determines in step 815 that the “next input” button has been operated, the next process may be performed instead of incrementing the pointer. That is, the CPU 2001 determines whether there is another text type input item name. If there is another text type input item, the following processing is executed. Instead of step 816, the data in the text buffer, which is a temporary storage area for the text data input so far, is stored in association with the input items input so far. In that case, the process proceeds to step 819 without performing the process of step 818.

  The “previous input” button is the same as the “next input” button, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the opening / closing operation of the software keyboard by the user by using the priority order information data shown in FIG.

  For example, if the CPU 2001 determines in step 815 that the “next input” button has been operated, the next process may be performed instead of incrementing the pointer. That is, the CPU 2001 first determines whether there is another input item whose priority information is “essential”. Subsequently, if there is another input item for which priority information is essential, instead of step 816, the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary holding area that has been input, has been input up to that point. Save the name corresponding to the input item. In that case, the process proceeds to step 819 without performing the process of step 818.

  On the other hand, if there is no input item whose other priority information is “required”, it is determined whether there is another input item whose priority information is “arbitrary”. If there is another input item whose priority information is “arbitrary”, instead of step 816, the data in the text buffer area, which is the temporary holding area that has been input, is the input item name that has been input so far. Save corresponding to the input items. In that case, the process proceeds to step 819 without performing the process of step 818.

  If there is no other input item “required” and no other input item “optional”, the same processing as the “OK button” shown in FIG. That is, instead of step 826, the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary holding area, which has been input so far, is stored in correspondence with the input item of the input item name input so far. Following this, step 827 and step 828 are executed.

  The same applies when the “Previous input” button is operated, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The list screen 101 of FIG. 8 provides the same function for this specific example, and shows a list screen of attribute items of selection items using items of input text fields and pull-down menus. Reference numeral 110 denotes a state where the software keyboard is displayed by pressing an input text field (“document name”) on the list screen 101, and text data can be input into the text display area 1101 of the software keyboard. Information on input items (“document name” and “input required”) is displayed on the software keyboard. A “next input” button 1100 is displayed on the software keyboard. The user presses a “next input” button 1100 after inputting text into a text buffer to be displayed in the text display area. When the “next input” button 1100 is pressed, the information of the input item is switched from “document name” “input required” to “comment” “input required” while the software keyboard is displayed. As a result, the text buffer in which the data in the text buffer is displayed for display in the text display area is switched to the text buffer for inputting the text for the input item “comment”. On the soft keyboard 111 of the input item “comment”, “previous input” 1110 and “next input” 1111 buttons are displayed. When the “Previous input” 1110 button is pressed, the software keyboard transitions to the soft keyboard 110 of the previous input item “document name” while being displayed. As a result, the text buffer held for displaying the data in the text buffer in the text display area is switched to the text buffer for inputting the text for the input item “document name”. When the “next input” 1111 button is pressed, the information of the input item is switched from “comment” “input required” to “keyword” “input optional” while the software keyboard is displayed. As a result, the text buffer in which the data in the text buffer is stored for displaying in the text display area is switched to the text buffer for inputting text for the input item “keyword” (FIG. 10).

  Reference numeral 113 in FIG. 11 denotes a software keyboard for the input item “document name” displayed when the “Previous input” 1110 button is pressed (similar to the soft keyboard 110 for the input item “document name”). In this case, the value input by the previous input is previously input to the text display area 1130 as the initial input value in the text buffer for display in the text display area.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a soft keyboard for an input item “keyword” displayed when the “next input” 1111 button is pressed.

  The following items are displayed in common for all the soft keyboards of the input item “document name” 110, the input item “comment” 111, and the input item “keyword” 112 described above. This is an item for indicating the input item name 1120 and priority information indicating whether the input is essential or optional “input optional” 1121. Further, a text display area, a text input key, a conversion key, an OK key for confirming data held in the text buffer and not displaying the software keyboard are displayed.

  Also, since 112 has no next input item, only the “previous input” button 1122 described above is provided.

  Here, the “next input” and “previous input” keys are displayed on the software keyboard, but the present invention is not limited to this. These keys may be provided at a place other than the software keyboard. In this case, the “next input” and “previous input” keys are not displayed in step 809 and step 811, but the following processing is preferable. That is, in step 809, processing for invalidating the “previous input” key input is performed, and even if the “previous input” key is pressed, the input is ignored or a warning is given that the input is invalid. Good. Similarly, in step 811, processing for invalidating the “next input” key input is performed, and even if the “next input” key is pressed, the input is ignored or a warning is given that the input is invalid. That's fine.

  The present invention can be achieved by supplying a storage medium (or recording medium) storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above embodiments to a system or apparatus. It can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Moreover, the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. Not only this, but based on the instruction of the program code, an operating system (OS) or the like running on the computer can perform part or all of the actual processing. The case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the processing is also included.

  Furthermore, when the program code read from the storage medium is written in a storage medium provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is as follows. Based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention is as follows when the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is distributed via a network. It is stored in a storage means such as a hard disk or a memory of a system or apparatus or a storage medium such as a CD-RW, CD-R, or USB memory. This can also be achieved by a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage means or the storage medium.

600 Input Item Providing Device 6000 Input Unit 6001 Input Item Management Unit 6002 Control Unit 6003 Information Storage Unit (Memory / HD)

Claims (10)

Keyboard ,
An input device for displaying on a display unit a first type input item in which data is input through the keyboard and a second type input item in which data is input without using the keyboard ,
Between the third input items are pre-Symbol first input field and the first type is a first type that is displayed on the display unit, the second input items are pre-Symbol second type Display control means for displaying on the display unit;
The next input object is specified based on the input item by being pressed by the user, and the first input item is changed to the third input item instead of the second input item from the first input item. An input device comprising: a key for changing the input target; and a control means for controlling whether or not the key is displayed on the display unit together with the keyboard.   When an instruction to change the input item to be input to the next input item via the keyboard displayed on the display unit by the key is received, data input to the input item is saved. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit.   The keyboard can change the input target from the third input item to the first input item after changing the input target from the first input item to the third input item. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a key to be displayed is displayed on the display unit.   4. The input according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a screen including the keyboard on the display unit in a state where at least a part of the input screen is not displayed. 5. apparatus.   The input apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires image data using a device included in the input apparatus.   The input device according to claim 5, further comprising an editing unit that edits the image data acquired by the acquiring unit.   The input device according to claim 5, further comprising a receiving unit that receives an instruction to print the image data acquired by the acquiring unit.   The input device according to claim 5, further comprising a print control unit that controls printing based on the image data acquired by the acquisition unit. Keyboard ,
A control method for an input device that causes a display unit to display a first type input item in which data is input via the keyboard and a second type input item in which data is input without going through the keyboard ,
Between the third input items are pre-Symbol first input field and the first type is a first type that is displayed on the display unit, the second input items are pre-Symbol second type A display control step to be displayed on the display unit;
The next input object is specified based on the input item by being pressed by the user, and the first input item is changed to the third input item instead of the second input item from the first input item. A control method for an input device , comprising: a key for changing the input target, and a control step for controlling whether or not the key is displayed on the display unit together with the keyboard.   The program for making a computer perform the control method of the input device of Claim 9.

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