JPH04271422A - Data input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a data input device with which a person intuitively inputs data and easily finds the erroneous input operation. CONSTITUTION:The data input device where numerical data which discriminates the number of digits of a numerical value by the classification of the figure in the most significant digit is inputted and the numerical value is displayed on a display means 4 is provided with ten keys 2 for input of figures 0 to 9 and discrimination control means 7, 7', and 7''. These discrimination control means output such control signal to the display means 4 that the number of digits of the numerical value to be inputted is discriminated by the first inputted figure and this figure is put in the most significant digit of the discriminated number of digits to display the numerical value and following input figures are put in lower digits in order up to the least significant digit of the discriminated number of digits to display the numerical value in the same manner.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data input device such as a numeric keypad input device for a copying machine.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a copying machine, the number of copies, the reduction ratio, etc. are input, and copies are made based on the input. In this case, a predetermined number is input using a numeric keypad, and the input number is displayed on a display unit such as an LED. The operator determines whether the desired value has been set by looking at the numbers displayed on the display.

[0003] In such a copying machine, numbers that are input sequentially are displayed in a carry-up manner from the lowest digit position to the last number. That is, when inputting "824" by pressing the numeric keypad, when "8" is first pressed, "8" is displayed at the lowest digit position (rightmost position = 1's digit) on the display section. Next, press "2" and the "
8" is carried up to the tens digit position, and "2" is displayed in the lowest digit position. In this state, "82" will be displayed. In this way, finally "824
' will be displayed.

0004

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, "8"
Since the number originally means 800, it should be displayed in the hundreds place from the beginning. In this respect, there is a problem that it is not very intuitive for humans. Also, depending on the type of data you want to input, the copier has a rule that says if the first number to be input is "8", only a three-digit number can be entered. ” and enters “85” (if the first number entered is “3”, 2
). Although this is incorrect, the number "8" is displayed first in the lowest digit position. Therefore, at that point, it is difficult for the operator to notice his own error (because he thinks that the carry will be successively carried forward), and when the next number "5" is input and the end is completed, the operator notices the error. It's easy to become a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems of conventional data input devices, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data input device that is intuitive for humans and allows users to easily notice erroneous input operations.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention inputs numerical data that allows the number of digits of the numerical value to be determined based on the type of the number of the most significant digit, and displays the numerical value on a display means. A data input device that sequentially inputs data from 0 to 9.
A number input means that can input numbers, and a number of digits to be input is determined based on the first number input from the number input means, and the number of digits to be input is determined based on the first number input. The first input digit is placed in the most significant digit position of the number and displayed, and the next input digit is placed in the next lower digit position and displayed, and then the determined number of digits is displayed. a data input device equipped with a determination control means for outputting a control signal to the display means to display a similar display up to the lowest digit; Determine the number of digits of the number to be input based on the number, put the first input digit in the highest digit position of the determined number of digits, and display each digit that is input. is a data input device equipped with a determination control means for outputting a control signal to the display means to display the carry while sequentially starting from the lowest digit position, or a number input from the number input means. Determine the number of digits of the number to be input based on the input number, display the first input digit in the highest digit position of the determined number of digits, and A control that inserts and displays the number to be displayed in a digit where the number to be displayed is uniquely determined from the determined number of digits, and then inserts each input digit into an empty digit according to a predetermined rule and displays it. and a determination control means for outputting a signal to the display means.

[0007]

[Operation] According to the above-described configuration, the determination control means determines the number of digits of the numerical value to be input based on the first input digit, and The first inputted number is placed in the highest digit position of the number of digits and displayed, and the next inputted number is placed in the next lower digit position and displayed, and hereafter the determined number of digits is displayed. A control signal is output to the display means to display the same display up to the lowest digit, or the determination control means determines that the first input digit is to be input. Determine the number of digits of the number, put the first input number in the highest digit position of the determined number of digits, and display it. Subsequently, each input number is input in order from the lowest digit position. A control signal is output to the display means to display the carry while increasing the number, or the determination control means determines the number of digits of the numerical value to be input based on the first input digit. Then, the first inputted number is entered and displayed in the most significant digit position of the determined number of digits, and at the same time, the number to be displayed is moved from the determined number of digits to the digit that uniquely determines the number to be displayed. A control signal is output to the display means for inputting and displaying the numbers to be displayed, and then inputting and displaying each inputted number into a vacant digit according to a predetermined rule.

[0008]

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

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of an operation panel used in a data input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes an operation panel provided on the top surface of a copying machine, which is an example of an image forming apparatus. This operation panel 100 is provided with means for instructing various image forming functions as described below, and means for appropriately displaying the setting status thereof.

That is, print key 1 is a key for starting copying. The numeric keypad 2, which is an example of numeric input means, is used to set the number of copies and the reduction ratio. The density adjustment key 3 is a key for controlling copy density. 3a is the copy density lamp. 3b is a key for instructing automatic density adjustment, and 3c is a lamp indicating that automatic density mode is being set. 4 is
This is an LED display as an example of display means that displays the preset number of copies and the reduction ratio. Paper selection key 5 is B
5, A4, etc. paper is selected, and 5a is an LED display device that displays the selected paper. 6 is a document size setting key. 6a is a lamp that displays the set document size. 23 is a magnification (zoom) key for instructing copy magnification. 24 is an all clear key, which is a key for clearing all various modes. Also, 2
5 is a key for clearing the preset number of sheets to 0.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the LED display 4. As shown in FIG. It can display up to 3 digits of numerical value. The highest digit (hundreds digit) is represented by A, the middle digit (tens digit) is represented by B, and the lowest digit (ones digit) is represented by C. The determination control means 7 determines the number of digits of the numerical value to be input based on the first digit inputted from the numeric keypad 2, and determines the number of digits of the determined number of digits. Insert the first input number into the digit position and display it.
Next, a control signal is output to the LED display 4 to display the input number in the next lower digit position, and to display the same number up to the lowest number of the determined number of digits. It is a means. The specific details will be described in the explanation of the operation below.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment of the present invention will be explained. The copying machine of this embodiment has a reduction ratio of 60% to 14
0%. In other words, the most significant digit is 6.
, 7, 8, and 9, it can be determined that the reduction ratio is two digits, and when it is 1, it can be determined that the reduction ratio is three digits. Therefore, it is assumed that the user uses the numeric keypad 2 to input a reduction ratio (step S1). The determination control means 7 determines whether the first inputted number among the inputted numbers is 1 (step S2). In the case of 1, since it should be 3 digits, a signal is output to display 1 at the location A of the LED display 4 in FIG. 2 (step S3). Then, it is determined whether the next input number is between 0 and 4, and if it is not between 0 and 4, an error signal is output (step S4). If it is 0 to 4, output a signal to display that number at location B (
Step S5). Furthermore, it outputs a signal that causes the next input number to be displayed at location C (step S6).

On the other hand, if a number other than 1 is input in step S2, it must be a two-digit number (step S2), and if it is 2 to 5, an error signal is output (step S7); If so, a signal is output to display the number at location B (step S8). It also outputs a signal that causes the next input number to be displayed at location C (step S6).

[0014] If the user makes a mistake and enters 14%, 1 will be displayed in place A and 4 will be displayed in place B.
It is desirable to display this and make the location C blink to let people know that they are waiting for an input and to make them aware of the error. Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is the determination control means 7', so the explanation of the other means will be omitted.

That is, the determination control means 7' of this embodiment determines the number of digits of the numerical value to be input based on the first inputted number, and determines the number of digits of the numerical value to be inputted. A control signal is sent to display the first input digit in the most significant digit position of the determined number of digits, and to display each digit that is subsequently input by increasing the digit position in order from the lowest digit position. This is means for outputting to the LED display 4.

The difference from the determination control means 7 in FIG. 3 is as follows.
The way the numbers following the most significant digit are displayed is different. The method of display will be described while explaining the operation of this embodiment. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, when the user selects the number key 2
Assume that the reduction ratio is input using (step S1)
. The determination control means 7 determines which of the input numbers are
Determine whether the first number entered is 1 (step S
2). In the case of 1, it should be 3 digits, so LE in Figure 2
A signal is output to display 1 at the location A on the D display 4 (step S3). Then, it outputs a signal to display the next digit to be input at location C (step S4). Furthermore, the next number to be input is displayed in place of C, and it is
Outputs a signal that causes the number corresponding to B to be displayed at location B (
Step S5). This display method is similar to the conventional display method.

On the other hand, if a number other than 1 is input in step S2, it must be a two-digit number (step S2), and if it is 2 to 5, an error signal is output (step S6); If so, a signal is output to display the number at location B (step S7). It also outputs a signal that causes the next input number to be displayed at location C (step S8).

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In this embodiment, a case where the length of a roll paper is input using the numeric keypad 2 will be explained as an example. It is assumed that the length of this roll is 400 to 2000 mm, and is input in 10 mm increments for 3 digits, and in 100 mm increments for 4 digits. Since the only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is the determination control means 7'', a description of the other means will be omitted.

In other words, the determination control means 7'' of this embodiment determines the number of digits of the numeric value to be input based on the first digit inputted from the numeric keypad 2, and Insert and display the first inputted number in the highest digit position of the determined number of digits, and at the same time,
The number to be displayed is inserted into the digit where the number to be displayed is uniquely determined from the determined number of digits and displayed, and each number inputted thereafter is inserted into the empty digit according to a predetermined rule and displayed. This is means for outputting a control signal to the LED display 4. That is, if the most significant digit is 1 or 2, it can be determined that it is a 4-digit number, and if it is 4 to 9, it can be determined that it is a 3-digit number. Further, the details of the point in which the number is uniquely determined will be described in accordance with the operation of the present embodiment described below.

As shown in FIG.
Suppose that you input the roll length using
1). The determination control means 7'' determines whether or not the first input number among the input numbers is 2 (step S2). If it is 2, it should be 4 digits, so the number shown in FIG.
2 is displayed at the location A of the LED display 4 (step S9), and since the distance is up to 2000 mm, B, C,
A signal for displaying 000 at location D is output (step S10). Also, if the first number input is 1 instead of 2 (steps S2, S3), it should be 4 digits, so 1 is displayed in place A of the LED display 4 in FIG. 6 (step S7). , and in 100mm increments, C
, D to display 00 (step S7). Then, it outputs a signal to display the next digit to be input at location B (step S8). Furthermore, if the first number input is a number other than 1 or 2 (steps S2, S3), it should be 3 digits, so that number is displayed at the location B of the LED display 4 in FIG. Step S4
), and in 10 mm increments, a signal is output to display 0 at location D (step S5). and,
A signal is output to display the next input number at the location C (step S6). In this way, if there is a number that is uniquely determined at the same time based on the number of digits, that number is displayed in that digit at that point. As a result, even if the user mistakenly attempts to input 1999 mm sequentially, for example, "100" will be immediately displayed, and the user will immediately notice the error.

Note that the number input means of the present invention is not limited to the numeric keypad, but other number input means may be used. Further, the display means of the present invention is not limited to the LED display, but other display means such as liquid crystal can be used. Further, the determination control means of the present invention may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit having the above functions, or may be realized by software using a computer.

[0022]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention determines the number of digits of a numerical value to be input based on the first input number, and places the number of digits in the highest digit position of the determined number of digits. Since the numbers initially input can be entered and displayed, it is possible to provide a data input device that is intuitive for humans and makes it easy to notice erroneous input operations.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of an operation panel in an embodiment of a data input device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the LED display device of the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of another embodiment of the data input device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of another embodiment of the data input device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the LED indicator in the example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Print key 2
Numeric keypad (number input method) 4
LED display (display means)
7, 7', 7" Judgment control means

Claims (3)

[Claims] Claim 1: A data input device for inputting numerical data whose number of digits can be determined based on the type of the number of the most significant digit, and displaying the numerical value on a display means, the data input device sequentially inputting numerical data from 0 to 9. For numbers entered from the number input means, the number of digits of the number to be input is determined based on the first number input, and the number of digits to be input is determined. The first inputted number is placed in the highest digit position and displayed, and the next inputted number is placed in the next lower digit position and displayed, and thereafter the lowest number of the determined number of digits is displayed. 1. A data input device comprising: determination control means for outputting a control signal to the display means to display the same number up to the number. 2. A data input device for inputting numerical data whose number of digits can be determined based on the type of the number of the most significant digit, and displaying the numerical value on a display means, the data input device sequentially displaying the numbers 0 to 9. For numbers entered from the number input means, the number of digits of the number to be input is determined based on the first number input, and the number of digits to be input is determined. A control signal is outputted to the display means for displaying the first inputted number by entering it in the highest digit position, and displaying each number that is subsequently input by increasing the digit starting from the lowest digit position. A data input device comprising a determination control means. 3. A data input device for inputting numerical data whose number of digits can be determined based on the type of the number of the most significant digit, and displaying the numerical value on a display means, wherein the numerical data is sequentially inputted from 0 to 9. For numbers entered from the number input means, the number of digits of the number to be input is determined based on the first number input, and the number of digits to be input is determined. Insert and display the first input number in the highest digit position, and at the same time, insert and display the number to be displayed in the digit where the number to be displayed is uniquely determined from the determined number of digits. , and determination control means for outputting a control signal to the display means for displaying each input digit in a vacant digit according to a predetermined rule.