JP2012093612A - Operation device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation device which allows a user to easily understand display positions of software keys for performing necessary instruction to execute predetermined processing.SOLUTION: An operation unit 120, provided in an image forming apparatus 100 which performs predetermined processing, comprises: a display panel 132 which displays a quadrangular screen; a touch panel 134 which is superposed on the display panel 132 and accepts input operations made on the screen; and a CPU 300 which displays software keys on peripheral and corner parts of the screen for performing necessary instruction to execute predetermined processing.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device and an image forming apparatus including the operating device, and more particularly to a technique for displaying a software key.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus equipped with an operation panel configured by overlapping a display panel and a touch panel. In such an operation panel, the user can instruct to start a desired process by touching a software key displayed on the display panel.

  For example, Patent Document 1 described below discloses an automatic transaction apparatus including a touch panel display and a pictorial symbol display board provided in the vicinity of the periphery of the touch panel display. In this automatic transaction apparatus, a plurality of concavo-convex pictorial symbols having a fixed meaning are formed on the pictorial symbol display board respectively corresponding to the plurality of segments at the peripheral edge of the touch panel display. Further, in the touch panel display, a tactile small projection is provided on a surface corresponding to a specific segment. Further, a linear protrusion is provided between the small protrusions and the corresponding pictorial symbol to tactilely guide their positional relationship.

  Further, Patent Document 2 described later discloses an automatic ticket vending machine provided with a display operation unit that is inclined according to a specified inclination and a step flat portion that is formed in front of the lower end of the display operation unit. The step flat portion of the automatic ticket vending machine is provided with Braille for guiding the position of a cancel button, a call button, and a numeric keypad.

  With the techniques disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 described above, for example, a disabled person such as a visually handicapped person can tactilely understand the position of the software key and the content of the instruction given by the software key.

JP-A-11-161151 JP 2003-173457 A

  With the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it is difficult for a visually handicapped person or the like to understand the importance of a software key. Therefore, when the number of software keys to be displayed is large, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to understand the display position of the software key for giving an instruction necessary for executing a predetermined process.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that can easily understand the display position of a software key for performing an instruction necessary for executing a predetermined process, and an image forming apparatus including the operating device. .

  An operating device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an operating device provided in an apparatus that executes a predetermined process, and is arranged so as to overlap a display unit that displays a quadrangular screen and the display unit. A touch panel that accepts an input operation; and display control means for displaying a software key for performing an instruction necessary for executing a predetermined process on a peripheral portion of the screen.

  As described above, since the software key for performing an instruction necessary for executing a predetermined process is displayed on the periphery of the quadrangular screen, the user can easily understand the display position of the software key. Can do. As a result, user operability is further improved.

  Preferably, the display control means displays a software key for giving an instruction necessary for executing a predetermined process on the corner of the screen. As a result, the user can more easily understand the display position of the software key.

  More preferably, the display control means is the most important instruction for executing a predetermined process on the right-hand side of the user who operates the operating device on the screen and closest to the user. The software key for performing is displayed. Thus, the user can easily understand the display position of the software key for performing the most important instruction. As a result, user operability is further improved.

  More preferably, the operation device further includes a peripheral edge recognition means for enabling a peripheral edge portion of the screen to be tactilely recognized. Accordingly, the user can tactilely recognize the display position of the software key, so that the display position of the software key can be understood more easily.

  More preferably, the peripheral edge recognition means is an outer frame frame provided along the peripheral edge of the screen and provided with an inclined surface inclined toward the screen. Accordingly, the user can recognize the display position of the software key by touching the outer frame. Therefore, the user can more easily understand the display position of the software key.

  More preferably, the inclined surface is provided with guiding means for guiding the user's finger toward the software key displayed on the screen. As a result, the user can more easily understand the display position of the software key.

  More preferably, the guiding means is a Braille-shaped convex portion that represents the content of the instruction given by the software key in Braille. Thus, the user can easily understand not only the display position of the software key but also the content of the instruction given by the software key. As a result, user operability is further improved.

  More preferably, the guiding means is a groove-like concave portion formed of a concave curved surface formed toward the software key displayed on the screen from the outside of the operating device. As a result, the software key is displayed on the extended line of the groove-shaped recess, so that the user's finger can be easily guided toward the target software key. Therefore, the user can more easily understand the display position of the software key.

  More preferably, the guiding means is provided in a groove-shaped concave portion formed of a concave curved surface formed toward the software key displayed on the screen from the outside of the operation device, and in the groove-shaped concave portion. It is a Braille-shaped convex part which represents the content of the instruction | indication made in Braille. As described above, by appropriately combining the groove-shaped concave portion and the Braille-shaped convex portion, the user can smoothly confirm the presence of the target software key. Furthermore, the user's finger can be smoothly guided toward the target software key.

  More preferably, the software key displayed on the screen includes a start key for instructing start of execution of a predetermined process and a stop key for instructing stop of execution of the predetermined process. Thereby, the user can easily understand the display positions of the start key and the stop key.

  More preferably, the software key displayed on the screen further includes a plurality of numerical value setting keys for setting numerical values necessary for executing a predetermined process. Thereby, the user can easily understand the display positions of the plurality of numerical value setting keys. As a result, the user can more easily set necessary numerical values.

  More preferably, the screen includes a normal screen created so as to correspond to an input operation by a healthy person, and a simple screen created so as to correspond to an input operation by a visually impaired person, and the operation device further includes: Switching means for switching the display means between the normal screen and the simple screen to be displayed is included. Thereby, the user can switch the display between the normal screen and the simple screen as necessary. As a result, user convenience is further improved.

  More preferably, the predetermined process includes a monochrome copy process and a color copy process, and the display control means is a corner on the right hand side of the user who operates the operation device on the screen and closest to the user. In response to this, a software key for instructing start of color copy processing is displayed. Thus, the user can easily understand the display position of the software key for performing the most important instruction in the copy mode. As a result, user operability is further improved.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that executes a plurality of processes including image processing on image data, and corresponds to the above-described operating device and instructions given to the operating device. Processing execution means for executing processing to be performed. Thus, since the image forming apparatus includes the above-described operation device, the user can easily execute a desired process.

  According to the present invention, the software key for performing an instruction necessary for executing a predetermined process is displayed on the peripheral edge of the rectangular screen, so that the user can easily understand the display position of the software key. can do. As a result, user operability is further improved.

1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a simplified internal configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of a home screen. It is a figure which shows the basic layout structure of the basic screen of a basic operation mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the basic screen of copy mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the basic screen of FAX mode. It is a figure for showing an example of a simple screen. (A) is a top view when the operation unit is viewed from above, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of the operation unit shown in (A). It is a figure which shows the control structure of the computer program for implement | achieving a home screen operation process in the flowchart format. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the computer program for implement | achieving a basic screen operation process in the flowchart format. It is a figure which shows an example of the groove-shaped recessed part provided in an outer frame frame. It is a figure which shows an example of the groove-shaped recessed part provided in an outer frame frame. It is a figure which shows an example of the groove-shaped recessed part and Braille-shaped convex part which are provided in an outer frame frame. It is a figure which shows an example of the groove-shaped recessed part and Braille-shaped convex part which are provided in an outer frame frame. It is a figure which shows another example of the groove-shaped recessed part and braille-shaped convex part which are provided in an outer frame frame. It is a figure which shows another example of the groove-shaped recessed part and braille-shaped convex part which are provided in an outer frame frame. It is a figure which shows another example of a simple screen.

  In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals and names are assigned to the same components. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Image forming apparatus 100]
1 to 3, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an MFP (Multifunction) having a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”) function, and the like. Printer). In the image forming apparatus 100, when the user selects any one of various operation modes including a scanner mode, a copy mode, and a FAX mode, various processes corresponding to the selected operation mode can be executed.

<Hardware configuration>
[Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a document reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a paper feeding unit 106, a paper discharge processing device 108, and an operation unit 120. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the entire image forming apparatus 100 will be described by describing operations in the copy mode and the FAX mode.

-Copy mode-
In the present embodiment, in the copy mode, any one of a scan-in process, a monochrome copy process, and a color copy process is performed mainly by operating the document reading unit 102 and the image forming unit 104.

(Scan-in process)
When the copy mode is selected by the user and the execution start of the scan-in process is instructed, the image of the document placed on the document placing table manually or by ADF (Auto Document Feeder) is read by the document reading unit 102 and scanned. Converted to data. The read scan data is input to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 300 shown in FIG. The CPU 300 performs various image processing on the input scan data, and then displays a preview image based on the scan data on the touch panel display 130 of the operation unit 120. At this time, the scan data is temporarily stored in a storage device (for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) 308). In this specification, image data scanned by the scan-in process is referred to as scan data, so that it is distinguished from other image data.

(Normal monochrome copy processing and color copy processing)
After the user selects the copy mode, when the start of the monochrome copy process or the color copy process is instructed without performing the scan-in process described above, the copy mode is manually or placed on the document table by the ADF. The original image is read by the original reading unit 102 and converted into image data. The read image data is input to the CPU 300, where various image processing is performed and then output to the image forming unit 104.

  The image forming unit 104 prints a document image on a recording medium (in many cases, a recording sheet) based on the image data. The image forming unit 104 includes a photosensitive drum 222, a charging device 224, a laser scan unit (hereinafter referred to as “LSU”) 226, a developing device 228, a transfer device 230, a cleaning device 232, a fixing device 234, and a charge removal device (not shown). Including devices.

  The image forming unit 104 is provided with a main transport path 236 and a reverse transport path 238. The paper feeding unit 106 pulls out the recording paper stored in the paper cassette 240 or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 242 one by one, and directs the drawn recording paper toward the main conveyance path 236 of the image forming unit 104. And send it out. The recording paper fed from the paper feed unit 106 is transported along the main transport path 236.

  While the recording paper is being conveyed along the main conveyance path 236, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum 222 and the transfer device 230 and further passes through the fixing device 234. In this process, the document image is printed on the recording paper.

  The photosensitive drum 222 rotates in one direction. The surface of the photosensitive drum 222 is cleaned by the cleaning device 232 and the static eliminator and then uniformly charged by the charging device 224.

  The LSU 226 modulates laser light based on image data to be printed. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 is repeatedly scanned in the main scanning direction by the laser light, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222.

  The developing device 228 supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 to develop the electrostatic latent image. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222. When the monochrome copy process is executed, the developing device 228 supplies monochrome toner. When the color copy process is executed, the developing device 228 supplies color toner composed of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

  The transfer device 230 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 222 to a recording sheet that passes between the transfer device 230 and the photosensitive drum 222.

  The fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller 250 for pressing the recording paper. The toner image transferred onto the recording paper is heated by the heating roller 248 and is pressed by the pressure roller 250 to be fixed on the recording paper. The temperature of the heating roller 248 is controlled to be a temperature suitable for fixing by, for example, heating a heater provided inside the heating roller 248 with electric power supplied to the fixing device 234.

  A branching claw 244 is disposed at a connection position between the main conveyance path 236 and the reverse conveyance path 238. When printing a document image on only one side of the recording paper, the branching claw 244 is positioned, and the recording paper conveyed from the fixing device 234 by the branching claw 244 is directed to the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108. Led to.

  When printing an original image on both sides of the recording paper, the branching claw 244 is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the recording paper conveyed from the fixing device 234 by the branching claw 244 is guided toward the reverse conveyance path 238. It is burned. The recording sheet passes through the reverse conveyance path 238 and is conveyed again to the main conveyance path 236 with its front and back being reversed. During the second conveyance in the main conveyance path 236, the document image is printed on the back surface of the recording paper. The recording sheet on which printing has been performed is guided to the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108.

  The recording paper on which the document image is printed as described above is guided toward the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 246 or the paper discharge processing device 108. Are discharged to one of the respective paper discharge trays 110.

  The paper discharge processing device 108 performs processing for sorting and discharging a plurality of recording papers to each paper discharge tray 110, processing for punching recording paper, processing for stapling recording paper, and the like. For example, when creating a plurality of printed materials, the paper discharge processing device 108 sorts and discharges the recording paper to each paper discharge tray 110 so that a part of the printed material is allocated to each paper discharge tray 110. Then, for each paper discharge tray 110, a printed material is created by subjecting the recording paper on the paper discharge tray 110 to punching processing or stapling processing.

(Monochrome copy processing and color copy processing after scan-in processing)
After the copy mode is selected by the user and the above scan-in process is performed, there is a case where an instruction to start the monochrome copy process or the color copy process is given. In this case, the scan of the original image and the image processing on the image data are not performed, and the image forming unit 104 reads the above-described image data based on the scan data read during the scan-in process and temporarily stored in the storage device. The printing process is performed in the same manner as described above.

-FAX mode-
In the present embodiment, in the FAX mode, scan-in processing and FAX transmission processing are executed by operating the document reading unit 102 and the FAX communication unit 160 shown in FIG. As the FAX communication unit 160 operates, FAX communication processing is executed. A FAX reception process is executed by the operation of the FAX communication unit 160 and the image forming unit 104.

(Scan-in process)
When the user selects the FAX mode and instructs to start the scan-in process, the document image placed on the document placement table manually or by the ADF is read by the document reading unit 102 and converted into scan data. . The read scan data is input to the CPU 300. The CPU 300 performs various image processing on the input scan data, and then displays a preview image based on the scan data on the touch panel display 130 of the operation unit 120. At this time, the scan data is temporarily stored in a storage device (for example, the RAM 308 shown in FIG. 3).

(FAX transmission processing)
After the user selects the FAX mode, when an instruction to start the FAX transmission process is issued in a state where the scan-in process is not performed, the image of the document placed on the document table manually or by the ADF is the document. The data is read by the reading unit 102 and converted into image data. The read image data is input to the CPU 300, where various image processing is performed, and then output to the FAX communication unit 160.

  On the other hand, after the FAX mode is selected by the user and the scan-in process described above is performed, an instruction to start executing the FAX transmission process may be given. In this case, the scan of the original image and the image processing on the image data are not performed, and the scan data read during the scan-in process and temporarily stored in the storage device is output to the FAX communication unit 160. The

  The FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmission side connects the line on the transmission side to the designated transmission destination, converts the input image data or scan data into communication data that conforms to the facsimile communication standard, The data is transmitted to a receiving facsimile machine (for example, image forming apparatus 100 having a facsimile function).

(FAX communication processing)
When the line is connected, the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side detects a communication request signal from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmitting side, and transmits a response signal. After that, for example, the FAX communication unit 160 transfers the capability information implemented on the transmission side and the reception side, and determines the communication speed and the encoding / code correction method of the image data with the maximum available capability. To set the modem communication method. Data is transmitted from the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the transmission side to the FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the reception side using an image signal format adapted to this communication method. When transmission is completed, the line is disconnected.

(FAX reception processing)
The FAX communication unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side converts the received data into image data and sends it to the image forming unit 104. Note that the image forming unit 104 may convert the received data into image data. The image forming unit 104 prints an image based on the image data converted from the received data on a recording sheet in the same manner as the operation in the copy mode described above.

<Electrical configuration>
Referring to FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 100 stores operation unit 120, ROM (Read Only Memory) 306 for storing a program and the like, and a program, data, and the like even when energization is interrupted. It includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 302 including a hard disk that provides a possible non-volatile storage area, and a RAM 308 that provides a storage area when executing a program.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a document reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a FAX communication unit 160, an operation unit 120, an HDD 302, a ROM 306, a RAM 308, and a network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F”) 304. It includes a bus 310 to be connected, and a CPU 300 that is connected to the bus 310 and controls the above-described units to realize a general function as an image forming apparatus.

  The HDD 302 stores various data such as image data scanned by the document reading unit 102. The ROM 306 stores a computer program for realizing a general operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and a computer program for realizing a home screen operation process and a basic screen operation process, which will be described later. The ROM 306 further stores screen data for displaying various operation mode basic screens, simple screens, various setting screens, and the like.

  The RAM 308 provides a function as a working memory that temporarily stores the results of calculation and processing by the CPU 300 and a function as a frame memory that stores image data. The CPU 300 executes control related to each function of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a computer program stored in the ROM 306. That is, the CPU 300 executes a predetermined computer program to control the original reading unit 102, the image forming unit 104, the touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 of the operation unit 120, the HDD 302, the ROM 306, and the RAM 308. Realized.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a public line is connected to FAX communication unit 160 of image forming apparatus 100 for transmission / reception of image data, and a network line is connected to network I / F 304. A computer that uses the image forming apparatus 100 as a network compatible printer is connected to this network line, or a computer specified by a URL specified via the Internet is connected. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 connected to the Internet through the network line can acquire necessary information from the external device via the Internet.

<Hardware configuration>
[Operation unit 120]
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the operation unit 120 is a plate-like operation panel provided on the upper front side of the image forming apparatus 100 so as to be inclined so as to be easily viewed by the user. The operation unit 120 includes a quadrangular touch panel display 130 disposed from the center of the surface of the operation unit 120 to the left region, and a display operation unit 140 disposed in the right region of the surface of the operation unit 120. The touch panel display 130 and the display operation unit 140 are held in one housing, and the operation unit 120 is configured to be integrated as a whole. The operation unit 120 communicates with the CPU 300 via an input / output interface (not shown).

  The touch panel display 130 is a touch panel integrated liquid crystal display device in which a display panel 132 and a touch panel 134 are stacked. The display panel 132 includes a home screen for selecting a desired operation mode from a plurality of operation modes executable by the image forming apparatus 100, a basic screen for setting various functions and parameters in various operation modes, and the like. Various screens are displayed. The display operation of the display panel 132 is controlled by the CPU 300. For example, a software key is displayed on the screen displayed on the display panel 132. When the user touches this software key with a finger, touch panel 134 detects the touched position. CPU 300 collates the display position of the software key with the position where touch panel 134 is pressed on the program, and performs operation mode selection, setting of various functions and parameters, operation instruction, and the like based on the collation result. The size and shape of the touch panel display 130 are not particularly limited. For example, a horizontally long rectangular shape of 1024 pixels × 600 pixels can be used.

  The display operation unit 140 includes an indicator lamp 142 and various hardware keys such as a power key 144, a power saving key 146, and a home key 148. The indicator lamp 142 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and lights up when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. The power key 144 is a key for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The power saving key 146 is a key for shifting the state of the apparatus from the normal state to the power saving state or for shifting the state of the apparatus from the power saving state to the normal state. The transition to the power saving state is executed not only when the power saving key 146 is pressed, but also when a predetermined time has elapsed without any user operation. Here, the normal state indicates a state where the power is on and all the operation modes can be executed. The power saving state is a state where the power is on and only a part of the operation modes can be executed.

  The home key 148 is a key for instructing a transition to a home screen or a simple screen. The above-mentioned simple screen is a screen created so as to correspond to an input operation by a physically handicapped person such as a visually handicapped person. The home key 148 is formed to be larger in size than other hardware keys such as the power key 144 and the power saving key 146 in order to facilitate operation by the disabled. When the home key 148 is pressed by the user, the home screen is displayed on the display panel 132. When the user presses the home key 148 for a long time, a simple screen is displayed on the display panel 132. Details of the home screen and the simple screen will be described later.

[Home Screen]
Referring to FIG. 4, the home screen displayed when user presses home key 148 includes a home system area 1100 and an icon display area 1200 including a display variable area 1210 and a display fixed area 1230. . The home system area 1100 is provided at the top of the home screen. Icon display area 1200 is provided at the center of the home screen. The display variable area 1210 is provided in the upper part of the icon display area 1200, and the display fixed area 1230 is provided in the lower part of the icon display area 1200.

  In the home system area 1100, an image (here, an image including a picture and a character string such as “Home”) 1202, an interrupt key 1204, a logout key 1206, and the current time 1208 are displayed in the home system area 1100. Is done.

  In the icon display area 1200, various software keys for the user to select a desired operation mode are displayed together with a character string indicating the name or abbreviation of the operation mode. Note that the character string indicating the name or abbreviation of the operation mode is not essential. In the icon display area 1200, the various software keys displayed in the display variable area 1210 are displayed so that the page can be scrolled in the horizontal direction of the screen. The various software keys displayed in the fixed display area 1230 are displayed with their display positions fixed.

  In the present embodiment, the display variable area 1210 includes, as the above-described various software keys, a key 1211 for selecting an HDD scan mode for storing scan data in the HDD 302, a key 1212 for selecting an Internet FAX mode, and A key 1213 for selecting the FAX mode is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the display fixed area 1230 includes a key 1231 for selecting a copy mode and a key 1232 for selecting a PC scan mode for transmitting scan data to a remote PC as the above-described various software keys. Etc. are displayed. Various software keys displayed in the fixed display area 1230 are displayed in the form of simple pictures (that is, as icons) representing the operation mode corresponding to each key. When these software keys are touched, a basic screen of the corresponding operation mode is displayed on the display panel 132.

[Basic screen of basic operation mode]
When a software key for selecting a basic operation mode displayed on the home screen or the like is touched by the user, a basic screen of the selected basic operation mode is displayed on the display panel 132. Here, the basic operation mode is an operation mode for executing image processing such as printing processing and transmission processing of image data, and in this embodiment, indicates a copy mode, a FAX mode, and the like. The basic screen in this basic operation mode is a screen created so as to correspond to an input operation by a healthy person.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the basic screen of the basic operation mode includes a system area 2100, a function setting / confirmation area (hereinafter referred to as “function selection area”) 2200, a preview area 2300, an action panel area 2400, And a task trigger area 2500. These areas are arranged as follows according to the basic layout. That is, the system area 2100 is arranged at the top of the basic screen. The preview area 2300 is arranged at the center of the basic screen. The function selection area 2200 is arranged on the left side of the preview area 2300 on the basic screen. The action panel area 2400 is arranged on the upper right side with respect to the preview area 2300 on the basic screen. The task trigger area 2500 is arranged on the lower right side with respect to the preview area 2300 on the basic screen. The area and basic layout constituting the basic screen of the basic operation mode described above are common to all the basic operation modes.

[Basic screen 3000 in copy mode]
Hereinafter, a basic screen 3000 in the copy mode will be described as an example of the basic screen in the basic operation mode. 6, in the system area 2100 of the copy mode basic screen 3000, an image (here, an image including a picture and a character string “copy”) 2102, a logout key 2104, and the like are displayed. Is displayed. The logout key 2104 displays the name of the logged-in user. The system area 2100 further includes an area 2106 indicating the current job status. In this area 2106, for example, an icon indicating that the current copy process is being executed and that the current process is being stopped are indicated. An icon (none of which is shown) is displayed.

  The function selection area 2200 displays various setting keys for changing the setting of conditions such as various functions and parameters relating to the copy mode. In this embodiment, as various setting keys, a key 2202 for switching the color mode, a key 2204 for changing the copy density, a key 2206 for changing the copy magnification, and the like are displayed. When any one of these various setting keys is touched by the user, a setting screen (for example, a density setting screen and a magnification setting screen) corresponding to the touched key is displayed on the display panel 132. The

  Change keys 2212 to 2216 for changing the display style of the various setting keys are displayed below the various setting keys in the function selection area 2200. The change key 2212 is a key for displaying only setting keys relating to functions registered in advance as “favorites”. The change key 2214 is a key for displaying only the setting key relating to the function whose setting has been changed. The change key 2216 is a key for displaying setting keys relating to all functions whose settings can be changed in the corresponding operation mode. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the change key 2216 is selected, and setting keys relating to all functions whose settings can be changed in the copy mode are displayed in the function selection area 2200.

  The preview area 2300 displays a virtual numeric keypad group 2302 for inputting and setting the number of copies. The virtual numeric keypad group 2302 includes numeric keys from 0 to 9 and a clear (C) key. The virtual numeric keypad group 2302 is displayed in a background area 2303 that is a window. Below the virtual numeric keypad group 2302 in the preview area 2300, a mimic image 2304 indicating the current status of the entire image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. The user can display a paper setting screen on the display panel 132 by performing a touch operation on the mimic image 2304.

  In the action panel area 2400, various execution keys for executing the recommended function in the copy mode are displayed. Here, the recommended function refers to a function that has been selected in combination with a function selected by the user in the past. In the present embodiment, as the various execution keys, a key 2402 for automatically selecting a copy magnification according to the recording paper to be used, a key 2404 for executing registration of a current setting condition (job program), In addition, a key 2406 and the like for executing filing of image data are displayed.

  In the task trigger area 2500, a scan-in key 2502, a clear all key 2504, a monochrome start key 2506, and a color start key 2508 are displayed. A scan-in key 2502 is a key for instructing the start of scan-in processing for scanning a document and displaying a preview image based on the obtained scan data in the preview area 2500. The clear all key 2504 is a key for canceling all the functions and parameters whose settings have been changed, returning the settings to the default state, and instructing the execution stop of the process being executed. A monochrome start key 2506 is a key for instructing the start of monochrome copy processing based on image data obtained by scanning an original (or scan data obtained by scan-in processing). A color start key 2508 is used for instructing the start of color copy processing (in some cases, monochrome copy processing) based on image data obtained by scanning a document (or scan data obtained by scan-in processing). Key.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has an auto color select function. That is, when the user touches the color start key 2508, first, it is automatically determined whether the document placed on the document placement table is a color document or a monochrome document. Then, according to the determination result, the color copy process or the monochrome copy process is automatically selected and executed. Therefore, in the copy mode, the color start key 2508 is a software key for giving the most important instruction.

  In the present embodiment, the clear all key 2504 and the monochrome start key 2506 are displayed along the peripheral edge of the display screen of the display panel 132 (the lower right portion of the screen in the drawing). The color start key 2508 is displayed at the corner of the display screen of the display panel 132 (the lower right portion of the screen in the drawing).

[FAX mode basic screen 4000]
Hereinafter, a basic screen 4000 in the FAX mode will be described as another example of the basic screen in the basic operation mode. Referring to FIG. 7, in system area 2100 of basic screen 4000 in the FAX mode, key 2112 for requesting display of the screen showing the contents of the address book, and the FAX number of the transmission destination input by the user are displayed. A number display area 2114 for displaying, and a search icon 2116 for requesting display of a search screen for designating a transmission destination using a search number registered in advance for a predetermined FAX number. Is displayed.

  In the function selection area 2200, various setting keys for changing setting of various functions and parameters regarding the FAX mode are displayed. In the present embodiment, as the various setting keys, a key 2222 for changing the density of the FAX document, a key 2224 for changing the image quality of the FAX document, a key 2226 for setting the large-volume document mode, and thin paper A key 2228 and the like for setting a reading function are displayed. When the user touches the key 2222, the key 2224, or the like, the display panel 132 displays a setting screen (density setting screen or image quality setting screen) corresponding to the touched key. Check boxes are displayed on the key 2226, the key 2228, and the like. When the key 2226 or the key 2228 is touched by the user, a check mark is shown in the check box of the touched key, and a function corresponding to the touched key is set. Below the above-described various setting keys in the function selection area 2200, a display of a screen showing a list of other special functions different from the functions displayed in the function selection area 2200 is requested together with the change keys 2212 and 2214 described above. A key 2218 is displayed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the change key 2212 is selected, and only the setting keys relating to functions registered in advance as “favorites” in the FAX mode are displayed in the function selection area 2200.

  In the preview area 2300, a virtual numeric keypad group 2312 for inputting and setting a FAX number or the like is displayed. The virtual numeric keypad group 2312 includes numeric keys from 0 to 9, symbol keys such as a “#” key, a clear (C) key, and a confirmation key. The virtual numeric keypad group 2312 is displayed in a background area 2313 that is a window.

  The preview area 2300 further displays an icon indicating whether or not a FAX document has been set on the document table or ADF (none of which is shown) and a window 2314 indicating the current FAX transmission setting status. The

  In the action panel area 2400, various execution keys for executing a recommended function in the FAX mode are displayed. In the present embodiment, a key 2412 for searching for a desired FAX number using a registered number, a key 2414 for executing a global address search, and the like are displayed as the various execution keys.

  In the task trigger area 2500, a scan-in key 2512, a clear all key 2514, a start key 2516, and an on-hook key 2518 are displayed. The scan-in key 2512 is a key for instructing the start of scan-in processing for scanning a FAX document and displaying a preview image based on the scan data in the preview area 2300. The clear all key 2514 is a key for canceling all the functions and parameters whose settings have been changed, returning the settings to the default state, and instructing the execution stop of the processing being executed. A start key 2516 is a key for instructing the start of execution of FAX transmission processing. An on-hook key 2518 is a key for setting the line state to an on-hook state. In the FAX mode, the start key 2516 is a software key for giving the most important instruction.

  In the present embodiment, the clear all key 2514 and the on-hook key 2518 are displayed along the periphery of the display screen of the display panel 132 (in the drawing, the lower right portion of the screen). The start key 2516 is displayed at the corner of the display screen of the display panel 132 (the lower right portion of the screen in the drawing).

[Simple screen 5000]
Referring to FIG. 8, a simple screen 5000 displayed when the user presses the home key 148 for a long time is an operation screen corresponding to both the copy mode and the FAX mode. Note that whether the copy mode or the FAX mode is supported is set in advance by an input operation to the operation unit 120 by the user. On the simple screen 5000, a start key 5002, a stop key 5004, a “+” key 5006, and a “−” key 5008 are displayed. The start key 5002 functions as the color start key 2508 in the copy mode, and functions as the start key 2516 in the FAX mode. The stop key 5004 functions as the clear all key 2504 in the copy mode, and functions as the clear all key 2514 in the FAX mode. A “+” key 5006 and a “−” key 5008 function as keys for inputting and setting the number of copies in the copy mode, and functions as keys for selecting and setting a FAX destination in the FAX mode. To do. The software key for giving the most important instruction on the simple screen 5000 is a start key 5002 that functions as a color start key 2508 or a start key 2516.

  In this embodiment, a start key 5002, a stop key 5004, a “+” key 5006, and a “−” key 5008 are the corners of the display screen of the display panel 132 (in the drawing, the lower right, lower left, Displayed in the upper right and upper left).

  6 to 8, in the present embodiment, color start key 2508, start key 2516 and start key 5002, which are software keys for giving the most important instructions, are displayed on the display screen of display panel 132. 3, the right hand side of the user who operates the operation unit 120 and the corner portion closest to the user, that is, the right front side when viewed from the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. As a result, the user can easily perform operations on the software keys for giving the most important instructions.

[Braille-shaped convex part 152A-152D]
Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, touch panel display 130 is supported in a state of being fitted into a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame frame. The outer frame frame includes a parallel surface 150A parallel to the display surface of the touch panel display 130, and an inclined surface 150B provided along the peripheral edge of the display surface of the touch panel display 130 and inclined from the parallel surface 150A toward the display surface. ,including. The inclination angle α of the inclined surface 150B with respect to the parallel surface 150A is not particularly limited. The inclined surface 150B of the outer frame frame is provided with Braille-shaped convex portions 152A to 152D for guiding a user's finger toward a predetermined software key displayed on the display panel 132. Braille-shaped convex parts 152A to 152D represent the content of instructions given by corresponding software keys in predetermined Braille. The Braille-shaped convex part 152A is formed by three convex parts (dots) arranged in a line in the horizontal direction, and is provided in the vicinity of the display positions of the color start key 2508, the start key 2516, and the start key 5002. Braille-shaped convex part 152B is formed by one convex part extended in the horizontal direction, and is provided in the vicinity of the display position of the above-described stop key 5004. The Braille-shaped convex portion 152C is formed by two convex portions (dots) arranged obliquely toward the lower right direction when viewed from the center line extending in the vertical direction of the display screen, and the display position of the “+” key 5006 described above is formed. It is provided in the vicinity. The Braille-shaped convex portion 152D is formed by two convex portions (dots) arranged obliquely in the lower left direction when viewed from the center line extending in the vertical direction of the display screen, and in the vicinity of the display position of the “−” key 5008 described above. Provided.

<Software configuration>
(Home screen operation processing)
A program for realizing the home screen operation process is started when the user presses the home key 148. Referring to FIG. 10, this program sets step S101 for displaying a home screen on display panel 132 and a timer (not shown), and measures the elapsed time since the home screen was displayed. Step S102 for starting the process.

  This program is further determined to have timed out in steps S103 and S103 for determining whether or not a time-out has occurred, that is, whether or not the elapsed time since the home screen was displayed has reached a predetermined time. Step S104 is executed in the case (in the case of YES), and the state of the apparatus is shifted from the normal state to the power saving state. When the power saving state is entered, the display on the display panel 132 is turned off and darkened.

  The program further waits until an instruction requesting to release the power saving state (hereinafter referred to as “power saving state release instruction”) is made, and it is determined that the power saving state release instruction has been issued in step S105. And (SYES) is executed, and includes a step S106 for displaying the home screen on the display panel 132. After the process of step S106, control returns to step S102. The above-described power saving state cancellation instruction is made when the user performs some operation on the operation unit 120.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S103 that the timeout has not occurred (in the case of NO), and in step S107 for determining whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the display panel 132, and in step S107. Step S108 is executed when it is determined that the touch operation has been performed (in the case of YES), and the software key for which the touch operation has been performed is determined and the corresponding operation mode is determined.

  This program is further executed in step S107 when it is determined that no touch operation has been performed (in the case of NO), and in steps S109 and S109 for determining whether or not the home key 148 has been pressed for a long time. Step S110 is executed when it is determined that the home key 148 has been pressed for a long time (in the case of YES), and the display screen 132 is displayed on the simplified screen 5000. If it is determined in step S109 that the home key 148 has not been pressed for a long time (in the case of NO), the control returns to step S103.

(Basic screen operation processing)
The program for realizing the basic screen operation process shown in FIG. 11 is started when the CPU 300 determines the operation mode to be one of the basic operation modes. The “start key” shown below is a key for instructing the start of execution of various processes in the basic operation mode. For example, on the basic screen 3000, the start keys are a scan-in key 2502, a monochrome start key 2506, and a color start key 2508. In the basic screen 4000, start keys are a scan-in key 2512, a start key 2516, and an on-hook key 2518. The “stop key” shown below is a key for instructing to stop the execution of various processes being executed in the basic operation mode. For example, on the basic screen 3000, the stop key is the clear all key 2504. In the basic screen 4000, the stop key is a clear all key 2514.

  Referring to FIG. 11, this program includes step S201 for displaying the basic screen of the corresponding basic operation mode on display panel 132, and step S202 for determining whether or not the start key is touched.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S202 that the start key has been touched (in the case of YES), step S203 for starting execution of the corresponding process, and whether or not the stop key has been touched. Determining step S204.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S204 that the stop key is touched (in the case of YES), and the stop key is touched in step S205 for stopping the execution of the corresponding processing and in step S204. Step S206 that is executed when it is determined that it has not been performed (in the case of NO) and that determines whether or not the corresponding process has ended. If it is determined in step S206 that the corresponding process has not ended (NO), the control returns to step S204. If it is determined in step S206 that the corresponding process has ended (in the case of YES), this control ends.

  This program is further executed in step S202 when it is determined that the start key is not touched (in the case of NO), and in steps S207 and S207 for determining whether or not the home key 148 has been pressed. Step S208 is executed when it is determined that the home key 148 has been pressed (in the case of YES), clears the current setting contents, returns to the default state, and causes the display panel 132 to display the home screen. ,including. After the processing in step S208, control proceeds to step S102 shown in FIG.

  This program is further executed in step S207 when it is determined that the home key 148 has not been pressed (in the case of NO), and step S209 for determining whether or not the power saving key 146 has been pressed, and step S209. Is executed when it is determined that the power saving key 146 is pressed (in the case of YES), the current setting contents are cleared and returned to the default state, and the state of the apparatus is changed from the normal state to the power saving state. Step S210 to be transferred. If it is determined in step S209 that the power saving key 146 has not been pressed (NO), the control returns to step S202.

<Operation>
1 to 11, image forming apparatus 100 operates as follows. Except for the following operations, the general operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is the same as the operation of the conventional image forming apparatus. In the following operation, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 is in a power-on state.

  The user presses the home key 148. When the home key 148 is pressed, the home screen (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display panel 132 (step S101). CPU 300 sets a timer (not shown) and starts measuring the time elapsed since the home screen was displayed (step S102).

  When a predetermined time elapses without any user input operation on the home screen, CPU 300 determines that a time-out has occurred, that is, the time elapsed since the home screen was displayed has reached the predetermined time (YES in step S103). ), The state of the apparatus is shifted from the normal state to the power saving state (step S104). When the power saving state is entered, the display on the display panel 132 is turned off and darkened.

  In order to release the power saving state, the user presses the power saving key 146, for example. When power saving key 146 is pressed, CPU 300 determines that an instruction to cancel the power saving state has been made (YES in step S105), and the home screen is displayed on display panel 132 (step S106). CPU 300 sets a timer (not shown) and starts measuring the time elapsed since the home screen was displayed (step S102).

(When the basic screen of the basic operation mode is displayed)
The user presses a key 1231 displayed on the home screen. When key 1231 is pressed, CPU 300 determines that a touch operation has been performed on display panel 132 (NO in step S103, YES in step S107). The CPU 300 determines that the software key on which the touch operation has been performed is the key 1231, and determines the corresponding operation mode as the copy mode (step S108). When the corresponding operation mode is confirmed as the copy mode, the display panel 132 displays the copy mode basic screen 3000 (see FIG. 6) (step S201). It is assumed that the settings of various functions and parameters in the copy mode at this time are in a default state.

  The user who has confirmed the basic screen 3000 places an original to be printed on the original placement table, and performs input operations on various setting keys displayed in the function selection area 2200 and various execution keys displayed in the action panel area 2400. To change the setting of the desired function. The user further sets a desired number of copies (14 copies in the present embodiment) by an input operation on the virtual numeric keypad group 2302. The basic screen 3000 reflects the changed contents.

  After setting the desired number of copies, the user touches the color start key 2508. At this time, the user touches the outer frame with the right hand to tactilely recognize the corner on the display screen of the display panel 132 that is closest to the user. The user further tactilely recognizes the braille-shaped convex portion 152A provided in the vicinity of the recognized corner portion. The user can be guided to the braille-shaped convex portion 152 </ b> A to understand the position of the color start key 2508 on the display panel 132.

  When color start key 2508 is touched, CPU 300 determines that the start key has been pressed (YES in step S202), and starts executing color copy processing (step S203). In the middle of executing the color copy process (NO in step S206), the user presses the clear all key 2504 that is a stop key (YES in step S204) to stop the execution of the color copy process. (Step S205).

  When the color copy process ends (NO in step S204, YES in step S206), basic screen 3000 is displayed on display panel 132. The user desires to shift from the basic screen 3000 to the home screen and presses the home key 148. When home key 148 is pressed (NO in step S202, YES in step S207), CPU 300 clears the current setting contents and returns to the default state. In synchronization with the clearing of the setting content, the display panel 132 displays the home screen (step S208). CPU 300 sets a timer (not shown) and starts measuring the time elapsed since the home screen was displayed (step S102).

  The user presses a key 1213 displayed on the home screen (see FIG. 4). When key 1213 is pressed, CPU 300 determines that a touch operation has been performed on display panel 132 (NO in step S103, YES in step S107). The CPU 300 determines that the software key subjected to the touch operation is the key 1213, and determines the corresponding operation mode as the FAX mode (step S108). When the corresponding operation mode is confirmed as the FAX mode, the display panel 132 displays the basic screen 4000 (see FIG. 7) in the FAX mode (Step S201). The settings of various functions and parameters in the FAX mode at this time are assumed to be in a default state.

  The user who has confirmed the basic screen 4000 places an original to be transmitted on the original placing table, and inputs various setting keys displayed in the function selection area 2200 and various execution keys displayed in the action panel area 2400. A desired function setting is changed by operation. The user further sets the FAX number of the transmission destination by an input operation on the virtual numeric keypad group 2312. The basic screen 4000 reflects the changed contents (input FAX number, etc.).

  After setting the transmission destination FAX number, the user presses a start key 2516. At this time, the user touches the outer frame with the right hand to tactilely recognize the corner on the display screen of the display panel 132 that is closest to the user. The user further tactilely recognizes the braille-shaped convex portion 152A provided in the vicinity of the recognized corner portion. The user is guided to the braille-shaped convex portion 152A and can understand the position of the start key 2516 on the display panel 132.

  When start key 2516 is pressed, CPU 300 determines that the start key has been touched (YES in step S202), and starts executing the FAX transmission process (step S203). In the middle of executing the FAX transmission process (NO in step S206), the user presses the clear all key 2514 that is a stop key (YES in step S204) to stop the execution of the FAX transmission process. (Step S205).

  When the FAX transmission process ends (NO in step S204, YES in step S206), basic screen 3000 is displayed on display panel 132. The user desires to shift to the power saving state and presses the power saving key 146. When power saving key 146 is pressed (NO in step S207, YES in step S209), CPU 300 clears the current setting contents and returns to the default state, and changes the state of the apparatus from the normal state to the power saving state. (Step S210). When the power saving state is entered, the display on the display panel 132 is turned off and darkened.

  The user presses the home key 148 to cancel the power saving state and display the home screen. When the home key 148 is pressed, the display panel 132 displays a home screen (step S101). CPU 300 sets a timer (not shown) and starts measuring the time elapsed since the home screen was displayed (step S102).

(When a simple screen is displayed)
The user who confirmed the home screen presses the home key 148 for a long time. When home key 148 is pressed long (YES in step S109), display panel 132 displays simple screen 5000 (see FIG. 8) (step S110). It is assumed that the simple screen 5000 displayed at this time is set in advance so as to correspond to the copy mode. Also, assume that the settings of various functions and parameters in the copy mode at this time are in the default state.

  The user places a document to be printed on the document placing table, and sets a desired number of copies (14 copies in the present embodiment) by touching the “+” key 5006 and the “−” key 5008. At this time, when the user touches the “+” key 5006, the user touches the outer frame with the right hand, so that the corner on the back side of the right hand on the display screen of the display panel 132 (the upper right portion of the screen in the figure). ) Tactilely. The user further tactilely recognizes the Braille-shaped convex portion 152C provided in the vicinity of the recognized corner portion. The user is guided by the braille-shaped convex portion 152 </ b> C and can understand the position of the “+” key 5006 on the display panel 132.

  When the user touches the “−” key 5008, the user touches the outer frame with the left hand, so that the corner on the back side of the left hand on the display screen of the display panel 132 (upper left corner of the screen in the figure) is displayed. Recognize tactilely. The user further tactilely recognizes the Braille-shaped convex portion 152D provided in the vicinity of the recognized corner portion. The user can be guided to the braille-shaped convex portion 152 </ b> D to understand the position of the “−” key 5008 on the display panel 132. The changed contents (in this case, the number of copies) are preferably notified to the user by voice from a speaker (not shown) or the like.

  After setting the desired number of copies, the user touches the start key 5002. At this time, the user touches the outer frame with the right hand to tactilely recognize the corner on the display screen of the display panel 132 that is closest to the user. The user further tactilely recognizes the braille-shaped convex portion 152A provided in the vicinity of the recognized corner portion. The user is guided to the braille-shaped convex portion 152A and can understand the position of the start key 5002 on the display panel 132.

  When the start key 5002 is touched, the CPU 300 determines that the start key has been pressed, and starts executing color copy processing. Note that the user can stop the execution of the color copy process by pressing the stop key 5004 during the execution of the color copy process. At this time, the user touches the outer frame frame with the left hand to tactilely recognize the corner on the display screen of the display panel 132 that is closest to the user. The user further tactilely recognizes the Braille-shaped convex portion 152B provided in the vicinity of the recognized corner portion. The user is guided by the braille-shaped convex portion 152B and can understand the position of the stop key 5004 on the display panel 132.

  If the simple screen 5000 displayed by long-pressing the home key 148 is set in advance to correspond to the FAX mode, a touch operation on the “+” key 5006 and the “−” key 5008 is performed. The operation similar to that described above is performed except that the desired FAX number is set by, and the execution of the FAX transmission process is started by pressing the start key 5002.

<Action and effect>
According to the above embodiment, the operation unit 120 is an operation device provided in the image forming apparatus 100 that executes predetermined processing. The operation unit 120 includes a display panel 132 that displays a rectangular screen, a touch panel 134 that is placed on the display panel 132 and receives an input operation on the screen, and a predetermined process for the peripheral edge and corner of the screen. CPU 300 for displaying a software key for giving an instruction necessary for executing the.

  As described above, since the software key for performing an instruction necessary for executing a predetermined process is displayed on the peripheral edge and corner of the quadrangular screen, the user can further change the display position of the software key. Easy to understand. As a result, user operability is further improved.

  In addition, according to the above embodiment, the CPU 300 performs a predetermined process on the corner on the right hand side of the user who operates the operation unit 120 on the screen and closest to the user. Displays software keys for the most important instructions. Thus, the user can easily understand the display position of the software key for performing the most important instruction. As a result, user operability is further improved.

  In addition, according to the above embodiment, the operation unit 120 further includes a configuration that allows the peripheral portion of the screen to be tactilely recognized. Thus, the user can tactilely recognize the display position of the software key, and can more easily understand the display position of the software key.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration that enables tactile recognition of the peripheral edge of the screen is an outer frame that is provided along the peripheral edge of the screen and is provided with an inclined surface 150B that is inclined toward the screen. Accordingly, the user can recognize the display position of the software key by touching the outer frame. Therefore, the user can more easily understand the display position of the software key.

  In addition, the structure which enables tactile recognition of the peripheral edge of the screen is not limited to the outer frame frame described above. For example, a configuration in which a step is provided along the peripheral edge of the screen and a configuration in which a groove is provided along the peripheral edge of the screen may be used.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the inclined surface 150B is provided with a configuration for guiding the user's finger toward the software key displayed on the screen. As a result, the user can more easily understand the display position of the software key.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration for guiding the user's finger is the Braille-shaped convex portions 152A to 152D that represent the content of the instruction given by the software key in Braille. Thus, the user can easily understand not only the display position of the software key but also the content of the instruction given by the software key. As a result, user operability is further improved.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the software key displayed on the screen (basic screen 3000, 4000 and simple screen 5000) is a start key (color start key 2508 and start key for instructing start of execution of a predetermined process). Key 2516, 5002 etc.) and stop keys (clear all keys 2504, 2514 and stop key 5004) for instructing to stop execution of a predetermined process. Thereby, the user can easily understand the display positions of the start key and the stop key.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the software key displayed on the screen further includes a plurality of numerical value setting keys (for setting the numerical values (the number of copies and the FAX number) necessary for executing a predetermined process). "+" Key 5006 and "-" key 5008). Thereby, the user can easily understand the display positions of the plurality of numerical value setting keys. As a result, the user can more easily set necessary numerical values.

  Moreover, according to the said embodiment, a screen is produced so that it may respond | correspond to the normal screen (basic screen 3000,4000) produced so that it may respond to input operation by a healthy person, and input operation by a visually impaired person. And a simple screen 5000. The operation unit 120 further includes a home key 148 for switching and displaying the normal screen and the simple screen 5000 on the display panel 132. Thereby, the user can switch the display between the normal screen and the simple screen as necessary. As a result, user convenience is further improved.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the predetermined processing includes monochrome copy processing and color copy processing, and the CPU 300 is on the right hand side of the user operating the operation unit 120 on the screen and A color start key 2508 for instructing start of color copy processing is displayed at the corner on the near side. Thus, the user can easily understand the display position of the software key for performing the most important instruction in the copy mode. As a result, user operability is further improved.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is an image forming apparatus that executes a plurality of processes including image processing on image data, and is performed on the operation unit 120 and the operation unit 120 described above. The document reading unit 102, the image forming unit 104, the FAX communication unit 160, and the like that execute processing corresponding to the instruction are included. Thus, since the image forming apparatus 100 includes the operation unit 120 described above, the user can easily execute a desired process.

[Modification]
According to the above embodiment, Braille-shaped convex portions 152A to 152D are provided on the inclined surface 150B of the outer frame frame, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, only the Braille-shaped convex portion 152A for guiding the user's finger toward the software key (color start key 2508, start key 2516, and start key 5002) for performing the most important instruction may be provided. .

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, in order to guide the user's finger toward the color start key 2508, the start key 2516, and the start key 5002 displayed on the display panel 132, on the inclined surface 150B of the outer frame. Although the Braille-shaped convex part 152A is provided, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment.

  For example, referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a groove-like recess 153 may be provided on the parallel surface 150 </ b> A and the inclined surface 150 </ b> B of the outer frame in place of the Braille-like projection 152 </ b> A. The groove-like concave portion 153 is formed from a concave curved surface formed so as to go from the outside of the operation unit 120 toward the color start key 2508, the start key 2516, and the start key 5002 so as to fit the belly portion of the finger. Become. As a result, the color start key 2508, the start key 2516, or the start key 5002 is displayed on the extended line of the groove-shaped recess 153, so that the user's finger can be easily guided toward the target software key. become able to. Therefore, the user can more easily understand the display position of the software key.

  Further, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a Braille-shaped convex portion 152 </ b> A may be provided inside the groove-shaped concave portion 153. Further, referring to FIG. 16, a groove-like recess 154 may be provided together with the groove-like recess 153. The groove-shaped concave portion 154 is formed of a concave curved surface formed so as to be directed from the outside of the operation unit 120 toward the monochrome start key 2506 so as to enter a belly portion of the finger. Further, referring to FIG. 17, Braille-shaped convex portion 152 </ b> A may be provided inside groove-shaped concave portion 153, and Braille-shaped convex portion 152 </ b> E may be provided inside groove-shaped concave portion 154. This Braille-shaped convex part 152E is formed by two convex parts (points). In this case, it is predetermined that the Braille-shaped convex portion 152A represents a color copy and the Braille-shaped convex portion 152E represents a monochrome copy. As described above, by appropriately combining the groove-shaped concave portions 153 and 154 and the Braille-shaped convex portions 152A and 152E, the user can smoothly check the presence of the target software key, and the target software. The user's finger can be smoothly guided toward the key.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the simple screen 5000 has a “+” key 5006 and a “−” key 5008 that function as keys for inputting the number of copies or the like, or for selecting a FAX number or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, referring to FIG. 18, instead of “+” key 5006 and “−” key 5008, number keys 5010A to 5010J “0” to “9” provided along the peripheral edge of display panel 132 are provided. Each may be displayed. In this case, on the inclined surface 150B of the outer frame frame, braille-shaped convex portions 152F to 152O that represent numbers “0” to “9” in braille are provided in the vicinity of the numeric keys 5010A to 5010J, respectively. Is preferred.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the transition instruction to the simple screen 5000 is made by long-pressing the home key 148, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a switching button may be displayed on the display panel 132, and a transition instruction may be given by touching the switching button. In addition, when a user carrying a wireless card such as an employee card approaches, a transfer instruction may be automatically issued.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, when the home key 148 is pressed for a long time, the simple screen 5000 is displayed on the display panel 132, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a basic screen of a predetermined basic operation mode (for example, copy mode) may be displayed. In this case, the screen displayed on the display panel 132 when the home key 148 is long pressed is set in advance by a user input operation on the operation unit 120.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the scope of claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 102 Original reading part 104 Image forming part 120 Operation unit 132 Display panel 134 Touch panel 148 Home key 150A Parallel surface 150B Inclined surface 152A-152O Braille-shaped convex part 153,154 Groove-shaped concave part 160 FAX communication part 300 CPU
2508 Color start key 2516,5002 Start key 2504,2514 Clear all key 3000,4000 Basic screen 5000 Simple screen 5004 Stop key 5006 “+” key 5008 “−” key

Claims (14)

An operating device provided in an apparatus for executing a predetermined process,
Display means for displaying a rectangular screen;
A touch panel arranged over the display means and receiving an input operation on the screen;
An operation device comprising: display control means for displaying a software key for performing an instruction necessary for executing the predetermined processing on a peripheral portion of the screen.   The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a software key for performing an instruction necessary for executing the predetermined process on a corner portion of the screen.   The display control means gives the most important instruction for executing the predetermined process to the corner on the right hand side of the user who operates the operating device on the screen and closest to the user. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein a software key for performing is displayed.   The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a peripheral edge recognizing unit that enables tactile recognition of a peripheral edge portion of the screen.   The operation device according to claim 4, wherein the peripheral edge recognition unit is an outer frame frame provided along a peripheral edge portion of the screen and provided with an inclined surface inclined toward the screen.   The operation device according to claim 5, wherein the inclined surface is provided with guiding means for guiding a user's finger toward the software key displayed on the screen.   The operating device according to claim 6, wherein the guide means is a Braille-shaped convex portion that represents the content of an instruction given by the software key in Braille.   The operating device according to claim 6, wherein the guide means is a groove-shaped concave portion formed of a concave curved surface formed toward the software key displayed on the screen from the outside of the operating device.   The guide means is provided in a groove-shaped recess formed of a concave curved surface formed toward the software key displayed on the screen from the outside of the operation device, and the software key The operation device according to claim 6, wherein the operation device is a Braille-shaped convex portion that represents the content of the instruction made by the Braille.   The software key displayed on the screen includes a start key for instructing start of execution of the predetermined process and a stop key for instructing stop of execution of the predetermined process. The operating device according to claim 9.   The operation device according to claim 10, wherein the software key displayed on the screen further includes a plurality of numerical value setting keys for setting numerical values necessary for executing the predetermined process. The screen includes a normal screen created so as to correspond to an input operation by a healthy person, and a simple screen created so as to correspond to an input operation by a visually impaired person,
The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising switching means for causing the display means to switch and display the normal screen and the simplified screen. The predetermined process includes a monochrome copy process and a color copy process,
The display control means provides a software key for instructing the start of the color copy process to the corner on the right hand side of the user who operates the operating device on the screen and closest to the user. The operating device according to claim 3, which is displayed. An image forming apparatus that executes a plurality of processes including image processing on image data,
The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
An image forming apparatus including: a process executing unit that executes a process corresponding to an instruction given to the operation apparatus.

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