JP6181994B2 - INPUT DEVICE, IMAGE READING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING DEVICE, INPUT METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device, an image reading device, an image forming device, an input method, and a program.

  In an image reading apparatus having an image reading function such as a scanner apparatus or an image forming apparatus having an image forming function such as an MFP, double-sided printing and aggregation (2 in 1 to make two pages into one, 4 in 1 to make one page in four, etc.) As the setting items such as the number of copies, enlargement / reduction ratio, color mode, original paper size, density, brightness, and sharpness become more complex and diversified, the operation menu screen has become more complex and can be operated intuitively by the user. User interface is desired.

  Conventionally, as an input device used in the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus as described above, for example, a liquid crystal panel that displays an operation menu screen and a touch panel that can detect a touch input to the liquid crystal panel are provided. As shown in FIG. 14, when a touch input to the enlargement / reduction ratio display window 90 displayed on the operation menu screen is detected, a numeric key 91 is displayed on the operation menu screen, and a desired numerical value is touch-inputted to the numeric key 91. A device for setting an enlargement / reduction ratio is known.

  The other input device has the same configuration as the above-described input device. For example, when the user touches the magnification selection key on the operation menu screen, a magnification selection screen is displayed. There is known a display in which a magnification display window and a numeric keypad for arbitrarily inputting a magnification are displayed side by side (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-11-282314

  However, in the former input device described above, after the user finishes touch input on the numeric keypad 91, it is necessary to press the OK button 92 to confirm the input numerical value as the enlargement / reduction ratio. If the user forgets to press the OK button 92, The input numerical value is not set as the scaling factor, and the input operation tends to be complicated. Further, the OK button 92 must be provided within the limited screen size of the operation menu screen, and there is a problem that the operation menu screen layout is restricted.

  In the latter input device, the display / non-display of the numeric keypad is switched in conjunction with the display / non-display of the magnification selection screen, and only one of the enlargement / reduction ratio display window and the numeric keypad is selectively selected. Since the display cannot be performed, the display size of the display window and the numeric keypad displayed on the operation menu screen tend to be small, and there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to visually recognize.

  Therefore, there is a technical problem to be solved in order to realize the simplification of the input operation required for inputting the setting item and to ensure the freedom of the layout of the operation menu screen. It aims at solving.

  The present invention is proposed in order to achieve the above object, and the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that the display means for displaying the first and second operation menu screens, and the first and second operation menus. An input device comprising: input means capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to a screen; and control means for executing operations on the first and second operation menu screens in response to the touch inputs, the control means Includes an input detection unit that detects an input position of the first touch input with respect to the first operation menu screen and an input position of the second touch input with respect to the second operation menu screen, and the first operation menu. When an input continuation state determination unit that determines that the first touch input is continuing to the setting item displayed on the screen and the first touch input for the setting item is continued, The second operation menu screen is displayed so as to be superimposed on the first operation menu screen, and the second operation menu screen is not displayed when the first touch input for the setting item is interrupted. When the first touch input to the setting item is interrupted and the first touch input to the setting item is interrupted, the input information corresponding to the second touch input to the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is set. And an input management unit that reflects the setting information of the item.

  According to this configuration, only by continuing the first touch input to the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen, the second operation menu screen is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen. At the same time, only by interrupting the first touch input to the setting item, the input information by the second touch input to the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is reflected in the setting item setting information. In addition, the second operation menu screen can be hidden. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the input operation for reflecting the input information corresponding to the second touch input to the selection item in the setting information, and the layout of the first operation menu screen and the second operation menu screen. And size can be set freely.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the display management unit provides an input device that displays the selection item in the vicinity of the setting item without overlapping the setting item. .

  According to this configuration, the selection item is displayed without overlapping the setting item in the vicinity of the setting item, that is, within a range where the second touch input to the selection item can be performed by a hand pressing the setting item. Can perform input operations with one hand.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration of the second aspect of the invention, the display management unit provides an input device that displays the selection item on the dominant side of the setting item.

  According to this configuration, when the user presses the setting item with the right hand, the second operation menu screen is displayed on the right side of the setting item, and when the user presses the setting item with the left hand, the second operation menu screen is displayed. By displaying the operation menu screen on the left side of the setting item, one-handed input operation can be performed to prevent the fingers pressing the setting item and the selection item from intermingling due to the arrangement relationship between the setting item and the selection item. Can be done smoothly.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the selection item is a numeric keypad, and the input management unit is configured by pressing the numeric keypad. An input device for reflecting an input numerical value in the setting information is provided.

  According to this configuration, after the first touch input to the setting item is continued and the desired input information is input by pressing the numeric keypad, the input information is simply interrupted. Is reflected in the setting information, the setting item input operation can be easily realized.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the selection item is a slide bar, and the input management unit is slid on the slide bar. Thus, an input device that reflects the numerical value designated in the setting information is provided.

  According to this configuration, in a state in which the first touch input to the setting item is continued, the slide bar is slid and desired input information corresponding to the slide position of the slide bar is input, and then the first input to the setting item is performed. Since the input information is reflected in the setting information simply by interrupting the touch input, the setting item input operation can be realized easily.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the selection item is an icon, and the input management unit selects the icon. An input device for reflecting information registered in advance in the icon in the setting information is provided.

  According to this configuration, in a state where the first touch input to the setting item is continued, the input corresponding to the desired input information is pressed to input the input information, and then the first touch input to the setting item is interrupted. By simply reflecting the input information to the setting information, the setting item input operation can be easily realized.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus comprising the input device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

  According to this configuration, the input operation for inputting the setting information of the image reading apparatus can be simplified.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising the input device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

  According to this configuration, an input operation for inputting setting information of the image forming apparatus can be simplified.

  Further, the present invention can provide an input method described below in order to achieve the above object. That is, the invention described in claim 9 includes a display step of displaying the first and second operation menu screens, an input step capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to the first and second operation menu screens, A control step of performing operations on the first and second operation menu screens in response to a touch input, wherein the control step includes a first touch input to the first operation menu screen. The input detection step for detecting the input position and the input position of the second touch input with respect to the second operation menu screen, and the first touch input continues to the setting items displayed on the first operation menu screen When the input continuation state determination step for determining that the operation has been performed and the first touch input for the setting item continues, the second operation menu screen is displayed on the first operation screen. When the first touch input with respect to the setting item is interrupted and displayed, the display management step of hiding the second operation menu screen, and the first with respect to the setting item are displayed. An input management step of reflecting input information corresponding to the second touch input for the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen in the setting information of the setting item by interrupting the touch input of Provide input methods including.

  According to this method, only by continuing the first touch input to the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen, the second operation menu screen is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen. At the same time, only by interrupting the first touch input to the setting item, the input information by the second touch input to the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is reflected in the setting item setting information. In addition, the second operation menu screen can be hidden. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the input operation for reflecting the input information corresponding to the second touch input to the selection item in the setting information, and the layout of the first operation menu screen and the second operation menu screen. And size can be set freely.

  The invention according to claim 10 is a display means for displaying the first and second operation menu screens, an input means capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to the first and second operation menu screens, A program for executing an input device including control means for executing an operation on the first and second operation menu screens in response to a touch input, wherein the first touch on the first operation menu screen An input detection step for detecting the input position of the input and the input position of the second touch input with respect to the second operation menu screen, and the first touch input as a setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen When the input continuation state determining step for determining that the operation is continued and the first touch input for the setting item is continued, the second operation menu screen is displayed. Is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen, and when the first touch input for the setting item is interrupted, a display management step of hiding the second operation menu screen; When the first touch input for the setting item is interrupted, the input information corresponding to the second touch input for the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is reflected in the setting information of the setting item. An input management step is provided.

  According to this configuration, only by continuing the first touch input to the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen, the second operation menu screen is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen. At the same time, only by interrupting the first touch input to the setting item, the input information by the second touch input to the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is reflected in the setting item setting information. In addition, the second operation menu screen can be hidden. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the input operation for reflecting the input information corresponding to the second touch input to the selection item in the setting information, and the layout of the first operation menu screen and the second operation menu screen. And size can be set freely.

  According to the present invention, the input operation for reflecting the input information in the setting information can be simplified, and the layout and size of the first operation menu screen and the second operation menu screen can be set freely. be able to.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 using an input device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the copy magnification setting screen L1 displayed on the display 2. The figure which shows the state which presses down the magnification display part i1 on the copy magnification setting screen L1. The figure which shows the state which presses down numeric keypad i2 on the magnification input screen L2. The figure which shows the state which interrupted the press with respect to the magnification display part i1, and hidden the magnification input screen L2. 5 is a flowchart showing an input method using the input device 1. The figure which shows the home screen L3 and the brightness adjustment icon i7 which are displayed on the display 2 of the input device 5 which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. The figure which shows the state which slides the slide bar i8 in the state which pressed down the brightness adjustment icon i7. 6 is a flowchart showing an input method using the input device 5; The figure which shows the copy mode screen L5 and the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 which are displayed on the display 2 of the input device 6 which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. The figure which shows the state which presses down the selection icon i12 in the state which pressed down the simplex / duplex copy setting icon i11. 6 is a flowchart showing an input method using the input device 7; The figure which shows the magnification setting screen of the conventional input device. The figure which shows the magnification input screen in the input device shown in FIG.

  The input device according to the present invention is a display that displays an operation menu screen in order to achieve the purpose of simplifying the input operation required for inputting setting items and ensuring the degree of freedom of the layout of the operation menu screen. Means, input means capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to the first and second operation menu screens, and control means for executing operations on the first and second operation menu screens in response to the touch inputs. And an input detection unit that detects an input position of the first touch input with respect to the first operation menu screen and an input position of the second touch input with respect to the second operation menu screen, respectively. , An input continuation state determination unit that determines that the first touch input is continuing to the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen, and a first touch on the setting item. When the input continues, the second operation menu screen is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen. When the first touch input for the setting item is interrupted, the second operation menu screen is displayed. The display management unit for hiding the screen and the first touch input for the setting item are interrupted, thereby setting the input information corresponding to the second touch input for the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen This is realized by an input device including an input management unit that reflects the setting information of items.

  In addition, the input method according to the present invention realizes the simplification of the input operation required for the input of the setting item, and attains the purpose of ensuring the freedom of the layout of the operation menu screen. A display process for displaying the operation menu screen, an input process capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to the first and second operation menu screens, and operations on the first and second operation menu screens according to the touch inputs. An input method including a control step to be executed, wherein the control step sets an input position of the first touch input with respect to the first operation menu screen and an input position of the second touch input with respect to the second operation menu screen, respectively. An input detection step for detecting, an input continuation state determining step for determining that the first touch input is continued in the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen, and a setting item When the first touch input is continued, the second operation menu screen is displayed so as to be superimposed on the first operation menu screen, and when the first touch input for the setting item is interrupted, The display management process for hiding the second operation menu screen and the first touch input for the setting item are interrupted, thereby responding to the second touch input for the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen. And an input management process for reflecting the input information to the setting information of the setting item.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention realizes the simplification of the input operation required for the input of the setting items, and attains the purpose of ensuring the freedom of the layout of the operation menu screen. Display means for displaying the operation menu screen, input means for simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to the first and second operation menu screens, and performing operations on the first and second operation menu screens according to the touch inputs A first touch input input position with respect to the first operation menu screen and a second touch input input position with respect to the second operation menu screen. And an input continuation state in which it is determined that the first touch input is continued in the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen. When the first touch input for the setting step and the setting item continues, the second operation menu screen is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen, and the first touch input for the setting item is displayed. When the operation is interrupted, the display management step for hiding the second operation menu screen and the first touch input for the setting item are interrupted, so that the second item for the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is displayed. And an input management step for reflecting the input information corresponding to the touch input 2 in the setting information of the setting item.

  An image forming apparatus 100 using the input apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a printing apparatus 110 that prints an image on a recording medium such as recording paper, a control apparatus 120 that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 110, and an input connected to the control apparatus 120. The apparatus 1 is provided. A user instruction is transmitted to the control device 120 via the input device 1.
Note that an image forming apparatus 100 is shown as an application example of the input apparatus 1. The input apparatus 1 is an image reading apparatus having an image reading unit such as a scanner, a personal computer, a car navigation apparatus, an information terminal, a mobile phone, or the like. The present invention can be applied to all devices that require an input operation from.

  The input device 1 includes a display display (LCD) 2 as display means, a touch panel 3 as input means, and control means 4 that controls display of the display display 1 in response to touch input to the touch panel 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the display display 2 displays a copy magnification setting screen L1 as a first operation menu screen and a magnification input screen L2 as a second operation menu screen. The copy magnification setting screen L1 includes a magnification display portion i1 as a setting item, a + key i3 and a key i4 for increasing / decreasing the numerical value of the enlargement / reduction ratio, a one-touch key i5 in which the numerical value of the magnification is registered in advance, and a start of copying. Key i6 is displayed. A numeric keypad i2 as a selection item is displayed on the magnification input screen L2.

  The touch panel 3 detects a user touch input with respect to information displayed on the display 2. The touch panel 3 is a multi-touch panel that can detect a plurality of touch positions simultaneously. Note that the detection method for detecting the input position of the user's touch input to the touch touch panel 3 may be any method that can detect a plurality of input positions, such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, an acoustic pulse recognition method, an ultrasonic wave. Any of a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared light shielding method, an image recognition method, and the like may be used. In the touch panel 3 of the present embodiment, a resistive film method suitable for a relatively small display is employed, but for example, a capacitance method suitable for a relatively large display having a screen size of 15 inches or more may be employed. Absent.

  The control unit 4 includes an input detection unit 41 that detects an input position of the first touch input with respect to the copy magnification setting screen L1 and an input position of the second touch input with respect to the magnification input screen L2, and a first input to the magnification display unit i1. When the first touch input to the input continuation state determination unit 42 for determining that the touch input is continued and the magnification display unit i1 is continued, the magnification input screen L2 is changed to the copy magnification setting screen L1. When the first touch input to the magnification display unit i1 is interrupted and displayed, the display management unit 43 that hides the magnification input screen L2 and the first touch input to the magnification display unit I1 are interrupted. Thus, an input management unit 44 is provided that reflects input information corresponding to the second touch input to the numeric keypad i2 on the enlargement / reduction ratio as setting information displayed on the magnification display unit i1. That.

  The control means 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like (not shown). The input device 1 can be operated by executing a program stored in the ROM. Note that the program may be stored in a storage medium that is separable from the input device 1.

  Next, an input method using the input device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described based on an example in which a copy enlargement / reduction ratio is input using the numeric keypad i2 based on the flowchart of FIG. This input method may be applied to any function as long as a numerical value is input using a numeric keypad.

  When the user selects the copy mode from the initial menu screen (Yes in S1) and selects the magnification setting mode (Yes in S2), the input detection unit 41 is in the copy magnification setting screen L1 displayed on the display 1. It is determined whether the first touch input to the magnification display portion i1 is detected, that is, whether the magnification display portion i1 is pressed (S3).

  When the magnification display unit i1 is pressed (Yes in S3), the input continuation state determination unit 42 determines whether the magnification display unit i1 is continuously pressed (S4). The continuous pressing time until the input continuation state determining unit 42 determines that the magnification display unit i1 is continuously pressed may be appropriately set within a range that eliminates erroneous input and does not impair operability. The continuous pressing time may be set to 2 seconds.

When the magnification display unit i1 is kept pressed (Yes in S4), the display management unit 43 displays the magnification input screen L2 including the numeric keypad i2 superimposed on the copy magnification setting screen L1 (S5). When returning to S4 via S7 or S9 described later, the display management unit 43 does not display the magnification input screen L2 each time, but displays the already displayed magnification input screen L2 on the copy magnification setting screen L1. Is displayed continuously.
Note that the numeric keypad i2 is preferably displayed in the vicinity of the magnification display unit i1 without overlapping the magnification display unit i1, that is, within a range where the user can press the magnification display unit i1 and the numeric keypad i2 with one hand. Thereby, the user can press down magnification display part i1 and ten key i2 with one hand.
Furthermore, the magnification input screen L2 is preferably displayed on the dominant hand side of the magnification display unit i1, that is, on the upper right side when the user is right-handed, and on the upper left side when the user is left-handed. As a result, for example, a right-handed user presses the numeric keypad i2 on the magnification input screen L2 with the right index finger while pressing the magnification display portion i1 with the right thumb, so that the input operation can be performed smoothly without interlacing fingers. It can be performed. The dominant hand of the user is determined based on the inclination of the finger of the user who pressed the magnification display unit i1. For example, when the finger is tilted to the left with respect to the magnification display unit i1, the user's dominant hand is determined to be right, and when the finger is tilted to the right with respect to the magnification display unit i1, the user The dominant hand is judged to be left.

  Next, the input detection unit 41 determines whether the second touch input to the numeric keypad i2 on the magnification input screen L2 is detected, that is, whether the numeric keypad i2 is pressed (S6). When the input detection unit 41 detects that the numeric keypad i2 is pressed (Yes in S6), the input management unit 44 inputs the numeric value pressed by the numeric keypad i2 to the numeric value display unit W on the magnification input screen L2. (S7).

  When the numeric keypad i2 is not pressed (No in S6), the input detection unit 41 determines whether the Clear key (C key) is pressed (S8). When the C key is pressed (Yes in S8), the input management unit 44 clears the number that has been input (S9). When the C key is not pressed (No in S8), the input management unit 44 holds the number that has been input.

  In S4, when the first touch input to the magnification display unit i1 is interrupted, that is, when the magnification display unit i1 is not pressed (No in S4), the display management unit 43 hides the magnification input screen L2. Display (S10).

  The input management unit 44 determines whether or not the input value touched by pressing the numeric keypad i2 is 0 (S11). When the input value is not 0 (No in S11), the input management unit 44 reflects the input value on the enlargement / reduction ratio as the setting information and displays the numerical value on the magnification display unit i1 (S12). If the input value is 0 (Yes in S11), the process returns to S1.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, a case where the + key i3, the -key i4, the one-touch key i5, and the start key i6 displayed together with the magnification display unit i1 on the copy magnification setting screen L1 is pressed is shown in FIG. Based on

  If the first touch input to the magnification display unit i1 is not detected in S3 (No in S3), the input detection unit 41 determines whether or not the + key i3 displayed on the copy magnification setting screen L1 is pressed. Determine (S13). When a touch input to the + key i3 is detected (Yes in S13), the input management unit 44 determines whether the value of the enlargement / reduction magnification displayed on the magnification display unit i1 is the maximum value (S14).

  When the value of the scaling factor displayed on the magnification display unit i1 is not the maximum value (No in S14), the input management unit 44 adds 1 to the value (S15). When the value of the enlargement / reduction ratio displayed on the magnification display unit i1 is the maximum value (Yes in S14), the input management unit 44 maintains the value (S16).

  When the touch input to the + key i3 is not detected in S13 (No in S13), the input detection unit 41 determines whether or not the −key i4 displayed on the copy magnification setting screen L1 is pressed (S17). ). -When touch input to the key i4 is detected (Yes in S17), the input management unit 44 determines whether or not the value of the enlargement / reduction magnification displayed on the magnification display unit i1 is the minimum value (S18).

  When the value of the scaling factor displayed on the magnification display unit i1 is not the minimum value (No in S18), the input management unit 44 subtracts 1 from the value (S19). When the value of the scaling factor displayed on the magnification display unit i1 is the minimum value (Yes in S18), the input management unit 44 maintains the value (S20).

  When the touch input to the -key i4 is not detected in S17 (No in S17), the input detection unit 41 determines whether or not the one-touch key i5 displayed on the copy magnification setting screen L1 is pressed (S21). ). When a touch input to the one-touch key i5 is detected (Yes in S21), a numerical value registered in advance in the one-touch key i5 is set as the enlargement / reduction ratio (S22).

  When the touch input to the one-touch key i5 is not detected in S21 (No in S21), the input detection unit 41 determines whether or not the start key i6 displayed on the copy magnification setting screen L1 is pressed (S23). ). When it is determined that the start key i6 is pressed (Yes in S23), copying is started (S24).

  According to the input device 1 described above, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the user simply presses the magnification display portion i1 displayed on the copy magnification setting screen L1 with the right thumb, and the copy magnification can be set. A magnification input screen L2 for inputting can be displayed superimposed on the copy magnification setting screen L1. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the numeric keypad i2 on the magnification input screen L2 can be touch-inputted with the right hand index finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the magnification input screen L2 is hidden only by moving the right thumb away from the magnification display unit i1, and the numerical value input to the numeric keypad i2 is displayed on the magnification display unit i1. Can be set to

  Thereby, the input operation for reflecting the input information input via the magnification input screen L2 to the setting information can be simplified, and the layout and size of the copy magnification setting screen L1 and the magnification input screen L2 can be respectively set. It can be set freely.

  Next, an input device 5 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, overlapping description of the same members as those of the input device of the first embodiment described above is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a home screen L3 as a first operation menu screen and a brightness adjustment screen L4 as a second operation menu screen are displayed on the display 2 in the present embodiment. . On the home screen L3, a brightness adjustment icon i7 as a setting item is displayed. Furthermore, on the brightness adjustment screen L4, a slide bar i8 as a selection item and a + key i9 and a-key i10 arranged on the left and right of the slide bar i8 to increase or decrease the brightness value are displayed.

  The control unit 4 includes an input detection unit 41 that detects an input position of the first touch input with respect to the home screen L3 and an input position of the second touch input with respect to the brightness adjustment screen L4, and a first touch on the brightness adjustment icon i7. When the input continuation state determination unit 42 that determines that the input is continued and the first touch input for the brightness adjustment icon i7 is continued, the brightness adjustment screen L4 is displayed superimposed on the home screen L3. When the first touch input to the brightness adjustment icon i7 is interrupted, the display management unit 43 that hides the brightness adjustment screen L4 and the first touch input to the brightness adjustment icon i7 are interrupted. A numerical value designated according to the slide position of the slide bar i8 by the second touch input to the slide bar i8 is reflected in the brightness as the setting information. And it includes a management unit 44.

  Next, an input method using the input device 5 will be described based on an example in which the brightness of a copy is adjusted with the slide bar i8 based on the flowchart of FIG. This input method may be applied to any function as long as it uses the slide bar i8. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the process which performs the process similar to the flowchart of FIG. 6, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the user selects the copy mode from the initial menu screen (Yes in S1) and selects the brightness setting mode (Yes in S25), the input detection unit 41 displays the brightness in the home screen L3. It is determined whether the first touch input to the adjustment icon i7 has been detected, that is, whether the brightness adjustment icon i7 has been pressed (S26).

  When the input detection unit 41 detects that the brightness adjustment icon i7 has been pressed (Yes in S26), the input continuation state determination unit 42 determines whether or not the brightness adjustment icon i7 is being pressed (S27). The continuous pressing time until the input continuation state determining unit 42 determines that the brightness adjustment icon i7 is continuously pressed may be set as appropriate within a range that eliminates erroneous input and does not impair operability. The continuous pressing time may be set to 2 seconds.

  When the brightness adjustment icon i7 is kept pressed (Yes in S27), the display management unit 43 displays the brightness adjustment screen L4 including the slide bar i8 in the vicinity of the brightness adjustment icon i7 (S28). In addition, when returning to S27 through S30, S33, S34, S35, S37, or S38, which will be described later, the display management unit 43 does not display the brightness adjustment screen L4 separately each time, and the already displayed brightness adjustment screen. L4 is continuously displayed in the vicinity of the brightness adjustment icon i7.

  The input detection unit 41 determines whether the second touch input to the slide bar i8 has been detected, that is, whether the slide bar i8 has been slid from the initial position corresponding to the default value of brightness (S29). When the input detection unit 41 detects that the slide bar i8 has been slid from the initial position (Yes in S29), the input management unit 44 inputs a numerical value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 (S30). ).

  If the second touch input to the slide bar i8 is not detected in S29 (No in S29), the input detection unit 41 determines whether or not the + key i9 displayed on the brightness adjustment screen L4 is pressed. (S31).

  When a touch input to the + key i9 is detected (Yes in S31), the input management unit 44 determines whether or not the input value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 is the maximum value (S32).

  When the input value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 is not the maximum value (No in S32), the input management unit 44 adds 1 to the value (S33). When the input value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 is the maximum value (Yes in S32), the input management unit 44 maintains the value (S34).

  When the touch input to the + key i9 is not detected in S31 (No in S31), the input detection unit 41 determines whether or not the −key i10 displayed on the brightness adjustment screen L4 is pressed (S35). .

  When the touch input to the key i10 is detected (Yes in S35), the input management unit 44 determines whether or not the input value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 is the minimum value (S36).

  When the input value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 is not the minimum value (No in S36), the input management unit 44 subtracts 1 from the value (S37). When the input value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 is the minimum value (Yes in S36), the input management unit 44 maintains the value (S38).

  In S27, when the first touch input to the brightness adjustment icon i7 is interrupted, that is, when the brightness adjustment icon i7 is not pressed (No in S27), the display management unit 43 displays the brightness adjustment screen L4. Display (S39).

  The input management unit 44 determines whether or not the input value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 has been changed from the lightness default value (S40). If the input value has been changed from the default value (Yes in S40), the input management unit 44 sets the input value to lightness (S41). If the input value has not been changed from the default value (No in S40), the process returns to S1 without changing the brightness.

  According to the input device 5 described above, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, the user can cause the brightness adjustment screen L4 to be displayed simply by pressing the brightness adjustment icon i7 with the thumb of the right hand. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the slide bar i8 on the brightness adjustment screen L4 is slid in the horizontal direction in FIG. 8 with the right index finger, and the brightness is input corresponding to the slide position of the slide bar i8. Can do. Then, the slide bar i8 can be hidden and the numerical value corresponding to the sliding position of the slide bar i8 can be set as the brightness by simply releasing the right thumb from the brightness adjustment icon i7.

  As a result, the input information input via the brightness adjustment screen L4 is reflected in the setting information, so that the input operation can be simplified, and the layout and size of the home screen L3 and the brightness adjustment screen L4 can be set freely. can do.

  Next, an input device 7 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, overlapping description of the same members as those of the input device of the first embodiment described above is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a copy mode screen L5 as a first operation menu screen and a selection screen L6 as a second operation menu screen are displayed on the display 2 in the present embodiment. . On the copy mode screen L5, a simplex / duplex copy setting icon i11 as a setting item is displayed. On the selection screen L6, a single-sided / double-sided copy selection icon i12 as a selection item is displayed.

  The control unit 4 includes an input detection unit 41 that detects an input position of the first touch input with respect to the copy mode screen L5 and an input position of the second touch input with respect to the selection screen L6, and the first / double-sided copy setting icon i11. When the first touch input for the input continuation state determination unit 42 for determining that one touch input is continued and the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 is continued, the selection screen L6 is displayed as a copy mode screen. When the first touch input to the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 is interrupted, the display management unit 43 that hides the selection screen L6 and the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 are displayed. When the first touch input is interrupted, the selection icon i1 selected by the second touch input with respect to the selection icon i12 And an input management unit 44 for setting a one-sided / two-sided copying according to the.

  Next, an input method using the input device 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This input method may be applied to any function as long as it uses icons. Also, the same processes as those in the flowchart of FIG. 6 and the processes to be executed are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the user selects the copy mode from the initial menu screen (Yes in S1), the input detection unit 41 sets the first single / double-sided copy setting icon i11 on the copy mode screen L5. It is determined whether touch input has been detected, that is, whether the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 has been pressed (S42).

  When the input detection unit 41 detects that the simplex / duplex copy setting icon i11 is pressed (Yes in S42), the input continuation state determination unit 42 determines whether the simplex / duplex copy setting icon i11 is being pressed. (S43). The continuous pressing time until the input continuation state determination unit 42 determines that the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 is continuously pressed is set as appropriate within a range that eliminates erroneous input and does not impair operability. For example, the continuous pressing time may be set to 2 seconds.

  When the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 is kept pressed (Yes in S43), the display management unit 43 displays the selection screen L6 including the selection icon i12 in the vicinity of the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 (S44). . When returning to S43 via S45 or S46, which will be described later, the display management unit 43 displays the selection screen L6 that has already been displayed on the simplex / duplex copy setting icon i11 without displaying the selection screen L6 separately each time. It is displayed continuously in the vicinity.

  Next, the input detection unit 41 determines whether the second touch input to the selection icon i12 on the selection screen L6 has been detected, that is, whether the selection icon i12 has been pressed (S45). When the input detection unit 41 detects that the selection icon i12 has been pressed (Yes in S45), the input management unit 41 inputs single-side / double-side registration information corresponding to the pressed selection icon i12 (S46). ).

  In S43, when the first touch input to the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 is interrupted, that is, when the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i11 is not pressed (No in S43), the display management unit 43 The selection screen L6 is hidden (S47).

  The input management unit 44 determines whether or not single-side / double-side registration information is input by pressing the selection icon i12 (S48). When none of the selection icons i12 is pressed and no single-sided / double-sided registration information is input (No in S48), a mode selection screen is displayed on the display 2. If single-sided / double-sided registration information has been input (Yes in S48), the input management unit 44 sets a single-sided / double-sided copy mode corresponding to the registered information (S49).

  According to the input device 7 described above, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example, the user can display the selection screen L6 simply by pressing the single-sided / double-sided copy setting icon i9 with the thumb of the right hand. . Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the selection icon i10 on the selection screen L6 can be selected with the right index finger. Then, by simply releasing the right thumb from the simplex / duplex copy setting icon i9, the selection screen L6 can be hidden and the simplex / duplex copy mode corresponding to the selection icon i10 selected with the right index finger can be set. .

  As a result, the input information input via the selection screen L6 is reflected in the setting information, whereby the input operation can be simplified, and the layout and size of the copy mode screen L5 and the selection screen L6 can be set freely. be able to.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the user performs an input operation with the right thumb and the right index finger has been described, but the finger performing the input operation is not limited to these fingers, and the input operation is performed with another finger of the right hand. Even if it performs, input operation may be performed with each finger of the left hand.

  The present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally extends to the modified ones.

1, 5, 7 ... input device 2 ... display display (display means)
3 ... Touch panel (input means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 ... Control means 41 ... Input detection part 42 ... Input continuation state determination part 43 ... Display management part 44 ... Input management part 100 ... Image forming apparatus

Claims (10)

Display means for displaying the first and second operation menu screens, input means for simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to the first and second operation menu screens, and the first and second operations according to the touch inputs And an input device including a control means for executing an operation on the operation menu screen of
The control means includes
An input detection unit that detects an input position of the first touch input with respect to the first operation menu screen and an input position of the second touch input with respect to the second operation menu screen;
An input continuation state determination unit that determines that the first touch input is continued to the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen;
When the first touch input for the setting item is continued, the second operation menu screen is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen, and the first touch for the setting item is displayed. A display management unit for hiding the second operation menu screen when the input is interrupted;
When the first touch input for the setting item is interrupted, the input information corresponding to the second touch input for the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is reflected in the setting information of the setting item. An input management unit,
An input device comprising:   The input device according to claim 1, wherein the display management unit displays the selection item in the vicinity of the setting item without overlapping the setting item.   The input device according to claim 2, wherein the display management unit displays the selection item on a dominant hand side of the setting item. The selection item is a numeric keypad,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input management unit reflects a numerical value input by pressing the numeric keypad in the setting information. The selection item is a slide bar;
4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input management unit reflects a numerical value specified by sliding the slide bar in the setting information. 5. The selection item is an icon;
4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input management unit reflects information registered in the icon in advance in the setting information when the icon is selected. 5.   An image reading apparatus comprising the input device according to claim 1.   An image forming apparatus comprising the input device according to claim 1. A display step for displaying the first and second operation menu screens; an input step for simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to the first and second operation menu screens; and the first and second operations according to the touch inputs. And an input method including a control process for executing an operation on the operation menu screen of
The control step includes
An input detection step of detecting an input position of a first touch input with respect to the first operation menu screen and an input position of a second touch input with respect to the second operation menu screen;
An input continuation state determination step for determining that the first touch input is continued in the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen;
When the first touch input for the setting item is continued, the second operation menu screen is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen, and the first touch for the setting item is displayed. A display management step of hiding the second operation menu screen when the input is interrupted;
When the first touch input for the setting item is interrupted, the input information corresponding to the second touch input for the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is reflected in the setting information of the setting item. Input management process to
The input method characterized by including. Display means for displaying the first and second operation menu screens, input means for simultaneously detecting a plurality of touch inputs to the first and second operation menu screens, and the first and second operations according to the touch inputs A program for executing an input device comprising a control means for executing an operation on the operation menu screen of
An input detection step of detecting an input position of the first touch input with respect to the first operation menu screen and an input position of the second touch input with respect to the second operation menu screen;
An input continuation state determination step for determining that the first touch input is continued in the setting item displayed on the first operation menu screen;
When the first touch input for the setting item is continued, the second operation menu screen is displayed superimposed on the first operation menu screen, and the first touch for the setting item is displayed. A display management step of hiding the second operation menu screen when the input is interrupted;
When the first touch input for the setting item is interrupted, the input information corresponding to the second touch input for the selection item displayed on the second operation menu screen is reflected in the setting information of the setting item. Input management steps to
A program characterized by having executed.