JP2008204275A - Input operation device and input operation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input operation device and input operation method, allowing an operator having disabled hands to select a desired operation button by simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: When the next portion of the operation display part is pushed while the operation button displayed on a touch panel operation display part is pushed, the control is conducted to select the operation button. In selecting the operation button of the operation display part, it is required to push only the next part while the operation button is pushed, so that even an operator having disabled hands can simply select an operation button by easy operation without imposing any load on the hands and fingers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input operation device including a touch panel type operation display unit, and an input operation method performed through a touch panel type operation display unit.

  Image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multifunction machines are provided with an operation display unit (panel operation unit) configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) touch panel module on the operation panel, and are displayed on the operation display unit. When the operation button is pressed by the operator, an input operation on the operation button is accepted and a corresponding operation mode is executed.

  Such a touch panel type operation display unit is difficult to see for a visually impaired person or the like and is difficult to operate. Therefore, a technique for facilitating the operation of selecting and confirming operation buttons is adopted.

  For example, a visually handicapped person puts his finger on the touch panel type operation display unit, traces the operation display unit, selects the desired operation button displayed on the operation display unit while listening to voice guidance, and continues the operation button When the button is pressed (double-clicked), the selected operation button is confirmed (for example, see Patent Document 1), the operation button (soft button) in the operation display unit selected based on the voice guidance, and the operation There is a technique for determining (determining) a selected operation button by simultaneously pressing a determination switch (hard button) provided separately from the display unit (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-76476 A JP 2004-271748 A

  In the case of Patent Document 1, it can be a user-friendly interface (input operation device) for a visually handicapped person, but when an operator (non-healthy person) with a hand or finger handicap presses the operation button continuously, The fingertip may be deviated from the target operation button. If the fingertip is removed from the operation button, an undesired operation mode is executed due to an erroneous operation.

  In addition, in the case of Patent Document 2, there is a possibility that a visually impaired person or the like may not be able to find out easily even with a decision switch provided outside the operation display unit, and there is a disability in the hand, and also one hand is inconvenient. For an operator or the like, the determination switch may not be easily pressed. In addition, there is a problem that it is necessary to provide a dedicated decision switch separately, which increases the cost.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and provides an input operation device and an input operation method that allow an operator with a handicap or the like to select a desired operation button with a simple operation. It is an object.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] An operation display unit on which operation buttons for performing an input operation are displayed;
A control unit that selects the operation button when the next portion of the operation display unit is pressed while the operation button displayed on the operation display unit is pressed;
An input operation device comprising:

[4] An input operation method, wherein the operation button is selected when the next portion of the operation display unit is pressed while the operation button displayed on the operation display unit is pressed.

  In the above invention, the operation button displayed on the operation display unit is pressed by the operator, and when the next portion of the operation display unit is pressed in that state, the operation button is selected. The operation button and the operation display unit can be pressed using a finger (fingertip) that is normally used, other parts of the hand (such as the back of the hand, the back of the hand), a fist, or a touch pen. . In addition, the part to be pressed next to the operation display part may be an arbitrary part (entire area) in the operation display part excluding the part that has already been pressed, or as a specified part in the operation display part. Also good. For example, the operation button that has been pressed first (except where it has already been pressed), the entire area in the operation display section that includes other operation buttons (any location in the operation display section), or the first press It is possible to make an area that includes other operation buttons and an empty area in the operation display section except for the operation buttons that are present, or an empty area in the operation display section that excludes all operation buttons.

  As a result, when selecting an operation button, the operation button is pressed and the next part of the operation display section is simply pressed. The operation buttons can be easily selected with no easy operation.

[2] It further includes an audio output unit that is controlled by the control unit and outputs audio,
The input operation device according to [1], wherein when the operation button is pressed, the control unit causes the audio output unit to output a description of the operation button.

[5] The input operation method according to [4], wherein when the operation button is pressed, a description of the operation button is output by voice.

  In the above-described invention, when an operation button is pressed, an explanation regarding the name, type, function, etc. of the operation button is output as a voice, so that the operator can surely recognize which operation button is pressed through hearing. . This makes it possible to quickly perform the next operation such as changing the operation button to be pressed to another, or pressing the next part of the operation display unit to select the operation button. It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as selection.

[3] The control unit requests an operation for confirming the selected operation button, and confirms the selection of the operation button when the confirmation operation is performed on the operation display unit. The input operation device according to [1] or [2].

[6] An operation for confirming the selected operation button is requested, and selection of the operation button is confirmed when the confirmation operation is performed on the operation display unit. [4] or [5] ] The input operation method described in the above.

  In the above invention, an operation request for confirming the selected operation button is notified by, for example, display on the operation display unit or voice output, and when the operator performs the confirmation operation through the operation display unit, the operation button is displayed. Confirmed.

  According to the input operation device and the input operation method according to the present invention, an operator with a handicapped hand or the like can select a desired operation button with a simple operation.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an input operation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The input operation device 10 is mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a digital multifunction machine having a copy function for reading a document and forming and outputting a corresponding image on a recording sheet, and a scanner function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like. And a function of accepting an input operation from a user or the like who operates the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an input operation device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a panel driver 12, a panel operation unit 13, an audio output driver 14, a speaker 15, a storage unit 16, and a clock generation. And a device 17.

  The CPU 11 has an arithmetic processing function and also functions as a control unit (central processing unit) that performs overall control of operations of the input operation device 10 and the entire image forming apparatus.

  The panel operation unit 13 is composed of an LCD touch panel module in which a translucent touch panel 19 is superimposed on an LCD (liquid crystal display) 18 and functions as a touch panel type operation display unit.

  The LCD 18 of the panel operation unit 13 displays an operation button for performing an input operation, an explanation of the operation, and an image related to an operation mode or an error of the image forming apparatus, and the display image on the LCD 18 can be viewed from the outside through the touch panel 19. Has been.

  For the touch panel 19, for example, a general analog resistance film method is adopted. The analog resistive film type touch panel includes an upper film and a lower glass that are vertically opposed to each other with a predetermined gap, and a transparent conductive material is formed on each of the opposing surfaces of the upper film and the lower glass. When the film is pressed, the transparent conductive films come into contact with each other to conduct electricity.

  Regarding the detection of the pressing point (pressed part) on the film constituting the panel surface, for example, electrodes are provided at both ends in the left and right direction (X direction) along the panel surface on the film side, and the panel surface on the glass side. By providing electrodes at both ends in the vertical direction (Y direction) along the line, voltage application and potential detection in the XY direction are possible, and voltage is applied to the film side electrode (film side transparent conductive film). The X coordinate of the pressed point is detected by partial pressure by measuring the potential at the contact point (change in resistance distribution of the film-side transparent conductive film) through the glass-side electrode. To do. In addition, a voltage is applied to the glass side electrode (a state where a potential gradient is generated in the Y direction due to the resistance of the glass side transparent conductive film), and the potential at the contact point (change in the resistance distribution of the glass side transparent conductive film) is changed to the film side electrode. By measuring through, the Y coordinate of the pressed point is detected by the partial pressure. Based on such a principle, the touch panel 19 detects the position of the pressed point, and when the panel surface made of film is pressed, an analog signal indicating the detected pressed position (XY coordinate) is input to the panel driver 12. To do.

  The panel driver 12 has a function of performing display control on the LCD 18 of the panel operation unit 13 and a function of converting an analog signal input from the touch panel 19 of the panel operation unit 13 into a digital signal. An analog signal indicating the pressed position of the touch panel 19 is converted into a digital signal by the panel driver 12 and input to the CPU 11.

  The speaker 15 outputs various sounds including an alarm sound and the sound output driver 14 has a function of controlling sound output to the speaker 15.

  The storage unit 16 includes a volatile / nonvolatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. The non-volatile memory or HDD of the storage unit 16 stores display data DA displayed as an image on the LCD 18 of the panel operation unit 13 and an audio data DB output as audio from the speaker 15.

  The clock generator 17 functions as a timer for measuring the passage of a fixed time, generates a clock signal by a built-in clock generation circuit, and inputs the generated clock signal to the CPU 11.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the operation panel 20 provided in the image forming apparatus. The operation panel 20 includes a panel main body 21, the panel operation unit 13 is disposed in a rectangular window portion 22 formed in the panel main body 21, and a plurality of buttons 23 (hard buttons) on the left and right of the panel operation unit 13. Is arranged.

  The types of buttons 23 are: power button 23A, start button 23B, stop button 23C, reset button 23D, box mode button 23E, scan mode button 23F, fax mode button 23G, copy mode button 23H, number / alphabet button 23I, ID An (Identification) button 23J and the like are prepared.

  The image forming apparatus also has a user authentication function and an input mode switching function based on user authentication. When the user authentication function is operating, the user is authenticated based on the input ID (password) or using a fingerprint authentication unit (not shown), and the input mode of the panel operation unit 13 is set to “normal mode”. Or switch to “support mode”.

  The database information about the correspondence between the ID or fingerprint for user authentication and the user level may be stored in the storage unit 16 (see FIG. 1) of the input operation device 10 or may be stored outside the image forming apparatus. May be stored in an authentication server that can communicate with each other.

  3A shows an example of a screen (normal mode screen) displayed on the panel operation unit 13 in the normal mode, and FIG. 3B is displayed on the panel operation unit 13 in the support mode. An example of a screen (support mode screen) is shown.

  In the normal mode, 12 types of buttons 25 (buttons A to L) are arranged and displayed on the screen of the panel operation unit 13 in a matrix of 4 columns and 3 rows. In the support mode, six types of buttons 25 (buttons A to F) are arranged and displayed on the screen of the panel operation unit 13 in a matrix of 3 rows and 2 columns. For example, an operation for switching button display As a result, the other six types of buttons 25 (buttons G to L) are similarly arranged and displayed in a matrix of 3 columns and 2 rows (not shown).

  The buttons 25 displayed in the normal mode and the support mode are rectangular and all have the same size (area). Note that the size of the button 25 displayed in the support mode may be larger than the button 25 displayed in the normal mode. Further, each button 25 displayed in the support mode has a larger interval from the screen frame of the panel operation unit 13 than in the normal mode.

  Specifically, the distance L1 between the upper edge of the buttons 25 (buttons A, B, C) and the screen upper frame 24A arranged in the horizontal direction on the upper side of the screen and the horizontal direction on the lower side of the screen. The distance L2 between the lower edge of the displayed buttons 25 (buttons D, E, F) and the screen lower frame 24B, and the left of the buttons 25 (buttons A, D) displayed in the vertical direction on the left side of the screen The distance L3 between the edge and the screen left frame 24C and the distance L4 between the right edge of the button 25 (buttons C and F) arranged in the vertical direction on the right side of the screen and the screen right frame 24D are all It is set to be equal to or larger than the width dimension FW of one finger FI of the hand (L1, L2, L3, L4 ≧ FW). As a result, on the screen of the panel operation unit 13, an empty area equal to or more than one finger is secured around the buttons 25 arranged in a matrix (up, down, left, and right) so that the empty area can be pressed with a finger. It has become.

  In addition, about the width dimension of one finger | toe of a human hand here, the case where it is usually the thinnest little finger in a hand becomes a lower limit. In addition, since the finger that presses down the panel operation unit 13 is usually an index finger or a middle finger, the distances L1 to L4 are preferably equal to or greater than the width dimension of the index finger or the width dimension of the middle finger. When the index finger or middle finger of an adult hand is used as a reference, the width FW of one finger is about tens of millimeters, so the intervals L1 to L4 are preferably set to tens of millimeters or more. As will be described later, since the empty area of the panel operation unit 13 is pressed with a finger or the like, the distances L1 to L4 are more preferably 20 mm or more, and further preferably 25 mm or more in consideration of pressing by the finger.

  Next, the operation of the input operation device 10 and the input operation method will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the input mode of the panel operation unit 13 provided on the operation panel 20 is switched through user authentication. Therefore, the user who uses the image forming apparatus presses the ID button 23J on the operation panel 20 to switch to the ID mode, and inputs the ID (password) using the number / alphabet button 23I (see FIG. 2), or User authentication is performed using a fingerprint authentication unit.

  When an ID is input or fingerprint authentication is performed by the user, the image forming apparatus is based on database information stored in a storage unit 16 (see FIG. 1) in the apparatus or an authentication server capable of communication outside the apparatus. Thus, ID or fingerprint verification is performed to determine the user level. As a result of user authentication, if it is determined that the user is a general user (healthy person), the input mode of the panel operation unit 13 is set to the normal mode, and if it is determined that the user has a handicapped hand (non-healthy person), etc. And set to support mode.

  FIG. 4 shows a flow of processing in the normal mode in the input operation device 10.

  In the normal mode, 12 types of buttons 25 (buttons A to L) are displayed on the screen of the panel operation unit 13 provided on the operation panel 20 as shown in FIG. When the user presses any button 25 with the fingertip of the hand (step S101), the touch panel 19 of the panel operation unit 13 outputs an analog signal indicating the pressed position.

  The analog signal output from the touch panel 19 is input to the panel driver 12, converted into a digital signal by the panel driver 12, and input to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 determines which button 25 is pressed based on the digital signal input from the panel driver 12, and determines (determines) the button 25 determined to be pressed (step S102). Then, the image forming apparatus is controlled to execute the operation mode corresponding to the confirmed button 25, and the process is ended (end).

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of processing in the support mode in the input operation device 10. 6 and 7 show a button selection operation method in the support mode, and FIGS. 8 and 9 show a button determination operation method in the support mode.

  In the support mode, six types of buttons 25 (buttons A to F or buttons G to L) are displayed on the screen of the panel operation unit 13 provided on the operation panel 20 as shown in FIG. When the user presses any button 25 with the fingertip of the hand (step S111), an analog signal indicating the pressed position is output from the touch panel 19 of the panel operation unit 13 as in the normal mode. It is converted into a digital signal by the driver 12 and input to the CPU 11.

  The CPU 11 determines the pressed button 25 based on the digital signal input from the panel driver 12, and whether the button 25 is pressed for a specified time based on the clock information input from the clock generator 17. It is determined whether or not (step S112). The specified time is basically set in units of seconds (sec), but may be set in units of milliseconds (msec).

  If the user removes his / her finger from the button 25 or moves his / her finger out of the button 25 before the specified time has elapsed, the pressing on the button 25 is released (step S112; N), and the process returns to step 111. Thus, it waits for any button 25 to be pressed again.

  When the pressing of the button 25 is continued for a specified time (step S112; Y), the button 25 is temporarily selected (step S113), and the CPU 11 reads out the voice data DB relating to the description of the temporarily selected button 25 from the storage unit 16. To the audio output driver 14. The voice output driver 14 outputs a description of the pressed button 25 from the speaker 15 using the input voice data DB, for example, a description about the name, type, function, and the like, using a voice guide. Through this voice guide, the user is notified that the button 25 has been temporarily selected (step S114). Further, an alarm sound or the like may be used instead of the voice guide. In the case of voice guidance, for example, “Button D is an XX mode setting key” is notified.

  When a user with a handicap or the like performs an input operation on the panel operation unit 13, the desired button 25 cannot be pressed smoothly by a single operation, and the fingertip is displaced and the other buttons 25 or the panel operation unit There is a possibility that the empty area in 13 will be touched. Also, it may happen that the device closes to the empty area near the boundary between the button 25 and the empty area, and the device does not determine that the button 25 is pressed. In such a case, the fingertip is moved so as to trace on the panel operation unit 13, and the desired button 25 is searched for accurately while listening to the explanation of the button 25 that is output by voice every time the button 25 is pressed for a predetermined time. Can be pressed.

  When the button 25 is temporarily selected and notified, the CPU 11 switches the internal processing so as to invalidate the role of each button 25 displayed on the screen of the panel operation unit 13 (invalidation of the button area) ( In step S115, it is determined whether or not the pressed state of the panel operation unit 13 is continued (step S116). When the panel operation unit 13 is next pressed in a state where the button area is invalidated, the CPU 11 is only pressed regardless of the pressed position regardless of where the buttons 25 and the empty area are pressed. The detection judgment is performed.

  Here, when the user removes his / her finger from the panel operation unit 13, the analog signal indicating the pressed position output from the touch panel 19 of the panel operation unit 13 disappears, and a digital signal indicating this is input from the panel driver 12 to the CPU 11. Is done. In response to this, the CPU 11 determines that the press on the panel operation unit 13 by the user (press on the temporarily selected button 25) has been released (step S116; Y), and performs the operation on the button 25 pressed for a specified time. In addition to canceling the provisional selection, internal processing for returning the role of each button 25 to validity is performed, and the process returns to step 111 to enter a standby state in which the button 25 is pressed again.

  When the panel operation unit 13 is continuously pressed by the user (step S116; N), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the next location of the panel operation unit 13 is pressed (step S117).

  If the next part of the panel operation unit 13 is not pressed (step S117; N), the process returns to step S116. When the next portion of the panel operation unit 13 is pressed (step S117; Y), the temporarily selected button 25 is selected (step S118), and the CPU 11 stores the voice data DB related to the selection of the button 25 from the storage unit 16. Read out and input to the audio output driver 14. The audio output driver 14 uses the input audio data DB to output from the speaker 15 that the pressed button 25 has been selected with an audio guide or an alarm sound, and notifies the user (step S119).

  Regarding the detection of the second press performed on the panel operation unit 13 in step S117, for example, the analog signal output when the touch panel 19 is pressed moves discontinuously (instantaneously) in the XY coordinates. In such a case, it can be determined that the second location is pressed while one location is pressed.

  In the analog resistive film type touch panel 19, for example, when a plurality of locations are pressed simultaneously, a plurality of analog signal peaks appear on the XY coordinates. Processing is performed to average the peaks of the plurality of analog signals, calculate the coordinates of one center of the plurality of locations on the XY coordinates, and determine that the center is pressed. In this case, when the second part is pressed while the first part is pressed, the output of the analog signal on the XY coordinates is the first and second parts from the coordinates indicating the first pressed point. It moves discontinuously (instantaneously) to the coordinates indicating the center of the eye.

  For example, when the part that is pressed down is moved from the panel operation unit 13 without moving the finger, the output of the analog signal continuously moves on the XY coordinates. Also, when the second part is pressed after the finger has been released from the first part pressed first, or when a plurality of parts are simultaneously pressed after the finger has been released from the first part, the output of the analog signal is temporarily stopped. It will appear again after the break. Therefore, when the finger is moved on the panel operation unit 13 or when the finger is pressed again after the finger is released from the panel operation unit 13, and when the second location is pressed while the first location is pressed In this case, since the phenomenon (output change) such as movement and appearance of the signal output on the XY coordinates is different, it can be identified.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which the button 25 is selected and operated using two fingers. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the button D is pressed with the finger FI1 and kept pressed for a specified time, the button D is temporarily selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), an arbitrary part of the panel operation unit 13 (the button in the example of FIG. 6 (B) is the same as the finger FI1 pressing the button D or the finger FI2 of the other hand. Button D is selected. In addition, since a space equal to or more than one finger is secured between each button 25 displayed on the screen of the panel operation unit 13 and the screen frame, for example, the button A or button with the middle finger (FI1) of the right hand Even when D is pressed, the empty area on the left side of button A or button D can be easily pressed with the index finger (FI2) of the right hand as it is without shifting the middle finger (FI1) to the right. Similarly, when pressing the button C or F on the opposite side with the index finger (FI1) of the right hand, the middle finger (FI2) of the right hand is used as it is without shifting the index finger (FI1) to the left. The empty area on the right side can be easily pressed.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which the button 25 is selected and operated with both hands. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the button C is pressed with the finger FI of the right hand and kept pressed for a specified time, the button C is temporarily selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, when an arbitrary portion of the panel operation unit 13 (lower left area of the panel operation unit 13 including the buttons D and E in the example of FIG. 7B) is pressed with the left hand LH. , Button C is selected.

  When the button 25 is selected and notified, the CPU 11 requests an operation for confirming the selected button 25 (step S120). This operation request may be displayed on the panel operation unit 13 or may be output from the speaker 15 with a voice guide or an alarm sound.

  When displaying on the panel operation unit 13, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, confirmation and confirmation as to whether or not to confirm (finally determine) the selected button 25 on the screen of the panel operation unit 13. A description of the operation necessary for the operation is displayed as a confirmation message M. The example of FIG. 8A is a case where it is necessary to double-click the panel operation unit 13 in order to confirm the selected button 25. As shown in the drawing, the screen of the panel operation unit 13 displays “Final decision”. Confirmation message M such as “Please double-click on the operation panel with your finger to confirm” is displayed. In addition, when a confirmation operation method is separately guided through an operation manual, a help screen, or the like, a confirmation operation may be requested from the user using a display prompting the operation, an alarm sound, or the like.

  The operation for confirming the selected button 25 or canceling the selection is performed by touching the right side of the panel operation unit 13 (the right half of the screen), for example, when confirming, in addition to the operation of whether or not to double-click. When canceling, touch the left side (left half of the screen) of the panel operation unit 13 (see FIG. 9), or when confirming, draw “◯” on the panel operation unit 13 and canceling the panel operation unit 13 It is good also as drawing "x" on the top. Similarly, for such an operation method, whether or not to confirm the selected button 25 is confirmed by the display by the panel operation unit 13 or the sound output from the speaker 15, an explanation of the operation for the confirmation, etc. The user is notified.

  When a request for an operation for confirming the selected button 25 is made, the CPU 11 determines whether the requested confirming operation is performed or whether a canceling operation is performed (step S121).

  When the user does not perform the confirming operation within the predetermined time or performs the operation of canceling the selection (step S121; N), the selection of the button 25 is canceled and the role of each button 25 invalidated in step S115 An internal process for returning the button 25 is performed, and the process returns to step S111 to enter a standby state in which the button 25 is pressed again.

  When the user performs a confirming operation (step S121; Y), the selected button is confirmed (final determination) (step S122). For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the panel operation unit 13 is double-clicked with the finger FI, the selected button D is confirmed, and if the double-click is not performed within a predetermined time, the selection of the button D is canceled. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the right side of the panel operation unit 13 is touched with the finger FI, the selected button D is confirmed, and as shown in FIG. 9B, the panel operation unit 13 is operated with the finger FI. Touching the left side of the button cancels the selection of the button D.

  When the button 25 is confirmed, the CPU 11 reads out the sound data DB related to the confirmation of the button 25 from the storage unit 16 and inputs it to the sound output driver 14. The audio output driver 14 uses the input audio data DB to output from the speaker 15 that the selected button 25 has been confirmed by an audio guide or an alarm sound, and notifies the user (step S123). In the case of voice guidance, for example, notification is made with “Selection of XX mode setting key for button D is confirmed”. Then, the CPU 11 controls the image forming apparatus to execute the operation mode corresponding to the confirmed button 25, and ends the process (end).

  As described above, in the input operation device 10 of this embodiment, in order to select the button 25 displayed on the panel operation unit 13 in the support mode, the user presses the button 25 in the panel operation unit 13, and the state Thus, the operation is simply to press the next part of the panel operation unit 13. Since the location to be pressed for the second time in the panel operation unit 13 is not specified and may be any location in the panel operation unit 13, it is easy for a user with a handicap or the like not to place a burden on the hand or finger. It is possible to press an appropriate position in the panel operation unit 13 that is easy to press.

  For example, when the panel operation unit 13 is pressed with the other finger of the hand pressing the button 25 because one hand (arm) is inconvenient, the hand holding the button 25 is supported by the hand. The panel operation unit 13 can be pushed simply by stabilizing and gently lowering the other finger. Further, the panel operation unit 13 can be pushed with another finger by tilting the hand slightly without moving the other finger. Therefore, it is possible to push the button 25 first using only the hand that is easy to move, and then easily push the panel operation unit 13 next with less movement without applying force to the hand or finger.

  If both hands can be moved but individual fingers cannot be moved well, the button 25 is pushed with one or more fingers of one hand or the belly of the hand, and the other hand is in that state. It is only necessary to press the panel operation unit 13 with one or more fingers or the stomach of the hand, and the two positions (buttons 25 in the panel operation unit 13 can be moved with both hands without moving each finger so much. And any part of the panel operation unit 13).

  In addition, when the button 25 is selected, when the button 25 is pressed for a predetermined time, the explanation of the button 25 is output as a voice, so that the user can surely recognize which button 25 is pressed. Therefore, it becomes possible to quickly perform the next operation such as changing the pressed button 25 to another, or pressing the next location in the panel operation unit 13 to select the button 25, and the unwanted button 25. It is also possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as selecting.

  Further, even when a user with a visual impairment or the like finds a desired button 25 by listening to a voice explanation while touching the panel operation unit 13 and selects the button 25, an appropriate one in the panel operation unit 13 is examined by general consideration. Since it is only necessary to press down an appropriate part, the desired button 25 can be selected with a simple operation.

  When the button 25 is selected, a request for confirmation is made by display or voice output by the panel operation unit 13, and when the confirmation operation is performed by the user through the panel operation unit 13, the button 25 is pressed. If it is confirmed and a confirmation operation is not performed or a cancel operation is performed, the selection of the button 25 is canceled. As a result, even when an undesired button 25 is erroneously selected due to a mistouch or the like during the operation, the selection can be easily canceled, and the button 25 can be reselected quickly.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the embodiment, the touch panel 19 of the panel operation unit 13 included in the input operation device 10 is a general-purpose analog resistance film method. However, the matrix resistance film method and a plurality of simultaneously pressed portions are each represented by XY coordinates. You may make it use the touchscreen of other systems, such as an optical system (infrared system) provided with the multipoint detection (multipoint recognition) function which can be detected independently.

  In the case of a touch panel having a multi-point detection function, a plurality of locations simultaneously pressed on the panel operation unit 13 can be detected independently by XY coordinates. On the -Y coordinate, it is possible to detect pressing of the second location independent of the first location. Therefore, even if the detection by the non-continuous movement of the analog signal output on the XY coordinates as described in the embodiment is not used, the second place is pressed while the first place is pressed. Can be identified.

  In the support mode described in the embodiment, the pressed button 25 is finally determined through a provisional selection, selection, and confirmation process. However, from the provisional selection to selection without the confirmation process. The final determination may be made in the process.

  Further, when the button 25 is temporarily selected, the button area is invalidated so that an arbitrary position in the panel operation unit 13 can be pressed when the selection operation of the button 25 is performed. The button 25 may be selected by pressing a designated location. For example, by invalidating only the temporarily selected button 25, the empty area in the panel operation unit 13 and the area of the other button 25 are designated as pressed positions, or the button area is not invalidated. It is possible to make a free area in the panel operation unit 13 a designated pressing position. Even in the case where only the empty area in the panel operation unit 13 is set as the designated pressing position, in the embodiment, the buttons 25 displayed on the screen of the panel operation unit 13 in the support mode are not displayed between the screen frames. Since an interval equal to or longer than one finger is secured, an operation of selecting and pressing an empty area in the panel operation unit 13 can be easily performed.

  In addition, the user is notified of the provisional selection (explanation of the button) 25, selection, and confirmation of the pressed button 25 by a voice guide or an alarm sound, but this voice output is not performed. Also good. Further, the audio output may be switched on / off so that the user can select the audio output on / off.

  The input mode (normal mode / support mode) of the panel operation unit 13 is switched by performing user authentication. However, in addition to automatic switching by user authentication, a mode for manually switching is provided to allow the user to enter the input mode. May be arbitrarily selected.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the input operation device mounted on the image forming apparatus such as the digital multifunction peripheral described in the embodiment and the input operation method in the image forming apparatus. Any input operation method can be applied as long as it is performed through an operation device and a touch panel type operation display unit.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the input operation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an external view which shows the operation panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a figure which shows a normal mode screen, (B) is a figure which shows a support mode screen displayed on the panel operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the normal mode which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the support mode which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Among a plurality of buttons displayed on the panel operation unit in the support mode, (A) shows a state where the button D is pressed, and (B) shows a state where the selection operation of the button D is performed. FIG. Of the plurality of buttons displayed on the panel operation unit in the support mode, (A) shows a state in which the button C is pressed, and (B) shows a state in which the button C is selected. FIG. (A) is a diagram showing a confirmation message displayed on the panel operation unit to confirm the button selected in the support mode, and (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the selected button is confirmed according to the confirmation message. It is. (A) is a figure which shows the state which is performing confirmation operation of the button selected in support mode, (B) is a figure which shows the state which is performing cancellation operation of the selected button.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Input operation device 11 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Panel driver 13 ... Panel operation part 14 ... Audio | voice output driver 15 ... Speaker 16 ... Memory | storage part 17 ... Clock generator 18 ... LCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ... Touch panel 20 ... Operation panel 21 ... Panel main body 22 ... Window part 23 ... Button 24A ... Screen upper frame 24B ... Screen lower frame 24C ... Screen left frame 24D ... Screen right frame 25 ... Button DA ... Display data DB ... Audio data FI ... Finger FI1, FI2 ... Finger LH ... Left hand

Claims (6)

An operation display section on which operation buttons for performing input operations are displayed;
A control unit that selects the operation button when the next portion of the operation display unit is pressed while the operation button displayed on the operation display unit is pressed;
An input operation device comprising: A voice output unit controlled by the control unit to output voice;
The input operation device according to claim 1, wherein when the operation button is pressed, the control unit causes the audio output unit to output a description of the operation button. The control unit requests an operation for confirming the selected operation button, and confirms the selection of the operation button when the confirmation operation is performed on the operation display unit. The input operation device according to claim 2. An input operation method comprising: selecting an operation button when a next portion of the operation display unit is pressed while the operation button displayed on the operation display unit is pressed. The input operation method according to claim 4, wherein when the operation button is pressed, a description of the operation button is output by voice. 6. The operation according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an operation for confirming the selected operation button is requested, and the selection of the operation button is confirmed when the confirmation operation is performed on the operation display unit. Input operation method.

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