Gesture-based menu scroll operation on a display apparatus

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-237912 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Oct. 29, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to a display apparatus accepting scroll operation, and more particularly to a display apparatus with improved operability.

Description of the Background Art

Today, image forming apparatuses, including MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) as a typical example, are installed with touch panel-type operation panels. Users can make input operation to an image forming apparatus by touching a software key displayed on the operation panel.

In conventional operation panels of MFPs, display screens are sorted by hierarchy. In general, a screen including function keys (also called function badges or setting keys) for accepting settings of basic functions is displayed as a screen in a higher level. When an “advanced function key” is pressed in this higher-level screen, the screen changes to a screen in a level below that includes function keys for accepting settings of advanced functions.

Document 1 below discloses an image forming apparatus, in which a basic mode screen shifts to an application mode screen when an application button is pressed. This image forming apparatus displays the application mode screen, which includes a function button display area in which a plurality of function buttons for displaying setting screens for the functions installed in the image processing apparatus are displayed, and an icon display area in which icons corresponding to the function buttons are displayed according to groups classified by attributes of the functions. When the user designates a desired section in the icon display area, the image forming apparatus slides the function button corresponding to the icon present in the designated section to the function button display area of the display screen for display. [Document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2011-138436

In conventional image limning apparatuses, if there are so many function keys for basic functions that all the function keys for basic functions cannot be displayed at a time on a screen of the operation panel, the image forming apparatus displays part of the function keys for basic functions and a toggle button on a screen of the operation panel. When the toggle button is pressed, the function keys displayed are switched to the remaining part of the function keys for basic functions. On the other hand, if there are so many function keys for advanced functions that all the function keys for advanced functions cannot be displayed at a time on a screen of the operation panel, the image forming apparatus displays part of the function keys for advanced functions on a screen of the operation panel. When scroll operation such as flick operation or swipe operation (drag operation) is accepted, the function keys for advanced functions are scrolled, whereby the function keys displayed are switched to another part of the function keys for advanced functions.

In conventional image forming apparatuses, however, the operability is poor in that the operation of switching functions is different between when the function keys for basic functions are displayed and when the function keys for advanced functions are displayed.

In this respect, when scroll operation on the function keys for basic functions is accepted, the function keys for basic functions may be scrolled in the same manner as the function keys for advanced functions. With this approach, however, the operability is deteriorated because the display positions of the function keys for basic functions are changed by scrolling. More specifically, since the function keys for basic functions are frequently used, the users may remember the positions of those keys and thereby acquire quick operation on the function keys. Therefore, if the display positions of the function keys for basic functions are changed by scrolling, the user cannot recognize the functions only by their positions and has to read the characters displayed on the function keys before performing operation. On the other hand, in general, the function keys for advanced functions are used less frequently than the function keys for basic functions. The function keys for advanced functions should therefore be scrollable as in a conventional manner to make it easy to recognize the function names and improve operability.

The present invention is made to solve the problem above. An object of the present invention is to provide a display apparatus with improved operability.

A display apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a first display unit for displaying a first part of function keys for first menu items so as to be stopped at a predetermined stop position, the first menu items being configured with a plurality of function keys for accepting settings of functions of the display apparatus; a first operation accepting unit for accepting scroll operation on the first display unit; a first switch unit for, if the scroll operation is accepted by the first operation accepting unit, switching the function keys for the first menu items to be displayed, by displaying a second part of function keys for the first menu items so as to be stopped at a predetermined stop position, the second part being different from the first part; a second display unit for displaying at least part of function keys for second menu items so as to be arranged in a predetermined direction, the second menu items being different from the first menu items and being configured with a plurality of function keys for accepting settings of functions of the display apparatus; a second operation accepting unit for accepting scroll operation on the second display unit; and a scroll unit for, if scroll operation is accepted by the second operation accepting unit, moving the second menu items by a distance decided based on a speed of the scroll operation accepted by the second operation accepting unit.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view schematically showing an image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of image forming apparatus 1 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen for basic functions displayed on display 134 of operation panel 130 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen during scrolling that is displayed when the operation screen displayed on display 134 is changed from operation screen D 1 to operation screen D 2 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen for advanced functions displayed on display 134 of operation panel 130 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen after scrolling that is displayed when scroll operation is accepted from a user in a function key display region of operation screen D 3 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing switching of operation screens displayed on display 134 of operation panel 130 .

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a general relation between the speed of scroll operation and the distance over which function keys are scrolled.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a display process for the operation screen for advanced functions.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a switching process and a scrolling process for operation screens.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a switching process and a scrolling process for operation screens in a first modification.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen for advanced functions displayed on display 134 of operation panel 130 in a second modification.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a setting screen for menu items of basic functions.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a setting screen for menu items of advanced functions.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a function key editing process.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the figures.

In the present embodiment, the display apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an MFP, a facsimile machine, a copier, and a printer. The display apparatus may be any device other than the image forming apparatus, for example, such as a tablet, a smart phone, or a PC (Personal Computer).

In this specification, “scroll operation” means operation of moving an operating member such as a finger or stylus in any given direction on a touch panel, starting from a point on the touch panel. The scroll operation includes flick operation, swipe operation, and operation of moving a scroll bar.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]

Referring to FIG. 1 , an image forming apparatus 1 is here an MFP and includes an operation panel 130 on the front surface thereof. Operation panel 130 displays a variety of information related to image forming apparatus 1 and accepts operation for image forming apparatus 1 .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of image forming apparatus 1 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 101 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 , an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 103 , an NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory) 104 , a clock IC (Integrated Circuit) 105 , a fixed storage device 110 , an image scanner 120 , an operation panel 130 , an image output device 140 , a printer controller 150 , and a network I/F 160 .

ROM 102 , SRAM 103 , NVRAM 104 , and clock IC 105 are each connected to CPU 101 through a bus. CPU 101 , ROM 102 , SRAM 103 , NVRAM 104 , and clock IC 105 constitute a control unit 100 . ROM 102 stores a control program for controlling the operation of image forming apparatus 1 . SRAM 103 is a working memory for CPU 101 . NVRAM 104 is battery backed up to store a variety of settings related to image formation.

Fixed storage device 110 , image scanner 120 , operation panel 130 , image output device 140 , printer controller 150 , and network I/F 160 are each connected to control unit 100 through a bus. Fixed storage device 110 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Device) and stores a variety of information such as screen data of screens displayed on operation panel 130 and boxes for storing various files. Fixed storage device 110 additionally stores function keys that configure menu items of basic functions, and display positions thereof, and function keys that configure menu items of advanced functions. Image scanner 120 scans a document image. Operation panel 130 mainly includes a ten keypad 131 for inputting numerals, a print key 132 accepting an instruction to execute a print job, a logout key 133 accepting logout, a display 134 such as an LCD for displaying screens for a variety of information, and a touch panel 135 arranged on the front surface of display 134 . Touch panel 135 accepts touch operation (including flick operation or swipe operation) on display 134 . Image output device 140 forms an image on paper. Printer controller 150 generates a copy image from print data received from network I/F 160 . Network I/F 160 connects image forming apparatus 1 to a network 4 through a network cable. Network I/F 160 transmits/receives a variety of information to/from an external device connected to network 4 .

[Operation Screen Switching Method]

A method of switching operation screens displayed on operation panel 130 will now be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen for basic functions displayed on display 134 of operation panel 130 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , when power is turned on or when a reset key (not shown) is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen D 1 for basic functions as an initial screen, as shown in (a).

Operation screen D 1 includes function keys FK 1 to FK 7 and screen switch keys KY 1 to KY 3 . Function keys FK 1 to FK 7 are arranged in the horizontal direction at the bottom of operation screen D 1 . Function keys FK 1 to FK 7 are part of function keys (hereinafter also referred to as function keys for basic functions) that configure menu items of basic functions, and are classified into “basic functions 1”. Since the number of function keys for basic functions is so many that all the function keys for basic functions cannot be displayed in operation screen D 1 , the function keys for basic functions are classified into “basic functions 1” and “basic functions 2”. Image forming apparatus 1 accepts the settings of functions of image forming apparatus 1 (here, the settings of basic functions related to a copy job of image forming apparatus 1 ) through function keys FK 1 to FK 7 .

Screen switch keys KY 1 to KY 3 are arranged in the vertical direction at the lower right of operation screen D 1 . Screen switch key KY 1 is a key for switching the function keys displayed on display 134 to the function keys classified in “basic functions 1” (a key for displaying operation screen D 1 on display 134 ). Screen switch key KY 2 is a key for switching the functions displayed on display 134 to function keys classified in “basic functions 2” (a key for displaying operation screen D 2 on display 134 ). Screen switch key KY 3 is a key for changing menu items to be set, from the menu items of basic functions to the menu items of advanced functions. In operation screen D 1 , since function keys FK 1 to FK 7 classified in “basic functions 1” are displayed, image forming apparatus 1 does not accept operation on screen switch key KY 1 . Screen switch key KY 1 is surrounded by an outline LN. This makes the user understand that the function keys for basic functions are switched on a group-by-group basis, namely, between “basic functions 1” and “basic functions 2”.

When operation screen D 1 is displayed on display 134 , image forming apparatus 1 accepts, from the user, scroll operation of sliding the operating member on the display right to left as shown by arrow AR 1 , in a function key display region (a region in which function keys FK 1 to FK 7 are displayed). This scroll operation is the operation of scrolling the menu items of basic functions to the right.

When accepting this scroll operation, image forming apparatus 1 displays operation screen D 2 , which is another operation screen for basic functions, on display 134 as shown in (b), irrespective of the speed of the accepted scroll operation (the moving speed of the operating member in the scroll operation). This makes switching of the function keys for menu items of basic functions displayed on display 134 . Image forming apparatus 1 also displays operation screen D 2 when a press on screen switch key KY 2 is accepted in a state in which operation screen D 1 is displayed on display 134 .

Operation screen D 2 includes function keys FK 8 to FK 14 and screen switch keys KY 1 to KY 3 . Function keys FK 8 to FK 14 are arranged in the horizontal direction at the bottom of operation screen D 2 . Function keys FK 8 to FK 14 are another part of the function keys for basic functions (the rest of all the function keys for basic functions, excluding function keys FK 1 to FK 7 ), and are classified into “basic functions 2”. Image forming apparatus 1 accepts the settings of the functions of image forming apparatus 1 (here, the settings of basic functions related to a copy job of image forming apparatus 1 ) through function keys FK 8 to FK 14 .

Screen switch keys KY 1 to KY 3 are arranged in the vertical direction at the lower right of operation screen D 2 . In operation screen D 2 , since function keys FK 8 to FK 14 classified in “basic functions 2” are displayed, image forming apparatus 1 does not accept operation on screen switch KY 2 . Screen switch key KY 2 is surrounded by an outline LN.

When operation screen D 2 is displayed on display 134 , image forming apparatus 1 accepts, from the user, scroll operation of sliding the operating member on the display left to right as shown by arrow AR 2 , in a function key display region (a region where function keys FK 8 to FK 14 are displayed). This scroll operation is the operation of scrolling the menu items of basic functions to the left.

When accepting this scroll operation, image forming apparatus 1 displays operation screen D 1 on display 134 , as shown in (a), irrespective of the speed of the accepted scroll operation. This makes switching of the function keys for the menu items of basic functions displayed on display 134 . Image forming apparatus 1 also displays operation screen D 1 when a press on screen switch key KY 1 is accepted in a state in which operation screen D 2 is displayed on display 134 .

When settings of the function keys for basic functions are accepted, image forming apparatus 1 always displays the function keys for basic functions at a predetermined stop position in the operation screen. Specifically, when the settings of function keys FK 1 to FK 7 are accepted, image forming apparatus 1 always displays function keys FK 1 to FK 7 at a predetermined stop position in operation screen D 1 .

When the settings of function keys FK 8 to FK 14 are accepted, image forming apparatus 1 always displays function keys FK 8 to FK 14 at a predetermined stop position in operation screen D 2 . The function keys for accepting settings are always displayed at the same position, so that the user can quickly operate a function key by remembering the display position of the function key frequently used among function keys FK 1 to FK 14 .

In order to switch the operation screen displayed on display 134 from operation screen D 1 to operation screen D 2 , image forming apparatus 1 may switch the menu items of basic functions displayed, in such a manner as to scroll the function keys for basic functions to the right on a screen-by-screen basis. This will be described with reference to FIG. 14 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen during scrolling that is displayed when the operation screen displayed on display 134 is changed from operation screen D 1 to operation screen D 2 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , as shown in (a), for example, image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen D 11 in which the function keys for basic functions are scrolled to the right by the amount of three function keys from the state of operation screen D 1 . In operation screen D 11 , function keys FK 1 to FK 3 disappear from the screen, and function keys FK 4 to FK 7 are displayed each at a position shifted to the left by the amount of three function keys. Function keys FK 8 to FK 10 newly appear at the positions to the right of function key 7 where function keys FK 5 to FK 7 were displayed in operation screen D 1 .

Subsequently, as shown in (b), image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen D 12 in which the function keys for basic functions are scrolled to the right by the amount of six function keys from the state of operation screen D 1 . In operation screen D 12 , function keys FK 1 to FK 6 disappear from the screen, and function key FK 7 is displayed at the position shifted to the left by the amount of six function keys. Function keys FK 8 to FK 13 newly appear at the positions to the right of function key FK 7 where function keys FK 2 to FK 7 were displayed in operation screen D 1 . As operation screens during scrolling, more operation screens may be displayed in such a manner that the function keys are moved step by step.

Image forming apparatus 1 displays operation screen D 2 after displaying operation screen D 12 . Thus, the scrolling of the operation screen for basic functions on a screen-by-screen basis is completed. Operation screens D 11 and D 12 are operation screens during scrolling of the function keys for basic functions, and image forming apparatus 1 does not accept operation on the function keys while displaying operation screen D 11 or D 12 (during scrolling). In other words, image forming apparatus 1 accepts operation on the function keys for basic functions only when the function keys for basic functions are displayed so as to be stopped at a predetermined position (when operation screen D 1 or operation screen D 2 is displayed).

Conversely, in order to switch the operation screen displayed on display 134 from operation screen D 2 to operation screen D 1 , image forming apparatus 1 may switch the menu items of basic functions displayed in such a manner as to scroll the function keys for basic functions to the left on a screen-by-screen basis (by displaying operation screen D 12 and operation screen D 11 in this order).

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen for advanced functions displayed on display 134 of operation panel 130 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , when a press on screen switch key KY 3 is accepted in operation screen D 1 shown in FIG. 3( a ) , image forming apparatus 1 pops up an operation screen D 3 for advanced functions onto operation screen D 1 . Operation screens D 1 and D 2 are screens in a higher level (first layer), whereas operation screen D 3 is a screen in a lower level (second layer). In this case, image forming apparatus 1 grays out operation screen D 1 and does not accept operation on function keys FK 1 to FK 7 included in operation screen D 1 .

Operation screen D 3 includes function keys FK 21 to FK 28 and a screen switch key KY 4 (“CLOSE” key). Function keys FK 21 to FK 28 are arranged in the horizontal direction at the top of operation screen D 3 . Function keys FK 21 to FK 28 are part of function keys that configure the menu items of advanced functions (hereinafter also referred to as function keys for advanced functions). In operation screen D 3 , the number of function keys for advanced functions is so many that all of the function keys for advanced functions cannot be displayed. The menu items of advanced functions are therefore displayed in a scrollable manner in a function key display region (a region where function keys FK 21 to FK 28 are displayed). Image forming apparatus 1 accepts the settings of the functions of image forming apparatus 1 (here, the settings of advanced functions related to a copy job of image forming apparatus 1 ) through function keys FK 21 to FK 28 .

Screen switch key KY 4 is arranged at the lower right of operation screen D 3 . Screen switch key KY 4 is a key for cancelling popup display of operation screen D 3 . When a press on screen switch key KY 4 is accepted, image forming apparatus 1 displays the operation screen (here, operation screen D 1 ) displayed before operation screen D 3 is popped up, and accepts a press on a function key included in the operation screen.

When a press on screen switch key KY 3 is accepted in operation screen D 2 shown in FIG. 3( b ) , image forming apparatus 1 pops up operation screen D 3 onto operation screen D 2 . Image forming apparatus 1 performs the same operation as when screen switch key KY 3 is pressed in operation screen D 1 , except that the operation screen underlying operation screen D 3 is not operation screen D 1 but operation screen D 2 .

When operation screen D 3 is displayed on display 134 , image forming apparatus 1 cancels acceptance of scroll operation on function keys FK 1 to FK 7 in operation screen D 1 and starts acceptance of scroll operation on function keys FK 21 to FK 28 in operation screen D 3 . Function keys FK 21 to FK 28 displayed in FIG. 5 are seven function keys at the left end of the function keys for advanced functions arranged in the horizontal direction. In this state, the function key display region can be scrolled to the right.

Image forming apparatus 1 accepts, from the user, scroll operation as shown by arrow AR 3 in the function key display region of operation screen D 3 . This scroll operation is the operation of scrolling the menu items of advanced functions to the right.

When accepting this scroll operation, image forming apparatus 1 scrolls the menu items of advanced functions by a distance decided based on the speed of the accepted scroll operation (smooth scroll). Since the advanced functions are less frequently used, the user can easily recognize the names of the advanced functions by scrolling the menu items of advanced functions in accordance with the scroll operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen after scrolling that is displayed when scroll operation is accepted from a user in the function key display region of operation screen D 3 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , when the speed of the accepted scroll operation is low, image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen D 21 in which the function keys for advanced functions are scrolled by a short distance, as shown in (a). In operation screen D 21 , function keys FK 21 and FK 22 disappear from the screen, and function keys FK 23 to FK 28 are displayed each at a position moved to the left by the amount of two function keys. Function keys FK 29 and FK 30 are newly displayed at the positions to the right of function key FK 28 where function keys FK 27 and FK 28 were displayed in operation screen D 3 .

When the speed of the accepted scroll operation is high, image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen D 22 in which the function keys for advanced functions are scrolled by a long distance, as shown in (b). In operation screen D 22 , function keys FK 21 to FK 26 disappear from the screen, and function keys FK 27 and FK 28 are displayed each at a position moved to the left by the amount of six function keys. Function keys FK 29 to FK 34 are newly displayed at the positions to the right of function key FK 28 where function keys FK 23 to FK 28 were displayed in operation screen D 3 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing switching of operation screens displayed on display 134 of operation panel 130 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , in a state in which operation screen D 1 ( FIG. 7( a ) ) including the function keys classified in “basic functions 1” are displayed, when scroll operation (flick operation or swipe operation) from right to left is accepted in the function key display region for basic functions (a menu display area for basic functions) or when screen switch key KY 2 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 switches the operation screen displayed on display 134 to operation screen D 2 ( FIG. 7( b ) ) including the function keys classified in “basic functions 2”, as shown by arrow AR 4 .

In a state in which operation screen D 2 is displayed, when scroll operation (flick operation or swipe operation) from left to right is accepted in the function key display region for basic functions or when screen switch key KY 1 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 switches the operation screen displayed on display 134 to operation screen D 1 including the function keys classified in “basic functions 1”, as shown by arrow AR 5 .

In a state in which operation screen D 1 or D 2 is displayed, when screen switch key KY 3 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 switches the operation screen displayed on display 134 to operation screen D 3 ( FIG. 7( c ) ) including the menu items of advanced functions, as shown by arrow AR 6 .

In a state in which operation screen D 3 is displayed, when screen switch key KY 4 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 switches the operation screen displayed on display 134 to operation screen D 1 or D 2 , as shown by arrow AR 7 .

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a general relation between the speed of scroll operation and the distance over which function keys are scrolled.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in general, image forming apparatus 1 scrolls the function keys by a longer distance as the speed of the accepted scroll operation is higher. The scroll operation of moving the operating member at a predetermined speed VT or higher is flick operation, and the scroll operation of moving the operating member below a predetermined speed VT is swipe operation. Image forming apparatus 1 may accept only one of flick operation and swipe operation as scroll operation for menu items, or may accept both of flick operation and swipe operation as scroll operation for menu items.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a display process for the operation screen for advanced functions.

Referring to FIG. 9 , when image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, CPU 101 determines whether touch panel 135 is touched (S 101 ).

If it is determined that touch panel 135 is touched in step S 101 (YES in S 101 ), CPU 101 determines whether an advanced function key (screen switch key KY 3 ) is touched (S 103 ). On the other hand, if it is determined that touch panel 135 is not touched (NO in S 101 ), CPU 101 terminates the process.

If it is determined that an advanced function key is touched in step S 103 (YES in S 103 ), CPU 101 displays the menu items of advanced functions (operation screen D 3 for advanced functions) on display 134 (S 105 ) and terminates the process.

If it is determined that an advanced function key is not touched in step S 103 (NO in S 103 ), CPU 101 determines whether a key for closing the operation screen for advanced functions (screen switch key KY 4 ) is touched (S 107 ).

If it is determined that a close key is touched in step S 107 (YES in S 107 ), CPU 101 closes the operation screen for advanced functions and displays the menu items of basic functions (operation screen D 1 or D 2 for basic functions) (S 109 ). CPU 101 then terminates the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that a close key is not touched in step S 107 (NO in S 107 ), CPU 101 terminates the process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a switching process and a scrolling process for operation screens.

Referring to FIG. 10 , when image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, CPU 101 determines whether touch panel 135 is touched (S 201 ).

If it is determined that touch panel 135 is touched in step S 201 (YES in S 201 ), CPU 101 determines whether the menu display area for basic functions (the function key display region for basic functions) is touched (S 203 ).

If it is determined that the menu display area for basic functions is touched in step S 203 (YES in S 203 ), CPU 101 detects the kind of gesture operation (specifically, which of touch operation, flick operation, and swipe operation is accepted on touch panel 135 ) (S 205 ).

Subsequently to the process in step S 205 , CPU 101 determines whether the kind of gesture operation is scroll operation (flick operation or swipe operation) (S 207 ).

If it is determined that it is scroll operation in step S 207 (YES in S 207 ), CPU 101 switches the operation screens for basic functions in such a manner as to scroll on a screen-by-screen basis (S 209 ) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not scroll operation in step S 207 (NO in S 207 ), CPU 101 terminates the process.

If it is determined that the menu display area for basic functions is not touched in step S 203 (NO in S 203 ), CPU 101 determines whether the menu display area for advanced functions (the function key display region for advanced functions) is touched (S 211 ). If it is determined that the menu display area for advanced functions is touched in step S 211 (YES in S 211 ), CPU 101 detects the kind of gesture operation (specifically, which of touch operation, flick operation, and swipe operation is accepted on touch panel 135 ) (S 213 ).

Subsequently to the process in step S 213 , CPU 101 determines whether the kind of gesture operation is scroll operation (flick operation or swipe operation) (S 215 ).

If it is determined that it is scroll operation in step S 215 (YES in S 215 ), CPU 101 decides a distance of scrolling based on the speed of the accepted scroll operation (S 216 ) and smooth-scrolls the operation screen for advanced functions by the decided distance (S 217 ). CPU 101 then terminates the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not scroll operation in step S 215 (NO in S 215 ), CPU 101 terminates the process.

[First Modification of Operation Screen Switching Method]

In a first modification, in a case where scroll operation on the menu items of basic functions is accepted in a state in which image forming apparatus 1 displays the operation screen for basic functions, if there is no more function key (item) to be displayed after scrolling, image forming apparatus 1 does not switch the operation screens for basic functions. Similarly, in a case where scroll operation on the menu items of advanced functions is accepted in a state in which image forming apparatus 1 displays the operation screen for advanced functions, if there is no more function key (item) to be displayed after scrolling, image forming apparatus 1 does not scroll the operation screens for advanced functions.

The wording “when scroll operation is accepted, there is no more function key to be displayed after scrolling” means, for example, that scroll operation is accepted in a state in which the number of function keys to be displayed on the operation screen is few so that the function keys fit into a single operation screen, or that scroll operation is accepted in a direction that does not allow scrolling (for example, scroll operation from left to right in operation screen D 1 shown in FIG. 3( a ) or in operation screen D 3 shown in FIG. 5 ).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a switching process and a scrolling process for operation screens in the first modification.

Referring to FIG. 11 , this flowchart differs from the flowchart in FIG. 10 in that a determination process in step S 231 is performed between the process in step S 207 and the process in step S 209 and in that a determination process in step S 233 is performed between the process in step S 215 and the process in step S 216 . The specifics are as follows.

If it is determined that it is scroll operation in step S 207 (YES in S 207 ), CPU 101 determines whether there is any function key to be displayed after scrolling (S 231 ).

If it is determined that there is any function key to be displayed in step S 231 (YES in S 231 ), CPU 101 switches the operation screens for basic functions in such a manner as to scroll on a screen-by-screen (S 209 ) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more function key to be displayed in step S 231 (NO in S 231 ), CPU 101 terminates the process.

If it is determined that it is scroll operation in step S 215 (YES in S 215 ), CPU 101 determines whether there is any function key to be displayed after scrolling (S 233 ).

If it is determined that there is any function key to be displayed in step S 233 (YES in S 233 ), CPU 101 decides a distance of scrolling based on the speed of the accepted scroll operation (S 216 ) and smooth-scrolls the operation screen for advanced functions by the decided distance (S 217 ). CPU 101 then terminates the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more function key to be displayed in step S 233 (NO in S 233 ), CPU 101 terminates the process.

[Second Modification of Operation Screen Switching Method]

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen for advanced functions displayed on display 134 of operation panel 130 in a second modification.

Referring to FIG. 12 , in a second modification, when image forming apparatus 1 pops up operation screen D 3 for advanced functions onto operation screen D 1 for basic functions, image forming apparatus 1 does not gray out function keys FK 1 to FK 7 included in operation screen D 1 . In this case, image forming apparatus 1 is accepting from the user both of scroll operation on the function key display region for basic functions (the region where function keys FK 1 to FK 7 are displayed) and scroll operation on the function key display region for advanced functions (the region where function keys FK 21 to FK 28 are displayed).

[Method of Editing Function Keys]

Next, a method of editing function keys displayed on each operation screen for basic functions and for advanced functions will now be described. In the present embodiment, the function keys displayed on each operation screen for basic functions and for advanced functions can be selected and set as desired by the user from all the function keys of image forming apparatus 1 .

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a setting screen for menu items of basic functions.

Referring to FIG. 13 , when a press on a key (for example, a hardware key or software key of operation panel 130 ) for accepting editing of the function keys for basic functions is accepted, image forming apparatus 1 displays a setting screen D 31 for menu items of basic functions ( FIG. 13( a ) ) on display 134 . Setting screen D 31 is a screen for accepting a selection of the kinds of function keys displayed at display positions 1 to 7 of function keys for basic functions. Setting screen D 31 includes setting fields SQ 1 to SQ 7 corresponding to display positions 1 to 7. When a press on any one of display fields SQ 1 to SQ 7 is accepted, image forming apparatus 1 accepts the selection of a function key to be displayed at the display position corresponding to the pressed setting field.

Display positions 1 to 7 correspond to the positions where function keys FK 1 to FK 7 for basic functions are displayed in operation screen D 1 shown in FIG. 3( a ) . In setting screen D 31 , the function keys “document image quality”, “color”, “density”, “paper”, “magnification”, “duplicate/N-in-one”, and “finishing” are set at display positions 1 to 7, respectively. In this case, the function keys “document image quality”, “color”, “density”, “paper”, “magnification”, “duplicate/N-in-one”, and “finishing” are displayed at the respective positions where function keys FK 1 to FK 7 are displayed in operation screen D 1 shown in FIG. 3( a ) .

Setting screen D 31 further includes a “CLOSE” key KY 11 and a “MOVE” key KY 12 . If “CLOSE” key KY 11 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 terminates the display of the setting screen for menu items of basic functions and switches the screen displayed on display 134 to the operation screen for basic functions. If “MOVE” key KY 12 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 moves the screen displayed on display 134 to a setting screen D 32 for menu items of basic functions, as shown by arrow AR 8 ( FIG. 13( b ) , a setting screen existing below setting screen D 31 ).

Setting screen D 32 is a screen for accepting a selection of the kinds of function keys displayed at display positions 8 to 14 for function keys for basic functions. Setting screen D 32 includes setting fields SQ 8 to SQ 14 corresponding to display positions 8 to 14. When a press on any one of setting fields SQ 8 to SQ 14 is accepted, image forming apparatus 1 accepts the selection of a function key to be displayed at the display position corresponding to the pressed setting field.

Display positions 8 to 14 correspond to the positions where function keys FK 8 to FK 14 for basic functions are displayed in operation screen D 2 shown in FIG. 3( b ) . In setting screen D 32 , the function keys “document setting”, “book document”, “successive scan”, “auto image rotation”, “underlay adjustment”, “character reproduction”, and “glossy copy” are set at display positions 8 to 14, respectively. In this case, in operation screen D 2 shown in FIG. 3( b ) , the function keys “document setting”, “book document”, “successive scan”, “auto image rotation”, “underlay adjustment”, “character reproduction”, and “glossy copy” are displayed at the respective positions where function keys FK 8 to FK 14 are displayed.

Setting screen D 32 further includes a “CLOSE” key KY 11 and a “MOVE” key KY 13 . If “MOVE” key KY 13 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 moves the screen displayed on display 134 to setting screen D 31 for menu items of basic functions (a setting screen existing above setting screen D 32 ).

For example, if a press on setting field SQ 3 is accepted in setting screen D 31 , image forming apparatus 1 moves the screen displayed on display 134 to a setting screen D 33 ( FIG. 13( c ) ), as shown by arrow AR 10 .

Setting screen D 33 is a setting screen for accepting the selection of a function key to be displayed at display position 3. Setting screen D 33 includes candidate keys “prohibit auto rotation”, “glossy copy”, “base color”, “negative/positive inversion”, “binding margin”, “mirror image”, “underlay adjustment”, “character reproduction”, “color image quality adjustment”, “booklet”, “image shift”, and “repeat”, which are candidates for the function key to be displayed at display position 3, a “CLOSE” key KY 11 , a “MOVE” key KY 14 , a “USE” key KY 15 , and a “NOT USE” key KY 16 .

When a press on any one of the candidate keys is accepted in setting screen D 33 and a press on “USE” key KY 15 is thereafter accepted, image forming apparatus 1 sets the function of the pressed candidate key as the function key for a basic function to be displayed at display position 3. On the other hand, when a press on “NOT USE” key KY 16 is accepted (the selection of a function key to be displayed is not accepted), image forming apparatus 1 does not display a function key at display position 3. In this case, in operation screen D 1 shown in FIG. 3( a ) , the spacing between function key FK 2 and function key FK 4 becomes wider than the spacing between other function keys.

When “CLOSE” key KY 11 is pressed, when “USE” key KY 15 is pressed, or when “NOT USE” key KY 16 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 moves the screen displayed on display 134 to setting screen D 31 for menu items of basic functions, as shown by arrow AR 11 . When “MOVE” key KY 14 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 moves the candidate keys to be displayed to other candidate keys (candidate keys existing below the candidate key included in setting screen D 33 ).

When the configuration or display positions of the function keys for basic functions are changed through setting screen D 31 or D 32 , image forming apparatus 1 stores the changed configuration and display positions of the basic functions into fixed storage device 110 .

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a setting screen for menu items of advanced functions.

Referring to FIG. 14 , when a press on a key (for example, a hardware key or software key on operation panel 130 ) for accepting editing of the function keys for advanced functions is accepted, image forming apparatus 1 displays a setting screen D 34 for menu items of advanced functions on display 134 . Setting screen D 34 is a screen for accepting settings as to whether to display the function keys related to the functions “document image quality”, “color”, “density”, “paper”, “magnification”, “duplicate/N-in-one”, and “finishing”, which are candidates for the advanced functions, in the operation screen for advanced functions.

Setting screen D 34 includes a “ON” key KY 17 and an “OFF” key KY 18 provided for each function that is a candidate for advanced functions. When a press on “ON” key KY 17 is accepted, image forming apparatus 1 sets the function key for the function corresponding to the pressed “ON” key KY 17 , as a function key of the advanced function. On the other hand, when a press on “OFF” key KY 18 is accepted, image forming apparatus 1 excludes the function key for the function corresponding to the pressed “OFF” key KY 18 from the function keys for advanced functions. In the state shown in FIG. 14 , the function keys for the functions “document image quality”, “color”, “density”, “paper”, and “finishing” are set as function keys for advanced functions.

Setting screen D 34 further includes a “CLOSE” key KY 19 and a “MOVE” key KY 20 . When “CLOSE” key KY 19 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 terminates the display of the setting screen for menu items of advanced functions and switches the screen displayed on display 134 to the operation screen for basic functions. When “MOVE” key KY 20 is pressed, image forming apparatus 1 moves the candidates for advanced functions to be displayed to other candidates (candidates existing below the candidates included in setting screen D 34 ). The user can make settings, for all the functions that can be set in image forming apparatus 1 , as to whether to include each into advanced functions, by moving the candidates for advanced functions to be displayed to other candidates.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 14 , the function keys set as advanced functions in setting screen D 34 are displayed in operation screen D 3 . The order in which the functions set as advanced functions are arranged from top to bottom in setting screen D 34 is equal to the arrangement order of the function keys from left to right in operation screen D 3 .

Specifically, in setting screen D 34 , the functions “document image quality”, “color”, “density”, “paper”, and “finishing” are set as advanced functions. In this case, image forming apparatus 1 displays the functions keys for the functions “document image quality”, “color”, “density”, “paper” and “finishing” at the display positions of function keys FK 21 to FK 25 in operation screen D 3 . Meanwhile, in setting screen D 34 , the functions “magnification” and “duplicate/N-in-one” existing between the function “paper” and the function “finishing” are excluded from advanced functions. In this case, image forming apparatus 1 displays the function key “paper” and the function key “finishing” by bringing them closer to each other. As a result, all the function keys for advanced functions are displayed so as to be arranged at regular intervals in operation screen D 3 .

When the configuration of the function keys for advanced functions is changed through setting screen D 34 , image forming apparatus 1 stores the changed configuration of advanced functions into fixed storage device 110 .

It is noted that the same function may be included into both of the basic functions and the advanced functions. In this case, the function key displayed in the function key display region for basic functions and the function key displayed in the function key display region for advanced functions are related to the same function but are different in a manner of being moved when scroll operation is accepted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a function key editing process.

Referring to FIG. 15 , when a press on a key for accepting edition editing of function keys for basic functions or advanced functions is accepted (S 301 ), CPU 101 displays the setting screen (edition screen) for the functions related to the pressed key on display 134 (S 303 ). CPU 101 then determines whether a change of settings is accepted in the setting screen (S 305 ).

If it is determined that a change of settings is accepted in step S 305 (YES in S 305 ), CPU 101 stores the changed settings into fixed storage device 110 (S 307 ) and proceeds to the process in step S 305 .

If it is determined that a change of settings is not accepted in step S 305 (NO in S 305 ), CPU 101 determines whether operation of changing the screens (for example, a press on “MOVE” key KY 12 to KY 14 or KY 20 ) is accepted (S 311 ).

If it is determined that operation of changing the screens is accepted in step S 311 (YES in S 311 ), CPU 101 changes the screens in accordance with the operation (S 313 ) and proceeds to the process in step S 315 . On the other hand, if it is determined that operation of changing the screens is not accepted in step S 311 (NO in S 311 ), CPU 101 proceeds to the process in step S 315 .

In step S 315 , CPU 101 determines whether a press on the CLOSE key is accepted (S 315 ).

If it is determined that a press on the CLOSE key is accepted in step S 315 (YES in S 315 ), CPU 101 closes the setting screen (S 317 ) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that a press on the CLOSE key is not accepted in step S 315 (NO in S 315 ), CPU 101 proceeds to the process in step S 305 .

Effects of Embodiments

The foregoing embodiments can provide a display apparatus with improved operability.

According to the foregoing embodiments, the function keys for basic functions are displayed so as to be stopped at a predetermined stop position, so that the user can quickly make settings of basic functions by remembering the display positions of the function keys for basic functions, thereby ensuring the convenience in setting the basic functions. In addition, the function keys for basic functions displayed on the operation screen can be switched by scroll operation, so that the function keys for basic functions can be switched by the same operation as the operation of switching the function keys for advanced functions. As a result, the operability can be improved.

[Others]

In the foregoing embodiments, the arrangement direction of function keys for basic functions and the arrangement direction of function keys for advanced functions in the operation screen are both horizontal. However, the arrangement direction of function keys for basic functions and the arrangement direction of function keys for advanced functions are set as desired, either in the same direction or in different directions.

In the forgoing embodiments, screen switch keys KY 1 and KY 2 may not be displayed in operation screens D 1 and D 2 , and the display of the function keys for basic functions may be switched only by scroll operation.

If a press on print key 132 is accepted in a state in which the settings of functions related to image formation are accepted through operation panel 130 , image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on paper with image output device 140 based on the accepted settings related to image formation. Image forming apparatus 1 may thereafter initialize the settings of all the functions by deleting the settings of the functions accepted so far, or may retain the settings accepted so far.

Editing of only the function keys that configure one of the menu items of basic functions and the menu items of advanced functions may be accepted from the user, and edition of the function keys that configure the other menu items may be prohibited. Edition of the function keys that configure both of the menu items of basic functions and the menu items of advanced functions may be prohibited.

The foregoing embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

The process in the foregoing embodiments may be performed by software or using a hardware circuit. A program for executing the process in the foregoing embodiments may be provided. A recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible-disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card, encoded with the program may be provided to users. The program is executed by a computer such as a CPU. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus through a communication line such as the Internet.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.