Image display device, image forming device, storage medium and image display method

Abstract

An image display device, an image forming device, a storage medium and an image display method, wherein the image display device comprises: a display unit, which is arranged on a device body and displays an image; a detection unit, which detects the position of a user relative to the device body; and a change unit, which changes the image displayed on the display unit from the image for the first position to the image for the second position when the position of the user detected by the detection unit changes from a first position to a second position, wherein the image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attributes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image display device, an image forming device, a storage medium and an image display method. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in devices such as image forming devices, there has been proposed an image forming device configured so that a user can visually check information related to the state of the image forming device from a distance in order to improve the convenience of the user when using the device (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent document 1 is constructed as follows: it has an image forming device, a display device and an information processing device, the image forming device is provided with a sending unit, the sending unit sends status data indicating the status of the image forming device to the information processing device before the image forming device enters a sleep mode, the information processing device is provided with a receiving unit for receiving the status data and a display control unit for displaying a status screen indicating the status on the display device according to the status data.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-134850 Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to change an image displayed on a display unit according to a user's position, compared to a case where the same image is displayed on a display unit regardless of the user's position.

[0006] Means for solving problems

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is an image display device comprising:

[0008] A display unit, which is disposed on the device body and displays images;

[0009] a detection unit that detects a position of a user relative to the device body; and

[0010] A changing unit changes the image displayed on the display unit from the image for the first position to the image for the second position when the position of the user detected by the detection unit changes from the first position to the second position, wherein the image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attributes.

[0011] The invention described in claim 2 is the image display device described in claim 1, wherein the changing unit changes the size of the image displayed on the display unit based on the detection result of the detecting unit.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 is the image display device described in claim 2, wherein the changing unit reduces the size of the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detecting unit approaches the device body.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is the image display device described in claim 1, wherein the changing unit changes the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit based on the detection result of the detecting unit.

[0014] The invention described in Scheme 5 is an image display device according to Scheme 4, wherein the changing unit increases the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detecting unit approaches the device body.

[0015] The invention described in claim 6 is the image display device described in claim 1, wherein the changing unit continuously changes the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detecting unit approaches the device body.

[0016] The invention described in claim 7 is the image display device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is capable of detecting the direction of the user's face.

[0017] The invention described in claim 8 is the image display device described in claim 7, wherein the changing unit enlarges and displays the image displayed on the display unit in accordance with the direction of the user's face detected by the detecting unit.

[0018] The invention described in claim 9 is based on the image display device described in claim 1, and comprises:

[0019] a second display unit different from the display unit,

[0020] An image having the same attributes as the image displayed on the display unit is displayed on the second display unit.

[0021] The invention described in claim 10 is the image display device described in claim 9, wherein the image displayed on the second display unit is an image with increased information content from the image used for the second position.

[0022] The invention described in claim 11 is the image display device described in claim 9, wherein when the second display unit displays an image, the display unit does not display an image.

[0023] The invention described in claim 12 is an image forming apparatus comprising:

[0024] An image display device, which is disposed in the device body and displays images;

[0025] an image forming unit disposed inside the device body and forming an image,

[0026] The image display device described in any one of aspects 1 to 11 is used as the image display device.

[0027] The invention described in Scheme 13 is a storage medium storing a program that enables a computer to function as a changing unit as follows: when the position of the user detected by the detection unit changes from a first position to a second position, the changing unit changes the image displayed on the display unit from an image for the first position to an image for the second position, and the image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attributes.

[0028] The invention described in Scheme 14 is an image display method, which includes the following steps: a change step, when the position of the user detected by the detection unit changes from a first position to a second position, the image displayed on the display unit is changed from an image for the first position to an image for the second position, and the image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attributes.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the same image is displayed on the display unit regardless of the position of the user, the image displayed on the display unit can be changed according to the position of the user.

[0031] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the changing unit can change the image displayed on the display unit to a size according to the position of the user, compared to the case where the size of the image displayed on the display unit is not changed according to the detection result of the detecting unit.

[0032] According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the user approaches the device body, a large number of images can be displayed.

[0033] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the changing means can display an appropriate amount of information in the image according to the position of the user, compared with a case where the amount of information of the image displayed on the display means is not changed according to the detection result of the detecting means.

[0034] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the user approaches the device body, an image with a large amount of information can be displayed on the display unit.

[0035] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the image displayed on the display unit is changed discontinuously, it is possible to cope with the case where the position of the user changes continuously.

[0036] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the direction of the user's face is not detected, the detection unit can change the image according to the direction of the user's face.

[0037] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the display unit displays an image of the same size regardless of the direction of the user's face, the changing unit can display an image of a size corresponding to the direction of the user's face.

[0038] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the second display unit different from the display unit is not provided, an image can be displayed even when the user approaches the device body.

[0039] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the amount of information of the image displayed on the second display unit is the same as that of the image for the second position, an image with a larger amount of information can be displayed to the user.

[0040] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the image is continuously displayed on the display unit even when the second display unit is displaying an image, it is possible to avoid continuous display of the image on the display unit.

[0041] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the image display device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is not used as an image display device, it is possible to change the image displayed on the display unit according to the position of the user.

[0042] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the same image is displayed on the display unit regardless of the position of the user, the image displayed on the display unit can be changed according to the position of the user.

[0043] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the same image is displayed on the display unit regardless of the position of the user, it is possible to change the image displayed on the display unit according to the position of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective structural diagram showing the overall outline of an image forming apparatus to which the image display apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is applied;

[0046] Figure 2 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between an image forming apparatus to which the image display apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is applied and a user, Figure 2 (b) is a structural diagram showing an image displayed on a display panel;

[0047] Figure 3is a schematic structural diagram showing an image displayed on a display panel;

[0048] Figure 4 (a) to (c) are schematic structural diagrams showing images displayed on a display panel;

[0049] Figure 5 (a) and (b) are schematic structural diagrams of human sensing sensors, respectively;

[0050] Figure 6 (a) and (b) are schematic structural diagrams of human sensing sensors, respectively;

[0051] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a control device of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the structure of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0053] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Fig.10 is a perspective structural diagram showing changes in an image displayed on a display panel according to the image forming apparatus and the position of a user according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0055] Fig.11 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0056] Fig.12 is a perspective structural diagram showing changes in an image displayed on a display panel depending on the position of an image forming apparatus and a user according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0057] Fig.13 (a) to (c) are schematic structural diagrams showing images displayed on a display panel;

[0058] Fig.14 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0059] Fig.15 is a diagram showing the structure of a touch panel of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Fig.16 is a diagram showing the structure of a touch panel of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Fig.17is a schematic diagram showing the face of the user detected by the third camera;

[0062] Fig.18 is an explanatory diagram showing areas for distinguishing an image displayed on a touch panel;

[0063] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing the structure of a touch panel of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Explanation of symbols

[0065] 1-image forming device, 1a-device body, 20-display panel, 30-human sensing sensor, 31-first camera, 32-second camera, 101-control unit, 103-operation and display unit, 104-image display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0067] [Implementation Method 1]

[0068] Figure 1 The entire outline of an image forming apparatus to which the image display apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is applied is shown.

[0069] <Overall Structure of Image Forming Apparatus>

[0070] The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as, for example, a color printer using an electrophotographic method. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 1a composed of a frame and an outer cover. An image forming unit (not shown) composed of a plurality of image generating devices and an intermediate transfer device is arranged in the upper portion 2 of the apparatus body 1a. The plurality of image generating devices form a toner image developed by a toner constituting a developer. A plurality of (four in the example shown) paper feed trays 4a to 4d are provided in the lower portion 3 of the apparatus body 1a for accommodating recording paper, which is an example of recording media of various sizes and materials on which images are formed by the image forming unit.

[0071] Furthermore, an image reading device 5 is disposed at the upper end of the device body 1a of the image forming device 1. The image reading device is an example of an image reading unit that reads the image of the original document formed in the image forming device 1. A user interface (UI), i.e., an operation panel 6, which is operated by a user who uses the image forming device 1, is formed directly in front of the image reading device 5 (front surface side). Furthermore, a paper discharge section 7 of an in-body discharge type is provided between the upper portion 2 of the device body 1a and the image reading device 5. The paper discharge section 7 discharges recording paper (not shown) on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. A paper conveying section 8 is disposed between one side (the left side in the example shown) of the upper portion 2 of the device body 1a and the image reading device 5. The paper conveying section 8 is used to discharge recording paper (not shown) on which an image is formed by the image forming unit to the paper discharge section 7.

[0072] <Structure of Image Display Device>

[0073] Image forming apparatus 1 is installed not only in ordinary offices but also in various places such as convenience stores, hospitals, and government offices, and is used as a multifunctional apparatus that performs various functions such as copying documents, printing image information, or reading image information of fax or documents.

[0074] The image forming device 1 involved in this embodiment 1 focuses on the characteristics of being a multifunctional device set up in various places. It can be used as a so-called "digital signage" having the function of an image display device. The image display device not only displays information related to the image forming device 1 in the device body 1a of the image forming device 1, but also displays news or weather forecasts, or guidance or advertisements, publicity, etc. to the users (users) who use the image forming device 1, and further displays images and provides information to users in a broad sense located around the image forming device 1.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, a front cover 10 is provided on the front surface of the apparatus body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 in an openable and closable manner. The front cover 10 is an example of an opening and closing unit that covers the upper portion 2 in which the image forming unit is built. In the image forming apparatus 1, the front cover 10 is opened and closed when necessary, that is, when a toner cartridge containing toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) for forming a full-color image is replaced or when a paper jam such as a jam of recording paper occurs in the image forming unit.

[0076] On the surface of the front cover 10, a display panel 20 as an example of a display unit is mounted on the front side, which is one side of the device body 1a, facing forward. The display panel 20 is composed of, for example, a 15.6-inch liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electronic Luminescent) display. The display panel 20 displays not only image information related to the image forming device 1, but also images containing various information.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, the image itself displayed on the display panel 20 is advantageous to the user U. However, if the same image is always displayed regardless of the positional relationship between the image forming apparatus 1 on which the display panel 20 is mounted and the user U, it may be difficult for the user U to visually recognize the image displayed on the display panel 20 when the user U is located far from the image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, if the image displayed on the display panel 20 is enlarged in consideration of the distance between the image forming apparatus 1 and the user U so that it can be visually recognized from a far distance, the user U can visually recognize it easily, but the display content is limited according to the size of the characters and pictures of the image displayed on the display panel 20 that are enlarged, and it is difficult to provide the user U with sufficient image information.

[0078] Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 to which the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied is configured to include: a human detection sensor 30 (refer to Figure 5 ), which is an example of a detection unit for detecting the position of the user U relative to the device body 1a; and the control unit 101 (reference Figure 7 ), which is an example of an image changing unit that changes the image displayed on the display panel 20 from an image for the first position to an image for the second position when the position of the user U detected by the human sensing sensor 30 changes from the first position to the second position, wherein the image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attributes.

[0079] As described above, the images displayed on the display panel 20 are not limited to information about the image forming apparatus 1 prompting replacement of toner cartridges or replenishment of recording paper, but also include all images such as news and weather forecasts, as well as guidance, advertisements, and promotions. Figure 2 (b) is a diagram showing the entire image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 as an example. The image 21 is generally composed of a drawing image 22 including graphics, photos, illustrations, etc., and a character image 23 including characters (including numbers and symbols, etc.). When the user U is located near the device body 1a of the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown in (b), the entire (all) image 21 to be displayed on the display panel 20 is displayed. The image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 is not limited to an image of one page, but may be an image of multiple pages. Moreover, the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 is not limited to a still image, but may be a dynamic image. In addition, the image 21 may be in black and white or in color.

[0080] In order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment 1, an image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 will be described as a specific example. Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the character images 23 representing the travel advertisements such as keywords and phrases such as "summer vacation", "domestic 4 days and 3 nights travel", "○○ travel agency", and company names, more detailed regions such as "Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu Okinawa" or "NO.1 Hokkaido Furano, ○○○ travel", "July ○, ○, ○ departure, ○○ o'clock Haneda departure, ...", etc., including the character images 23 indicating the advertisement number, the destination, and the specific travel schedule, etc., can also be cited. In addition, in the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20, as a specific example of the pictorial image 22, for example, pictorial images 22a, 22b, 22c including a photo of a lavender garden in Furano, Hokkaido, or other photos or illustrations of other tourist attractions, etc., which are considered to attract the interest of the user U, can be cited.

[0081] As shown in this specific example, the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 should be conveyed as a whole to the user who observes the image 21, and includes, in addition to attractive character images 23 such as "summer vacation" or "domestic and overseas 4 days and 3 nights travel", "domestic Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Hokuriku, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu" and other regions that specifically indicate the content of the travel, or "Hokkaido Furano, ○○○ trip", "July ○, ○, ○ departure, ○○ o'clock Haneda departure, ..." and other detailed character images 23 that are useful to users interested in travel, such as "Hokkaido Furano, ○○○ trip", "July ○, ○, ○ departure, ○○ o'clock Haneda departure, ...", etc. However, if the user U is far away from the image forming device 1, it is difficult to visually recognize these detailed character images 23.

[0082] Therefore, when the user U is away from the image forming apparatus 1, Figure 4 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , it is effective to select and enlarge the picture image 22 that attracts the most interest of the user U, such as the picture image 22a of the lavender garden in Furano, Hokkaido. Figure 4 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the painting image 22 that attracts the most interest of the user U, such as the painting image 22a of the lavender garden in Furano, Hokkaido, is not limited to one, and a plurality of images may be sequentially switched and displayed in a sliding manner. Furthermore, when the user U is located relatively close to the image forming device 1, for example, Figure 4As shown in (b), it is preferred to simultaneously display multiple pictorial images such as photographs and illustrations of Hokkaido tourist spots that are believed to attract the interest and concern of the user U, such as pictorial images 22a, 22b, and 22c of a lavender garden in Furano, Hokkaido.

[0083] Furthermore, when the user U is close to the image forming apparatus 1, Figure 4 As shown in (c), it is more effective to display a character image 23 including a suggestion of ○○ travel agency related to a domestic 4-day, 3-night trip during the summer vacation in addition to the pictorial images 22a, 22b, and 22c.

[0084] At this time, the position of the user U is displayed on the display panel. Figure 4 The images 21 shown in (a) to (c) are related to one theme of "domestic and overseas 4 days and 3 nights travel" in "summer vacation" and are images of the same attribute. Attributes refer to the characteristics and properties of the object (Kojien, 4th edition, Volume 9). Here, the same attributes include not only the same attributes, but also attributes that are related to each other. As images 21 of the same attribute, there can be cited images having a relationship between the whole and the part, images having an image relationship between the whole and the enlarged part, and images having an image relationship between the whole and the extracted part.

[0085] Here, Figure 4 (c) represents the entire image 21 to be displayed on the display panel 20, Figure 4 (b) only a part of the image 21 to be displayed on the display panel 20, namely, the picture images 22a, 22b, and 22c, are displayed in an enlarged manner. Figure 4 (a) further enlarges and displays one (a portion of) a pictorial image 22a of the pictorial image 22 which is a portion of the entire image 21 to be displayed on the display panel 20 . Figure 4 The magnification of the painting image shown in (a) is greater than Figure 4 The painting image shown in (b).

[0086] Furthermore, if we focus on Figure 4 The relationship between the images 21 with the same attributes shown in (a) to (c) is Figure 4 (b) is an enlarged view Figure 4 (c) is an image of a portion of the painting image 22 in the overall image, Figure 4 (a) can be further enlarged to show Figure 4 (b) is an image of a portion of the painting image 22. However, if we observe Figure 4 In the relationship between the images shown in (a) to (c), a part of the image is not simply enlarged, but a specific part is extracted and further changed in arrangement to be enlarged.

[0087] As the human sensing sensor 30, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, a first camera 31 and a second camera 32 are used to capture images of the surroundings (front) of the device body 1a of the image forming device 1. Figure 1 As shown, the first camera 31 and the second camera 32 are arranged in a state of being built into a detection window 9 on the front surface of the paper conveying unit 8 provided on one side (the left side in the example of the figure) of the device body 1a. The detection window 9 is composed of a polarization filter, etc., which allows the outside to be observed from the inside but the inside cannot be observed from the outside. The images captured by the first camera 31 and the second camera 32 are as follows: Figure 5 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the image of the user U is determined to be an image away from ΔL by image processing, and the image is measured by the measurement unit 111 (see FIG. 11 ) described later by using the triangular pattern method or the like. Figure 7 ) measures the distance (position) L and direction of the user U relative to the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the measuring unit 111 may measure only the distance L to the user U relative to the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0088] As long as the human sensor 30 can detect the position of the user U relative to the apparatus body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, various devices other than a camera can be used. Figure 6 As shown, a sensor that combines a pyroelectric sensor 33 and a distance sensor 34 can be used. The pyroelectric sensor 33 detects the presence of the user U relative to the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 by infrared rays, and the distance sensor 34 outputs a laser beam, visible light, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, etc., and receives the laser beam, visible light, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, etc. reflected by the user, thereby measuring the distance to the user. However, the distance sensor 34 that measures the distance to the user U by laser beams, ultrasonic waves, etc., for example, can generally detect a narrow range (detection angle), and it is preferably configured to be used in combination with the pyroelectric sensor 33 that detects the presence of the user U, and when the pyroelectric sensor 33 detects the user U, the distance sensor 34 that uses laser beams, ultrasonic waves, etc. is moved in the horizontal direction by a required angle, thereby measuring the distance L to the user U.

[0089] The detection distance of the human sensor 30 is, for example, at least 3 m, preferably 5 m, and more preferably 5 m or more. The images displayed on the display panel 20 include, for example, various images for the purpose of publicity and advertisement, and it is preferred that not only the user U who directly uses the image forming device 1 but also the user U who passes near the image forming device 1 and may visually see the display panel 20 of the image forming device 1 be detected, and the image 21 is displayed on the display panel 20 according to the position of the user U. Even if the user U is more than 5 m away from the image forming device 1, the user U can be visually recognized sufficiently according to the method of displaying the image 21 on the display panel 20, so the detection distance of the human sensor 30 is, for example, preferably 5 m or more.

[0090] By detecting the user U using the human sensor 30, it is possible to measure whether the user U exists around the image forming apparatus 1 and the distance to the user U. The user U located around the image forming apparatus 1 can visually recognize the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20. Furthermore, as the user U approaches the apparatus body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, it becomes easier to visually recognize the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20.

[0091] Therefore, in this embodiment 1, when the position of the user U detected by the human sensing sensor 30 changes from the first position to the second position, the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 is changed from the image for the first position to the image for the second position through the control unit 101 functioning as a changing unit, and the image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attributes.

[0092] Here, the case where the position of the user U changes from the first position to the second position includes not only the case where the position of the user U detected by the human sensor 30 at the beginning changes from the first position to the second position, but also includes the case where the user U not detected by the human sensor 30 at the beginning is detected by the human sensor 30, that is, the case where the position changes from the undetectable first position to the detectable second position. That is, the user U in this embodiment 1 does not need to be a specific user U. In other words, the case where the position of the user U changes from the first position to the second position includes not only the case where the user U at the beginning is at the first position changes to the second position, but also includes the case where a user U different from the user U at the beginning is at the first position, that is, a new user U not detected by the human sensor 30 at the beginning changes to the second position. In this embodiment 1, whether the user U can visually recognize the display panel 20 of the image forming device 1 is taken as a question. Therefore, the presence or absence of the user U who can visually recognize the display panel 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the change in the position of the user U who can visually recognize the display panel 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 are considered.

[0093] <Control device structure>

[0094] Figure 7 1 is a block diagram showing a control device of an image forming apparatus 1 to which the image display device according to Embodiment 1 is applied. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an operation and display unit 103, an image display unit 104 as an example of an image display device, an image storage unit 105, a communication unit 106, an image reading unit 107, an image processing unit 108, an image forming unit 109, a human detection unit 110, and a measurement unit 111. The control unit 101 and the units 102 to 111 are connected to each other via a bus 112.

[0095] The control unit 101, which functions as a changing unit for changing the image displayed on the display panel 20, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) for overall control of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, and controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 102. The control unit 101 functions as a computer that executes the program stored in the storage unit 102.

[0096] The storage unit 102 is composed of a hard disk, various ROMs, RAMs, and the like, and stores a program for functioning as a change unit, various programs, and data used by the control unit 101 .

[0097] The operation and display unit 103 inputs information corresponding to the operation of the user U to the control unit 101, and displays various information to the user U. Figure 8 As shown, the operation and display unit 103 is composed of a touch panel 130 provided in the operation panel 6 of the image forming apparatus 1 , a first operation button group 131 , and a second operation button group 132 .

[0098] The image display unit 104 includes a display panel 20 and has a function of displaying various images on the display panel 20. The image displayed on the display panel 20 is selected and set based on a signal input from an external client device via the communication unit 106, for example.

[0099] The image storage unit 105 stores image data including image data of the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20. The image data stored in the image storage unit 105 may be pre-stored image data or may be received from the outside via the communication unit 106 and stored in the image storage unit 105.

[0100] The communication unit 106 is an interface for communication connected to a communication line (not shown). The communication unit 106 communicates with a client device or other image forming device (not shown) or a mobile terminal such as a user's mobile phone via the communication line. The communication unit 106 may communicate with a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone by infrared or Bluetooth, and send the designated image information to the mobile terminal as an e-mail.

[0101] The image reading unit 107 reads an image of a document to generate image data. In this embodiment, the image reading unit 107 is constituted by the image reading device 5.

[0102] The image processing unit 108 performs various image processing such as preset image processing, enlargement or reduction processing based on a desired magnification or continuous enlargement or reduction processing, image selection or position change, etc. on the image of the original document read by the image reading unit 107 or the image stored in the image storage unit 105.

[0103] The image forming unit 109, which is an example of an image forming unit, forms an image corresponding to image data on a recording medium such as recording paper. The image forming unit 109 is arranged inside the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 and forms an image by electrophotography. The image forming unit 109 may also form an image by other methods.

[0104] In the image forming device 1, image reading processing, copying processing, printing processing, and fax sending and receiving processing are performed. The image reading processing is a processing of generating image data by reading an original image by the image reading device 5. The copying processing is a processing of generating image data by reading an original image by the image reading device 5, and forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data. The copying processing is performed by the image reading unit 107 and the image forming unit 109. The printing processing is a processing of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data received from an external client device. The printing processing is performed by the communication unit 106 and the image forming unit 109. In addition, the printing processing also includes the action of printing an image based on the image data stored in the image storage unit 105.

[0105] The fax transmission process is a process of generating image data by reading the original image by the image reading device 5, and transmitting the generated image data to the fax device via the communication unit 106. The fax transmission process is performed by the image reading unit 107 and the communication unit 106. The fax reception process is a process of forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data received from the fax device. The fax reception process is performed by the communication unit 106 and the image forming unit 109.

[0106] The human detection unit 110 detects a human (user) present around the apparatus body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1. The human detection unit 110 is constituted by a human detection sensor 30 including a first camera 31 and a second camera 32, and the like.

[0107] In the first embodiment, a single user U is basically assumed as the user U existing around the image forming apparatus 1 , but of course there may be a plurality of users U. When there are a plurality of users U, the plurality of users U detected by the user detection unit 110 are identified by respectively labeling them with convenient IDs such as U1 , U2 , etc.

[0108] The measuring unit 111 measures the distance L from the apparatus body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U based on the position of the user U detected by the human detecting unit 110 .

[0109] <Operation of Image Forming Apparatus>

[0110] In the image forming apparatus 1 to which the image display device according to the first embodiment is applied, the image displayed on the display panel 20 is changed according to the position of the user U, as compared to the case where the same image is displayed on the display panel 20 regardless of the position of the user U, as described below.

[0111] That is, in the image forming apparatus 1 to which the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 (a) and Fig. 9 As shown, the control unit 101 determines whether there is a user U around the main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 (step S101 ). The control unit 101 determines whether there is a user U around the main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 based on a signal input from the human detection unit 110 .

[0112] If it is determined that there is no user U around the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 , the control unit 101 continues the detection operation of the user U until the user U moves to the vicinity of the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 and is detected by the human detection unit 110 , thereby determining that there is the user U. In addition, the control unit 101 performs the determination operation of whether there is a user U around the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 at a preset time.

[0113] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a user U around the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 101 measures the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U (step S102). The distance L from the device body 1a to the user is measured by the measuring unit 111. Next, if the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U is measured, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L is greater than 5 m (step S103).

[0114] If it is determined that the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 5 m, the control unit 101 displays the image 21 on the display panel 20, such as Fig.10 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the long-distance image 21 corresponding to the case where the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is 5 m or more is displayed on the display panel 20 (step S104). Figure 4 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the long-distance image 21 is an image obtained by magnifying only a part of the picture image 22a of the entire image 21 to be displayed (for example, 5 times) and displaying it on the entire surface of the display panel 20. The long-distance image 21 is stored in advance in the image storage unit 105, for example.

[0115] However, the long-distance image in the image to be displayed is not limited to the one stored in advance in the image storage unit 105, and may be only Figure 4 The data of the entire image 21 to be originally displayed shown in (c) is stored in advance in the image storage unit 105 and is generated each time by performing enlargement processing and selection processing of a required portion on the entire image 21 to be originally displayed by the image processing unit 108 .

[0116] And, if Fig. 9 As shown, if it is determined that the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not greater than 5m, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m (step S105).

[0117] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m, the control unit 101 displays the middle distance images 22a, 22b, and 22c suitable for the case where the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m on the display panel 20 as the image 21 to be displayed on the display panel 20 (step S106). Figure 4 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the middle distance images 22a, 22b, and 22c are images obtained by enlarging only a portion of the painting image 22 in the entire image 21. The middle distance images are stored in advance in the image storage unit 105 or are generated each time.

[0118] On the other hand, if it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not greater than 3m and less than 5m, the control unit 101 displays, as an image to be displayed on the display panel 20, a close-range image when the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is less than 3m in the image to be displayed (step S107). Figure 4 As shown in (c) of FIG. 1 , the image 21 for a close distance is an overall image 21 including all of the picture image 22 and the character image 23 that are to be displayed. The image for a close distance is stored in advance in the image storage unit 105 , for example.

[0119] Thereafter, the control unit 101 determines whether the position of the user U has changed (step S108 ). If it is determined that the position of the user U has not changed, the control unit 101 continues to determine whether the position of the user U has changed until a change in the position of the user U is detected.

[0120] Here, when the position of the user U changes, this includes a case where the position of the user U changes slightly.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined that the position of the user U has changed, the control unit 101 returns to step S101 and again determines whether the user U exists around the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1. If it is determined that the user U exists around the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 101 again measures the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U (step S102).

[0122] When the distance L from the apparatus body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U is measured again, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L is 5 m or more (step S103 ).

[0123] Furthermore, if it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user is greater than 5m, the control unit 101 displays a long-distance image 21 suitable for the case where the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user is greater than 5m in any image as an image displayed on the display panel 20 (step S104).

[0124] If it is determined that the distance from the image forming apparatus 1 main body 1a to the user U is not greater than 5m, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance from the image forming apparatus 1 main body 1a to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m (step S105).

[0125] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than or equal to 3 m and less than or equal to 5 m, the control unit 101 displays the image 21 on the display panel 20. Figure 4 The middle distance image shown in (b) is displayed on the display panel 20 (step S106).

[0126] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1 a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not greater than 3 m and less than 5 m, the control unit 101 displays the close-range image 21 on the display panel 20 as the image 21 to be displayed on the display panel 20 (step S107 ).

[0127] Thereafter, the control unit 101 determines whether the position of the user U has changed (step S108 ), and repeatedly executes the same operation.

[0128] Thus, according to the image forming apparatus 1 to which the image display device according to the first embodiment is applied, the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 can be changed according to the position of the user U, compared with a case where the same image is displayed on the display panel 20 regardless of the position of the user U.

[0129] Therefore, when the user U is at a long distance of more than 5 m from the apparatus body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 , the long-distance image 21 and the like are displayed on the display panel 20, so that the user U can easily visually see the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 according to the user's position. Furthermore, when the user U is at a short distance of less than 3 m from the apparatus body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 , the short-distance image 21 and the like are displayed on the display panel 20, so that the user U can easily visually see a large amount of image information from the short-distance image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 according to the user's position.

[0130] [Implementation Method 2]

[0131] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing the operation of an image forming apparatus to which the image display apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is applied. In Embodiment 2, the changing unit is configured to change the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit according to the detection result of the detecting unit. Furthermore, the changing unit is configured to increase the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detecting unit approaches the apparatus body.

[0132] That is, in the image forming apparatus 1 to which the image display device according to the second embodiment is applied, Figure 2 (a) and Fig.11As shown, the control unit 101 determines whether a user U exists around the main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 (step S201 ). The control unit 101 determines whether a user U exists around the main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 based on a signal input from the human detection unit 110 .

[0133] If it is determined that there is no user U around the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 , the control unit 101 continues the detection operation of the user U until the user U moves to the vicinity of the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 and is detected by the human detection unit 110 , thereby determining that there is the user U. In addition, the control unit 101 performs the determination operation of whether there is a user U around the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 at a preset time.

[0134] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a user U around the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 101 measures the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user (step S202). The distance L from the device body 1a to the user is measured by the measuring unit 111. Next, if the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U is measured, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L is greater than 5 m (step S203).

[0135] If it is determined that the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 5 m, the control unit 101 displays the image 21 on the display panel 20, such as Fig.12 As shown in (a), the image 21 with less information when the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is 5m or more is displayed on the display panel 20 (step S204). Fig.13 As shown in (a), the image 21 with less information is an image 23 of a part of the image 21 that is originally to be displayed, which is enlarged (for example, 5 times), and the characters are displayed one by one in a sliding manner on the entire surface of the display panel 20. The image 21 with less information is stored in advance in the image storage unit 105.

[0136] However, the image 21 with less information among the images to be originally displayed is not limited to being stored in advance in the image storage unit 105 , and may be generated each time by performing a necessary enlargement process or the like on the image to be originally displayed in the image processing unit 108 .

[0137] And, if Fig.11As shown, if it is determined that the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not greater than 5m, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m (step S205).

[0138] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m, the control unit 101 displays, as the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20, a character image 23 with a medium amount of information suitable for the case where the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m in the image that is originally to be displayed on the display panel 20 (step S206). Fig.13 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the character image 23 with a medium amount of information is an image in which only a portion of the character image 23 in the entire image is enlarged and displayed. The character image 23 with a medium amount of information is stored in advance in the image storage unit 105 , for example.

[0139] Furthermore, if it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not greater than 3m and less than 5m, the control unit 101 displays the character image 23 with the largest amount of information when the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is less than 3m, that is, the entire image that should be displayed, on the display panel 20 as an image to be displayed (step S207). Fig.13 As shown in (c) of FIG. 1 , the character image 23 with the largest amount of information is the entire image that should be displayed. The character image 23 with the largest amount of information is stored in advance in the image storage unit 105 , for example.

[0140] Thereafter, the control unit 101 determines whether the position of the user U has changed (step S208 ). If it is determined that the position of the user U has not changed, the control unit 101 continues to determine whether the position of the user U has changed until a change in the position of the user U is detected.

[0141] On the other hand, if it is determined that the position of the user U has changed, the control unit 101 returns to step S201 to determine whether the user U exists around the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1. If it is determined that the user U exists around the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 101 measures the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U again (step S202).

[0142] When the distance L from the apparatus body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U is measured again, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L is 5 m or more (step S203 ).

[0143] Furthermore, if it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user is greater than 5m, the control unit 101 displays an image 21 with less information in any image when the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user is greater than 5m on the display panel 20 (step S204).

[0144] If it is determined that the distance L from the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U is not greater than 5 m, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L from the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U is greater than 3 m and less than 5 m (step S205 ).

[0145] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m, then Fig.13 As shown in (b) of FIG. 2 , the control unit 101 displays a character image 23 having a medium amount of information on the display panel 20 as the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 (step S206 ).

[0146] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not greater than 3m and less than 5m, Fig.13 As shown in (c) of FIG. 2 , the control unit 101 displays the entire image to be displayed including the character image 23 having the largest amount of information as the image 21 to be displayed on the display panel 20 (step S207 ).

[0147] Thereafter, the control unit 101 determines whether the position of the user U has changed (step S208 ), and repeatedly executes the same operation.

[0148] Thus, according to the image forming device 1 to which the image display device according to the second embodiment is applied, the amount of information of the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 can be changed according to the position of the user U, compared with the case where the same image is displayed on the display panel 20 regardless of the position of the user U.

[0149] Therefore, when the user U is at a distance of more than 5 m from the device body 1 a of the image forming device 1 , a character image 23 with less information is displayed in a sliding manner on the display panel 20 , so that the user U can easily visually see the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 according to his or her own position.

[0150] Therefore, when the user U is at a long distance of more than 5 m from the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1, the image 21 with less information is displayed on the display panel 20, so that the user U can easily visually see the image 21 with less information displayed on the display panel 20 according to the user's position. In addition, when the user U is at a short distance of less than 3 m from the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1, the image 21 with the largest amount of information is displayed on the display panel 20, so that the user U can easily obtain a large amount of image information from the image 21 with the largest amount of information displayed on the display panel 20 according to the user's position.

[0151] The other structures and functions are the same as those in the aforementioned embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0152] [Implementation method 3]

[0153] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing the operation of an image forming apparatus to which the image display apparatus according to Embodiment 3 is applied. In Embodiment 3, a second display unit different from the display unit is provided, and an image having the same attributes as the image displayed on the display unit is displayed on the second display unit.

[0154] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the image displayed on the second display unit is configured to have an increased amount of information relative to the image for the second position.

[0155] Furthermore, when the image is displayed on the second display unit, the image is not displayed on the display unit.

[0156] That is, Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment 3, the operation panel 6 includes a touch panel 130 as an example of a second display unit. The touch panel 130 includes a liquid crystal panel as an example of a second display unit that displays an image and a touch position detection panel that detects a touch position touched by a user.

[0157] The control unit 101 controls the touch panel 130 of the operation panel 6 as a second display unit of the image display device.

[0158] That is, Fig.14 As shown, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, the control unit 101 determines whether a user U exists around the apparatus body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 (step S301). The control unit 101 determines whether a user U exists around the apparatus body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 based on a signal input from the human detection unit 110.

[0159] If it is determined that there is no user U around the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 , the control unit 101 continues to detect the user U until the user U around the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 is detected by the human detection unit 110 , thereby determining that there is the user U. In addition, the control unit 101 performs the operation of determining whether there is a user U around the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 at a preset time.

[0160] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a user U around the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 101 measures the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user (step S302). The distance L from the device body 1a to the user is measured by the measuring unit 111. Next, if the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 to the user U is measured, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L is greater than 5 m (step S303).

[0161] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is 5 m or more, the control unit 101 displays the image 21 on the display panel 20, such as Fig.10 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the long-distance image 21 when the distance from the device body 1 a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is 5 m or more among the images to be displayed is displayed on the display panel 20 (step S304 ).

[0162] And, if Fig.14 As shown, if it is determined that the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not greater than 5m, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m (step S305).

[0163] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m, the control unit 101 displays the middle-distance image 21 suitable for the case where the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 3m and less than 5m in the image that should be displayed on the display panel 20 as the image 21 displayed on the display panel 20 (step S306).

[0164] If it is determined that the distance from the image forming device 1 main body 1a to the user U is not greater than 3m and less than 5m, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance from the image forming device 1 main body 1a to the user U is greater than 1m and less than 3m (step S307).

[0165] If it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 1m and less than 3m, the control unit 101 displays an image 21 for close distances suitable for the case where the distance L from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is greater than 1m and less than 3m on the display panel 20 (step S308).

[0166] On the other hand, if it is determined that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not more than 1m and less than 3m, the control unit 101 does not display the image 21 on the display panel 20, and stops (prohibits) the display of the image 21 on the display panel 20 (step S309). At this time, instead of determining that the distance from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 to the user U is not more than 1m and less than 3m, the control unit 101 may not display the image 21 on the display panel 20, and stops displaying the image 21 on the display panel 20 when the user U operates the touch panel 130.

[0167] Then, the control unit 101 displays an image for approaching on the touch panel 130 of the operation panel 6 (step S310). Fig.15 As shown, the image 21 for approaching is an image obtained by further increasing the amount of information of the image for approaching that is originally to be displayed and includes the picture image 22 and the character image 23. The image for approaching is stored in advance in the image storage unit 105, for example.

[0168] At this time, the control unit 101, for example, Fig.15 As shown, it is preferably configured as follows: operation buttons 133, 134 such as "Print" and "Send by Email" are displayed on the touch panel 130 of the operation panel 6, and when the user U operates the operation buttons 133, 134 such as "Print" and "Send by Email", the image forming unit 109 is operated to print the image for approaching displayed on the touch panel 130, or the communication unit 106 is operated to transmit the image as an email to the smartphone of the user U through infrared communication or the like. In addition, when the user U does not want the image 21 for approaching to be displayed on the touch panel 130 of the operation panel 6, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, by operating the “menu” button or the like of the first operation button group 131 and the second operation button group 132 provided on the operation panel 6 , copying or fax transmission and reception operations or the like can be performed.

[0169] Then, the control unit 101 determines whether the position of the user U has changed (step S311). If it is determined that the position of the user U has not changed, the control unit 101 continues to determine whether the position of the user U has changed until a change in the position of the user U is detected.

[0170] On the other hand, if it is determined that the position of the user U has changed, the control unit 101 returns to step S301 and repeats the same processing.

[0171] In this way, according to the image forming device 1 to which the image display device involved in the above-mentioned embodiment 3 is applied, when the user U is within 1m from the device body 1a of the image forming device 1, the user U can visually see the touch panel 130 provided on the operation panel 6 of the image forming device 1, so that by displaying a proximity image that further increases the amount of information in the overall image on the touch panel 130, more information can be transmitted to the user U.

[0172] At the same time, in the image forming apparatus 1 , by operating the touch panel 130 , it is possible to print an image for close-up or the like, thereby further improving convenience.

[0173] The other structures and functions are the same as those in the aforementioned embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0174] [Implementation Method 4]

[0175] Figures 16 to 19 1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus to which an image display apparatus according to Embodiment 4 is applied. In Embodiment 4, the detection unit is configured to be able to detect the direction of the user's face.

[0176] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the changing unit is configured to display the image displayed on the display unit in an enlarged manner according to the direction of the user's face detected by the detecting unit.

[0177] That is, Fig.16 As shown, in this fourth embodiment, a third camera 35 for detecting the user's face is provided on the operation panel 6. Fig.17 As shown, the face of the user U who operates the operation panel 6 of the apparatus body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 is detected (photographed) by the third camera 35 .

[0178] The control unit 101 uses the detection signal from the third camera 35 and the direction of the user U's face and line of sight to determine whether the detected user U is visually recognizing the image displayed on the touch panel 130 of the operation panel 6. If it is determined that the user U is visually recognizing the image displayed on the touch panel 130, the control unit 101 performs the following operations: Fig.18 As shown, the control unit 101 determines which area of ​​the image displayed on the touch panel 130 the user U is visually recognizing, using the direction of the face and the direction of the line of sight of the user U and the like.

[0179] Zone Z1: Upper left zone

[0180] Zone Z2: Upper right area

[0181] Area Z3: Lower left area

[0182] Zone Z4: Lower right area

[0183] Here, the area of ​​the touch panel 130 is divided into four, but the area of ​​the divided touch panel 130 may be more or less than four, of course.

[0184] Now, for example, if it is determined that the Z3 area in the image displayed on the touch panel 130 is being visually recognized, then Fig.19 As shown, the control unit 101 performs enlarged display so that the image of the Z3 area of ​​the image displayed on the touch panel 130 is displayed on the entire surface of the touch panel 130 .

[0185] At this time, the control unit 101 also displays a related image related to the image displayed in the Z3 area of ​​the image displayed on the touch panel 130. Here, the image displayed in the Z1 area of ​​the touch panel 130 is a 4-day, 3-night itinerary for traveling to Furano, Hokkaido, ○○○, and therefore, as related information related to the itinerary, transportation (ACCESS), hotels where you can stay, food, souvenirs, etc., for the trip are displayed.

[0186] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, compared with the case where the same-sized image is displayed on the touch panel 130 regardless of the direction of the user U's face, the control unit 101 can display an image of a size corresponding to the direction of the user U's face.

[0187] The other structures and functions are the same as those in the aforementioned embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0188] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the display panel 20 is described as being disposed on the upper front surface of the device body 1a of the image forming device 1. However, the display panel 20 may be disposed at other locations other than the upper front surface of the device body 1a.

[0189] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image display device comprising: A display unit, which is disposed on the device body and displays images; A detection unit that detects a position of a user relative to the device body; a changing unit that changes the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit according to the detection result of the detection unit, and increases the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detection unit approaches the device body, and when the position of the user detected by the detection unit changes from a first position to a second position, changes the image displayed on the display unit from an image for the first position to an image for the second position, the image for the first position and the image for the second position being images of the same attribute; and A second display unit different from the display unit, wherein the second display unit is a touch panel, and the second display unit displays an operation button when the distance between the user and the image display device is less than a default distance, and the operation button is used to receive the user's operation to perform a corresponding action. The detection unit can detect the direction of the user's face, and the changing unit changes the image displayed by the display unit to an image of an area corresponding to the direction of the user's face in the image displayed by the display unit and an associated image related to the image of the area corresponding to the direction of the user's face.

2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The changing unit changes the size of the image displayed on the display unit according to the detection result of the detecting unit.

3. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein: The changing unit reduces the size of the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detecting unit approaches the device body.

4. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The changing unit continuously changes the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detecting unit approaches the device body.

5. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The changing unit displays the image displayed on the display unit in an enlarged manner according to the direction of the user's face detected by the detecting unit.

6. The image display device according to claim 1, comprising: An image having the same attributes as the image displayed on the display unit is displayed on the second display unit.

7. The image display device according to claim 6, wherein: The image displayed on the second display unit is an image with increased information content from the image for the second position.

8. The image display device according to claim 6, wherein: When the second display unit displays an image, the display unit does not display an image.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: An image display device, which is disposed in the device body and displays images; and an image forming unit disposed inside the device body and forming an image, The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is used as the image display device.

10. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the following changing means: The changing unit changes the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit according to the detection result of the detection unit, and increases the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detection unit approaches the device body. The display unit is provided on the device body. When the position of the user detected by the detection unit changes from a first position to a second position, the changing unit changes the image displayed on the display unit from the image for the first position to the image for the second position. The image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attribute. When the distance between the user and the image display device is less than a default distance, a second display unit different from the display unit is controlled to display an operation button, the operation button being used to receive the operation of the user to perform a corresponding action. The detection unit can detect the direction of the user's face. The changing unit changes the image displayed on the display unit to an image of a region corresponding to the direction of the user's face in the image displayed by the display unit and an associated image related to the image of the region corresponding to the direction of the user's face.

11. An image display method comprising the following steps: a changing step, changing the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit according to the detection result of the detection unit, and increasing the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detection unit approaches the device body, the display unit is arranged on the device body, when the position of the user detected by the detection unit changes from a first position to a second position, the image displayed on the display unit is changed from an image for the first position to an image for the second position, the image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attribute, when the distance between the user and the image display device is less than a default distance, controlling a second display unit different from the display unit to display an operation button, the operation button being used to receive an operation of the user to perform a corresponding action; detecting the direction of the user's face; and The image displayed by the display unit is changed to an image of a region corresponding to the direction of the user's face among the images displayed by the display unit and a related image related to the image of the region corresponding to the direction of the user's face.

12. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to function as a changing unit: The changing unit changes the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit according to the detection result of the detection unit, and increases the amount of information of the image displayed on the display unit as the position of the user detected by the detection unit approaches the device body. The display unit is provided on the device body. When the position of the user detected by the detection unit changes from a first position to a second position, the changing unit changes the image displayed on the display unit from the image for the first position to the image for the second position. The image for the first position and the image for the second position are images of the same attribute. When the distance between the user and the image display device is less than a default distance, a second display unit different from the display unit is controlled to display an operation button, the operation button being used to receive the operation of the user to perform a corresponding action. The detection unit can detect the direction of the user's face. The changing unit changes the image displayed on the display unit to an image of a region corresponding to the direction of the user's face in the image displayed by the display unit and an associated image related to the image of the region corresponding to the direction of the user's face.

Images