Operating device and image processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an operating device that easily copes with positional deviation of an operating position, and an image processing apparatus.SOLUTION: An operating device comprises a display processing unit and a selection processing unit. The display processing unit displays a plurality of objects Ob1-Ob6 on a touch panel display 15. The selection processing unit selects, from the plurality of objects Ob1-Ob6, any one object on which a touch operation is performed, on the basis of a user's touch position P1 on the touch panel display 15. When the touch position P1 is within a specific range corresponding to two or more objects Ob1, Ob2, the display processing unit displays objects other than the two or more objects Ob1, Ob2 in a non-active state, and the selection processing unit executes selection support processing of selecting one object from the two or more objects Ob1, Ob2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation device and an image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a related art, an operation device (touch operation input device) that inputs touch operation information by touching an operation surface is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the operation device of the related art, a plurality of operation function items are displayed on a display unit, and by touching the touch panel of the touch operation unit, the plurality of operation function items displayed on the display unit can be selected and input.

[0003] In the operation device according to the related art, the ID is recognized by the ID recognition means, and a correction value for correcting the touch operation position deviation habit when touching the touch panel, which is stored in the storage means, is read in accordance with the recognized ID, and the intended touch operation position is detected by the correction means by correcting the touch operation position when operating the touch panel. In this way, the operation habits that differ from person to person can be corrected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-194507 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the operating device according to the above-mentioned related technology corrects the positional deviation of the touch position (touch operation position) depending on each individual's operating habits, and therefore, in a situation where an unspecified number of users operate the device, such as an image processing device, it may not be possible to perform the correction properly.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an operation device and an image processing device that can easily deal with misalignment of the operation position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an operating device includes a display processing unit and a selection processing unit. The display processing unit displays a plurality of objects on a touch panel display. The selection processing unit selects one of the plurality of objects that has been touched based on a touch position of a user on the touch panel display. When the touch position is within a specific range corresponding to two or more objects, the display processing unit displays objects other than the two or more objects as inactive, and the selection processing unit executes a selection support process for selecting one object from the two or more objects.

[0008] An image processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above-described operation device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operation device and an image processing device that can easily deal with positional deviation of the operation position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel display of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel display of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel display of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel display of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a main part of a display screen displayed on a touch panel display of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the operation device of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description will discuss preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall configuration of image processing device First, the overall configuration of an image processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] The image processing device 10 according to this embodiment is, for example, a multifunction peripheral having multiple functions, such as a scanning function for acquiring image data from an original, a printing function for forming an image based on the image data, a facsimile function, and a copying function. The image processing device 10 may be a printer, scanner, facsimile machine, copier, etc., as long as it has an image processing function including at least one of the function for forming an image and the function for acquiring image data.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 10 is broadly divided into a main body 1 (main unit) and an extension device 2 (enhancement unit). The main body 1 has an image processing function (at least one of an image forming function and an image data acquisition function). In this disclosure, an "extension device" is a device that is detachably connected to the main body 1 and adds various extension functions to the image processing device. The main body 1 and the extension device 2 are used in an electrically and mechanically connected state. That is, the image processing device 10 is based on the functions of the main body 1, and various extension functions desired by the user can be realized by combining the main body 1 with the desired extension device 2. Specific examples of the extension device 2 include a stapler, a folding machine, an inserter, a booklet folder, and a mail folder. These extension devices 2 perform post-processing, such as stapling, on sheets on which images have been formed by the main body 1.

[0015] In this embodiment, as an example, the image processing device 10 includes a finisher having a function as a stapler as the extension device 2, and further includes any extension device 2 selected from a folding machine, an inserter, a booklet folder, a mail folder, etc. In other words, the image processing device 10 can connect one or more extension devices 2 to one main body 1.

[0016] 1, the main body 1 of the image processing device 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a touch panel display 15, a control unit 17, and a storage unit 18. The automatic document feeder 11 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and is therefore represented as "ADF" in FIG. 1, and will also be referred to as "ADF 11" in the following description.

[0017] The ADF 11 transports a document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 12. The ADF 11 includes a document setting unit, a plurality of transport rollers, a document holder, a paper discharge unit, and the like.

[0018] The image reading unit 12 reads an image from a document and outputs image data corresponding to the read image. The image reading unit 12 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like.

[0019] Image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet by electrophotography based on image data output from image reading unit 12. Image forming unit 13 also forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from an information processing device external to image processing device 10, such as a personal computer. Image forming unit 13 has four image forming units corresponding to four colors, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, etc. Image forming unit 13 may also be configured to form an image on a sheet by an image forming method other than electrophotography, such as an inkjet method.

[0020] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet using toner as a developer. When the image forming unit 13 forms an image using an inkjet method, ink (another example of a developer) is supplied instead of toner. The toner supplied to the image forming unit 13 includes toner of multiple colors, for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). After the image is formed in the image forming unit 13, the sheet is discharged (supplied) to an extension device or the like for post-processing.

[0021] The paper feed unit 14 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 13. The paper feed unit 14 has a paper feed cassette, a manual feed tray, a sheet transport path, a plurality of transport rollers, etc. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheets supplied from the paper feed unit 14. The sheets supplied to the image forming unit 13 are, for example, paper, but are not limited to paper and may be, for example, a resin film, etc.

[0022] The touch panel display 15 has a display unit 151 and an operation unit 152 .

[0023] The display unit 151 is a user interface for presenting (displaying) information to the user in the image processing device 10. The display unit 151 displays various types of information in response to control instructions from the control unit 17. In the present embodiment, as an example, the display unit 151 includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and displays a display screen including various types of information on the organic EL display.

[0024] The operation unit 152 is, for example, a user interface for accepting operation inputs by the user on a display screen displayed on the display unit 151. The operation unit 152 accepts various operations by the user, for example, by outputting an electrical signal in response to the user's operation. The operation unit 152 is made up of, for example, a capacitive or resistive touch panel. Therefore, the operation unit 152 is configured to be able to accept user operations such as touching (tapping), swiping, or dragging on the screen displayed on the display unit 151.

[0025] In touch panel display 15, display unit 151 and operation unit 152 are integrated. Therefore, touch panel display 15 serves as both a user interface for presenting (displaying) information to the user and a user interface for receiving operation inputs from the user. In other words, operation unit 152, which is made up of a touch panel, is disposed on the display surface of display unit 151, which is made up of an organic EL display or the like, and the user can select an object, such as a button, by touching the object.

[0026] Furthermore, the image processing device 10 may also include, as a user interface, a voice output unit, a voice input unit, and the like, in addition to the touch panel display 15 (the display unit 151 and the operation unit 152).

[0027] The control unit 17 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories, and performs overall control of the image processing device 10. In the image processing device 10, the one or more processors execute programs to realize the functions of the control unit 17. In this embodiment, as an example, the control unit 17 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0028] The program may be pre-recorded in one or more memories, provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer system, such as a memory card or an optical disk. The one or more processors are composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits. Furthermore, the computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. The control unit 17 may be a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that comprehensively controls the image processing device 10.

[0029] The storage unit 18 includes one or more nonvolatile memories, and stores information such as control programs for causing the control unit 17 to execute various processes in advance.

[0030] The image processing device 10 further includes a communication unit etc. The communication unit is an interface that executes data communication between the image processing device 10 and an external device connected via a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0031] [2] Details of the control unit Next, each functional unit included in the control unit 17 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 1. The control unit 17 has a display processing unit 171 and a selection processing unit 172. That is, the image processing device 10 has the display processing unit 171 and the selection processing unit 172 as functions of the control unit 17.

[0032] Display processing unit 171 executes display processing for displaying various screens on display unit 151 of touch panel display 15. In the present disclosure, "screen" refers to an image (picture) displayed on display unit 151, and includes icons, figures, photographs, text, video, and the like. That is, display processing unit 171 is capable of generating various screens and displaying them on display unit 151. Here, when a screen includes video, etc., the screen does not include a fixed image, but an image that changes every moment.

[0033] The screen displayed on (display unit 151 of) touch panel display 15 by display processing unit 171 includes a plurality of objects such as buttons, figures, icons (images), messages (text), or a combination of these. In other words, display processing unit 171 causes touch panel display 15 to display a plurality of objects.

[0034] Selection processing unit 172 accepts at least an operation by the user. Specifically, selection processing unit 172 accepts an operation by the user by inputting an operation signal generated by operation unit 152 when the user operates touch panel display 15 (operation unit 152). In other words, when the user performs an operation such as tapping on touch panel display 15, an operation signal corresponding to this operation is input to selection processing unit 172, and selection processing unit 172 accepts the operation.

[0035] The operation signal includes information for identifying the content of the operation, such as the user's touch position on touch panel display 15. The "touch position" here refers to the position on touch panel display 15 where the user has performed a touch operation, and is identified by, for example, XY coordinates.

[0036] Furthermore, the selection processing unit 172 is configured to be able to cooperate with at least the display processing unit 171. Therefore, for example, when the selection processing unit 172 accepts an operation by the user, in response to the operation, the display processing unit 171 can change the screen to be displayed on the touch panel display 15 (the display unit 151). As an example, in response to an operation to select a setting item accepted by the selection processing unit 172, the display processing unit 171 displays on the display unit 151 a screen for setting image processing conditions included in the setting item.

[0037] The operations accepted by the selection processing unit 172 include, for example, an operation for setting image processing conditions. The term "image processing conditions" as used in the present disclosure includes various conditions related to image processing in the image processing device 10, such as the quality, density, quality (image quality), and double-sided / single-sided settings of the sheet (paper) used for image formation. For example, for the setting item "sheet quality," a condition such as high-quality paper or plain paper can be set as an image processing condition. A user (a user using the image processing device 10) can set desired image processing conditions by selecting from multiple image processing conditions or by inputting numerical values. In the present embodiment, as an example, the user sets one or more image processing conditions by selecting one or more image processing conditions from multiple image processing conditions.

[0038] Here, the display processing unit 171 and the selection processing unit 172 are configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) screen on the touch panel display 15 and to accept user operations on the screen at the touch panel display 15. In other words, the display processing unit 171 and the selection processing unit 172 configure a GUI that displays objects such as buttons, figures, icons (images), and messages (text) on the screen and accepts operations (including selection) of the objects. In other words, the display processing unit 171 and the selection processing unit 172 are GUI applications for embedded devices.

[0039] [3] Operation of the control device Next, the operation of the operating device 16 according to this embodiment, that is, the method for controlling the operating device 16, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0040] The image processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes an operation device 16. In this embodiment, a control unit 17 in the image processing device 10 configures the operation device 16 together with a touch panel display 15, a storage unit 18, etc. (see FIG. 1). That is, the operation device 16 according to this embodiment includes a display processing unit 171 and a selection processing unit 172 (in the control unit 17).

[0041] The control method for the operation device 16 is mainly executed by the display processing unit 171 and the selection processing unit 172 (control unit 17). This control method controls the touch panel display 15 so that a graphical user interface (GUI) screen is displayed on the touch panel display 15 and a user's operation on the screen is received by the touch panel display 15. In other words, the control method for the operation device 16 according to this embodiment is a method embodied by the control unit 17, which is mainly composed of a computer system. Therefore, the (control) program according to this embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors (in the control unit 17) to execute the control method for the operation device 16.

[0042] [3.1] Basic operation First, the basic operation of the operation device 16 related to user operations will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show an example of a display screen D1 displayed by the display processing unit 171 on the touch panel display 15 (the display unit 151).

[0043] In drawings showing the display screen D1 such as FIG. 3, the dashed lines, lead lines, and reference symbols representing areas are added for explanatory purposes only and are not actually displayed on the display unit 151. Furthermore, the design, arrangement, and size of objects on the screen described below are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. Objects or areas on the screen may or may not be clearly separated by boundaries. Furthermore, in drawings showing display examples of the touch panel display 15 such as FIG. 4, the user's finger F1 operating the display screen D1 is indicated by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line). Furthermore, the display screen D1 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example and is not intended to limit the screen design.

[0044] Display screen D1 includes a plurality of objects Ob1 to Ob6, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. Each of the plurality of objects Ob1 to Ob6 is a button-shaped icon, and is an object for receiving a user operation (tap operation) on display screen D1. As an example, object Ob1 receives an operation to start a "copy," object Ob2 receives an operation to start a "send" of image data, and object Ob3 receives an operation to open a "custom box." Furthermore, object Ob4 receives an operation to open a "job box," object Ob5 receives an operation to start reading image data from an "external recording medium," and object Ob6 receives an operation to start copying an "ID card."

[0045] When the user uses the "copy function" of the image processing device 10, with such display screen D1 displayed on the touch panel display 15 (display unit 151), the user touches object Ob1 as shown in Fig. 4. At this time, if the user's touch position P1 on the touch panel display 15 is within the display area of ​​object Ob1, the selection processing unit 172 determines that the user has touched (selected) object Ob1, and selects the touched object Ob1 from among the multiple objects Ob1 to Ob6.

[0046] That is, selection processing unit 172 selects one object Ob1 that has been touched from among the plurality of objects Ob1 to Ob6, based on touch position P1 by the user on touch panel display 15. In this way, operation device 16 accepts the user's operation on the plurality of objects Ob1 to Ob6 displayed on touch panel display 15.

[0047] However, as a related art of this type of operation device, an operation device in which touch operation information is input by touching an operation surface is known. In the operation device of the related art, a plurality of operation function items are displayed on a display unit, and by touching a touch panel of a touch operation unit, the plurality of operation function items displayed on the display unit can be selected and input.

[0048] In the operation device according to the related art, the ID is recognized by the ID recognition means, and a correction value for correcting the touch operation position deviation habit when touching the touch panel, which is stored in the storage means, is read in accordance with the recognized ID, and the intended touch operation position is detected by the correction means by correcting the touch operation position when operating the touch panel. In this way, the operation habits that differ from person to person can be corrected.

[0049] However, the operating device according to the above-mentioned related technology corrects the positional deviation of the touch position (touch operation position) depending on each individual's operating habits, and therefore, in a situation where an unspecified number of users operate the device, such as an image processing device, it may not be possible to perform the correction properly.

[0050] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the operation device 16 and the image processing device 10 that can easily deal with the positional deviation of the operation position are provided by the configuration described below.

[0051] That is, the operation device 16 according to this embodiment operates in the selection assistance mode when the touch position P1 is within a specific range corresponding to two or more objects Ob1 and Ob2, for example, as shown in Fig. 5. Details of the operation of the operation device 16 in the selection assistance mode will be explained in the section "[3.2] Selection assistance mode."

[0052] In the selection assistance mode, when a positional deviation of the operation position is suspected, the operation device 16 assists in operation input that takes the positional deviation into consideration. This enables the operation device 16 to deal with the positional deviation of the operation position, thereby improving operability.

[0053] Furthermore, misalignment of the operation position can occur not only due to the user but also due to aging of the operation device 16. For example, aging of the operation device 16 can cause the relative positions of the display unit 151 and the operation unit 152 to be misaligned by several millimeters. Even in such cases, by operating in the selection assistance mode, the operation device 16 can deal with the misalignment of the operation position, which ultimately leads to a reduction in the number of maintenance operations for the operation device 16 and a longer lifespan.

[0054] [3.2] Selection assistance mode Next, the operation of the operation device 16 according to this embodiment in the selection assistance mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0055] As described above, the operation device 16 operates in the selection assistance mode when the touch position P1 is within a specific range corresponding to two or more objects Ob1 to Ob6. The "specific range" in the present disclosure includes, for example, the outer periphery of each of the objects Ob1 to Ob6, the boundary between two or more objects Ob1 to Ob6, or the range spanning two or more objects Ob1 to Ob6.

[0056] In this embodiment, the specific range is set to the outer periphery (including the edge) of each of the multiple objects Ob1 to Ob6. In the example of Fig. 5, the touch position P1 straddles two objects Ob1 and Ob2, causing a conflict between the objects Ob1 and Ob2, making it difficult to determine which of the two conflicting objects Ob1 and Ob2 is being touched. In such a case, the control unit 17 determines that the touch position P1 is within the specific range and can switch the operation mode of the operating device 16 (from the normal mode) to the selection assistance mode.

[0057] When the touch position P1 is within a specific range, that is, in the selection support mode, the display processing unit 171 displays all objects other than the two or more objects Ob1 to Ob6 as inactive. Furthermore, the selection processing unit 172 executes a selection support process for selecting one object from these two or more objects Ob1 to Ob6. In the present disclosure, the term "inactive display" refers to a display mode that indicates that no operation is being accepted on the touch panel display 15, and includes various display modes such as non-display, grayed-out, and blacked-out. As an example, in this embodiment, the inactive display is "non-display."

[0058] That is, when the touch position P1 straddles two objects Ob1 and Ob2 as shown in Fig. 5, the selection support mode is entered, and the display processing unit 171 displays all objects other than the two or more competing objects Ob1 and Ob2 inactively (not displayed). As a result, as shown in Fig. 6, only the two objects Ob1 and Ob2 are displayed on the touch panel display 15 (the display unit 151), and at least the other objects Ob3 to Ob6 are not displayed.

[0059] This allows the user to understand that he or she has not properly selected (operated) one object, and allows the user to perform an operation to select either object Ob1 or Ob2 from the two candidate objects Ob1 and Ob2 again. Therefore, it is possible to provide the operation device 16 and the image processing device 10 that can easily deal with misalignment of the operation position.

[0060] Moreover, by displaying objects other than the two or more objects Ob1 and Ob2 as inactive, it is possible to reduce power consumption for displaying (illuminating) the other objects Ob3 to Ob6 on an organic EL display, for example. As a result, the operation device 16 according to this embodiment can improve operability and also reduce power consumption.

[0061] Furthermore, when the touch position P1 is within a specific range, that is, in the selection support mode, the display processing unit 171 highlights two or more objects Ob1, Ob2 one by one in order. The selection processing unit 172 selects one of the objects Ob1, Ob2 that is highlighted when a specific operation is performed in the selection support process.

[0062] The term "highlighted display" as used herein includes various display modes that emphasize an object, such as enlarged display, animation display (where the display content changes over time), display in an emphasized color, lit display or blinking display, or a combination of these. In this embodiment, as an example, the highlighted display is assumed to be enlarged display.

[0063] Furthermore, the "specific operation" here refers to a specific operation on the touch panel display 15 (operation unit 152), and includes various operations such as, for example, a release operation of a touch (long press), a flick operation, an operation at a specific touch position, a double tap operation, etc. In this embodiment, as an example, the specific operation is a release operation of a touch (long press).

[0064] In other words, the two competing objects Ob1 and Ob2 are alternately enlarged (highlighted) as shown in Fig. 7. When object Ob1 is enlarged as shown in the upper part of Fig. 7, object Ob1 is highlighted, and when object Ob2 is enlarged as shown in the lower part of Fig. 7, object Ob2 is highlighted. Which of objects Ob1 and Ob2 is highlighted changes every time a switching time elapses. The switching time may be a fixed time, or may be a variable time whose length changes depending on the time elapsed since the start of the selection assistance mode, for example.

[0065] Here, the user continues to touch touch position P1 with finger F1 since the touch operation in Fig. 5, and performs the specific operation by releasing finger F1 from touch position P1 at the timing when a desired object of two objects Ob1 and Ob2 is highlighted. For example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 7, when object Ob1 is displayed enlarged (highlighted), if finger F1 is released from touch position P1, the selection processing unit 172 selects object Ob1. Also, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 7, when object Ob2 is displayed enlarged (highlighted), if finger F1 is released from touch position P1, the selection processing unit 172 selects object Ob2.

[0066] This allows the user to select the desired object Ob1, Ob2 from among the two or more objects Ob1, Ob2 by watching the two or more objects Ob1, Ob2 being highlighted one by one in turn and performing a specific operation at the desired timing.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit 17 associates the objects Ob1 to Ob6 selected in the selection support process from among the multiple objects Ob1 to Ob6 with the coordinates of the touch position P1 at that time, and stores the associated objects as history data in the storage unit 18. In this case, when a certain amount of history data is accumulated in the storage unit 18, the selection processing unit 172 can, based on the history data, preferentially select the objects Ob1 to Ob6 that have been selected with a high frequency for a certain touch position P1 when detecting the touch position P1.

[0068] That is, when touch position P1 is within a specific range, selection processing unit 172 can select one of objects Ob1 to Ob6 based on the selection history in the selection support process. As a result, even when touch position P1 is within a specific range, by estimating the one of objects Ob1 to Ob6 to be selected at this time based on the selection history, it is possible to select the object intended by the user without switching to selection support mode. As a result, the frequency of switching to selection support mode can be reduced, leading to further improvement in operability.

[0069] Next, an example of the operation of the operation device 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Here, steps S1, S2, etc. in Fig. 8 represent the numbers of processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 17 of the operation device 16.

[0070] <Steps S1 and S2> First, in step S1, display processing unit 171 of control unit 17 causes display unit 151 of touch panel display 15 to display display screen D1 including multiple objects Ob1 to Ob6. Then, in step S2, control unit 17 determines whether or not a touch position P1 of a user on touch panel display 15 is within a specific range (the outer periphery of each of objects Ob1 to Ob6). If touch position P1 is on the edge of each of objects Ob1 to Ob6, control unit 17 determines that touch position P1 is within the specific range (S2: Yes) and proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if touch position P1 is in the center of each of objects Ob1 to Ob6, control unit 17 determines that touch position P1 is not within the specific range (S2: No) and proceeds to step S6.

[0071] <Steps S3 and S4> In step S3, the control unit 17 starts the selection support mode. Then, in step S4, the display processing unit 171 of the control unit 17 displays all objects other than the two or more objects Ob1 to Ob6 that are the targets of the selection support mode inactive, and highlights the two or more objects Ob1 to Ob6 one by one in order.

[0072] <Steps S5 and S6> In step S5, selection processing unit 172 of control unit 17 determines whether or not a specific operation has been performed by the user on touch panel display 15. When the user's finger F1 is removed from touch panel display 15, it is determined that a specific operation has been performed (S5: Yes), and selection processing unit 172 selects the object that is highlighted at that time (S6). On the other hand, if the user's finger F1 is not removed from touch panel display 15, it is determined that a specific operation has not been performed (S5: No), and control unit 17 transitions the process to step S4.

[0073] The processing of steps S1 to S6 is repeatedly executed. The procedure of the operation of the operation device 16 described above is merely an example, and the order of the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8 may be changed as appropriate, or processing may be added.

[0074] [4] Variation The multiple components included in the image processing device 10 may be distributed across multiple housings. For example, at least one of the display processing unit 171 and the selection processing unit 172 is not limited to being realized as a function of the control unit 17, and may be provided in a housing separate from the control unit 17.

[0075] Furthermore, the touch panel display 15 does not have to be provided in the image processing device 10, and may be provided in an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. In this case, the image processing device 10 communicates with the information terminal by communication conforming to a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and displays information on the touch panel display 15 of the information terminal. Furthermore, in this case, the display processing unit 171 and the selection processing unit 172 may also be provided in the information terminal rather than the image processing device 10.

[0076] Furthermore, the display unit 151 of the touch panel display 15 is not limited to an organic EL display, but may be, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0077] [Appendix to the invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0078] <Appendix 1> a display processing unit that displays a plurality of objects on the touch panel display; a selection processing unit that selects one of the plurality of objects that has been touched based on a touch position of the user on the touch panel display, If the touch position is within a specific range corresponding to two or more objects, the display processing unit displays objects other than the two or more objects as inactive objects, the selection processing unit executes a selection support process for selecting one object from the two or more objects. Operating device.

[0079] <Appendix 2> the specific range is set on the outer periphery of each of the plurality of objects, 10. The operating device of claim 1.

[0080] <Appendix 3> If the touch position is within the specific range, the display processing unit highlights the two or more objects one by one in turn; the selection processing unit selects the one highlighted object when a specific operation is performed in the selection support processing. 3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0081] <Appendix 4> When the touch position is within the specific range, the selection processing unit is capable of selecting one object based on a selection history in the selection support processing. 4. The operating device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0082] <Appendix 5> The operating device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4 is provided. Image processing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Image processing device 15 Touch panel display 171 Display processing section 172 Selection processing section Ob1~Ob6 objects P1 Touch position

Claims

1. a display processing unit that displays a plurality of objects on a touch panel display; a selection processing unit that selects one of the plurality of objects that has been touched based on a touch position of the user on the touch panel display, If the touch position is within a specific range corresponding to two or more objects, the display processing unit displays objects other than the two or more objects as inactive objects, the selection processing unit executes a selection support process for selecting one object from the two or more objects. Operating device.

2. the specific range is set on the outer periphery of each of the plurality of objects, The operating device according to claim 1 .

3. If the touch position is within the specific range, The display processing unit highlights the two or more objects one by one in sequence, the selection processing unit, in the selection support processing, selects one of the highlighted objects when a specific operation is performed.

3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the touch position is within the specific range, the selection processing unit is capable of selecting one object based on a selection history in the selection support processing.

3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2, Image processing device.

Images