Character input device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a character input device that can improve operability during input, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An operation panel 2 comprises a liquid crystal display unit 21, numeric keys 22, a character type changing key 31, an arrow key 23, and a sub control unit 34. When the arrow key 23 is operated to move a cursor 11 to a position where an input character is being displayed, the sub control unit 34 controls the liquid crystal display unit 21 to change the character type of a character to be input after the cursor 11 moves, to the same character type as the character type of the input character displayed at the position to which the cursor 11 is moved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a character input device and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a multifunction peripheral that includes an operation panel, a communication interface, an image forming unit, and an image reading unit. The operation panel is provided with input keys for receiving instructions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-70513 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When correcting characters that have already been entered, the user uses the movement keys to move the cursor to the position of the character to be corrected and check the character type. If the user does not need to change the character type, he or she makes the correction immediately after moving the cursor. If the user needs to change the character type, he or she changes the character type using the change key and then makes the correction. In other words, the user has to operate the keys many times, and there is room for improvement in input operability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a character input device and an image forming device that can improve operability during input. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a character input device includes a display unit, an input operation unit, a change operation unit, a movement operation unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays an input character input in a predetermined character type and an indicator indicating a position to input the character. The input operation unit is an operation unit for inputting the character. The change operation unit is an operation unit for changing the character type. The movement operation unit is an operation unit for moving the indicator. The control unit controls the display unit to change the character type of the character input by the input operation unit based on operation of the change operation unit. When the movement operation unit is operated to move the indicator to a position where the input character is displayed, the control unit controls the display unit to change the character type of the character input after the indicator is moved to the same character type as the character displayed at the position to which the indicator has moved.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a character input device and an image forming unit. The character input device is described in the above aspect. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability during input. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a display on a liquid crystal display unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of transition of images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit in the first input mode. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of transition of images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit in the first input mode. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of transition of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit in the second input mode. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of transition of images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit in the second input mode. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of executing an input mode by operating the operation unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a first input mode process for changing the character type according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a second input mode process for inputting symbols according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of transition of images displayed on a liquid crystal display unit of a modified example in the second input mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the individual input operation section of the numeric keypad in the second input mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus for forming images, such as a color multifunction printer, and has the function of executing multiple jobs such as copying, printing, scanning, faxing, etc. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 2, an image reading unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, an image forming unit 5, a fixing unit 6, a communication unit 7, a memory unit 8, and a main control unit 9.

[0013] The image reading unit 3 reads the document and forms image data of the document. The paper feeding unit 4 supplies paper (recording medium) from a cassette to the image reading unit 3. The image forming unit 5 forms a toner image based on the image data. The fixing unit 6 fixes the toner image transferred to the paper by applying heat and pressure. After passing through the fixing unit 6, the paper is discharged onto a discharge tray. The communication unit 7 is connected so that it can communicate with, for example, an external computer.

[0014] The main control unit 9 controls the image reading unit 3, paper feeding unit 4, image forming unit 5, fixing unit 6, communication unit 7, and memory unit 8 by executing a control program stored in the memory unit 8. The main control unit 9 is a hardware circuit including a central processing unit and an image processing device. The hardware circuit includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Note that an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) may be used instead of the CPU.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the operation panel 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the operation panel 2 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the display of the liquid crystal display unit 21 according to this embodiment.

[0016] 1 and 2, the operation panel 2 includes a liquid crystal display 21, a numeric keypad 22, arrow keys 23, an OK key 24, a clear key 25, a document box key 26, a logout key 27, a stop key 28, a menu key 29, a back key 30, a character type change key 31, a storage unit 33, and a sub-controller 34. The operation panel 2 corresponds to, for example, a "character input device," the liquid crystal display 21 corresponds to, for example, a "display unit," and the numeric keypad 22 corresponds to, for example, an "input operation unit." The arrow keys 23 correspond to, for example, a "movement operation unit," the sub-controller 34 corresponds to, for example, a "controller," and the character type change key 31 corresponds to, for example, a "change operation unit."

[0017] The liquid crystal display unit 21 displays input characters and a cursor 11. The input characters are characters input in character types such as hiragana, katakana, alphanumeric characters, numbers, and symbols. The cursor 11 is a mark indicating the input position for inputting characters. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 21 displays input characters input in a predetermined character type and a mark indicating the position for inputting characters.

[0018] The numeric keypad 22 is an operation unit for the user to input characters. The numeric keypad 22 is an example of an input operation unit for inputting characters such as numbers, kana, alphabets, and symbols. The numeric keypad 22 also includes numeric input units 221 to 229 that can input numeric values. The numeric input unit 221 can input the numeric value "1", and the numeric input unit 229 can input the numeric value "9".

[0019] The arrow keys 23 are an operation unit for the user to move the cursor 11. The cursor 11 is an indicator that indicates the position of the input destination. The arrow keys 23 are an example of a movement operation unit for moving the cursor 11 up, down, left, and right. The user moves the cursor 11 using the arrow keys 23. In other words, the arrow keys 23 are configured to determine the movement direction of the cursor 11.

[0020] The clear key 25 is a key for erasing input numbers, kana, alphabets, symbols, etc. The document box key 26 is a key for saving image data, etc. in a predetermined saving area.

[0021] The logout key 27 is a key for completing user authentication and terminating each user's operation. The stop key 28 is a key for canceling or pausing a job in progress. The menu key 29 is a key for switching between various setting items.

[0022] The storage unit 33 stores a plurality of character types that can be input by operating the numeric keypad 22. The plurality of character types includes, for example, nine types: full-width hiragana, full-width katakana, half-width katakana, full-width alphanumeric, half-width alphanumeric, full-width numbers, half-width numbers, full-width symbols, and half-width symbols. Note that the symbols include a plurality of individual symbols.

[0023] The sub-controller 34 controls the liquid crystal display unit 21 to change the character type of characters input using the numeric keypad 22. The character type of characters input using the numeric keypad 22 is changed based on the operation of the character type change key 31. The sub-controller 34 is an example of a controller for the operation panel 2, has a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the operation panel 2 in response to pressed keys.

[0024] The character type change key 31 is an operation unit that allows the user to change the character type. The character type is displayed in a predetermined area inside the liquid crystal display unit 21. The character type change key 31 is an example of a change operation unit, and is a key that is used to change the character type.

[0025] When using the image forming apparatus 1, a user undergoes user authentication for logging in and is then permitted to use the image forming apparatus 1. The operation panel 2 accepts input operations for user authentication for logging in (input operations for a login user name and a login password) from the user.

[0026] Furthermore, the user can register as a user by operating each operation section of the operation panel 2 and inputting a user name, login user name, login password, department name, email address, and the like.

[0027] When performing input operations for user authentication or user registration, the user selects a desired character type from multiple character types and enters characters such as the login user name in the selected character type. Methods for selecting a character type include, for example, a toggle method and a menu method.

[0028] The toggle method is a method in which the character types that can be input are changed while being displayed in sequence on the liquid crystal display unit 21. The menu method is a method in which multiple character type options 37 are displayed all at once on the liquid crystal display unit 21, and the character type is selected. The sub-control unit 34 changes the character types that can be input in response to the operation of the menu key 29 or the character type change key 31.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, when the menu key 29 is pressed, the sub-controller 34 displays multiple character type options 37 all at once on the liquid crystal display 21. The order in which the multiple character types are displayed is set in advance. The user presses the arrow keys 23 to select the desired character type from the entire menu. After selecting the desired character type, the user presses the OK key 24 to confirm the character type. The confirmed character type is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.

[0030] When the character type change key 31 is pressed, the sub-controller 34 basically changes the character types that are options one by one in order depending on the number of times the character type change key 31 is pressed. The order in which multiple character types are selected is, for example, the same as the order in the menu system. When the character types that are options have been cycled through, the sub-controller 34 returns to the first character type. The sub-controller 34 can also switch the method of changing the character type based on the operation status of the character type change key 31. The sub-controller 34 has a determination unit 35 that determines the operation status of the character type change key 31.

[0031] The determination unit 35 determines the length of time the character type change key 31 is pressed. If the user presses the character type change key 31 for a predetermined time or longer, the sub-control unit 34 changes the character type to a later character type than when the key is pressed for a shorter time than the predetermined time. In other words, the selected character type changes depending on the length of the pressing time.

[0032] Next, the sub-control unit 34 will be further described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 7. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 in the first input mode. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the transition of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 in the first input mode. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 in the second input mode. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the transition of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 in the second input mode.

[0033] The sub-controller 34 executes a first input mode and a second input mode. The first input mode is a mode in which input is performed using the arrow keys 23. The second input mode is a mode in which the position of the cursor 11 is moved to a position farther away from the adjacent character position.

[0034] When the arrow keys 23 are used to move the cursor 11 to a position where an input character is displayed, the sub-controller 34 controls the liquid crystal display unit 21 to change the character type of the characters to be input after the cursor 11 is moved to the same character type as the input character displayed at the position to which the cursor 11 is moved. This improves operability during input. Specifically, if the character type after correction is the same as the character type before correction, the operation of changing the character type using the character type change key 31 can be omitted.

[0035] The sub-controller 34 controls the liquid crystal display unit 21 to display the character type of the input characters displayed at the position to which the cursor 11 is moved. This allows the user to easily recognize the current character type. Specifically, since the character type of the input characters is displayed, the user can visually recognize in advance whether or not an operation to change the character type is necessary.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 4, an image 51 for inputting, for example, a login user name is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 (see Fig. 2). For example, "Osaka+2025" is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21. In the image 51, for example, the default alphanumeric characters "ABC" are displayed in the lower right position of the liquid crystal display unit 21 (the upper area of ​​Text).

[0037] Image 51 transitions to image 53 via image 52. In image 52, if the input character at the position where cursor 11 is located is the number "0", the number "123" is displayed as the character type. In image 53, if the input character at the position where cursor 11 is located is the number "0", the number "123" is displayed as the character type. Image 51 also transitions to image 55 via image 54. In image 54, if the input character at the position where cursor 11 is located is the alphanumeric character "O", the alphanumeric character "ABC" is displayed as the character type. In image 55, if the input character at the position where cursor 11 is located is the alphanumeric character "O", the alphanumeric character "ABC" is displayed as the character type.

[0038] Next, the first input mode will be described. An example will be described in which the user changes the login user name "Osaka+2025" to "Osaka+2525." As shown in Fig. 5, an image 61 for inputting the login user name is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 (see Fig. 2).

[0039] Image 61 transitions to image 63 via image 62. In image 61, for example, the default alphanumeric characters "ABC" are displayed in the lower right position of the liquid crystal display unit 21 as the character type. In image 62, when the user moves the cursor 11 to a position where the number "0" is present, the numbers "123" are displayed as the character type. In image 63, the user changes the number "0" to the number "5" by operating the numeric keypad 22 (see FIG. 2) without operating the character type change key 31 (see FIG. 2) to change the character type. The OK key is pressed to complete the input.

[0040] Next, the second input mode will be described. An example will be described in which the user changes the login user name "Osaka+2025" to "Osaki+2025". As shown in Fig. 6, an image 71 for inputting the login user name is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 (see Fig. 2).

[0041] Image 71 transitions to image 74 via images 72 and 73. In image 71, cursor 11 is located at the position of the number "2," so the numbers "123" are displayed as the character type. In image 72, the user operates character type change key 31 (see FIG. 2) to switch the character type to alphanumeric characters "ABC." Next, the user presses the left key of arrow keys 23 once. In image 73, cursor 11 is moved from the position of the number "2" where cursor 11 was originally located to the position of the nearest alphanumeric character, "a." In image 74, the user operates numeric keypad 22 (see FIG. 2) to change the alphanumeric character "a" to the alphanumeric character "i." The OK key is pressed to complete the input.

[0042] As described above, when the movement direction of the cursor 11 is set continuously after the character type is changed, the sub-controller 34 controls the liquid crystal display unit 21 to move the cursor 11 to the first position P1 where the first input character, the alphanumeric character "a," is displayed. The first input character, the alphanumeric character "a," is the input character of the changed character type that is closest to the current position where the cursor 11 is displayed, in the movement direction of the cursor 11. This reduces the amount of cursor 11 operation. In other words, in the past, a user would need to press the arrow key 23 four times and the character type change key 31 to make a correction. According to this embodiment, the user can make a correction by operating the character type change key 31 and pressing the arrow key 23 once.

[0043] Next, a case where the user inputs the login user name "Osaka▲" will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, an image 81 for inputting the login user name, for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 (see Fig. 2).

[0044] Image 81 transitions to image 84 via image 82 and image 83. In image 81, the alphanumeric characters "ABC" are selected as the character type. The user inputs "Osaka" into the liquid crystal display unit 21. In image 82, the character type is switched to symbols using the character type change key 31 (see FIG. 2). The symbols include a plurality of individual symbols. The order in which the plurality of individual symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 from left to right is set in advance.

[0045] To input the individual symbol "▲", the user presses the "1" and "2" keys of the numeric keypad 22 (see FIG. 2) and the right key of the arrow keys 23 (see FIG. 2) once. Next, the user presses the "2" key of the numeric keypad 22 and the down key of the arrow keys 23 once. In image 83, the cursor 11 moves to the position of the individual symbol "▲" at second position P2. When a numerical value input from the numerical value input unit 221 to a predetermined numerical value input unit among the numerical value input units 229 (see FIG. 2) is N, the second position P2 is the position where the Nth individual symbol is to be placed in the direction of movement of the cursor 11 from the first position PA at which individual symbols can be placed. Specifically, the cursor 11 moves to the right from the first position PA at which individual symbols can be placed to the position of the 12th individual symbol, and then moves downward from the position of the 12th individual symbol to the second position P2 of the second individual symbol "▲". In image 84, the user inputs the individual symbol "▲" after the input character "Osaka." The input character type is displayed as the default alphanumeric "ABC."

[0046] As described above, the sub-controller 34 changes the character type to symbols, and controls the liquid crystal display unit 21 to move the cursor 11 to the second position P2 when the arrow keys 23 are operated consecutively after a numerical value is input from the numerical value input unit 221 via the numerical value input unit 229. This reduces the amount of operation when moving to a location three squares (the position of three individual symbols) or more away from the current position of the cursor 11.

[0047] Next, the processing executed by the sub-control unit 34 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing for executing the input mode by operating the operation unit according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 33 (see Fig. 1) causes the processor of the sub-control unit 34 to execute the processing of steps S1 to S6.

[0048] 8, in step S1, the sub-controller 34 reads various pieces of information, and then the process proceeds to step S2.

[0049] In step S2, the sub-controller 34 determines whether the character type change key 31 has been operated. If the sub-controller 34 determines that the character type change key 31 has been operated (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If the sub-controller 34 determines that the character type change key 31 has not been operated (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0050] In step S5, the sub-control unit 34 determines whether or not the arrow keys 23 have been operated. If the sub-control unit 34 determines in step S5 that the arrow keys 23 have not been operated (No in step S5), the processing ends. If the sub-control unit 34 determines that the arrow keys 23 have been operated (Yes in step S5), the processing proceeds to step S6.

[0051] In step S6, when the execution of the first input mode process is completed, the process ends.

[0052] If the answer is Yes in step S2, the sub-control unit 34 determines in step S3 whether the character type has been changed to a symbol. If the sub-control unit 34 determines that the character type has not been changed to a symbol (No in step S3), the process ends. If the sub-control unit 34 determines that the character type has been changed to a symbol (Yes in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0053] In step S4, when the execution of the second input mode process is completed, the process ends.

[0054] Next, the processing of the sub-control unit 34 when the arrow keys 23 are operated to execute the first input mode will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the first input mode processing for changing the character type according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 33 (see Fig. 1) causes the processor of the sub-control unit 34 to execute the processing of steps S11 to S15.

[0055] In step S11, the sub-control unit 34 determines whether or not an input character that has already been input exists at the destination of the cursor 11. If the sub-control unit 34 determines that an input character does not exist at the destination (No in step S11), the processing ends. If the sub-control unit 34 determines that an input character exists at the destination (Yes in step S11), the processing proceeds to step S12.

[0056] In step S12, the sub-controller 34 determines the character type of the input character at the destination, and the process proceeds to step S13.

[0057] In step S13, the sub-control unit 34 determines whether the currently selected character type is the same as the destination character type. If the sub-control unit 34 determines that the currently selected character type is not the same as the destination character type (No in step S13), the process proceeds to step S15. If the sub-control unit 34 determines that the currently selected character type is the same as the destination character type (Yes in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0058] In step S14, the sub-controller 34 controls the liquid crystal display unit 21 to display the currently selected character type, and the process returns to step S6 (see FIG. 8).

[0059] If the answer is No in step S13, the sub-controller 34 changes the currently selected character type to the character type of the destination character in step S15, and the process proceeds to step S14.

[0060] Next, the processing of the sub-control unit 34 when executing the second input mode will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the second input mode processing for inputting symbols according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 33 (see Fig. 1) causes the processor of the sub-control unit 34 to execute the processing of steps S21 to S28.

[0061] In step S21, the sub-control unit 34 determines whether or not the arrow keys 23 have been operated. If the sub-control unit 34 determines in step S5 that the arrow keys 23 have not been operated (No in step S21), the process proceeds to step S25. If the sub-control unit 34 determines that the arrow keys 23 have been operated (Yes in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0062] In step S22, the cursor 11 is moved, and the process proceeds to step S23.

[0063] In step S23, the sub-controller 34 determines whether the OK key 24 has been pressed. If the sub-controller 34 determines in step S23 that the OK key 24 has not been pressed (No in step S23), the process returns to step S21. If the sub-controller 34 determines that the OK key 24 has been pressed (Yes in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0064] In step S24, the individual symbol selected by the cursor 11 is confirmed as the input character, and the process returns to step S4 (see FIG. 8).

[0065] If the answer is No in step S21, then in step S25 the sub-controller 34 determines whether or not the numeric keypad 22 has been pressed. If the sub-controller 34 determines in step S25 that the numeric keypad 22 has not been pressed (No in step S25), the process proceeds to step S24. If the sub-controller 34 determines that the numeric keypad 22 has been pressed (Yes in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0066] In step S26, the sub-controller 34 determines whether or not the numeric keypad 22 has been pressed. If the sub-controller 34 determines in step S26 that the numeric keypad 22 has not been pressed (No in step S25), the process proceeds to step S24. If the sub-controller 34 determines that the numeric keypad 22 has been pressed (Yes in step S25), the process proceeds to step S27. In other words, if the character type is changed to a symbol, and the arrow keys 23 are operated consecutively after the numeric keypad 22 is operated, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0067] In step S27, the cursor 11 is moved to the second position P2, and the process proceeds to step S28.

[0068] In step S28, the sub-controller 34 determines whether the OK key 24 has been pressed. If the sub-controller 34 determines in step S28 that the OK key 24 has not been pressed (No in step S28), the process returns to step S25. If the sub-controller 34 determines that the OK key 24 has been pressed (Yes in step S28), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0069] Next, a modified example of the second input mode will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of transition of images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 in the modified example of the second input mode. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the individual input operation unit of the numeric keypad 22 in the second input mode.

[0070] A case where the login user name "Osaka▲" is entered will be described. "Osaka" is entered in advance on the liquid crystal display unit 21 (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 11, an image 91 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21 (see FIG. 2). In the image 91, the user switches the character type to symbols using the character type change key 31 (see FIG. 2), and the symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 21. The symbols include a plurality of individual symbols.

[0071] The plurality of individual symbols are divided into groups 211 to 219. In image 92, groups 211 to 219 each include a plurality of individual symbols. The order in which the individual symbols in groups 211 to 219 are displayed on liquid crystal display unit 21 is set in advance for each group.

[0072] 12, the numeric keypad 22 includes individual input operation sections 221a to 229a. The individual input operation sections 221a to 229a are associated with the individual symbols of groups 211 to 219, respectively.

[0073] The numeric keypad 22 is provided with an individual input operation section 221a corresponding to the numeric input section 221 (see FIG. 2), an individual input operation section 222a corresponding to the numeric input section 222, an individual input operation section 223a corresponding to the numeric input section 223, an individual input operation section 224a corresponding to the numeric input section 224, an individual input operation section 225a corresponding to the numeric input section 225, an individual input operation section 226a corresponding to the numeric input section 226, an individual input operation section 227a corresponding to the numeric input section 227, an individual input operation section 228a corresponding to the numeric input section 228, and an individual input operation section 229a corresponding to the numeric input section 229.

[0074] To input the individual symbol "▲", the user presses the "8" key on the numeric keypad 22 (see FIG. 2) six times. In image 93, cursor 11 moves to the position of the individual symbol "▲" at third position P3. When the number of times a predetermined individual input operation unit among individual input operation units 221a to 229a is operated is M, third position P3 indicates the position where the Mth individual symbol is to be placed in the direction of movement of cursor 11 from the first position PB where a predetermined individual symbol included in the group associated with the predetermined individual input operation unit can be placed. Specifically, cursor 11 moves to the right from the first position PB where a predetermined individual symbol in group 218 can be placed to third position P3 where the sixth individual symbol "▲" is to be placed. The user inputs the input characters "Osaka" followed by the individual symbol "▲". The input character type is displayed as the default alphanumeric characters "ABC".

[0075] As described above, the sub-controller 34 changes the character type to symbols, and controls the liquid crystal display unit 21 to move the cursor 11 to the third position P3 when a predetermined individual input operation unit among the plurality of individual input operation units 221a to 229a is operated at least once. This allows operation using only the numeric keypad 22, simplifying the operation. In other words, symbols can be input without operating the arrow keys 23.

[0076] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, various numerical values, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, various numerical values, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0077] The present invention provides a character input device and an image forming device, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: Image forming device 2: Operation panel (character input device) 5: Image forming unit 11: Cursor (mark) 21:Liquid crystal display section (display section) 22: Numeric keypad (input operation section) 23: Arrow keys (movement operation section) 31: Character type change key (change operation section) 34: Sub-control unit (control unit) 211~219: Group 221~229: Numerical input section 221a to 229a: Individual input operation section P1: Position 1 P2: Position 2 P3: 3rd position PA : Leading position PB : Leading position

Claims

1. a display unit that displays input characters input in a predetermined character type and a mark indicating the position where the characters are to be input; an input operation unit for inputting the characters; a change operation unit for changing the character type; a movement operation unit for moving the mark; a control unit that controls the display unit so as to change the character type of the characters input by the input operation unit based on an operation of the change operation unit; Equipped with When the movement operation unit is operated to move the mark to a position where the input character is displayed, the control unit controls the display unit to change the character type of the character to be input after the movement of the mark to the same character type as the character type of the input character displayed at the position to which the mark has moved.

2. The character input device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display the character type of the input character displayed at the position to which the mark has been moved.

3. The movement operation unit is configured to determine a movement direction of the sign, the control unit controls the display unit to move the mark to a first position where a first input character is displayed when the movement direction of the mark is set continuously after the character type is changed; The character input device according to claim 1 , wherein the first input character indicates the input character of the changed character type that is closest to a current position where the sign is displayed in the movement direction of the sign.

4. The character type has a symbol including a plurality of individual symbols; an order in which the individual symbols are to be displayed on the display unit is set in advance; the input operation unit includes a numerical value input unit capable of inputting a numerical value, The movement operation unit is configured to determine a movement direction of the sign, the control unit changes the character type to the symbol, and controls the display unit to move the indication to a second position when the movement operation unit is operated continuously after a numerical value is input by the numerical value input unit; 2. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the second position indicates a position where an N-th individual symbol is to be placed from a first position where the individual symbol can be placed in a moving direction of the marking, when a numerical value input by the numerical value input unit is N.

5. The character type has a symbol including a plurality of individual symbols; the plurality of individual symbols are divided into a plurality of groups, and an order in which the plurality of individual symbols within each group are displayed on the display unit is set in advance; the input operation unit includes a plurality of individual input operation units, the plurality of groups are associated with the plurality of individual input operation units, respectively; the control unit changes the character type to the symbol, and controls the display unit to move the indication to a third position when a predetermined individual input operation unit among the plurality of individual input operation units is operated one or more times; 2. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the third position indicates a position where an M-th individual symbol included in the group associated with the predetermined individual input operation unit is to be placed from a first position where the predetermined individual symbol included in the group associated with the predetermined individual input operation unit can be placed, in a movement direction of the marking, when the number of times the predetermined individual input operation unit has been operated is M.

6. The character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images