Display control method and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To avoid localized wear on a touch panel without causing confusion to a user. [Solution] The processor 51 records contact frequency information indicating the frequency of contact operations on each of a plurality of unit areas on the touch panel 3a (S103). The processor 51 identifies a specific unit area that satisfies a high frequency condition based on the contact frequency information (S107). The processor 51 identifies a specific operation icon to be displayed in an area including the specific unit area from among a plurality of operation icons on the operation screen (S107). The processor 51 outputs information on a candidate operation screen in which the center position or center of gravity position of the specific operation icon has been changed (S110). When information specifying the candidate operation screen as the new operation screen is input, the processor 51 displays the specified candidate operation screen on the display unit 3b in place of the operation screen (S111, S101).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control method and an image forming apparatus that can reduce localized wear on a touch panel. [Background technology]

[0002] In image forming devices such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and multifunction peripherals, the display device often includes a touch panel. When touch operations on the touch panel are concentrated in a certain area of ​​the touch panel, the touch panel is locally worn out.

[0003] For example, it is known that in a display device with a touch panel, the number of times each of a plurality of operation keys is pressed is counted, and the arrangement of a key among the plurality of operation keys corresponding to a count that exceeds a set value is automatically changed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-73202 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when an operation screen including a plurality of operation icons is displayed, automatic changes in the arrangement of the plurality of operation icons may confuse the user.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a display control method and an image forming apparatus that can avoid localized wear on a touch panel without causing confusion to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A display control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling display by a display device having a display unit and a touch panel arranged on a surface of the display unit. The display control method includes: a processor causing the display unit to display an operation screen including a plurality of operation icons; the processor recording contact frequency information representing the frequency of contact operations for each of a plurality of unit areas on the touch panel in a non-volatile storage device; the processor identifying one or more specific unit areas among the plurality of unit areas, in which the frequency of the contact operations satisfies a predetermined high frequency condition, based on the contact frequency information; the processor identifying one or more specific operation icons to be displayed in an area including the specific unit area among the plurality of operation icons on the operation screen; the processor outputting information about one or more candidate operation screens in which the center positions or center of gravity positions of the specific operation icons on the operation screen have been changed as information about candidates for the new operation screen; and the processor causing the display unit to display the designated candidate operation screen in place of the operation screen when information specifying the candidate operation screen as the new operation screen is input.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a printing device that forms an image on a sheet, a display device having a display unit and a touch panel disposed on a surface of the display unit, and the processor that realizes the display control method, wherein the processor causes the display unit to display the operation screen including the plurality of operation icons that accept operations related to processing by the printing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display control method and an image forming apparatus that can avoid localized wear on a touch panel without causing confusion to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for display control in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for abnormality handling processing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a plurality of unit areas in the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a first option menu screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a second option menu screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an abnormal row region and an abnormal column region on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of an alternative menu screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of an alternative menu screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Configuration of image forming apparatus 10] An image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes a printing device 1 that executes a printing process (see FIG. 1). The printing process is a process of forming an image on a sheet 91. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, or the like.

[0013] 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a printing device 1, an image reading device 2, a display device 3, a control device 5, and a secondary storage device 6. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a communication device 4, a card reader 71, and a USB interface 72. Note that USB is a registered trademark.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 10 is capable of communicating with other apparatuses such as a host apparatus 8 through a network 80. The network 80 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

[0015] The printing device 1 executes the printing process using a predetermined method such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The printing device 1 includes a sheet transport mechanism that transports a sheet 91 and an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet 91.

[0016] The image reading device 2 executes an image reading process. The image reading process is a process of reading an image from an original 92. The image reading device 2 includes an optical scanning mechanism that scans light onto the original 92, and an image sensor that receives light reflected from the original 92.

[0017] The image sensor outputs data of the read image, which is an image read from the document 92.

[0018] The display device 3 includes a touch panel 3a and a display unit 3b. The display unit 3b is capable of displaying information. The touch panel 3a is disposed on the surface of the display unit 3b.

[0019] For example, the display unit 3b is a panel display unit such as a liquid crystal display panel, etc. The touch panel 3a is a touch panel device that detects touch operations using a resistive film method or a projected capacitive method.

[0020] The communication device 4 is a communication interface device that communicates with other devices such as a host device 8 via a network 80. The control device 5 performs all data transmission and reception with the other devices through the communication device 4.

[0021] The printing device 1 executes the printing process based on the data of the scanned image or the received print data. The received print data is data included in a print request received from the host device 8 via the communication device 4.

[0022] The communication device 4 is also capable of executing an image transmission process. The image transmission process is a process of transmitting the scanned image data to a specified destination via the network 80. In this embodiment, the image transmission process includes a network facsimile transmission process of transmitting the scanned image data via the network 80.

[0023] The card reader 71 reads authentication data from a user's ID card. For example, the ID card is a contactless IC card that stores the authentication data. The contactless IC card is, for example, a card with an embedded RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0024] The USB interface 72 is an interface to which a USB device 72x such as a USB memory can be connected.

[0025] The image reading device 2 can also perform external data recording processing. The external data recording processing is processing for recording the read image data obtained by the image reading processing in the USB memory connected to the USB interface 72.

[0026] The printing device 1 can also execute the printing process based on the image data stored in the USB memory.

[0027] The control device 5 executes various calculations, data processing, and control of various electrical devices included in the image forming apparatus 10. The control device 5 includes a CPU 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, and the like.

[0028] The secondary storage device 6 is a computer-readable non-volatile storage device. The secondary storage device 6 can store computer programs and various data. For example, one or both of an SSD (Solid State Drive) and a hard disk drive may be used as the secondary storage device 6.

[0029] The secondary storage device 6 stores the computer programs executed by the CPU 51 and data referenced by the CPU 51. The CPU 51 is an example of a processor.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 10 is capable of performing an internal data recording process for recording the read image data obtained by the image reading device 2 or the received print data obtained through the communication device 4 in the secondary storage device 6 .

[0031] The CPU 51 is a processor that executes the computer programs stored in the secondary storage device 6 to perform various data processing and control operations.

[0032] It is also conceivable that another processor such as a DSP may perform the data processing and control instead of the CPU 51.

[0033] The RAM 52 is a computer-readable volatile storage device that temporarily stores the computer program executed by the CPU 51 and data output and referenced during the execution of the computer program by the CPU 51.

[0034] The CPU 51 includes a plurality of processing modules that are realized by executing the computer programs, including an authentication unit 5a, a job control unit 5b, and a UI control unit 5c.

[0035] The authentication unit 5a executes a user authentication process. In the user authentication process, the authentication unit 5a compares input authentication data with registered user data D0 stored in the secondary storage device 6 (see FIG. 1). The input authentication data is authentication data input via the card reader 71 or the communication device 4. The registered user data D0 includes the user's authentication data.

[0036] The authentication unit 5a allows the execution of various processes corresponding to requests input through the touch panel 3a or the communication device 4 for a user authenticated by the user authentication process.

[0037] The authentication unit 5a and the card reader 71 or communication device 4 that acquires the input authentication data are an example of a user identification device that identifies a user.

[0038] The job control unit 5b executes job control on the condition that the user authentication process is successful. The job control is a process of causing each device in the image forming apparatus 10 to execute image processing corresponding to a request input through the touch panel 3a or the communication device 4.

[0039] The job control unit 5b controls the printing device 1, the image reading device 2, and the communication device 4. The job control unit 5b causes the printing device 1, the image reading device 2, and the communication device 4 to perform some or all of the requested image processing.

[0040] The image processing includes the printing processing, the image reading processing, the image transmission processing, the internal data recording processing, and the external data recording processing.

[0041] The UI control unit 5c executes display control for the user authenticated by the user authentication process. In the display control, the UI control unit 5c displays a target menu screen G1 selected from a plurality of preset menu screens on the display unit 3b (see FIG. 4).

[0042] Each of the menu screens includes a plurality of operation icons G2. The plurality of operation icons G2 includes icons for accepting operations related to processing of the printing device 1. Each of the menu screens is an example of an operation screen that includes a plurality of operation icons G2.

[0043] When an operation on one of the plurality of operation icons G2 is detected by the touch panel 3a, the UI control unit 5c notifies the job control unit 5b of the type of the operated icon. Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c selects a new target menu screen G1 corresponding to the operated icon from the plurality of menu screens, and displays the selected target menu screen G1 on the display unit 3b.

[0044] If touch operations on the touch panel 3a are concentrated in a certain area of ​​the touch panel 3a, the touch panel 3a will be locally worn out.

[0045] However, when the target menu screen G1 including a plurality of operation icons G2 is displayed on the display unit 3b, the automatic change in the arrangement of the plurality of operation icons G2 may confuse the user.

[0046] The UI control unit 5c executes display control, which will be described later (see FIG. 3). The display control includes processing for avoiding localized wear and tear on the touch panel 3a without confusing the user.

[0047] [Display Control] An example of the display control procedure will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0048] The UI control unit 5c executes the display control when the image forming apparatus 10 is started up. The UI control unit 5c may also execute the display control when the user authentication process by the authentication unit 5a is successful.

[0049] The display control is an example of a process that realizes a display control method for controlling the display of the display device 3. The CPU 51 including the UI control unit 5c is an example of a processor that realizes the display control method.

[0050] In the following description, S101, S102, ... represent identification symbols of a plurality of steps in the display control. In the display control, the processing of step S101 is executed first.

[0051] <Process S101> In step S101, the UI control unit 5c selects a target menu screen G1 from the plurality of menu screens, and displays the target menu screen G1 on the display unit 3b.

[0052] When the display control is started, one of the plurality of menu screens that has been set as an initial screen is selected as the target menu screen G1. Furthermore, when the processing of step S104 described later is executed, the UI control unit 5c selects one of the plurality of menu screens that corresponds to the processing of step S104 as the target menu screen G1.

[0053] After executing the process of step S101, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S102.

[0054] <Process S102> In step S102, the UI control unit 5c checks the status of an operation on the touch panel 3a, and selects the next process depending on whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the touch panel 3a.

[0055] The UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S103 when there is a touch operation on the touch panel 3a, and executes the process of step S107 when there is no touch operation.

[0056] <Process S103> In step S103, the UI control unit 5c records contact frequency information D1, which indicates the frequency of the contact operation on each of the plurality of unit areas A1 on the touch panel 3a, in the secondary storage device 6 (see FIG. 1).

[0057] 5, the plurality of unit areas A1 are areas obtained by dividing the entire operation area of ​​the touch panel 3a into a plurality of sections. The plurality of unit areas A1 are also areas obtained by dividing the entire display area of ​​the display unit 3b into a plurality of sections.

[0058] The UI control unit 5c updates the contact frequency information D1 so that the operation frequency for the target area corresponding to the position of the contact operation detected in step S102 among the plurality of unit areas A1 is counted up.

[0059] After executing the process of step S103, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S104.

[0060] <Process S104> In step S104, the UI control unit 5c executes a process corresponding to the position of the touch operation detected in step S102.

[0061] Specifically, the UI control unit 5c identifies a touch icon corresponding to the position of the touch operation among the plurality of operation icons G2 on the target menu screen G1, and transmits information about the touch icon to the job control unit 5b, which then executes a process corresponding to the touch icon.

[0062] After executing the process of step S104, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S105.

[0063] <Process S105> In step S105, the UI control unit 5c executes an abnormality detection process, which is a process for detecting an abnormal area P3 in each of the plurality of unit areas A1 on the touch panel 3a (see FIG. 8).

[0064] For example, if the touch operation at the same position continues for more than a predetermined time before and after the target menu screen G1 displayed on the display unit 3b is switched, the UI control unit 5c detects the area corresponding to the position of the touch operation as an abnormal area P3.

[0065] The display device 3 may include an abnormality detection circuit that electronically detects the abnormal area P3 for each of the unit areas A1. In this case, the UI control unit 5c identifies the abnormal area P3 according to the detection result of the abnormality detection circuit.

[0066] After executing the process of step S105, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S106.

[0067] <Process S106> In step S106, the UI control unit 5c executes anomaly handling processing, which will be described later (see FIG. 3). After executing the processing of step S106, the UI control unit 5c repeats the processing from step S101 onwards.

[0068] In the processing of step S101 from the second time onwards, the UI control unit 5c causes the display unit 3b to display a target menu screen G1, which is one of the plurality of menu screens that corresponds to the touch icon identified in step S104.

[0069] <Process S107> On the other hand, in step S107, the UI control unit 5c executes a frequency determination process based on the contact frequency information D1. The frequency determination process includes a process of identifying one or more specific unit areas P1 among the plurality of unit areas A1, in which the frequency of the contact operation satisfies a predetermined high frequency condition (see FIG. 4).

[0070] For example, the high frequency condition may be a condition that the cumulative number of the touch operations on a determination target area among the plurality of unit areas A1 exceeds a predetermined upper limit. Alternatively, the high frequency condition may be a condition that the ratio of the cumulative number of the touch operations on the determination target area to the total cumulative number of the touch operations on the plurality of unit areas A1 exceeds a predetermined upper limit ratio.

[0071] The frequency determination process also includes a process of identifying one or more specific operation icons G2a displayed in an area including the specific unit area P1 from among the plurality of operation icons G2 on each of the menu screens (see FIG. 4).

[0072] In FIG. 4, the other operation icons G2b are icons other than the specific operation icon G2a among the plurality of operation icons G2.

[0073] The UI control unit 5c repeats the processes from step S102 onwards when at least one of the specific unit area P1 and the specific operation icon G2a is not identified. On the other hand, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S108 when both the specific unit area P1 and the specific operation icon G2a are identified.

[0074] In the following description, a screen including the specific operation icon G2a among the plurality of menu screens will be referred to as a specific operation screen G1x (see FIG. 4).

[0075] <Process S108> In step S108, the UI control unit 5c outputs a screen change notification to one or both of the display unit 3b and the communication device 4, indicating that a screen change is recommended.

[0076] For example, the UI control unit 5c outputs the screen change notification to the host device 8 of a predetermined administrator, and also causes the display unit 3b to display information about the screen change notification.

[0077] The UI control unit 5c waits until it receives a response to the screen change notification, and executes the process of step S109 when it receives the response. For example, the response is a response operation on the touch panel 3a or a response received from the host device 8 through the communication device 4.

[0078] <Process S109> In step S109, the UI control unit 5c generates one or more candidate operation screens in which the representative position P21 of the specific operation icon G2a on the specific operation screen G1x has been changed (see FIG. 5). The representative position P21 is the center position or center of gravity position of the specific operation icon G2a.

[0079] In this embodiment, the UI control unit 5c generates at least a first candidate operation screen G1a and a second candidate operation screen G1b as the candidate operation screens (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In FIGS. 6 and 7, the candidate representative position P22 is the center position or center of gravity position of the specific operation icon G2a on the first candidate operation screen G1a or the second candidate operation screen G1b.

[0080] The first candidate operation screen G1a is a screen in which the original arrangement order of the plurality of operation icons G2 in the specific operation screen G1x is maintained (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, the first candidate operation screen G1a is a screen in which the specific operation icon G2a is enlarged and some or all of the other operation icons G2b are reduced, thereby changing the representative position P21 of the specific operation icon G2a to a candidate representative position P22 (see FIG. 6).

[0081] 6, the specific operation icon G2a and the other operation icon G2b are enlarged or reduced in a shape similar to their original shapes. However, the specific operation icon G2a and the other operation icon G2b may be enlarged or reduced with a change in the vertical-to-horizontal dimensional ratio relative to their original shapes.

[0082] The second candidate operation screen G1b is a screen in which the representative position P21 of the specific operation icon G2a is changed to a candidate representative position P22 by changing the arrangement order of the plurality of operation icons G2 (see FIG. 7).

[0083] 7, the specific operation icon G2a on the second candidate operation screen G1b is subjected to an emphasis process. For example, the emphasis process includes one or both of a process of thickening the line of the icon image and a process of changing the color of the icon image from the original color.

[0084] The specific operation icon G2a that is frequently operated is subjected to the emphasis process, so that it is likely to catch the user's eye even if it is placed in a position different from the original position.

[0085] After executing the process of step S109, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S110.

[0086] <Process S110> In step S110, the UI control unit 5c outputs candidate screen information, which is information on one or more of the candidate operation screens, as information on candidates for the new specific operation screen G1x. In this embodiment, the UI control unit 5c outputs the candidate screen information including information on the first candidate operation screen G1a and information on the second candidate operation screen G1b.

[0087] When the response to the screen change notification is the response operation on the touch panel 3a, the UI control unit 5c outputs the candidate screen information to the display unit 3b.

[0088] On the other hand, when the response to the screen change notification is the response reception received from the host device 8, the UI control unit 5c outputs the candidate screen information to the host device 8 through the communication device 4.

[0089] For example, the UI control unit 5c selects one of the first candidate operation screen G1a and the second candidate operation screen G1b as the target screen in accordance with a selection input obtained from the touch panel 3a or the host device 8, and outputs the target screen to the display unit 3b or the host device 8.

[0090] The UI control unit 5c waits until designation information is input to designate either the first candidate operation screen G1a or the second candidate operation screen G1b as a new menu screen for the specific operation screen G1x.

[0091] When the response to the screen change notification is the response operation on the touch panel 3a, the designation information is input to the UI control unit 5c through the touch panel 3a.

[0092] On the other hand, when the response to the screen change notification is the response reception received from the host device 8, the specification information is input from the host device 8 through the communication device 4.

[0093] When the designation information is input, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S111.

[0094] <Process S111> In step S111, the UI control unit 5c changes the specific operation screen G1x to the first candidate operation screen G1a or the second candidate operation screen G1b corresponding to the specified information.

[0095] After the processing of step S111 is executed, in step S101, a target menu screen G1 selected from the plurality of changed menu screens is displayed on the display unit 3b.

[0096] After executing the process of step S111, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S112.

[0097] <Process S112> In step S112, the UI control unit 5c outputs a change notification indicating that the specific operation screen G1x has been changed.

[0098] When the response to the screen change notification is the response operation on the touch panel 3a, the UI control unit 5c outputs the change notification to the display unit 3b.

[0099] On the other hand, if the response to the screen change notification is the response reception received from the host device 8, the UI control unit 5c outputs the change notification to the host device 8 through the communication device 4.

[0100] After executing the process of step S112, the UI control unit 5c repeats the processes from step S102 onwards.

[0101] [Anomaly response control] Next, an example of the procedure for the abnormality handling process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0102] In the following description, S201, S202, ... represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the abnormality handling process. In the abnormality handling process, the process of step S201 is executed first.

[0103] <Process S201> In step S201, the UI control unit 5c identifies an abnormal row region A2 and an abnormal column region A3 in a plurality of unit regions A1 (see FIG. 8). The abnormal row region A2 is a row region that includes the abnormal region P3. The abnormal column region A3 is a column region that includes the abnormal region P3. The row region and the column region are the total region in the horizontal direction and the region along the vertical direction, respectively, on the touch panel 3a.

[0104] After executing the process of step S201, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S202.

[0105] <Process S202> In step S202, the UI control unit 5c executes an overlap determination process to determine whether an overlap state occurs or not.

[0106] The overlapping state is a state in which any of the plurality of operation icons G2 on each menu screen overlaps with the abnormal row region A2 or the abnormal column region A3. Fig. 8 shows an example of a target menu screen G1 in which the overlapping state occurs.

[0107] If the UI control unit 5c determines that the overlapping state does not occur, it ends the abnormality handling process, whereby the processes from step S101 onward in the display control are repeated (see FIG. 2).

[0108] On the other hand, when it is determined that the overlapping state occurs, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S203.

[0109] In the following description, the screen in which the overlapping state occurs among the plurality of menu screens is referred to as an overlapping operation screen G1y (see FIG. 8).

[0110] <Process S203> In step S203, the UI control unit 5c outputs an abnormality notification through either or both of the display unit 3b and the communication device 4, indicating that an abnormality in the touch panel 3a has been detected.

[0111] For example, the UI control unit 5c outputs the abnormality notification to the host device 8 of a predetermined administrator, and also displays information about the abnormality notification on the display unit 3b.

[0112] The UI control unit 5c waits until it receives a response to the abnormality notification, and executes the process of step S204 when it receives the response. For example, the response may be a response operation on the touch panel 3a or a response received from the host device 8 through the communication device 4.

[0113] <Process S204> In step S204, the UI control unit 5c generates one or more alternative operation screens G1c in which the multiple operation icons G2 on the superimposed operation screen G1y are arranged in areas other than the abnormal row area A2 and the abnormal column area A3 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0114] Fig. 9 shows a first example of the alternative operation screen G1c, and Fig. 10 shows a second example of the alternative operation screen G1c. In the examples shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the multiple operation icons G2 are reduced in size with a change in the aspect ratio of the vertical to horizontal dimensions relative to their original shapes.

[0115] After executing the process of step S204, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S205.

[0116] <Process S205> In step S205, the UI control unit 5c outputs alternative screen information, which is information on one or more alternative operation screens G1c. The alternative screen information is information indicating that the alternative operation screen G1c is a candidate to replace the superimposed operation screen G1y. In this embodiment, the UI control unit 5c outputs information on multiple alternative operation screens G1c as the alternative screen information (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0117] When the response to the abnormality notification is the response operation on the touch panel 3a, the UI control unit 5c outputs the alternative screen information to the display unit 3b.

[0118] On the other hand, when the response to the abnormality notification is the response reception received from the host device 8, the UI control unit 5c outputs the alternative screen information to the host device 8 through the communication device 4.

[0119] For example, the UI control unit 5c selects one of the plurality of alternative operation screens G1c as the target screen in accordance with a selection input obtained from the touch panel 3a or the host device 8, and outputs the target screen to the display unit 3b or the host device 8.

[0120] The UI control unit 5c waits until designation information is input to designate one of the plurality of alternative operation screens G1c as a new menu screen.

[0121] When the response to the abnormality notification is the response operation on the touch panel 3a, the designation information is input to the UI control unit 5c through the touch panel 3a.

[0122] On the other hand, when the response to the abnormality notification is the response reception received from the host device 8, the specification information is input from the host device 8 through the communication device 4.

[0123] When the designation information is input, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S206.

[0124] <Process S206> In step S206, the UI control unit 5c changes the superimposed operation screen G1y to one of the multiple alternative operation screens G1c that corresponds to the specified information.

[0125] After the processing of step S206 is executed, in step S101, a target menu screen G1 selected from the plurality of changed menu screens is displayed on the display unit 3b.

[0126] After executing the process of step S206, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S207.

[0127] <Process S207> In step S207, the UI control unit 5c outputs a change notification indicating that the superimposed operation screen G1y has been changed.

[0128] When the response to the abnormality notification is the response operation on the touch panel 3a, the UI control unit 5c outputs the change notification to the display unit 3b.

[0129] On the other hand, if the response to the abnormality notification is the response reception received from the host device 8, the UI control unit 5c outputs the change notification to the host device 8 through the communication device 4.

[0130] After executing the process of step S207, the UI control unit 5c ends the abnormality handling process, whereby the processes from step S101 onwards in the display control are repeated (see FIG. 2).

[0131] As described above, the UI control unit 5c causes the display unit 3b to display the target menu screen G1 including a plurality of operation icons G2 (step S101).

[0132] Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c records contact frequency information D1, which indicates the frequency of the contact operation on each of the plurality of unit areas A1 on the touch panel 3a, in the secondary storage device 6 (step S103).

[0133] Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c identifies one or more specific unit areas P1 in which the frequency of the touch operation satisfies the high frequency condition among the plurality of unit areas A1 based on the touch frequency information D1 (step S107).

[0134] Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c specifies one or more specific operation icons G2a to be displayed in the area including the specific unit area P1 from among the plurality of operation icons G2 on the specific operation screen G1x (step S107).

[0135] Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c outputs information on the first candidate operation screen G1a and the second candidate operation screen G1b in which the representative position P21 of the specific operation icon G2a on the specific operation screen G1x has been changed, as information on candidates for the new specific operation screen G1x (step S110).

[0136] Furthermore, when information specifying the first candidate operation screen G1a or the second candidate operation screen G1b as a new specific operation screen G1x is input, the UI control unit 5c executes the processes of step S111 and step S101. As a result, the UI control unit 5c causes the display unit 3b to display the specified first candidate operation screen G1a or second candidate operation screen G1b in place of the specific operation screen G1x.

[0137] By executing the display control, the specific operation screen G1x is changed after the user confirms it, which makes it possible to avoid local wear and tear on the touch panel 3a without causing confusion to the user.

[0138] In particular, the original arrangement order of the operation icons G2 is maintained on the first candidate operation screen G1a, which more reliably prevents the user from being confused.

[0139] Furthermore, even if the original arrangement order of the multiple operation icons G2 is maintained, by changing the center position or center of gravity position of the specific operation icon G2a, it is possible to prevent the touch operations from concentrating on the same location on the touch panel 3a.

[0140] Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c determines whether or not the overlapping state occurs on any of the plurality of menu screens (step 202).

[0141] Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c outputs information of an alternative operation screen G1c corresponding to the superimposed operation screen G1y determined to have the overlapping state (S205). The alternative operation screen G1c is a screen in which the multiple operation icons G2 on the superimposed operation screen G1y are arranged in an area other than the abnormal row area A2 and the abnormal column area A3 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0142] Furthermore, when information specifying the alternative operation screen G1c as an alternative to the superimposed operation screen G1y is input, the UI control unit 5c executes the processes of step S206 and step S101. As a result, the UI control unit 5c causes the display unit 3b to display the specified alternative operation screen G1c in place of the superimposed operation screen G1y.

[0143] By executing the abnormality handling process, even if an abnormal area P3 occurs in a part of the touch panel 3a, it is possible to continue using the touch panel 3a.

[0144] [Variations] The UI control unit 5c may execute the display control for each user identified by the card reader 71 and the authentication unit 5a.

[0145] [Notes on 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.

[0146] <Appendix 1> A display control method for controlling a display on a display device having a display unit and a touch panel arranged on a surface of the display unit, comprising: a processor causing the display unit to display an operation screen including a plurality of operation icons; the processor records contact frequency information representing the frequency of contact operations on each of a plurality of unit areas on the touch panel in a non-volatile storage device; The processor identifies one or more specific unit areas among the plurality of unit areas based on the contact frequency information, in which the frequency of the contact operation satisfies a predetermined high frequency condition; the processor identifies one or more specific operation icons to be displayed in an area including the specific unit area among the plurality of operation icons on the operation screen; The processor outputs information about one or more candidate operation screens in which the center position or the center of gravity position of the specific operation icon on the operation screen has been changed as information about new candidates for the operation screen; A display control method including: when information is inputted that designates the candidate operation screen as a new operation screen, causing the processor to display the designated candidate operation screen on the display unit in place of the operation screen.

[0147] <Appendix 2> the processor generates a first candidate operation screen in which the original arrangement order of the plurality of operation icons is maintained, the specific operation icon is enlarged, and icons other than the specific operation icon among the plurality of operation icons are reduced in size, thereby changing the center position or the center of gravity position of the specific operation icon; The processor generates a second candidate operation screen in which the center position or the center of gravity position of the specific operation icon is changed by changing the arrangement order of the plurality of operation icons; The display control method described in Supplementary Note 1, further comprising: the processor outputting information of the first candidate operation screen and the second candidate operation screen.

[0148] <Appendix 3> The display control method described in Appendix 2, wherein the processor generates the second candidate operation screen in which the center position or center of gravity of the specific operation icon is changed by changing the arrangement order of the multiple operation icons, and the specific operation icon is highlighted.

[0149] <Appendix 4> the processor executes a process of detecting an abnormal area for each of the plurality of unit areas on the touch panel; When the abnormal region is detected, the processor identifies an abnormal row region that is a row region including the abnormal region in the plurality of unit regions and an abnormal column region that is a column region including the abnormal region in the plurality of unit regions; the processor determines whether an overlap state occurs in which any of the plurality of operation icons on the operation screen overlaps the abnormal row region or the abnormal column region; When it is determined that the overlapping state has occurred, the processor outputs information about an alternative operation screen in which the plurality of operation icons on the operation screen are arranged in an area other than the abnormal row area and the abnormal column area; The display control method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, further comprising: when information specifying the alternative operation screen as an alternative to the operation screen is input, the processor causes the display unit to display the specified alternative operation screen in place of the operation screen.

[0150] <Appendix 5> a printing device for forming an image on a sheet; a display device having a display unit and a touch panel disposed on a surface of the display unit; an image forming apparatus comprising: a processor that displays an operation screen including a plurality of operation icons on the display unit that accept operations related to processing of the printing apparatus, and that realizes a display control method described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4.

[0151] <Appendix 6> a user identification device for identifying a user; The image forming device of claim 5, wherein the processor implements the display control method for each identified user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1: Printing device 2: Image reader 3:Display device 3a: Touch panel 3b: Display section 4: Communication equipment 5: Control device 5a: Authentication section 5b: Job control section 5c:UI control section 6 :Secondary storage device 8: Host device 10: Image forming device 51: CPU 52: RAM 71: Card reader 72: USB interface 72x: USB device 80: Network 91: Sheet 92: Manuscript A1: Unit area A2: Abnormal row area A3: Abnormal column area D0: Registered user data D1: Contact frequency information G1: Target menu screen G1a: First candidate operation screen G1b: 2nd candidate operation screen G1c: Alternative operation screen G1x:Specific operation screen G1y: Superimposed operation screen G2: Operation icon G2a: Specific operation icon G2b: Other operation icons P1: Specific unit area P21:Representative position P22: Alternate Representative Positions P3: Anomaly Domain

Claims

1. A display control method for controlling a display on a display device having a display unit and a touch panel arranged on a surface of the display unit, comprising: a processor causing the display unit to display an operation screen including a plurality of operation icons; the processor records contact frequency information representing the frequency of contact operations on each of a plurality of unit areas on the touch panel in a non-volatile storage device; The processor identifies one or more specific unit areas among the plurality of unit areas based on the contact frequency information, in which the frequency of the contact operation satisfies a predetermined high frequency condition; the processor identifies one or more specific operation icons to be displayed in an area including the specific unit area among the plurality of operation icons on the operation screen; The processor outputs information about one or more candidate operation screens in which the center position or the center of gravity position of the specific operation icon on the operation screen has been changed as information about new candidates for the operation screen; A display control method including: when information is inputted that designates the candidate operation screen as a new operation screen, causing the processor to display the designated candidate operation screen on the display unit in place of the operation screen.

2. the processor generates a first candidate operation screen in which the original arrangement order of the plurality of operation icons is maintained, the specific operation icon is enlarged, and icons other than the specific operation icon among the plurality of operation icons are reduced in size, thereby changing the center position or the center of gravity position of the specific operation icon; The processor generates a second candidate operation screen in which the arrangement order of the plurality of operation icons is changed, thereby changing the center position or center of gravity position of the specific operation icon; The display control method according to claim 1 , further comprising: outputting information of the first candidate operation screen and the second candidate operation screen by the processor.

3. The display control method according to claim 2, wherein the processor generates the second candidate operation screen in which the center position or center of gravity of the specific operation icon is changed by changing the arrangement order of the plurality of operation icons, and the specific operation icon is highlighted.

4. the processor executes a process of detecting an abnormal area for each of the plurality of unit areas on the touch panel; When the abnormal region is detected, the processor identifies an abnormal row region that is a row region including the abnormal region in the plurality of unit regions and an abnormal column region that is a column region including the abnormal region in the plurality of unit regions; the processor determines whether an overlap state occurs in which any of the plurality of operation icons on the operation screen overlaps the abnormal row region or the abnormal column region; When it is determined that the overlapping state has occurred, the processor outputs information about an alternative operation screen in which the plurality of operation icons on the operation screen are arranged in an area other than the abnormal row area and the abnormal column area; 3. The display control method according to claim 1, further comprising: when information is inputted specifying the alternative operation screen as a replacement for the operation screen, the processor causes the specified alternative operation screen to be displayed on the display unit in place of the operation screen.

5. a printing device for forming an image on a sheet; a display device having a display unit and a touch panel disposed on a surface of the display unit; 3. An image forming apparatus comprising: a processor that causes the display unit to display an operation screen including a plurality of operation icons that accept operations related to processing of the printing apparatus, and that realizes the display control method described in claim 1 or 2.

6. a user identification device for identifying a user; The image forming apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the processor implements the display control method for each identified user.

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