Input device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an input device and an image forming apparatus that allow the operator to perform desired operations, either contact or non-contact, without needing to switch input modes in advance. [Solution] The device comprises a display unit for displaying information, a first detection unit which is parallel to the display surface of the display unit and constitutes a first detection surface for detecting contact by the operator's finger, a second detection unit which is on the opposite side of the first detection surface from the side on which the display unit is positioned, is parallel to the first detection surface and forms a second detection surface which detects the operator's finger without contact at a predetermined distance from the first detection surface, an operation processing unit which recognizes a non-contact operation by the second detection surface when the operator's finger is detected by the second detection unit but not by the first detection unit, and a disabling unit which disables the second detection surface when the operator's finger is detected by the first detection unit, wherein the operation processing unit recognizes a contact operation by the first detection surface when the second detection surface is disabled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In the input operation of equipment, as represented by a touch panel, a method of directly touching the screen for input is generally adopted. This input method has become one of the most commonly used input methods at present because it enables intuitive operation, certainty and sense of reliability obtained by touching, and can also handle delicate input. On the other hand, among operators, there are cases where the state of the fingers is unsuitable for touch operations (such as dirty hands, gloves, fingernails, prosthetic hands, etc.), or there are also cases where, due to the recent prevalence of infectious diseases, they have an aversion to direct contact, and there is an expectation of operating without directly touching the screen. In this situation, input devices that can input without contact are spreading. For example, it is already known that input devices capable of non-contact input are adopted for elevator buttons, kitchen faucets, and restaurant menus, etc.

[0003] As a technology related to such contact or non-contact operations, an operation of changing a contact operation or a non-contact operation by switching an input mode in order to perform a contact operation or a non-contact operation intended by an operator is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, it is necessary to operate after switching the contact or non-contact input mode by switching means in advance, and it assumes a limited operation range premised on input by a tap operation. Therefore, there is a problem that it cannot handle all input operations specific to the operation on the touch panel (such as swipe operations and long-press operations in addition to tap operations).

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an input device and an image forming apparatus that allow the operator to perform a desired operation, either by contact or without contact, without having to switch input modes in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention comprises: a display unit for displaying information; a first detection unit parallel to the display surface of the display unit and constituting a first detection surface for detecting contact by an operator's finger; a second detection unit on the side opposite to the side on which the display unit is positioned relative to the first detection surface, parallel to the first detection surface and forming a second detection surface at a predetermined distance from the first detection surface for non-contact detection of the operator's finger; an operation processing unit that recognizes a non-contact operation by the second detection surface when the operator's finger is detected by the second detection unit and not detected by the first detection unit; and a disabling unit that disables the second detection surface when the operator's finger is detected by the first detection unit, wherein the operation processing unit recognizes a contact operation by the first detection surface when the second detection surface is disabled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the operator does not need to switch input modes in advance and can perform the desired operation, whether contact or non-contact. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the external appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external perspective view of an operation input device mounted on an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view AA of the operation input device mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the functional block of the controller of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates tap and long-press operations on the operation input device of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates a swipe operation on the operation input device of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to the operation of the operation input device of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to the operation of the operation input device of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the input device and image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, substantially identical, and so-called equivalents. Moreover, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0010] (External configuration of the image forming apparatus) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of an operation input device mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view AA of the operation input device mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The external configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having at least two functions from among, for example, a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a fax function. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 comprises a main unit 2, a bank option 3, a paper output option 4, and an operation input device 10. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 is an example of an "input device" according to the present invention. Furthermore, if the operation input device 10 has a CPU and thus has a calculation function, then the operation input device 10 is an example of an "input device" according to the present invention. In addition, as an example of an "input device" according to the present invention, a general example of an "input device" according to the present invention is a device that has an operation input device 10, as in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and has the functions shown in Figure 5, which will be described later.

[0012] The main unit 2 is a device that forms images on paper fed from the bank option 3 in response to the operator's input to the operation input device 10. The main unit 2 is equipped with, for example, a heat source such as a fixing unit for fixing colorants to the image-formed paper or a drying device for drying it.

[0013] Bank Option 3 is an optional device that holds paper and feeds it to the main unit 2 in response to commands from the main unit 2.

[0014] Paper output option 4 is an optional device that performs a paper output operation on paper for which an image has been formed on the main unit 2, in response to a command from the main unit 2.

[0015] The operation input device 10 is a device that receives operations from the operator and displays various screens, etc. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the operation input device 10 has a touch panel 11 (an example of a first detection unit), an infrared sensor 12 (an example of a second detection unit), and a display unit 13.

[0016] The touch panel 11 is a device that accepts contact operations by the operator's finger. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the surface of the touch panel 11 where the operator's finger contacts is parallel to the display surface of the display unit 13, and constitutes a first detection surface 51 for detecting that the operator's finger has made contact.

[0017] The infrared sensor 12 is a sensor that non - contact detects the operator's finger by irradiating infrared rays. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the infrared sensor 12 forms a second detection surface 52 for non - contact detecting the operator's finger by the optical path of the irradiated infrared rays. As shown in FIG. 3, the second detection surface 52 is formed on the front side (operator side) of the first detection surface 51 and parallel to the first detection surface 51. That is, the second detection surface 52 is parallel to the first detection surface 51 on the side opposite to the side where the display unit 13 is disposed with respect to the first detection surface 51, and is formed at a predetermined distance from the first detection surface 51. Further, the infrared sensor 12 detects the presence of a finger on the second detection surface 52 and detects the position of the finger on the second detection surface 52.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the space on the front side, that is, the operator side, of the second detection surface 52 may be referred to as the "front space", and the space between the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52 may be referred to as the "intermediate space" for explanation.

[0019] The display unit 13 is disposed on the side opposite to the second detection surface 52 with respect to the touch panel 11, and is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display (Organic Light Emitting Diode: OLED) or the like that displays various information such as buttons and screens through the touch panel 11.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the bank option 3 and the paper discharge option 4 are exemplified as the optional devices provided in the image forming apparatus 1, but it is not limited thereto, and a configuration provided with another optional device such as an automatic duplex document feeder (ARDF: Automatic Reversing Document Feeder) or a card reader may also be used.

[0021] (Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. With reference to FIG. 4, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 has a configuration in which a controller 600, an operation input device 10, an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 620, a plotter 631, and a scanner 632 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus.

[0023] The controller 600 is a device that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1, performs drawing, communication, and controls inputs from the operation input device 10.

[0024] The operation input device 10 receives contact operations by the operator's finger on the first detection surface 51 and non-contact operations on the second detection surface 52 as described above, and also displays (display function) the state of the image forming apparatus 1 and the like. The operation input device 10 is directly connected to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 606 described later.

[0025] The FCU 620 is a device that realizes a facsimile function, and is connected to the ASIC 606 by, for example, a PCI bus.

[0026] The plotter 631 is a device that realizes a printing function. The plotter 631 is connected to the ASIC 606 by, for example, a PCI bus.

[0027] The scanner 632 is a function that realizes a scanner function, and is connected to the ASIC 606 by, for example, a PCI bus.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the controller 600 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 601, a system memory (MEM-P) 602, a northbridge (NB) 603, a southbridge (SB) 604a, a network interface 604b, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 604c, a Centronics interface 604d, a sensor interface 604e, an ASIC 606, a local memory (MEM-C) 607, and an auxiliary storage device 608.

[0029] The CPU 601 is a computing unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. The CPU 601 is connected to a chipset consisting of system memory 602, northbridge 603, and southbridge 604a, and is connected to other devices via this chipset.

[0030] System memory 602 is a memory used for storing programs and data, for expanding programs and data, and for drawing printer data, etc., and has ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Of these, ROM is a read-only memory used for storing programs and data, and RAM is a writable and readable memory used for expanding programs and data, and for drawing printer data, etc.

[0031] The Northbridge 603 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 601 with the system memory 602, the Southbridge 604a, and the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 605. It includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the system memory 602, as well as a PCI master and an AGP target.

[0032] The Southbridge 604a is a bridge that connects the Northbridge 603 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. The Southbridge 604a is connected to the Northbridge 603 via the PCI bus, to which the Network I / F 604b, USB I / F 604c, Centronics I / F 604d, and Sensor I / F 604e are connected.

[0033] The AGP bus 605 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to accelerate graphics processing. The AGP bus 605 speeds up graphics accelerator cards by providing high-throughput direct access to system memory 602.

[0034] The ASIC606 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing, and acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 605, PCI bus, auxiliary storage device 608, and local memory 607, respectively. The ASIC606 consists of a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) which is the core of the ASIC606, a memory controller that controls the local memory 607, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation etc. using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via the PCI bus between the plotter 631 and scanner 632. For example, the FCU620, plotter 631, and scanner 632 are connected to the ASIC606 via the PCI bus.

[0035] Local memory 607 is memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 608 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), SD (Secure Digital) card, or flash memory, and is used for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

[0037] Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 4 is just one example, and it is not necessary to have all of the components, nor is it possible to have other components.

[0038] (Configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus controller) Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the functional block of the controller of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional block of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the controller 600 includes a first detection processing unit 101, a second detection processing unit 102, a determination unit 103, an enable / disable control unit 104 (disable unit), and an operation processing unit 105.

[0040] The first detection processing unit 101 is a functional unit that detects contact operations on the touch panel 11. Specifically, the first detection processing unit 101 detects whether or not the operator's finger is in contact with the first detection surface 51 formed on the touch panel 11. Furthermore, the first detection processing unit 101 acquires position (coordinate) information of the first detection surface 51 that has been in contact with the finger.

[0041] The second detection processing unit 102 is a functional unit that detects non-contact operations on the infrared sensor 12. Specifically, the second detection processing unit 102 detects non-contact operations by the operator's finger on the second detection surface 52 formed by the infrared sensor 12. Furthermore, the second detection processing unit 102 acquires position (coordinate) information of the second detection surface 52 where the finger was detected.

[0042] The determination unit 103 is a functional unit that performs threshold determinations for the distance the operator's finger moves, as well as threshold determinations for the finger detection time on the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52, based on the detection results from the first detection processing unit 101 and the second detection processing unit 102.

[0043] The enable / disable control unit 104 is a functional unit that controls the activation or deactivation of the detection functions of the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52 according to the determination result of the determination unit 103. For example, deactivating the first detection surface 51 means that the first detection processing unit 101 cuts off communication with the touch panel 11 or does not process detection signals from the touch panel 11. On the other hand, enabling the first detection surface 51 means that the first detection processing unit 101 resumes processing detection signals from the touch panel 11. The same applies to deactivating and enabling the second detection surface 52.

[0044] The operation processing unit 105 is a functional unit that recognizes the type of operation on the first detection surface 51 or the second detection surface 52 according to the determination result by the determination unit 103, and performs processing according to that type.

[0045] The first detection processing unit 101, the second detection processing unit 102, the determination unit 103, the enable / disable control unit 104, and the operation processing unit 105 described above are realized by the execution of a program by the CPU 601 shown in Figure 4. At least a part of the first detection processing unit 101, the second detection processing unit 102, the determination unit 103, the enable / disable control unit 104, and the operation processing unit 105 may be realized by hardware such as integrated circuits, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0046] Furthermore, the functional units of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 5 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, the multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 in Figure 5 may be configured as a single functional unit. On the other hand, the functions of one functional unit in the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 5 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Moreover, the functional units of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 do not need to be clearly configured as software modules as blocks as shown in Figure 5; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed on the controller 600.

[0047] (Details on tap and long-press operations) Figure 6 illustrates tap and long-press operations on the operation input device of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The details of the tap and long-press operations on the operation input device 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0048] First, the tap operation will be explained with reference to Figure 6 and Table 1 below. When the operator's finger is in the space in front of the second detection surface 52 (front space), both the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52 are in an active state where detection is possible (Table 1, (T1)).

[0049] If a finger passes through the second detection surface 52 (Table 1, (Ta2)) to point to a target position on the screen displayed on the display unit 13, enters the space between the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52 (intermediate space) (Table 1, (Ta3)), and then the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has come into contact with the first detection surface 51, the enable / disable control unit 104 disables the second detection surface 52 (Table 1, (Ta4-2-1)).

[0050] Subsequently, if the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has left the first detection surface 51, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a tap operation (contact) (Table 1, (Ta4-2-2)) and performs processing according to the tap operation (contact).

[0051] Furthermore, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space before the determination unit 103 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed without the finger contacting the first detection surface 51, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the operation by the finger as a tap operation (non-contact) ((Table 1) (Ta4-1)) and performs processing according to the tap operation (non-contact). Here, the second detection processing unit 102 detecting that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space means that the second detection processing unit 102 changes from a state in which the finger was detected to a state in which it is no longer detected.

[0052] Furthermore, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger in the intermediate space ((Table 1) (Ta 4-2-3)) has moved to the front space after a tap operation (contact) has been performed by a finger, the enable / disable control unit 104 enables the second detection surface 52 ((Table 1) (Ta 5)).

[0053] Furthermore, even if a finger passes the second detection surface 52 and approaches the first detection surface 51, and attempts to perform a tap operation (non-contact) by returning from the intermediate space to the front space without making contact with the first detection surface 51, but accidentally makes contact with the first detection surface 51, by setting the distance between the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52 to an appropriate distance (for example, about 10-20 mm), the finger will make contact with the first detection surface 51 at a position directly below the target position on the second detection surface 52, thus preventing erroneous operation.

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055] Next, the long-press operation will be explained with reference to Figure 6 and Table 2 below. When the operator's finger is in the space in front of the second detection surface 52 (front space), both the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52 are in an active state capable of detection (Table 2, (Na1)).

[0056] If the finger passes through the second detection surface 52 ((Table 2) (Na 2)) in order to point to the intended position on the screen displayed on the display unit 13, and the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has come into contact with the first detection surface 51 before the determination unit 103 determines that the finger has remained in the intermediate space for a predetermined time, the enable / disable control unit 104 disables the second detection surface 52.

[0057] Subsequently, if the determination unit 103 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed with the finger remaining in contact with the first detection surface 51, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a long press operation (contact) ((Table 2) (Na3-4)) and performs processing corresponding to the long press operation (contact).

[0058] Furthermore, if the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has left the first detection surface 51 before the determination unit 103 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed while the finger remains in contact with the first detection surface 51, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a tap operation (contact) ((Table 2) (Na3-3)) and performs processing according to the tap operation (contact).

[0059] Furthermore, if the finger passes through the second detection surface 52 to point to the intended position on the screen displayed on the display unit 13 ((Table 2) (Na 2)) and the determination unit 103 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed without the finger contacting the first detection surface 51, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a long press operation (non-contact) ((Table 2) (Na 3-1)) and performs processing corresponding to a long press operation (non-contact). On the other hand, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space before the determination unit 103 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed without the finger contacting the first detection surface 51, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a tap operation (non-contact) ((Table 2) (Na 3-2)) and performs processing corresponding to a tap operation (non-contact).

[0060] Furthermore, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger in the intermediate space has moved to the front space after a tap (contact) or long press (contact) operation with a finger, the enable / disable control unit 104 enables the second detection surface 52 ((Table 2) (na4)).

[0061] [Table 2]

[0062] (Details of swipe gestures) Figure 7 illustrates a swipe operation on the operation input device of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The details of the swipe operation on the operation input device 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0063] When the operator's finger is in the space in front of the second detection surface 52 (front space), both the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52 are in an effective state capable of detection (Table 3, (S1)).

[0064] If a finger passes through the second detection surface 52 (Table 3, (S2)) to point to a target position on the screen displayed on the display unit 13, enters the space between the first detection surface 51 and the second detection surface 52 (intermediate space), and the determination unit 103 determines that the finger has moved by a predetermined second threshold or more in the surface direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the surface direction) of the first detection surface 51, the enable / disable control unit 104 disables the first detection surface 51. Furthermore, if the finger moves in the surface direction and the determination unit 103 determines that it has moved by a predetermined first threshold (> second threshold) or more, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the operation by the finger as a swipe operation (non-contact) (Table 3, (S3-1)), and performs processing according to the swipe operation (non-contact). Note that even if the finger touches the first detection surface 51 before moving by the first threshold or more, the operation processing unit 105 will not recognize it as an operation because the first detection surface 51 is disabled.

[0065] Furthermore, if the first detection processing unit 101 detects contact with the first detection surface 51 before the determination unit 103 determines that the finger has moved by more than the second threshold, the enable / disable control unit 104 disables the second detection surface 52. Subsequently, if the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has left the first detection surface 51, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a tap operation (contact) (Table 3, (S3-3)) and performs processing according to the tap operation (contact).

[0066] Furthermore, if the determination unit 103 determines that the finger has moved by a second threshold or more, and before the determination unit 103 determines that the finger has moved by a first threshold or more, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space, the operation processing unit 105 will not recognize the specific operation, and the enable / disable control unit 104 will enable the first detection surface 51 (Table 3, (S3-2)).

[0067] Furthermore, if the first detection processing unit 101 detects that a finger has come into contact with the first detection surface 51, and the determination unit 103 determines that the finger has moved more than a predetermined third threshold in the surface direction while remaining in contact with the first detection surface 51, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the operation by the finger as a swipe operation (contact) (Table 3, (S3-4)), and performs processing according to the swipe operation (contact). Here, the third threshold is, for example, a value less than the first threshold.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above case, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space before the determination unit 103 determines that the finger has moved by the second threshold, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a tap operation (non-contact) (Table 3, (S3-5)) and performs processing according to the tap operation (non-contact).

[0069] Furthermore, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger in the intermediate space has moved to the front space after a tap (contact) or swipe (contact) operation with a finger, the enable / disable control unit 104 activates the second detection surface 52 (Table 3, (S4)). Also, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger in the intermediate space has moved to the front space after a swipe (non-contact) operation with a finger, the enable / disable control unit 104 activates the first detection surface 51 (Table 3, (S4)).

[0070] [Table 3]

[0071] (Process flow related to operation of the control input device of an image forming apparatus) Figures 8A and 8B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the processing flow related to the operation input device of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The processing flow related to the operation input device 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 8A and 8B.

[0072] <Step S11> If the finger moves from the front space to the intermediate space and the second detection processing unit 102 detects the finger on the second detection surface 52 (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0073] <Step S12> Subsequently, if the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has come into contact with the first detection surface 51 (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, if contact with the first detection surface 51 is not detected (step S12: No), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0074] <Step S13> If the determination unit 103 determines that the finger has moved more than a predetermined second threshold in the plane direction without contacting the first detection surface 51 (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. If it is not determined that the finger has moved more than the second threshold in the plane direction (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0075] <Step S14> The enable / deactivate control unit 104 disables the first detection surface 51. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0076] <Step S15> Furthermore, the determination unit 103 determines whether the finger has moved in the planar direction and moved by a predetermined first threshold (> second threshold). If it has moved by a threshold or more (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If it has not moved by a threshold or more (step S15: No), the process proceeds to step S19.

[0077] <Step S16> In this case, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a swipe operation (non-contact) and performs processing corresponding to the swipe operation (non-contact). Then, it proceeds to step S17.

[0078] <Step S17> Then, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space (step S17: Yes), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0079] <Step S18> The enable / deactivate control unit 104 enables the first detection surface 51. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0080] <Step S19> If the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the foreground space before the finger moves beyond the first threshold (step S19: Yes), the process proceeds to step S18. If no detection occurs (step S19: No), the process returns to step S15.

[0081] <Step S20> If the determination unit 103 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed at the position indicated by the finger before the finger moves beyond the second threshold (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. If it determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S20: No), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0082] <Step S21> In this case, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a long press operation (non-contact) and performs processing corresponding to the long press operation (non-contact).

[0083] <Step S22> Then, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space (step S22: Yes), the process returns to step S11.

[0084] <Step S23> If the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space before the determination unit 103 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the finger was instructed at that position (step S23: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. If no detection occurs (step S23: No), the process returns to step S12.

[0085] <Step S24> In this case, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a tap operation (non-contact) and performs processing corresponding to the tap operation (non-contact). Then, it returns to step S11.

[0086] <Step S25> If the first detection processing unit 101 detects that a finger has come into contact with the first detection surface 51, the enable / disable control unit 104 disables the second detection surface 52. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0087] <Step S26> The determination unit 103 then determines whether the finger has moved more than a predetermined third threshold in the surface direction while remaining in contact with the first detection surface 51. If it has moved more than the third threshold (step S26: Yes), the process proceeds to step S27. If it has not moved more than the third threshold (step S26: No), the process proceeds to step S30.

[0088] <Step S27> In this case, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a swipe operation (contact) and performs processing corresponding to the swipe operation (contact). Then, it proceeds to step S28.

[0089] <Step S28> Then, if the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has moved away from the first detection surface 51 and the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space (step S28: Yes), the process proceeds to step S29.

[0090] <Step S29> The enable / deactivate control unit 104 enables the second detection surface 52. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0091] <Step S30> If the determination unit 103 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed at the position where the finger was in contact with the first detection surface 51 before the finger moves beyond the third threshold (step S30: Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. If it determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S30: No), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0092] <Step S31> In this case, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a long press (contact) and performs processing corresponding to the long press (contact). Then, it proceeds to step S32.

[0093] <Step S32> Then, if the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has moved away from the first detection surface 51 and the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space (step S32: Yes), the process proceeds to step S29.

[0094] <Step S33> If the first detection processing unit 101 detects that the finger has left the first detection surface 51 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the finger was in contact with the first detection surface 51 (step S33: Yes), the process proceeds to step S34. If no detection occurs (step S33: No), the process returns to step S26.

[0095] <Step S34> In this case, the operation processing unit 105 recognizes the finger operation as a tap operation (contact) and performs processing corresponding to the tap operation (contact). Then, it proceeds to step S35.

[0096] <Step S35> Then, if the second detection processing unit 102 detects that the finger has moved from the intermediate space to the front space (step S35: Yes), the process proceeds to step S29.

[0097] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the touch panel 11 has a first detection surface 51 that is parallel to the display surface of the display unit 13 that displays information and detects contact by the operator's finger, and the infrared sensor 12 has a second detection surface 52 that is parallel to the first detection surface 51 on the side opposite to the side on which the display unit 13 is arranged relative to the first detection surface 51 and detects the operator's finger without contact at a predetermined distance from the first detection surface 51, and the operation processing unit 105 recognizes a non-contact operation by the second detection surface 52 when the operator's finger is detected by the infrared sensor 12 but not by the touch panel 11, and the enable / disable control unit 104 disables the second detection surface 52 when the operator's finger is detected by the touch panel 11, and the operation processing unit 105 recognizes a contact operation by the first detection surface 51 when the second detection surface 52 is disabled. As a result, the operator does not need to switch input modes in advance and can perform the desired operation, whether contact or non-contact.

[0098] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the enable / disable control unit 104 disables the first detection surface 51 when the operator's finger is detected by the infrared sensor 12 but not by the touch panel 11, and the finger moves by more than a predetermined second threshold while being detected by the infrared sensor 12. This prevents the recognition of contact operations on the first detection surface 51 and allows only non-contact operations by the second detection surface 52 to be recognized.

[0099] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the enable / deactivate control unit 104 enables the second detection surface 52 after it has been deactivated, if the infrared sensor 12 no longer detects the operator's finger. This resets the state of the operation input device 10, allowing the operator to perform the desired operation, either by contact or without contact.

[0100] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the enable / deactivate control unit 104 enables the first detection surface 51 after it has been deactivated, if the infrared sensor 12 no longer detects the operator's finger. This resets the state of the operation input device 10, allowing the operator to perform the desired operation, either by contact or without contact.

[0101] Furthermore, each of the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, "processing circuit" includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs, DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0102] Furthermore, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment may be provided pre-installed in a ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment may be provided as a computer program product by recording it in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Alternatively, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Finally, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0103] Furthermore, the program executed in the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment has a modular configuration that includes each of the functional units described above. In actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from ROM and executes it, thereby loading each of the functional units onto the main memory, and creating each functional unit on the main memory.

[0104] The embodiments of the present invention are as follows. <1> A display unit that displays information, A first detection unit is parallel to the display surface of the display unit and constitutes a first detection surface that detects contact by the operator's finger, A second detection unit is provided, on the side opposite to the side on which the display unit is positioned relative to the first detection surface, which is parallel to the first detection surface and forms a second detection surface that detects the operator's finger without contact, at a predetermined distance from the first detection surface. If the operator's finger is detected by the second detection unit and not detected by the first detection unit, an operation processing unit recognizes a non-contact operation by the second detection surface, When the operator's finger is detected by the first detection unit, a disabling unit is provided to disable the second detection surface. Equipped with, The operation processing unit is an input device that recognizes a contact operation by the first detection surface when the second detection surface is disabled. <2> The disabling unit disables the first detection surface when the operator's finger is detected by the second detection unit but not by the first detection unit, and the finger moves beyond a predetermined threshold while being detected by the second detection unit. <1> This is the input device described in [reference]. <3> The operation processing unit does not recognize the operation even if the operator's finger touches the first detection surface after the first detection surface has been deactivated. <2> This is the input device described in [reference]. <4> The disabling unit, after disabling the second detection surface, enables the second detection surface if the operator's finger is no longer detected by the second detection unit. <1> ~ <3> It is an input device as described in any one of the items. <5> The disabling unit, after disabling the first detection surface, reactivates the first detection surface if the operator's finger is no longer detected by the second detection unit. <2> or <3> This is the input device described in [reference]. <6> The first detection unit is a touch panel that detects contact. <1> ~ <5> It is an input device as described in any one of the items. <7> The second detection unit is an infrared sensor, The second detection surface is formed by the optical path of the infrared light emitted by the infrared sensor. <1> ~ <6> It is an input device as described in any one of the items. <8> The distance between the first detection surface and the second detection surface is 10 to 20 mm. <1> ~ <7> It is an input device as described in any one of the items. <9> A display unit that displays information, A first detection unit is parallel to the display surface of the display unit and constitutes a first detection surface that detects contact by the operator's finger, A second detection unit is provided, on the side opposite to the side on which the display unit is positioned relative to the first detection surface, which is parallel to the first detection surface and forms a second detection surface that detects the operator's finger without contact, at a predetermined distance from the first detection surface. If the operator's finger is detected by the second detection unit and not detected by the first detection unit, an operation processing unit recognizes a non-contact operation by the second detection surface, When the operator's finger is detected by the first detection unit, a disabling unit is provided to disable the second detection surface. Equipped with, The operation processing unit is an image forming apparatus that recognizes a contact operation by the first detection surface when the second detection surface is disabled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Image forming apparatus 2 Main unit 3 Bank Options 4. Paper Output Options 10. Operation Input Device 11 Touch panel 12 Infrared Sensors 13 Display section 51 First detection surface 52 Second detection surface 101 First detection processing unit 102 Second detection processing unit 103 Judgment section 104 Enable / Disable Control Unit 105 Operation Processing Unit 600 Controllers 601 CPU 602 System Memory (MEM-P) 603 Northbridge (NB) 604a Southbridge (SB) 604b Network Interface 604c USB I / F 604d Centronics I / F 604e Sensor I / F 605 AGP 606 ASIC 607 Local Memory (MEM-C) 608 Auxiliary storage 620 FCU 631 Plotter 632 Scanners [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0106] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-003732

Claims

1. A display unit that displays information, The first detection unit is parallel to the display surface of the display unit and constitutes a first detection surface that detects contact by the operator's finger, A second detection unit is provided, on the side opposite to the side on which the display unit is positioned relative to the first detection surface, which is parallel to the first detection surface and forms a second detection surface that detects the operator's finger without contact, at a predetermined distance from the first detection surface. If the operator's finger is detected by the second detection unit and not detected by the first detection unit, an operation processing unit recognizes a non-contact operation by the second detection surface. When the operator's finger is detected by the first detection unit, a disabling unit is provided to disable the second detection surface. Equipped with, The operation processing unit is an input device that recognizes a contact operation by the first detection surface when the second detection surface is disabled.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the disabling unit disables the first detection surface when the operator's finger is detected by the second detection unit but not by the first detection unit, and the finger moves by more than a predetermined threshold while being detected by the second detection unit.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the operation processing unit does not recognize an operation even if the operator's finger touches the first detection surface after the first detection surface has been deactivated.

4. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the disabling unit enables the second detection surface if the operator's finger is no longer detected by the second detection unit after the second detection surface has been disabled.

5. The input device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the disabling unit enables the first detection surface if the operator's finger is no longer detected by the second detection unit after the first detection surface has been disabled.

6. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first detection unit is a touch panel for detecting contact.

7. The second detection unit is an infrared sensor, The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second detection surface is formed by the optical path of the infrared light emitted by the infrared sensor.

8. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance between the first detection surface and the second detection surface is 10 to 20 mm.

9. A display unit that displays information, The first detection unit is parallel to the display surface of the display unit and constitutes a first detection surface that detects contact by the operator's finger, A second detection unit is provided, on the side opposite to the side on which the display unit is positioned relative to the first detection surface, which is parallel to the first detection surface and forms a second detection surface that detects the operator's finger without contact, at a predetermined distance from the first detection surface. If the operator's finger is detected by the second detection unit and not detected by the first detection unit, an operation processing unit recognizes a non-contact operation by the second detection surface. When the operator's finger is detected by the first detection unit, a disabling unit is provided to disable the second detection surface. Equipped with, The operation processing unit is an image forming apparatus that recognizes a contact operation by the first detection surface when the second detection surface is disabled.

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