Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To grasp, when a user performs moving operations for an operation part, the importance related to a function executed through the moving operations.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 comprises a CPU 11. When moving operations are performed by a user for an operation part displayed on a display 16, the CPU 11 moves an operation part to follow the moving operations within a movable range including a start area that is an area where a predetermined function is not executed and an execution area that is an area where the predetermined function is executed. When the operation part is moved from the start area into the execution area through the moving operations and then the moving operations are completed, the CPU executes the predetermined function, and performs control of changing a notification form related to the moving operations so that, while the user performs the moving operations for the operation part, as the importance determined according to an execution condition for the predetermined function is relatively higher, the degree of emphasis of the notification form related to the moving operations becomes higher according to the position of the operation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a user interface control device that displays an operation screen on a display means and accepts user operations. This user interface control device includes a control unit that controls the operation screen based on settings of the operation screen displayed on a user interface, and receives an input for changing the settings of the operation screen and causes the user interface to display information regarding an erroneous operation of the operation screen when the settings are changed based on the input. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-237820 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, a touch panel type UI (User Interface) screen may be implemented with a slide start function using a touch button. In this slide start function, a user may perform a drag or slide operation on the operation unit to execute a predetermined function.

[0005] From the viewpoint of preventing erroneous operation, it is desirable for the user to be able to grasp the importance of the function to be executed by the movement operation while the user is performing the movement operation on the operation unit. However, with the above-mentioned slide start, the user cannot grasp the importance of the function to be executed by the movement operation while performing the movement operation.

[0006] The present disclosure has an object to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that are capable of grasping the importance of a function executed by a movement operation when a user is performing a movement operation on an operation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to a first aspect includes a processor, and when a user performs a movement operation on an operation unit displayed on a display unit, the processor moves the operation unit to follow the movement operation within a movable area which is an area within which the operation unit can be moved, the movable area including a start area which is an area in which a predetermined function is not executed and an execution area which is an area in which the predetermined function is executed, and when the movement operation is completed after the operation unit has moved from the start area into the execution area, the processor executes the predetermined function, and when the user is performing the movement operation on the operation unit, the processor performs control to change the form of notification regarding the movement operation so that the degree of emphasis of the form of notification regarding the movement operation is increased depending on the position of the operation unit, the higher the importance determined by the execution conditions of the predetermined function is relatively.

[0008] In addition, in the information processing device of the second aspect, in the information processing device of the first aspect, changing the notification form regarding the movement operation includes changing the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area, and the processor controls changing the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area so that the degree of emphasis of the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area is increased depending on the position of the operation unit, the relatively higher the importance determined by the execution conditions of the predetermined function.

[0009] In addition, in an information processing device according to a third aspect, in the information processing device according to the second aspect, the degree of emphasis of the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area is represented as a degree of change in color of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area.

[0010] In addition, in an information processing device according to a fourth aspect, in the information processing device according to the second or third aspect, the processor performs control to change the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area depending on the type of the predetermined function when the user touches the operation unit.

[0011] In addition, an information processing device according to a fifth aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, in which the processor performs control to change the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area when the operation unit moves into the execution area.

[0012] In addition, an information processing device according to a sixth aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which changing the notification form related to the moving operation includes changing the output form of at least one of sound and vibration by the notification unit, and the processor controls changing the output form of at least one of sound and vibration by the notification unit so that the degree of emphasis of the output form of at least one of sound and vibration by the notification unit is increased depending on the position of the operation unit, as the importance determined by the execution conditions of the predetermined function is relatively higher.

[0013] In addition, an information processing device according to a seventh aspect is the information processing device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the degree of emphasis of the output form of at least one of sound and vibration by the alarm unit is expressed as a degree of change in the output intensity, output pattern, or output time of at least one of sound and vibration by the alarm unit.

[0014] In addition, an information processing device according to an eighth aspect is the information processing device according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the processor performs control to change the output form of at least one of sound and vibration by the alarm unit when the operation unit moves within the execution area.

[0015] In addition, an information processing device according to a 9th aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the 6th to 8th aspects, in which the processor does not perform control to change the output form of at least one of sound and vibration by the alarm unit when the operation unit is returned in a direction opposite to the direction from the start area toward the execution area.

[0016] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing program of the tenth aspect causes a computer to execute the following control: when a user performs a movement operation on an operation unit displayed on a display unit, the information processing program moves the operation unit to follow the movement operation within a movable area, which is an area within which the operation unit can be moved, and which includes a start area, which is an area in which a predetermined function is not executed, and an execution area, which is an area in which the predetermined function is executed; and when the movement operation is completed after the operation unit has moved from the start area into the execution area by the movement operation, the information processing program executes the predetermined function; and when the user is performing the movement operation on the operation unit, the information processing program controls the change of the notification form related to the movement operation so that the degree of emphasis of the notification form related to the movement operation is increased depending on the position of the operation unit, as the importance determined by the execution conditions of the predetermined function is relatively higher. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the first and tenth aspects, there is an effect that, when the user is performing a movement operation on the operation unit, it is possible to grasp the importance of a function to be executed by the movement operation.

[0018] According to the second aspect, there is an effect that the importance can be easily grasped, compared with a case in which the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area is fixed.

[0019] According to the third aspect, there is an advantage that the importance can be more easily grasped, compared to a case in which the color of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area is fixed.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, there is an effect that the user can grasp functions with high importance before performing a movement operation.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, by changing the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area, an effect is obtained in that the user can grasp the position where the movement operation should be completed.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, an effect is obtained in that the importance can be easily grasped, compared with a case in which the output form of at least one of the sound and the vibration by the notification unit is fixed.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, there is an effect that the importance can be easily grasped, compared with a case where the output intensity, output pattern, or output time of at least one of the sound and vibration by the notification unit is fixed.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect, by changing the output form of at least one of the sound and the vibration by the notification unit, an effect is obtained in that the user can grasp the position where the movement operation should be completed.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the user from becoming confused when returning the operation part in the direction opposite to the direction from the start region toward the execution region. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit by processing of a CPU. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a movable area predetermined for an instruction unit; FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a relationship between a user operation on an instruction section displayed on a display section and a position of a slide mark relative to the user operation. FIG. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a movement operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an importance table according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow according to an information processing program according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between importance and change of a display mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between importance, the position of a slide mark, and changes in a display form according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between importance and change of output form according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between importance, the position of a slide mark, and changes in an output form according to the second embodiment; FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the relationship between the importance, the position of the slide mark, and the change in the output form according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an example of a mode for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components and processes that perform the same operation, action, and function may be given the same reference numerals throughout all the drawings, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. Each drawing is merely shown in a schematic manner to allow a sufficient understanding of the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to only the illustrated examples. In addition, in this embodiment, descriptions of configurations that are not directly related to the present invention or well-known configurations may be omitted.

[0028] In the embodiment, an example of an information processing device is described in which a user manually operates an operation unit such as a mark displayed on a display unit (hereinafter referred to as user operation) to execute a predetermined function in response to the user operation on the operation unit.

[0029] In the present disclosure, the term "operation unit" refers to a concept including an image displayed on a display unit such as a display. The term "moving operation" refers to a concept including a change in an instruction position by a user operation while being moved successively. An example of the moving operation includes a user operation of moving while touching a display unit such as a display, for example, a drag in which the user continues the touch operation from a start point to an end point, and a user operation such as a slide. The "start of the moving operation" refers to a user operation by starting contact with a display unit such as a display as the start of an instruction by the user. In addition, the "completion of the moving operation" refers to a user operation by releasing the contact as the end of an instruction by the user. The term "predetermined function" refers to a concept including a predetermined instruction (command) performed by a processor and information indicating the instruction. An example of a predetermined function is a process (e.g., copying, printing, scanning, facsimile, etc.) executed by the processor itself or another processor. The term "execution of a function" refers to a concept including an output of a predetermined instruction (command) performed by a processor and an output of information indicating the instruction.

[0030] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an input / output interface (I / O) 14, a memory unit 15, a display unit 16, an alarm unit 17, a document reading unit 18, an image forming unit 19, and a communication unit 20.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is intended to include, in addition to the image forming apparatus 10, information processing apparatuses in general that have a UI screen that employs a touch panel system, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game machine, etc.

[0033] The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and I / O 14 are connected to each other via a bus. The I / O 14 is connected to various functional units including a storage unit 15, a display unit 16, a notification unit 17, a document reading unit 18, an image forming unit 19, and a communication unit 20. These functional units are capable of communicating with the CPU 11 via the I / O 14.

[0034] The control unit is composed of the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the I / O 14. The control unit may be configured as a sub-control unit that controls part of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10, or may be configured as a part of the main control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) or an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip set is used for part or all of the blocks of the control unit. An individual circuit may be used for each of the blocks, or a circuit in which some or all of the blocks are integrated may be used. The blocks may be provided integrally with each other, or some of the blocks may be provided separately. Also, a part of each of the blocks may be provided separately. The integration of the control unit is not limited to an LSI, and a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor may be used.

[0035] For example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. are used as the storage unit 15. An information processing program 15A according to the present embodiment is stored in the storage unit 15. Note that the information processing program 15A may be stored in the ROM 12.

[0036] The information processing program 15A may be pre-installed in the image forming apparatus 10, for example. The information processing program 15A may be realized by storing it in a non-volatile storage medium or distributing it via a network and appropriately installing it in the image forming apparatus 10. Note that examples of the non-volatile storage medium include a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a magneto-optical disk, a HDD, a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), a flash memory, a memory card, and the like.

[0037] The display unit 16 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 16 has an integrated touch panel and accepts various input operations by the user via the touch panel. For example, a capacitance type is used for the touch panel. A type other than the capacitance type may be used for the touch panel. The notification unit 17 outputs preset sound effects, vibrations, etc. in response to various input operations.

[0038] The document reading unit 18 takes in documents placed on a paper feed tray of an automatic document feeder (not shown) provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10, one by one, and optically reads the taken-in documents to obtain image information. Alternatively, the document reading unit 18 optically reads a document placed on a document tray such as a platen glass to obtain image information.

[0039] The image forming unit 19 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image information obtained by reading the document reading unit 18 or image information obtained from an external PC (Personal Computer) or the like connected via a network. Note that, in this embodiment, an electrophotographic method is exemplified as a method for forming an image, but other methods such as an inkjet method may also be adopted.

[0040] When the image forming method is an electrophotographic method, the image forming unit 19 includes a photoconductor drum, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit. The charging unit applies a voltage to the photoconductor drum to charge the surface of the photoconductor drum. The exposure unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum by exposing the photoconductor drum charged by the charging unit to light corresponding to image information. The development unit forms a toner image on the photoconductor drum by developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum with toner. The transfer unit transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum to a recording medium. The fixing unit fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium by applying heat and pressure.

[0041] The communication unit 20 is connected to a network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN), and is capable of communicating with an external PC or the like via the network.

[0042] The CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment writes an information processing program 15A stored in the storage unit 15 into the RAM 13 and executes the program, thereby functioning as each unit shown in FIG.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] 2, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment functions as a display control unit 11A. The display control unit 11A includes a tracking control unit 11B and an operation control unit 11C.

[0045] The display control unit 11A has a control function of controlling the display of an image on the display unit 16, and a control function of controlling whether or not a function is executed depending on the display position of an operation unit displayed as an image on the display unit 16.

[0046] The tracking control unit 11B controls displaying an image on the display unit 16, and controls displaying the operation unit displayed as an image so as to follow a moving operation by the user. That is, while displaying the operation unit on the display unit 16, when the user performs a moving operation on the operation unit, the tracking control unit 11B displays the operation unit at a position on the display unit 16 that follows the moving operation.

[0047] The operation control unit 11C controls the execution or non-execution of a function according to the position of an operation unit that is displayed to follow the movement operation by the user, when the movement operation is completed. Non-execution of a function refers to control to maintain a state in which execution of a function is not started (for example, an initial state) due to a movement operation that does not result in execution of the function. Control of execution of a function also includes control to execute a predetermined function.

[0048] Next, the execution of functions by the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the execution of copying of an original will be described as an example of the execution of a function by the CPU 11. The execution of a function is not limited to the execution of copying of an original, and may be other processing executed in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 30 displayed on the display unit 16 by processing of the CPU 11. As shown in FIG.

[0050] 3 shows an example of a setting screen for setting the color when copying an original, as an example of a copying condition in an image copying function among the original-related functions executed by the CPU 11. In the following description, the rightward horizontal direction of the screen when the user is viewing the screen is referred to as the X direction, and the upward vertical direction is referred to as the Y direction.

[0051] In the example of the screen 30, a selection instruction button 30A is displayed for instructing the setting of copy conditions related to colors when copying an original. The copy conditions are settings of functions of the image forming device 10 that can be set when copying a copy target (e.g., an original), and the functions are set as parameters. In the example shown in FIG. 3, selection instruction buttons for instructing settings related to colors, including "Automatic", "Full", "Two Colors", "Monochrome", and "Other", are displayed. The "Automatic" button of the selection instruction buttons is a button for selecting and instructing to automatically detect the color of the original and copy it in a color that matches the original. The "Full" button is a button for selecting and instructing to copy the original in multiple colors that the image forming device 10 has. The "Two Colors" button is a button for selecting and instructing to copy in two predetermined colors. The "Monochrome" button is a button for selecting and instructing to copy in a predetermined monochrome. The "Other" button is a button for selecting and instructing to copy with other color settings. The parameters of the copy conditions are known technology, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] In addition, FIG. 3 shows a screen in which the "FULL" button is highlighted when the "FULL" button is pressed by a user operation to instruct setting of copy conditions.

[0053] In addition, when the copy conditions are specified, an image is displayed in the instruction section 31 for instructing the execution of copying on the screen 30 shown in FIG. 3. The instruction section 31 includes a slide mark 32 showing a movable image for instructing the execution of copying, and a display area 33 showing the number of copies among the copy conditions. Although not shown here, the instruction section 31 may include a message area for displaying an explanation of the operation method. In the message area, for example, a message "Slide to start" is displayed, which shows that copying is executed (i.e., started) by moving (i.e., sliding) the slide mark 32. In addition, the slide mark 32 can also be displayed at a position where it is moved in the X direction (and the opposite direction). The slide mark 32 is an example of an operation section.

[0054] 3, the slide mark 32 changes color when touched by the finger of the user U, and movement operations such as dragging or sliding become possible. In the display area 33, information depending on the functions of the image forming device 10 (e.g., copy function, print function, facsimile function, scanner function, etc.), such as the number of copies and the number of transmissions, is displayed.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a movable area 34 that is determined in advance for the instruction unit 31. As shown in FIG.

[0056] The instruction unit 31 includes a movable area 34, which is an area in which the slide mark 32 can be moved. The movable area 34 is an example of an area for determining whether copying has been performed or not, depending on the position of the movably displayed slide mark 32. The movable area 34 includes a start area 35 and an execution area 36. The start area 35 is an area in which a predetermined function is not executed, and the execution area 36 is an area in which a predetermined function is executed. The predetermined function here is, for example, the image copying function described above.

[0057] Specifically, the execution area 36 is an area for specifying that copying is to be performed when the slide mark 32 is present within the area when the movement operation is completed, and the start area 35 is an area for specifying that copying is not to be performed (not yet performed) when the slide mark 32 is present within the area when the movement operation is completed.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between a user operation on the instruction section 31 displayed on the display section 16 and the position of the slide mark 32 relative to the user operation.

[0059] The user U touches the slide mark 32 displayed on the instruction unit 31 of the display unit 16 with his / her finger, and instructs to execute copying while touching the slide mark 32 with his / her finger. The slide mark 32 moves on a line CL connecting the center positions of the start area 35 and the execution area 36 in the Y direction, within the range of the start area 35 and the execution area 36 in the X direction. More specifically, the slide mark 32 has an initial position Ps, which is the start point, and an execution position Pe, which is the end point, which are predetermined, and can be displayed between the initial position Ps and the execution position Pe.

[0060] That is, the movement of the user U's finger is a two-dimensional movement in the X direction and the Y direction. That is, the user U's finger may move in a diagonal direction. On the other hand, the slide mark 32 moves only within the movable area 34 in response to the movement operation by the user U, and the movement direction is limited to the X direction (or the opposite direction). The movement of the slide mark 32 is a one-dimensional movement. When the trajectory of the movement operation by the user U reaches the outside of the instruction unit 31, the slide mark 32 moves inside the movable area 34 following the movement operation by the user U. That is, the position of the user U's finger and the position of the slide mark 32 are in a projective relationship.

[0061] For example, if the center of the slide mark 32 in the X direction is located on the side of the start region 35, it is determined to be located in the start region 35, and if the center of the slide mark 32 in the X direction is located on the side of the execution region 36, it is determined to be located in the execution region 36. The boundary between the start region 35 and the execution region 36 can be appropriately set by the user.

[0062] 3 to 5, the indicator 31 is arranged horizontally, but the arrangement direction is not limited to this. The indicator 31 may be arranged vertically, for example. In this case, the movement direction of the slide mark 32 is limited to the Y direction (or the opposite direction).

[0063] Returning to FIG. 2, the tracking control unit 11B detects an operation position (for example, coordinates) touched by the finger of the user U on the screen 30 shown in FIG. 3 described above, as an example. Note that a stylus pen or the like may be used instead of the finger of the user U. The moving operation here is, for example, an operation such as dragging or sliding, as described above. A trajectory of the moving operation is derived from a plurality of positions continuously detected by this moving operation. In addition, when the tracking control unit 11B detects the contact of the slide mark 32 with the finger of the user U, it derives the position of the slide mark 32 to be made to follow the moving operation by the finger of the user U. Specifically, when a moving operation is performed on the slide mark 32 with the finger of the user U, the tracking control unit 11B moves the slide mark 32 within the movable area 34 so as to follow the moving operation.

[0064] The operation control unit 11C controls a predetermined function (hereinafter, as an example, referred to as an "image copying function") based on the operation position of the user U's finger and the position of the slide mark 32. Specifically, the operation control unit 11C executes the image copying function when the slide mark 32 moves from the start area 35 to the execution area 36 by the movement operation of the user U's finger and then the movement operation is completed.

[0065] Next, the movement operation according to this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a movement operation according to this embodiment.

[0067] In (S1), when the slide mark 32 is touched by the finger of the user U, the CPU 11 detects the position and changes the color of the slide mark 32 to a color that indicates the reservation of execution of the function. Then, following the movement operation by the user U, the slide mark 32 is moved in the arrow direction (X direction). In the initial state, the slide mark 32 is located at the start end (here, the left end) of the start area 35. Also, when the slide mark 32 leaves the start end and is still located in the start area 35, and the user U's finger is released, it is determined that the movement operation is complete, and the slide mark 32 is returned to the start end, that is, it is attached to the start end, and the image copying function is not executed.

[0068] In (S2), the CPU 11, following the movement operation by the user U, further moves the slide mark 32 in the X direction, and detects that the slide mark 32 has passed beyond the start area 35 and reached the execution area 36. At this time, the text (e.g., 999 copies) in the portion through which the slide mark 32 passes is hidden.

[0069] In (S3), the CPU 11 further moves the slide mark 32 in the X direction following the movement operation by the user U, and detects that the slide mark 32 has reached the end end (here, the right end) of the execution area 36. Here, when the user U's finger is removed, the movement operation is determined to be complete. Note that, when the slide mark 32 is located within the execution area 36 and has not yet reached the end end and the user U's finger is removed, the movement operation is determined to be complete as described above, and the slide mark 32 is moved to the end end, that is, is attracted to the end end. However, the movement operation may be determined to be complete only when the user U's finger is removed when the slide mark 32 has reached the end end.

[0070] In (S4), the CPU 11 executes the image copy function, and changes the color of the slide mark 32 that has moved to the end of the execution area 36 to a color that indicates the execution of the function. Note that the execution of the image copy function starts at the point when the slide mark 32 has moved to the end of the execution area 36.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6, in the instruction unit 31, when a user U performs a moving operation on the slide mark 32, and the slide mark 32 moves beyond the start area 35 into the execution area 36, ​​and then the moving operation is completed, an image copying function is executed, as an example.

[0072] Incidentally, when a user operates an operation unit, it is desirable for the user to be able to grasp the importance of a function that will be executed by the operation, in order to prevent erroneous operations.

[0073] For this reason, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes the operation control unit 11C shown in FIG.

[0074] When the user is performing a movement operation on the slide mark 32, the operation control unit 11C performs control to change the notification form regarding the movement operation so that the degree of emphasis of the notification form regarding the movement operation increases according to the position of the slide mark 32 as the importance determined by the execution condition of a predetermined function (for example, an image copying function) increases relatively. The change in the notification form according to this embodiment includes changing the display form of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34. In this case, the degree of emphasis of the display form of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 is expressed as the degree of change in color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34, as an example. In other words, the operation control unit 11C according to this embodiment performs control to change the color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 so that the degree of change in color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 increases according to the position of the slide mark 32 as the importance increases relatively.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the importance table 15B according to the present embodiment.

[0076] The importance table 15B shown in Fig. 7 is stored in, for example, the storage unit 15. The "importance" here refers to a level determined by the execution conditions of a function. The execution conditions refer to various conditions specified when executing a function, such as the type of function, the setting values ​​of the setting items for each function, and the like. As an example, the execution conditions include the number of copies, the number of pages, the type of function, the print density (toner amount) of the printed matter, the image quality, the paper quality, the security of the destination, and the color mode, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0077] As an example, as shown in Fig. 7, the importance is relatively high when the number of copies is large, and is relatively low when the number of copies is small. Note that whether the number of copies is large / small is determined, for example, using a preset threshold. Also, the importance is relatively high when the number of pages is large, and is relatively low when the number of pages is small. Note that whether the number of pages is large / small is determined, for example, using a preset threshold.

[0078] The importance is relatively high when the type of function is FAX (facsimile) or Scan To Email (scan and send by email), and is relatively low when the type is copy / print or scan. The importance is relatively high when the print density of the printed matter is high (a large amount of toner), and is relatively low when the print density of the printed matter is low. The high / low print density of the printed matter is determined, for example, using a preset threshold. The importance is relatively high when the image quality is high, and is relatively low when the image quality is low, such as in toner saving mode. For example, the resolution expressed in dpi (dots per inch) is used as an index of image quality. The high / low image quality is determined, for example, using a preset threshold.

[0079] The importance level is relatively high when the paper quality is OHP sheet, label paper, or coated paper, and relatively low when the paper quality is plain paper or recycled paper. The importance level is relatively high when the destination requires high security, and relatively low when the destination does not require high security. For example, the importance level is high when the destination is a business partner that requires high confidentiality (i.e., a business partner that handles highly confidential matters), and the importance level is low when the destination is within the company. The importance level is relatively high when the color mode is color, and relatively low when the color mode is monochrome.

[0080] The importance may be expressed in two stages (binary values) of "high" or "low", or in three or more stages. For example, if the upper limit of the number of copies is set to 999, the importance may be "low" when the number of copies is 1 or more and less than 500, and "high" when the number of copies is 500 or more and 999 or less. Alternatively, the importance may be "low" when the number of copies is 1 or more and less than 99, "medium" when the number of copies is 99 or more and less than 500, and "high" when the number of copies is 500 or more and 999 or less. The user may set the criteria, thresholds, combinations, etc. for setting the importance as appropriate.

[0081] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing by the information processing program 15A according to the first embodiment.

[0083] First, when the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to display the screen 30 shown in FIG. 3, for example, the information processing program 15A is started and the following steps are executed.

[0084] In step S101 in Fig. 8, the CPU 11 acquires an execution condition (e.g., color mode) designated by the user U via, for example, the screen 30 shown in Fig. 3. Note that the acquired execution condition is not limited to the color mode, and may be, for example, the number of copies, the number of pages, or image quality, as described above.

[0085] In step S102, the CPU 11 refers to the importance table 15B shown in FIG. 7, for example, based on the execution condition acquired in step S101, and acquires the importance determined by the execution condition.

[0086] In step S103, CPU 11 determines whether the importance acquired in step S102 is "high", "medium", or "low". If the importance is determined to be "high" (in the case of "high"), the process proceeds to step S104, if the importance is determined to be "medium" (in the case of "medium"), the process proceeds to step S105, and if the importance is determined to be "low" (in the case of "low"), the process proceeds to step S106. Note that in this example, the importance is divided into three levels, "high", "medium", and "low", but it may also be divided into two levels, "high" and "low", or four or more levels.

[0087] In step S104, the CPU 11 performs control to change the display form (for example, color) of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34, which corresponds to the "high" level of importance.

[0088] In step S105, the CPU 11 performs control to change the display form (for example, color) of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34, which corresponds to the "medium" level of importance.

[0089] In step S106, the CPU 11 performs control to change the display form (for example, color) of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34, which corresponds to the "low" importance level.

[0090] In step S107, the CPU 11 detects an operation position touched by the finger of the user U on the screen 30 shown in FIG. 3 described above, as an example.

[0091] In step S108, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation position detected in step S107 is within the start region 35. If it is determined that the operation position is within the start region 35 (if the determination is positive), the process proceeds to step S109, and if it is determined that the operation position is not within the start region 35 (if the determination is negative), the process returns to step S107 and waits.

[0092] In step S109, the CPU 11 detects the operation position of the user U's finger, derives the position of the slide mark 32 to follow the operation position, and displays and stores the derived result.

[0093] In step S110, the CPU 11 performs control to change the display mode so that the degree of emphasis of the display mode (e.g., the degree of color change) increases according to the position of the slide mark 32 as the importance increases. Specifically, when the importance is "high," the color tone (e.g., shading, brightness, intensity, etc.) changes significantly when the slide mark 32 is moved only slightly. For example, from pink to deep red. On the other hand, when the importance is "low," the color tone changes very little or not at all even when the slide mark 32 is moved significantly. Note that a specific example of the relationship between the importance, the position of the slide mark 32, and the change in the display mode (e.g., color) in step S110 will be described later.

[0094] In step S111, the CPU 11 judges whether or not the moving operation by the user U is completed. Completion of the moving operation is judged when the finger of the user U is released from the slide mark 32 (including the release of the tracking relationship between the finger of the user U and the slide mark 32). If it is judged that the moving operation is completed (if the judgment is positive), the process proceeds to step S112, and if it is judged that the moving operation is not completed (if the judgment is negative), the process waits in step S111.

[0095] In step S112, the CPU 11 judges whether or not the position of the slide mark 32 when the movement operation by the user U is completed in step S111 has reached within the execution area 36. If it is judged that the position of the slide mark 32 has reached within the execution area 36 (if the judgment is positive), the process proceeds to step S113, and if it is judged that the position of the slide mark 32 has not reached within the execution area 36 (if the judgment is negative), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0096] In step S113, the CPU 11 executes an image copying function as an example of a predetermined function, and ends a series of processes according to the information processing program 15A.

[0097] In step S114, the CPU 11 ends a series of processes according to the information processing program 15A without executing an image copying function, which is an example of a predetermined function.

[0098] Next, the relationship between the importance, the position of the slide mark 32, and the change in the display mode will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG.

[0099] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the importance and the change in the display mode according to the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 9, the slide mark 32 is located at the start end.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 performs control to change the color of the movable area 34 to a more conspicuous color as the importance is relatively higher. For example, when the importance is "high", the color of the movable area 34 is changed to "red", when the importance is "medium", the color of the movable area 34 is changed to "brown", and when the importance is "low", the color of the movable area 34 is changed to "skin color". In the example of FIG. 9, the difference in color is represented by a difference in hatching. Note that it is not limited to changing only the color of the movable area 34. It is also possible to change only the color of the slide mark 32, or to change both the color of the movable area 34 and the color of the slide mark 32. Also, the change in the display form is not limited to changing the color. For example, the higher the importance, the thicker the character (e.g., 1 copy, 99 copies, 999 copies) may be, or the size of the character (e.g., 1 copy, 99 copies, 999 copies) may be, or may be, larger.

[0101] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the importance, the position of the slide mark 32, and the change in the display mode according to the first embodiment.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 11 performs control to change the color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 so that the degree of change in the color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 increases according to the position of the slide mark 32 as the importance increases. Specifically, in the case of "high" importance, the color tone (e.g., shading, brightness, intensity, etc.) is changed significantly by merely moving the slide mark 32 slightly. For example, the color is changed from pink to deep red. In addition, in the case of "medium" importance, the color tone is changed to a certain extent when the slide mark 32 is moved to the center, and further changed when the slide mark 32 is moved to the end. For example, the color is changed in the order of light brown, brown, and dark brown. In addition, in the case of "low" importance, the color tone is hardly changed or is not changed at all even if the slide mark 32 is moved significantly. In addition, the colors of the initial state (when the slide mark 32 is at the left end) of the movable area 34 for each of the "high", "medium", and "low" importance levels may be different as shown in FIG. 9 above, or may be the same color.

[0103] Here, when the user U's finger touches the slide mark 32, the CPU 11 may perform control to change the color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 according to the type of a predetermined function. Specifically, when the type of function to be executed is a function with a relatively high degree of importance such as "FAX" or "Scan To Email" as shown in FIG. 7 above, for example, it is desirable to change the color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34. This makes it possible to inform the user that the function is important without moving the slide mark 32.

[0104] Furthermore, the CPU 11 may perform control to change the color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 when the slide mark 32 moves into the execution area 36. In other words, when the color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 is changed, the corresponding function is executed when the user completes the movement operation on the slide mark 32 (the user releases the finger). The position at which the movement operation on the slide mark 32 is completed (the finger is released) is grasped by the change in color of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34.

[0105] In this manner, according to the present embodiment, when a user is performing a movement operation on the operation unit, the display form is changed so that the degree of emphasis of at least one of the display form of the operation unit and the movable area is increased according to the position of the operation unit, as the importance determined by the execution conditions of the function executed by the movement operation becomes relatively higher. This allows the user to grasp the importance of the function to be executed during the movement operation.

[0106] [Second embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, as an example of changing the notification form regarding the moving operation, a form in which the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area is changed has been described. In the second embodiment, as another example of changing the notification form regarding the moving operation, a form in which the output form of at least one of the sound and vibration by the notification unit is changed will be described.

[0107] The components of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore will not be described again here.

[0108] Changing the notification mode according to the present embodiment includes changing the output mode of at least one of sound and vibration by the notification unit 17. In this case, the CPU 11, as the operation control unit 11C, performs control to change the output mode of at least one of sound and vibration by the notification unit 17 so that the degree of emphasis of the output mode of at least one of sound and vibration by the notification unit 17 increases according to the position of the slide mark 32 as the importance determined by the execution condition of a predetermined function becomes relatively higher.

[0109] The degree of emphasis of at least one of the output forms of sound and vibration by the alarm unit 17 is expressed as, for example, the degree of change in the output intensity, output pattern, or output time of at least one of the sound and vibration by the alarm unit 17. Note that the output intensity is a concept that includes magnitude.

[0110] Next, the relationship between the importance, the position of the slide mark 32, and the change in the output form will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

[0111] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the importance and the change in the output form according to the second embodiment. In the example of Fig. 11, the slide mark 32 is located at the start end.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 11 performs control to change the sound output from the alarm unit 17 to a louder sound (a sound with a higher output intensity) as the importance becomes relatively higher. For example, when the importance is "high", the sound output from the alarm unit 17 is changed to "beep!", when the importance is "medium", the sound output from the alarm unit 17 is changed to "beep!", and when the importance is "low", the sound output from the alarm unit 17 is changed to "beep!". Note that this is not limited to changing the output intensity, and the output pattern and output time of the sound output from the alarm unit 17 may be changed so that the degree of emphasis becomes greater as the importance becomes relatively higher. In the case of the output pattern, for example, a more complicated pattern may be used, and in the case of the output time, for example, a longer time may be used.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 11 controls the vibration output from the notification unit 17 to be changed to a larger vibration (vibration with a larger output intensity) as the importance becomes relatively higher. For example, when the importance is "high", the vibration output from the notification unit 17 is changed to "Rrrrr!", when the importance is "medium", the vibration output from the notification unit 17 is changed to "Rrr!", and when the importance is "low", the vibration output from the notification unit 17 is changed to "Rrr!". Note that, as in the case of the sound described above, it is not limited to changing the output intensity, and the output pattern and output time of the vibration output from the notification unit 17 may be changed so that the degree of emphasis becomes greater as the importance becomes relatively higher. In the case of the output pattern, for example, a more complicated pattern may be used, and in the case of the output time, for example, a longer time may be used. Note that both the sound and the vibration may be changed.

[0114] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the importance, the position of the slide mark 32, and the change in the output form according to the second embodiment.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 11 performs control to change the output form of the sound by the notification unit 17 so that the degree of change in the output intensity of the sound by the notification unit 17 increases according to the position of the slide mark 32, as shown in a graph 40, for example, as the importance level increases. Specifically, when the importance level is "high", the sound is changed significantly by only moving the slide mark 32 a little. For example, the sound is changed from "beep!" to "beep!". When the importance level is "medium", the sound output intensity is changed to a certain extent when the slide mark 32 is moved to the center, and the sound output intensity is further changed when the slide mark 32 is moved to the end. For example, the sound is changed in the order of "beep!", "beep, beep!", and "beep!". When the importance level is "low", the sound volume is hardly changed or is not changed at all even when the slide mark 32 is moved a lot.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the relationship between the importance, the position of the slide mark 32, and the change in the output form according to the second embodiment.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 11 performs control to change the output form of the vibration by the notification unit 17 so that the degree of change in the output intensity of the vibration by the notification unit 17 increases according to the position of the slide mark 32, as shown in a graph 41, for example, as the importance level is relatively high. Specifically, when the importance level is "high", the vibration is changed significantly by only moving the slide mark 32 a little. For example, it is changed from "Brrr!" to "Brrrrr!". When the importance level is "medium", the output intensity of the vibration is changed to a certain extent when the slide mark 32 is moved to the vicinity of the center, and the output intensity of the vibration is further changed when the slide mark 32 is moved to the vicinity of the end end. For example, it is changed in the order of "Pibble!", "Brrrrr!", and "Brrrrr!". When the importance level is "low", the vibration is hardly changed in magnitude or is not changed at all even if the slide mark 32 is moved a lot.

[0118] Here, the CPU 11 may perform control to change the output intensity of at least one of the sound and vibration by the notification unit 17 when the slide mark 32 moves into the execution area 36. In other words, when the output intensity of at least one of the sound and vibration by the notification unit 17 is changed, if the user completes the movement operation on the slide mark 32 (the user releases the finger), the corresponding function is executed. By changing the output intensity of at least one of the sound and vibration by the notification unit 17, the position where the movement operation on the slide mark 32 is completed (the finger is released) is grasped.

[0119] Furthermore, when the slide mark 32 is returned in the opposite direction from the direction from the start area 35 toward the execution area 36, ​​the CPU 11 may not control to change the output intensity of at least one of the sound and the vibration by the notification unit 17. This prevents the user from being confused by the change in the output intensity of at least one of the sound and the vibration.

[0120] In addition, the change in the display form of at least one of the slide mark 32 and the movable area 34 in the first embodiment described above may be combined with the change in the output form of at least one of the sound and vibration by the alarm unit 17 in the second embodiment.

[0121] In this manner, according to the present embodiment, when the user is performing a moving operation on the operation unit, the output form is changed so that the degree of emphasis of at least one of the sound and vibration output forms by the notification unit is increased according to the position of the operation unit, as the importance determined by the execution conditions of the function executed by the moving operation becomes relatively higher when the user is performing the moving operation. This allows the user to grasp that the function to be executed during the moving operation is important.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0123] In addition, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0124] The image forming apparatus has been described as an example of an information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The embodiment may be in the form of a program for causing a computer to execute the functions of each unit of the image forming apparatus. The embodiment may be in the form of a non-transitory storage medium that stores the program and is readable by a computer.

[0125] Furthermore, the configuration of the image forming apparatus described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and may be changed according to circumstances without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0126] Furthermore, the processing flow of the program described in the above embodiment is also one example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the processing according to the embodiment is realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, but the present invention is not limited to this. The embodiment may be realized by, for example, a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10 Image forming device 11 CPU 11A Display control unit 11B Tracking control section 11C Operation control section 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 I / O 15 Storage section 15A Information Processing Program 15B Importance Table 16 Display 17. Notification Department 18 Document reading section 19 Image forming section 20 Communications Department 30 screens 30A Selection button 31 Instruction section 32 Slide Mark 33 Display area 34 Movable area 35 Starting area 36 Execution Area

Claims

1. A processor is provided. The processor, When a user performs a moving operation on an operation unit displayed on a display unit, the operation unit is moved so as to follow the moving operation within a movable area which is an area in which the operation unit can be moved, the movable area including a start area which is an area in which a predetermined function is not executed and an execution area which is an area in which the predetermined function is executed; executes the predetermined function when the operation unit moves from the start area into the execution area by the movement operation and then the movement operation is completed; performing control to change a notification form related to the moving operation in accordance with a position of the operation unit such that, when the user is performing the moving operation on the operation unit, the degree of emphasis of the notification form related to the moving operation increases as the importance determined by the execution condition of the predetermined function becomes relatively higher according to a position of the operation unit; A moving distance of the moving operation when a notification form corresponding to a first importance level determined by the predetermined function is emphasized is shorter than a moving distance of the moving operation when a notification form corresponding to a second importance level lower than the first importance level is emphasized. Information processing device.

2. changing the notification form regarding the movement operation includes changing a display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area; The processor performs control to change the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area so that the degree of emphasis of the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area increases according to the position of the operation unit as the importance determined by the execution condition of the predetermined function becomes relatively higher. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The degree of emphasis of the display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area is expressed as the degree of change in color of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The processor performs control to change a display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area in accordance with the type of the predetermined function when the user touches the operation unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2.

5. The processor performs control to change a display form of at least one of the operation unit and the movable area when the operation unit is moved into the execution area. The information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the changing of the notification form regarding the moving operation includes changing an output form of at least one of a sound and a vibration by a notification unit; The processor performs control to change the output form of at least one of the sound and the vibration by the notification unit so that the degree of emphasis of the output form of at least one of the sound and the vibration by the notification unit increases according to the position of the operation unit as the importance determined by the execution condition of the predetermined function becomes relatively higher. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The degree of emphasis of at least one of the output forms of sound and vibration by the notification unit is expressed as a degree of change in output intensity, output pattern, or output time of at least one of the sound and vibration by the notification unit. The information processing device according to claim 6.

8. The processor performs control to change an output form of at least one of a sound and a vibration by the notification unit when the operation unit moves into the execution area.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The processor does not perform control to change the output form of at least one of the sound and the vibration by the notification unit when the operation unit is returned in a direction opposite to a direction from the start area toward the execution area. The information processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. When a user performs a moving operation on an operation unit displayed on a display unit, the operation unit is moved so as to follow the moving operation within a movable area which is an area in which the operation unit can be moved, the movable area including a start area which is an area in which a predetermined function is not executed and an execution area which is an area in which the predetermined function is executed; executes the predetermined function when the operation unit moves from the start area into the execution area by the movement operation and then the movement operation is completed; performing control to change a notification form related to the moving operation in accordance with a position of the operation unit such that, when the user is performing the moving operation on the operation unit, the degree of emphasis of the notification form related to the moving operation increases as the importance determined by the execution condition of the predetermined function becomes relatively higher according to a position of the operation unit; a moving distance of the moving operation when a notification form corresponding to a first importance level determined by the predetermined function is emphasized is shorter than a moving distance of the moving operation when a notification form corresponding to a second importance level lower than the first importance level is emphasized; An information processing program for execution by a computer.

Images