Image Processing Device

Abstract

To provide a user with a button to execute desired sensitivity.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus has a touch panel display that displays an execute button, which is a soft key, for executing a process using a function of the image processing apparatus, and detects a user operation on the execute button and adjustment means that can adjust a time from when the user's indicating part touches the execute button to when it is released by the user operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Some image processing devices equipped with a scanning function, a printing function, etc. are equipped with hard keys as an operation unit that accepts user operations. An execution button, which is an example of a hard key, is a key for executing a process using the functions of the image processing device. For example, when the execution button is selected after setting printing conditions on a setting screen, a printing process is executed according to the printing conditions.

[0003] On the other hand, there are image processing devices that eliminate hard keys and allow all input to be done on a touch panel, with the aim of reducing costs by downsizing the operation unit and improving design. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which all keys, including an execution button, are realized on a touch panel display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2016-226044 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By implementing the execute button as a soft key, it becomes possible to select the execute button with a relatively weaker pressure than when the execute button was a hard key. However, depending on the user's operation method, the execute button may be selected by mistake with the sleeve of the user's clothes, and unintended operations such as copying or faxing may be performed. This may result in waste of paper or information leakage due to erroneous fax transmission.

[0006] One possible solution would be to lower only the sensitivity of the execute button to a fixed level, but it is difficult to determine what level of sensitivity is convenient for users, or whether it is better not to lower the sensitivity. Note that the sensitivity here refers to the touch determination time it takes from touching a button to releasing it before the button's processing is executed, and in order to lower the sensitivity, the touch determination time must be lengthened. On the other hand, in order to increase the sensitivity of a button, the touch determination time must be shortened.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an execution button for the sensitivity desired by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An image processing apparatus having a touch panel display and capable of executing a plurality of functions including a first function using a copy function, a second function using a print function, and a third function using a scan function, the image processing apparatus comprising: a first software key for instructing execution of any one of the plurality of functions; a second software key for setting conditions on a setting screen for setting conditions for executing the plurality of functions; on the touch panel display; and an execution means for executing any one of the functions based on the touch of the first software key. and an adjustment means for adjusting the sensitivity of the first software key without adjusting the sensitivity of the second software key. 13. An image processing device comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an execution button for the sensitivity desired by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing device 101. [Diagram 2] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit 123. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image processing device 101. [Figure 4]11 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a touch determination time in the image processing device 101. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit 123. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a touch determination time in the image processing device 101. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit 123. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a touch determination time in the image processing device 101. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit 123. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing device 101 to which each embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In Fig. 1, a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an input unit I / F 114, a display unit I / F 115, an external memory I / F 120, a communication I / F controller 122, a printer I / F 124, and a scanner I / F 126 are connected to a system bus 110. Also connected are a touch panel 116, a display 119, and an external memory 121. The components connected to the system bus 110 are configured to be able to exchange data with each other via the system bus 110.

[0013] The ROM 113 is a non-volatile memory, and image data and other data, various programs for operating the CPU 111, and the like are stored in respective predetermined areas.

[0014] The RAM 112 is a volatile memory, and is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or a work area for the CPU 111. The RAM 112 is also used as a storage area for holding screen display information.

[0015] The HDD 117 is a readable / writable non-volatile storage device, and stores various data such as programs for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 100, various application programs, and setting information.

[0016] The CPU 111 controls each unit of the image processing device 101 according to a program stored in the ROM 113 or the external memory 121, using the RAM 112 as a work memory.

[0017] The operation unit 123 is an interface that allows a user to operate the image processing device 101 via the input unit I / F 114 and the display unit I / F 115. The operation unit 123 is also configured by combining a touch panel 116 and a display 119, and can take a variety of forms.

[0018] The input unit I / F 114 accepts a user operation, generates a control signal according to the operation, and supplies the control signal to the CPU 111. For example, the input unit I / F 114 has, as input devices for accepting a user operation, a device for inputting character information such as a keyboard (not shown) or an instruction for executing a process, and a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown) or a touch panel 116.

[0019] The touch panel 116 is an input device that outputs coordinate information according to a position touched on an input unit configured, for example, in a planar manner. The CPU 111 controls each unit of the image processing device 101 according to a program based on a control signal generated and supplied by the input unit I / F 114 in response to a user operation performed on the input device. This allows the image processing device 101 to perform an operation according to the user operation. This may be replaced by a mouse (not shown). The touch panel 116 may be a pressure-sensitive type that determines a user operation based on the pressure of the user's finger, or may be an electrostatic type that determines a user operation based on a current on the surface of the touch panel 116 that fluctuates with the touch operation.

[0020] The display unit I / F 115 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on the display 119. The CPU 111 supplies a display control signal generated according to a program to the display unit I / F 115. Based on the display control signal, the display unit I / F 115 causes the display 119 to display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0021] Touch panel 116 is configured integrally with display 119. Touch panel 116 is configured so that the light transmittance does not interfere with the display of display 119, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of display 119. CPU 111 then associates input coordinates on touch panel 116 with display coordinates on display 119. This makes it possible to configure a GUI that gives the user the illusion of being able to directly operate a screen displayed on display 119.

[0022] An external memory 121, such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD, a DVD, or a memory card, can be attached to the external memory I / F 120. Under the control of the CPU 111, data is read from the attached external memory 121 and data is written to the external memory 121.

[0023] A communication I / F controller 122 performs communication with various networks 102 such as a LAN, the Internet, wired networks, wireless networks, etc., based on the control of the CPU 111.

[0024] The printer I / F 124 is an interface for connecting the printer 125 to the system bus 110. Image data to be printed by the printer 125 is transferred from the system bus 110 via the printer I / F 124, and is printed on a recording medium (paper) by the printer 125.

[0025] The scanner I / F 126 is an interface for connecting the scanner 127 to the system bus 110. The scanner 127 reads an image on a document, generates image data, and inputs the image data to the system bus 110 via the scanner I / F 126.

[0026] 3 shows an example of the software configuration of the image processing device 101 of the present invention. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the communication between the illustrated software modules is carried out by a CPU 111 controlling a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an input unit I / F 114, a display unit I / F 115, a printer I / F 124, and a scanner I / F 126 via a system bus 110.

[0027] The image processing device 101 includes a screen display control unit 301 , a screen input control unit 302 , an authentication processing unit 303 , an application 304 , a time management unit 306 , a start key control unit 305 , and a job execution button control unit 307 .

[0028] A screen display control unit 301 mainly manages the screen of the entire application, transfers screen information to the display 119, and notifies the application of an event input from the touch panel 116.

[0029] The screen input control unit 302 converts an operation from the touch panel 116 into a signal by the input unit I / F 114, receives and analyzes the signal, and converts it into an event format that can be sent to an application. Then, the screen input control unit 302 instructs the screen display control unit 301 to notify the input signal.

[0030] The authentication processing unit 303 displays an authentication screen on the display 119 and performs user authentication using authentication information such as a user ID and password input by the user to the touch panel 116. If the user authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 303 performs login processing to log the user into the image processing device 101. When a logout instruction is given, the authentication processing unit 303 performs logout processing to log the logged-in user out of the image processing device.

[0031] The applications 304 are a group of applications that run on the image processing device 101, and the CPU 111 runs each application in response to a user operation via the screen input control unit 302. Representative applications of the image processing device 101 are as follows: A “copy” function in which an image on an original is read by a scanner 127 and the generated image data is printed by a printer 125. A "print" function that prints image data on the printer 125 based on a print job input from an external device such as a PC. A “scan and send” function that reads an image on a document using the scanner 127 and transmits the generated image data to an external device via the communication I / F controller 122. A “scan and save” function for reading an image on a document using the scanner 127 and saving the generated image data in the external memory 121. A function of "using saved files" for printing image data saved in the external memory 121 using the printer 125 or transmitting the image data to the outside via the communication I / F controller 122 - "Browser" function to view, print, and save data on a web server via a web browser.

[0032] The applications that the image processing device 101 has are not limited to those mentioned above, and applications can be added later at the user's instruction.

[0033] A start key control unit 305 detects that a start key, which will be described later, has been pressed by the screen input control unit 302, and sends a start key execution notification to the application 304. The application 304 that has received the start key execution notification executes the corresponding function.

[0034] A time management unit 306 manages the current time since the image processing apparatus 101 was started, and notifies the current time in response to an instruction from the start key control unit 305 or the job execution button control unit 307 .

[0035] The job execution button control unit 307 is a function that controls the job execution button. The job execution button is a button customized by the user that exists other than the application buttons (e.g., print button, scan button, etc.) prepared in advance in the image processing apparatus 101. For example, if a job execution button that executes copying under the conditions of double-sided printing and 2-in-1 layout is created by a user operation, the corresponding conditions are stored in the HDD 117 by the job execution button control unit 307. In addition, the job execution button control unit 307 detects that a registered job execution button has been pressed, calls the corresponding application 304, and executes the application 304 under the conditions that have been registered in advance and stored in the HDD 117.

[0036] The screens displayed on the display 119 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of a home screen for selecting an application 304 of the image processing device 101. A copy button 201 is a button for calling up a copy application, and when a screen input control unit 302 detects a user operation, a screen display control unit 301 transitions the screen to Fig. 2(b).

[0037] The login button 202 is a button for performing user authentication, and when the screen input control unit 302 detects a user operation, the screen display control unit 301 transitions the screen to that shown in FIG. 2(c).

[0038] The setting registration button 203 is a button for making various settings of the image processing device 101, and when the screen input control unit 302 detects a user operation, the screen display control unit 301 transitions the screen to that shown in FIG. 2(d).

[0039] Fig. 2(b) is an example of a setting screen of a copy application. Start key 204 is a button for executing processing according to the contents of the setting screen. In the example of Fig. 2(b), since the copy setting screen is displayed, pressing start key 204 executes copy processing. The conditions for execution are as shown in Fig. 2(b).

[0040] 2(c) is an example of the authentication screen. When authentication information is entered in user name 205 and password 206 and login button 207 is pressed, authentication processing unit 303 performs user authentication using the entered authentication information.

[0041] Fig. 2(d) is a diagram showing an example of a setting registration screen for a user with administrator authority. When a user with administrator authority logs in in Fig. 2(c) and presses setting registration button 203, the setting registration screen is displayed with item 208 added. In other words, the items displayed on the setting registration screen, including item 208, change depending on the login status. In this embodiment, it is assumed that item 208 is not displayed unless the administrator is logged in. If the currently logged-in user is not an administrator, item 208 may be hidden or grayed out so that it cannot be selected.

[0042] Item 208 is an item for adjusting the touch determination time of start key 204, and when pressed, screen display control section 301 transitions the screen to FIG. 2(e).

[0043] 2(e) is a diagram showing an example of a screen for adjusting the touch judgment time of the start key 204. The touch judgment time here refers to the time from when the start key is touched by the user's instruction part until it is released. In other words, the start key will not be executed unless the start key is pressed for the same time as the touch judgment time or longer.

[0044] Buttons 209 and 210 are buttons for adjusting the touch judgment time of start key 204; pressing button 209 moves knob 211 to the left, and pressing button 210 moves knob 211 to the right. Knob 211 indicates the current setting value of the touch judgment time of start key 204, and the setting value can be changed in nine steps. When knob 211 is to the left, the touch judgment time of start key 204 becomes shorter, and when it is to the right, it becomes longer. When knob 211 is at the left end, it indicates the shortest state of the touch judgment time of start key 204, and when knob 211 is at the right end, it indicates the longest state.

[0045] The state in which the touch determination time of the start key 204 is shortest is a state in which the start key 204 is executed when the time from when the start key 204 is pressed to when the finger is released is 0 msec or more. In this case, a predetermined process will be executed even if the user just speaks immediately after touching the start key 204. On the other hand, the state in which the touch determination time of the start key 204 is longest is a state in which the start key 204 is executed when the time from when the start key 204 is pressed to when the finger is released is 200 msec or more, and the start key 204 will not be executed unless the pressed state is maintained for a certain period of time.

[0046] The knob 211 can adjust the touch determination time of the start key 204 in 25 msec intervals, and each time the knob 211 moves one step from the left end to the right end, the touch determination time increases by 25 msec.

[0047] The initial value of the touch determination time of the start key 204 is 25 msec, which indicates a state in which the knob 211 is in the position shown in FIG. 2(e).

[0048] The button 212 is a button for confirming the touch determination time of the start key 204 adjusted by the buttons 209 and 210 .

[0049] Although the knob 211 is moved by the buttons 209 and 210, it may be possible to adjust the knob 211 directly or by directly inputting a set value. The touch determination time of the start key 204 can be adjusted in nine steps, but it may be made stepless. Furthermore, the touch determination time can be adjusted from 0 msec to 200 msec, but the adjustable range may be expanded further.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining a series of processes for executing the start key 204 only when a certain time has elapsed since the start key 204 was pressed and then the finger is released in an embodiment of the present invention. Each operation shown in the flow diagram of Fig. 4 is realized by the CPU 111 of the image processing device 101 reading a control program stored in the ROM 113 or the external memory 121 into the RAM 112 and executing it. This flow is started when the CPU 111 detects the start-up of the image processing device 101.

[0051] In S401, the screen input control unit 302 judges whether or not the start key 204 has been pressed. If the screen input control unit 302 judges that the start key 204 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S402. On the other hand, if the screen input control unit 302 judges that the start key 204 has not been pressed, the process returns to S401.

[0052] In S402, the start key control unit 305 acquires the time when the start key 204 is pressed from the time management unit 306, and stores the time in the RAM 112. It is assumed that the touched time this time is "2019 / 01 / 01 09:32:11:022".

[0053] In S403, the screen input control unit 302 judges whether or not the finger has been released from the start key 204. If the screen input control unit 302 judges that the finger has been released from the start key 204, the process proceeds to S404. On the other hand, if the screen input control unit 302 judges that the finger has not been released from the start key 204, the process returns to S403.

[0054] In S404, the start key control unit 305 obtains the time when the finger is released from the start key 204 from the time management unit 306, and stores the time in the RAM 112. It is assumed that the release time this time is "2019 / 01 / 01 09:32:11:052".

[0055] Then, in S405, the start key control unit 305 obtains the difference between the time stored in S404 and the time stored in S402, and calculates the time from when the start key 204 is pressed to when the finger is released. Then, the start key control unit 305 obtains the touch determination time set in Fig. 2(e) from the RAM 112, and judges whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than the set touch determination time. For example, when the initial value is set as in Fig. 2(e), it judges whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than 25 msec.

[0056] If the start key control unit 305 determines that the calculated time is equal to or longer than the set touch determination time, the process proceeds to S406. On the other hand, if the start key control unit 305 determines that the calculated time is not equal to or longer than the set touch determination time, the process ends without doing anything.

[0057] In S406, the start key control unit 305 sends a notification of start key execution to the currently displayed application 304, and the corresponding application 304 executes the process. Specifically, the touch time is "2019 / 01 / 01 09:32:11:022" and the release time is "2019 / 01 / 01 09:32:11:052", so the difference is "30" ms. Since this exceeds the touch determination time of "25" ms, the process proceeds to S406 and the start key process is executed.

[0058] When the start key 204 is touched by a user, its appearance (color, shape, size, etc.) is changed to let the user know that it is being touched. The appearance of the start key 204 is changed in response to the detection of a touch operation, and regardless of the result of the touch judgment time, if a release from the start key 204 is detected, it is returned to the state before the touch operation was detected.

[0059] As described above, the touch judgment time can be adjusted by the user, and the start key 204 can be executed only when the time from when the start key 204 is pressed to when the finger is released is equal to or longer than the touch judgment time. This allows the user to achieve the operation feeling that he or she desires.

[0060] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, a form in which the touch judgment time of the start key 204 is adjusted by logging in with administrator authority has been shown. The setting result of the touch judgment time in FIG. 2(d) is applied regardless of the logged-in user. In this embodiment, a form in which the touch judgment time of the start key 204 can be set for each logged-in user will be described. In other words, the touch judgment time set in a state in which the administrator is logged in is applied only when the administrator is logged in, and the touch judgment time set in a state in which user A is logged in is applied only when user A is logged in. Note that the description of the parts that have already been described in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen for adjusting the touch judgment time of the start key 204 when logged in as user A in FIG. 2(d), in which the touch judgment time of the start key 204 is set to the longest setting.

[0062] 5 shows a screen that is displayed when user A, who is logged in, selects the setting registration button 203 and item 208 is displayed. Item 208 is an item that is displayed when an administrator is logged in, as in the first embodiment, or when a general user such as user A is logged in.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a flow diagram explaining a series of processes for executing the start key 204 according to the touch determination time of the start key 204 set by the logged-in user in this embodiment. Each operation shown in the flow diagram of Fig. 6 is realized by the CPU 111 of the image processing device 101 reading out a control program stored in the ROM 113 or the external memory 121 into the RAM 112 and executing it. This flow is started when the CPU 111 detects the start-up of the image processing device 101.

[0064] S601 to S604 and S606 are the same as S401 to S404 and S406 in FIG. 4, and therefore will not be described.

[0065] In S605, the start key control unit 305 obtains the difference between the time stored in S604 and the time stored in S602, and calculates the time from when the start key 204 is pressed to when the finger is released. The authentication processing unit 303 acquires the authentication information of the currently logged-in user (user A in this case), and the start key control unit 305 acquires the touch judgment time stored in association with the authentication information from the RAM 112, and judges whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than the set touch judgment time. For example, when user A is logged in as shown in FIG. 5, it judges whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than 200 msec. On the other hand, when the administrator is logged in, it judges whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than 25 msec based on the touch judgment time set in FIG. 2(d).

[0066] Table 1 shows an example of information managed in the RAM 112. The user ID included in the user authentication information and the touch determination time set by the user are associated and managed.

[0067] [Table 1]

[0068] If the start key control unit 305 determines that the calculated time is equal to or longer than the set touch determination time, the process proceeds to S606. On the other hand, if the start key control unit 305 determines that the calculated time is not equal to or longer than the set touch determination time, the process ends without doing anything.

[0069] As described above, by making a judgment based on the touch determination time of the start key 204 set by the logged-in user, it is possible to realize the sensitivity of the start key desired by each user.

[0070] Note that, in a state before login (for example, FIG. 2(a)), the touch decision time applied may be a default touch decision time, or a touch decision time set by an administrator user may be applied.

[0071] (Third embodiment) In the first embodiment, the determination is made as to whether execution is possible with the start key 204. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a process is performed to determine whether execution is possible with a button that performs a process on the image processing apparatus 101 other than the start key 204.

[0072] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen for selecting an application 304 of the image processing device 101. The job execution button 701 is a button for executing a preset copy application, and when the screen input control unit 302 detects the user's press, copy processing is executed with default settings without displaying a setting screen (e.g., FIG. 2(b)). For example, the job execution button 702 is a button for executing a preset "scan and save" application, and when the screen input control unit 302 detects the user's press, processing is executed to scan an image and save the scan data. The job execution buttons 701 and 702 are registered by setting execution conditions of the corresponding application in advance, and the moment they are pressed, processing is executed according to the execution conditions.

[0073] It is assumed that the touch determination times of these job execution buttons 701, 702 can also be adjusted. An example of the screen used for adjustment is as shown in FIG. 9. The specific adjustment method has already been explained in FIGS. 2(d) and (e), so an explanation will be omitted. Note that in FIG. 9, the touch determination times of both the start key and the job execution button can be adjusted on one adjustment screen. However, it is also possible to make it possible to change the touch determination times of the start key and the job execution button on separate screens or separate items. The "execution button" in FIG. 9 is a general term for buttons such as the start key and the job execution button, and refers to a button that executes a process when the corresponding button is selected without displaying a setting screen.

[0074] Fig. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a series of processes for determining whether execution is possible using a job execution button in an embodiment of the present invention. Each operation shown in the flow diagram of Fig. 8 is realized by the CPU 111 of the image processing device 101 reading a control program stored in the ROM 113 or the external memory 121 into the RAM 112 and executing it. This flow starts when the CPU 111 detects the start-up of the image processing device 101.

[0075] In S801, the screen input control unit 302 determines whether or not the job execution button 701, 702 has been pressed. If the screen input control unit 302 determines that the job execution button 701, 702 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S802. On the other hand, if the screen input control unit 302 determines that the job execution button 701, 702 has not been pressed, the process returns to S801.

[0076] In step S802 , the job execution button control unit 307 acquires the time when the job execution buttons 701 and 702 are pressed from the time management unit 306 , and stores the time in the RAM 112 .

[0077] Thereafter, in S803, the screen input control unit 302 determines whether or not the fingers have been released from the job execution buttons 701 and 702. If the screen input control unit 302 determines that the fingers have been released from the job execution buttons 701 and 702, the process proceeds to S804. On the other hand, if the screen input control unit 302 determines that the fingers have not been released from the job execution buttons 701 and 702, the process returns to S803.

[0078] In step S804 , the job execution button control unit 307 acquires the time when the finger was released from the job execution buttons 701 and 702 from the time management unit 306 , and stores the time in the RAM 112 .

[0079] Thereafter, in S805, the job execution button control unit 307 obtains the difference between the time stored in S804 and the time stored in S802, and calculates the time from when the job execution buttons 701, 702 are pressed to when the finger is released. Then, the job execution button control unit 307 obtains from the RAM 112 the touch determination time set in Fig. 2(e) and determines whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than the set touch determination time.

[0080] If the job execution button control unit 307 determines that the calculated time is equal to or greater than the set touch determination time, the process proceeds to S806. On the other hand, if the job execution button control unit 307 determines that the calculated time is not equal to or greater than the set touch determination time, the process ends without doing anything.

[0081] In step S806 , the job execution button control unit 307 calls the corresponding application 304 , and executes the application 304 with the settings that have been registered in advance and stored in the HDD 117 .

[0082] As described above, the touch determination time can be adjusted not only for the start key 204, but also for buttons that execute processes without going through a setting screen when pressed, such as the job execution buttons 701 and 702. This allows the sensitivity of the job execution button to be adjusted as desired by the user.

[0083] (Other embodiments) In the first to third embodiments, the touch determination time of a specific button (execution button) is adjusted. However, the target for which the touch determination time can be adjusted is not limited to a button, and may be a specific area. For example, there is a "timeline" area below the setting registration button 203 in FIG. 2(a), in which two history buttons, "copy" and "scan and send", are arranged. These buttons display the setting contents of the processing executed in the image processing device 101 as a history, and when a history button is selected, a setting screen (FIG. 2(b)) reflecting the corresponding setting contents is displayed. After checking the setting contents on the setting screen, if the start key 204 is pressed, the processing will be executed according to the setting contents of the history button. If it is possible to set "immediate execution" to execute processing according to the setting contents without going through the setting screen when these history buttons are pressed, the touch determination time of the timeline area itself may be changed in order to prevent the history button from being selected by mistake and an unintended processing from being executed. Of course, the touch determination time of the history button may be changed.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the image processing device 101 having multiple functions such as a copy function and a scanner function has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an image processing device having only some of these functions. The present invention may also be applied to other information processing devices such as personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, FAX machines, cameras, video cameras, and other image viewers.

[0085] The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium on which the computer program is stored constitute the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 101 Image processing device 111 CPU 112 RAM 116 Touch Panel 117 HDD 119 Display

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus having a touch panel display and capable of executing a plurality of functions including a first function using a copy function, a second function using a print function, and a third function using a scan function, a display control means for displaying, on the touch panel display, a first software key for instructing execution of any one of the plurality of functions and a second software key for setting conditions on a setting screen for setting conditions for executing the plurality of functions; an execution means for executing any one of the functions based on the touch of the first software key; and an adjustment unit for adjusting the sensitivity of the first software key without adjusting the sensitivity of the second software key.

2. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first software key is a software key displayed on a menu screen and is a software key for performing any one of the functions without going through the setting screen.

3. 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity of the first and second software keys is based on a touch determination time from when it is detected that the software key is touched to when it is detected that the software key is released.

4. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first software key is a start key, and the second software key is a numeric key.

5. The image processing device can be used by a plurality of users, 5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity of the first software key is adjustable for each user.

6. An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensitivity of the first software key is adjustable by an administrator of the image processing device.

7. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third function is a scan and send function or a scan and save function.

Images