Image processing device, control method for image processing device, and program

Abstract

To suppress deterioration of user operability while suppressing malfunctions due to erroneous selection.SOLUTION: A communication device for transmitting image data to a destination selected with a touch panel includes the touch panel and detection means for detecting a touch on the touch panel. When a touch is detected again within a predetermined time after the detection of the touch by the detection means, if an object displayed at a position where the touch is detected within the predetermined time is an object for selecting the destination, the destination is not selected by the touch of the object. When a touch is detected again within the predetermined time after the detection of the touch by the detection means, if the object displayed at the position where the touch is detected within the predetermined time is not the object for selecting the destination, processing by the touch of the object is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides Image Processing Device , control method and program for image processing device - Patents.com It is related to. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a communication device that includes a touch panel and accepts settings such as the destination of an image of a document, the reading resolution of the document, and the reading size of the document via the touch panel.

[0003] When sending an email or a fax, the user can operate the touch panel to set the destination to which the image data is to be sent, the reading resolution of the document, the reading size of the document, etc. The image forming device then reads the document in accordance with these settings and sends the generated image data to the specified destination.

[0004] Conventionally, a user can register destinations in an address book in advance and select a desired destination from the address book by touching a touch panel. When operating an object to display destinations registered in the address book, the user may accidentally touch the touch panel twice. If a destination is displayed in the touched area, the second touch will select the destination. If the user then selects the destination they originally wanted and issues a send instruction without realizing that the destination has been selected by the second touch, the image data will be sent to an unintended destination.

[0005] Conventionally, the following techniques have been known as techniques for preventing a user from repeatedly inputting keys.

[0006] There is known a technique for invalidating a second key input when two key inputs are made within a short period of time (300 ms) (see Patent Document 1).

[0007] To improve operability in key input, the key input interval from key press to key release, that is, the chattering interval, is adjusted according to the level of skill of the user who is the operator (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 06-101266 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-281511 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, conventional technology disables repeated input within a short period of time for all inputs, not just for items such as destinations that could lead to erroneous transmission, which reduces operability when a user who is accustomed to the operation wants to operate by repeatedly touching the screen within a short period of time.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a decrease in user operability while suppressing malfunctions due to erroneous selections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is an image processing device that transmits image data to a destination selected on a touch panel, a storage means for storing an address book; the touch panel; a detection means for detecting a touch on the touch panel; When a first touch is detected by the detection means on a first screen, the first screen is changed to a second screen, and a second touch is detected by the detection means on the second screen within a predetermined time, if an object displayed at a position where the second touch is detected is an object for selecting a destination of the image data, the destination is not selected by the second touch of the object, and when the first touch is detected by the detection means on the first screen, the first screen is changed to the second screen, and a third touch is detected by the detection means on the second screen within the predetermined time, 3 If the object displayed at the position where the touch is detected is an object for registering a new destination in the address book, a third screen for registering the new destination in the address book is displayed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user operability while suppressing malfunctions due to erroneous selections. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an operation unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 shows screen transitions when selecting a destination in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows screen transitions when selecting a destination in this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing screen transitions when selecting a document in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a warning screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a user mode screen transition in this embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing a destination selection process according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing a destination selection process according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing a destination selection process according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing a destination selection process according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus, which is an example of a communication apparatus according to the present invention.

[0016] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001 controls the image forming apparatus in an integrated manner.

[0017] A ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002 is a memory that stores programs read by the CPU 1001 .

[0018] A RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 is a readable and writable memory that functions as a work memory for the CPU 1001 .

[0019] The HDD (hard disk) 1004 is a storage device with a large storage area. The HDD 1004 stores a boot program, various application programs, font data, a program for displaying screens, image data, files for managing user information for each user, and the like. Note that an SD card, flash memory, or the like may be used instead of the HDD 1004.

[0020] The scanner unit 1005 reads an original document and generates image data representing an image of the original document. The scanner unit 1005 reads the original document based on reading settings (e.g., original document size, magnification ratio, reading resolution, density, etc.) set by the user. The scanner unit 1005 may also be equipped with an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) (not shown), and may be configured to transport multiple original documents one by one and read the transported documents.

[0021] The printer unit 1006 prints an image on a sheet based on image data. The printer unit 1006 includes a finisher, and performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image has been printed.

[0022] The operation unit 1007 has hard keys and a touch panel. The touch panel has a display (display unit) and a touch panel sheet that accepts touch operations. The touch panel sheet is attached on top of the display.

[0023] The encoding / decoding unit 1008 encodes image data to be transmitted to an external device to generate compressed data, and also decodes compressed data received from an external device to restore the image data.

[0024] A network IF (interface) unit 1009 controls data exchange between the image forming apparatus and a network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0025] A modem unit 1010 controls data exchange between the image forming apparatus and a PSTN line, which is a telephone line.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation unit 1007 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0027] 2 includes a touch panel 2001 and hard keys 2008 to 2010. The touch panel 2001 is configured by integrally combining a display and a touch panel sheet (touch detection section).

[0028] Displayed on the touch panel 2001 are application selection buttons: a copy button 2002, a scan button 2003, a send button 2004, and a box button 2005. Also displayed on the touch panel 2001 are a setting / registration button 2006 for calling up various setting screens, and a history / status button 2007 for calling up a job history or job operation status screen.

[0029] The operation unit 1007 also has, as hard keys, a numeric keypad 2008 for inputting numerical values, a start key 2009 for starting various jobs such as a copy job or fax transmission, and a stop key 2010 for canceling various jobs.

[0030] The operation unit 1007 receives instructions from the user through operation of the touch panel and various hard keys, and transmits the received instructions to the CPU 1001. The CPU 1001 also controls the operation unit and can display various things such as characters, symbols, and images on the display of the touch panel 2001.

[0031] The touch panel 2001 executes processing in response to detecting a touch operation. More specifically, when the user touches the touch panel 2001, a tap-in event occurs. The CPU 1001 detects the position where the user's tap-in event occurred. Then, when the user releases the touch panel 2001, it determines that a tap-out event has occurred. When the user taps in and taps out, the CPU 1001 determines that a click event has occurred, that is, that a touch has been detected.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission screen displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3(a) shows a send screen that is displayed when the send button 2004 in FIG. 2 is touched.

[0034] The send screen displays an address book button 3001 for selecting a destination, a one-touch button 3002, and a new input button 3003 for inputting a destination. The send screen also displays a resolution button 3004 for setting the reading resolution when reading a document to be sent, a paper size button 3005 for setting the size of the document, and a density button 3006.

[0035] FIG. 3B shows a destination selection screen that is displayed on the operation unit 1007 in response to touching the address book button 3001 on the send screen of FIG. 3A.

[0036] The destination display area 3011 is an area that displays a list of pre-registered address books. Immediately after transitioning from the screen of FIG. 3(a), no destinations are displayed in the destination display area 3011.

[0037] On the other hand, buttons other than the destination display area 3011, such as a New Destination button 3012, a Details / Edit button 3013, a Delete button 3014, a Back button 3015, and an OK button 3016, are displayed. The New Destination button 3012 is a button that is pressed to register a destination. When the New Destination button 3012 is pressed, an edit screen for entering a destination and a destination name to be registered in the address book is displayed. A software keyboard is displayed on the edit screen, and when the OK key is pressed with the destination and destination name entered via the software keyboard, the destination name and the destination are registered as a set in the address book. The Details / Edit button 3013 is a button that is pressed to edit a destination or destination name that is already registered in the address book. The Delete button is a button that is pressed to delete a destination or destination name that is already registered in the address book.

[0038] The screen in Fig. 3(c) is a destination selection screen that is displayed a predetermined time after the screen in Fig. 3(b) is displayed. A destination list is displayed in a destination display area 3021 of the screen in Fig. 3(c).

[0039] The screen in FIG. 3(d) is the screen that appears when the user selects a destination in FIG. 3(c).

[0040] On the screen in FIG. 3(d), a check mark indicates that one of the destinations, "Company A 0441112222," has been selected. When the OK key in FIG. 3(d) is pressed with the destination selected as in FIG. 3(d), the selected destination is confirmed. When the user then presses the start key on the operation unit 1007, the image forming apparatus generates image data of the document by scanning the document with the scanner 1005, and transmits the generated image data to the confirmed destination. If the destination is an email address or a folder path, the image data is transmitted via the network IF unit 1009. If the destination is a fax number, the image data is transmitted via the modem unit 1010.

[0041] In this way, when the user selects a destination, the user can select the destination by touching the address book button 3001 on the send screen in the touch panel 2001 and then touching the destination displayed in the list on the destination selection screen.

[0042] Although not shown, the user can also select and input a destination by touching a one-touch button 3002 or a new input button 3003 on the send screen within the touch panel 2001 .

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a box screen displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0044] The screen in FIG. 5(a) is a box screen that is displayed on the operation unit 1007 when the user touches a box button 2005 on the touch panel 2001 of the operation unit.

[0045] The box screen displays a local box 5001 for accessing documents stored in the image forming apparatus, and a remote box 5002 for accessing documents stored in a personal computer outside the image forming apparatus via a network.

[0046] The screen in FIG. 5(b) is a document selection screen that is displayed when the user touches the local box 5001 on the screen in FIG. 5(a).

[0047] The document display area 5011 displays a list of documents stored in the device. From the left, the document display area 5011 displays the document name, the document's original size, the number of pages, and the date and time the document was stored in the box. In the example of FIG. 5(b), five documents, Document A through Document E, are stored. Each document was received over the network from an external PC along with a box storage instruction. When six or more documents are stored, a scrolling function can be used to display documents that are not displayed at once. Displayed in the area outside the document display area 5011 are a Select All button 5012 for selecting all documents, a Details / Edit button 5013 for deleting pages of stored documents or renaming them, and a Delete button 5014 for deleting documents. Also displayed in the area outside the document display area 5011 are a Back button 5015 for returning to the previous screen shown in FIG. 4(a), a Send button 5016 for sending the selected document, and a Print button 5017 for printing the selected document.

[0048] The screen in Figure 5(c) is what appears when the user selects one of the documents on the screen in Figure 5(b). In this screen, the mark "Check" indicates that one of the documents, Document A, has been selected.

[0049] In this way, when the user selects a document to be sent, the user can select the document by touching the local box 5001 on the box screen in the touch panel 2001 and then touching the document displayed in the list on the document selection screen.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a user mode screen displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0051] By setting and registering on the user mode screen, various settings can be made in advance in the image forming apparatus.

[0052] FIG. 7A shows a screen to which the user transitions when the setting / registration button is touched on the touch panel 2001 of the operation unit 1007. FIG.

[0053] The user mode screen displays an environment setting button 7001 for changing the date and time, language, etc., an adjustment / maintenance button 7002 for adjusting image quality, cleaning, etc., and a function setting button 7003 for setting various settings such as copying and sending. The user mode screen also displays a destination setting button 7004 for registering destinations in the address book or with one touch, etc., and a back button 7005.

[0054] The screen in FIG. 7(b) is a function setting screen that is displayed in response to selecting function setting 7003 on the screen in FIG. 7(a).

[0055] The function setting screen displays a common button 7011 for setting common functions, a copy button 7012 for transitioning to a screen for setting the copy function, and a send button 7013 for transitioning to a screen for setting transmission. The function setting screen also displays a receive button 7014 for transitioning to a screen for setting reception, and a back button 7015.

[0056] 8 is a first flowchart showing a destination selection process that enables selection of a transmission destination while preventing erroneous destination selection on the destination selection screen. The process shown in the first flowchart is realized by CPU 1001 reading a program stored in ROM 1002 into RAM 1003 and executing it.

[0057] When a user performs a touch operation on the touch panel 2001, the CPU 1001 detects the touch and acquires position information indicating the touched position from the operation unit 1007 (S8001).

[0058] Having acquired the position information, the CPU 1001 identifies the button that matches the position information displayed on the touch panel 2001, and checks whether or not to transition to a destination selection screen (S8002).

[0059] If the screen transitions to the destination selection screen, that is, if the address book 3001 is touched in FIG. 3A, the CPU 3001 proceeds to step S8003, and if the screen transitions not to the destination selection screen, the CPU 3001 proceeds to step S8011.

[0060] Next, the CPU 1001 displays the destination selection screen shown in Fig. 3B on the touch panel 2001, with the destinations hidden (S8003). In this state, the destination display area 3011 is hidden, and while it is hidden, the destinations cannot be detected.

[0061] Next, after displaying the destination selection screen of FIG. 3B, the CPU 1001 refers to a timer (not shown) and checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S8004).

[0062] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (is not within the predetermined time), the process proceeds to S8005, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S8009.

[0063] Then, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel, and if a touch is detected, the CPU 1001 proceeds to step S8010, and if no touch is detected, the CPU 1001 returns to step S8004 and checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S8009).

[0064] Next, if a touch is detected in S8009, the CPU 1001 identifies the button that matches the position information and performs a screen transition (S8010).

[0065] Next, if a predetermined time has elapsed in step S8004, the CPU 1001 displays a destination selection screen (the screen in FIG. 3C) showing destinations (S8005).

[0066] On the destination selection screen (the screen in FIG. 3(c)), destinations are displayed in a destination display area 3011, and the displayed destinations can be detected.

[0067] That is, when the destination selection screen (the screen in FIG. 3(b)) is displayed, the destination display area 3011 is not displayed, and it is not possible to select a destination. However, buttons other than destinations, such as the new destination button 3012, the back button 3015, and the OK button 3016, can be selected, and when these are selected, a screen transition can be made according to the selected button. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the destination selection screen (the screen in FIG. 3(c)) is displayed. In this state, destinations are displayed in the destination display area 3011, and it is also possible to select a destination.

[0068] Next, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel (S8006).

[0069] If a destination is selected by touch detection, the process proceeds to S8008, and if something other than a destination is selected, the process proceeds to S8010 (S8007).

[0070] Then, if a destination is selected in S8007, the CPU 1001 performs a destination selection process (S8008).

[0071] That is, when destination A is selected in destination display area 3021 on the destination selection screen (screen in FIG. 3(c)), a destination selection screen (screen in FIG. 3(d)) is displayed with a check mark displayed on the selected destination as destination selection processing. Also, although detailed explanations are not provided in this embodiment, when a button other than a destination, such as new destination button 3012, details / edit button 3013, delete button 3014, back button 3015, or OK button 3016, is selected, screen transitions and processing corresponding to each button are performed.

[0072] Next, prevention of erroneous document selection will be explained using the flowchart below.

[0073] If it is determined in step S8002 that the transition is not to the destination selection screen, the CPU 1001 checks whether the transition is to the document selection screen (S8011).

[0074] If the screen transitions to the document selection screen, the process proceeds to S8012, and if the screen does not transition to the document selection screen, the process proceeds to S8020.

[0075] Next, the CPU 1001 displays a document selection screen other than the document on the touch panel 2001 (S8012). In this state, the document display area is not displayed, and while it is not displayed, it is not possible to detect a document.

[0076] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the document selection screen other than the document was displayed (S8013).

[0077] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S8014, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S8018.

[0078] Then, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel, and if a touch is detected, the process proceeds to S8019, and if a touch is not detected, the process returns to S8013 and checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S8018).

[0079] Next, if a touch is detected in step S8018, the CPU 1001 identifies the button that matches the position information and performs a screen transition (step S8019).

[0080] If no touch is detected, the process returns to S8013 to check whether a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0081] Next, if a predetermined time has elapsed in step S8013, the CPU 1001 displays a document list on the document selection screen (step S8014).

[0082] On the document selection screen, documents are displayed in the document display area, and the displayed documents can be searched.

[0083] In other words, when a document selection screen other than documents is displayed, the document display area is not displayed and documents cannot be selected, but buttons other than documents can be selected, and when these are selected, a screen transition corresponding to the selected button can be performed. Furthermore, after a predetermined time has passed, a document selection screen displaying a list of documents is displayed, and documents can also be selected.

[0084] Next, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel (S8015).

[0085] If a document is selected by touch detection, the process proceeds to S8017, and if something other than a document is selected, the process proceeds to S8019 (S8016).

[0086] When a document is selected, the CPU 1001 controls the touch panel 2001 to display a check mark next to the selected document as a document selection process (S8017).

[0087] If something other than a document is selected, the CPU 1001 performs a screen transition according to the selected button, similar to step S8010 (step S8019).

[0088] Furthermore, if the touch detection in step S8001 does not indicate a screen transition to a destination selection screen or a document selection screen, the CPU 1001 performs a screen transition according to the selected button (step S8020).

[0089] For example, if function setting 7003 is selected on the user mode screen (screen in FIG. 7(a)), which is a screen different from the destination selection screen or document selection screen, the screen immediately transitions to the next screen, the function setting screen (screen in FIG. 7(b)).

[0090] As described above, the list of destinations and documents is hidden for a predetermined time on the destination selection screen and document selection screen, and detection of destinations and documents is prohibited during the hidden period.

[0091] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent malfunctions due to erroneous selections while suppressing degradation of user operability. In particular, by prohibiting detection of destinations and documents, it is possible to prevent erroneous selection of destinations and documents due to repeated taps on the touch panel, which is an erroneous operation of the touch panel by the user.

[0092] Although the above embodiment does not specify a predetermined time, it is sufficient to set a time of about 400 ms in order to prevent erroneous operation due to repeated taps on the touch panel without impairing user operability. Although not shown in the present embodiment, the predetermined time may be set and changed by the user.

[0093] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, after the destination selection screen is displayed, the destination is not displayed until a predetermined time has elapsed, and the destination is displayed only after the predetermined time has elapsed, thereby preventing erroneous selection of the destination.

[0094] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which control is changed depending on whether the position touched to display the destination selection screen and the position touched after the destination selection screen is displayed are the same as or close to each other.

[0095] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a transmission screen displayed on the touch panel of the image processing device of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows an example of a screen displayed in a destination selection process when transitioning between screens according to the flowcharts of Figs. 9 to 11, which will be described later.

[0096] FIG. 4(a) shows a transmission screen to which the screen transitions when a transmission button 2004 is touched on a touch panel 2001 of the operation unit.

[0097] The send screen of Fig. 4(a) displays an address book button 4001 for selecting a destination, a one-touch button 4002, and a new input button 4003 for inputting a destination. The send screen of Fig. 4(a) also displays a resolution button 4004, a paper size button 4005, and a density button 4006, which are read settings when reading a document to be sent.

[0098] FIG. 4(b) shows a destination selection screen that is displayed when the address book button 4001 is selected on the screen of FIG. 4(a).

[0099] The destination display area 4011 displays a list of address books that are pre-stored in the HDD 1004. In addition, in the area other than the destination display area 4011, a new destination button 4012, a details / edit button 4013, a delete button 4014, a back button 4015, and an OK button 4016 are displayed.

[0100] The screen in Figure 4(c) is what appears when the user selects one of the destinations on the screen in Figure 4(b). In this screen, the selection of one of the destinations, "Company A 0441112222," is indicated by the display of a check mark.

[0101] When the user selects a transmission destination in this way, the user can select the destination by touching the address book button 4001 on the transmission screen in the touch panel 2001 and then touching the destination displayed in the list on the destination selection screen.

[0102] 9 is a second flowchart showing a destination selection process that enables selection of a transmission destination while preventing erroneous destination selection on the destination selection screen. The process shown in the second flowchart is realized by CPU 1001 reading a program stored in ROM 1002 into RAM 1003 and executing it.

[0103] When the user performs a touch operation on the touch panel 2001, the CPU 1001 detects the touch and acquires position information indicating the touched position from the operation unit 1007 (S9001).

[0104] Next, the CPU 1001 saves the location information acquired in S9001 (S9002).

[0105] Having acquired the position information, the CPU 1001 identifies the button that matches the position information displayed on the touch panel 2001, and checks whether or not to transition to a destination selection screen (S9003).

[0106] Then, if the screen changes to the destination selection screen, that is, if the address book 4001 is touched in FIG. 4A, the process proceeds to S9004, and if the screen does not change to the destination selection screen, the process proceeds to S9012.

[0107] Next, the CPU 1001 displays a destination selection screen (the screen in FIG. 4B) on the touch panel 2001 (S9004).

[0108] Next, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel (S9005).

[0109] If a touch is detected, the process proceeds to S9006.

[0110] Next, the CPU 1001 further stores the position information acquired by touch detection in S9005 (S9006).

[0111] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether the position information saved in S9002 and the position information saved in S9006 are the same or have nearby coordinates (whether the distance between the first touched position and the second touched position is within a predetermined distance) (S9007).

[0112] If it is determined that the coordinates are the same or nearby, the process proceeds to S9008, and if it is determined that the coordinates are not the same or nearby, the process proceeds to S9009.

[0113] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the destination selection screen (the screen in FIG. 4B) was displayed in S9004 (S9008).

[0114] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S9009, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the touch detection is invalidated and the process returns to S9005.

[0115] Next, if the CPU 1001 detects from the touch detection position information that a destination has been selected, the process proceeds to S9010, and if it detects that a destination has been selected, the process proceeds to S9011 (S9009).

[0116] That is, on the destination selection screen (screen in FIG. 4B), if a destination in the destination selection area 4011 is selected, the process proceeds to S9010, and if a button outside the destination selection area 4011 is selected, the process proceeds to S9011.

[0117] Next, the CPU 1001 displays a check mark indicating that a destination has been selected as a destination selection process (S9010).

[0118] If a button other than the destination is selected, the CPU 1001 performs a screen transition according to the selected button, similar to step S8019 (step S9011).

[0119] As described above, when the destination selection screen transitions, by controlling the touch detection of the same or nearby coordinates to be ignored until a predetermined time has elapsed with respect to the destination, it is possible to prohibit the selection of a destination for a predetermined time.

[0120] Therefore, even if the user attempts to select a destination by repeatedly tapping the address book button 3001, destination selection is prohibited for a predetermined time after the destination selection screen transitions, thereby preventing the user from selecting a destination by mistake.

[0121] Next, prevention of erroneous document selection will be explained using the flowchart below.

[0122] If the transition to the destination selection screen is not made in step S9003, the CPU 1001 checks whether the transition to the document selection screen is made (step S9012).

[0123] If the screen transitions to the document selection screen, the process proceeds to S9013, and if the screen transitions to the document selection screen, the process proceeds to S9021. In S9021, the CPU 1001 causes the touch panel 2001 to perform a screen transition according to the selected button, similar to S8020.

[0124] Next, the CPU 1001 displays the document selection screen (the screen in FIG. 5B) on the touch panel 2001 (S9013).

[0125] Next, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel (S9014), and if a touch is detected, the process proceeds to S9015.

[0126] Next, the CPU 1001 further stores the position information acquired by the touch detection in S9014 (S9015).

[0127] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether the position information saved in S9002 and the position information saved in S9015 are the same or have nearby coordinates (S9016).

[0128] If it is determined that the coordinates are the same or nearby, the process proceeds to S9017, and if it is determined that the coordinates are not the same or nearby, the process proceeds to S9018.

[0129] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the document selection screen was displayed in step S9013 (step S9017).

[0130] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S9018, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the touch detection is disabled and the process returns to S9014.

[0131] Next, if the CPU 1001 determines that a document has been selected based on the touch detection position information, the process proceeds to step S9019, and if the CPU 1001 determines that something other than a document has been selected, the process proceeds to step S9020 (step S9018).

[0132] That is, on the document selection screen (screen in FIG. 5(b)), if a document in the document selection area 5011 is selected, the process proceeds to S9019, and if a button outside the document selection area 5011 is selected, the process proceeds to S9020.

[0133] Next, the CPU 1001 displays a check mark indicating that the document has been selected as a document selection process (S9019).

[0134] If something other than a document is selected, the CPU 1001 causes the touch panel 2001 to perform a screen transition according to the selected button (S9020).

[0135] As described above, if the position touched to display the destination selection screen and the position touched after the destination selection screen is displayed are the same or close to each other, it is assumed that the user touched by mistake, and a destination is not selected by touch detection.

[0136] This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions due to erroneous selections and to prevent degradation of user operability, particularly preventing the user from accidentally touching the same or nearby position twice and selecting an unintended destination, for example.

[0137] <Third embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, after the destination selection screen is displayed, the destination is not displayed until a predetermined time has elapsed, and the destination is displayed only after the predetermined time has elapsed, thereby preventing erroneous selection of the destination.

[0138] In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which, when two touch operations are detected within a short period of time, if the second touch is within the destination area, a destination is not selected by the second touch operation.

[0139] 10 is a third flowchart showing a destination selection process that enables selection of a transmission destination while preventing erroneous destination selection on the destination selection screen. The process shown in the third flowchart is realized by CPU 1001 reading a program stored in ROM 1002 into RAM 1003 and executing it.

[0140] When a user performs a touch operation on the touch panel 2001, the CPU 1001 detects the touch and acquires position information indicating the touched position from the operation unit 1007 (S10001).

[0141] Next, the CPU 1001 identifies the button that matches the position information displayed on the touch panel 2001, and checks whether or not to transition to a destination selection screen (S10002).

[0142] Then, if the screen changes to the destination selection screen, that is, if the address book 4001 is touched in FIG. 4A, the process proceeds to S10003, and if the screen does not change to the destination selection screen, the process proceeds to S10009.

[0143] Next, the CPU 1001 displays the destination selection screen (FIG. 4(b)) on the touch panel 2001 (S10003).

[0144] Next, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel (S10004).

[0145] If a touch is detected, the process proceeds to S10005.

[0146] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether the coordinate position acquired by touch detection in S10004 is within the destination selection area 4011 of the destination selection screen (FIG. 4B) (S10005).

[0147] If it is determined that the address is within the destination selection area 4011, the process proceeds to S10006, and if it is determined that the address is outside the destination selection area 4011, the process proceeds to S10008.

[0148] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the destination selection screen (FIG. 4B) was displayed in S10003 (S10006).

[0149] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S10007, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the touch detection is invalidated and the process returns to S10004.

[0150] Next, if the CPU 1001 determines in step S10006 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it displays a check mark indicating that a destination has been selected as a destination selection process (step S10007).

[0151] If a button other than the destination is selected, the CPU 1001 performs a screen transition according to the selected button, similar to step S9011 (step S10008).

[0152] That is, on the destination selection screen (FIG. 4(b)), if a destination in the destination selection area 4011 is selected before a predetermined time has elapsed, key detection is ignored and detection is performed again. On the other hand, if a destination in the destination selection area 4011 is selected after a predetermined time has elapsed, the selected destination is checked as shown on the destination selection screen (FIG. 4(c)). On the other hand, if a button outside the destination selection area 4011 is selected, the screen transition occurs according to the selected button regardless of the elapsed time.

[0153] As described above, when transitioning to the destination selection screen, by controlling the device so that touch detection within the destination selection area 4011 is ignored until a predetermined time has elapsed, it is possible to prohibit destination selection for a certain period of time.

[0154] Therefore, even if the user attempts to select a destination by repeatedly tapping the address book 3001, destination selection is prohibited for a predetermined time after the destination selection screen transitions, thereby preventing the wrong destination selection.

[0155] Next, prevention of erroneous document selection will be explained using the flowchart below.

[0156] If the transition to the destination selection screen is not made in S10002, the CPU 1001 checks whether the transition to the document selection screen is made (S10009).

[0157] If the screen transitions to the document selection screen, the process proceeds to S10010, and if the screen transitions to the document selection screen, the process proceeds to S10016. In S10016, the CPU 1001 performs a screen transition according to the selected button, similar to S8020.

[0158] Next, the CPU 1001 displays the document selection screen (FIG. 5(b)) on the touch panel 2001 (S10010).

[0159] Next, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel (S10011).

[0160] If a touch is detected, the process proceeds to S10012.

[0161] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether the position information acquired by touch detection in S10011 is a coordinate within the document selection area 5011 of the document selection screen (FIG. 5B) (S10012).

[0162] If it is determined that the document is inside the document selection area 5011, the process proceeds to S10013, and if it is determined that the document is outside the document selection area 5011, the process proceeds to S10015.

[0163] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the document selection screen (FIG. 5B) was displayed in S10010 (S10013).

[0164] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S10014, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the touch detection is invalidated and the process returns to S10011.

[0165] Next, if the CPU 1001 determines in step S10013 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it controls the touch panel 2001 to display a check mark indicating that the document has been selected as the document selection process (step S10014).

[0166] If something other than a document is selected, the CPU 1001 performs a screen transition according to the selected button, similar to step S10008 (step S10015).

[0167] As described above, in this embodiment, when two touch operations are detected within a short period of time, if the second touch is within the destination area, the destination is not selected by the second touch operation.

[0168] This prevents malfunctions due to erroneous selections and also reduces degradation of user operability. In particular, it prevents a user from accidentally touching the destination area in a short time and selecting an unintended destination. On the other hand, if the area touched the second time is an area other than the destination area, such as the new destination button, pressing the new destination button is validated, and the image forming device can display a new destination registration screen.

[0169] <Fourth embodiment> In the second embodiment, an example was described in which control is changed depending on whether the position touched to display the destination selection screen and the position touched after displaying the destination selection screen are the same as or close to each other.

[0170] In addition, in the third embodiment, an example was described in which when two touch operations are detected within a short period of time, if the second touch is within the destination area, the destination is not selected by the second touch operation.

[0171] In the fourth embodiment, when two touch operations are detected in a short time, it is determined whether the distance between the position of the first touch detection operation and the position of the second touch detection operation is the same or close to each other. If the distance between the position of the first touch detection operation and the position of the second touch detection operation is the same or close to each other, an example will be described in which a warning screen is displayed without detecting the touch operations.

[0172] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a warning screen displayed on the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0173] This figure shows an example of a warning screen that appears when selecting a destination and a document during screen transitions according to the flowchart of FIG. 11, which will be described later.

[0174] The screen in FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing a warning screen displayed on the destination selection screen.

[0175] When an incorrect destination selection is detected on the destination selection screen, a pop-up screen such as a warning screen 6001 is displayed to warn of the incorrect destination selection.

[0176] When the user touches a close button 6002 on the warning screen 6001, the screen closes and the screen returns to the destination selection screen.

[0177] FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing a warning screen 6011 displayed on the document selection screen.

[0178] When an erroneous document selection is detected on the document selection screen, a pop-up warning screen 6011 is displayed to warn of the erroneous document selection.

[0179] The warning screen 6011 can be closed by the user touching a close button 6012, and the display returns to the document selection screen.

[0180] 11 is a fourth flowchart showing a destination selection process that enables selection of a transmission destination while preventing erroneous destination selection on the destination selection screen. The process shown in the fourth flowchart is realized by CPU 1001 reading a program stored in ROM 1002 into RAM 1003 and executing it.

[0181] When the user performs a touch operation on the touch panel 2001, the CPU 1001 detects the touch and acquires position information indicating the touched position from the operation unit 1007 (S11001).

[0182] Next, the CPU 1001 saves the location information acquired in S11001 (S11002).

[0183] Having acquired the position information, the CPU 1001 identifies the button that matches the position information displayed on the touch panel 2001, and checks whether or not to transition to a destination selection screen (S11003).

[0184] Then, if the screen changes to the destination selection screen, that is, if the address book 4001 is touched in FIG. 4A, the process proceeds to S11004, and if the screen does not change to the destination selection screen, the process proceeds to S11013.

[0185] Next, the CPU 1001 displays the destination selection screen (FIG. 4(b)) on the touch panel 2001 (S11004).

[0186] Next, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel (S11005).

[0187] If a touch is detected, the process proceeds to S11006.

[0188] Next, the CPU 1001 further stores the position information acquired by touch detection in S11005 (S11006).

[0189] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether the coordinate position saved in step S11006 is within the destination selection area 4011 of the destination selection screen (FIG. 4B) (S11007).

[0190] If it is determined that the address is within the destination selection area 4011, the process proceeds to S11008, and if it is determined that the address is outside the destination selection area 4011, the process proceeds to S11012.

[0191] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the destination selection screen (FIG. 4B) was displayed in step S11004 (step S11008).

[0192] If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S11009, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S11011.

[0193] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether the position information saved in S11002 and the position information saved in S11006 are the same or have nearby coordinates (S11009).

[0194] If it is determined that the coordinates are the same or nearby, the process proceeds to S11010, and if it is determined that the coordinates are not the same or nearby, the process proceeds to S11011.

[0195] Next, in step S11008, the CPU 1001 determines that a predetermined time has not elapsed, and in step S11009, if it determines that the same or nearby coordinates have been pressed, it displays a warning screen and a destination selection screen (S11010).

[0196] Furthermore, if the CPU 1001 determines in step S11008 that a predetermined time has elapsed, or if it determines in step S11009 that a key other than the same or nearby coordinates has been pressed, it displays a destination selection screen (step S11011).

[0197] Furthermore, if the CPU 1001 determines in step S11007 that the input on the touch panel is outside the destination selection area 4011, it performs a screen transition according to the selected button, similar to step S9011 (step S11012).

[0198] That is, on the destination selection screen (FIG. 4(b)), if a destination in the destination selection area 4011 is selected before a predetermined time has elapsed and the same or nearby coordinates are selected, a warning pop-up screen is displayed on the destination selection screen as shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0199] After checking the warning screen, the user clicks Close 6002 on the destination selection screen (FIG. 6(a)) to close the pop-up screen. Then, the user can check the selected destination on the destination selection screen (FIG. 4(c)).

[0200] On the other hand, if a destination in the destination selection area 4011 is selected after a predetermined time has elapsed on the destination selection screen (FIG. 4(b)), or if a destination other than the same or nearby coordinates is selected, a screen is displayed with the selected destination checked, as shown in the destination selection screen (FIG. 4(c)).

[0201] On the other hand, when a button other than that in the destination selection area 4011 is selected, the screen transition is made according to the selected button regardless of the passage of time.

[0202] As described above, after transitioning to the destination selection screen, if a destination of the same or nearby coordinates is selected within a predetermined time, a warning screen can be displayed.

[0203] Therefore, if the user attempts to select a destination by repeatedly tapping the address book 3001, a warning screen is displayed, making it possible to prevent the user from selecting a destination by mistake.

[0204] Next, prevention of erroneous document selection will be explained using the flowchart below.

[0205] If the transition to the destination selection screen is not required in step S11003, the CPU 1001 checks whether the transition to the document selection screen is required (step S11013).

[0206] If the screen transitions to the document selection screen, the process proceeds to S11014, and if the screen transitions to the document selection screen, the process proceeds to S11023. In S11023, the CPU 1001 performs a screen transition according to the selected button, similar to S8020.

[0207] Next, the CPU 1001 displays the document selection screen (FIG. 5(b)) on the touch panel 2001 (S11014).

[0208] Next, the CPU 1001 monitors touch input from the user on the touch panel (S11015).

[0209] If a touch is detected, the process proceeds to S11016.

[0210] Next, the CPU 1001 further stores the position information acquired by the touch detection in S11015 (S11016).

[0211] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether the coordinate position saved in S11016 is within the document selection area 5011 of the document selection screen (FIG. 5B) (S11017).

[0212] If it is determined that the document is inside the document selection area 5011, the process proceeds to S11018, and if it is determined that the document is outside the document selection area 5011, the process proceeds to S11022.

[0213] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the document selection screen (FIG. 5B) was displayed in step S11014 (step S11018).

[0214] If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S11019, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S11021.

[0215] Next, the CPU 1001 checks whether the position information saved in S11002 and the position information saved in S11016 are the same or have nearby coordinates (S11019).

[0216] If it is determined that the coordinates are the same or nearby, the process proceeds to S11020, and if it is determined that the coordinates are not the same or nearby, the process proceeds to S11021.

[0217] Next, in step S11018, the CPU 1001 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, and in step S11019, if it determines that the same or nearby coordinates have been pressed, it displays a warning pop-up screen and a document selection screen (S11020).

[0218] After checking the warning screen, the user clicks Close 6012 on the document selection screen (Fig. 6(b)) to close the pop-up screen. Then, the user can check the selected document on the document selection screen (Fig. 5(c)).

[0219] Furthermore, if the CPU 1001 determines in step S11018 that a predetermined time has elapsed, or if it determines in step S11019 that a key other than the same or nearby coordinates has been pressed, it displays a destination selection screen (step S11021).

[0220] Furthermore, if the CPU 1001 determines in step S11017 that the input on the touch panel is outside the destination selection area 4011, then similar to step S9011, the CPU 1001 performs a screen transition according to the selected button (step S11022).

[0221] As described above, if the distance between the first touch detection position and the second touch detection position is the same or close to each other, the touch detection is not performed and a warning screen is displayed, allowing the user to easily know that they may have touched the screen twice in a short period of time and mistakenly selected an unintended destination.

[0222] <Other Examples> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 1001 CPU 1007 Operation section 1009 Network Department

Claims

1. An image processing device that transmits image data to a destination selected on a touch panel, a storage means for storing an address book; the touch panel; a detection means for detecting a touch on the touch panel; an image processing device characterized in that, when a first touch is detected by the detection means on a first screen, the first screen changes to a second screen, and a second touch is detected by the detection means on the second screen within a predetermined time, if the object displayed at the position where the second touch was detected is an object for selecting a destination of the image data, the destination is not selected by the second touch on the object; when the first touch is detected by the detection means on the first screen, the first screen changes to the second screen, and a third touch is detected by the detection means on the second screen within the predetermined time, if the object displayed at the position where the third touch was detected is an object for registering a new destination in the address book, a third screen for registering the new destination in the address book is displayed.

2. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third screen is a screen for registering the new destination and a name of the new destination.

3. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination is an email address used to send the image data.

4. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination is a fax number used to transmit the image data.

5. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object for selecting a destination of the image data is an object for selecting the destination from the address book.

6. An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a touch is detected by the detection means on a first screen, the first screen changes to a second screen, the second touch is detected on the second screen after the predetermined time has elapsed, and if the object displayed at the position where the second touch is detected is an object that selects the destination of the image data, the destination is selected by the second touch on the object.

7. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time period can be changed by a user.

8. A control method for an image processing device that transmits image data to a destination selected on a touch panel, comprising: a control method for an image processing device, characterized in that when a first touch is detected on a first screen, the first screen changes to a second screen, and a second touch is detected on the second screen within a predetermined time, if the object displayed at the position where the second touch was detected is an object for selecting a destination of the image data, the destination is not selected by the second touch of the object; when the first touch is detected on the first screen, the first screen changes to the second screen, and a third touch is detected on the second screen within the predetermined time, if the object displayed at the position where the third touch was detected is an object for registering a new destination in an address book of the image processing device, a third screen for registering the new destination in the address book of the image processing device is displayed.

9. 9. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 8.

Images