Input device and its control program

Abstract

To provide an input device that comprises a dotted projection equivalent function constituting Braille, and a control program therefor.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an input device comprises a touch panel and a processor. The touch panel receives first input indicating that dots constituting Braille are equivalent to dotted projections through first operation and second input making a different indication from the first input through second operation different from the first operation. The processor specifies the Braille based upon the first input and second input that the touch panel receives, and retrieves a processing function corresponding to the specified Braille.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an input device and a control program therefor.

Background Art

[0002] Input devices such as MFPs (multi-functional peripherals) have a touch panel or the like that accepts touch input operations by a user. Conventionally, a touch panel does not have, for example, equivalent dot-like protrusions that form Braille characters for visually impaired people that can be read by the tactile sensation of fingertips. For this reason, it has been difficult for visually impaired people to read various information displayed on the touch panel and perform input operations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by embodiments of the present invention is to provide an input device having a function equivalent to dot-like protrusions that form Braille characters and a control program therefor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an embodiment, an input device includes a touch panel and a processor. The touch panel ,point indicates an equivalent of dot-like protrusions The first operation for The first input and the first operation are different To determine whether or not it corresponds to a punctate projection to the second operation evening and accepts a second input. The processor Each of the predetermined number of points, by the touch panel The first input is accepts If a second input is received after the first input has been received, it is determined to be a point equivalent to a point-like protrusion, and if a second input is received via the touch panel without the first input being received, it is determined to be a point that is not equivalent to a point-like protrusion. identifies Braille characters, and searches for a processing function corresponding to the identified Braille characters. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a 6-dot Braille system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of braille representing hiragana characters. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of a braille file. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the processing name table. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the information processing steps performed by the control system's processor. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the information processing steps performed by the control system's processor. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen transitions on the nth braille input screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment describes a case where a visually impaired user uses the input device 1 using Braille. A visually impaired person is, for example, a person with an impairment in their visual acuity, field of vision, etc.

[0008] Before explaining input device 1, let's explain Braille. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of 6-dot braille. Braille is a writing system for the visually impaired that is read by the sense of touch of the fingertips. A visually impaired person is an example of a user. As shown in Figure 1, 6-dot braille consists of six dots arranged in a 2x3 grid, with the dots designated as "dot 1," "dot 2," "dot 3" from the top left, and "dot 4," "dot 5," and "dot 6" from the top right. "Dot 1" through "dot 6" indicate the dot number. For example, "dot 1" can also be called the first dot. 6-dot braille is an example of braille. In this embodiment, braille will be described as 6-dot braille. A single character is represented by the presence or absence of dot-like protrusions that make up the braille. Characters can be, for example, hiragana, numbers, the alphabet, or characters from languages ​​other than Japanese. In this embodiment, the characters will be hiragana.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of braille representing hiragana. As shown in Figure 2, for example, in the braille representing "あ", the "dot 1" is a black circle, and the "dots 2" through "6" are white circles. The black circle indicates a dot equivalent to a punctate projection. The white circle indicates a dot that does not correspond to a punctate projection. In other words, the braille representing "あ" consists of the "dot 1" which corresponds to a punctate projection and the "dots 2" through "6" which do not correspond to a punctate projection. Note that the dot equivalent to a punctate projection can also be called a dot that has a punctate projection. The dot that does not correspond to a punctate projection can also be called a dot that does not have a punctate projection.

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the input device 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the input device 1 is an MFP (Multifunction Printer). The input device 1 includes a scanner 11, a printer 12, a control system 13, and a control panel 14. The scanner 11, printer 12, and control panel 14 are connected to the control system 13.

[0011] The scanner 11 is a device that optically reads an image from a document and converts it into image data. The scanner 11 performs scanning of the document in accordance with operation instructions from the control system 13. The scanner 11 outputs the scanned image data of the document to the control system 13. The scanner 11 may be an optical reduction method equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor, a contact image sensor (CIS (contact image sensor)) method equipped with an image sensor such as a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensor, or any other known method.

[0012] The printer 12 forms an image on the image-forming medium. The image-forming medium is paper, resin film, etc. The printer 12 prints an image on the image-forming medium based on image data supplied by the control system 13 under various printing conditions specified by the control system 13. The input device 1 makes a copy of the original document by printing the original document scanned by the scanner 11 onto the image-forming medium. Various types of printers with different image-forming methods can be used as the printer 12. For example, the printer 12 may be an electrophotographic printer, an inkjet printer, or a thermal transfer printer.

[0013] The control system 13 comprehensively controls the entire input device 1. The control system 13 is connected to each part of the input device 1, such as the scanner 11, printer 12, and control panel 14. The control system 13 communicates bidirectionally with the scanner 11, printer 12, and control panel 14. The control system 13 comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the scanner 11, printer 12, and control panel 14. In addition, the control system 13 performs various processes such as image processing.

[0014] The control system 13 includes a processor 21, a RAM (random-access memory) 22, a ROM (read-only memory) 23, a data memory 24, an image memory 25, an image processing unit 26, a communication interface (communication I / F) 27, and the like. The processor 21, the RAM 22, the ROM 23, and the data memory 24 execute the control of each part and various processes.

[0015] The processor 21 executes processes such as arithmetic operations and control according to a program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit). The processor 21 realizes various processing functions by executing a program stored in the ROM 23 or the data memory 24. The RAM 22 is a working memory. The RAM 22 is, for example, a volatile memory. The RAM 22 reads the program to be executed and functions as a buffer memory. The ROM 23 is a program memory. The ROM 23 is, for example, a non-rewritable non-volatile memory. The ROM 23 stores a program and setting data unique to the input device 1.

[0016] The data memory 24 stores control data, a control program, setting information, and the like. The data memory 24 is, for example, a rewritable non-volatile memory. The data memory 24 also stores, for example, default setting values in various operation modes.

[0017] The image memory 25 is composed of a page memory or the like. The image memory 25 stores image data. The image processing unit 26 executes image processing on the image data.

[0018] The communication interface 27 is a network interface for performing data communication with an external device via a network such as the Internet.

[0019] The data memory 24 contains a braille file 241 (see Figure 4) and a processing name table 242 (see Figure 5). The braille file 241 and processing name table 242 may be provided for each input device 1. The braille file 241 and processing name table 242 may also be stored in the memory of an external device with which the input device 1 can communicate. For example, the braille file 241 and processing name table 242 may be stored in the memory of a server device with which communication is possible via the communication interface 27, or in the memory of another input device with which communication is possible via the communication interface 27.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of braille file 241. As shown in Figure 4, braille file 241 is a data file that stores the association between hiragana characters, the numbers of dots corresponding to punctate protrusions, and the numbers of dots that do not correspond to punctate protrusions. The numbers of dots corresponding to punctate protrusions are the numbers of the dots that constitute the braille representing the corresponding hiragana. The numbers of dots that do not correspond to punctate protrusions are the numbers of the dots that constitute the braille representing the corresponding hiragana. For example, the braille representing "あ" consists of a "dot 1" that corresponds to a punctate protrusion and "dots 2" through "6" that do not correspond to punctate protrusions. Therefore, in Figure 3, "1" is stored as the number of the dot corresponding to "あ", and "2" through "6" are stored as the numbers of the dots that do not correspond to punctate protrusions. Note that the items shown in Figure 4 are not limited to these. Other items may also be displayed. The contents of the items shown in Figure 4 are examples.

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the processing name table 242. As shown in Figure 5, the processing name table 242 is a data table consisting of a processing name and a first character. The processing name is the name of the processing function that the input device 1 has. For example, the processing name is "copy", "scan", "print", "fax", etc. The processing function is an example of a processing function that corresponds to the specified braille. The first character is the first hiragana character when the processing name is written in hiragana. The first character is an example of a character associated with the name of a processing function. In this embodiment, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the processing name and the first character. In Figure 5, for example, the first character corresponding to "copy" is "ko". For example, the first character corresponding to "scan" is "su". Note that the items shown in Figure 5 are not limited to these. Other items may be displayed. The contents of the items shown in Figure 5 are examples.

[0022] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 3. The control panel 14 is a user interface. The control panel 14 displays information to the user and accepts operation instructions from the user. The control panel 14 includes a processor 31, RAM 32, ROM 33, operation panel 34, external interface (external I / F) 35, and non-volatile memory 36.

[0023] The processor 31 controls the control panel 14. The processor 31 is an arithmetic circuit that executes programs. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 31 realizes various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 33. The processor 31 supplies information input to each part of the control panel 14 to the control system 13. The processor 31 also controls each part of the control panel 14 in accordance with control signals from the control system 13.

[0024] RAM32 is working memory. RAM32 is, for example, volatile memory. ROM33 is non-volatile program memory. ROM33 may be configured as, for example, rewritable non-volatile memory, allowing for updates of programs, control data, configuration information, display data, etc.

[0025] The control panel 34 is a user interface. The control panel 34 includes, for example, a touch panel 341, an input device 342, and a speaker 343.

[0026] The touch panel 341 is a stacked structure consisting of a display, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, and a sensing device that detects touch input. The touch panel 341 has a flat surface and does not have any protrusions. The touch panel 341 is an example of a display that shows various processing functions. The display on the touch panel 341 shows a screen for notifying the user of various information. The touch panel 341 accepts touch input operations from the user. Touch input operations include, for example, touching various text information or image information displayed on the touch panel 341 with a finger or stylus. Touch input operations include, for example, tap operations, double tap operations, long tap operations, swipe operations, pinch-out operations, pinch-in operations, etc. A tap operation is, for example, tapping various text information or image information displayed on the touch panel 341 with a finger or stylus. A double tap operation is, for example, performing a tap operation twice in a row. A long tap operation is, for example, an operation in which you long-press various text information or image information displayed on the touch panel 341 with your finger or a stylus. A swipe operation is, for example, an operation in which you slide your finger in a certain direction while touching the display screen displayed on the touch panel 341. A certain direction includes, for example, left, right, up, down, etc. A pinch-out operation is, for example, an operation in which you spread your fingers apart while touching the display screen with two fingers. A pinch-in operation is, for example, an operation in which you bring your fingers together while touching the display screen with two fingers. Touch input operations include, for example, tap operations with multiple fingers, double tap operations, long tap operations, swipe operations, etc. A touch input operation is an example of a first operation. A touch input operation is an example of a second operation. A second operation is a different operation from a first operation.

[0027] The processor 31 detects the content of an operation instruction in response to a user's touch input operation on the display screen, for example, detected by the touch panel 341. The processor 31 supplies information indicating the content of the detected operation instruction to the processor 21 of the control system 13. The processor 31 displays various display screens on the touch panel 341 in response to instructions from the processor 21. The touch panel 341 supplies the processor 31 with detection signals, for example, the position touched by the user, the direction of the swipe, etc.

[0028] The input device 342 accepts user input. The input device 342 is, for example, a button, keyboard, keypad, or touchpad. The button includes, for example, an execute button.

[0029] Speaker 343 is an output device for outputting sound data. Sound data includes sounds, voice, etc. Speaker 343 outputs voice guidance related to the determination of the searched processing function.

[0030] The external interface 35 is an interface for connecting external devices. The external interface 35 can be configured as an interface conforming to a general-purpose standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). For example, the external interface 35 may be used to connect a portable storage device, or a numeric keypad or portable keyboard.

[0031] The non-volatile memory 36 is a rewritable memory. The non-volatile memory 36 stores information such as touch input operations to the touch panel 341. The non-volatile memory 36 has a first memory 361 and a second memory 362. The first memory 361 stores the numbers of points corresponding to point-like protrusions. The second memory 362 stores the numbers of points that do not correspond to point-like protrusions.

[0032] The processor 21 of the control system 13 will now be described. The processor 21 has the function of identifying Braille characters based on the first and second inputs received by the touch panel 341, and searching for a processing function corresponding to the identified Braille characters.

[0033] When the processor 21 receives a second input, it determines whether the dots constituting the Braille character correspond to dot-like protrusions, and if the number of times it has determined whether the dots constituting the Braille character correspond to dot-like protrusions reaches a predetermined number, it has a function to identify the Braille character.

[0034] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure performed by the processor 21 of the control system 13 of input device 1. The operation of input device 1 will be explained below using these flowcharts. Note that the operation described below is just one example; the procedure is not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0035] The processor 21 of the control system 13 displays a home screen on the touch panel 341 of the control panel 14 as ACT1. The home screen is a screen on which various processing function buttons can be selected, for example. The home screen includes buttons for copy function, scan function, print function, fax function, braille input function, etc. The braille input function includes operations for the user to input braille, for example. The processor 21 receives various operation instructions on the display screen detected by the touch panel 341. In this embodiment, the user can start or stop voice guidance by, for example, performing a predetermined touch input operation on the display screen shown on the touch panel 341, or by pressing a predetermined button on the input device 342. The voice guidance provides voice guidance on various information displayed on the touch panel 341. This information includes, for example, location information of various processing function buttons on the home screen. When the processor 21 receives input to start voice guidance, for example, through a predetermined operation, it causes the speaker 343 to output voice guidance. The processor 21 may also cause the speaker 343 to output voice guidance when, for example, the Braille input function button is selected.

[0036] Processor 21 determines whether the Braille input function button has been touched as ACT2. If the Braille input function button has been touched, Processor 21 determines YES in ACT2, and the process transitions to ACT3.

[0037] Processor 21 initializes the value of the number counter n to "0" as ACT3. Processor 21 increments the number counter n by "1" as ACT4. Processor 21 determines whether the number counter n is "6" or not as ACT5. If the number counter n is 6, it displays a single hiragana character. For example, if it is a character from a language other than Japanese, it may be changed according to that language.

[0038] If the number counter n is not "6", the processor 21 determines NO in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT6.

[0039] The processor 21 displays the nth Braille input screen on the touch panel 341 as ACT6. The nth Braille input screen is, for example, a screen for the user to indicate whether or not there are dot-like protrusions corresponding to the six dots that make up Braille. The nth Braille input screen is, for example, a screen for the user to input Braille representing characters associated with the name of the processing function they wish to use. Note that "n" is the number of the number counter n obtained in the processing of ACT4.

[0040] The processor 21 waits to receive the first input from the first operation and the second input from the second operation as ACT7 or ACT8. In this embodiment, the first operation is a tap operation on the nth Braille input screen displayed on the touch panel 341. The first operation is an operation to indicate the dots that constitute Braille as equivalent to dot-like protrusions. An operation input by tapping to indicate the dots that constitute Braille as equivalent to dot-like protrusions is an example of a first input in which the dots that constitute Braille indicate the dot-like protrusions as a result of the first operation on the touch panel 341. The first input by the first operation can also be called an operation input by tapping to indicate the dots that constitute Braille as equivalent to dot-like protrusions. In this embodiment, the second operation is a swipe operation on the nth braille input screen displayed on the touch panel 341. The swipe operation is consistently performed in a predetermined direction. The second operation is an operation to give a different instruction than the first input. The second operation is an operation to determine whether or not a dot constituting braille corresponds to a dot-like projection. The swipe operation input to indicate the determination of whether or not a dot constituting braille corresponds to a dot-like projection is an example of a second input that gives a different instruction than the first input through a second operation that is different from the first operation. The second input by the second operation can also be referred to as the swipe operation input to indicate the determination of whether or not a dot constituting braille corresponds to a dot-like projection.

[0041] If the first input is received by the first operation while in the waiting state of ACT7 or ACT8, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT7 and transitions to ACT9.

[0042] The processor 21 determines whether or not it has received the second input from the second operation as ACT9. If it has received the second input from the second operation, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT9 and transitions to ACT10.

[0043] Processor 21, as ACT10, stores the number of the number counter n in the first memory 361 of the non-volatile memory 36. The number of the number counter n stored in the first memory 361 represents the number of a point corresponding to a point-like protrusion. Then, processor 21 transitions to ACT4.

[0044] If a second input is received via a second operation while in the waiting state of ACT7 or ACT8, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT8 and transitions to ACT11. In this embodiment, the second operation is also an operation to indicate that the dots constituting Braille are not equivalent to dot-like protrusions. The swipe operation input for indicating that the dots constituting Braille are not equivalent to dot-like protrusions is an example of a second input that gives a different instruction from the first input by a second operation that is different from the first operation. The second input by the second operation can also be called an operation input by a swipe operation for indicating that the dots constituting Braille are not equivalent to dot-like protrusions. For example, the first input may be an operation input for indicating that it is not equivalent to a dot-like protrusion.

[0045] Processor 21, as ACT11, stores the number of number counter n in the second memory 362 of the non-volatile memory 36. The number of number counter n stored in the second memory 362 represents the number of a point that is not equivalent to a point-like protrusion. Then, processor 21 transitions to ACT4.

[0046] Here, we will explain a specific example of operation input on the nth braille input screen using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen transitions on the nth braille input screen. Figure 8 shows the case where a user uses the copy function as a processing function and inputs the braille representing "ko," the first character corresponding to "copy," on the nth braille input screen. The braille representing "ko" consists of "dot 2," "dot 4," and "dot 6," which correspond to dot-like protrusions, and "dot 1," "dot 3," and "dot 5," which do not correspond to dot-like protrusions. First, the processor 21 displays the first braille input screen 101 on the touch panel 341, and the user specifies whether or not there is a dotted projection equivalent to "dot 1". Since "dot 1" is not a dotted projection equivalent, the user performs a swipe operation as the second input by the second operation. Figure 8 schematically shows the state of swiping the first braille input screen 101 to the right with a dashed-dot arrow. When the processor 21 receives the second input by the second operation, it confirms that "dot 1" is a dot that is not a dotted projection equivalent. The processor 21 stores "1" in the second memory 362 and displays the second braille input screen 102 on the touch panel 341. The user specifies whether or not there is a dotted projection equivalent to "dot 2". Since "dot 2" is a dotted projection equivalent, the user performs a tap operation as the first input by the first operation, and then performs a second input by the second operation. Figure 8 schematically shows the state when the second braille input screen 102 is tapped, indicated by a dotted circle. When the processor 21 receives the second input from the second operation, it determines that the "dot 2" is a dot equivalent to a punctate projection. The processor 21 stores "2" in the first memory 361 and displays the third braille input screen 103 on the touch panel 341. Subsequently, the same processing as described for the "dot 1" is performed on the third braille input screen 103 and the fifth braille input screen 105, and the same processing as described for the "dot 2" is performed on the fourth braille input screen 104 and the sixth braille input screen 106. In this way, the user specifies and confirms whether each dot constituting the braille representing "ko" is equivalent to a punctate projection. Note that while Figure 8 illustrates an operation input by swiping to the right, it may also be in the left, up, or down direction. It is sufficient to have a consistent swipe operation in the predetermined direction. Furthermore, while the user is performing operations on the nth braille input screen, the processor 21 may output voice guidance from the speaker 343. The voice guidance may be, for example, "The nth braille input screen is being displayed. Please perform operations."

[0047] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. If the number counter n is "6", the processor 21 determines YES in ACT5 and transitions to ACT21 in Figure 7. Note that "6" is just one example of a predetermined number of times.

[0048] The processor 21 identifies the Braille characters based on the numbers stored as ACT21 in the first memory 361 and the second memory 362 of the non-volatile memory 36. The processor 21 then refers to the Braille file 241 stored in the data memory 24 as ACT22 and obtains the Hiragana characters from the identified Braille characters.

[0049] For example, if the first memory 361 of the non-volatile memory 36 stores "2", "4", and "6", and the second memory 362 stores "1", "3", and "5", the processor 21 identifies that it is a braille character composed of dots equivalent to punctate protrusions, namely "dot 2", "dot 4", and "dot 6", and dots that are not equivalent to punctate protrusions, namely "dot 1", "dot 3", and "dot 5". The processor 21 refers to the braille file 241 and obtains "ko" as the single hiragana character associated with the braille character composed of dots equivalent to punctate protrusions, namely "dot 2", "dot 4", and "dot 6", and dots that are not equivalent to punctate protrusions, namely "dot 1", "dot 3", and "dot 5".

[0050] The processor 21 searches whether there is a processing name associated with the hiragana obtained by referring to the processing name table 242 stored in the data memory 24 as ACT23.

[0051] If there is no process name associated with the acquired hiragana, processor 21 determines NO in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24.

[0052] The processor 21 outputs an error notification to the speaker 343 as ACT24. The error notification can be anything, for example, a message indicating that it is not possible to find a processing function based on the input braille. The error notification can also be anything, for example, a message indicating that the first braille input screen will be redisplayed. Then, the processor 21 transitions to ACT3 in Figure 6.

[0053] If there is a process name associated with the acquired hiragana, processor 21 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT25.

[0054] The processor 21 displays a processing function button with the corresponding processing name on the touch panel 341 as ACT25. The processor 21 may, for example, display the home screen on the touch panel 341, enable the processing function button with the corresponding processing name, and disable the processing function buttons with unrelated processing names. The processing function button with the corresponding processing name is an example of a processing function result. Furthermore, the processor 21 outputs voice guidance to the speaker 343. The voice guidance may include phrases such as, "If you wish to use the copy function, please input a confirmation by performing the confirmation operation. If you wish to cancel the copy function, please input a cancellation by performing the cancellation operation." The confirmation operation and the cancellation operation will be described later.

[0055] The processor 21 waits to receive a decision input from a decision operation or a cancellation input from a cancellation operation as ACT26 or ACT27. The decision operation is an operation to instruct the system to select the processing function corresponding to the processing name. The decision operation can be performed, for example, by the user touching the processing function button corresponding to the processing name, or by the user performing a predetermined touch input operation on the touch panel 341. As an example of a predetermined touch input operation, for example, if the user performs a double-tap operation on the touch panel 341, the processor 21 may determine that a decision input has been received. A cancel operation is an operation to instruct the system to cancel the decision on the processing function of the corresponding process name. A cancel operation may be performed, for example, by the user on the touch panel 341 using a predetermined touch input operation. As an example of a predetermined touch input operation, if the user performs a double-tap operation with multiple fingers on the touch panel 341, the processor 21 may determine that a cancel input has been received. The user may pre-set the confirmation and cancellation operations. When confirmation and cancellation are performed using touch input, the confirmation and cancellation operations do not need to be different touch input operations.

[0056] If a cancellation input is received via a cancellation operation while in the waiting state of ACT26 or ACT27, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT27 and transitions to ACT1 in Figure 6.

[0057] If a decision input is received via a decision operation while in the waiting state of ACT26 or ACT27, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT26 and transitions to ACT28.

[0058] The processor 21 displays a setting screen for the processing function corresponding to the processing name on the touch panel 341 as ACT28. The setting screen is, for example, a screen for the user to instruct various detailed settings related to the processing function. For example, detailed settings for the copy function include color mode, density, paper type, double-sided or single-sided printing, number of copies, and original orientation. For example, detailed settings for the scan function include destination, color mode, and resolution. The setting screen may also include an execution button. The execution button is, for example, a button for the user to instruct the execution of the processing function. The processor 21 may also output voice guidance to the speaker 343. The voice guidance may be, for example, "The copy function settings screen is displayed. You can set detailed settings related to the copy function, such as color mode, density, paper type, double-sided or single-sided printing, number of copies, and original orientation."

[0059] The processor 21 waits to receive an execution input from an execution operation or a cancellation input from a cancellation operation, as ACT29 to ACT30. An execution operation is an operation to instruct the execution of a determined processing function. An execution operation may be performed, for example, by the user pressing the execution button on the input device 342, by touching the execution button displayed on the settings screen, or by the user performing a predetermined touch input operation on the touch panel 341. As an example of a predetermined touch input operation, for example, if the user performs a double-tap operation on the touch panel 341, the processor 21 may determine that it has received an execution input. The user may pre-configure the execution operation. When execution and cancellation are performed via touch input, the execution and cancellation operations do not need to be different touch input operations.

[0060] If a cancellation input is received via a cancellation operation while in the waiting state of ACT29 to ACT30, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT30 and transitions to ACT1 in Figure 6.

[0061] If, while in the waiting state of ACT29 to ACT30, an execution input is received through an execution operation, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT29 and transitions to ACT31.

[0062] Processor 21 executes the processing of the processing function determined as ACT31. For example, if it is a copy function, Processor 21 executes the copy process. For example, if it is a scan function, Processor 21 executes the scan process. Since these processes are well known from existing processes, a detailed explanation is omitted. With this, Processor 21 completes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowcharts of Figures 6 and 7.

[0063] As described above, when the Braille input function button is touched, the processor 21 of the control system 13 displays the nth Braille input screen on the touch panel 341. On the nth Braille input screen, the processor 21 waits to receive a first input from a first operation that indicates a dot equivalent to a dotted projection, and a second input from a second operation that gives a different instruction from the first input. The processor 21 identifies the Braille based on the first input from the received first operation and the second input from the received second operation. The processor 21 searches whether there is a processing name associated with the identified Braille. This allows users to input Braille on the touch panel 341. The user can easily input the desired processing function by performing only two types of input operations, a first operation and a second operation, on the touch panel 341. Furthermore, there is no need to newly equip the input device 1 with features for the visually impaired, such as dot-like protrusions, thus reducing capital investment.

[0064] If, on the nth braille input screen, the processor 21 receives a second input via a second operation after receiving a first input via a first operation, it determines that the nth dot constituting the braille is a dot equivalent to a punctate projection. If the processor 21 receives a second input via a second operation, it determines that the nth dot constituting the braille is not a dot equivalent to a punctate projection. If the number of such determinations reaches a predetermined number, the processor 21 identifies the braille. This allows the user to specify and confirm the presence or absence of a dot-like projection for each dot that makes up Braille on the touch panel 341. The user only needs to perform two types of input operations, the first operation and the second operation, making the input process easy.

[0065] The processor 21 displays the processing results on the touch panel 341. As a result, users can reach the processing function result by performing only two types of input operations, a first operation and a second operation, on the touch panel 341, without having to repeat complex input operations.

[0066] The processor 21 causes the speaker 343 to output voice guidance regarding the determination of the processing function for the searched processing name. This allows users to easily hear whether or not they want to proceed with the processing function specified by the searched process name.

[0067] The embodiments of the input device 1 and its control program have been described above, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the input device 1 was exemplified as an MFP (Multifunction Printer). For example, the input device 1 may be an information processing device such as a copier, a self-ordering terminal, or a self-POS (Point of Sale) terminal. A self-ordering terminal is an information processing terminal used in restaurants that allows customers to order menu items themselves. A self-POS terminal is a fully self-service payment terminal used in retail stores such as supermarkets, allowing customers to perform operations from registering purchased items to payment themselves.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the case where the characters are hiragana was illustrated as an example. For example, the characters may be the alphabet. In the case of the alphabet, for example, a braille character representing an external character mark is placed before the braille character representing the alphabet, or the braille character representing the alphabet is enclosed in braille characters representing external character quotation marks to distinguish it from the braille character representing hiragana.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the example given was that the braille file 241 is a data file that stores hiragana characters in association with the numbers of dots corresponding to dot-like protrusions and the numbers of dots that do not correspond to dot-like protrusions. For example, the braille file 241 may be a data file that stores hiragana characters in association with the numbers of dots corresponding to dot-like protrusions, or a data file that stores hiragana characters in association with the numbers of dots that do not correspond to dot-like protrusions. For example, the braille file 241 may be a data file that stores hiragana characters in association with images representing 6-dot braille.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the processing name table 242 was exemplified as a data table consisting of processing names and their initial characters. For example, the processing name table 242 may consist of processing names and characters associated with the processing names. In other words, it is not limited to initial characters. For example, a user may set characters that they have previously associated with the names of processing functions. For example, the processing name table 242 may consist of processing names, characters associated with the processing names, and images showing 6-dot Braille representing those characters.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the processor 21 is shown as an example of determining whether or not the Braille input function button has been touched as ACT2 in Figure 6. For example, the processor 21 may wait for a predetermined operation input from the user as ACT2. The predetermined operation input is, for example, an operation input by the user through a predetermined touch input operation on the home screen. The predetermined touch input operation is an operation to indicate the Braille input function button.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the processor 21 is shown as an example of identifying Braille based on the numbers stored in the first memory 361 and the second memory 362 of the non-volatile memory 36, as shown in Figure 7 as ACT21. For example, the processor 21 may identify Braille based on the number stored in the first memory 361, or it may identify Braille based on the number stored in the second memory 362.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the non-volatile memory 36 was exemplified as having a first memory 361 and a second memory 362. For example, the non-volatile memory 36 may have either the first memory 361 or the second memory 362. For example, if the non-volatile memory 36 has only the first memory 361, the processing of ACT11 in Figure 6 is omitted. The processor 21 identifies the Braille based on the number stored in the first memory 361 as ACT21 in Figure 7. For example, if the non-volatile memory 36 has only the second memory 362, the processing of ACT10 in Figure 6 is omitted. The processor 21 identifies the Braille based on the number stored in the second memory 362 as ACT21 in Figure 7.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the processor 21 is shown as an example of a case where it outputs an error notification to the speaker 343 as ACT24 in Figure 7, and then transitions to ACT3 in Figure 6. For example, the processor 21 may transition to ACT1 after outputting an error notification to the speaker 343. In this case, it may notify, for example, that it is not possible to find a processing function based on the input braille, or that the home screen will be redisplayed.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the first operation is an operation to indicate that a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dot-like projection, and the second operation is an operation to indicate that a dot constituting Braille does not correspond to a dot-like projection. For example, the first operation may be an operation to indicate that a dot constituting Braille does not correspond to a dot-like projection, and the second operation may be an operation to indicate that a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dot-like projection.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the first operation is exemplified as a tap operation on the nth braille input screen displayed on the touch panel 341, and the second operation is exemplified as a swipe operation on the nth braille input screen displayed on the touch panel 341. The first operation is not limited to a tap operation. The second operation is not limited to a swipe operation. The first and second operations can be different touch input operations. For example, the user may set the first and second operations in advance.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the second operation is an operation to determine whether a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dotted projection, and is also an operation to indicate that a dot constituting Braille does not correspond to a dotted projection. The operation to determine whether a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dotted projection is not limited to the second operation. For example, on the nth Braille input screen, when either the first input by the first operation or the second input by the second operation is received, the processor 21 may determine whether a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dotted projection. The first operation may be an operation to indicate that a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dotted projection, and may also be an operation to determine whether a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dotted projection. In this case, the processing of ACT9 in Figure 6 is omitted.

[0079] In the above embodiment, when an execution input is received through an execution operation, the processor 21 is shown as an example of executing the processing of the determined processing function. For example, when a decision input is received through a decision operation, the processor 21 may execute the processing of the determined processing function. In this case, the processing of ACT28 to ACT30 in Figure 7 is omitted. This allows the desired processing function to be executed automatically, reducing the user's effort in, for example, specifying various detailed settings on the settings screen or performing execution operations.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the swipe operation was exemplified as a swipe operation consistently performed in a predetermined direction. For example, if the user swipes in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction on the nth braille input screen, the processor 21 may display the (n-1)th braille input screen. In this case, for example, the user may perform a cancel operation on the (n-1)th braille input screen and then perform the first input by the first operation and the second input by the second operation, or the second input by the second operation again. The cancel operation is an operation to cancel the instruction made by the user on the (n-1)th braille input screen regarding the presence or absence of dot-like protrusions that constitute the braille. The cancel operation may also be a touch input operation, for example. The processor 21 may also output voice guidance to the speaker 343. The voice guidance may be, for example, "The operation input performed on the (n-1)th braille input screen has been canceled. Please perform the operation input again." For example, the user may perform a confirmation operation on the (n-1)th Braille input screen. The confirmation operation is an operation to confirm whether or not there are dot-like protrusions corresponding to the dots that make up the Braille that the user has made on the (n-1)th Braille input screen. The confirmation operation may be, for example, a touch input operation. The processor 21 may also output voice guidance to the speaker 343. The voice guidance may be, for example, "The dots that make up the Braille made on the (n-1)th Braille input screen have dot-like protrusions," or "The dots that make up the Braille made on the (n-1)th Braille input screen do not have dot-like protrusions," etc. Furthermore, if a swipe operation is performed in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction on the first braille input screen, the screen cannot be moved. For this reason, the processor 21 maintains the state in which the first braille input screen is displayed.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example was given where there is a one-to-one correspondence between the processing name in the processing name table 242 and its first character. For example, the same first character may be set for multiple processing names. If there are multiple processing names associated with the hiragana obtained in the ACT23 process in Figure 7, the processor 21 may display processing function buttons for multiple matching processing names on the touch panel 341 as ACT25. For example, the processor 21 may display the home screen on the touch panel 341, enable the processing function buttons for multiple matching processing names, and disable the processing function buttons for processing names that do not apply. The processor 21 may also output voice guidance to the speaker 343. The voice guidance may include, for example, a notification that multiple processing functions apply, or a prompt to select one processing function from among the multiple matching processing functions. The voice guidance may include, for example, "To select the first processing function candidate, touch the '1' button; to select the second processing function candidate, touch the '2' button," or "To select the first processing function candidate, perform a tap operation on the touch panel; to select the second processing function candidate, perform a double tap operation on the touch panel."

[0082] The program executed by the processor 21 of the input device 1 in the above-described embodiment is provided as a file in a format installable or executable in the data memory 24, recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk, CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Alternatively, the program executed by the processor 21 in the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0083] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] A touch panel that receives a first input in which a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dot-like projection by a first operation, and a second input which gives a different instruction from the first input by a second operation different from the first operation, A processor that identifies the Braille characters based on the first and second inputs received by the touch panel and searches for a processing function corresponding to the identified Braille characters, An input device equipped with the following. [Note 2] The input device according to Note 1, wherein when the processor receives the second input, it determines whether the dots constituting the Braille correspond to dot-like protrusions, and when the number of times it has determined whether the dots constituting the Braille correspond to dot-like protrusions reaches a predetermined number, it identifies the Braille. [Appendix 3] An input device according to Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a display for displaying the processing function results retrieved by the processor. [Appendix 4] The input device according to Appendix 3, further comprising a speaker that outputs voice guidance relating to the determination of the searched processing function. [Note 5] The computer of the input device, A function that accepts a first input in which a dot constituting Braille corresponds to a dot-like projection through a first operation, and a second input which gives a different instruction from the first input through a second operation different from the first operation, A function to identify the Braille based on the received first input and second input, A function to search for processing functions corresponding to the identified Braille, A control program to achieve this. [Note 6] The aforementioned computer, A function to display the results of the searched processing function, The control program described in Appendix 5 for further implementation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1...Input device, 11...Scanner, 12...Printer, 13...Control system, 14...Control panel, 21, 31...Processor, 22, 32...RAM, 23, 33...ROM, 24...Data memory, 25...Image memory, 26...Image processing unit, 27...Communication interface, 34...Operation panel, 35...External interface, 36...Non-volatile memory, 101...First braille input screen, 102...Second braille input screen, 103...Third braille input screen, 104...Fourth braille input screen, 105...Fifth braille input screen, 106...Sixth braille input screen, 241...Braille file, 242...Processing name table, 341...Touch panel, 342...Input device, 343...Speaker, 361...First memory, 362...Second memory.

Claims

1. A touch panel that receives a first input by a first operation to indicate a dot-like projection and a second input by a second operation different from the first operation to determine whether or not it corresponds to a dot-like projection, A processor that identifies a predetermined number of dots as a dot-like protrusion if the second input is received after the first input is received via the touch panel, and identifies each of these dots as a dot-like protrusion if the second input is received without the first input being received via the touch panel, thereby identifying a Braille character, and searches for a processing function corresponding to the identified Braille character. An input device equipped with the following.

2. The touch panel accepts the second input as input by a swipe operation as the second operation. The input device according to claim 1.

3. A display unit that displays the processing function results retrieved by the aforementioned processor. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. A speaker that outputs voice guidance related to the determination of the searched processing function, The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. A computer of an input device equipped with a touch panel that receives a first input by a first operation for indicating a dot-like projection and a second input by a second operation which is different from the first operation and determines whether or not it corresponds to a dot-like projection, The function identifies Braille by determining each of a predetermined number of dots as a dot-like projection when the second input is received after the first input is received via the touch panel, and by determining each of these dots as a dot-like projection when the second input is received without the first input being received via the touch panel. A function to search for processing functions corresponding to the identified Braille, A control program to achieve this.

6. The input device further comprises a speaker To the aforementioned computer, A function to output voice guidance related to the determination of the searched processing function to the speaker. A control program according to claim 5 for further realization.

Images