Operating device, control method, and control program
The operating device with user identification and touch history tracking in MFPs addresses the risk of contact infection by displaying contaminated areas and prompting disinfection, enhancing user safety and reducing cleaning frequency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONICA MINOLTA INC
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
Smart Images
Figure 0007868322000001 
Figure 0007868322000002 
Figure 0007868322000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device, control a method, and a control program.
Background Art
[0002] In offices such as government offices, educational institutions, and companies, and stores such as convenience stores and print shops, there are many facilities and devices shared by multiple users. For example, image forming devices such as facsimile machines, copy machines, and multi-function peripheral devices (M FP:Multi-Function Peripheral) having combined functions thereof are often shared in offices and stores. However, when operating an MFP, since multiple users touch the same touch panel, if there is a user infected with a virus, bacteria, etc., there is a possibility that other users will touch the touch panel to which the virus, bacteria, etc. have adhered. However, when operating an MFP, since multiple users touch the same touch panel, if there is a user infected with a virus, bacteria, etc., there is a possibility that other users will touch the touch panel to which the virus, bacteria, etc. have adhered. - Users who are infected with viruses, bacteria, etc. If there is, there is a possibility that other users will come into contact with the touch panel to which viruses, bacteria, etc. have adhered. There is.
[0003] On the other hand, a technique for supporting efficient cleaning by displaying an area that requires cleaning on the display screen of the touch panel is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In this technique, only an area where the number of touches in the touched area of the display screen is equal to or greater than a specified value is set as the cleaning target area, and the cleaning target area is displayed on the display screen. In recent years, with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, handwashing and finger disinfection are strongly recommended to prevent contact infection. On the other hand, a technique for supporting efficient cleaning by displaying an area that requires cleaning on the display screen of the touch panel is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In this technique, only an area where the number of touches in the touched area of the display screen is equal to or greater than a specified value is set as the cleaning target area, and the cleaning target area is displayed on the display screen. In recent years, with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, handwashing and finger disinfection are strongly recommended to prevent contact infection. In this technique, only an area where the number of touches in the touched area of the display screen is equal to or greater than a specified value is set as the cleaning target area, and the cleaning target area is displayed on the display screen. In addition, in recent years, with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, handwashing and finger disinfection are strongly recommended to prevent contact infection. However, in an MFP used by many users, it is very time-consuming to clean the touch panel every time it is operated, or for users to wash their hands or disinfect their fingers, and it is thorough.
[0004] However, in an MFP used by many users, it is very time-consuming to clean the touch panel every time it is operated, or for users to wash their hands or disinfect their fingers, and it is thorough. It takes a lot of time, and it is thorough. It is also difficult to do so. Therefore, in order to avoid contact infection, the touch panel It is not practical to expect users to clean the area or to wash and disinfect their hands. Because users cannot visually confirm whether or not a virus is present on the touch panel. Furthermore, it is impossible to determine whether or not preventive measures against contact transmission are necessary. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-165174 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an operating device that can prevent or suppress a user from touching a location that has been touched by another user when operating a touch panel. control The objective is to provide a method and a control program. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The above objectives of the present invention are achieved by the following means.
[0008] (1) A touch panel that receives user touch input and outputs information regarding the location where the touch input was performed, A user identification unit that identifies the user operating the touch panel, The touched position or area on the aforementioned touch panel Along with the user information identified by the aforementioned user identification unit The system includes a storage unit that stores contact history information, and a display control unit that displays an operation menu on the display screen of the touch panel, wherein the display control unit, based on the contact history information, can distinguish the touched position or area on the touch panel from other positions or areas. And it will be different for each user. An operating device that controls the display to show the information on the aforementioned display screen.
[0009] (2) The display control unit controls to display the touched position or area, while Based on the aforementioned contact history information, users other than the operating user controlling not to display the touched position or area of the above-mentioned (1). The aforementioned user The operating device according to the above (1).
[0010] (3) The user identification unit is, Identifying the operating user who operates the touch panel from a plurality of registered users 、 The operating device according to the above ( 1 ).
[0011] (4) When the operating user logs in, the display control unit displays the touched position or area of users other than the operating user, and controls not to display the touched position or area of the operating user. The operating device according to the above (3).
[0012] (5) When the operating user logs out, when the touch panel receives a predetermined operation, when the operating user leaves the touch panel, or when the touch panel does not receive an input for a predetermined time, in any of these cases, in addition to the touched position or area of users other than the operating user, the display control unit controls to also display the touched position or area of the operating user. The operating device according to the above ( 4).
[0014] ( 6 ) The display control unit controls to display the touched position or area in different colors for each user. The operating device according to the above ( 1 ).
[0015] ( 7 ) The display control unit controls to display information about the user corresponding to the touched position or area displayed in the different colors. The above (6 The operating device according to (1).
[0016] (8) The display control unit cancels the display of the touched position or area after a predetermined time has elapsed. The operating device according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) A touch panel that receives a touch input from a user and outputs information regarding the position where the touch input was made, a storage unit that stores the touched position or area on the touch panel as touch history information, and a display control unit that displays an operation menu on the display screen of the touch panel. The display control unit controls the display screen to display the touched position or area on the touch panel in a distinguishable manner from other positions or areas based on the touch history information, and cancels the display of the touched position or area after a predetermined time has elapsed. An operating device. Whether or not cleaning is performed An operating device that cancels the display.
[0017] (10) When the operator touches a touched position or area of a user other than the operator, the display control unit prompts the operator to wash hands or disinfect. The operating device according to (3) above. area, the display control unit prompts the operator to wash hands or disinfect. The operating device according to (3) above. area, the display control unit prompts the operator to wash hands or disinfect. The operating device according to (3) above.
[0018] (11) When the operator touches a touched position or area of a user other than the operator, the display control unit records information regarding the operator. The operating device according to the above (10). area, the display control unit records information regarding the operator. The operating device according to the above (10). The operating device according to the above (10).
[0019] (12) The system includes a touch panel that receives user touch input and outputs information about the location where the touch input was made, a storage unit that stores the touched locations or areas on the touch panel as contact history information, and a display control unit that displays an operation menu on the display screen of the touch panel, wherein the display control unit controls the display screen to display the touched locations or areas on the touch panel in a way that allows them to be distinguished from other locations or areas, based on the contact history information. When the ratio of the touched area to the entire display screen exceeds a predetermined threshold, the display control unit prohibits the user from making a touch input by displaying a prompt for cleaning the display screen. , Misao An operating device.
[0020] (13) The display control unit changes from a display prompting the operator to wash hands or disinfect. If a set time has elapsed, the display prompting hand washing or disinfection will be removed, as described in (10) above. (11) is the operating device described above.
[0021] (14) When the cleaning is completed, the display control unit shall cancel the display prompting cleaning. , the operating device described in (12) above.
[0022] (15) The display control unit controls the touch When the values of the operating coordinates obtained from the panel change continuously, it is determined that cleaning is being performed, and when the continuous change in the values of the operating coordinates continues for a predetermined cleaning time, it is determined that the cleaning of the entire screen is complete. The operating device described in (14) above for making a determination.
[0023] (16) The system includes a touch panel that receives user touch input and outputs information about the location where the touch input was made, a storage unit that stores the touched locations or areas on the touch panel as contact history information, and a display control unit that displays an operation menu on the display screen of the touch panel, wherein the display control unit controls the display screen to display the touched locations or areas on the touch panel in a way that allows them to be distinguished from other locations or areas, based on the contact history information. The system acquires information regarding the size of the area where the touch input was performed, and controls the system to display the touched area on the touch panel on the display screen based on the contact history information and the information regarding the size of the area. , Misao production equipment.
[0024] (17) The touch panel outputs the center coordinates of the area where the touch input was performed, The display control unit, based on the information regarding the center coordinates and the size of the area, Control the display screen to show the touch area corresponding to the area where the touch input was performed. The operating device described in (16) above.
[0025] (18) Multiple registered users who operate the touch panel It further has a user identification unit that identifies the user, and information regarding the size of the area is provided in advance to the user - The size of the area is set for each, and the display control unit uses the center coordinates and a specified Based on the size of the area corresponding to the user who performed the operation, the area where the touch input was performed Control to display the corresponding touch area on the display screen as described in (17) above. Operating device.
[0026] (19) Step (a) to identify the user operating the touch panel, and the A step of receiving user touch input to a touch panel and outputting information regarding the location where the touch input was made. b ) and the touched position or area on the touch panel Along with the user information identified in step (a) above Step to store as contact history information ( c ) and the step of displaying the operation menu on the touch panel display screen ( d )and 、 Based on the aforementioned contact history information, the touched location or area on the touch panel , distinguishable from other locations or areas and different for each user. Steps to control the display screen to show the above-mentioned display ( e ) and, control method.
[0027] (20) the above( 19 ) A control program that causes a computer to execute the operations described in the instructions. [Effects of the Invention]
[0028] According to the present invention, the touched position or area is displayed on the touch panel display screen. Therefore, when a user operates the touch panel, they may touch areas that have been touched by other users. This can prevent or suppress it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0029] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of an MFP according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating some of the functions of the control unit shown. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation menu of the touch panel in the operation display unit. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a contact history table that includes the top-left and bottom-right coordinates as operation coordinates. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the size of the touch area created by a user's touch operation. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates a contact history table that includes the center coordinates as the operating coordinates. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps for controlling the MFP shown in the diagram. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the processing procedure for step S105 in the flowchart. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how touched areas are displayed when the user authentication function is not used. [Figure 10A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display of touched areas when using the user authentication function. [Figure 10B] This diagram illustrates a case where the touched areas of the logged-in user are not displayed. [Figure 11A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display of touched areas when using the user authentication function. [Figure 11B] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display of touched areas in contact history information after a predetermined time has elapsed. [Figure 12] This is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the processing procedure for step S106 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display of touched areas when using the user authentication function. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how to display the user who performed a touch operation on a touched area. [Figure 15] This is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the processing procedure for step S107 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7. [Figure 16A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating what happens when you touch an area that has already been touched by another user. [Figure 16B] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning message indicating that you have touched an area already touched by another user. [Figure 17A]This is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the start key is largely covered by the touched area. [Figure 17B] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning message indicating that the display screen needs cleaning. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Identical elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are... These figures are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual proportions.
[0031] <mfp100> Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the MFP100 according to the embodiment. 100 is an image forming apparatus that utilizes an electrophotographic process, and reads original image data. Based on this, it is used to form (print) an image on paper, which is a recording medium. MFP1 00 may have functions such as a facsimile machine, a photocopier, or a combination thereof. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the MFP100 receives touch input (operation) from the user. It has a touch panel for mounting and functions as an operating device.
[0032] The MFP100 consists of an image reading unit 110, an image processing unit 120, an image forming unit 130, and a communication unit 1 It has a 40, a paper feeding unit 150, an imaging unit 160, an operation display unit 170, and a control unit 180. These components are connected by bus 101.
[0033] The image reading unit 110 optically reads the original document and generates an image data signal. 120 applies various image processing to the image data signal to generate print image data. The adult part 130 forms an image by an electrophotographic process based on the printed image data. The image is fixed onto paper, which serves as the recording medium. The paper with the image fixed is then removed from the output tray. It is then discharged to the outside of the MFP100.
[0034] The communication unit 140 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network. The paper feeding unit 150 is equipped with at least one paper tray and the image forming unit 130 receives paper. They are supplied one at a time.
[0035] The paper feeding unit 150 is equipped with at least one paper tray and feeds one sheet of paper to the image forming unit 130. They will be supplied one at a time.
[0036] The imaging unit 160 is located, for example, on the top of the housing of the MFP 100, and the touch panel 171 It has a camera for photographing one or more users in front of it. Imaging unit 160 For example, it transmits an image of the user captured by the camera to the control unit 180. Unit 180 stores the received image in RAM 182 and uses it for user authentication.
[0037] The operation display unit 170 has a touch panel 171. The touch panel 171 is a display device. It includes a position input device such as a touchpad, and performs touch input reception and information display in parallel. It has a structure that allows for processing in steps. For example, the touch panel 171 has a display screen for the display device. The operation menu, including software keys (hereinafter referred to as "soft keys"), is displayed. It accepts user input (operations) for the user, and displays various settings, processing results, warnings, messages, etc. It displays information such as sage. The display device is located on the back of the position input device and uses a liquid crystal display. It may be equipped with a display, organic light-emitting display, etc. Furthermore, the position input device may be resistive or static. One of the following methods can be employed: capacitance type, surface acoustic wave type, infrared type, and load detection type. .
[0038] The user operates the soft keys displayed on the touch panel screen. Instructions for controlling the operation of the MFP100, such as starting and stopping printing. Enter information such as display settings, color settings, and number of copies to print.
[0039] Soft keys include, for example, a start key, stop key, reset key, numeric keypad, and pop-up keys. These could be buttons such as OK or Cancel within a pop-up menu. More specifically, the user , touching (or pressing) the soft keys on the operation screen with your fingers or other body parts. This allows you to operate the soft keys (for example, on / off, selection).
[0040] In this specification, the user touches (touches) the touch panel to operate the soft keys. The act of creating something is called "touch operation." Soft keys are, for example, icons, buttons, and text buttons. This can be the form (type) of cells, etc., in a chart or graph. A touch panel can be, for example, tap, dot It can accept operations such as double tap, triple tap, and long tap. Users cannot operate display areas other than the soft keys (background area, label area, etc.). It's not possible.
[0041] The position input device outputs information about the position of the soft key that the user has touched. To exert force. Positional information includes the coordinates of operations performed on the touch panel. For example, When the operator's finger touches an area containing multiple coordinates, the multiple positional coordinates corresponding to the area are It may be output. Alternatively, based on multiple coordinates included in this region, a representative coordinate, for example The system may be configured to calculate and output the coordinates of the center or the center of gravity. The signal is transmitted to the control unit 180.
[0042] The control unit 180 includes an image reading unit 110, an image processing unit 120, an image forming unit 130, and a communication unit 1 Control unit 180 controls the 40, paper feed unit 150, imaging unit 160, and operation display unit 170. is CPU (Central Processing Unit) 181, RAM (Ra ndom Accesses Memory)182, ROM(Read Only Me It has a memory unit 183, an auxiliary storage unit 184, and a timing unit 185, and these components They are interconnected by an internal bus.
[0043] RAM182 determines the display area and size of the soft keys as a result of calculations performed by CPU181. It temporarily stores the operation coordinates and print image data obtained from the touch panel 171. OM183 stores various parameters used by the CPU181 for calculations and other operations. .
[0044] The auxiliary storage unit 184 stores the OS, various application programs, and parts of the MFP100. It stores control programs and other information for control purposes. The CPU 181 executes the control programs. By doing so, various functions can be realized.
[0045] The timekeeping unit 185 is equipped with an RTC (Real-Time Clock) and outputs the current time. It has the function of doing so.
[0046] <Functions of the control unit 180> Figure 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating some of the functions of the control unit 180 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the operation menu of the touch panel 171 in the operation display unit 170 shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic diagram. Figure 4 shows a contact history table including the top-left and bottom-right coordinates as the operating coordinates. Figure 5 illustrates the size of the contact area caused by user touch operation. This is a schematic diagram for that purpose. Figure 6 also shows an example of a contact history table that includes the center coordinates as the operating coordinates. The diagram shows the contact history table, which represents the touch operation history table for the touch panel 171. This is a table that stores the marks in chronological order, linked to the user who performed the touch operation (for example) (See Figures 4 and 6).
[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 180 includes an authentication unit 201, a display control unit 202, and a touch detection unit. It functions as 203 and table control unit 204.
[0048] The authentication unit 201 authenticates one or more users in front of the touch panel 171. The authentication unit 201 acquires an image from the imaging unit 160 and combines this image with a number of pre-registered data. Using the user's image, the system matches the user's facial features, etc., with the touch panel 171. It authenticates the user in front of it. Furthermore, the authentication unit 201 functions as a user identification unit. Through user authentication, multiple pre-registered users can access the touch panel 171. Identify the user. Note that the user authentication method is not limited to facial recognition; it also includes the user's eyes. Authentication based on the retina, iris, finger veins, fingerprints, etc. can also be employed. - Recognition can also be made by touching or inserting the card containing the stored information into the reader. Proof can be provided. Also, if the MFP100 has a proximity sensor that detects the user's approach. This involves authenticating (identifying) users who approach the MFP100 within a predetermined distance. It may be configured in this way.
[0049] The display control unit 202 displays an operation menu on the display screen of the touch panel 171. Figure 3 As shown, the operation menu includes, for example, color settings for the user to configure color settings. Color section 301, Copies setting section 302 for setting the number of copies to print. , Page layout settings section (Duplex Settings) 3 for setting page layout 03. Includes touch-operable soft keys such as the Start key (Start) 304.
[0050] The touch detection unit 203 detects the user's touch operation on the touch panel 171. The touch detection unit 203, based on the operation coordinates received from the touch panel 171, displays the image The system recognizes which of the soft keys displayed on surface 300 has been touched. ru.
[0051] Furthermore, the display control unit 202 controls the touch operation performed by the user on the touch panel 171. The area will be displayed on the display screen 300 so that other users can identify it. More specifically The display control unit 202 detects when the user's fingers touch the touch panel 171 via touch operation. The touch area corresponding to the touched area is drawn on the display screen 300. The touch area is a touch control. This is the area that includes the operation coordinates. The operation coordinates are, for example, the area where the user's finger moves to the touch panel 17 The top-left coordinate (x1, y1) and bottom-right coordinate (x It can be expressed as 2,y2). For example, Figure 4 shows that user A, in April 2021 At 9:30 AM on the 5th of the month, the area with top-left coordinates (400,300) and bottom-right coordinates (500,380) The example shows that it was operated by touch. The two coordinates are the top-left coordinate and the bottom-right coordinate. This represents the position and size of the area touched by the user's fingers on the touch panel 171. This allows the display control unit 202 to accurately display the touch area on the display screen 300. It can be demonstrated.
[0052] Furthermore, the size of the touch area depends on the size of the user's fingers and how the user touches the screen. That can change. For example, if the user touches the touch button harder than usual, the touch The area is larger than usual, and when you touch lightly, the touch area is normally It becomes smaller than that. Also, when users use their fingertips or nails to operate the touch screen, they should use the pads of their fingers. The touch area becomes smaller than when operating. For example, Figure 5 shows the user touching firmly. The touch area 402 when operated (shown by the large hand 401), and when the user taps lightly. The touch area 404 when a touch operation is performed (shown by a small hand 403) is illustrated. Because the user pressed hard, touch area 402 is larger than touch area 404. It is displayed.
[0053] The table control unit 204 processes the touch operation detected by the touch detection unit 203. The operation time and operation coordinates are associated with the username or user ID, and the user Each contact history information is generated. The table control unit 204 also processes the contact history information in chronological order. The contact history table is generated and saved to RAM182. As described later, the user Each time a touch operation is performed, contact history information corresponding to the touch operation is stored in the contact history table. It will be added to the Bulletin Board. Additionally, contact history information that has exceeded a specified time will be deleted from the contact history table. It will be done. Furthermore, there is no need to display the touched area without deleting the contact history information. It may be configured to include a mark indicating this.
[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the table control unit 204 uses the center coordinates (X, Y) as the operating coordinates. It is also possible to generate a contact history table that includes ). For example, if user A contacted you in 2021 At 9:30 AM on April 5th, I touched the area centered at coordinates (450,340). This is illustrated by the example. This region could be, for example, a circle with radius r centered on the central coordinates. The radius r may be a fixed value stored in the auxiliary storage unit 184. Also, the authentication unit 20 If it is possible to identify the user who operates the touch panel 171 from among a plurality of registered users by means of 1, the radius r may be a value selected from a plurality of values for each user. Also, the area is not limited to a circle and may be a figure having a predetermined shape. The table control unit 204 obtains, from the auxiliary storage unit 184, a fixed value or a value selected from a plurality of values as information regarding the size of the area
[0055] Thus, since the table control unit 204 only needs to manage one of the center coordinates, the amount of information to be managed can be reduced as compared with the case of managing two coordinates, namely the upper left coordinate and the lower right coordinate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in performance when the display control unit 202 displays (draws) a touch area on the display screen 300
[0056] Note that the contact history information may have information representing an operation area including the operation coordinates instead of the operation coordinates. For example, the display screen 300 of the touch panel 371 may be divided into a plurality of areas, each area may be numbered, and the operation area including the operation coordinates may be referred to by the number
[0057] <Control Method of MFP100> FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control method of the MFP100 shown in FIG. 1 The processing in the figure is realized by the CPU 181 executing a control program
[0058] First, it is determined whether the MFP100 uses a user authentication function (step S101). If the user authentication function is used (step S101: YES), it is determined whether the user has logged in The authentication unit 201 is in front of the touch panel 171 Authentication is performed on the user. If user authentication is successful, the authentication unit 201 will... It is determined that Zar has logged in. On the other hand, if the user authentication function is not used (Step S 101:NO), proceed to step S103 without performing user authentication. In the implementation example, we will explain the case where the MFP100 has a user authentication function, but If P100 does not have a user authentication function, the processes in steps S101 and S102 are performed. It is configured to directly perform the processing in step S103.
[0059] Next, the display control unit 202 displays the operation menu on the display screen 300 of the touch panel 171. To show (step S103).
[0060] Next, the contact history table is read (step S104). The table control unit 204 then... The contact history table is read from the auxiliary storage unit 184 into the RAM 112. It includes a chronological record of past touch operations.
[0061] Next, the touched area is displayed (step S105). The display control unit 202 then checks the contact history. Based on the contact history information in the history table, the touch area of the touch operation performed in the past is determined by the table. Displays the selected area. In this embodiment, the logged-in user (touch panel operation) It displays touched areas for users other than the author, while showing touched areas for the logged-in user. The completed area is controlled not to be displayed. For details of the processing in this step, see Figure 8~ Refer to Figure 11B, which will be discussed later.
[0062] Next, it is determined whether the user has logged out or not (step S106). Authentication unit 20 If it is determined by step 1 that the user has logged out (step S106: YES), The display control unit 202 controls the display to show areas that are not currently displayed but have been touched by the user. The process is completed (step S109), and the process is terminated (end). The user's touched area is displayed. This indicates the possibility of switching the user operating the touch panel 171 to a new user. This is because the sex is highly desirable.
[0063] Additionally, if the system determines that the user has logged out, the user's previously touched areas will be displayed. I have explained the cases in which this occurs, but for example, if any of the following states (a) to (c) are met... Even in that case, there is a high possibility that the user will switch to a new user, so the user's touched The system may be configured to display the area.
[0064] (a) Assuming that the user will switch for each job, the user will press the start button 13 If you press 4 (b) Proximity sensors and cameras can detect when the user has moved away from the touch panel 171. If you find out (c) If the touch panel 171 does not accept operation after the predetermined reception time On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has not logged out (step S106: NO), Detects touch operation, saves contact history information, and displays the touch area (step S107) The touch detection unit 203 detects the touch operation of the user operating the touch panel 171. It detects and displays the touch area in real time. For details of the process in this step, see Figure Refer to Figures 12-14 below for further details.
[0065] Next, a warning is displayed (step S108). The display control unit 202 tells the user that other users If it is determined that the touch area of the user has come into contact with another user's touch area, A warning message is displayed to that effect. Furthermore, the display control unit 202 controls the display screen 3 of the touch panel 171. If it is determined that cleaning of 00 is necessary, a warning will be issued indicating that cleaning of the display screen 300 is required. Display the following information. Details of this step will be described later, referring to Figures 15 to 17B. ru.
[0066] <Process to display touched locations (S105)> Figure 8 illustrates the details of the processing procedure for step S105 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7. This is a subroutine flowchart, and Figure 9 shows the case when the user authentication function is not used. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display of touched areas.
[0067] Figure 10A also shows an example of how the touched area is displayed when the user authentication function is used. This is a schematic diagram, and Figure 10B shows the case where the touched area of the logged-in user is not displayed. This is an illustrative diagram. Figure 11A shows the case when using the user authentication function. Figure 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating the display of the touched area, and shows the contact history information after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is a schematic diagram to explain the display of touched areas.
[0068] As shown in Figure 8, the current time is obtained (step S201). Table control unit 204 The current time is obtained from the timekeeping unit 185.
[0069] Next, the contact history information for which a predetermined time has elapsed is deleted from the contact history table (Step S2 02) The table control unit 204 uses the current time obtained in step S201 to determine the current time. Then, the contact history information (username, operation time, and operation coordinates) after a predetermined time has elapsed is stored in RAM. Remove from the contact history table of 182.
[0070] Next, it is determined whether or not to use the user authentication function (step S203). When using the authentication function (step S203: YES), log in the contact history table Mark the contact history information corresponding to the in-user as hidden (step S204). On the other hand, if there is no user authentication function (step S203: NO), do not mark it. Proceed to step S205. In other words, if you use the user authentication function, log in. If the user's contact history information is marked as hidden and the user authentication function is not used... For any of these users, contact history information will not be marked as hidden.
[0071] Next, the touched area is displayed (step S205). The display control unit 202 then checks the contact history. Based on the contact history information in the history table, the user touches the touch panel 171. The completed area is displayed on the display screen 300 so that it can be identified from other areas that have not been touched. Let it.
[0072] For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the user authentication function is not used, any user Since the contact history information is not marked as hidden, the display control unit 202 logs This displays the touched areas of all users, including in-users. For illustrative purposes, the touched area 410 is indicated by a gray-filled circle. However, in the actual touch panel 171, the touched area 410 is determined by the user. They can be displayed in easily identifiable colors.
[0073] Also, if there is text written on the soft key (for example, "+ " in the copy setting unit 302 The characters (such as "") are designed to use a transparent color so that users can read them. It may be done. In addition, in MFP100 which does not use the user authentication function, multiple users If touch operations are performed by a user, it is impossible to determine which user performed the touch operation. Therefore, touched areas may be displayed in the same color (or density in monochrome display).
[0074] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10A, when using the user authentication function, the logged-in user The touched area of one user and the touched area of another user can be distinguished. The diagram shows the log The user-touched area 411 is indicated by a white circle, and other users' touched areas are also shown. Area 410 is indicated by a gray-filled circle. Note that multiple other users In this case, those users can also distinguish each other, but in the diagram, for the sake of simplicity, This example illustrates the case where there is only one other user.
[0075] As shown in Figure 10B, when using the user authentication function, contact with the logged-in user Because the history information is marked as hidden, the logged-in user's touched area 411 The (white circle) is not displayed on screen 300, but is in the area 410 that has been touched by another user. The (gray-filled circle) will be displayed.
[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11A, when using the user authentication function, multiple users Touched areas can be displayed separately from each other. In the figure, A's touched area 411 (Outlined circle), B's touched area 410 (gray filled circle), and The area touched by person C, 412 (a circle filled in black), is displayed. Meanwhile, Figure 1 As shown in 1B, as explained in step S202 above, from the current time to a predetermined Contact history information that has expired will be deleted, so contact history information that has expired will be deleted. Touched areas are not displayed.
[0077] <Process to detect touch operation, save contact history information, and display the touch area (Step S) 107)> Figure 12 illustrates the details of the processing procedure for step S107 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7. This is a subroutine flowchart, and Figure 13 shows the case when the user authentication function is used. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display of the touch area. Figure 14 shows the touch of the touched area. This is a schematic diagram illustrating how to display the user who performed the operation.
[0078] As shown in Figure 12, first, a touch operation is detected (step S301). After login The user performs a touch operation on the touch panel 171. The touch detection unit 203 detects the user's touch. The system detects user touch operations on the touch panel 171.
[0079] Next, the operation coordinates are obtained (step S302). The table control unit 204 performs touch detection. The operation coordinates of the touch operation detected by the outlet 203 are obtained. As described above, the operating seat The markers could be, for example, the top-left and bottom-right coordinates, or the center coordinates.
[0080] Next, the current time is obtained (step S303). The table control unit 204 controls the timing unit 1 The current time output from 85 is obtained as the time of the user's touch operation. .
[0081] Next, contact history information is saved (step S304). The table control unit 204 then... The time and coordinates of the operation are recorded using the username of the logged-in user, or user ID. Generate contact history information by linking it to D, and add it to the contact history table.
[0082] Next, it is determined whether multiple users are operating the touch panel 171 (step (S305). The authentication unit 201, for example, uses images captured by the camera of the imaging unit 160. If the user is included in the group, authentication is performed for each user. Authentication Unit 20 1. If multiple users are authenticated, multiple users can operate the touch panel 171. It determines that it is doing so. For example, the authentication unit 201 analyzes the images captured by the camera and determines each It tracks each user's touch actions and identifies the user who performed the touch action.
[0083] If multiple users are operating the touch panel 171 (Step S305: YES) ), the display control unit 202 displays the touch area with a different color for each user (step S3 06). Figure 13 shows that Person A has set the density setting (Density) 3 on the display screen 300. 05, and the touch operation corresponding to the Start key (Start) 304 This example illustrates the case where each of the 411 control areas is displayed in real time. Note that the figure also shows, Although only A's touch operation is shown as an example, the touch operations of B and C are also shown. Therefore, similar to A's touch operation, the touch area can be displayed with a different color for each user. On the other hand, if only person A is operating the touch panel 171 (Step S305: NO ), terminates processing without displaying the touch area.
[0084] In this way, by displaying touch areas with different colors for each user, for example, multiple When users operate the touch panel 171 together and teach each other how to use it, etc. This prevents you from touching an area that another user has touched.
[0085] Furthermore, if the touch panel 171 is capacitive, when the user brings their finger close, The ChiPanel 171 detects the weak electric charge present in the user's finger, and even without the user touching it. , it can detect the user's finger. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the display control unit 202, The touch panel 171 continuously detects the weak electrical charge present in the user's finger for a specified period of time. If this occurs, control the system to display the username (User A) corresponding to the touched location. .
[0086] <Process to display a warning (S108)> Figure 15 illustrates the details of the processing procedure for step S108 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7. This is a subroutine flowchart, and Figure 16A shows the login user interacting with other users. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of contact with a touched area, and Figure 16B shows the touch of another user. This is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning display indicating contact with a completed area. Figure 17A also shows the start key. - This is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where 304 is largely covered by the touched area, and Figure 17B is This is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning message indicating that the display screen 300 needs cleaning.
[0087] First, it is determined whether multiple users are operating the touch panel 171 (step Step S401). When one user is operating the touch panel 171 (Step S4 01:NO), proceed to step S406.
[0088] On the other hand, if multiple users are operating the touch panel 171 (step S401: YES), determine whether the logged-in user has touched an area touched by another user. (Step S402). More specifically, the display control unit 202 displays the login user's data. If the touch area overlaps with an area touched by another user, the logged-in user will be affected. It is determined that contact has been made with the touched area of the user. On the other hand, the touch area of the logged-in user is If the area does not overlap with another user's touched area, the logged-in user will not be able to access other users' touched areas. It is determined that the touched area is not in contact with the area marked as -.
[0089] If the logged-in user's touch area does not overlap with the touched area of another user If successful (step S402: NO), proceed to step S406. Meanwhile, login user If the user's touch area overlaps with an area already touched by another user (Step S 402:YES), record the logged-in user (operating user) in the contact history information (S (Step S403). Contact history information is used when a user touches an area that has been touched by another user. This is historical information for recording the username or user ID of the user.
[0090] For example, as shown in Figure 16A, the logged-in user is person A, and person A's finger 501 If A touches area 412 that C has touched, A will be recorded in the contact history information.
[0091] Next, a warning is displayed indicating that you have touched an area that has been touched by another user (step S40) 4) As shown in Figure 16B, the display control unit 202, for example, "the touch area of another user" A warning message such as "You touched this area. Please wash and disinfect your hands." will be displayed on screen 300. Display it.
[0092] Next, the warning is dismissed (step S405). The display control unit 202 then displays the other user's If a warning is displayed indicating that you have come into contact with a checked area, and a certain amount of time has passed, other users The warning display indicating contact with a touched area is automatically dismissed. The period of time is, for example, a few seconds. It can take several minutes. An automatic warning will be displayed if you have touched an area that has been touched by another user. To disable it, the logged-in user must also use the touch panel 17 to remove the warning display. This is to avoid touching the number 1.
[0093] Next, it is determined whether or not the display screen 300 of the touch panel 171 needs to be cleaned (step S406). The display control unit 202 controls, for example, the entire display screen 300 or a specific part of it. If the percentage of the touched area exceeds a predetermined threshold, the display screen 300 will be cleaned. It is determined that sweeping is necessary. For example, as shown in Figure 17A, in response to the start key 304 Therefore, the proportion of the touched area 410 exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, 70%). The display control unit 202 determines that the display screen 300 needs to be cleaned.
[0094] The display control unit 202 determined that cleaning of the display screen 300 of the touch panel 171 was not necessary. If the condition is met (step S406: NO), the process ends (return). Meanwhile, display control If unit 202 determines that the display screen 300 of the touch panel 171 needs to be cleaned, ( Step S406: YES), display a warning that the display screen 300 needs to be cleaned. Step S407). As shown in Figure 17B, the display control unit 202, for example, "clears the screen". A warning message such as "Please clean up." will be displayed on screen 300.
[0095] Next, it is determined whether the cleaning is complete or not (step S408). The display control unit 202, Cleaning is performed when the values of the operating coordinates obtained from the touch panel 171 change continuously. It is determined that it is present. The display control unit 202 then determines that the continuous change in the value of the operation coordinate is a predetermined clear If the cleaning process continues for the specified time, it will be determined that the entire screen has been cleaned.
[0096] If the display control unit 202 determines that cleaning is complete (step S408: YES), Disable the warning (step S410). Also, after cleaning the display screen 300 is complete, Since the user can also touch the display screen 300, the table control unit 204 can access the contact history. Delete the contact history information of the tablet. Note that without deleting the contact history information, the touched area and The system may be configured to include a mark indicating that it does not need to be displayed.
[0097] On the other hand, if the display control unit 202 determines that cleaning is not yet complete (step S408 :NO), determine whether the predetermined time has elapsed (step S409). Cleaning is complete. Even if not present, the user's touch operation can cause the surface of the touch panel 171 to become damp. It is assumed that the rust and bacteria will be killed after a predetermined time. Therefore, the display control unit 20 2. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the touch operation (step S409: YES), the warning will be dismissed. Control it to divide.
[0098] According to the MFP100 of this embodiment described above, the touched position or area is On the display screen 300 of the touch panel 171, other positions or areas (non-touch positions or areas) Since it is displayed in a manner that can be identified, when the user operates the touch panel 171, other This can prevent or reduce contact with areas that the user has touched.
[0099] As described above, in the embodiment, the MFP100, the operating method, and the control program This has been explained. However, the present invention may be appropriately explained by those skilled in the art within the scope of its technical concept. It goes without saying that it can be added to, modified, and omitted.
[0100] For example, in the above embodiment, when displaying the touch area and the touched area, As explained above, instead of these areas, the touch position corresponding to the center coordinates, and the touch The system may be configured to display the completed position.
[0101] Furthermore, the touch detection unit 203 detects the user's login operation and retrieves the login information (user - Obtain the name (or user ID), and combine that login information with the pre-registered password. It can also be configured to identify the user who performed the login operation by matching the following. Yes, it is possible. Registered login information and passwords are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 184. ru.
[0102] Furthermore, the control program is available on USB memory, flexible disks, CD-ROMs, etc. It may be provided on a computer-readable recording medium, or via the internet, etc. It may be provided online via the network. In this case, computer read Programs recorded on removable recording media are usually transferred to memory or storage. This is stored in memory. Furthermore, this control program can be used, for example, as a standalone application software. It can be provided as software, or as a function of the server within the software of each device. It can be incorporated.
[0103] Furthermore, in the embodiment, some or all of the processing performed by the information processing program It can be implemented by replacing it with hardware such as circuits. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0104] 100 MFP, 110 Image reading unit, 120 Image processing unit, 130 Image forming unit, 140 Communications Department, 150 Paper feed section, 160 Imaging unit, 170 Operation display section, 171 Touch panel, 180 Control unit, 201 Certification Department, 202 Display control unit, 203 Touch detection unit, 204 Table control unit.
Claims
1. A touch panel that receives user touch input and outputs information regarding the location where the touch input was performed, A user identification unit that identifies the user operating the touch panel, A storage unit that stores the touched location or area on the touch panel as contact history information along with user information identified by the user identification unit, The system includes a display control unit that displays an operation menu on the touch panel's display screen, The display control unit is an operating device that controls the display screen to display the touched position or area on the touch panel on the display screen in a way that is distinguishable from other positions or areas and is different for each user, based on the contact history information.
2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display to display the touched location or area of a user other than the operating user, based on the contact history information, while controlling the display to not display the touched location or area of the operating user.
3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the user identification unit identifies the user who operates the touch panel from among a plurality of registered users.
4. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit, when the operating user logs in, displays the location or area touched by a user other than the operating user, and controls the display so as not to show the location or area touched by the operating user.
5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit controls the display to display, in addition to the touched positions or areas of users other than the operating user, the touched positions or areas of the operating user in any of the following cases: when the operating user logs out; when the touch panel accepts a predetermined operation; when the operating user moves away from the touch panel; or when the touch panel does not accept input for a predetermined period of time.
6. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display of the touched position or area in a different color for each user.
7. The operating device according to claim 6, wherein the display control unit controls the display to display information about the user corresponding to the touched position or area displayed in a different color.
8. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display control unit cancels the display of the touched position or area after a predetermined time has elapsed.
9. A touch panel that receives user touch input and outputs information regarding the location where the touch input was performed, A storage unit that stores the touched location or area on the touch panel as contact history information, The system includes a display control unit that displays an operation menu on the touch panel's display screen, The display control unit controls the display screen to display the touched position or area on the touch panel in a way that it can be distinguished from other positions or areas, based on the contact history information, and the display of the touched position or area is cleared after a predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of whether it has been cleaned or not.
10. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit displays a message prompting the operating user to wash their hands or disinfect when the operating user touches a location or area that has been touched by a user other than the operating user.
11. The operating device according to claim 10, wherein the display control unit records information about the operating user when the operating user touches a location or area that has been touched by a user other than the operating user.
12. A touch panel that receives user touch input and outputs information regarding the location where the touch input was performed, A storage unit that stores the touched location or area on the touch panel as contact history information, The system includes a display control unit that displays an operation menu on the touch panel's display screen, The display control unit controls the display screen to display the touched position or area on the touch panel in a way that it can be identified from other positions or areas, based on the contact history information, and when the proportion of the touched area to the entire display screen exceeds a predetermined threshold, it displays a message prompting the user to clean the display screen, thereby prohibiting the user from performing touch input.
13. The operating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the display control unit cancels the display prompting the user to wash their hands or disinfect after a certain period of time has elapsed since the display prompting the user to wash their hands or disinfect.
14. The operating device according to claim 12, wherein the display control unit cancels the display prompting cleaning when the cleaning is completed.
15. The operating device according to claim 14, wherein the display control unit determines that cleaning is being performed when the values of the operation coordinates obtained from the touch panel change continuously, and determines that cleaning of the entire screen is completed when the continuous change in the values of the operation coordinates continues for a predetermined cleaning time.
16. It accepts user touch input and outputs information regarding the location where the touch input was made. A touch panel, A storage unit that stores the touched location or area on the touch panel as contact history information, The system includes a display control unit that displays an operation menu on the touch panel's display screen, The display control unit controls the display screen to display the touched position or area on the touch panel in a manner that it can be distinguished from other positions or areas, based on the contact history information, acquires information regarding the size of the area where the touch input was performed, and controls the display screen to display the touched area on the touch panel based on the contact history information and the information regarding the size of the area.
17. The touch panel outputs the center coordinates of the area where the touch input was performed. The operating device according to claim 16, wherein the display control unit controls the display screen to display a touch area corresponding to the area where the touch input was performed, based on information regarding the center coordinates and the size of the area.
18. It further includes a user identification unit that identifies the user operating the touch panel from among multiple registered users, Information regarding the size of the aforementioned area is predetermined for each user, The operating device according to claim 17, wherein the display control unit controls the display screen to display a touch area corresponding to the area where the touch input was performed, based on the center coordinates and the size of the area corresponding to the identified operating user.
19. Step (a) to identify the user operating the touch panel, (b) A step of receiving a user's touch input to the touch panel and outputting information regarding the location where the touch input was made. Step (c) includes storing the touched location or area on the touch panel as contact history information along with the user information identified in step (a), The steps include (d) displaying an operation menu on the touch panel screen, A control method comprising the step (e) of controlling the display screen to display the touched position or area on the touch panel on the display screen in a way that is distinguishable from other positions or areas and is different for each user, based on the contact history information.
20. A control program for causing a computer to execute the control method described in claim 19.