JP2016134013A - Operation support device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more appropriately detect a state where a user has "difficulty" in operation by taking a non-operation state, the details of operation history, and the presence/absence and state of behavior of the user into consideration.SOLUTION: An operation support device comprises: a condition 1 determination part 33 that determines whether an operation part 12 is in a non-operation state; a condition 2 determination part 34 that determines whether operations on a "return" button and a "cancel" button have been performed to the operation part 12; a condition 3 determination part 35 that determines whether a user is at an operation position to the operation part 12; and a help processing part 36 that determines help is necessary for an operation when one of combinations of the condition 1 determination part 33 and condition 2 determination part 34, and the condition 2 determination part 34 and condition 3 determination part 35 is determined affirmative.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation support apparatus and an image forming apparatus that support user operations on an operation unit.

  Today, with the increasing number of functions of image forming apparatuses, there are a wide variety of operation methods. As a result, unfamiliar users rarely know the setting / operation methods when using special functions such as copying and facsimile transmission. It is not difficult. Therefore, various help techniques have been proposed for automatically determining the state of “I do not know the setting / operation method” and eliminating the difficulty of operation.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a help technique in which a user determines that he / she is in trouble and displays a help message when an elapsed time from the start of the GUI operation exceeds a predetermined estimated time. Have been described. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 describes a method for counting the number of operations that are not valid input operations, such as cancellation due to an erroneous operation, and displaying a help screen when the number of operations exceeds a threshold value. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes that the number of erroneous operations is counted and a help screen is displayed when the number of operations exceeds a threshold value.

JP 2006-338233 A JP 2008-171067 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-195626 JP 2014-77897 A

  The device described in Patent Document 1 is determined to be “problem” based on whether or not the GUI operation is completed during the period compared with the estimated calculation time from the start of the GUI. It does not consider the status of the operation. In addition, without any operation, the image forming apparatus or the like immediately “is in trouble”, such as a document setting preparation operation, a paper replenishment operation, and an operation in which coins are inserted into a coin bender in a mode installed in a store. Because there are many factors that cannot be determined, more appropriate determination is desired. In addition, the devices described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 merely determine that the user is in trouble by paying attention to an operation caused by an erroneous operation, and more appropriately in association with various factors other than the erroneous operation. It does not determine whether you are in trouble.

  Note that Patent Document 4 counts the number of times auto-clear is executed to reset the setting contents to the initial value when there is no operation for a certain period, and extends the time until auto-clear is executed according to the count value. However, it does not determine whether the user is “in trouble” with the operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and can detect a state of “problem” in an operation more appropriately in consideration of a non-operation state, operation history contents, presence / absence of a user, and a behavior state. An object is to provide an operation support apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

  The present invention provides a condition 1 determination means for detecting whether or not the operation unit is in an operation-free state in an operation support apparatus that detects the operation state of the operation unit by a user and performs operation support. Condition 2 determination means for determining whether or not there is a history of a predetermined operation on the operation unit, Condition 3 determination means for determining whether or not the user is at an operation position with respect to the operation unit, Condition 1 determination means, When the combination of the condition 2 determination means and at least one of the condition 2 determination means and the condition 3 determination means is affirmed, it includes a help processing means that determines that a help is required for the operation.

  According to the present invention, it is determined by the condition 1 determination means whether or not the operation unit is in the non-operation state, and the condition 2 determination means determines whether there is a history of a predetermined operation on the operation unit. Whether or not the user is at the operation position with respect to the operation unit is determined by the condition 3 determination means. Then, if there is a predetermined operation history in the non-operation state, if it is determined that there is at least one state when there is a predetermined operation history and at the operation position, the user is in trouble regarding the operation, that is, the help is required. Judgment is made.

  In addition, the condition 1 determination means determines that there is no operation when no operation continues for a predetermined time and when there are a predetermined number of operations for avoiding the energy saving mode. According to this configuration, not only the no-operation time but also the avoidance operation for the so-called energy-saving mode for preventing the transition to the energy-saving mode that maintains the state in which the operation can be continuously received and for instructing the return from the energy-saving mode. Therefore, it is more appropriate to determine whether or not the operation is troubled.

  Further, the condition 2 determination means is characterized in that the predetermined operation is a specific operation for an operation that supports re-setting. According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the situation where the operation is troublesome, such as re-setting. In addition, the aspect judged to be in trouble including the operation of redoing a setting may be sufficient.

  The condition 3 determination means includes a sensor that detects a user near the operation unit and a sensor that detects a user's behavior at the detection position. According to this configuration, it is appropriate to determine whether the operation is troubled.

  Further, the help processing means displays a dialog for accepting a help necessity response, and displays help contents based on an operation history when a help necessity response is received from the user. According to this configuration, it is possible to respond to a help request at an appropriate timing.

  In addition, when the non-operation state continues for a predetermined time, the setting content is returned to the initial state, and when the operation unit is operated within the predetermined time, the auto-clear process that restarts the time measuring unit that elapses the predetermined time A specific operation determining means for determining whether or not there is an operation on a specific operation member for an operation that supports re-setting of the operation unit, and the specific operation member includes: And a time extension setting means for adding a predetermined extension time to the predetermined time for auto-clearing when operated. According to this configuration, since a predetermined extended time is added to a predetermined time for auto-clear depending on the operation status of a specific operation member for an operation that supports re-setting, it is possible for a user who is troubled by the operation. Thus, a time margin is given to the operation.

  Moreover, it is preferable to apply the operation support apparatus described above to an image forming apparatus. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of appropriate help handling.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately detect a “problem” state for operation in consideration of the no-operation state, the operation history content, the presence / absence of the user and the behavior state, and provide operation support To.

1 is a partial perspective view of an image forming apparatus to which an operation support apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram explaining the function of an image forming apparatus. It is a screen figure which shows an example of an operation screen. It is a screen figure which shows an example of an operation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the condition 1 judgment process. It is a flowchart which shows condition 2 judgment processing. It is a flowchart which shows the condition 3 judgment process. It is a flowchart which shows the help process performed using the determination content processed in FIGS. It is a screen figure which shows an example of an operation screen. It is a screen figure which shows an example of an operation screen. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus having an auto-clear function. It is a flowchart which shows an auto clear process.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 to which an operation support apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied includes a main body 1A having a predetermined shape, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, A function execution unit 20 (see FIG. 2) is provided. Each of the function execution units 20 has a known configuration, and includes a reading unit 21 that optically reads a document, an image processing unit 22 that performs various processes such as correction, processing, and filtering on a document image, and a document image on a photosensitive member surface. An exposure unit 23 that forms an electrostatic image; an image forming unit 24 that exposes the electrostatic image on the photosensitive member with toner and transfers it to paper; a communication unit 25 such as a facsimile that exchanges image data with an external device; Further, an unillustrated paper feed system or paper transport system is included. Although omitted in FIG. 1, an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding a plurality of placed documents one by one to an optical document reading position on the document table 1B is provided at the top of the main body 1A. The document table 1B is mounted in an openable / closable state.

  A touch panel 10 of a predetermined size is disposed at an appropriate position of the main body 1A, for example, the front left portion (FIG. 1) of the upper surface. The touch panel 10 has a predetermined shape, for example, a rectangular display surface, a display unit 11 that displays an image, and a transparent touch sensor (hereinafter, an operation unit 12) such as a pressure-sensitive element stacked on the display surface of the display unit 11. 2). The operation unit 12 is not limited to the buttons displayed on the display unit 11, and includes various operation buttons such as other mechanical switches that are arranged around the touch panel 10 as necessary, and are related to settings. .

  Human body sensors 13 for detecting the human body are arranged at a plurality of locations on the surface of the main body 1A. As the human body sensor 13, for example, a small ultrasonic transceiver is used. In this embodiment, the human body sensor 13 periodically transmits ultrasonic pulses toward the front surface of the apparatus, detects the presence / absence of the user at a position where the operation unit 12 can be operated, and other than the operation position. In this area, for example, the side of the main body 1A, the presence / absence of the user who is replenishing paper is detected. The human body sensor 13 may be provided in order to detect another part, that is, a region where the user may perform a work other than the operation.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 30 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 30 constitutes a main part of the operation support apparatus, and in addition to the touch panel 10 and the human body sensor 13, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, and a function execution unit 20 are connected. The ROM 301 stores a control program executed by the control unit 30, and the RAM 302 temporarily stores data being processed.

  The control unit 30 reads the control program stored in the ROM 301 into the RAM 302 and executes it, whereby the operation receiving unit 31, the display control unit 32, the condition 1 determination unit 33, the condition 2 determination unit 34, and the condition 3 It functions as a determination unit 35 and a help processing unit 36. Note that the control unit 30 includes a function processing unit that controls each operation of the function execution unit 20, but a description thereof is omitted because it is a known process.

  The operation receiving unit 31 detects whether an image being displayed on the display unit 11 is designated based on whether or not the user has pressed the operation unit 12 and the pressed position. That is, the image displayed on the display unit 11 is repeatedly read at a predetermined cycle in a state of being sequentially written in the video RAM as is known, and is displayed at a corresponding position on the display unit 11. By associating the address of the video RAM with the coordinates of the operation unit 12 in advance, it is possible to determine which image is pressed, that is, specified, from the pressed coordinate position. The display image includes buttons and icons indicating various setting items to be selected or set when executing various functions.

  For example, in the example of the copy function shown in FIG. 3, apart from general setting items such as the number of copies, single-sided / double-sided, black-and-white / color, etc. as settable items, “paper tray” as “other functions”, Layers for setting items of special functions are prepared as shown by the “page aggregation”, “print menu”, and “background pattern printing” buttons. A “return” button 112 is displayed at an appropriate position on the screen (see FIG. 3A). FIG. 3B is the next screen when the “print menu” button 111 is selected on the screen of FIG. 3A, and buttons for a plurality of items are displayed in a settable manner. As described above, a layer having a corresponding setting item is prepared for each button of the setting item. In addition, a “return” button 113 is displayed at an appropriate position on the screen. When the “background pattern printing” button 114 is selected on the screen of FIG. 4A, the screen shifts to the “background pattern printing” selection screen of FIG. 4B, and “print color”,... “Camouflage pattern”, etc. Buttons for each setting item are displayed. A “return” button 115 is displayed at an appropriate position on the screen. Although not shown in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, in addition to the operation of returning to the previous screen by the “return” button, a “cancel” button for canceling all the setting contents and returning to the initial screen is also displayed as appropriate.

  The display control unit 32 causes the display unit 11 to display an image corresponding to the operation content from the operation unit 12. As will be described later, the display control unit 32 displays a predetermined message in a dialog format when it is determined that help is required, and displays a predetermined help content in response to the dialog. And a help display unit 322.

  The condition 1 determination unit 33 to the condition 3 determination unit 35 determine the relevance to the conditions 1 to 3 as a determination factor as to whether or not the user is “in trouble” with the operation. The condition 1 determination unit 33 includes a no-operation time determination unit 331, an anti-energy saving operation determination unit 332, and a counter 333.

  The no-operation time determination unit 331 has a timer and determines whether or not a predetermined time, for example, 1 minute or more has elapsed since the last (immediately) operation time on the operation unit 12. The anti-energy saving operation determination unit 332 determines whether or not the entry into the energy saving mode has been extended. The energy saving mode is a mode that stops functions other than the function of accepting external operations when the no-operation state continues for a predetermined time or more for the purpose of power saving. For example, 30 seconds is set as the predetermined time. Is done. The operation for extending the entry into the energy saving mode is executed by pressing any button or a predetermined button for extension. The return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is performed by accepting or pressing a predetermined button. The anti-energy saving operation determination unit 332 determines whether or not an operation for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode has been performed within a predetermined time, for example, within 5 seconds from when the energy saving mode is entered. The counter 333 counts the total number of operations for rush extension to the energy saving mode by the energy saving operation determination unit 332 and the number of operations for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Then, the condition 1 determination unit 33 determines that the condition 1 is affirmed when the no-operation time determination unit 331 is affirmed and the counter 333 counts a predetermined number of times, for example, two times or more.

  The condition 2 determination unit 34 includes an operation history determination unit 341 and a counter 342. The operation history determination unit 341 determines whether or not a predetermined button, for example, a “return” button or a “cancel” button (hereinafter referred to as “return / cancel” button) is pressed in an operation of a predetermined special function menu. To do. Further, the condition 2 determination unit 34 determines whether the same menu is selected again or another menu is selected after the “return / cancel” button is pressed. The counter 342 counts the total number of operations when the operation history determination unit 341 selects the same menu and the number of operations when another menu is selected. Then, the condition 2 determination unit 34 determines to affirm the condition 2 when the counter 342 counts a predetermined number of times, for example, twice or more.

  The condition 3 determination unit 35 includes a human body presence determination unit 351 and an operation position / behavior determination unit 352. The human body presence / absence determination unit 351 determines whether or not the user is in the vicinity of the main body 1A, for example, a place for paper supply by the human body sensor 13. The operation position / behavior determination unit 352 determines whether or not the user is within a predetermined distance, for example, 50 cm, with respect to the surface of the touch panel 10 by the human body sensor 13 that searches for the upper surface of the touch panel 10, and further changes the detection distance by inspection over time. It is determined whether (human body behavior) is within a predetermined dimension, for example, 5 cm. The condition 3 determination unit 35 determines to affirm the condition 3 when the distance change is within a predetermined distance with respect to the surface of the touch panel 10 and within a predetermined dimension.

  The help processing unit 36 includes a help necessity determination unit 361 and a help content setting unit 362. The help necessity determination unit 361, when the condition falls under one of the predetermined conditions among the conditions 1 to 3, that is, the combination of the conditions 1 and 2 and the combination of the conditions 2 and 3, Determines that the operation is “problem”, that is, needs help, and instructs the message display unit 321 to display a dialog. The help content setting unit 362 refers to the operation history when a response to the help request is received from the user in response to the dialog, and includes a screen having information (for example, an instruction manual) or setting items corresponding to the troubled operation. Is displayed on the help display unit 322.

  Then, operation | movement of the control part 30 is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIGS. In the flowchart of the condition 1 determination process shown in FIG. 5, it is first determined whether one minute or more has elapsed since the final operation (step S1). If it is within 1 minute, it is determined whether or not an operation for extending the entry into the energy saving mode has been performed (step S3), and if not, whether or not an operation for returning to the energy saving mode has been performed within 5 seconds. Is determined (step S5). If the determination is negative in step S5, the process leaves the flow as it is and it is determined that the condition 1 is not met.

  On the other hand, if either of the determinations in steps S3 and S5 is affirmed, the count value is incremented by “1” (step S7). Next, it is determined whether or not the count value is “2” or more (step S9). If the count value is “1”, the process exits the flow as it is and it is determined that the condition 1 is not met.

  On the other hand, if the determinations in step S1 and step S9 are affirmed, it is determined that the no-operation time is long (step S11), the condition corresponding to the condition 1 is determined, and the present flow is exited.

  In the flowchart of the condition 2 determination process shown in FIG. 6, as a premise, the setting contents up to a predetermined number of times are recorded one by one as the operation history. First, it is determined whether or not the job execution screen is displayed (step S21). If the determination is negative, this flow is passed through until the job execution screen is displayed, and it is determined that the condition 2 is not met. . On the other hand, if the determination in step S21 is affirmative, it is next determined whether or not the special function menu has been operated (step S23). If the determination is negative, the present flow is directly exited until the special function menu is operated. .

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S23 is affirmative, it is next determined whether or not the “return / cancel” button has been pressed (step S25). If the determination is negative, the “return / cancel” button is not pressed. Then, exit this flow as it is.

  On the other hand, if the result is affirmative in step S25, it is next determined whether or not the same menu has been operated (step S27). If not the same menu, it is determined whether or not another menu has been operated (step S27). S29).

  If any of the determinations in step S27 and step S29 is affirmed, the count value is incremented by “1” (step S31). Next, it is determined whether or not the count value is “2” or more (step 33). If the count value is “1”, it is determined that it does not correspond to the condition 2 without going through this flow.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S33 is affirmative, it is determined that there are many operations to the “return / cancel” button and the menu selection operation immediately after that (determined that the condition 2 is satisfied), and this flow is exited.

  In the flowchart of the condition 3 determination process shown in FIG. 7, first, from the detection result of each human body sensor 13, it is determined whether or not there is a person in the vicinity of the main body 1A, in this embodiment, 50 cm (step S41). If this is the case, exit this flow. On the other hand, if there is a person in the vicinity of the main body 1A, it is next determined whether or not the person is within a distance of 50 cm from the upper surface of the touch panel 10 (step S43). If the distance from the upper surface of the touch panel 10 is not within 50 cm, the process returns to step S41 and the same determination process is repeated.

On the other hand, if the distance from the upper surface of the touch panel 10 is within 50 cm, it is next determined whether or not the change in the distance from the upper surface of the touch panel 10 is within a predetermined dimension, for example, within 5 cm (step S45). If the distance change is not within the predetermined dimension, it is determined that the distance has moved greatly, and the process returns to step S43 and the same processing is executed. On the other hand, if the distance change is within the predetermined dimension, it is determined that a fine behavior, typically an operation on the operation unit 12 is performed in front of the touch panel 10 (step S57).
In the flowchart of the help process performed using the determination contents processed in FIGS. 5 to 7 shown in FIG. 8, first, the condition 1 determination process (FIG. 5) is executed (step S51), and the result is the condition. It is determined whether or not 1 is satisfied (step S53). If the condition 1 is satisfied, a condition 2 determination process is executed (step S55), and it is determined whether the result corresponds to the condition 2 (step S57). If the condition 2 is not met, the process returns to step S51.

On the other hand, if that corresponds to the condition 2, as was appropriate to the conditions 1 and 2, a small window of judges that are in trouble in operation, given the size of the dialog, for example, "Are you in trouble in operation? Yes No" 116 is displayed in a pop-up format (step S67). “ Yes No ” functions as a button, and a pressing operation on one side by the user is accepted as an answer.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the Yes “Yes” button has been pressed (step S69). If the button has not been pressed (if the “No” button is pressed), the pop-up screen is erased and the process returns to step S51. The same process is repeated. On the other hand, when the button is pressed, a “help display” in which predetermined contents are displayed is popped up, and a reset process such as a count value is executed, the process returns to step S51, and the same process is repeated.

  Even if the condition 1 is not met in step S53, the condition 2 determination process is executed (step S59). Then, it is determined whether or not the result satisfies the condition 2 (step S61), and if the condition 2 is not satisfied, the process returns to the step S51.

  On the other hand, if the condition 2 is met in step S61, the condition 3 determination process is subsequently executed (step S63). Then, it is determined whether or not the result satisfies the condition 3 (step S65). If the condition 3 is not satisfied, the process returns to the step S51. On the other hand, if the condition 3 is satisfied, it is determined that the condition 2 and the condition 3 are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S67, and steps S69 and S71 are further executed.

  Here, the content of “help display” displays a plurality of candidate operation items that are considered to be operated next from the operation history. For example, from the contents of the operation history referred to in the condition 2 determination process, one to a plurality of candidates that the user thinks that the user originally desires the operation can be extracted. In the “Help display” small window 117 shown in Fig. 9 (b), “Do you want to display the operation method? (1) I want to set a custom image. (2) I want to set the print menu. (3) Set the tint block print. I want to do it. Subsequent to the processing in step S71 shown in FIG. 8, the following processing is executed. That is, the extracted candidates, here, the items of the three operation methods (1) to (3) each function as a button, and a pressing operation on one of the buttons by the user is accepted as an answer. For example, when “(2) I want to set the print menu” is pressed in FIG. 9B, the operation manual for each menu stored in the ROM 301 in advance is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. The contents of the menu item for the instruction manual data that indicates is displayed. Each menu and the instruction manual items are stored in association with each other in advance. Here, for example, “Date”, “Page Number”, “Stamp”, “Character”, “Watermark”, and the like are described. Then, when the user presses the cancel button 118 at the appropriate position on the screen (reading the explanation of the print menu in the instruction manual displayed), the screen is displayed with a “print menu” of a special function (which is expected to have been requested by the user). To the setting screen (see FIG. 10B).

  In the first embodiment, the contents related to the energy saving mode are included as the condition 1, but as the second embodiment, the condition 1 may be simply the no-operation time or related to the no-operation time. A condition different from the energy saving mode may be included. Further, in the first embodiment, as the condition 2, the “return” button for returning to the previous screen and the “cancel” button for returning to the initial screen are used. However, as the third embodiment, an operation for supporting re-setting is performed. For example, when a button for clearing only the setting content selected immediately before is provided, such a “clear” button can be included. In the first embodiment, as the condition 3, the user's behavior in the vicinity of the main body, in the vicinity of the upper surface of the touch panel, and in the vicinity of the upper surface of the touch panel is adopted step by step. If it can be judged, other methods can be adopted. The human body sensor 13 may use radio waves or far-infrared light as a medium in addition to ultrasonic waves, or may employ an electrostatic sensor. Furthermore, an aspect may be adopted in which an image sensor is employed to determine whether a document is being set, a sheet is being supplied, or a touch panel is being operated from the captured image.

  Next, FIGS. 11 and 12 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, in order to enable image forming processing in various modes other than the default setting contents set in advance, various setting items are presented to be selectable or settable. The image forming process is performed according to the contents selected and set by. However, if the contents selected and set by the previous user are stored for a long time until they are changed by the next user, the next user directly instructs the image formation and outputs an incorrect image formation result. Inconvenience may occur. Therefore, an auto-clear function is employed that resets the previous setting contents to the default when no operation is continued for a certain period of time. On the other hand, instead of a mode in which the auto-clear process is uniformly executed when the non-operation state continues for a certain period of time, for example, when the same item is selected, the time until the next auto-clear process is set to be extended to improve the operability. It is desirable to increase it. In addition, even when the “Return” button or the “Cancel” button is used frequently, even when it is considered that the operation is “problem”, it is possible to prevent the setting item selected halfway from being automatically cleared. desirable.

  The image forming apparatus 1 ′ shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to such a problem, and the control unit 30 further reads out and executes a control program stored in the ROM 301 into the RAM 302, thereby further executing an auto-clear processing unit. It functions as 37. It should be noted that the auto-clear processing unit 37 can be applied not only to a mode additionally added to the “problem” determination process of the control unit 30 executed by the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. It is.

  The auto-clear processing unit 37 resets the set time when there is an operation to any of the operation buttons within the predetermined time as well as a process of returning the setting contents to the default when the non-operation time reaches a predetermined time set in advance. In order to restart the operation, a timer 371 for measuring time is provided, and a return / cancel operation determination unit 372, a counter 373, and a time extension setting unit 374 are further provided.

  The time measuring unit 371 measures the elapsed time from the operation to the operation unit 12. The return / cancel operation determination unit 372 redoes the setting regardless of the operation buttons for selecting setting items such as the “return” button and the “cancel” button among the contents that can be operated by the operation unit 12. It is determined that there has been an operation on an operation button that assists.

  The counter 373 counts the number of operations of the “return” button and the “cancel” button. Note that the counter 373 is unnecessary in a mode in which the condition is reached when the number of counts is one. When the count value reaches a predetermined value, here the value “2”, the time extension setting unit 374 sets an extension time set in advance as the predetermined time of the auto-clear process.

  In the auto-clear extension process shown in FIG. 12, first, any setting screen is displayed (step S81), and in this state, it is determined whether or not there is an operation input from the user (step S83). If there is no operation input from the user, it is determined whether or not the auto-clear time has elapsed (step S85). If the auto-clear time has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not the time is being measured (step S87). If the time is being measured, the process returns to step S83.

  On the other hand, if the auto-clear time has elapsed in step S85 without any operation input from the user, the current display screen is returned to the initial screen (step S89), and the input content is further cleared, that is, the setting is returned to the default ( Step S91). Next, after the timing operation is stopped (step S93), the timing content is cleared (step S95), and the process returns to step S83. That is, the execution of the auto-clear process and the resetting restart (No in steps S83, S85, and S87, step S97) are executed.

  On the other hand, if there is an operation input from the user in step S83, whether or not the operation is an operation to the “cancel” button (step S99). A determination is made as to whether the operation is being performed (step S107). If the operation is neither an operation on the “Cancel” button nor an operation on the “Return” button, a process corresponding to the operation is instructed (Step S109), and then the timing operation is stopped (Step S93), and further the timing is performed. The contents are cleared (step S95), and the process returns to step S83.

  On the other hand, if the operation is for the “cancel” button in step S99, the counter for counting the number of operations for the “cancel” button is incremented by “1” (step S101). Next, it is determined whether or not the count value is “2” (step S103). If the determination is affirmative, time extension is set (step S105), and the process proceeds to step S89 to return to the initial screen and input. The contents are cleared (steps S91 to S95), and the process returns to step S83.

  If the operation is for the “return” button in step S107, the counter for counting the number of operations for the “return” button is incremented by “1” (step S111). Next, it is determined whether or not the count value is “2” (step S113). If the determination is affirmative, a time extension is set (step S115), and a process of returning to the previous screen is executed (step S117). Further, a clear process for the input content on the operated screen is performed (steps S91 to S95), and the process returns to step S83.

  If the count value has not reached “2” in steps S103 and S113, a “return” process, a “cancel” process, and a content clear process are executed in step S109, and the process proceeds to step S93.

  As described above, as an invention unrelated to the help process, the image forming apparatus 1 ′ returns the setting contents to the initial state when the non-operation state continues for a predetermined time, and on the operation button within the predetermined time. An auto clear processing unit 37 that restarts the time measuring unit 371 that passes the predetermined time when an operation is performed. The auto clear processing unit 37 is exemplified by a “return” button and a “cancel” button. An operation determining unit 372 that determines whether or not there is an operation on a specific operation button for an operation that supports redoing, and when the specific operation button is operated, a predetermined extension time is added to the predetermined time for auto-clearing It may be provided with a time extension setting unit 374 for setting. Further, a counter 373 that counts the number of operations of the specific operation button may be provided, and the time extension setting unit 374 may be operated when the count interval reaches a predetermined value for each button or when the total is reached. Further, one of the “return” button and the “cancel” button may be set as an auto-clear condition, and the count value for both buttons may be set as a different value in consideration of the operation frequency of each button.

  In addition, the description of the above-described embodiment is an example in all respects, and should be considered not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1 'Image forming apparatus 1A Main body 10 Touch panel 11 Display part 12 Operation part 13 Human body sensor 30 Control part (a part of operation support apparatus)
31 Operation Reception Unit 32 Display Control Unit 33 Condition 1 Determination Unit (Condition 1 Determination Unit)
34 Condition 2 determination unit (condition 2 determination means)
35 Condition 3 determination unit (condition 3 determination means)
36 Help processing section (help processing means)
37 Auto clear processing section (auto clear processing means)

Claims (7)

In the operation support device that detects the state of operation by the user to the operation unit and performs operation support,
Condition 1 determination means for determining whether or not the operation unit is in a non-operation state;
Condition 2 determination means for determining whether or not there is a history of predetermined operations on the operation unit;
Condition 3 determination means for determining whether or not the user is at an operation position with respect to the operation unit;
And a help processing means for determining that the operation requires help when at least one combination of the condition 1 determination means and the condition 2 determination means and the condition 2 determination means and the condition 3 determination means is affirmed. Operation support device. The condition 1 determination means determines that there is no operation state when no operation continues for a predetermined time and when there are a predetermined number of operations for avoiding the energy saving mode. Operation support device. The operation support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition 2 determination unit is a specific operation for an operation that supports re-setting in a predetermined operation. The operation support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition 3 determination unit includes a sensor that detects a user near the operation unit and a sensor that detects a user's behavior at the detection position. 5. The help processing means displays a dialog for receiving a response indicating whether or not help is required, and displays help contents based on an operation history when a response that requires help is received from a user. The operation support apparatus according to any one of the above. An auto-clear processing unit that resets the setting contents to the initial state when the no-operation state continues for a predetermined time, and restarts the time measuring unit that elapses the predetermined time when the operation unit is operated within the predetermined time. Prepared,
The auto-clear processing unit includes a specific operation determining unit that determines whether or not there is an operation on a specific operation member for an operation that supports re-setting of the operation unit, and when the specific operation member is operated. The operation support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a time extension setting unit that adds a predetermined extension time to the predetermined time for auto-clearing. An image forming apparatus comprising the operation support apparatus according to claim 1.