JP2018136665A - Menu device and input device and menu provision method and menu program - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a menu device capable of improving operability related to operations required for user authentication and operations on the device.
An authentication unit for authenticating a user by a predetermined authentication target unique to the user, a menu display unit for displaying a menu including at least one menu item depending on the authenticated user on the display unit, and the menu A menu item specifying unit that specifies the menu item selected by the user based on at least a direction viewed from a reference position of each menu item included and an operation direction detected from an operation by the user;
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a menu device, an input device, a menu providing method, and a menu program, and more particularly, to a menu device, an input device, a menu providing method, and a menu program related to operations on the device.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus including a fingerprint authentication function having high security and high operability. In this information processing apparatus, when a fingerprint is input from the fingerprint reading surface of the display / fingerprint reading unit, the fingerprint data sensing control unit reads the fingerprint data and the coordinate data, stores them in the storage unit, and the fingerprint data is registered in advance. The fingerprint data stored in the storage unit is collated to authenticate whether there is a matching fingerprint.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a data editing method with excellent operability and high editing efficiency. In this data editing method, a plurality of icons corresponding to different processes are arranged so as to surround a point touched by a pen.

JP 2000-293253 A JP-A-9-204426

  However, although the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 realizes an information processing apparatus having a fingerprint authentication function with high security, it is necessary to perform operations necessary for user authentication and apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals such as copying, facsimile, and scanning. It has not yet been possible to continuously perform the operation with respect to, and improvement in operability is required.

  Moreover, although the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 can achieve excellent operability in that a plurality of required icons are displayed around the touch position by a required pen operation, The operation required for user authentication and the operation of a device such as a multifunction machine such as copying, facsimile, and scanning have not been performed continuously, and further improvement in operability is required.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a menu device, an input device, a menu providing method, and a menu program that can improve operability related to operations required for user authentication and operations on the device.

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention,
An authentication means for authenticating the user;
Menu display means for displaying a menu including at least one menu item depending on the authenticated user on the display unit;
By the user based at least on a direction seen from a reference position of each menu item included in the menu and an operation direction detected from an operation performed through a touch sensor attached to the display unit by the user. Menu item specifying means for specifying the selected menu item;
A menu device is provided.

Moreover, according to the present invention,
A fingerprint input means for inputting a user's fingerprint;
A touch sensor arranged to surround the fingerprint input means;
A display unit for displaying an image indicating a menu item depending on a user specified by authenticating a fingerprint input from the fingerprint input unit in correspondence with an arrangement location of the touch sensor;
An input device is provided.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided an operation panel unit comprising the above menu device.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a multi-function machine comprising the above menu device.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided an operation panel unit comprising the above input device.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a multi-function machine comprising the above input device.

Furthermore, according to the present invention,
An authentication step for authenticating the user with a predetermined authentication target unique to the user;
A menu display step for displaying a menu including at least one menu item depending on the authenticated user on the display unit;
Selection by the user based at least on a direction seen from a reference position of each menu item included in the menu and an operation direction detected from an operation performed through a touch sensor attached to the display unit by the user. A menu item specifying step for specifying the menu item that has been performed;
A menu providing method is provided.

  Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a menu program characterized by causing a computer to function as the menu device.

  According to the present invention, when an operation necessary for user authentication is performed, and when user authentication is actually performed, an instruction area necessary for image formation set in advance by the user is displayed, so that operability can be improved. it can.

1 is a conceptual external view of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the display part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the menu display part shown to Fig.2 (a). FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an indication area display device according to the display unit shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the display image generation part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the touch sensor display which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display and touch sensor which concern on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the touchscreen display which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an internal block diagram of the multifunctional machine by the 5th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 8.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual external view of a multi-function device 800 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function device 800 according to the present embodiment includes a document feeding device 100 connected through a hinge unit or the like on the back side of the document reading unit 200. When using the multi-function device 800, the document is normally positioned by placing the document on the document reading unit 200 with the document feeder 100 open, and then closing the document feeder 100. The document feeder 100 may be an automatic document feeder.

  The user may give various instructions such as copying, facsimile, and scanning according to the screen displayed on the touch panel display 310 that is a touch sensor of the display unit 845 (FIG. 2 and the like) provided in the operation panel unit 843. . The detailed operation of the multi-function device 800 when an instruction such as copying is given will be described in the fifth embodiment, which will be described later. When instructed to copy, the MFP main body 830 operates the pickup roller 15 (FIG. 8) and the like to convey the sheet stored in the paper feed tray 600 and is read by the document reading unit 200. Printing is performed by transferring the content of the document to a sheet. Thereafter, the MFP main body 830 operates the discharge roller pair 18 (FIG. 8), and the sheet onto which the contents of the document are transferred is discharged to the discharge sheet stacking unit 19 (FIG. 8).

  Note that even when a facsimile or scan instruction is given, facsimile processing and scan processing are performed in accordance with those instructions, as is known.

  Here, the operation panel portion 843 is connected to the front side of the multifunction device main body 830 through a hinge portion or the like provided on the upper portion thereof. The operation panel unit 843 is normally provided with a display unit 845 by rotating the operation panel unit 843 with respect to the multifunction device main body 830 from the state shown in FIG. Operate after making the operation surface substantially horizontal. The operation panel portion 843 may be returned as shown in FIG. 1 after use.

  When the operation panel unit 843 is in the position shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device main body 830 switches to the energy saving mode to save power, and when detecting that the operation panel unit 843 is rotated from this state, It is possible to switch to the energy saving mode when it is detected that the operation panel unit 843 has been returned to the position shown in FIG.

  Further, the multifunction device main body 830 shifts from the normal mode to the energy saving mode when the operation panel 843 detects that the operation panel 843 is not operated for a predetermined period in a state where the operation surface is substantially horizontal. You may do it.

  2A and 2B are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the touch panel display 310 of the display unit 845 provided in the operation panel unit 843 shown in FIG. 2A and 2B respectively show a fingerprint detection unit 320 for user authentication provided in the touch panel display 310 and an instruction necessary for image formation provided to the fingerprint detection unit 320. And a menu display unit 330 for selecting.

  Although it depends on the embodiment, the touch panel display 310 can be adopted regardless of the type of method, such as an acoustic wave matching method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, a capacitance method, an optical method, and a resistive film method. In the case of this embodiment, since the fingerprint detection unit 320 is provided in the touch panel display 310, it is preferable to employ a capacitance method, an optical method, a resistive film method, or the like. In particular, it is preferable to employ a capacitive method with high reactivity when performing a flick operation described later. Further, as described above, the touch panel display 310 displays both the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the menu display unit 330. Since these are physically the same surface, they are smoothly connected. A flick operation can be easily performed following the operation for detection.

  The fingerprint detection unit 320 may be provided on the entire surface of the touch panel display 310 or may be provided only on a specific part. When it is provided over the entire surface, a desired display should be performed through the entire surface of the touch panel display 310 when fingerprint detection is not performed.

  In order to realize this, for example, when the touch panel display 310 is an optical system, it may be realized by arranging photosensors on the surface layer of the touch panel display 310. In such a case, it may be realized by providing a display layer such as a liquid crystal layer or an organic EL layer on the front surface side of the touch panel display 310 and providing the fingerprint detection unit 320 on the back surface side of the touch panel display 310. Fingerprint authentication can be accepted at any time or for a predetermined period regardless of the display content at any location on the touch panel display 310. However, the area where fingerprint authentication can be performed may be changed in accordance with the use status, the state of the apparatus, the enabled function, and the like, and fingerprint authentication may not be possible in other areas. In that case, the display of the area may be changed to indicate that the area allows fingerprint authentication.

  On the other hand, the fingerprint detection unit 320 may be provided only in part, such as only near the center as shown in FIG. 2A or only near the lower right as shown in FIG. However, the position of the fingerprint detection unit 320 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is merely an example, and can be provided near the lower left, about the upper half, etc., but is not limited thereto. . FIG. 2B may be modified such that the fingerprint detection unit 320 is placed at the center and the menu display unit 330 is provided on all sides. In this case, the menu item selected from only the direction in which the finger moves from the fingerprint detection unit 320 can be known. Even when the same menu item is displayed, the positional relationship between the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the menu display unit 330 may be different depending on the display position. For example, if the fingerprint is detected when the lower right corner of the screen is touched, the menu display unit 330 is arranged at the position shown in FIG. 2B and the center of the screen is touched. If a fingerprint is detected, menu display units 330 on the eight sides may be arranged.

  As described above, the menu display unit 330 is provided adjacent to the fingerprint detection unit 320. Here, the menu display unit 330 is realized, for example, by icon display together with the fingerprint detection unit 320. A specific example of an instruction assigned to each icon of the menu display unit 330 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the □ -shaped menu display unit 330 is provided at a total of four locations on the top, bottom, left and right of the ◯ -shaped fingerprint detection unit 320. However, the number and layout of the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the menu display unit 330 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2A, and the menu display unit 330 may be only some of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the fingerprint detection unit 320. In addition, it may be provided at some of the four corners of the fingerprint detection unit 320, or may be provided at some of the four corners.

  Further, the shape of the icon is not limited to ○ or □. In particular, the fingerprint detection unit 320 may be a linear one-dimensional sensor instead of a planar two-dimensional sensor.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the fingerprint detection unit 320 is located in the third row and third column among the three rows and three columns icon, and a total of eight menu display portions 330 are provided in other matrices. . The layout and icon shapes of the matrix number and fingerprint detection unit 320 and the menu display unit 330 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the menu display unit 330 illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 3, with the fingerprint detection unit 320 as the center, a first icon 330a for instructing copying on the upper side, a second icon 330b for instructing scanning on the right side, and a third icon 330c for instructing facsimile transmission on the left side are shown. On the lower side, a fourth icon 330d for instructing to call various job menus is shown.

  In the present embodiment, an instruction to be assigned to the first icon 330a to the fourth icon 330d may be switched by a user specified by the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint detection unit 320, or at least a part thereof may be assigned to all users. A common instruction may be assigned.

  When the first icon 330a is selected, the copy process as described above is performed. When the second icon 330b is selected, the document is scanned, the scan data is transmitted to a personal computer connected to a network such as an intranet (not shown), and stored in a shared folder on the computer. . When the third icon 330c is selected, the facsimile is transmitted to the destination 1 registered in advance. When the fourth icon 330d is selected, various job menus prepared in the multifunction device 800 are called and displayed on the touch panel display 310.

  Note that the various instructions assigned to the first to fourth icons 330a to 330d are merely examples, and for example, may be a copy type instruction such as “color copy” or “single-sided copy”, or “destination” It may be an instruction to send a facsimile to a plurality of destinations, such as “FAX 2”, “FAX 3”, and “FAX 4”.

  For example, the destinations 1, 2, and 3 may be switched for each user.

  That is, the instruction that can be set for each icon can be a selection of a job necessary for copying, facsimile, scanning, or image formation, or any of these types of instructions. Examples of job menus include a setting instruction for a network such as an intranet, a setting instruction for a scan data storage destination, a resolution setting instruction for scan data, and a setting instruction for printing density.

  Jobs that can be selected by the user may be switched, values (a plurality of menu selections) that can be selected by the user may be switched, and storage destinations (multiples) that can be selected by the user may be switched. May be. Also, the resolution that can be selected by the user may be switched, or the shade that can be selected by the user may be switched.

  These are shortcut menus and do not prevent other values from being selected. The shortcut menu is displayed, for example, when the user touches an area where fingerprint authentication is possible.

  As the menu configuration, for example, items that can be changed are displayed as menu items. Menu items are items that the user frequently changes each time. For example, if the number of copies is selected using the copy number, consolidated number, magnification, and color mode as menu items, a copy number setting screen is displayed. If the number of copies, the number of sheets, the magnification, and the color mode are menu items for user A, the other items (for example, resolution, density,...) Are menu items for user B.

  Setting of the menu item may be performed by the user himself or may be automatically selected according to the content selected by each user on the apparatus side. If automatic selection is performed, confirmation from the user may be requested before setting, and changes by the user may be accepted.

  When a single multifunction device 800 can be used by a plurality of users, for example, user A can set icons as in the allocation example shown in FIG. 3, and user B can send facsimiles to a plurality of destinations. Different icon settings may be made for each user, such as icon settings such as transmission.

  Even a specific user can set different icons for each fingerprint information by registering a plurality of fingerprint information such as fingerprint information of the index finger and fingerprint information of the thumb as user information for fingerprint authentication. It may be. Further, for example, the menu display may be selected such that the fingerprint information of the index finger is used for fingerprint authentication, the menu related to copying is displayed using the fingerprint information of the thumb, and the menu related to facsimile is displayed using the middle finger.

  By the way, once a user is specified by fingerprint authentication at the time of login, there is no need to bother authenticating the same person. For example, it is not necessary to perform fingerprint authentication again in order to display a menu customized by the user at the stage of copying. Therefore, in order to display the menu as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, it may be necessary to authenticate the fingerprint each time. A customized menu may be displayed for the user until a time-out is detected without touching the period. That is, in this case, if a finger is placed on the fingerprint authentication unit 320, fingerprint authentication may be omitted and a menu customized for the user may be displayed.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the pointing area display device according to the display unit 845 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. 4 includes a memory 510, a registration unit 520, a reading unit 530, a setting unit 540, a generation unit 550, an authentication unit 560, a display image generation unit 570, and a movement detection unit 580, which will be described below. , A menu item specifying unit 590 is shown.

  The memory 510 stores the fingerprint information of the user registered by the registration unit 520, the instruction content corresponding to the menu display unit 330 set by the setting unit 540, and the screen generated by the generation unit 550 in association with each other. It is what is done.

  The registration unit 520 registers the user's fingerprint information read through the fingerprint registration screen displayed on the touch panel display 310 by the display image generation unit 570 in the memory 510.

  The reading unit 530 uses the fingerprint detection unit 320 to read the user's fingerprint information. The fingerprint information read by the reading unit 530 is output to the authentication unit 560.

  The setting unit 540 displays a setting screen on the touch panel display 310 so that the user can select a menu item that can be set in each of the menu display units 330, and as a result, sets the menu item selected by the user in the memory 510. To do.

  The generation unit 550 superimposes a menu including the menu item set by the setting unit 540 on the menu display unit 330 on the screen illustrated in FIG. 2A or the like for each fingerprint information of the user registered by the registration unit 520. A screen including the first to fourth icons 330 a to 330 d as shown in FIG. 3 is generated and stored in the memory 510.

  The authentication unit 560 determines whether or not the fingerprint information that is user information read by the fingerprint detection unit 320 matches the fingerprint information registered by the registration unit 510.

  The display image generation unit 570 generates various screens displayed on the touch panel display 310. The display image generation unit 570 particularly includes a menu image generation unit 570a. The menu image generation unit 570a mainly generates a screen generated by the generation unit 550 when the authentication unit 560 determines that both pieces of fingerprint information match each other. That is, a plurality of user fingerprints are registered by the registration unit 520, but the user can be specified by which fingerprint registered by the reading unit 530 matches the fingerprint registered by the registration unit 520, Then, a menu image associated with the identified user is generated.

  The movement detection unit 580 detects the moving direction of the finger when the user performs a flick operation or a slide operation on the screen generated by the generation unit 550. In addition, as necessary, the movement detection unit 580 detects not only the movement direction of the finger but also the movement distance or the position where the finger is separated.

  The menu item specifying unit 590 allows the user to perform a flick operation based on the operation direction such as a flick operation detected by the movement detection unit 580 and the direction of each menu item when the position of the fingerprint detection unit 320 is the reference position. Identify the selected menu item. In the case of the menu structure as shown in FIG. 2B, each of the operation directions and operation distances such as flick operations detected by the movement detection unit 580 and the position of the fingerprint detection unit 320 as the reference position. Based on the direction of the menu item and the distance to the menu item, the menu item selected by the user by the flick operation is specified.

  Next, an operation method of the display unit 845 will be described. First, as part of the initial setting, the user must register user information necessary for user authentication in the multifunction device 800 before using the multifunction device 800 of the present embodiment.

  In order to realize this, a “user registration” that can be operated even for a user who has not registered user information is prepared for the touch panel display 310. When the user selects “user registration”, the display image generation unit 570 displays a fingerprint registration screen on which an explanation for fingerprint registration is written on the touch panel display 310.

  An example of the fingerprint registration screen is to place the finger on the fingerprint detection unit 320 so that the fingerprint desired to be registered is read by the fingerprint detection unit 320, and the fingerprint registration of the placed finger is completed. To urge you not to move until you do. When a fingerprint desired to be registered is read by the reading unit 530 using the fingerprint detection unit 320, the fingerprint information is registered in the memory 510 by the registration unit 520.

  When the registration of the fingerprint is completed, the user must set the instruction content for each of the menu display units 330 as part of the initial setting. In order to realize this, the display image generation unit 570 displays a setting screen on the touch panel display 310.

  Specifically, first, a screen for selecting one of the menu display units 330 is displayed. When the user touches the menu display unit 330 on the upper side of the fingerprint detection unit 320, for example, the screen shifts to a selection screen for selecting a type such as “copy” or “facsimile” to be assigned to the icon. When the user selects, for example, “copy” through the selection screen, the next setting unit 540 associates the instruction “copy” with the menu display unit 330 on the upper side of the fingerprint detection unit 320 and sets it in the memory 510.

  When the types for all the menu display units 330 are set by the same procedure, the generation unit 550 displays the screens of the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the menu display unit 330 shown in FIG. 2A or 2B. The instruction content set by the setting unit 540 is superimposed, and a screen including the first to fourth icons 330 a to 330 d indicating the instruction content as shown in FIG. 3 is generated and stored in the memory 510. Thus, the initial setting is completed.

  In addition, for example, when using the copy function, when using the scan function, etc., if the menu to be displayed is switched even for the same user depending on the function, the function desired to correspond to fingerprint authentication at the time of registration And the user can select menu item candidates according to the selected function, and have the user select a menu item from there. Even if the function is the same, if there is a screen for each different setting content, the menu may correspond to the screen. For this purpose, at the time of registration, the user selects the function and setting contents that the user wants to correspond to fingerprint authentication, switches the menu item candidates according to the selected function and setting contents, and selects the menu item for the user from there. It is good to have you do it. When actually displaying the menu, the device knows the currently selected function or the currently displayed screen, so the menu is based on the combination of the identified user and the recognized function and screen. You can switch items.

  Next, when the user who has completed the initial setting desires copying, facsimile, scanning, or the like with the multi-function device 800, the operation surface of the operation panel unit 843 becomes substantially horizontal from the state shown in FIG. The MFP 800 is returned from the energy saving mode to the normal mode by rotating the touch panel display 310 or touching the touch panel display 310.

  In the normal mode, first, the display image generation unit 570 displays an icon indicating the position of the fingerprint detection unit 320 on the touch panel display 310 and prompts the user to place a finger on the fingerprint detection unit 320 for fingerprint authentication. Display the screen. However, at this time, the menu display unit 330 is not displayed on the touch panel display 310.

  Subsequently, when the user places a finger on the fingerprint detection unit 320 according to the display content of the display unit 845, the reading unit 530 uses the fingerprint detection unit as information necessary for user authentication. The fingerprint information is read and output to the authentication unit 560.

  When the authentication unit 560 receives the fingerprint information output from the reading unit 530, the authentication unit 560 collates the fingerprint information with the fingerprint information registered in the memory 510. As a result, when the input fingerprint information does not match any registered fingerprint information, the display image generation unit 570 displays a screen such as “authentication NG” on the touch panel display 310.

  Here, since any user who has completed the initial setting performs fingerprint authentication, the registered fingerprint information of the user matches the input fingerprint information, and the display image generation unit 570 displays the touch panel display 310. The screen generated by the generation unit 550 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, when the screen where the menu display unit 330 is located around the fingerprint detection unit 320 is displayed, for example, the screen is displayed on the display unit 845 with “toward a desired instruction icon”. Such voice guidance may be performed through a display such as “Please move your finger” or through a speaker (not shown).

  For example, assuming that an instruction is assigned as shown in FIG. 3, when the user wants to select a copy instruction for the multi-function device 800, the user places a finger on the fingerprint detection unit 320. A flick operation or a slide operation may be performed upward.

  Instead of the flick operation or the slide operation, the user may select an instruction to the multifunction device 800 by releasing the finger from the fingerprint detection unit 320 and touching an icon to which a desired instruction is assigned.

  However, since it is generally considered that the instruction assigned to the icon is not frequently changed, the user may memorize what instruction is assigned to each menu display unit 330. It is thought that there are many. In this case, it is more convenient if an instruction can be given by performing a flick operation or a slide operation in any of the four directions, rather than visually touching the icon.

  On the other hand, if the user who has performed fingerprint authentication does not perform subsequent processing such as a flick operation within a predetermined time, the control unit of the multi-function device 800 directly displays the menu on the multi-function device 800 side or in advance. The MFP 800 may continue until the time selected by the user arrives. However, in order to avoid an unexpected instruction from a person other than the user who has performed fingerprint authentication or to save power, the MFP 800 may You may voluntarily shift to the energy saving mode.

  The transition to the energy saving mode is not performed spontaneously by the multi-function device 800, but by the explicit instruction of the user who has performed fingerprint authentication, or the good intentions that nobody is in the vicinity of the multi-function device 800 This may be done by a third party for reasons such as power saving.

  For this reason, if the subsequent processing after the fingerprint authentication is not performed within a predetermined time, an alert may be issued to notify the user. In addition, since it may be possible to entrust the execution of the instruction to transition to the energy saving mode to the user who performed fingerprint authentication, for example, the user performs a specific operation such as tapping the authentication unit 560 once again. It may be made only when it is performed.

  When eight menu display units 330 are displayed in the mode shown in FIG. 2B, two icons are located, for example, directly above the fingerprint detection unit 320. Therefore, in such a case, the movement detection unit 580 cannot determine which of the icons corresponds to the instruction simply by detecting the flick direction or the like.

  Therefore, in such a case, if the user is instructed to move the finger to the display position of the icon corresponding to the instruction to be selected, the movement detection unit 580 moves the finger movement distance in addition to the flick direction and the like. Or by detecting the position where the user's finger is away from the display unit 845, it is possible to determine which instruction has been selected.

  In the case of FIG. 2A, the selected menu item can be specified by the direction in which each menu item is arranged and the user's flick direction when viewed from the fingerprint detection unit 320. In addition, in the case of FIG. 2B, in addition to the direction in which each menu item is arranged and the user's flick direction when viewed from the fingerprint detection unit 320, the user at the time of the flick operation displays the touch panel display 310. It can be specified by the distance that the finger has moved before the finger is released. In addition, when the user once lifts the finger and places the finger on the menu item, the coordinates of the placed position are detected, and the menu selected by the user based on the coordinates and the coordinates of each menu item is detected. The item may be specified, and is selected by the user based on the direction from the fingerprint detection unit 320 at the position where the item is placed and the direction in which each menu item is arranged when viewed from the fingerprint detection unit 320. Menu items may be specified.

  The identified menu item is output to the control unit of the multi-function device 800 as, for example, a code (number, character string, combination thereof, etc.) indicating the specified menu item. Upon receiving the code, the control unit of the multi-function device 800 decodes the code and determines the next state or operation based on the decoding result and the current state.

  If no menu item is selected by the user even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the menu is displayed, the menu may be deleted by itself. In addition, in order to delete the menu, a predetermined input other than selection of the menu item by the user (for example, pressing of a predetermined button provided on the operation panel, re-tapping of the fingerprint input unit, etc.) is required. May be.

  In this embodiment, the case where fingerprint authentication is performed as user authentication has been described as an example. However, various types of biometric authentication such as voiceprints other than fingerprints, retinas, irises, palm shapes, blood vessels, and faces may be performed. In that case, the place where the finger of the touch panel display 310 is placed may be specified, and a menu may be displayed around it.

[Second Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 5, the second embodiment of the present invention includes an input unit 410 with a display function that is attached to the display unit 845. The input unit 410 with a display function includes a fingerprint detection unit 320 and a touch sensor display 340 which is a touch sensor composed of four parts extending in a cross shape around the fingerprint detection unit 320. Each part of the touch sensor display 340 includes a menu display unit 330 for displaying menu items.

  The fingerprint detection unit 320 has a function of inputting a user's fingerprint, and outputs an input fingerprint image or a fingerprint characteristic parameter extracted therefrom to the authentication unit 560.

  The touch sensor display 340 has a function of displaying four menu items by the menu display unit 330 and a function of detecting in which menu item direction the user's finger is flicked from the fingerprint detection unit 320. If the input unit 410 with a display function includes the fingerprint detection unit 320 and a touch sensor display that extends in all directions, the number of menu items can be increased to eight. Alternatively, the fingerprint detection unit 320 may be provided at the center of the rectangular touch sensor display, and the menu display unit 330 may be disposed all around the fingerprint detection unit 320. In this case, the number of menu items can be made arbitrary by adjusting the display area of the menu display section. In any case, the menu item selected by the user can be detected by comparing the direction in which the menu item is arranged based on the position of the fingerprint detection unit 320 with the flick direction. In any case, the touch sensor display 340 may be disposed so as to surround the entire circumference of the fingerprint detection unit 320, or the touch sensor display 340 may be disposed so as to surround a part thereof. . Further, in any case, if a step is not generated between the surface of the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the surface of the touch sensor 340, the flick operation by the user is facilitated.

  In the multi-function device 800 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the touch sensing function of the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the touch sensor display 340 on the touch panel display 310. For this reason, the touch panel display 310 does not necessarily need to be a touch panel type. However, it may be a touch panel type for other uses.

  Similarly to the touch panel display 310, the input unit with a display function 410 can be arranged on the operation panel unit 843. However, the input unit 410 with a display function is not in contact with the document feeder 100 or the platen cover around the document reading unit 200, or a composite You may provide in the position etc. which do not disturb a user with the machine main body 830. FIG. Further, the input unit 410 with a display function may be independent from the multi-function device 800. In this case, for example, the input unit 410 with a display function includes a housing in which the fingerprint detection unit 320, the menu display unit 330, and the touch sensor display 340 can be incorporated so as to be exposed on the surface, and the multifunction device 800. It is good also as a portable apparatus containing the communication part for communicating between.

  Also in the present embodiment, the user can perform an operation necessary for fingerprint authentication and input a desired instruction to the multi-function device main body 830 by the same operation as in the first embodiment.

  That is, when the user places a finger with a fingerprint registered on the fingerprint detection unit 320 in hopes of an instruction necessary for image formation after the initial setting described above, the fingerprint is read by the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the MFP main body 830 is read. In response to this, user authentication is performed, and a screen including the menu display unit 330 is displayed on the touch sensor display 340 on the condition that the authentication is successful.

  For this reason, the user may perform a desired instruction through the menu display unit 330 by performing a flick operation or the like of the finger placed on the fingerprint detection unit 320.

  For example, if the arrangement position of the input unit 410 with a display function is adjusted or the arrangement position of a portable device including the input unit 410 is adjusted, even if the user always places a finger on the fingerprint detection unit 320, A finger, hand, arm or the like does not interfere with the screen display by the touch panel display 310. Therefore, once fingerprint authentication has been performed, the user can switch the menu depending on the function or screen that is enabled at that time by placing the finger on the fingerprint detection unit 320 or placing it on the finger when necessary. Necessary menu items can be selected from the menu items displayed on the display unit 330.

  The input unit 410 with a display function according to the second embodiment may have a role of assisting display and input by the touch panel display 310. For example, if the multifunction device 800 is small, the touch panel The display 310 may be omitted, and the display function-equipped input unit 410 may perform display and input alone.

  Furthermore, the fingerprint detection unit 320 may include a two-dimensional sensor, or may include a one-dimensional sensor. In the case of a one-dimensional sensor, if it is placed near the boundary with the touch sensor display 340, a menu can be displayed if the user moves to the center while sliding his finger.

[Third Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 6, the third embodiment of the present invention includes a display function-less input unit 420 that is attached to the display unit 845. The display function-less input unit 420 includes a fingerprint detection unit 320 and a touch sensor 360 configured by four portions extending in a cross shape around the fingerprint detection unit 320.

  Here, unlike the second embodiment, the touch sensor 360 does not have a menu display unit. Instead, the display 350 displays menu items. In FIG. 6, this is shown as a menu display unit 330 on the display 350. The menu display unit 330 may be arranged at any position on the display 350 and in any size, but may be displayed larger in the center, for example. In particular, it may be displayed larger than the input unit 420 without a display function in consideration of the visibility. As a reminder, here, the menu display unit 330 corresponds to the touch sensor 360, and an image showing menu items depending on the user specified by the fingerprint detection unit 320 authenticating the fingerprint is displayed. Are displayed on the menu display unit 330.

  The fingerprint detection unit 320 has a function of inputting a user's fingerprint, and outputs an input fingerprint image or a fingerprint characteristic parameter extracted therefrom to the authentication unit 560.

  The touch sensor 360 has a function of detecting in which menu item the user's finger is flicked from the fingerprint detection unit 320 in the direction of the menu item 350. Here, the menu direction is a direction viewed from the center of the menu items arranged side by side on the display 350. You may display the mark which can show this center position on the display 350. FIG.

  If the display function-less input unit 420 includes the fingerprint detection unit 320 and a touch sensor extending in all directions, the number of menu items can be increased to eight. Alternatively, the fingerprint detection unit 320 may be provided at the center of the rectangular touch sensor. In this case, the number of menu items can be made arbitrary by adjusting the display area of the menu items displayed on the display 350. In any case, the menu item selected by the user can be detected by comparing the direction in which the menu item is arranged based on the position of the fingerprint detection unit 320 with the flick direction. In any case, the display 350 may be disposed so as to surround the entire circumference of the fingerprint detection unit 320, or the display 350 may be disposed so as to surround a part thereof. Further, in any case, if a step is not generated between the surface of the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the surface of the touch sensor 340, the flick operation by the user is facilitated.

  In the multi-function device 800 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the touch sensor 360 on the display 350. For this reason, the display 350 is not a touch panel type. However, it may be a touch panel type for other uses.

  Similarly to the display 350, the input unit 420 without a display function can be disposed on the operation panel unit 843. However, the input unit 420 does not come into contact with the document feeder 100 or the platen cover around the document reading unit 200, or the multifunction device. The main body 830 may be provided at a position that does not interfere with the user. Further, the input unit 420 having no display function may be made independent from the multi-function device 800. In this case, for example, the input unit 420 without a display function includes a housing that can be embedded so that the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the like are exposed on the surface, and a communication unit for communicating with the multifunction device 800. A portable device may be included.

  Also in the present embodiment, the user can perform operations necessary for fingerprint authentication and input desired instructions to the MFP main body 830 through operations similar to those in the first and second embodiments. .

  That is, when the user places a finger with a fingerprint registered on the fingerprint detection unit 320 in hopes of an instruction necessary for image formation after the initial setting described above, the fingerprint is read by the fingerprint detection unit 320 and the MFP main body 830 is read. Performs user authentication accordingly. Then, the menu display unit 330 is displayed on the display 350 on the condition that the authentication is successful.

  For this reason, the user may perform a desired instruction through the touch sensor 360 by performing a flick operation of a finger placed on the fingerprint detection unit 320 or the like.

  For example, if the arrangement position of the display unit without display function 420 is adjusted or the arrangement position of the portable device including the input unit 420 is adjusted, even if the user always places a finger on the fingerprint detection unit 320, A finger, hand, arm, or the like does not interfere with the screen display on the display 350. Therefore, once fingerprint authentication has been performed, the user can select a menu that is switched depending on the function or screen that is enabled at that time by placing the finger on the fingerprint detection unit 320 or placing it on the finger when necessary. Necessary menu items can be selected from the menu items displayed on the display unit 330.

  Further, similarly to the second embodiment, the fingerprint detection unit 320 may include a two-dimensional sensor or a one-dimensional sensor. In the case of a one-dimensional sensor, if it is placed near the boundary with the touch sensor display 340, a menu can be displayed if the user moves to the center while sliding his finger.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel display 310 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment and the like, a case where user authentication is mainly performed using a fingerprint has been described. In the present embodiment, a case where user authentication is performed through a recording medium in which user information is registered will be described.

  For example, in recent years, an IC card employee ID card in which an employee ID is registered has become widespread, and a security gate is being installed at the entrance of an office. In this case, when passing through the security gate, the user performs personal authentication by holding the IC card employee card over the card reader.

  In addition, IC cards such as transportation cards that can be used to pay for boarding fares such as trains and buses are widely used. Regardless of whether it is an employee ID card or a transportation card, user information can be registered in the IC card. If a card reader is provided in the multi-function device 800, personal authentication can be performed.

  Furthermore, an ID can be registered in an IC card specialized for the multi-function device 800, thereby enabling personal authentication.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, personal authentication of the multi-function device 800 can be performed, and even in such a case, excellent operability can be exhibited.

  FIG. 7 shows an NFC (Near field radio communication) antenna 370 provided on the back surface of the touch panel display 310 instead of the fingerprint detection unit 320 in addition to the touch panel display 310 and the menu display unit 330 described above. And an IC card 700 in which user information to be read by an NFC reader / writer connected to the NFC antenna 370 is registered.

  In the present embodiment, in order to select a menu item using the IC card 700, the NFC antenna 370 is disposed so as to surround the touch panel 310 as shown in FIG. An NFC antenna 370 may be used to authenticate the MFP 800 for login, but an NFC antenna provided separately in the MFP 800 may be used.

  The touch panel display 310 has a function of detecting the position where the IC card is placed. For example, if an optical sensor is arranged on the entire surface of the touch panel display 310, it has a function of detecting the position where the IC card is placed due to the difference in the amount of light received between the position where the IC card is placed and the position where it is not. Can be made. If a capacitive sensor is arranged on the entire surface of the touch panel display 310, the IC card is placed due to the difference in capacitance or charge amount between the position where the IC card is placed and the position where the IC card is not placed. It is possible to provide a function for detecting the position.

  As for the initial setting, the user ID stored in the IC card 700 may be registered in the MFP 800 instead of registering the existing fingerprint. A password may be added and registered, and the password may be requested at the time of authentication.

  Next, an operation for selecting a menu item will be described.

  First, when the user places the IC card 700 on the touch panel display 310, NFC using the NFC antenna 370 is started, and the user ID stored in the IC card 700 is connected to the NFC antenna 370. Read by. Thereby, personal authentication is performed and a user is specified. When performing personal authentication, not only the user ID stored in the IC card 700 but also a password may be used. In this case, the user is prompted to enter a password.

  Subsequently, a plurality of menu items corresponding to the user are displayed on the menu display unit 330 of the touch panel display 310.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the menu display unit 330 is caused to appear around the position where the IC card 700 is placed. For this purpose, as described above, the position where the IC card 700 is placed is specified by the position detection function of the touch panel display 310.

  Next, when the IC card 700 is slid to the position of any menu item included in the menu display unit 330 by the user, the sliding direction is detected, thereby identifying the menu item selected by the user.

  The menu is not limited to a single layer structure but may be a multilayer structure. In the case of a single layer structure, if the display of the menu and the identification of the selected menu item are performed once, the multi-function device 800 performs an operation according to the selected menu item. In some cases, the display of the first layer menu and the display of the second layer menu corresponding to the selected first layer menu item are selected next to the display of the selected first layer menu item. The second layer menu item is specified, and the multifunction device 800 performs an operation according to the selected second layer menu item. In particular, in the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the menu item in the second layer can be displayed around the selected menu item in the first layer. The user does not have to return his / her finger to the fingerprint detection unit between selecting the menu item on the first layer and selecting the menu item on the second layer.

  The menu only needs to include one or more menu items. And what is necessary is just to depend on the user in which at least 1 item of the 1 or more menu items was authenticated.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is an internal configuration diagram of a multi-function device 800 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the MFP shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the multifunction device 800 includes a document reading device 820 that reads an image of a document, a multifunction device main body (image forming unit body) 830 that forms an image on a sheet, a document reading device 820, and a multifunction device. An operation panel unit 843 for operating the machine main body 830 and an arithmetic processing unit 841 for controlling the document reading device 820 and the multifunction machine main body 830 based on an operation by the operation panel unit 843 are provided.

  In addition to using the original reading device 820 alone for image reading and using the multi-function device main body 830 alone for image formation, they can also be linked to copy an image. In addition, the MFP 800 generally includes a storage device and a facsimile machine (not shown), but these may not necessarily be included. The storage device can store an image read by the document reading device 820 or an image received by the facsimile device. The facsimile apparatus can transmit an image read by the document reading device 820 or an image stored in the storage device, and can receive an image from the outside. Furthermore, the multi-function device 800 may include an interface for connecting to a personal computer (not shown) via a network. A personal computer connected to the multi-function device 800 can use the function of the multi-function device for data that can be managed.

  The document reader 820 includes an automatic document feeder SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 824 that automatically feeds a document, and a reader main body 822 that reads an image of the document. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 9, document reading apparatus 820 includes components shown in FIG. 8 although not shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the reading apparatus main body 822 is provided with a document table 826.

  The sheet feeding tray 600 shown in FIG. 1 is fed by a sheet feeding unit 10 that feeds sheets, a manual feeding unit 20 that can manually feed sheets, and a sheet feeding unit 10 or a manual feeding unit 20. And an image forming unit 30 that forms an image on the sheet to be fed.

  The sheet feeding unit 10 includes a sheet stacking unit 11 that stacks sheets and a separation feeding unit 12 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 one by one. The sheet stacking unit 11 includes an intermediate plate 14 that rotates about a rotation shaft 13. The intermediate plate 14 rotates to lift the sheet upward when the sheet is fed. The separation feeding unit 12 includes a pickup roller 15 that feeds a sheet lifted by the intermediate plate 14 and a separation roller pair 16 that separates the sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 one by one. .

  The manual feeding unit 20 includes a manual tray 21 on which sheets can be stacked, and a separation feeding unit 22 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the manual tray 21 one by one. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported by the multi-function device main body 830. When the manual feed tray 21 is manually fed, sheets can be stacked by being fixed at a predetermined angle. The separation feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 23 for feeding sheets stacked on the manual feed tray 21, and a separation roller 24 and a separation pad 25 for separating the sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 one by one. I have.

  The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges 31Y to 31K that form yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) images, and photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K, which will be described later. An exposure device 32 that exposes the surface of the toner, a transfer unit 33 that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K to the sheet, and a fixing unit 34 that fixes the transferred toner image to the sheet. ing. Note that alphabets (Y, M, C, K) attached to the end of the reference numerals indicate the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

  Each of the four process cartridges 31 </ b> Y to 31 </ b> K is configured to be removable from the multi-function peripheral body 830 and can be replaced. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 31K have the same configuration except that the color of the image to be formed is different, only the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y that forms a yellow (Y) image will be described, and the process cartridge 31M will be described. Description of ~ 31K is omitted.

  The process cartridge 31Y includes a photosensitive drum 740Y as an image carrier, a charger 741Y that charges the photosensitive drum 740Y, a developing device 742Y that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 740Y, and a photosensitive member. A drum cleaner that removes toner remaining on the surface of the body drum 740Y. The developing device 742Y includes a developing device main body (not shown in detail) that develops the photosensitive drum 740Y, and a toner cartridge (not shown in detail) that supplies toner to the developing device main body. The toner cartridge is configured to be detachable from the developing device main body, and can be removed from the developing device main body and replaced when the stored toner runs out.

  The exposure device 32 includes a light source (not shown) that emits laser light, and a plurality of mirrors (not shown) that guide the laser light to the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K. The transfer unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt 35 that carries the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K, and a primary transfer roller that primarily transfers the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K to the intermediate transfer belt 35. 36Y to 36K, a secondary transfer roller 37 that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 to a sheet, and a belt cleaner 38 that removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is stretched around a driving roller 39a and a driven roller 39b, and is pressed against the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K by primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips (nips) the intermediate transfer belt 35 with the driving roller 39a, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 to the sheet at the nip portion N. The fixing unit 34 includes a heating roller 34a that heats the sheet, and a pressure roller 34b that presses the heating roller 34a.

  The operation panel unit 843 includes a display unit 845 that displays predetermined information, and an input unit 847 that allows the user to input instructions such as the number of sheets printed on the document reading device 820 and the MFP main body 830. In the present embodiment, the operation panel unit 843 is disposed on the front side of the reading apparatus main body 822. The front side corresponds to the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 8, and the back side corresponds to the back side of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the arithmetic processing unit 841 includes a CPU 841 a that drives and controls the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the document reading device 820, and various programs for operating the CPU 841 a. And a memory 841b for storing various information used by the CPU 841a. The arithmetic processing unit 841 integrates and controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the document reading device 820 based on an operation on the operation panel unit 843 by the user. To form an image.

  Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the arithmetic processing unit 841) by the MFP 800 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 30 forms an image of a read document fed by the automatic document feeding unit 824 and read by the reading apparatus main body 822 on a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10. An image forming operation will be described as an example.

  When an image formation start signal is transmitted by an input to the input unit 847 of the operation panel unit 843 by the user, the read document placed on the automatic document feeder 824 is automatically fed by the user toward the document reading position. Then, the image is read by the reading device main body 822 at the document reading position.

  When the image of the original is read by the reading device main body 822, the exposure device 32 irradiates the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K with a plurality of corresponding laser beams based on the read image information of the original. At this time, the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are precharged by the chargers 741Y to 741K, respectively, and the respective electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are irradiated by irradiating the corresponding laser beams. An image is formed. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images respectively formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are developed by the developing devices 742Y to 742K, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) are developed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K. ) And black (K) toner images are formed. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are superimposed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K, and the toner image (full color toner image) that is superimposed and transferred is an intermediate transfer belt. It is conveyed to the nip portion N while being carried on 35.

  In parallel with the image forming operation described above, the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 are fed to the sheet conveyance path 26 by the pickup roller 15 while being separated one by one by the separation feeding unit 12. Then, the skew feeding is corrected by the registration roller pair 27 upstream of the nip portion N in the sheet conveyance direction and is conveyed to the nip portion N at a predetermined conveyance timing. A full color toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred to the sheet conveyed to the nip portion N by the secondary transfer roller 37.

  The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 34 to melt and fix the toner image, and is discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 18. The sheet discharged outside the apparatus is stacked on the discharge sheet stacking unit 19.

  When images are formed on both surfaces (first surface and second surface) of the sheet, the discharge roller pair 18 is reversely rotated before the sheet on which the image is formed on the first surface is discharged outside the apparatus. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 17 and re-conveyed to the image forming unit 30 via the double-sided conveyance path 17. Then, similarly to the first surface, an image is formed on the second surface and discharged outside the apparatus. The sheet discharged outside the apparatus is stacked on the discharge sheet stacking unit 19.

  The menu device, the input device, and the operation panel unit according to the first to fifth embodiments can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. A menu providing method performed by the menu device, the input device, and the operation panel unit can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, “realized by software” means realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

  The program may be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to the computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (for example, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (for example, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

  The present invention can be used in an apparatus such as a multifunction machine. It can also be used for computer screens and computer interfaces.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Document feeder 200 Document reading part 310 Touch panel display 320 Fingerprint detection part 330 Menu display part 340 Touch sensor display 350 Display 360 Touch sensor 370 NFC antenna 500 MFP main body 510 Memory 520 Registration part 530 Reading part 540 Setting part 550 Generation part 560 Authentication unit 570 Display unit 580 Movement detection unit 600 Paper feed tray 700 IC card 843 Operation panel unit 845 Display unit

Claims (14)

An authentication means for authenticating the user;
Menu display means for displaying a menu including at least one menu item depending on the authenticated user on the display unit;
By the user based at least on a direction seen from a reference position of each menu item included in the menu and an operation direction detected from an operation performed through a touch sensor attached to the display unit by the user. Menu item specifying means for specifying the selected menu item;
A menu device comprising: The menu device according to claim 1,
The menu item specifying unit specifies the menu item selected by the user based on a distance from a predetermined position of each menu item included in the menu and an operation distance detected from an operation by the user. A menu device characterized by that. The menu device according to claim 1 or 2,
The authentication means authenticates the user by a fingerprint detected from the user's finger placed on the display unit,
The menu display means displays the menu around the position where the finger of the user of the display unit is placed as the reference position,
The menu device characterized in that the operation by the user is a flick operation by the finger from a position where the user's finger of the display unit is placed. The menu device according to claim 1 or 2,
The authentication means authenticates the user by a fingerprint detected from the user's finger placed on the fingerprint authentication unit,
The menu display means displays the menu on a display unit disposed so as to surround the fingerprint authentication unit as the reference position.
The operation by the user is a flick operation by the finger from the fingerprint authentication unit. The menu device according to claim 1 or 2,
The authentication means authenticates the user by a fingerprint detected from the user's finger placed on the fingerprint authentication unit,
The menu display means displays the menu on a display unit present at a position independent of the fingerprint authentication unit,
The operation by the user is a flick operation by the finger from the fingerprint authentication unit. The menu device according to claim 1 or 2,
The authentication means authenticates a user by user identification information read from an IC card placed on the display unit,
The menu display means displays the menu on a display unit around the position where the IC card is placed as the reference position,
The menu device characterized in that the operation by the user is an operation of moving the IC card from a position where it is placed to another position. A fingerprint input means for inputting a user's fingerprint;
A touch sensor arranged to surround the fingerprint input means;
A display unit for displaying an image indicating a menu item depending on a user specified by authenticating a fingerprint input from the fingerprint input unit in correspondence with an arrangement location of the touch sensor;
An input device comprising:   The input device according to claim 7, wherein the display unit is provided in a region overlapped with the touch sensor.   An operation panel unit comprising the menu device according to claim 1.   A multifunction device comprising the menu device according to claim 1.   An operation panel unit comprising the input device according to claim 7.   A multifunction machine comprising the input device according to claim 7. An authentication step for authenticating the user;
A menu display step for displaying a menu including at least one menu item depending on the authenticated user on the display unit;
By the user based at least on a direction seen from a reference position of each menu item included in the menu and an operation direction detected from an operation performed through a touch sensor attached to the display unit by the user. A menu item specifying step for specifying the selected menu item;
A menu providing method characterized by comprising: A menu program for causing a computer to function as the menu device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images