Patent Publication Number: US-2015077344-A1

Title: Input-key control device, and method and computer program product for controlling input key

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/682,817, filed Nov. 21, 2012, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/819,537, filed Jun. 21, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,339,289, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-169936 filed Jul. 21, 2009. The entire contents of the above-identified applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed generally to input-key control device that controls a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by a user, and method and computer program product for controlling the input keys. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     An image forming apparatus typically includes an operation panel, from which various settings are to be adjusted. An operator can adjust various settings of the image forming apparatus by pressing one or more input keys while monitoring the operation panel. Instructions to the operator, for example, are displayed on the operation panel under the control of a control device of the operation panel depending on the settings of the image forming apparatus. 
     In recent years, image forming apparatuses have remarkably advanced in functions and come to have a variety of additional functions. As the number of functions increases in this manner, the number of items that are settable from an operation panel has generally increased. An operator is allowed to select a desired item from the settable items to configure the image forming apparatus as required; however, it is desired to facilitate operations and simultaneously satisfy various needs of operators. For instance, apparatuses that display an input key that is operable to receive input in a manner visually distinguishing the input key to thereby facilitate operations using an operation panel are disclosed (see Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 117-104903, for example). 
     However, as the number of functions increases, the number of items that are settable by a user through an operation panel has increased, resulting in an increase in the number of input keys provided for adjusting settings. This requires a user to select a desired key from a large number of input keys. In other words, operations for adjusting settings are complicated, by which ease of use is disadvantageously impaired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems in the conventional technology. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, an input-key control device mounted on an apparatus having a plurality of operating modes for controlling a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by a user, the input-key control device includes: a key-related-information storage unit that stores the operating modes and key-identifying information in association with each other, the key-identifying information being information for identifying an input key operable in the operating mode associated with the key-identifying information; an input-key identifying unit that identifies, when the operating mode is switched, an input key which has newly become operable as a result of the switching of the operating mode by comparing the key-identifying information stored in the key-related-information storage unit and associated with the operating mode before the switching and the key-identifying information stored in the key-related-information storage unit and associated with the operating mode after the switching; and a light-emission control unit that causes a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates the input key identified by the input-key identifying unit to differ from a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates remaining input key. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, an input-key control method to be performed on an input-key control device mounted on an apparatus having a plurality of operating modes for controlling a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by a user, the method includes: storing the operating modes and key-identifying information in association with each other in a key-related-information storage unit provided in the input-key control device, the key-identifying information being information for identifying an input key which is operable in the operating mode associated with the key-identifying information; identifying, when the operating mode is switched, an input key which has newly become operable as a result of the switching of the operating mode by causing an input-key identifying unit provided in the input-key control device to compare the key-identifying information stored in the key-related-information storage unit and associated with the operating mode before the switching and the key-identifying information stored in the key-related-information storage unit and associated with the operating mode after the switching; and controlling light emission by causing a light-emission control unit provided in the input-key control device to cause a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates the input key identified in the identifying to differ from a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates remaining input key. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product including a computer-usable medium having computer-readable program instructions for executing an input-key control process in a computer that is mounted on an apparatus having a plurality of operating modes and that controls a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by a user, wherein the instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to perform: storing the operating modes and key-identifying information in association with each other in a key-related-information storage unit provided in the computer, the key-identifying information being information for identifying the input key which is operable in the operating mode associated with the key-identifying information; identifying, when the operating mode is switched, an input key which has newly become operable as a result of the switching of the operating mode by comparing the key-identifying information stored in the key-related-information storage unit and associated with the operating mode before the switching and the key-identifying information stored in the key-related-information storage unit and associated with the operating mode after the switching; and controlling light emission by causing a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates the input key identified in the identifying to differ from a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates remaining input key. 
     The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating major functions of an operation panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram schematically illustrating a data structure of an input-key-related-information storage unit depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance of the operation panel according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input key according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modification of input keys according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a hardware structure of the operation panel according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure, through which an input-key control operation is performed by the operation panel according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart specifically illustrating a process procedure of the input-key control operation to be performed when producing a copy according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure of an input-key control operation to be performed when producing a copy according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input key according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modification of input keys according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure of an input-key control operation to be performed when producing a copy according to the third embodiment; and 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware structure of a multifunction peripheral serving as an image forming apparatus that includes the operation panel according to the first, second, or third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Exemplary embodiments of input-key control device, and method and computer program product for controlling the input keys according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     An operation panel that includes an input-key control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on an image forming apparatus. The operation panel includes a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by an operator, and controls each of the input keys. The operation panel further includes a plurality of light-emitting elements. Each of the input keys is independently associated with a corresponding one of the light-emitting elements. When the light-emitting element is lit, the corresponding input key is transilluminated. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating major functions of an operation panel  10  according to the first embodiment. The operation panel  10  includes an operating-mode identifying unit  100 , an input-key-related-information storage unit  101 , an input-key identifying unit  102 , and a light-emitting-element control unit  103 . 
     The operating-mode identifying unit  100  identifies the operating mode of an image forming apparatus that includes the operation panel  10 . The operating-mode identifying unit  100  obtains information indicative of the operating mode from the image forming apparatus and identifies the operating mode in which the image forming apparatus is operating based on this information. The operating mode is, for example, a standby mode, in which the apparatus is ready for receiving input from a key, and a copy mode, in which a copy is produced. The copy mode further has a number-of-copies input mode, in which the number of copies is to be input, and a copy-production mode, in which the thus-input and accepted number of copies is produced. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram schematically illustrating a data structure of the input-key-related-information storage unit  101 . The input-key-related-information storage unit  101  stores the operating modes and key-identifying information in association with each other. Each operating mode is associated with key-identifying information. The key-identifying information is information for identifying an input key that is operable in the operating mode associated therewith. In the standby mode, an operator can operate function-selection keys. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the input-key-related-information storage unit  101  stores “standby mode,” which is one of the operating modes, in association with “function-selection keys,” which is key-identifying information. In the number-of-copies input mode, an operator can operate the function-selection keys and numeric keys. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the input-key-related-information storage unit  101  stores “number-of-copies input mode,” which is one of the operating modes, in association with “function-selection keys” and “numeric keys,” each of which is key-identifying information. The function-selection keys and the numeric keys will be described later. 
     When the operating mode is switched from one to another, the input-key identifying unit  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1  refers to the input-key-related-information storage unit  101  and compares the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode before the switching and the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode after the switching to identify a supplemental input key, i.e., an input key that has newly become operable as a result of the operating mode switching. In other words, the input-key identifying unit  102  identifies the input key(s) which is associated only with the post-switching operating mode. The input-key identifying unit  102  detects the operating mode switching based on the operating mode identified by the operating-mode identifying unit  100 . 
     The light-emitting-element control unit  103  controls the light-on and light-off of a light-emitting element corresponding to the supplemental input key identified by the input-key identifying unit  102 . Specifically, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes a manner of light emission (hereinafter, “lighting manner”) of the light-emitting element corresponding to the supplemental input key to differ from a lighting manner of light-emitting element(s) corresponding to the remaining input key(s). In this example, the lighting manner denotes luminous intensity and, the remaining input key(s) is operable key(s) other than the supplemental input key. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance of the operation panel  10 . The operation panel  10  includes a key-input section  110 , a display panel  114 , and a touch panel  115 . The key-input section  110  includes a function-selection-key section  111 , a numeric keypad section  112 , and a function-performing-key section  113 . 
     The function-selection-key section  111  includes four input keys associated with functions 1 to 4. An operator can select application software or a function by selecting a desired input key(s). The numeric keypad section  112  includes a plurality of input keys for receiving input of a numeric value or the like provided by an operator. The function-performing-key section  113  includes three input keys (function-performing keys), i.e., a start key, a stop key, and a clear key. The function-performing-key section  113  receives input to perform operation, stop operation, or reset an operating mode, corresponding to the selected input key. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input key. The operation panel  10  includes, in addition to a key top  121  serving as the input key, a switch  122 , which is toggled between on and off when the key top  121  is pressed, a light-emitting element  123 , which causes the key top to be transilluminated, and a substrate  124  that supports a circuit unit. A light-emitting diode (LED) can be employed as the light-emitting element  123 , for example. The single key top  121 , and the single switch  122  and the single light-emitting element  123  that correspond to the single key top  121  are illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The operation panel  10  includes the plurality of input keys as discussed above, and hence the operation panel  10  includes a plurality of the key tops  121 , a plurality of the switches  122 , and a plurality of the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the input keys. 
     A portion  125  of the key top  121  is formed of a transparent member. This allows the key top  121  to be transilluminated with light emitted from the light-emitting element  123 . In the first embodiment, the portion  125  of the key top  121  is formed of the transparent member; alternatively, the entire key top  121  can alternatively be formed of a transparent member. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modification of input keys. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , at least a portion of the key top  121  is formed of a transparent member. Accordingly, light emitted from the light-emitting element  123  located to the side of the key top  121  can cause the key top  121  to be transilluminated by way of a light-guiding member  141 . 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a hardware structure of the operation panel  10 . The operation panel  10  includes a control unit  130  in addition to the key-input section  110 , the display panel  114 , the touch panel  115 , and the light-emitting element(s)  123 . The control unit  130  includes a display control unit  132 , an input-output control unit  133 , a random access memory (RAM)  134 , a read only memory (ROM)  135 , an interface (I/F)  136 , and a central processing unit (CPU)  137 . 
     The display control unit  132  controls the display panel  114 . The input-output control unit  133  controls the light-emitting element(s)  123 , the key-input section  110 , and the touch panel  115 . More specifically, the input-output control unit  133  controls the light-emitting element(s)  123  such that one or some key tops, which are operable to receive input, among the key tops  121  on the key-input section  110  are transilluminated with predetermined luminous intensity according to operating mode of the image forming apparatus. When an LED is employed as a light source, the luminous intensity can be varied by changing magnitude of electric current passing through to the LED. When pulse-width modulation (PWM) is employed, the luminous intensity can be varied by changing the duration of pulses. 
     The RAM  134  is used for storing information related to a display screen. The ROM  135  stores program instructions and various setting values. The operation panel  10  is connected to a main body  20  of the image forming apparatus via the I/F  136 . The CPU  137  controls the display control unit  132 , the input-output control unit  133 , the I/F  136 , the RAM  134 , and the ROM  135 . 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure, through which an input-key control operation is performed in the operation panel  10 . When, in the image forming apparatus, operating mode switching has been performed (Yes at Step S 100 ), the input-key identifying unit  102  refers to the input-key-related-information storage unit  101  to identify the supplemental input key, i.e., an input key that has newly become operable to receive input (Step S 101 ). Subsequently, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the supplemental input key(s) to be transilluminated in a different lighting manner than the remaining input key(s) (Step S 102 ). Specifically, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the luminous intensity of the light-emitting element(s)  123  corresponding to the supplemental input key(s) to be higher than the luminous intensity of the light-emitting element(s)  123  corresponding to the remaining input key(s). More specifically, the input-output control unit  133  causes each of the light-emitting element(s)  123  to be lit according to an instruction fed from the light-emitting-element control unit  103 . 
     After expiration of a duration period (Yes at Step S 103 ), the light-emitting-element control unit  103  changes the lighting manner of the supplemental input key(s) (Step S  104 ). Specifically, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the luminous intensity of the light-emitting element(s)  123  corresponding to the supplemental input key(s) to be equal to the luminous intensity of the light-emitting element(s)  123  corresponding to the remaining input key(s). Meanwhile, the duration period is a preset value that ranges from approximately 1 to 10 seconds. 
     With the operation panel  10  according to the first embodiment, it is allowed to transilluminate an input key(s) that has newly become operable brighter than the remaining input key(s) through the operations discussed above. Accordingly, visual recognition by an operator of the input key that has newly become operable is facilitated. This makes it apparent for the operator which input key is to be operated next. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart specifically illustrating a process procedure of the input-key control operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus when producing a copy. On the side of the operation panel  10  in the standby mode, based on information contained in the input-key-related-information storage unit  101 , only the function-selection-key section  111  of the key-input section  110  is transilluminated to prompt an operator to select a function (Step S 111 ). When the input key for the copying function on the function-selection-key section  111  is pressed by the operator (Step S 112 ), the function is accepted by the operation panel  10  (Step S 113 ). This causes the operating mode to be switched from the standby mode to the number-of-copies input mode of the copy mode. 
     Subsequently, the input-key identifying unit  102  refers to the input-key-related-information storage unit  101  and identifies the input keys on the numeric keypad section  112  as supplemental input keys that have newly become operable to receive input in the number-of-copies input mode. Subsequently, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the numeric keypad section  112  identified by the input-key identifying unit  102  to be transilluminated brighter than the remaining input keys, i.e., the input keys on the function-selection-key section  111  (Step S 114 ). Specifically, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  each corresponding to a corresponding one of the input keys provided on the numeric keypad section  112  to be higher than luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  each corresponding to a corresponding one of the input keys provided on the function-selection-key section  111 . 
     After expiration of a duration period, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  restores the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the numeric keypad section  112  to their previous luminous intensity (Step S  115 ). More specifically, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the numeric keypad section  112  to be equal to the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the function-selection-key section  111 . 
     When the input key(s) on the numeric keypad section  112  is pressed by the operator (Step S 116 ) and adjustment of settings on the number of copies and the like on the operation panel  10  is completed (Step S 117 ), the operating mode is switched from the number-of-copies input mode to the copy-production mode. 
     Subsequently, the input-key identifying unit  102  refers to the input-key-related-information storage unit  101  and identifies the input keys on the function-performing-key section  113  as supplemental input keys that have newly become operable to receive input in the copy-production mode. Subsequently, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the function-performing-key section  113  to be transilluminated brighter than the function-selection-key section  111  and the numeric keypad section  112  (Step S 118 ). Specifically, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  each corresponding to a corresponding one of the input keys provided on the function-performing-key section  113  to be higher than luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  each corresponding to a corresponding one of the input keys provided on the function-selection-key section  111  and the numeric keypad section  112 . 
     After expiration of a duration period, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  restores the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the function-performing-key section  113  to their previous luminous intensity (Step S 119 ). Specifically, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the function-performing-key section  113  to be equal to the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the function-selection-key section  111  and the numeric keypad section  112 . 
     When the input key on the function-performing-key section  113  is pressed by the operator (Step S 120 ), a function selected by the operator from the operation panel  10  is performed (Step S 121 ). Specifically, copying operation is performed, for example. 
     The duration periods, over which the lighting manner of the light-emitting element(s)  123  corresponding to the supplemental input key(s) is made different, are stored in the ROM  135  of the control unit  130  or the like. Settings on the duration periods are configured during manufacturing or at shipment of the image forming apparatus by a manufacturer. Alternatively, a configuration that allows an operator to adjust the duration periods appropriately from the key-input section  110  or the like after the image forming apparatus has been shipped out of the factory can be employed. 
     As in the case of the light-emitting-element control unit  103  of the operation panel  10  according to the first embodiment, the light-emitting-element control unit of an operation panel  10 B according to a second embodiment of the present invention causes a lighting manner of a light-emitting element corresponding to a supplemental input key to differ from a lighting manner of a light-emitting element corresponding to the remaining input key. However, the light-emitting-element control unit of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in causing the light-emitting element  123  corresponding to the supplemental input key to blink on and off while causing the light-emitting element  123  corresponding to the remaining input key to be lit. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure of an input-key control operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus that includes the operation panel  10 B according to the second embodiment when producing a copy. In this process procedure, when the operating mode is switched from the standby mode to the number-of-copies input mode of the copy mode, the light-emitting-element control unit determines that the input keys on the numeric keypad section  112  are the supplemental input keys and causes the input keys on the numeric keypad section  112  to blink on and off (Step S 200 ). Specifically, the light-emitting-element control unit causes the light-emitting elements  123  each corresponding to a corresponding one of the input keys provided on the numeric keypad section  112  to blink on and off. 
     After expiration of a duration period, the light-emitting-element control unit causes the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the numeric keypad section  112  to stop blinking and then be lit with the same luminous intensity of the light emitting elements corresponding to the function-selection-key section  111  (Step S 201 ). 
     When adjustment of settings on the number of copies and the like on the operation panel  10 B is completed (Step S 117 ), the operating mode is switched from the number-of-copies input mode to the copy-production mode. The light-emitting-element control unit  103  identifies the input keys on the function-performing-key section  113  as the supplemental input keys and causes the input keys on the function-performing-key section  113  to blink on and off (Step S 202 ). After expiration of a duration period, the light-emitting-element control unit causes the light-emitting elements  123  corresponding to the function-performing-key section  113  to stop blinking and be lit with the same luminous intensity with that of the function-selection-key section  111  and the numeric keypad section  112  (Step S 203 ). 
     Structures and operations pertaining to the operation panel  10 B according to the second embodiment other than those discussed above are similar to those pertaining to the operation panel  10  according to the first embodiment. 
     As discussed above, with the operation panel  10 B according to the second embodiment, it is allowed to cause an input key that has newly become operable to blink on and off. Accordingly, visual recognition by an operator of the input key that has newly become operable is facilitated. This makes it apparent for the operator which input key is to be operated next, thereby allowing the operator to readily perform an operation, even when the operation is complicated. 
     As in the case of the light-emitting-element control unit  103  of the operation panel  10  according to the first embodiment, the light-emitting-element control unit of an operation panel  10 C according to a third embodiment of the present invention causes a lighting manner of a light-emitting element(s) corresponding to a supplemental input key(s) to differ from a lighting manner of a light-emitting element(s) corresponding to the remaining input key(s). However, the light-emitting-element control unit of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in providing variation of the lighting manner by causing colors of light to differ from each other. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input key according to the third embodiment. The operation panel  10 C according to the third embodiment includes light-emitting elements  123 A and light-emitting elements  123 B that emit light of different colors.  FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modification of input keys. Also in this modification, the operation panel  10 C includes the light-emitting elements  123 A and the light-emitting elements  123 B. By virtue of being provided with the light-emitting elements  123 A and  123 B, it is allowed to cause a supplemental input key and the remaining input key to be transilluminated in different colors. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure of an input-key control operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus that includes the operation panel  10 C according to the third embodiment when producing a copy. In the process procedure, the function-selection-key section  111  is transilluminated first in the standby mode (Step S 300 ). Specifically, the light-emitting elements  123 A corresponding to the function-selection-key section  111  are transilluminated. 
     When the operating mode is switched from the standby mode to the number-of-copies input mode of the copy mode, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  determines that the numeric keypad section  112  is the supplemental input key and causes the numeric keypad section  112  to be transilluminated in a different color than the function-selection-key section  111  (Step S 301 ). Specifically, the light-emitting elements  123 B corresponding to the numeric keypad section  112  are lit. After expiration of a duration period, the light-emitting-element control unit  103  causes the numeric keypad section  112  to be transilluminated in the same color with that of the function-selection-key section  111  (Step S 302 ). Specifically, light emission from the light-emitting elements  123 B corresponding to the numeric keypad section  112  is stopped and the light-emitting elements  123 A corresponding to the same are lit. 
     When adjustment of settings on the number of copies and the like on the operation panel  10 C is completed (Step S 117 ), the operating mode is switched from the number-of-copies input mode to the copy-production mode. The light-emitting-element control unit determines that the function-performing-key section  113  is the supplemental input key and causes the function-performing-key section  113  to be transilluminated in a different color than the function-selection-key section  111  and the numeric keypad section  112  (Step S 303 ). Specifically, light-emitting elements  123 B corresponding to the function-performing-key section  113  are lit. After expiration of a duration period, the light-emitting-element control unit causes the function-performing-key section  113  to be transilluminated in the same color with that of the function-selection-key section  111  and the numeric keypad section  112  (Step S 304 ). Specifically, light emission from the light-emitting elements  123 B corresponding to the function-performing-key section  113  is stopped and the light-emitting elements  123 A corresponding to the same are lit. 
     Structures and operations pertaining to the operation panel  10 C according to the third embodiment other than those discussed above are similar to those pertaining to the operation panel  10 / 10 B according to the first and second embodiments. 
     As discussed above, with the operation panel  10 C according to the third embodiment, it is allowed to transilluminate an input key that has newly become operable in a different color than the remaining input key(s). Accordingly, visual recognition by an operator of the input key that has newly become operable is facilitated. This makes it apparent for the operator which input key is to be operated next, thereby allowing the operator to readily perform an operation, even when the operation is complicated. 
     Program instructions to be executed in the operation panel  10 / 10 B/ 10 C according to the embodiment can be provided as being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a compact disk (CD)-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-recordable (CD-R), and a digital versatile disk (DVD) in an installable format or an executable format. 
     The program instructions to be executed in the operation panel  10 / 10 B/ 10 C according to the embodiment can be configured to be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet so that the program instructions can be downloaded via the network. The program instructions to be executed in the operation panel  10 / 10 B/ 10 C according to the embodiment can be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program instructions to be executed in the operation panel  10 / 10 B/ 10 C according to the embodiment can be configured to be provided as being preinstalled in a ROM or the like. 
     The program instructions to be executed in the operation panel  10 / 10 B/ 10 C according to the embodiment have a module configuration including the units illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In view of actual hardware, it is configured such that a CPU (processor) executes the program instructions by reading the program instructions from the storage device and loading the units on a main memory device to thereby generate the units on the main memory device. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware structure of a multifunction peripheral (MFP)  1  serving as the image forming apparatus that includes the operation panel  10 / 10 B/ 10 C according to the first, second, or third embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the MFP  1  includes a controller  19  and an engine unit  60  that are connected via a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus. The controller  19  is a controller that controls the overall MFP  1 , drawing, communications, and inputs fed from an operating unit (not shown). The engine unit  60  is a printer engine or the like that is connectable to the PCI bus. Examples of the engine unit  60  include a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, and a facsimile unit. The engine unit  60  includes, in addition to what is called an engine section such as the plotter, an image processing section that performs error diffusion, gamma conversion, and the like. 
     The controller  19  includes a CPU  11 , a north bridge (NB)  13 , a system memory (hereinafter, “MEM-P”)  12 , a south bridge (SB)  14 , a local memory (hereinafter, “MEM-C”)  17 , an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  16  that is connected to the NB  13  via an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus  15 , and a hard disk drive (HDD)  18 . The MEM-P  12  further includes a ROM  12   a  and a RAM  12   b.    
     The CPU  11  that controls the overall MFP  1  includes a chip set that includes the NB  13 , the MEM-P  12 , and the SB  14 . The CPU  11  is connected to other device via the chip set. 
     The NB  13  is a bridge for connecting the CPU  11  to the MEM-P  12 , the SB  14 , and the AGP bus  15 . The NB  13  includes a PCI master, an AGP target, and a memory controller that controls reading and writing from and to the MEM-P  12  and the like. 
     The MEM-P  12  that includes the ROM  12   a  and the RAM  12   b  is a system memory for use as a memory for storing program instructions and data, as a memory on which program instructions and data are to be loaded, as a memory for drawing performed by the printer, and the like. The ROM  12   a  is a read only memory for use as a memory for storing data and program instructions. The RAM  12   b  is a writable and readable memory for use as a memory on which program instructions and data are to be loaded, as a memory for drawing performed by the printer, and the like. 
     The SB  14  is a bridge for connecting the NB  13  to the PCI bus and to peripheral devices. The SB  14  is connected to the NB  13  via the PCI bus, to which a network I/F unit and the like are also connected. 
     The ASIC  16  that includes hardware component for image processing is an integrated circuit (IC) for use in image processing. The ASIC  16  functions as a bridge that connects the AGP bus  15 , the PCI bus, the HDD  18 , and the MEM-C  17  with each other. The ASIC  16  includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) serving as the core for the ASIC  16 , a memory controller that controls the MEM-C  17 , a plurality of direct memory access controllers (DMACs) that control rotation of image data and the like by hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer to and from the engine unit  60  via the PCI bus. A facsimile control unit (FCU)  30 , a universal serial bus (USB)  40 , and an IEEE (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)  1394  interface  50  are connected to the ASIC  16  via the PCI bus. 
     The MEM-C  17  is a local memory for use as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HDD  18  is a storage for storing image data, program instructions, font data, and forms. 
     The AGP bus  15  is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card introduced to speed up graphics operations and allows direct access to the MEM-P  12  with a high throughput, thereby speeding up operations related to the graphic accelerator card. 
     The embodiments have been discussed by way of examples where the image processing apparatus is an MFP that has at least two of a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function; however, the image processing apparatus can be any image processing apparatus, examples of which include an MFP, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile apparatus. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, ease-of-use of an operation panel is advantageously enhanced. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.