Display device, image processing device, recording medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device, an image processing device, and a recording medium, wherein the display device can accept instructions related to settings for setting items accepted in a setting area of ​​a first image even when an indication area of ​​a first image is not displayed. A first generating unit generates a first image for a user to set. The first image includes: a setting area that accepts settings for setting items; and an indication area that accepts instructions to confirm the settings accepted through the setting area, or instructions to cancel the settings. A second generating unit generates a second image corresponding to the indication area in the first image. A display control unit displays the first image on the display unit. The accepting unit accepts operations on setting items by a user observing the first image. Furthermore, when the accepting unit accepts the operation, if the indication area is not displayed, the display control unit causes the second image to overlap with the first image and display it on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, an image processing device and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Various technologies for displaying settings to users for their confirmation have been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for suppressing erroneous operations: when an operation input is imported, a confirmation window containing a message text for confirming whether the import is possible is displayed, and after the display starts, until a specified time has passed, an operation input that responds to the actual import of the operation input is not accepted, so that the screen operator can actually read the message text.

[0003] Moreover, Patent Document 2 describes a communication terminal device in which, when only one large item is selected from a plurality of large items by a selection key, setting items of the selected large item and a plurality of related internal functions contained in its lower layer are displayed, and for the unselected large item, only the large item is displayed.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes an information processing device that, when a moving direction is input, moves a display area so that the end of the display area closest to the input moving direction coincides with the end of the display screen.

[0005] [Prior art literature]

[0006] [Patent Document]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-56887

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-108531

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-323244 Summary of the invention

[0010] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0011] In addition, the setting image displayed by the display device for the user to confirm various settings includes, for example: a setting area showing one or more setting items; and an indication area indicating confirmation or cancellation of the settings for these setting items. If the size of the area displayed on the display device (called the display area) is relatively large, sometimes the indication area cannot be placed in the display area. In this case, in order to display the indication area, the display device must, for example, accept an operation of scrolling the display area from the user so that the setting image moves relative to the display area. In particular, the display device of a smartphone, tablet, personal computer (PC), etc. is limited in the size of the display area, so in order to display the indication area, it is necessary to scroll frequently, resulting in reduced operability for the user.

[0012] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of accepting an instruction regarding setting of a setting item accepted in a setting area of ​​a first image even when the instruction area of ​​the first image is not displayed.

[0013] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0014] The display device of technical solution 1 of the present invention includes: a first generating unit, which generates a first image including a setting area and an indication area, wherein the setting area accepts settings for a setting item, and the indication area accepts indications related to the setting; a second generating unit, which generates a second image representing the indication area; an accepting unit, which accepts a user's operation on the setting item; and a display unit, which, when the accepting unit accepts the operation, displays the second image superimposed on the first image if the indication area is not displayed.

[0015] The display device of technical solution 2 of the present invention is according to the solution described in technical solution 1, and when the receiving unit accepts the operation for any of the setting items, if the indication area is not displayed, the display unit displays the second image after a time specified according to the setting item has passed since the operation.

[0016] The display device of technical solution 3 of the present invention is according to the solution described in technical solution 2, and when the setting of the setting item by the operation accepted by the acceptance unit is inconsistent with the setting of other setting items, the display unit displays the second image after a longer time than when there is no contradiction.

[0017] The display device of technical solution 4 of the present invention is according to the solution described in technical solution 2 or 3, wherein the setting items have a hierarchical structure, and when there are other setting items in a hierarchy higher than the setting items set by the operation accepted by the acceptance unit, the display unit displays the second image after a longer time than when there are no other setting items.

[0018] The display device of technical solution 5 of the present invention is a solution according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 4, wherein the display unit displays the number of items that need to be set, and the items that need to be set are setting items among the setting items that need to be set through the operation.

[0019] The display device according to technical solution 6 of the present invention is the solution described in technical solution 5, wherein the display unit distinguishes the required setting items according to whether they are displayed and displays the respective quantities.

[0020] The display device of technical solution 7 of the present invention is according to the solution described in technical solution 5 or 6, wherein the display unit displays lines for dividing the display area, distinguishes the items that need to be set according to the configuration relative to the lines, and displays their respective quantities.

[0021] The display device according to claim 8 of the present invention is the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display unit displays the second image superimposed on a region of the first image that is not a target of the operation accepted by the acceptance unit.

[0022] An image processing device according to technical solution 9 of the present invention includes: the display device according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 8; and a processing unit that processes an image using the setting items set in the display device.

[0023] The recording medium of technical solution 10 of the present invention stores a program, which is used to enable a computer with a display unit to function as the following parts: a first generating unit, which generates a first image including a setting area and an indication area, wherein the setting area accepts settings for setting items, and the indication area accepts indications related to the settings; a second generating unit, which generates a second image representing the indication area; an accepting unit, which accepts operations of a user; and a display control unit, which, when the accepting unit accepts the operation, causes the second image to be overlapped with the first image and displayed on the display unit if the indication area is not displayed.

[0024] [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the invention of claim 1 and claim 10 , even when the instruction area of ​​the first image is not displayed, an instruction regarding the setting of the setting item accepted in the setting area of ​​the first image can be accepted.

[0026] According to the invention of claim 2, when a time corresponding to the setting item has elapsed since the start of the operation, the second image is displayed.

[0027] According to the invention of claim 3, when a contradictory setting is accepted, the second image is displayed with a delay compared to when a non-contradictory setting is accepted.

[0028] According to the invention of claim 4 , when setting is performed for a setting item for which other setting items exist in the upper hierarchy, the second image is displayed with a delay compared to when setting is performed for a setting item for which other setting items do not exist.

[0029] According to the invention of claim 5 , the user confirms the number of items that need to be set through operation.

[0030] According to the invention of technical solution 6, the items that need to be set are distinguished according to whether they are displayed.

[0031] According to the invention of claim 7, the items that need to be set are distinguished based on the arrangement of the lines that divide the display area.

[0032] According to the invention of claim 8, the display of the second image does not interfere with the operation accepted using the first image.

[0033] According to the invention of claim 9, even if the indicated area of ​​the first image cannot fit within the display area, the image can be processed using the setting items accepted by the display device that accepts the instruction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system 9 .

[0035] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display device 1 and the image processing device 2 .

[0036] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the setting DB 121 .

[0037] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of data of one or more setting items included in the setting.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 2 .

[0039] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the display device 1 .

[0040] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the first image.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the second image.

[0042] Fig. 9 It is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the display device 1 .

[0043] Fig.10 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first image displayed on the display unit 15 .

[0044] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of guidance of items that require setting.

[0045] FIG. 12( a ) and FIG. 12( b ) are diagrams showing an example of a second image displayed by being superimposed on a first image.

[0046] FIG. 13( a ) and FIG. 13( b ) are diagrams for explaining setting items belonging to a lower layer.

[0047] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing the display timing of the second image that is specified for each combination of a user and a setting item.

[0048] FIG. 15( a ) and FIG. 15( b ) are diagrams showing examples in which lower-level setting items are expanded.

[0049] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining a second image displayed when a setting item of a lower layer is expanded.

[0050] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of setting items set by radio buttons.

[0051] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an example in which radio buttons are expanded for setting.

[0052] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing display contents when a setting executed by an accepted operation conflicts with a setting of another setting item.

[0053] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1: Display device

[0055] 11: Control Department

[0056] 110: Reception Department

[0057] 111: First Generation Section

[0058] 112: Second Generation

[0059] 113: Display control unit

[0060] 12: Storage

[0061] 121: Setting DB

[0062] 13: Ministry of Communications

[0063] 14: Operation Department

[0064] 15: Display unit

[0065] 2: Image processing device

[0066] 21: Control Department

[0067] 211: Acquisition Department

[0068] 212: Processing Department

[0069] 22: Storage

[0070] 23: Ministry of Communications

[0071] 24: Operation Department

[0072] 25: Display unit

[0073] 26: Image reading unit

[0074] 27: Image forming unit

[0075] 3: Communication lines

[0076] 9: Image processing system

[0077] A1: Setting area

[0078] A11: Set the project area

[0079] A12: Set the project area

[0080] A13: Set the project area

[0081] A2: Indication area

[0082] A21: OK button

[0083] A22: Cancel button

[0084] A3: Indication area

[0085] A31: OK button

[0086] A32: Cancel button

[0087] B1: Area

[0088] B2: Area

[0089] G1: First Image

[0090] G2: Second Image

[0091] G3: Third Image

[0092] L1: Dividing line

[0093] L2: Borderline

[0094] M1: Message box

[0095] M2: Message Box DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] <Implementation Method>

[0097] <Image processing system configuration>

[0098] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of an image processing system 9. The image processing system 9 includes one or more display devices 1, an image processing device 2, and a communication line 3 that connects them so as to be communicable. The communication line 3 may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or a combination thereof.

[0099] <Structure of display device>

[0100] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display device 1 and the image processing device 2 .

[0101] Figure 2 The display device 1 shown includes a control unit 11 , a storage unit 12 , a communication unit 13 , an operation unit 14 , and a display unit 15 .

[0102] The control unit 11 has a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The CPU reads out a computer program (hereinafter referred to as a program) stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12 and executes it, thereby controlling each part of the display device 1.

[0103] The communication unit 13 is a communication circuit connected to the communication line 3 by wire or wirelessly. The display device 1 exchanges information with the image processing device 2 or other external devices connected to the communication line 3 through the communication unit 13. In addition, the display device 1 may not have the communication unit 13 when it is not necessary to exchange information with the image processing device 2 or the external device.

[0104] The operation unit 14 includes operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, and other operation elements for performing various instructions, receives operations performed by the user, and sends a signal corresponding to the operation content to the control unit 11. The operation performed by the user is, for example, a keystroke on the keyboard or a gesture on the touch panel.

[0105] The display unit 15 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays images under the control of the control unit 11. A transparent touch panel of the operation unit 14 may be superimposed on the display screen.

[0106] The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as a solid state disk or a hard disk drive, and stores an operating system, various programs, data, etc. read by the CPU of the control unit 11 .

[0107] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 includes a setting DB 121 . Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the setting DB 121 . Figure 3 The setting DB 121 shown is a database that stores “settings” each including one or more setting items together with “ID” or “setting name”. Figure 3 The “ID” shown is identification information of the corresponding setting, and the “setting name” indicates the name of the corresponding setting.

[0108] and, Figure 3 The "data" shown is specific data indicating the corresponding setting contents. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of data of one or more setting items included in the setting. Figure 4 The data shown is for example Figure 3 The data content is indicated by a bold frame.

[0109] Figure 4 The "ID" shown is identification information of each setting item included in the setting named "Scan and Save." Therefore, the setting includes 16 setting items M1 to M16. Figure 4 The "item name" shown is a field indicating the name of each setting item. Figure 4 The "value" shown is a field indicating the value set for each setting item.

[0110] and, Figure 4The "setting required" shown is a field that stores binary information indicating whether the setting item requires user operation. Setting items with "setting required" set to "○" are called "setting required items". When an initial value is specified, if the user does not perform any operation, the initial value is set in the setting item. On the other hand, there are also setting items that require confirmation of the user's clear intention. For setting required items, in order to confirm the user's intention, no initial value is specified, and the items will not be set if the user does not perform any operation. For example, Figure 4 The setting items whose item names are shown as "title" are required setting items.

[0111] Figure 4 The "type" shown is a field for storing information indicating the type of a setting item. The type of a setting item is, for example, text, option, or numerical value.

[0112] Figure 4 The "child" shown is a field for storing the ID of the setting of the lower level directly related to the setting item. Figure 4 The setting items shown have a hierarchical structure. For example, in the setting item named "Email Notification", "N2" is associated as the ID of the lower-level setting, i.e., "child". This means that when the setting item "Email Notification" in the setting item that constitutes the setting named "Scan and Save" is operated, Figure 3 The setting whose ID is "N2", that is, the setting name "mail notification" is displayed as a lower-level setting and becomes an operation target.

[0113] <Structure of image processing device>

[0114] Figure 2 The image processing apparatus 2 shown includes a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , a communication unit 23 , an operation unit 24 , a display unit 25 , an image reading unit 26 , and an image forming unit 27 .

[0115] The control unit 21 is, for example, a common structure with the control unit 11, and controls each unit of the image processing device 2. The storage unit 22, the communication unit 23, the operation unit 24, and the display unit 25 are also common structures with the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 14, and the display unit 15 of the display device 1. In addition, the image processing device 2 may not have the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25. Furthermore, when the image processing device 2 does not need to exchange information with the display device 1 or other external devices, it may not have the communication unit 23.

[0116] The image reading unit 26 includes an imaging element such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD), and optically reads an image formed on a medium such as paper to generate image data representing the image.

[0117] The image forming unit 27 forms an image on a medium such as paper by, for example, electrophotography.

[0118] The reading function of the image reading unit 26 and the image forming function of the image forming unit 27 are examples of structures that realize the "function of processing an image" possessed by the image processing device 2. As long as the image processing device 2 has a function of processing an image using the setting items set in the display device 1, it is not necessary to have the image reading unit 26 and the image forming unit 27.

[0119] <Functional structure of image processing device>

[0120] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image processing device 2. The control unit 21 of the image processing device 2 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 22 and executes the program, thereby functioning as an acquisition unit 211 and a processing unit 212.

[0121] The acquisition unit 211 acquires the setting items set in the display device 1 via the communication unit 23 .

[0122] The processing unit 212 processes the image using the setting items acquired by the acquisition unit 211. That is, the processing unit 212 is an example of a processing unit that processes the image using the setting items set in the display device. The processing unit 212 processes the image by, for example, controlling one or more of the storage unit 22, the display unit 25, the image reading unit 26, and the image forming unit 27 using the setting items.

[0123] <Functional structure of display device>

[0124] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the display device 1. The control unit 11 of the display device 1 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 12 and executes it, thereby functioning as a receiving unit 110, a first generating unit 111, a second generating unit 112, and a display control unit 113.

[0125] The receiving unit 110 receives the user's operation from the operating unit 14. When the user performs an operation such as Figure 3When an operation of selecting any of the settings shown is performed, the receiving unit 110 acquires information indicating the operation from the operating unit 14 and notifies the first generating unit 111 of the information.

[0126] The first generating unit 111 generates a first image for performing the setting selected by the user based on the information notified from the receiving unit 110 .

[0127] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the first image. For example, when the user selects a setting named "scan and save", the first generation unit 111 reads the setting DB 121 of the storage unit 12. Figure 4 The data shown generates Figure 7 The first image is shown. Figure 7 The first image shown includes: setting area A1, receiving Figure 4 The display area A1 is a region for receiving instructions related to the settings accepted in the setting area A1, and an instruction area A2 for receiving instructions for confirming the settings accepted in the setting area A1, or instructions for canceling the settings. The instructions for confirming the accepted settings and the instructions for canceling the settings are both included in the instructions related to the settings. That is, the instruction area A2 is a region for receiving instructions related to the settings accepted in the setting area A1. In addition, "instructions related to settings" are not limited to instructions for confirming the settings and instructions for canceling the settings, and may also be, for example, instructions for initializing the settings, or instructions for checking for inconsistencies in the settings.

[0128] exist Figure 7 In the setting area A1 shown in FIG. 1 , setting item areas A11 each indicating 16 setting items are arranged in the vertical direction. Figure 7 In the instruction area A2 shown in FIG. 1 , a confirmation button A21 and a cancel button A22 are arranged. The confirmation button A21 is a button for accepting an instruction from the user to confirm the setting. The cancel button A22 is a button for accepting an instruction from the user to cancel the setting. Figure 7 The confirmation button A21 shown in the figure has a character string "OK" displayed on it, and the cancel button A22 has a character string "Cancel" displayed on it. Figure 7 In the indication area A2 shown, a confirmation button A21 and a cancel button A22 are arranged in the horizontal direction, with the confirmation button A21 being arranged on the right side and the cancel button A22 being arranged on the left side.

[0129] Right now, Figure 6 The first generating unit 111 shown is an example of a first generating unit that generates a first image including a setting area that receives settings for setting items and an instruction area that receives instructions related to the settings.

[0130] Then, the second generation unit 112 generates an image (referred to as a second image) corresponding to the designated area in the first image generated by the first generation unit 111 .

[0131] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the second image. Figure 8 The second image shown includes an indication area A3, which corresponds to Figure 7 The indication area A2 of the first image shown in FIG. In the indication area A3, a confirmation button A31 and a cancel button A32 are arranged. The confirmation button A31 is a button for accepting an instruction from the user to confirm the setting. The cancel button A32 is a button for accepting an instruction from the user to cancel the setting. Figure 8 The confirmation button A31 shown in the figure has a character string "OK" displayed on it, and the cancel button A32 has a character string "Cancel" displayed on it. Figure 6 The second generating unit 112 shown is an example of a second generating unit that generates a second image representing the designated area.

[0132] In addition, the indication area A2 of the first image and the indication area A3 of the second image may have different arrangements of buttons and the like as long as they are areas including buttons and the like for accepting instructions for a common set of settings. Figure 8 In the indication area A3 shown, a confirmation button A31 is arranged on the left side, and a cancel button A32 is arranged on the right side. The arrangement is opposite to that of the indication area A2 of the first image.

[0133] The display control unit 113 causes the display unit 15 to display the first image generated by the first generation unit 111. The user observes the first image displayed on the display unit 15 by the display control unit 113. Then, the user touches an area corresponding to any setting item included in the first image on the touch panel of the operation unit 14 to operate the setting item. The acceptance unit 110 accepts the user's operation from the operation unit 14. That is, the acceptance unit 110 is an example of an acceptance unit that accepts the user's operation on the setting item.

[0134] Furthermore, the receiving unit 110 receives an operation on a setting item by a user observing the displayed first image, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display control unit 113 causes the second image to be superimposed on the first image and displayed on the display unit 15. The condition is that the indication area A2 of the first image is not displayed on the display unit 15. That is, Figure 6 The display control unit 113 shown is an example of a display control unit that, when the accepting unit accepts an operation, displays the second image on the display unit by superimposing the second image on the first image if the instruction area is not displayed.

[0135] <Operation of the display device>

[0136] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the display device 1. The control unit 11 of the display device 1 displays the setting name of the acceptable setting on the display unit 15, for example. The control unit 11 receives an operation from the user and determines whether a setting name is selected by the operation (step S101). If it is determined that a setting name is not selected (step S101, No), the control unit 11 continues the determination of step S101.

[0137] If it is determined that a setting name has been selected (step S101 , Yes), the control unit 11 reads the setting data from the setting DB 121 (step S102 ), and generates a first image and a second image (step S103 ).

[0138] Next, the control unit 11 displays the first image generated in step S103 on the display unit 15 (step S104 ), and accepts an operation on the first image from the user.

[0139] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing an example of a first image displayed by the display unit 15. The area of ​​the display region displayed by the display unit 15 of the display device 1 is predetermined and may be smaller than the first image. For example, Fig.10 The display area V shown can display 8 setting items in the first image. Fig.10 The display area V shown is unable to display the entire first image at one time.

[0140] For example Fig.10 As shown in the figure, when the user touches any position of the display area V with a finger or the like and moves the finger or the like in the upward direction along the arrow, the operation unit 14 of the display device 1 accepts the operation. The control unit 11 interprets the operation as a flick operation in the upward direction and moves the display position of the first image downward.

[0141] The control unit 11 determines whether there is an item that needs to be set that has not been set by operation (referred to as an unoperated item that needs to be set) among the setting items represented by the displayed first image (step S105). If it is determined that there is an unoperated item that needs to be set (step S105, yes), the control unit 11 guides the user to the item that needs to be set (step S106).

[0142] Fig.11 The display area V is changed from Fig.10 The position shown is towards Fig.11 The control unit 11 determines that the position indicated by the dotted line moves. Fig.11Among the setting items indicated by the first image G1 shown, there are necessary setting items that have not been set because the user has not performed any operation, that is, necessary setting items that have not been operated, and guidance for the necessary setting items is started.

[0143] For example, the display control unit 113 implemented by the control unit 11 displays the dividing line L1 at a relatively fixed position relative to the moving display area V. The dividing line L1 is drawn, for example, at a position overlapping with the fifth setting item from the top among the eight setting items that can be displayed in the display area V. Furthermore, the display control unit 113 distinguishes the number of unoperated setting items arranged above the dividing line L1 and the number of unoperated setting items arranged below the dividing line L1, counts them separately, and displays a message box M1 recording the respective numbers on the display unit 15 by overlapping the dividing line L1.

[0144] For example, Fig.11 As shown, in the message box M1, the character string "There are upper: 2 (inside the screen: 1) / lower: 4 (inside the screen: 2) / items to be set" is recorded. By observing the message box M1, the user recognizes that there are 2 items to be set above the dividing line L1 and 4 items to be set below the dividing line L1 that have not been operated. That is, the display unit 15 controlled by the display control unit 113 is an example of a display unit that displays a line that divides the display area, distinguishes the items to be set according to the arrangement relative to the line, and displays the number of each item.

[0145] In addition, as described above, in the message box M1, the number of unoperated required setting items is displayed according to whether the required setting items are located in the screen. In the example, there are two unoperated required setting items located above the dividing line L1, but one of them is displayed in the screen. In addition, in the example, there are four unoperated required setting items located below the dividing line L1, but two of them are displayed in the screen.

[0146] Right now, Fig.11 The message box M1 shown distinguishes the items that need to be set that are within the screen, i.e., displayed in the display area V, from the items that need to be set that are outside the screen, i.e., not displayed in the display area V, and calculates their number. That is, the display unit 15 controlled by the display control unit 113 is an example of a display unit that distinguishes the items that need to be set according to whether they are displayed and displays the number of each.

[0147] pass Fig. 9 In step S106 shown, the control unit 11 that provides guidance on the items that require setting returns the process to step S105 to continue the above determination.

[0148] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unoperated setting item (step S105, No), the control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S107). If it is determined that the condition is satisfied (step S107, Yes), the control unit 11 causes the second image generated in step S103 to be superimposed on the first image and displayed on the display unit 15 (step S108). On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition is not satisfied (step S107, No), the control unit 11 does not proceed to step S108, but proceeds to step S109.

[0149] For example, a flick operation is received from the user for moving the display area V in the direction of the indication area A2 displaying the first image. If the result of updating the display according to the flick operation is that the indication area A2 cannot be displayed in the display area V of the display unit 15, the control unit 11 determines that the condition is met (step S107, yes), and causes the second image to overlap the first image and be displayed on the display unit 15 (step S108).

[0150] FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b) are diagrams showing an example of a second image displayed superimposed on a first image. After the user has operated all the required setting items that have not been operated, an operation is performed to move the display area V toward the bottom of the indication area A2 where the first image G1 is displayed. After receiving the operation, the display unit 15 of the display device 1 scrolls the displayed first image downward, so that the display area V displays the content shown in FIG. 12(a) in the first image G1. As shown in FIG. 12(a), the indication area A2 of the first image G1 cannot be displayed in the display area V. Therefore, the display device 1 displays the second image G2 superimposed on the first image G1 as shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0151] In addition, when displaying the second image G2, the display control unit 113 may display the second image G2 by overlapping any part of the first image, and may also display the second image G2 by overlapping a region of the first image that is not the operation target.

[0152] For example, the boundary line L2 shown in FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b) is a line indicating the boundary between the area B1 and the area B2. The area B1 is an area in the first image G1 that is the object of operation. Therefore, a touch operation or a click operation on the area B1 is interpreted as an operation on the corresponding setting item. On the other hand, the area B2 is an area in the first image G1 that is not the object of operation. That is, even if the user performs a touch operation on the area B2, it will not be interpreted as an operation on the setting item.

[0153] As shown in FIG12(b), the display control unit 113 causes the second image G2 to overlap the area B2 of the first image G1 and display it on the display unit 15. That is, the display unit 15 controlled by the display control unit 113 is an example of a display unit that overlaps the second image on an area of ​​the first image that is not an operation target accepted by the acceptance unit and displays it. Thus, the display device 1 displays the second image G2 without hindering the user's operation on the first image G1.

[0154] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether there is an instruction for the instruction area A2 of the first image G1 or the instruction area A3 of the second image G2 (step S109). If it is determined that there is no instruction (step S109, No), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S107.

[0155] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an instruction (step S109, Yes), the control unit 11 executes a process corresponding to the instruction (step S110).

[0156] As described above, when the display device 1 of the present invention arranges the first image including the setting area and the instruction area at a predetermined position and accepts setting of the setting item, it can accept the instruction even if the instruction area of ​​the first image does not fit in the display area.

[0157] <Modification>

[0158] The above is the description of the embodiment, but the contents of the embodiment can be modified as follows. Furthermore, the following modifications can also be combined.

[0159] <1>

[0160] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the display device 1 does not determine whether the predetermined condition is satisfied before determining in step S105 that there is no unoperated required setting item, but may determine whether the condition is satisfied regardless of whether there is an unoperated required setting item. Furthermore, when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the control unit 11 only needs to display the second image on the display unit 15 by overlapping the first image.

[0161] For example, the control unit 11 may Fig. 9 After step S106 shown in the figure, the process proceeds to step S107, and when it is determined in step S109 that there is no instruction, the process returns to step S105.

[0162] <2>

[0163] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 11 receives an operation to move the first image so as to display the indication area A2, and if the indication area A2 cannot be displayed in the display area V of the display unit 15 as a result of updating the display according to the operation, the above condition is determined to be satisfied. However, the above condition may be another condition.

[0164] For example, the above conditions may include a condition that there are no unoperated required setting items, and may also include a condition that there are no other setting items in a hierarchy higher than the setting item set by the most recently accepted operation.

[0165] FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b) are diagrams for explaining setting items belonging to a lower level. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 13( a ), in the setting item “email notification”, “N2” is associated as the ID of the setting of the lower level, i.e., “sub”. Therefore, when the user touches the button of the setting item “email notification” with a finger or the like while the first image G1 shown in FIG. 13( a ) is displayed, the control unit 11 selects the setting item “email notification”. Furthermore, the control unit 11 causes the third image G3 for setting the details of the setting item “email notification” to be superimposed on the first image G1 and displayed on the display unit 15 as shown in FIG. 13( b ). The third image G3 is a setting image associated with the setting item for which the operation has been accepted among any setting items included in the first image G1, and is a setting image belonging to a lower level from the level to which the first image G1 belongs.

[0166] When accepting the user's operation on the third image G3 , the control unit 11 determines that there are other setting items in a hierarchy higher than the setting item set by the accepted operation. Therefore, the control unit 11 does not display the second image G2 on the display unit 15 at this time.

[0167] <3>

[0168] Furthermore, the above conditions may include a condition that a predetermined time has passed since the most recent operation. For example, when a predetermined time has passed since the most recent operation and the indication area A2 is not displayed in the display area V of the display unit 15, the control unit 11 causes the second image G2 to overlap the first image G1 and display the image on the display unit 15. The above time may be specified for each setting or for each setting item included in the setting.

[0169] That is, the display unit 15 is an example of a display unit that displays a second image after a time specified in accordance with the setting item has passed since the operation if the instruction area is not displayed when the acceptance unit accepts an operation for any setting item.

[0170] <4>

[0171] Furthermore, in addition to the timing of displaying the second image G2, the timing of erasing the displayed second image G2 may be specified. Furthermore, the timing of displaying the second image or the timing of erasing the second image may be specified for each user.

[0172] Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing the display timing of the second image specified for each combination of the user and the setting item. Fig.14 The control unit 11 of the display device 1 reads out the parameters from the storage unit 12. Fig.14 The parameters shown are used to display the second image.

[0173] For example, when the user U1 operates the setting item indicated by ID "M1" of the setting indicated by ID "N1", the second image is displayed after 1 second from the operation. And, after 4 seconds from the operation, the second image is no longer displayed.

[0174] On the other hand, when the user U2 operates the setting item indicated by ID "M1" of the setting indicated by ID "N1", the second image is displayed after 0 seconds have passed from the operation, that is, immediately after the operation. And, when 5 seconds have passed from the operation, the second image is no longer displayed.

[0175] In the above structure, the second image is displayed at different timings for each user, so different settings can be made according to the user's preference or judgment speed. In addition, the second image is displayed at different timings for each setting item, so different settings can be made according to the complexity of the content of the setting item.

[0176] <5>

[0177] In the above-described modification, when the control unit 11 determines that there are other setting items in a hierarchy higher than the setting item set by the accepted operation, the control unit 11 does not display the second image G2 on the display unit 15. However, the control by the control unit 11 is not limited to this.

[0178] For example, when it is determined that there are other setting items in a higher level than the setting item set by the accepted operation, the control unit 11 may control to display the second image after a longer time than when there are no other setting items in the higher level.

[0179] Fig. 15 (a) and Fig. 15 (b) are diagrams showing examples of the expansion of the setting items of the lower level. "IPv4" shown in Fig. 15 (a) is the setting name of the setting item related to "Internet Protocol version 4". The value set for "IPv4" shown in Fig. 15 (a) is "DHCP", which stipulates that for IPv4, the network address is dynamically allocated by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.

[0180] The settings of "IPv4" are the above-mentioned two options, "DHCP" and "Manual". In the state shown in FIG15(a), when the user operates the setting item area A11 indicating the setting item of "IPv4", the value is switched to "Manual" as shown in FIG15(b). At this time, the setting item area A12 for displaying the setting items of the lower level associated with the setting item of "IPv4" is expanded.

[0181] When the value of "IPv4" is switched to "Manual", the lower-level setting items that are expanded are shown in Figure 15(b), which are "IP address", "subnet mask" and "default gateway", all of which are set with a combination of four values. And when the value of "IPv4" is set to "Manual", unlike when it is set to "DHCP", for these three setting items, a combination of four values ​​must be manually input.

[0182] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining the second image displayed when the setting items of the lower level are expanded. When the display unit 15 displays the first image shown in FIG. 15(b), the display device 1 displays the second image G2 superimposed on the first image G1 after a time longer than the time when the value of "IPv4" is "DHCP" has passed. The reason is that when other setting items of the lower level are expanded in the setting item of "IPv4", it takes time for the user to set the expanded setting items compared to when they are not expanded, and before this time has passed, there is no need to confirm their settings.

[0183] That is, the display unit 15 at this time corresponds to an example of a display unit that displays the second image after a longer time has passed than when there are other setting items in a hierarchy higher than the setting item set by the operation accepted by the accepting unit.

[0184] <6>

[0185] In the above modification, the display timing of the second image is specified for each setting item, but the timing may be changed depending on whether the setting for the operated setting item conflicts with the setting for other setting items.

[0186] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of setting items set by radio buttons. Fig.17 The “file format” shown is the name of a setting item for setting the format of a file for storing an image. Fig.17 , the value of "File Format" is "PDF".

[0187] Fig.18 is a diagram showing an example of expanding the radio buttons for setting. Fig.17 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , when the user operates the setting item area A11 indicating the setting item of “file format”, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the setting item area A13 showing four radio buttons is expanded. The four radio buttons are “PDF”, “XPS”, “TIFF” and “JPEG”, which are the names of file formats for images.

[0188] In addition, some setting items may be restricted by the values ​​set for other setting items. For example, since "JPEG" does not have a mode for saving in black and white, when "Color Mode" is "Auto Detect", the user cannot set "File Format" to "JPEG".

[0189] Fig.19 1 is a diagram showing the display contents when the setting executed by the accepted operation conflicts with the setting of other setting items. When the user sets the "color mode" to "auto detect" and sets the "file format" to "JPEG", the control unit 11 of the display device 1 detects the conflict between these setting items. Fig.19 As shown, a message frame M2 is superimposed on the first image G1 and displayed on the display unit 15. Warning characters indicating the detected contradiction are written in the message frame M2.

[0190] The control unit 11 of the display device 1 displays Fig.19 When the message box M2 shown is displayed, the second image G2 is displayed after a time longer than the time when the message box M2 is not displayed. Thus, the user is given time to read and understand the contents of the warning text contained in the message box M2. Furthermore, the display device 1 does not display the second image G2 before the time has passed, so the user's operation of confirming the setting without reading the contents of the warning text is not accepted.

[0191] That is, the display unit 15 at this time is an example of a display unit that displays the second image after a longer time than when there is no inconsistency when the setting of the setting item by the operation accepted by the acceptance unit conflicts with the setting of another setting item.

[0192] <7>

[0193] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the display device 1 reads out the program stored in the storage unit 12 and executes it, thereby functioning as the receiving unit 110, the first generating unit 111, the second generating unit 112, and the display control unit 113, but these functions may also be realized by the control unit 21 of the image processing device 2. In this case, the image processing device 2 may also serve as the display device 1 in the above embodiment.

[0194] <8>

[0195] The program executed by the control unit 11 of the display device 1 is an example of the following program, which is used to make a computer with a display unit function as the following parts, namely: a first generating unit, generating a first image including a setting area and an indication area, the setting area accepting settings for setting items, and the indication area accepting instructions related to the settings; a second generating unit, generating a second image representing the indication area; an accepting unit, accepting operations of users; and a display control unit, when the accepting unit accepts the operation, if the indication area is not displayed, causing the second image to be superimposed on the first image and displayed on the display unit. The program can be provided in a state stored in a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape and a magnetic disk, an optical recording medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. Moreover, the program can also be downloaded via a communication line such as the Internet. In addition, as the control component exemplified by the control unit 11, various devices, processors, etc. are sometimes applicable in addition to the CPU.

[0196] Here, the so-called processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (such as the CPU, etc.) or a special-purpose processor (such as a graphics processor (Graphics Processing Unit, GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), a field programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA), a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0197] The actions of the processors in the above embodiments may not be performed by only one processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations in collaboration. Furthermore, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may also be changed appropriately.

[0198] Furthermore, the display device 1 may be an information processing device such as a computer connected to an external display unit via the communication unit 13. The information processing device may not have the internal display unit 15 as long as the processor included in the control unit 11 specifies an external display unit to display a specified image. That is, the information processing device may be expressed as shown below.

[0199] An information processing device, characterized in that it includes one or more processors, which generate a first image including a setting area for accepting settings for setting items and an indication area for accepting instructions related to the settings, and generate a second image representing the indication area, accept a user's operation on the setting item, and when the operation is accepted, if the indication area is not displayed, the second image is overlapped with the first image and displayed on the display unit.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A first generating unit generates a first image including a setting area and an instruction area, wherein the setting area receives a setting for a setting item and the instruction area receives an instruction related to the setting; A second generating unit, generating a second image representing the indicated area; A receiving unit receiving an operation of the user on the setting item; as well as a display unit that, when the accepting unit accepts the operation for any of the setting items, displays the second image superimposed on the first image after a time period specified according to the setting item has elapsed since the operation if the indication area is not displayed; When the setting of the setting item by the operation accepted by the accepting unit conflicts with the setting of another setting item, the display unit displays the second image after a longer time has passed than when there is no conflict.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The setting items have a hierarchical structure. When there are other setting items in a hierarchy higher than the setting item set by the operation accepted by the accepting unit, the display unit displays the second image after a longer time has passed than when there are no other setting items.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The display unit displays the number of required-setting items, the required-setting items being setting items that need to be set through the operation among the setting items.

4. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that The display unit distinguishes the required setting items according to whether they are displayed, and displays the respective quantities.

5. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The display unit displays lines dividing a display area, and the required setting items are distinguished according to their arrangement with respect to the lines, and the numbers of the items are displayed.

6. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The display unit displays the second image in an overlapping manner on a region of the first image that is not a target of the operation accepted by the acceptance unit.

7. An image processing device, comprising: The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as The processing unit processes an image using the setting item set in the display device.

8. A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer having a display unit to function as: A first generating unit generates a first image including a setting area and an instruction area, wherein the setting area receives a setting for a setting item and the instruction area receives an instruction related to the setting; A second generating unit, generating a second image representing the indicated area; The reception department receives the user's operation; as well as a display control unit that, when the accepting unit accepts the operation for any of the setting items, causes the second image to be displayed on the display unit by overlapping the first image after a time period specified according to the setting item has passed since the operation if the indication area is not displayed; When the setting item of the setting by the operation accepted by the accepting unit conflicts with the setting of another setting item, the display control unit displays the second image after a longer time has elapsed than when there is no conflict.

9. A computer program product for causing a computer having a display unit to function as: A first generating unit generates a first image including a setting area and an instruction area, wherein the setting area receives a setting for a setting item and the instruction area receives an instruction related to the setting; A second generating unit, generating a second image representing the indicated area; The reception department receives the user's operation; as well as a display control unit that, when the accepting unit accepts the operation for any of the setting items, causes the second image to be displayed on the display unit by overlapping the first image after a time period specified according to the setting item has passed since the operation if the indication area is not displayed; When the setting item of the setting by the operation accepted by the accepting unit conflicts with the setting of another setting item, the display control unit displays the second image after a longer time has elapsed than when there is no conflict.

Images