Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer readable medium

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a computer readable medium. The information processing device has a memory and a processor. When at least two display regions are displayed on a display device, in a case where an operation button in an underlayer display region cannot be operated due to overlapping of the two display regions, the processor changes a configuration position of the operation button hidden by an upper-layer display region in the underlayer display region without changing a display size and a display position of the underlayer display region, so that the operation button can be operated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer-readable medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-11263, a multi-window system is disclosed in which, in a case where two windows are displayed overlapped, a lower window is reduced in size and moved to a position where it does not overlap with an upper window.

[0003] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-234426, a window display apparatus is disclosed in which, in a case where a certain window is moved to overlap with another window, the other window is moved to a position where an operation button in the other window is displayed.

[0004] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-169548, an information processing apparatus is disclosed in which, in a case where a new window is displayed in response to an operation on a button in a currently displayed window, the new window is displayed at a position where it does not overlap with a non-visible portion of a lower window. SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer-readable medium in which, in a case where an operation button in a lower display region cannot be operated because two display regions overlap with each other, the operation button in the lower display region can be operated without changing a display size and a display position of the lower display region.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus having a memory and a processor, the processor, when displaying at least two display regions on a display apparatus, in a case where an operation button in a lower display region cannot be operated because two display regions overlap with each other, makes it possible to operate the operation button by changing a configuration position of the operation button in the lower display region that is hidden by an upper display region without changing a display size and a display position of the lower display region.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the processor makes it possible to operate the operation button in the lower display region by changing the configuration position of the operation button in the lower display region that is hidden by the upper display region to a position that is not hidden by the upper display region.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the processor, in a case where the operation button in the lower display region overlaps with another display element because of the change in the configuration position of the operation button in the lower display region that is hidden by the upper display region, makes it possible for the operation button not to overlap with the other display element by changing a configuration position of the other display element in the lower display region.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the processor enables operation of the operation button by displaying the operation button in the display region of the upper layer in a case where the operation button and the other display elements cannot be configured not to overlap in the display region of the lower layer.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the display region of the upper layer is a display region for displaying an operation button that is a button for assisting input operation in the display region of the lower layer.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the display region of the upper layer is a display region that includes a number key in at least a part thereof, the number key being used for input of a number in the display region of the lower layer.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute processing, wherein in the processing, there is included a step of, when displaying at least two display regions on a display device, enabling operation of an operation button in a lower layer display region by changing a configuration position of the operation button hidden by an upper layer display region in the lower layer display region without changing a display size and a display position of the lower layer display region in a case where the operation button in the lower layer display region cannot be operated due to overlapping of the two display regions.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute processing, wherein in the processing, there is included a step of, when displaying at least two display regions on a display device, enabling operation of an operation button in a lower layer display region by changing a configuration position of the operation button hidden by an upper layer display region in the lower layer display region without changing a display size and a display position of the lower layer display region in a case where the operation button in the lower layer display region cannot be operated due to overlapping of the two display regions.

[0014] (EFFECTS)

[0015] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that enables operation of an operation button in a lower layer display region without changing a display size and a display position of the lower layer display region in a case where the operation button in the lower layer display region cannot be operated due to overlapping of two display regions.

[0016] According to the second aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that enables display of an operation button in a lower layer display region at a position that is not hidden by an upper layer display region and enables operation thereof.

[0017] According to the third aspect, an information processing apparatus can be provided in which an operation button in a lower layer display region is displayed in a manner not overlapping with other display elements in a position not blocked by an upper layer display region, and the operation button in the lower layer display region can be operated.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect, an information processing apparatus can be provided in which an operation button in a lower layer display region can be operated in an upper layer display region.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, an information processing apparatus can be provided in which, in a case where an operation button in a lower layer display region cannot be operated due to overlapping of two display regions, an input operation based on the operation button in the lower layer display region can be performed without changing a display size and a display position of the lower layer display region.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, an information processing apparatus can be provided in which, by displaying a numeric key button in an upper layer, an input operation in a lower layer display region can be performed without changing a display size and a display position of the lower layer display region when the operation button in the lower layer display region cannot be operated.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute processing can be provided, the processing being as follows: in a case where an operation button in a lower layer display region cannot be operated due to overlapping of two display regions, the operation button in the lower layer display region can be operated without changing a display size and a display position of the lower layer display region.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, an information processing method can be provided in which, in a case where an operation button in a lower layer display region cannot be operated due to overlapping of two display regions, the operation button in the lower layer display region can be operated without changing a display size and a display position of the lower layer display region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an image forming system of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating one example of an operation screen of an image forming apparatus of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 (A) to (F) of FIG. 1 are diagrams each illustrating one example of an operation in an operation screen of an image forming apparatus of a comparative example.

[0026] Figure 4 (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 are diagrams each illustrating one example of an operation screen of an image forming apparatus of a comparative example.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 (A) and (B) are figures illustrating an example of operation on the operation screen of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9 Figure (A) is an example of an operation screen of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 (B) is used to explain in Figure 9 (A) is a diagram of the internal processing of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus.

[0032] Figure 10 (A) is used to explain Figure 9 (B) is a diagram of the internal processing of the image forming apparatus's operation screen. Figure 10 (B) is shown Figure 10 A diagram of an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus following (A).

[0033] Figure 11 Figure (A) is an example of an operation screen of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 (B) is used to explain in Figure 11 (A) is a diagram of the internal processing of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus.

[0034] Figure 12 (A) is used to explain Figure 11 (B) is a diagram of the internal processing of the image forming apparatus's operation screen. Figure 12 (B) is used to explain Figure 12 (A) is a diagram of the internal processing of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus.

[0035] Figure 13 (A) is used to explain Figure 12 (B) is a diagram of the internal processing of the image forming apparatus's operation screen. Figure 13 (B) is shown Figure 13 A diagram of an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus following (A). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a view showing the structure of an image forming system of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] As Figure 1 indicated, the image forming system of an embodiment of the present disclosure is a structure in which the image forming apparatus 10 and the terminal apparatus 20 are connected to each other via the network 30.

[0039] The terminal apparatus 20 generates print data, and transmits the generated print data to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network 30. In addition, the terminal apparatus 20 is an information processing apparatus configured by installing a program for controlling the image forming apparatus 10 in a personal computer.

[0040] The image forming apparatus 10 receives the print data transmitted from the terminal apparatus 20, and outputs an image corresponding to the print data onto a sheet. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus called a so-called multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is an information processing apparatus configured by installing a program for controlling an operation screen in which an operation for executing the above-described plurality of functions is performed.

[0041] Sometimes, a soft numeric key is provided on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus separately from the operation screen in which the operation for executing the above-described plurality of functions is performed, and an input operation in the operation screen is performed. An application program of the image forming apparatus in which such a soft numeric key is provided is generated on the premise that the soft numeric key exists.

[0042] Also, as Figure 2 indicated, sometimes, a soft numeric key different from the operation screen 11 is not provided on the operation panel 12 of the image forming apparatus 10, and an input operation in the operation screen 11 is performed by displaying a numeric key screen as a virtual numeric key on the operation screen 11. In this case, the numeric key screen is displayed so as to overlap the current operation screen 11.

[0043] An example of the operation when the numeric key screen is displayed so as to overlap the operation screen 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 is a comparative example, and is shown in (A) to Figure 3 (F) of FIG. 12. Figure 3 Hereinafter, the operation of the user when inputting a serial number as a product number of the image forming apparatus in the operation screen in which the system management setting of the image forming apparatus is performed will be described.

[0044] The operation screen 11 in which the serial number is input is displayed on the operation panel 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 as Figure 3the input screen 22. Then, when the user inputs the serial number in the serial number input field of the input screen 22, the user clicks the knob button 21 of the input screen 22.

[0045] When the knob button 21 is clicked, as shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the number key screen 31 is overlaid and displayed on the upper layer of the input screen 22. At this time, the number key screen 31 is overlaid and displayed on a part of the display area of the input screen 22, and the objects 23, 24 that are operation buttons are hidden in the lower layer of the number key screen 31. Figure 3

[0046] When the input of the serial number is ended by the input based on the number key buttons of the number key screen 31, the user clicks the knob button 21 to close the number key screen 31. Then, as shown in (C) of FIG. 6, the user clicks the object 24 to determine the input operation of the serial number. Figure 3

[0047] Then, as shown in (D) of FIG. 6, when the user re-enters the serial number in the serial number re-input field of the input screen 22, the user clicks the knob button 21 of the input screen 22. Figure 3

[0048] When the knob button 21 is clicked, as shown in (E) of FIG. 6, the number key screen 31 is overlaid and displayed on the upper layer of the input screen 22. Figure 3

[0049] When the re-input of the serial number is ended by the input based on the number key buttons of the number key screen 31, the user clicks the knob button 21 to close the number key screen 31. Then, as shown in (F) of FIG. 6, the user clicks the object 24 to determine the re-input operation of the serial number. Figure 3

[0050] That is, in the comparative example, in the state where the number key screen 31 is displayed, the objects 23, 24 in the input screen 22 are hidden, and the operation based on the objects 23, 24 cannot be performed. Therefore, when the objects 23, 24 are operated, the objects 23, 24 need to be operated after the number key screen 31 is closed. That is, in the state where the number key screen 31 is kept open, the operation using the objects 23, 24 cannot be performed, and the number of operation steps increases.

[0051] Next, an example of the operation screen in the case where the current operation screen is displayed by being slid to the left direction without the number key screen being overlaid on the operation screen 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 is described as a comparative example, and is shown in (A) of FIG. 7. Figure 4

[0052] In the example shown in (A) of FIG. 7, the example shown in (A) of FIG. 5 described above is changed to the example shown in (A) of FIG. 7. Figure 4 Figure 3 Figure 3 ​​​​​​​​Compared to the operation steps, the (F) process has fewer steps. However, when the operation of clicking the knob button 21 to display the numeric keypad screen 31 is performed, the input screen 22, which is the current operation screen, slides from the display area of ​​the operation screen 11 in the -X direction by an amount corresponding to the display area of ​​the numeric keypad screen 31 and is displayed. That is, although the numeric keypad screen 31 is displayed in a way that allows operation on objects 23 and 24 without overlapping with the input screen 22, the input screen 22 is not included in the display area of ​​the operation screen 11, but is detached from the display area of ​​the operation screen 11, thus forming an undisplayed area. In addition, when the input screen 22 is displayed in the entire area of ​​the operation screen 11, it is necessary to show the user the unit of closing the numeric keypad screen 31 and displaying the lower layer of the numeric keypad screen 22 through a label or other message. In addition, the operation of closing the numeric keypad screen 31 and displaying the lower layer of the numeric keypad screen 31 is required, increasing the operation steps. Furthermore, the display of labels and other messages becomes an obstacle to operation, reducing operability.

[0053] Next, as a comparative example, let's look at an operation screen where the numeric keypad 31 on the operation screen 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed in a scaled-down manner without overlapping. Figure 4 As shown in (B).

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the example shown in (B), compared with the above Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 The (F) process involves fewer steps compared to the operation steps. However, when the knob button 21 is clicked to display the numeric keypad screen 31, the input screen 22, which is the current operation screen, is reduced in size to correspond to the display area of ​​the numeric keypad screen 31 and displayed in a way that incorporates it into the display area of ​​the operation screen 11. That is, the numeric keypad screen 31 is displayed in a way that allows operation on objects 23 and 24 without overlapping with the input screen 22. However, because the objects in the input screen 22 are reduced in size, operability deteriorates. Furthermore, because the text displayed on the input screen 22 is also reduced in size, it is difficult to confirm the entered content, further deteriorating operability.

[0055] In this embodiment, as described above Figure 3 As shown in (B), even when the objects 23 and 24 in the lower input screen 22 cannot be operated due to the overlap of the input screen 22 and the numeric keypad screen 31, it is still possible to... Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 As shown in (B), the objects 23 and 24 within the lower input screen 22 can be manipulated without changing the display size and position of the lower input screen 22.

[0056] Figure 5is a diagram showing a hardware structure of the image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5 , the image forming apparatus 10 has a CPU 41, a memory 42, a storage device 43 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (referred to as an IF) 44 that performs transmission and reception of data with external devices and the like via a network 30, a user interface (referred to as a UI) device 45 including a touch panel or a liquid crystal display and a keyboard, a scanner 46, a printer engine 47. These constituent elements are connected to each other via a control bus 48.

[0058] The printer engine 47 prints an image on a recording medium such as a print sheet through processes of charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixation, and the like.

[0059] The CPU 41 is a processor that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 by performing prescribed processing based on a control program stored in the memory 42 or the storage device 43. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the CPU 41 reads out and executes the control program stored in the memory 42 or the storage device 43, but it can be possible to store the program in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and provide it to the CPU 41.

[0060] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a functional structure of the image forming apparatus 10 realized by executing the above-described control program.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6 , the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has an authentication section 51, an operation input section 52, a display section 53, a data transceiving section 54, a control section 55, an image reading section 56, a data storage section 57, and an image output section 58.

[0062] The data transceiving section 54 performs transmission and reception of data with external devices such as the terminal apparatus 20.

[0063] The control section 55 generates print data based on a print job received from the terminal apparatus 20 via the data transceiving section 54, and performs control to output the generated print data from the image output section 58.

[0064] The data storage section 57 stores various data such as print data generated by the control section 55. Also, the data storage section 57 stores an object management table and a mobile object table described later.

[0065] The display section 53 is controlled by the control section 55 to display various information to a user. The operation input section 52 inputs various operation information performed by the user.

[0066] The image output unit 58 outputs an image to a recording medium such as printing paper, under the control of the control unit 55. The image reading unit 56 reads the image from the placed original document, under the control of the control unit 55.

[0067] When at least two display areas are displayed on the display unit 53, the control unit 55 determines whether the operation buttons in the lower display area can be operated due to the overlap of the two display areas. In other words, when at least two display areas are displayed on the display unit 53, if the two display areas overlap, the control unit 55 detects the upper display area and determines whether the operation buttons in the lower display area are included in the upper display area.

[0068] Then, if it is determined that an operation button in the lower display area is contained within the upper display area, the control unit 55 changes the position of the operation button in the lower display area that was hidden by the upper display area, without changing the display size and display position of the lower display area, so that the operation button can be operated. Specifically, the control unit 55 changes the configuration position of the operation button in the lower display area that was hidden by the upper display area to a position that is not hidden by the upper display area, so that the button can be operated.

[0069] Furthermore, if the control unit 55 determines that the operation buttons in the lower display area are not included in the upper display area, it will directly display at least two display areas on the display unit 53 without changing the configuration position in the lower display area.

[0070] Furthermore, when the control unit 55 changes the configuration position of the operation button that is hidden in the upper display area in the lower display area, if the operation button overlaps with other objects that are other display elements, the configuration position of the other objects in the lower display area is changed so that the operation button and other targets do not overlap.

[0071] Furthermore, if it is not possible to configure the operation button in the lower display area so that it does not overlap with other objects, the control unit 55 can operate it by displaying the operation button in the upper display area.

[0072] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0073] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), when the input screen 22, which requires user input, is displayed, the rotary button 21 for displaying the numeric keypad screen 31 is displayed on the operation screen 11.

[0074] Furthermore, when the knob button 21 is clicked, such as Figure 7As shown in (B), a numeric keypad screen 31 is overlaid on top of the input screen 22, which is the current display screen. The numeric keypad screen 31 is a display area for displaying operation buttons used to assist input operations in the lower input screen 22; at least a portion of it contains numeric keypad buttons used for inputting numbers in the lower input screen 22. At this time, the display size and position of the lower input screen 22 remain unchanged, but the positions of objects 23 and 24, which were previously hidden by the upper numeric keypad screen 31 and serve as operation buttons within the lower input screen 22, are changed to positions where they are no longer hidden by the numeric keypad screen 31, allowing operation of objects 23 and 24 to be performed.

[0075] Next, use Figures 8-10 The operation screen 11 is explained from the above. Figure 7 (A) transferred to Figure 7 The operation of the image forming apparatus 10 up to (B).

[0076] The following explanation uses the top left corner of the operation screen 11 as the origin (0, 0). Furthermore, each object is assigned an ID to identify it. Additionally, objects that become moving objects are assigned an ID to identify them as moving objects. In the data storage unit 57, as an object management table, information related to the top left coordinates (x, y) representing the object's display position and the object's display dimensions (width, height) is stored according to each object's ID. Furthermore, in the data storage unit 57, as a moving object table, moving object targets that become moving objects are stored.

[0077] First, such as Figure 9 As shown in (A), when the knob button 21 is clicked in the input screen 22, the display action of the number key screen 31 begins.

[0078] In step S11, the controller 55 detects the display area A of the numeric keypad screen 31 displayed on the operation screen 11 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0079] Next, in step S12, the control unit 55 determines whether the object of the operation button, which is the operation target, is included in the display area A.

[0080] In step S12, if the control unit 55 determines that the object for operating the button is included in display area A, then in step S13, the object determined to be included in display area A is assigned an ID as a target for movement and appended to the movement object table. Specifically, as follows... Figure 9 As shown in (B), the controller 55 assigns an ID as a target of movement to an object 23 that is determined to be contained in the display area A of the numeric keypad screen 31, and appends it to the movement object table.

[0081] Further, in a case where the control section 55 determines in step S12 that the object of the operation button is not included in the display region A, the processing proceeds to step S14.

[0082] Next, in step S14, the control section 55 determines whether there is an unexamined object.

[0083] In a case where the control section 55 determines in step S14 that there is an unexamined object, the processing returns to step S12. Specifically, as shown in (A) of Fig. 9 and (B) of Fig. 10, the control section 55 appends to the moving object table an ID of the object determined to be included in the display region A as a moving object target. Figure 9 Figure 9 In a case where the control section 55 determines in step S14 that there is an unexamined object, the processing returns to step S12. Specifically, as shown in (A) of Fig. 9 and (B) of Fig. 10, the control section 55 appends to the moving object table an ID of the object determined to be included in the display region A as a moving object target.

[0084] Then, in a case where the control section 55 determines in step S14 that there is no unexamined object, in step S15, the control section 55 determines whether there is a moving object target in the moving object table.

[0085] In a case where the control section 55 determines in step S15 that there is no moving object target in the moving object table, the layout change processing ends, and the numeric keypad screen 31 is displayed in the upper layer display region without changing the display size and display position of the lower layer display region.

[0086] Further, in a case where the control section 55 determines in step S15 that there is a moving object target in the moving object table, in step S16, the control section 55 moves the moving object target existing in the moving object table to a position outside the display region A in the operation screen 11 in the -X direction. Specifically, the control section 55 determines that there are the objects 23 and 24 in the moving object table, and as shown in (B) of Fig. 9 and (A) of Fig. 10, moves the objects 23 and 24 to a position outside the display region A in the operation screen 11 in the -X direction, in other words, in the left direction. Figure 9 Figure 10 Further, in a case where the control section 55 determines in step S15 that there is a moving object target in the moving object table, in step S16, the control section 55 moves the moving object target existing in the moving object table to a position outside the display region A in the operation screen 11 in the -X direction. Specifically, the control section 55 determines that there are the objects 23 and 24 in the moving object table, and as shown in (B) of Fig. 9 and (A) of Fig. 10, moves the objects 23 and 24 to a position outside the display region A in the operation screen 11 in the -X direction, in other words, in the left direction.

[0087] Then, in step S17, the control section 55 determines whether the moving object target moved in the -X direction overlaps with other objects. Specifically, it is determined whether the objects 23 and 24 overlap with other objects.

[0088] In a case where the control section 55 determines in step S17 that the moving object target moved in the -X direction in step S16 does not overlap with other objects, in step S18, the moved moving object target is deleted from the moving object table, and the processing returns to step S15.

[0089] ​​Furthermore, in step S17, if the control unit 55 determines in step S16 that the moving object target, which has been moved in the -X direction, overlaps with other objects, then in step S19, it moves the overlapping objects in the -Y direction. Specifically, if the control unit 55 determines that objects 23 and 24 overlap with object 25, such as... Figure 10 (A) and Figure 10 As shown in (B), the moving object 25 is moved in the -Y direction, or in other words, in the upward direction.

[0090] Then, in step S20, the control unit 55 determines whether the object moving in the -Y direction is included in the display area of ​​the operation screen 11.

[0091] In step S20, if the control unit 55 determines that the moved object is included in the display area of ​​the operation screen 11, it returns to the processing in step S17.

[0092] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown in (B), the control unit 55 determines that the moved object 25 is included in the display area of ​​the operation screen 11. Then, in step S17, the control unit 55 determines that the moved object 25 does not overlap with the object 26, which is another display element. In step S18, objects 23 and 24 are deleted from the moved object list. In step S15, the control unit 55 determines that there is no moved object target in the moved object list and ends the layout change process, which is the change process of the arrangement position of the objects displayed in the display area below the numeric keypad screen 31.

[0093] That is, the display size of objects 23, 24, 25, and 26 in the lower input screen 22 and the display position of object 26 are not changed. The configuration position of objects 23 and 24, which are hidden by the upper numeric keypad screen 31, in the lower input screen 22 is changed to a position that is not hidden by the numeric keypad screen 31, so that operations based on objects 23 and 24 can be performed while the numeric keypad screen 31 is displayed.

[0094] Furthermore, in step S20, if the control unit 55 determines that the moved object is not included in the display area of ​​the operation screen 11, the layout change process of the object displayed in the lower input screen 22 of the numeric keypad screen 31 is stopped because it is impossible to achieve the configuration that the operation button does not overlap with other objects in the lower input screen 22.

[0095] Next, after stopping the layout change processing of the objects displayed in the input screen 22 below the numeric keypad screen 31, use Figure 7 , Figures 11-13An operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in which the configuration in which the operation button and the other objects do not overlap each other cannot be realized in the input screen 22 of the lower layer is explained.

[0096] First, as shown in (A) of FIG. 6, when the knob button 21 is clicked in the input screen 22, the display operation of the numeric key screen 31 is started. Figure 11

[0097] In step Sll, as shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the control section 55 detects the display area A of the numeric key screen 31 displayed on the operation screen 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 11

[0098] Then, in step S12, the control section 55 determines that the object 23 of the operation button as the operation target is included in the display area A, and in step S13, an ID as the moving object target is assigned to the object 23 and added to the moving object table.

[0099] Then, in step S14, the control section 55 determines that there is an unexamined object, and in step S12, the control section 55 determines that the object 24 is included in the display area A, and in step S13, an ID as the moving object target is assigned to the object 24 and added to the moving object table.

[0100] After that, in step S14, the control section 55 determines that there is no unexamined object, and in step S15, the control section 55 determines that there are the objects 23, 24 in the moving object table, and in step S16, as shown in (B) of FIG. 6 and (A) of FIG. 7, the objects 23 and 24 are moved to a position outside the display area A in the operation screen 11, - in the X direction, in other words, the left direction. Figure 11 Figure 12

[0101] Then, in step S17, the control section 55 determines that the objects 23, 24 moved in the -X direction overlap the object 27, and in step S19, as shown in (A) of FIG. 8 and (B) of FIG. 9, the control section 55 moves the overlapped object 27 in the -Y direction, in other words, the upward direction. Figure 12 Figure 12

[0102] After that, in step S20, the control section 55 determines that the moved object 27 is included in the display area of the operation screen 11.

[0103] Then, in step S17, as shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the control section 55 determines that the moved object 27 overlaps the object 28, and in step S19, as shown in (B) of FIG. 10 and (A) of FIG. 11, the control section 55 moves the overlapped object 28 in the -Y direction, in other words, the upward direction. Figure 12 Figure 12 Figure 13 ​​​​​​​​As shown in (A) of FIG. 9, the control section 55 moves the overlaid object 28 in the -Y direction, in other words, in the upward direction.

[0104] Then, in step S20, the control section 55 determines that the moved object 28 is not included in the display region of the operation screen 11, and suspends the layout change processing of the object displayed in the input screen 22 under the numeral key screen 31.

[0105] Then, depending on the number of objects of the operation buttons in the input screen 22 overlaid on the numeral key screen 31, objects are generated and allocated within the numeral key screen 31. That is, as shown in Figure 13 As shown in (B) of FIG. 9, as the operation buttons having the functions of the objects 23, 24, the objects 32A, 32B are allocated to the numeral key screen 31 of the upper layer, respectively.

[0106] Specifically, as shown in (A) of FIG. 10 and (B) of FIG. 11, for example, the object 32 within the numeral key screen 31 is divided into two objects, and the objects 32A, 32B having the functions of the objects 23, 24 are allocated to each object 23 and displayed so that the operation based on the objects 23, 24 can be performed. At this time, the display size and the display position of the objects 23, 24, 27, 28 within the input screen 22 of the lower layer of the numeral key screen 31 are not changed. Also, the object 32 is an operation button for moving the numeral key screen 31 left and right, and can be replaced with the knob button 21. Figure 13 Figure 13

[0107] In addition, instead of allocating the objects 32A, 32B having the functions of the objects 23, 24 to the object 32, the operation buttons such as the numeral key buttons within the numeral key screen 31 of the upper layer are reduced, and the operation buttons corresponding to the objects 23, 24 are generated and displayed below the object 32 so that the operation can be performed by the operation buttons. Also, a part of the operation buttons within the numeral key screen 31 of the upper layer can be reduced, and the operation buttons corresponding to the objects 23, 24 can be generated and displayed in the space left by the reduction so that the operation can be performed by the operation buttons.

[0108] Thus, the operation of the objects 23, 24 based on the operation buttons within the display region of the lower layer of the numeral key screen 31 can be performed in the state that the numeral key screen 31 is displayed as the display region of the upper layer.

[0109] ​​That is, the display size and display position of the objects 23, 24, 27, 28 of the lower layer input screen 22 are not changed, and the objects 23, 24 of the operation buttons hidden by the upper layer numeric key screen 31 within the lower layer input screen 22 are arranged within the upper layer numeric key screen 31, and in the state where the numeric key screen 31 is displayed, the operation based on the objects 23, 24 can be performed.

[0110] That is, in the case where the arrangement of the objects as the operation buttons and other objects cannot be achieved without overlapping within the lower layer input screen 22, by displaying the objects of the operation buttons within the upper layer display region, the operation can be performed. Further, not limited to the case where the arrangement of the objects as the operation buttons and other objects cannot be achieved without overlapping within the input screen 22 as the lower layer display region, by displaying the operation buttons within the input screen 22 as the lower layer display region, which are hidden by the numeric key screen 31 as the upper layer display region, within the upper layer display region, the operation can be performed.

[0111] In each of the above-described embodiments, the processor refers to a broad processor, and can be a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit, central processor, or the like) or a special-purpose processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, or the like).

[0112] Further, the actions of the processor in each of the above-described embodiments are not only implemented by one processor, but also can be implemented in cooperation with a plurality of processors existing in physically separated locations. Further, the order of each action of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed.

[0113] [Modified Example]

[0114] In the above-described embodiments, the case where the control section 55 of the image forming apparatus 10 controls the operation screen has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in the case where the processor of the terminal apparatus 20 or the information processing apparatus such as a server connected to the image forming apparatus 10 through a network controls the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 10, the present application can also be applied.

[0115] That is, in the above-described embodiment, a case in which the display on the operation panel mounted on the information processing apparatus is displayed as a display apparatus is described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, a case in which a screen displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed on another external display apparatus (for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or the like) can be included. In such a case, for example, the operation screen is displayed with the smartphone, and the content operated with the smartphone is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 via a network, and the content of the operation is executed by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0116] That is, in the above-described embodiment, the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 10 is described as an example of the information processing apparatus, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure can be similarly applied to the operation screen of another information processing apparatus.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus having a memory and a processor, the processor, when displaying at least two display areas on a display apparatus, in a case where an operation button in a lower display area cannot be operated due to overlapping of the two display areas, makes it possible to operate the operation button by changing a configuration position of the operation button in the lower display area that is hidden by an upper display area to a position that is not hidden by the upper display area without changing a display size and a display position of the lower display area, the processor, in a case where the operation button in the lower display area overlaps with another display element due to the change in the configuration position of the operation button in the lower display area that is hidden by the upper display area, makes it possible to operate the operation button by changing a configuration position of the another display element in the lower display area so that the operation button does not overlap with the another display element, and in a case where the another display element overlaps with a further display element, makes it possible to operate the operation button by changing a configuration position of the further display element in the lower display area so that the another display element and the further display element do not overlap, the processor, in a case where it is not possible to make the operation button and the another display element not overlap in the lower display area, makes it possible to operate the operation button by generating and allocating objects in the upper display area according to a number of objects of the operation button.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper display area is a display area for displaying an operation button that is a button for assisting an input operation in the lower display area.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the upper display area is a display area that contains a number key in at least a part of the display area, the number key being used for input of a number in the lower display area.

4. A computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute processing, wherein in the processing, the following steps are included: when displaying at least two display areas on a display apparatus, in a case where an operation button in a lower display area cannot be operated due to overlapping of the two display areas, making it possible to operate the operation button by changing a configuration position of the operation button in the lower display area that is hidden by an upper display area to a position that is not hidden by the upper display area without changing a display size and a display position of the lower display area, in a case where the operation button in the lower display area overlaps with another display element due to the change in the configuration position of the operation button in the lower display area that is hidden by the upper display area, making it possible to operate the operation button by changing a configuration position of the another display element in the lower display area so that the operation button does not overlap with the another display element, and in a case where the another display element overlaps with a further display element, making it possible to operate the operation button by changing a configuration position of the further display element in the lower display area so that the another display element and the further display element do not overlap, In a case where the configuration in which the operation button and the other display element do not overlap cannot be achieved in the display region of the lower layer, the operation button is displayed so as to be operable by generating and allocating an object in the display region of the upper layer in accordance with the number of objects of the operation button.

5. An information processing method, wherein the following processing is performed: in a case where an operation button in a display region of a lower layer cannot be operated due to overlapping of two display regions when at least two display regions are displayed on a display device, the operation button is displayed so as to be operable by changing a configuration position of the operation button hidden by a display region of an upper layer to a position not hidden by the display region of the upper layer without changing a display size and a display position of the display region of the lower layer, in a case where the operation button overlaps with another display element due to the change in the configuration position of the operation button hidden by the display region of the upper layer in the display region of the lower layer, the operation button is configured not to overlap with the another display element by changing a configuration position of the another display element in the display region of the lower layer, and in a case where the operation button cannot be configured not to overlap with the another display element in the display region of the lower layer, the operation button is displayed so as to be operable by generating and allocating an object in the display region of the upper layer in accordance with the number of objects of the operation button.

6. A computer program product including a program causing a computer to execute processing, wherein in the processing, the following steps are included: in a case where an operation button in a display region of a lower layer cannot be operated due to overlapping of two display regions when at least two display regions are displayed on a display device, the operation button is displayed so as to be operable by changing a configuration position of the operation button hidden by a display region of an upper layer to a position not hidden by the display region of the upper layer without changing a display size and a display position of the display region of the lower layer, in a case where the operation button overlaps with another display element due to the change in the configuration position of the operation button hidden by the display region of the upper layer in the display region of the lower layer, the operation button is configured not to overlap with the another display element by changing a configuration position of the another display element in the display region of the lower layer, and in a case where the operation button cannot be configured not to overlap with the another display element in the display region of the lower layer, the operation button is displayed so as to be operable by generating and allocating an object in the display region of the upper layer in accordance with the number of objects of the operation button.

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