Image processing apparatus, control method of image processing apparatus, and recording medium

Abstract

An image processing apparatus, a control method of the image processing apparatus, and a recording medium are disclosed. The image processing apparatus has a color inversion function for performing color inversion on a screen displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function, and includes a determination unit configured to determine whether the color inversion function is enabled, and a control unit configured to control the screen to scroll in accordance with a predetermined user operation of moving a pointing body in contact with the display unit in response to the determination unit determining that the color inversion function is not enabled, and to control the screen not to scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation in response to the determination unit determining that the color inversion function is enabled.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method of an image processing apparatus, and a recording medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently popular image processing apparatuses have a touch panel. These image processing apparatuses detect a user's touch operation to switch a screen displayed on their display. The touch operation detected by the image processing apparatus includes a tap operation in which the user touches the touch panel with a pointing body such as a fingertip or a touch pen and moves the pointing body away from the touch panel without moving it on the touch panel, a drag operation in which the pointing body is moved while being kept in contact with the touch panel, and a flick operation in which the pointing body is touched to the touch panel and then moved quickly as if it is swept across the touch panel.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-195005 discusses a method of moving an address list in a list to select a destination of image data in the list in a direction of a flick operation by a user performing the flick operation up and down on the address list displayed on a screen. Although some of many addresses on the address list can be displayed on the screen, the flick operation makes it possible to display an address hidden in the address list. Further, displaying a smooth movement of the list to the user while scrolling the screen means an increase in visibility and an improvement in usability.

[0004] Further, some image processing apparatuses have a function of inverting colors displayed on a screen on a display in their general design.

[0005] In a case where the function of inverting colors on a screen is enabled, the image processing apparatus performs a process of inverting colors every time image data is generated, so that a processor is heavily loaded. As described above, in response to a flick or drag operation by a user to display a smooth movement of content, the process of inverting colors is to be performed while continuously generating image data in a short time. This causes the processor to delay processing to display a screen display that is too slow to scroll, which is annoying to the user.

[0006] The present application aims to provide a method of displaying a screen in inverted colors while maintaining usability. SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect of the present application, an image processing apparatus having a color inversion function for performing color inversion on a screen displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function includes a determination unit configured to determine whether the color inversion function is enabled, and a control unit configured to control the screen to scroll in accordance with a predetermined user operation of moving a pointing body in contact with the display unit in response to the determination unit determining that the color inversion function is not enabled, and to control the screen not to scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation in response to the determination unit determining that the color inversion function is enabled.

[0008] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present application.

[0010] Figures 2A-2D is an example of a screen displayed on a display of an image processing apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present application.

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is an example of a color inversion setting screen of an image processing apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present application.

[0012] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is an example of a screen in a color inversion state of a screen displayed on a display of an image processing apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present application.

[0013] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing processing performed by an image processing apparatus when displaying a screen on a display in one or more aspects of the present application.

[0014] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing processing performed by an image processing apparatus when detecting a touch operation in one or more aspects of the present application.

[0015] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed by an image processing apparatus when detecting a press of an up or down arrow button in one or more aspects of the present application.

[0016] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present application.

[0017] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing processing performed by an image processing apparatus when displaying a screen on a display in one or more aspects of the present application.

[0018] Figure 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a display of an image processing apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present application.

[0019] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing processing performed by an image processing apparatus when detecting a touch operation in one or more aspects of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Some example embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following example embodiments do not limit the present application according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the example embodiments are used to solve the problems.

[0021] <Hardware configuration of image processing apparatus>

[0022] A first example embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus 101 to which various example embodiments of the present application are applied. The image processing apparatus 101 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) equipped with a plurality of functions such as scanning, printing, and the like.

[0023] The image processing apparatus 101 includes components indicated by respective reference numerals 111 to 123. A central processing unit (CPU) 111, a random access memory (RAM) 112, a read only memory (ROM) 113, a static random access memory (SRAM) 114, an input control unit 115, a display control unit 116, an external memory interface (I / F) 117, a communication I / F controller 118, a scanner 122, and a printer 123 are connected to a system bus 110. Further, a touch panel 119, a display 120, and an external memory 121 are connected to the system bus 110 via the input control unit 115 and the display control unit 116 and the I / F 117, respectively. The respective processing units are configured to exchange data with each other via the system bus 110.

[0024] The ROM 113 is a nonvolatile memory that stores image data, other data, and various types of programs for the operation of the CPU 111 in their respective predetermined areas. The RAM 112 is a volatile memory and serves as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area for the CPU 111. By using the RAM 112 as a work memory, the CPU 111 controls the individual components of the image processing apparatus 101 based on the programs stored in the ROM 113. In one or more embodiments, the programs for the operation of the CPU 111 are stored in advance in an external memory (hard disk or the like) 121 other than the ROM 113. The SRAM 114 is a nonvolatile recording medium that can be operated at high speed. In the present exemplary embodiment, one CPU 111 uses one memory (RAM 112, external memory 121, or the like) to perform the processing in the individual steps shown in the flowchart below, but the configuration is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, multiple CPUs, multiple RAMs, or external memories are used in cooperation to perform the processing in the individual steps.

[0025] The input control unit 115 receives a user operation, generates a control signal based on the operation, and supplies the control signal to the CPU 111. For example, the input control unit 115 receives a user operation through a keyboard (not shown), a mouse (not shown), and a touch panel 119 serving as input devices. The touch panel 119, for example, is an input device configured to output coordinate information corresponding to the position at which a pointing object contacts the input control unit in two dimensions or three dimensions. The CPU 111 receives the control signal generated by the input control unit 115 in response to the user's operation on the input device. This allows the image processing apparatus 101 to perform an operation in response to a user operation.

[0026] The display control unit 116 outputs a display signal for displaying a screen on the display 120. For example, the CPU 111 supplies a display control signal generated based on a program to the display control unit 116. The display control unit 116 generates a display signal based on the display control signal and outputs the display signal to the display 120.

[0027] The touch panel 119 is integrated with the display 120 to serve as an operation unit and a display unit. For example, the touch panel 119 configured in a manner that transmits light without interfering with the display of the display 120 is added to the upper layer of the display surface of the display 120. The input coordinates on the touch panel 119 are associated with the display coordinates on the display 120. This provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to directly operate a screen displayed on the display 120.

[0028] External memory I / F 117 is an interface for exchanging information with external memory 121 (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, CD, DVD, or memory card). External memory I / F 117 reads / writes data to / from the attached external memory 121 based on the control of CPU 111. Communication I / F controller 118 is an interface for establishing connections with various networks 102, such as a local area network (LAN), based on the control of CPU 111. Various devices, such as PCs (personal computers), other MFPs, printers, and servers, are communicatively connected to the image processing device 101 on network 102.

[0029] Scanner 122 reads the original document to generate image data. Printer 123 performs printing based on user instructions input via input control unit 115 and commands input via communication I / F controller 118 on an external device.

[0030] The CPU 111 serves as a unit for recognizing user operations, and identifies touch operations and touch conditions on the touch panel 119. Touch operations recognizable by the CPU 111 include a user touching the touch panel with an indicator such as a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as "pressing"), moving the indicator in contact with the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as "moving"), and the user removing the indicator from the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as "removing"). Furthermore, the CPU 111 determines the user's operation by recognizing combinations of pressing, moving, and removing as described above. Touch operations include, for example, a tapping operation where the indicator touches the touch panel and then removes it without moving it more than a predetermined distance, and a dragging operation where the indicator presses the touch panel, moves it on the touch panel, and then removes it. Additionally, the CPU 111 also recognizes a swiping operation where the indicator presses the touch panel, moves it a predetermined distance with a rapid swiping motion, and then removes it.

[0031] The touch panel 119 can use any touch panel function from various methods, such as resistive film method, capacitive method, surface acoustic wave method, infrared method, electromagnetic induction method, image recognition method and optical sensor method.

[0032] The image processing apparatus 101 stores image data in the RAM 112 or the external memory 121. For example, the image processing apparatus 101 stores image data generated by reading a document with the scanner 122 in the RAM 112 or the external memory 121. Further, the image processing apparatus 101 stores image data received from an external apparatus such as a PC connected to the network 102 via the communication I / F controller 118 in the RAM 112 or the external memory 121. Further, the image processing apparatus 101 stores image data received from an attachable and detachable storage medium (USB memory, memory card, etc.) attached to the external memory I / F 117 in the RAM 112 or the external memory 121. In addition, the image processing apparatus 101 can store image data in the RAM 112 or the external memory 121 by another storage method. In one or more embodiments, data corresponding to various settings (e.g., print settings) is stored in the RAM 112 or the external memory 121.

[0033] The image processing apparatus 101 supports two display modes: a normal display mode in which a screen is displayed using standard color information (i.e., without color inversion processing), and a color inversion display mode in which a screen is displayed using inverted color. The color inversion display mode provides an inverted display color screen to colorblind users to improve visibility for such users.

[0034] The method by which a user switches between the normal display mode and the color inversion display mode, i.e., the method by which the screen color inversion function is enabled or disabled, will be described with reference to Figure 3A and Figure 3B Figure 3A and Figure 3B Examples of a screen displayed on the display 120 when the user enables or disables the screen color inversion function are shown.

[0035] Figure 3A An example of a setting screen for making general settings for all functions of the image processing apparatus 101 displayed on the display 120 of the image processing apparatus 101 is illustrated. The "Settings / Registration" screen 300 displays setting items common to all functions of the image processing apparatus 101, such as screen display settings, operation input settings, etc.

[0036] Figure 3B ​The illustrated screen is a "screen color inversion setting" screen 302 displayed on the display 120 in response to a tap on the "screen color inversion" button 301 on the "setting / registration" screen 300. The screen color inversion setting is set to OFF as an initial setting (e.g., a factory default setting), and the setting value is stored in the ROM 113. In other words, when the screen color inversion setting is set to OFF, a screen is displayed in standard color information (here, the background color is white) as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0037] The "screen color inversion setting" screen 302 is a screen for setting the screen color inversion to "ON" or "OFF". When the user taps the "ON" button 303 and then taps the "OK" button 306, the screen color inversion is enabled. When the user taps the "OFF" button 304 and then taps the "OK" button 306, the screen color inversion is disabled. The "Cancel" button 305 is a button that, when pressed, closes the "screen color inversion setting" screen 302 without reflecting the setting. When the CPU 111 detects a tap operation on the "OK" button 306, the setting value of "ON" or "OFF" of the screen color inversion set in the "screen color inversion setting" screen 302 is stored in the RAM 112. If the screen color inversion is enabled, a screen in which the display of normal color information is inverted is displayed as illustrated in the screen in FIG. 4 (here, the background color is black).

[0038] In the present exemplary embodiment, in the case where the screen color inversion is enabled, even when a user's flick operation or drag operation is received on a scrollable screen, the color-inverted screen displayed on the display 120 is controlled not to scroll. On the other hand, in the case where the screen color inversion is disabled, the screen on which normal color information is displayed is controlled to allow scrolling by a flick or drag operation.

[0039] Hereinafter, scrolling refers to displaying a part of content that is not displayed in a predetermined screen area or window, in the predetermined screen or window by moving the part of content into the predetermined screen or window in response to a user operation. In other words, screen scrolling means changing from a screen in which predetermined content is not displayed to a screen in which the predetermined content is displayed.

[0040] In addition, a screen in scrolling is a screen that is displayed while scrolling (i.e., while the content is moving). For example, the image processing apparatus 101 draws a screen at a set predetermined time interval (frame rate). When the frame rate is 30 fps (frames per second), a screen is drawn 30 times per second. The display of successive different screens allows smooth movement of the content to be represented. As described above, a screen that displays movement of the represented content while screens are switched continuously is referred to as a screen in scrolling.

[0041] A description will be given with reference toFigures 2A to 2D A display of a screen in response to a flick or drag operation received from a user with screen color inversion disabled is described. The following is a description of an example of a setting screen for setting an address to transmit image data generated by scanning with the image processing apparatus 101. Figures 2A-2D A screen displayed on the display 120 with screen color inversion disabled is shown.

[0042] A screen displayed on the display 120 when the user selects the "Scan and Send" button on the menu screen of the image processing apparatus 101 and presses a button for calling up an "address book" to select a destination for image data is illustrated. The address book is stored in an external memory 121 of the image processing apparatus 101 or another memory or in an apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus 101 via a network. Figure 2A The address display area 200 is an area in which addresses contained in an "address book" are displayed in a list format. If the address book contains a large number of addresses, all of the addresses are not displayed in the address display area 200. The user scrolls the screen on the address display area 200 by flicking or other operation, allowing the hidden part of the list to be displayed.

[0043]

[0044] A flick operation 202 in the upward direction by the user shown in Figure 2A moves the displayed list in the upward direction. Figure 2B An example of a screen scrolled in response to the reception of the flick operation 202 is illustrated. The part of the "AIZAWA" row that has been displayed at the top of the list in Figure 2A is now hidden at the top, and instead, a part of the "ENDO" row that was not displayed in Figure 2A is now displayed in the address display area 200. Here, instead of handling the movement of the list in units of pages or lines in response to the flick operation, as shown in Figure 2B , the list is smoothly moved and displayed in units of pixels in response to the flick operation. Figure 2B The screen in the middle of scrolling in is one example, and all the different screens that are successively displayed to show how the list moves from the start to the end of the scrolling are referred to as the screen in the middle of scrolling.

[0045] Figure 2C A screen after the completion of the screen scrolling in response to the flick operation received in the screen in Figure 2A is shown. Although the part of the list from "AIZAWA" to "AIBA" that has been displayed in Figure 2A is now not displayed, the part of the list from "ENDO" to "Otsuka" that was not displayed in Figure 2A is now displayed.

[0046] Further, an operation other than the flick operation can issue an instruction to execute the scrolling of the screen. For example, a drag operation by the user in the address display area 200 causes the screen to be scrolled while the screen in the scroll is displayed. The drag operation is an operation of pressing the touch panel 119 with a pointing body, moving the pointing body by a predetermined distance or more, and then moving the pointing body away from the touch panel 119.

[0047] Further, the screen can also be scrolled by the user pressing the up arrow button 210 or the down arrow button 211 displayed on the display 120. For example, when the user presses the down arrow button 211 in the screen of Figure 2A , the list is flipped over one page (this screen displays a list of seven items, which means that one page contains seven items). In other words, the list from "AIZAWA" to "AKAI" that has been displayed in the address display area 200 now becomes a list of the next seven items from "ENDO" to "KANEKO" after the "AKAI" item as shown in Figure 2A . Pressing the up arrow button 210 or the down arrow button 211 also causes the screen in the scroll to be displayed. The method of scrolling the screen is not limited to these methods. Figure 2D Figure 2B

[0048] In the case where the screen color inversion is disabled as described above, in response to receiving an operation of scrolling the screen from the user, the screen is scrolled while the screen in the scroll is displayed. This allows the user to intuitively recognize the change in the screen in response to the user's operation. Further, in the case where the screen color inversion is disabled, the CPU 111 generates image data and displays it on the screen in the scroll; the processing load on the CPU 111 is not high.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2D , the user selects an address from the list by a tap operation on a line in the list portion displayed in the address display area 200. A check mark 207 is placed in the line of the address. This selection allows the image processing apparatus 101 to transmit the image data to the address corresponding to the selected line of the list.

[0050] The following is a description of the screen displayed in response to receiving a flick or drag operation by the user with reference to Figure 4A and Figure 4B . As with the example of Fig. 2, an example of the screen for selecting a destination of image data will be described. Figure 4A and Figure 4B show a screen displayed on the display 120 in the case where the screen color inversion is enabled.

[0051] Figure 4A ​​An example is shown of the screen displayed in response to a user's upward swipe operation 402 on the address display area 401. Assume that the address display area 401 corresponds to the address display area 201 in Figure 2, and that the swipe operation 402 also corresponds to the swipe operation 202 in Figure 2. With screen color inversion enabled, even an upward swipe operation by the user will not cause the screen to scroll or display a scrolling image as shown in Figure 2. In other words, the content displayed in the address display area 401 remains unchanged before and after the upward swipe operation. Similarly, a drag operation received by the user on the address display area 401 will not cause the screen to scroll or display a scrolling image.

[0052] Figure 4B Example of responding to a user pressing a button Figure 4A The screen displayed is triggered by the down arrow button 411. Figure 4B The footage contains images that have already been... Figure 4A The page list of entries from "AIZAWA" to "AKAI" displayed in the image is now hidden. On the other hand, the previously... Figure 4A The list of the next page, which was hidden in the screen and listed from "ENDO" to "KANEKO", is now displayed. This means that, except for the screen not being displayed during scrolling (e.g., ...), Figure 2B (beyond the image) (this is related to) Figures 2A to 2D (The situation shown is different), the screen changes and from Figure 2A The scene to Figure 2D The changes in the images are similar. Figure 4A The scene changed once Figure 4B The scene in the video.

[0053] As mentioned above, with screen color inversion enabled, the screen is not scrolled by swiping or dragging. Simultaneously, the screen can be scrolled page by page using the up arrow button 410 and the down arrow button 411, without displaying the scrolling content. This is because displaying a scrolling screen with screen color inversion enabled involves a series of processes by the CPU 111, including generating image data to be displayed, inverting colors, and rendering it. In other words, displaying a scrolling screen with screen color inversion enabled places a heavy processing load on the CPU 111, causing the operation of moving content to become sluggish. This is why scrolling is not displayed.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the image processing device 101 to display a screen (e.g., the screen shown in Figures 2 and 4) including a scrollable area on the display 120. Figure 5 Each step is implemented by the CPU 111 executing one or more programs stored in ROM 113 or external memory 121.

[0055] In step S501, the CPU 111 acquires setting information on whether or not the screen color inversion is enabled from the RAM 112. The setting information acquired here is a value set in the "screen color inversion setting" screen 302 illustrated in Fig. 3. Figure 3B

[0056] In step S502, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the screen color inversion is enabled based on the setting information acquired in step S501. In step S502, if it is determined that the screen color inversion is not enabled (NO in step S502), the processing proceeds to step S503, and the CPU 111 displays a normal screen without color inversion on the display 120. In step S503, the CPU 111 transmits a display control signal to the display control unit 116. The display control unit 116 generates screen data to be displayed based on the signal received from the CPU 111 and displays the screen data on the display 120. The screen shown on the display 120 in step S503 is, for example, the screen illustrated in Fig. 2. Then, in step S504, the CPU 111 sets a flag indicating ON / OFF of the scroll display processing to ON on the screen displayed in step S503, and ends the processing described in this flowchart. The flag information set is stored in the RAM 112.

[0057] In step S502, if it is determined that the screen color inversion is enabled (YES in step S502), in step S505, the CPU 111 displays a screen subjected to the color inversion processing on the display 120. The screen displayed on the display 120 in step S505 is a screen in which the colors are inverted from the screen in the normal mode, as illustrated in Fig. 4 as an example. Then, in step S506, the CPU 111 sets a flag indicating ON / OFF of the scroll display processing to OFF on the screen displayed in step S505, and ends the processing described in this flowchart. The flag information set is stored in the RAM 112.

[0058] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed in response to reception of a touch operation on the touch panel 119 detected by the CPU 111. Figure 6 Each step of the flowchart of Fig. 5 is implemented by the CPU 111 executing one or more programs stored in the ROM 113 or the external memory 121.

[0059] ​In step S601, the CPU 111 determines that the received touch operation is a flick or drag operation (i.e., determines whether a pointing object such as a finger or a pen has moved after touching the touch panel 119). If it is determined that the operation is a flick or drag operation (YES in step S601), the process proceeds to step S602, and otherwise (NO in step S601), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 6 described below. Figure 7

[0060] In step S602, the CPU 111 determines whether the received operation is within a predetermined area. The predetermined area is an area in which a screen is scrollable, and the address display area 201 in FIG. 2 and the address display area 401 in FIG. 4 correspond to the predetermined area. If it is determined that the area is a predetermined area (YES in step S602), i.e., a scrollable area, the process proceeds to step S603, and otherwise (NO in step S602), the process ends.

[0061] In step S603, the CPU 111 acquires a flag indicating ON / OFF of the scroll display process stored in the RAM 112. In other words, the CPU 111 acquires the flag set in step S504 or S506.

[0062] Next, in step S604, the CPU 111 refers to the flag acquired in step S603 to determine whether the scroll display process is enabled. If the scroll display process is enabled (YES in step S604), in step S605, the CPU 111 scrolls the screen while displaying the screen in the scroll, in accordance with the received flick or drag operation, and ends the process.

[0063] In step S604, if the scroll display process is disabled (NO in step S604), the CPU 111 does not scroll the screen in accordance with the received flick or drag operation, and ends the process.

[0064] In the process in the above flowchart, in the case where the screen color inversion is enabled, even when the user performs an operation (flick or drag operation) indicating scrolling of the screen, the screen in the scroll is not displayed. On the other hand, in the case where the screen color inversion is disabled, when the flick or drag operation is received, the screen is scrolled while the screen in the scroll is displayed. It has been described that the flick or drag operation is detected in step S601 even in the case where the scroll display is disabled. In one or more embodiments, in the case where the scroll display is disabled, the flick or drag operation is not detected.

[0065] ​In the processing shown in the flowchart described above, in response to an instruction of the user's operation of scrolling the screen with the picture color inversion enabled, the screen is not scrolled, thereby preventing the occurrence of the problem in which the movement of scrolling the screen becomes sluggish while the picture in the scroll is displayed.

[0066] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed in response to the CPU 111 detecting that a touch operation is received on the touch panel 119, and in response to Figure 6 The processing is performed in response to the determination in step S601 of the CPU 111 that the touch operation is not a flick operation or a drag operation. Figure 7 Each step of the flowchart of

[0067] In step S701, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the up or down arrow button is pressed. Specifically, the CPU 111 acquires information indicating the position (touch position) pressed on the touch panel 119 from the touch panel 119. The CPU 111 determines whether or not the touch position is on the up or down arrow button based on the position information acquired from the touch panel 119. In step S701, if it is determined that the up or down arrow button is pressed (YES in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S702, and otherwise (NO in step S701), the CPU 111 ends the processing.

[0068] In step S702, the CPU 111 acquires a flag indicating the enable / disable of the scroll display processing stored in the RAM 112. Specifically, the CPU 111 acquires the flag set in step S504 or S506.

[0069] Next, in step S703, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the scroll display processing is enabled with reference to the flag value acquired in step S702. If the scroll display processing is enabled (YES in step S703), in step S704, the CPU 111 scrolls the screen while displaying the picture in the scroll. The list displayed in the address display area 200 is smoothly moved with the change from Figures 2A to 2D The picture here is scrolled while the list displayed in the address display area 200 is smoothly moved, and then the processing ends.

[0070] If it is determined in step S703 that the scroll display processing is disabled (NO in step S703), the screen is switched without displaying the picture in the scroll. In other words, when the picture changes from Figure 4A the picture of Figure 4B the picture of

[0071] In the processing shown in the flowchart described above, in response to receiving a user's operation indicating a scroll of a screen in a case where screen color inversion is prohibited, the screen is scrolled while a screen in the scroll is displayed. This allows the user to intuitively recognize the direction in which the list is moving by scrolling the screen. Meanwhile, in response to receiving a user's operation indicating a scroll of a screen in a case where screen color inversion is enabled, the screen is scrolled without displaying a screen in the scroll. Displaying a screen in the scroll in a case where screen color inversion is enabled increases the processing load on the CPU, causing the movement to become slow. This slows the response to the user's operation, reducing the usability. Therefore, in a case where screen color inversion is enabled, a screen in the scroll is not displayed.

[0072] A second exemplary embodiment will be described. In the first exemplary embodiment, in a case where screen color inversion is enabled on the image processing apparatus 101, the screen is not scrolled or a screen in the scroll is not displayed to prevent the processing load on the CPU from increasing, causing the movement to become slow. However, some image processing apparatuses are equipped with a graphics processing unit (GPU) that provides high-speed processing for screen display. In the present exemplary embodiment, an example in which the screen is scrolled and a screen in the scroll is displayed even in a case where screen color inversion is enabled in an image processing apparatus equipped with a GPU will be described. The basic configuration of the second exemplary embodiment is the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, so the differences will be described.

[0073] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus 801 according to the second exemplary embodiment. The image processing apparatus 801 includes a GPU 802 connected to the system bus 110 in addition to the configurations common to the configuration of the image processing apparatus 101. The GPU 802 is an arithmetic unit dedicated to screen display and generates a display control signal to display a screen on the display 120 in cooperation with the CPU 111. An image processing apparatus equipped with a GPU provides high-speed screen color inversion processing and maintains the movement of content while a screen in the scroll is displayed even in a case where the screen color inversion setting is enabled.

[0074] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 101 or 801 to display a screen including a scrollable region (e.g., the screens shown in Figs. 2 and 4) on the display 120. Figure 9 Each of the steps of Figure 9 the basic sequence of the flowchart in Figure 5 the basic sequence of the flowchart in

[0075] If it is determined in step S502 that the screen color inversion is enabled, the processing proceeds to step S901. In step S901, the CPU 111 determines whether a GPU of the apparatus including the CPU 111 is available. If it is determined that the GPU is available (YES in step S901), the processing proceeds to step S904, whereas (NO in step S901), the processing proceeds to step S902. In response to a notification from each component connected to the system bus 110 at the start of the image processing apparatus 101 or 801, the CPU 111 stores the notification in the RAM 112 as system configuration information. The CPU 111 determines whether the GPU is available on the basis of the information. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is determined that the GPU is available on the image processing apparatus 101 including the GPU, and it is determined that the GPU is not available on the image processing apparatus 101 not including the GPU. However, other configurations can also be employed. In one or more embodiments, the GPU included in the image processing apparatus 101 is set to be enabled or disabled, and it is determined that the GPU is available in the case where the GPU is enabled. Here, in the case where the GPU included in the image processing apparatus 801 is enabled, the processing proceeds to step S904, and for the image processing apparatus 101, the processing proceeds to step S902. The processing of steps S902 to S903 is the same as that of steps S505 to S506, and thus the explanation is omitted.

[0076] In step S904, the CPU 111 displays the color inversion screen. To this end, the CPU 111 requests the GPU 802 to execute the screen color inversion processing, and in response to the request, the GPU 802 executes the screen color inversion processing. The displayed screen is the same as the screen displayed in step S905 (e.g., the screen shown in Fig. 4), except that at least part of the processing is executed by the GPU 802. Then, in step S906, the CPU 111 sets a flag indicating ON / OFF of the scroll display processing to ON, and ends the processing described in this flowchart.

[0077] In the second exemplary embodiment, the processing executed by the CPU 111 in response to detection of a touch operation on the touch panel 119 from the user is as shown in Figs. 10A to 10D. Figure 6 and Figure 7

[0078] In other words, in the second exemplary embodiment, even in the image processing apparatus including the available GPU, the screen color inversion is enabled, and in response to an operation from the user indicating the scroll screen, the screen is scrolled and the screen in the scroll is displayed.

[0079] Thus, on the image processing apparatus that maintains the movement of the content on the color inversion screen in the scroll, displaying the screen in the scroll brings higher usability. Thus, on the image processing apparatus that maintains the movement of the content on the color inversion screen in the scroll, displaying the screen in the scroll brings higher usability.

[0080] A third exemplary embodiment will be described. In the first exemplary embodiment, in a case where the screen color inversion is enabled, the screen is not scrolled even in response to a received flick or drag operation. In the third exemplary embodiment, an example of notifying a user of disabling the screen scrolling in response to a flick or drag operation in a case where the screen color inversion is enabled will be described. The basic configuration of the third exemplary embodiment is the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, and thus the difference will be described.

[0081] In the present exemplary embodiment, if it is determined in step S604 of the scroll display processing is not enabled (NO in step S604), the CPU 111 pops up a notification screen 1001 on the screen of FIG. 10A to notify the user that the screen scrolling is disabled as shown in FIG. 10B. This allows the user to be aware that the screen scrolling based on the flick and drag operations is disabled. Figure 6 Figure 10 Figure 4A When the user confirms the information on the notification screen 1001 and then presses the OK button 1002, the notification screen 1001 is closed, and the screen of FIG. 10A is returned. In one or more embodiments, the notification screen 1001 further displays information that the list displayed in the address display area 400 can be changed by operating the up and down arrow buttons 410 and 411. In other embodiments, instead of notifying the user of disabling the screen scrolling in response to detecting the flick or drag operation, the screen of FIG. 10A displays information that the screen scrolling is disabled in advance.

[0082] When the user confirms the information on the notification screen 1001 and then presses the OK button 1002, the notification screen 1001 is closed, and the screen of FIG. 10A is returned. In one or more embodiments, the notification screen 1001 further displays information that the list displayed in the address display area 400 can be changed by operating the up and down arrow buttons 410 and 411. In other embodiments, instead of notifying the user of disabling the screen scrolling in response to detecting the flick or drag operation, the screen of FIG. 10A displays information that the screen scrolling is disabled in advance. Figure 4A Figure 4A

[0083] A fourth exemplary embodiment will be described. In the above-described exemplary embodiments, an example of not scrolling the screen even in a case where the screen color inversion is enabled on the image processing apparatus 101 in response to a flick or drag operation has been described. However, although the movement of the content is slowed down, the screen in the scrolling is displayable in response to the flick or drag operation. In the present exemplary embodiment, an example of scrolling the screen in response to a flick or drag operation even in a case where the screen color inversion is enabled will be described. The basic configuration of the present exemplary embodiment is the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, and thus the difference will be described.

[0084] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing processing performed in response to the CPU 111 of the image processing apparatus 101 according to the present exemplary embodiment detecting that a touch operation is received on the touch panel 119. Figure 11 The basic sequence of the flowchart in FIG. 10D is the same as that of the flowchart in FIG. 10C, and thus the difference will be described. Figure 6

[0085] ​​​​​If it is determined in step S604 that the scroll display processing is disabled (NO in step S604), in step S1101, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the pointing body such as a finger that is in contact with the touch panel 119 has been removed from the touch panel 119. If it is determined that the pointing body has been removed (YES in step S1101), the processing proceeds to step S1102, and otherwise (NO in step S1101), the processing of step S1101 is repeated.

[0086] In step S1102, the CPU 111 scrolls the screen. In doing so, the screen is changed all at once without displaying the screen in the middle of the scroll. For example, the list portion of one page displayed in the address display area 400 is switched to the list portion of the next page all at once. In one or more embodiments, instead of switching to the list portion of the next page, the list portion displayed in the address display area 400 is changed according to the moving distance of the drag or flick operation.

[0087] (Other Exemplary Embodiments)

[0088] In each of the above-described embodiments, the "list" displayed in the scrollable area has been described as an example, but the application of the present application is not limited to the list. In other embodiments, the present application is applied to a "preview screen" for displaying image data, a "text box" for displaying text data, and a "flickable panel" for switching a plurality of types of GUI components.

[0089] In each of the above-described embodiments, the image processing apparatus 101 having a plurality of functions such as a copy function and a scanner function has been described as an example. However, the present application is also applicable to an image processing apparatus having some of these functions. Further, the present application is also applicable to other information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a facsimile machine, a camera, a video camera, and other image viewers.

[0090] Other Embodiments

[0091] Embodiments of the present application can also be realized by a computer- readable recording medium on which a program recorded, which can be read and executed by a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU) of a system or an apparatus, to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0092] While the present application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the widest scope under the law.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus having a color inversion function for performing inversion of display color on a screen displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function, the image processing apparatus comprising: a setting unit configured to perform a setting to enable or not enable the color inversion function; a determination unit configured to determine whether a graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available; and a control unit configured to control a screen to scroll in accordance with a predetermined user operation of moving an instruction body in contact with the display unit in a case where the color inversion function is not enabled, and to control the screen not to scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation in a case where the color inversion function is enabled, wherein the control unit controls the screen to scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation also in a case where the graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available and the color inversion function is enabled.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the color inversion function is enabled; wherein the control unit is configured to control the screen to scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation of moving the instruction body in contact with the display unit in response to the determination unit determining that the color inversion function is not enabled, and to control the screen not to scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation in response to the determination unit determining that the color inversion function is enabled. The predetermined user operation includes a flick operation.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined user operation includes a drag operation.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The image processing apparatus further comprises a notification unit configured to notify a user that the screen cannot be scrolled in response to receiving the predetermined user operation and in response to the determination unit determining that the color inversion function is enabled.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined user operation is performed on a scrollable screen area.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit is configured to control the screen not to scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation in a case where the graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is not available and the color inversion function is enabled.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 8. An image processing apparatus having a color inversion function for performing inversion of display color on a screen displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function, the image processing apparatus comprising: a setting unit configured to perform a setting to enable or not enable the color inversion function; a determination unit configured to determine whether a graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available; and a control unit configured to control a screen to scroll in accordance with a predetermined user operation for scrolling the screen while displaying a screen in scroll in a case where the color inversion function is not enabled, and to control the screen to scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation without displaying the screen in scroll in a case where the color inversion function is enabled, wherein the control unit controls the screen to scroll while displaying the screen in scroll in accordance with the predetermined user operation in a case where the graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available and the color inversion function is enabled. The display of the screen in scroll is display that enables a user to recognize a direction of movement of content included in the screen in scroll. The predetermined user operation includes a flick or drag operation.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The predetermined user operation includes an operation of pressing a button for scrolling the screen.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein ​ 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein ​ 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus displays a setting screen for receiving a setting related to the color inversion function from a user, and wherein the determination unit determines whether to enable the color inversion function based on the setting received on the setting screen.

13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein Scrolling a screen means displaying a part of content not displayed on the screen on the screen.

14. A method for an image processing apparatus having a color inversion function for performing inversion of display color on a screen displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function, the method comprising the steps of: performing a setting to enable or not to enable the color inversion function; determining whether a graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available; and wherein, in a case where the graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available and the color inversion function is enabled, the screen is controlled to be scrolled while the screen in the scroll is displayed according to a predetermined user operation.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a method for an image processing apparatus having a color inversion function for performing inversion of display color on a screen displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function, the method comprising the steps of: performing a setting to enable or not to enable the color inversion function; determining whether a graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available; and wherein, in a case where the graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available and the color inversion function is enabled, the screen is controlled to be scrolled while the screen in the scroll is displayed according to a predetermined user operation.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a method for an image processing apparatus having a color inversion function for performing inversion of display color on a screen displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function, the method comprising the steps of: performing a setting to enable or not to enable the color inversion function; determining whether a graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available; and wherein, in a case where the graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available and the color inversion function is enabled, the screen is controlled to be scrolled while the screen in the scroll is displayed according to a predetermined user operation.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a method for an image processing apparatus having a color inversion function for performing inversion of display color on a screen displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function, the method comprising the steps of: performing a setting to enable or not to enable the color inversion function; determining whether a graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available; and wherein, in a case where the graphic processing unit (GPU) included in the image processing apparatus is available and the color inversion function is enabled, the screen is controlled to be scrolled while the screen in the scroll is displayed according to a predetermined user operation.

Images