Information communication apparatus and recording medium

Abstract

This invention provides an information communication device and a recording medium. The information communication device has a processor and a memory connected to or built into the processor, and is capable of specifying a communication destination by selecting a desired recipient address from multiple recipient addresses displayed in a list on an operation screen. The processor performs the following processing: In the recipient addresses, it displays the recipient's name as the name of the recipient address, and displays a character icon in front of the recipient's name. This character icon is composed of a graphic and the first character of the recipient's name when represented by a phonetic character. Based on the first character constituting the character icon, the recipient addresses are sorted according to a predetermined display order, and the sorted recipient addresses are displayed on the operation screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of this invention relates to information communication equipment and recording media. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, in communication devices or multifunction printers capable of sending voice or images to a desired recipient address, registration was possible by pre-storing an address book containing information such as the recipient's name, telephone number, fax number, and email address in the device's address book storage unit. When specifying a communication destination, the following steps were typically performed: the stored address book was retrieved from the address book storage unit and displayed in a list on the operation screen; the desired recipient address was then selected from the displayed address book.

[0003] Typically, the address book displayed on the user interface is sorted by the Japanese syllabary (hiragana and katakana) or alphabetical order of the recipient's address name. To facilitate retrieving a desired recipient address from multiple addresses, sometimes the addresses are grouped according to the Japanese syllabary name ("a-row, ka-row, sa-row, ..., wa-row"), or by each of the five syllabary sounds ("a, i, u, e, o, ..., n"), or even by each letter ("A, B, C, ..., Z"). Furthermore, sometimes an index line is displayed above each group, indicating the unit in which the group was formed.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-191178 discloses an information device that, in order to make it easy for users to understand which part of the overall address list the recipient address displayed on the operation screen corresponds to during scrolling of the address list, a portion of the icons corresponding to each group of the address list, which is categorized into multiple groups, are popped up and displayed in a row along the scrolling direction on one side of the operation screen in response to the scrolling operation. Furthermore, to the side of this group of icons, an icon corresponding to the group to which the recipient address at the beginning of the address list displayed on the operation screen belongs is popped up and displayed separately. According to the above information device, based on the positional relationship of the popped-up icons, it is easy to understand the position of the currently displayed portion within the overall address list. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0006] However, in the information device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-191178, the following complex control must be performed: in response to a scrolling operation, a plurality of icons respectively corresponding to a plurality of groups are popped up and displayed in a manner arranged in one direction in the order of arrangement of the groups, where the plurality of groups include a group corresponding to the recipient address displayed on the operation screen, and the icon corresponding to the group to which the recipient address at the head of the address list displayed on the operation screen belongs is popped up and displayed separately. In addition, since each icon is popped up and displayed separately from the address list, there is a problem that it is difficult to know the association between each recipient address in the address list displayed on the operation screen and each popped-up icon.

[0007] The technology of the present invention relates to the following problem: obtaining an information communication device and a recording medium for an address book with excellent retrievability for displaying each recipient address on an operation screen.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] The information communication device according to the first aspect has a processor and a memory connected to or built in the processor, and can specify a communication destination by selecting a desired recipient address from a plurality of recipient addresses displayed in a list form on an operation screen. The processor performs the following processing: among the recipient addresses, the recipient name as the name of the recipient address is displayed, and a character icon is displayed in front of the recipient name. The character icon is composed of a combination of a graphic and the first character of the recipient name when expressing the recipient name with phonetic characters. Based on the first character constituting the character icon, the recipient addresses are sorted in a predetermined display order, and the sorted recipient addresses are displayed on the operation screen.

[0010] In the above information communication device, when the recipient name in the recipient address is displayed in Chinese characters, the first character of the recipient name is the first character of the kana pronunciation of the Chinese characters constituting the recipient name, and the character icon is composed of a combination of the first character of the kana pronunciation and a graphic. On the operation screen, the recipient addresses are sorted in the order of the fifty sounds based on the first character.

[0011] In the above information communication device, when the recipient name in the recipient address is displayed in letters as phonetic characters, the first character of the recipient name is the first character of the letters constituting the recipient name, and the character icon is composed of a combination of the first character of the letters and a graphic. On the operation screen, the recipient addresses are sorted in alphabetical order based on the first character.

[0012] In the above information communication device, the graphic constituting the character icon presents different styles according to the fifty sounds of the first character.

[0013] In the aforementioned information and communication devices, the graphics constituting the character icons present different styles according to the first letter of the character.

[0014] The second method involves a recording medium storing a control program that enables the computer to function as an information communication device. This device can specify a communication destination by selecting a desired recipient address from multiple recipient addresses displayed in a list on an operation screen. The control program of the information communication device causes the computer to perform the following processing: displaying the recipient's name as the name of the recipient address in the recipient address list, and displaying a character icon in front of the recipient's name. The character icon is composed of a graphic and the first character of the recipient's name when the recipient's name is represented by a phonetic character. Based on the first character constituting the character icon, the recipient addresses are sorted according to a predetermined display order, and the sorted recipient addresses are displayed on the operation screen.

[0015] In the aforementioned recording medium, when the recipient's name is displayed in Chinese characters in the recipient's address, the first character of the recipient's name is the first character of the phonetic kana that constitutes the recipient's name. The character icon is composed of a combination of the first character of the phonetic kana and a graphic. In the operation screen, the recipient's address is sorted according to the 50-sound order based on the first character.

[0016] In the aforementioned recording medium, when the recipient's name is displayed as a phonetic character in the recipient's address, the first character of the recipient's name is the first character of the letters that make up the recipient's name, and the character icon is a combination of the first character of the letter and a graphic. In the operation screen, the recipient's address is sorted alphabetically based on the first character.

[0017] In the aforementioned recording media, the graphics constituting the character icons are presented in different styles according to the fifty sounds of the first character.

[0018] In the aforementioned recording media, the graphics constituting the character icons present different styles according to the first letter of the character.

[0019] The effects of the invention

[0020] According to the technology of the present invention, an address book with excellent searchability for each recipient's address can be displayed on the operation screen. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the composite machine according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the control device used in the multifunction printer of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device used in the composite machine of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the task selection screen in the operation screen of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the function selection screen in the operation screen of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a recipient address selection screen that displays a portion of the address book in the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a list of recipient address information stored in the control device of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the character icon setting information stored in the control device of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the display control unit of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the display control process of the fax function performed by the control device.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a recipient address selection screen that displays a portion of the address book in the multifunction printer according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a recipient address selection screen that displays a portion of the address book in the multifunction printer according to the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a portion of the address book for selecting recipient addresses, as in a comparative example.

[0034] Figure 14 This is an example of the display state when scrolling through the address book in the recipient address selection screen of the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0035] [First Implementation Method]

[0036] (Multifunction printer 100)

[0037] The information device of the present invention will be described using a multifunction printer 100 as an example. Figure 1This is an external view of the composite machine 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the multifunction printer 100.

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The multifunction printer 100 shown is a processing device capable of performing functions such as copying, printing, image scanning, and faxing (sometimes also called a "fax machine" or "FAX"). Figure 2 As shown, the multifunction printer 100 includes a control device 110, a reading unit 102, an image forming unit 103, and a communication unit 104 within its main body 150. The multifunction printer 100 can communicate data with information processing devices such as personal computers and servers in an office connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) line, or conduct fax communication with communication devices in other offices via public lines such as telephone lines. Therefore, the multifunction printer 100 is an example of an information communication device. That is, the information communication device has the function of transmitting voice and images through communication. Besides telephone line devices such as mobile phones and fax machines, the information devices of the present invention also include information devices such as the multifunction printer 100 that integrate the functions of office equipment such as copiers, printers, image scanners, and fax machines into a single enclosure.

[0039] The control device 110, which includes an operation panel 120 and a storage device 113, the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104 are interconnected via a bus 109. The following describes each part of the multifunction printer 100.

[0040] (Reading unit 102, image forming unit 103 and communication unit 104)

[0041] The reading unit 102 reads the image of the original document. Specifically, the reading unit 102 generates image data by optically reading the image of the original document and converting it into a digital signal.

[0042] The image forming unit 103 forms an image on a medium such as paper. Specifically, the image forming unit 103 forms an image on the medium, for example, by electrophotographic method in which toner is electrostatically attached to the paper. Alternatively, the image forming unit 103 may also form an image on the medium by other methods such as inkjet method in which ink is ejected onto the paper to form an image.

[0043] The communication unit 104 communicates with other external devices such as fax machines. Specifically, the communication unit 104 transmits and receives various data with external devices using various wired or wireless communication lines. Examples of communication lines include the Internet, intranets, and public telephone lines.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the multifunction printer 100, for example, includes a document transport device 151 on the upper part of the main body 150. The document transport device 151 transports documents to a document reading worktable (not shown) disposed on the upper surface of the main body 150. Inside the main body 150, a reading unit 102 is disposed at a position opposite to the reading worktable. Furthermore, the document transport device 151 can be flipped up, exposing the reading worktable and allowing it to be used as a flat surface. Thus, the user can place the document directly onto the reading worktable without using the document transport device 151.

[0045] As its four main functions, the multifunction printer 100 in this example includes a copying function for copying originals, a scanning function for reading originals, a faxing function for sending the image obtained from the read originals as image data, and a printing function for printing images on paper. In the multifunction printer 100, when performing processing related to the scanning function, the reading unit 102 reads the image of the original and generates image data. In the multifunction printer 100, when performing processing related to the copying function, the image forming unit 103 prints the image of the original onto other sheets of paper based on the image data generated by the reading unit 102. The printed paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 152 provided in the main body 150. Furthermore, in the multifunction printer 100, when performing processing related to the faxing function, the image data generated by the reading unit 102 is output to the communication unit 104 and sent to the recipient's address via the communication unit 104. Additionally, in the multifunction printer 100, when performing processing related to the printing function, the image forming unit 103 prints an image on paper based on image data input from a personal computer or the like. The paper with the printed image is discharged into the paper discharge section 152.

[0046] In addition, the main body 150 is provided with a paper feeding unit for placing paper, a paper conveying mechanism for conveying paper to the image forming unit 103 and the paper discharge unit 152, etc.

[0047] (Operation panel 120)

[0048] The multifunction printer 100 includes an operation panel 120 for users to operate the multifunction printer 100. The operation panel 120 is an example of a user interface. A user interface is a device for exchanging information between the multifunction printer 100 and the user. Specifically, the user interface is a device for inputting operation instructions from the user to the multifunction printer 100 or displaying information such as the status of the multifunction printer 100 to the user.

[0049] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the operation panel 120 specifically includes a display unit 121 and an operation unit 122.

[0050] Display unit 121 displays operation screens and various messages such as operation guides. Operation unit 122 is a structure for user input operations. Display unit 121 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. Operation unit 122 and display unit 121 are integrated into a touch panel display 123. Operation unit 122 is a touch panel of resistive film or capacitive type, which detects user touch operations. In touch panel display 123, the area of ​​display unit 121 that displays the operation screen overlaps with the area that can detect touch operations of operation unit 122. Therefore, if the user touches the operation screen displayed on display unit 121, operation unit 122 detects the touch operation on the operation screen and the location of the touch operation on the operation screen, and outputs a detection signal to control device 110.

[0051] Touch operations for users include touching, swiping, sliding, and dragging. Touching involves touching the screen of display unit 121 with a finger. Swiping involves touching the screen of display unit 121 with a finger in a swiping motion. Sliding involves moving a finger while it is touching the screen of display unit 121. Dragging involves moving icons or other images displayed on display unit 121. Dragging involves touching an image displayed on display unit 121, moving the finger that touched the image, and then removing the finger from the image. The operation unit 122, which is the touch panel, outputs the movement trajectory of the finger accompanying these touch operations on the operation screen as a detection signal. Furthermore, touch operations can be performed not only by the user's fingers but also by using tools such as a stylus. Users can operate the multifunction printer 100 using the graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the operation panel 120. In addition, the multifunction printer 100 can also be operated via an operation screen displayed on a display of an external device (not shown) on which the operating application for the multifunction printer 100 is installed.

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the operation panel 120 has operation keys 124 disposed outside the screen of the display unit 121. The operation keys 124 include a power key for turning on the power to the multifunction printer 100 and a cancel key for stopping various operations. Thus, in addition to the touch panel display 123 including the operation unit 122, the operation panel 120 of this embodiment also has a mechanical operation unit.

[0053] The display unit 121 is capable of displaying, for example, a display Figure 4 The task selection screen 200 and other operation screens shown are examples of this invention. Regarding the "operation screen" of this invention, it refers to any screen used for operating the multifunction printer 100, and is defined as follows: it includes not only the operation screens of the multifunction printer 100 itself, but also the screens of devices used for remotely operating the multifunction printer 100.

[0054] (Control device 110)

[0055] The control device 110 is a device for controlling various parts of the multifunction printer 100, which includes the operation panel 120. Specifically, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the control device 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a memory 112, and a storage device 113. The control device 110 controls the multifunction printer 100 based on information stored in the storage device 113.

[0056] Storage device 113 stores various programs including control program 130, and various data including function control data 131 and UI (User Interface) control data 132. Control program 130 is a program that enables the computer, including CPU 111, to function as control device 110. Function control data 131 is data used in the control of reading unit 102, image forming unit 103, and communication unit 104, and includes various setting information and processing parameters. Processing parameters are, for example, parameters used when performing image correction processing such as gain correction, contrast correction, white balance correction, and gamma correction.

[0057] The various setting information includes settings that specify the processing conditions for the copying, scanning, and printing functions implemented by the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104. For example, for the copying and printing functions, the setting information specifies processing conditions such as paper size and color settings (e.g., black and white copying or color copying); for the scanning function, the setting information specifies processing conditions such as reading resolution and color settings (e.g., black and white reading or color reading). In addition to initial setting information, the setting information also includes user setting information set by the user. Furthermore, the various setting information also includes a history of user setting information previously used by the user.

[0058] Furthermore, in the control device 110, in order to enable the sequential setting of the various functions of the multifunction printer 100, setting items for setting processing conditions related to each function are stored in the various setting information of the function control data 131 and the UI control data 132 for each function. Setting items are items used to perform setting operations for processing conditions related to the various functions of the multifunction printer 100. In this example, the multifunction printer 100 has four main functions: copying, scanning, faxing, and printing, and processing conditions can be set for each of these four functions. The items used to specify the processing conditions are setting items. For example, when the copying and printing functions are selected, the setting items are items that set the paper size and color mode (e.g., black and white copying or color copying) as processing conditions.

[0059] UI control data 132 includes various screen data constituting the operation screen displayed on the display unit 121, and various table data obtained after defining various setting items displayed on the operation screen. Specifically, the storage device 113 is implemented by recording devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and flash memory.

[0060] The table data of UI control data 132 stores a list 161 of recipient address information for data or fax communication with external devices. Recipient address information list 161 is a list recording multiple recipient address information. A recipient address indicates the communication destination (also called the sending destination) for data or fax communication. Recipient address information includes, for example, the recipient's name, fax number, and email address, as well as other address information required for communication. Users can pre-register recipient address information in UI control data 132 as needed. The recipient address information list 161 will be explained later (see [reference]). Figure 7 In the multifunction printer 100, for example, when sending image data read using the scanning function to an external device via data communication or fax communication, the registered recipient address information list 161 is retrieved from the UI control data 132, and a recipient address selection screen 300 is generated, which displays multiple recipient addresses in a list format (see reference). Figure 6 The recipient address selection screen 300 is displayed on the operation panel 120. Users can specify the destination of data communication or fax communication by selecting the desired recipient address from the multiple recipient addresses displayed on the recipient address selection screen 300.

[0061] The image data of UI control data 132 stores character icon setting information 162. Character icon setting information 162 specifies the type of icon to be displayed at the recipient address displayed in the recipient address selection screen 300. Character icon setting information 162 will be explained later. Additionally, the image data of UI control data 132 stores recipient address screen data for the recipient address selection screen.

[0062] Memory 112 is the working area of ​​CPU 111 used to execute various programs, temporarily recording various programs or data during CPU 111's processing. Memory 112 may use one or more of the following as storage media: ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). CPU 111 reads various programs containing control program 130 from storage device 113 into memory 112 and executes the programs using memory 112 as its working area.

[0063] In the control device 110, the CPU 111 executes the control program 130, thereby realizing various functions of controlling the multifunction printer 100. Hereinafter, the functional structure implemented by the cooperation between the CPU 111 as a hardware resource and the control program 130 as a software resource will be described. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of CPU 111, and it mainly shows the functional structure that implements the control of the operation panel 120.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, in the control device 110, the CPU 111 functions as the UI control unit 141 and the function control unit 144 by executing the control program 130.

[0065] The function control unit 144 controls the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104 while referring to the function control data, based on the operation instructions input from the UI control unit 141. In addition, the function control unit 144 outputs the execution results and status of the processing in the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104 to the UI control unit 141.

[0066] The UI control unit 141 receives operation instructions input from the operation panel 120 and outputs the received operation instructions to the function control unit 144. Additionally, the UI control unit 141 controls the touch panel display 123. The UI control unit 141 has a functional structure comprising a display control unit 142 and an operation receiving unit 143.

[0067] The operation receiving unit 143 receives operation instructions based on user operation input from the operation panel 120, which include the user's touch operation detected by the operation unit 122 of the touch panel display 123.

[0068] The display control unit 142 refers to the function control data 131 and the UI control data 132 to control the display unit 121 of the touch panel display 123 to display various operation screens. The control device 110 equipped with the display control unit 142 is an example of a display control device according to the present invention.

[0069] Specifically, when the operation receiving unit 143 receives an operation to turn on the power of the multifunction printer 100, for example, the display control unit 142 causes the display unit 121 to display the task selection screen 200 (see reference). Figure 4 (This is used as the top view.) Figure 4 As shown, the task selection screen 200 is used by the user to select tasks 201, etc., that the multifunction printer 100 will perform. Here, a task refers to the processing performed by the multifunction printer 100 based on the processing conditions set by the user for the main functions of the multifunction printer 100. The item containing information indicating the content of this processing is called task item 201. For example, in the case of the copying function, which is one of the main functions of the multifunction printer 100, the processing performed by the multifunction printer 100 based on the user setting processing conditions such as paper size and color settings is the copying function task, and the item indicating the content of this task is task item 201. Similarly, in the case of the scanning function, the processing performed by the multifunction printer 100 based on the user setting processing conditions such as read resolution and color settings is the scanning function task, and the item indicating the content of this task is task item 201. Likewise, in the case of the fax function, the processing performed by the multifunction printer 100 based on the user setting processing conditions such as the data file of the document to be sent, the destination, read resolution, and color settings is the fax function task.

[0070] Task items 201, which represent tasks and their contents in this way, exist in various types depending on the function and processing conditions. The task item selection screen 200 displays multiple task items 201 with different functions and processing conditions. The task item selection screen 200 is used to select one task item 201 from multiple task items 201 when the multifunction printer 100 performs a task. In this example, the task item selection screen 200 displays multiple task items 201 corresponding to the operation history in a list format.

[0071] Additionally, in the task selection screen 200, an icon window 203 is displayed overlaid on the portion where task items 201 are displayed. As an example, in the task selection screen 200, the icon window 203 is displayed as a floating window whose position can be adjusted. The icon window 203 is located at the bottom of the task selection screen 200. The icon 202 functions as a selection button for the user to select the function to be performed by the multifunction printer 100.

[0072] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, icons 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D are shown as icons 202. They correspond to the four main functions of the multifunction printer 100: copying, scanning, faxing, and printing. Icon 202A is the selection button for the copying function, icon 202B is the selection button for the scanning function, icon 202C is the selection button for the faxing function, and icon 202D is the selection button for the printing function. In addition to the four icons 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D, various other icons may exist as icons 202, which can be displayed through settings. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between different types of icons 202, the four icons 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D will be simply referred to as icon 202.

[0073] Figure 5 This diagram shows the function selection screen 212. The function selection screen 212 is a selection screen for the user to choose various functions that the multifunction printer 100 will perform. The display control unit 142 transfers the operation screen displayed on the display unit 121 from the task selection screen 200 to the function selection screen 212 by performing a predetermined operation on the task selection screen 200. The predetermined operation is, for example, a swipe operation on a predetermined area of ​​the task selection screen 200. The function selection screen 212 has multiple sections 213 and is a screen for the user to select icons 202, which are arranged with icons 202 corresponding to various functions that the multifunction printer 100 will perform. Figure 5 In the diagram, the box 231 of partition 213 is represented by a dashed line, but it is not actually displayed. Of course, box 231 can also be displayed.

[0074] In addition, Figure 4In the task selection screen 200 shown, icon 202 is also displayed in icon window 203, but the icon 202 displayed in icon window 203 is a part of the icon 202 displayed in function selection screen 212. As mentioned above, the icon 202 displayed in icon window 203 in this example corresponds to the four main functions of multifunction printer 100. By setting icon window 203 in task selection screen 200, the four main functions can be operated without switching to function selection screen 212.

[0075] In the icon window 203 of the task selection screen 200 or the function selection screen 212, if the desired icon 202 is selected, the user will be redirected to the settings screen corresponding to the function of the selected icon 202. In the settings screen, the processing conditions for the function selected via icon 202 can be set.

[0076] Figure 6 The recipient address selection screen 300 is shown as an example of a settings screen when icon 202 corresponding to the fax function is selected. The recipient address selection screen 300 is a settings screen for setting the communication destination as one of the processing conditions for the fax function. In the recipient address selection screen 300, multiple recipient addresses 5 are displayed in a list format, and therefore it can also be referred to as an address list or address book, etc.

[0077] In the multifunction printer 100, for example, when sending image data read using the scanning function to an external device via fax communication, the display control unit 142 retrieves the registered recipient address information list 161 from the UI control data 132. Based on the recipient address information list 161, the display control unit 142 generates a recipient address selection screen 300 and displays it on the operation panel 120. The recipient address selection screen 300 is an operation screen displayed on the operation panel 120 for specifying a recipient address as the destination.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, the recipient address selection screen 300 is an example of an operation screen that displays an image showing the recipient's name in Japanese. At the top of the recipient address selection screen 300, horizontally arranged, are: a recipient address search box 3, where keywords are entered to search for a recipient address as the destination; and a recipient address append button 4, which redirects the screen to a registration screen for registering new recipient addresses. Below the recipient address search box 3 and the recipient address append button 4 in the recipient address selection screen 300, multiple recipient addresses 5 are displayed in a list.

[0079] The recipient address 5 is composed of horizontally long rectangular areas for each communication destination. Within the area of the recipient address 5, the recipient name 51, the fax number 52, and the email address 53 are displayed in a horizontal writing style, and a character icon 54 is displayed in front of the recipient name 51. When the recipient name 51 is registered in Japanese, it is expressed in Japanese. In this example, the recipient name 51 is displayed in Chinese characters in the recipient address 5. When the recipient name 51 is displayed in a horizontal writing style, the front of the recipient name 51 refers to the left side of the first character at the beginning of the recipient name 51. For example, as Figure 6 shown, in the recipient address 5 where the recipient name 51 is displayed horizontally as "Qingshan", the front of the recipient name 51 is the left side of the first character "Qing" at the beginning of "Qingshan". Additionally, in the recipient address 5 where the recipient name 51 is displayed horizontally, as Figure 6 shown, it is preferable that the character icon 54 is displayed at the left end of the recipient address 5. Moreover, when the recipient name is displayed in a vertical writing style, the front of the recipient name 51 refers to the upper side of the first character at the beginning of the recipient name 51.

[0080] The character icon 54 is composed of a combination of the first character 54a of the recipient name 51 when expressing the recipient name 51 with phonetic characters and the graphic 54b. In other words, the character icon 54 is composed of a combination of the first character 54a as a character element and the graphic 54b as a graphic element. Here, phonetic characters are also called phonetic symbols, which refer to characters that represent phonemes or syllables with one character. Chinese characters are ideographic characters that represent meanings, and phonetic characters include reading kana of Chinese characters and English letters, etc. Figure 6 The reading kana of a Chinese character such as "Qingshan" exemplified is "あおやま" when expressed in hiragana. The first character of the recipient name 51 that constitutes the character icon 54 is the first character of the recipient name 51 when expressing the recipient name 51 with reading kana as phonetic characters. In this example, when expressing the recipient name 51 such as "Qingshan" as the reading kana "あおやま" as phonetic characters, the first character of the recipient name 51 is "あ". In addition to hiragana, reading kana also includes katakana.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the first character 54a is a hiragana character, and the graphic 54b is a circle. And the graphic 54b that constitutes the character icon 54 is colored with different colors according to the gojūon of the first character 54a. For example, when the recipient name 51 is "Qingshan ", its reading kana "あおやま The first character 54a of “” which is “あ” is displayed as a blank character within the circular graphic 54b colored in red. For example, when the recipient name 51 is “伊刈〇〇”, the first character 54a of its reading kana “いかり〇〇” which is “い” is displayed as a blank character within the circular graphic 54b colored in blue. For example, when the recipient name 51 is “植村〇△”, the first character 54a of its reading kana “うえむら〇△” which is “う” is displayed as a blank character within the circular graphic 54b colored in purple. As described above, the character icons 54 corresponding to each recipient address 5 are formed. For recipient addresses 5 where the reading kana of the recipient name 51 is after “え”, in the same manner as these, the first character 54a of the reading kana of each recipient name 51 is displayed as a blank character within the circular graphic 54b colored in different colors according to the syllabary, thereby forming the character icons 54 corresponding to each recipient address 5 (diagram omitted). That is, the graphic 54b forming the character icon 54呈现不同的样式 according to the syllabary of the first character 54a.

[0082] In addition, the recipient addresses 5 are sorted according to a predetermined display order based on the first character 54a forming the character icon 54. The sorted recipient addresses 5 are displayed on the recipient address selection screen 300. In this example, the predetermined display order is the syllabary order of the first character 54a of the reading kana. In addition, the recipient addresses 5 may be sorted in the syllabary order of the first character 54a forming the character icon 54 and displayed in the operation screen. The characters to be sorted can be the characters forming the above-mentioned character icon 54 or the reading kana of the recipient name 51. In either case, the result is that the recipient addresses 5 are sorted in the syllabary order based on the first character 54a forming the character icon 54.

[0083] In addition, in the case where the first characters are in the same position, the recipient addresses 5 are sorted in the syllabary order based on the next character of the first character. In Figure 6 the example of the recipient address selection screen 300 shown, the recipient names 51 starting with “あ” such as “青山 ”、“阿藤〇〇”、“安藤××” are displayed in the order of their second characters “お”、“と”、“ん” in the syllabary order respectively. In addition, the control is performed as follows: in the case where the second characters are also the same character, in the syllabary order of the third character, and in the case where the third characters are also the same character, in the syllabary order of the fourth character, so that the recipient addresses 5 are sorted and displayed in the syllabary order of each character in such an order.

[0084] It should be noted that there seems to be an incomplete expression “呈现不同的样式” in the translation of . Please check and correct it according to the actual situation.In this way, the display control unit 142 displays the recipient name 51, which serves as the name of the recipient address 5, in the recipient address 5, and displays a character icon 54 in front of the recipient name 51. This character icon 54 is composed of a combination of the first character 54a of the recipient name 51 when it is represented by phonetic characters and a graphic 54b. Then, based on the first character 54a that constitutes the character icon 54, the recipient addresses 5 are sorted according to a predetermined display order, and the sorted recipient addresses 5 are displayed on the recipient address selection screen 300, which is an example of an operation screen.

[0085] Users can scroll through the recipient address selection screen 300, which displays a list of multiple recipient addresses 5, by touching it and swiping up or down or sliding. Then, the user selects the desired recipient address 5 from the list and touches it to specify the communication destination.

[0086] At the right end of the area corresponding to each recipient address 5, there is a registration correction button 55 for redirecting to a screen where the registration information for the recipient address 5 can be corrected. The registration correction button 55 is displayed, for example, as three dots arranged vertically. When the registration correction button 55 is touched, the user is redirected to a screen (illustration omitted) for correcting the registration information of the recipient address 5 corresponding to the area where the registration correction button 55 is displayed. In the target screen, address information such as the recipient name 51, fax number 52, and email address 53 related to the recipient address 5 can be appropriately corrected.

[0087] Figure 7 A list 161 of recipient address information recorded in UI control data 132 is shown. For example... Figure 7 As shown, in the recipient address information list 161, each recipient address information is associated with and stored as name information 61 representing the name of the recipient name 51, phone number information 62 representing the phonetic kana of the recipient name 51, fax number information 63 representing the telephone number 52, and email address information 64 representing the email address 53, etc.

[0088] Figure 8 The character icon setting information 162 contained in the UI control data 132 is shown. For example... Figure 8As shown, the character icon setting information 162 stores, respectively, initial character information 71 corresponding to the initial character 54a of the recipient's name 51, graphic information 72 assigned according to the Japanese syllabary of the initial character 54a, and color information 73. Graphic information 72 corresponds to graphic 54b. Graphic information 72 and color information 73 define the display style of the character icon 54. The character icon setting information 162 is preset, for example, when manufacturing the multifunction printer 100. Alternatively, the user can change the settings.

[0089] Figure 9 This diagram conceptually illustrates an example of how the display control unit 142 generates a recipient address selection screen 300. The display control unit 142 reads the recipient address information list 161 from the UI control data 132 (see reference). Figure 7 Character icon setting information 162 (refer to) Figure 8 The display control unit 142 reads one recipient address from the recipient address information list 161 and combines the read recipient address information into the recipient address 5 area of ​​the template data of the screen. Then, based on the first character of the phonetic kana of the recipient address information, the display control unit 142 reads the first character information 71, graphic information 72, and color information 73 from the character icon setting information 162. The display control unit 142 generates a character icon 54 by combining the first character information 71, graphic information 72, and color information 73, and places the generated character icon 54 in front of the recipient name 51 of the recipient address 5. Thus, one recipient address 5 of one recipient address information is generated. By repeating this process, recipient addresses 5 of all recipient address information are generated. The display control unit 142 displays all generated recipient addresses 5 and arranges the recipient addresses 5 in a list, thereby generating the recipient address selection screen 300.

[0090] Next, refer to Figure 10 The flowchart shown illustrates the function of the multifunction printer 100.

[0091] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing flow of the functions handled by the CPU 111 of the control device 110. For example... Figure 10 As shown, CPU 111 determines whether the fax function is selected (step S1100). For example, in Figure 4 The task selection screen shown is 200 or Figure 5 In the function selection screen 212 shown, when the fax function icon 202, which is one of the main functions, is selected, the CPU 111 determines that the fax function has been selected.

[0092] If the fax function is not selected (if "No" is selected in step S1100), the CPU 111 will remain in standby mode until the fax function is selected.

[0093] When the fax function is selected (if "Yes" is selected in step S1100), the CPU 111 retrieves one recipient address from the recipient address information list 161 (step S1101). For example, the CPU 111 retrieves one recipient address from the recipient address information list 161 stored in the UI control data 132.

[0094] CPU 111 obtains the first character of a recipient address information (step S1102). In the case where the recipient name 51 is Chinese characters, as in this example, CPU 111 obtains the first character of the Chinese character's pronunciation kana and uses it as the first character of the recipient name 51 of the recipient address information.

[0095] CPU 111 obtains the graphic and color corresponding to the first character from the character icon setting information 162 (step S1103). For example, CPU 111 obtains the graphic and color corresponding to the first character of the recipient's name 51 from the first character information 71, graphic information 72, and color information 73 in the character icon setting information 162.

[0096] CPU 111 generates a character icon 54 by combining the initial character, graphic, and color (step S1104). For example, CPU 111 generates character icon 54 by combining the initial character 54a, graphic 54b, and color of character icon setting information 162.

[0097] CPU 111 generates recipient address 5 based on character icon 54 and recipient address information (step S1105). For example, as Figure 6 As shown, CPU 111 generates a recipient address 5 with a character icon 54 configured in front of the recipient name 51.

[0098] CPU 111 determines whether all recipient address information has been generated (step S1106).

[0099] If the recipient address information is not generated (if "No" is set in step S1106), CPU 111 returns to the processing of step S1101.

[0100] When the recipient addresses for all recipient address information have been generated (when the answer is "Yes" in step S1106), the CPU 111 sorts the recipient addresses 5 based on the leading characters that make up the character icon 54 in a predetermined display order, thereby generating and displaying a recipient address selection screen 300 (step S1107). For example, as Figure 6 shown, the recipient address selection screen 300 is generated and displayed. In the recipient address selection screen 300, the recipient name 51 and the character icon 54 are displayed in the recipient address 5. The character icon 54 is composed of a combination of the leading character 54a of the kana reading of the recipient name 51 expressed in Chinese characters and the graphic 54b, and the leading character 54a serves as the leading character of the recipient name 51. In addition, the recipient addresses 5 are sorted in the order of the fifty kana sounds based on the leading character 54a that makes up the character icon 54, and the sorted recipient addresses 5 are displayed on the recipient address selection screen 300. When the user selects a recipient address 5 from the recipient address selection screen 300 to specify a communication destination, the CPU 111 executes the fax function for the specified communication destination.

[0101] As described above, in the multifunction machine 100 as an example of an information communication device, the CPU 111 displays the recipient name 51 as the name of the recipient address 5 in the recipient address 5, and displays the character icon 54 in front of the recipient name 51. The character icon 54 is composed of a combination of the leading character 54a of the recipient name 51 when the recipient name 51 is expressed in phonetic characters and the graphic 54b. Then, the CPU 111 sorts the recipient addresses 5 based on the leading character 54a that makes up the character icon 54 in a predetermined display order, and displays the sorted recipient addresses 5 on the recipient address selection screen 300 as an example of an operation screen. Therefore, the user using the multifunction machine 100 can immediately understand the attributes of the recipient name 51 of each recipient address 5 (such as which character the recipient address starts with, etc.) by observing and confirming the character icon 54.

[0102] In addition, in the recipient address selection screen 300, when the recipient name 51 in the recipient address 5 is displayed in Chinese characters, the starting character 54a of the recipient name 51 is the starting character 54a of the reading kana of the Chinese characters constituting the recipient name 51, and the character icon 54 is composed of a combination of the starting character 54a of the reading kana and the graphic 54b. Also, in the recipient address selection screen 300, the recipient addresses 5 are sorted in the order of the fifty kana sounds based on the starting character 54a. By observing and confirming the character icons 54 displayed in front of the recipient names 51 of each recipient address 5 shown in the recipient address selection screen 300, the user can instantly understand which sound in the order of the fifty kana sounds the recipient address 5 starts with. Therefore, for example, there is no need to display an index line that requires processing time for display in the address book. As an example, in Figure 6 In the recipient address selection screen 300 shown, within the recipient address area in front of the left side of the recipient name 51, the character icons 54 are displayed separately for each recipient address 5. Therefore, by observing and confirming the character icons 54, the attributes of the recipient names 51 of each recipient address 5 can be immediately understood. That is, in the case where the recipient name 51 is expressed in Chinese characters, it can be immediately understood which character in the fifty kana sounds the reading kana of the recipient name 51 starts with for the recipient address.

[0103] Moreover, since the character icons 54 are displayed in all the registered recipient addresses 5 and have a one-to-one relationship with the recipient addresses 5, by observing and confirming the character icons 54, it can be immediately understood which character in the fifty kana sounds the recipient address 5 with this character icon 54 starts with when the recipient name is expressed in Japanese such as Chinese characters, hiragana, or katakana, and the searchability is excellent.

[0104] In addition, the graphic 54b constituting the character icon 54呈现不同的样式按开头字符54a的五十音呈现不同的样式。在本例中,图形54b按五十音而着色成不同的颜色进行显示。因此,即使在收件方地址5以列表状排列的地址列表的滚动显示中,也容易注意到字符图标54的颜色的变化。由此,在以汉字表述的方式登记了收件方名称51的收件方地址5的情况下,能够根据收件方名称51的读音假名的开头字符54a来识别出分别被分组的收件方地址5的组切换成了不同的组。因此,能够提高将地址列表滚动来检索期望的收件方地址5时的操作性。

[0105] It should be noted that there seems to be an error in the text of . The correct English should be: In addition, the graphic 54b constituting the character icon 54 presents different styles according to the fifty kana sounds of the starting character 54a. In this example, the graphic 54b is displayed in different colors according to the fifty kana sounds. Therefore, even in the scrolling display of the address list in which the recipient addresses 5 are arranged in a list form, it is easy to notice the change in the color of the character icon 54. Thus, in the case of the recipient address 5 in which the recipient name 51 is registered in the form of Chinese characters, it is possible to identify that the groups of the recipient addresses 5 that are separately grouped have switched to different groups based on the starting character 54a of the reading kana of the recipient name 51. Therefore, the operability when scrolling the address list to retrieve the desired recipient address 5 can be improved.Furthermore, the multifunction printer 100 includes a control unit 110 and a communication unit 104, which transmits data to a destination specified by the control unit 110 and receives other data from the outside. Therefore, in the multifunction printer 100, the desired recipient address 5 can be quickly selected and data can be transmitted.

[0106] Here, on Figure 13 The recipient address selection screen of the multifunction printer shown in the comparative example will be explained.

[0107] Figure 13 An example is shown where the address book, with its index rows arranged in the Japanese syllabary (hiragana and katakana) order, is displayed on the recipient address operation screen 2000 of the touch panel display of a comparative multifunction printer. For example... Figure 13 As shown, in the recipient address operation screen 2000, above the group where recipient addresses registered with recipient names starting with "あ" are grouped, there is an index line "ID" indicating that the recipient address group is a recipient address starting with "あ". あ Additionally, above the group of recipient addresses registered using recipient names beginning with "i", there is an index line "ID" indicating that the recipient address group is a recipient address group starting with "i". い Users can scroll the address book displayed on the recipient address operation screen 2000 vertically by directly touching it and performing a swipe or slide operation. Alternatively, the upward arrow S of the scroll bar S displayed on the right side of the recipient address operation screen 2000 can be adjusted using click, drag, or touch operations. U Down arrow S D Sliding block S K Main body S B By performing appropriate operations, the address book displayed on the recipient address operation screen 2000 can be scrolled up and down.

[0108] However, in the recipient address operation screen 2000, to display the aforementioned index row in the address book, the following processing is required: based on calculating the number of recipient addresses grouped into each group, the index row is displayed at an appropriate position in the address book. Furthermore, since this processing needs to be repeated according to the number of groups, in recent information communication devices capable of storing a large number of recipient addresses, such as up to 10,000, there is a problem with the time-consuming processing for displaying the index row.

[0109] Furthermore, in the comparative example multifunction printer, the size of the display unit for the recipient address operation screen 2000 is limited. Therefore, the number of recipient addresses that can be displayed simultaneously on the recipient address operation screen 2000 is also limited, making it impossible to display all stored recipient addresses at once. Consequently, when selecting a desired recipient address from the address book displayed on the recipient address operation screen 2000, it is sometimes necessary to scroll the address book vertically. At this time, if the index row also scrolls along with the address book, the recipient address will be displayed without being able to observe and confirm the index row on the operation screen (only the recipient address is displayed), and it will be immediately difficult to determine in what unit the recipient address is grouped. Therefore, as... Figure 14 As shown, during the period before the recipient address displayed in the recipient address operation screen 2000 switches to the next group of recipient addresses via the scrolling operation indicated by the arrow, the index row needs to continue to be displayed without scrolling. That is, when displaying the index row, the following problem also exists: when performing a scrolling operation, the index row and the address book must be controlled separately for display, making the control complex.

[0110] In contrast, in the multifunction printer 100 of the first embodiment, by observing and confirming the character icon 54, the attributes of the recipient name 51 of each recipient address 5 (e.g., which character the recipient address begins with, etc.) can be immediately understood. Therefore, since it is not necessary to display an index row in the address list, when displaying the address list on the recipient address selection screen 300, processing can be performed at a higher speed compared to displaying an index row. Furthermore, when scrolling through the address list, it is not necessary to display an index row, so there is no need to control the display of the index row and the address list separately.

[0111] [Second Implementation]

[0112] Next, the composite machine 100 of the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, structural elements and components that are the same as those in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0113] In the multifunction printer 100 of the second embodiment, the operation screen when the fax function is selected is different from that of the multifunction printer 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 11 The recipient address selection screen 310 is shown as an example of an operation screen in the multifunction printer 100 of the second embodiment. Figure 11 As shown, the recipient address selection screen 310 is an operation screen where the recipient name 351 is displayed using letters as phonetic characters. In this case, the recipient name 351 is registered using letters in the recipient address information list 161.

[0114] When the recipient's name 351 is displayed in letters, the first character of the recipient's name 351 is the first character 354a of the letters constituting the recipient's name 351. Furthermore, the character icon 354 is a combination of the first character 354a and the graphic 354b. In the second embodiment, the graphic 354b is a circle. Moreover, the graphic 354b presents different styles according to the letter of the first character 354a. More specifically, the graphic 354b is colored differently according to the letter of the first character 354a. For example, when the recipient's name 351 is "ALEX××", the "A" of its first character 354a is displayed as a blank character within the circle graphic 354b, which is colored red. When the recipient's name 351 is "BILL", the first character is displayed as "A". In the case where the recipient's name 351 is "CARLOS△△", the "B" at the beginning of the name 354a is displayed as a blank character within a circle 354b colored in blue. When the recipient's name 351 is "CARLOS△△", the "C" at the beginning of the name 354a is displayed as a blank character within a circle 354b colored in purple. This forms the character icon 354 corresponding to each recipient's address 5. Similarly, for recipient addresses 5 where the beginning of the name 351 is "D" or later, the beginning of the name 351 is displayed as a blank character within circles 354b colored in different colors according to the letter, thus forming the character icon 354 corresponding to each recipient's address 5 (illustration omitted).

[0115] Furthermore, in the recipient address 5, the first characters 354a of the character icon 354 are sorted according to a predetermined display order, and then displayed on the recipient address selection screen 310. In this example, the predetermined display order is the alphabetical order of the first characters 354a of the recipient name 351. Additionally, as long as the recipient address 5 is sorted according to the alphabetical order of the first characters 354a of the character icon 354 and displayed on the operation screen, it is acceptable. The characters used for sorting can be either the characters constituting the character icon 354 or the letters constituting the recipient name 351. In either case, the result is that the recipient address 5 is sorted alphabetically based on the first characters 354a of the character icon 354.

[0116] Additionally, when the first characters are in the same position, the recipient address is sorted alphabetically based on the character following the first character. Figure 11 In the example shown in the recipient address selection screen 310, regarding the recipient name 351 starting with the character "A" in "ALEX",... The recipient addresses are displayed in alphabetical order, starting with the second character "L" and ending with "ANNE〇〇". If the second character is the same, the third character is used; if the third character is the same, the fourth character is used. This process is repeated to sort the recipient addresses according to their alphabetical order.

[0117] In the control device 110 of the multifunction printer 100 according to the second embodiment, the recipient name 351, expressed in letters, is stored in the UI control data 132 as a recipient address information list 161. Additionally, the UI control data 132 stores a character icon 354 as character icon setting information 162, where the character icon 354 is a graphic combination of the first characters of the recipient name 351. Furthermore, the display control unit 142 generates a recipient address selection screen 310 based on the recipient address information list 161 and the character icon setting information 162.

[0118] In the composite machine 100 of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects brought about by the same structure as the control device of the first embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0119] In the recipient address selection screen 310, when the recipient name 351 is displayed alphabetically in the recipient address area before the recipient name 351, a character icon 354 is displayed for each recipient address 5. By observing and confirming the character icon 354 displayed before the recipient name 351 of each recipient address 5 displayed on the recipient address selection screen 310, the user can instantly understand which character in alphabetical order the recipient address 5 begins with. Therefore, there is no need to display an index line in the address book, which would require processing time for display. More specifically, by observing and confirming the character icon 354, the attribute of the recipient name 351 of each recipient address 5 can be immediately understood; that is, when the recipient name is represented alphabetically, which letter does the recipient address begin with? Therefore, since there is no need to display an index line in the address list, when displaying the address list in the recipient address selection screen 310, processing can be performed much faster than when displaying an index line. In addition, when scrolling through the address list, the index row does not need to be displayed, so there is no need to control the display of the index row and the address list separately.

[0120] Furthermore, since the character icon 354 is displayed in all registered recipient addresses 5 and has a one-to-one relationship with each recipient address 5, by observing and confirming the character icon 354, one can immediately understand which letter the recipient address 5 with the character icon 354 starts with when the recipient's name is expressed in letters, thus providing excellent retrieval capability.

[0121] Furthermore, since the graphic 354b constituting the character icon 354 is colored differently according to the letter of the first character 354a constituting the character icon 354, the color change of the character icon 354 is easily noticeable even when the address list is scrolling. Therefore, when a recipient address 5 with the recipient name 351 registered using letters is identified, it is possible to recognize that the group of recipient addresses 5 has been switched to a different group based on the first character of the recipient name 351, thus improving operability when scrolling the address list to retrieve the desired recipient address 5.

[0122] [Third Implementation Method]

[0123] Next, the composite machine 100 of the third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, structural elements and components that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0124] In the multifunction printer 100 of the third embodiment, the operation screen when the fax function is selected is different from that of the multifunction printer 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 12 The image shows an example of a recipient address selection screen 400 in a multifunction printer 100 as an example of an operation screen in a third embodiment. (See image 400.) Figure 12 As shown, the recipient address selection screen 400 is the operation screen for registering the recipient's name 51 according to the Japanese syllabary (hiragana and katakana). In the recipient address selection screen 400, the graphic 454b constituting the character icon 454 has been changed. In the third embodiment, when the recipient's name 51 is "Aoyama"... In the case of “”, its pronunciation is “あおやま”. The first character "あ" of 54a of "" is displayed as a blank character within the figure 454b composed of circles colored in red. When the recipient name 51 is "伊刈〇〇", the first character "い" of its reading kana "いかり〇〇" is displayed as a blank character within the figure 454b composed of squares colored in red. When the recipient name 51 is "植村〇△", the first character "う" of its reading kana "うえむら〇△" is displayed as a blank character within the figure 454b composed of diamonds colored in red. Thus, the character icons 454 corresponding to each recipient address 5 are formed. Similarly, for the recipient addresses 5 where the reading kana of the recipient name 51 is after "え", the first character 54a of the reading kana of each recipient name 51 is displayed as a blank character within the figure 454b having different shapes according to the gojūon, thereby forming the character icons 454 corresponding to each recipient address 5 (illustration omitted). In the third embodiment, the figures 454b forming the character icons 454 have the same color, but it is also possible to further color them in different colors according to the gojūon.

[0125] In the recipient address selection screen 400, the figures 454b forming the character icons 454 present different styles (for example, different figures) according to the gojūon of the first characters forming the character icons 454. Here, regarding the figures forming the character icons, "different styles" can be considered, for example, in the following cases: the shapes of the figures are the same, but the figures are colored in different colors, or conversely, the figures are colored in the same color, but the shapes of the figures are made different, or the shapes of the figures are made different and the colors are also colored in different colors.

[0126] Furthermore, as a further variation of the character icon 454, for example, the shape and color combination of the graphic 454b can be graphically displayed based on the vowel and the Japanese syllabary (hiragana and katakana) of the initial character 54a constituting the character icon 454. For instance, the shape of the graphic 454b can be changed based on the vowel of the initial character 54a. For example, when the initial character 54a is "あ", "か", "さ", or "た", and the vowel of the initial character 54a is "あ", the shape of graphic 454b changes to a circle; when the initial character 54a is "い", "き", or "し", and the vowel of the initial character 54a is "い", the shape of graphic 454b changes to a square; similarly, when the initial character 54a has the vowel "う", the shape of graphic 454b changes to a rhombus; when it has "え", the shape of graphic 454b changes to a triangle; and when it has "お", the shape of graphic 454b changes to a hexagon. Alternatively, it can be displayed by coloring each row with different colors as follows: when the row of the 54a initial characters is the "あ row", it is colored red; when it is the "さ row", it is colored blue; and when it is the "た row", it is colored yellow. These can also be combined.

[0127] In the control device 110 of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the same structure as the control device of the first embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0128] In the recipient address selection screen 400, the graphic 454b constituting the character icon 454 presents different styles according to the 50-sound pattern of the first character 54a constituting the character icon 454. Therefore, it is easy to observe and confirm the differences in the character icons by the 50-sound pattern, and it is also easy to understand the switching positions of the recipient addresses after being sorted according to the 50-sound pattern, further improving retrieval efficiency. More specifically, for example, the graphic 454b constituting the character icon 454 is displayed with different colors and / or shapes according to the 50-sound pattern of the first character 54a constituting the character icon 454. Therefore, even when scrolling through the address list, based on the changes in the color and / or shape of the character icon 454, even when the recipient address 5 with the recipient name 51 is registered in kanji, it is easy to identify that the recipient address 5 grouped according to the first character of the kanji pronunciation of the recipient name 51 has switched to a different group. Therefore, it improves the operability of scrolling through the address list to retrieve the desired recipient address 5.

[0129] Furthermore, as a variation of the recipient address selection screen 310 in the second embodiment, although illustrations are omitted, when the recipient name 51 is represented by letters, the shape of the graphic 354b constituting the character icon 354 can be set to a different shape for each letter. This makes it easy to observe and confirm the differences in the character icons letter by letter, and makes it easy to understand the changing position of the first character of the recipient address after being sorted alphabetically, further improving retrieval accuracy. More specifically, the graphic 354b constituting the character icon 354 is displayed with different colors and / or shapes according to the letters of the first character 354a constituting the character icon 354. Therefore, even during the scrolling display of the address list, when the recipient address 5 registered with the recipient name 351 is represented by letters, it is easy to identify that the groups of recipient addresses 5 grouped according to the first character of the recipient name 351 have switched to different groups, improving operability when scrolling the address list to retrieve the desired recipient address 5.

[0130] The above describes an embodiment of the information communication device related to the present invention, using a multifunction printer as an example. However, it is not limited to this and can also be implemented as various information communication devices such as smartphones and mobile phones that have the function of selecting a desired recipient address from multiple recipient addresses displayed in a list on the operation screen to specify the communication destination.

[0131] Furthermore, the composite machine 100 in the first to third embodiments is not limited to the above structure, and the following modifications can be made.

[0132] In the first to third embodiments, the character icon can be changed. For example, in the first or third embodiments, the characters constituting the character icon are hiragana, but they can also be katakana. Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the graphic constituting the character icon can be changed. The graphic constituting the character icon is preferably a simple and easily observable graphic such as a circle or quadrilateral, and it is preferable to form the character icon by combining this graphic as the background of the character.

[0133] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 100 in the first to third embodiments includes functions of copying, scanning, faxing, and printing, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can also be configured by an information device having two or more functions, which include at least one selected from copying, scanning, and printing in addition to faxing. In addition, the information communication device of the present invention may also have other main functions besides copying, scanning, faxing, and printing (e.g., telephone communication).

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the hardware structure of the processing unit that performs various processes, such as the UI control unit 141, display control unit 142, operation acceptance unit 143, and function control unit 144, can use various processors as shown below. Besides the CPU 111, a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, the various processors also include dedicated circuits such as PLDs (programmable logic devices) whose circuit structure can be changed after the manufacture of FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), which have circuit structures specifically designed for performing specific processes.

[0135] Furthermore, the aforementioned processes can be executed using one of these various processors, or they can be executed using a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, and combinations of CPUs and FPGAs). Alternatively, a single processor can constitute multiple processing units. As an example of a single processor constituting multiple processing units, there are systems-on-chips (SoCs) that utilize a single integrated circuit (IC) chip to implement the overall functionality of a system containing multiple processing units.

[0136] Thus, as a hardware structure, each processing unit is constructed using one or more of the aforementioned processors.

[0137] Furthermore, the hardware architecture of these various processors, more specifically, can utilize circuits composed of circuit elements such as semiconductor components.

[0138] In addition to the control program of the control device, the technology of the present invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium (USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory) etc.) for the control program of the non-volatile storage control device.

[0139] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, alterations, and improvements can be made without departing from its spirit. For example, multiple of the aforementioned modifications can be appropriately combined to form a complete system.

[0140] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application 2019-236893, filed on December 26, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically described and incorporated herein by reference separately.

[0141] [Potential for industrial applications]

[0142] The present invention relates to an information communication device capable of selecting a desired recipient address from a plurality of recipient addresses displayed in a list on an operation screen to specify a communication destination, and to a control program executed in the information communication device, which has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. An information communication device having a processor and a memory connected to or built into the processor, capable of specifying a communication destination by selecting a desired recipient address from a plurality of recipient addresses displayed in a list on an operation screen, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: The recipient address displays the recipient's name as the name of the recipient address, and a character icon is displayed in front of the recipient's name. This character icon is a combination of a graphic and the first character of the recipient's name when represented by a phonetic character. Based on the initial characters that make up the character icons, the recipient addresses are sorted according to a predetermined display order, and the sorted recipient addresses are displayed on the operation screen. If the recipient's name is displayed in Chinese characters in the recipient's address. The first character of the recipient's name is the first character of the phonetic kana of the Chinese characters that constitute the recipient's name. The character icon is composed of a combination of the first character of the phonetic kana and a graphic. In the operation screen, the recipient's address is sorted according to the Japanese syllabary (hiragana and katakana) based on the first character. The graphics constituting the character icons are presented in different styles according to the fifty sounds of the first character.

2. An information communication device having a processor and a memory connected to or built into the processor, capable of specifying a communication destination by selecting a desired recipient address from a plurality of recipient addresses displayed in a list on an operation screen, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: The recipient address displays the recipient's name as the name of the recipient address, and a character icon is displayed in front of the recipient's name. This character icon is a combination of a graphic and the first character of the recipient's name when represented by a phonetic character. Based on the initial characters that make up the character icons, the recipient addresses are sorted according to a predetermined display order, and the sorted recipient addresses are displayed on the operation screen. In the case where the recipient's name is displayed as a phonetic character in the recipient's address, The first character of the recipient's name is the first character of the letters that make up the recipient's name. The character icon is composed of a combination of the first character of the letter and a graphic. In the operation screen, the recipient addresses are sorted alphabetically based on the first character. The graphic that makes up the character icon presents different styles according to the letter of the first character.

3. A recording medium storing a control program that enables a computer to function as an information communication device, the information communication device being able to specify a communication destination by selecting a desired recipient address from a plurality of recipient addresses displayed in a list on an operation screen, wherein... The control program of the information communication device causes the computer to perform the following processes: The recipient address displays the recipient's name as the name of the recipient address, and a character icon is displayed in front of the recipient's name. This character icon is a combination of a graphic and the first character of the recipient's name when represented by phonetic characters; and Based on the initial characters that make up the character icons, the recipient addresses are sorted according to a predetermined display order, and the sorted recipient addresses are displayed on the operation screen. If the recipient's name is displayed in Chinese characters in the recipient's address. The first character of the recipient's name is the first character of the phonetic kana of the Chinese characters that constitute the recipient's name. The character icon is composed of a combination of the first character of the phonetic kana and a graphic. In the operation screen, the recipient's address is sorted according to the Japanese syllabary (hiragana and katakana) based on the first character. The graphics constituting the character icons are presented in different styles according to the fifty sounds of the first character.

4. A recording medium storing a control program that enables a computer to function as an information communication device, the information communication device being able to specify a communication destination by selecting a desired recipient address from a plurality of recipient addresses displayed in a list on an operation screen, wherein... The control program of the information communication device causes the computer to perform the following processes: The recipient address displays the recipient's name as the name of the recipient address, and a character icon is displayed in front of the recipient's name. This character icon is a combination of a graphic and the first character of the recipient's name when represented by phonetic characters; and Based on the initial characters that make up the character icons, the recipient addresses are sorted according to a predetermined display order, and the sorted recipient addresses are displayed on the operation screen. In the case where the recipient's name is displayed as a phonetic character in the recipient's address, The first character of the recipient's name is the first character of the letters that make up the recipient's name. The character icon is composed of a combination of the first character of the letter and a graphic. In the operation screen, the recipient addresses are sorted alphabetically based on the first character. The graphic that makes up the character icon presents different styles according to the letter of the first character.

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