Electronic device, server, display system, and display control method of electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides an electronic device, a server, a display system, and a display control method of an electronic device. The electronic device includes the following components. A display section is capable of displaying a setting screen that sets an image generation condition. A storage section stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen. A communication section is capable of network connection with a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen different from the first setting screen. A control section, when a first operation of selecting a selected section in the second setting screen through an operation section is accepted while the second setting screen is being displayed on the display section, simultaneously displays the second setting screen and the first setting screen associated with the first operation on the display section by dividing the second setting screen and the first setting screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device having a display section, a server, a display system, and a display control method for the electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that utilizes application software (hereinafter referred to as a function-providing application) to provide the screen and functions of an electronic device's control application. The electronic device causes the display unit to display a display method based on display data downloaded from a server. The function-providing application discloses a technology that unifies the UI (User Interface) of the application that calls the functions provided by the function-providing application with the display method of the function-providing application's UI.

[0003] The electronic device displays a setting screen on its display unit as a UI for the user to visually confirm when setting image generation conditions for generating images using a medium. The UI of the function-providing application is displayed on the display unit as a first setting screen, which is the native UI inherent to the electronic device. On the other hand, the UI of the application that invokes the functions provided by the function-providing application is displayed on the display unit as a second setting screen, which is a browser UI. This second setting screen may be provided by a supplier or other provider for a specific user.

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the second setting screen of the UI of an application that calls functions provided by a function-providing application is being displayed, the first setting screen of the UI of the function-providing application cannot be used. There is a screen containing UI information that is only present in the first setting screen. Even if the first setting screen and the second setting screen are switched and displayed on the display unit, it becomes difficult to grasp the relationship between the information of the two setting screens when the first setting screen and the second setting screen are switched, thus resulting in poor user convenience. Therefore, in an electronic device that can display a second setting screen based on display data received from a server, there is room for improvement in terms of user convenience.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-165427 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The electronic device that solves the above-mentioned problem is an electronic device having an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium, and includes: a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen, which is a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on image generation conditions set as conditions for generating the image; an operation unit capable of operating the setting screen; a storage unit capable of storing one or more first display data, which enables the display of a first setting screen as one display mode of the setting screen; a communication unit capable of connecting to a server via a network, which stores one or more second display data, which enables the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; and a control unit that, when the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data is being displayed on the display unit, upon receiving a first operation by the operation unit that selects a selected part in the second setting screen, divides and simultaneously displays the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on one set of first display data associated with the first operation on the display unit.

[0007] The server that solves the above-mentioned problem is a server connected to the aforementioned electronic device via a network, and includes: a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of second display data, which enables the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; a server-side display control unit that sends an instruction to the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data to the electronic device along with the second display data; and a second split display control unit that, when the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data is being displayed on the display unit, and the control unit of the electronic device receives a first operation that selects the selected portion of the second setting screen via the operation unit, receives first operation location information obtained from the first operation via the network from the electronic device, and sends a display instruction to the electronic device that causes the display unit to display the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation location information, thereby causing the control unit to split and simultaneously display the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data read from the storage unit according to the display instruction on the display unit.

[0008] The display system that solves the above problems includes the above-mentioned electronic equipment and the above-mentioned server.

[0009] The electronic device that solves the above-mentioned problem is an electronic device having an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium, and further comprising: a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen, the setting screen being a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on image generation conditions set as conditions for generating the image; an operation unit capable of performing operations on the setting screen; a storage unit capable of storing one or more first display data, the first display data enabling the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit capable of connecting to a server via a network, the server storing one or more second display data, the second display data enabling... A second setting screen is displayed as another display mode of the setting screen; a control unit controls the display unit, and when the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data is being displayed on the display unit, when the control unit receives a second operation by the operation unit that selects a selected part in the first setting screen, it sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server, and simultaneously displays the first setting screen and the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data received from the server as a response to the second operation position information on the display unit.

[0010] The server that solves the above-mentioned problem is a server connected to the electronic device via a network, and includes: a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of second display data, which enables the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; a server-side display control unit that sends an instruction to the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data to the electronic device along with the second display data; and a second split display control unit that receives second operation location information from the electronic device via the network, and obtains new second display data different from the second display data stored in the second storage unit before the image acquisition process by performing image acquisition processing associated with the second operation location information, and sends a display instruction to the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the new second display data along with the new second display data to the electronic device, thereby causing the control unit to split and simultaneously display the first setting screen and the second setting screen obtained based on the new second display data on the display unit.

[0011] The display system that solves the above problems includes the above-mentioned electronic equipment and the above-mentioned server.

[0012] The display control method for an electronic device that solves the above-mentioned problem is a display control method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes: an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium; a display unit that can display a setting screen, which is a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on image generation conditions set as conditions for generating the image; an operation unit that can perform operations on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data, which enables the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit that can connect to a server via a network. The server stores one or more second display data, which enables a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen, to be displayed. The display control method of the electronic device includes: (A1) accepting a first operation that selects a selected part in the second setting screen by means of the operation unit when the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data is being displayed on the display unit; and (A2) when the first operation is accepted, splitting the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation on the display unit and displaying them simultaneously.

[0013] The display control method for an electronic device that solves the above-mentioned problem is a display control method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes: an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium; a display unit that can display a setting screen, the setting screen being a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on image generation conditions set as conditions for generating the image; an operation unit that can perform operations on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data, the first display data enabling the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit that can connect to a server via a network, the server controlling one or more second displays. The data is stored, and the second display data enables the display of a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen. The display control method of the electronic device includes: (B1) when the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data is being displayed on the display unit, when a second operation is received in which a selected part in the first setting screen is selected through the operation unit, sending second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server; (B2) splitting the first setting screen and the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data received from the server in response to the second operation position information on the display unit and displaying them simultaneously. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display system including the electronic device in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of the display system.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the authentication process.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the home screen, which belongs to the second setting screen.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the scan settings menu screen, which belongs to the second settings screen.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the scan settings screen and settings change screen, which belong to the second settings screen.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the settings change screen.

[0021] Figure 8This is a diagram illustrating a help screen that is displayed in full-screen format after being switched from the settings change screen to the first settings screen.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a help screen that also represents a transmissive full-screen display format belonging to the first setting screen.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a split settings screen where the settings change screen and help screen are displayed separately.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the setting change screen that is displayed when setting changes are made in the help screen of the split setting screen.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a split settings screen where the settings change screen and help screen are displayed separately.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the screen switching control routine.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the segmentation display processing routine.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the touch display control routine.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the save destination selection screen, which belongs to the first setting screen in the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the save destination details screen, which belongs to the first setting screen.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the designated save destination screen belonging to the first setting screen.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a split settings screen, showing that the save destination selection screen (belonging to the first settings screen) and the folder selection screen (belonging to the second settings screen) are displayed separately.

[0033] Figure 20 A schematic front view partially cut out to represent an image forming apparatus as an example of an electronic device. Detailed Implementation

[0034] First Implementation Method Hereinafter, the electronic device and the display system including the electronic device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 The structure of a display system 10, including an electronic device 11, is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the display system 10 includes an electronic device 11 and a server 20. The display system 10 may also include an authentication server 30. Here, the server 20 is referred to as the first server 20, and the authentication server 30 is referred to as the second server 30.

[0036] The first server 20 can also be a server owned by an ISV (Independent Software Vendor) or a scanner manufacturer. The first server 20 can also be a leased server borrowed by a supplier or scanner manufacturer. The first server 20 can also be an external server or a cloud server.

[0037] The display system 10 may also include a management computer 40 for managing the first server 20. The management computer 40 is connected to the first server 20. The management computer 40 is operated by an administrator affiliated with or authorized by the supplier or scanner manufacturer, thereby accessing the first server 20 and managing the programs and data stored on the first server 20. The management computer 40 performs tasks such as uploading and updating programs and data to the first server 20.

[0038] The display system 10 may also include a terminal device 45. The terminal device 45 may also be connected to the first server 20 in a communicable manner via a network (NW). The terminal device 45 may also be connected to the electronic device 11 in a communicable manner via a network (NW) such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The terminal device 45 may be a user-owned device or a device used as a destination for data transmission from the electronic device 11. The terminal device 45 may also be a host device used when the user issues instructions to the electronic device 11. The terminal device 45 has a display unit 46 and an input unit 47. Although the terminal device 45 may be, for example, a personal computer, it may also be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal (PDA), or a tablet PC, etc.

[0039] The electronic device 11 may, for example, be an apparatus for generating images using the medium M. In this case, the electronic device 11 may also include an image acquisition unit that acquires images from the medium M. Figure 1 In the example shown, electronic device 11 is an image reading device 12 that reads images from medium M. The image reading device 12 includes a reading unit 53 (see reference 53) that reads an original document M1, which is an example of medium M. Figure 2).

[0040] In other words, the image reading device 12 is a scanner that has a reading unit 53 as an image acquisition unit.

[0041] Furthermore, the electronic device 11 may also include a transport unit 54 for transporting the medium M, which is the object of image reading (see reference). Figure 2 In other words, the image reading device 12 can also be an image reading device with a paper feeding method that includes a transport section 54 for transporting the original document M1 in order to read an image from the original document M1.

[0042] Electronic device 11 is connected to servers 20 and 30 via a network such as the Internet in a manner that enables mutual communication. Users execute predetermined tasks by issuing instructions to electronic device 11. In the case of electronic device 11 being an image reading device 12... Figure 1 In the example shown, the user causes the electronic device 11 to perform image reading processing that allows the original document M1 to be read, as a pre-defined job processing.

[0043] Electronic device 11 includes a display unit 13. Electronic device 11 has a main body 12A. The display unit 13 is included in the main body 12A. The display unit 13 is, for example, a touch panel. The display unit 13, which is composed of a touch panel, has an operation unit 14, which is composed of touch panel functions that can be input through touch operation.

[0044] The second server 30 is, for example, an authentication server owned by the user's company. An authentication reader 18 is connected to the electronic device 11. The user of the electronic device 11 authenticates themselves by touching an authentication card 19 to the reader 18. The authentication card 19 is an IC card or similar device storing personal information, passwords, and other personal authentication information. The electronic device 11 receives the personal authentication information read from the authentication card 19 by the reader 18. The electronic device 11 sends the personal authentication information to the first server 20 via the network NW. The first server 20 sends the personal authentication information received from the electronic device 11 to the second server 30 and requests authentication processing. The second server 30 performs authentication processing based on the personal authentication information received from the first server 20. The second server 30 sends the authentication result information to the first server 20.

[0045] When the first server 20 confirms that the personal authentication has been completed based on the authentication result information received from the second server 30, it allows the electronic device 11 to log in and causes the display unit 13 to display the homepage screen BS1 (see reference). Figure 4Users can use electronic devices 11 that display the homepage BS1. Alternatively, the first server 20 can be configured to perform authentication functions instead of the second server 30. In this case, the second server 30 may not be configured.

[0046] Structure of electronic device 11 like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 11 includes a main body 12A. The main body 12A has a predetermined shape with a bevel on its front surface. The electronic device 11 uses a medium M to generate an image. The medium M is, for example, an original document M1. The electronic device 11 is, for example, an image reading device 12. The image reading device 12 reads the original document M1 and generates an image. The image reading device 12 has a display unit 13. The electronic device 11 has a display unit 13. The display unit 13 is disposed on the front surface of the main body 12A. The display unit 13 may also be, for example, a touch panel.

[0047] The image reading device 12 causes the display unit 13 to display a setting screen. The setting screen is a screen provided to the user based on the image generation conditions established as conditions for generating the image. The electronic device 11 causes the display unit 13 to display one or more setting screens. These multiple setting screens have a hierarchical structure, and relationships are established between the hierarchical levels. Details regarding the setting screens will be described later.

[0048] The electronic device 11 includes an operation unit 14. The operation unit 14 is configured to allow operation of selecting a selected section from a settings screen displayed on the display unit 13. One or more settings screens include settings screens showing selected sections that can be selected by the user through operation of the operation unit 14. If the display unit 13 is a touch panel, the operation unit 14 may also be configured using the touch operation function of the touch panel. In this case, the structure may be such that the user selects a selected section from the settings screen displayed on the display unit 13 by touching the operation unit 14, which is configured using the touch panel of the display unit 13. The display unit 13 displays a home screen (menu screen) and a settings screen that allows setting image reading conditions, such as image generation conditions. The settings screen includes selectable sections composed of buttons, options, sliders, etc.

[0049] The operation unit 14 may also be configured to input the required information based on touch operations performed by the user on the display screen of the display unit 13 when an instruction is given to the image reading device 12. Furthermore, touch operations may include dragging, tapping, and swiping. A tap is an operation where a finger touches the screen and immediately removes it. Touch operations may also include a double tap (tap twice quickly). A swiping is an operation where the fingertip quickly slides up, down, left, or right and then leaves. Touch operations may also include a swipe operation (slowly sliding across the screen).

[0050] In addition, the electronic device 11 may also include an operating unit 14A consisting of a mechanical switch.

[0051] The operation unit 14A may also include selection buttons. These selection buttons may include buttons that allow selection in the up, down, left, or right directions, or buttons that allow selection in either the up or down or left and right directions. The selection buttons may also include a plus button that increases the value and a minus button that decreases the value. The electronic device 11 may also include both an operation unit 14A composed of a touch panel and an operation unit 14A composed of a mechanical switch.

[0052] The image reading device 12 includes a document support 16 on which original documents M1 are placed. The document support 16 extends obliquely upward toward the rear side of the main body 12A. The document support 16 is configured to hold multiple original documents M1. The document support 16 has a pair of edge guides 16A that are slidable in the width direction of the original documents M1. The user positions the original documents M1 on the document support 16 in the width direction by sliding the pair of edge guides 16A. The image reading device 12 includes a stacker 17, which is housed in an outlet portion of the lower opening of the main body 12A in a manner that allows it to slide in the front-back direction.

[0053] The original manuscript M1, placed on the original manuscript support 16, is fed sheet by sheet into the main body 12A through a feed port that opens at the top. The fed original manuscript M1 is conveyed within the main body 12A along a predetermined transport path (not shown), and after its image is read at a reading position midway through its transport, it is discharged from a discharge port that opens at the lower front side of the main body 12A. The original manuscript M1, after its image has been read within the main body 12A, is discharged into the stacker 17, which is in an extended state.

[0054] Electrical structure of display system 10 Next, refer to Figure 2 The electrical and functional structures of the display system 10 will be described below. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the display system 10 includes an electronic device 11 and a server 20. The server 20 is connected to the electronic device 11 via a network NW in a manner that enables it to control the display unit 13 of the electronic device 11.

[0055] The electronic device 11 includes a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a first storage unit 55 (as an example of a storage unit), a communication unit 65, and a control unit 50. The display unit 13 is configured to display a setting screen that allows the user to visually confirm the settings for image generation. The operation unit 14 is configured to allow operation of selecting a selected element from the setting screen.

[0056] The first storage unit 55 stores one or more first display data D1, which enables a first setting screen NS, which is a display mode of a setting screen, to be displayed. A display mode of a setting screen refers to a setting screen display mode obtained based on the first display data D1 created by the scanner manufacturer and stored in the first storage unit 55. The setting screen of the display mode created by the scanner manufacturer is the first setting screen NS.

[0057] The first setup screen NS is the setup screen inherent to the image reading device 12, i.e., the native UI.

[0058] The communication unit 65 is configured to connect to the server 20 via a network NW. The server 20 stores one or more sets of second display data D2, which enables the display of a second setting screen BS, which is an alternative display mode of the setting screen. This alternative display mode of the setting screen refers to a display mode of the setting screen obtained based on the second display data D2 produced by the supplier or manufacturer and stored in the server 20. The alternative display mode of the setting screen produced by the supplier or manufacturer is the second setting screen BS. The second setting screen BS is an easy-to-use setting screen carefully designed by the supplier or manufacturer for customers in a specific field. The second setting screen BS is a browser UI provided via the server 20 and via a network NW such as the Internet.

[0059] When the second setting screen BS, obtained based on the second display data D2, is being displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 processes the first operation in which the selected section in the second setting screen BS is selected by the operation unit 14. When the first operation is processed, the control unit 50 splits the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS, obtained based on the first display data D1 associated with the first operation, on the display unit 13 and displays them simultaneously.

[0060] The electronic device 11 also includes a function control unit 51. The function control unit 51 is composed of function-providing application software, etc., that provides functions of the electronic device 11 to the server 20. The function control unit 51 processes instructions received by the communication unit 65 from the server 20. The function control unit 51 then transfers the instructions received from the server 20 to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the image reading device 12 according to the instructions from the function control unit 51. That is, the control unit 50 controls the reading unit 53, the transport unit 54, and the display driving circuit 56, etc., according to the instructions from the function control unit 51. Furthermore, when the function control unit 51 receives a request from the control unit 50, it invokes the server to request a response. The structure within the server 20, which sends instructions to the electronic device 11, will be described later.

[0061] The electronic device 11 may also include a setting unit 52. The setting unit 52 is configured with setting information related to the display mode of the display unit 13, such as displaying a setting screen. Administrators can write setting information to the setting unit 52 from the server 20 using the management computer 40, or users can write setting information to the setting unit 52 by operating the operation unit 14 of the electronic device 11. Furthermore, users can also write setting information to the setting unit 52 by operating the operation unit of the terminal device 45, which is connected to the electronic device 11 in a communicative manner. The setting information is information that sets the display mode of the first setting screen associated with the first operation when a second setting screen is displayed on the display unit 13 and a first operation is performed on the second setting screen. The setting information is information that sets either a full-screen display or a split-screen display. When the setting information of the setting unit 52 is full-screen display information, the first display control unit 61 switches the display content of the display unit 13 so that the first setting screen, the object of display, is displayed on the entire screen. When the setting information of the setting unit 52 is split display information, the split display control unit 63 splits the display unit 13 so that the second setting screen and the first setting screen are displayed simultaneously.

[0062] For example, NS1, which belongs to the first setting screen NS (see reference). Figure 8 The setting information displayed on the display unit 13 in full-screen mode, for example, is set to "00". Furthermore, for example, as a help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS (see...) Figure 9 The setting information is displayed in full screen on the display unit 13, for example, it is set to "01". Help screen NS2 and Figure 8The help screen NS1 shown differs in that it has a transmissive area 88 at the edge for background transmission. That is, setting information "00" indicates normal (non-transmissive) full-screen display, and setting information "01" indicates transmissive full-screen display. Additionally, for example, a split setting screen SS1 (see [reference]) is used to split the display of the transmissive help screen NS2 (belonging to the first setting screen NS) and the second setting screen BS. Figure 10 The setting information displayed on the display unit 13 is, for example, set to "10". Furthermore, for example, a split setting screen SS2 (see reference) is displayed separately for the normal (non-transmissive) help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS. Figure 12 The setting information displayed on the display unit 13 is, for example, set to "11". The difference between full-screen mode and split mode, as well as the difference between non-transmissive mode and transmissive mode, is determined based on the 2-digit setting information.

[0063] The setting unit 52 is referenced by the control unit 50, which receives the first operation. The setting unit 52 sets either full-screen display or split-screen display to be active. When full-screen display is active, if the control unit 50 receives the first operation while the second setting screen BS is being displayed on the display unit 13, it switches from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS. When split-screen display is active, if the control unit 50 receives the first operation while the second setting screen BS is being displayed on the display unit 13, it splits the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS on the display unit 13 and displays them simultaneously.

[0064] Electronic device 11 includes an actuation unit, which operates using a medium M (refer to...) Figure 1 The image reading device 12, as an example of an electronic device 11, includes a reading unit 53 as an example of an action unit. The reading unit 53 performs a reading operation to read an image of an original document M1, which is an example of a medium M. The image reading device 12 may further include a transport unit 54 as an example of an action unit. The transport unit 54 performs a transport operation to transport the medium M.

[0065] Electronic device 11 includes a computer (not shown). The computer includes a CPU and a first storage unit 55. The control unit 50 and the function control unit 51 are not limited to components that perform software processing for all the processes they execute. For example, the control unit 50 and the function control unit 51 may also include dedicated hardware circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits: ASICs) that perform hardware processing for at least a portion of the processes they execute. That is, the control unit 50 and the function control unit 51 may be configured as a circuit, which includes one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a portion of various processes, or combinations thereof. The processor includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and storage units 55 (memory) such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 55 stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes all media that can be accessed using a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0066] The electronic device 11 includes a control unit 50 and a function control unit 51 as functional units. These functional units are configured by software, executing a first program PG1 stored in a storage unit 55 via a computer. Furthermore, the setting unit 52 may also be configured using a portion of the storage area of ​​the storage unit 55.

[0067] The control unit 50 includes a switching display control unit 60 and a split display control unit 63. Furthermore, at least one of the switching display control unit 60 and the split display control unit 63 may also include hardware such as electronic circuitry in a portion thereof.

[0068] The display switching control unit 60 includes a first display control unit 61 and a second display control unit 62. The display switching control unit 60 has the function of switching the control subject of the display unit 13 between the first display control unit 61 and the second display control unit 62 to one. In other words, the display switching control unit 60 switches between a first setting screen and a second setting screen.

[0069] The first display control unit 61 causes the display unit 13 to display a first setting screen, which is a type of setting screen, based on the first display data D1. The setting screen functions as a user interface (UI) operated when the user gives instructions to the electronic device 11. The first setting screen is displayed on the display unit 13 based on the first display data D1 stored in the first storage unit 55 by the electronic device 11. The first setting screen is the native UI displayed on the display unit 13 by the electronic device manufacturer based on the first display data D1 pre-stored in the first storage unit 55. In detail, the first display control unit 61 reads a first display data D1 that should be displayed from the first storage unit 55. Moreover, the first display control unit 61 stores the read first display data D1 in the display buffer 64 of the display driver circuit 56. Then, the display driver circuit 56 causes the display unit 13 to display the first setting screen NS obtained based on the first display data D1 stored in the display buffer 64.

[0070] The second display control unit 62 includes a browser. The second display control unit 62 causes the browser to generate a second setting screen based on second display data D2 received from the server 20. The second display control unit 62 displays the second setting screen based on the second display data D2 on the display unit 13 via the browser function. The second setting screen is displayed on the display unit 13 based on second display data D2 produced by suppliers such as IVS. The second setting screen is, for example, a browser UI. The second display control unit 62 receives a second display data D2 from the server 20 via the function control unit 51. The second display control unit 62 stores the received second display data D2 in the display buffer 64 of the display driver circuit 56. The display driver circuit 56 causes the display unit 13 to display the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 stored in the display buffer 64.

[0071] The split display control unit 63 performs split display control, which splits and simultaneously displays a first setting screen and a second setting screen on the display unit 13. The split display control unit 63 acquires first display data D1, which is the source of the first setting screen, and second display data D2, which is the source of the second setting screen. The split display control unit 63 acquires the first display data D1 from the first storage unit 55 via the first display control unit 61. The split display control unit 63 acquires the second display data D2 from the server 20 via the function control unit 51.

[0072] The split display control unit 63 stores the first display data D1 in a portion of the display buffer 64 and the second display data D2 in another portion of the display buffer 64. The split display control unit 63 may also process the first display data D1 and the second display data D2. In this case, the display data to be processed may be at least one of the first display data D1 and the second display data D2.

[0073] Electrical structure of server 20 Next, the structure of server 20 will be described. For example... Figure 2 As shown, server 20 includes server-side control unit 21 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "control unit 21"), server-side display control unit 22 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "display control unit 22"), second split display control unit 23, and second storage unit 24. Server 20 has a communication unit 25 capable of communicating with electronic device 11 via network NW. Server 20 includes a computer. Second storage unit 24 stores one or more second display data D2, which enables the display of a second setting screen BS as another display mode of the setting screen. Second storage unit 24 stores a second program PG2. Server-side display control unit 22 sends an instruction to display unit 13 to display the second setting screen BS obtained based on second display data D2 to electronic device 11 along with the second display data D2. By executing the second program PG2 by computer, the functions of control unit 21, display control unit 22, and second split display control unit 23 are constituted.

[0074] The control unit 21 is responsible for authentication processing and control of the electronic device 11. When the control unit 21 processes the authentication request along with personal authentication information from the electronic device 11, it sends a request to the second server 30 (see reference). Figure 1 The system requests authentication of personal authentication information. If the personal authentication information has been authenticated based on the authentication result information from the second server 30, the first server 20 allows login to the electronic device 11.

[0075] The second display data D2 and the second program PG2 are provided by the supplier or manufacturer, etc. The supplier or manufacturer, etc., manages the computer 40 (see reference). Figure 1 The system operates on the input unit 41 to upload the second display data D2 and the second program PG2 from the management computer 40 to the first server 20. The uploaded second display data D2 and the second program PG2 are stored in the second storage unit 24. The second display data D2 and the second program PG2 stored in the second storage unit 24 are updated periodically or irregularly through access from the management computer 40 to the first server 20.

[0076] The computer of the first server 20 executes the second program PG2. The control unit 21, the display control unit 22, and the second split display control unit 23 are composed of software configured by executing the second program PG2 on the computer.

[0077] The control unit 21 controls the certified electronic device 11. The control unit 21 controls the electronic device 11 from the server 20 via the network NW based on the second program PG2. The control unit 21 is responsible for controls other than display control, such as causing the display unit 13 within the electronic device 11 to display a setting screen.

[0078] Control unit 21 issues instructions to electronic device 11. These instructions are sent from server 20 to electronic device 11 via network NW. Function control unit 51 within electronic device 11 receives the instructions from server 20. Function control unit 51 then transfers the instructions received from server 20 to control unit 50. Control unit 50 controls electronic device 11 according to the instructions received from function control unit 51. In the case where electronic device 11 is an image reading device 12, control unit 50 controls the operation of reading unit 53 and transport unit 54, which are examples of operating units, according to the instructions received from function control unit 51.

[0079] The display control unit 22 receives the display control information from the server 20 via the network NW. The display control unit 22 controls the settings screen and other elements displayed on the display unit 13 of the electronic device 11. The display control unit 22 is primarily responsible for controlling the display of the second settings screen, which is composed of a browser UI.

[0080] The display control unit 22 implements display control of the display unit 13 by sending second display data D2 and a display instruction to the electronic device 11. The display instruction includes an instruction for the display unit 13 to display a second setting screen obtained based on the second display data D2. The function control unit 51 within the electronic device 11 receives the display instruction and the second display data D2 from the server 20. The function control unit 51 transfers the display system instruction and the second display data D2 received from the server 20 to the second display control unit 62 within the control unit 50. The second display control unit 62 controls the display unit 13 based on the display system instruction and the second display data D2 received from the function control unit 51. That is, the second display control unit 62 controls the display driving circuit 56 based on the display system instruction and the second display data D2. The second display control unit 62 stores the second display data D2 in the display buffer 64 of the display driving circuit 56 according to the display system instruction.

[0081] The second split-display control unit 23 issues a main display instruction related to split-display control to the display unit 13 in the display control of the electronic device 11. This display instruction is sent from the server 20 to the electronic device 11 via the network NW. The function control unit 51 within the electronic device 11 receives the display instruction from the server 20. The display instruction may include, for example, commands related to split-display. The function control unit 51, according to the commands in the display instruction received from the server 20, delivers the display instruction to the split-display control unit 63 within the control unit 50. The split-display control unit 63 implements the split-display control of the display unit 13 according to the display instruction received from the function control unit 51. The split-display control unit 63 controls the display driving circuit 56 based on the display instruction received from the function control unit 51. The split-display control unit 63 stores first display data D1 in one part and second display data D2 in another part of the display buffer 64 of the display driving circuit 56 based on the display instruction, thereby causing the display unit 13 to split-display the second setting screen and the first setting screen.

[0082] The server-side display control unit 22 causes the display unit 13 to display the second setting screen BS obtained based on the second display data D2. When the second setting screen BS is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 of the electronic device 11 processes the first operation of selecting the selected part in the second setting screen BS through the operation unit 14. Then, the server-side display control unit 22 processes the operation location information based on the first operation from the electronic device 11 via the network NW.

[0083] The second split display control unit 23 sends a display instruction to the electronic device, which instructs the display unit 13 to display a first setting screen NS obtained based on first display data D1 associated with the received operation location information. By issuing this display instruction to the electronic device 11, the second split display control unit 23 causes the control unit 50 to split and simultaneously display the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS obtained based on the first display data D1 read from the first storage unit 55 on the display unit 13.

[0084] Regarding the second setting screen BS Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6 Let's explain the second setting screen (BS).

[0085] Figure 3 The authentication screen BS0 contains a message MS1 and a personal authentication information input field 70. The message MS1 indicates that the user is prompted to perform personal authentication. Personal authentication information is entered by entering the user ID and password into the input field 70, or by touching the authentication card 19 to the reader 18.

[0086] Figure 4 The home screen BS1 is displayed on the display unit 13 when authentication is completed on the authentication screen BS0. The home screen BS1 includes multiple (e.g., three) options 71 to 73 for setting image reading conditions during scanning. Specifically, the home screen BS1 includes a first option 71 for selecting "standard scan," a second option 72 for selecting "scan," and a third option 73 for selecting "favorite." The "standard scan" option 71 is not added to the first setting screen but rather to the home screen BS1 on the second setting screen side.

[0087] Figure 5 The final scan menu screen BS2 is displayed on the display unit 13 when the first option 71 is selected on the main screen BS1. The final scan menu screen BS2 includes a selection button 74 that allows users to select the scan settings prepared for final scan on the server 20 side. Users who wish to use final scan will select the option button 74.

[0088] Figure 6 The display unit 13 includes a scan setting screen BS3 and a scan setting change screen BS4 (hereinafter also referred to as "setting change screen BS4"). When a selection operation is performed on the selection button 74 in the scan menu screen BS2, the scan setting screen BS3 is displayed on the display unit 13. The setting change screen BS4 includes scan setting information 75, a setting change button 76, a save button 77, and a scroll bar 78. The scan setting information 75 is an information display bar showing the specific content of the scan settings as image reading conditions. The scan setting information 75 includes setting items and the setting content (including setting values) for each setting item.

[0089] The setting change button 76 is a button for the user to select when changing the scan settings. The save button 77 is a button for the user to update the scan settings by saving the changed settings. The user, having confirmed the scan setting information 75, will select the setting change button 76 to make changes. For example, when the user touches and selects the setting change button 76, the setting change screen BS4 will be displayed on the display unit 13.

[0090] Figure 6The shown settings change screen BS4 includes a settings change list 80. The settings change list 80 contains multiple settings change options 81. Settings change options 81 are, for example, buttons where the user selects the reading conditions for which they want to change the settings. Settings change options 81 are set for each reading condition. Settings change options 81 contain setting information 82 representing the setting content of each reading condition. Furthermore, the settings change screen BS4 includes an OK button 83, a stop button 84, and a scroll bar 78. The OK button 83 is operated when settings changes are completed. When the OK button 83 is operated, the user returns to the scan settings screen BS3 with the settings changes temporarily saved. When the stop button 84 is operated, the user returns to the scan settings screen BS3 with the settings changes canceled.

[0091] exist Figure 6 In the settings change screen BS4 shown, the user can scroll the screen by operating the scroll bar 78, thereby visually confirming the overall set of multiple settings change options 81.

[0092] Multiple setting change options 81 include the following reading conditions: image color mode (color / monochrome), file format (PDF / JPEG / TIFF, etc.), compression rate, resolution (200 / 400 / 600dpi, etc.), reading surface setting (single-sided / double-sided), original document reading (automatic detection / manual operation), original document orientation, original document type, density, background removal, blank page removal, continuous ADF reading, text sharpening, overlap feed detection, and document tilt detection.

[0093] As a means of changing the setting information 82, it may also include a method that displays options in the form of a drop-down menu when the setting information 82 is selected, a slider 82A, and a slider 82B for switching on / off.

[0094] Regarding the help function and help screen Next, refer to Figures 7 to 9 This section explains the help functions and help screen in the BS4 settings change screen. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the settings change screen BS4 has a help icon 85 located in a position corresponding to at least one settings change option 81. The help icon 85 is the icon selected by the user when they want to view the description of a settings item for which they wish to read the settings. Figure 7In the example shown, help icon 85 is assigned to only one setting item. Help icon 85 can be assigned to all setting items or only to a subset of setting items. Furthermore, when the user selects setting change option 81, help icon 85 can also be assigned at the position corresponding to the selected setting change option 81. In this embodiment, help icon 85 represents an example of the selected section.

[0095] When the control unit 50 is displaying the second setting screen BS on the display unit 13, upon receiving a first operation, it switches from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS obtained based on first display data D1 associated with the first operation. Specifically, when the control unit 50 receives a first operation that selects the help icon 85, it displays the help screen NS1 on the display unit 13 in a display mode corresponding to the setting information set in the setting unit 52. Figure 8 ) or help screen NS2 ( Figure 9 Help screens NS1 and NS2 belong to the first settings screen NS.

[0096] Figure 8 The help screen NS1 is displayed in a non-transparent full-screen mode. Help screen NS1 contains information MS2 consisting of explanatory text for the settings items corresponding to help icon 85. Help screen NS2 includes an OK button 86 and a close button 87.

[0097] Figure 9 The help screen NS2 is displayed in a transmissive full-screen mode. Help screen NS2 contains information MS2 consisting of explanatory text for the settings items corresponding to help icon 85. Help screen NS1 includes an OK button 86 and a close button 87.

[0098] When the OK button 86 is selected, you can either close the help screens NS1 and NS2 and switch back to the original setting change screen BS4, or switch to a separate setting change screen corresponding to that setting item. When the OK button 86 is selected, the separate setting change screen corresponding to that setting item can also be displayed in a portion of the help screens NS1 and NS2.

[0099] In addition, Figure 8 , Figure 9 In the help screens NS1 and NS2 shown, even if the close button 87 is omitted, the title bar area HA1 can also be the title bar area of ​​a predetermined screen belonging to the second setting screen BS. That is to say, the title bar area HA1 can also be part of a predetermined screen belonging to the second setting screen BS.

[0100] Regarding split display Next, refer to Figures 10 to 12 This section explains the split setting screen, which is located in the second setting screen BS4 and includes the help screens NS1 and NS2, which belong to the first setting screen NS.

[0101] Figure 10 A split setting screen SS1 is shown, which separates and displays the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS simultaneously. In the split setting screen SS1, a setting change screen BS4, which belongs to the original second setting screen BS, and a help screen NS2, which belongs to the first setting screen NS that has been added from the original screen, are displayed separately. The help screen NS2 is a separate help display screen that individually displays help information related to a setting item corresponding to the help icon 85.

[0102] When the control unit 50 performs a split display on the display unit 13, the display area of ​​the help screen NS2 is divided into a larger size compared to the display area of ​​the second setting screen BS. The display area of ​​the help screen NS2 occupies more than 1 / 2 of the display area of ​​the display unit 13.

[0103] When the control unit 50 is displaying the second setting screen BS, upon receiving a first operation to select the help icon 85, it simultaneously displays the second setting screen BS and the help screens NS2 and NS3, which are associated with the first setting screen NS and the help icon 85, on the display unit 13. The first operation is to select the help icon 85 in the second setting screen BS as the selection unit.

[0104] The help screen NS2 includes an OK button 86 and a setting operation section 89. The OK button 86 has... Figure 8 , Figure 9 The OK button 86 in the full-screen help screens NS1 and NS2 shown has the same function. The setting operation unit 89 is configured to change the setting content related to the setting change option 81, wherein the setting change option 81 corresponds to the help icon 85, which is an example of a selected part selected by the first operation. The setting operation unit 89 is, for example, a setting change button. By operating the setting operation unit 89, the user can change the setting content on the help screen NS2 side, where the help information has been confirmed, even without operating the setting change screen BS4. When the control unit 50 receives an operation from the setting operation unit 89 in the help screen NS2, the change of setting content is reflected in the setting change option 81 corresponding to the help screen NS2.

[0105] In the segmented setting screen SS1, the display area of ​​each screen is reduced by segmenting the display. The first display data D1 and the second display data D2 can also be processed to ensure that the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS are displayed in the reduced display area with as little content as possible. Figure 10 In the example shown, the two screens BS4 and NS2 that are displayed in a split manner can also reduce the size of the images in the split direction (arrangement direction) at a ratio corresponding to the proportion of each display area, or reduce the size of the images of text and component elements such as sliders 82A and 82B in the split direction. Alternatively, the layout of the component elements in the two screens BS4 and NS2 that are displayed in a split manner can also be changed to match the size of the split display area.

[0106] Figure 11 The settings change screen BS4 is the screen to be switched to as a result of settings changes made in the split settings screen SS1. For example... Figure 11 As shown in the settings change screen BS4, for example, the setting of the "Background Removal" setting item is changed from "0" to "+3".

[0107] Figure 12 A split setting screen SS2 is used to separate and simultaneously display the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS. In the split setting screen SS2, a setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS and a help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS are displayed separately. The help screen NS3 is a help list display screen. When the control unit 50 performs split display on the display unit 13, the display area of ​​the help screen NS3 is divided into a larger size compared to the display area of ​​the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS. The display area of ​​the help screen NS3 occupies more than half of the display area of ​​the display unit 13.

[0108] exist Figure 12 In this context, the first setting screen NS, which is added in a manner associated with the first operation, is a help list display screen containing a help list 90, namely, help screen NS3. Help screen NS3 is a screen containing the help list 90, in which multiple help options 91 are arranged with titles labeled with help information related to each setting item. When a desired help option 91 is selected in help screen NS3, it switches to a screen containing explanatory text related to the function of that setting item. Figure 10 The split setting screen SS1 is shown. Additionally, when selecting a desired help option 91 in the help screen NS3, it is also possible to switch to including explanatory text related to the function of that setting item as message MS2. Figure 8The help screen shown is NS1 or Figure 9 The help screen shown is NS2.

[0109] Regarding scrolling operations in split-screen mode Next, refer to Figure 10 , Figure 12 The scrolling operation in the split setting screens SS1 and SS2 will be explained. There are three types of scrolling actions when the user performs a scrolling operation in the split setting screens SS1 and SS2: a first scrolling action, a second scrolling action, and a third scrolling action. When the display unit 13 is a touch panel with an operation unit 14 on the display screen, the scrolling operation is performed through the user's touch operation (e.g., swiping). In the split setting screens SS1 and SS2, the scrolling operation is performed on one of the screens: the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS and the help screens NS2 and NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS.

[0110] First rolling action When the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for the second setting screen BS, even if the second setting screen BS is scrolled, the first setting screen NS will not scroll. Figure 10 In the split setting screen SS1 shown, when the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, even if the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS is scrolled, the help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS will not scroll. Furthermore, in Figure 12 In the split setting screen SS2 shown, when the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, even if the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS scrolls, the help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS will not scroll. Here, if the help screens NS2 and NS3 scroll together with the setting change screen BS4, it will be difficult to confirm the information on the help screens NS2 and NS3.

[0111] Second rolling action When the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for the first setting screen NS, even if the first setting screen NS is scrolled, the second setting screen BS will not scroll. Figure 10 In the split setting screen SS1 shown, when the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for the help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS, even if the help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS is scrolled, the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS will not scroll. Furthermore, in Figure 12In the split setting screen SS2 shown, when the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for the help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS, even if the help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS is scrolled, the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS will not scroll. In this second scrolling operation, the help screens NS2 and NS3 can be scrolled while the setting change screen BS4 is still displayed, thereby also confirming other information (such as help information).

[0112] Third rolling action When the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for either the first setting screen NS or the second setting screen BS, it causes both the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS to scroll together. Figure 10 In the split setting screen SS1 shown, when the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for either the help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS or the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, it scrolls both the help screen NS2 and the setting change screen BS4 together. In this case, scrolling can also switch the help screen NS2 sequentially to the help screen NS2 corresponding to the next setting item. Furthermore, in Figure 12 In the split setting screen SS2 shown, when the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for either the help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS or the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, it scrolls both the help screen NS3 and the setting change screen BS4 together. In this case, even when scrolling, the correspondence between the setting change option 81 of the setting change screen BS4 and the help option 91 of the help screen NS3 is maintained. Since the help screens NS2 and NS3 scroll together when the setting change screen BS4 is scrolled during this third scrolling action, the effort and time spent searching for help information in the help screens NS2 and NS3 can be saved.

[0113] The role of the first embodiment Next, refer to Figures 13 to 15 The functions of electronic device 11 and display system 10 will be explained below.

[0114] Users through Figure 7 The first operation of selecting the help icon 85 is performed on the setting change screen BS4, thereby displaying the help screen NS2 or NS3. While reading the explanatory text related to the setting items recorded in the setting change option 81 and confirming their functions on the help screen NS2 or NS3, the user proceeds with the setting change operation for the image reading conditions. The processing performed by the control unit 50 of the electronic device 11 during this process will be described below.

[0115] Screen switching control routine First, refer to Figure 13 The screen switching control program executed by the control unit 50 that detected the first operation will be explained.

[0116] In step S11, the control unit 50 determines whether a first operation has been received. Specifically, it determines whether the user has touched the help icon 85. If a first operation has occurred, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S12; otherwise, it waits until a first operation occurs.

[0117] In step S12, the control unit 50 determines whether it is a segmentation mode. Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether the display mode set by the setting unit 52 is a segmentation pattern. If it is a segmentation mode, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S16; if it is a mode other than a segmentation mode, it proceeds to step S13.

[0118] In step S13, the control unit 50 determines whether it is in full-screen display mode. If it is in full-screen display mode, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S15; otherwise, it proceeds to step S14.

[0119] In step S14, the control unit 50 determines the transmissive pattern. That is, the control unit 50 determines the transmissive full-screen display mode.

[0120] In step S15, the control unit 50 switches entirely to the help screen. Specifically, when the full-screen display mode (set to "Yes" in step S13) is enabled, the entire screen will switch from... Figure 7 The settings change screen shown in BS4 has been switched to Figure 8 The non-transparent help screen NS1 is shown. On the other hand, when the transmissive mode (step S14) is set, the entire screen will be displayed from... Figure 7 The settings change screen shown in BS4 has been switched to Figure 9 The help screen NS2 is shown in a transmissive manner. In help screen NS2, the settings change screen BS4, which is part of the previous screen, is displayed in a transmissive state in the transmissive area 88.

[0121] On the other hand, in step S16, the control unit 50 determines whether the displayed pattern is a standalone pattern or a list of patterns. If the displayed pattern is a standalone pattern, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S17; if the displayed pattern is a list of patterns, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S18.

[0122] In step S17, the control unit 50 switches to a split display that simultaneously displays the setting change screen BS4, which belongs to the second setting screen, and the help screen NS2, which is displayed separately as a help screen.

[0123] In step S18, the control unit 50 switches to a split display that simultaneously displays the setting change screen BS4, which belongs to the second setting screen, and the help screen NS3, which is a help list display screen.

[0124] Furthermore, in steps S16 to S18, the control unit 50 notifies the server 20 of the first operation position information on the screen where the first operation has been performed via the function control unit 51 and the communication unit 65, and receives a display instruction from the server 20 as a response to indicate the display mode. In step S16, the control unit 50 determines the display pattern indicated by the received display instruction. Next, details of the split display process, including the communication process with the server 20, will be explained.

[0125] Split display control routine Reference Figure 14 The segmented display processing routine will be explained below. The control unit 50 is located in... Figure 13 If the segmentation display process is implemented in steps S16 to S18, then execute... Figure 14 The segmented display process is shown below.

[0126] First, in step S171, the control unit 50 notifies the server 20 of the first operation position information.

[0127] In the next step S172, the control unit 50 receives the display instruction associated with the first operation position from the server 20.

[0128] In the next step S173, the control unit 50 performs a processing procedure to divide the first display data D1 based on the display instruction into segmented display sizes. This processing includes image compression (including reduction) and layout modification. Even in the display area that has been segmented through this processing, necessary information from the first display data D1 will not be omitted from the display. However, less important information within the first display data D1 may be omitted.

[0129] In step S174, the control unit 50 performs a processing procedure to divide the second display data D2 into segmented display sizes. This processing includes image compression (including reduction) and layout modification. Even in the display area where the display has been segmented through this processing, necessary information from the second display data D2 will not be omitted from the display. However, less important information within the second display data D2 may be omitted.

[0130] In step S175, the control unit 50 updates the display buffer 64 using first display data D1 and second display data D2, and displays it on the display unit 13. Specifically, the control unit 50 updates a portion of the display buffer 64 using the processed first display data D1, and updates another portion of the display buffer 64 using the processed second display data D2. The display driving circuit 56 causes the display unit 13 to display a setting change screen BS4 based on the first display data D1 stored in a portion of the display buffer 64, and a help screen NS2 or NS3 based on the second display data D2 stored in the other portion of the display buffer 64. As a result, the display unit 13 displays a screen containing… Figure 10 The shown screen is the split settings screen SS1 of the help screen NS2, which is displayed separately as a help screen, or includes... Figure 12 The image shown is the SS2 screen of the NS3 help screen, which displays the help list.

[0131] Touch display control routine Next, refer to Figure 15 This section explains the touch display control when a user touches the help screen NS1, NS2 or the split setting screen SS1, SS2. Users can perform screen operations such as button operations or scrolling operations by touching the screen of the display unit 13.

[0132] In step S21, the control unit 50 determines whether a screen operation has been performed. If a screen operation has been performed, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S22; otherwise, it waits until a screen operation occurs.

[0133] The processing in steps S22, S30, and S31 is as follows: Figure 13The processes in steps S12, S13, and S14 are the same. Through the processes in steps S22, S30, and S31, it is determined whether the display is in split mode (step S22), full-screen display mode (step S30), or transmissive mode (step S31). That is, since the content controlled by the touch will differ depending on whether it is in split mode or full-screen display mode (non-transmissive / transmissive), the mode of the screen must be determined. The control unit 50 determines the mode based on the setting information from the setting unit 52.

[0134] In step S22, the control unit 50 determines whether it is in segmentation mode. If it is in segmentation mode, it proceeds to step S23; otherwise, it proceeds to step S30. (Regarding the context of...) Figure 10 The split setting screen shown is SS1 or Figure 12 When screen operation is performed on the split setting screen SS2 shown, the control unit 50 determines that it is a split mode based on the setting information of the setting unit 52.

[0135] In step S23, the control unit 50 determines whether the first setting screen NS has been operated. The split setting screens SS1 and SS2 include a help screen NS2 or NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS, and a setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS. In this example, the control unit 50 determines whether the help screen NS2 or NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS has been operated. If the first setting screen NS has not been operated, that is, if the second setting screen BS has been operated, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the first setting screen NS has been operated, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S27.

[0136] In step S24, the control unit 50 notifies the server 20 of the operation position. Specifically, the split-screen display control unit 63 within the control unit 50 obtains the operation position coordinates of the display screen based on the operation signal from the operation unit 14, and notifies the server 20 of these coordinates as operation position information via the function control unit 51. Specifically, the function control unit 51 invokes the server 20 and sends the operation position information obtained from the split-screen display control unit 63 to the server 20.

[0137] In step S25, the control unit 50 obtains second display data D2 associated with the first operating position from the server 20. In the server 20, the second split display control unit 23, having received the first operating position information, reads the second display data D2 associated with the first operating position information from the second storage unit 24. The second split display control unit 23 sends a display instruction, indicating the display, along with the read second display data D2 to the electronic device 11 in response.

[0138] In the next step S26, the control unit 50 updates the second display data D2 of the display buffer only on the second setting screen BS side, and performs split display on the display unit 13. Through this process, the setting change screen BS4, which belongs to the second setting screen BS within the split setting screen SS1 or SS2, is updated with content corresponding to the screen operation. Thus, for example, scrolling operations, changing setting information 82, and sliding operations of sliders 82A and 82B are performed on the setting change screen BS4. At this time, if a scrolling operation is performed, a second scrolling action is executed. Therefore, the second setting screen BS scrolls, while the first setting screen NS does not scroll.

[0139] On the other hand, in step S27, the control unit 50 notifies the first display control unit 61 of the operation position. Specifically, the split display control unit 63 within the control unit 50 obtains the operation position coordinates of the display screen based on the operation signal from the operation unit 14, and notifies the first display control unit 61 of these coordinates as operation position information.

[0140] In step S28, the control unit 50 obtains first display data D1 associated with the operation position from the first display control unit 61. Specifically, the first display control unit 61 reads the first display data D1 associated with the operation position information from the first storage unit 55 and sends it to the split display control unit 63. Thus, the split display control unit 63 within the control unit 50 obtains the first display data D1 associated with the operation position information.

[0141] In step S29, the control unit 50 updates the first display data D1 of the display buffer only on the first setting screen NS side, and performs split display on the display unit 13. Through this process, the help screen NS2 or NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS within the split setting screen SS1 or SS2 is updated with content corresponding to the screen operation. Thus, for example, button operations in help screen NS2 or NS3, scrolling operations in help screen NS3, and selection operations in help option 91 are performed. At this time, if a scrolling operation is performed, a first scrolling action is performed. Therefore, the first setting screen NS scrolls, while the second setting screen BS does not scroll. For example, it is possible to make... Figure 12 The help screen NS3, which serves as a help list within the split settings screen SS2 shown, can be scrolled to search for the desired help option 91. Additionally, Figure 10 The help screen NS2, which is displayed separately as a help screen within the split setting screen SS1 shown, is also subject to the first scrolling action.

[0142] exist Figure 8 The help screen shown is NS1 or Figure 9When screen operation is performed on the help screen NS2, the control unit 50 executes steps S32 to S34. The control unit 50 uses the first display data D1 corresponding to either full-screen display mode or transmissive mode to display either the help screen NS1 or NS2. All other processes are the same.

[0143] In step S32, the control unit 50 notifies the first display control unit 61 of the operation position.

[0144] In detail, the switching display control unit 60 in the control unit 50 obtains the operation position coordinates of the display screen based on the operation signal from the operation unit 14, and notifies the first display control unit 61 of the coordinates as operation position information.

[0145] In step S33, the control unit 50 obtains the first display data D1 associated with the operation position from the first display control unit 61. Specifically, the first display control unit 61, upon receiving the operation position information, reads the first display data D1 associated with the operation position information from the first storage unit 55.

[0146] In step S34, the control unit 50 updates the entire display buffer 64 to the first display data D1 and displays it full-screen on the display unit 13. This process updates the full-screen help screen NS1 or NS2 with content corresponding to the screen operation. For example, button operations such as the OK button 86 in the help screen NS1 or NS2 can be performed. Alternatively, the full-screen help screens NS1 and NS2 can be configured to allow scrolling. For example, it could be a structure where scrolling allows switching to the help screen NS1 or NS2 that explains the next setting item.

[0147] The embodiment configured as described above includes the following display control method for electronic device 11. The display control method for electronic device 11 includes the following (A1) and (A2).

[0148] (A1) When the second setting screen BS obtained based on the second display data D2 is displayed on the display unit 13, the first operation of selecting the selected part in the second setting screen BS through the operation unit 14 is accepted (in step S11, it is a positive judgment).

[0149] (A2) When the first operation is received, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS obtained based on the first display data D1 associated with the first operation are split on the display unit 13 and displayed simultaneously (step S17 or step S18). The first setting screen NS is, for example, a help screen NS2 or NS3.

[0150] Effects of the first implementation method According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0151] (1-1) The electronic device 11 includes an actuation unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium M. The electronic device 11 includes a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 55, a communication unit 65, and a control unit 50. The display unit 13 is configured to display a setting screen, which is a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on the setting of image generation conditions that are conditions for generating an image. The operation unit 14 is configured to perform operations on the setting screen. The storage unit 55 stores one or more first display data D1, which enables the display of a first setting screen NS as one display mode of the setting screen. The communication unit 65 is configured to connect to a server via a network NW, which stores one or more second display data D2, which enables the display of a second setting screen BS as another display mode of the setting screen. When the second setting screen BS, obtained based on the second display data D2, is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 processes the first operation, which involves selecting the help icon 85, an example of a selected screen, from the second setting screen BS via the operation unit 14. Upon receiving the first operation, the control unit 50 simultaneously displays the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS, obtained based on first display data D1 associated with the first operation, on the display unit 13. According to this structure, even if the content displayed on the second setting screen BS is incomplete compared to the content displayed on the first setting screen NS, both screens can be displayed simultaneously. Since the first setting screen NS can not only supplement the missing parts of the second setting screen BS, but also allows for simultaneous visual confirmation of both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS, user convenience is improved.

[0152] (1-2) When the second setting screen BS is being displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50, upon receiving a first operation, switches from the second setting screen BS to a first setting screen NS obtained based on first display data D1 associated with the first operation. According to this structure, even if the display content of the second setting screen BS is incomplete compared to the display content of the first setting screen NS, since the control unit 50 can switch from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS, the missing parts of the second setting screen BS can be supplemented using the first setting screen NS, thereby improving user convenience.

[0153] (1-3) The electronic device 11 includes a setting unit 52, which is referenced by the control unit 50 that receives the first operation, and sets either full-screen display or split-screen display to be active. When split-screen display is active, if the control unit 50 receives the first operation while the second setting screen BS is being displayed on the display unit 13, it splits the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS on the display unit 13 and displays them simultaneously. According to this structure, even if the display content of the second setting screen BS is missing compared to the display content of the first setting screen NS, since the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously, the first setting screen NS can be used to supplement the missing part of the second setting screen BS, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0154] (1-4) The electronic device 11 includes a setting unit 52, which is referenced by the control unit 50 that receives the first operation, and sets either full-screen display or split-screen display to be active. When full-screen display is active, if the control unit 50 receives the first operation while the second setting screen BS is being displayed on the display unit 13, it switches from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS. According to this structure, even if the display content of the second setting screen BS is missing compared to the display content of the first setting screen NS, since it is possible to switch from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS, the missing parts of the second setting screen BS can be supplemented by the first setting screen NS, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0155] (1-5) The first operation is to select the help icon 85 in the second setting screen BS as the selected element. When the second setting screen BS is being displayed, the control unit 50, upon receiving a selection of the help icon 85, divides and simultaneously displays the second setting screen BS and the help screens NS2 and NS3, which are associated with the help icon 85 and are the first setting screen NS, on the display unit 13. According to this structure, even if the second display data D2 for the help screen is not present in the second setting screen BS, it can be supplemented by using the help screens NS2 and NS3, which use the first display data D1 stored in the storage unit 55 on the electronic device 11 side, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0156] (1-6) When the control unit 50 performs a segmented display on the display unit 13, the display areas of the help screens NS2 and NS3 are divided into sizes larger than the display area of ​​the second setting screen BS. According to this structure, by enlarging the display of the help screens NS2 and NS3, it is easier for the user to confirm the content.

[0157] (1-7) When the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for the second setting screen BS, the first setting screen NS will not scroll even if the second setting screen BS is scrolled. According to this structure, since the second setting screen BS can be operated while the first setting screen NS (e.g., help screens NS2, NS3) is being checked, the user experience is good. If the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS scroll together, it becomes difficult to check the information on the first setting screen NS.

[0158] (1-8) When the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for the first setting screen NS, the second setting screen BS will not scroll even if the first setting screen NS is scrolled. According to this structure, since the first setting screen NS (e.g., help screens NS2, NS3) can be scrolled while the second setting screen BS is displayed, other information (e.g., help information) can also be checked, thus improving the user's ease of use.

[0159] (1-9) When the control unit 50 receives a scrolling operation for either the first setting screen NS or the second setting screen BS, it causes the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS to scroll together. According to this structure, since the first setting screen NS (e.g., help screens NS2 and NS3) scroll together, the effort and time of searching for information (e.g., help information) on the first setting screen NS can be saved, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0160] (1-10) Help screens NS2 and NS3 include a setting operation unit 89, which is capable of changing settings related to setting change option 81. Setting change option 81 corresponds to a help icon 85, which is an example of a selected option chosen through a first operation. When the control unit 50 receives a change in settings based on the operation of the setting operation unit 89 in help screens NS2 and NS3, it reflects the change in settings in setting change option 81 in the second setting screen BS. According to this structure, since setting operations that change settings can be performed in the help setting screen, user convenience is improved.

[0161] (1-11) The electronic device 11 is an image reading device that includes a reading unit as an actuating unit for reading a document as a medium M. According to this structure, since the image generation conditions (image reading conditions) for reading the document to generate an image can be set simultaneously, both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be visually checked. Therefore, the first setting screen NS can be used to supplement any missing parts of the second setting screen BS. This improves user convenience.

[0162] (1-12) Server 20 is connected to electronic device 11 via network NW in a manner that enables control of display unit 13 of electronic device 11. Server includes second storage unit 24, server-side display control unit 22, and second split display control unit 23. Second storage unit 24 stores one or more second display data D2, which enables the display of a second setting screen BS as another display mode of setting screen. Server-side display control unit 22 sends an instruction to display unit 13 to display the second setting screen BS obtained based on second display data D2 to electronic device 11 along with the second display data D2. When the second setting screen BS obtained based on second display data D2 is being displayed on display unit 13, and when control unit 50 of electronic device 11 receives a first operation by selecting help icon 85, an example of a selected section in the second setting screen BS, via operation unit 14, the second split display control unit 23 receives operation position information obtained from the electronic device 11 via network NW based on the first operation. The second split display control unit 23 sends a display instruction to the electronic device 11, causing the display unit 13 to display the first setting screen NS, which is obtained based on the first display data D1 associated with the operation position information. This causes the control unit 50 to split and simultaneously display the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 read from the storage unit 55 on the display unit 13. According to this structure, even if the display content of the second setting screen BS is incomplete compared to the display content of the first setting screen NS, both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously. Since not only can the first setting screen NS supplement the missing parts of the second setting screen BS, but both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be visually confirmed simultaneously, user convenience is improved.

[0163] (1-13) The display system includes an electronic device 11 and a server 20. According to this structure, even if the display content of the second setting screen BS is missing compared to the display content of the first setting screen NS, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously.

[0164] Since it can not only use the first setting screen NS to supplement the missing parts of the second setting screen BS, but also visually confirm both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS at the same time, the ease of use for users can be improved.

[0165] (1-14) In the display control method of the electronic device 11 that controls the display unit 13 of the electronic device 11, the electronic device 11 includes an action unit, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 55, a communication unit 65, and a control unit 50. The action unit performs the action of generating an image using a medium M. The display unit 13 is configured to display a setting screen, which is a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on the setting of image generation conditions as conditions for generating an image. The operation unit 14 is configured to perform operations on the setting screen. The storage unit 55 stores one or more first display data D1, which enables the display of a first setting screen NS as one display mode of the setting screen. The communication unit 65 is configured to be connected to a server 20 via a network NW, which stores one or more second display data D2, which enables the display of a second setting screen BS as another display mode of the setting screen.

[0166] The display control method of electronic device 11 includes the following (A1) and (A2).

[0167] (A1) When the second setting screen BS obtained based on the second display data D2 is being displayed on the display unit 13, the first operation of selecting the selected part in the second setting screen BS through the operation unit 14 is processed.

[0168] (A2) When the first operation is received, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS obtained based on the first display data D1 associated with the first operation are split on the display unit 13 and displayed simultaneously.

[0169] According to this method, even if the content displayed on the second setting screen BS is incomplete compared to the content displayed on the first setting screen NS, both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously. Since not only can the first setting screen NS be used to supplement the missing parts of the second setting screen BS, but both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be visually confirmed simultaneously, user convenience is improved.

[0170] Second Implementation Method Next, refer to Figures 16 to 19 The second embodiment will now be described. This second embodiment is an example in which, when a first setting screen NS is being displayed on the display unit 13, and a second operation indicating that a selected section has been selected is received, a second setting screen BS is added by splitting the display. The basic structure of the electronic device 11 and the display system 10 is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, regarding… Figures 13 to 15 The contents of the first program PG1, as represented by the flowchart, are basically the same, except that the display order of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS is reversed.

[0171] The user authenticates when using the electronic device 11, thereby logging the electronic device 11 into the server 20. Therefore, the electronic device 11 displays a first setting screen NS on its display unit 13, which is obtained based on the first display data D1 read from the first storage unit 55. Furthermore, the electronic device 11 can invoke the server 20 via its function control unit 51, thereby controlling the electronic device 11 under the control of the server 20. In other words, the display unit 13 of the electronic device 11 can perform full-screen display of the first setting screen NS obtained based on the first display data D1, full-screen display of the second setting screen BS obtained based on the second display data D2, and split-screen display where the first setting screen NS and the second display data D2 are displayed simultaneously.

[0172] The display unit 13 of the electronic device 11 displays a home screen (illustration omitted) belonging to the first setting screen NS. The home screen has multiple icons that allow selection of a destination for saved scanned data. These icons allow selection of "Computer," "Network Folder," "Email," and "Cloud" as the save destination. For example, when the "Network Folder" icon is pressed, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 13 to display the home screen. Figure 16 The first setting screen NS shown is the save destination setting screen NS4 (save destination selection screen). The save destination setting screen NS4 includes an input field 92 for entering the save destination address, a decision button 93 for deciding the save destination address, a direct input selection button 94, and an address book selection button 95, etc.

[0173] Control unit 50 Figure 16 When the input field 92 of the save destination designation screen NS4 is pressed by the user in a non-input state, for example, the display unit 13 will display the following: Figure 17 The save destination details screen NS5 is shown. As a result, the display content of the display unit 13 switches from the save destination setting screen NS4 to the save destination details screen NS5. The save destination details screen NS5 includes a message MS3 prompting the user to input a save destination and a recipient addition button 96. When the control unit 50 receives a press of the recipient addition button 96 by the user, the display unit 13 displays the save destination details screen NS55. Figure 18The Save Destination Specify screen NS6 (Receive Destination Append Screen) is shown. The Save Destination Specify screen NS6 includes a direct input selection button 94, an address book selection button 95, and a Receive Destination Screen Display button 97.

[0174] In this embodiment, the first setting screen NS including the selected section is the save destination specification screen NS6. Figure 18 The Save Destination Designation Screen NS6 includes a Receive Destination Screen Display Button 97 as an example of a selected section. This Receive Destination Screen Display Button 97 is an example of a Save Destination Designation Section that allows specifying the save destination for data (scanned data) related to the image generated by the electronic device 11. The Save Destination Designation Screen NS6 has a transmissive area 98 on its edge for background transmission.

[0175] In this second embodiment, the electronic device 11 also includes a display unit 13 and an operation unit 14. The display unit 13 can display a setting screen for visual confirmation by the user based on the setting of image generation conditions, and the operation unit 14 can perform the operation of selecting a selected section in the setting screen. Furthermore, the electronic device 11 includes a first storage unit 55 and a communication unit 65. The first storage unit stores one or more first display data D1 that can display a first setting screen NS as one display mode of the setting screen. The communication unit 65 can be connected to the server 20 via the network NW, and the server 20 stores one or more second display data D2 that can display a second setting screen BS as another display mode of the setting screen.

[0176] In addition, electronic device 11 and terminal device 45 (see reference) Figure 1 The terminal device 45 is connected to the server 20 via a network NW, and the server 20 is also connected to the terminal device 45 via the network NW. The server 20 can also access the terminal device 45. The terminal device 45 has a folder specified by the user as the destination for saving the scanned data obtained by the image reading device 12 from reading the original document M1.

[0177] Figures 16 to 18 Each of the screens NS4, NS5, and NS6 shown belongs to the first setting screen NS. The first storage unit 55 stores a plurality of first display data D1 for displaying each of the screens NS4, NS5, and NS6 belonging to the first setting screen NS.

[0178] The control unit 50 causes the display unit 13 to display by executing the first program PG1 stored in the first storage unit 55. Figure 19The shown is the segmentation setting screen SS3. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the same... Figures 13 to 15 The display control shown in the flowchart is basically the same type of display control. The difference from the first embodiment lies, for example, in... Figure 13 The first operation is changed to the second operation, and the segmentation mode is set to one, therefore the processes of steps S16 and S18 are deleted. The second operation is the operation of selecting the receiving destination display button 97, which is an example of the selected part, in the save destination designation screen NS6, which belongs to the first setting screen NS. In addition, in this embodiment, the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS that are displayed separately in step S17 are the save destination designation screen NS4 ( Figure 16 This is part of the folder selection screen BS5. Thus, the first setting screen NS, which is set to display objects in a split manner, can also display only the portion that needs to be shown.

[0179] For example, users in Figure 18 The second operation, which involves pressing the destination selection screen display button 97 (as an example of a selected section), is implemented in the save destination selection screen NS6 shown. When the save destination selection screen NS6, which belongs to the first setting screen NS obtained based on the first display data D1, is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 processes the second operation in which the destination selection screen display button 97 in the save destination selection screen NS6 is selected via the operation unit 14. Upon receiving the second operation, the control unit 50 sends second operation position information, indicating the operation position of the second operation, to the server 20, and simultaneously displays the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, obtained based on the second display data D2 received from the server 20 in response to the second operation position information, on the display unit 13. In other words, when the control unit 50 receives the second operation in which the destination selection screen display button 97 is selected, it uses the second display data D2 received from the server 20 in response to the transmission of the second operation position information related to the second operation to cause the display unit 13 to display... Figure 19The split setting screen SS3 is shown. The split setting screen SS3 includes a save destination designation screen NS4, which belongs to the first setting screen NS, and a folder overview screen 100 obtained by the server 20 from the terminal device 45 based on new second display data D2. Specifically, the control unit 50 splits and simultaneously displays the processed save destination designation screen NS4 and the folder selection screen BS5, which includes the folder overview screen 100, on the display unit 13. The split setting screen SS3 includes, as an example of processing, the cropped save destination designation screen NS4 and the folder selection screen BS5. The folder overview screen 100 includes multiple folders 101 that the user can select.

[0180] Furthermore, the server 20 in the second embodiment has the following features in its structure. The server 20, like the first embodiment, includes a server-side display control unit 22 and a second storage unit 24. Moreover, the server 20 includes a second split-screen display control unit 23 that receives second operation location information from the electronic device 11 via the network NW.

[0181] The second split-display control unit 23 performs image acquisition processing associated with the second operation position information to acquire new second display data D2, which is different from the second display data D2 stored in the second storage unit 24 before the image acquisition processing. The second split-display control unit 23 sends a display instruction to the electronic device 11, instructing the display unit 13 to display the second setting screen BS obtained based on the new second display data D2 together with the new second display data D2. Thus, the second split-display control unit 23 causes the control unit 50 of the electronic device 11 to split and simultaneously display the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS obtained based on the new second display data D2 on the display unit 13. As an example of image acquisition processing associated with the second operation position information, the second split-display control unit 23 accesses the terminal device 45 via the network NW to acquire a folder overview image of the terminal device 45. The second split-display control unit 23 sets the acquired folder overview image as new second display data D2 in a form that can be processed by the browser of the second display control unit 62.

[0182] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first setting screen NS for the object to be displayed in a split manner is set to a save destination setting screen NS4, which is different from the save destination setting screen NS6, which has a receive destination screen display button 97 as an example of a selected portion. Thus, as long as both the save destination setting screen NS6 with the selected portion and the save destination setting screen NS4 for the object to be displayed in a split manner belong to the first setting screen NS, they can be different screens.

[0183] Furthermore, the segmentation display processing routine in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment. Figure 14 The differences are as follows. One is that the first operation location information is changed to the location coordinates on the screen where the second operation was performed, i.e., the second operation location information, while the other is that in step S172, the server 20 accepts the second display data D2, which is associated with the second operation location, together with the display instruction. The second split display control unit 23 in the server 20 communicates with the terminal device 45 based on the address information obtained from the electronic device 11 or the terminal device 45, and requests the provision of a folder overview image. In response to this request, the second split display control unit 23 obtains the folder overview image from the terminal device 45. The second split display control unit 23 sends the folder overview image obtained from the terminal device 45 to the electronic device 11 as second display data D2, which can be processed by the browser, together with the display instruction. Step S172 is changed to the control unit 50 accepting the display instruction and the second display data D2, which is composed of the folder overview image associated with the second operation location information, together with the display instruction from the server 20. Furthermore, step S173 is modified to the control unit 50 processing the second display data D2 based on the display instruction into a segmented display size. Moreover, step S174 is modified to the control unit 50 processing the first display data D1 into a segmented display size. Additionally, since the second embodiment uses a portion of the first setting screen NS that is set as the object for segmented display, or a newly generated second setting screen BS, the processing can also be a process of cropping a portion of the first display data D1, or a process of adjusting the size of the second display data D2 to a predetermined display size. Thus, the segmented display control unit 63 within the control unit 50 updates the display buffer 64 using a portion of the first display data D1 and the second display data D2, thereby performing segmented display on the display unit 13 (step S175).

[0184] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the display control when the user performs touch operations on the segmentation setting screen SS3, etc., is also performed by the control unit 50 in the same way as in the first embodiment. Figure 15 The touch display control routine shown is used. For example, if the folder overview screen 100 is larger than the display area in the split settings screen SS3, the entire folder overview screen 100 can be visually checked by scrolling.

[0185] The display control method of the electronic device 11 in the second embodiment includes the following (B1) and (B2).

[0186] This includes: (B1) when the first setting screen NS obtained based on the first display data D1 is being displayed on the display unit 13, when a second operation is received in which the selected part in the first setting screen NS is selected through the operation unit 14, sending second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server 20; and (B2) splitting the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS obtained based on the second display data D2 received from the server 20 as a response to the second operation position information on the display unit 13 and displaying them simultaneously.

[0187] Effects of the second implementation method According to the electronic device 11 and display system 10 in the second embodiment, although the first operation in the first embodiment is changed to the second operation, in addition to obtaining the same kind of effect as the effect (1-3) to (1-13) obtained in the first embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0188] (2-1) The electronic device 11 includes an actuation unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium M. The electronic device 11 includes a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 55, a communication unit 65, and a control unit 50. The display unit 13 is configured to display a setting screen, which is a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on the setting of image generation conditions as conditions for generating an image. The operation unit 14 is configured to perform operations on the setting screen. The storage unit 55 stores one or more first display data D1 that can display a first setting screen NS, which is one display mode of the setting screen. The communication unit 65 is configured to connect to a server 20 via a network NW, and the server 20 stores one or more second display data D2 that can display a second setting screen BS, which is another display mode of the setting screen. When the save destination designation screen NS6, which belongs to the first setting screen NS obtained based on the first display data D1, is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 accepts the second operation in which the receive destination screen display button 97 in the save destination designation screen NS6 is selected by the operation unit 14. When the second operation is accepted, the control unit 50 sends second operation position information, indicating the operation position of the second operation, to the server 20, and simultaneously displays the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, which is obtained from the second display data D2 received from the server 20 as a response to the second operation position information, on the display unit 13. According to this structure, the second setting screen BS can be used to supplement the display content that cannot be displayed in the first setting screen NS, thereby improving the user's ease of use. For example, by dividing and simultaneously displaying different display content for each user that cannot be prepared as the first setting screen NS on the display unit 13 as the second setting screen BS, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0189] (2-2) Electronic device 11 and terminal device 45 are connected in a communicable manner, and terminal device 45 is connected to server 20 via network NW. The first setting screen NS is a save destination designation screen NS6 that includes a receive destination display button 97 as the selected part. The receive destination display button 97 is an example of a save destination designation part that can designate a save destination for data related to the image generated by electronic device 11. When the control unit 50 receives a second operation that the receive destination display button 97 in the save destination designation screen NS6 has been selected, it splits and displays the save destination designation screen NS4 and the folder overview screen 100 received from terminal device 45 via server 20 on the display unit 13 simultaneously. According to this structure, even if the display content of the save destination designation screen NS4, which is the first setting screen NS, is missing from the display content that can be displayed as the second setting screen BS, the save destination designation screen NS4 and the folder overview screen 100 received from terminal device 45 via server 20 can still be split and displayed simultaneously on the display unit 13. Therefore, by simultaneously displaying the save destination specification screen NS4 and the folder overview screen 100 of the terminal device 45, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0190] (2-3) Server 20 includes a second split-display control unit 23, which receives second operation location information from electronic device 11 via network NW. The second split-display control unit 23 performs image acquisition processing associated with the second operation location information, thereby acquiring new second display data D2 that is different from the second display data D2 stored in second storage unit 24 prior to the image acquisition processing. The second split-display control unit 23 sends a display instruction to electronic device 11, instructing display unit 13 to display the second setting screen BS obtained based on the new second display data D2 together with the new second display data D2. Thus, the second split-display control unit 23 causes control unit 50 of electronic device 11 to split and simultaneously display the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS obtained based on the new second display data D2 on display unit 13. According to this structure, through the server 20, not only can the non-corresponding parts of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS in the electronic device 11 be supplemented by the other side (e.g., the second setting screen BS), but the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0191] Change Example Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can also be modified as shown in the following variations. Moreover, the above-described embodiments and the following variations can be appropriately combined to form further variations, and the following variations can also be appropriately combined with each other to form further variations.

[0192] ·like Figure 20 As shown, the electronic device 11 can also be an image forming apparatus 110. The image forming apparatus 110, as an actuating unit, includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium M. The image forming apparatus 110 uses the medium M to form an image. The image forming apparatus 110 can also be, for example, an inkjet printer. The image forming apparatus 110 has a display unit 13 on the upper part of the main body 112. The display unit 13 can also be configured as a touch panel, for example. In this case, the touch panel function of the display unit 13 can also be used to configure an operation unit 14 that allows input via touch operation on the display screen. Furthermore, the operation unit 14 can also include, at least a portion of, an operation unit 14A configured as a mechanical switch. Additionally, the image forming apparatus 110 can also have a power button 15 located near the display unit 13. As an example of the electronic device 11, the image forming apparatus 110 uses the medium M to form an image, similar to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 110 includes an image forming unit 115 that forms an image on the medium M. The image forming unit 115, for example, has an ink ejection head 116 for ejecting ink. The image forming unit 115 prints an image on the medium M that is being transported along the transport path 117 within the main body 112. In other words, the image forming apparatus 110 forms an image on the medium M by printing. The image forming apparatus 110, which is an inkjet printer, is also a liquid ejection device that ejects ink, as a recording material, toward the medium M.

[0193] The medium M is, for example, paper M2. One or more cartridges 121 are inserted into the lower part of the main body 112 in a detachable state. Multiple sheets of medium M are stacked within the cartridges 121. The image forming apparatus 110 includes a transport section 118 within the main body 112 that transports the medium M along a transport path 117. The transport section 118 includes multiple rollers 122, 123 and a conveyor belt 124 arranged along the transport path 117. The transport section 118 transports the medium M from the cartridges 121 sheet by sheet along the transport path 117 via the multiple rollers 122, 123 and the conveyor belt 124. The image forming section 115 forms an image on the medium M at an image forming position midway along the transport path 117. The medium M with the formed image is discharged into a stacker 125 provided at the upper part of the main body 112. Furthermore, as... Figure 20As shown, the image forming apparatus 110 can also be a multifunction printer with an image reading device 130 located at the upper part of the main body 112. The image reading device 130 includes a feed tray 131 capable of holding original documents and an automatic feeder 132 (ADF) that feeds the original documents on the feed tray 131 one sheet at a time. A control box 135 responsible for controlling the image forming apparatus 110 is disposed at a predetermined position within the main body 112. The control box 135 includes, as in the first embodiment described above, a control unit 50, a function control unit 51, a setting unit 52, and a storage unit 55. The storage unit 55 stores the first program PG1 and the first display data D1, as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 110 includes a communication interface (not shown) that allows communication with a server 20 via a network NW, where the server 20 stores the second display data D2. The control unit 50 performs display control of the display unit 13, as in the first embodiment. Image generation conditions, such as printing conditions, are used as conditions for generating images. The control unit 50 causes the display unit 13 to display a setting screen that allows the user to visually confirm the printing conditions. The control unit 50 executes... Figures 13 to 15 The first program PG1 is shown in the flowchart. The control unit 50 causes the display unit 13 to display... Figures 7 to 12 The displayed screens have been replaced with screens for printing conditions from the reading conditions in the first embodiment. For example, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 13 to display a screen that is compatible with... Figure 10 The shown split setting screen SS1 Figure 12 The segmented setting screen SS2 shown is a display method for visually confirming the printing conditions after they have been set. According to this image forming apparatus 110, since both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be visually confirmed simultaneously when setting the image forming conditions (an example of image generation conditions) for forming an image on the medium M, the first setting screen NS can be used to supplement any missing parts of the second setting screen BS. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0194] • Alternatively, it can be set so that the title bar area in the settings screen before the split display is a common area in the split settings screens SS1 and SS2.

[0195] In the first embodiment, in the second setting screen BS during full-screen display, at least one of the title bar area and the bottom bar area of ​​the first setting screen NS can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, in the first setting screen NS during full-screen display, at least one of the title bar area and the bottom bar area of ​​the second setting screen BS can be used interchangeably. That is, in all the embodiments described, the title bar area or the bottom bar area can be used interchangeably in both the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS during full-screen display.

[0196] For example, in the second setting screen (BS) and the first setting screen (NS) during full-screen display, the title bar area can be a shared area. Similarly, in the first setting screen (NS) and the second setting screen (BS) during full-screen display, the bottom bar area can also be a shared area. Furthermore, in both the first setting screen (NS) and the second setting screen (BS) during full-screen display, the title bar area and the bottom bar area can both be shared areas.

[0197] In split-screen display, help screens NS2 and NS3, which are examples of the first setup screen NS associated with the first operation, can also share at least one of the title bar area and bottom bar area of ​​the second setup screen BS before split-screen display. In this case, the help screen can also display the first setup screen NS in a display area other than at least one of the title bar area and bottom bar area. For example, in Figure 10 In the split settings screen SS1 shown, the horizontally elongated rectangular area containing the close button 87 at the top of the help screen NS2 can also be used as the title bar area of ​​the second settings screen BS. Furthermore, in Figure 12 In the split settings screen SS2 shown, the horizontal rectangular area containing the title of the list located at the top in the help screen NS3, i.e., the title bar area, can also use the title bar area of ​​the second settings screen BS.

[0198] • In the split setting screens SS1 and SS2, the display size of the help screens NS2 and NS3, which are examples of the first setting screen NS, can be the same as or smaller than the display size of the setting change screen BS4, which is an example of the second setting screen BS. The display size of the help screens NS2 and NS3 can be half or less than half of the display area of ​​the display unit 13.

[0199] The selected area is not limited to the help icon 85 or the destination display button 97. The selected area can also be a button that displays a lower-level settings screen, etc. Furthermore, the selected area during the second operation is not limited to the destination display button 97, and can also be other buttons.

[0200] • In the second embodiment, the destination-specified screen NS4 is saved. Figure 16 It may also include a destination display button 97, which is one example of a selected section. Additionally, the destination specification screen NS6 ( Figure 18 It may also include a decision button 93. In these cases, the first setting screen NS with the selected section and the first setting screen NS displayed separately may also be designated as screen NS4 or NS6 for the same save destination.

[0201] In the second embodiment, the segmentation setting screen SS3 may also be a screen that displays the first setting screen NS, which has the selected portion, and the second setting screen BS, which are displayed separately. That is, the first setting screen NS, which has the selected portion that is selected during the second operation, and the first setting screen NS, which is set to be displayed separately, may be the same. Alternatively, the entire first setting screen NS, which is set to be displayed separately, may be displayed in the segmentation setting screen SS3.

[0202] • The processing performed on at least one of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS displayed in any of the split setting screens SS1 to SS3 may include at least one of shrinking, enlarging, cropping, partially deleting, deforming, rotating, etc.

[0203] • At least one of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, which are displayed in any of the split setting screens SS1 to SS3, may not be subjected to processing such as scaling down in one direction or size. For example, neither the first setting screen NS nor the second setting screen BS may be processed.

[0204] The total number of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS displayed in any of the screens SS1 to SS3 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, which total three or more, may also be divided into three or more segments on the display unit 13 and displayed.

[0205] The electronic device 11 may also lack a transport unit 54 for transporting the medium M to generate an image. The electronic device 11 may be a flat-panel image reading device 12 without a transport unit, or an image forming apparatus 110 without a transport unit 118. The image forming apparatus 110 without a transport unit 118 forms an image on the medium M by moving the image forming unit 115 relative to the medium M placed on the worktable.

[0206] In both the first and second embodiments, the electronic device 11 is not limited to a sheet-feed image reading device 12, but can also be a flat-panel image reading device 12. The flat-panel image reading device 12 has a slide that can move along the sub-scanning direction and supports the reading unit 53 within a main body that is configured to house a document stage with a document cover that can be opened and closed. The slide, powered by a motor, reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction, thereby allowing the reading unit 53 to read the image of the document M1 placed on the glass plate of the document stage.

[0207] • The image forming apparatus 110, as an example of electronic device 11, is not limited to Figure 20 The multifunction printer shown can also be a printing device that does not have an image reading device 130.

[0208] The image forming apparatus 110, as an example of electronic device 11, is not limited to commercial printers used in offices, etc., but can also be a so-called consumer-grade printer used as a home printer in homes, etc. The image forming apparatus 110 can be a line printer where the image forming unit 115 is a line head, or a serial printer where the image forming unit 115 is a serial head. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 110 is not limited to inkjet printers, but can also be a laser printer or other electronic photographic printer that prints toner as ink onto a medium M. The image forming apparatus can also be a dyeing printer that prints onto a cloth medium M, or a printer that prints onto a raw material such as a T-shirt as the medium M. The image forming apparatus can also be a printer that prints onto a transfer film capable of transferring images using the DTF (Direct to Film) method as the medium M.

[0209] • In the first and second embodiments, the structure may also be such that, by means of the operation unit 14A, which is a mechanical switch, at least one of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS that constitute the segmented setting screens SS1 to SS3 is scrolled.

[0210] The operation unit 14, which allows the user to operate on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 13, is not limited to the operation unit implemented by the touch panel function of the display unit 13. The operation unit 14 can also be used by both the touch panel function of the display unit 13 and the operation unit 14A, which is composed of mechanical switches.

[0211] • The various functional units of the electronic device 11 are not limited to being implemented by the CPU of a computer. For example, they can be implemented by electronic circuits such as ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) and FPGA (field-programmable gate array) using hardware, or they can be implemented by both software and hardware.

[0212] • The medium is not limited to original manuscripts or paper; it can also be resin films or sheets, fabrics, metal films, etc.

[0213] The electronic device 11 is not limited to the image reading device 12 or the image forming apparatus 110, as long as it is an apparatus that has an image generation function that uses a medium to generate an image, a display unit 13, and a communication unit 65 that can communicate with the server 20. The electronic device 11 can also be a projector that uses a screen as an example of a medium and generates an image on the screen by projection. In this case, the screen can also be a white wall. Furthermore, the electronic device 11 can also be a 3D printer (three-dimensional image forming apparatus) that forms a three-dimensional object by sputtering droplets containing ultraviolet-curable resin onto a substrate sheet as an example of a medium.

[0214] The electronic device 11 does not have an image generation function that uses a medium to generate images. It only needs to have a display unit 13 that can display a setting screen for the user to visually confirm based on the setting conditions for the action unit to perform the predetermined action, a function control unit 51, and a communication unit that can communicate with the server 20. The electronic device 11 can also be a whiteboard device with electronic blackboard function, an output device such as a digital sign, a shooting device such as a digital camera, an audio device, a sound collection device, medical equipment, network home appliances, industrial machinery, manufacturing equipment, etc.

[0215] definition • The term "at least one" as used in this specification means "more than one" of the desired options. As an example, the term "at least one" as used in this specification means, if the number of options is two, "only one option" or "both of the two options". As another example, the term "at least one" as used in this specification means, if the number of options is three or more, "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options".

[0216] Technical ideas Hereinafter, the technical ideas and effects of the embodiments and their modifications will be described together.

[0217] [1] The electronic device is an electronic device having an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium, and includes: a display unit that can display a setting screen, the setting screen being a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on setting image generation conditions as conditions for generating the image; an operation unit that can perform operations on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data, the first display data enabling the display of a first setting screen as one display mode of the setting screen; a communication unit that can be connected to a server via a network, the server storing one or more second display data, the second display data enabling the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; and a control unit that, when the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data is being displayed on the display unit, when a first operation is received in which a selected part in the second setting screen is selected by the operation unit, divides the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on one first display data associated with the first operation and displays them simultaneously on the display unit. This structure allows for the supplementation of non-corresponding parts between the first and second setting screens by the other, and enables simultaneous visual confirmation of both screens. Therefore, it improves user convenience.

[0218] [2] In the electronic device described in [1] above, it may also be configured such that, when the control unit receives the first operation while the second setting screen is being displayed on the display unit, it switches from the second setting screen to the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation. According to this structure, not only can the non-corresponding parts of the first setting screen and the second setting screen be supplemented by the other, but the first setting screen and the second setting screen can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0219] [3] In the electronic device described in [1] or [2] above, it may also be configured to include a setting unit, which is referenced by the control unit that receives the first operation, and sets one of full-screen display and split-screen display to be active. When the split-screen display is active, if the control unit receives the first operation while the second setting screen is being displayed on the display unit, it splits the second setting screen and the first setting screen on the display unit and displays them simultaneously. According to this structure, not only can the part of the first setting screen and the second setting screen that cannot correspond be supplemented by the other, but the first setting screen and the second setting screen can also be visually confirmed at the same time. Therefore, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0220] [4] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to [3], it may be configured to include a setting unit, which is referenced by the control unit that receives the first operation, and sets one of full-screen display and split-screen display to be active. When full-screen display is active, if the control unit receives the first operation while the second setting screen is being displayed on the display unit, it switches from the second setting screen to the first setting screen. According to this structure, not only can the non-corresponding parts of the first setting screen and the second setting screen be supplemented by the other, but the first setting screen and the second setting screen can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0221] [5] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to [4], the first operation may be configured such that the help button in the second setting screen is selected as the selected part. When the second setting screen is being displayed, the control unit, upon receiving the selection of the help button, divides and simultaneously displays the second setting screen and the help screen associated with the help button as the first setting screen on the display unit. According to this structure, even if the second setting screen does not contain second display data for the help screen, it can be supplemented by a help screen that uses the first display data stored in the storage unit on the electronic device side, thereby improving the user's ease of use.

[0222] [6] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to [5], it may also be configured such that, when the control unit is displayed in a segmented manner on the display unit, the display area of ​​the help screen is divided into a size larger than the display area of ​​the second setting screen. According to this structure, by displaying the help screen in a magnified manner, it is easier for the user to confirm the content.

[0223] [7] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to [6], it may also be configured such that when the control unit receives a scrolling operation for the second setting screen, the first setting screen will not scroll even if the second setting screen is scrolled. According to this configuration, since the second setting screen can be operated while the first setting screen (e.g., a help screen) is being checked, the user experience is good. If the first setting screen and the second setting screen scroll together, it becomes difficult to check the information on the first setting screen.

[0224] [8] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to [6], it may also be configured such that when the control unit receives a scrolling operation for the first setting screen, the second setting screen will not scroll even if the first setting screen is scrolled. According to this structure, since the first setting screen (e.g., a help screen) can be scrolled while the second setting screen is displayed, other information (e.g., help information) can also be checked, thus improving the user's ease of use.

[0225] [9] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to [6], the control unit may be configured to scroll both the first setting screen and the second setting screen together when it receives a scrolling operation for either the first setting screen or the second setting screen. According to this configuration, since the first setting screen (e.g., a help screen) scrolls together, the effort and time spent searching for information (e.g., help information) on the first setting screen can be saved, thus improving user convenience.

[0226]

[10] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to [9], the help screen may include a setting operation unit capable of changing setting content related to setting change options, the setting change options corresponding to the selected portion selected through the first operation, and the control unit, when receiving a change in setting content based on the operation of the setting operation unit in the help screen, reflecting the change in setting content in the setting change options on the second setting screen. According to this structure, since setting operations that change setting content can be performed in the help setting screen, user convenience can be improved.

[0227]

[11] The electronic device is an electronic device having an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium, and further comprising: a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen, the setting screen being a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on setting image generation conditions as conditions for generating the image; an operation unit capable of performing operations on the setting screen; a storage unit capable of storing one or more first display data, the first display data enabling the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit capable of connecting to a server via a network, the server storing one or more second display data, the second display data enabling the operation of the first setting screen. A second setting screen, representing another display mode of the setting screen, is displayed. A control unit controls the display unit. When the first setting screen, obtained based on the first display data, is being displayed on the display unit, and a second operation is received by the operation unit selecting a selected portion of the first setting screen, the control unit sends second operation position information, indicating the operation position of the second operation, to the server. Furthermore, the control unit divides and simultaneously displays the first setting screen and the second setting screen, obtained based on the second display data received from the server as a response to the second operation position information, on the display unit. According to this structure, the second setting screen can supplement display content that cannot be displayed in the first setting screen, thereby improving user convenience. For example, different user-specific display content that cannot be prepared as the first setting screen can be divided and simultaneously displayed on the display unit as the second setting screen. Therefore, since not only can the non-corresponding parts of the first and second setting screens be supplemented by the other, and the first and second setting screens can be visually confirmed simultaneously, user convenience is improved.

[0228]

[12] In the electronic device described in

[11] above, it may also be configured such that the electronic device is connected to a terminal device in a communicable manner, the terminal device is connected to the server via the network, the first setting screen is a save destination specifying screen that includes a save destination specifying section as the selected section, the save destination specifying section can specify the save destination of data related to the image generated by the electronic device, and when the control unit receives the second operation that the save destination specifying section in the save destination specifying screen is selected, it divides the save destination specifying screen and the folder overview screen received from the terminal device via the server on the display unit and displays them simultaneously. According to this structure, even if the display content of the save destination specifying screen as the first setting screen is missing relative to the display content that can be displayed as the second setting screen, the save destination specifying screen and the folder overview screen received from the terminal device via the server can be divided on the display unit and displayed simultaneously. Therefore, by displaying the save destination specifying screen and the folder overview screen of the terminal device simultaneously, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0229]

[13] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to

[12] , the electronic device may also be configured as an image reading device having a reading unit as the operating unit, wherein the reading unit reads the original document as the medium. According to this structure, when setting the image generation conditions (image reading conditions), not only can the non-corresponding part of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen be supplemented by the other, but the first setting screen and the second setting screen can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0230]

[14] In any of the above-described electronic devices [1] to

[12] , the electronic device may also be configured as an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit as the operating unit, wherein the image forming unit forms an image on the medium. According to this configuration, when setting image generation conditions (e.g., image reading conditions), not only can the non-corresponding parts of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen be supplemented by the other, but the first setting screen and the second setting screen can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0231]

[15] A server connected via a network to any one of the electronic devices described in [1] to

[10] above comprises: a second storage unit that stores one or more second display data, the second display data enabling the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; a server-side display control unit that sends an instruction to the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data to the electronic device along with the second display data; and a second split display control unit that, when the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data is being displayed on the display unit, when the electronic device's... When the control unit receives the first operation in which the selected portion of the second setting screen is selected through the operation unit, the electronic device receives the first operation location information obtained based on the first operation via the network. The second split display control unit sends a display instruction to the electronic device, causing the display unit to display the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation location information. This causes the control unit to split and simultaneously display the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data read from the storage unit according to the display instruction on the display unit. According to this structure, through the server, not only can a non-corresponding portion of one of the first and second setting screens (e.g., the second setting screen) in the electronic device be supplemented by the other (e.g., the first setting screen), but the first and second setting screens can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0232]

[16] A server connected to the electronic device described in

[11] or

[12] above via a network includes: a second storage unit that stores one or more second display data, the second display data enabling the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; a server-side display control unit that sends an instruction to the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data to the electronic device along with the second display data; and a second split display control unit that receives the second operation location information from the electronic device via the network, the second split display control unit acquires new second display data different from the second display data stored in the second storage unit before the image acquisition process by performing image acquisition processing associated with the second operation location information, and sends a display instruction to the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the new second display data along with the new second display data to the electronic device, thereby causing the control unit to split and simultaneously display the first setting screen and the second setting screen obtained based on the new second display data on the display unit. According to this structure, through the server, not only can the non-corresponding parts of the first and second setting screens in the electronic device (e.g., the first setting screen) be supplemented by the other (e.g., the second setting screen), but the first and second setting screens can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0233]

[17] The display system includes the electronic device described in any one of [1] to

[10] above; and the server described in any one of [1] to

[10] and

[15] above. According to this structure, the server allows not only the non-corresponding portion of the first setting screen and the second setting screen in the electronic device to be supplemented by the other, but also enables simultaneous visual confirmation of both the first setting screen and the second setting screen. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0234]

[18] The display system includes the electronic device described in

[11] or

[12] above; and the server described in any one of

[11] ,

[12] and

[16] above. According to this structure, the server allows not only the non-corresponding portion of the first setting screen and the second setting screen in the electronic device to be supplemented by the other, but also enables simultaneous visual confirmation of both the first setting screen and the second setting screen. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0235]

[19] The display control method for an electronic device is a method for controlling the display unit of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes: an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium; the display unit that can display a setting screen, the setting screen being a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on setting image generation conditions as conditions for generating the image; an operation unit that can perform operations on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data, the first display data enabling the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit that can connect to a server via a network. Next, the server stores one or more second display data, which enables a second setting screen, as another display mode of the setting screen, to be displayed. The display control method of the electronic device includes: (A1) when the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data is being displayed on the display unit, accepting a first operation that selects a selected portion of the second setting screen through the operation unit; and (A2) when the first operation is accepted, splitting and simultaneously displaying the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation on the display unit. According to this method, not only can a non-corresponding part of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen be supplemented by the other, but the first setting screen and the second setting screen can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0236]

[20] The display control method for an electronic device is a display control method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises: an action unit that performs an action of generating an image using a medium; the display unit that can display a setting screen, the setting screen being a screen for visual confirmation by a user based on setting image generation conditions as conditions for generating the image; an operation unit that can perform operations on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data, the first display data enabling the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit that can connect to a server via a network, the server accessing one or more second display data. The second display data is stored, and the second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen, can be displayed. The display control method of the electronic device includes: (B1) when the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data is being displayed on the display unit, and when a second operation is received in which a selected part in the first setting screen is selected through the operation unit, sending second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server; (B2) dividing the first setting screen and the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data received from the server in response to the second operation position information on the display unit and displaying them simultaneously. According to this method, not only can the non-corresponding part of the first setting screen and the second setting screen be supplemented by the other, but the first setting screen and the second setting screen can also be visually confirmed simultaneously. Therefore, the user's ease of use can be improved.

[0237] Symbol Explanation 10…Display system; 11…Electronic device; 12…Image reading device; 12A…Main body; 13…Display unit; 14…Operating unit; 14A…Operating unit; 15…Power button; 16…Original document support; 16A…Edge guide; 17…Stacker; 18…Reader; 19…Personal authentication card; 20…First server; 21…Server-side control unit; 22…Server-side display control unit; 23…Second split display control unit; 24…Second storage unit; 25…Communication unit; 30…Second server (authentication server); 40…Management computer; 41…Input unit; 45…Terminal device; 46…Display unit; 47…Input unit; 50…Control unit; 51…Function control unit; 52…Setting unit; 53…Reading unit; 54…Transfer unit; 55…First storage unit (storage unit); 56…Display drive circuit; 60…Switch display control unit; 61…First display control unit; 62…Second display control unit; 63…Segmented display control unit; 64…Display buffer; 65…Communication unit; 70…Input bar; 71…First option; 72…Second option; 73…Third option; 74…Selection button; 75…Scan setting information; 76…Setting change button; 77…Save button; 78…Scroll bar; 80…Setting change list; 81…Setting change options; 82…Setting information; 82A…Slider; 82B…Slider; 83…OK button; 84…Abort button; 8 5…Help icon as an example of the selected section; 86…OK button; 87…Close button; 88…Transmission area; 89…Setting operation section; 90…Help list; 91…Help options; 92…Input field; 93…Confirm button; 94…Input selection button; 95…Address book selection button; 96…Add destination button; 97…Destination display button as an example of the selected section; 98…Transmission area; 100…Folder overview screen; 101…Folder; 110…Image forming apparatus; 112…Main body; 115…Image forming section; 116…Extrusion head; 117…Conveyor path; 118…Conveyor section; 121…Box; 122…Roller; 123…Roller; 124… Conveyor belt; 125… Stacker; 130… Image reading device; 131… Feed tray; 132… Automatic feeder; 135… Control box; M… Media; M1… Original; M2… Paper; NW… Network; PG1… First program; PG2… Second program; D1… First display data; D2… Second display data; NS… First setting screen; BS… Second setting screen; BS0… Authentication screen; BS1… Home screen; BS2… Final scan menu screen; BS3… Scan setting screen; BS4… Setting change screen as an example of the second setting screen; BS5… Folder selection screen as an example of the second setting screen; NS1… Help screen as an example of the first setting screen;NS2…Help screen as an example of the first setup screen; NS3…Help screen as an example of the first setup screen; SS1…Split setup screen; SS2…Split setup screen; SS3…Split setup screen; NS4…Save destination specification screen as an example of the first setup screen; NS5…Save destination details screen as an example of the first setup screen; NS6…Save destination specification screen; HA1…Title bar area; MS1…Message; MS2…Message, MS3…Message.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, It has an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium, and has the following: The display unit is capable of displaying a setting screen, which is a screen for the user to visually confirm based on the image generation conditions set as conditions for generating the image; The operation unit is capable of operating the set screen; The storage unit stores one or more first display data, which enables the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; The communication unit is capable of connecting to a server via a network, the server storing one or more second display data, which enables the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; The control unit, when the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data is being displayed on the display unit, and when it receives a first operation by the operation unit that selects a selected section in the second setting screen, splits the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation and displays them simultaneously on the display unit.

2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit receives the first operation while the second setting screen is being displayed on the display unit, it switches from the second setting screen to the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation.

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a setting unit that is referenced by the control unit receiving the first operation and sets either full-screen display or split-screen display to be active. When the split screen display is active, if the control unit receives the first operation while the second setting screen is being displayed on the display unit, it splits the second setting screen and the first setting screen on the display unit and displays them simultaneously.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a setting unit that is referenced by the control unit receiving the first operation and sets either full-screen display or split-screen display to be active. When the full-screen display is enabled, if the control unit receives the first operation while the second setting screen is being displayed on the display unit, it switches from the second setting screen to the first setting screen.

5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first operation is to select the help button in the second settings screen as the selected part. When the second setting screen is being displayed, the control unit, upon receiving a selection of the help button, splits and displays the second setting screen and the help screen (which is the first setting screen and is associated with the help button) on the display unit simultaneously.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, When the control unit is displayed in a segmented manner on the display unit, the display area of ​​the help screen is segmented into a larger size compared to the display area of ​​the second setting screen.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit receives a scrolling operation for the second setting screen, the first setting screen will not scroll even if the second setting screen is scrolled.

8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit receives a scrolling operation for the first setting screen, even if the first setting screen is scrolled, the second setting screen will not scroll.

9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit receives a scrolling operation for either the first setting screen or the second setting screen, it causes both the first setting screen and the second setting screen to scroll together.

10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The help screen includes a settings operation section, which allows for changes to settings related to the settings change options. These settings change options correspond to the selected section that was selected through the first operation. When the control unit receives a change in settings based on the operation of the setting operation unit in the help screen, the change in settings is reflected in the setting change option on the second setting screen.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, It has an action unit that performs the action of generating an image using a medium, and has the following: The display unit is capable of displaying a setting screen, which is a screen for the user to visually confirm based on the image generation conditions set as conditions for generating the image; The operation unit is capable of operating the set screen; The storage unit stores one or more first display data, which enables the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; The communication unit is capable of connecting to a server via a network, the server storing one or more second display data, which enables the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; The control unit controls the display unit. When the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data is being displayed on the display unit, and the control unit receives a second operation by which the selected part in the first setting screen is selected through the operation unit, it sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server, and simultaneously displays the first setting screen and the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data received from the server in response to the second operation position information on the display unit.

12. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The electronic device is connected to the terminal device in a communicative manner, and the terminal device is connected to the server via the network. The first setting screen includes a save destination specification section as the selected section, which can specify the save destination for data related to images generated by the electronic device. When the control unit receives the second operation of selecting the save destination designation screen in the save destination designation screen, it splits the save destination designation screen and the folder overview screen received from the terminal device via the server on the display unit and displays them simultaneously.

13. The electronic device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The electronic device is an image reading device that includes a reading unit as the action unit, and the reading unit reads the original document, which is the medium.

14. The electronic device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The electronic device is an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit as the operating unit, and the image forming unit forms an image on the medium.

15. A server, characterized in that, It is connected to the electronic device described in claim 1 via a network and includes: The second storage unit stores one or more second display data, which enables the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; The server-side display control unit sends an instruction to the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data to the electronic device along with the second display data; The second split display control unit, when the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data is being displayed on the display unit, and when the control unit of the electronic device receives a first operation by which the selected portion of the second setting screen is selected through the operation unit, receives first operation location information obtained from the first operation via the network from the electronic device. The second split display control unit sends a display instruction to the electronic device, which causes the display unit to display the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation position information. This causes the control unit to split the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data read from the storage unit according to the display instruction and display them simultaneously on the display unit.

16. A server, characterized in that, It is connected to the electronic device described in claim 11 via a network and has the following features: The second storage unit stores one or more second display data, which enables the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen; The server-side display control unit sends an instruction to the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the second display data to the electronic device along with the second display data; The second split display control unit receives the second operation location information from the electronic device via the network. The second split display control unit acquires new second display data that is different from the second display data stored in the second storage unit before the image acquisition process by performing an image acquisition process associated with the second operation position information, and sends a display instruction to the electronic device to cause the display unit to display the second setting screen obtained based on the new second display data together with the new second display data, thereby causing the control unit to split the first setting screen and the second setting screen obtained based on the new second display data on the display unit and display them simultaneously.

17. A display system, characterized in that, have: The electronic device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; and, The server as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 and claim 15.

18. A display system, characterized in that, have: The electronic device as described in claim 11 or claim 12; and, The server as described in any one of claims 11, 12 and 16.

19. A display control method for an electronic device, characterized in that, It controls the display unit of the electronic device, wherein, The electronic device includes: The action unit performs the action of using a medium to generate an image; The display unit is capable of displaying a setting screen, which is a screen for the user to visually confirm based on the image generation conditions set as conditions for generating the image. The operation unit is capable of operating the set screen; The storage unit stores one or more first display data, which enables the display of a first setting screen as a display mode of the setting screen; The communication unit is capable of connecting to a server via a network. The server stores one or more second display data, which enables the display of a second setting screen as another display mode of the setting screen. The display control method of the electronic device includes: (A1) When the second setting screen, obtained based on the second display data, is being displayed on the display unit, the first operation of selecting the selected section in the second setting screen via the operation unit is processed; and (A2) When the first operation is received, the second setting screen and the first setting screen obtained based on the first display data associated with the first operation are split on the display unit and displayed simultaneously.

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