Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To enhance convenience of users.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus switches and displays, on a display unit, a first screen displaying a display component indicating each function of a first function group having a relatively high order among functions included in an application, a second screen displaying a display component indicating each function of a second function group including the first function group and a function group having an order lower than that of the first function group, a first setting screen capable of receiving a setting of a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen and displaying a setting having a relatively high order in the first function, and a second setting screen capable of receiving a setting of the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen and displaying settings of the first function in a greater number than the number of the setting of the first function displayed on the first setting screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Information processing apparatuses use various applications. Various applications are also installed in image processing apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals, and users can start the applications on an operation panel.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing device that can switch an application between a simple display mode in which only frequently used items are displayed, and a normal display mode in which all items are displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-147998 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for further improving the convenience of users who use applications.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that it has a display control means capable of switching and displaying on a display unit: a first screen displaying display components indicating each function of a first function group that is relatively highly ranked among the functions of an application; a second screen that is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and displays display components indicating each function of a second function group that includes the first function group and a function group that is ranked lower than the first function group; a first setting screen that is capable of accepting settings of a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen and displays settings of the first function that are relatively highly ranked; and a second setting screen that is capable of accepting settings of the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen and displays a greater number of settings of the first function than the number of settings of the first function displayed on the first setting screen. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the image processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a table showing items that can be set according to the screen type. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing a screen display process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of a function button display process. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining screen transitions. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of a function button display process. [Figure 10]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main menu screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the subject matter of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure. Note that the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0011] <<First embodiment>> In this embodiment, a form using a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having multiple functions such as a printing function, a reading function, and a transmission function will be described. The MFP is an image processing device that performs image processing. The MFP is also an information processing device that performs various types of information processing.

[0012] The image processing device has an operation panel on the main body, and is configured so that a user can realize various functions and perform various settings by appropriately selecting items displayed on the operation panel. The image processing device is equipped with a wide variety of functions (also called main functions). Each main function also includes a wide variety of setting items (called sub-functions). A copy function will be taken as an example of a main function. The copy function, which is the main function, includes, as sub-functions, a color function including setting values ​​such as black and white copying or color copying, and a scaling function including setting values ​​such as print at the same size or reduced size. Among these sub-functions (setting items), there are "functions that are used frequently" and "functions that are used infrequently." If a setting screen corresponding to all the functions is displayed on the image processing device, a setting screen including a wide variety of functions will be displayed, which increases the difficulty of setting operations for users who are unfamiliar with settings.

[0013] As described above, since there are functions that are used frequently and functions that are used infrequently, there is a demand for improving the convenience of the setting operation by the user. For example, one method is to provide an "application that collects only frequently used functions (simple app)," reduce the number of setting items that the user can set, and simplify the screen, thereby reducing the difficulty of setting. In addition to the simple app, an "application that can set all functions (full-feature app)" is also provided at the same time for users who want to use less frequently used functions. This allows users to use different applications depending on the situation, which makes it possible to improve user convenience to a certain extent.

[0014] However, in the above method, the user may not know whether a simple app or a full-featured app is more suitable for him / her. In particular, when a user is not familiar with the functions, the user may have to use different applications depending on the purpose at the time of selecting an application, which may cause a burden for the user. Here, the example of switching applications is described, but the same problem occurs when switching modes in the same application.

[0015] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which efficient operability is realized without the user being confused about the operation, and user convenience is improved. Specifically, the image processing device is configured to display frequently used setting values ​​of frequently used functions at a shallow level within one application. On the other hand, the image processing device is configured to display all setting values ​​at a deep level, even though they are not used frequently. This makes it possible to realize efficient operability without the user being confused about the operation. A specific example will be described below.

[0016] <System configuration> 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system 100 having an image processing device according to this embodiment. The system 100 has an image processing device 103, which is an information processing device connected to a network, a server 101, and a client PC (personal computer) 102.

[0017] The image processing device 103 is an MFP. The image processing device 103 has a function of copying a paper document and a function of printing print data sent from an external printer driver. The image processing device 103 also has a function of reading a paper document and sending the image data to an external file server (server 101) or an email address (SEND function, scan and send function). The image processing device 103 also has a function of sending data to another image processing device and printing the data at the destination image processing device (remote copy function, facsimile function). The image processing device 103 may have various other functions. Note that the above-mentioned functions are merely examples and are not limited to these examples. The image processing device 103 may be a device having a single function. The printing method of the image processing device 103 used in this embodiment may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or another method.

[0018] The image processing device 103 is connected to the server 101 and the client PC 102, for example, via Ethernet (registered trademark), but is not limited to this example. In addition, although a plurality of devices is described here as an example, for example, the server 101 and the client PC 102 may all be configured as the same computer. The server 101 and the client PC 102 may be implemented in the image processing device 103, and the system 100 may be configured by the single device, the image processing device 103. Note that, in this embodiment, the image processing device 103 is shown as an example of an information processing device, but is not limited to the image processing device 103, and the information processing device may be a PC, a terminal device, or a smartphone.

[0019] <Hardware configuration of image processing device> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing device 103 in this embodiment. The image processing device 103 has a controller unit 200, an operation unit 212, a scanner unit 270, and a printer unit 295. The controller unit 200 has a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a HDD 204, an image bus I / F 205, an operation unit I / F 206, an SRAM 209, a network I / F 210, an RTC 211, and a MODEM 250. The controller unit 200 also has a device I / F 220, an image rotation unit 230, an image compression / decompression unit 240, the MODEM 250, a RIP 260, a scanner image processing unit 280, and a printer image processing unit 290.

[0020] The controller unit 200 is connected to a scanner section 270 which is an image input device and a printer section 295 which is an image output device. The controller unit 200 also inputs and outputs image information and device information by connecting to Ethernet (registered trademark) or a public line. The CPU 201 is a controller that controls the image processing device 103. The RAM 202 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 201, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 203 is a boot ROM in which a boot program for the system is stored. The HDD 204 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, applications, and image data.

[0021] The operation unit I / F 206 is an interface with an operation unit 212 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 212 to the operation unit 212. The operation unit I / F 206 also plays a role in transmitting information input by a user via the operation unit 212 to the CPU 201. The operation unit 212 is also a display unit having a touch panel. The operation unit 212 may also have separate hard keys, and may be configured to accept input via the hard keys. The network I / F 210 connects to a network and inputs and outputs information. The MODEM 250 connects to a public line and inputs and outputs information.

[0022] The SRAM 209 is a non-volatile recording medium capable of high speed operation. The RTC 211 is a real-time clock that continues to count the current time even when the controller unit 200 is not powered on. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 207.

[0023] The image bus I / F 205 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 207 and an image bus 208 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure. The image bus 208 is configured as a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 208. The RIP 260 is a raster image processor that develops PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F section 220 connects the scanner section 270 and printer section 295, which are image input / output devices, to the controller unit 200 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing section 280 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing section 290 corrects, converts the resolution of, and the like, print output image data. The image rotation section 230 rotates image data. The image compression / expansion section 240 performs compression / expansion processing of image data.

[0024] <Software configuration of image processing device> Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image processing device 103 in this embodiment. The main software configuration shown in Fig. 3 is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103 as so-called firmware 350, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201.

[0025] The image processing device 103 includes a real-time OS 301 and firmware 350. The firmware 350 includes a controller platform 302, a system service 306, and an application platform 307. The controller platform 302 includes a file system 303, a job / device control unit 304, and a counter 305. The system service 306 includes an application management unit 308 and a window management unit 309. The firmware 350 includes a main menu application 310, a web browser application 311, a copy application 312, a scan application 313, and a login unit 314 on the application platform 307.

[0026] The real-time OS 301 is a real-time operating system that provides various resource management services and frameworks optimized for controlling embedded systems for software that runs on it. The various resource management services and frameworks provided by the real-time OS include multitask (thread) management, which manages multiple execution contexts of processes by the CPU 201, thereby allowing multiple processes to run in parallel. There is also inter-task communication, which realizes synchronization and data exchange between tasks. There are also memory management, interrupt management, various device drivers, and a protocol stack that implements the processing of various protocols such as local interfaces, networks, and communications.

[0027] The file system 303 is a mechanism for storing data constructed on a storage device such as the HDD 204 or the RAM 202. The job / device control unit 304 controls the hardware of the image processing device 103, and also controls jobs that use basic functions (printing, scanning, communication, image conversion, etc.) provided mainly by the hardware of the image processing device 103. The counter 305 manages the expiration date for each application and the print and scan counter values ​​stored in the SRAM 209.

[0028] The application management unit 308 is a management module for installing, uninstalling, starting, or stopping the applications 310, 311, 312, and 313, the login unit 314, etc. The window management unit 309 is a management module for controlling the display order of application windows provided in the applications 310, 311, 312, and 313, the login unit 314, etc.

[0029] The application platform 307 is middleware that enables the mechanisms of the real-time OS 301 and the controller platform 302 to be used by applications 310, 311, 312, and 313, a login unit 314, and the like.

[0030] Applications 310, 311, 312, and 313 are application software that realize various business models by utilizing functions provided by the application platform 307. The main menu application 310 has a menu function for selecting an application. The web browser application 311 has a web browser function for browsing a web server. The copy application 312 has a copy function for copying a paper document. The scan application 313 has a scan function for transmitting data. When these applications receive a login notification from the login unit 314, they perform a screen generation process according to the login user based on the information. As an example, there is a process in which the login user is prohibited from using a web browser and from color copying, and functions are restricted. In this case, the main menu application 310 performs a process so that the login user cannot select a web browser that cannot be used. The copy application 312 performs a process so that the color copy button cannot be selected.

[0031] The login unit 314 is authentication software for performing user authentication. The login unit 314 performs login processing based on the user name and password entered via the operation unit 212. If the authentication fails, the login unit 314 displays an error message, and if the authentication is successful, it performs a series of processes after the authentication.

[0032] <Screen display control> Next, the screen display control in the image processing device 103 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10. FIG.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining screen transitions of screens including a basic function screen 410 and a full function screen 420 in this embodiment. Each screen described in this embodiment is displayed on the operation unit 212 by being output to the operation unit 212 by the window management unit 309. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a main menu screen. A main menu screen 1000 is a screen displayed on the operation unit 212 by the main menu application 310 in cooperation with the window management unit 309. The main menu screen 1000 displays a plurality of menus. In this embodiment, the configuration is such that an application corresponding to each menu is started in response to each menu being selected by the user. FIG. 4 shows an example in which scan and send 1001 is selected by the user from among the plurality of menus shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the scan application 313 is started, and the scan application 313 cooperates with the window management unit 309 to display the basic function screen 410 shown in FIG. 4 on the operation unit 212.

[0034] The window manager 309 and the scan application 313 are stored as firmware 350 in the HDD 204 of the image processing apparatus 103 , read into the RAM 202 , and executed by the CPU 201 .

[0035] The basic function screen 410 and the full function screen 420 will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. In the example of FIG. 4, a screen corresponding to the scan application 313 is displayed on the basic function screen 410. The content displayed on the basic function screen 410 varies depending on the application to be launched. The basic function screen 410 is the screen that is displayed first by the application when the application is launched. More specifically, the basic function screen 410 can be said to be the first screen that can accept operations by the user after the application is launched. For example, when an application is launched, a logo or a launching screen may be displayed first, but such a screen is not included in the basic function screen.

[0036] The "scan and send" function provided by the scan application 313 is a function (main function) that scans, converts the scan result into an electronic file, and enables transmission. The basic function screen 410 includes a button 401 for adding a destination. The basic function screen 410 also includes a first function group 402 that is configured with one or more functions (setting items) that the scan application 313 has that are used relatively more frequently than other functions. The first function group includes a color 4021 that is a function (setting item) for setting a color setting value, a double-sided printing 4022 that is a function (setting item) for setting a double-sided printing setting value, and a resolution 4023 that is a function (setting item) for setting a resolution setting value. That is, the color 4021, the double-sided printing 4022, and the resolution 4023 are functions that are used relatively more frequently in the scan application 313 than other functions. The frequency of use may be the frequency of use of a user notified by the login unit 314, or may be the frequency of use of all users who use the image processing device 103. Alternatively, the frequency of use may be obtained by referring to information from outside.

[0037] A start button 404 for executing the main function of the scan application 313 is arranged on the basic function screen 410. When the start button 404 is selected by the user, the scan application 313 executes the main function of "scan and send" in accordance with various set values.

[0038] A transition button 403 for transitioning from the basic function screen 410 to a full function screen 420 is arranged on the basic function screen 410. The transition button 403 is labeled "To all functions." When the user selects the transition button 403 on the basic function screen 410, the scan application 313 displays the full function screen 420 on the operation unit 212.

[0039] In the full function screen 420, a second function group 421 consisting of all the functions of the scan application 313 is arranged. The second function group 421 includes the first function group. That is, the color 4211, the double-sided setting 4212, and the resolution 4213 in the full function screen 420 are the first function group in the basic function screen 410. In the example of FIG. 4, the first function group in the full function screen 420 is displayed in the same manner (same size and same display name). It is sufficient that the user can distinguish the first function group in the full function screen 420, and it is not necessarily required that the first function group is displayed in the same manner as the first function group in the basic function screen 410. In the example of FIG. 4, the arrangement order of the first function group in the full function screen 420 is the same as the arrangement of the first function group 402 in the basic function screen 410, but is not limited thereto. The arrangement order of the first function group in the full function screen 420 may be the same as the arrangement of the first function group 402 in the basic function screen 410, or may be different. Furthermore, if the number of functions in second function group 421 is large and all of them cannot be displayed on operation unit 212, a scroll bar or page switching buttons (not shown) may be provided.

[0040] In addition to the second function group 421, a back button 422 for transitioning (returning) to the basic function screen 410 is arranged on the full function screen 420. When the back button 422 is selected by the user, the scan application 313 transitions from the full function screen 420 to the basic function screen 410.

[0041] Next, a screen control when a function included in the first function group 402 on the basic function screen 410 is selected by the user will be described. In the example of FIG. 4, it is assumed that color 4021 in the first function group 402 is selected by the user. Then, the scan application 313 displays a color setting screen 405 on the operation unit 212. The color setting screen 405 includes a setting value 406. Specifically, the color setting screen 405 includes two setting values, color 4061 and black and white 4062. When color 4061 is selected by the user, the scan application 313 sets a setting to be obtained by scanning a color image. When black and white 4062 is selected by the user, the scan application 313 sets a setting to be obtained by scanning a black and white image. Here, in the color setting screen 405 displayed via color 4021 on the basic function screen 410, a setting value 406 that is used relatively more frequently than other setting values ​​is displayed among the setting values ​​that the scan application 313 can set in the color setting. That is, functions that are used relatively frequently compared to other functions are arranged as the first function group 402 on the basic function screen 410. Then, on a setting screen for setting a setting value in response to a function selected on the basic function screen 410, a setting value that is used relatively frequently compared to other setting values ​​is arranged.

[0042] On the other hand, in the full function screen 420, as described above, the color 4211 is included in the second function group 421. When the color 4211 in the second function group 421 is selected by the user, the scan application 313 displays the color setting screen 425 on the operation unit 212. For the sake of explanation, the color setting screen 405 is the first color setting screen 405, and the color setting screen 425 is the second color setting screen 425. The second color setting screen 425 includes all the setting values ​​426 related to color. Specifically, the second color setting screen 425 includes an automatic color 4261, a color 4262, black and white 4263, and a grayscale 4264. Of the setting values ​​426 of the second color setting screen 425, the color 4262 and the black and white 4263 are also arranged in the first color setting screen 405, but the automatic color 4261 and the grayscale 4264 are not arranged in the first color setting screen 405.

[0043] In this way, even when setting the same function (setting item) in the scan application 313, the configurable setting values ​​are displayed differently depending on whether the transition source screen is the basic function screen 410 or the full function screen 420. This allows frequently used functions and setting values ​​to be set via the basic function screen 410 at a shallower level that is displayed after startup, improving operability and usability. On the other hand, a user who desires detailed functions or setting values ​​can set them via the full function screen 420 at a deeper level.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a table showing items that can be set according to screen types in this embodiment. The table shown in FIG. 5 is stored in, for example, the HDD 204. FIG. 5 corresponds to the configuration described in the screen transition of FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, a basic function screen and an all-function screen are included as screen types 501. In the setting items 502, setting items (functions) that can be set in the basic function screen and the all-function screen are defined. The scan application 313 determines the setting items (functions) to be displayed in the basic function screen 410 and the all-function screen 420, respectively, by referring to the table shown in FIG. 5. The setting values ​​503 of the setting items indicate the setting values ​​that are arranged (displayed) in the setting screen that is displayed when each setting item is selected. In FIG. 5, the setting values ​​406 are setting values ​​that are arranged in the first setting screen that is displayed when the color 4021 is selected in the basic function screen 410, and correspond to the example shown in FIG. 4. 5, a setting value 426 is a setting value arranged on the second setting screen that is displayed when color 4211 is selected on the full function screen 420, and corresponds to the example shown in FIG.

[0045] In Fig. 4, the color setting has been described as an example, but as shown in Fig. 5, the same relationship as that in the example described using the color setting is also defined for setting items other than the color setting. That is, the basic function screen 410 is configured to display a first function group (setting item group) that is used relatively frequently. Then, when a function in the first function group is selected, the setting value that is used relatively frequently is displayed on the setting screen. On the other hand, the full function screen 420 is configured to display a second function group that includes all functions. Then, when a function in the second function group is selected, all configurable setting values ​​are displayed on the setting screen.

[0046] <Flowchart> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a screen display process in this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 6 is realized by reading the firmware 350 stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103 into the RAM 202 and executing it by the CPU 201. More specifically, the process is a process in which the scan application 313 included in the firmware 350 is read into the RAM 202 and executed by the CPU 201. As described above, the scan application 313 performs display control in cooperation with the window management unit 309. Note that the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process means a step in the flowchart. The process in FIG. 6 is a process that is executed when the user selects "Scan and Send" 1001 on the main menu screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 and the scan application 313 is started. Note that the process in FIG. 6 may be executed when the scan application 313 resumes from a pause state.

[0047] In S601, the scan application 313 performs initial setting to set the image mode setting to the basic function screen mode. Next, in S602, the scan application 313 cooperates with the window management unit 309 to display a screen corresponding to the screen mode on the operation unit 212. In S602, when the screen mode is the basic function screen mode, the basic function screen 410 is displayed on the operation unit 212. On the other hand, when the screen mode is the full function screen mode, the full function screen 420 is displayed on the operation unit 212.

[0048] Next, in S603, the scan application 313 cooperates with the window management unit 309 to perform function button display processing according to the screen mode. Details of S603 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. After S603, in S604, the scan application 313 determines whether a screen transition button has been pressed (touched) by the user. In the example of FIG. 4, the screen transition buttons are the transition button 403 and the back button 422. If it is determined that the screen transition button has been pressed, the scan application 313 proceeds to S605. If it is determined that the screen transition button has not been pressed, the scan application 313 proceeds to S608.

[0049] In S605, the scan application 313 determines whether to transition to the full-function screen. If the transition button 403 is pressed, the scan application 313 determines to transition to the full-function screen. If the back button 422 is pressed, the scan application 313 determines not to transition to the full-function screen. In other words, if the back button 422 is pressed, the scan application 313 determines to transition to the basic function screen. If it is determined to transition to the full-function screen, in S606, the scan application 313 sets the screen mode setting to the full-function screen, and proceeds to S602. If it is not determined to transition to the full-function screen, in S607, the scan application 313 sets the screen mode setting to the basic function screen, and proceeds to S602. Then, in S602, the scan application 313 continues to display a screen according to the mode, and continues to perform the processes from S603 onwards.

[0050] In S608, the scan application 313 determines whether to execute the function process. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, it determines whether the start button 404 has been pressed. If it is determined that the function process is to be executed, in S609, the scan application 313 executes the function process. After S609, the scan application 313 proceeds to S603. Then, it continues to perform the processes from S603 onwards. If it is determined that the function process is not to be executed in S608, the scan application 313 determines in S610 whether the application has been terminated. For example, if another menu screen is displayed or the image processing device is in a standby state, the scan application 313 determines that the application has been terminated, and ends the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6. If it is determined that the application is not to be terminated, the scan application 313 proceeds to S603 and continues to perform the processes from S603 onwards.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of the function button display processing in S603 in Fig. 6. In S701, the scan application 313 judges whether a function button has been pressed. For example, when the basic function screen 410 in Fig. 4 is displayed, the scan application 313 judges whether a button for each function in the first function group 402 has been pressed. When the full function screen 420 in Fig. 4 is displayed, the scan application 313 judges whether a button for each function in the second function group 421 has been pressed. When it is determined that a function button has not been pressed, the scan application 313 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. When it is determined that a function button has been pressed, the scan application 313 proceeds to S702.

[0052] In S702, the scan application 313 determines whether the current screen mode is the basic function screen mode. If it is determined that the current screen mode is the basic function screen mode, the scan application 313 proceeds to S703. In S703, the scan application 313 displays setting values ​​that are relatively frequently used among the selectable setting values. That is, the scan application 313 displays only a part of setting values ​​that are frequently used among all the selectable setting values. After S703, the scan application 313 proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current screen mode is not the basic function screen mode, the scan application 313 proceeds to S704. In S704, the scan application 313 displays all the selectable setting values. After S704, the scan application 313 proceeds to S705.

[0053] In S705, the scan application 313 sets the setting values ​​designated by the user, and then ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0054] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user does not get lost in the operation, and efficient operability is realized, and the user's convenience is improved. That is, as described in the above example, the image processing device is configured to display frequently used setting values ​​of frequently used functions in a setting screen to which the first screen (i.e., a screen in a shallow hierarchy) displayed immediately after startup in one application is transitioned. Therefore, in most usage forms, the user can complete the setting operation only on a screen in a shallow hierarchy, and the convenience is improved. In addition, since the display of many items is suppressed, the user does not get lost in the operation, and efficient operability can be realized. On the other hand, the image processing device is configured to display setting values ​​corresponding to all functions in a setting screen to which the second screen (i.e., a screen in a deep hierarchy) transitioned from the first screen is transitioned. As a result, the setting operation of less frequently used functions and setting values ​​can be completed in one application.

[0055] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which only setting values ​​with relatively high usage frequency are displayed on the setting screen when a function is selected from the basic function screen. In this embodiment, an example is described in which a transition button is provided to display all setting values ​​of the corresponding function in addition to setting values ​​with relatively high usage frequency on the setting screen when a function is selected from the basic function screen. Note that the basic configuration is the same as the example described in the first embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0056] <Screen display control> FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining screen transitions of screens including a basic function screen 410 and a full function screen 420 in this embodiment. The basic configuration is the same as the example described in FIG. 4. In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which a first color setting screen 405 to which the basic function screen 410 transitions displays setting values ​​that are relatively frequently used. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first color setting screen 405 is provided with a transition button 801 for transitioning to a screen that displays all setting values. When the transition button 801 is pressed by the user, the second color setting screen 425 that displays all setting values ​​is displayed, similarly to the case in which the user presses color 4211 on the full function screen 420.

[0057] <Flowchart> Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of the function button display processing in S603 in Fig. 6, similarly to Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 7, except that processing of S901 and S902 is added between S703 and S705.

[0058] Following the processing of S703, in S901, the scan application 313 determines whether a transition button has been pressed. That is, it determines whether the transition button 801 for transitioning to a screen displaying all the setting values ​​in FIG. 8 has been pressed. If it is determined that the transition button has not been pressed, the scan application 313 proceeds to S705. If it is determined that the transition button has been pressed, the scan application 313 displays all the setting values ​​in S902. After S902, the scan application 313 proceeds to S705.

[0059] As described above, in this embodiment as well, the user does not get lost in the operation, and efficient operability is realized, thereby improving the user convenience. That is, according to this embodiment, when a user wants to set a setting value that is used relatively infrequently for a function that is used relatively frequently, the setting can be performed with a short number of operations. Therefore, the user convenience can be improved.

[0060] <<Other embodiments>> In the above embodiment, the "scan and send" function has been mainly taken as an example, but other functions may be used.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the setting items in scanning are taken as an example of a frequently used function and a rarely used function. That is, an example in which a scan function, which is the main function of an image processing device, includes a plurality of sub-functions set by setting items is described. Then, an example in which processing is performed according to the frequency of use of the sub-functions is described. However, this is not limited to this example. In a multifunction device having multiple functions such as an MFP, processing may be performed according to the frequency of use of that function (i.e., the main function). That is, the "function" described in the above-described embodiment may be the main function. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an image processing device having a main function and a sub-function is taken as an example, but this is not limited to this example. In an information processing device having multiple functions, any form may be used as long as the processing described in the above-described embodiment is performed according to the frequency of use.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a button icon is displayed as a display component for receiving an instruction from a user. That is, when selecting a function or a setting value, an example has been described in which an instruction from a user is received by pressing a button icon by the user. However, the display component is not limited to an icon. Any display component, such as a character, an image, or a photo, may be used.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the image processing device is configured to display setting values ​​corresponding to all functions on the setting screen to which the full function screen is transitioned. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and any setting value may be displayed on the setting screen to which the basic function screen is transitioned. For example, there are cases in which all setting values ​​cannot be displayed on the screen of the operation unit 212. For this reason, any setting value may be displayed on the setting screen to which the full function screen is transitioned, at least, on the setting screen to which the basic function screen is transitioned.

[0064] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, various settings are managed as numerical values ​​in the data, and therefore are described as "setting values." However, as long as the function settings can be identified, they do not necessarily have to be managed as setting values.

[0065] In the above-mentioned embodiment, functions with relatively high and low usage frequencies, and set values ​​with relatively high and low usage frequencies are given as examples, but they do not necessarily have to follow the usage frequencies. Functions and set values ​​may be given a predetermined ranking, and the processing of the above-mentioned embodiment may be performed with the function (set value) with a relatively high ranking or the function (or set value) with a relatively low ranking. The usage frequency is an example of a predetermined ranking. In other words, a relatively high usage frequency indicates that the ranking of the usage frequency is relatively high. As another example of the usage frequency, for example, the priority that the administrator wants to use may be given as the predetermined ranking. Also, the probability that the user will use may be given as the predetermined ranking. Even in these cases, the convenience of the user can be improved as in the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, a relatively high ranking indicates that a predetermined threshold is set and the ranking is higher than the threshold.

[0066] The above-mentioned embodiment can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by one computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. It is not necessary to realize all of the above-mentioned processes by software, and some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as ASIC. The CPU is also not limited to one that performs all processes by one CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.

[0067] In addition, the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are not only realized by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where an OS running on a computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by the processing.

[0068] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes configurations typified by the following information processing device example, information processing device control method example, and program example.

[0069] <Configuration 1> a first screen displaying display components showing each function of a first function group having a relatively high ranking among the functions of the application; a second screen that is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and displays display components that indicate each function of a second function group that includes the first function group and a function group that is lower in rank than the first function group; a first setting screen capable of accepting a setting of a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen and displaying a setting having a relatively high ranking among the first functions; a second setting screen capable of accepting settings of the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen and displaying a larger number of settings of the first function than the number of settings of the first function displayed on the first setting screen; A display control means for switching the display on the display unit to display the 13. An information processing device comprising:

[0070] <Configuration 2> 2. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the display control means displays, on the first screen, a display component that accepts an instruction to transition to the second screen.

[0071] <Configuration 3> 3. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the display control means displays, on the second screen, a display component that accepts an instruction to transition to the first screen.

[0072] <Configuration 4> The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the display control means displays the first setting screen in response to a display component indicating the first function being selected by a user on the first screen.

[0073] <Component 5> The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the display control means displays the second setting screen in response to a display component indicating the first function being selected by a user on the second screen.

[0074] <Component 6> The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the display control means displays a display component indicating the first function on the first screen and a display component indicating the first function on the second screen in the same manner.

[0075] <Component 7> 7. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the display control means displays, on the first setting screen, a display component that accepts an instruction to transition to the second setting screen.

[0076] <Component 8> 8. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the ranking is a ranking of frequency of use in the application.

[0077] <Component 9> The application program further includes a start-up unit for starting the application in response to a user's instruction, 9. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the first screen is a screen that is displayed after the application is started.

[0078] <Component 10> a first screen displaying display components showing each function of a first function group having a relatively high ranking among the functions of the application; a second screen which is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and displays display components showing each function of the first function group and a second function group including a function group lower in rank than the first function group; A display control means for switching the display on the display unit to display the having An information processing device characterized in that a first setting screen displayed when a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen is selected and a second setting screen displayed when the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen are selected are different.

[0079] <Component 11> 11. The information processing device according to configuration 10, wherein the second setting screen has more selectable settings than the first setting screen.

[0080] <Component 12> a first screen that is displayed after an application is started and displays display components that indicate functions of a first function group that are relatively high in rank among functions provided in the application; a second screen that is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and displays display components that indicate each function of a second function group that includes the first function group and a function group that is lower in rank than the first function group; a first setting screen capable of accepting a setting of a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen and displaying a setting having a relatively high ranking among the first functions; a second setting screen capable of accepting settings of the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen and displaying a larger number of settings of the first function than the number of settings of the first function displayed on the first setting screen; A process of switching the display unit to display the 13. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising the steps of:

[0081] <Component 13> a first screen displaying display components showing each function of a first function group having a relatively high ranking among the functions of the application; a second screen which is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and displays display components showing each function of the first function group and a second function group including a function group lower in rank than the first function group; A process of switching the display unit to display the having A control method for an information processing device, characterized in that a first setting screen displayed when a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen is selected and a second setting screen displayed when the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen are selected are different.

[0082] <Component 14> 14. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an information processing device according to configuration 12 or 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 103 Image processing device 201 CPU 212 Operation section 313 Scan Application

Claims

1. a first screen that displays a plurality of display components that indicate each function of a first function group among the functions of the application; a display control means that is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and is capable of switching between the first function group and a second screen that displays a plurality of display components that indicate each function of a second function group that includes a function group different from the first function group; The display control means When a display component indicating a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen is selected, a first setting screen including settings related to the first function is displayed; When a display component indicating the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen is selected, a second setting screen is displayed including a larger number of settings related to the first function than the number of settings related to the first function displayed on the first setting screen.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display control means displays, on said first screen, a display component that accepts an instruction to transition to said second screen.

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display control means displays, on said second screen, a display component that accepts an instruction to transition to said first screen.

4. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the first setting screen in response to a user selecting a display component indicating the first function on the first screen.

5. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the second setting screen in response to a user selecting a display component indicating the first function on the second screen.

6. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays a display component indicating the first function on the first screen and a display component indicating the first function on the second screen in the same manner.

7. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays, on the first setting screen, a display component that accepts an instruction to transition to the second setting screen.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function group different from the first function group has a different order of frequency of use in the application.

9. further comprising a launching means for launching the application in response to a user instruction; 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first screen is a screen that is displayed after the application is started.

10. a first screen that displays a plurality of display components that indicate each function of a first function group among the functions of the application; a second screen that is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and displays a plurality of display components that indicate each function of the first function group and a second function group that includes a function group different from the first function group; a display control means for switching the display on the display unit to display the and An information processing device characterized in that a first setting screen displayed when a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen is selected and a second setting screen displayed when the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen are selected are different.

11. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second setting screen has more selectable settings than the first setting screen.

12. a first screen that displays a plurality of display components that indicate each function of a first function group among the functions of the application; a second screen that is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and that displays a plurality of display components that indicate each function of a second function group that includes the first function group and a function group different from the first function group, and In the displaying step, When a display component indicating a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen is selected, a first setting screen including settings related to the first function is displayed; When a display component indicating the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen is selected, a second setting screen is displayed including a larger number of settings related to the first function than the number of settings related to the first function displayed on the first setting screen.

2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

13. a first screen that displays a plurality of display components that indicate each function of a first function group among the functions of the application; a second screen that is displayed in response to a user's instruction on the first screen and displays a plurality of display components that indicate each function of the first function group and a second function group that includes a function group different from the first function group; a step of switching the display unit to display the and A control method for an information processing device, characterized in that a first setting screen displayed when a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen is selected and a second setting screen displayed when the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen are selected are different.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an information processing device according to claim 12 or 13.

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