Information processing device, display control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that increases user's convenience in using an application.SOLUTION: Display control means performs display control so that when reception means receives an instruction to display a screen for a second application among a plurality of applications which is different from a first application thereamong in a state where a screen for the first application is displayed, the screen for the first application is switched to the screen for the second application. When the second application is not a predetermined application, the display control means initializes applications included in the plurality of applications; and when the second application is the predetermined application, it does not initialize the applications included in the plurality of applications.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known a technique for displaying help information or a means for accessing help information when a user has difficulty operating an information device such as an image processing device (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a help screen corresponding to the application being displayed when the user presses a help button located at the top of the screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-156610 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the device receives an instruction to display an application screen corresponding to an executable function, it is desirable that various settings are in their initial states. On the other hand, when a help function is executed while the application screen corresponding to a desired function is displayed, it is desirable that the settings before the execution of the help function remain when returning to the display of the previous application screen.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a display control method, and a program that improve the convenience of using applications by users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to the present invention comprises a reception means capable of receiving an instruction to display a screen corresponding to each of a plurality of applications, and a display control means for controlling the display of the screen of the application corresponding to the instruction based on the instruction received by the reception means, wherein when the reception means receives the instruction to display a screen of a second application different from the first application while a screen of a first application in the plurality of applications is displayed, the display control means controls the display to switch from the screen of the first application to the screen of the second application, and if the second application is not a specified application, initializes an application included in the plurality of applications, and if the second application is the specified application, does not initialize the application included in the plurality of applications. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user in using an application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image processing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a network system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a portable information terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional module configuration of the image processing apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining data held by an application. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen of a home application. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining data held by a home application. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining data held by a window manager. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing processing between modules. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a window manager. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing processing between modules. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen of a help application. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a window manager. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a home application. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a home application. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a help application. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating data held by a help application. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing processing between modules. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of an operation processing unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining data held by a transmission / FAX application. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen of a transmission / FAX application. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing processing between modules. [Diagram 23] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a transmission / FAX application. [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a transmission / FAX application. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for assigning applications to buttons. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a home application. [Figure 27]13 is a flowchart showing a process of an operation processing unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing device 100 which is an information processing device in this embodiment. In Fig. 1, a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an input control unit 114, a display control unit 115, an external memory I / F 116, a communication I / F controller 117, a printer I / F 118, and a scanner I / F 119 are connected to a system bus 110. In addition, a touch panel 120, a hard key 121, a display 122, an external memory 123, a printer 124, a scanner 125, and a timer 126 are connected. Each unit connected to the system bus 110 is configured to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other via the system bus 110.

[0011] The ROM 113 is a non-volatile memory, and image data and other data, various programs for the operation of the CPU 111, and the like are stored in respective predetermined areas. The RAM 112 is a volatile memory, and is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 111. The CPU 111 controls each unit of the image processing device 100 according to a program stored in, for example, the ROM 113, using the RAM 112 as a work memory. Note that the program for the operation of the CPU 111 may be stored in an external memory (such as a hard disk) 123 instead of being stored in the ROM 113.

[0012] The input control unit 114 receives a user operation, generates a control signal according to the operation, and supplies it to the CPU 111. The input control unit 114 is connected to a touch panel 120 and a hard key 121 as an input device capable of receiving a user operation. The touch panel 120 is an input device that outputs coordinate information according to a position touched on an input unit configured in a planar manner, for example. Any type of touch panel among various types such as a resistive film type, a capacitive type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, an image recognition type, and an optical sensor type may be used. The hard key 121 is an input device that can be physically pressed, such as a numeric key, a start key, and a stop key. The CPU 111 controls each unit of the image processing device 100 according to a program based on a control signal generated and supplied by the input control unit 114 in response to a user operation performed on the input device. This allows the image processing device 100 to perform an operation according to the user operation.

[0013] The display control unit 115 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on the display 122. For example, a display control signal generated by the CPU 111 in accordance with a program is supplied to the display control unit 115. The display control unit 115 generates a display signal based on the display control signal and outputs the display signal to the display 122. For example, the display control unit 115 causes the display 122 to display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on the display control signal generated by the CPU 111.

[0014] The touch panel 120 is configured integrally with the display 122. For example, the touch panel 120 is configured so that the light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display 122, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display 122. Then, input coordinates on the touch panel 120 are associated with display coordinates on the display 122. This makes it possible to configure a GUI that gives the user the illusion of being able to directly operate the screen displayed on the display 122.

[0015] An external memory 123, such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD, a DVD, or a memory card, can be attached to the external memory I / F 116. Under the control of the CPU 111, data is read from the attached external memory 123 and data is written to the external memory 123. Under the control of the CPU 111, the communication I / F controller 117 communicates with various networks 203, such as a wired / wireless LAN 205, the Internet 206, and a public line 207. The scanner I / F 119 controls image input from the scanner 125. The printer I / F 118 controls image output to the printer 124.

[0016] Timer 126 measures time or hour. Under the control of CPU 111, timer 126 generates an interrupt signal to CPU 111 when a predetermined time arrives or when a predetermined time has elapsed since a predetermined start time. Alternatively, timer 126 notifies CPU 111 of the current time or the elapsed time from the predetermined time. Note that timer 126 may be built into CPU 111.

[0017] In this embodiment, the image processing device 100 is described as a multifunctional peripheral including a printing function and a scanning function, but it may be a single-function printing device having a printing function, or a scanner.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a network system to which the image processing device 100 in FIG. 1 is connected. When a print job is input from a PC 201 to the image processing device 100, the image processing device 100 processes the input print job and outputs it from a printer 124. Alternatively, the image processing device 100 reads an image from a scanner 125 and transfers it to the PC 201 via a network 203. Note that, in FIG. 2, the PC 201 is connected to the image processing device 100 via a LAN 205, but the connection may be via the Internet 206. The image processing device 100 reads an image from the scanner 125 and stores it in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) 202 via a network 203 (LAN 205 in FIG. 2). The image processing device 100 transmits the image read from the scanner 125 to a FAX 204, and the FAX 204 prints the received image. Alternatively, the FAX 204 transmits an image to the image processing device 100, and the image processing device 100 prints the image received from the printer 124. The image processing device 100 and FAX 204 may be connected via a public line network 207 or via the Internet 206. A Web server 209 provides, for example, help content explaining how to use the image processing device 101 to the image processing device 101 or a mobile information terminal 210 via the Internet 206. The mobile information terminal 210, which is typified by a smartphone or a tablet, is connected to the Internet 206 via a LAN 205 or a mobile phone line 208.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the mobile information terminal 210. An input unit 301 such as a touch panel acquires a user's operation on the mobile information terminal 210. An output unit 302 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display presents information to the user. A camera control unit 304 controls a camera 303 that captures moving images and still images. If an image captured by the camera 303 is a two-dimensional code, the camera control unit 304 analyzes the two-dimensional code in the image using a two-dimensional barcode analysis unit 305, and acquires a character string embedded in the two-dimensional code. Furthermore, if the character string embedded in the two-dimensional code is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), the camera control unit 304 sends the acquired URL to a web browser 306. The web browser 306 accesses the web server 209 via a communication unit 307 based on the URL sent from the camera control unit 304, and acquires the content. Furthermore, the web browser 306 outputs the acquired content to an output unit 302. In addition, other applications 308 can also be installed on the mobile terminal 210, making it possible to provide functions other than the camera and web browser.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a module configuration of the image processing device 100 shown in Fig. 1. The image processing device 100 has, as its module configuration, a communication processing unit 401, a job processing unit 402, an operation processing unit 403, an authentication processing unit 404, a timer processing unit 405, a power management unit 406, and a device information management unit 407. Each of these functional units (modules) is realized by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the ROM 113 or the external memory 123 into the RAM 112 and executing the program.

[0021] The communication processing unit 401 executes analysis and communication control of communication contents transmitted and received via the communication interface controller 117 from the PC 201, NAS 202, FAX 204, Web server 209, etc. connected via the network 203. The job processing unit 402 processes various jobs executed by the image processing device 100. Specifically, it controls the printer 124 to execute print jobs, controls the scanner 125 to execute scan jobs, and controls the communication I / F controller 117 to execute transmission jobs. The job processing unit 402 also controls the stop and interrupt processes of the various jobs described above.

[0022] The operation processing unit 403 controls the display control unit 115 to display various information for the user on the display 122. Furthermore, it receives and processes operation instructions from the user inputted from the hard keys 121 and touch panel 120 via the input control unit 114. The authentication processing unit 404 receives login / logout requests from the user and performs authentication processing and processing to manage users who use the image processing device 100. The timer processing unit 405 provides functions that utilize the timer 126 to the operation processing unit 403 and other processing units. The power management unit 406 manages the power state of the image processing device 100. The device information management unit 407 holds and manages information such as the model name, destination, and display language of the image processing device 100.

[0023] The operation processing unit 403 includes applications 411 to 419 for providing the user with each function (printing, scanning, etc.) that can be executed by the image processing device 100. Each application provides a function to the user either alone or in cooperation with other applications. The home application 411 is used to present a list of applications available in the image processing device 100 to the user and display an application selected by the user. The status check / cancellation application 412 is used to display the execution status of a job and to cancel a job being executed. The copy application 413 is used to realize a copy function of outputting an image read from the scanner 125 from the printer 124. The transmission / fax application 414 is used to realize a transmission / fax function of transmitting an image read from the scanner 125 through the network 203. The web browser application 415 is used to realize a function of displaying content acquired from the web server 209 through the network 203 on the display 122 and transmitting a form to the web server 209. The authentication application 416 is used to realize a function of authenticating a user using the authentication processing unit 404 and logging in the user to the image processing device 100. The help application 417 is used to realize a help function that provides information to help the user when the user has difficulty with an operation. The box application 418 is used to realize a box function that saves an image read from the scanner 125 as image data. Other applications 419 indicate the presence of applications corresponding to other functions that can be provided to the user. The other applications 419 include not only applications installed in the image processing device 100 at the time of shipment from the factory, but also applications installed via the network 203 or the external memory 123.

[0024] The operation processing unit 403 further includes a window manager 420. The window manager 420 controls the display state of the applications 411-419 on the display 122 via the display control unit 115. In addition, the window manager 420 transmits user operations acquired via the input control unit 114 to the applications 411-419 as events.

[0025] Each of the applications 411 to 419 holds information on an application ID, an application name, and icon data. Fig. 5(A) to Fig. 5(D) are diagrams showing examples of information on an application ID, an application name, and icon data held by the home application 411, the copy application 413, the send / fax application 414, and the help application 417.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the home application 411 holds an application ID 451, an application name 452, and icon data 453. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the copy application 413 holds an application ID 454, an application name 456, and icon data 457. As shown in FIG. 5(D), the help application 417 holds an application ID 464, an application name 465, and icon data 466. In addition, one application may hold a plurality of sets of information of the application ID, the application name, and the icon data. As shown in FIG. 5(C), the transmission / fax application 414 holds a set of information of the application ID 458, the application name 459, and the icon data 460, and a set of information of the application ID 461, the application name 462, and the icon data 463. The information of the application ID, the application name, and the icon data is held in the ROM 113 or the external memory 123. In addition, the application ID is assigned so as to maintain uniqueness within the image processing device 100. A plurality of application names may be held according to the display language.

[0027] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (home screen) of home application 411 displayed on display 122. In Fig. 6, area 501 is an area for displaying the name and icon of the application being displayed. Since home application 411 is displayed in Fig. 6, application name 452 and icon data 453 of home application 411 are also displayed.

[0028] Shortcut buttons 502 to 505 are shortcut buttons for switching between applications to be displayed. Any of the applications 411 to 419 can be assigned to each shortcut button. In Fig. 6, copy application 413 is assigned to shortcut button 502, "scan and send" of send / fax application 414 is assigned to shortcut button 503, print application (one of other applications 419) is assigned to shortcut button 504, and help application 417 is assigned to shortcut button 505. Details of shortcut button assignment will be described later.

[0029] When the user presses the menu button 506, a menu for performing various settings of the displayed application and the image processing device 100 is displayed. When the user presses the power saving button 507, the power management unit 406 puts the image processing device 100 into a power saving state. When the user presses the setting / registration button 508, the home application 411 displays a setting / registration application (one of the other applications 419). The user can perform various settings of the image processing device 100 using the setting / registration application. When the image processing device 100 is in a non-authenticated state, the authentication button 509 displays "Login." When the user presses the authentication button 509, the home application 411 displays the authentication application 416. The user can log in to the image processing device 100 (putting the image processing device in an authenticated state) by operating the authentication application 416. When the image processing device 100 is in an authenticated state, the authentication button 509 displays "Logout." Here, when the user presses the authentication button 509, the home application 411 notifies the authentication processing unit 411 of the user's logout, and the image processing device 100 enters an unauthenticated state.

[0030] When the user presses the home button 510 while an application other than the home application 411 is displayed, the home application 411 is displayed. The numeric keypad 511 is a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values. The clear key 512 is a clear key for clearing input. The reset key 513 is a reset key for returning the displayed application and the state of the image processing device 100 to the initial state. The start key 514 is a start key for starting a job. The stop key 515 is a stop key for canceling an active job. When the user presses the counter check button 516, the home application 411 displays a counter check application (one of the other applications 419). The user can use the counter check application to obtain the number of prints printed by the image processing device 100 and information on the licenses of applications installed in the image processing device 100. The language switch button 517 is a button for switching the language used for screen display. The status display area 518 is an area for displaying the device status of the image processing device 100. The status check button 519 is a button for displaying the screen of the status check / cancel application 412 .

[0031] The application switching buttons 521 to 526 are buttons for switching the application to be displayed. Any of the applications 411 to 419 is assigned to each application switching button. In FIG. 6, the application switching button 521 is assigned "Copy" of the copy application 413, the application switching button 522 is assigned "Fax" of the send / fax application 414, and the application switching button 533 is assigned "Scan and send" of the send / fax application 414. The application switching button 524 is assigned "Scan and save" of the box application 418, the application switching button 525 is assigned "Use saved file" of the box application 418, and the application switching button 526 is assigned "Print" of the print application. The assignment of the application switching buttons will be described later. In addition, although six application switching buttons are displayed in FIG. 6, there are some application switching buttons that are not displayed. The user can change the application switching button displayed on the screen by pressing the home screen display switching buttons 527 and 528. For example, when the user presses home screen display switching button 528 in the state of Fig. 6, the seventh application switching button is displayed at the position of application switching button 521, and the eighth application switching button is displayed at the position of application switching button 522 (the same applies to application switching buttons 523 to 526). Also, when the user presses home screen display switching button 527 in a state where the seventh application switching button is displayed at the position of application switching button 521, the state returns to the state of Fig. 6. Indicator 529 is an indicator that shows the display state of the application switching buttons.

[0032] In FIG. 6, the area 501 to the area where the status check button 519 is displayed is an application common area, and is an area that continues to be displayed even if the application being displayed is switched. However, the contents of the display change depending on the state of the device and the application. On the other hand, the area 520 is an application individual area, and is a drawing area where the application being displayed performs drawing individually. That is, the shortcut buttons 502 to 505 displayed in the application common area continue to be displayed even if the application being displayed is changed, whereas the application switching buttons 521 to 526 are not displayed when an application other than the home application 411 is displayed. Note that the buttons displayed in the application common area may be configured as hard keys. Also, both buttons and hard keys may be present. Also, the user's operation on the buttons 511 to 515 is switched for each application being displayed by the window manager 420.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing data held by home application 411. Shortcut button assignment data 600 in Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing assignment data for shortcut buttons. As shown in Fig. 7, application IDs are held in association with four shortcut buttons in shortcut button assignment data 600. For example, application ID "0002-0001" is assigned to shortcut button 1.

[0034] The association data 620 shows a schematic representation of data for associating an application ID with a corresponding application name and icon data. For example, an application name "Home" and its icon data are associated with an application ID "0001-0001". The home application 411 uses the shortcut button assignment data 600 and the association data 620 to display the shortcut buttons 502 to 505. For example, since the application ID "0002-0001" is assigned to the shortcut button 1, the corresponding application name "Copy" and its icon data are displayed in the shortcut button 502.

[0035] The application switching button assignment data 610 shows the assignment data of the application switching buttons in a schematic manner. As with the shortcut buttons, the home application 411 uses the application switching button assignment data 610 and the association data 620 to display the application switching buttons 521 to 526.

[0036] The button enable / disable flag 630 shows data (button enable / disable flag) showing the enable / disable of each button (see FIG. 6) displayed by the home application 411. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the home button, shortcut buttons 502 to 505, and application switching buttons 521 to 524 are all enabled. In this case, when the user presses any of these buttons, a predetermined operation corresponding to the pressed button is performed. On the other hand, when there is an item that is disabled in the button enable / disable flag 630, the operation of the corresponding button is disabled. For example, when the flag 632 corresponding to the shortcut button 502 is disabled, nothing happens even if the user presses the shortcut button 502.

[0037] Shortcut button assignment data 600 and application switching button assignment data 610 are held in external memory 123, and are read into RAM 112 when home application 411 is started. The shortcut button assignment data 600 and application switching button assignment data 610 can be rewritten by a user operation. On the other hand, association data 620 is generated by home application 411 based on data held by each application in Fig. 5(A) to Fig. 5(D) and is held in RAM 112. A button enable / disable flag 630 is also held in RAM 112.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing data held by the window manager 420. The initial application information 700 holds information on the initial application. The initial application is an application displayed immediately after the image processing device 100 is started. FIG. 8 shows that the application with the application ID "0001-0001" is the initial application. The initial application can be changed by a user's setting operation. For example, by setting the copy application 413 as the initial application, the application displayed immediately after the image processing device 100 is started becomes the screen of the copy application 413. This saves a user who frequently uses the copy application the trouble of pressing the application button 521 or the shortcut button 502 from the screen state of FIG. 6 to display the copy application. On the other hand, when an application other than the copy application 413 is used, it is necessary to use the shortcut buttons 502 to 505 or call the home application 411 from the home button 510. The initial application information 700 is held in the external memory 123 and loaded into the RAM 112.

[0039] Menu application information 701 holds information about a menu application. A menu application is an application used to switch between applications to be displayed. FIG. 8 shows that an application (home application 411) with an application ID "0001-0001" is the menu application. Menu application information 701 is held in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is read into RAM 112.

[0040] Application information 710 holds information about each application. The application information will be described later. Window stack 720 holds hierarchical information about the application being displayed. The window stack will be described later. Application information 710 and window stack 720 are held in RAM 112 and are updated according to the operation of window manager 420.

[0041] Help application information 730 holds information on applications used for help. Window manager 420 handles applications used for help differently from normal applications. FIG. 8 shows that an application with application ID "0004-0001" is an application used for help. Help application information 730 is held in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is read into RAM 112.

[0042] 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the operation processing unit 403 when the image processing device 100 is started. The procedure shown in FIG. 9 is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading the program into the RAM 112 and executing it. When the image processing device 100 is started, in S101, the home application 411 registers its own information with the window manager 420. At this time, the home application 411 notifies the application ID 451, application name 452, and icon data 453 that it holds. The window manager 420 associates the notified information with the home application 411 and holds it in the application information 710. Furthermore, the window manager 420 generates a drawing buffer for the home application 411, and associates it with the home application and holds it in the drawing buffer 711 in the application information 710. At this time, the window manager 420 compares the contents of the menu application information 701 with the application ID notified from the home application 411, and since they are the same, it determines that the home application 411 is a menu application. As a result, a drawing buffer is generated as having both an application common area and an application individual area. Note that, as a notification method in the process of Fig. 9, a method according to the configuration of the image processing device 100, such as inter-application communication, method invocation, or communication via the communication I / F controller 117, may be used.

[0043] Next, in S102, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of the handle to the drawing buffer generated in S101. Next, in S103, the window manager 420 compares the contents of the initial application information 700 with the application ID notified from the home application 411, and since they are the same, determines that the home application 411 is the initial application. Based on this determination result, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of a display instruction.

[0044] Next, in S104, the home application 411 draws itself in the drawing area acquired based on the handle notified in S102, and notifies the window manager 420 of the result as a display switching response. Next, in S105, the window manager 420 switches the display to the home application 411. At this time, the window manager 420 sets the application ID of the home application 411 to the top of the window stack 720, and controls the drawing buffer 711 for the home application 411 to be the target of the input control unit 114 and the display control unit 115.

[0045] Next, in S106, the transmission / fax application 414 registers its own information with the window manager 420. At this time, the transmission / fax application 414 notifies the window manager 420 of the application ID 458, application name 459, and icon data 460 that it holds. Furthermore, the transmission / fax application 414 notifies the window manager 420 of the application ID 461, application name 462, and icon data 463. The window manager 420 associates the notified information with the transmission / fax application 414 and holds it in the application information 710. Furthermore, the window manager 420 generates a drawing buffer for the transmission / fax application 414, associates it with the transmission / fax application, and holds it in the application information 710. Here, since there are two application IDs notified to the window manager 420 from the transmission / fax application 414, two sets of information are held in the application information 710. Next, in S107, the window manager 420 notifies the transmission / fax application 414 of the handle to the drawing buffer generated in S106.

[0046] Next, in S108, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of the registration of the send / fax application 414 based on the menu application information 701. Here, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of the application ID, application name, and icon data notified in S106. The home application 411 registers the notified application ID, application name, and icon data in the association data 620. Furthermore, the home application 411 updates the application switching buttons 522 and 523 based on the notified application ID, application name, icon data, and application switching button assignment data 610. For example, the notified application name and icon data are displayed on the application switching buttons 522 and 523.

[0047] Next, in S109, home application 411 refers to shortcut button assignment data 600 and registers a shortcut. Of the application IDs notified in S108, "0003-0002" is registered in shortcut button assignment data 600, so the corresponding shortcut button 503 is updated. At this time, linking data 620 is referred to and the application name "Scan and Send" and icon data corresponding to "0003-0002" are displayed in shortcut button 503.

[0048] Next, in S110, the box application 418 registers its own information with the window manager 420. At this time, the box application 418 notifies the application ID, application name, and icon data that it holds. The window manager 420 associates the notified information with the box application 418 and holds it in the application information 710. Furthermore, the window manager 420 generates a drawing buffer for the box application 418, associates it with the box application, and holds it in the application information 710. Next, in S111, the window manager 420 notifies the box application 418 of a handle to the drawing buffer generated in S110.

[0049] Next, in S112, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of the registration of the box application 418 based on the menu application information 701. Here, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of the application ID, application name, and icon data notified in S110. The home application 411 registers the notified application ID, application name, and icon data in the association data 620. Furthermore, the home application 411 updates the application switching buttons 524 and 525 based on the notified application ID, application name, icon data, and application switching button assignment data 610. Note that since the application ID notified in S110 does not exist in the shortcut button assignment data 600, shortcut registration is not performed.

[0050] Next, in S113, the help application 417 registers its own information with the window manager 420. At this time, the help application 417 notifies the application ID 464, application name 465, and icon data 466 held by the help application 417. The window manager 420 associates the notified information with the help application 417 and holds it in the application information 710. Furthermore, the window manager 420 generates a drawing buffer for the help application 417, and associates it with the help application 417 and holds it in the application information 710. Next, in S114, the window manager 420 notifies the help application 417 of the handle to the drawing buffer generated in S113.

[0051] Next, in S115, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of the registration of the help application 417 based on the menu application information 701. Here, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of the application ID, application name, and icon data notified in S113. The home application 411 registers the notified application ID, application name, and icon data in the association data 620. Furthermore, the home application 411 updates the application switching button based on the notified application ID, application name, icon data, and application switching button assignment data 610. Note that the application ID of the help application 417 is located seventh in the application switching button assignment data 610, and is therefore not displayed on the screen of FIG. 6.

[0052] Next, in S116, home application 411 refers to shortcut button assignment data 600 and registers a shortcut. Since application ID "0004-0001" notified in S115 is registered in shortcut button assignment data 600, the corresponding shortcut button 505 is updated. Although not shown in Fig. 9, application registration processing is also performed for applications 412, 413, and 415 to 419 in the same manner as in S106 to S116.

[0053] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of the window manager 420 at the start-up of the image processing device 100. The procedure shown in Fig. 10 is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading it into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0054] First, in S201, window manager 420 receives application registration from applications 411 to 419. At this time, application ID, application name, and icon data are received. Next, in S202, window manager 420 registers the registration information (application ID, application name, and icon data) received in S201 in app information 710.

[0055] Next, in S203, the window manager 420 generates a drawing buffer corresponding to the application ID received in S201. The generated drawing buffer is associated with the application ID and registered in the application information 710. Next, in S204, the window manager 420 notifies the application that received the registration of the application information in S201 of a handle corresponding to the drawing buffer generated in S203.

[0056] Next, in S205, window manager 420 compares the application ID received in S201 with the application ID held in initial application information 700, and determines whether the application whose registration was received in S201 is an initially displayed application. If the result of the determination is that the application ID received in S201 is equal to the application ID held in initial application information 700, the process proceeds to S206, and if not, the process proceeds to S209.

[0057] In S206, the window manager 420 notifies the display instruction to the application whose registration was received in S201, i.e., the application whose application ID is equal to the application ID held in the initial application information 700. Next, in S207, the window manager 420 receives a response to the display instruction of S206.

[0058] Next, in S208, the window manager 420 switches the display to the application whose registration was received in S201. At this time, the window stack 720 is initialized, and the application ID whose registration was received in S201 is held at the top. That is, the application ID received here is the application ID of the application equal to the application ID held in the initial application information 700. Furthermore, the window manager 420 controls the operation processing unit 403 so that the drawing buffer generated in S203 becomes the target of the input control unit 114 and the display control unit 115.

[0059] In S209, the window manager 420 notifies the menu application of the application ID, application name, and icon data received in S201. At this time, the window manager 420 refers to the menu application information 701. For example, since the application ID held in the menu application information 701 is the application ID "0001-0001" of the home application 411, the application to be notified is the home application 411. When S209 ends, the process returns to S201, and registrations from other applications are received.

[0060] Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the operation processing unit 403 when the user presses the shortcut buttons 502 to 505 or the application switching buttons 521 to 526 in the image processing device 100. The procedure shown in Fig. 11 is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading the program into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0061] When the user presses the home button 510 while any application is displayed on the display 122, the home application 411 detects the press in S301. Next, in S302, the home application 411 requests the window manager 420 to switch to the home application. Next, in S303, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of a display instruction. At this time, the window manager 420 refers to the menu application information 701 and the application information 710, and determines that the home application 411 is the notification destination. Next, in S304, the home application 411 performs drawing in the drawing area based on the handle notified in S102, and notifies the window manager 420 of a display switching response.

[0062] Next, in S305 to S308, the window manager 420 notifies all the applications 411 to 419 of a reset. Applications (not shown) are also notified. Each application that has received the reset notification sets itself to its respective initial state.

[0063] Next, in S309, window manager 420 switches the display to home application 411. At this time, window manager 420 moves the application ID held in menu application information 701 in window stack 720 to the top of window stack 720. As a result, the home screen shown in Fig. 6 is displayed. At this time, each application is set to an initial state, so that when the user switches to any application from this state, the user can start operation from the initial state.

[0064] Next, when the user presses the application switching button 524 ("scan and save"), the home application 411 detects the pressing in S310.

[0065] Next, in S311, the home application 411 requests the window manager 420 to switch to the application corresponding to the button whose press was detected in S310. At this time, the home application 411 refers to the application switching button assignment data 610, obtains the application ID “0006-0001” corresponding to the application switching button 524, and notifies the window manager 420 of the application ID.

[0066] Next, in S312, the window manager 420 notifies the box application 418 of a display instruction. Here, the window manager 420 searches the application information 710 based on the application ID "0006-0001" notified from the home application in S311, and determines that the application of the notification destination is the box application 418. At this time, the window manager 420 also notifies the box application 418 of the application ID "0006-0001" notified from the home application. Next, in S313, the box application 418 performs drawing in the drawing area based on the handle notified in S111 and the application ID notified in S312, and notifies the window manager 420 as a display switching response.

[0067] Next, in S314, the window manager 420 switches the display to the box application 418. At this time, the window manager 420 moves the application ID notified in S311 to the top of the window stack 720. That is, in this example, the application ID "0006-0001" is located at the top of the window stack 720. If the application ID notified in S311 does not exist in the window stack 720, the application ID is added to the top of the window stack 720. Furthermore, the window manager 420 controls the drawing buffer 717 corresponding to the application ID notified in S311 to be the target of the input control unit 114 and the display control unit 115. As a result, the screen of "Scan and Save" (box application 418) is displayed in the application individual area 520 in FIG. 6, and the user can operate it using the input control unit 114. In addition, the operation target of the buttons 511 to 515 also becomes "Scan and Save". At this time, since the box application 418 has been reset in S307, the user can start the operation from the initial state of "scan and save."

[0068] Next, when the user presses the shortcut button 503, the home application 411 detects the press in S315.

[0069] Next, in S316, the home application 411 requests the window manager 420 to switch to the application corresponding to the shortcut button whose press was detected in S315. At this time, the home application 411 refers to the shortcut button assignment data 600, obtains the application ID “0003-0002” corresponding to the shortcut button 503, and notifies the window manager 420 of this.

[0070] Next, in S317, similar to S312, the window manager 420 notifies the transmission / fax application 414 of a display instruction. Next, in S318, similar to S313, the transmission / fax application 414 notifies the window manager 420 of a display switching response.

[0071] Next, in steps S319 to S322, similarly to steps S305 to S308, the window manager 420 notifies all of the applications 411 to 419 of a reset.

[0072] Next, in S323, similarly to S314, the window manager 420 switches the display to the send / fax application 414. As a result, the "scan and send" (send / fax application 414) screen is displayed in the application individual area 520 in Fig. 6. At this time, since the send / fax application 414 has been reset in S320, the user can start operation from the initial state of "scan and send". Furthermore, since other applications are also set to their initial states, the user can start operation from the initial state when switching to any of the applications.

[0073] In the above, an example of switching in which "Scan and Save" is pressed and then "Scan and Send" is pressed is described, but the above operation can also be applied to switching by other applications. That is, even when switching is performed by other applications, the effect of being able to start the operation from the initial state can be obtained in the same way.

[0074] Next, when the user presses the shortcut button 505, the home application 411 detects the press in S324.

[0075] Next, in S325, the home application 411 requests the window manager 420 to switch to the application corresponding to the shortcut button whose press was detected in S324. At this time, the home application 411 refers to the shortcut button assignment data 600, obtains the application ID “0004-0001” corresponding to the shortcut button 505, and notifies the window manager 420 of this.

[0076] Next, in S326, similarly to S312, the window manager 420 notifies the help application 417 of a display instruction. Next, in S327, the help application 417 requests the window manager 420 to obtain the application ID of the application being displayed. In response, the window manager 420 refers to the window stack 720 and returns the application ID held at the top. At the time of this processing, the application ID "0003-0002" of "scan and send" is held at the top of the window stack 720 in S323, so the application ID "0003-0002" is the return value.

[0077] Next, in S328, the help application 417 generates display data corresponding to the help content. At this time, the help application 417 encodes the URL to the Web manual into a two-dimensional code and uses it as the help content. The URL to the Web manual is generated using the application ID currently being displayed, acquired in S327, and the model name, destination, and display language information acquired from the device information management unit 407. Next, in S329, the help application 417 requests the window manager 420 to disable the application switching button.

[0078] Next, in S330, the window manager 420 requests an application (home application 411 in this example) held in the menu application information 710 to disable the application switching button. In response to this request, the home application 411 disables the flags corresponding to the shortcut buttons 502 to 505, the home button 510, and the application switching buttons 521 to 526 held in the button enable / disable flag 630. Furthermore, the display form is changed to indicate that these buttons are disabled. For example, the color of the displayed button is changed to a predetermined color, or the text color is changed to gray. In this embodiment, the buttons are displayed in a shaded manner as shown in FIG. 12.

[0079] Next, in S331, similar to S313, after drawing in the drawing area, the help application 417 notifies the window manager 420 as a display switching response. Next, in S332, similar to S314, the window manager 420 switches the display to the help application 417. As a result, the "Help" (help application 417) screen is displayed in the application individual area 520 in Fig. 6. Meanwhile, unlike the cases of S315 to S323, each application is not reset in the sequence of S324 to S332.

[0080] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the help application 417 displayed in S332. An area 801 is an area for displaying the name and icon of the application being displayed. Since the help application 417 is being displayed in Fig. 12, the application name 465 and icon data 466 of the help application 417 are also displayed.

[0081] Shortcut buttons 802 to 805 are disabled by the processing of S330. Home button 810 is also disabled by the processing of S330. Area 820 displays the help content generated in S328. Title 821 is a title generated based on the application ID acquired in S327. Barcode 822 is a two-dimensional code generated in S328. Message 823 is an explanatory text for two-dimensional code 822. Button 824 is a button for closing the help application.

[0082] Fig. 13(A) is a flowchart showing the process of a switch request from window manager 420 to home application 411 in the sequence shown in Fig. 11. The procedure shown in Fig. 13(A) is stored as a program in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is realized by CPU 111 reading the program into RAM 112 and executing it.

[0083] First, in S401, the window manager 420 receives a request to switch to the home application in S302 of Fig. 11. Next, in S402, the window manager 420 notifies the home application 411 of a display instruction. At this time, the window manager 420 refers to the menu application information 701 and the application information 710, and sets the application having the application ID held in the menu application information 701 as the notification target.

[0084] Next, in S403, the window manager 420 receives a response to the display instruction in S402 from the home application 411. Next, in S404, the window manager 420 refers to the application information 701, and notifies each application held in the application information 701 of a reset.

[0085] Next, in S405, the display is switched to home application 411. At this time, window manager 420 moves the application ID held in menu application information 701 to the top of window stack 720. If the application ID held in menu application information 701 does not exist in window stack 720, the application ID is added to the top of window stack 720. Furthermore, window manager 420 controls so that the drawing buffer corresponding to the application ID held in menu application information 701 becomes the target of input control unit 114 and display control unit 115. After S405, the processing of the request to switch to the home application is terminated.

[0086] Fig. 13(B) is a flowchart showing the processing of an application switching request by window manager 420 in the sequence shown in Fig. 11. The procedure shown in Fig. 13(B) is held as a program in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is realized by CPU 111 reading the program into RAM 112 and executing it.

[0087] First, in S406, window manager 420 receives a request to switch the displayed application, for example, in S311 of Fig. 11. At this time, the request to switch the displayed application includes the application ID to be displayed and information on whether the request to switch the displayed application is a request made by pressing a shortcut button. Next, in S407, window manager 420 obtains the application ID to be displayed from the request received in S406.

[0088] Next, in S408, the window manager 420 notifies the application to be displayed of a display instruction. At this time, the window manager 420 refers to the app information 710 based on the application ID acquired in S407, and selects the application to be notified. Next, in S409, the window manager 420 receives a response from the application to which the display instruction was notified in S408.

[0089] Next, in S410, the window manager 420 determines whether the request received in S406 is for switching the displayed application by pressing a shortcut button. If the result of the determination is that the request received in S406 is for switching the displayed application by pressing a shortcut button, the process proceeds to S411, and if not, the process proceeds to S413.

[0090] In S411, the window manager 420 determines whether or not the application ID acquired in S407 is the application ID of the application used for help. At this time, the window manager 420 refers to the help application information 730 and determines whether or not the application ID acquired in S407 is an ID held in the help application information 730. For example, since the application ID "0004-0001" of the help application 417 is the same as the ID held in the help application information 730, the help application 417 is determined to be an application used for help. If the result of the determination is that the application ID acquired in S407 is the application ID of the application used for help, the process proceeds to S413, and if not, the process proceeds to S412.

[0091] In S412, the window manager 420 refers to the application information 701 and notifies each application held in the application information 701 of a reset. Next, in S413, the window manager 420 switches the display to the application having the application ID acquired in S407. This process is similar to the processes in S208 and S405. After S413, the process of the application switch request ends.

[0092] Fig. 13(C) is a flowchart showing the processing of a request to disable the application switching button by window manager 420 in the sequence shown in Fig. 11. The procedure shown in Fig. 13(C) is stored as a program in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is realized by CPU 111 reading the program into RAM 112 and executing it.

[0093] First, in S414, the window manager 420 receives a request to disable the application switching button in S329 of Fig. 11. Next, in S415, the window manager 420 notifies the application (home application 411 in this example) having the application ID held in the menu application information 701 of the disablement of the application switching button. After S415, the processing of the application switching button disable request ends.

[0094] Fig. 13(D) is a flowchart showing the processing of a request to obtain an application ID of an application being displayed by window manager 420 in the sequence shown in Fig. 11. The procedure shown in Fig. 13(D) is held as a program in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is realized by CPU 111 reading the program into RAM 112 and executing it.

[0095] First, in S416, window manager 420 receives a request to obtain an application ID of the application being displayed in S327 of Fig. 11. Next, in S417, window manager 420 refers to window stack 720 and obtains the application ID at the top of window stack 720. Next, in S418, window manager 420 notifies the application that is the request source of the request in S416 of the application ID obtained in S417. After S418, processing of the request to obtain an application ID of the application being displayed is terminated.

[0096] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of home application 411 in response to a user operation in the sequence shown in Fig. 11. The procedure shown in Fig. 14 is stored as a program in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is realized by CPU 111 reading the program into RAM 112 and executing it.

[0097] First, in S501, the home application 411 acquires a user operation. The user operation is, for example, a button press detected in any of S301, S310, S315, and S324. Next, in S502, the home application 411 branches the process according to the type of operation acquired in S501. If the operation acquired in S501 is a press of the home button 510, the process proceeds to S503. If the operation acquired in S501 is an operation of the application switching buttons 521 to 526, the process proceeds to S505. If the operation acquired in S501 is an operation of the shortcut buttons 502 to 505, the process proceeds to S508.

[0098] In S503, the home application 411 refers to the button enable / disable flag 630 and determines whether or not the home button 510 is enabled. If the result of the determination is that the home button 510 is enabled, the process proceeds to S504, and if not, the process returns to S501. In S504, the home application 411 requests the window manager 420 to switch to the home screen. After S504, the process returns to S501.

[0099] In S505, the home application 411 refers to the button enable / disable flag 630 and determines whether or not the application switching button whose press was detected in S501 is enabled. If the result of the determination is that the application switching button whose press was detected in S501 is enabled, the process proceeds to S506, and if not, the process returns to S501. In S506, the home application 411 refers to the application switching button assignment data 610 and acquires an application ID corresponding to the application switching button whose press was detected in S501. Next, in S507, the home application 411 requests the window manager 420 to switch the displayed application. At this time, the application ID acquired in S506 is notified. After S507, the process returns to S501.

[0100] In S508, the home application 411 refers to the button enable / disable flag 630 and determines whether the shortcut button whose press was detected in S501 is enabled. If the result of the determination is that the shortcut button whose press was detected in S501 is enabled, the process proceeds to S509, and if not, the process returns to S501. In S509, the home application 411 refers to the shortcut button assignment data 600 and acquires an application ID corresponding to the shortcut button whose press was detected in S501. Next, in S510, the home application 411 requests the window manager 420 to switch the displayed application by the shortcut. At this time, the application ID acquired in S509 is notified. After S510, the process returns to S501.

[0101] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of home application 411 in response to a request notified from window manager 420 in the sequence shown in Fig. 11. The procedure shown in Fig. 15 is stored as a program in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is realized by CPU 111 reading the program into RAM 112 and executing it.

[0102] First, in S601, the home application 411 receives a request notified from the window manager 420. Next, in S602, the home application 411 branches the process according to the type of the request received in S601. If the request received in S601 is a display instruction, the process proceeds to S603. Here, the display instruction is, for example, the display instruction in S303. If the request received in S601 is a reset, the process proceeds to S605. Here, the reset is, for example, the reset in S305. If the request received in S601 is to disable the application switching button, the process proceeds to S606. Here, the disablement of the application switching button is, for example, the disablement of the application switching button in S330.

[0103] In S603, the home application 411 performs drawing in the buffer area based on the handle returned in S102. Next, in S604, the home application 411 notifies the window manager 420, which is the request source of the request (here, a display instruction) received in S601, of a response. After S604, the process returns to S601.

[0104] In S605, the home application 411 returns the display state of the application switching buttons 521 to 526 to the initial state. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the applications to be displayed at the positions of the application switching buttons 521 to 526 are the top six applications in the application switching button assignment data 610. After S605, the process returns to S601.

[0105] In S606, the home application 411 sets the flags corresponding to the home button, each shortcut button, and each application switching button to invalid in the button valid / invalid flag 630. Next, in S607, the home application 411 draws the display form of the home button, the shortcut buttons 502 to 505, and the application switching buttons 521 to 524 in a form indicating that they cannot be pressed (display control). After S607, the process returns to S601.

[0106] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the process of help application 417 in response to a display instruction in the sequence shown in Fig. 11. The procedure shown in Fig. 16 is stored as a program in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is realized by CPU 111 reading the program into RAM 112 and executing it.

[0107] 17 shows data held by the help application 417. In FIG. 17, data 901 is data showing the URL of the Web server 209 that provides help content. Data 910 is data that links a help screen title 911 and an application identification parameter 912 to an application ID and is held as help content generation information. The application identification parameter 912 is a character string used as a URL parameter to identify an application. Explanation data 950 is explanation data to be displayed in the message 823. The help server URL 901, data 910, and explanation data 950 are held in the external memory 123, and are read into the RAM 112 when the help application 417 is started. Hereinafter, a process of the help application 417 in response to a display instruction will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16.

[0108] First, in S701, the help application 417 receives a display instruction from the window manager 420 in S326 of Fig. 11. Next, in S702, the help application 417 notifies the window manager 420 of a request to obtain an application ID of the application being displayed. Next, in S703, the help application 417 obtains the application ID of the application being displayed as a response to S702. Next, in S704, the help application 417 obtains device information from the device information management unit 407. Specifically, for example, the help application 417 obtains the model name of the image processing device 100, the display language used for input / output and the like of the display processing unit 403, and destination information of the image processing device 100.

[0109] Next, in S705, the help application 417 generates a URL for referencing the help content server. The URL for referencing the help content server is generated by connecting the model name, display language, and destination information acquired in S704 as parameters to the URL held in the help server URL 901. Furthermore, the help application 417 refers to the data 910 of the help content generation information based on the application ID acquired in S703, and acquires an application identification parameter. For example, if the application ID acquired in S703 is "0003-0002", "scan" is acquired as the application identification parameter 914. The application identification parameter is connected as a parameter to the URL for referencing the help content server. Note that if the application ID acquired in S703 does not exist in the data 910 of the help content generation information, a default application identification parameter may be used. For example, the application identification parameter 915 "top" corresponds to such an application identification parameter. Also, the application identification parameter may be acquired based on a predetermined rule from the application ID in the data 910 of the help content generation information and the application ID acquired in S703. For example, the application identification parameter 915 indicates that the application identification parameter “third” is used when the first digit of the application ID is “1.” In this case, the application ID may be converted into a character string and added to the application identification parameter.

[0110] Next, in S706, the help application 417 generates a two-dimensional code image from the URL generated in S705. Next, in S707, the help application 417 generates content to be displayed in the area 820. To generate the help content, the two-dimensional code generated in S706, the explanatory text data 950, and the help screen title 911 acquired by referring to the help content generation information data 910 are used. For example, if the application ID acquired in S703 is "0003-0002", "Scan and Send Help" is used as the help screen title 911.

[0111] Next, in S708, the help application 417 performs drawing in the buffer area based on the handle returned in S114. Specifically, for example, the help application 417 draws the help content generated in S707 and the close button 824. Next, in S709, the help application 417 notifies the window manager 420 of a request to disable the application switching button. Next, in S710, the help application 417 notifies the window manager 420 of a response to the display instruction received in S701. After S710, the help application 417 ends the process for the display instruction.

[0112] Through the above processing, a two-dimensional code is displayed on the display 122 as help content. The user can read this using the camera 303 of the mobile terminal 210 and refer to the help content specified by the URL. At this time, the model name, display language, and destination information are added to the URL, so that the Web server 209 can deliver content according to the operation status of the image processing device 100 by the user. Note that, although the explanatory text data 950 is fixed data in this embodiment, it may be held in the data 910 of the help content generation information in the same way as the help screen title 911 and made variable depending on the application being displayed.

[0113] Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the operation processing unit 403 when the user presses the close button of the help application 417 in the image processing device 100. The procedure shown in Fig. 18 is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading the program into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0114] When the user presses the close button 824 in the state shown in FIG. 12 in which the help application 417 is displayed on the display 122, the help application 417 detects the pressing in S801.

[0115] Next, in S802, the help application 417 notifies the window manager 420 of a request to close the application. At this time, the help application 417 notifies the window manager 420 of its own application ID (“0004-0001”) held in the application ID 464.

[0116] Next, in S803, the window manager 420 refers to the window stack 720 and determines the application to be switched. For example, when the window stack 720 is in the state shown in FIG. 8, the window manager 420 deletes the application ID ("0004-0001") notified in S802 from the window stack 720. As a result, the application ID located at the top becomes "0003-0002." Note that although "0003-0002" is described here as an example, other application IDs may also be used. Furthermore, it is determined from the application information 710 that the application corresponding to "0003-0002" is the transmission / fax application 414.

[0117] Next, in S804, the window manager 420 notifies the application (send / fax application 414) determined to be the switching target in S803 of a display instruction. Next, in S805, the send / fax application 414 performs drawing in the drawing area based on the handle notified in S102, and notifies the window manager 420 of the result as a display switching response.

[0118] Next, in S806, the window manager 420 switches the display to the transmission / fax application 414. Next, in S807, the window manager 420 notifies the help application 417 of the closing of the application. Upon receiving the notification of the closing, the help application 417 performs post-processing such as discarding the barcode generated in S706.

[0119] Fig. 19(A) is a flowchart showing the process of the help application 417 in the sequence of Fig. 18. The procedure shown in Fig. 19(A) is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading it into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0120] First, in S901, the help application 417 detects that the user has pressed the close button 824. Next, in S902, the help application 417 notifies the window manager 420 of a request to close the application. At this time, the help application 417 notifies the window manager 420 of its own application ID ("0004-0001") held in the application ID 464.

[0121] Next, in S903, the help application 417 receives a notification of application closure corresponding to the request in S902 from the window manager 420. Next, in S904, the help application 417 performs post-processing associated with the application closure. For example, the help application 417 discards the barcode generated in S706. After S904, the process of the help application 417 in the sequence shown in FIG. 18 ends.

[0122] Fig. 19(B) is a flowchart showing the processing of window manager 420 in the sequence shown in Fig. 18. The procedure shown in Fig. 19(B) is held as a program in external memory 123 or ROM 113, and is realized by CPU 111 reading it into RAM 112 and executing it.

[0123] First, in S910, window manager 420 receives a request to close an application. Next, in S911, window manager 420 acquires the application ID to be closed from the application close request received in S910. Next, in S912, window manager 420 deletes the application ID to be closed acquired in S911 from window stack 720. At this time, window manager 420 moves application IDs below the application ID to be closed in window stack 720 up one by one.

[0124] Next, in S913, the window manager 420 acquires the application ID that is at the top of the window stack 720. Next, in S914, the window manager 420 notifies the application corresponding to the application ID acquired in S913 of a display instruction. Next, in S915, the window manager 420 receives a response corresponding to the display instruction of S914.

[0125] Next, in S916, window manager 420 switches the display to the application corresponding to the application ID obtained in S913. Next, in S917, window manager 420 notifies the application corresponding to the application ID obtained in S911 to close the application. After S917, the processing of window manager 420 in the sequence shown in FIG. 18 ends.

[0126] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of data held by transmission / fax application 414. In Fig. 20, destination data 1000 is data that holds a transmission destination. The destination data 1000 holds an email address, a fax number, etc., which are transmission destinations. As shown in Fig. 20, the destination data 1000 holds a plurality of destinations. Setting value data 1010 is data that holds setting values ​​of transmission / fax application 414. The setting values ​​include the color mode, resolution, double-sided document settings, file size (image compression rate) when scanning a document, etc.

[0127] The initial setting value data 1020 is data that holds the initial values ​​of the setting values ​​of the transmission / fax application 414. The initial setting value data 1020 is held in the external memory 123, and is read into the RAM 112 when the transmission / fax application 414 is started. The setting value data 1010 is held in the RAM 112, and is initialized to the contents of the initial setting value data 1020 when the transmission / fax application 414 is started. The destination data 1000 is held in the RAM 112. The initial value of the destination data 1000 is blank.

[0128] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the "Scan and Send" screen of the transmission / fax application 414. In Fig. 21, an area 1101 is an area for displaying the name and icon of the application being displayed. Since "Scan and Send" of the transmission / fax application 414 is displayed in Fig. 21, the application name 462 and icon data 463 of the transmission / fax application 414 are displayed.

[0129] A transmission destination display list 1121 is an area that displays transmission destinations set by the user. As shown in Fig. 21, multiple transmission destinations can be set and are displayed in a list in the area 1121. Each item in the list can be individually selected by the user.

[0130] The button 1122 is a button for deleting an item selected by the user from the transmission destination display list 1121. The selected item is deleted from the destination data 1000. The button 1123 is a button for deleting all destinations set in the transmission destination display list 1121.

[0131] An address book button 1124 is a button for displaying an address book screen. When the user presses the address book button 1124, the transmission / fax application 414 displays an address book screen (not shown). The user can select a desired destination from the address book by operating the address book screen. The selected destination is held in the destination data 1000 and displayed in the transmission destination display list 1121.

[0132] A new destination 1125 is a button for displaying a new destination input screen. When the user presses the new destination button 1125, the transmission / fax application 414 displays a new destination input screen (not shown). The user can input any destination by operating the new destination input screen. The input destination is held in the destination data 1000 and set in the transmission destination display list 1121.

[0133] A color mode 1126 is a button for displaying a color mode setting screen. When the user presses the color mode button 1126, the transmission / fax application 414 displays a color mode setting screen (not shown). The user can set the color mode when scanning a document by operating the color mode setting screen. The set color mode is held in the setting value data 1010.

[0134] A resolution button 1127 is a button for displaying a resolution setting screen. When the user presses the resolution button 1127, the transmission / fax application 414 displays a resolution setting screen (not shown). The user can set the resolution when scanning the document by operating the resolution setting screen. The set resolution is held in the setting value data 1010.

[0135] The double-sided document button 1128 is a button for displaying a double-sided document setting screen. When the user presses the double-sided document button 1128, the transmission / fax application 414 displays a double-sided document setting screen (not shown). The user can set the operation mode of the scanner 125 when reading a document by operating the double-sided document setting screen. The set double-sided document setting is held in the setting value data 1010.

[0136] The other function setting button 1129 is a button for displaying a setting screen for other functions. When the user presses the other function setting button 1129, the transmission / fax application 414 displays the other function setting screen (not shown). The user can set the other functions by operating the other function setting screen. Each setting value that is set is held in the setting value data 1010. The other buttons and areas 1102 to 1119 are similar to the areas 502 to 519 in FIG. 6, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0137] Fig. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the operation processing unit 403 when a button displayed on each screen of the home application 411, the transmission / fax application 414, and the help application 417 is operated in the image processing device 100. The procedure shown in Fig. 22 is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading the program into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0138] 6 in which the home application 411 is displayed on the display 122, when the user presses the application switching button 523 "scan and send," the home application 411 detects the press in S1001. Next, in S1002, the home application 411 requests the window manager 420 to switch to the application corresponding to the button whose press was detected in S1001 ("scan and send" of the send / fax application 414). Thereafter, the processes in S1003 to S1005 are the same as those in S312 to S314, and therefore their description will be omitted. As a result of S1001 to S1005, the screen in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display 122.

[0139] Next, in S1006, the transmission / FAX application 414 accepts user operations on the buttons arranged in Fig. 21 and changes the transmission destination and transmission settings. The changed transmission destination and transmission settings are held in the destination data 1000 and the setting value data 1010. If the user presses the shortcut button 1105 here, in S1007, the home application 411 detects the press. Since the subsequent processes of S1008 to S1015 are the same as the processes of S325 to S332, their description will be omitted. As a result of S1008 to S1015, the screen of Fig. 12 is displayed on the display 122.

[0140] If the user presses the close button 824 here, in S1016 the help application 417 detects the press. Since the subsequent processes of S1017 to S1022 are similar to the processes of S802 to S807, their description will be omitted. As a result of S1017 to S1022, the screen before the shortcut button 1105 was pressed in S1007 is displayed on the display 122. That is, the screen displayed is the application screen before the shortcut button 1105 was pressed, and the setting values ​​before the shortcut button 1105 was pressed are maintained.

[0141] When the user presses the start button 1114, the transmission / fax application 414 detects the press and executes a transmission job. At this time, the transmission destination and transmission settings set in S1006 are not reset, but are held in the destination data 1000 and the setting value data 1010. Therefore, the transmission job is executed using the transmission destination and transmission settings set in S1006.

[0142] Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing the process of the transmission / FAX application 414 in response to a user operation. The procedure shown in Fig. 23 is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading it into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0143] First, in S1101, the transmission / fax application 414 acquires a user operation. Next, in S1102, the transmission / fax application 414 branches the process according to the type of operation acquired in S1101. If the operation acquired in S1101 is the operation of the start button 1114, the process proceeds to S1103. If the operation acquired in S1101 is the operation of the reset button 1113, the process proceeds to S1105. If the operation acquired in S1101 is the operation of each button arranged in the application individual area 1120, the process proceeds to S1108.

[0144] In S1103, the transmission / fax application 414 refers to the destination data 1000 and determines whether or not one or more destinations are held in the destination data 1000. If the result of the determination is that one or more destinations are held in the destination data 1000, the process proceeds to S1104, and if no destination is held, the process returns to S1101. In S1104, the transmission / fax application 414 drives the job processing unit 402 based on the destination held in the destination data 1000 and the settings held in the setting value data 1010, and executes the transmission job. After S1104, the process returns to S1101.

[0145] In S1105, the transmission / fax application 414 erases all destinations held in the destination data 1000. Next, in S1106, the transmission / fax application 414 overwrites the setting values ​​held in the setting value data 1010 with the setting values ​​held in the initial setting value data 1020. Next, in S1107, the transmission / fax application 414 updates the content displayed in the application individual area 1120 based on the destination data 1000 and the setting value data 1010. After S1107, the process returns to S1101.

[0146] In S1108, the transmission / fax application 414 displays various setting screens in the application individual area 1120 according to the operation content acquired in S1101. Next, in S1109, the transmission / fax application 414 acquires an operation from the user on the screen displayed in S1108. Next, in S1110, the transmission / fax application 414 updates the destination held in the destination data 1000 and the setting value held in the setting value data 1010 based on the operation acquired in S1109. Next, in S1111, the transmission / fax application 414 closes the screen displayed in S1108. Furthermore, the content displayed in the application individual area 1120 is updated based on the destination data 1000 and the setting value data 1010. After S1111, the process returns to S1101.

[0147] Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing of the transmission / fax application 414 in response to a request notified from the window manager 420. The procedure shown in Fig. 24 is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading it into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0148] First, in S1201, the transmission / fax application 414 receives a request notified from the window manager 420. Next, in S1202, the transmission / fax application 414 branches the process according to the type of the request received in S1201. If the request received in S1201 is a display instruction, the process proceeds to S1203. If the request received in S1201 is a reset request, the process proceeds to S1205.

[0149] In S1203, the transmission / fax application 414 performs drawing in the buffer area based on the handle returned in S107. Next, in S1204, the transmission / fax application 414 notifies the window manager 420, which is the request source of the request (here, the display instruction) received in S1201, of a response. After S1204, the process returns to S1201.

[0150] In S1205, the transmission / fax application 414 erases all destinations held in the destination data 1000. Next, in S1206, the transmission / fax application 414 overwrites the setting values ​​held in the setting value data 1010 with the setting values ​​held in the initial setting value data 1020. Next, in S1207, the transmission / fax application 414 updates the content displayed in the application individual area 1120 based on the destination data 1000 and the setting value data 1010. After S1207, the process returns to S1201.

[0151] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for changing the allocation of applications to shortcut buttons 502 to 505 in home application 411. The screen in Fig. 25 is called from a screen (not shown) that is displayed when menu button 506 is pressed.

[0152] In the screen of Fig. 25, buttons 1221 to 1224 are buttons for selecting the shortcut to be changed. Selection of buttons 1221 to 1224 is exclusive, and when the user presses any one of the buttons, the pressed button is selected and the selection of the other buttons is cancelled. In Fig. 25, button 1222 is in the selected state.

[0153] The application selection list 1230 is a list for selecting an application corresponding to a shortcut. The application selection list 1230 displays all applications that can be assigned to shortcut buttons among the applications installed in the image processing device 100. Items not displayed in the application selection list 1230 can be displayed by operating a scroll bar 1231.

[0154] An item 1232 in the application selection list 1230 indicates that no application is to be assigned to the shortcut to be selected. Items already assigned to shortcuts not selected by the shortcut selection buttons 1221 to 1224 are shaded and cannot be selected. For example, the second item 1233 indicated by "Copy" in FIG. 25 cannot be selected because it is already assigned to the shortcut button 1102. An application set in the selected shortcut button 1222 is highlighted in the application selection list 1230. When the user selects another item, the highlighted position moves to the selected item. For example, when the user presses (selects) the item 1234 of "Fax" in FIG. 25, the item 1234 is highlighted and the selection of the item 1235 is cancelled. Also, the number 1236 displayed on the left end of the items in the application selection list 1230 indicates the number of the shortcut button to be registered. The button 1225 is a button for closing the screen without reflecting the displayed state in the settings. 6. Button 1226 is a button for reflecting the displayed state in the settings and closing the screen. The other buttons and areas 1207 to 1219 are similar to areas 507 to 519 in FIG.

[0155] Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the home application 411 when changing the allocation of applications to the shortcut buttons 502 to 505. The procedure shown in Fig. 26 is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading it into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0156] First, in S1301, the home application 411 acquires a shortcut to be processed. For example, the shortcut button 502 and the first item 601 of the shortcut button assignment data 600 are processed for the shortcut selection button 1221. Next, in S1302, the home application 411 acquires an application assigned to the processing target acquired in S1301 in the application selection list 1230.

[0157] Next, in S1303, the home application 411 determines whether the application acquired in S1302 is “unallocated.” If the result of the determination is that the application acquired in S1302 is “unallocated,” the process proceeds to S1305, and if not, the process proceeds to S1304.

[0158] In S1304, the home application 411 assigns the application acquired in S1302 to the processing target acquired in S1301. After S1304, the process of changing the assignment of applications to shortcut buttons ends.

[0159] In S1305, the home application 411 cancels the shortcut button assignment for the processing target acquired in S1301. That is, the home application 411 clears the corresponding item in the shortcut button assignment data 600. After S1305, the process of changing the assignment of applications to shortcut buttons ends.

[0160] As described above, according to this embodiment, when an application is used, various settings are reset to the initial state as described in Fig. 11. On the other hand, as described in Fig. 22, in a case where help application 417 is displayed while an application is being displayed and then the user returns to the original application, the original application is not reset and the setting values ​​are maintained. This allows the user to call up help application 417 even in the middle of setting up the application, and there is no need to redo the settings.

[0161] Furthermore, since the home button 510 and the shortcut buttons 502 to 505 are disabled (user operations cannot be accepted) while the help application 417 is displayed, the user will not accidentally press these buttons to reset the applications.

[0162] 26, the application assigned to the shortcut button 505 can be changed from the help application 417 to another application. This allows a user who does not use the help application 417 (e.g., an experienced user) to use the shortcut button efficiently by assigning another application to the shortcut button.

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described in FIG. 11, the help application 417 obtains the application ID of the application being displayed from the window manager 420 and uses it to generate content. That is, the help application 417 does not directly cooperate with other applications. This means that each application is not affected by the configuration of the help application 417. That is, the independence between applications is increased. Also, by adding the application ID as a URL parameter, it becomes possible to provide appropriate help content for a later-added application simply by taking action on the Web server 209 side.

[0164] If the help application is the initial application, the content acquired in S703 will be empty (no application being displayed). In this case, the application identification parameter may be made special in S705 to generate help content for initial display. In this case, the close button 824 is not displayed in S708. Alternatively, the help application may be configured not to be selectable as the initial application.

[0165] In this embodiment, when the status check button is pressed to open the status check screen in the state shown in FIG. 12 in which the screen of the help application 417 is displayed, the screen of the help application 417 may be configured to be closed.

[0166] Fig. 27(A) is a flowchart showing the process when the status check screen is opened while the screen of the help application 417 is being displayed. The procedure shown in Fig. 27(A) is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading the program into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0167] First, in S1401, the home application 411 detects the pressing of the status check button 819. When the user presses the status check button 819, the home application 411 detects the pressing and requests the window manager 420 to switch to the application corresponding to the button whose pressing was detected. Next, in S1402, the window manager 420 notifies the status check / cancel application 412 of a display instruction. Here, the window manager 420 refers to the application information 710 based on the application ID transmitted from the home application 411 in S1401, and determines that the application to which the notification is to be sent is the status check / cancel application 412. The status check / cancel application 412 performs drawing in a predetermined buffer area based on the handle notified in the processing of FIG. 9.

[0168] Next, in S1403, the window manager 420 switches the display to the status checking / cancellation application 412. At this time, the window manager 420 notifies the help application 417 that the window stack 720 has been updated and the help application 417 is no longer the top application. Next, in S1404, the help application 417 detects that the help application 417 is no longer the top application, and closes the help screen. This process is the same as the processes in S902 to S904.

[0169] As a result, when the user closes the status check screen, the help application 417 is not displayed. This simplifies the hierarchical structure of the windows, making it easier for the user to understand the status.

[0170] In addition, in this embodiment, when auto-clear is executed, the screen of the help application 417 may be closed.

[0171] Fig. 27(B) is a flowchart showing the process when auto-clear is executed while the screen of the help application 417 is displayed. The procedure shown in Fig. 27(B) is stored as a program in the external memory 123 or the ROM 113, and is realized by the CPU 111 reading the program into the RAM 112 and executing it.

[0172] First, in S1410, the help application 417 detects an auto-clear event. The auto-clear event is issued by the timer processing unit 405 when there is no operation from the user for a certain period of time, and is notified to the help application 417 via the window manager 420. Next, in S1411, the help application 417 closes the help screen. This is the same processing as S902 to S904.

[0173] In this embodiment, the help application 417 encodes the URL for the Web manual into a two-dimensional code and uses it as help content. Alternatively, the content may be acquired from the Web server 209 based on the URL for the Web manual and rendered by the help application 417. At this time, the help application 417 may request the Web browser application 415 to analyze and render the content, and the help application 417 may perform only the display.

[0174] In addition, in this embodiment, the operation processing unit 403 is implemented in the image processing device 100, but may be configured to be implemented in the mobile information terminal 210. In this case, the operation processing unit 403 communicates with the job processing unit 402 and the like via the network 203 to realize the operation of this embodiment.

[0175] Also, when the image processing device 100 enters a power saving state by pressing the power saving button 507 by the user or by processing of the timer processing unit 405, the screen of the help application 417 may be closed. In this case, the event detected in S1410 in the flowchart of FIG. 27B is an event caused by a change in the power saving state. Also, when the user logs in or logs out of the image processing device 100 by pressing the authentication button 509 by the user, the screen of the help application 417 may be closed. In this case, the event detected in S1410 in the flowchart of FIG. 27B is a login or logout event notified by the authentication processing unit 411.

[0176] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0177] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following device, display control method, and program. (Item 1) A receiving means capable of receiving an instruction to display a screen corresponding to each of a plurality of applications; a display control means for controlling, based on the instruction received by the receiving means, to display a screen of an application corresponding to the instruction; Equipped with the display control means, when the reception means receives the instruction to display a screen of a second application different from the first application in a state in which a screen of a first application of the plurality of applications is being displayed, controls to switch the display from the screen of the first application to the screen of the second application; When the second application is not a predetermined application, an application included in the plurality of applications is initialized, and when the second application is the predetermined application, an application included in the plurality of applications is not initialized. 23. An information processing apparatus comprising: (Item 2) The information processing device according to item 1, characterized in that when the reception means receives the instruction to display the screen of the first application while the screen of the second application, which is not the specified application, is displayed, the screen of the first application is displayed with the setting values ​​of the first application initialized. (Item 3) The information processing device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that when the reception means receives the instruction for the screen of the first application while the screen of the specified application is displayed, the screen of the first application is displayed in a state in which the setting values ​​of the first application are not initialized. (Item 4) 4. The information processing device according to item 3, wherein the setting values ​​of the first application are maintained as the setting values ​​before the screen of the second application is displayed. (Item 5) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that, when the screen of the specified application is displayed, an instruction to display a screen corresponding to an application other than the specified application among the multiple applications cannot be accepted. (Item 6) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the display control means issues a display instruction to an application corresponding to the instruction, and the application receiving the display instruction draws a screen of the application in a drawing area. (Item 7) 7. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of applications corresponds to a function executable by the information processing device. (Item 8) 8. The information processing device according to item 7, wherein the predetermined application supports a help function. (Item 9) 9. The information processing device according to item 8, wherein the predetermined application generates display data corresponding to the content of the help function and draws in a drawing area based on the display data. (Item 10) 10. The information processing device according to item 9, wherein the display data includes a two-dimensional code. (Item 11) the display control means transmits, to the predetermined application, information of the first application that is being displayed before a screen of the predetermined application is displayed; the predetermined application generates the display data corresponding to the first application based on information of the first application; 11. The information processing device according to item 9 or 10. (Item 12) 12. The information processing device according to any one of items 8 to 11, wherein the receiving means is capable of receiving the instruction through a button displayed on a home screen. (Item 13) Item 13. The information processing device according to item 12, wherein the buttons include shortcut buttons. (Item 14) The information processing device according to any one of items 8 to 13, characterized in that when the screen of the specified application is displayed and a screen of a second specified application different from the specified application is controlled to be displayed based on the instruction, the display control means controls to close the screen of the specified application and display the screen of the second specified application. (Item 15) Item 15. The information processing device according to item 14, wherein the second predetermined application corresponds to a function for checking a status of the information processing device. (Item 16) 16. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the information processing device is an image processing device capable of executing at least one of a printing function and a scanning function. (Item 17) A display control method executable in an information processing device, comprising: a receiving step capable of receiving an instruction to display a screen corresponding to each of a plurality of applications; a display control step of controlling, based on the instruction received in the receiving step, to display a screen of an application corresponding to the instruction; having in the display control step, when the instruction to display a screen of a second application different from the first application is received in the receiving step while a screen of a first application of the plurality of applications is being displayed, control is performed so that the display is switched from the screen of the first application to the screen of the second application; When the second application is not a predetermined application, an application included in the plurality of applications is initialized, and when the second application is the predetermined application, an application included in the plurality of applications is not initialized. A display control method comprising: (Item 18) 17. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 16.

[0178] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 100 Image Processing Unit: 111 CPU: 112 RAM: 113 RAM

Claims

1. A receiving means capable of receiving an instruction to display a screen corresponding to each of a plurality of applications; a display control means for controlling, based on the instruction received by the receiving means, to display a screen of an application corresponding to the instruction; Equipped with the display control means, when the reception means receives the instruction to display a screen of a second application different from the first application in a state in which a screen of a first application of the plurality of applications is being displayed, controls to switch the display from the screen of the first application to the screen of the second application; When the second application is not a predetermined application, an application included in the plurality of applications is initialized, and when the second application is the predetermined application, an application included in the plurality of applications is not initialized.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the receiving means receives the instruction to display the screen of the first application while a screen of the second application which is not the specified application is being displayed, the screen of the first application is displayed with the setting values ​​of the first application initialized.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the reception means receives the instruction for the screen of the first application while the screen of the specified application is displayed, the screen of the first application is displayed in a state in which the setting values ​​of the first application are not initialized.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting values ​​of the first application are maintained at the setting values ​​before the screen of the second application is displayed.

5. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, while the screen of the predetermined application is being displayed, an instruction to display a screen corresponding to an application other than the predetermined application among the plurality of applications cannot be accepted.

6. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means issues a display instruction to an application corresponding to the instruction, and the application that has received the display instruction draws a screen of the application in a drawing area.

7. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of applications corresponds to a function that can be executed by the information processing apparatus.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined application supports a help function.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined application generates display data corresponding to the content of the help function, and performs drawing in a drawing area based on the display data.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the display data includes a two-dimensional code.

11. the display control means transmits, to the predetermined application, information of the first application that is being displayed before a screen of the predetermined application is displayed; the predetermined application generates the display data corresponding to the first application based on information of the first application; 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,

12. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the receiving means is capable of receiving the instruction through a button displayed on a home screen.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the buttons include a shortcut button.

14. The information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that when a screen of the specified application is displayed and a screen of a second specified application different from the specified application is controlled to be displayed based on the instruction, the display control means controls to close the screen of the specified application and display the screen of the second specified application.

15. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second predetermined application corresponds to a function for checking a status of the information processing apparatus.

16. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus capable of executing at least one of a printing function and a scanning function.

17. A display control method executable in an information processing device, comprising: a receiving step capable of receiving an instruction to display a screen corresponding to each of a plurality of applications; a display control step of controlling, based on the instruction received in the receiving step, to display a screen of an application corresponding to the instruction; having in the display control step, when the instruction to display a screen of a second application different from the first application is received in the receiving step while a screen of a first application of the plurality of applications is being displayed, control is performed so that the display is switched from the screen of the first application to the screen of the second application; When the second application is not a predetermined application, an application included in the plurality of applications is initialized, and when the second application is the predetermined application, an application included in the plurality of applications is not initialized. A display control method comprising:

18. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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