Information processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To suppress execution of unintended processing through wrong operation of a user.SOLUTION: An image formation device 1 changes processing executed when an object executing the same processing is operated according to the type of the performed object and a hierarchy of a screen including the performed object, in a case in which the object is dispersed in a plurality of screens having a hierarchical structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an electronic device that includes a display unit that displays a menu including multiple items on a specified screen, and when an item is specified from the menu belonging to the nth hierarchical level (n is an integer of 2 or more), displays on a first screen the item specified from the menu belonging to a higher hierarchical level (n-1 or higher) together with the menu belonging to the n+1th hierarchical level corresponding to the specified item, and an operation unit that accepts operations on any screen and the menu. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-187833 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an information processing system that displays screens having a hierarchical structure, it may be possible for a user to execute a function to be executed from the destination screen from another screen, such as a preview screen that displays an overview of the screen, without performing an operation to transition to a lower-level screen.

[0005] Because the preview screen is displayed by a relatively simple operation, such as placing the mouse on a specific screen for a certain period of time, it is possible that the user may mistakenly select an object in the preview screen and unintentionally perform a process that cannot be canceled.

[0006] In this way, when objects performing the same processing are displayed on multiple screens, there are situations in which it is preferable not to execute the processing corresponding to the object even if the object included in a particular screen accepts an operation from the user.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide an information processing system and an information processing program that can prevent unintended processing from being executed due to a user's erroneous operation, compared to a case where objects that perform the same processing included on multiple screens can only execute processing that is pre-associated with a user's operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing system according to the first aspect includes a processor, and when objects performing the same processing are distributed across multiple screens having a hierarchical structure, the processor performs control to change the processing to be performed when an object is operated on in accordance with the type of object that is operated on and the hierarchy of the screen that contains the object that is operated on.

[0009] In a second aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, when a screen including an operated object is a simplified screen displayed by an instruction operation, which is an operation for checking the screen contents of a lower hierarchy, and the operated object is an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed, the processor performs control to change the process to be executed when the object is operated.

[0010] An information processing system according to a third aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the processor does not accept a user operation on an object.

[0011] An information processing system according to a fourth aspect is the information processing system according to the third aspect, wherein the processor performs control to notify that a user's operation on an object has not been accepted.

[0012] An information processing system according to a fifth aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the processor performs control to display a bottommost screen including an object that executes the same process as the operated object.

[0013] An information processing system according to a sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, in which if a screen including an object to be operated is a simplified screen displayed by an instruction operation, which is an operation for checking the screen contents of a lower hierarchy, and another simplified screen displayed by the instruction operation on an object on the simplified screen includes an object of a predetermined type, the processor performs control to change the processing for the instruction operation performed on the object.

[0014] An information processing system according to a seventh aspect is the information processing system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the processor performs control so as not to display the other simplified screen in response to the instruction operation on an object.

[0015] An information processing system according to an eighth aspect is an information processing system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the processor controls displaying a bottom-most screen including an object that performs the same processing as the object on which the instruction operation was performed.

[0016] An information processing system according to a ninth aspect is the information processing system according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the object on which the instruction operation is performed is an execution object that executes an immutable process.

[0017] In an information processing system according to a tenth aspect, in the information processing system according to the first aspect, when an instruction operation is performed on an object included in the lowest screen in the hierarchical structure, the instruction operation being an operation for checking the screen contents of a lower hierarchy, the processor performs control to change the processing to be performed in response to the instruction operation depending on the type of object on which the instruction operation was performed.

[0018] An information processing system according to an eleventh aspect is an information processing system according to a tenth aspect, in which, when the object on which the instruction operation is performed is an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed, the processor performs control to display information regarding the execution result when the process is executed.

[0019] The information processing program of the twelfth aspect is a program for causing a computer to perform control to change the processing to be performed when an object is operated on, in accordance with the type of object operated on and the hierarchy of the screen that contains the object operated on, when objects performing the same processing are distributed across multiple screens having a hierarchical structure. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the first and twelfth aspects, it is possible to prevent unintended processing from being executed due to a user's erroneous operation, compared to a case where objects performing the same processing included in multiple screens can only execute processing that is pre-associated with a user's operation.

[0021] According to the second aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent a process that is unnecessary for a user from being executed, as compared with a case where a process associated with an execution object of a simplified screen is executed as is.

[0022] According to the third aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to prohibit the execution of a process associated with an execution object from being permitted on the simplified screen.

[0023] According to the fourth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to inform the user of the operation specifications on the simplified screen.

[0024] According to the fifth aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent erroneous operations by the user, as compared with a case in which the process associated with the object can be executed from the simplified screen.

[0025] According to the sixth aspect, there is an effect that the process for the pointing operation can be changed for each type of object of another simplified screen that is displayed by the pointing operation on an object of the simplified screen.

[0026] According to the seventh aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the user from making an erroneous operation on another simplified screen.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to prohibit the execution of the process associated with the object from other simplified screens.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent a process that is unnecessary for the user from being executed, compared to a case where a process associated with an execution object of another simplified screen is executed as is.

[0029] According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to obtain an effect that the process for the pointing operation can be changed for each type of object for which the pointing operation is performed on the bottom-most screen.

[0030] According to the eleventh aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the user from executing a useless process, as compared with the case where information on the execution result is not displayed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of screen operations in the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a preview display when a conventional preview function is applied. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an operation process. [Diagram 5]13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an acceptance determination process. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display when a user operates a preview start button. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display when a user operates the N-up button in the preview. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of the operation process. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a preview displaying an execution screen of a copy function. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of the acceptance determination process. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when a command is given to a start button included in a preview of a copy screen; FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of how the screen is displayed when an operation is performed on the start button included in the preview of the copy screen. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an operation process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display when a user performs an instruction operation on a start button of a preview displaying an execution screen of a copy function. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram showing a display example when a user performs an instruction operation on a start button on a copy function execution screen. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an operation process according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, the disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components and processes are given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation, and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0033] First Embodiment 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of an information processing system. The information processing system according to this embodiment is a system that displays a screen that provides an interface between the information processing system and a user, and may be any type of system as long as the displayed screen has a hierarchical structure.

[0034] A screen has a hierarchical structure when the screen configuration is represented by a tree structure with a specific screen as the apex, for example. The nodes in the tree structure correspond to each screen, and the edges connecting the nodes in the tree structure represent the transition relationships from screen to screen.

[0035] In this embodiment, the screen corresponding to the node located at the top of the tree structure is called the "top screen," the screen corresponding to the terminal node reached by proceeding along the edges from the top of the tree structure is called the "lowest-level screen," and other screens other than the top screen and the lowest-level screen are called "intermediate screens."

[0036] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing system will be described taking as an example an image forming apparatus 1 that accepts operations from a user via a screen having a hierarchical structure.

[0037] The image forming device 1 has multiple functions, such as a print function for printing the contents of a file on paper, a scan function for optically reading characters and images written on a document, and a copy function for printing the contents of the scanned document on paper. For ease of explanation, printing the contents of a file on paper will be referred to as "printing."

[0038] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured using, for example, a computer 10. The computer 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10A, which is an example of a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10B used as a temporary working area for the CPU 10A, a non-volatile memory 10C, and an input / output interface (I / O) 10D. The CPU 10A, RAM 10B, non-volatile memory 10C, and I / O 10D are each connected via a bus 10E.

[0039] The nonvolatile memory 10C is an example of a storage device that maintains stored information even if the power supplied to the nonvolatile memory 10C is cut off, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. Information that needs to be stored even if the power supply to the image forming apparatus 1 is cut off, such as information about the screen, is stored in the nonvolatile memory 10C.

[0040] The non-volatile memory 10C does not necessarily have to be built into the computer 10, and may be, for example, a portable storage device that is detachable from the computer 10.

[0041] To the I / O 10D, for example, a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, an image forming unit 14, and a scanner unit 15 are connected.

[0042] The communication unit 11 is connected to a communication line (not shown) and has a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device connected to the communication line. A file to be printed by the image forming apparatus 1 is received from the external device through the communication unit 11, for example.

[0043] The input unit 12 is a device that receives instructions from a user and notifies the CPU 10A, and includes, for example, a button, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment is equipped with at least a touch panel as the input unit 12.

[0044] Display unit 13 is an example of a display device that displays information processed by CPU 10A as an image, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. As an example, a touch panel, which is an example of input unit 12, is attached to be superimposed on display unit 13, and when a user selects an object displayed on display unit 13 with a finger through the touch panel, an instruction from the user is notified to CPU 10A.

[0045] An object is an operator that is displayed on a screen and is the target of a user's operation. When an operation is performed by a user, the operator notifies CPU 10A that the operation has been accepted from the user. When the CPU 10A is notified of the operation from the object, it executes a process associated with the operated object. Therefore, objects include, for example, buttons and hyperlinks. In the following, the operation of an object will be described using the operation of a button as an example.

[0046] The image forming unit 14 is a unit that prints the contents of the file on paper according to instructions from the CPU 10A. The printing method in the image forming unit 14 may be any method, such as electrophotography, inkjet, or offset printing. The image forming unit 14 is used in conjunction with the execution of the print function and copy function.

[0047] Scanner unit 15 is a unit that optically reads the contents of an original placed on, for example, a platen glass and converts the read contents of the original into data in accordance with instructions from CPU 10A. Scanner unit 15 is used in conjunction with the execution of a scan function and a copy function. The copy function is realized when CPU 10A causes image forming unit 14 to print data obtained by scanner unit 15 on paper.

[0048] The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 described above are just examples, and the image forming apparatus 1 may also have a facsimile function for sending and receiving image data via a public line, or an e-mail function for sending and receiving e-mail via the Internet. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 does not need to have multiple functions such as a copy function, a print function, and a scan function, and it is sufficient if it has at least one function.

[0049] As already described, the information processing system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the image forming device 1. For example, the information processing system may be any type of device that allows a user to operate a screen having a hierarchical structure to give instructions, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a car navigation system, or a ticket issuing machine.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 and an operation example of the screen.

[0051] After the image forming apparatus 1 is started up, the home screen 2 is first displayed on the display unit 13 as a top screen.

[0052] Menu buttons that allow the user to select a function to be executed are displayed on the home screen 2. In this embodiment, the home screen 2 displays, for example, a copy button, a print button, and a scan button.

[0053] When the display unit 13 equipped with a touch panel is pressed by, for example, a user's finger, the CPU 10A performs control to display the next screen associated with the pressed button on the display unit 13 in accordance with the hierarchical structure of the screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the copy button is pressed by the user, the screen displayed on the display unit 13 transitions from the home screen 2 to the copy screen 3.

[0054] The copy screen 3 is a screen for setting operation details related to the copy function. The copy screen 3 includes, for example, a start button for transitioning to an execution screen 4 for executing the copy function according to the set operation details, an N-up button for specifying the number of pages to be copied on one page, a double-sided / single-sided button for specifying the side of the document to be read by the scanner unit 15, and a size button for specifying the size of the paper to be copied. If the copy screen 3 includes a large number of buttons and the buttons cannot be displayed all at once on the copy screen 3, the CPU 10A displays arrow buttons with arrows such as "↑" and "↓" on the copy screen 3, as in the copy screen 3 of FIG. 2. When the user presses an arrow button, the CPU 10A scrolls and displays the buttons included in the copy screen 3 in the direction of the arrow indicated by the arrow button.

[0055] When any button other than the arrow button included in copy screen 3 is pressed by the user, CPU 10A performs control to display the next screen associated with the pressed button on display unit 13 in accordance with a predetermined hierarchical structure of screens. That is, copy screen 3 has lower-level screens according to the hierarchical structure, and therefore copy screen 3 is an example of an intermediate screen.

[0056] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the start button is pressed on the copy screen 3, the screen displayed on the display unit 13 transitions from the copy screen 3 to an execution screen 4.

[0057] The execution screen 4 is a screen that allows the user to make a final decision as to whether or not to execute the copy function. The execution screen 4 includes, for example, a back button that transitions to the original screen (in this case, copy screen 3) without executing the copy function, and a start button that executes the copy function. Once the user presses the start button on the execution screen 4 to execute the copy function, the user cannot cancel the copy function midway through. In this way, the start button on the execution screen 4 is an example of an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed.

[0058] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the N-up button is pressed on the copy screen 3, the screen displayed on the display unit 13 transitions from the copy screen 3 to the N-up screen 5.

[0059] The N-up screen 5 is a screen that allows the user to specify the number of pages of the original to be included in one page of paper to be copied. The N-up screen 5 includes, for example, a 1UP button for including one page of the original on one page of paper when the original is read by the scanner unit 15, a 2UP button for including two pages of the original on one page of paper, and a 4UP button for including four pages of the original on one page of paper. The number of pages of the original to be included on one page of paper is set by the user pressing any of the buttons included in the N-up screen 5. After setting the number of pages of the original to be included on one page of paper, the user can transition to the screen transition source (in this case, the copy screen 3) by pressing, for example, a back button (not shown) on the N-up screen 5, and can execute a copy function from the execution screen 4 that consolidates and copies the set number of pages of the original onto one page of paper by pressing a start button from the displayed copy screen 3.

[0060] In this way, since the execution screen 4 and the N-up screen 5 do not have any lower screens according to the hierarchical structure, the execution screen 4 and the N-up screen 5 are examples of the lowest level screens.

[0061] When the user presses the Double Sided / Single Sided button and the Size button on the copy screen 3, the screen transitions to a reading side screen (not shown) for setting whether the scanner unit 15 will read double-sided or single-sided documents, and a size screen (not shown) for setting the size of the paper to be copied. After setting values ​​on the reading side screen and the size screen, the user transitions to the copy screen 3 by pressing the back button included in each screen. Therefore, the reading side screen and the size screen are also examples of the lowest-level screen.

[0062] Using Figure 2, we have explained an example of a screen having a three-level hierarchical structure in which the home screen 2 transitions to the copy screen 3, and then the copy screen 3 transitions to the execution screen 4, the N-up screen 5, the reading surface screen, or the size screen. However, the hierarchical structure of the screen is not limited to three levels and may be two or more levels.

[0063] As seen so far, there are multiple types of buttons included on the screen of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, there is a button, such as the copy button on the home screen 2, which, when pressed by a user, transitions to a pre-associated screen and is used to change the hierarchy of the screen displayed on the display unit 13. Hereinafter, a button that transitions to a screen in a different hierarchy or a screen in the same hierarchy is referred to as a "transition button." The transition button is an example of a transition object, which is an object that transitions to a screen in a different hierarchy or a screen in the same hierarchy.

[0064] The transition buttons include, for example, a back button to transition to the original screen, a forward button to transition back to the destination screen to which the user has already transitioned, a login button to transition to an authentication screen to authenticate whether the user is authorized to use the image forming device 1 before using the image forming device 1, and a refresh button to display the same screen again.

[0065] Also, like the buttons on the N-up screen 5, there are buttons that, when pressed by the user, are used to set a value for a specified item. Hereinafter, a button that sets a value for a specified item is referred to as a "setting button." The setting button is an example of a setting object that sets a value for a specified item. After a value is set, there is no screen transition other than returning to a screen located at a higher level, so the setting button is included in the lowest level screen.

[0066] The setting buttons include buttons for setting the reading surface of the document in the copy function and the size of the paper to be copied to, as well as a button for setting the print color to black and white or color, and a switch button for switching the type of characters (e.g. numbers or English letters) entered by the user.

[0067] In addition, there are buttons that are used to execute processes that cannot be changed, i.e., irreversible processes, when pressed by a user, such as the start button on the execution screen 4. Hereinafter, the button that executes irreversible processes is referred to as the "execution button." The execution button is an example of an execution object that is an object that executes irreversible processes. After execution of irreversible processes, there is no screen transition destination other than returning to a screen located at a higher level, so the execution button is included in the lowest level screen. The execution buttons include, for example, a start button that executes a print function or a scan function, an initialization button that erases information stored in the non-volatile memory 10C, a login confirmation button that executes login based on information entered on the authentication screen, a power button that turns off the power of the image forming apparatus 1, and a power saving button that switches the image forming apparatus 1 to a power saving mode.

[0068] Also, although not shown in FIG. 2, there is a button that, when pressed by a user, simply displays information and allows the user to confirm the information. Hereinafter, a button that displays information for confirmation is referred to as a "confirmation button." The confirmation button is an example of a confirmation object that is an object that displays information for confirmation. The confirmation button includes, for example, a button for displaying the serial number of the image forming device 1 and a button for displaying history information that records events that have occurred in the image forming device 1. Since information is displayed when a user presses the confirmation button, the confirmation button is also a button that executes irreversible processing, like the execution button. After irreversible processing is executed, there is no screen transition destination other than returning to a screen located at a higher level, so the confirmation button is also included in the lowest level screen.

[0069] So far, we have described an example in which a user operates a button by pressing the button, but CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 recognizes that even if the operated button is the same button, different operations have been performed depending on the manner in which the user pressed the button.

[0070] The black circle 8 shown on each screen in FIG. 2 represents a state in which the user presses the button located at the position where the black circle 8 is located for a specified time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) or more. The specified time is set to a time that, if the user presses the button for this time or more, it can be determined that the user has pressed the button with a clear intention to execute the process associated with the button. Therefore, the user pressing the button for the specified time or more can be considered to be an operation to execute the process associated with the button. In this way, an operation that causes the CPU 10A to execute the original process that is associated with each button in advance according to the type of button, such as screen transition, setting a value for an item, executing a function, and confirming information, is called a "confirmation operation."

[0071] On the other hand, when the screen displayed on the display unit 13 has a hierarchical structure, the user may not know which button to operate to reach the screen where the desired process can be executed. In order to ease such user anxiety, a preview function has been conventionally applied in some cases.

[0072] The preview function is a function that displays a transition destination screen when a confirmation operation is performed on a button on the display unit 13, even if the user does not perform a confirmation operation on the button. The preview function allows the user to check the transition destination screen when a confirmation operation is performed on a button before performing the confirmation operation on the button. Therefore, the user does not need to repeatedly perform a confirmation operation on a button until he or she reaches a screen on which the desired process can be executed, improving the operability for the user.

[0073] The transition destination screen is displayed, for example, superimposed on the screen on which the user performed an operation. A screen that displays a transition destination screen associated with a button in this manner without the user performing a confirmation operation on the button is called a "preview."

[0074] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a preview display example when a conventional preview function is applied to the image forming apparatus 1. In FIG.

[0075] A white circle 9 shown on each screen in FIG. 3 represents a state in which a user presses a button located at the position where the white circle 9 is located for less than a specified time. When a user presses a button for less than a specified time, a preview is displayed showing a transition destination screen associated with the button. In this way, an operation that causes CPU 10A to execute a process of displaying a preview of a screen that is displayed when a confirmation operation is performed on a button, without executing the original process that is associated with the button in advance, is called an "instruction operation." Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between a confirmation operation and an instruction operation, it will simply be called an "operation."

[0076] The example of Fig. 3 shows a situation where, when the user performs a command operation on the copy button on the home screen 2, a preview of the copy screen 3 is displayed on top of the home screen 2. Also, when the user performs a confirmation operation on the start button displayed on the preview of the copy screen 3, a transition to the execution screen 4 is shown, and when a command operation is performed, a preview of the execution screen 4 is displayed on top of the home screen 2. In this way, the preview further accepts a confirmation operation and a command operation on the buttons displayed on the preview. When a command operation is received on the preview, a preview of the transition destination screen associated with the button on which the command operation was performed is further displayed.

[0077] Thus, the preview according to this embodiment is an example of a simplified screen displayed in response to a command to check screen contents at a lower level than the screen displayed on the display unit 13. If the preview is also considered as one independent screen, the preview function causes buttons for executing the same process to be distributed and displayed on multiple screens having a hierarchical structure.

[0078] For ease of explanation, hereafter, the preview will be assigned a code with "A" added after the code assigned to the screen displayed in the preview. For example, the preview of copy screen 3 will be represented as "preview 3A," and the preview of execution screen 4 will be represented as "preview 4A." When explaining the preview without limiting it to a preview of a specific screen, it will simply be referred to as "preview."

[0079] As an example here, the CPU 10A recognizes the difference between a confirmation operation and a command operation based on the length of time the user presses the touch panel attached to the display unit 13, but the method of recognizing a confirmation operation and a command operation differs depending on the type of input unit 12 used.

[0080] For example, when a user operates a button with a mouse, CPU 10A recognizes a click of the mouse on the button as a confirmation operation, and recognizes a cursor placed on the button, i.e., a mouse-over operation as an instruction operation. CPU 10A may also recognize a double click of the mouse on a button as a confirmation operation, and a single click of the mouse on a button as an instruction operation.

[0081] Also, for example, when a user operates a button through a non-contact panel, the CPU 10A may recognize a confirmation operation when the user hovers a finger over the button for a specified time or longer, and may recognize an instruction operation when the hover time is less than the specified time. Hovering refers to an action of fixing the position of a finger while bringing the finger close to the non-contact panel. Note that the non-contact panel does not necessarily have to be operated with a finger, and may be operated with a biological part other than a finger, such as a nose.

[0082] When such a conventional preview function is applied to image forming device 1, if a user unintentionally places his / her finger on the preview displayed to check the screen contents, CPU 10A may recognize this as a confirmation operation and execute a process associated with the button where the finger placed the preview.

[0083] Therefore, hereinafter, a description will be given of operation processing of the image forming apparatus 1 that prevents unintended processing from being executed due to an erroneous operation by the user, compared to the case where a conventional preview function is applied to screen operations.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operation processing executed by CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 when any screen is displayed on display unit 13.

[0085] An information processing program that defines the operation processing is stored in advance, for example, in non-volatile memory 10C of image forming apparatus 1. CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 reads the information processing program stored in non-volatile memory 10C and executes the operation processing.

[0086] First, in step S10, CPU 10A determines whether or not any button displayed on the screen has received any operation, and if any button has received any operation, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0087] In step S20, CPU 10A executes an acceptance determination process for determining whether or not an operation performed on a button is acceptable. Details of the acceptance determination process will be described later. The acceptance determination process produces a determination result indicating whether the operation is acceptable or unacceptable.

[0088] In step S30, CPU 10A judges whether the judgment result of the acceptance judgment process is acceptable or not. If the judgment result is not acceptable, that is, unacceptable, the process proceeds to step S10. That is, CPU 10A does not accept the user's operation on the button. On the other hand, if the judgment result is acceptable, the process proceeds to step S40.

[0089] In this case, since the user's operation can be accepted, CPU 10A performs processing according to the type of operation. Specifically, in step S40, CPU 10A determines whether the accepted operation is a command operation. If the accepted operation is a command operation, the process proceeds to step S50.

[0090] In step S50, CPU 10A displays a preview of a transition destination screen associated with the button on which the instruction operation has been performed. After displaying the preview, the process proceeds to step S10, where CPU 10A continues the process of determining whether any button displayed on the screen has received any operation.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S40 that the received operation is not a command operation, that is, a confirmation operation, the process proceeds to step S60.

[0092] In step S60, CPU 10A executes a process associated with the button on which the confirmation operation has been performed. After executing the specified process, the process proceeds to step S10, where CPU 10A continues the process of determining whether any button displayed on the screen has received any operation.

[0093] If it is determined in step S10 that no operation has been received from any button, the process proceeds to step S70.

[0094] In step S70, CPU 10A determines whether an end instruction has been received. An end instruction is an instruction indicating that the user has ended use of image forming apparatus 1, and is notified by, for example, logging out of image forming apparatus 1 or performing a confirmation operation on the execute button. If an end instruction has not been received, the user is continuing to use image forming apparatus 1, and the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if an end instruction has been received, the operation process shown in FIG. 4 is terminated.

[0095] Next, the reception determination process in step S20 will be described below. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the reception determination process.

[0096] In step S210, CPU 10A determines whether or not the operation target by the user is the preview button, If the operation target is the preview button, the process proceeds to step S220.

[0097] In step S220, CPU 10A determines whether or not the type of the operated button is a transition button. If the operated button is not a transition button, the process proceeds to step S230.

[0098] In step S230, CPU 10A determines whether or not the type of the button to be operated is a setting button If the button to be operated is not the setting button, the process proceeds to step S240.

[0099] In this case, the type of the button operated by the user is the execute button or the confirm button included in the preview, so in step S240, CPU 10A sets the determination result to unacceptable and proceeds to step S30 in Fig. 4. That is, when the type of the button operated by the user is the execute button or the confirm button included in the preview, CPU 10A does not accept the user's operation.

[0100] The transition buttons are included in the intermediate screen, and the execute button and confirm button are included in the lowest-level screen. In other words, since the CPU 10A takes into consideration not only the type of button but also the hierarchy of the screen, it changes the processing to be executed, rather than accepting the user's operation, in a manner that would normally be performed in response to the operation.

[0101] On the other hand, if the determination process of step S210 determines that the object of the user's operation is a button on a screen other than the preview, if the determination process of step S220 determines that the object of the user's operation is a transition button of the preview, or if the determination process of step S230 determines that the object of the user's operation is a setting button of the preview, the process proceeds to step S250.

[0102] In this case, the type of the button operated by the user is a button on a screen other than the preview, or a transition button or setting button included in the preview. In step S250, CPU 10A sets the determination result to "acceptable" and proceeds to step S30 in Fig. 4. That is, when the type of the button operated by the user is a button on a screen other than the preview, or a transition button or setting button included in the preview, CPU 10A executes processing according to the operation.

[0103] 6 is a diagram showing a display example when a user operates the start button of the preview 4A displayed superimposed on the home screen 2. Since the start button is an execution button, the image forming apparatus 1 does not accept the user's operation, whether it is a confirmation operation or an instruction operation. Therefore, the same screen continues to be displayed on the display unit 13.

[0104] 7 is a diagram showing a display example when a user operates the N-up button on the preview 3A displayed superimposed on the home screen 2. Since the N-up button is a transition button, the image forming apparatus 1 executes a process according to the operation. That is, when the user operates an instruction operation, the CPU 10A displays the preview 5A of the N-up screen 5 instead of the preview 3A. On the other hand, when the user operates a confirmation operation, the CPU 10A displays the N-up screen 5 instead of the home screen 2.

[0105] In this way, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, operations on the execute button and the confirm button included in the preview are not accepted.

[0106] <Second embodiment> In the image forming device 1 according to the first embodiment, operations on the execute button and confirmation button included in the preview are not accepted. In the second embodiment, however, an example of an image forming device 1 is described in which the user operations on the buttons included in the preview are accepted, but the processing for the instruction operation is changed.

[0107] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operation processing executed by CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 when any screen is displayed on display unit 13.

[0108] An information processing program that defines the operation processing is stored in advance, for example, in non-volatile memory 10C of image forming apparatus 1. CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 reads the information processing program stored in non-volatile memory 10C and executes the operation processing.

[0109] The operation process shown in Fig. 8 differs from the operation process shown in Fig. 4 in that step S32 is added, and other processes are the same. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the description will focus on the process of step S32.

[0110] If it is determined in the determination process of step S30 that the reception determination process of step S20 is unacceptable, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0111] In step S32, CPU 10A displays the lowest layer screen including buttons for executing the same processes as those associated with the buttons specified and operated in the preview (in this case, the execute button and the confirm button), and proceeds to step S10.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a preview 4A displaying an execution screen 4 of a copy function. For example, when a user operates a start button in the preview 4A, the operation process shown in FIG. 4 does not accept the operation, so the preview 4A continues to be displayed as shown in FIG. 6. However, in the operation process shown in FIG. 8, the execution screen 4 of the copy function is displayed on the display unit 13 by the process of step S32. That is, when an operation is performed on a button of the preview on which an operation determined to be unacceptable by the acceptance determination process is performed, the CPU 10A independently displays the screen displayed in the preview. Note that, as can be seen from the acceptance determination process shown in FIG. 5, the operation determined to be unacceptable is an operation on a button included in the preview of the lowest layer screen, so the screen displayed by the CPU 10A in this case is the lowest layer screen.

[0113] In this way, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, even if the user performs an unintended operation from the preview, the lowest-level screen including the button on which the operation was performed is merely displayed.

[0114] <Third embodiment> In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the control is performed such that the process executed when a button is operated from a preview is changed depending on the type of button operated from the preview. In the third embodiment, an example of the image forming apparatus 1 that changes the process in response to an instruction operation depending on the type of button included in another preview that is displayed in response to an instruction operation on a button included in a preview will be described.

[0115] The flowchart of the operation processing of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as the flowchart of the operation processing of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4 and the flowchart of the operation processing of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 8. However, the acceptance determination processing of step S20 in Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 is different. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the explanation will be centered on the acceptance determination processing.

[0116] Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the acceptance determination process executed by the CPU 10A of the image forming apparatus 1 in step S20 in Fig. 4 and Fig. 8. The acceptance determination process shown in Fig. 10 differs from the acceptance determination process shown in Fig. 5 in that step S220 is deleted and steps S232 to S236 are added, but the other processes are the same. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the description will focus on the processes in steps S232 to S236.

[0117] When it is determined in the determination process of step S210 in FIG. 10 that the object of the user's operation is the preview button, the process proceeds to step S230.

[0118] If it is determined in step S230 that the operation target by the user is not the preview setting button, the process proceeds to step S232.

[0119] In step S232, CPU 10A determines whether or not there is a transition screen corresponding to the operated button. In other words, it determines whether or not the screen displayed in the preview is a top screen or an intermediate screen. If there is a transition screen, the process proceeds to step S234.

[0120] In step S234, CPU 10A acquires configuration information of the transition destination screen, and acquires the types of buttons included in the transition destination screen. Note that the configuration information of each screen may be stored in advance in, for example, non-volatile memory 10C.

[0121] In step S236, CPU 10A refers to the type of button included in the transition destination screen acquired in the process of step S234 and determines whether or not the transition destination screen includes a predetermined type of button. Here, an example of determining whether or not the transition destination screen includes an execute button will be described as an example of a predetermined type of button, but it may also be determined whether or not the transition destination screen includes an execute button or a confirm button. If the transition destination screen includes an execute button, the process proceeds to step S240, and CPU 10A sets the determination result to unacceptable.

[0122] On the other hand, if the judgment process of step S232 judges that there is no transition destination screen for the operated button, the process proceeds to step S240 without executing the processes of steps S234 and S236, and CPU 10A sets the judgment result as unacceptable.

[0123] If it is determined in step S236 that the transition destination screen does not include an execute button, irreversible processing will not be executed even if the transition destination screen is displayed. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S250, and CPU 10A sets the determination result to be acceptable.

[0124] 4, if the acceptance determination process shown in Fig. 10 is applied to the process of step S20, the image forming device 1 will not accept a user operation on an execute button or a confirm button included in the preview of the lowest screen. Also, the image forming device 1 will not accept a user operation even if the execute button is included in the transition destination screen to which the transition is made when an operation is made on a button included in the preview.

[0125] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when a command operation is performed on the start button included in preview 3A under the circumstances where the acceptance determination process shown in FIG. 10 is applied to step S20 of the operation process shown in FIG. 4.

[0126] When an instruction operation is performed on the start button of preview 3A, for example, assume that step S20 of the operation processing shown in Fig. 4 is the acceptance determination processing shown in Fig. 5. In this case, since the start button in preview 3A is a transition button for transitioning to preview 4A, preview 4A is displayed.

[0127] 10 is applied to step S20 of the operation process shown in Fig. 4, preview 4A, which is a transition destination screen when the start button of preview 3A is operated, includes an execution button (specifically, a start button). Therefore, image forming apparatus 1 continues to display preview 3A without displaying preview 4A.

[0128] Also, it is assumed that the acceptance determination process shown in Fig. 10 is applied to step S20 of the operation process shown in Fig. 8. In this case, when a user operates an execute button or a confirmation button included in the preview of the lowest level screen, the image forming device 1 displays the lowest level screen including a button that executes the same process as the process associated with the operated button by the process of step S32 in Fig. 8. Also, when an execute button is included in a transition destination screen for the button in the preview where the operation was performed, the image forming device 1 displays the lowest level screen including a button that executes the same process as the process associated with the operated button by the process of step S32 in Fig. 8.

[0129] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when an operation is performed on the start button included in preview 3A under a situation in which the acceptance determination process shown in FIG. 10 is applied to step S20 of the operation process shown in FIG. 8.

[0130] When an instruction operation is performed on the start button of the preview 3A, the preview 4A, which is a transition destination screen when the start button of the preview 3A is operated, includes an execution button (specifically, a start button). Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not display the preview 4A, but displays the execution screen 4 including a button for executing the same process as the process associated with the start button of the preview 3A.

[0131] It should be noted that the image forming apparatus 1 also displays the execution screen 4 when a confirmation operation is performed on the start button of the preview 3A.

[0132] Thus, according to the image forming device 1 of the third embodiment, when another preview displayed in response to an instruction operation on a button of a preview includes a predetermined type of button, control is performed to change the processing for the instruction operation performed on the button. Specifically, the image forming device 1 does not accept an instruction operation on an execute button or a confirm button included in the preview. Furthermore, when an instruction operation on a transition button included in a preview is accepted, if the transition destination screen includes an execute button or a confirm button, the image forming device 1 does not display the preview that is the transition destination.

[0133] <Fourth embodiment> So far, we have described image forming apparatus 1 that prevents the same irreversible processing from being executed from multiple screens while retaining the preview function by not allowing irreversible processing to be executed from a preview that includes a button to execute irreversible processing, but instead allowing irreversible processing to be executed from the lowest screen.

[0134] In the fourth embodiment, an image forming apparatus 1 is described that warns a user not to perform erroneous operations by displaying information regarding the execution result when a command operation is performed on a button included in the lowest-level screen and a preview displaying the lowest-level screen and when processing is executed by a confirmation operation.

[0135] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operation processing executed by CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 when any screen is displayed on display unit 13.

[0136] An information processing program that defines the operation processing is stored in advance, for example, in non-volatile memory 10C of image forming apparatus 1. CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 reads the information processing program stored in non-volatile memory 10C and executes the operation processing.

[0137] First, in step S100, CPU 10A determines whether or not any button displayed on the screen has received any operation, and if any button has received any operation, proceeds to step S110.

[0138] In step S110, CPU 10A determines whether or not the accepted operation is a command operation If the accepted operation is a command operation, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0139] In step S120, CPU 10A displays a preview of information related to processing according to the hierarchical level of the screen that includes the operated button and the type of the operated button.

[0140] For example, when a command is given to a button included in the bottom layer screen, CPU 10A changes the information displayed in the preview depending on the type of button on which the command is given.

[0141] Specifically, when the type of the button on which the instruction operation is performed is a transition button, CPU 10A displays a preview of a transition destination screen associated with the transition button.

[0142] When the type of the button on which the instruction operation is performed is a setting button, CPU 10A displays a preview showing an explanation of the setting item.

[0143] When the type of the button on which the instruction operation is performed is an execute button, CPU 10A displays, in the preview, information on the execution result when the process is executed, according to the content of the process executed by the execute button.

[0144] For example, when an instruction is given to the execution button of the print function, the CPU 10A displays, for example, an image of an image printed on a paper in the preview so that the state after printing can be understood. Also, when an instruction is given to the execution button of the scan function, the CPU 10A displays, for example, an animation that visualizes the reading result of the document read by the scanner unit 15 in the preview. The reading result of the document is displayed as an animation because the document has not yet been read by the scanner unit 15 and there is no actual read data of the document. The CPU 10A refers to the setting contents set from a scanner screen (not shown) that sets the operation contents related to the scan function and displays, in the preview, an animation that visualizes the reading result of the document. For example, when a setting is made to read the document in color, the CPU 10A displays, in color, the document part of the animation that visualizes the reading result of the document. Also, when an instruction is given to the power saving button that switches the image forming apparatus 1 to the power saving mode, the CPU 10A displays, for example, the amount of power that can be saved per unit time and functions that can be used even during power saving in the preview. Furthermore, when an instruction operation is performed on an initialization button that initializes setting values ​​set to define various operations of the image forming apparatus 1, the CPU 10A displays, for example, which setting values ​​are to be initialized in a preview. When an instruction operation is performed on a login button, the CPU 10A displays, for example, an authentication screen to be displayed after login in a preview.

[0145] When the type of the button on which the instruction operation is performed is a confirmation button, CPU 10A displays, in the preview, information on the execution result when the process is executed, according to the content of the information displayed by the confirmation button.

[0146] For example, when a command is given to a confirmation button that displays the serial number of image forming apparatus 1, CPU 10A displays in the preview a description of what kind of information the serial number contains.

[0147] After executing the process of step S120, CPU 10A proceeds to step S100 and continues the process of determining whether or not any button displayed on the screen has received any operation.

[0148] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S110 that the received operation is not a command operation, that is, if it is determined that the received operation is a confirmation operation, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0149] In step S130, CPU 10A executes a process associated with the operated button. After executing the process of step S130, CPU 10A proceeds to step S100 and continues the process of determining whether any button displayed on the screen has received any operation.

[0150] If it is determined in step S100 that no operation has been received for any button, the process proceeds to step S140. In step S140, CPU 10A determines whether an end instruction has been received. If an end instruction has not been received, the user is still using image forming apparatus 1, and the process proceeds to step S100. On the other hand, if an end instruction has been received, the operation process shown in FIG. 13 is terminated.

[0151] 14 is a diagram showing a display example when a user performs an instruction operation on the start button of a preview 4A displaying an execution screen 4 of a copy function superimposed on a home screen 2. Since the start button displayed in the preview 4A is an execution button of the lowest layer screen, the CPU 10A displays, for example, a copy fee in the preview 6A so that the status after copying can be seen.

[0152] 15 is a diagram showing a display example when a user performs an instruction operation on the start button on copy function execution screen 4. Since the start button on execution screen 4 is an execution button on the lowest layer screen, even in this case, CPU 10A displays, for example, a copy fee on preview 6A so that the status after copying can be seen.

[0153] In this way, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment, when a command operation is performed on a button included in the bottom-most screen, information regarding the execution result after processing is executed by a confirmation operation on the same button is displayed in the preview.

[0154] <Modification> As already explained, when the acceptance determination process shown in Fig. 5 or Fig. 10 is used in step S20 of the operation process shown in Fig. 4, the image forming device 1 does not accept a user's operation on a button that executes an irreversible process included in the preview of the lowest screen. In this case, since the display does not change despite the operation, some users may be concerned that some abnormality has occurred in the image forming device 1.

[0155] Therefore, when image forming apparatus 1 is designed not to accept a user's operation, it is preferable to perform control to inform the user that the user's operation has not been accepted intentionally.

[0156] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operation processing executed by CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 when any screen is displayed on display unit 13.

[0157] An information processing program that defines the operation processing is stored in advance, for example, in non-volatile memory 10C of image forming apparatus 1. CPU 10A of image forming apparatus 1 reads the information processing program stored in non-volatile memory 10C and executes the operation processing.

[0158] The operation process shown in Fig. 16 differs from the operation process shown in Fig. 4 in that step S34 has been added, and the other processes are the same. Therefore, the description will focus on the process of step S34. Note that the admission determination process of step S20 in Fig. 16 may be any of the admission determination processes shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 12.

[0159] When the determination result of the reception determination process of step S20 is determined to be unacceptable by the determination process of step S30 in Fig. 16, the process proceeds to step S34. The determination result of the reception determination process of step S20 being unacceptable means that the user's operation is not to be accepted.

[0160] Therefore, in step S34, CPU 10A notifies the user that the operation was not accepted by displaying a message such as "The operation is invalid" on display unit 13. In this case, CPU 10A may notify the user that the operation was not accepted by using a buzzer sound or light in addition to or instead of displaying a message. CPU 10A may also notify the user of a workaround such as "Please perform the operation from a screen other than the preview."

[0161] Although one form of the image forming apparatus 1 has been described above using the embodiment, the disclosed form of the image forming apparatus 1 is merely an example, and the form of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the scope described in the embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the embodiment without departing from the gist of this disclosure, and forms with such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the disclosure.

[0162] For example, the internal processing order of the operation processing shown in Figures 4, 8, and 16, and the acceptance determination processing shown in Figures 5 and 10 (hereinafter referred to as "each processing") may be changed without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0163] In the above embodiment, as an example, a form in which each process is realized by software processing has been described. However, the same process as the flowchart of each process may be processed by hardware. In this case, the processing speed can be increased compared to when each process is realized by software processing.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU10A) and a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0165] In addition, the operations of the processor in the above embodiment may be performed not only by one processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiment and may be changed as appropriate.

[0166] Furthermore, although the "system" in the present embodiment has been described as being configured by a single device as an example, it may be configured by a plurality of devices.

[0167] In the above embodiment, an example in which the information processing program is stored in the non-volatile memory 10C has been described. However, the storage destination of the information processing program is not limited to the non-volatile memory 10C. The information processing program of the present disclosure can also be provided in a form recorded in a storage medium readable by the computer 10.

[0168] For example, the information processing program may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a Blu-ray disk. Also, the control program may be provided in a form recorded on a portable semiconductor memory such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory or a memory card. The non-volatile memory 10C, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a Blu-ray disk, a USB, and a memory card are examples of non-transitory storage media.

[0169] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 may download an information processing program from an external device connected to a communication line through the communication unit 11, and store the downloaded information processing program in the nonvolatile memory 10C of the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the CPU 10A of the image forming apparatus 1 reads the information processing program downloaded from the external device from the nonvolatile memory 10C and executes each process.

[0170] The following are notes related to this embodiment.

[0171] (((1))) A processor is provided. The processor, When objects that execute the same process are distributed across multiple screens having a hierarchical structure, the process executed when the object is operated is changed according to the type of object that is operated and the hierarchy of the screen that contains the object that is operated. Information processing system.

[0172] (((2))) When the screen including the operated object is a simplified screen displayed by a pointing operation for checking the screen contents of a lower layer, and the operated object is an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed, the processor performs control to change the process to be executed when the object is operated. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0173] (((3))) The processor blocks user operations on the object. The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0174] (((4))) The processor performs control to notify that a user's operation on an object has not been accepted. The information processing system according to (((3))).

[0175] (((5))) The processor performs control to display a screen of the lowest layer including an object that executes the same process as the operated object. The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0176] (((6))) When a screen including an object to be operated is a simplified screen displayed by a pointing operation for confirming screen contents of a lower layer, and another simplified screen displayed by the pointing operation for an object on the simplified screen includes an object of a predetermined type, the processor performs control to change a process for the pointing operation performed on the object. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0177] (((7))) The processor performs control so as not to display the other simplified screen in response to the instruction operation on the object. The information processing system according to (((6))).

[0178] (((8))) The processor performs control to display a screen in the lowest layer including an object that executes the same process as the object on which the instruction operation is performed. The information processing system according to (((6))).

[0179] (((9))) The object on which the instruction operation is performed is an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed. 2. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is an information processing system according to claim 1.

[0180] (((10))) When a command operation is performed on an object included in a screen at the lowest level in the hierarchical structure, the command operation is an operation for checking the screen contents of a lower level, and the processor performs control to change a process to be executed in response to the command operation depending on a type of object on which the command operation is performed. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0181] (((11))) When the object on which the instruction operation is performed is an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed, the processor controls to display information about the execution result when the process is executed. The information processing system according to (((10))).

[0182] (((12))) On the computer, An information processing program for controlling the change of processing to be executed when an object is operated according to the type of object operated on and the hierarchy of the screen in which the operated object is included, when objects performing the same processing are distributed across multiple screens having a hierarchical structure.

[0183] According to (((1))) and (((12))), there is an advantage that unintended processing due to erroneous user operation can be suppressed, compared to a case where objects which perform the same processing and are included in multiple screens can only execute processing which is pre-associated with a user operation.

[0184] According to (((2))), there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent the execution of processes that are unnecessary for the user, compared to the case where the processes associated with the execution objects on the simplified screen are executed as is.

[0185] According to (((3))), it is possible to prevent the execution of a process associated with an execution object from being permitted from the simplified screen.

[0186] According to (((4))), it is possible to inform the user of the operation specifications on the simplified screen.

[0187] According to (((5))), there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent erroneous operations by the user, compared to a case where the process associated with the object can be executed from a simplified screen.

[0188] According to (((6))), it is possible to obtain an effect that the process for the pointing operation can be changed for each type of object of another simplified screen that is displayed by the pointing operation on an object of the simplified screen.

[0189] According to (((7))), it is possible to prevent the user from making erroneous operations on other simplified screens.

[0190] According to (((8))), it is possible to have the effect of making it possible to prohibit the execution of a process associated with an object from other simplified screens.

[0191] According to (((9))), there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent the execution of processes that are unnecessary for the user, compared to the case where the processes associated with the execution objects of other simplified screens are executed as is.

[0192] According to (((10))), it is possible to obtain an effect that the process for the pointing operation can be changed for each type of object for which the pointing operation is performed on the bottom-most screen.

[0193] According to (((11))), compared to the case where information on the execution result is not displayed, the effect is that it is possible to prevent the user from executing unnecessary processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 1. Image forming device 2 Home screen 3 Copy screen 3A Copy Screen Preview 4 Execution screen 4A Preview of the execution screen 5 N-up screen 5A N-up screen preview 6A Preview showing information about execution results 8. Black circle representing confirmation operation 9 White circle indicating an instruction operation 10. Computers 10A CPU 10B RAM 10C Non-volatile Memory 10D I / O 10E Bus 11 Communication unit 12 Input Unit 13 Display unit 14 Image forming unit 15 Scanner unit

Claims

1. A processor is provided. The processor, When objects that execute the same process are distributed across multiple screens having a hierarchical structure, the process executed when the object is operated is changed according to the type of object that is operated and the hierarchy of the screen that contains the object that is operated. Information processing system.

2. When the screen including the operated object is a simplified screen displayed by a pointing operation for checking the screen contents of a lower layer, and the operated object is an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed, the processor performs control to change the process to be executed when the object is operated. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor blocks user operations on the object. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor performs control to notify that a user's operation on an object has not been accepted. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The processor performs control to display a screen of the lowest layer including an object that executes the same process as the operated object. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

6. When a screen including an object to be operated is a simplified screen displayed by a pointing operation for confirming screen contents of a lower layer, and another simplified screen displayed by the pointing operation for an object on the simplified screen includes an object of a predetermined type, the processor performs control to change a process for the pointing operation performed on the object. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. The processor performs control so as not to display the other simplified screen in response to the instruction operation on the object.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The processor performs control to display a screen in the lowest layer including an object that executes the same process as the object on which the instruction operation is performed.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

9. The object on which the instruction operation is performed is an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed.

9. The information processing system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. When a command operation is performed on an object included in a screen at the lowest level in the hierarchical structure, the command operation is an operation for checking the screen contents of a lower level, and the processor performs control to change a process to be executed in response to the command operation depending on a type of object on which the command operation is performed. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

11. When the object on which the instruction operation is performed is an execution object that executes a process that cannot be changed, the processor controls to display information about the execution result when the process is executed. The information processing system according to claim 10.

12. On the computer, An information processing program for controlling the change of processing to be executed when an object is operated according to the type of object operated on and the hierarchy of the screen in which the operated object is included, when objects performing the same processing are distributed across multiple screens having a hierarchical structure.

Images