Information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To allow a user to easily check a preview image into details.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises: a rotation mechanism 474 that allows a display section 473 to rotate between a horizontal posture in which long sides define the top and bottom and a vertical posture in which short sides define the top and bottom; a detection sensor 476 that detects switching between the horizontal posture and the vertical posture of the display section 473; and a control section 100 that, when the detection sensor 476 detects the switching of the display section 473 from the horizontal posture to the vertical posture, expands a preview image display area A2, makes edges defining the top and bottom of a preview image PV1 parallel to the short sides of the display section 473, and enlarges and displays the preview image PV1 in accordance with the expansion of the preview image display area A2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Some information processing devices such as image forming devices have a rectangular display unit with long and short sides, and the display screen can be rotated between portrait and landscape orientations. The following Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that has a rectangular display unit with long and short sides, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the display unit between landscape orientation, where the long side is the top and bottom, and portrait orientation, where the short side is the top and bottom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-100210 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some image forming devices have a preview function that displays a preview image of the finished printout on the display unit. However, when the display unit is oriented sideways and the display screen is long in the landscape direction, the preview image cannot be enlarged vertically much when a vertically long preview image is displayed, and the preview image cannot be displayed large. This causes problems such as the inability to enlarge a text image included in the preview image to a size that is easy for the user to recognize, making it difficult for the user to check the details of the finished printout.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to make it easier for a user to check the contents of a preview image in detail. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device comprising: an operation unit that accepts input of instructions from a user; a rectangular display unit having long and short sides; a rotation mechanism that enables the display unit to be rotated between a landscape orientation in which the long side is at the top and a portrait orientation in which the short side is at the top and bottom; a detection sensor that detects whether the display unit is in a landscape or portrait state; and a control unit that displays an operation screen on the display unit having a preview image display area for displaying a preview image of an image represented by image data, and that displays the preview image in the preview image display area such that edges forming the top and bottom of the preview image are parallel to the long side of the display unit when the landscape state of the display unit is detected by the detection sensor. When the operation screen is displayed on the display unit while the operation unit is in the ON position, and when the operation unit receives an instruction to enlarge the preview image, the preview image display area is expanded and its size is changed to a first expanded size, and the preview image is enlarged and displayed in accordance with the expansion to the first expanded size, and when the detection by the detection sensor changes from a landscape state to a portrait state of the display unit while the preview image is displayed in the preview image display area expanded to the first expanded size, the preview image display area is further expanded and its size is changed to a second expanded size, and the preview image is enlarged and displayed in accordance with the expansion to the second expanded size, with the top and bottom edges of the preview image being parallel to the short sides of the display unit.

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and the control unit causes the display unit to preview an image of an image that is to be formed by the image forming unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when the display unit is switched from landscape to portrait orientation, the preview image display area is significantly enlarged vertically, so that the preview image is displayed large, making it easier for the user to check the details of the preview image. In particular, a vertically long preview image can be efficiently displayed large within the enlarged preview image display area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing a structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 13A to 13G are diagrams illustrating an example of rotation of a display unit. [Figure 4] 13(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating changes in a signal output from a detection sensor. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 6A] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 6B] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 6C] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a process related to display control accompanying a change in the attitude of the display unit by the control unit. [Figure 12]10 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of a process related to display control accompanying a change in the attitude of the display unit by the control unit. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an image forming device. FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic main internal configuration of an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, left, right, top, and bottom directions may be indicated, but these indicate directions as examples in each drawing unless otherwise specified.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine having multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a document feed unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feed unit 14, an operation unit 47, a network interface unit 91, and a storage unit 8.

[0012] The document feed unit 6 is configured to be openable and closable by a hinge or the like (not shown) on the top surface of the document reading unit 5. The document feed unit 6 functions as a document pressing cover when the document reading unit 5 reads a document placed on a platen glass (not shown). The document feed unit 6 is also an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and includes a document placement tray (not shown), and supplies the document placed on the document placement tray to the document reading unit 5.

[0013] The document reading unit 5 includes a scanner and the like, and reads a document fed from a document feeding unit 6, or reads a document placed on a platen glass.

[0014] A description will be given of a case where a document reading operation is performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The document reading unit 5 optically reads an image of a document supplied to the document reading unit 5 by the document feeding unit 6 or a document placed on the platen glass, and generates image data. The image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in an image memory or the like (not shown).

[0015] A case where an image forming operation is performed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming unit 12 is a mechanism that includes a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a primary transfer device for each color, and forms an image on a recording paper by secondary transfer via an intermediate transfer belt. The image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on a recording paper as a recording medium fed from a paper feed unit 14 based on image data generated by a document reading operation, image data stored in an image memory, etc., image data received from a computer connected to a network, etc., to create a printed matter. The paper feed unit 14 includes a paper feed cassette, and further includes a pickup roller that picks up the recording paper from the paper feed cassette and feeds it to the image forming unit 12, a transport roller, a transport path, and a rotation drive mechanism for each roller.

[0016] The fixing unit 13 is a fixing device equipped with a heat roller, a pressure roller, and a drive mechanism for rotating these, and heats and presses the recording paper on which a toner image has been formed by the image forming unit 12 at the nip between the above-mentioned two rollers, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording paper, and the recording paper that has been subjected to the fixed process is discharged into an output tray (not shown).

[0017] The operation unit 47 includes various hard keys operated by the user, and receives instructions from the user, such as an instruction to execute an image forming operation, for various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1 in response to the operation of the hard keys.

[0018] The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guidance and the like to the operator, a rotation mechanism 474, a holding mechanism 475, and a detection sensor 476. The operation unit 47 also receives input of instructions from the user based on the user's operation (touch operation) on the screen displayed on the display unit 473 via a touch panel that the display unit 473 has.

[0019] The display unit 473 is a rectangular display having long and short sides, and is made up of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. When the operator touches a button or key displayed on the screen, the touch panel receives an instruction associated with the touched position. In this case, the touch panel functions as an operation unit.

[0020] The holding mechanism 475 is an arm-shaped member that attaches the display unit 473 to the device body 120 of the image forming apparatus 1. The holding mechanism 475 rotatably supports the display unit 473 relative to the holding mechanism 475, and temporarily fixes and holds the display unit 473 in each of the horizontal and vertical orientations. The holding mechanism 475 has engagement parts made of recesses provided at positions facing the display unit 473, at positions corresponding to the horizontal and vertical orientation positions of the display unit 473. A protrusion that fits with the engagement part is provided on the side of the display unit 473 facing the holding mechanism 475. When the display unit 473 is in the horizontal orientation (FIGS. 3(A) and (G)) or the vertical orientation (FIG. 3(D)), these recesses and protrusions fit together, and the orientation of the display unit 473 is fixed and held.

[0021] The rotation mechanism 474 is interposed between the holding mechanism 475 and the display unit 473. That is, the holding mechanism 475 rotatably supports the display unit 473 via the rotation mechanism 474. The rotation mechanism 474 includes a rotation shaft, which is rotatably supported by the holding mechanism 475. The rotation shaft is attached to the rectangular center of the side surface of the display unit 473 facing the holding mechanism 475 in a state in which it rotates together with the display unit 473. A cam (described later) that rotates together with the rotation shaft is provided on the circumferential surface of the rotation shaft.

[0022] 3(A) to (G) are diagrams for explaining an example of rotation of the display unit 473. The horizontally oriented display unit 473 shown in FIG. 3(A) rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3 to become vertically oriented as shown in FIG. 3(B) to (D). The vertically oriented display unit 473 shown in FIG. 3(D) rotates clockwise to become horizontally oriented as shown in FIG. 3(E) to (G).

[0023] That is, the rotation mechanism 474 is configured to switch the display unit 473 from landscape to portrait orientation by rotating the display unit 473 in a counterclockwise direction in Fig. 3 as viewed from the front side of the display unit 473. Note that the range of the rotation angle of the display unit 473 is not limited to 90 degrees, but here, the case where the range of the rotation angle is 90 degrees is taken as an example. However, the rotation direction of the display unit 473 and the configuration for switching the display unit 473 from landscape to portrait orientation are not limited to this, and this embodiment is merely an example.

[0024] The detection sensor 476 is a switch mechanism that detects the landscape orientation and portrait orientation of the display unit 473. The switch mechanism is provided at a position where it is pressed by a cam lobe (convex portion) of the cam attached to the rotation shaft when the display unit 473 is in the portrait orientation. When the switch mechanism is pressed by the cam lobe, it outputs an ON signal (Low signal) to the control unit 10. In other words, the switch mechanism is disposed at a position where it is not pressed by the cam lobe when the display unit 473 is in any orientation other than the portrait orientation.

[0025] The above-mentioned configuration of rotation mechanism 474, which switches display unit 473 from landscape to portrait by rotating display unit 473 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 when viewed from the surface of display unit 473, employs, for example, a configuration in which the cam lobe can enter the switch mechanism only when display unit 473 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction and is not possible when display unit 473 is rotated in the clockwise direction (such as providing a convex portion on the outer edge of the switch mechanism that engages with the cam lobe on the path of entry of the cam lobe into the switch mechanism from the clockwise direction).

[0026] 4(A) and (B) are diagrams for explaining changes in a signal output from detection sensor 476 provided at a position corresponding to the portrait orientation of display unit 473. As shown in Fig. 4(A) and (B), detection sensor 476 provided at a position corresponding to the portrait orientation of display unit 473 outputs a Low signal to control unit 10 when display unit 473 is in the portrait orientation (when the switch mechanism is pressed by the cam lobe), and outputs a High signal to control unit 10 otherwise (when the switch mechanism is not pressed by the cam lobe).

[0027] Therefore, the detection sensor 476 outputs a Low signal to the control unit 10 when the display unit 473 is in the portrait orientation shown in Fig. 3(D), but outputs a High signal to the control unit 10 when the display unit 473 is in an orientation other than the portrait orientation shown in Fig. 3(D). As a result, the control unit 100, which will be described later, determines whether the display unit 473 is in a portrait orientation or an orientation other than the portrait orientation based on the signal output from the detection sensor 476. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines that the display unit 473 is in the portrait orientation when the display unit 473 is in the portrait orientation shown in Fig. 3(D), and determines that the display unit 473 is in the landscape orientation in all other orientations.

[0028] The network interface unit 91 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer) within a local area or on the Internet.

[0029] The storage unit 8 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various control programs and the like.

[0030] The control unit 10 includes a processor, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a dedicated hardware circuit. The processor is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a micro processing unit (MPU). The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100.

[0031] The control unit 10 functions as a control unit 100 by the operation of the processor in accordance with a control program stored in the storage unit 8. However, the control unit 100 can also be configured by a hardware circuit, without relying on the operation of the control unit 10 in accordance with a control program. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0032] The control unit 100 is responsible for controlling the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 is connected to the document feeding unit 6, the document reading unit 5, the image forming unit 12, the fixing unit 13, the paper feeding unit 14, the operation unit 47, the network interface unit 91, and the storage unit 8, and performs drive control of these units. For example, the control unit 100 executes various processes necessary for image formation by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0033] The control unit 100 also controls the display of the display unit 473. For example, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display an operation screen SC1 as shown in FIG. 5 as a "home screen". The operation screen SC1 has operation keys K1 to K7 called "application icons" or the like arranged thereon. For example, the operation key K4 is an icon with the character string "Copy" and a picture of "Copy". The operation screen SC1 also has operation keys K11 to K16 called "task icons" or the like arranged at the top end, and operation keys K21 and K23 arranged at the right end.

[0034] The control unit 100 performs control based on an instruction received by the operation unit 47. For example, when the operation unit 47 receives an instruction for the operation key K4 via the touch panel, the control unit 100 performs display control of the display unit 473 in accordance with the instruction, and transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 473 from a "home screen" to a "copy screen" as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0035] 6A, operation keys K11 to K16 are arranged at the top of the operation screen SC2, similar to the operation screen SC1. In addition, operation keys K22, K24, and K25, as well as operation keys K21 and K23, are arranged at the right end of the operation screen SC2. Operation key K25 is an icon with the character string "START" written on it.

[0036] 6A has a numeric keyboard display area A1 for displaying a numeric keyboard KB. Tabs TB1 and TB2 are displayed on operation screen SC2. Tab TB1 is a tab image for receiving an instruction to display a preview image. Tab TB2 is a tab image for receiving an instruction to display the numeric keyboard.

[0037] When the operation unit 47 receives an instruction for the tab TB1 via the touch panel while the operation screen SC2 shown in Fig. 6A is displayed, the control unit 100 displays a preview image display area A2 on the operation screen SC2 in accordance with the instruction (Fig. 6B). The preview image display area A2 is an area for displaying a preview image PV1 of a printed matter obtained by image formation by the image forming unit 12.

[0038] Switching between these display areas is executed by the control unit 100 in response to an instruction to the tabs TB1 and TB2. When the operation unit 47 receives an instruction to the tab TB2 marked "Numeric Keypad" via the touch panel, the control unit 100 displays the numeric keyboard display area A1 in the operation screen SC2, and displays the numeric keyboard KB in the numeric keyboard display area A1, as shown in Fig. 6A.

[0039] Furthermore, when the operation unit 47 receives an instruction to the operation key K25 marked "START" on the operation screen SC2 while the preview image display area A2 is displayed (FIG. 6B), the control unit 100 starts the copy operation and causes the document feeding unit 6 or the document reading unit 5 to read the document on the flatbed. Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, the control unit 100 displays the preview image PV1 of the image obtained by document reading in the preview image display area A2 with its top and bottom edges parallel to the long side of the display unit 473 (FIG. 6C). The control unit 100 pauses the copy operation after the document reading is completed and before the image is formed on the recording paper.

[0040] The method of displaying the preview image and the timing of reading the document are not limited to the above and can be changed. For example, when the operation unit 47 receives an instruction to execute a copy operation, the control unit 100 causes the document feed unit 6 and the document reading unit 5 to read the document, and then temporarily stops the copy operation to suspend the image forming operation, and at this point, the operation screen SC2 shown in Fig. 6A is displayed, and when the operation unit 47 receives an instruction for tab TB1, the preview image display area A2 and the preview image PV1 may be displayed on the operation screen SC2.

[0041] The operation screen SC2 shown in FIG. 6C has an operation key K31 marked "Cancel" for accepting a cancel instruction to cancel image formation based on image data corresponding to the preview image PV1, and an operation key K32 marked "Detail" for accepting a detail instruction to display details of the preview image PV1.

[0042] When the operation unit 47 receives an instruction from the operation key K31, the control unit 100 stops the copy operation that has already started and does not perform the image formation operation on the recording paper that was scheduled to be performed thereafter. At this time, the control unit 100 deletes each image data obtained by reading the document from the image memory and the like, and hides the preview image PV1 from the operation screen SC2.

[0043] On the other hand, when the operation unit 47 receives a detail instruction to the operation key K32, the control unit 100 expands the preview image display area A2 and changes its size to a first expanded size ES1, as shown in the example of Fig. 7, and also enlarges and displays the preview image PV1 in accordance with the expansion to the first expanded size ES1. Therefore, an instruction to the operation key K32 marked "Detail" is also an instruction to enlarge the preview image PV1.

[0044] 7, like the operation screen SC2, operation keys K11 to K16 are arranged at the top and operation keys K21 to K25 are arranged at the right end. The first preview screen PS1 shown in Fig. 7 also has an operation key K41 marked "Cancel" for accepting a cancel instruction for canceling image formation (job) based on image data corresponding to the preview image PV1, an operation key K42 marked "Copy", an operation key K43 represented by a picture of a "plus sign and a magnifying glass" for accepting an enlargement instruction for enlarging the preview image PV1, an operation key K44 represented by a picture of a "minus sign and a magnifying glass" for accepting a reduction instruction for reducing the preview image PV1, and an operation key K45 for accepting a change instruction for changing the job settings.

[0045] The string "Zoom up" is displayed directly below operation key K43, the string "Zoom down" is displayed directly below operation key K44, and the string "Job settings" is displayed directly below operation key K45. Between operation key K43 and operation key K44, a string indicating the display magnification of the preview image, "100%", is displayed.

[0046] When the operation unit 47 receives an instruction to the operation key K43 or a pinch out operation in the preview image display area A2, the control unit 100 enlarges and displays the preview image PV1, and when the operation unit 47 receives an instruction to the operation key K44 or a pinch in operation in the preview image display area A2, the control unit 100 reduces and displays the preview image PV1.

[0047] When the first preview screen PS1 is displayed, if the operation unit 47 receives an instruction for the operation key K41 marked "Cancel", the control unit 100 stops the copy operation that has already started and does not allow the image formation operation on the recording paper that was scheduled to be performed thereafter. Also, if the operation unit 47 receives an image formation execution instruction corresponding to the operation key K42 marked "Copy" or an image formation execution instruction for the operation key K25 based on a user's operation, the control unit 100 causes the image forming unit 12 to form an image based on each image data obtained by reading the document.

[0048] Here, it is assumed that the preview image PV1 is displayed in the preview image display area A2 expanded to the first expanded size ES1 (for example, the first preview screen PS1 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 473), and the control unit 100 determines that the display unit 473 is in a position other than portrait (i.e., landscape) based on a signal output from the detection sensor 476. At this time, when the control unit 100 detects that the display unit 473 has switched from landscape to portrait based on the detection by the detection sensor 476, the control unit 100 further expands the preview image display area A2 and changes its size to the expanded second expanded size ES2, as shown in the example of FIG. 8, and enlarges and displays the preview image PV1 in accordance with the expansion to the second expanded size ES2, with the edges Ed1, Ed2 forming the top and bottom of the preview image PV1 being parallel to the short sides Ds1, Ds2 of the display unit 473. The second expansion size ES2 has a predetermined area that is larger than the first expansion size ES1 while maintaining the aspect ratio of the second expansion size ES2.

[0049] In this way, when the first preview screen PS1 (FIG. 7) is displayed on display unit 473 and the user manually rotates display unit 473 from landscape to portrait orientation, control unit 100 transitions the screen displayed on display unit 473 from first preview screen PS1 to second preview screen PS2 (FIG. 8), and preview image PV1 is enlarged and displayed.

[0050] Note that this screen transition may be notified to the user in advance when the first preview screen PS1 is displayed. For example, the control unit 100 displays a message M1 indicating this, stating "The preview image will be enlarged if the operation panel is rotated vertically," on the first preview screen PS1, as shown in the example of FIG.

[0051] The second preview screen PS2 shown in FIG. 8 has an operation key K51, which is represented by a "plus sign and a magnifying glass" at the top, for receiving an enlargement instruction to enlarge the preview image PV1, and an operation key K52, which is represented by a "minus sign and a magnifying glass" at the top, for receiving a reduction instruction to reduce the preview image PV1. The second preview screen PS2 also has an operation key K53, which is represented by a "left arrow" at the left end, for receiving a back instruction to go back a page, and an operation key K54, which is represented by a "right arrow" at the right end, for receiving a forward instruction to go forward a page. All of the operation keys K51 to K54 are icons based on image data. These operation keys K51 to K54 are operation keys related to the display of the preview image PV1.

[0052] 5 to 7, the control unit 100 displays the operation screens SC1, SC2 and the first preview screen PS1 on which the operation keys K11 to K16 are arranged at the top and the operation keys K21 to K25 are arranged at the right end, but on the second preview screen PS2 shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 100 hides the operation keys that are not related to the input of instructions regarding the display of the preview image, and expands the preview image display area A2 of the preview image to the hidden area. Here, the operation keys that are not related to the input of instructions regarding the display of the preview image are, for example, keys that do not accept instructions regarding the display of a review image, or operation keys K24, K25, etc. that accept instructions regarding the image forming operation itself.

[0053] This allows preview image display area A2 to be further expanded within the range in which images can be displayed on display unit 473, making it possible to display preview image PV1 in a larger size.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when first preview screen PS1 (FIG. 7) is displayed on display unit 473 and display unit 473 is switched from landscape to portrait orientation, control unit 100 transitions the screen displayed on display unit 473 from first preview screen PS1 to second preview screen PS2 (FIG. 8), but when operation screen SC2 (FIG. 6B) is displayed on display unit 473 and display unit 473 is switched from landscape to portrait orientation, control unit 100 does not transition the screen displayed on display unit 473. In this case, control unit 100 therefore causes display unit 473 to display a screen as shown in the example of FIG.

[0055] In this way, when the detection sensor 476 detects the portrait orientation of the display unit 473 and the control unit 100 is causing the display unit 473 to display the operation screen SC2 (the display unit 473 is in the state shown in FIG. 10), when the operation unit 47 receives an instruction to enlarge the preview image PV1 associated with the operation key K32 marked "Detail" in the operation screen SC2, the control unit 100 enlarges the preview image display area A2 to change its size to the second expanded size ES2, and enlarges and displays the preview image PV1 in accordance with the expansion to the second expanded size ES2 such that the edges forming the top and bottom of the preview image PV1 are parallel to the short side of the display unit 473. That is, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen of the display unit 473 from the operation screen SC2 (FIG. 10) to the second preview screen PS2 (FIG. 8) without displaying the first preview screen PS1 (FIG. 7).

[0056] Next, a first embodiment of a process related to display control by the control unit 100 in association with a change in the attitude of the display unit 473 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0057] The control unit 100 determines whether the detection sensor 476 has detected a change in the orientation of the display unit 473 from landscape to portrait (that is, whether the signal output from the detection sensor 476 to the control unit 10 has changed from a High signal to a Low signal) (S1).

[0058] Here, if control unit 100 determines that detection sensor 476 has detected a change in orientation of display unit 473 from landscape to portrait (YES in S1), control unit 100 determines whether the first preview screen PS1 as shown in FIG. 7 is being displayed on display unit 473 in accordance with the above-mentioned detailed instructions from the user, i.e., whether preview image PV1 is being displayed in preview image display area A2 expanded to first expanded size ES1 (S2).

[0059] When control unit 100 determines that preview image PV1 is being displayed in preview image display area A2 expanded to first expanded size ES1 (YES in S2), it expands preview image display area A2 to change its size to second expanded size ES2 (S3). Then, control unit 100 enlarges and displays preview image PV1 in accordance with the expansion to second expanded size ES2, with the top and bottom edges of preview image PV1 parallel to the short side of display unit 473 (S4). For example, control unit 100 transitions the screen displayed on display unit 473 from first preview screen PS1 (FIG. 7) to second preview screen PS2 (FIG. 8). After this, the process ends.

[0060] On the other hand, if control unit 100 determines that detection sensor 476 has detected a change in orientation of display unit 473 from landscape to portrait (YES in S1), and determines that preview image PV1 is not being displayed in preview image display area A2 expanded to first expanded size ES1 (NO in S2), then control unit 100 does not perform the processes of S3 and S4. That is, control unit 100 keeps the previous display screen displayed as is. For example, the attitude and display screen of display unit 473 become those shown in FIG. 10. After this, the process ends.

[0061] Next, a second embodiment of a process related to display control by the control unit 100 in association with a change in the attitude of the display unit 473 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0062] The control unit 100 determines whether or not an enlargement instruction (that is, an enlargement instruction for the preview image PV1) associated with, for example, the operation key K32 in the operation screen SC2 (FIGS. 6C and 10) has been received by the operation unit 47 (S11).

[0063] When the control unit 100 determines that an enlargement instruction has been received by the operation unit 47 (YES in S11), it determines whether the display unit 473 is oriented vertically or not based on a signal from the detection sensor 476 (S12). When the control unit 100 determines that the display unit 473 is oriented horizontally (not vertically) (NO in S12), it expands the preview image display area A2 and changes its size to a first expansion size ES1 (S13), and displays the preview image PV1 enlarged in accordance with the expansion to the first expansion size ES1 (S14). After this, this process ends. For example, the control unit 100 transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 473 from the operation screen SC2 (FIG. 6C) to the first preview screen PS1 (FIG. 7).

[0064] On the other hand, when control unit 100 determines that an enlargement instruction has been received by operation unit 47 (YES in S11) and display unit 473 determines that display unit 473 is vertically oriented based on a signal from detection sensor 476 (YES in S12), control unit 100 enlarges preview image display area A2 to change its size to second expanded size ES2 (S15), makes the top and bottom of preview image PV1 parallel to the short side of display unit 473, and enlarges and displays preview image PV1 in accordance with the expansion to second expanded size ES2 (S16). For example, control unit 100 transitions the screen displayed on display unit 473 from operation screen SC2 (FIG. 10) to second preview screen PS2 (FIG. 8). After this, the process ends.

[0065] Thus, according to each of the above embodiments, by switching the orientation of the display unit 473 from landscape to portrait, the second preview screen PS2 as shown in Fig. 8 is displayed on the display unit 473, and the preview image PV1 is displayed large, making it easier for the user to check the contents of the preview image PV1 in detail. In particular, a vertically long preview image can be efficiently displayed large in such an enlarged preview image display area. This makes it possible, for example, to display the text in the preview image PV1 large enough for the user to recognize it.

[0066] Furthermore, when the display unit 473 is in landscape orientation and the operation screen SC2 (FIG. 6C) is displayed on the display unit 473, if the user switches the orientation of the display unit 473 from landscape to portrait and the display unit 473 determines that the display unit 473 is in portrait orientation based on a signal from the detection sensor 476, the control unit 100 does not transition the screen displayed on the display unit 473 to the second preview screen PS2 (FIG. 8) but continues to display the operation screen SC2 as is (FIG. 10). The reason for this control is that even if the screen displayed on the display unit 473 is suddenly transitioned from the operation screen SC2 to the second preview screen PS2 based only on the user's action of switching the display unit 473 from landscape to portrait, the display screen (second preview screen PS2) transitioned based on the user's action has no relation to the user's action, and the user may be confused when viewing the display screen after the transition.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the display control by the control unit 100 in response to the change in the orientation of the display unit 473 has been described using a case where a portrait-oriented preview image PV1 is displayed in the preview image display area A2, but the same control is performed even when a landscape-oriented preview image is displayed in the preview image display area A2. In the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, when the control unit 100 determines that a landscape-oriented (horizontally long) preview image PV2 as shown in FIG. 13(A) is displayed in the preview image display area A2 expanded to the first expanded size ES1 (YES in S2 in the flowchart of FIG. 11), the control unit 100 expands the preview image display area A2 and changes its size to the second expanded size ES2 (S3). Then, the control unit 100 makes the top and bottom edges of the preview image PV2 parallel to the short sides of the display unit 473, and enlarges and displays the preview image PV2 in accordance with the expansion to the second expanded size ES2 (S4). For example, control unit 100 transitions the screen displayed on display unit 473 from first preview screen PS1 (FIG. 13(A)) to second preview screen PS2 (FIG. 13(B)).

[0068] The information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a personal computer or the like, and includes at least an operation unit 47, a display unit 473, a rotation mechanism 474, a detection sensor 476, and a control unit 100. The image forming unit 12 is not an essential component of the information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Even when the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display image data stored in, for example, a built-in memory or HDD, the control unit 100 performs display control associated with the change in the attitude of the display unit 473 by the control unit 100 described above. In this case, the process related to image formation described above is not performed as a matter of course.

[0069] In addition, in image forming apparatus 1, memory unit 8 has a document box as its memory area, and when image data to be displayed on display unit 473 is stored in the document box, control unit 100 also performs display control in association with changes in the attitude of display unit 473 by control unit 100 described above when displaying this image data on display unit 473.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In addition, in the above embodiment, the configuration and processing shown in the above embodiment using Figures 1 to 13 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration and processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Image forming device 12 Image forming section 47 Operation section 100 Control section 473 Display section 474 Rotation Mechanism 476 Detection Sensor

Claims

1. an operation unit for receiving input of instructions from a user; A rectangular display unit having long and short sides; a rotation mechanism that enables the display unit to be rotated between a landscape orientation in which the long side is the top and bottom and a portrait orientation in which the short side is the top and bottom; A detection sensor that detects whether the display unit is in a landscape or portrait orientation; a control unit that displays an operation screen on the display unit, the operation screen having a preview image display area for displaying a preview image of an image represented by image data, and that displays the preview image in the preview image display area such that top and bottom edges of the preview image are parallel to a long side of the display unit when the detection sensor detects that the display unit is in a landscape orientation; The control unit is when the operation screen is displayed on the display unit while the detection sensor detects that the display unit is in a landscape orientation, and when the operation unit receives an instruction to enlarge the preview image, the preview image display area is enlarged and the size of the preview image is changed to a first expanded size, and the preview image is enlarged and displayed in accordance with the expansion to the first expanded size; When the preview image is displayed in the preview image display area expanded to the first expanded size and the detection by the detection sensor changes the orientation of the display unit from landscape to portrait, the information processing device further expands the preview image display area and changes its size to a second expanded size, and makes the top and bottom edges of the preview image parallel to the short sides of the display unit, thereby enlarging and displaying the preview image in accordance with the expansion to the second expanded size.

2. When the control unit receives the enlargement instruction for the preview image while the operation screen is being displayed on the display unit and the detection sensor detects that the display unit is in portrait orientation, 2. An information processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the preview image display area is expanded and its size is changed to the second expanded size, and the preview image is enlarged and displayed in accordance with the expansion to the second expanded size so that the top and bottom edges of the preview image are parallel to the short sides of the display unit.

3. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit displays the preview image in the preview image display area expanded to the second expanded size, the control unit hides operation keys that are not related to inputting instructions regarding the display of the preview image, and expands the display area of ​​the preview image to the hidden area.

4. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, The control unit causes the display unit to display a preview image of an image to be formed by the image forming unit.

Images