Display control device and display control method

Abstract

To provide a display control device or the like capable of displaying a user interface that is easily understandable to a user, for example, when a message is displayed to the user on the basis of an event.SOLUTION: A display control device includes a display part for displaying a first display screen including an operable object, an operation part for receiving operation to the object, and a control part, and the control part determines the size of a second display screen including a message based on an event according to the necessity of operation to the object on the first display screen in the case of detecting the event while the first display screen is displayed, and performs control for superimposing the second display screen on the first display screen and displaying the second display screen in the display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an invention is known that displays a message regarding a notification item to a user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-005428 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display control device and the like that is capable of displaying a user interface that is easy for the user to understand, for example, when displaying a message to the user based on an event. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming device of the present disclosure comprises a display unit that displays a first display screen including an operable object, an operation unit that accepts operations on the object, and a control unit, and when the control unit detects an event while the first display screen is displayed, the control unit determines the size of a second display screen including a message based on the event depending on whether or not an operation is required on the object on the first display screen, and controls the display of the second display screen on the display unit, superimposed on the first display screen.

[0006] The display control method disclosed herein is a display control method in a display control device that includes a display unit that displays a first display screen including an operable object, an operation unit that accepts operations on the object, and a control unit, and when an event is detected while the first display screen is being displayed, the size of a second display screen including a message based on the event is determined depending on whether or not an operation is required on the object on the first display screen, and control is performed to display the second display screen on the display unit by superimposing it on the first display screen. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display control device and the like that is capable of displaying a user interface that is easy for the user to understand when displaying a message to the user based on an event. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an entire image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message management table in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message control table in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic configuration of a display screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a display process in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a display process in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the contents of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited based on the following description.

[0010] An image forming apparatus will be described as an example of a general display control apparatus. For example, an image forming apparatus equipped with a display input device such as an operation panel having a touch function can display the operating status of the apparatus, operation buttons for receiving operation instructions from a user, various messages, etc., on the display screen of the display input device.

[0011] However, in recent years, image forming devices have become more multifunctional and can simultaneously operate multiple tasks (multiple processes), leading to an increase in the amount of information displayed on an operation panel (e.g., a display device, etc.) connected to the image forming device. A large amount of information is displayed on such image forming devices. In order to notify the user, the image forming device may display a pop-up message on the display screen. When a pop-up message is displayed, the user cannot select an operation button, etc., even if that operation button, etc., was displayed on the previous display screen.

[0012] In recent years, the display devices of low-cost image forming devices have become smaller in size. Since the amount of information that can be displayed on a small display device is limited, a method of displaying messages as banners or pop-ups rather than providing a fixed message display area within the display area is often used.

[0013] Furthermore, in conventional display control devices, the display screen that was displayed before the message was displayed is left unchanged, and the message is displayed as a banner or pop-up on the display screen.

[0014] This resulted in a problem that even if an attempt was made to restrict the operation of some or all of the objects (e.g., operation buttons, selection items, etc.) displayed on the display screen while the message was being displayed, the user would not be able to intuitively recognize that the operation of the objects was being restricted by the display of the message.

[0015] Furthermore, in such a situation, if a user actually performs an operation such as selecting an object and does not obtain the result that the user expects, such as being unable to operate the object, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the user to determine whether this is due to a restriction caused by the message being displayed or some other reason.

[0016] In this way, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and when an event occurs for which a message should be displayed while a screen that accepts user operations is displayed, by controlling whether the message is displayed full screen or in a manner that does not cover part of the operation screen depending on whether operations are required outside the message display area, the user can easily recognize the operations that can be performed while the message is displayed.

[0017] Hereinafter, a case in which a display control device according to the present disclosure is applied to an image forming device 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an image forming apparatus will be described as an example of an apparatus to which a display control apparatus according to the present disclosure is applied. Note that the display control apparatus according to the present disclosure is not limited to an image forming apparatus in its applicable configuration as long as it can display a message. For example, the display control apparatus may be a home appliance such as a television or microwave having a display unit, or may be a machine such as a car navigation system or an automated teller machine. The display control apparatus may also be an information processing apparatus for personal use such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a tablet.

[0019] [1.1 Overall System] An overview of the image forming apparatus 10 will now be described.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 10 can realize a general copy function, a FAX function, and a scanner function. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 can execute a copy job by executing the copy function.

[0021] A copy job will be briefly described below. First, an original is set on the image reading unit 165, and a copy operation is performed by the operation unit 150. The user can check the original size, paper size, and copy settings (for example, single-sided, double-sided, 2-in-1 settings, etc.) that have been set on the display unit 140.

[0022] Copy processing is executed when the user performs a copy start operation from the operation unit 150. Specifically, the image reading unit 165 reads the document set by the user. The control unit 100 generates image data from the document read by the image reading unit 165.

[0023] An image forming unit 160, which will be described later, generates an image based on image data on paper conveyed from a paper tray 1610, and outputs the image from a paper output tray 1620. In this embodiment, the paper refers to recording paper on which an image is formed. This includes not only ordinary plain paper, but also various paper media such as cardboard and glossy paper, as well as film and the like as long as an image can be formed on the paper.

[0024] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment may have a small display unit 140. For example, in recent years, a large operation panel such as 8 inches or 10 inches is often used as the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10 for the purpose of improving operability. The image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment can be expected to have the effect of the present disclosure, particularly when a small operation panel such as 4 inches or 5 inches is used as the display unit 140 compared to a general image forming apparatus.

[0025] [1.2 Hardware configuration] An example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 has a control unit 100, a storage 110, a ROM 120 and a RAM 130 as memory devices (storage units), a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an image reading unit 165, and a communication unit 170.

[0027] The control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in one or more storage devices (for example, storage 110 and ROM 120). The control unit 100 may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units), SoCs (System on a Chip)). The control unit 100 may also be configured by a control circuit.

[0028] Storage 110 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, storage 110 may be configured as a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). Storage 110 may also be configured as a USB memory that can be connected to the outside. Storage 110 may also be a storage area on a cloud, for example.

[0029] The ROM 120 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0030] The RAM 130 is a main memory that is mainly used when the control unit 100 executes processes. The RAM 130 is a rewritable memory that temporarily stores programs read from the storage 110 or the ROM 120, and data including execution results.

[0031] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying various information and an execution screen. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or an electrophoretic display. The display unit 140 also includes an interface to which a display device can be connected. For example, the display unit 140 may be configured with an external display device connected via an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or a Display Port.

[0032] The operation unit 150 is an operation device that allows a user to input operations. For example, it may be an operation device such as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 140 or an operation button. The operation unit 150 may also be an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The operation unit 150 may also include an interface (for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)) to which an operation device can be connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to a different operation device (an operation device having a touch panel).

[0033] The image forming unit 160 forms an image, for example, on a recording sheet. The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, an image carrier, forms a toner image on the image carrier, and transfers the image on the image carrier onto a recording sheet to form an image. The image forming unit 160 may be configured as an image forming device such as a printer. The image forming unit 160 may also form an image electronically as an image file.

[0034] The image reading unit 165 reads an original (image) and outputs it as image data. The image reading unit 165 is, for example, a scanner, and may be a reading device using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

[0035] The communication unit 170 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface capable of providing a wired connection or a wireless connection. In this embodiment, communication with other devices is possible via a network NW.

[0036] [1.3 Software configuration] The software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the software configuration shown in Fig. 3 mainly describes the configuration required in this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may further include configurations that provide functions required in the image forming apparatus 10, such as an image processing unit and a power control unit.

[0037] The control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes a program (application) stored in the storage 110 or the ROM 120, thereby functioning as each of the following components.

[0038] The display control unit 1010 controls the display unit 140 to display a display screen (first display screen) such as an operation screen or a setting screen. Here, the first display screen may include one or more objects selectable by the user in addition to various information.

[0039] Here, the object refers to a user-selectable button, numeric keypad, icon, keyboard, etc. Also, there may be objects that any user can operate and objects that only an administrator can select.

[0040] The object may include an operation target object that is an object that is the target of operation by the user, and may include an operation restricted object that is an object that cannot be operated by the user.

[0041] Moreover, the message control unit 1020 performs control to display a message on the display unit 140. For example, when the event detection unit 1030 detects an event, the message control unit 1020 displays a message on the display unit 140. In this embodiment, the message control unit 1020 may display, for example, a second display screen including a message superimposed on the first display screen. For example, the second display screen may be displayed as a window having a predetermined size and shape. Also, the second display screen may be displayed by, for example, a pop-up. For example, the message control unit 1020 can change the size of the second display screen depending on whether an operation is required for an object displayed on the first display screen. Also, the message control unit 1020 can display a message including an object on the second display screen depending on the type of event.

[0042] The event detection unit 1030 detects an event from each function in the image forming apparatus 10. The event detected by the event detection unit 1030 may be an event generated by a hardware interrupt, such as running out of toner, running out of paper, or a paper jam. The event detected by the event detection unit 1030 may also be an event generated by a software interrupt, such as a user login error or a job setting error.

[0043] The storage 110 may also store a message management table 1110. The message management table 1110 is a table for managing, for example, a detected event (e.g., "Document feed magnification setting"), a message type (e.g., "Type c"), and a message content (e.g., "When using a document feeder, set the magnification to 200% or less"), as shown in Fig. 4 .

[0044] The message type is information for specifying how message control unit 1020 controls a message when displaying the message on display unit 140.

[0045] 5, the message control table 1112 stores a message type (e.g., "Type a"), a message display condition, whether or not an operation on an object outside the display screen is required, and a display method of the second display screen in association with each other. The message control table 1112 is used to determine the display method of the second display screen depending on whether or not an operation on an object other than the second display screen containing the message is required, that is, whether or not an operation on an object displayed on the first display screen is required.

[0046] The control unit 100 can determine the size and shape of the second display screen including the message based on the event by referring to the message control table 1112. At this time, the control unit 100 can determine the display method of the second display screen according to the message type. For example, if the message is a message of type a, which is displayed when a serious error occurs or when the operation cannot be continued, the control unit 100 determines the display method (display size, display position, etc.) of the second display screen so as not to cover the display area of ​​an object that requires an operation to display a maintenance screen. Also, if the message is a message of type d, which is displayed when an operation is required on the first display screen and the second display screen, the control unit 100 determines the display method (display size, display position, etc.) of the second display screen so as not to cover the display area of ​​an object (a task trigger button that is an execution button for instructing the execution of a job in the image forming apparatus 10) displayed on the first display screen. On the other hand, if the message is a message of type b or type c, which does not require an operation on an object displayed on the first display screen, the control unit 100 determines the display method of the second display screen to be full screen display.

[0047] Here, an example of the configuration of the first display screen of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of the display screen W10 of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0048] Here, the display screen W10 (here, the first display screen) may be composed of three areas R10, R12, and R14. Area R12 is an area where the user mainly performs operations related to the selection of functions. For example, on the home screen, a mode can be selected. Also, on the mode screen (job execution screen), for example, a job to be executed or a destination can be set. Also, areas R10 and R14 can display information or objects. For example, area R10 may display a button to return to the home screen as an object, or information on the logged-in user. Also, area R10 may display an operation button to enter a system setting screen as an object.

[0049] In the home screen, region R14 may display, for example, information regarding the remaining amount of toner. In addition, in the mode screen (job execution screen), region R14 may display, as an object to be operated, an operation button for setting the number of copies, an execution button (task trigger button) for instructing execution of a job, etc. In addition, region R14 may display, as an object to be operated, a stop button for stopping execution of a job, and a reset button for resetting job settings.

[0050] [1.4 Processing flow] The process flow of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following process will be described with a focus on clarifying the characteristics of the present disclosure.

[0051] 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the message display process. Note that the following process may be executed by the display control unit 1010 or the message control unit 1020 as appropriate, but for convenience of explanation, it will be explained as being executed by the control unit 100.

[0052] First, before this process is executed, the control unit 100 has already displayed the first display screen on the display unit 140. The first display screen at this time is referred to as the current first display screen. When an event is detected by the event detection unit 1030 (step S102; Yes), the control unit 100 acquires the message content and message type based on the detected event (step S104). For example, the control unit 100 refers to the message management table 1110 and acquires the message type and message content of the detected event. As a result, the control unit 100 determines the second display screen.

[0053] Control unit 100 refers to the message control table based on the message type corresponding to the event, and displays the message acquired in step S104 on display unit 140 (step S106). That is, control unit 100 determines the size of the second display screen to be displayed this time, depending on whether an operation is required for an object included in the currently displayed first display screen.

[0054] For example, when there is no object that needs to be operated while the second display screen is being displayed among the objects included in the currently displayed first display screen, the control unit 100 sets the size of the second display screen to a size that allows full screen display. The control unit 100 determines the size of the second display screen to be full screen when the message type is type b or type c.

[0055] When an object included in the currently displayed first display screen includes an operation target object that needs to be operated while the second display screen is displayed, the control unit 100 determines the size of the second display screen so as not to include the area in which the operation target object is displayed, based on the event. The control unit 100 determines the size of the second display screen excluding the area including the operation target object when the message type is type a or type d.

[0056] In this way, the control unit 100 determines the size of the second display screen while referring to the message control table 1112, and displays it superimposed on the currently displayed first display screen.

[0057] The control unit 100 judges whether the second display screen is in full screen display (step S108). When the second display screen is not in full screen display (step S108; No), the control unit 100 judges whether the operation limiting object is present outside the display area of ​​the second display screen (within an area of ​​the first display screen that is not overlapped by the second display screen) (step S110). In other words, it judges whether the operation limiting object is included in the first display screen that is displayed in a position visible to the user.

[0058] Here, full screen display means displaying a window or the like as a second display screen on the full screen of the display unit 140. The control unit 100 performs full screen display by displaying a different window or the like in a pop-up manner superimposed on the currently displayed operation screen or setting screen at least on the display unit 140 so that unnecessary information is not displayed to the user. The control unit 100 may also erase the currently displayed operation screen or setting screen once and display a message (second display screen). When the control unit 100 displays a message in a window, it is not necessary for the control unit 100 to display it in the entire display area of ​​the display unit 140. For example, the control unit 100 may provide margins on the top, bottom, left, and right of the second display screen, and display the second display screen to such an extent that the user cannot see the operation screen or setting screen displayed on the first display screen.

[0059] When the operation restricted object is displayed outside the area of ​​the second display screen (step S110; Yes), the control unit 100 performs an identification display indicating that the operation restricted object cannot be selected. For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 performs a gray-out display of the operation restricted object (step S112).

[0060] Here, the control unit 100 judges whether or not the user has performed an operation to cancel the display of the second display screen (step S114). Step S114 is also executed when, for example, in step S108, the second display screen is displayed in full screen (step S108; Yes) or there is no operation restricted object outside the display area of ​​the second display screen (step S110; No).

[0061] For the control unit 100 to determine that the display of the second display screen is to be cancelled, it is sufficient to detect, for example, that an object (for example, a confirmation button, an erase button, a stop button, a close button, an execute button, etc.) displayed on the second display screen is selected (operated). The control unit 100 may also determine that the display of the second display screen is to be cancelled when, for example, a condition for displaying a message is cancelled (for example, the temperature of the fixing unit has reached a predetermined temperature, a paper jam error has been resolved, toner has been replenished, an update operation has been completed, etc.). The control unit 100 may also determine that the display of the second display screen is to be cancelled when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second display screen was displayed.

[0062] When the control unit 100 determines that the display of the second display screen may be cancelled, the control unit 100 erases the second display screen (step S114; Yes→step S116). As a result, the first display screen is displayed on the display unit 140.

[0063] [1.5 Screen example] Next, examples of the screens will be described. FIG. 8(a) is an example of the display screen W100 when the message type is type b or type c. The display screen W100 displays the second display screen M100 including the message on the entire screen. This allows the user to check the contents of the message included in the second display screen without confusing it with the contents of the first display screen that was originally displayed. In addition, the second display screen M100 displays a confirmation button B100 as an object. The user can erase the second display screen M100 by selecting the confirmation button B100.

[0064] FIG. 8(b) is an example of the display screen W110 when the message type is type a. The second display screen M110 is displayed on the display screen W110 without hiding the upper area. In this case, it is preferable for the user to wait for a while until the second display screen M110 disappears. Also, the user may select the home button B112, which is an object displayed outside the display area of ​​the second display screen M110, to forcibly return to the home screen. When returning to the home screen, the second display screen M110 is erased.

[0065] Also, an administrator who knows a certain operation may select the management button B110 as an object to transition to a management screen (for example, a maintenance screen). The management button B110 may be selectable only when a specific operation different from normal is performed. For example, the administrator may transition to the management screen by double-tapping the management button B110, or by continuing to select it for a certain period of time. Also, transition to the management screen may be possible only when the currently logged-in user is the administrator. When transitioning to the management screen, the second display screen M110 is erased.

[0066] FIG. 9 is an example of the display screen W120 when the message type is type d. In the display screen W120, the second display screen M120 is displayed without hiding the lower area of ​​the first display screen, which includes the object to be operated while the second display screen is displayed. In this case, the user may select the end button B128, which is an object displayed on the second display screen M120. For example, in FIG. 9, when the user selects the end button B128, the reading is terminated and the second display screen M120 is erased.

[0067] The user may also select an object (object to be operated) displayed on the lower first display screen outside the display area of ​​the second display screen. On the display screen W120, operation restricted objects are displayed in gray so that the user cannot select them. For example, the user cannot select button B120 and button B122. Furthermore, when the user selects button B121, a screen for direct numerical input is normally displayed, but since it is an operation restricted object, the user cannot select it.

[0068] Also, the user can select the job execution buttons B124, B126 which are objects outside the area of ​​the second display screen, in other words, objects displayed on the first display screen. When the job execution button is selected by the user, the control unit 100 continues to execute the job. For example, in the case of FIG. 9, when the user selects the job execution button B124 (B126), the control unit 100 continues to read the document placed on the image reading unit 165 (e.g., ADF). Then, the control unit 100 outputs the document that has already been read and the document that will be read after the job execution button B124 (B126) is selected as one document data. Also, when the end button B128 is selected by the user, the control unit 100 outputs the document that has already been read as document data.

[0069] [1.6 Effects] In this way, the display control device of this embodiment can display a user interface that is easy for the user to understand when displaying a message to the user based on an event.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the display mode of the message can be changed according to the type of event, and the message can be appropriately displayed on the display unit. As a result, on the display screen, objects that require operation while the message is displayed are displayed so that they can be operated even while the message is displayed, and objects that do not require operation while the message is displayed are displayed in a display mode that allows the user to determine that operation is restricted, so that the user can operate the object without hesitation.

[0071] In addition, when an object that can be normally operated is displayed, the user cannot judge whether it can be selected or not. Therefore, even if the user selects an object that cannot be operated, there is no reaction, and the user is confused about the operation. In other words, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to judge whether the object displayed on the display screen is restricted in operation or not.

[0072] Based on the above-described embodiment, objects that can be operated even while a message is being displayed are clearly displayed, and objects that cannot be operated while a message is being displayed are not displayed or are displayed with a different identification, allowing the user to perform operations without confusion.

[0073] [2. Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when an event is detected, the message type is determined from the event and the message is displayed. In the present embodiment, when a message is displayed, the display form of the message is changed by determining whether or not an object that can be operated or an object that requires operation is outside the second display screen.

[0074] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines the display mode of the second display screen based on an event. Therefore, the storage 110 does not need to store the message control table 1112. Also, for example, the storage 110 may store only the contents of a message based on an event in the message management table 1110. Also, when the control unit 100 determines that a message is included in the detected event or that a message corresponding to the detected event can be acquired, the storage 110 does not need to store the message management table 1110.

[0075] The second embodiment has the same hardware and software configuration as the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control unit 100 executes the process of Fig. 10 as the message display process instead of the process of Fig. 7. The following mainly describes the points that are different from the first embodiment, and the other processes and configurations are almost the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0076] When the control unit 100 detects an event, it acquires event information based on the event (step S102; Yes→step S202). The event information includes the type of the event and a message corresponding to the event. The event information may further include information on whether an object included in the first display screen needs to be operated, whether a restriction is required, and the like. The event information may also include information on the second display screen.

[0077] When there is no operable object on the first display screen, the control unit 100 displays the second display screen including the message in full screen (step S204; No→step S206).

[0078] When there is an object that can be operated or an object that needs to be operated on the first display screen, the control unit 100 determines the size of the second display screen so that the area avoids the object, and displays the second display screen (step S204; Yes → step S208). For example, when there is an object that can be operated on the area R14 in Fig. 6, the control unit 100 determines the size of the second display screen so that it covers the areas R10 and R12, and displays the second display screen superimposed on the first display screen. Also, when there is an object that can be operated on the area R10 in Fig. 6, the control unit 100 determines the size of the second display screen so that it covers the areas R12 and R14, and displays it.

[0079] Furthermore, when there is an operation restricted object in an area other than the second display screen (i.e., the area of ​​the first display screen that is currently visible) (step S210; Yes), the control unit 100 grays out the operation restricted object so that it cannot be selected (step S212). The operation restricted object cannot be selected by the user. Therefore, the control unit 100 displays a clear indication that the operation restricted object cannot be selected. When there is no operation restricted object in an area other than the second display screen, the control unit 100 determines whether or not to cancel the message display (step S210; No→step S114).

[0080] Here, the second display screen continues to be displayed until an operation to cancel the second display screen is performed or the timing to erase the second display screen arrives (step S114; No). Then, when the user performs an operation to cancel the display of the second display screen or the timing to cancel the display of the second display screen arrives (step S114; Yes), the control unit 100 erases the second display screen (step S116).

[0081] [3. Third embodiment] The third embodiment is an embodiment in which the display mode of the operation restriction object is changed. The third embodiment has the same hardware and software configuration as the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the other processing and configuration are almost the same as the first embodiment.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the operation restricted object is displayed in gray out in step S112 in Fig. 7. In this embodiment, a different display is performed in step S112. Note that the same process can be realized in step S212 in Fig. 10 in the second embodiment.

[0083] For example, the control unit 100 may not display the operation restriction object, rather than displaying it in a grayed-out form. A display screen W300 in FIG. 11(a) is an example of a screen that replaces the display screen W120 in FIG.

[0084] In the display screen W120 of Fig. 9, the unselectable buttons B120, B121, and B122 are displayed in gray as an example of an operation restricted object. In Fig. 11(a), as shown in the area R300, the buttons that were displayed in gray as restricted objects in Fig. 9 are hidden in Fig. 11(a). This makes it possible to avoid the user becoming confused about the operation due to not knowing whether or not the object can be selected.

[0085] 11(b) shows an embodiment in which an identification display is performed to indicate that an operation restricted object cannot be selected. For example, the control unit 100 displays an operation prohibited mark K310 on a button B310, which is an operation restricted object. Furthermore, an object on which an operation prohibited mark is displayed is restricted from being operated. The operation prohibited mark may be a graphic such as an icon, or may be a character or a symbol.

[0086] Using an operation prohibition mark is an effective display method, for example, when the display mode of a displayed operation restricted object cannot be changed due to external content (a web page or a page of an application added by an add-in) on the screen.

[0087] [4. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0088] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an image forming apparatus has been described as an example of an information processing apparatus. However, the information processing apparatus can be applied to other devices. For example, an information processing apparatus may be an information processing apparatus such as a smartphone or a tablet. Also, the information processing apparatus may be a home appliance equipped with an IoT function (for example, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a television, etc.). Also, the information processing apparatus is not limited to a stationary apparatus, and may be, for example, a portable apparatus or an in-vehicle apparatus. For example, the in-vehicle apparatus may be a device such as a car navigation system.

[0089] In addition, although the above-mentioned embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they can be combined to the extent possible. In addition, the present invention intends to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications, etc.

[0090] In addition, the programs that run on each device in each embodiment are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and is then stored in various ROMs and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

[0091] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc.

[0092] In addition, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is of course also included in the present disclosure.

[0093] Furthermore, the above-mentioned data may not be stored in the device, but may be stored in an external device and called up as appropriate. For example, the data may be stored in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or on the cloud.

[0094] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but includes combinations of the technologies disclosed in the present specification. The configurations of the present disclosure that are to be patented are described in the attached claims, but it is not intended to exclude them from the technical scope because they are not described in the claims.

[0095] In addition, in the above-mentioned specification, the statements "in the case of" and "when" are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described contents. Configurations other than these cases and times are also disclosed to the extent that would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the company intends to obtain rights to them.

[0096] In addition, the processes and data flows described in the specification are not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, the present application discloses configurations in which some parts of the processes are deleted or the order is changed, and the applicant intends to obtain the rights to such configurations.

[0097] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are executed by each device, they may be realized by one device, or an external server may be used.

[0098] In addition, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented or performed by an electric circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. The electric circuit designed to perform the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electric circuit described above may be composed of a digital circuit or an analog circuit. In addition, when a technology for integrated circuitization that replaces current integrated circuits appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may use a new integrated circuit according to that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10 Image forming device 100 Control section 110 Storage 120 ROM 130 RAM 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Image forming section 165 Image reading unit 170 Communications Department

Claims

1. a display unit that displays a first display screen including a manipulable object; an operation unit that receives an operation on the object; A control unit, The control unit is When an event is detected while the first display screen is being displayed, determining a size of a second display screen including a message based on the event according to whether an operation on an object on the first display screen is required; Control is performed to display the second display screen on the display unit in a manner superimposed on the first display screen. Display control device.

2. The control unit is When no operation on the object on the first display screen is required, the size of the second display screen is determined to be a size that covers the entire first display screen. The display control device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is When an operation on an object on the first display screen is required, the size of the second display screen is determined to be a size that does not include the object on the first display screen that requires the operation. The display control device according to claim 1 .

4. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein when the second display screen is superimposed on the first display screen and an object that does not require operation is displayed on the first display screen, the control unit displays the object in such a way that it cannot be selected.

5. The display control device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit displays the object that does not require an operation in a grayed-out manner.

6. The display control device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit makes the object that does not require an operation invisible.

7. The display control device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit displays the object that does not require operation in an easily identifiable manner to indicate that no operation is required.

8. The display control device according to claim 4 , wherein when the control unit detects that a specific operation has been performed on the object that does not require an operation, the control unit accepts the operation on the object.

9. When the control unit detects the event, the control unit acquires event information corresponding to the event, The event information includes information regarding whether an operation on an object on the first display screen is required. The display control device according to claim 1 .

10. the event information includes information regarding a message; The control unit displays a message included in the event information on the second display screen. The display control device according to claim 9.

11. 1. A display control method for a display control device including a display unit that displays a first display screen including an operable object, an operation unit that accepts an operation on the object, and a control unit, comprising: When an event is detected while the first display screen is being displayed, determining a size of a second display screen including a message based on the event according to whether an operation on an object on the first display screen is required; Control is performed to display the second display screen on the display unit in a manner superimposed on the first display screen. Display control method.

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