Information processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To maintain operability of operation buttons displayed together with a software numeric keypad while preventing an erroneous operation using the software numeric keypad.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus includes: an application control unit 303 which determines whether a screen displayed in a display 119 is a destination input screen for inputting a destination; and a software numeric keypad control unit 305 which controls display of a software numeric keypad 202 displayed in the display 119. When the screen displayed in the display 119 is the destination input screen, the software numeric keypad control unit 305 displays the software numeric keypad 202 by enlarging it as compared with the case where the screen is not the destination input screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In image processing devices with functions such as scanning and printing, devices equipped with a touch panel as an operation unit for accepting operations from a user in addition to hardware keys such as a start key are becoming more common. The start key is a key for executing the image processing device. On the other hand, for the purpose of reducing costs by downsizing the operation unit and improving design, there is a demand for an image processing device that does not have hardware keys and allows all input to be done through a touch panel. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a start key, which has been provided as a hardware key until now, is displayed on a display as a software key, allowing input from a touch panel to be accepted. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a numeric keypad used for inputting numerical values ​​is displayed superimposed on an existing screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-226044 A [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-4213 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the size of the software numeric keypad is insufficient for the size of the finger, there is a possibility that an erroneous operation will occur, such as selecting the wrong numeric keypad. One possible method for preventing an erroneous operation is to enlarge and display the software numeric keypad. However, in a form in which the software numeric keypad is displayed superimposed on an existing screen as in Patent Document 2, there is a risk that all or part of the existing screen will be hidden by the enlarged software numeric keypad.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that prevents erroneous operations using the virtual numeric keypad while maintaining the operability of operation buttons that are displayed together with the virtual numeric keypad. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the information processing device of the present invention comprises a judgment means for judging whether or not a screen displayed on a display unit is a destination input screen for inputting a destination, and a display control means for controlling the display of a screen including a software numeric keypad displayed on the display unit, and when the screen displayed on the display unit is a destination input screen, the display control means displays the software numeric keypad in an enlarged manner compared to when the screen is not a destination input screen. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations using the virtual numeric keypad while maintaining the operability of the operation buttons displayed together with the virtual numeric keypad. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a fax application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a fax application. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing a process of changing the size of the soft numeric keypad and displaying it depending on whether the screen is for inputting an address or not. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a table on a destination input screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a destination input function table. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a copy function screen. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a fax function screen. [Figure 11] 11 shows an example of a setting screen for setting an initial state of the size of the soft numeric keypad. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table for managing settings of an initial state of a soft numeric keypad. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing a process of changing the size of the soft numeric keypad and displaying it according to the type of application to be started. [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of changing the display size of a soft numeric keypad and other operation buttons. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device to which each embodiment of the present invention can be applied. An image processing device 101 will be described as an example of an information processing device. The image processing device 101 includes a control unit 103, an operation unit 123, an external memory 121, a printer 125, a scanner 127, and a line I / F 129. The control unit 103 includes a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, a HDD 117, an input unit I / F 114, a display unit I / F 115, an external memory I / F 120, a communication I / F controller 122, a printer I / F 124, a scanner I / F 126, and a MODEM 128. These are connected to each other via a system bus 110, and can exchange data with each other via the system bus 110. In addition, a touch panel 116 is connected to the input unit I / F 114, a display 119 is connected to the display unit I / F 115, and an external memory 121 is connected to the external memory I / F 120. Furthermore, a printer 125 is connected to the printer I / F 124, a scanner 127 is connected to the scanner I / F 126, and a line I / F 129 is connected to the modem 128. The components connected to the system bus 110 are configured to be able to exchange data with each other via the system bus 110.

[0010] The ROM 113 is a non-volatile memory, and image data, other data, and various programs for the CPU 111 to operate are stored in respective predetermined areas. The RAM 112 is a volatile memory, and is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 111. The RAM 112 is also used as a storage area for holding screen display information. The HDD 117 is a readable and writable non-volatile storage device, and various data are stored therein, such as programs for controlling the entire image processing device 101, various application programs, and setting information. The CPU 111 uses the RAM 112 as a work memory to control each part of the image processing device 101 in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM 113, the HDD 117, and the external memory 121.

[0011] The operation unit 123 is an interface that allows a user to operate the image processing device 101 via the input unit I / F 114 and the display unit I / F 115. The operation unit 123 is configured, for example, by combining a touch panel 116 and a display 119. By associating input coordinates and display coordinates on the touch panel 116, it is possible to configure a GUI that makes it appear as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the touch panel 116. The user issues instructions, such as a job execution instruction, to the image processing device 101 on the user interface screen displayed on the touch panel 116.

[0012] The input unit I / F 114 receives an operation from a user, generates a control signal according to the operation, and supplies the control signal to the CPU 111. For example, the input unit I / F 114 includes, as input devices for receiving a user operation, devices for inputting character information and issuing instructions for processing execution, such as an operation button or a keyboard, and pointing devices, such as a mouse or a touch panel 116.

[0013] The touch panel 116 is an input device that outputs coordinate information according to a position touched on an input unit configured, for example, as a plane. The CPU 111 controls each part of the image processing device 101 according to a program based on a control signal generated and supplied by the input unit I / F 114 in response to a user operation performed on the input device. This allows the image processing device 101 to perform an operation according to the user operation. This may be replaced by a mouse (not shown).

[0014] The display unit I / F 115 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on the display 119. The CPU 111 supplies a display control signal generated according to a program to the display unit I / F 115. Based on the display control signal, the display unit I / F 115 causes the display 119 to display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0015] In this embodiment, touch panel 116 is configured integrally with display 119. Touch panel 116 is configured such that the light transmittance does not interfere with the display of display 119, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of display 119. Then, CPU 111 associates input coordinates on touch panel 116 with display coordinates on display 119. This makes it possible to configure a GUI that makes it appear as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on display 119.

[0016] An external memory 121, such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD, a DVD, a USB, or a memory card, can be attached to the external memory I / F 120. Based on the control of the CPU 111, the external memory I / F 120 reads data from the attached external memory 121 and writes data to the external memory 121.

[0017] The image processing device 101 is connected to the network 102 via a communication I / F controller 122. The communication I / F controller 122 performs communication with the network 102 under the control of the CPU 111. The network 102 is a so-called communication network realized by, for example, a LAN such as the Internet, a WAN, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, a cable television line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, or the like, or a combination of these.

[0018] The printer I / F 124 is an interface for connecting the printer 125 to the system bus 110. Image data to be printed by the printer 125, such as print data received from the outside via the network 102, is transferred from the system bus 110 via the printer I / F 124 and printed on a recording medium (paper) by the printer 125.

[0019] The scanner I / F 126 is an interface for connecting the scanner 127 to the system bus 110. The scanner 127 reads an image on a document, generates image data, and inputs the image data to the system bus 110 via the scanner I / F 126.

[0020] The modem 128 is connected to a public line network 131 via a line I / F 129, and performs communication processing with external devices such as other image processing devices, facsimile machines, and telephone sets (not shown). The line I / F 129 and the public line network 131 are generally connected by a telephone line 130 or the like.

[0021] 2 is a diagram showing the software configuration of an information processing device to which each embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In this embodiment, the illustrated software modules are realized by a CPU 111 controlling a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an input unit I / F 114, a display unit I / F 115, a printer I / F 124, and a scanner I / F 126.

[0022] The image processing device 101 has an application 304, a screen display control unit 301, a screen input control unit 302, an application control unit 303, and a soft numeric keypad control unit 305. The screen display control unit 301 performs screen management for the entire application. As a specific example, the screen display control unit 301 mainly performs a process of transferring screen information to the display 119 and a process of notifying the application of an event input from the touch panel 116. The soft numeric keypad control unit 305 controls the display of a software numeric keypad (hereinafter referred to as a soft numeric keypad) on the display 119. The screen display control unit 301 and the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 function as a display control unit.

[0023] The screen input control unit 302 converts operations from the touch panel 116 into input signals in the input unit I / F 114, receives and analyzes the input signals, and converts them into an event format that can be sent to an application. The screen input control unit 302 then notifies the input signal to the screen display control unit 301. The application control unit 303 starts or switches an application 304 (described later) in response to the input from the touch panel 116. The application control unit 303 also displays the application 304 on the display 119 via the screen display control unit 301.

[0024] The applications 304 are a group of applications that run on the image processing device 101. The CPU 111 runs each application in response to an instruction from a user via the screen input control unit 302. Representative applications 304 included in the image processing device 101 are as follows: A copy function 310 that reads an image on a document using a scanner 127 and prints the generated image data using a printer 125 A print function 311 that prints image data on the printer 125 based on a print job input from an external device such as a PC A scan and transmit function 313 that reads an image on a document using the scanner 127 and transmits the generated image data to an external device via the communication I / F controller 122 A scan and save function 314 that reads an image on a document using the scanner 127 and saves the generated image data in the external memory 121 A fax function 316 that reads an image on a document using a scanner 127 and transmits the generated image data to an external device via a modem 128 or a line I / F 129 A function 315 for using stored files to print image data stored in the external memory 121 using the printer 125 or transmit the image data to the outside via the communication I / F controller 122 · Browser function to view, print, and save data on a web server via a web browser 312 The applications that the image processing device 101 has are not limited to those mentioned above, and applications can be added later.

[0025] 3 to 5 are examples of screens displayed on the display 119. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen for selecting an application 304 of the image processing device 101. On the home screen, for example, a button (icon) for selecting an application, a login button, a setting button, a timeline displaying the most recent operating status of the image processing device 101, and the like are displayed. The fax button 201 is a button for calling up an application of the fax function 316. When the screen input control unit 302 detects that the user has pressed the fax button 201, the screen display control unit 301 transitions the screen to that shown in Fig. 4(A).

[0026] 4A is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a fax application. On the screen of the fax application, for example, setting buttons for performing various fax settings, set setting values, soft numeric keypad 202, start key 204, etc. are displayed. Soft numeric keypad 202 is a numeric keypad used for inputting numerical values. When soft numeric keypad 202 is pressed, the number input by the user by pressing soft numeric keypad 202 is input into fax number 203. When start key 204 is pressed with the fax number of the fax destination input into fax number 203, image data read and generated by scanner 127 is transmitted to the destination of fax number 203 via MODEM 128 and line I / F 129. Here, depending on the size of the user's fingers, the display of the soft numeric keypad 202 may not be large enough, and there is a possibility that pressing the wrong key on the soft numeric keypad 202 may result in erroneous setting of a destination or erroneous operation.

[0027] Fig. 4(B) is a diagram showing an example of a fax application screen, similar to Fig. 4(A). In Fig. 4(B), the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed larger than in Fig. 4(A). In this way, by displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 larger on the screen for inputting a fax destination, it is possible to prevent erroneous pressing. Also, in the example of Fig. 4, a blank area is provided between the soft numeric keypad 202 and the other operation buttons, as shown in Fig. 4(A), so that the soft numeric keypad 202 does not overlap with the other operation buttons even if it is displayed enlarged.

[0028] Fig. 5(A) is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which a pop-up 206 is displayed on the screen of a fax application. For example, when menu 205 is pressed on the screen shown in Fig. 4(B), pop-up 206 is displayed. Pop-up 206 is a group of buttons for setting functions related to faxing. Back button 207 is a button for closing the display of pop-up 206 and transitioning to Fig. 4(B) before pop-up 206 was opened.

[0029] 5A, if soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed large, back button 207 is covered by soft numeric keypad 202, and the presence of back button 207 may go unnoticed. Even if the user notices the presence of back button 207, the user may accidentally press soft numeric keypad 202 while trying to press back button 207, resulting in an erroneous operation.

[0030] Fig. 5(B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which a popup 206 is displayed on the screen of a fax application. The soft numeric keypad 202 shown in Fig. 5(B) is displayed smaller than the soft numeric keypad 202 shown in Fig. 5(A), and the soft numeric keypad 202 is not superimposed on the back button 207 of the popup 206. Therefore, there is no risk that the user will not notice the existence of the back button 207, or will mistakenly press the back button 207 instead of the soft numeric keypad 202.

[0031] In this way, on a screen for inputting a destination (FIG. 4B), that is, a screen using soft numeric keypad 202, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations by displaying soft numeric keypad 202 large. On the other hand, on a screen for not inputting a destination (FIG. 5B), that is, a screen not using soft numeric keypad 202, it is possible to set functions without soft numeric keypad 202 interfering with other operations by displaying soft numeric keypad 202 small.

[0032] A process for realizing a display format in which the soft numeric keypad 202 is not enlarged and is not overlapped with a screen accepting other operations on a screen not using the soft numeric keypad 202 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for changing the size of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on whether the screen is for inputting an address or not. Each process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6 is realized by the CPU 111 of the image processing device 101 reading a control program stored in the ROM 113 or the external memory 121 into the RAM 112 and executing it. This flow is started when the CPU 111 detects the start-up of the image processing device 101.

[0033] In step S601, the application control unit 303 determines whether or not a screen transition to a setting screen of the application 304 is to be performed. The application control unit 303 determines whether or not a user's input operation accepted by the screen input control unit 302 via the touch panel 116 is an instruction to display the setting screen of the application 304, and thus determines whether or not a screen transition to the setting screen of the application 304 is to be performed. If a transition to the setting screen of the application 304 is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if a transition to the setting screen of the application 304 is not to be performed, step S601 is repeated.

[0034] The screen transition will be described by taking as an example a fax, which is one of the applications 304. When the input operation by the user received via the touch panel 116 is a press of the fax button 201 on the home screen (FIG. 3), the application control unit 303 determines that the screen should transition to the setting screen of the application 304. Also, when the input operation by the user is a screen transition on the setting screen of the application 304, such as a press of the menu 205 to display the popup 206, the screen input control unit 302 determines that the screen should transition to the setting screen of the application 304.

[0035] In step S602, the application control unit 303 determines whether the screen to be transitioned to is a screen for inputting a destination (hereinafter also referred to as a destination input screen). If the screen to be transitioned to is a screen for inputting a destination, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if the screen to be transitioned to is not a screen for inputting a destination, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0036] A method of determining whether the screen to be transitioned to is the destination input screen will be described. For example, the application control unit 303 refers to the destination input screen table 701 shown in FIG. 7 and determines whether the screen to be transitioned to is the destination input screen depending on whether the screen to be transitioned to exists in the destination input screen table 701. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table of destination input screens. The destination input screen table 701 is stored in the RAM 112. The destination input screen table 701 is a list of screens displayed when inputting a destination. For example, a fax basic screen, a fax number input screen, etc. are held in the destination input screen table 701 as screens displayed when inputting a destination. When transitioning to a screen listed in the destination input screen table 701, the application control unit 303 determines that the screen to be transitioned to is the destination input screen.

[0037] Also, the application control unit 303 may refer to a destination input function table 801 shown in FIG. 8 and determine whether the screen to be transitioned to is a destination input screen based on whether the screen to be transitioned to exists in the destination input function table 801. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the destination input function table. The destination input function table 801 is stored in the RAM 112. The destination input function table 801 is a table that associates each function screen (application screen) with information indicating that it is a screen for inputting a destination. The function screen indicates the function of each application, such as "copy" and "fax." In the destination input function table 801, whether it is a screen for inputting a destination is associated and stored for each function screen, that is, for each application screen. For example, the function screen of "fax" and the function screen of "scan and send" in which "screen for inputting destination" is marked with "○" are determined to be destination input screens in step S602.

[0038] If the screen to be transitioned to is the destination input screen, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 enlarges the soft numeric keypad 202 and displays it on the display 119 in step S603. On the other hand, if the screen to be transitioned to is not the destination input screen, in step S604, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 reduces the soft numeric keypad 202 (or displays the soft numeric keypad 202 in normal size) on the display 119.

[0039] In step S601, it is determined whether or not a screen transition to the setting screen of application 304 will occur, but this is not limiting, and it may be determined whether or not a screen transition of a screen displayed on display 119 will occur. In this case, in step S602, it is determined whether or not the screen displayed on display 119 is a destination input screen. Also, in step S602, it is determined whether or not the screen is for inputting a destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other determination methods may be used, such as whether or not the screen is a screen using a virtual numeric keypad.

[0040] 4 to 6, a form in which the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed without being enlarged so as not to overlap with a screen accepting other operations on a screen on which a destination is not input, that is, a screen on which the soft numeric keypad 202 is not used, is described, but is not limited to this. In order to prevent the soft numeric keypad 202 from interfering with other operations such as the pop-up 206, for example, the soft numeric keypad 202 may be hidden on a screen on which the soft numeric keypad 202 is not used. That is, in step S604 in which an example in which the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed reduced or at a normal size is described, the soft numeric keypad 202 may be hidden.

[0041] As described above, on a screen for inputting a destination, by displaying soft numeric keypad 202 large, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations. On the other hand, on a screen for not inputting a destination, by displaying soft numeric keypad 202 smaller than when enlarged or hiding it, it is possible to set functions without soft numeric keypad 202 interfering with other operations.

[0042] Second embodiment In the first embodiment, the soft numeric keypad 202 is automatically displayed large on a screen on which a destination is entered, and is displayed small on a screen on which a destination is not entered. In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which the user can set whether or not to enlarge and display the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0043] For example, the soft numeric keypad 202 is set not to be enlarged for copying, and is set to be enlarged for faxing in which a destination is input. FIG. 9 shows an example of a copy function screen. FIG. 9(A) shows an example of a copy function screen displayed when a copy application is started. Since the soft numeric keypad 202 is set not to be enlarged for copying, the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed in a small state (reduced state or normal display) in FIG. 9(A). An enlarge button 901 for enlarging the display of the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed above the soft numeric keypad 202 displayed in a small state. When the enlarge button 901 is pressed by the user, the soft numeric keypad 202 is enlarged and displayed as shown in FIG. 9(B). A reduce button 902 for reducing the display of the soft numeric keypad 202 (or normal display) is displayed above the enlarged display of the soft numeric keypad 202.

[0044] 10 is an example of a fax function screen that is displayed when a fax application is started. In the fax mode, the soft numeric keypad 202 is set to be enlarged and displayed, so the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed in an enlarged state. A reduction button 902 for reducing the display of the soft numeric keypad 202 (or displaying it in normal mode) is displayed above the enlarged display of the soft numeric keypad 202.

[0045] In this way, by switching the default display size of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application to be launched, it is possible to display only applications for which the soft numeric keypad 202 is frequently used in a large size. Also, the display size of the displayed soft numeric keypad 202 can be switched in response to a user instruction by the enlarge button 901 or reduce button 902, which are switching buttons for the user to instruct switching of the display size of the software numeric keypad.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting the initial state of the size of the soft numeric keypad 202 according to the type of application to be started. The initial state setting screen 1101 displays a screen for selecting whether the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 is to be enlarged or reduced for each application. When an application is started, the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed in the initial state set in the initial state setting screen 1101. For example, in the copy function 1102, the reduce button 1104 is selected from the enlarge button 1103 and the reduce button 1104, and when the copy application is started, the soft numeric keypad 202 is set to be reduced. Note that the initial state setting screen 1101 may be displayed only when a user currently logged in to the image processing apparatus 101 has administrator authority, or may be displayed for each user.

[0047] The setting values ​​set on the initial state setting screen 1101 are stored in an initial state setting table 1201 shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a table for managing the settings of the initial state of the soft numeric keypad when an application is started. The initial state setting table 1201 is stored in the RAM 112. The initial state setting table 1201 stores the application name and the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 set on the initial state setting screen 1101 in association with each other. The initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 is updated according to the settings on the initial state setting screen 1101.

[0048] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of switching and displaying the size of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application to be started in the second embodiment. Each operation shown in the flowchart in Fig. 13 is realized by the CPU 111 of the image processing device 101 reading a control program stored in the ROM 113 or the external memory 121 into the RAM 112 and executing it. This flow is started when the CPU 111 detects the start-up of the image processing device 101.

[0049] In step S1301, the application control unit 303 determines whether the screen input control unit 302 has received an instruction to switch the application 304 from the user via the touch panel 116. For example, when a button for starting the application 304, such as the fax button 201, is pressed while the screen in FIG. 3A is displayed, it is determined that an instruction to switch the application 304 has been received. If an instruction to switch the application 304 has been received, the process proceeds to step S1302. On the other hand, if an instruction to switch the application 304 has not been received, step S1301 is repeated.

[0050] In step S1302, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 determines whether the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304 instructed to be switched in step S1301 is the enlarged state. Specifically, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 refers to the initial state setting table 1201 and determines whether the initial state setting of the soft numeric keypad 202 corresponding to the application 304 instructed to be switched in step S1301 is the enlarged state. If the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304 instructed to be switched is the enlarged state, the process proceeds to step S1303. On the other hand, if the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304 instructed to be switched is not the enlarged state, the process proceeds to step S1304.

[0051] When the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304 to be displayed is the enlarged state, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 enlarges the soft numeric keypad 202 and displays it on the display 119 in step S1303. If the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304 to be displayed is not enlarged, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 reduces the soft numeric keypad 202 and displays it on the display 119 in step S1304.

[0052] The initial state setting of the soft numeric keypad 202 may be held for each authenticated user. In the second embodiment, the user sets the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202, but the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 may be preset for each application at the time of shipment. In addition, an example in which the display size of the soft numeric keypad 202 is switched depending on the type of application to be started has been described, but the soft numeric keypad 202 may be set to be hidden in applications in which the soft numeric keypad 202 is used infrequently.

[0053] Also, the input frequency of the soft numeric keypad 202 may be stored, and the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 may be switched depending on the frequency. For example, the number of times the soft numeric keypad 202 is pressed is counted for each application 304 and stored in the RAM 112. Only when the stored number of times the soft numeric keypad 202 is pressed for each application 304 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed in a large size when the application 304 is started up.

[0054] As described above, by switching the display size of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application to be launched, it is possible to enlarge and display the soft numeric keypad 202 only in a specific application in which inputs to the soft numeric keypad 202 are frequent from the time of launch. This prevents erroneous operation of the soft numeric keypad 202, and allows the user to set other functions without being hindered by the soft numeric keypad 202 in an application in which inputs to the soft numeric keypad 202 are infrequent.

[0055] Third embodiment In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which only the soft numeric keypad 202 is enlarged or reduced among the soft numeric keypad 202 and other operation buttons. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the display area of ​​the other operation buttons is enlarged or reduced depending on the size at which the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing the display size of the soft numeric keypad 202 and other operation buttons. In FIG. 14(A), the soft numeric keypad 202 is enlarged. The screen display control unit 301 reduces and displays the operation button area 1401 so that the enlarged soft numeric keypad 202 does not overlap with the operation button area 1401 that displays other operation buttons. The screen display control unit 301 reduces and displays the operation button area 1401 in conjunction with the process of enlarging and displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 in steps S603 and S803, for example. In FIG. 14(B), the soft numeric keypad 202 is normally displayed (or reduced). The screen display control unit 301 enlarges and displays the operation button area 1401 to a degree that does not overlap with the soft numeric keypad 202, more than the example in FIG. 14(A). The screen display control unit 301 enlarges and displays the operation button area 1401 in conjunction with the process of reducing and displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 in steps S604 and S804, for example.

[0057] As described above, according to this embodiment, the display size of other operation buttons can be changed according to the display size of the soft numeric keypad 202. This makes it possible to prevent the soft numeric keypad 202 from overlapping with other operation buttons, making it difficult for the user to operate the soft numeric keypad 202.

[0058] In each embodiment, the image processing device 101 having multiple functions such as a copy function and a scanner function has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an image processing device having only some of these functions. The present invention may also be applied to other information processing devices such as personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, FAX machines, cameras, video cameras, and other image viewers.

[0059] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0060] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 101 Image processing device 111 CPU 119 Display 301 Screen display control unit 303 Application control section 304 Application

Claims

1. a determination means for determining whether or not a screen displayed on the display unit is a destination input screen for inputting a destination; a display control means for controlling display of a screen including a virtual numeric keypad displayed on the display unit, When the screen displayed on the display unit is a destination input screen, the display control means displays the virtual numeric keypad in an enlarged manner compared to when the screen is not a destination input screen.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

Images