Image processing apparatus and control method of image processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a display device or the like capable of improving convenience of a user by determining a display mode of a device setting item on another display screen based on display setting of the device setting item on a home screen.SOLUTION: A display device comprises: a display unit capable of displaying a first display screen, a second display screen different from the first display screen, and device setting items to be displayed together with the first display screen or the second display screen; and a control unit configured to control screen display on the display unit. The control unit determines a display mode of the device setting items on the second display screen according to a display setting of the device setting items on the first display screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a function menu area in which function menu buttons related to image processing such as copy, fax, and scan are arranged, and a device setting area in which setting buttons related to language setting, operation guide, maintenance, etc. are arranged are aggregated and displayed on a single display screen to improve the operability of the user.

[0003] Such a screen is called a home screen and is displayed, for example, when the device is started up, when recovering from a sleep state, when the screen is restored after a function is executed, and the like. The function menu buttons and setting buttons that make up the home screen function as an interface for hierarchically displaying function setting screens, device setting screens, system information screens, etc. represented by these buttons.

[0004] The display layout of the home screen can be set and changed through system settings. Here, when selecting a display layout that gives priority to frequently used function menu buttons, it may become impossible to secure a screen area for displaying the device setting area, and it may not be possible to display the setting buttons.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that on a menu screen, in order to secure the maximum area for the normal menu icon display area, a display area for shortcut menu icons is not provided, and the shortcut menu screen is called and displayed by a swipe operation or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the prior art including Patent Document 1, in other display screens (for example, copy setting screens) displayed via the home screen by selecting function menu buttons or the like, it is not considered to display device setting items such as setting system buttons.

[0008] Therefore, during the function setting via other display screens, the user cannot perform operations related to device settings such as changing language settings and operation confirmation, and thus the convenience is not always high.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device or the like capable of improving user convenience by determining a display mode of device setting items on other display screens based on a display setting of device setting items on a home screen.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a display device according to the present disclosure includes a first display screen, a second display screen different from the first display screen, and a display unit capable of displaying device setting items displayed together with the first display screen or the second display screen, and a control unit that controls screen display on the display unit, and the control unit determines a display mode of the device setting items on the second display screen according to a display setting of the device setting items on the first screen.

[0011] An image processing device according to the present disclosure includes the above display device and an image processing unit that performs image processing based on display content displayed on the first display screen or the second display screen.

[0012] In addition, the display method of the display screen according to the present disclosure includes a display step of displaying a first display screen, a second display screen different from the first display screen, and device setting items displayed together with the first display screen or the second display screen, and a control step of controlling the screen display in the display step. In the control step, the display mode of the device setting items on the second display screen is determined according to the display setting of the device setting items on the first display screen.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device or the like that can improve the convenience of the user by determining the display mode of the device setting items on another display screen based on the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, for example, a multifunction device capable of performing jobs related to copying, faxing, image transmission, etc. in one housing will be described as one form of a display device or an image processing device equipped with the display device. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0016] In the present disclosure, a form in which the display screen example of the first display screen is a home screen will be described. Further, the second display screen is a display screen output by selecting a function menu button or the like arranged on the home screen when the first display screen is the home screen. Examples of the second display screen include, for example, a system information screen displayed by pressing a system information button arranged on the home screen, and a display screen belonging to a lower layer of the home screen such as a simple copy setting screen output by pressing a simple copy button or the like. Note that since the second display screen example has a plurality of display forms as described later, in the description of the present disclosure, it is simply referred to as the second display screen, and the display screen example will be described each time.

[0017] Also, in the present disclosure, setting system buttons related to device settings such as brightness adjustment, volume, language setting, setting, large character mode, total usage count display, and notification means for notifying the user of information related to settings such as consumable information and device status through charts, character strings, symbols, etc. are collectively referred to as device setting items.

[0018] The device setting items can be displayed together with the first display screen or the second display screen. In this case, the device setting items can be displayed alone or in combination of a plurality of items in an occupation area (device setting area) that occupies a part of the display screen. In the present disclosure, an occupation area whose display position on the display screen is fixed is particularly referred to as a fixed area.

[0019] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment is a form of determining the display mode of the device setting items on the second display screen according to the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen. The first embodiment is a form in which the occupation area for displaying the device setting items is a fixed area.

[0020] [1.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically explaining the overall configuration of the multifunction machine 10. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction machine 10. The multifunction machine 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19 and an image reading unit 21 as an image processing unit, and a storage unit 23.

[0021] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction machine 10. The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic devices (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0022] The display unit 13 displays various information to the user and the like. The display unit 13 can be composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0023] The operation input unit 15 receives input of information by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be composed of hard keys (for example, numeric keys) and buttons or the like. Note that the operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel capable of input via the display unit 13. In this case, as the input method of the touch panel, for example, general methods such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a capacitance method can be used.

[0024] The communication unit includes, for example, a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, or a fax line.

[0025] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data on a sheet as a recording medium. The image forming unit 19 feeds a sheet from the sheet feeding unit 25, forms an image based on the image data on the sheet, and then discharges the sheet to the sheet discharging unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured by, for example, a laser printer or the like using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0026] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading a document image to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device including an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CIS (Contact Image Sensor). The configuration of the image reading unit 21 is not limited as long as it is configured to generate image data by reading a reflected light image from the document image with the image sensor.

[0027] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 23 can be configured by a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a control program 231, a display control program 232, a display determination program 233, a display information acquisition program 234, and an operation determination program 235, and secures a display screen management table storage area 236 and a display screen information storage area 237.

[0029] The control program 231 is a program that the control unit 11 reads in order to perform processing based on each function such as copy, fax, image transmission, etc. The control unit 11 that has read the control program 231 realizes each function by controlling the display unit 13, the operation input unit 15, the communication unit 17, the image forming unit 19, the image reading unit 21, etc.

[0030] The display control program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when controlling the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15. The control unit 11 that has read the display control program 232 controls the screen output of the display screen on the operation input unit 15 configured as a touch panel. The control unit 11 that has read the display control program 232 uses the frame information related to the screen configuration stored in the display screen information storage area 237, the setting values related to job execution acquired by the display information acquisition program 234, device information, etc., to configure the home screen, the second display screen, and the device setting items, and outputs them to the touch panel. In this case, the control unit 11 secures a part of the display area of the home screen, the second display screen, etc. as an occupied area, and displays the device setting items in the occupied area.

[0031] The display determination program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining the display mode of device setting items on the second display screen according to the display setting of device setting items on the home screen. In the present disclosure, "determining the display mode" is intended to determine the display method and display format of device setting items on the display screen, and specifically, the following modes can be cited. (1) A method of displaying device setting items on the display screen in an identifiable manner (2) A method of displaying device setting items based on the selection result of shortcut icons displayed on the display screen (3) A method of displaying device setting items based on the detection result of gesture operations on the display screen (4) A method of displaying device setting items when an event related to the device setting item occurs (5) A method of not displaying device setting items

[0032] Note that the display methods (1) to (4) above can each include (i) a display format that outputs the same items as the device setting items output in a fixed area (the display position is fixed or non-fixed), (ii) a display format that outputs the items output in the fixed area in a simplified type (the display position is fixed or non-fixed), and (iii) a display format that outputs specific device setting items (the display position is fixed or non-fixed).

[0033] The display mode of device setting items can be set via a display screen management table described later, system settings, etc.

[0034] The display information acquisition program 234 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when acquiring various information to be displayed together with the frame image in the display of the home screen, the second display screen, or device setting items, etc. The information acquired by the control unit 11 that has read the display information acquisition program 234 is not particularly limited, and examples include setting values for performing image processing related to each function such as copy, fax, scan, etc. in job units, information related to the remaining amount of consumables related to image processing such as toner remaining amount, and information related to the device state such as communication status of wireless communication, etc.

[0035] The operation determination program 235 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when detecting button selections or gesture operations by the user. The control unit 11 that has read the operation determination program 235 exhibits a touch position detection function corresponding to each input method of a touch panel such as a resistive film type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, or a capacitance type, and determines the operation by the user from input information such as the touch position, touch trajectory, and touch pressure by the user's finger or touch pen.

[0036] The display screen management table storage area 236 is a storage area that stores a display screen management table that the control unit 11 refers to when determining the display mode of device setting items on the second display screen according to the display setting of device setting items on the home screen.

[0037] Here, the display screen management table will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram for explaining one form of the data structure of the display screen management table according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The display screen management table according to FIG. 3(a) is a table that the control unit 11 that has read the display determination program 233 refers to in order to determine the display mode of device setting items on the second display screen according to the display setting of device setting items on the home screen as the first display screen.

[0039] In the display screen management table, when the display setting flag of the device setting item on the home screen is "Yes" (first display setting), the display setting flag of the device setting item on the second display screen is set to "No". On the other hand, when the display setting flag of the device setting item on the home screen is "No" (second display setting), the display setting flag of the device setting item on the second display screen is set to "Yes (simple type / display position not fixed)".

[0040] Here, the simplified type / display position non-fixed means defining the content of the device setting items to be displayed on the second display screen for the device setting items displayed in the fixed area on the home screen. The simplified type is a display format that outputs the items output in the above-mentioned fixed area in a simplified type, and the display position non-fixed defines that the display position of the occupied area for displaying the device setting items is non-fixed.

[0041] When the control unit 11 that has loaded the display determination program 233 determines that the loaded display setting is the first display setting, it sets to display the device setting items on the home screen. And in the display setting determination of the second display screen, it determines not to display the device setting items.

[0042] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 that has read out the display determination program 233 determines that the loaded display setting is the second display setting, it sets to not display the device setting items on the home screen. And in the display setting determination of the second display screen, it determines to display the device setting items. For example, the control unit 11 determines, based on the display screen management table, to output the device setting items output in the fixed area in a simplified type (the display position on the second display screen is non-fixed).

[0043] The display screen information storage area 237 is a storage area that stores the screen frames constituting each display screen such as the home screen, the second display screen, and the fixed area, and various information acquired by the display information acquisition program 234.

[0044] [1.2 Flow of processing] Next, the flow of processing of the first embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 4. Note that this processing is processing executed when the control unit 11 loads the control program 231, the display control program 232, the display determination program 233, the display information acquisition program 234, the operation determination program 235, and the like.

[0045] For example, when the device power is turned on, when recovering from the sleep mode, etc., the control unit 11 performs a startup process (step S10).

[0046] Next, the control unit 11 reads the device settings and reflects them in the device state (step 20). At this time, the control unit 11 reads the display settings and performs display setting determination 1 (step S30).

[0047] If it is determined as the first display setting as a result of the display setting determination 1, the control unit 11 sets the display of the device setting item (fixed area) as the display of the device setting item (step S30; "first display setting" → step S40). On the other hand, if it is determined as the second display setting as a result of the display setting determination 1, the control unit 11 sets the device setting item (fixed area) to non-display (step S30; "second display setting" → step S50).

[0048] Based on the setting result of step S40 or step S50, the control unit 11 outputs the home screen as the first display screen to the touch panel as the operation input unit 15 (step S60). Specifically, when the device setting item is the display setting (step S40), the control unit 11 outputs the device setting item to be displayed in the fixed area in accordance with the home screen. At this time, as the screen configuration of the home screen, a screen area related to the fixed area may be provided in a part of the screen area of the home screen, or it is also possible to adopt a form in which the fixed area is superimposed and displayed on the screen area of the home screen. On the other hand, when the device setting item (fixed area) is the non-display setting (step S50), the control unit 11 outputs only the home screen (step S60).

[0049] Next, the control unit 11 performs operation determination 1 to determine whether an operation has been performed by the user on the displayed home screen (step S70).

[0050] When a display setting change is made as an operation by the user, the control unit 11 that detects this returns the process to step S30 (step S70; "display setting change" → step S30). On the other hand, when the function menu button on the home screen is selected by the user, the control unit 11 that detects this performs display setting determination 2 (step 70; "function selection" → step S80).

[0051] In the display setting determination 2, based on the function menu button selected by the user, the display and non-display settings of the device setting items (fixed area) on the second display screen and the home screen are used to determine the device setting items on the second display screen.

[0052] The control unit 11 determines the second display screen illustrated in FIG. 3(a) based on the function menu button selected by the user. Examples of the second display screen corresponding to the function menu button include a system information screen, a copy setting screen, a simple copy setting screen, a fax setting screen, a simple fax setting screen, a simple scan setting screen, an E-mail setting screen, an FTP setting screen, a Desktop setting screen, a shared folder transmission setting screen, an Internet fax setting screen, a data input screen, a scan save setting screen, etc. Note that the example of the second display screen illustrated in FIG. 3(a) is merely an example, and the second display screen according to the present disclosure is not limited to this description.

[0053] When determining the second display screen corresponding to the function menu button selected by the user, the control unit 11 determines the device setting items on the second display screen according to the display and non-display settings of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen.

[0054] Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the display screen management table in FIG. 3(a). When the display of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set, it determines the non-display of the device setting items on the second display screen (step S80; "first display setting" → step S90). On the other hand, when the display of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set to non-display, it determines the display of the device setting items on the second display screen (step S80; "second display setting" → step S100).

[0055] Then, based on the determination result of step S90 or step S100, the control unit 11 outputs the second display screen to the touch panel as the operation input unit 15 (step S110). Specifically, when it is determined that the device setting item is not to be displayed (step S90), the control unit 11 outputs only the second display screen. On the other hand, when it is determined that the device setting item is to be displayed (step S100), the control unit 11 outputs the device setting item together with the second display screen. The display of the device setting item at this time follows the setting content in the display screen management table of FIG. 3(a). For example, FIG. 3(a) is an example in which "simple type / display position not fixed" is set as the display mode of the device setting item on the second display screen.

[0056] Next, the control unit 11 performs an operation determination 2 to determine whether an operation has been performed by the user on the displayed second display screen (step S120).

[0057] When the display setting is changed as an operation by the user, the control unit 11 that has detected this returns the process to step S80 (step S120 "display setting change" → step S80). On the other hand, when a button or the like related to the function process on the second display screen is selected by the user, the control unit 11 executes the selected function process (step S120; "function process" → step S130).

[0058] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the function process has ended (step S140). When it is determined that the function process has ended, the control unit 11 stores the display setting and ends the process (step S140; Yes → step S150). In this case, the control unit 11 stores the display setting in the storage unit 23 in a format that can be read in steps S20 and 30 (for example, "display setting: display setting 1 (display setting 2)"). The control unit 11 can set the display / non-display of the device setting item (fixed area) on the home screen by reading the display setting as a part of the device setting in step S20. If it is determined that the function process has not ended, the control unit 11 continues the function process until the function process ends (step S140; No → step S130).

[0059] [1.3 Operation Example] Next, the operation example of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a first display setting in which the display setting of device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set to display.

[0060] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the home screen W10a under the first display setting. The home screen W10a includes a function menu button display area R10a, a fixed area display area R20a, and a system information screen display button B10.

[0061] The function menu button display area R10a is a display area for displaying function menu selection buttons that receive selections of function menus. FIG. 5(a) is an example showing function menu selection buttons for simple copy, simple fax, simple scan, and functions related to copy as function menus.

[0062] The fixed area display area R20a is an occupied area for displaying device setting items related to language setting, operation guide, maintenance, etc., and is a screen area where the display position is fixed. FIG. 5(a) is an example showing device setting items related to toner remaining amount, operation guide, large character mode, setting, total number of used sheets display, brightness adjustment, and language setting. Note that the home screen W10a illustrated in FIG. 5(a) has the fixed area display area R20a formed below the function menu button display area R10a, and has a design configuration in which both the function menu button display area R10a and the fixed area display area R20a are arranged in a well-balanced manner. Note that the display position of the fixed area display area R20a is not limited to the position illustrated in FIG. 5(a), and for example, it may be above the function menu button display area R10a, or may be configured to be located at either of the left and right ends of the home screen W10a.

[0063] The system information screen display button B10 is an input button for receiving an input instruction to display the system information screen as the second display screen. The system information screen display button B10 can be configured as a type of function menu button that receives an input instruction from the user to display the system information screen as the second display screen, similar to the function menu buttons displayed in the function menu button display area R10a. When the control unit 11 receives a press of the system information screen display button B10, it displays the system information screen W20a illustrated in FIG. 5(b).

[0064] FIG. 5(b) is a diagram for explaining a configuration of the system information screen W20a under the first display setting. The system information screen W20a includes a system information display area R30a. The system information display area R30a includes, for example, a notification display area for displaying information to be notified to the user as a notification, a machine information display area for displaying machine information (device information) of the multifunction machine 10, and a paper feed tray information display area for displaying information regarding the size and remaining number of sheets stored in the paper feed tray.

[0065] The operation example described with reference to FIG. 5 relates to the first display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set to display. Therefore, the device setting items are not displayed on the system information screen W20a that is displayed as the second display screen upon receiving a press of the function menu button (system information screen display button B10) selected via the home screen.

[0066] On the other hand, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the second display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set to non-display.

[0067] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the home screen W10b under the second display setting. The home screen W10b includes a function menu button display area R10b and a system information screen display button B10.

[0068] The function menu button display area R10b is a display area that displays function menu selection buttons for accepting selections of the function menu. FIG. 6(a) is an example showing function menu selection buttons related to simple copy, simple fax, simple scan, E-mail, recent jobs, shared folders, scan save, and copy in addition to the function menu.

[0069] On the home screen W10b under the second display setting, function menu buttons related to frequently used simple copy etc. are displayed large, and the screen configuration is such that the display of the fixed area related to device setting items that are not so frequently used is excluded.

[0070] The system information screen display button B10 is an input button for accepting an input for instructing the display of the system information screen as the second display screen. When the system information screen display button B10 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays the system information screen W20b illustrated in FIG. 6(b).

[0071] FIG. 6(b) is a diagram for explaining a configuration of the system information screen W20b under the second display setting. The system information screen W20b includes a system information display area R30b and a device setting item display area R20b. The system information display area R30b can have the same configuration as the system information display area R30a related to the system information screen W20a.

[0072] The operation example described with reference to FIG. 6 relates to the second display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set to non-display. Therefore, on the system information screen W20b that is displayed as the second display screen upon receiving the pressing of the function menu button (system information screen display button B10) selected via the home screen W10b, a device setting item display area R20b for displaying device setting items is provided.

[0073] The device setting item display area R20b is an example of a mode of outputting as a simplified type in which items output in a fixed area are simplified. The device setting item display area R20b includes device setting items output in a fixed area such as toner remaining amount, language setting, settings, and operation guide, and can be configured as a display mode in which the device setting items displayed in the fixed area are simplified. Note that the display size of the device setting item display area R20b can be appropriately changed according to the screen area occupied by the system information display area R30b. For example, when the notification display area in the system information display area R30b is smaller than the display area illustrated in FIG. 6(b), it is also possible to expand the display area of the device setting item display area R20b and increase the number of device setting items to be displayed. Furthermore, since the display position of the device setting item display area R20b can be non-fixed, depending on the display design of the system information display area R30b, it is also possible to arrange it at a position different from the display position illustrated in FIG. 6(b).

[0074] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a display device or the like that can improve the convenience of the user by determining the display mode of the device setting items on other display screens based on the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen.

[0075] [2 Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, in the first display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set to display, as the display mode of the device setting items on the second display screen, a shortcut icon that receives a display instruction of the device setting items is displayed.

[0076] [2.1 Functional Configuration] Since the functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be the same as the functional configuration of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, the description here is omitted.

[0077] [2.2 Flow of Processing] Next, the processing flow of the second embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 7. Note that the processing before step S80 in FIG. 7 can be made common with the processing according to steps S10 to S70 in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Therefore, here, the different processing after step S80 will be described. Also, for parts that are the same as the processing described in FIG. 4, the same step numbers may be used and the description may be omitted.

[0078] When the processing according to steps S10 to S70 is executed, the control unit 11 performs display setting determination 2 (step S80).

[0079] In the display setting determination 2, based on the second display screen selected by the user and the display / non-display setting of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen, a determination is made as to whether to display or not display the shortcut icons that receive the display instruction of the device setting items on the second display screen.

[0080] When determining the second display screen corresponding to the function menu button selected by the user, the control unit 11 determines whether to display or not display the shortcut icons on the second display screen according to the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen.

[0081] Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the display screen management table in FIG. 3(b). Here, FIG. 3(b) is a diagram for explaining one form of the data structure of the display screen management table according to the second embodiment.

[0082] When the display of device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set (first display setting), the display of shortcut icons on the second display screen is determined (step S80; "first display setting" → step S160). Note that when the display of device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set, the control unit 11 sets the shortcut icons on the home screen to be hidden. On the other hand, when the non-display of device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set (second display setting), the non-display of shortcut icons on the second display screen is determined. In this case, the processing after step S100 in FIG. 7 can be executed (step S80; "second display setting" → step S100 and subsequent processing).

[0083] Then, based on the determination result in step S160, the control unit 11 outputs the second display screen to the touch panel as the operation input unit 15 (step S110). Specifically, the control unit 11 outputs the shortcut icons together with the second display screen. The control unit 11 displays the shortcut icons output together with the second display screen in a predetermined display area (for example, the system area) of the second display screen.

[0084] Next, the control unit 11 performs an operation determination 2 to determine whether an operation has been performed by the user on the displayed second display screen (step S120).

[0085] When the user changes the display setting as an operation, the control unit 11 that detects this returns the process to step S80 (step S120 "display setting change" → step S80). On the other hand, when a button or the like related to the function processing on the second display screen is selected by the user, the control unit 11 executes the selected function processing (step S120; "function selection" → step S130).

[0086] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the functional processing has been completed (step S140). If it is determined that the functional processing has been completed, the control unit 11 stores the display settings and ends the process (step S140; Yes → step S150). In this case, the control unit 11 stores the display settings in the storage unit 23 in a format that can be read in steps S20 and 30 (for example, "Display settings: Display setting 1 (Display setting 2)"). The control unit 11 can set the display / non-display for the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen by reading the display settings as part of the device settings in step S20. On the other hand, if it is determined that the functional processing has not been completed, the control unit 11 continues the functional processing until the functional processing is completed (step S140; No → step S130).

[0087] By the way, when detecting that the user has selected a shortcut icon, the control unit 11 determines the display of the device setting items (step S120; "Selection of shortcut icon" → step S100).

[0088] The control unit 11 outputs the device setting items (step S170). At this time, as the screen configuration of the display screen, a device setting item display area may be provided in a part of the screen area of the second display screen, or it is also possible to display the device setting item display area in a form that overlaps on the screen area of the second display screen.

[0089] The control unit 11 continues to display the area until the display of the device setting item display area is completed (step S180; No → step S170). On the other hand, when the display of the device setting item display area is completed, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S120 (step S180; Yes → step S120).

[0090] [2.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a first display setting in which the display setting of device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set to display, and a shortcut icon for displaying the device setting items on the second display screen is displayed. In the description of FIG. 8, for the same configurations as those described in FIGS. 5 and 6 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals may be given and the description may be omitted.

[0091] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the home screen W10a according to the second embodiment. The home screen can have the same configuration as the home screen W10a described in FIG. 5(a) of the first embodiment. Therefore, the home screen W10a has a fixed area display area R20a, and device setting items related to language setting, operation guide, maintenance, etc. can be displayed on the fixed area.

[0092] FIG. 8(b) is a diagram for explaining an operation example when the function menu button selected by the user is a function menu button related to copy, and the control unit 11 determines the copy setting screen W30a as the second display screen. In the home screen W10a, when the function menu button desired by the user is not displayed in the function menu button display area R10a, the user can display the desired function menu button by pressing the function menu selection button B20 provided beside the function menu button display area R10a.

[0093] The copy setting screen W30a includes a function setting display area R40a provided across the entire screen and a shortcut icon SC10 displayed in the system area.

[0094] In the function setting display area R40a, there are arranged input / selection buttons for receiving input / selection of setting values related to the execution of the copy function, a start button for receiving a copy execution instruction input, and the like. The user can confirm the setting values and setting contents for the setting items displayed in the function setting display area R40a, and execute the copy function by pressing the black-and-white start button or the color start button.

[0095] The shortcut icon SC10 is a shortcut icon for receiving an input for indicating the display of device setting items. When the user selects (presses) the shortcut icon SC10, as illustrated in FIG. 8(c), the control unit 11 superimposes and displays the device setting item display area R20c on the copy setting screen W30b. At this time, in order to indicate that the shortcut icon SC10 is being selected, as shown in FIG. 8(c), it is also possible to make the display forms of the shortcut icon SC10 before selection and the shortcut icon SC10 after selection different. FIG. 8(c) is an illustration of an example in which the display of the shortcut icon SC10 is changed to a white-out state by the selection of the shortcut icon SC10.

[0096] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another operation example when the function menu button selected by the user is a function menu button related to copying and the control unit 11 determines the copy setting screen W30a as the second display screen. FIG. 9(a) is a configuration example of the copy setting screen W30a related to another operation example. Since the copy setting screen W30a illustrated in FIG. 9(a) can have the same configuration as the copy setting screen W30a described in FIG. 8(b), the same reference numerals are given here and the description is omitted.

[0097] FIG. 9(b) is a diagram for explaining one form of a device setting item display area R20d that the control unit 11 superimposes and displays on the copy setting screen W30c when the shortcut icon SC10 on the copy setting screen W30a according to FIG. 9(a) is selected. The device setting item display area R20d shown in FIG. 9(b) is in a form of displaying specific device setting items related to the copy function. In the case of FIG. 9(b), the device setting items related to "volume" that are not related to the copy function are not displayed. That is, in other operation examples described here, the display of device setting items not related to the function corresponding to the function menu button selected by the user is restricted. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9(b), when the second display screen is the copy setting screen W30c, the control unit 11 displays only the device setting items related to copying (brightness adjustment / language setting / settings / large character mode / total number of copies displayed) in the device setting item display area R20d.

[0098] On the other hand, for example, when the second display screen is a setting screen related to image transmission (not shown), the control unit 11 displays the device setting items related to image transmission (brightness adjustment / volume / language setting / settings / large character mode / total number of copies displayed) in the device setting item display area R20d.

[0099] In this way, by restricting the display of device setting items according to the function setting screen determined as the second display screen (restricting the display of device setting items not related to the function setting screen determined as the second display screen), it is possible to prevent settings that seem to be invalid for the execution of the function via the function setting screen from being made.

[0100] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the first display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items (fixed area) on the home screen is set to display, since the shortcut icon for receiving the display instruction of the device setting items is displayed on the second display screen, even from the second display screen, the device setting items can be displayed only by selecting the shortcut icon.

[0101] [3 Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, in the second display setting where the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to be hidden, as a display mode of the device setting items, the display of the device setting items is determined based on the detection of a swipe operation on the home screen or the second display screen.

[0102] [3.1 Functional Configuration] Since the functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the third embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, the description here is omitted.

[0103] [3.2 Flow of Processing] Next, the flow of processing in the third embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 10. Note that the processing before step S190 in FIG. 10 can be common to the processing according to steps S10 to S30 in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Therefore, here, the different processing after step S190 will be described. Also, for parts that are the same as the processing described in FIGS. 4, 7, etc., the same reference numerals may be used and the description may be omitted.

[0104] When the processing according to steps S10 to S30 is executed, the control unit 11 determines whether the display setting is the second display setting (step S190).

[0105] If it is determined that the display setting is the second display setting, the control unit 11 outputs only the home screen (step S190; Yes → step S60). On the other hand, if it is determined that the display setting is the first display setting, the control unit 11 can execute the processing after step S40 in FIG. 4 (step S190; No → "processing after step S40").

[0106] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether a swipe operation has been detected on the home screen (step S200). Note that the swipe operation is a type of gesture operation that moves the touch position from a starting point on the display screen. For example, it may be a gesture operation that moves the touch position from each side or each corner forming the outer frame of the display screen toward the inside of the display screen, or it may be a gesture operation that moves the touch position from a predetermined position within the display screen in a predetermined direction. Note that the operation definition of the swipe operation and the device setting items to be displayed by detecting the swipe operation can be performed via a setting screen (not shown).

[0107] When the control unit 11 detects a swipe operation, it refers to the display screen management table in FIG. 3(c) and determines the display of the device setting items on the home screen (step S200; Yes → step S100). Here, FIG. 3(c) is a diagram for explaining one form of the data structure of the display screen management table according to the third embodiment.

[0108] Then, based on the determination result in step S100, the control unit 11 outputs the device setting items. At this time, as the screen configuration of the display screen, a device setting item display area may be provided in a part of the screen area of the home screen, or it may be in a form where the device setting item display area is superimposed and displayed on the screen area of the home screen (step S170). The control unit 11 continues to display the device setting item display area until an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input (step S180; No → step S170). On the other hand, when an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input, the control unit 11 ends the display of the device setting item display area and returns the process to step S60 (step S180; Yes → step S60).

[0109] Incidentally, when a swipe operation is not detected, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a function menu button has been selected by the user on the home screen (step S200; No → step S210). When the control unit 11 determines that the function menu button has been selected, it determines the second display screen corresponding to the function menu button selected by the user, and outputs the determined second display screen to the touch panel as the operation input unit 15 (step S210; Yes → step S110). On the other hand, when the function menu button has not been selected by the user, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S60 and continues to display the home screen (step S210; No → step S60).

[0110] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a swipe operation has been detected on the second display screen (step S200).

[0111] When the control unit 11 detects a swipe operation, it refers to the display screen management table in FIG. 3(c) and determines the display of the device setting items on the second display screen (step S200; Yes → step S100).

[0112] Then, based on the determination result in step S100, the control unit 11 outputs the device setting items. At this time, as the screen configuration of the display screen, a device setting item display area may be provided in a part of the screen area of the second display screen, or it is also possible to adopt a form in which the device setting item display area is superimposed and displayed on the screen area of the second display screen (step S170). The control unit 11 continues to display the device setting item display area until an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input (step S180; No → step S170). On the other hand, when an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input, the control unit 11 ends the display of the device setting item display area and returns the process to step S110 (step S180; Yes → step S110).

[0113] Incidentally, when a swipe operation is not detected, the control unit 11 executes the function process related to the second display screen (step S200; No → step S130).

[0114] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the functional processing has ended (step S140). If it is determined that the functional processing has ended, the control unit 11 stores the display settings and ends the processing (step S140; Yes → step S150). On the other hand, if it is determined that the functional processing has not ended, the control unit 11 continues the functional processing until the functional processing ends (step S140; No → step S130).

[0115] [3.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of determining the display of device setting items based on the detection of a swipe operation on the home screen or the second display screen in the second display setting where the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to non-display.

[0116] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram for explaining a configuration of the home screen W10b under the second display setting. Since the home screen W10b can have the same configuration as the home screen W10b illustrated in FIG. 6(a), the same reference numerals are given here and the description thereof is omitted.

[0117] FIG. 11(b) is a display example of the device setting item display area R20c that the control unit 11 superimposes and displays on the home screen W10b when a swipe operation by the user is detected on the home screen W10b shown in FIG. 11(a).

[0118] Also, FIG. 11(c) is a display example of the device setting item display area R20c that the control unit 11 superimposes and displays on the copy setting screen W30d as the second display screen when a swipe operation by the user is detected on the copy setting screen W30d.

[0119] As shown in both FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c), under the second display setting in which the display of the device setting items on the home screen W10b is set to be non-displayed, the device setting item display area R20c can be displayed by detecting a swipe operation on the screen of the home screen W10b or the copy setting screen W30d (second display screen). Note that the display of the device setting item display area R20c in this case can be performed by a swipe operation from any location of the upper, lower, left, and right sides that form the outer frame of the display screen or the corners where the sides intersect. It is also possible to configure the display of the device setting item display area R20c by a swipe operation from the inner position of each side toward the center of the screen or from a position near the center of the screen toward the outer side of each side.

[0120] In the above description, a swipe operation is exemplified as an example of a gesture operation on the home screen W10b or the second display screen. However, as gesture operations applicable in the third embodiment, in addition to the swipe operation, for example, as long as it is a gesture operation that is not erroneously detected as a selection operation of a function menu button such as a multi-finger swipe operation, double-tap operation, flick operation, scroll operation, long-press operation other than the arrangement position of the function menu button, there is no limitation on its application, and it is also possible to combine a plurality of these gesture operations.

[0121] Note that in FIG. 11(c), as an example of the second display screen on which the device setting item display area R20c can be displayed based on the detection of a swipe operation, the copy setting screen W30d is given as an example, but the second display screen is not limited thereto. The third embodiment is applicable to each setting screen corresponding to the function menu buttons exemplified in FIG. 3(a), such as a simple copy setting screen, fax setting screen, simple fax setting screen, simple scan setting screen, E-mail setting screen, FTP setting screen, Desktop setting screen, shared folder transmission setting screen, Internet fax setting screen, data input screen, and scan save setting screen.

[0122] On the other hand, it is also possible to limit the display of the device setting item display area R20c based on the detection of a swipe operation. For example, if the device setting item display area R20c is displayed by detecting a swipe operation on the system information screen illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, etc., there is a possibility that information related to the setting system may be displayed redundantly. In this case, the limited screen area may be uselessly consumed by the display of redundant information, and the expression may become redundant. Therefore, when the display content of the device setting item display area R20c partially overlaps or completely overlaps with the display content of the second display screen, the display of the device setting item display area R20c can be restricted to effectively utilize the screen area.

[0123] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in the second display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to non-display, based on the detection of a swipe operation on the home screen or the second display screen, the device setting items are displayed. Therefore, even from the second display screen, the device setting items can be easily displayed by a gesture operation such as a swipe operation.

[0124] [4 Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, in the second display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to non-display, as a display mode of the device setting items, the display of the device setting items is determined based on the selection of a shortcut icon displayed on the home screen or the second display screen.

[0125] [4.1 Functional Configuration] Since the functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the fourth embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, the description here is omitted.

[0126] [4.2 Process Flow] Next, the processing flow of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. Note that the processing before step S190 in FIG. 12 can be made common with the processing according to steps S10 to S30 in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Therefore, here, different processing after step S190 will be described. Also, for parts that are the same as the processing described in FIGS. 4, 7, or 10, etc., the same reference numerals may be used and the description may be omitted.

[0127] When the processing according to steps S10 to S30 is executed, the control unit 11 determines whether the display setting is the second display setting (step S190).

[0128] If it is determined that the display setting is the second display setting, the control unit 11 determines the display of the shortcut icon on the first display screen (home screen) (step S190; Yes → step S160). On the other hand, if it is determined that the display setting is the first display setting, the control unit 11 can execute the processing after step S40 in FIG. 4 (step S190; No → “processing after step S40”).

[0129] Then, based on the determination results of step S190 and step 160, the control unit 11 outputs the shortcut icon together with the home screen (step S60). The control unit 11 displays the shortcut icon output together with the home screen in a predetermined display area (system area) of the home screen.

[0130] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the shortcut icon has been selected by the user (step S220). If it is determined that the shortcut icon has been selected by the user, the control unit 11 refers to the display screen management table in FIG. 3(d) and determines the display of the device setting items (step S220; Yes → step S100). Here, FIG. 3(d) is a diagram for explaining one form of the data structure of the display screen management table according to the fourth embodiment.

[0131] Based on the determination result of step S100, the control unit 11 outputs device setting items. At this time, as the screen configuration of the display screen, a device setting item display area may be provided in a part of the screen area of the home screen, or it is also possible to adopt a form in which the device setting item display area is superimposed and displayed on the screen area of the home screen (step S170). The control unit 11 continues to display the device setting item display area until an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input (step S180; No → step S170). On the other hand, when an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input, the control unit 11 ends the display of the device setting item display area and returns the process to step S60 (step S180; Yes → step S60).

[0132] By the way, when the shortcut icon is not selected, the control unit 11 determines whether the function menu button is selected by the user on the home screen (step S220; No → step S210). When the control unit 11 determines that the function menu button is selected, it determines the second display screen corresponding to the function menu button selected by the user. In addition, the control unit 11 determines the display of the shortcut icon on the second display screen (step S160). On the other hand, when the function menu button is not selected by the user, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S60 and continues to display the home screen (step S210; No → step S60).

[0133] Then, based on the determination results of step S210 and step 160, the control unit 11 outputs the shortcut icon together with the second display screen (step S110). The control unit 11 displays the shortcut icon output together with the second display screen in a predetermined display area (system area) of the second display screen.

[0134] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether a shortcut icon has been selected by the user (step S220). If it is determined that the shortcut icon has been selected by the user, the control unit 11 refers to the display screen management table in FIG. 3(d) and determines the display of the device setting items on the second display screen (step S220; Yes → step S100).

[0135] Then, based on the determination result in step S100, the control unit 11 outputs the device setting items. At this time, as the screen configuration of the display screen, a device setting item display area may be provided in a part of the screen area of the second display screen, or it is also possible to adopt a form in which the device setting item display area is superimposed and displayed on the screen area of the second display screen (step S170). The control unit 11 continues to display the device setting item display area until an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input (step S180; No → step S170). On the other hand, when an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input, the control unit 11 ends the display of the device setting item display area and returns the process to step S110 (step S180; Yes → step S110).

[0136] By the way, when the shortcut icon is not selected, the control unit 11 executes the function process related to the second display screen (step S220; No → step S130).

[0137] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the function process has ended (step S140). If it is determined that the function process has ended, the control unit 11 stores the display settings and ends the process (step S140; Yes → step S150). On the other hand, if it is determined that the function process has not ended, the control unit 11 continues the function process until the function process ends (step S140; No → step S130).

[0138] [4.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of determining the display of device setting items based on the selection of shortcut icons on the home screen or the second display screen in the second display setting where the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to non-display.

[0139] FIG. 13(a) is a diagram for explaining a configuration of the home screen W10c under the second display setting. Note that the home screen W10c can have substantially the same configuration as the home screen W10b illustrated in FIG. 6(a), but is different from the home screen W10b in that a shortcut icon SC10 is displayed in a predetermined display area (system area) of the home screen W10c.

[0140] FIG. 13(b) is a display example of a device setting item display area R20c that the control unit 11 superimposes and displays on the home screen W10c when the user selects the shortcut icon SC10 on the home screen W10c shown in FIG. 13(a).

[0141] Also, FIG. 13(c) is a display example of a device setting item display area R20c that the control unit 11 superimposes and displays on the copy setting screen W30b as the second display screen when the user selects the shortcut icon SC10 on the copy setting screen W30b.

[0142] As shown in both FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c), under the second display setting where the display of the device setting items on the home screen W10c is set to non-display, the device setting item display area R20c can be displayed by selecting the shortcut icon SC10 on the screen of the home screen W10c or the copy setting screen W30b (second display screen).

[0143] In FIG. 13(c), as an example of the second display screen capable of displaying the device setting item display area R20c based on the selection of the shortcut icon SC10 by the user, the copy setting screen W30b is given as an example. However, the second display screen is not limited to this. The fourth embodiment is applicable to each setting screen corresponding to the function menu buttons exemplified in FIG. 3(a), such as a simple copy setting screen, a fax setting screen, a simple fax setting screen, a simple scan setting screen, an E-mail setting screen, an FTP setting screen, a Desktop setting screen, a shared folder transmission setting screen, an Internet fax setting screen, a data input screen, and a scan save setting screen.

[0144] On the other hand, it is also possible to limit the display of the device setting item display area R20c based on the selection of the shortcut icon SC10. For example, if the device setting item display area R20c is displayed by selecting a shortcut icon on the system information screen exemplified in FIGS. 5 and 6, etc., there is a possibility that information related to the setting system will be displayed redundantly. In this case, there is a risk that the limited screen area will be uselessly consumed by the display of the redundant information. Therefore, when the display content of the device setting item display area R20c partially or completely overlaps with the display content of the second display screen, the display of the device setting item display area R20c can be restricted to effectively utilize the screen area.

[0145] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in the second display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to non-display, based on the selection of the shortcut icon on the home screen or the second display screen, the device setting items are displayed. Therefore, even from the second display screen, the device setting items can be easily displayed by selecting the shortcut icon.

[0146] [5 Fifth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment, in the second display setting where the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to be hidden, as a display mode of the device setting items, the display of the device setting items is determined based on whether an event related to the device setting items has occurred.

[0147] [5.1 Functional Configuration] Since the functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the fifth embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, the description here is omitted.

[0148] [5.2 Flow of Processing] Next, the flow of processing in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14. Note that the processing before step S190 in FIG. 14 can be common to the processing according to steps S10 to S30 in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Therefore, here, the different processing after step S190 will be described. Also, for parts that are the same as the processing described in FIGS. 4, 7, 10, or 12, etc., the same reference numerals may be used and the description may be omitted.

[0149] When the processing according to steps S10 to S30 is executed, the control unit 11 determines whether the display setting is the second display setting (step S190).

[0150] If it is determined that the display setting is the second display setting, the control unit 11 outputs only the home screen (step S190; Yes → step S60). On the other hand, if it is determined that the display setting is the first display setting, the control unit 11 can execute the processing after step S40 in FIG. 4 (step S190; No → "processing after step S40").

[0151] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether an event related to the device setting items has been detected (step S230). Note that the event related to the device setting items is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include when the toner remaining amount becomes low and when the number of sheets used approaches the device limit value.

[0152] When it is determined that an event related to the device setting item has been detected, the control unit 11 determines the display of the device setting item (step S230; Yes → step S100). If an event related to the device setting item is not detected, the detection operation is continued until the event is detected (step S230; No).

[0153] Then, based on the determination result in step S100, the control unit 11 outputs the device setting item. At this time, as the screen configuration of the display screen, a device setting item display area may be provided in a part of the screen area of the home screen, or it may be in a form where the device setting item display area is superimposed and displayed on the screen area of the home screen (step S170). Also, when an event is detected, after transitioning to the function setting screen (second display screen) related to the event, the device setting item may be output.

[0154] The control unit 11 continues to display the device setting item display area until an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input (step S180; No → step S170). On the other hand, when an instruction to end the display of the device setting item display area is input, the control unit 11 ends the display of the device setting item display area and returns the process to step S60 (step S180; Yes → step S60).

[0155] [5.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of determining the display of device setting items when an event related to the device setting items occurs in the second display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to non-display.

[0156] FIG. 15(a) is a diagram for explaining a configuration of the home screen W10b under the second display setting. Since the home screen W10b can have the same configuration as the home screen W10b illustrated in FIG. 6(a), the same reference numerals are given here and the description thereof is omitted.

[0157] FIG. 15(b) is an example of the display of the device setting item display area R20e that the control unit 11 superimposes and displays on the home screen W10b when detecting, as an event, the case where the remaining toner amount has become low on the home screen W10b shown in FIG. 15(a).

[0158] FIG. 15(c) is an example of the display of the device setting item display area R20f that the control unit 11 superimposes and displays on the home screen W10b when detecting, as an event, the case where the number of sheets of paper used is approaching the device limit value on the home screen W10b shown in FIG. 15(a).

[0159] In the description of the fifth embodiment, the home screen has been described as an example of the display screen for displaying the device setting item display area R20e or 20f when an event occurs. However, the device setting item display area R20e or 20f can also be displayed on the second display screen or the like described in the first to fourth embodiments. In this case, for example, after the process of outputting the second display screen according to step S110 in FIG. 12, the process related to event detection according to steps S230 and subsequent steps in FIG. 14 may be performed.

[0160] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, in the second display setting in which the display setting of the device setting items on the home screen is set to non-display, when an event related to the device setting items occurs, the device setting items are displayed. Therefore, the user can concentrate on the operations related to image processing without being conscious of the operations related to the display of the device setting items.

[0161] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0162] Also, although the above-described embodiments have parts that are separately described for convenience of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and executed within the technically possible range.

[0163] In addition, the program operating in each device in the embodiment is a program (a program that functions a computer) for controlling a CPU or the like so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. And the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during its processing, and then stored in a storage device such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) or HDDs, and read by the CPU as needed for modification and writing.

[0164] Here, as the recording medium for storing the program, any of a semiconductor medium (for example, ROM or non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium or magneto-optical recording medium (for example, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disk, etc.)), a magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.) may be used. Further, by executing the loaded program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the functions of the present invention may be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0165] Also, when distributing on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0166] 10 Multifunction device 11 Control unit 13 Display unit 15 Operation input unit 17 Communication unit 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23 Storage unit 231 Control Program 232 Display Control Program 233 Display Determination Program 234 Display Information Acquisition Program 235 Operation Judgment Program 236 Display Screen Management Table Storage Area 237 Display Screen Information Storage Area

Claims

1. A display unit and a control unit, wherein the display unit is capable of displaying a home screen and a copy setting screen, and the control unit arranges shortcut keys at the same position on the home screen and the copy setting screen, displays a device setting item display area according to the selection of the shortcut key, displays the device setting item display area on a part of the screen area of the home screen and a part of the screen area of the copy setting screen, and an image processing apparatus, characterized in that the device setting item display area on the home screen and the device setting item display area on the copy setting screen are displayed at the same display position according to the selection of the shortcut key.

2. The control unit dynamically changes the display content of the device setting item display area based on a user operation, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The shortcut key provides shortcuts for a plurality of device setting items, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The control unit displays the same device setting items in the device setting item display area on the home screen and the device setting item display area on the copy setting screen, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit displays the device setting item display area according to a user swipe operation, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit when detecting the occurrence of an event related to the display of device setting items, displays the content of the event reflected in the device setting item display area, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A control method for an image processing apparatus including a display unit and a control unit, wherein the display unit is capable of displaying a home screen and a copy setting screen, and the control unit arranges shortcut keys at the same position on the home screen and the copy setting screen, displays a device setting item display area according to the selection of the shortcut key, and displays the device setting item display area on a part of the screen area of the home screen and a part of the screen area of the copy setting screen, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized in that the device setting item display area on the home screen and the device setting item display area on the copy setting screen are displayed at the same display position according to the selection of the shortcut key.

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