Control device and control program

Abstract

To enable an enlargement of a display area of an item list at a scroll operation of the item list.SOLUTION: A control device includes a display control part configured to control a display of an item selection screen displaying, in a scrollable manner, an item list including a plurality of items selected by a user. The item selection screen displays a first button including a character and an icon. When the item list is scrolled, the display control part reduces, in a direction orthogonal to a scroll direction, a display area in which the first button is displayed. When the display area is reduced, the first button is displayed in an overlapped manner and operable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Multifunction peripherals (MFPs) are known as information devices that perform multiple functions such as copying, scanning, faxing, and printing. To enable easy and quick selection of a function to be executed on such information devices, some information devices display a list of task items that can be executed by the information device on the display screen of the information device.

[0003] In such an item list, since it is not possible to display all of the many task items in one list on the display screen, task items are displayed sequentially by scrolling. However, in order to quickly select and operate task items, it is desirable to display as many task items as possible on the display screen, but the area of the display screen is limited.

[0004] A technique for increasing the number of items displayed on a display screen is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this disclosed technique, when the item list is scrolled, individual items are displayed in a reduced size in order to control the display content. However, this disclosed technique does not mention the display of operation buttons and the like other than the item list.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which, when an item list is scrolled, the display area of the item list is enlarged by erasing all other displays than the item list. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-373312 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-219163 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, display areas for displaying operation buttons and the like other than the item list are arranged above and below the item list, and the upper or lower display areas are erased depending on the direction of scrolling.

[0008] The operation buttons displayed on the display screen together with the item list may include a list selection button for selecting the item list displayed on the display screen, and a function selection button for selecting the function to be executed by the information device.

[0009] An object of the technology disclosed herein is to provide a control device and a control program that can enlarge the display area of an item list when scrolling the item list. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first aspect is a control device that includes a display control unit that controls the display of an item selection screen on which a scrollable item list having multiple items that can be selected by the user is displayed, and in addition to the item list, the item selection screen displays at least one of a list selection button for selecting the item list displayed on the item selection screen and a function selection button for selecting a function to be executed by the information device, and on the item selection screen, at least one of the list selection button and the function selection button is located on the end side in the scrolling direction of the item list, and the display control unit reduces the display area of at least one of the list selection button and the function selection button on the item selection screen when the item list is scrolled.

[0011] The second aspect is a control device according to the first aspect, in which the list selection button is a button for selecting one item list to be displayed on the item selection screen from multiple types of item lists, and the display control unit reduces the display area of the list selection button when the item list is scrolled.

[0012] A third aspect is the control device according to the first or second aspect, in which the display control unit superimposes the reduced display area on the item list when the item list is scrolled.

[0013] A fourth aspect is a control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which a display control unit displays a list selection button at one end of the item list in the scrolling direction, and a function selection button at the other end of the item list in the scrolling direction.

[0014] A fifth aspect is a control device according to the fourth aspect, in which the display control unit reduces the display area of the list selection buttons displayed on the item selection screen when the item list is scrolled, and hides the function selection buttons.

[0015] A sixth aspect is a control device according to the fifth aspect, in which the display control unit, when scrolling of the item list is stopped, displays the function selection button that was hidden, and then returns the reduced display area to its original display state.

[0016] The seventh aspect is a control program for causing a computer to function as a control device, which includes a display control unit that controls the display of an item selection screen on which a scrollable item list having multiple items that can be selected by the user is displayed, and in addition to the item list, the item selection screen displays at least one of a list selection button for selecting the item list displayed on the item selection screen and a function selection button for selecting a function to be executed by the information device, and on the item selection screen, at least one of the list selection button and the function selection button is positioned on the end side in the scrolling direction of the item list, and the display control unit reduces the display area of at least one of the list selection button and the function selection button on the item selection screen when the item list is scrolled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the technology of the present disclosure, when scrolling the item list, the display area of the item list can be enlarged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an item selection screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an execution screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an item selection screen on which a destination list is displayed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an item selection screen on which a document list is displayed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an item list is scrolled on the item selection screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a display control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (Multifunction machine 100) 1 is an external view of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

[0021] The multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a device capable of executing processes related to functions such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile transmission. As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a control device 110, a reading unit 102, an image forming unit 103, and a communication unit 104 within a main body 150. The multifunction peripheral 100 is an example of an information device. The multifunction peripheral 100 can also perform data communication with information processing devices such as personal computers and servers in an office connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) line or the like, and can perform facsimile communication with communication devices in other offices via public lines such as telephone lines. Therefore, the multifunction peripheral 100 is also an example of an information communication device.

[0022] The operation panel 120, the control device 110 including the storage device 113, the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104 are all interconnected via a bus 109. Each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 will now be described.

[0023] (Reading unit 102, image forming unit 103, and communication unit 104) The reading unit 102 reads an image of a document. Specifically, the reading unit 102 optically reads the image of the document and converts it into a digital signal, thereby generating image data.

[0024] Image forming unit 103 forms an image on a medium such as paper. Specifically, image forming unit 103 forms an image on the medium by, for example, an electrophotographic method in which an image is formed by electrostatically adhering toner onto paper. Note that image forming unit 103 may also form an image on the medium by another method, such as an inkjet method in which an image is formed by ejecting ink onto paper.

[0025] The communication unit 104 communicates with external devices such as other facsimile machines. Specifically, the communication unit 104 transmits and receives various data to and from external devices through various wired or wireless communication lines. Examples of communication lines include the Internet, an intranet, and public telephone lines.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a document feeder 151 on top of a main body 150. The document feeder 151 feeds a document to a document reading stage (not shown) disposed on the top surface of the main body 150. Inside the main body 150, a reading unit 102 is disposed at a position opposite the reading stage. The document feeder 151 is also flippable, and by flipping the document feeder 151 upward, the reading stage is exposed, allowing the reading stage to be used as a so-called flatbed type. This allows the user to set a document directly on the reading stage without using the document feeder 151.

[0027] The image of the original is read by the reading unit 102, and image data is generated. When processing for the copy function is performed in the multifunction peripheral 100, the image forming unit 103 prints the image of the original on a separate sheet of paper based on the image data generated by the reading unit 102. The sheet of paper on which the image is printed is discharged to a paper discharge unit 152 provided in the main body unit 150. When processing for the facsimile function is performed in the multifunction peripheral 100, the image data generated by the reading unit 102 is output to the communication unit 104 and transmitted to a destination via the communication unit 104. When processing for the print function is performed in the multifunction peripheral 100, the image forming unit 103 prints an image on a sheet of paper based on image data input from a personal computer or the like. The sheet of paper on which the image is printed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 152.

[0028] In addition, the main body 150 is provided inside with a paper feed unit where paper is set, a paper transport mechanism that transports paper to the image forming unit 103 and paper discharge unit 152, and the like.

[0029] (Operation panel 120) The multifunction device 100 is equipped with an operation panel 120 that allows a user to operate the multifunction device 100. The operation panel 120 is an example of a user interface. A user interface is a device for exchanging information between the multifunction device 100 and a user, specifically, for inputting operation instructions from the user to the multifunction device 100 and displaying information such as the status of the multifunction device 100 to the user.

[0030] In this embodiment, the operation panel 120 specifically includes a display unit 121 and an operation unit 122, as shown in FIGS.

[0031] The display unit 121 displays an operation screen and various messages such as operation guides. The operation unit 122 is a component on which a user performs input operations. The display unit 121 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 122 and the display unit 121 are integrated into a touch panel display 123. The operation unit 122 is a touch panel such as a resistive film type or a capacitive type, and detects touch operations by the user. In the touch panel display 123, an area where the operation screen of the display unit 121 is displayed overlaps with an area where touch operations of the operation unit 122 can be detected. As a result, when the user touches the operation screen displayed on the display unit 121, the operation unit 122 detects that the touch operation has been performed on the operation screen and the position where the touch operation has been performed on the operation screen, and outputs a detection signal to the control device 110.

[0032] Touch operations by the user include tapping, flicking, sliding, and dragging. A tapping operation is an operation of touching the screen of the display unit 121 with a finger. A flicking operation is an operation of touching the screen of the display unit 121 in a flicking motion with a finger. A sliding operation is an operation of moving a finger while touching the screen of the display unit 121. A dragging operation is an operation of touching an image displayed on the display unit 121 with a finger, moving the finger that touched the image, and then releasing the finger from the image. The operation unit 122, which is a touch panel, outputs a detection signal representing the trajectory of the finger movement associated with these touch operations on the operation screen. Note that touching operations may be performed not only by the user's finger, but also by using a tool such as a touch pen.

[0033] 1, the operation panel 120 has operation keys 124 arranged outside the screen of the display unit 121. The operation keys 124 include a power key for turning on the power of the multifunction peripheral 100 and a cancel key for canceling various executions. In this way, the operation panel 120 of this embodiment has a mechanical operation unit in addition to the touch panel display 123 including the operation unit 122.

[0034] In this embodiment, the display unit 121 can display various operation screens such as an item selection screen 300 shown in Fig. 4 and an execution screen 350 shown in Fig. 5. Details of the item selection screen 300 and the execution screen 350 will be described later.

[0035] (Control device 110) The control device 110 is a device that controls each part of the multifunction peripheral 100, including the operation panel 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control device 110 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a memory 112, and a storage device 113. The control device 110 controls the multifunction peripheral 100 based on information stored in the storage device 113.

[0036] The storage device 113 stores various programs including a control program 130, and various data including function control data 131 and UI (User Interface) control data 132. The control program 130 is a program that causes a computer including the CPU 111 to function as the control device 110. The function control data 131 is data used to control the reading unit 102, image forming unit 103, and communication unit 104, and includes various setting information and processing parameters. The processing parameters are parameters used when executing image correction processes such as gain correction, contrast correction, white balance correction, and gamma correction.

[0037] The various setting information includes setting information that specifies the processing conditions for the copy function, scan function, print function, and the like, which are realized by the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104. For example, in the case of the copy function and the print function, the setting information specifies processing conditions such as paper size and color setting (e.g., black and white copy or color copy), and in the case of the scan function, the setting information specifies processing conditions such as reading resolution and color setting (e.g., black and white reading or color reading). The setting information includes initial setting information as well as user setting information that is set by the user. The various setting information also includes a history of user setting information that the user has used in the past.

[0038] The UI control data 132 includes various screen data constituting the operation screen displayed by the display unit 121 and various table data defining various setting items to be displayed on the operation screen. The storage device 113 is specifically realized by a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory.

[0039] The memory 112 is a work area for the CPU 111 to execute various programs, and temporarily stores various programs or various data when the CPU 111 executes processing. The CPU 111 reads various programs, including the control program 130, from the storage device 113 into the memory 112, and executes the programs using the memory 112 as a work area.

[0040] In the control device 110, the CPU 111 executes the control program 130 to realize various functions for controlling the multifunction peripheral 100. The following describes the functional configuration realized by the cooperation of the CPU 111 as a hardware resource and the control program 130 as a software resource. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the CPU 111, and is mainly a block diagram showing the functional configuration for realizing control of the operation panel 120.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, in the control device 110, the CPU 111 executes the control program 130 to function as a UI control unit 141 and a function control unit 144.

[0042] Function control unit 144 controls reading unit 102, image forming unit 103, and communication unit 104 while referring to function control data based on operation instructions input from UI control unit 141. Function control unit 144 also outputs execution results and statuses of processes in reading unit 102, image forming unit 103, and communication unit 104 to UI control unit 141.

[0043] The UI control unit 141 receives an operation instruction input from the operation panel 120 and outputs the received operation instruction to the function control unit 144. The UI control unit 141 also controls the touch panel display 123. The UI control unit 141 has a display control unit 142 and an operation receiving unit 143 as functional components.

[0044] The operation receiving unit 143 receives operation instructions input by the user through the operation panel 120 , including a touch operation by the user detected by the operation unit 122 of the touch panel display 123 .

[0045] The display control unit 142 refers to the function control data 131 and the UI control data 132 and controls the display of various operation screens on the display unit 121 of the touch panel display 123.

[0046] Specifically, when the operation receiving unit 143 receives an operation to turn on the multifunction peripheral 100, the display control unit 142 displays, as an example, an item selection screen 300 (see FIG. 4) as a top screen on the display unit 121. The item selection screen 300 is a screen on which an item list 4 having a plurality of task items 301 (see FIG. 4) selected by the user is scrollably displayed. On the item selection screen 300, the user selects a task item 301 to be executed by the multifunction peripheral 100. Here, a task is a process that the user sets processing conditions for a major function of the multifunction peripheral 100 and then causes the multifunction peripheral 100 to execute. An item including information indicating the content of this process is called a task item 301. For example, in the case of a copy function, which is one of the major functions of the multifunction peripheral 100, the process that the user sets processing conditions such as paper size and color setting and then causes the multifunction peripheral 100 to execute is called a copy function task, and an item indicating the content of this task is called a task item 301. Similarly, in the case of the scan function, the process that the user sets processing conditions such as reading resolution and color settings and then causes the multifunction device 100 to execute is the task of the scan function, and the item indicating the content of this task is the task item 301. Note that the task item 301 is an example of an item.

[0047] As described above, there are various types of tasks and task items 301 that indicate their contents, depending on the type of function and processing conditions. A plurality of task items 301 with different types of function and processing conditions are displayed on the item selection screen 300. The item selection screen 300 is a selection screen for selecting one task item 301 from the plurality of task items 301 when causing the multifunction device 100 to execute one task.

[0048] The various setting information of the function control data 131 includes priority list information 11 and history list information 12. The storage device 113 is a priority list recording unit in which the priority list information 11 is recorded, and also a history list recording unit in which the history list information 12 is recorded. The priority list information 11 is information that records a plurality of pre-set task items 301. The task items 301 included in the priority list information 11 include, for example, task items that are pre-set because they are frequently executed. The task items 301 included in the priority list information 11 may be initially set at the time of product shipment, or may be set by the user.

[0049] The history list information 12 is information that records the history of task items 301 that have been executed in the past by the multifunction device 100. The priority list information 11 records the name and order of each task item 301. The history list information 12 records the name of each task item 301 and the execution date and time when each task item 301 was executed.

[0050] The display control unit 142 generates priority list 1 (see FIG. 4) and history list 2 (see FIG. 4) by referring to the priority list information 11 and the history list information 12. Specifically, when generating priority list 1, the display control unit 142 arranges each task item 301 in priority list 1 in order based on the name and arrangement order of each task item 301 included in the priority list information 11 to generate priority list 1. Furthermore, when generating history list 2, the display control unit 142 arranges each task item 301 in history list 2 in order based on the name and execution date and time of each task item 301 included in the history list information 12 to generate history list 2. Then, the display control unit 142 displays priority list 1 and history list 2 side by side as item list 4 on the item selection screen 300.

[0051] As a result, as shown in Fig. 4, the display control unit 142 displays, in parallel on the item selection screen 300, a priority list 1, which is a list of preset task items 301, and a history list 2, which is a history of task items 301 that have been executed in the multifunction peripheral 100 in the past. In Fig. 4, as an example, on the item selection screen 300, the priority list 1 is displayed at the top and the history list 2 is displayed at the bottom.

[0052] The task items 301 in the history list 2 are displayed in chronological order based on the execution dates and times of the task items 301 recorded in the history list information 12. Specifically, as an example, the task items 301 are displayed in the direction of the arrow X2, starting with the most recent task item 301 execution date and time. Therefore, the most recently executed task item 301 is displayed at the top of the history list 2 (i.e., the position closest to the X1 direction).

[0053] As described above, each of the multiple task items 301 included in the priority list 1 or the history list 2 is a task item for one of the four main functions of the multifunction peripheral 100: copy function, scan function, print function, and facsimile function. In this way, the task items 301 registered in the priority list 1 or the history list 2 correspond to one of the four main functions of the multifunction peripheral 100. In other words, supplementary functions of the multifunction peripheral 100 other than the four main functions are excluded from the functions registered in the priority list 1 or the history list 2. Therefore, the task items 301 registered in the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are limited to those related to main functions that are executed relatively frequently, making the priority list 1 and the history list 2 easy for users to use. Note that it is preferable that at least one of the multiple task items 301 registered in the priority list 1 or the history list 2 includes a task item 301 for the copy function, which is considered to be executed relatively frequently among the four main functions.

[0054] Furthermore, the task items 301 in the priority list 1 can be customized by the user. Specifically, the task items 301 in the priority list 1 can be rearranged, their names can be changed, and task items 301 can be added from the history list 2.

[0055] Furthermore, each time a task item 301 is executed by the multifunction device 100, the function control unit 144 adds data of the executed task item 301 to the history list information 12. When the history list information 12 is updated, the display control unit 142 updates the history list 2 on the item selection screen 300.

[0056] To the right of the task item 301 in priority list 1, a pinned display 5 is displayed to indicate that it is a task item 301 in priority list 1. The pinned display 5 indicates that it is a task item 301 whose display will not be updated even if other task items are executed.

[0057] Then, for example, when the operation unit 122 detects a selection operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) on a task item 301 in the priority list 1 and the history list 2, the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction for the selection operation of the task item 301. When the operation reception unit 143 receives the operation instruction, the display control unit 142 displays an execution screen 350 (see FIG. 5 ) for executing the selected task on the display unit 121. The execution screen 350 displays setting items for making various settings and an execution button 10 for executing the task. By operating these setting items, various settings are made, and then the execution button 10 is operated to execute the task. The execution screen 350 shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a screen when an "A4 color" copy function task is selected as the task item 301.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5 , the item selection screen 300 of this embodiment displays a list selection button 18 in addition to the item list 4. On the item selection screen 300, a display area 15 for the list selection button 18 is located at the top of the item list 4. Specifically, the display area 15 is located above the priority list 1. The list selection button 18 is a button for selecting one of multiple types of item lists 4 to be displayed on the item selection screen 300. There are multiple types of item lists 4, and the priority list 1 and history list 2 shown in FIG. 4 are examples of the item lists 4. As multiple types of item lists 4, there are three types: the priority list 1 and history list 2 shown in FIG. 4 , a destination list 4A shown in FIG. 6 , and a document list 4B shown in FIG. 7 . In other words, the list selection button 18 is a button for switching the item list 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300. The top end of the item list 4 is an example of the end of the item list 4 in the scrolling direction.

[0059] The display control unit 142 references the UI control data 132 and displays, as list selection buttons 18, a destination list selection button 18a, a priority list 1 and history list 2 selection button 18b, and a document list selection button 18c on the item selection screen 300 together with the item list 4. As a result, the selection buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c are displayed at the top of the item list 4 (specifically, priority list 1). The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the display area 15 are the same as the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the task items 301. The task items 301 have the same vertical and horizontal dimensions. Each of the selection buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c has an icon 16 and an explanatory character 19 indicating the contents of the selectable list.

[0060] 3, the various setting information of the function control data 131 includes, in addition to the priority list information 11 and the history list information 12, destination list information 13 and document list information 14. As described above, the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are item lists generated based on the priority list information 11 and the history list information 12.

[0061] The destination list information 13 is a list of destinations used for the facsimile function, etc., and is information that records multiple destinations registered by the user. The destination list 4A shown in FIG. 6 is an item list 4 generated based on the destination list information 13. The destination list 4A displays multiple items 301A in a list format, each indicating a multiple destination. The items 301A are items selected by the user in the destination list 4A, similar to the task items 301 in the priority list information 11 and the history list information 12.

[0062] The document list information 14 is information that records document data, including documents and images scanned by, for example, a scanning function. The document list 4B shown in FIG. 7 is an item list 4 generated based on the document list information 14. The document list 4B displays a list of multiple items 301B, each representing a plurality of documents. The items 301B are items selected by the user in the document list 4B, similar to the task items 301 in the priority list information 11 and the history list information 12.

[0063] In this way, information for generating a plurality of types of item lists 4 is recorded in the storage device 113 as various setting information included in the function control data 131, as shown in FIG.

[0064] For example, when the operation unit 122 detects an operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) on any of the selection buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c, the operation receiving unit 143 receives an operation instruction for that operation.

[0065] For example, suppose that an item list 4 other than the destination list 4A (e.g., priority list 1 and history list 2) is displayed as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300. In this state, if the operation accepting unit 143 accepts an operation instruction from the select button 18a, the display control unit 142 generates the destination list 4A shown in FIG. 6 by referring to the destination list information 13 based on the operation instruction. Then, the display control unit 142 displays the destination list 4A as the item list 4, replacing the priority list 1 and history list 2, which are the item lists 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300. Note that if the destination list 4A is already displayed as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300 and the select button 18a is operated, the display of the destination list 4A is maintained.

[0066] Also, for example, suppose that an item list 4 other than document list 4B (e.g., destination list 4A) is displayed as the item list 4 on item selection screen 300. In this state, if operation accepting unit 143 accepts an operation instruction of select button 18c, display control unit 142 references document list information 14 and generates document list 4B shown in FIG. 7 based on the operation instruction. Then, document list 4B is displayed as the item list 4 in place of destination list 4A, which is the item list 4 displayed on item selection screen 300. Note that if document list 4B is already displayed as the item list 4 on item selection screen 300 and select button 18c is operated, the display of document list 4B is maintained.

[0067] Also, for example, suppose that an item list 4 other than priority list 1 and history list 2 (for example, destination list 4A) is displayed as the item list 4 on item selection screen 300. In this state, if operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction from select button 18b, display control unit 142, based on the operation instruction, displays priority list 1 and history list 2 as the item list 4, instead of destination list 4A, which is the item list 4 displayed on item selection screen 300. Note that if priority list 1 and history list 2 are already displayed as item lists 4 on item selection screen 300 and select button 18b is operated, the display of priority list 1 and history list 2 is maintained.

[0068] The item selection screen 300 of this embodiment further includes a display area 25 in which a function selection button 24 is displayed, which is disposed at the bottom of the item list 4. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the display area 25 is disposed so as to overlap a task item 301 at the bottom of the history list 2. The function selection button 24 is a button for the user to select a function to be executed by the multifunction device 100. The function selection button 24 is used, for example, when the task that the user wants the multifunction device 100 to execute is not in the priority list 1 or the history list 2, and the user selects a function to be executed by the multifunction device 100. The bottom end side of the item list 4 is an example of the end side of the item list 4 in the scrolling direction.

[0069] The display control unit 142 references the UI control data 132 and displays, as function selection buttons 24, a selection button 24a for selecting a copy function, a selection button 24b for selecting a scan function, a selection button 24c for selecting a print function, and a selection button 24d for selecting a facsimile function on the item selection screen 300 together with the item list 4. As a result, the selection buttons 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are displayed superimposed on the bottom edge of the item list 4 (history list 2 in the example shown in FIG. 4). In this manner, in this embodiment, the function selection buttons 24 enable each of the four main functions of the multifunction peripheral 100, namely, the copy function, the scan function, the print function, and the facsimile function. The vertical dimension of the display area 25 is equal to the vertical dimension of the task item 301, and the horizontal dimension of the display area 25 is smaller than the horizontal dimension of the task item 301.

[0070] Unlike the list selection button 18, each of the selection buttons 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d does not have the explanatory text 19 and is composed of only an icon. For example, when the operation unit 122 detects an operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) on any of the selection buttons 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, the operation receiving unit 143 receives an operation instruction for that operation.

[0071] When the operation receiving unit 143 receives the operation instruction, the display control unit 142 displays an execution screen 350 (see FIG. 5 as an example) for executing the selected function on the display unit 121. The execution screen 350 displays setting items for making various settings and an execution button 10 for executing the function. After various settings are made by operating the setting items, the function is executed by operating the execution button 10.

[0072] As described above, the item list 4, the list selection buttons 18, and the function selection buttons 24 are displayed on the same item selection screen 300. Note that Fig. 4 shows an example in which the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are displayed on the item selection screen 300 as the item list 4.

[0073] When the operation unit 122 detects a scroll operation on the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300, the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction for the scroll operation. This operation instruction is input to the display control unit 142. The display control unit 142 scrolls the item list 4 based on the input operation instruction for the scroll operation. Specifically, the scroll operation is a flick operation in the direction of arrow X1 or arrow X2 (see FIG. 4).

[0074] In this embodiment, when the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are displayed on the item selection screen 300 as the item list 4, the display control unit 142 handles the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as an integrated list. In other words, when scrolling, the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are not distinguished from each other, but are scrolled together as one integrated list.

[0075] 4, the item selection screen 300 can be scrolled only in the X1 direction, which decreases the number of displayed task items 301 in the priority list 1. Therefore, only a flick operation in the X1 direction is valid on the item selection screen 300 in the state shown in Fig. 4. After the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are scrolled in the X1 direction, scrolling in the X2 direction is also possible.

[0076] The priority list 1 and the history list 2 are scrolled by moving the priority list 1 and the history list 2 in the X1 direction or the X2 direction in which the flick operation is performed. As a result, the task items 301 that were not displayed are displayed sequentially on the item selection screen 300.

[0077] Furthermore, when the operation receiving unit 143 receives an operation instruction for a scroll operation on the item list 4, the display control unit 142 reduces the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed on the item selection screen 300 and hides the function selection buttons 24, as shown in FIG. 8 . Note that the reduction of the display area 15 and the hiding of the function selection buttons 24 are executed regardless of the scroll direction of the scroll operation received by the operation receiving unit 143. Specifically, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the display area 15 are reduced to one-third of their original size. That is, the display area 15 is reduced in the scroll direction (vertical direction) and the direction perpendicular thereto (horizontal direction). At this time, the explanatory characters 19 of the list selection buttons 18 are hidden, and only the icons 16 are displayed. Furthermore, the reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item list 4. Therefore, the list selection buttons 18 displayed in the display area 15 are displayed superimposed on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300. The reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300, so that the priority list 1 is displayed extending to the top edge of the item selection screen 300. In addition, in this embodiment, the display area 25 displaying the function selection buttons 24 is erased, and the function selection buttons 24 are hidden. As a result, the task items 301 arranged at the bottom of the item selection screen 300 are displayed in their entirety.

[0078] Furthermore, when scrolling of the item list 4 is stopped, i.e., when the operation unit 122 does not detect a scrolling operation on the item list 4, the display control unit 142 re-displays the hidden function selection buttons 24 and then returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state. Specifically, after a predetermined time has elapsed since scrolling of the item list 4 was stopped, the display control unit 142 re-displays the hidden function selection buttons 24 and then returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state. At this time, the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 and the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 return to their original display states. The passage of the predetermined time is measured, for example, by a timer or the like.

[0079] (Action of this embodiment) Next, an example of the operation of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display control process executed by the control device 110.

[0080] When the multifunction peripheral 100 is started by turning on the power, the CPU 111 executes the control program 130 read from the storage device 113. As a result, the CPU 111 functions as a UI control unit 141 and a function control unit 144, and starts control processing.

[0081] 9, as an example, the UI control unit 141 displays an item selection screen 300 (see FIG. 4) as a top screen on the display unit 121 of the touch panel display 123 (step S301). In this example, a case will be described where the item list 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300 is the priority list 1 and history list 2 shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the UI control unit 141 reads out the priority list information 11 and history list information 12 included in the function control data 131 and the UI control data 132, generates the priority list 1 and the history list 2 including a plurality of task items 301, and displays the priority list 1 and the history list 2 in parallel as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300. In addition, the UI control unit 141 references the UI control data 132 and displays selection buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c in the display area 15. Furthermore, the UI control unit 141 refers to the UI control data 132 and causes the selection buttons 24 a , 24 b , 24 c , and 24 d to be displayed in the display area 25 .

[0082] The UI control unit 141 waits for input of a touch operation on the item selection screen 300 displayed on the display unit 121. First, in step S302, the UI control unit 141 determines whether a scroll operation has been performed on the item list 4 (for example, the priority list 1 and the history list 2) displayed on the item selection screen 300. If the task item 301 desired by the user is not displayed on the item selection screen 300, the user performs a scroll operation on the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300 via the touch panel display 123 in order to display the hidden task item 301. The scroll operation is, for example, a flick operation in the direction of the arrow X1.

[0083] If a scroll operation is performed on item list 4 on item selection screen 300 (step S302: YES), UI control unit 141 proceeds to step S303, and if a scroll operation is not performed on item list 4 (step S302: NO), UI control unit 141 repeats step S302 until a scroll operation is performed on item list 4.

[0084] In step S303, the UI control unit 141 reduces the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed. Specifically, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the display area 15 are reduced to one-third of their original size. At this time, the explanatory text 19 of the list selection buttons 18 is hidden, and only the icons 16 are displayed. The reduced display area 15 is also superimposed on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300. Therefore, the list selection buttons 18 displayed in the display area 15 are superimposed on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300. By superimposing the reduced display area 15 on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300, the priority list 1 is displayed extending to the top of the item selection screen 300.

[0085] Furthermore, the UI control unit 141 hides the function selection button 24 (step S304). As a result, the task items 301 arranged at the bottom of the item selection screen 300 are displayed in their entirety. Note that, in this embodiment, step S304 is executed after step S303, but step S303 may be executed after step S304 or may be executed simultaneously with step S304.

[0086] Furthermore, the UI control unit 141 scrolls the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as the item list 4 (step S305). Specifically, in step S305, the UI control unit 141 treats the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as a single integrated list and scrolls the priority list 1 and the history list 2 together. For example, when performing a scrolling operation, regardless of whether the user's finger touches the display area of either the priority list 1 or the history list 2 on the touch panel display 123, both the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are scrolled because they are treated as a single integrated list. The user performs this scrolling operation to find the desired task item 301 on the item selection screen 300.

[0087] Next, the UI control unit 141 determines whether the scrolling operation on the item list 4 has stopped (step S306). If the scrolling operation on the item list 4 has stopped (step S306: YES), the UI control unit 141 stops scrolling the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as the item list 4 (step S307) and proceeds to step S308. If the scrolling operation on the item list 4 has not stopped (step S306: NO), the UI control unit 141 proceeds to step S303.

[0088] In step S308, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling operation on the item list 4 was stopped. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling operation on the item list 4 was stopped (step S308: YES), the UI control unit 141 displays the function selection buttons 24 (step S309). That is, the UI control unit 141 rearranges the display area 25 displaying the function selection buttons 24 so that it overlaps with the task items 301 at the bottom of the item list 4. In this way, the UI control unit 141 stops hiding the function selection buttons 24 and returns the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 to its original display state.

[0089] Next, the UI control unit 141 returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state (step S310). In this manner, in this embodiment, the reduced display area 15 is returned to its original display state after the hidden function selection buttons 24 are redisplayed. Note that if a scrolling operation on the item list 4 is performed before a predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling operation on the item list 4 was stopped (step S308: NO), the UI control unit 141 proceeds to step S303.

[0090] In step S311, the UI control unit 141 determines whether the display of the item selection screen 300 has ended. For example, it determines whether the item selection screen 300 has been switched to another screen. The UI control unit 141 repeats the processes of steps S301 to S310 until the display of the item selection screen 300 has ended (step S311: NO).

[0091] 9, when an operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) is performed on the selection button 18a, regardless of which step is being executed, the UI control unit 141 displays a destination list 4A (see FIG. 6) used for the facsimile function, etc., as the item list 4. Also, when an operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) is performed on the selection button 18c, regardless of which step is being executed, the UI control unit 141 displays a document list 4B (see FIG. 7) such as data of documents and images read by the scan function, as the item list 4. Then, when the type of item list 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300 is switched, the UI control unit 141 monitors the operation on the displayed item list 4 and executes the control process shown in FIG. 9.

[0092] Furthermore, the control process shown in FIG. 9 ends when, for example, the power of the multifunction peripheral 100 is turned off, regardless of which step is being executed.

[0093] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300 (step S302: YES), as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the UI control unit 141 reduces the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed (step S303) and hides the function selection buttons 24 (step S304).

[0094] In this way, when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4, the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed is reduced, so that the display area of the item list 4 is enlarged compared to a configuration in which the display state of the display area 15 is maintained even when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4.

[0095] Furthermore, when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4, the display area 15 is reduced, so that even when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4, it is possible to operate the list selection buttons 18, compared to a configuration in which the display area 15 is erased. Therefore, in this embodiment, when scrolling the item list 4, it is possible to expand the display area of the item list 4 while maintaining a state in which the list selection buttons 18 can be operated. By expanding the display area of the item list 4, the number of task items 301 displayed on the item selection screen 300 increases, so that the task item 301 can be selected quickly.

[0096] In this embodiment, the list selection button 18 is a button for selecting one item list 4 to be displayed on the item selection screen 300 from the multiple types of recorded item lists 4 (specifically, three types: priority list 1, history list 2, destination list, and document list). Therefore, when scrolling the item lists 4, the item lists 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300 can be switched between three types: priority list 1, history list 2, destination list 4A, and document list 4B.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the task item 301 at the top of the item list 4. Therefore, the priority list 1 is displayed extending to the top edge of the item selection screen 300. This allows the display area of the item list 4 to be enlarged. By enlarging the display area of the item list 4, the number of items displayed on the item selection screen 300 (such as the task item 301 shown in FIG. 4, the item 301A shown in FIG. 6, and the item 301B shown in FIG. 7) increases, allowing for quick selection of items, etc.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, the list selection button 18 is displayed at the top of the item list 4 (specifically, the priority list 1), and the function selection button 24 is displayed superimposed on the bottom of the item list 4 (specifically, the history list 2).

[0099] In this way, the list selection buttons 18 and the function selection buttons 24 are distributed above and below the item list 4, so that the item list 4 is located at the center in the scrolling direction on the item selection screen 300. This makes it easy to scroll the item list 4. Furthermore, by distributing the list selection buttons 18 and the function selection buttons 24 above and below the item list 4, when the display area 15 of the list selection buttons 18 is reduced and the function selection buttons 24 are hidden, the display area of the item list 4 is expanded vertically.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300 (step S302: YES), the UI control unit 141 not only reduces the display area 15 (step S303), but also hides the function selection button 24 (step S304).

[0101] In this way, by hiding the function selection button 24, the display area is enlarged at the bottom end of the item list 4 compared to a configuration in which the display area 25 including the function selection button 24 is reduced. By enlarging the display area of the item list 4, the number of items (task item 301, item 301A, item 301B, etc.) displayed on the item selection screen 300 increases, so that the item selection work can be performed quickly. Note that in this embodiment, the operation of scrolling the item list 4 is regarded as an operation for the user to search for the item to be selected (task item 301, item 301A, item 301B, etc.), and the function selection button 24 is hidden because it is unlikely that the user will select the function selection button 24.

[0102] Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling operation on the item list 4 was stopped (step S308: YES), the UI control unit 141 redisplays the function selection button 24 that was hidden (step S309), and then returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state (step S310).

[0103] In this way, the hidden function selection buttons 24 are displayed first, and then the reduced display area 15 is returned to its original display state. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 is returned to its original display state first, the operation on the function selection buttons 24 can be performed more quickly after the scrolling operation of the item list 4 is stopped.

[0104] In this embodiment, although the display area 15 is reduced, the display of the list selection buttons 18 themselves is maintained, so that the list selection buttons 18 can be operated, but the function selection buttons 24 are not displayed. Therefore, by displaying the function selection buttons 24 before returning the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 to its original display state, the function selection buttons 24 can be operated quickly after the scrolling of the item list 4 has stopped.

[0105] (Variation) In this embodiment, when the item list 4 is scrolled, the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed is reduced, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to reducing the display area 15, the display area 25 in which the function selection buttons 24 are displayed may be reduced. When reducing the display area 25 in which the function selection buttons 24 are displayed, the display state of the list selection buttons 18 may be maintained without reducing the display area 15, or the display area 15 may be erased to hide the list selection buttons 18.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the function selection buttons 24 are hidden when the item list 4 is scrolled, but this is not limiting. For example, the display state of the function selection buttons 24 may be maintained when the item list 4 is scrolled.

[0107] In the present embodiment, the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 is located at the top of the item list 4, but this is not limited thereto and may be located at the bottom of the item list 4. Also, in the present embodiment, the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 is located at the bottom of the item list 4, but this is not limited thereto and may be located at the top of the item list 4. Therefore, the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 may be located at the bottom of the item list 4, and the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 may be located at the top of the item list 4. Also, both the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 and the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 may be located at the top or bottom of the item list 4. Furthermore, it is sufficient that one of the display area 15 and the display area 25 is located at the top or bottom of the item list 4, and the other of the display area 15 and the display area 25 may be located, for example, near the center of the item list 4.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 and the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 are provided, but the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 may not be provided. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 is reduced when the item list 4 is scrolled, the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 may not be provided.

[0109] In addition, in this embodiment, the reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the task item 301 at the top of the item list 4, but this is not limited to this. For example, the reduced display area 15 may be configured to be positioned above the task item 301 at the top of the item list 4.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, the UI control unit 141 re-displays the hidden function selection buttons 24 after a predetermined time has elapsed since scrolling of the item list 4 was stopped, and then returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state, but this is not limited to this. For example, the hidden function selection buttons 24 may be re-displayed after the reduced display area 15 is returned to its original display state, or the display area 15 may be returned to its original display state and the function selection buttons 24 may be re-displayed simultaneously.

[0111] In addition, in the present embodiment, the task items 301 in the item list 4 are arranged vertically, and the item list 4 is scrolled vertically, but this is not limited to this. For example, the task items 301 in the item list 4 may be arranged horizontally, and the item list 4 may be scrolled horizontally. In this case, the display area 15 including the list selection button 18 and the display area 25 including the function selection button 24 are arranged at the left and right ends of the item list 4.

[0112] In the above embodiment, various processors shown below can be used as the hardware structure of processing units that execute various processes, such as the UI control unit 141, the display control unit 142, the operation reception unit 143, and the function control unit 144. The various processors include the CPU 111, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, as well as dedicated electrical circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes, such as a PLD (programmable logic device) such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0113] The various processes described above may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, a plurality of processing units may be configured by a single processor. An example of configuring a plurality of processing units by a single processor is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of an entire system including a plurality of processing units by a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, such as a System on Chip (SoC).

[0114] In this way, the various processing units are configured as hardware structures using one or more of the various processors described above.

[0115] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0116] In addition to the control program of the control device, the technology of the present disclosure also extends to a computer-readable storage medium (such as a USB: Universal Serial Bus) memory or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory)) that non-temporarily stores the control program of the control device.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modifications may be combined in multiple forms as appropriate.

[0118] In this embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 100 is used as an example of an information device, but the present invention is not limited to this. Examples of information devices include telephone line devices such as mobile phones and facsimiles, copiers and printers without communication functions, and image forming devices other than multifunction peripherals.

[0119] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-239028, filed on December 27, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The technology disclosed herein can expand the display area of an item list in an information device by displaying reduced selection buttons, and the reduced selection buttons can be used even while scrolling the item list. This allows for quick selection of an item list or function, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 4 Item List 110 Control device 142 Display control unit 300 Item Selection Screen

Claims

1. a display control unit for controlling the display of an item selection screen on which an item list having a plurality of items to be selected by a user is scrollably displayed; a first button consisting of a character and an icon is displayed on the item selection screen; the display control unit reduces a display area in which the first button is displayed in a direction perpendicular to a scrolling direction when the item list is scrolled; When the display area is reduced, the first button is displayed in an overlapping state and is operable. Control device.

2. When the display area is reduced, the text of the first button is not displayed. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The text of the first button is a text that describes the first button. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When displaying the character, the display control unit displays the character below the icon. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a second button is further displayed before the scrolling is performed; The display control unit hides the second button when the item list is scrolled. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. After the scrolling is stopped, the display control unit simultaneously returns the first button to its original display and redisplays the second button. The control device according to claim 5 .

7. a display control unit for controlling the display of an item selection screen on which an item list having a plurality of items to be selected by a user is scrollably displayed; a first button consisting of a character and an icon is displayed on the item selection screen; the display control unit reduces a display area in which the first button is displayed in a direction perpendicular to a scrolling direction when the item list is scrolled; A control program for causing a computer to function as a control device, wherein when the display area is reduced, the first button is displayed in an overlapping state and is operable.

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