Information processing device, method for controlling the information processing device, and program

Abstract

This can improve usability in screen operation. [Solution] An information processing device is provided, comprising: a first display control means for controlling the display unit to show a first screen and a second screen arranged to overlap the first screen; an acquisition means for acquiring information representing the size of an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen when the second screen is displayed by the first display control means; a second display control means for controlling the display of a first object for closing the second screen when the information satisfies predetermined conditions; and a control means for controlling the closing of the second screen when the first object displayed by the second display control means is operated by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In an information processing apparatus, an operation method is known in which, instead of pressing a close button displayed on a screen, an area outside the frame of the displayed screen is operated to close the screen.

[0003] Further, as a technique related to a screen operation method, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling the display of a button for confirming a setting selected by a user according to the proficiency level of the user's operation on a setting screen of an image processing apparatus. By making the user interface (UI) such a simple screen configuration, usability can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Improvement in usability in screen operation is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a first display control means for controlling the display of a first screen and a second screen arranged to overlap the first screen on a display unit; an acquisition means for acquiring information representing the size of an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen when the second screen is displayed by the first display control means; a second display control means for controlling the display of a first object for closing the second screen when the information satisfies predetermined conditions; and a control means for controlling the closing of the second screen when the first object displayed by the second display control means is operated by a user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to improve the usability of screen operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the software configuration of an image processing device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the display and operation unit. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a settings screen displayed on the display control unit. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of how to handle a case where a sub-window is displayed. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a settings screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a settings screen. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of how to handle situations where the screen layout is changed while a sub-window is displayed. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of an enlarged settings screen. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of an enlarged settings screen. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged setting screen. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged setting screen. [Figure 13] It is a diagram explaining a method for acquiring an out-of-frame area. [Figure 14] It is a diagram explaining a method for acquiring an out-of-frame area. [Figure 15] It is a diagram explaining a method for acquiring an out-of-frame area. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in which a threshold value of a reaction area can be set. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in which a threshold value of a reaction area can be set. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in which a threshold value of a reaction area can be set.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of the features described in the following embodiments are essential for the solution means of the present disclosure. For the same configuration, the same reference numerals will be used for description.

[0010] There are several problems with the operation method of closing a screen by pressing an area outside the frame of the screen displayed on an information processing device. When the area outside the frame of the displayed screen is narrow, it is assumed that the user may press an unintended button or may not be able to close the screen. Even when using a technique for controlling the display of a button for confirming the settings selected by the user according to the user's operation proficiency, there is a problem that an unintended operation by the user and a situation where the screen cannot be closed occur. Hereinafter, examples of an information processing device and a control method of the information processing device for solving these problems will be described.

[0011] <<First Embodiment>> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described. Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus 1 will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus.

[0012] The image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a display operation unit 12, and an image processing unit 13. The control unit 10 controls the operations of the respective units of the image processing apparatus 1. The control unit 10 includes a CPU 100, a communication unit 101, a RAM 102, an HDD 103, a ROM 104, a timer 105, and a fax unit 106. The communication unit 101 is communicably connected to the LAN 11 by wireless or wired means. The fax unit 106 is communicably connected to the telephone line 14 by wireless or wired means.

[0013] The CPU 100 controls the entire image processing apparatus 1. The LAN 11 is a network for the image processing apparatus 1 to exchange data with an external device. The image processing apparatus 1 is connected to the Internet via the LAN 11. The communication unit 101 transmits and receives data via the LAN 11.

[0014] The RAM 102 is the main memory of the image processing apparatus 1 and is used as a system work memory for the CPU 100 to operate. The HDD 103 is a hard disk drive. The HDD 103 may be a storage device such as a magnetic disk, an optical medium, or a flash memory, or may use a combination thereof. The HDD 103 can store job data, setting data, and the like. Note that the HDD 103 may not be present inside the image processing apparatus 1. For example, the image processing apparatus 1 may use an external server or a personal computer as a storage device via the communication unit 101.

[0015] ROM104 is a boot ROM that stores the boot program for the image processing device 1 system, as well as various control programs. The CPU 100 loads the programs stored in ROM104 into RAM102 and executes the loaded programs to perform various controls.

[0016] Timer 105 measures time according to instructions from CPU 100, and notifies CPU 100 via interrupt or other means when the instructed time has elapsed. Fax unit 106 sends and receives fax data via telephone line 14.

[0017] The display operation unit 12 is controlled by the control unit 10 and includes a display unit 120 and an input unit 121. The display unit 120 has a display for showing various data, predetermined notifications, and various screens to the user. The input unit 121 accepts input from the user via interfaces such as a touch panel, mouse, camera, voice input, and keyboard.

[0018] The image processing unit 13 is controlled by the control unit 10 and includes an image analysis unit 130, an image generation unit 131, and an image output unit 132.

[0019] The image analysis unit 130 analyzes the structure of the original image and extracts necessary information from the analysis results. The image generation unit 131 reads the original document using a reading unit (not shown), digitizes the image of the original document, generates image data, and stores it in the HDD 103. The image generation unit 131 can also generate original image data in a different format using the information analyzed by the image analysis unit 130.

[0020] The image output unit 132 outputs image data stored in the HDD 103 or the like. Possible output methods include, for example, the image output unit 132 printing the image data of the original document onto paper, or transmitting it via the communication unit 101 to external devices, servers, and facsimile machines connected to the network. Alternatively, the image output unit 132 may save the image data to a storage device connected to the image processing device 1.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of the software configuration of the image processing device 1. The software configuration of the image processing device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0022] The image processing device 1 has the following functions: a setting screen display unit 201, a confirmation screen display unit 202, a button press reception unit 203, a pressed button identification unit 204, a button display control unit 205, a selection confirmation unit 206, and a selection information storage unit 207. Each of these functional units is realized by the CPU 100 loading a program stored in the HDD 103 into the RAM 102 and executing that program. In other words, these functional units are functions of software stored in the HDD 103 that operates on an operating system (OS) started by a boot program stored in the ROM 104.

[0023] The settings screen display unit 201 performs processes such as displaying a settings screen where print settings can be configured, and closing the settings screen. In this embodiment, the settings screen includes the copy basic screen 401, which will be described later, and sub-screens associated with that screen.

[0024] The settings screen displayed and controlled by the settings screen display unit 201 is a settings screen that displays multiple setting values ​​for a setting item and allows the user to select a setting value for that setting item by accepting the user's selection operation for the displayed setting value.

[0025] The confirmation screen display unit 202 displays a screen to confirm to the user that they want to close the settings screen if the user presses a button to close the settings screen after changing a selection on the settings screen without confirming the change.

[0026] The button press detection unit 203 detects when a user presses a button. The pressed button identification unit 204 identifies the button pressed by the user and identifies the setting screen associated with that button. In this embodiment, a button refers to an operator displayed on the display unit 120 that accepts predetermined instructions from the user. Buttons are sometimes also referred to as software keys.

[0027] The button display control unit 205 determines whether to display a button to close the sub-window. The button display control unit 205 may also determine whether to display an OK button on the settings screen as a button to confirm the user's selection.

[0028] The selection confirmation unit 206 confirms the selection based on user operation on the settings screen. For example, if the OK button is displayed by the button display control unit 205, the selection confirmation unit 206 confirms the selection when the user presses the OK button. If the OK button is not displayed by the button display control unit 205, the selection confirmation unit 206 confirms the selection of a setting value when the user selects a setting value for a setting item.

[0029] The selection information storage unit 207 stores the currently selected option on the settings screen. Note that when transitioning to the settings screen, the selection information storage unit 207 is assumed to have stored the initial value.

[0030] The enlarged display area display unit 208 performs the process of displaying the enlarged display area, which will be described later. The enlarged display area display unit 208 also determines whether or not to display the enlarged display area. For example, if the user performs a pinch-out operation (an operation to widen the distance between two fingers), the enlarged display area display unit 208 determines that the screen layout has changed and displays the enlarged display area. Then, the enlarged display area display unit 208 enlarges and displays the text and objects such as buttons that make up the screen according to the degree of the pinch-out.

[0031] Furthermore, the enlarged display area display unit 208 also determines a change in the screen layout when a pinch-in operation (an operation in which two fingers are pinched together to narrow the distance) is performed. In addition, the enlarged display area display unit 208 controls the movement of the enlarged display area in response to the user's operation. These details will be explained later.

[0032] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the display operation unit 12 shown in Figure 1. The display operation unit 12 has a start key 301, a clear / stop key 302, a numeric keypad 303, and a screen display area 304.

[0033] The start key 301 is a key that accepts a print execution command from the user by the image processing unit 13 and the control unit 10. The clear / stop key 302 functions as a clear key when the image processing unit 1 is in a standby state. The clear key accepts the user's request to cancel input such as characters and numbers. The clear / stop key 302 also functions as a stop key when the image processing unit 1 is in the state of executing a job. The stop key accepts the request to cancel an ongoing job.

[0034] The numeric keypad 303 is a key that accepts numerical input. The screen display area 304 is an area that displays a screen for making various settings when performing operations such as copying and faxing on the image processing device 1. The start key 301, clear / stop key 302, and numeric keypad 303 may be configured as software keys displayed in the screen display area 304.

[0035] Figure 4 shows an example of the copy basic screen 401 displayed in the screen display area 304. The copy basic screen 401 includes a scan size setting button 402 and a paper selection button 403, among others. Through the copy basic screen 401, the user can make copy-related settings such as selecting the cassette on which the recording medium is supplied and the magnification of the image to be printed.

[0036] When the user presses the scan size setting button 402, a screen appears where they can set the scan size of the document to be scanned. When the user presses the paper selection button 403, a screen appears where they can set the paper to be used for printing.

[0037] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing that the CPU 100 executes as a function of the software shown in Figure 2 when a sub-screen, such as the scan size setting screen 601 or the paper selection screen 701 (described later), is displayed on top of the basic copy screen 401.

[0038] Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 5 is realized when the CPU 100 of the image processing device 1 reads a program stored in ROM 104 into RAM 102, and the CPU 100 executes it. The executed program is called from ROM 104 and makes each functional part of Figure 2 work. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 5 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart (the same applies to flowcharts in this specification hereafter).

[0039] Furthermore, the flowchart shown in Figure 5 is initiated when the CPU 100 detects that a sub-screen has been displayed on top of the screen displayed in the screen display area 304.

[0040] Before explaining the details of the flowchart shown in Figure 5, we will describe the reading size setting screen 601 and the paper selection screen 701.

[0041] First, the reading size setting screen 601 will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the reading size setting screen 601 in this embodiment. The reading size setting screen 601 is a screen displayed on the sub-screen area 602. The image processing device 1 places and displays the reading size setting screen 601 on the copy basic screen 401 so that it is embedded within the copy basic screen 401. The reading size setting screen 601 is provided with an automatic size detection setting button 603 and a free size setting button 604.

[0042] When the image processing device 1 detects that the user has pressed the read size setting button 402 on the copy base screen 401, it displays the read size setting screen 601. The read size setting screen 601 is the first child screen of the copy base screen 401 and is displayed overlapping the copy base screen 401. To emphasize the overlap of the screens, when the read size setting screen 601 is displayed on top of the copy base screen 401, the portion of the copy base screen 401 that does not overlap with the read size setting screen 601 may be shaded, as shown in Figure 6.

[0043] The sub-screen area 602 is the area where the reading size setting screen 601 is displayed. The sub-screen area 602 is defined by parameters such as the top-left X coordinate, top-left Y coordinate, height H, and width W, based on a coordinate axis with the top-left vertex as the reference point (X coordinate 0, Y coordinate 0).

[0044] If the child screen area 602 is uniquely determined, then that area can be defined based on the above coordinate axes. For example, if the child screen area 602 is a rectangle, then that area can be defined by the top-left X coordinate, top-left Y coordinate, bottom-right X coordinate, and bottom-right Y coordinate. The parent screen area 605 is the area where the copy base screen 401 is displayed, and is defined based on the above coordinate axes.

[0045] The automatic size detection setting button 603 is a setting button for setting the scan size setting button 402 to "automatic size detection". Setting "automatic size detection" means that the scanner will automatically detect the size of the document and set the scanned size to the detected document size.

[0046] The Free Size setting button 604 is a setting button used to set the scan size setting button 402 to "Free Size". Setting it to "Free Size" means setting the scanner to scan documents in a free size.

[0047] If the setting value set in the reading size setting button 402 is a value indicating "automatic size detection", the image processing device 1 may shade the automatic size detection setting button 603 as shown in Figure 6 to indicate that automatic size detection is currently set.

[0048] When the automatic size detection setting button 603 or the free size setting button 604 is pressed, the image processing device 1 updates the setting of the read size setting button 402 and closes the read size setting screen 601. The set content is saved by the CPU 100 to the HDD 103 or RAM 102.

[0049] Next, the paper selection screen 701 will be described. Figure 7 shows an example of the paper selection screen 701 in this embodiment. The paper selection screen 701 is a screen displayed on the sub-screen area 707. The image processing device 1 places and displays the paper selection screen 701 on the copy basic screen 401 so that it is embedded within the copy basic screen 401. The paper selection screen 701 is provided with an OK button 702, a close button 703, a group of paper size buttons 704, and an inch size switching button 706.

[0050] When the image processing device 1 detects that the user has pressed the paper selection button 403 on the copy basic screen 401, it displays the paper selection screen 701. The paper selection screen 701 is a second child screen of the copy basic screen 401 and is displayed overlapping the copy basic screen 401. The parent screen area 708 is the area where the copy basic screen 401 is displayed. The child screen area 707 and the parent screen area 708 are defined based on the above coordinate axes.

[0051] The user can configure settings related to the recording medium to be used for printing via the paper selection screen 701. When the user presses the OK button 702, the image processing device 1 confirms the settings made on the paper selection screen 701. The confirmed settings are saved by the CPU 100 to the HDD 103 or RAM 102. After this, the paper selection screen 701 is closed.

[0052] The user can set the paper size by selecting one of the paper size setting buttons that make up the paper size button group 704. The paper size button group 704 includes paper size setting buttons that can be set to A3, A4, A5, B3, B4, B5, and B6, which are examples of the sizes of the recording medium used for printing.

[0053] Furthermore, the image processing device 1 may display the paper size setting button corresponding to the size of the recording medium with a shaded or inverted display, depending on the size of the recording medium that has been set. For example, if B3 is set as the size of the recording medium used for printing, the paper size setting button 705 corresponding to B3 will be displayed with a shaded display, as shown in Figure 7.

[0054] By pressing the inch size switching button 706, the user can change the size of the recording medium that can be set using the paper size setting button in the paper size button group 704 from the A / B system to the inch system.

[0055] For example, if a sub-screen of the basic copy screen 401, such as the scan size setting screen 601 or the paper selection screen 701, is displayed due to user operation, the flowchart shown in Figure 5 is initiated. Next, the details of the flowchart shown in Figure 5 will be explained.

[0056] In S501, the CPU 100 acquires information representing the size of the portion of the parent screen that does not overlap with the child screen displayed on the parent screen (hereinafter referred to as the child screen's outer frame area). As information representing the size of the child screen's outer frame area, a value indicating distance or a value indicating area can be used. In this embodiment, the CPU 100 will be described as deriving and acquiring the distance from the parent screen's frame to the child screen's frame as a value representing the size of the child screen's outer frame area. In this embodiment, the boundary line separating a predetermined screen from the area outside that screen is referred to as the screen frame. Also, the boundary line separating a predetermined area from the area outside that area is referred to as the area frame.

[0057] TIFF2026057323000002.tif18169

[0058] TIFF2026057323000003.tif32166

[0059] In S502, the CPU 100 determines whether the information obtained in S501, which indicates the distance from the parent screen frame to the child screen frame, satisfies predetermined conditions. Specifically, it determines whether the value indicating the distance from the parent screen frame to the child screen frame exceeds a first threshold. If the CPU 100 determines that the distance value obtained in S501 exceeds the first threshold (Yes in S502), it determines that the area outside the child screen frame is large and proceeds to S504.

[0060] If CPU100 determines that the distance value obtained in S501 is within the first threshold (No in S502), it determines that the area outside the frame of the sub-screen is narrow and proceeds to S503.

[0061] When a sub-window is displayed, if the user wishes to close the displayed sub-window, they must perform an operation to press the area outside the sub-window's frame. The CPU 100 receives the instruction to close the sub-window from the user via the area outside the sub-window's frame and performs reception control.

[0062] Here, we assume that the minimum tappable area defined by the coordinate axes described above is a 10x10 square. In this case, when the CPU 100 determines whether the area outside the child screen's frame is wide or narrow, it checks whether the value indicating the distance from the parent screen's frame to the child screen's frame exceeds 14, which is the length of the diagonal of that square. In other words, when the minimum tappable area is defined as a 10x10 square, the CPU 100 uses 14 as the first threshold when determining whether the area outside the child screen's frame is wide or narrow in S502. In other words, whether the area outside the child screen's frame is wide or narrow means, in other words, whether the user can press the area outside the child screen's frame to close the child screen.

[0063] In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the method for closing the sub-window will be described as one in which the CPU 100 controls the system to provide the user with either a method of closing the sub-window by pressing a close button, or a method of closing the sub-window by pressing an area outside the sub-window's frame. Specifically, when the close button is displayed, the CPU 100 does not perform control to close the sub-window in response to a user's press operation on the area outside the sub-window's frame, or it cannot detect such operation, and therefore cannot perform control to close the sub-window.

[0064] On the other hand, when the close button is not displayed, the CPU 100 controls the closing of the sub-window in response to a user's press operation on the area outside the sub-window's frame, or, if it can detect such an operation, it controls the closing of the sub-window in response to that operation.

[0065] Furthermore, the minimum tappable area of ​​the sub-screen does not necessarily have to be used as the threshold for determining whether the area outside the sub-screen's frame is wide or narrow. In other words, the first threshold used in S502 may be any value, not necessarily the minimum tappable area of ​​the sub-screen.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, we assume a case where the first child screen, the read size setting screen 601, is displayed on the parent screen, the copy basic screen 401. The coordinates (X coordinate:Y coordinate) of the top left vertex of the parent screen area 605 are (0,0), and the coordinates of the top left vertex of the child screen area 602 are (30,30). Therefore, from equation 1 above, a distance D of approximately 42 can be derived. TIFF2026057323000004.tif16150

[0067] Assuming that the physical display area per coordinate is 1 [MM], since 42 [MM] > 14 [MM], CPU 100 determines in S502 that the area outside the child screen's frame is large and proceeds to S504.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, we assume a case where the second child screen, the paper selection screen 701, is displayed on the parent screen, the copy basic screen 401. The coordinates (X coordinate:Y coordinate) of the top-left vertex of the parent screen area 708 are (0,0), and the coordinates of the top-left vertex of the child screen area 707 are (5,5). Therefore, from equation 1 above, a distance D of approximately 7 can be derived. TIFF2026057323000005.tif16150

[0069] Assuming that the physical display area per coordinate is 1 [MM], since 7 [MM] < 14 [MM], CPU 100 determines in S502 that the area outside the frame of the sub-screen is narrow and proceeds to S503.

[0070] In S503, the CPU 100 displays a close button to receive a command to close the sub-screen. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the CPU 100 displays a close button 703 in the upper right corner of the paper selection screen 701. In this embodiment, the display position of the close button 703 on the paper selection screen 701 is fixed, as shown in Figure 7. However, the close button 703 may be displayed at any position, not just a fixed position. For example, the close button 703 may be displayed in a position that is not close to other objects provided on the sub-screen. A position that is not close to other objects is, for example, a position that is a certain distance or more away from the OK button 702, the paper size button group 704, and the inch size switching button 706 provided on the paper selection screen 701, as shown in Figure 7.

[0071] In S504, the CPU 100 determines whether the area outside the child window frame or the close button 703 has been pressed. If the CPU 100 determines that the area outside the child window frame or the close button 703 has been pressed (Yes), it proceeds to S505, closes the child window, and terminates this flow.

[0072] In S504, if the CPU 100 determines that the area outside the frame of the sub-screen or the close button 703 is not pressed (No), it proceeds to S506.

[0073] In S506, the CPU 100 determines whether the screen layout has been changed. If the CPU 100 determines that the screen layout has been changed (Yes), it proceeds to S507; otherwise, it proceeds to S504.

[0074] In this embodiment, a change in screen layout means that an enlarged display area is displayed, the displayed enlarged display area is enlarged or reduced relative to the parent screen area, or the enlarged display area moves within the parent screen area. In other words, a change in screen layout means changing the display magnification of the parent screen displayed in the parent screen area and the child screen displayed in the child screen area. Alternatively, a change in screen layout means moving the enlarged display area within the parent screen while maintaining a display magnification greater than 1x.

[0075] In S507, if the close button was displayed in S503, the CPU 100 controls the system to hide the close button, initiates the flow shown in Figure 8 (described later), and then terminates this flow. If the close button needs to be displayed due to a change in the screen layout, the CPU 100 controls the system to display the close button according to the flow shown in Figure 8.

[0076] Next, we will explain what happens when the screen layout is changed while a sub-screen is displayed. In web browsers or tablet devices, it is possible to change the display area of ​​the screen displayed on them. In this embodiment, we will explain using the example that the image processing device 1 is also equipped with a function to enlarge a part of the screen in order to improve usability. Referring to Figure 8, we will explain the process that the CPU 100 executes when the screen layout is changed while the parent screen and sub-screen are displayed on the display operation unit 12 of the image processing device 1 equipped with such a function.

[0077] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process that the CPU 100 executes as a function of the software shown in Figure 2 when the screen layout is changed by the user while the read size setting screen 601 is displayed on top of the copy basic screen 401.

[0078] Before describing the processing of the CPU 100 when the screen layout is changed while a sub-window is displayed, specific examples of screen layout changes in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 12.

[0079] Figures 9 and 10 show an example of a case where the layout of these screens displayed on the display operation unit 12 is changed by the screen enlargement function of the image processing device 1, while the read size setting screen 601 is displayed as the first sub-screen of the copy basic screen 401.

[0080] When a user performs a pinch-out operation on the screen display area 304, the image processing device 1 uses a screen magnification function to change the layout of the screen displayed in the screen display area 304.

[0081] When the user performs a pinch-out operation while the reading size setting screen 601 is displayed on the copy base screen 401, the screen magnification function enlarges and displays objects such as text and buttons within the enlarged display area. In this embodiment, the enlarged display area is a part of the parent screen area that is visible to the user when the display magnification of the parent screen and child screen is changed by the screen magnification function. In other words, as the user performs a pinch-out operation, the area visible to the user narrows, and at the same time, objects displayed within the enlarged display area are enlarged and displayed.

[0082] Furthermore, the enlarged display area is defined by coordinates relative to the parent screen area. For example, Figure 9 shows an example of an enlarged display area. The enlarged display area 901 shown in Figure 9 is a rectangle similar to the screen display area 304, with the top-left vertex of the enlarged display area 901 being an arbitrary coordinate (X coordinate 15, Y coordinate 15) of the parent screen area where the copy base screen 401 is displayed.

[0083] The enlarged display area 901 shown in Figure 9 is displayed in the screen display area 304 as shown in Figure 10. While the screen magnification function is in operation, movement buttons 902-905 for moving the enlarged display area 901 are displayed. The user can move the enlarged display area in the direction corresponding to the displayed movement button by pressing (for example, by touch) any of the movement buttons 902-905. For example, if the user presses the right movement button 903, the enlarged display area moves to the right in the parent screen area without changing its size. The screen magnification function ends when the user presses the back button 906.

[0084] Furthermore, the screen magnification function terminates when the user performs a pinch-in operation on the screen display area 304 and the magnification becomes 1:1. Even while the screen magnification function is operating, the user can press the automatic size detection setting button 603 or the free size setting button 604.

[0085] Next, the flowchart shown in Figure 8 will be explained. The flowchart shown in Figure 8 is started when the CPU 100 detects that the layout of the screen displayed in the screen display area 304 has changed. For example, the flowchart shown in Figure 8 is started when the user performs a pinch-out or pinch-in operation on the screen display area 304, or when the user presses a button to move the zoomed-in display area.

[0086] In S801, the CPU 100 obtains a value indicating the distance from the frame of the enlarged display area to the frame of the sub-screen. This value can be derived using the same method as in S501.

[0087] In S802, the CPU 100, similar to S502, determines whether the value obtained in S801 exceeds the first threshold. If the CPU 100 determines that the value obtained in S801 exceeds the first threshold (Yes), it determines that the area outside the child screen frame is wide and proceeds to S804. If the CPU 100 determines that the value obtained in S801 is within the first threshold (No), it determines that the area outside the child screen frame is narrow and proceeds to S803.

[0088] As shown in Figure 9, consider the case where the layout of these screens is enlarged using the screen enlargement function, with the child screen, the reading size setting screen 601, displayed on the parent screen, the copy basic screen 401. The coordinates (X coordinate:Y coordinate) of the top-left vertex of the enlarged display area 901 are (15,15), and the coordinates of the top-left vertex of the child screen area 602 are (30,30). Therefore, the value indicating the distance from the frame of the enlarged display area 901 to the frame of the child screen is approximately 21. TIFF2026057323000006.tif16150

[0089] Assuming that the physical display area per coordinate is 1 [MM], since 21 [MM] > 14 [MM], CPU 100 determines in S802 that the area outside the child screen's frame is large, and proceeds to S804.

[0090] Figure 11 shows an example where, in response to user operation, the enlarged display area 901 shown in Figure 9 is reduced relative to the parent screen area using the screen enlargement function, and the objects displayed within the enlarged display area 901 are further enlarged. The enlarged display area 1101 shown in Figure 11 is the state where the enlarged display area 901 shown in Figure 9 has been further reduced relative to the parent screen area.

[0091] TIFF2026057323000007.tif34170

[0092] Assuming that the physical display area per coordinate is 1 [MM], and since 0 [MM] < 14 [MM], CPU 100 determines in S802 that the area outside the child screen's frame is narrow and proceeds to S803.

[0093] In S803, if the CPU 100 determines in S802 that the area outside the frame of the sub-screen is narrow, it displays a close button 1102 in the enlarged display area 1101 to receive a command to close the sub-screen. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the CPU 100 displays the close button 1102 on the sub-screen and within the enlarged display area 1101.

[0094] In S804, the CPU 100 determines whether the area outside the frame of the sub-screen or the close button 1102 has been pressed.

[0095] If CPU 100 determines that the area outside the child window frame or the close button 1102 has been pressed (Yes), it proceeds to S805, performs control to close the child window, and terminates this flow. If CPU 100 determines that the area outside the child window frame or the close button 1102 has not been pressed (No), it proceeds to S806.

[0096] In S806, the CPU 100 determines whether the back button 906 was pressed or not. If the CPU 100 determines that the back button 906 was pressed (Yes), it proceeds to S807; if it determines that the back button 906 was not pressed (No), it proceeds to S808.

[0097] In S807, if the close button is displayed in S803, the CPU 100 controls the system to hide the close button, initiates the flow shown in Figure 5 (described later), and then terminates this flow. If the close button needs to be displayed due to a change in the screen layout, the CPU 100 controls the system to display the close button according to the flow shown in Figure 5.

[0098] In S808, the CPU 100 determines whether the screen layout has been further changed. For example, the CPU 100 determines whether the enlarged display area has been enlarged or reduced relative to the parent screen area. The CPU 100 also determines whether any of the movement buttons 902-905 are pressed. In other words, the CPU 100 determines whether the enlarged display area is moving.

[0099] CPU100 proceeds to S809 if it determines that the screen layout has been changed further (Yes), and to S804 if it determines that the screen layout has not been changed (No).

[0100] In S809, the CPU 100 determines whether the display magnification is equal to the parent screen area. If the CPU 100 determines that the display magnification is equal to the parent screen area (Yes), it proceeds to S807; otherwise, it proceeds to S801.

[0101] As mentioned above, the CPU 100 explained, as an example, that it obtains a value indicating the distance from the top-left corner of the parent screen or the top-left corner of the enlarged display area to the top-left corner of the child screen in S501 or S801 to determine whether the area outside the child screen is wide or narrow. However, there are several other ways in which the CPU 100 can determine whether the area outside the child screen is wide or narrow. The types of determination methods will be explained with reference to Figures 13 to 15.

[0102] Figure 13 illustrates how the CPU 100 determines whether the area outside the child screen is wide or narrow based on the distance from each of the four vertices of the parent screen area to the corresponding four vertices of the child screen area.

[0103] CPU 100 obtains distance values ​​for the top-left vertex (parent screen 1301, child screen 1302), the top-right vertex (parent screen 1303, child screen 1304), the bottom-right vertex (parent screen 1305, child screen 1306), and the bottom-left vertex (parent screen 1307, child screen 1308). Then, for example, CPU 100 can determine that the area outside the child screen's frame is wide if the sum of the four obtained distance values ​​exceeds the second threshold. Alternatively, CPU 100 may determine that the area outside the child screen's frame is wide if any of the obtained distance values ​​exceed the first threshold. Or, CPU 100 may determine that the area outside the child screen's frame is narrow if any of the obtained distance values ​​are within the first threshold.

[0104] Figure 14 illustrates how the CPU 100 determines whether the area outside the child screen frame is wide or narrow, based on the distance from each of the four sides of the parent screen area to the corresponding four sides of the child screen area.

[0105] CPU100 derives and obtains the distance (1401) from the top edge of the parent screen to the top edge of the child screen. For example, CPU100 obtains a value that represents the distance from the top edge of the parent screen to the top edge of the child screen in a straight line that intersects the top edges of the parent screen and the top edges of the child screen. Then, CPU100 also derives and obtains the distance (1402) from the right edge of the parent screen to the right edge of the child screen, the distance (1403) from the bottom edge of the parent screen to the bottom edge of the child screen, and the distance (1404) from the left edge of the parent screen to the left edge of the child screen.

[0106] For example, CPU100 can determine that the area outside the child window is wide if the sum of the four acquired distances exceeds the third threshold. Alternatively, CPU100 may determine that the area outside the child window is wide if any of the acquired distances exceeds the fourth threshold. Or, CPU100 may determine that the area outside the child window is narrow if any of the acquired distances are within the fourth threshold.

[0107] Figure 15 illustrates how the CPU 100 determines whether the area outside the child screen's frame is large or small, based on the area obtained by subtracting the area of ​​the child screen from the area of ​​the parent screen.

[0108] The CPU 100 derives and obtains a value representing the area outside the frame (1503) by subtracting the area of ​​the child screen (1502) from the area of ​​the parent screen (1501). Then, if the obtained area value exceeds the fifth threshold, the CPU 100 can determine that the area outside the frame of the child screen is large. It goes without saying that in S801, the parameters of the parent screen explained in Figures 13 to 15 are replaced by the parameters of the enlarged display area.

[0109] Next, an example of a settings screen in S502 or S802 that allows the user to arbitrarily set a threshold for the CPU 100 to determine the size of the area outside the frame of the child screen will be explained with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

[0110] Figures 16 to 18 show examples of setting screens that allow the user to set thresholds. The setting screen 1600 in Figure 16 is a screen for setting an area outside the frame of a sub-screen that can accept a command to close the sub-screen by a user's press operation (hereinafter referred to as the reaction area). Here, referring to Figure 16, we assume a case where the threshold is set for the reaction area using its length as a parameter. If the value representing the size of the area outside the frame of the sub-screen is smaller than the set threshold for the reaction area, the image processing device 1 cannot accept a command to close the sub-screen even if the user presses the area outside the frame of the sub-screen, so it is necessary to display a close button.

[0111] In this embodiment, setting the first threshold value described above as the threshold value of the reaction region will be explained as an example by operating the length setting button 1601, which will be described later. Note that the threshold value of the reaction region may be set as a value separate from the first to fifth threshold values.

[0112] The settings screen 1600 includes a length setting button 1601, an area setting button 1602, an OFF button 1603, a cancel button 1607, and an OK button 1608. The settings screen 1600 also displays a threshold display area 1604 that shows the threshold value of the reaction area, as well as plus buttons 1605 and minus buttons 1606 for adjusting the size of the threshold value.

[0113] The user can set the threshold of the reaction area using either the length or area parameter by pressing the length setting button 1601 and the area setting button 1602.

[0114] The user can confirm the settings made on the settings screen 1600 by pressing the OK button 1608. When the CPU 100 detects the user pressing the OK button 1608, it stores the setting value made on the settings screen 1600 in the selection information storage unit 207. The user can discard the setting value currently set on the settings screen 1600 by pressing the cancel button 1607.

[0115] The settings screen 1600 indicates that the length setting button 1601 has been selected by the user. When the length setting button 1601 is selected, the user can use the numeric keypad 303 to set the threshold of the reaction area using a parameter that indicates length. The threshold being set is displayed in the threshold display area 1604. The user can also change the threshold using the plus button 1605 and the minus button 1606. When the threshold of the reaction area is set to 10 [MM], in S502 or S802, the CPU 100 determines whether the value indicating the distance from the top-left vertex of the parent screen to the top-left vertex of the child screen exceeds 10 [MM].

[0116] Figure 17 shows the settings screen 1700 that is displayed when the area setting button 1602 is selected by the user on the settings screen 1600.

[0117] When the area setting button 1602 is selected, the user can use the numeric keypad 303 to set the threshold of the reaction area using a parameter that indicates area. The threshold being set is displayed in the area display area 1701. The user can also change the threshold using the plus button 1702 and minus button 1703. The threshold of the reaction area is 100 [MM] 2 If confirmed as ], in S502 or S802, CPU100 determines that the area of ​​the rectangle having a diagonal connecting the top-left vertex of the parent screen and the top-left vertex of the child screen is 10[MM 2 Determine whether it exceeds [ ].

[0118] Figure 18 shows the settings screen 1800 that is displayed when the OFF button 1603 is selected by the user on the settings screen 1600. When the OFF button 1603 is selected, the image processing device 1 does not respond to user presses on the area outside the frame of the sub-screen and controls the display to show the close button.

[0119] According to this embodiment, even when the area outside the sub-screen's frame is narrow and it is difficult to accept user input in that area, a close button for closing the sub-screen is displayed, providing the user with a way to close it. Furthermore, the close button is displayed in a predetermined position on the sub-screen. This helps to suppress user errors and reduces the occurrence of situations where the screen cannot be closed. Therefore, usability in screen operation can be improved.

[0120] <<Other Embodiments>> In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 100 was shown as controlling the system to provide the user with either a method of closing the sub-screen by pressing a close button, or a method of closing the sub-screen by pressing an area outside the sub-screen's frame. In this embodiment, even when a close button is displayed, the system may also accept a user press on the area outside the sub-screen's frame, and in S505 or S805, the CPU 100 may perform control to close the sub-screen. In other words, for sub-screens where a close button is displayed in S503 or S803, the CPU 100 may control the system to close the sub-screen not only in response to a press of the close button, but also in response to a user press on the area outside the sub-screen's frame.

[0121] In this case, it is possible to achieve this by setting different values ​​for the threshold used to determine whether the area outside the child screen's frame is wide or narrow, and for the threshold of the reaction area. For example, let's consider a case where the value representing the size of the area outside the frame is the distance from the parent screen's frame to the child screen's frame. Assume that CPU 100 obtains 10 [MM] as the value representing the size of the area outside the child screen's frame, the first threshold is 15 [MM], and the reaction area threshold is 5 [MM]. In this case, since the value representing the size of the area outside the frame is within the first threshold, CPU 100 displays the close button. Then, since the value representing the size of the area outside the frame exceeds the reaction area threshold, CPU 100 can accept user input on the area outside the child screen's frame. Therefore, CPU 100 can control the closing of the child screen in response to either a press of the close button or a user press on the area outside the child screen's frame.

[0122] In this embodiment, a certain area is provided in the sub-screen in the direction extending inward from the sub-screen's frame, and a certain area is provided outside the sub-screen's frame in the direction extending outward from the sub-screen's frame. The CPU 100 can then display a close button within these restricted areas. Even if the CPU 100 receives user input on these restricted areas, it may control the system to prevent the execution of processing based on button presses other than the close button. By providing restricted areas that limit user input on buttons other than the close button, malfunctions caused by user errors, such as accidentally pressing other buttons when attempting to close a sub-screen, can be reduced.

[0123] In the embodiment described above, the CPU 100 may display additional screens on top of the child screens. For example, if the paper selection screen 701, which is a child screen, is displayed on top of the copy basic screen 401, the CPU 100 may display a grandchild screen on top of the paper selection screen 701, which is a further child screen. In such a case, the method for determining whether the area outside the frame of the grandchild screen is wide or narrow may use values ​​for the vertices or edges that make up the parent screen, the copy basic screen 401, and values ​​for the vertices or edges that make up the grandchild screen.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 100 has been shown as placing and displaying the scan size setting screen 601 or the paper selection screen 701 on the copy basic screen 401 so that it is embedded within the copy basic screen 401, but the CPU 100 is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 100 may place and display the scan size setting screen 601 or the paper selection screen 701 on the copy basic screen 401 so that it overlaps with a part of the copy basic screen 401. For example, the CPU 100 can place and display a child screen on a parent screen such that the parent screen has a portion that does not overlap with the child screen, and the child screen has a portion that does not overlap with the parent screen.

[0125] In this case, any of the methods described in the above embodiment can be used to obtain information representing the size of the area outside the frame of the child screen. For example, the CPU 100 can obtain a value indicating the distance from any vertex of the rectangular parent screen to the corresponding vertex of the rectangular child screen as information representing the size of the area outside the frame of the child screen. Based on the obtained information, the CPU 100 determines whether the area of ​​the parent screen that does not overlap with the child screen is large or small, and controls whether or not to display a button to close the child screen.

[0126] Furthermore, in this case as well, similar to the embodiment described above, the CPU 100 can acquire information representing the size of the portion where the enlarged display area and the sub-screen do not overlap when the screen layout is changed, and determine whether that portion is large or small.

[0127] Alternatively, the CPU 100 may display the child screen by positioning it on the parent screen so as to cover the entire parent screen. For example, the CPU 100 can display a child screen that is the same size as or larger than the parent screen, positioned on the parent screen so as to cover it. In this case, since there is no area outside the frame of the child screen, the CPU 100 can display a button to close the child screen at a position shown in Figure 7 or Figure 11 in the overlapping area of ​​the parent screen and the child screen. Also, in this case, as in the embodiment described above, the CPU 100 can display a button to close the child screen at a position shown in Figure 7 or Figure 11 when the screen layout is changed.

[0128] These cases in this embodiment were described using the example of displaying the parent screen area aligned with the screen display area 304, but are not limited to this. For example, a basic display area is defined, which is a rectangular area with the upper left vertex of that area as the reference point, based on the coordinate axes in the above-described embodiment. Then, a parent screen area and a child screen area may be defined within the basic display area.

[0129] The CPU 100 may display the basic display area to match the screen display area 304, and display the parent screen and child screen within the basic display area. In this case as well, any of the methods described in the above embodiment can be used to obtain information representing the size of the portion of the basic display area that does not overlap with the child screen. For example, the CPU 100 can obtain a value indicating the distance from any vertex of the basic display area to the corresponding vertex of the rectangular child screen as information representing the size of the portion of the basic display area that does not overlap with the child screen. Furthermore, even if the screen layout is changed in this case, the CPU 100 can obtain information representing the size of the area where the enlarged display area and the child screen do not overlap using the method described in the above embodiment.

[0130] Although the embodiments described above describe the application of this disclosure to an image processing device, this disclosure is applicable to the control of setting screens for personal computers (PCs), tablet terminals, smartphones, various electronic devices, or home appliances.

[0131] It should be noted that the configuration and content of the various data described above are not limited to those described herein, and it goes without saying that they can be composed of various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Furthermore, although one embodiment has been shown, this disclosure can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device. Configurations combining each embodiment are also included in this disclosure.

[0132] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0133] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following examples of information processing devices, control methods for information processing devices, and programs.

[0134] <Configuration 1> A first display control means that controls the display unit to display a first screen and a second screen that is arranged to overlap the first screen, When the second screen is displayed by the first display control means, an acquisition means acquires information representing the size of the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, If the aforementioned information satisfies predetermined conditions, a second display control means performs control to display a first object for closing the second screen, When the first object displayed by the second display control means is operated by the user, a control means is provided to control the closing of the second screen. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

[0135] <Configuration 2> The information processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires a value representing the size of an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, and the predetermined condition is satisfied when the value acquired by the acquisition means is within a predetermined threshold.

[0136] <Structure 3> The information processing device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from any vertex of a rectangular region representing the first screen to a vertex of a rectangular region representing the second screen that corresponds to that vertex.

[0137] <Structure 4> The information processing device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from each of the vertices of the rectangular region representing the first screen to each of the corresponding vertices of the rectangular region representing the second screen.

[0138] <Composition 5> The information processing device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from each of the sides of the rectangular region representing the first screen to each of the sides of the rectangular region representing the second screen that corresponds to each of those sides.

[0139] <Composition 6> The information processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the area obtained by subtracting the area of ​​the rectangular region representing the second screen from the area of ​​the rectangular region representing the first screen.

[0140] <Composition 7> A first display control means that controls the display unit to display a first screen and a second screen that is arranged to overlap the first screen, A means for changing the display magnification of the first screen and the second screen based on a predetermined operation by the user, When the display magnification is changed by the modification means, an acquisition means acquires information representing the size of the portion of the first screen that is visible to the user and the second screen that does not overlap. If the aforementioned information satisfies predetermined conditions, a second display control means performs control to display a first object for closing the second screen, When the first object displayed by the second display control means is operated by the user, a control means is provided to control the closing of the second screen. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

[0141] <Structure 8> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 7, wherein the acquisition means acquires a value representing the size of an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, and the predetermined condition is satisfied when the value acquired by the acquisition means is within a predetermined threshold.

[0142] <Composition 9> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from any vertex of the rectangular area representing the display area to the vertex of the rectangular area representing the second screen that corresponds to that vertex.

[0143] <Composition 10> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from each of the vertices of the rectangular area representing the display area to each of the vertices of the rectangular area representing the second screen that corresponds to each of those vertices.

[0144] <Composition 11> The information processing device according to configuration 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from each of the sides of the rectangular area representing the display area to each of the sides of the rectangular area representing the second screen that corresponds to each of those sides.

[0145] <Composition 12> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the area obtained by subtracting the area of ​​the rectangular area representing the second screen from the area of ​​the rectangular area representing the display area.

[0146] <Composition 13> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 7, characterized in that if the information does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the second display control means performs control to not display the first object.

[0147] <Composition 14> The system further includes a reception control means that performs control to accept user operations on an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 7, wherein the control means further performs control to close the second screen when the reception control means receives a user operation on an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen.

[0148] <Composition 15> The reception control means is If the information representing the size of the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, control is performed to enable the acceptance of user operations on the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen. The information processing device according to configuration 14, characterized in that it controls the system to not accept user operations on the area when the information satisfies the predetermined conditions.

[0149] <Composition 16> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 7, characterized in that the predetermined operation is a pinch-out operation or a pinch-in operation by the user on the display unit.

[0150] <Composition 17> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 7 or 16, characterized in that the predetermined operation is a user touch operation on a second object for moving the display area within the first screen.

[0151] <Composition 18> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 7, characterized in that the second display control means performs control to display the first object when the display area is contained within the second screen.

[0152] <Composition 19> The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 7, characterized in that the second display control means controls the display of the first object on the second screen at a position at a certain distance or more away from the second object displayed on the second screen.

[0153] <Composition 20> Within a certain area of ​​the second screen, separated from the boundary line that divides the second screen and the area outside the second screen, a restricted area is provided in which user operations on the second objects displayed on the second screen, excluding the first object, are not accepted. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 7, characterized in that the second display control means performs control to display the first object within the restricted area.

[0154] <Composition 21> The system further comprises setting means that enable the user to set the predetermined threshold, The information processing apparatus according to configuration 2 or 8, characterized in that the setting means allows the predetermined threshold to be set using a parameter indicating length or area.

[0155] <Composition 22> A first display control step that controls the display unit to display a first screen and a second screen that is arranged to overlap the first screen, When the second screen is displayed by the first display control step, an acquisition step is made to acquire information representing the size of the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, If the aforementioned information satisfies predetermined conditions, a second display control step is performed to control the display of a first object for closing the second screen, If the first object displayed by the second display control step is operated by the user, a control step is performed to close the second screen. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by having the following features.

[0156] <Composition 23> A program that causes a computer to execute a control method for an information processing device, wherein the control method for the information processing device is A first display control step that controls the display unit to display a first screen and a second screen that is arranged to overlap the first screen, When the second screen is displayed by the first display control step, an acquisition step is made to acquire information representing the size of the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, If the aforementioned information satisfies predetermined conditions, a second display control step is performed to control the display of a first object for closing the second screen, If the first object displayed by the second display control step is operated by the user, a control step is performed to close the second screen. A program characterized by having the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0157] 1 Image processing device 201 Setting screen display area 202 Confirmation screen display section 203 Button Press Reception Section 204 Button Identification Section 205 Button Display Control Unit 206 Selection Confirmation Section 207 Selected Information Storage Unit 208 Enlarged display area

Claims

1. A first display control means that controls the display unit to display a first screen and a second screen that is arranged to overlap the first screen, When the second screen is displayed by the first display control means, an acquisition means acquires information representing the size of the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, If the aforementioned information satisfies predetermined conditions, a second display control means performs control to display a first object for closing the second screen, When the first object displayed by the second display control means is operated by the user, a control means is provided to control the closing of the second screen. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires a value representing the size of an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, and the predetermined condition is satisfied when the value acquired by the acquisition means is within a predetermined threshold.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from any vertex of a rectangular region representing the first screen to a vertex of a rectangular region representing the second screen that corresponds to that vertex.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from each of the vertices of the rectangular region representing the first screen to each of the vertices of the rectangular region representing the second screen that corresponds to each of those vertices.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from each of the sides of the rectangular region representing the first screen to each of the sides of the rectangular region representing the second screen that corresponds to each of those sides.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the area obtained by subtracting the area of ​​the rectangular region representing the second screen from the area of ​​the rectangular region representing the first screen.

7. A first display control means that controls the display unit to display a first screen and a second screen that is arranged to overlap the first screen, A means for changing the display magnification of the first screen and the second screen based on a predetermined operation by the user, When the display magnification is changed by the modification means, an acquisition means acquires information representing the size of the portion of the first screen that is visible to the user and the second screen that does not overlap. If the aforementioned information satisfies predetermined conditions, a second display control means performs control to display a first object for closing the second screen, When the first object displayed by the second display control means is operated by the user, a control means is provided to control the closing of the second screen. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition means acquires a value representing the size of an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, and the predetermined condition is satisfied when the value acquired by the acquisition means is within a predetermined threshold.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from any vertex of the rectangular area representing the display area to the vertex of the rectangular area representing the second screen that corresponds to that vertex.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from each of the vertices of the rectangular area representing the display area to each of the vertices of the rectangular area representing the second screen that corresponds to each of the vertices.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the distance from each of the sides of the rectangular area representing the display area to each of the sides of the rectangular area representing the second screen that corresponds to each of those sides.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the area obtained by subtracting the area of ​​the rectangular area representing the second screen from the area of ​​the rectangular area representing the display area.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that if the information does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the second display control means performs control to not display the first object.

14. The system further includes a reception control means that performs control to receive user operations on an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the control means further performs control to close the second screen when the reception control means receives a user operation on an area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen.

15. The reception control means is If the information representing the size of the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, control is performed to enable the acceptance of user operations on the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it controls the system to not accept user operations on the area when the information satisfies the predetermined conditions.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the predetermined operation is a pinch-out operation or a pinch-in operation by the user on the display unit.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 16, characterized in that the predetermined operation is a user touch operation on a second object for moving the display area within the first screen.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the second display control means performs control to display the first object when the display area is contained within the second screen.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the second display control means controls the display of the first object on the second screen at a position at a certain distance or more away from the second object displayed on the second screen.

20. Within a certain area of ​​the second screen, separated from the boundary line that divides the second screen and the area outside the second screen, a restricted area is provided in which user operations on the second objects displayed on the second screen, excluding the first object, are not accepted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the second display control means performs control to display the first object within the restricted area.

21. The system further comprises setting means that enable the user to set the predetermined threshold, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 8, characterized in that the setting means enables setting the predetermined threshold using a parameter indicating length or area.

22. A first display control step involves controlling the display unit to display a first screen and a second screen that is positioned to overlap the first screen. When the second screen is displayed by the first display control step, an acquisition step is made to acquire information representing the size of the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, If the aforementioned information satisfies predetermined conditions, a second display control step is performed to control the display of a first object for closing the second screen, If the first object displayed by the second display control step is operated by the user, a control step is performed to close the second screen. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by having the following features.

23. A program that causes a computer to execute a control method for an information processing device, wherein the control method for the information processing device is A first display control step involves controlling the display unit to display a first screen and a second screen that is positioned to overlap the first screen. When the second screen is displayed by the first display control step, an acquisition step is made to acquire information representing the size of the area of ​​the first screen that does not overlap with the second screen, If the aforementioned information satisfies predetermined conditions, a second display control step is performed to control the display of a first object for closing the second screen, If the first object displayed by the second display control step is operated by the user, a control step is performed to close the second screen. A program characterized by having the following features.

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