Program, storage medium, electronic device, and method for controlling the same

Abstract

The goal is to enable users to operate apps more effectively in a system that manages them by associating them with one of several spaces. [Solution] In an electronic device where each of several apps is managed in association with one of several spaces, including a first space and a second space that requires unlocking, the device is controlled to display, in response to a specific operation, a first screen for selecting content stored in association with the first space, which does not include a first display item for selecting content in the other space, if the running app is associated with the first space, and a second screen for selecting content stored in association with the second space, which includes the first display item, if the app is associated with the second space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a storage medium, an electronic device, and a control method thereof for managing by associating at least one of content and application software with any one of a plurality of spaces.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for anonymizing electronic content are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for generating anonymized electronic content from electronic content. Electronic content includes a data part and a format part. The method selects an anonymization method by an anonymization engine and identifies system resources by the anonymization engine. System resources can be used by an interpretation application for interpreting electronic content into presentation data that can be processed by an output device. The anonymization engine determines parameters of system resources to be converted by the anonymization method. The anonymization engine anonymizes an electronic work according to an anonymization method for converting the data part of the electronic content into an anonymized data part to generate anonymized electronic content. By including the anonymized electronic content with an anonymized data part and a format part and preserving the structure of the electronic work, the anonymized electronic work can be interpreted by an interpretation application.

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses information regarding Android 15, which is an OS (Operating System) of a smartphone. Specifically, it discloses a private space in which a user can create another space on a device and save highly confidential applications using an additional authentication layer. Note that Android is a trademark.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Overview of Android 15 features and APIs, [Accessed July 30, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / developer.android.com / about / versions / 15 / features#private-space> [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Android 15 allows users to create private spaces in addition to personal spaces. However, with the exception of certain apps and features, content and apps cannot be accessed across personal and private spaces. As a result, users may have difficulty finding the content or apps they want. This issue is not limited to Android 15's personal and private spaces; similar challenges exist in any system that manages apps and content by associating them with partitioned areas (spaces) that cannot be accessed from one area to the other without authentication.

[0007] The present invention aims to enable users to more effectively operate a system for managing apps and content by associating them with one of several spaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The program of the present invention, An application program that runs on an electronic device in which each of multiple application software is managed in association with one of a plurality of spaces, which includes a first space that does not require unlocking and a second space that does require unlocking, Depending on the specific operation performed to select the content to be processed, If the application program is associated with the first space, control the display of a first screen for selecting content stored in association with the first space, which does not include a first display item for selecting content from the other of the first and second spaces. If the application program is associated with the second space, a display control means controls the display of a second screen for selecting content stored in association with the second space, the second screen including the first display item. The electronic device is characterized by being made to function in this manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in a system for managing apps and content by associating them with one of several spaces, users can operate them more favorably. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating application programs and content stored on electronic devices. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of an electronic device. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart explaining the process of the printing application. [Figure 6] This is an example of the home screen display for a printing app. [Figure 7] This is an example of how the file selection screen is displayed using SAF. [Figure 8] This is an example of the screen displayed when selecting the source for retrieving document data from a printing application. [Figure 9] This is an example of the save destination selection screen displayed by SAF. [Figure 10] This is an example of a folder selection screen displayed by SAF. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of a file selection process by SAF. [Figure 12] This is an example of a display screen for the processing result of scanning. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of a photo selection process by the photo picker. [Figure 14] This is an example of a display screen of an image list by the photo picker. [Figure 15] This is an example of a display screen of an album selection by the photo picker. [Figure 16] This is an example of a display screen of an image list by the photo picker. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart of a file sharing process by the print application. [Figure 18] This is an example of a display screen of an application selection by the print application. [Figure 19] This is an example of a display screen of an application selection by the OS standard sharing function.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the present invention. In the present embodiment, when an application is launched in a private space or a personal space, even if desired content or an application exists in a space different from the launched space, assistance is provided so that the user can select the desired content or application. Hereinafter, application software or an application program will be abbreviated as an application or an app.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 170, an electronic device 180, and a communication network 190.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 170 is a multifunction device (MFP) equipped with multiple functions, such as a scanner, a printer, a copyer, and a communication function with an external device. The image forming apparatus 170 may also be a printer or other device in addition to an MFP.

[0014] The electronic device 180 is, for example, a smartphone. However, the electronic device 180 is not limited to a smartphone; it may also be a tablet or a personal computer. The electronic device 180 can be any device capable of installing and running application programs.

[0015] The electronic device 180 and the image forming apparatus 170 can communicate with each other via the communication network 190. The electronic device 180 can transmit print jobs or scan jobs, etc., to the image forming apparatus 170 via the communication network 190. The image forming apparatus 170 can receive print jobs or scan jobs, etc., and perform printing or scanning, etc.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 170 includes a scanner unit 130, a printer unit 140, an operation unit 150, and a controller unit 160. The controller unit 160 includes a CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, a storage control unit 108, storage 109, and a network interface 120. Furthermore, the controller unit 160 includes a scanner interface 131, a scanner control unit 132, a printer interface 141, a printer control unit 142, and an operation unit interface 151.

[0017] The CPU 101 executes the software program stored in the RAM 102 and controls the entire image forming apparatus 170.

[0018] ROM103 stores, for example, programs and fixed parameters related to the startup of the controller unit 160.

[0019] RAM 102 is used by the CPU 101 to control the image forming apparatus 170 for storing programs and temporary data. The programs and temporary data stored in RAM 102 are read from ROM 103 and the storage 109 described later.

[0020] The scanner control unit 132 receives setting information set by the user via the scanner I / F 131 when performing scanner processing, and controls the operation of the scanner unit 130 based on this setting information.

[0021] The printer control unit 142 receives setting information set by the user via the printer interface 141 through communication with the CPU 101, and controls the operation of the printer unit 140 based on this setting information.

[0022] The control unit interface (I / F) 151 is an interface with the control unit 150, which has a touch-panel operable liquid crystal display unit. The CPU 101 generates screen display image data to be displayed on the control unit 150 by executing the OS and application programs, and outputs the screen display image data to the control unit 150 from the control unit interface (I / F) 151. The CPU 101 also acquires information input as user operations from the control unit 150 via the control unit interface (I / F) 151 by executing the OS and application programs.

[0023] Storage 109 stores programs executed by the CPU 101, program management tables, and various data as the main storage, and the storage control unit 108 controls the transmission and reception of data. Storage 109 can also store print jobs. The program executed is the boot program run by the CPU 101 to start the OS when the image forming apparatus 170 is started. When print jobs are stored, printing information such as the number of copies, color / monochrome type, single-sided / double-sided printing, and enlargement / reduction is stored. After a user has stored a print job, printing is executed when a print command is received. Examples of storage 109 include HDDs, SSDs, eMMCs, NAND flash memory, or NOR flash memory.

[0024] The network interface 120 transmits and receives data with the communication network 190. The network interface 120 receives data sent from the communication network 190 and transmits image data read by the scanner unit 130 and image data stored in the storage 109 to the electronic device 180 via the communication network 190.

[0025] The CPU 101 controls the scanner unit 130 based on scan instructions based on operations from the control unit 150, or scan jobs received from the electronic device 180. The scanner unit 130 reads the document and generates monochrome binary or color multi-level image data.

[0026] The CPU 101 controls the printer unit 140 based on the operation of the control unit 150 or the print job received from the electronic device 180. The printer unit 140 prints image data generated by the scanner unit 130 or print data received from the electronic device 180 onto the paper.

[0027] The control unit 150 includes a display unit (such as a liquid crystal display) for displaying the status of the image forming apparatus 170 to the user, and an input mechanism such as buttons and / or a touch panel for receiving input and output from the user to the image forming apparatus 170.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the electronic device 180 shown in Figure 1. The electronic device 180 is, for example, a smartphone. The electronic device 180 includes a controller unit 200, a display unit 207, an operation unit 209, a call unit 213, an audio antenna 216, and a wireless LAN antenna 218.

[0029] The controller unit 200 includes a CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, storage device 204, power control unit 205, display unit controller 206, operation unit controller 208, call unit controller 212, and wireless LAN I / F 217. The operation unit 209 includes a touch panel 210 and keys 211. The call unit 213 includes a microphone 214 and speaker 215.

[0030] The CPU201 is the central processing unit that controls the entire electronic device 180.

[0031] RAM202 is the work memory for the CPU201 to operate and is used for loading various programs and saving the results of calculations. ROM203 is the memory where the CPU201's startup program and various setting information are stored. Storage device204 is non-volatile memory for storing large programs and data, and is such as flash memory or an HDD inside the controller unit200.

[0032] The power control unit 205 consists of a battery and a battery charging module, etc., to control the power required for the operation of the electronic device 180. The display controller 206 transmits image data to the display unit 207 in accordance with the display unit 207's communication protocol.

[0033] The control unit controller 208 receives input from the touch panel 210 and the keys 211 and converts it into data that the CPU 201 can understand. The touch panel 210 and the display unit 207 are integrated, and the touch panel 210 can detect touch operations performed on the display surface of the display unit 207.

[0034] The communication unit controller 212 converts the audio signal received from the microphone 214 into radio waves for transmission to the other device and outputs them to the audio antenna 216, or processes the radio waves received from the other device by the audio antenna 216 into audio and outputs them to the speaker 215.

[0035] The wireless LAN interface 217 transmits and receives data to and from the communication network 190 via the wireless LAN antenna 218.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the application programs and content stored in the electronic device 180. The electronic device 180 has OS standard functions 310 (operating system standard functions), personal space 320, and private space 330.

[0037] The operating system of electronic device 180 is, for example, Android 15. With Android 15, users can create a private space 330 on electronic device 180 in addition to the personal space 320. The private space 330 can store highly sensitive apps 341b and 342b using a lock function.

[0038] The personal space 320 stores applications 341a and 342a, and content 350. In other words, applications 341a, 342a, and content 350 are recorded in association with the personal space 320, which is a virtual space. More specifically, the data for applications 341a, 342a, and content 350 are recorded in the hierarchical structure of the first directory corresponding to personal space 320. Content 350 is, for example, a photo file (image file) or a document file, and is content that can be used by applications 341a or 342a, etc.

[0039] Private space 330 stores applications 341b and 342b, and content 360 such as photos. In other words, applications 341b and 342b, and content 360 such as photos are recorded in association with the virtual space private space 330. More specifically, the data for applications 341b, 342b, and content 360 are recorded in the hierarchical structure of the second directory corresponding to private space 330. Content 360 is, for example, a photo file or a document file, and is content usable by applications 341b or 342b, etc. Personal space 320 and private space 330 are virtually separate spaces from each other. Also, the first directory and the second directory are different directories and are not hierarchically related to each other.

[0040] Apps 341a and 341b are the same app. Apps 342a and 342b are the same app. If you want to use an app in both the personal space 320 and the private space 330, you need to install (associate and record) that app in both the personal space 320 and the private space 330.

[0041] In personal space 320, when app 341a or 342a is launched, app 341a or 342a can access content 350 unless the OS standard function 310 is used, but it cannot access content 360 in private space 330. Furthermore, even when using the OS standard function 310, content 360 in private space 330 cannot be accessed unless private space 330 is unlocked.

[0042] Similarly, in the private space 330, apps 341b or 342b can access content 360 unless they use the OS standard function 310, but they cannot access content 350 in the personal space 320.

[0043] The apps 341b, 342b and content 360 in private space 330 are lockable and cannot be used without unlocking them through authentication.

[0044] The OS standard function 310 includes, for example, a photo picker 311 and an OS sharing function 312. The OS sharing function 312 is a sharing function provided by the OS. When the private space 330 is unlocked, the photo picker 311 can access the content 350 of the personal space 320 and the content 360 of the private space 330. When the private space 330 is unlocked, the OS sharing function 312 can access the apps 341a, 342a of the personal space 320 and the apps 341b, 342b of the private space 330.

[0045] Photo picker 311 is a photo selection tool for selecting 350 or 360 photos for content. OS sharing function 312 is a function for selecting the app to share images and other content with.

[0046] Figure 4 shows an example of the application list screen displayed on the display unit 207 of the electronic device 180. Display area 401 is an area where applications installed in the personal space 320 are listed, and launch icons (launchers) for multiple applications, including applications 341a and 342a, are displayed. Display area 402 is an area where applications installed in the private space 330 are listed, and launch icons for multiple applications, including applications 341b and 342b, are displayed. The launch icons for applications 341b, 342b, etc. in the private space 330 and the launch icons for applications 341a, 342a, etc. in the personal space 320 are displayed in different display areas 401 and 402, even if they are the same application. Display area 402 is divided by a line around its outer frame, so that the user can recognize that it is a visually different area (divided area) from display area 401. Any display format that allows it to be identified that the display area 402 is a separate area from the display area 401 is acceptable. This can be indicated by using a different background color or pattern for the display area 402 than the background of the display area 401, or by using a dotted line to separate them.

[0047] The electronic device 180 can be used after a first unlock. The first lock is, for example, the lock screen that appears when the electronic device 180 is woken from a state where it is powered off, in sleep mode, or the display unit 207 is in display mode. Unlocking the first lock displays the home screen. The authentication method for unlocking the first lock is one or more of several authentication methods, including passcode authentication, touch pattern authentication, fingerprint authentication, and facial recognition. The private space 330 requires the unlocking of a second lock, which differs in timing and at least one of the unlock keys, in addition to the first unlock. To use the private space 330, the first lock must be unlocked to display the home screen, and then the second lock must be unlocked. The personal space 320 has no locks other than the first lock and is basically a usable space as long as the home screen can be displayed. It is also possible to lock individual apps (a third lock), and to use an individually locked app, even if it is an app in the personal space 320, it is necessary to unlock it (unlock the third lock).

[0048] In Private Space 330, if the second lock is engaged, the display area 402 is minimized. Furthermore, no app icons (launch icons) corresponding to apps in Private Space 330 are displayed in the display area 402, preventing the launch of apps in Private Space 330. In this state, it is impossible to see what apps are present in Private Space 330. When the lock icon 403, indicating the lock status of the second lock, displayed in the minimized display area 402, is touched, an authentication screen appears. The user enters authentication information to unlock the second lock. Authentication methods for the second lock include passcode authentication, pattern authentication, fingerprint authentication, and facial recognition. Authentication information includes passcodes, touch input patterns, fingerprints, and captured facial images. Once authentication is successful and the second lock is unlocked, the display area 402 expands, and app icons (launch icons) corresponding to apps in Private Space 330 are displayed. Each launch icon displayed within the display area 402 shows a key icon 404, indicating that it is an app located in the private space 330, making it clear that it is managed differently from apps in the personal space.

[0049] Private Space 330 and Personal Space 320 have different root directories for storing content and applications. The root directory for content and applications in Personal Space 320 is "storage / emulated / 0". The root directory for content and applications in Private Space 330 is a directory other than "storage / emulated / 0", and is a directory numbered from "storage / emulated / 10" onwards.

[0050] If a user creates a private space 330 while there is already one personal space 320, the private space 330 will be created. The root directory of that private space 330 will be "storage / emulated / 10".

[0051] Except for OS standard features 310, even if it's the same app, if you want to use it in both the private space 330 and the personal space 320, you need to install it in both the private space 330 and the personal space 320.

[0052] If the second lock is not unlocked, apps installed in Private Space 330 will be hidden in Recent View, Notifications, Settings, and other apps.

[0053] The apps 341a, 342a and content 350 in personal space 320 cannot be moved to private space 330 by user operation.

[0054] However, between the personal space 320 and the private space 330, content and applications cannot be accessed across spaces, except for the OS standard function 310. However, when an application is launched in the private space 330 or personal space 320, the desired content or application may reside in a different space than the one in which it was launched. In this case, it is difficult for the user to find the desired content or application.

[0055] One objective of this embodiment is to provide a method for displaying content or applications from a different space than the one in which the application was launched, when the application is launched in a private space 330 or personal space 320.

[0056] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control method for the electronic device 180. The CPU 201 loads the printing application stored in the storage device 204 into the RAM 202 and executes it, thereby realizing the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the processing resulting from the execution of a printing application installed in the personal space 320 or private space 330. The printing application is an application for communicating with the image forming apparatus 170 and is an application that runs on the electronic device 180. Hereafter, the step numbers will be preceded by an S.

[0057] In the S501, the CPU 201 controls (displays) the display of the home screen 600 shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 207. The home screen 600 allows the user to select options such as document printing 601, photo printing 602, and scanning 603 via the touch panel 210.

[0058] In S502, the CPU 201 determines, based on user operation on the touch panel 210, whether or not "Document Printing 601" on the home screen 600 has been selected by touch. If "Document Printing 601" is touched, the process proceeds to S503; otherwise, the process proceeds to S517. When "Document Printing 601" is touched, the process involves selecting the content to be processed for document printing and then printing it. In other words, touching "Document Printing 601" is a type of operation for selecting the content to be processed (an operation that requires the selection of content to be processed).

[0059] In S503, the display unit 207 is controlled to display the document data acquisition destination selection screen 800 shown in Figure 8. The selection screen 800 allows the user to select between document 801 and photo 802 via the touch panel 210. Document 801 is a button (operation item) for displaying a screen for selecting a document file such as a PDF or Word file to be printed. Photo 802 is a button (operation item) for displaying a screen for selecting an image file.

[0060] In S504, the CPU 201 determines whether or not photo 802 on the acquisition destination selection screen 800 has been touched (selected) based on user operation on the touch panel 210. If photo 802 has been touched (selected), the process proceeds to S512; otherwise, it proceeds to S505. When photo 802 is touched, the process selects the image file as the content to be processed for document printing and proceeds with printing. In other words, touching photo 802 is a type of operation for selecting content to be processed (an operation that requires the selection of content to be processed).

[0061] In S505, the CPU 201 determines whether or not document 801 on the document data acquisition destination selection screen 800 has been touched (selected) based on user operation on the touch panel 210. If document 801 has been touched (selected), the process proceeds to S507; otherwise, it proceeds to S506. When document 801 is touched, the process proceeds to select the document file as the content to be processed for document printing and then print it. In other words, touching document 801 is a type of operation for selecting the content to be processed (an operation that requires the selection of the content to be processed).

[0062] In S506, CPU201 determines whether the "back button" was touched on the document data acquisition destination selection screen 800. If the "back button" was not touched, the process returns to S504. If the "back button" was touched, the process returns to S501.

[0063] If the printing application for personal space 320 is running, the root directory of personal space 320 is "storage / emulated / 0". If the printing application for private space 330 is running, the root directory of private space 330 is, for example, "storage / emulated / 10".

[0064] In S507, CPU201 determines whether the running print application is running in private space (PrS)330. If the print application is running in private space 330, proceed to S508. If the print application is running in personal space 320, proceed to S509.

[0065] Here, we will explain the two determination methods for S507. First, we will explain the first determination method. CPU201 determines that the print application is running in private space 330 if the storage location of the referenced document file (content) meets predetermined conditions.

[0066] Specifically, CPU201 determines that the print application is running in personal space 320 if the location of the document file referenced when displaying the file selection screen 700 shown in S508 or S509 is "storage / emulated / 0". Furthermore, CPU201 determines that the print application is running in private space 330 if the location of the document file referenced when displaying the file selection screen is a directory other than "storage / emulated / 0".

[0067] In Android 15, the root directory of personal space 320 is "storage / emulated / 0". When a user performs an operation to create private space 330, private space 330 is created. The root directory of that private space 330 will be "storage / emulated / 10".

[0068] Next, I will explain the second determination method. The second determination method involves obtaining user type information from the OS and making a determination based on the obtained user type. For example, it may be possible to obtain information called USER_TYPE_PROFILE_PRIVATE from the OS as the current user type information via an API. If this information is obtained, it can be determined that the currently used user is a private space user (and the currently running application is a private space application).

[0069] In S508, the CPU 201 displays a folder selection screen (folder list screen) using the OS standard file selection function included in the OS standard function 310. In this embodiment, the OS standard file selection function (tool) is assumed to be SAF: Storage Access Framework. Here, the root directory of the space to which the running print application belongs and the format of the file to be retrieved are specified as document files, and the system controls the display unit 207 to display the folder selection screen 1010 shown in Figure 10(B). That is, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the folder selection screen 1010 for selecting document files (content) stored in the electronic device 180. The folder selection screen 1010 is an example of a screen for selecting content, and is a screen for selecting a folder containing document files such as PDF files or Word files to be printed by user operation on the touch panel 210. The folder selection screen 1010 is a screen that lists all folders under the root directory of the space to which the running print application belongs within the electronic device 180, and all folders are selectable. Furthermore, the folder selection screen 1010 displays a switching item 1011 that accepts user requests to switch between personal space and private space. By touching the switching item 1011, the user can switch the space to which the folders displayed on the folder selection screen 1010 belong. For example, when switching from private space to personal space, the display switches from the folder list of private space to the folder list of personal space. In other words, the folder selection screen 1010 is a screen in which all folders under the root directory of the space selected by the switching item 1011 within the electronic device 180 can be selected.

[0070] In case S508, since the print application was running in the private space, the screen displaying switch item 1011 is shown. This allows the user to be shown the possibility that the file they are looking for may be in the personal space, making it easier for them to find the desired file. Also, since the second lock is unlocked when the print application is running in the private space, there is little need to consider the confidentiality of the private space. Furthermore, the personal space can be viewed without needing to unlock the second lock in the first place. Therefore, in the case of S508, prioritizing the ease with which the user can find the desired file over confidentiality is prioritized, and the screen displaying switch item 1011 is shown.

[0071] In S509, the CPU 201 displays a file selection screen (file list screen) using the OS standard file selection function (i.e., SAF) included in the OS standard function 310. Here, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the file selection screen 700 shown in Figure 7, by specifying the hierarchy below the root directory of the space to which the running print application belongs and the format of the file to be retrieved. In other words, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the file selection screen 700 for selecting document files (content) stored on the electronic device 180. The file selection screen 700 is an example of a content selection screen, and is a screen for selecting a PDF file, Word file, or other document file to be printed by user operation on the touch panel 210. Thus, unlike S508, S509 displays a file selection screen that displays a list of document files, rather than a folder selection screen that displays a list of folders in the space to which the running print application belongs. The file selection screen does not display the switching item 1011 that accepts instructions to switch between personal space and private space. In the case of S509, since the printing application is running in the personal space, the screen that does not display the switch item 1011 is displayed, thus preventing the user of the personal space from becoming aware of the existence of the private space. In this way, the confidentiality of the private space is maintained. However, if the policy prioritizes making it easier for the user to find the files they want over the confidentiality of the private space, then S509 may also be configured to display the folder selection screen that shows the switch item 1011, similar to S508.

[0072] In the S510, CPU201 performs file selection processing and receives (acquires) file identification information. The file selection processing will be described later using Figure 19.

[0073] In S511, the CPU 201 accepts a print setting operation from the user for the selected file based on the file identification information obtained through processing in S510, and sends the print job for the selected file to the image forming apparatus 170. Then, it returns to S501.

[0074] In S512, CPU201 determines whether the print application is running in the private space (PrS) 330. The determination method for S512 is the same as that for S507. If the print application is running in the private space 330, the process proceeds to S513. Otherwise, i.e., if the print application is running in the personal space 320, the process proceeds to S516.

[0075] In S513, the CPU201 controls the photo selection process using the OS standard function 310, the photo picker 311, and receives file identification information. In the display during the photo selection process by the photo picker 311, when the second lock is released, the space switching button 1401 or 1601 for switching between private space and personal space is displayed. Details of the photo selection process in S513 will be described later with reference to Figure 13.

[0076] In S514, the CPU 201 accepts a print setting operation from the user for the selected photo file (image file) based on the file identification information obtained through processing in S513, and sends the print job for the selected photo file to the image forming apparatus 170. The process then returns to S501.

[0077] In S516, the CPU 201 displays a file selection screen using the OS standard file selection function (i.e., SAF) included in the OS standard function 310. Here, it specifies a hierarchy below the root directory of the space to which the running print application belongs, and an image file as the file format to be retrieved, and controls the display unit 207 to display an image file selection screen. The file selection screen displayed in S516 has almost the same screen configuration as the file screen displayed in S508, but while document files are displayed as options in S508, image files are displayed as options in S516. Thus, unlike S513, S516 displays a file selection screen using SAF instead of a photo picker, and the switching item that accepts instructions to switch between personal space and private space is not displayed. In S516, since the print application is running in the personal space, displaying a screen without a switching item prevents the user of the personal space from becoming aware of the existence of the private space, thereby maintaining the confidentiality of the private space. Furthermore, if the policy prioritizes making it easier for the user to find desired files over confidentiality, then, similar to S513, S516 may display a file selection screen using a photo picker with a space toggle button 1401.

[0078] In S517, the CPU 201 determines whether the photo print 602 on the home screen 600 in Figure 6 has been selected by touch operation based on the user's operation on the touch panel 210. If photo print 602 has been touched, the process proceeds to S513; otherwise, the process proceeds to S518. When photo print 602 is touched, the process involves selecting the content to be processed for photo printing and then printing it. In other words, touching photo print 602 is a type of operation for selecting the content to be processed (an operation that requires the selection of content to be processed). Alternatively, the process could be configured so that if photo print 602 is touched and the result in S517 is determined to be Yes, the process proceeds to S512.

[0079] In S508 and S509, the File Selection Screen (SAF) is used to select document files. In contrast, in S513, the Photo Picker 311 is used to select photo files.

[0080] First, let me explain why PhotoPicker 311 is used for selecting photo files. This is because PhotoPicker 311 requires fewer permissions from the user beforehand. If a printing application displays a screen for selecting image files without using PhotoPicker 311, the selection screen must obtain permission from the user for each individual image file. As a result, newly taken photos will not appear on the selection screen. Also, while SAF does not require prior permission, it can only view image files by folder, making it difficult to view them in a list and thus hindering the usability of image selection. In contrast, PhotoPicker 311 displays photos (image files) as selection candidates in a list without requiring prior permission from the user, making it easy to select the desired photo.

[0081] Next, we will explain why the File Selection Screen (SAF) is used for document files. This is because PhotoPicker 311 can only select image files and cannot display document files as an option.

[0082] This explains why a method for selecting from photos is provided when printing documents. Even if it is a photo file (image file), if the content of the photo is a photograph of a document, it is treated as a document to be printed, or the user recognizes it as a document. Specifically, in S502, when it is determined that document printing has been selected, the content of the image file is treated as a document, and the default print settings for documents, such as paper size and paper type, can be applied in the file print settings in S511 and S515. Also, when selecting a photo from document printing, using SAF in S516 makes it easier to check folders than using the photo picker 311, especially when the photo data is saved in folders as document files such as PDFs or Word files. For example, in the display example in Figure 7, it is possible to change folders by operating menu 701, and it is easy to check folders by looking at the display showing the hierarchy "Documents > Document" displayed below menu 701. It is also possible to change the hierarchy and select other folders by touching the "Documents > Document" display.

[0083] Here, we will explain why, when printing a document and selecting from photos, the photo picker 311 is used in S513 if it is a private space 330, and the folder selection screen 1010 using SAF is displayed in S516 if it is not a private space 330. This is because the folder selection screen 1010 (SAF) is a screen that can also display photo files, and it is a screen that allows selection of all folders under the root directory of the space selected by the switching item 1011. As a result, when the application is running in a private space, it becomes easier to select photos in a personal space compared to using the folder selection screen 1010 (SAF).

[0084] In S518, the CPU 201 determines whether scan 603 on the home screen 600 in Figure 6 has been selected by touch operation on the touch panel 210. If scan 603 has been touched, the process proceeds to S519; otherwise, the process proceeds to S524.

[0085] In S519, the CPU 201 sends a scan job to the image forming apparatus 170, which is a scanner. The image forming apparatus 170 performs a scan according to the received scan job and sends the scanned image to the electronic device 180. The CPU 201 of the electronic device 180 receives the scanned image (content) from the image forming apparatus 170 and stores the received image in the storage device 204.

[0086] In S520, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display a processing result screen 1200 for displaying the scanned image, as shown in Figure 12.

[0087] In S521, the CPU 201 determines whether the share button 1201 on the processing result screen 1200 in Figure 12 was selected by touch operation based on user operation on the touch panel 210. If the share button 1201 was touched, the process proceeds to S522. If the share button 1201 was not touched, the process proceeds to S523.

[0088] In S522, CPU201 performs file sharing on the scanned images. Details of the file sharing process in S522 will be described later with reference to Figure 17.

[0089] In S523, the CPU 201 determines whether the "back button" was touched on the processing result screen 1200 in Figure 12 based on user operation on the touch panel 210. If the "back button" was not touched, the process returns to S521. If the "back button" was touched, the process returns to S501.

[0090] In S524, the CPU 201 determines whether any of the other buttons on the home screen 600 in Figure 6 have been touched by user operation on the touch panel 210. If any of the other buttons have been touched, the process proceeds to S525; otherwise, the process proceeds to S526.

[0091] In S525, CPU201 performs processing based on other buttons that were touched. Then, the process proceeds to S526.

[0092] In S526, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the print application has been terminated by user operation on the touch panel 210. If the print application has not been terminated, the process returns to S501. If the print application has been terminated, the print application is closed and the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 5 is terminated.

[0093] Figure 11 is a flowchart detailing the file selection process of S510 in Figure 5. The process in the flowchart of Figure 11 is performed by the file selection function (SAF) of OS standard function 310.

[0094] In S1101, CPU201 determines whether a user operation to change folders has been performed by using the menus identical to menu 701 on the file selection screen 700 and menu 701 on the folder selection screens 1000 and 1010 (same part / same icon). If a user operation to change folders has been performed, the process proceeds to S1102; otherwise, it proceeds to S1105.

[0095] In S1102, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the save destination selection screen 900 shown in Figure 9. Then, when the smartphone 901 is selected on the save destination selection screen 900, if the second lock has not been released (if the private space is locked), the CPU 201 controls the display to show the folder selection screen 1000 shown in Figure 10(A). The folder selection screen 1000 is a screen in which all folders under the root directory of the space to which the running printing application belongs within the electronic device 180 can be selected. If the second lock has been released, the display unit 207 controls the display to show the folder selection screen 1010 shown in Figure 10(B). The folder selection screen 1010, which is displayed immediately after the smartphone 901 is operated, shows all folders under the root directory to which the running printing application belongs within the electronic device 180 that can be selected. The folder selection screen 1010 also displays a switching item 1011 that accepts instructions to switch between personal space and private space. By touching the switching item 1011, the space to which the folders displayed on the folder selection screen 1010 belong can be switched. For example, when switching from a private space to a personal space, the display switches from the folder list of the private space to the folder list of the personal space. In other words, the folder selection screen 1010 is a screen in which all folders under the root directory of the space selected by the switching item 1011 within the electronic device 180 can be selected. Also, if an option other than the smartphone 901 is selected in Figure 9, the folder selection screen corresponding to that selection will be displayed. The folder selection screen 1010 is the same screen as the one displayed in S508 in Figure 5. That is, when the second lock is unlocked, including when the print application is running in the private space (PrS) 330, the switching item 1011 that accepts the instruction to switch between the personal space and the private space is displayed by the process in S1102.

[0096] In S1103, CPU201 determines whether a folder has been selected on the folder selection screen 1000. If a folder has been selected, the process proceeds to S1104. If no folder has been selected, the process returns to S1103.

[0097] In S1104, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display a file selection screen 700 for selecting files within the folder selected in S1103, as shown in Figure 7. The file selection screen 700 does not display any switching items that accept instructions to switch between personal space and private space. The process then returns to S1101.

[0098] In S1105, CPU201 determines whether a file has been selected on file selection screen 700. If a file has been selected, the process proceeds to S1106. If no file has been selected, the process returns to S1101.

[0099] In S1106, the CPU 201 saves the selected file to a designated location in the storage device 204 and outputs the save location as file identification information, which is information that identifies the selected image. After that, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 1 is terminated.

[0100] Figure 13 is a flowchart detailing the photo selection process in S513 of Figure 5. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 13 is performed by the photo picker 311.

[0101] In S1301, CPU201 determines whether the print application is currently running in private space 330. If it is running in private space 330, proceed to S1309. Otherwise, if it is running in personal space 320, proceed to S1302.

[0102] In S1302, CPU201 searches for image files in the root directory of personal space (PeS)320. Here, the root directory of personal space (PeS)320 is, for example, "storage / emulated / 0".

[0103] In S1303, CPU201 determines whether the second lock has been unlocked.

[0104] If unlocked in S1303, the process proceeds to S1305 via S1304. In S1305, if S1304 was used, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the image list screen 1400, including the space switching button 1401, as shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 is an example of the image list screen displayed by the photo picker 311. Here, the space switching button 1401 is a button for switching from the image list screen of the personal space 320 to the image list screen of the private space 330. The process then proceeds to S1306.

[0105] Note that Figure 14 shows an example of the image list screen 1400 when the photo button 1402 is selected. When the album button 1403 is selected on the image list screen 1400, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the album selection screen 1500 shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is an example of the album selection screen displayed by the photo picker 311. When a desired album is selected on the album selection screen 1500, the CPU 201 displays an image selection screen for selecting images belonging to the selected album.

[0106] If the lock is not released in S1303, the process proceeds to S1305 without going through S1304. In S1305, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the image list screen 1400, which does not include the space switching button 1401. If the lock is not released, it is not possible to switch from the personal space 320 to the private space 330, so the CPU 201 controls the display so that the space switching button 1401 is not shown. After that, the process proceeds to S1306.

[0107] In S1306, the CPU 201 determines whether the space switching button 1401 shown in Figure 14 has been touched by the user on the touch panel 210. If the space switching button 1401 has been touched, the process proceeds to S1309. If the space switching button 1401 has not been touched, the process proceeds to S1307. If the second lock has not been unlocked, the determination in S1306 is No.

[0108] In S1307, CPU201 determines whether an image file has been selected on the image list screen 1400 in Figure 14. If no image file has been selected, the process returns to S1306. If an image file has been selected, the process returns to S1308.

[0109] In S1308, the CPU 201 saves the selected image file to a designated location in the storage device 204 and outputs the save location as file identification information, which is information that identifies the selected image. After that, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 13 is terminated.

[0110] In S1309, CPU201 searches for image files under the root directory of private space (PrS)330. Here, the root directory of private space (PrS)330 is, for example, "storage / emulated / 10".

[0111] In S1310, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the image list screen 1600, which includes the space switching button 1601, as shown in Figure 16. Figure 16 is an example of the image list screen displayed by the photo picker 311. Here, the space switching button 1601 is a button for switching from the image list screen of the private space 330 to the image list screen of the personal space 320. Then, the process proceeds to S1311.

[0112] Note that the image list screen 1600 in Figure 16 shows an example of the image list screen when the photo button 1602 is selected. When the album button 1603 is selected on the image list screen 1600, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display an album selection screen similar to the album selection screen 1500 in Figure 15. When a desired album is selected on the album selection screen, the CPU 201 displays an image selection screen for selecting images belonging to the selected album.

[0113] In S1311, the CPU 201 determines whether the space switching button 1601 shown in Figure 16 has been touched by user operation on the touch panel 210. If the space switching button 1601 has been touched, the process proceeds to S1302 and the above processing is performed. If the space switching button 1601 has not been touched, the process proceeds to S1312.

[0114] In S1312, CPU201 determines whether an image file has been selected on the image list screen 1600 in Figure 16. If no image file has been selected, the process returns to S1311. If an image file has been selected, the process returns to S1313.

[0115] In S1313, the CPU 201 saves the selected image file to a designated location in the storage device 204 and outputs the save location as file identification information, which is information that identifies the selected image. After that, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 13 is terminated.

[0116] Figure 17 is a flowchart detailing the file sharing process in S522 of Figure 5. In other words, Figure 17 is a flowchart executed by the print application.

[0117] In S1701, CPU201 determines, similar to the determination in S507, whether the print application is currently running in private space 330. If private space 330 is selected, proceed to S1704. Otherwise, if it is running in personal space 320, proceed to S1702.

[0118] In S1702, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the application selection screen 1800 shown in Figure 18. The application selection screen 1800 (application selection screen 1) is an application selection screen unique to the print application. In other words, it is an application selection screen for other applications (applications other than the print application) that is a function of the print application, not a function of the OS.

[0119] The app selection screen 1800 is a selection screen where you select the app to share scanned images (content) with. Furthermore, the app selection screen 1800 displays apps installed in the personal space 320 as options, but does not display apps installed in the private space 330. Additionally, the app selection screen 1800 does not display operation items for switching between spaces (such as the private space button 1901 and personal space button 1902, which will be described later).

[0120] In S1703, CPU201 determines whether a sharing destination app has been selected on the app selection screen 1800 in Figure 18. If no app is selected, the process returns to S1703. If an app is selected, the process proceeds to S1708.

[0121] In S1704, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display the application selection screen 1900 (application selection screen 2) shown in Figure 19 using the OS standard sharing function. The application selection screen 1900 has a private space button 1901 and a personal space button 1902.

[0122] When the printing application is running in private space 330, the private space button 1901 is selected. When the private space button 1901 is selected, the CPU 201 controls the display unit 207 to display an application selection screen 1900 on which applications installed in private space 330 can be selected.

[0123] Here, the app selection screen 1900 in Figure 19 differs from the app selection screen 1800 in Figure 18, which is displayed in S1702, in at least one of the display order of the app options and the available options. In the file sharing process in Figure 17, the reason for initially displaying the print app's own app selection screen 1800 (app selection screen 1) instead of the app selection screen 1900 (app selection screen 2) provided by the OS is as follows: In app selection screen 2, the print app cannot influence (determine, specify) the display order (sorting order) of the apps that are options, or whether or not to display them as options. In other words, apps that are not normally expected to be selected as sharing destinations by the print app may be displayed first, and apps that are frequently selected as sharing destinations by the print app may be displayed later. This makes the operation to select an app that is frequently selected by the user cumbersome and inconvenient. In contrast, in app selection screen 1, the print app can determine (specify) the display order (sorting order) of the apps that are options, and whether or not to display them as options. Therefore, it is possible to reflect the intentions of printing app manufacturers, such as which apps are frequently selected as sharing destinations by printing users, or which apps can provide convenient features when designated as a sharing destination from a printing app, thereby improving the user experience.

[0124] In S1705, the CPU 201 determines whether the private space button 1901 or the personal space button 1902 shown in Figure 19 has been touched by user interaction with the touch panel 210. If the private space button 1901 or the personal space button 1902 has been touched, the process proceeds to S1706. If the private space button 1901 or the personal space button 1902 has not been touched, the process proceeds to S1707.

[0125] In S1706, CPU201 searches for apps installed in the space corresponding to the button that was determined to have been touched in S1705 (the space after switching), from among the private space button 1901 and the personal space button 1902. Specifically, if the private space button 1901 is touched, it searches for apps installed in the private space. Specifically, if the personal space button 1902 is touched, it searches for apps installed in the personal space. After that, it proceeds to S1704 and displays an app selection screen for the apps found in S1706, i.e., apps installed in the space after switching. More specifically, if the personal space button 1902 is touched in S1705, it is controlled to select the personal space button 1902 and display an app selection screen 1900 that allows the user to select apps installed in personal space 320. Also, if the private space button 1901 is touched in S1705, it is controlled to select the private space button 1901 and display an app selection screen 1900 that allows the user to select apps installed in private space 330.

[0126] In this way, by using the sharing function provided by the OS, it is possible to switch between displaying a screen where apps installed in private space 330 can be selected and a screen where apps installed in personal space 320 can be selected. In other words, by using the sharing function provided by the OS, it is possible to select apps installed in both private space 330 and personal space 320.

[0127] In S1707, CPU201 determines whether a sharing destination app has been selected on the app selection screen 1900. If no app is selected, the process returns to S1705. If an app is selected, the process proceeds to S1708.

[0128] In S1708, CPU201 notifies the selected application of the scanned image file, launches the selected application as the sharing destination application, and processes the image file using that application (the sharing destination application). After that, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 17 is completed.

[0129] As described above, according to this embodiment, when an application is launched in a private space 330 or personal space 320 for document printing 601 and photo printing 602, a content selection screen with a switching button for displaying content from other spaces can be displayed. This makes it easier to find the desired content even if it exists in a space different from the space where the application was launched.

[0130] Furthermore, while Figure 5 shows an example of using a photo picker for photo selection in S513, this is not the only option; photo selection can also be performed using the print application. Additionally, if photo printing is selected in S517, it may be possible to determine whether the print application is running in the private space and use the print application for photo selection if it is in the personal space, and the photo picker if it is in the private space. This makes it easier to access content in both the personal and private spaces using the space switching button when the print application is running in the private space.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the file sharing process shown in Figure 17, the system switches between displaying the print application's own application selection screen or the OS's standard application selection screen, based on whether the running application is in a private space. It also switches between displaying a screen that allows the user to select an application in the other space, based on whether the running application is in a private space. This enables more appropriate sharing processing depending on the space of the running application.

[0132] Although Figure 5 uses a printing application (printer control application) as an example, the method is not limited to printing applications and can be applied to various other applications. For example, it can be applied to image viewing applications (album applications), online storage management applications, social networking applications, messaging applications, email applications, communication applications, image editing applications, IoT device management applications, etc. Electronic device 180 is not limited to smartphones, but can be applied to electronic devices such as tablets, personal computers, smartwatches, game consoles, televisions, set-top boxes, and video playback devices that can install and run applications.

[0133] Furthermore, the various controls described above, which are performed by CPU201, may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or multiple pieces of hardware (for example, multiple processors or circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0134] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each of the embodiments described above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is possible to combine each embodiment as appropriate.

[0135] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments used the application of the present invention to a smartphone as an example, the invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any electronic device 180 that can install and operate an application. In other words, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, and the like.

[0136] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

Claims

1. An application program that operates on an electronic device in which each of multiple application software is managed in association with one of a plurality of spaces, which includes a first space that does not require unlocking and a second space that does require unlocking, Depending on the specific operation performed to select the content to be processed, If the application program is associated with the first space, control the system to display a first screen for selecting content stored in association with the first space, which does not include a first display item for selecting content from the other of the first and second spaces. If the application program is associated with the second space, a display control means controls the display of a second screen for selecting content stored in association with the second space, the second screen including the first display item. A program characterized by causing the aforementioned electronic device to function as such.

2. The first screen is a file list screen where multiple files are displayed as content candidates for selection. The second screen is a folder list screen that displays multiple folders as candidates for selection, allowing the user to choose the folder containing the content to be selected. The program according to feature 1.

3. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that both the first screen and the second screen are screens displayed by a first function of the operating system standard of the electronic device.

4. The program according to claim 3, characterized in that, in response to a folder being selected on the second screen, the first screen is displayed, showing a plurality of files stored in the selected folder as selection candidates.

5. The program according to claim 3, characterized in that the operating system is Android and the first function is Storage Access Framework.

6. The first screen is a screen displayed by a first function of the operating system standard of the electronic device, The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the second screen is a screen displayed by the second function of the operating system standard.

7. The program according to claim 3, characterized in that the operating system is Android, the first function is Storage Access Framework, and the second function is Photo Picker.

8. The program according to claim 1, further characterized in that the electronic device functions as a transmission means for transmitting a print job of content selected based on an operation on the first screen or the second screen.

9. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the content is a document file or an image file.

10. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that a screen for selecting content stored in association with the first space is displayed based on the operation of the first display item displayed on the second screen.

11. The display control means further, Depending on the specific action taken to share the content, If the application program is associated with the first space, control the system to display a third screen for selecting the application software to share content with, where one or more application software associated with the first space are displayed as options, and a second display item for selecting application software from the other space (the first space or the second space) is not displayed. If the application program is associated with the second space, control the system to display a fourth screen on which a user can select a sharing application software to share content with, where one or more application software associated with the second space are displayed as options, and the second display item is displayed. The program according to feature 1.

12. An application program that operates on an electronic device in which each of multiple application software is managed in association with one of a plurality of spaces, which includes a first space that does not require unlocking and a second space that does require unlocking, Depending on the specific action taken to share the content, If the application program is associated with the first space, control the system to display a third screen for selecting the application software to share content with, where one or more application software associated with the first space are displayed as options, and a second display item for selecting application software from the other space (the first space or the second space) is not displayed. If the application program is associated with the second space, a display control means controls the display of a fourth screen which is a screen for selecting a sharing application software to share content with, where one or more application software associated with the second space are displayed as options, and the second display item is displayed. A program characterized by causing the aforementioned electronic device to function as such.

13. The first screen is a screen displayed by the function of the application program, The program according to claim 12, characterized in that the second screen is a screen displayed by the standard sharing function of the operating system of the electronic device.

14. The program according to claim 13, characterized in that the operating system is Android.

15. The order in which the multiple application software programs displayed on the first screen are arranged is determined by the application program. The order in which the multiple application software programs displayed on the second screen are arranged is not determined by the application program. The program according to feature 12.

16. The program according to claim 12, characterized in that, based on the operation of the second display item displayed on the fourth screen, one or more application software associated with the first space are displayed as options.

17. The program according to claim 12, characterized in that the content is a scanned image.

18. The program according to claim 17, characterized in that the third screen and the fourth screen are screens for selecting application software to which scanned images will be shared when sharing scanned images based on scan jobs sent from the electronic device to the scanner.

19. The aforementioned electronic device can be used by the first unlocking, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the first space requires a second unlock, in which at least one of the timing and unlock key is different for the first unlock.

20. The program according to claim 19, characterized in that, if the second unlock is not performed, the application program associated with the first space is hidden in Recent Views, Notifications, Settings, and other application programs.

21. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the first space and the second space have different root directories for storing content and application software.

22. The application program described in any one of claims 1 to 18 is characterized in that, excluding OS standard functions, even if it is the same application program, if it is to be used in both the first space and the second space, it is necessary to install it in both the first space and the second space.

23. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the launch icon of the application program associated with the first space and the launch icon of the application program associated with the second space are displayed in different display areas of the electronic device, even if they are the same application program.

24. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the application software and content of the second space cannot be moved to the first space by user operation.

25. An electronic device having each of the means described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

26. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

27. A control method for electronic equipment in which each of multiple application software programs is managed in association with one of a plurality of spaces, which includes a first space that does not require unlocking and a second space that does require unlocking, Depending on the specific operation performed to select the content to be processed, If a running application program is associated with the first space, control the system to display a first screen for selecting content stored in association with the first space, which does not include a first display item for selecting content in the other of the two spaces, the first space and the second space. If the application program is associated with the second space, a display control step is provided to control the display of a second screen for selecting content stored in association with the second space, the second screen including the first display item. A control method characterized by having the following features.

28. A control method for electronic equipment in which each of multiple application software programs is managed in association with one of a plurality of spaces, which includes a first space that does not require unlocking and a second space that does require unlocking, Depending on the specific action taken to share the content, If an application program is running and associated with the first space, control the system to display a third screen where the user can select the application software to share content with, where one or more application software associated with the first space are displayed as options, and a second display item for selecting application software from the other space (the first space or the second space) is not displayed. If the application program is associated with the second space, a display control step to control the display to show a fourth screen, which is a screen for selecting a sharing application software to share content with, where one or more application software associated with the second space are displayed as options, and the second display item is displayed. A control method characterized by having the following features.

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