Image processing device and control method for image processing device

Abstract

This invention provides a display device that can provide information about the optimal device functions by controlling the on-screen representation of icons, identification tabs, transition buttons, and other elements related to the detailed screen. [Solution] A display device comprising a display unit capable of displaying a function display screen based on the device's functions, and a control unit that controls the display of the function display screen, wherein the function display screen has a fixed area where the display content is fixed and a non-fixed area other than the fixed area, and the control unit determines the display form of the fixed area according to the display form in the non-fixed area.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, there is known a technique for expressing information related to device functions such as image input / output, communication, job related, or maintenance as graphic information that is easy for a user to associate with.

[0003] These graphic information are called icons, and for example, they can be displayed and used on a touch panel that also serves as a display device for displaying information to the user and an operation device for receiving the user's operation input. The user can execute various processes by referring to the icons arranged on the touch panel or actually performing a tap operation or the like.

[0004] There is a limit to the display area that can be provided by a display device such as a touch panel. In order to solve the problem of insufficient display area, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of making icons with low priority non-displayed when all icons cannot be arranged within a predetermined area. Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of changing the display size of icons according to the usage frequency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, conventional technology does not allow access to all information about the related device functions. To access all information about the device functions, possible methods include (1) displaying a separate screen that allows access to all information (hereinafter referred to as the details screen), or (2) providing an input means (transition button) that allows transitioning to the details screen, in addition to the configuration of the details screen.

[0007] In this case, if an icon representing the details screen or a button to transition to the details screen is displayed while the details screen is being shown, it would be redundant and could confuse the user.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide a display device that can provide information about optimal device functions by controlling the on-screen representation of icons, identification tabs, transition buttons, etc., related to the detail screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the display device according to this disclosure comprises a display unit capable of displaying a function display screen based on device information, and a control unit that controls the display of the function display screen, wherein the function display screen has a fixed area in which the display content is fixed and a non-fixed area other than the fixed area, and the control unit determines the display format of the function identification information to be displayed in the fixed area according to the display format in the non-fixed area.

[0010] Furthermore, the image processing device relating to this disclosure is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned display device and an image processing unit that processes images as a device function.

[0011] Furthermore, the display method relating to this disclosure comprises a display step of displaying a function display screen based on device information, and a control step of controlling the display of the function display screen, wherein the function display screen has a fixed area in which the display content is fixed and a non-fixed area other than the fixed area, and the control step is characterized in that it determines the display form of the function identification information to be displayed in the fixed area according to the display form in the non-fixed area. [Effect of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, by controlling the expressions on the screen such as icons, identification tabs, transition buttons, etc. related to the detailed screen, it is possible to provide a display device or the like that can provide information regarding optimal device functions. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] It is an external perspective view of the multifunctional machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunctional machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the display icon management table. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunctional machine according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example according to the third embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, for example, a multifunction device capable of performing jobs related to copying, faxing, image transmission, etc. with one housing will be described as one form of a display device or an image processing device equipped with the display device. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0015] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment is a form in which, when displaying a home screen as a display form of a non-fixed area, the display form of an icon as function identification information is determined.

[0016] [1.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically explaining the overall configuration of the multifunction device 10. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19 and an image reading unit 21 as an image processing unit, and a storage unit 23.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is configured by, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic units (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0018] The display unit 13 displays various information to the user and the like. The display unit 13 can be configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input from the user or other party. The operation input unit 15 can be composed of hard keys (e.g., a numeric keypad) or buttons. The operation input unit 15 can also be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, common methods such as resistive, infrared, electromagnetic induction, and capacitive touch input methods can be used for the touch panel.

[0020] The communication unit is equipped with either a wired or wireless interface, or both, for communicating with other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, telephone lines, or fax lines.

[0021] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data onto paper used as a recording medium. The image forming unit 19 feeds paper from the paper feeding unit 25, forms an image based on image data on the paper, and then discharges the paper to the paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0022] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading the image of the document to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge coupled device) or CIS (Contact image sensor). There are no restrictions on the configuration of the image reading unit 21, as long as it generates image data by reading the reflected light image from the document image with the image sensor.

[0023] The memory unit 23 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the multifunction printer 10. The memory unit 23 can be configured with storage devices such as RAM (Random access memory), HDD (Hard disk drive), SSD (Solid state drive), and ROM (Read only memory).

[0024] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a control program 231, a display control program 232, a display determination program 233, and an operation determination program 234, and reserves a display icon management table storage area 235 and a display icon and the like storage area 236.

[0025] The control program 231 is a program that the control unit 11 reads in order to perform processing based on each function such as copying, faxing, and image transmission. After reading the control program 231, the control unit 11 realizes each function by controlling the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, image forming unit 19, image reading unit 21, etc.

[0026] The display control program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when controlling the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15. After reading the display control program 232, the control unit 11 controls the representation of icons on the screen as function identification information related to the detail screen. In the first embodiment, the icons related to the detail screen are configured to be displayable in a fixed area where the display content is fixed and in a non-fixed area other than the fixed area, within the displayable area of ​​the touch panel (in this disclosure, the display screen relating to this area is referred to as the function display screen). The specific forms of the fixed area and non-fixed area will be described later. In the first embodiment, the control unit 11 is described as controlling the input and output of the touch panel, which is one form of the operation input unit 15, but it is of course possible to configure the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15 separately.

[0027] The display determination program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining the display position of an icon before the control unit 11 controls the representation of the icon on the detail screen. After reading the display determination program 233, the control unit 11 determines the display position and display format of each icon based on the parameters set for each icon, according to the display format in the non-fixed area.

[0028] The operation determination program 234 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when it receives a screen operation from the user. After reading the operation determination program 234, the control unit 11 detects the user's touch, tap, etc., and determines the content of the operation.

[0029] The display icon management table storage area 235 is a storage area that stores the parameters set for each icon. Here, an example of the configuration of the display icon management table according to this disclosure will be described.

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the data structure of the display icon management table. The display icon management table includes the following management parameters: icon ID, display icon, device function, content, fixed area coordinates (display position 1), non-fixed area coordinates (display position 2), fixed area display flag, priority, and display flag.

[0031] The icon ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify each icon. The displayed icon represents the graphic information (file name) of that icon. In addition to the file name, the displayed icon may also include path information to the display icon storage area 236 where the file is stored.

[0032] The device function is represented by the icon. While not particularly limited, examples of device functions include image output 1 (image formation based on image data on paper), image output 2 (output of image data), image input 1 (image reading by a scanner, etc.), image input 2 (input from an external (storage) device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory), communication, job-related functions, or maintenance-related functions. In the first embodiment, the method of setting parameters for icons classified by each device function will be described.

[0033] The content represents the specific message that each icon conveys. For example, icon ID "0010" is an example of an icon that conveys the message "Toner is low."

[0034] The fixed area coordinates (display position 1) represent the display coordinates of the icons to be displayed in the fixed area. The display of icons in the fixed area can be set by selecting icons via the settings screen described later. In the first embodiment, the number of icons that can be displayed in the fixed area is described as 3, but the number of icons that can be displayed can be changed as appropriate depending on the display area. When icons to be displayed in the fixed area are selected, one of the display positions (a1,b1), (a2,b1), or (a3,b1) is assigned according to the priority of the selected icons. Figure 3 shows an example in which icon IDs "0040", "0022", and "0050" are set as icons to be displayed in the fixed area, and (a1,b1), (a2,b1), and (a3,b1) are assigned as the display positions for each icon.

[0035] The non-fixed area coordinates (display position 2) represent the display coordinates of the icons to be displayed in the non-fixed area. All icons with the display flag set to "y" can be displayed in the non-fixed area. Figure 3 shows an example where the display positions of icons with IDs "0010", "0011", "0021", "0022", "0030", "0040", "0050", and "0060", respectively, are assigned as (t1,s1), (t2,s1), (t3,s1), (t4,s1), (t5,s1), (t6,s1), (t7,s1), and (t8,s1), respectively, with the display flag set to "y".

[0036] The fixed area display flag indicates whether or not icons should be displayed in the fixed area. Icons for which the parameter of this display flag is set to "y" will be displayed in the fixed area.

[0037] Priority represents the display priority of icons to be displayed in the fixed area. Figure 3 shows an example where icons with icon IDs "0040", "0022", and "0050" are assigned priorities of "1", "2", and "3", respectively. Icons with icon IDs "0040", "0022", and "0050" are displayed in the fixed area in order of priority. For example, if the fixed display flag for an icon with a priority parameter set to "3" is set to "n", the icon with the next highest priority parameter, "4", will be displayed in the fixed area.

[0038] The display flag indicates whether or not the icon can be displayed. Icons with the parameter of the display flag set to "y" will be displayed in the non-fixed area.

[0039] The display icon storage area 236 is a storage area that stores graphic files of icons. In addition to graphic files of icons, the display icon storage area 236 can also store graphic files of input buttons that accept user input (for example, transition buttons related to screen transitions).

[0040] [1.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of registering parameters to the display icon management table. This process is executed by the control unit 11 by reading the control program 231, the operation determination program 234, etc.

[0041] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a display icon setting instruction has been entered by the user (step S10).

[0042] If the control unit 11 determines that a display icon setting instruction has been entered by the user, it accepts the display icon setting input (Step S10; Yes → Step S20). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that no display icon setting instruction has been entered, it terminates the process (Step S10; No → Terminate).

[0043] When the control unit 11 receives a display icon setting input, it registers the input value as a parameter in the display icon management table and terminates the process (step S20 → step S30).

[0044] Next, the process of displaying icons as functional identification information will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5. This process is executed when the control unit 11 reads the control program 231, the display control program 232, the display determination program 233, or the operation determination program 234, etc.

[0045] First, the control unit 11 receives an instruction to display the home screen (step S40). The home screen is a setting reception screen that aggregates and arranges input buttons that graphically represent settings and various information related to device functions such as image input / output, communication, job-related settings, and maintenance, using shapes, characters / numbers, or symbols. The home screen is displayed in an unfixed area, for example, when the device is powered on, when it recovers from sleep mode, before a logged-in user logs into the device, or when login authentication is turned off.

[0046] Next, the control unit 11 obtains the parameters of the display icon management table (step S50).

[0047] The control unit 11 determines whether the parameter for display icon settings is "Yes". In this case, the control unit 11 refers to the parameter of the display flag in the display icon management table (step S60).

[0048] When the control unit 11 determines that the parameter for display icon setting is "Yes", it determines whether the icon is to be displayed in a fixed area (display position 1) (step S60; Yes → step S70). In this case, the control unit 11 refers to the fixed area coordinates and fixed area display flag parameters of the display icon management table.

[0049] If the control unit 11 determines that the icon should be displayed in a fixed area, it displays the icon in the fixed area (step S70; Yes → step S80).

[0050] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether all the display areas in the fixed area are filled (step S90). If it determines that all the display areas in the fixed area are filled, the control unit 11 reduces the size of the system information button that accepts the instruction to display the details screen (step S90; Yes → step S100). Then, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S110) and terminates the process.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined that the display icon setting is "No" (step S60; No), or if the icon is not to be displayed in a fixed area (step S70; No), the control unit 11 hides the corresponding icon (step S120). Then, the control unit 11 displays the system information button in its normal size (step S130), displays the home screen (step S110), and terminates the process.

[0052] If the control unit 11 determines that the fixed area is not completely filled, it determines whether all the acquired parameters have been referenced (step S90; No → step S140). If it determines that all the acquired parameters have been referenced, the control unit 11 reduces the size of the system information buttons (step S140; Yes → step S100). Then, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S110) and terminates the process.

[0053] On the other hand, if it determines that not all acquired parameters have been referenced, the control unit 11 checks the next display icon setting (step S140; No → step S150) and returns the process to step S60.

[0054] [1.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 6 shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W10 according to the first embodiment. The function display screen W10 displays a setting reception screen, also known as the home screen, in the non-fixed area R20, which is displayed when the device is powered on, when it recovers from sleep mode, before a logged-in user logs into the device, when the login authentication function is off, etc. Note that Figure 6 corresponds to the processes related to steps S60(No), S120, S130, and S110 in Figure 5, and shows an example of operation when all display icon settings are set to "No".

[0055] The function display screen W10 has a fixed area R10 and a non-fixed area R20. The fixed area R10 is formed above the function display screen, directly above the non-fixed area R20, and is an area where the displayed content is fixed. The fixed area R10 of the function display screen W10 is equipped with a system information button B10 that accepts display input for the detailed screen. The user can display the detailed screen by pressing the system information button B10.

[0056] The non-fixed area R20 includes the device function selection button area R30, which constitutes the home screen. The device function selection button area R30 includes input buttons that graphically represent settings and various information related to device functions such as image input / output, communication, job-related functions, or maintenance, using shapes, characters / numbers, or symbols. In the example in Figure 6, the device function selection button area R30 includes buttons such as the simple copy button, simple fax button, simple scan button, print resource button, setting history button, shared folder button, scan save button, and display icon setting button B20. The user can execute a function based on the desired function by selecting and pressing the desired input button from these input buttons.

[0057] Here, the display icon setting button B20 is an input button that receives a display icon setting instruction input as explained in the flowchart in Figure 4. When the display icon setting button B20 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays the display icon setting screen, which will be explained in the next figure.

[0058] Figure 7 shows an example of the screen configuration of the display icon setting screen W20. The display icon setting screen W20 is a setting screen that is displayed superimposed on the function display screen W10 when the display icon setting button B20 in the device function selection button area R30 is pressed.

[0059] The display icon setting screen W20 includes a device function selection tab T10 that accepts the setting of display icons for each device function, which is one of the management parameters of the display icon management table illustrated in Figure 3. For example, when the user selects the "Image Output 1" tab of the device function selection tab T10, the display icon setting screen W20 that accepts the setting of icons related to "Image Output 1" is displayed. Here, the display icon setting items will be explained using the display icon setting screen W21 related to the "Communication" tab, where the display setting of the fixed area R10 is set to "Yes".

[0060] The display icon settings screen W21 includes the icon display area R40, the icon ID display area R41, the content display area R42, the fixed area selection area R43, the priority selection area R44, and the display setting selection area R45.

[0061] The icon display area R40 is the display area that displays the icon's shape (information). The icon ID display area R41 is the display area that displays the icon ID. The content display area R42 is the display area that displays the specific content that the icon represents. Users can configure the display settings for each icon while checking the items displayed in the icon display area R40, the icon ID display area R41, or the content display area R42.

[0062] The fixed area selection area R43 includes an input box that accepts the selection of icons to be displayed in the fixed area. When "y" is set in this input box to indicate display in the fixed area R10, the fixed area display flag in the display icon management table is set to "y". The priority selection area R44 includes an input box that accepts the selection of the display priority of icons to be displayed in the fixed area R10. When a parameter representing priority (priority "1" in the example in Figure 7) is set in this input box, the priority in the display icon management table is set to that parameter. The display setting selection area R45 includes an input box that accepts the selection of display settings for icons. When "y" is set in this input box to indicate display in the non-fixed area R20, the display flag in the display icon management table is set to "y".

[0063] Figure 8 is a diagram summarizing the display configuration of icons when the home screen is displayed as a non-fixed area display configuration.

[0064] If the display icon setting is "Yes," icons set to be displayed in fixed area R10 (fixed area icons) will be displayed in the fixed area (display position 1) and will not be displayed in the non-fixed area R20. Furthermore, the display of fixed area icons will cause the system information buttons to be displayed in a reduced size.

[0065] On the other hand, if the display icon setting is set to "No," both fixed-area icons and non-fixed-area icons will be hidden. Since fixed-area icons are hidden, the system information buttons will be displayed at their normal size.

[0066] Figure 9 shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W11, which is displayed when the display icon setting is "Yes". The example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W11 is substantially the same as that of the function display screen W10 exemplified in Figure 6, so the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0067] If the display icon setting is set to "Yes," as explained in Figure 8, the fixed area icons will be displayed in fixed area R10, and the system information buttons will be displayed in a reduced size.

[0068] In other words, the function display screen W11 shown in Figure 9 replaces the system information button B10 in the fixed area R10 of the function display screen W10 in Figure 6 with a fixed area icon display area R50 and a reduced-size display of the system information button B11.

[0069] The fixed area icon display area R50 is a display area for displaying fixed area icons. Based on the settings in the display icon management table, the fixed area icon display area R50 can display three icons (icon IDs "0040", "0022", and "0050"). The system information button B11 is one of the display forms when the system information button B10 is displayed in a reduced size, and its function is the same as that of the system information button B10.

[0070] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if the display format in the non-fixed area is not a screen that directly displays information about device functions, such as a home screen, and there are limitations on the displayable area, by arranging icons related to device functions and system information buttons that accept display instructions for detailed screens in the fixed area, it is possible to provide the user with information about the optimal device functions.

[0071] [2 Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is a configuration in which the display format of icons as function identification information is determined when a detail screen is displayed as a display format for a non-fixed area.

[0072] [2.1 Functional Configuration] Since the functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0073] [2.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the display process of icons as function identification information. This process is executed by the control unit 11 when it reads the control program 231, the display control program 232, the display determination program 233, or the operation determination program 234, etc.

[0074] First, the control unit 11 receives an instruction to display a detailed screen (step S160). The detailed screen is a screen for viewing all information related to the device functions. The detailed screen can be displayed by pressing the system information button B10 on the function display screen W10, the system information button B11 on the function display screen W11, etc., as exemplified in the first embodiment.

[0075] Next, the control unit 11 obtains the parameters of the display icon management table (step S170).

[0076] The control unit 11 determines whether the parameter for display icon settings is "Yes". In this case, the control unit 11 refers to the parameter of the display flag in the display icon management table (step S180).

[0077] If the control unit 11 determines that the parameter for display icon settings is "Yes", it displays the icon in the non-fixed area (display position 2) (step S180; Yes → step S190).

[0078] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has referenced all the acquired parameters (step S200). If it determines that it has referenced all the acquired parameters, the control unit 11 changes the display of the system information button to a close button (step S200; Yes → step S210). Then, the control unit 11 displays the details screen (step S220) and terminates the process.

[0079] Incidentally, if the control unit 11 has not received an input for displaying the detailed screen (step S160; No), it can, for example, execute the processes related to steps S40 to S150 in Figure 5.

[0080] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 determines that the display icon setting is "No", it hides the corresponding icon (step S180; No → step S230). Then, the control unit 11 displays the system information button at its normal size (step S240), displays the details screen (step S220), and terminates the process.

[0081] If the control unit 11 determines that not all acquired parameters have been referenced, it checks the next display icon setting and returns the process to step S180 (step S200; No → step S250).

[0082] [2.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram summarizing the display configuration of icons when the detail screen is displayed as a non-fixed area display configuration.

[0083] If the detailed screen display is set to "Yes," fixed area icons set to be displayed in fixed area R10 will be displayed in non-fixed area R20, and non-fixed area icons set to be displayed in non-fixed area R20 will also be displayed in non-fixed area R20. In addition, the system information button will be changed to a close button.

[0084] On the other hand, if the detailed screen display is "No", the processes related to steps S40 to S150 in Figure 5 can be executed. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the fixed area icon is displayed in fixed area R10, and the non-fixed area icon is hidden. Then, with the display of the fixed area icon, the system information button is displayed in a reduced size.

[0085] Figure 12 shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W30, which is displayed when the detailed screen display is set to "Yes". Note that Figure 12 shows an example of operation corresponding to the processing related to steps S180 (Yes) to S220 in Figure 10.

[0086] The function display screen W30, like the function display screens W10 and W11, includes a fixed area R10 and a non-fixed area R20. The fixed area R10 is equipped with a close button B13 that accepts input to end the display of the details screen. The close button B13 prevents overlapping display with icons displayed in the non-fixed area R20, making the button for closing the details screen more prominent.

[0087] The non-fixed area R20 includes the machine information display area R60 and the notification display area R70, which constitute the detailed screen.

[0088] The machine information display area R60 is a display area that displays information related to the machine status (e.g., communication settings, communication status, etc.). Furthermore, the machine information display area R60 according to the second embodiment includes a non-fixed area icon display area R61. The non-fixed area icon display area R61 is a display area that displays all fixed area icons and non-fixed area icons that have been set to be displayed (the display flag is set to "y") in the display icon management table of Figure 3.

[0089] The notification display area R70 is a display area that displays notifications to the user. The notification display area R70 displays relatively urgent information, such as information that requires a quick response from the user to continue image processing. If the content of the notification matches the content represented by an icon, the corresponding icon will also be displayed, as shown within the dashed box in the figure. In this case, to avoid duplicate icon display, it is possible to restrict the display of icons in the non-fixed icon display area R61 of the notification display area R70, as shown in the example in Figure 12.

[0090] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the display mode in the non-fixed area is a mode that displays information related to the device function, such as a detailed screen, all information related to the device function can be provided to the user without omission. Furthermore, since a close button for ending the display of the detailed screen is provided instead of placing icons in the fixed area, duplicate display of icons can be prevented and the button for closing the detailed screen can be made more prominent.

[0091] [3 Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is a configuration in which a multifunction device is equipped with a function to display a detail screen as either a main screen or a sub-screen. In this disclosure, the screen displayed on the bottom layer when multiple images are displayed on top of each other is referred to as the main screen. In this disclosure, a screen displayed superimposed on the main screen is referred to as a sub-screen. Typically, the main screen is assigned to operation screens such as copy, fax, and image transmission screens, or the home screen, taking into consideration frequency of use and ease of operation. In contrast, the detail screen is often assigned as a sub-screen due to its secondary role as a means of conveying information about the device's functions. However, for users who always want to display the detail screen, the user's demand can be met by providing a function to display the detail screen as the main screen. The third embodiment is a configuration in which, when the detail screen is displayed as either a main screen or a sub-screen, the representation of the identification tab and transition buttons related to screen transitions on the detail screen is controlled.

[0092] [3.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction printer 30 according to the third embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for parts that have the same configuration as those of the multifunction printer 10, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0093] Figure 13 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction printer 30. The multifunction printer 30 is equipped with a storage unit 33 in place of the storage unit 23 of the multifunction printer 10.

[0094] The memory unit 33 stores the control program 231, the display control program 232, the display determination program 333, and the operation determination program 234, and reserves a display icon management table storage area 235 and a display icon and other storage area 236.

[0095] The display determination program 333 includes the screen determination program 3331. The screen determination program 3331 is a program that the control unit 11 reads at the timing of the display of the detail screen, such as when transitioning from an operation screen (e.g., copy, fax, image transmission) to a detail screen, or vice versa. After reading the screen determination program 3331, the control unit 11 determines whether the detail screen is displayed on the main screen or a sub-screen.

[0096] [3.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the display manner of the identification tab and transition buttons related to screen transitions for the detail screen, depending on whether the detail screen is displayed as the main screen or not.

[0097] First, the control unit 11 determines whether the detail screen displayed in the non-fixed area is being displayed as the main screen or as a sub-screen at the timing of the detail screen display (step S260).

[0098] If the control unit 11 determines that the detail screen displayed in the non-fixed area is the main screen, it displays the system information tab as the identification tab for the detail screen in the fixed area (step S260; Yes → step S270).

[0099] Next, the control unit 11 assigns an operation identifier (e.g., an underline) to the system information tab to indicate that the details screen is a screen currently being operated (selected) by the user (step S280).

[0100] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the user has selected an operation screen related to a desired device function (step S290).

[0101] If the control unit 11 determines that the user has selected a desired operation screen, it displays that operation screen (selected operation screen) as a secondary screen (Step S290; Yes → Step S300). If the control unit 11 determines that the user has not selected an operation screen, it continues to display the details screen as the primary screen (Step S290; No).

[0102] When the selection operation screen is displayed, the control unit 11 stops assigning an operation identifier to the system information tab and assigns an operation identifier to the tab representing the selection operation screen (step S310).

[0103] Then, if an operation via the selection screen is completed or no operation is performed via the selection screen for a specified time, the control unit 11 returns to the display with the details screen as the main screen (step S320; Yes → step S330).

[0104] The control unit 11 stops assigning operation identifiers to the tabs representing the selection operation screen, assigns operation identifiers to the system information tab (step S340), and terminates the process.

[0105] By the way, if the detail screen displayed in the non-fixed area is not the main screen, the control unit 11 assigns an operation identifier to the tab representing the operation screen displayed on the main screen (step S260; No → step S350).

[0106] Next, the control unit 11 displays a close button in the fixed area, which serves as a display termination button to accept input for ending the display of the details screen (step S360).

[0107] When the user presses the close button, the control unit 11 terminates the display of the details screen as a secondary screen and resumes displaying the operation screen as the primary screen (Step S370; Yes → Step S380). However, the control unit 11 continues to display the details screen as a secondary screen until the close button is pressed (Step S370; No).

[0108] [3.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation of the third embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation when the detail screen is displayed as the main screen in the non-fixed area R20. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation when the detail screen is displayed as a secondary screen in the non-fixed area R20. Note that Figure 15 is an example of operation corresponding to the processing from step 260 (Yes) to step S340 in Figure 14, and Figure 16 is an example of operation corresponding to the processing from step S260 (No) to step S380 in Figure 14.

[0109] Figure 15(a) shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W40, which displays the details screen as the main screen. The function display screen W40 can have substantially the same configuration as the function display screen W30 described in Figure 12 of the second embodiment. The function display screen W40 differs from the function display screen W30 in that it displays the system information tab T20 in the fixed area R10.

[0110] The system information tab T20 functions as identification information to indicate that the screen displayed as the main screen is a detail screen. In addition, an operation identifier L10 (underlined) may be added to the bottom of the system information tab T20 to indicate that the detail screen is currently being operated on (selected).

[0111] Figure 15(b) shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W50 when the user selects the Simple Copy tab T30 from the state shown in Figure 15(a), and the operation screen related to Simple Copy is displayed as a secondary screen. In the example in Figure 15(b), the notations for the selection tabs related to Simple Fax and Simple Scan have been omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0112] When the operation screen related to simple copy is displayed, the operation identifier L10, which was assigned to the bottom of the system information tab T20, is assigned to the bottom of the simple copy tab T30, indicating that the operation screen related to simple copy is currently being operated on (selected).

[0113] If, from the state shown in Figure 15(b), an operation via the operation screen related to the simple copy is completed or a specified time has elapsed without any operation being performed, the operation screen related to the simple copy will return to the state of the function display screen W40 as exemplified in Figure 15(a) (Figure 15(c)).

[0114] Figure 16(a) shows an example configuration of a function display screen W60 that displays the operation screen related to simple copying, as illustrated in Figure 15, as the main screen. The function display screen W60 can have substantially the same configuration as the function display screen W50. The function display screen W60 differs from the function display screen W50 in that it displays the system information button B15 in the fixed area R10.

[0115] The system information button B15 is an input button that accepts instructions to display the detailed screen as a secondary screen. Additionally, the operation identifier L10 (underlined) is placed at the bottom of the simple copy tab T30 to indicate that the operation screen is currently being operated on (selected). Note that in the example in Figure 16(a), the labels for the selection tabs related to simple fax and simple scan have been omitted for ease of explanation.

[0116] Figure 16(b) shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W70 when the user presses the system information button B15 from the state shown in Figure 16(a), and the details screen is displayed as a sub-screen.

[0117] The function display screen W70 differs from the function display screen W40 in that it displays a close button B17 in the fixed area R10. The user can exit the detailed screen by pressing the close button B17.

[0118] In this case, since the operation screen related to simple copy is the main screen, there is no change in the display of the operation identifier L10, which is attached to the bottom of the simple copy tab T30 and indicates that the operation screen related to simple copy is currently being operated on (selected).

[0119] If the close button B17 is pressed from the state shown in Figure 16(b), the detailed screen, which is a secondary screen, will be closed, and the state will return to that of the function display screen W70 as exemplified in Figure 16(a) (Figure 16(c)).

[0120] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the detail screen is displayed as the main screen or sub-screen, the representation of the identification tab and transition buttons related to screen transitions on the detail screen can be controlled to provide the user with information about the optimal device functions.

[0121] In the first and second embodiments, the system was described as one in which the user selects the icon display settings. However, it is also possible to configure the system to set the icons to be displayed based on (machine) learning results, for example, using parameters such as the number of times an icon is viewed or the importance of the displayed content.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0123] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible.

[0124] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0125] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM or non-volatile memory card), optical recording medium / magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc), etc.), magnetic recording medium (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, in addition to realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment by executing the loaded program, the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0126] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is, of course, also included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 10, 30 multifunction devices 11 Control Unit 13 Display section 15 Operation Input Section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23, 33 Storage section 231 Control Program 232 Display Control Program 233, 333 Display Judgment Program 234 Operation Judgment Program 235 Display Icon Management Table Storage Area 235 Display icon and other memory area 3331 Screen detection program

Claims

1. Display unit and An operation input unit that accepts user input, An image processing apparatus comprising a control unit that controls the display of the display unit based on the user operation, The display unit has a first area for displaying a first button for receiving a display instruction for an information screen containing information related to the image processing device, and a second area for displaying the information screen when an operation on the first button is received. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the control unit receives the user operation for the first button, it displays the information screen in the second area, which includes information regarding the remaining toner level of the image processing apparatus, information regarding the paper feed tray status of the image processing apparatus, and information regarding the wireless communication settings of the image processing apparatus.

2. The first region is capable of displaying a second button for receiving a command to display a copy screen. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit receives the user operation for the second button, it displays the copy screen in the second area and displays the first button in the first area.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the control unit is displaying the information screen in the second area, it displays a third button on the display unit for receiving an instruction to end the display of the information screen.

4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit displays information indicating the remaining amount of toner for each toner color as information relating to the remaining amount of toner.

5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit displays information indicating the paper size and remaining paper amount for each paper tray as information regarding the status of the paper trays.

6. The first region is capable of displaying a fourth button for receiving instructions to display the scan screen. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the control unit receives the user operation for the fourth button, it displays the scan screen in the second area and displays the first button in the first area.

7. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the display unit has a first region and a second region other than the first region.

8. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second region is a region that displays content corresponding to a button that has received a user operation in the first region.

9. Display unit and A control method for an image processing apparatus comprising a control unit that controls the display of the display unit based on user operation, The display unit has a first area for displaying a first button for receiving a display instruction for an information screen containing information related to the image processing device, and a second area for displaying the information screen when an operation on the first button is received. A method for controlling an image processing device, characterized in that when the control unit receives the user operation for the first button, it displays the information screen in the second area, which includes information regarding the remaining toner level of the image processing device, information regarding the paper feed tray status of the image processing device, and information regarding the wireless communication settings of the image processing device.

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