Electronic devices, servers, display systems, and methods for controlling the display of electronic devices.

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device, server, display system, and display control method for an electronic device that can compensate for any shortcomings of one of the first and second setting screens, and that allows both the first and second setting screens to be viewed simultaneously. [Solution] In the electronic device 11, the display unit 13 is capable of displaying a setting screen for setting image generation conditions. The storage unit stores one or more first display data that can display a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen. The communication unit 65 can connect via a network to a server 20 that stores one or more second display data that can display a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen. When the second setting screen is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 receives a first operation by the operation unit 14 in which a selected part in the second setting screen is selected, and then splits the display unit 13 to simultaneously display the second setting screen and the first setting screen associated with the first operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device having a display unit, a server, a display system, and a display control method for an electronic device. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses application software that provides screens and functions for control applications of electronic devices (hereinafter referred to as a function providing application). The electronic device causes the display unit to display a display mode based on display data downloaded from a server. This technology discloses unifying the display mode of the UI (User Interface) of the application that calls the function provided by the function providing application and the UI of the function providing application.

[0003] When an electronic device sets image generation conditions for generating an image using a medium on the display unit, it displays a setting screen as a UI that is visually recognizable to a user. The UI of the function providing application is displayed on the display unit as a first setting screen formed of a native UI, which is a UI unique to the electronic device. On the other hand, the UI of the application that calls the function provided by the function providing application is displayed on the display unit as a second setting screen formed of a browser UI. The second setting screen is provided, for example, by a vendor or the like for a specific user. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-165427 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the second settings screen, which is the UI of the application that calls the functions provided by the function-providing application, is displayed, the first settings screen, which is the UI of the function-providing application, cannot be used. There are screens that contain UI information that are only available on the first settings screen. Even if the first and second settings screens are switched and displayed on the display unit, it becomes difficult to grasp the relationship between the information on the two settings screens once they switch, resulting in poor usability for the user. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of user usability in electronic devices that can display a second settings screen based on display data received from a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device that solves the above problems is an electronic device equipped with an operating unit that performs an operation to generate an image using a medium, and comprises: a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating the image; an operating unit capable of operating on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen; a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen; and, when the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, a control unit that, upon receiving a first operation in which a selected part in the second setting screen is selected by the operating unit, causes the second setting screen and the first setting screen based on the first display data linked to the first operation to be displayed on the display unit in a divided manner.

[0007] A server that solves the above problem is a server connected to the electronic device via a network, comprising: a second storage unit that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen; a server-side display control unit that sends an instruction to the electronic device, along with the second display data, to display the second setting screen based on the second display data on the display unit; and a second split display control unit that, when the control unit of the electronic device receives a first operation in which the selected part in the second setting screen is selected by the operation unit when the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, receives first operation position information based on the first operation from the electronic device via the network, wherein the second split display control unit sends a display instruction to the electronic device to display the first setting screen based on the first display data linked to the first operation position information on the display unit, thereby causing the control unit to display the second setting screen and the first setting screen based on the first display data read from the storage unit in accordance with the display instruction, in a split manner and simultaneously on the display unit.

[0008] A display system that solves the above problems comprises the above-mentioned electronic device and the above-mentioned server. An electronic device that solves the above problems is an electronic device equipped with an operating unit that performs an operation to generate an image using a medium, and comprising: a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions which are the conditions for generating the image; an operating unit capable of operating on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen which is one display mode of the setting screen; a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen which is another display mode of the setting screen; and a control unit that controls the display unit, wherein when the first setting screen based on the first display data is displayed on the display unit, the control unit receives a second operation in which a selected part in the first setting screen is selected by the operating unit, sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server, and causes the first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the second display data received from the server as a response to the second operation position information to be displayed simultaneously on the display unit in a divided manner.

[0009] A server that solves the above problem is a server connected to the electronic device via a network, comprising: a second storage unit that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen; a server-side display control unit that sends an instruction to the electronic device, along with the second display data, to display the second setting screen based on the second display data on the display unit; and a second split display control unit that receives the second operation position information from the electronic device via the network, wherein the second split display control unit performs an image acquisition process linked to the second operation position information to acquire new second display data different from the second display data stored in the second storage unit before the image acquisition process, and sends a display instruction to the electronic device, along with the new second display data, to display the second setting screen based on the new second display data on the display unit, thereby causing the control unit to display the first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the new second display data on the display unit in a split manner and simultaneously.

[0010] A display system that solves the above problems comprises the above-mentioned electronic device and the above-mentioned server. A display control method for an electronic device that solves the above problem is a display control method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises: an operation unit that performs an operation to generate an image using a medium; a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating the image; an operation unit that allows operation on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen. (A1) When the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, the operation unit accepts a first operation in which the selected unit in the second setting screen is selected, (A2) When the first operation is received, the display unit is divided and simultaneously displays the second setting screen and the first setting screen based on the first display data associated with the first operation.

[0011] A display control method for an electronic device that solves the above problem is a display control method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises: an operation unit that performs an operation to generate an image using a medium; a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating the image; an operation unit that allows operation on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen. (B1) When the first setting screen based on the first display data is displayed on the display unit, and the operation unit receives a second operation in which the selected part in the first setting screen is selected, the operation unit sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server, (B2) The first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the second display data received from the server as a response to the second operation position information are displayed simultaneously on the display unit in a divided manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a display system including electronic equipment in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the authentication screen. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the home screen, which belongs to the second settings screen. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the scan settings menu screen, which belongs to the second settings screen. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the scan settings screen and the settings change screen, which belong to the second settings screen. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the settings change screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the full-screen help screen belonging to the first settings screen, which is accessed by switching from the settings change screen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a transparent, full-screen display format help screen, which also belongs to the first settings screen. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a split settings screen where the settings change screen and the help screen are displayed separately. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the settings change screen that appears when settings are changed on the help screen of the split settings screen. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a split setting screen in which a setting change screen and a help screen are split-displayed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a screen switching control routine. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a split display processing routine. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a touch display control routine. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a save destination selection screen belonging to a first setting screen in a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a save destination detail screen belonging to the first setting screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a save destination designation screen belonging to the first setting screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a split setting screen in which a save destination selection screen belonging to a first setting screen and a folder selection screen belonging to a second setting screen are split-displayed. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a partially broken schematic front view showing an image forming apparatus as an example of an electronic device. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment relating to an electronic device and a display system including the electronic device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a display system 10 including an electronic device 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the display system 10 includes the electronic device 11 and a server 20. The display system 10 may also include an authentication server 30. Here, the server 20 is referred to as a first server 20, and the authentication server 30 is also referred to as a second server 30.

[0015] The first server 20 may be a server owned by a vendor such as an ISV (Independent Software Vendor) or a scanner manufacturer. The first server 20 may be a rental server leased by the vendor or scanner manufacturer. The first server 20 may be an external server or a cloud server.

[0016] The display system 10 may include a management computer 40 that manages the first server 20. The management computer 40 is connectable to the first server 20. The management computer 40 is operated by an administrator belonging to or contracted by a vendor or scanner manufacturer, etc., to access the first server 20 and manage the programs and data stored in the first server 20. The management computer 40 performs uploads and updates of programs and data to the first server 20.

[0017] The display system 10 may include a terminal device 45. The terminal device 45 may be connected to the first server 20 via a network NW. The terminal device 45 may be connected to the electronic device 11 via a network NW such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The terminal device 45 may be owned by the user, or it may be used as a destination to which the user sends data from the electronic device 11. The terminal device 45 may be a host device used when the user gives instructions to the electronic device 11. The terminal device 45 has a display unit 46 and an input unit 47. The terminal device 45 may be, for example, a personal computer, but it may also be a smartphone, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or tablet PC.

[0018] The electronic device 11 may be, for example, a device that generates an image using a medium M. In this case, the electronic device 11 may include an image acquisition unit that acquires an image from the medium M. In the example shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 11 is an image reading device 12 that reads an image from the medium M. The image reading device 12 includes a reading unit 53 (see Figure 2) that reads a document M1, which is an example of a medium M. In other words, the image reading device 12 is a scanner having a reading unit 53 as an image acquisition unit. The electronic device 11 may also include a transport unit 54 (see Figure 2) that transports the medium M, which is the object of image reading. In other words, the image reading device 12 may be a sheet-feed type image reading device that includes a transport unit 54 that transports the document M1 in order to read an image from the document M1.

[0019] The electronic device 11 and the servers 20 and 30 are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet. The user gives instructions to the electronic device 11 to perform predetermined tasks. In the example shown in Figure 1, where the electronic device 11 is an image reader 12, the user instructs the electronic device 11 to perform an image reading process, which involves reading the original document M1, as a predetermined task.

[0020] The electronic device 11 includes a display unit 13. The electronic device 11 has a main body 12A. The display unit 13 is provided on the main body 12A. The display unit 13 is, for example, a touch panel. The display unit 13, which is a touch panel, has an operation unit 14 which has a touch panel function that allows input by touch operation.

[0021] The second server 30 is, for example, an authentication server owned by the company to which the user belongs. An authentication reader 18 is connected to the electronic device 11. Users using the electronic device 11 perform personal authentication by touching an authentication card 19 to the reader 18. The authentication card 19 is an IC card or the like that stores personal authentication information such as personal information and passwords. The electronic device 11 receives the personal authentication information read from the authentication card 19 by the reader 18. The electronic device 11 transmits the personal authentication information to the first server 20 via the network NW. The first server 20 transmits the personal authentication information received from the electronic device 11 to the second server 30 to request authentication processing. The second server 30 performs authentication processing based on the personal authentication information received from the first server 20. The second server 30 transmits the authentication result information to the first server 20.

[0022] When the first server 20 confirms that the user has been authenticated based on the authentication result information received from the second server 30, it allows login to the electronic device 11 and displays the home screen BS1 (see Figure 4) on the display unit 13. The user can then use the electronic device 11 with the home screen BS1 displayed. Alternatively, the authentication function may be provided by the first server 20 instead of the second server 30. In this case, the second server 30 may be omitted.

[0023] <Configuration of electronic device 11> As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 11 includes a main body 12A. The main body 12A has a predetermined shape with a sloped surface on its front. The electronic device 11 generates an image using a medium M. The medium M is, for example, a document M1. The electronic device 11 is, for example, an image reader 12. The image reader 12 reads the document M1 and generates an image. The image reader 12 has a display unit 13. The electronic device 11 has a display unit 13. The display unit 13 is located on the front of the main body 12A. The display unit 13 may be, for example, a touch panel.

[0024] The image reading device 12 displays a settings screen on the display unit 13. The settings screen is a screen that the user refers to when setting the image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating an image. The electronic device 11 displays one or more settings screens on the display unit 13. The one or more setting screens have a hierarchical structure and are linked to each other within the hierarchy. Details of the settings screens will be described later.

[0025] The electronic device 11 includes an operation unit 14. The operation unit 14 is configured to enable the user to select a selectable section in a setting screen displayed on the display unit 13. One or more setting screens include a setting screen having a selectable section that can be selected by the user operating the operation unit 14. If the display unit 13 is a touch panel, the operation unit 14 may be configured by the touch operation function of the touch panel. In this case, the user may select a selectable section in a setting screen displayed on the display unit 13 by touching the operation unit 14, which is a touch panel of the display unit 13. The display unit 13 displays a setting screen in which the user can set a home screen (menu screen) or an image reading condition, which is an example of an image generation condition. The setting screen includes a selectable section consisting of buttons, options, sliders, etc.

[0026] The operation unit 14 may be configured to input necessary information in response to user touch operations on the display screen of the display unit 13 when giving instructions to the image reading device 12. Touch operations may include dragging, tapping, flicking, etc. Tapping refers to the operation of touching the screen with a finger and immediately releasing it. Touch operations may also include double tapping, which is performing two quick taps. Flicking is the operation of flicking the fingertip up, down, left, or right. Touch operations may also include swiping, which is slowly sliding across the screen.

[0027] Furthermore, the electronic device 11 may include an operating section 14A consisting of mechanical switches. The operating section 14A may include selection buttons. The selection buttons may include selection buttons that can be selected up, down, left, or right, or selection buttons that can be selected up, down, left, or right. The selection buttons may include a plus button that is operated when increasing a value and a minus button that is operated when decreasing a value. The electronic device 11 may also include an operating section 14 consisting of a touch panel and an operating section 14A consisting of mechanical switches.

[0028] The image reading device 12 includes a document support 16 on which the document M1 is placed (set). The document support 16 extends diagonally upward and rearward from the main body 12A. The document support 16 is configured to hold multiple documents M1. The document support 16 has a pair of edge guides 16A that are slidable in the width direction of the document M1. The user positions the document M1 on the document support 16 in the width direction by sliding the pair of edge guides 16A. The image reading device 12 includes a stacker 17 that is slidably housed in the front-rear direction at the output port opening at the bottom of the main body 12A.

[0029] The original document M1, placed on the document support 16, is fed one sheet at a time into the main unit 12A through a feed opening at the top of the main unit 12A. The fed original document M1 is transported within the main unit 12A along a predetermined transport path (not shown), and after the image is read at a reading position along the transport path, it is discharged through an outlet opening at the lower front of the main unit 12A. After the image has been read within the main unit 12A, the original document M1 is discharged into the stacker 17, which is in an extended state.

[0030] <Electrical configuration of display system 11> Next, the electrical and functional configuration of the display system 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the display system 10 comprises an electronic device 11 and a server 20. The server 20 is connected to the electronic device 11 via a network NW so that the display unit 13 of the electronic device 11 can be controlled.

[0031] The electronic device 11 comprises a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a first storage unit 55 which is an example of a storage unit, a communication unit 65, and a control unit 50. The display unit 13 is configured to display a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating an image. The operation unit 14 is configured to allow the user to select a selected part on the setting screen.

[0032] The first storage unit 55 stores one or more first display data D1 capable of displaying a first setting screen NS, which is one display mode of the setting screen. A display mode of the setting screen is a display mode of the setting screen based on the first display data D1 created by the scanner manufacturer and stored in the first storage unit 55. The setting screen with one display mode created by the scanner manufacturer is the first setting screen NS. The first setting screen NS is a native UI, which is a setting screen specific to the image reading device 12.

[0033] The communication unit 65 is configured to be connectable via a network NW to a server 20 that stores one or more second display data D2 capable of displaying a second setting screen BS, which is another display mode of the setting screen. The other display mode of the setting screen is a display mode of the setting screen based on the second display data D2 created by the vendor or manufacturer and stored in the server 20. The setting screen of the other display mode created by the vendor or manufacturer is the second setting screen BS. The second setting screen BS is a setting screen that the vendor or manufacturer has designed to be easy to use for customers in a specific field. The second setting screen BS is a browser UI provided by the server 20 via a network NW such as the Internet.

[0034] When the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 receives a first operation by the operation unit 14 in which a selected section in the second setting screen BS is selected. Upon receiving the first operation, the control unit 50 displays the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 associated with the first operation simultaneously on the display unit 13, splitting the display between them.

[0035] The electronic device 11 further includes a function control unit 51. The function control unit 51 is composed of function-providing application software, etc., that provides the functions of the electronic device 11 to the server 20. The function control unit 51 receives instructions from the server 20 via the communication unit 65. The function control unit 51 passes the instructions received from the server 20 to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the image reading device 12 according to the instructions from the function control unit 51. In other words, the control unit 50 controls the reading unit 53, the transport unit 54, the display drive circuit 56, etc., according to the instructions from the function control unit 51. Also, when the function control unit 51 receives a request from the control unit 50, it calls the server to request a response. The configuration of the server 20 that sends instructions to the electronic device 11 will be described later.

[0036] The electronic device 11 may include a setting unit 52. The setting unit 52 is configured with setting information relating to the display mode for displaying a setting screen, etc., on the display unit 13. An administrator may write the setting information to the setting unit 52 from the server 20 using the management computer 40, or a user may write the setting information to the setting unit 52 by operating the operation unit 14 of the electronic device 11. Alternatively, a user may write the setting information to the setting unit 52 by operating the operation unit of a terminal device 45 that is communicatively connected to the electronic device 11. The setting information is information that sets the display mode of the first setting screen associated with the first operation when the second setting screen is displayed on the display unit 13 and the first operation is performed on the second setting screen. The setting information sets one of two types: full-screen display and split display. If the setting information of the setting unit 52 is full-screen display information, the first display control unit 61 switches the display content of the display unit 13 to display the first setting screen to be displayed across the entire screen. If the setting information of the setting unit 52 is split display information, the split display control unit 63 splits the display unit 13 to display the second setting screen and the first setting screen simultaneously.

[0037] For example, to display the help screen NS1 (see Figure 8), which belongs to the first setting screen NS, in full screen on the display unit 13, the setting information is set to, for example, "00". Also, for example, to display the help screen NS2 (see Figure 9), which belongs to the first setting screen NS, in full screen on the display unit 13, the setting information is set to, for example, "01". The help screen NS2 differs from the help screen NS1 shown in Figure 8 in that it has a transparent area 88 around its periphery where the background is transparent. In other words, the setting information "00" indicates a normal (non-transparent) full-screen display, and the setting information "01" indicates a transparent full-screen display. Also, for example, to display the split setting screen SS1 (see Figure 10), which displays the normal (non-transparent) help screen NS2 and the second setting screen BS separately on the display unit 13, the setting information is set to, for example, "10". Furthermore, for example, "11" is set as the setting information to be displayed on the display unit 13 for a split setting screen SS2 (see Figure 12) which separately displays the transparent help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS. The 2-bit setting information identifies the distinction between the full-screen pattern and the split pattern, and the distinction between the opaque pattern and the transparent pattern.

[0038] The setting unit 52 is referenced by the control unit 50 upon receiving the first operation. The setting unit 52 is set to enable either full-screen display or split-screen display. If full-screen display is enabled, and the control unit 50 receives the first operation while the second setting screen BS is displayed on the display unit 13, it switches from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS. If split-screen display is enabled, and the control unit 50 receives the first operation while the second setting screen BS is displayed on the display unit 13, it splits the display unit 13 to display both the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS simultaneously.

[0039] The electronic device 11 includes an operating unit that performs the operation of generating an image using a medium M (see Figure 1). An example of the electronic device 11, the image reading device 12, includes a reading unit 53 as an example of an operating unit. The reading unit 53 performs a reading operation to read an image of a document M1, which is an example of a medium M. The image reading device 12 may further include a transport unit 54 as an example of an operating unit. The transport unit 54 performs a transport operation to transport the medium M.

[0040] The electronic device 11 includes a computer (not shown). The computer includes a CPU and a first memory unit 55. The control unit 50 and the function control unit 51 are not limited to performing software processing for all the processes they perform. For example, the control unit 50 and the function control unit 51 may include dedicated hardware circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits: ASICs) that perform hardware processing for at least a portion of the processes they perform. That is, the control unit 50 and the function control unit 51 can be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least a portion of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory units 55 such as RAM and ROM. The memory units 55 store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0041] The electronic device 11 includes a control unit 50 and a function control unit 51, which are software-based functional units generated when the computer executes a first program PG1 stored in the storage unit 55. The setting unit 52 may also be configured using a portion of the storage area of ​​the storage unit 55.

[0042] The control unit 50 includes a switching display control unit 60 and a split display control unit 63. At least one of the switching display control unit 60 and the split display control unit 63 may include hardware such as electronic circuits in part.

[0043] The display switching control unit 60 comprises a first display control unit 61 and a second display control unit 62. The display switching control unit 60 has the function of switching the control entity of the display unit 13 between the first display control unit 61 and the second display control unit 62. In other words, the display switching control unit 60 switches between the first setting screen and the second setting screen.

[0044] The first display control unit 61 causes the display unit 13 to display a first setting screen, which is one form of the setting screen, based on the first display data D1. The setting screen functions as a user interface (UI) that is operated when a user gives instructions to the electronic device 11. The first setting screen is displayed on the display unit 13 based on the first display data D1 stored by the electronic device 11 in the first storage unit 55. The first setting screen is a native UI that is displayed on the display unit 13 based on the first display data D1 that the electronic device manufacturer has previously stored in the first storage unit 55. Specifically, the first display control unit 61 reads one piece of first display data D1 to be displayed from the first storage unit 55. Furthermore, the first display control unit 61 stores the read piece of first display data D1 in the display buffer 64 of the display drive circuit 56. Then, the display drive circuit 56 displays the first setting screen NS, based on the first display data D1 stored in the display buffer 64, on the display unit 13.

[0045] The second display control unit 62 includes a browser. The second display control unit 62 causes the browser to generate a second setting screen based on the second display data D2 received from the server 20. The second display control unit 62 displays the second setting screen based on the second display data D2 on the display unit 13 using its browser function. The second setting screen is displayed on the display unit 13 based on the second display data D2 created by a vendor such as IVS. The second setting screen is, for example, a browser UI. The second display control unit 62 receives one second display data D2 from the server 20 via the function control unit 51. The second display control unit 62 stores the received second display data D2 in the display buffer 64 of the display drive circuit 56. The display drive circuit 56 displays the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 stored in the display buffer 64 on the display unit 13.

[0046] The split display control unit 63 performs split display control to divide the first setting screen and the second setting screen on the display unit 13 and display them simultaneously. The split display control unit 63 acquires the first display data D1, which is the basis for the first setting screen, and the second display data D2, which is the basis for the second setting screen. The split display control unit 63 acquires the first display data D1 from the first storage unit 55 via the first display control unit 61. The split display control unit 63 acquires the second display data D2 from the server 20 via the function control unit 51.

[0047] The split display control unit 63 stores the first display data D1 in a portion of the display buffer 64 and the second display data D2 in another portion of the display buffer 64. The split display control unit 63 may perform processing on the first display data D1 and the second display data D2. In this case, the display data to be processed may be at least one of the first display data D1 and the second display data D2.

[0048] <Electrical configuration of Server 20> Next, the configuration of the server 20 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the server 20 comprises a server-side control unit 21 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "control unit 21"), a server-side display control unit 22 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "display control unit 22"), a second split display control unit 23, and a second storage unit 24. The server 20 has a communication unit 25 that can communicate with the electronic device 11 via a network NW. The server 20 has a computer. The second storage unit 24 stores one or more second display data D2 that can display a second setting screen BS, which is another display mode of the setting screen. The second storage unit 24 stores a second program PG2. The server-side display control unit 22 sends an instruction to the electronic device 11, along with the second display data D2, to display the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 on the display unit 13. The computer executes the second program PG2, thereby configuring the functions of the control unit 21, the display control unit 22, and the second split display control unit 23.

[0049] The control unit 21 is responsible for authentication processing and control of the electronic device 11. When the control unit 21 receives an authentication request from the electronic device 11 along with personal authentication information, it requests the second server 30 (see Figure 1) to perform authentication processing of the personal authentication information. Based on the authentication result information from the second server 30, the first server 20 grants permission to log in to the electronic device 11 if the personal authentication information is authenticated.

[0050] The second display data D2 and the second program PG2 are provided by a vendor or manufacturer. The administrator of the vendor or manufacturer operates the input unit 41 of the management computer 40 (see Figure 1) to upload the second display data D2 and the second program PG2 from the management computer 40 to the first server 20. The uploaded second display data D2 and the second program PG2 are stored in the second storage unit 24. The second display data D2 and the second program PG2 stored in the second storage unit 24 are updated periodically or irregularly by access from the management computer 40 to the first server 20.

[0051] The computer of the first server 20 executes the second program PG2. The control unit 21, display control unit 22, and second split display control unit 23 consist of software configured by the computer executing the second program PG2.

[0052] The control unit 21 controls the authenticated electronic device 11. The control unit 21 controls the electronic device 11 from the server 20 via the network NW based on the second program PG2. The control unit 21 is in charge of all control of the electronic device 11 except for display control, such as displaying a settings screen on the display unit 13.

[0053] The control unit 21 gives instructions to the electronic device 11. These instructions are sent from the server 20 to the electronic device 11 via the network NW. The instructions from the server 20 are received by the function control unit 51 within the electronic device 11. The function control unit 51 passes the instructions received from the server 20 to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the electronic device 11 according to the instructions received from the function control unit 51. If the electronic device 11 is an image reading device 12, the control unit 50 controls the operation of an example of an operating unit, such as the reading unit 53 and the transport unit 54, according to the instructions received from the function control unit 51.

[0054] The display control unit 22 controls the display of the display unit 13 via the network NW from the server 20. The display control unit 22 controls the setting screens and the like that are displayed on the display unit 13 of the electronic device 11. The display control unit 22 mainly controls the display of the second setting screen, which consists of a browser UI.

[0055] The display control unit 22 controls the display of the display unit 13 by sending second display data D2 and display instructions to the electronic device 11. The display instructions include an instruction to display a second setting screen based on the second display data D2 on the display unit 13. The display instructions and second display data D2 from the server 20 are received by the function control unit 51 in the electronic device 11. The function control unit 51 passes the display system instructions and second display data D2 received from the server 20 to the second display control unit 62 in the control unit 50. The second display control unit 62 controls the display unit 13 based on the display system instructions and second display data D2 received from the function control unit 51. In other words, the second display control unit 62 controls the display drive circuit 56 based on the display system instructions and second display data D2. The second display control unit 62 stores the second display data D2 in the display buffer 64 of the display drive circuit 56 according to the display system instructions.

[0056] The second split display control unit 23 provides the electronic device 11 with display instructions, mainly related to split display control of the display unit 13. These display instructions are sent from the server 20 to the electronic device 11 via the network NW. The display instructions from the server 20 are received by the function control unit 51 in the electronic device 11. The display instructions include, for example, commands related to split display. The function control unit 51 passes the display instructions received from the server 20 to the split display control unit 63 in the control unit 50 according to the commands in the display instructions. The split display control unit 63 performs split display control of the display unit 13 according to the display instructions received from the function control unit 51. The split display control unit 63 controls the display drive circuit 56 based on the display instructions received from the function control unit 51. Based on the display instructions, the split display control unit 63 stores the first display data D1 in a part of the display buffer 64 of the display drive circuit 56 and the second display data D2 in another part, thereby causing the display unit 13 to display the second setting screen and the first setting screen separately.

[0057] The server-side display control unit 22 displays the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 on the display unit 13. When the second setting screen BS is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 of the electronic device 11 receives a first operation in which the selected part in the second setting screen BS is selected by the operation unit 14. Then, the server-side display control unit 22 receives operation position information based on the first operation from the electronic device 11 via the network NW.

[0058] The second split display control unit 23 sends a display instruction to the electronic device to display the first setting screen NS on the display unit 13, based on the first display data D1 linked to the received operation position information. By providing this display instruction to the electronic device 11, the second split display control unit 23 instructs the control unit 50 to display the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS, based on the first display data D1 read from the first storage unit 55, on the display unit 13 in a split manner.

[0059] <Regarding the BS setting screen for the second settings> Next, the second settings screen BS will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 shows the authentication screen BS0. The authentication screen BS0 includes a message MS1 prompting the user to perform personal authentication, and input fields 70 for personal authentication information. Personal authentication information is entered by entering the user ID and password into the input fields 70, or by touching the authentication card 19 to the reader 18.

[0060] Figure 4 shows the home screen BS1. The home screen BS1 is displayed on the display unit 13 after authentication is completed on the authentication screen BS0. The home screen BS1 includes multiple (for example, three) options 71 to 73 for setting the scan settings to configure image reading conditions. Specifically, the home screen BS1 includes a first option 71 for selecting "Standard Scan," a second option 72 for selecting "Scan," and a third option 73 for selecting "Favorites." The "Standard Scan" option 71 is not present on the first settings screen but is added to the home screen BS1 on the second settings screen side.

[0061] Figure 5 shows the standard scan menu screen BS2. The standard scan menu screen BS2 is displayed on the display unit 13 when the first option 71 is selected on the home screen BS1. The standard scan menu screen BS2 includes a selection button 74 that allows the user to select scan settings prepared as standard scans on the server 20 side. Users who wish to use standard scans perform the operation of selecting the selection button 74.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the scan settings screen BS3 and the scan settings change screen BS4 (hereinafter also referred to as the "settings change screen BS4"). The scan settings screen BS3 is displayed on the display unit 13 when the selection button 74 is selected on the standard scan menu screen BS2. The settings change screen BS4 includes scan setting information 75, a settings change button 76, a save button 77, and a scroll bar 78. The scan setting information 75 is an information display field that shows the specific details of the scan settings, which are the image reading conditions. The scan setting information 75 includes setting items and the setting details (including setting values) for each setting item.

[0063] The setting change button 76 is selected by the user when changing the scan settings. The save button 77 is operated by the user when updating the scan settings by saving the changed settings. After checking the scan setting information 75, users who wish to change the settings select the setting change button 76. For example, when a user touches and selects the setting change button 76, the setting change screen BS4 is displayed on the display unit 13.

[0064] The settings change screen BS4 shown in Figure 6 includes a settings change list 80. The settings change list 80 includes multiple settings change options 81. The settings change options 81 are, for example, buttons that allow the user to select the reading conditions they wish to change. There are settings change options 81 for each reading condition. The settings change options 81 include setting information 82 that shows the settings for each reading condition. The settings change screen BS4 also includes an OK button 83, a Cancel button 84, and a scroll bar 78. The OK button 83 is operated when the settings change is complete. When the OK button 83 is operated, the settings change is temporarily saved and the screen returns to the scan settings screen BS3. When the Cancel button 84 is operated, the settings change is canceled and the screen returns to the scan settings screen BS3.

[0065] In the settings change screen BS4 shown in Figure 6, the user can view all of the multiple setting change options 81 by operating the scroll bar 78 to scroll the screen. The multiple setting change options 81 include the following reading conditions. Specifically, the reading conditions include image color mode (color / monochrome), file format (PDF / JPEG / TIFF, etc.), compression ratio, resolution (200 / 400 / 600 dpi, etc.), reading surface setting (single-sided / double-sided), document scanning (automatic detection / manual operation), document setting direction, document type, density, background removal, blank page removal, ADF continuous scanning, text clarity, double feed detection, document tilt detection, etc.

[0066] As a means of changing the setting information 82, a system may be provided in which a selection of options is displayed in a pull-down menu when the setting information 82 is selected, a slider 82A, or a slider 82B for switching on / off.

[0067] <About the Help function and help screen> Next, the help function and help screen in the settings change screen BS4 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. As shown in Figure 7, the settings change screen BS4 is provided with a help icon 85 in a position corresponding to at least one setting change option 81. The help icon 85 is an icon that the user selects when they want to see an explanation of a setting item in the reading conditions. In the example shown in Figure 7, the help icon 85 is provided for only one setting item. The help icon 85 may be provided for all setting items, or for only some setting items. Also, when the user selects a setting change option 81, the help icon 85 may be provided in a position corresponding to the selected setting change option 81. In this embodiment, the help icon 85 corresponds to an example of the selected part.

[0068] When the control unit 50 receives a first operation while the second setting screen BS is displayed on the display unit 13, it switches from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS based on one first display data D1 associated with the first operation. More specifically, when the control unit 50 receives a first operation in which the help icon 85 is selected, it displays the help screen NS1 (Figure 8) or the help screen NS2 (Figure 9) on the display unit 13 in a display mode corresponding to the setting information set in the setting unit 52. The help screens NS1 and NS2 belong to the first setting screen NS.

[0069] The help screen NS1 shown in Figure 8 is displayed in a non-transparent, full-screen format. The help screen NS1 includes a message MS2 consisting of a description of the setting item corresponding to the help icon 85. The help screen NS2 includes an OK button 86 and a close button 87.

[0070] The help screen NS2 shown in Figure 9 is displayed in a transparent full-screen display mode. The help screen NS2 includes a message MS2 consisting of a description of the setting item corresponding to the help icon 85. The help screen NS1 includes an OK button 86 and a close button 87.

[0071] If the OK button 86 is selected, the help screens NS1 and NS2 may be closed and the system may switch back to the original settings change screen BS4, or it may switch to the individual settings change screen corresponding to that setting item. If the OK button 86 is selected, the individual settings change screen corresponding to that setting item may be displayed in a divided area within the help screens NS1 and NS2.

[0072] Furthermore, in the help screens NS1 and NS2 shown in Figures 8 and 9, if the close button 87 is removed, the header area HA1 may use the header area of ​​a predetermined screen belonging to the second settings screen BS. In other words, the header area HA1 may be a part of a predetermined screen belonging to the second settings screen BS.

[0073] <About split display> Next, referring to Figures 10 to 12, we will explain the split settings screen where the help screens NS1 and NS2, which belong to the first settings screen NS, are displayed separately in the settings change screen BS4, which belongs to the second settings screen BS.

[0074] Figure 10 shows a split settings screen SS1 in which the first settings screen NS and the second settings screen BS are displayed simultaneously. In the split settings screen SS1, the settings change screen BS4, which belongs to the original second settings screen BS, and the help screen NS2, which belongs to the first settings screen NS and was added from the original screen, are displayed separately. The help screen NS2 is an individual help display screen in which help information related to one setting item corresponding to the help icon 85 is displayed individually.

[0075] When the control unit 50 displays a split image on the display unit 13, it divides the display area of ​​the help screen NS2 into a larger size than the display area of ​​the second setting screen BS. The display area of ​​the help screen NS2 occupies more than half of the display area of ​​the display unit 13.

[0076] When the control unit 50 is displaying the second setting screen BS, upon receiving a first operation to select the help icon 85, it divides the display unit 13 and simultaneously displays the second setting screen BS and the help screens NS2 and NS3, which are the first setting screens NS associated with the help icon 85. The first operation is the operation to select the help icon 85 in the second setting screen BS as the selected part.

[0077] The help screen NS2 includes an OK button 86 and a setting operation unit 89. The OK button 86 has the same function as the OK button 86 on the full-screen help screens NS1 and NS2 shown in Figures 8 and 9. The setting operation unit 89 is configured to allow changes to the setting content related to the setting change option 81 corresponding to the help icon 85, which is an example of a selected part selected by the first operation. The setting operation unit 89 is, for example, a setting change button. By operating the setting operation unit 89, the user can change the setting content on the help screen NS2, where the help information has been viewed, without having to operate the setting change screen BS4. When the control unit 50 receives an operation from the setting operation unit 89 on the help screen NS2, it reflects the change in the setting content in the setting change option 81 corresponding to the help screen NS2.

[0078] In the split-screen settings screen SS1, the display area per screen is reduced due to the split display. The first display data D1 and the second display data D2 may be processed so that the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS are displayed in the reduced display area with as little content loss as possible. In the example shown in Figure 10, the images of the two split-display screens BS4 and NS2 may be reduced in proportion to the ratio of their respective display areas in the split direction (arrangement direction), or the images of text and component elements such as sliders 82A and 82B may be reduced in the split direction. Alternatively, the layout of component elements in the two split-display screens BS4 and NS2 may be changed to match the size of the split display area.

[0079] Figure 11 shows the settings change screen BS4, which appears as a result of a setting change made on the split settings screen SS1. As shown in Figure 11, the settings change screen BS4 reflects a setting change, for example, where the setting of the "Background Removal" item was changed from "0" to "+3".

[0080] Figure 12 shows a split setting screen SS2 in which the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS are displayed simultaneously. The split setting screen SS2 displays the setting change screen BS4, which belongs to the second setting screen BS, and the help screen NS3, which belongs to the first setting screen NS, separately. The help screen NS3 is a help list display screen. When the control unit 50 displays a split screen on the display unit 13, it divides the display area of ​​the help screen NS3 to a size larger than the display area of ​​the setting change screen BS4, which belongs to the second setting screen BS. The display area of ​​the help screen NS3 occupies more than half of the display area of ​​the display unit 13.

[0081] In Figure 12, the first setting screen NS, which is added in conjunction with the first operation, is the help screen NS3, which is a help list display screen that includes the help list 90. The help screen NS3 is a screen that includes a help list 90, which is an arrangement of multiple help options 91, each displaying a title related to the help information for each setting item. When a desired help option 91 is selected on the help screen NS3, the screen switches to the split setting screen SS1 shown in Figure 10, which includes a description of the function of that setting item. Alternatively, when a desired help option 91 is selected on the help screen NS3, the screen may switch to the help screen NS1 shown in Figure 8 or the help screen NS2 shown in Figure 9, which includes a description of the function of that setting item as a message MS2.

[0082] <Regarding scrolling operations in split-screen mode> Next, with reference to Figures 10 and 12, the scrolling operation in the split setting screens SS1 and SS2 will be explained. There are three types of scrolling operations when a user scrolls on the split setting screens SS1 and SS2: namely, the first scrolling operation, the second scrolling operation, and the third scrolling operation. When the display unit 13 is a touch panel having an operation unit 14 on the display screen, the scrolling operation is performed by the user's touch operation (for example, swiping). In the split setting screens SS1 and SS2, the scrolling operation is performed on one of the screens: the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, and the help screens NS2 and NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS.

[0083] (First scrolling action) When the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for the second setting screen BS, it scrolls the second setting screen BS but does not scroll the first setting screen NS. In the split setting screen SS1 shown in Figure 10, when the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, it scrolls the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS but does not scroll the help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS. Also, in the split setting screen SS2 shown in Figure 12, when the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, it scrolls the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS but does not scroll the help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS. Here, if the help screens NS2 and NS3 scroll together with the setting change screen BS4, it becomes difficult to check the information on the help screens NS2 and NS3.

[0084] (Second scrolling action) When the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for the first setting screen NS, it will scroll the first setting screen NS but will not scroll the second setting screen BS. In the split setting screen SS1 shown in Figure 10, when the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for the help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS, it will scroll the help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS but will not scroll the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS. Similarly, in the split setting screen SS2 shown in Figure 12, when the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for the help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS, it will scroll the help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS but will not scroll the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS. In this second scrolling operation, the display of the setting change screen BS4 remains unchanged, and it is possible to scroll the help screens NS2 and NS3 to check other information (for example, help information).

[0085] (Third scrolling action) When the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for either the first setting screen NS or the second setting screen BS, it scrolls both the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS. In the split setting screen SS1 shown in Figure 10, when the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for either the help screen NS2 belonging to the first setting screen NS or the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, it scrolls both the help screen NS2 and the setting change screen BS4. In this case, scrolling may sequentially switch the help screen NS2 to the next setting item corresponding to the next setting item. Also, in the split setting screen SS2 shown in Figure 12, when the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for either the help screen NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS or the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS, it scrolls both the help screen NS3 and the setting change screen BS4. In this case, even when scrolling, the correspondence between the setting change options 81 on the setting change screen BS4 and the help options 91 on the help screen NS3 is maintained. In this third scrolling operation, scrolling the settings change screen BS4 will also scroll the help screens NS2 and NS3, saving you the trouble of searching for help information on the help screens NS2 and NS3.

[0086] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of the electronic device 11 and the display system 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 13 to 15, etc.

[0087] The user displays the help screen NS2 or NS3 by performing the first operation of selecting the help icon 85 on the settings change screen BS4 shown in Figure 7. On the help screen NS2 or NS3, the user proceeds with changing the image reading conditions while reading the explanatory texts regarding the setting items listed in the setting change options 81 and confirming their functions. The processes performed by the control unit 50 of the electronic device 11 during this process are described below.

[0088] <Screen switching control routine> First, referring to Figure 13, the screen switching control routine executed by the control unit 50 upon detecting the first operation will be described.

[0089] In step S11, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the first operation has been received. Specifically, it determines whether or not the user has tapped the help icon 85. If the first operation has been received, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S12; otherwise, it waits until the first operation is received.

[0090] In step S12, the control unit 50 determines whether or not it is a split pattern. More specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the display mode set in the setting unit 52 is a split pattern. If it is a split pattern, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S16; otherwise, it proceeds to step S13.

[0091] In step S13, the control unit 50 determines whether or not it is a full-screen display pattern. If it is a full-screen display pattern, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S15; otherwise, it proceeds to step S14.

[0092] In step S14, the control unit 50 determines a transparent pattern. That is, the control unit 50 determines a transparent full-screen display pattern. In step S15, the control unit 50 switches the entire screen to the help screen. Specifically, if the full-screen display pattern (YES in step S13) is set, the entire screen switches from the settings change screen BS4 shown in Figure 7 to the non-transparent help screen NS1 shown in Figure 8. On the other hand, if the transparent pattern (step S14) is set, the entire screen switches from the settings change screen BS4 shown in Figure 7 to the transparent help screen NS2 shown in Figure 9. In the help screen NS2, a portion of the previous screen, the settings change screen BS4, is displayed transparently in the transparent area 88.

[0093] On the other hand, in step S16, the control unit 50 determines whether the display pattern is an individual display pattern or a list display pattern. If the display pattern is an individual display pattern, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S17; if the display pattern is a list display pattern, it proceeds to step S18.

[0094] In step S17, the control unit 50 switches to a split display that simultaneously displays the setting change screen BS4, which belongs to the second setting screen, and the help screen NS2, which is an individual help display screen. In step S18, the control unit 50 switches to a split display that simultaneously displays the setting change screen BS4, which belongs to the second setting screen, and the help screen NS3, which is a help list display screen.

[0095] In steps S16 to S18, the control unit 50 notifies the server 20 of the first operation position information on the screen where the first operation was performed via the function control unit 51 and the communication unit 65, and receives a display instruction from the server 20 in response, which specifies a display pattern. In step S16, the control unit 50 determines the display pattern specified in the received display instruction. Details of this split display process, including the communication process with the server 20, will be described next.

[0096] <Split display control routine> The split-display processing routine will be explained with reference to Figure 14. When the control unit 50 performs split-display processing in steps S16 to S18 in Figure 13, it executes the split-display processing shown in Figure 14.

[0097] First, in step S171, the control unit 50 notifies the server 20 of the first operation position information. In the next step S172, the control unit 50 receives a display instruction from the server 20 that is associated with the first operation position.

[0098] In the next step S173, the control unit 50 performs processing to adjust the first display data D1 based on the display instruction to the divided display size. The processing includes image compression (including reduction) and layout modification. The processing ensures that all necessary information in the first display data D1 is displayed in the divided display area. However, some non-essential information in the first display data D1 may be omitted.

[0099] In step S174, the control unit 50 processes the second display data D2 to the divided display size. The processing includes image compression (including reduction) and layout modification. The processing ensures that all necessary information in the second display data D2 is displayed in the divided display area. However, some non-essential information in the second display data D2 may be omitted.

[0100] In step S175, the control unit 50 updates the display buffer 64 with the first display data D1 and the second display data D2, and displays them in a divided manner on the display unit 13. Specifically, the control unit 50 updates a portion of the display buffer 64 with the first display data D1 after processing, and updates another portion of the display buffer 64 with the second display data D2 after processing. The display drive circuit 56 causes the display unit 13 to display a setting change screen BS4 based on the first display data D1 stored in a portion of the display buffer 64, and a help screen NS2 or NS3 based on the second display data D2 stored in another portion of the display buffer 64. As a result, the display unit 13 displays a divided setting screen SS1 including the help screen NS2, which is an individual help display screen as shown in Figure 10, or a divided setting screen SS2 including the help screen NS3, which is a help list display screen as shown in Figure 12.

[0101] <Touch display control routine> Next, referring to Figure 15, the touch display control when a user touches the help screens NS1, NS2 or the split setting screens SS1, SS2 will be explained. The user performs screen operations such as button operations and scrolling operations by touching the screen of the display unit 13.

[0102] In step S21, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a screen operation has been performed. If a screen operation has been performed, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S22; otherwise, it waits until a screen operation is performed.

[0103] The processes in steps S22, S30, and S31 are the same as the processes in steps S12, S13, and S14 in Figure 13. The processes in steps S22, S30, and S31 determine whether it is a split pattern (step S22), a full-screen display pattern (step S30), or a transparent pattern (step S31). In other words, the screen pattern is determined because the content of the touch control differs depending on whether it is a split pattern or a full-screen display pattern (non-transparent / transparent). The control unit 50 determines the pattern based on the setting information of the setting unit 52.

[0104] In step S22, the control unit 50 determines whether or not it is a split pattern. If it is a split pattern, the process proceeds to step S23; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S30. When a screen operation is performed on the split setting screen SS1 shown in Figure 10 or the split setting screen SS2 shown in Figure 12, the control unit 50 determines that it is a split pattern based on the setting information of the setting unit 52.

[0105] In step S23, the control unit 50 determines whether the first setting screen NS has been operated. The split setting screens SS1 and SS2 include a help screen NS2 or NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS and a setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS. In this example, the control unit 50 determines whether the help screen NS2 or NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS has been operated. If the first setting screen NS has not been operated, that is, if the second setting screen BS has been operated, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the first setting screen NS has been operated, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S27.

[0106] In step S24, the control unit 50 notifies the server 20 of the operation position. Specifically, the split-screen control unit 63 within the control unit 50 obtains the operation position coordinates of the display screen from the operation signal from the operation unit 14 and notifies the server 20 of this as operation position information via the function control unit 51. Specifically, the function control unit 51 calls the server 20 and transmits the operation position information obtained from the split-screen control unit 63 to the server 20.

[0107] In step S25, the control unit 50 obtains the second display data D2 associated with the first operation position from the server 20. The server 20, upon receiving the first operation position information, reads the second display data D2 associated with the first operation position information from the second storage unit 24. The second display data control unit 23 sends a display instruction to the electronic device 11 as a response, along with the read second display data D2, instructing it to display.

[0108] In the next step S26, the control unit 50 updates the second display data D2 in the display buffer only on the second setting screen BS side and displays it in a split view on the display unit 13. This process updates the setting change screen BS4 belonging to the second setting screen BS within the split setting screen SS1 or SS2 to reflect the screen operation. In this way, for example, scrolling operations on the setting change screen BS4, operations to change the setting information 82, and sliding operations on the sliders 82A and 82B can be performed. If a scroll operation is performed at this time, a second scroll operation is performed. For this reason, even if the second setting screen BS scrolls, the first setting screen NS does not scroll.

[0109] Meanwhile, in step S27, the control unit 50 notifies the first display control unit 61 of the operation position. More specifically, the split display control unit 63 within the control unit 50 obtains the operation position coordinates of the display screen from the operation signal from the operation unit 14 and notifies the first display control unit 61 of this as operation position information.

[0110] In step S28, the control unit 50 acquires the first display data D1 associated with the operation position from the first display control unit 61. Specifically, the first display control unit 61 reads the first display data D1 associated with the operation position information from the first storage unit 55 and sends it to the split display control unit 63. In this way, the split display control unit 63 within the control unit 50 acquires the first display data D1 associated with the operation position information.

[0111] In step S29, the control unit 50 updates the first display data D1 in the display buffer only on the first setting screen NS side and displays it in a split view on the display unit 13. This process updates the help screen NS2 or NS3 belonging to the first setting screen NS within the split setting screen SS1 or SS2 to content corresponding to the screen operation. In this way, for example, button operations on the help screen NS2 or NS3, scrolling operations on the help screen NS3, and selection operations of the help options 91 can be performed. When a scrolling operation is performed at this time, the first scrolling operation is carried out. For this reason, even if the first setting screen NS is scrolled, the second setting screen BS does not scroll. For example, the help screen NS3, which is the help list display screen within the split setting screen SS2 shown in Figure 12, can be scrolled to find the desired help option 91. Similarly, the first scrolling operation is also performed on the help screen NS2, which is the individual help display screen within the split setting screen SS1 shown in Figure 10.

[0112] When the screen is operated on the help screen NS1 shown in Figure 8 or the help screen NS2 shown in Figure 9, the control unit 50 executes the processes in steps S32 to S34. Depending on whether it is a full-screen display pattern or a transparent pattern, the control unit 50 uses the first display data D1 corresponding to the respective pattern to display the help screen NS1 or NS2. The other processes are the same.

[0113] In step S32, the control unit 50 notifies the first display control unit 61 of the operation position. Specifically, the switching display control unit 60 within the control unit 50 obtains the operation position coordinates of the display screen from the operation signal from the operation unit 14 and notifies the first display control unit 61 of this as operation position information.

[0114] In step S33, the control unit 50 obtains the first display data D1 associated with the operation position from the first display control unit 61. More specifically, the first display control unit 61, having received the operation position information, reads the first display data D1 associated with the operation position information from the first storage unit 55.

[0115] In step S34, the control unit 50 updates the entire display buffer 64 with the first display data D1 and displays it in full screen on the display unit 13. This process updates the full-screen help screen NS1 or NS2 with content corresponding to the screen operation. In this way, for example, button operations such as the OK button 86 on the help screen NS1 or NS2 are performed. The full-screen help screens NS1 and NS2 may be configured to be scrollable. For example, the configuration may be such that scrolling switches to the help screen NS1 or NS2 that explains the next setting item.

[0116] The embodiment configured as described above includes the following display control method for the electronic device 11. The display control method for the electronic device 11 includes the following (A1) and (A2). (A1) When the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 is displayed on the display unit 13, the operation unit 14 accepts the first operation in which the selected part in the second setting screen BS is selected (affirmative determination in step S11). (A2) When the first operation is received, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 associated with the first operation are displayed simultaneously on the display unit 13 (step S17 or step S18). The first setting screen NS is, for example, the help screen NS2 or NS3.

[0117] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1-1) The electronic device 11 includes an operating unit that performs the operation of generating an image using a medium M. The electronic device 11 includes a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 55, a communication unit 65, and a control unit 50. The display unit 13 is configured to display a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting the image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating an image. The operation unit 14 is configured to allow operation on the setting screen. The storage unit 55 stores one or more first display data D1 that can display a first setting screen NS, which is one display mode of the setting screen. The communication unit 65 is configured to be connectable via a network NW to a server that stores one or more second display data D2 that can display a second setting screen BS, which is another display mode of the setting screen. When the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 receives a first operation in which the operation unit 14 selects a help icon 85, which is an example of a selected part in the second setting screen BS. When the control unit 50 receives a first operation, it divides the display unit 13 and simultaneously displays the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS based on one first display data D1 associated with the first operation. With this configuration, even if the display content of the second setting screen BS is insufficient compared to the display content of the first setting screen NS, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously. The insufficient parts of the second setting screen BS can be supplemented by the first setting screen NS, and since the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be viewed simultaneously, the user experience is improved.

[0118] (1-2) When the control unit 50 receives a first operation while the second setting screen BS is displayed on the display unit 13, it switches from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS based on one first display data D1 associated with the first operation. With this configuration, even if the display content of the second setting screen BS is insufficient compared to the display content of the first setting screen NS, it is possible to switch from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS, so that the insufficient parts of the second setting screen BS can be supplemented by the first setting screen NS, improving the user experience.

[0119] (1-3) The electronic device 11 is referenced by the control unit 50 that receives the first operation and includes a setting unit 52 that enables either full-screen display or split-screen display. When split-screen display is enabled, if the control unit 50 receives the first operation while the second setting screen BS is displayed on the display unit 13, it splits the display unit 13 to display the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS simultaneously. With this configuration, even if the content displayed on the second setting screen BS is insufficient compared to the content displayed on the first setting screen NS, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously, so the insufficient parts of the second setting screen BS can be supplemented by the first setting screen NS, improving user convenience.

[0120] (1-4) The electronic device 11 is referenced by the control unit 50 that receives the first operation and includes a setting unit 52 that enables either full-screen display or split-screen display. When full-screen display is enabled, the control unit 50 receives the first operation while the second setting screen BS is displayed on the display unit 13 and switches from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS. With this configuration, even if the content displayed on the second setting screen BS is insufficient compared to the content displayed on the first setting screen NS, the system can switch from the second setting screen BS to the first setting screen NS, so that the insufficient content on the second setting screen BS can be compensated for by the first setting screen NS, improving user convenience.

[0121] (1-5) The first operation is to select the help icon 85 in the second setting screen BS as the selected part. When the control unit 50 is displaying the second setting screen BS, upon receiving the selection of the help icon 85, it divides the display unit 13 and displays the second setting screen BS and the help screens NS2 and NS3, which are the first setting screens NS associated with the help icon 85, simultaneously. With this configuration, even if the second setting screen BS does not have second display data D2 for the help screen, it can be supplemented by the help screens NS2 and NS3 using the first display data D1 stored in the storage unit 55 of the electronic device 11, thereby improving user convenience.

[0122] (1-6) When the control unit 50 displays a split screen on the display unit 13, it divides the display areas of the help screens NS2 and NS3 into a larger size than the display area of ​​the second setting screen BS. With this configuration, the user can more easily check the content by displaying the help screens NS2 and NS3 in a larger size.

[0123] (1-7) When the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for the second setting screen BS, it will not scroll the first setting screen NS even if the second setting screen BS is scrolled. With this configuration, the user can operate the second setting screen BS while checking the first setting screen NS (for example, help screens NS2, NS3), making it user-friendly. If the first setting screen NS scrolls together with the second setting screen BS, it becomes difficult to check the information on the first setting screen NS.

[0124] (1-8) When the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for the first setting screen NS, it will not scroll the second setting screen BS even if the first setting screen NS is scrolled. With this configuration, the display of the second setting screen BS remains unchanged, and the user can scroll the first setting screen NS (for example, help screens NS2, NS3) to check other information (for example, help information), which improves user convenience.

[0125] (1-9) When the control unit 50 receives a scroll operation for either the first setting screen NS or the second setting screen BS, it scrolls both the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS together. With this configuration, the first setting screen NS (for example, help screens NS2, NS3) scrolls together, saving the user the trouble of searching for information on the first setting screen NS (for example, help information), thus improving usability.

[0126] (1-10) Help screens NS2 and NS3 include a setting operation unit 89 that allows the user to change the setting content related to the setting change option 81 corresponding to the help icon 85, which is an example of a selected part selected by the first operation. When the control unit 50 receives a change in the setting content based on the operation of the setting operation unit 89 on the help screens NS2 and NS3, it reflects the change in the setting content in the setting change option 81 on the second setting screen BS. With this configuration, the user can change the setting content on the help setting screen, thus improving usability for the user.

[0127] (1-11) The electronic device 11 is an image reading device equipped with a reading unit as an operating unit for reading a document as a medium M. With this configuration, when setting the image generation conditions (image reading conditions) for reading the document and generating an image, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be viewed simultaneously, so any shortcomings in the second setting screen BS can be supplemented by the first setting screen NS. Therefore, the user experience is improved.

[0128] (1-12) The server 20 is connected to the electronic device 11 via a network NW so that the display unit 13 of the electronic device 11 can be controlled. The server comprises a second storage unit 24, a server-side display control unit 22, and a second split display control unit 23. The second storage unit 24 stores one or more second display data D2 capable of displaying a second setting screen BS, which is another display mode of the setting screen. The server-side display control unit 22 sends an instruction to the electronic device 11, along with the second display data D2, to display the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 on the display unit 13. When the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 is displayed on the display unit 13, and the control unit 50 of the electronic device 11 receives a first operation in which the help icon 85, which is an example of a selected part in the second setting screen BS, is selected by the operation unit 14, the second split display control unit 23 receives operation position information based on the first operation from the electronic device 11 via the network NW. The second split display control unit 23 sends a display instruction to the electronic device 11 to display the first setting screen NS on the display unit 13 based on the first display data D1 linked to the operation position information, thereby causing the control unit 50 to display the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 read from the storage unit 55 on the display unit 13 in a split manner. With this configuration, even if the display content of the second setting screen BS is insufficient compared to the display content of the first setting screen NS, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously. The insufficient parts of the second setting screen BS can be supplemented by the first setting screen NS, and the user experience is improved because the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be viewed simultaneously.

[0129] (1-13) The display system comprises an electronic device 11 and a server 20. With this configuration, even if the content displayed on the second setting screen BS is insufficient compared to the content displayed on the first setting screen NS, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously. The insufficient content on the second setting screen BS can be supplemented by the first setting screen NS, and since the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be viewed simultaneously, the user experience is improved.

[0130] (1-14) In a display control method for an electronic device 11 that controls a display unit 13 of the electronic device 11, the electronic device 11 comprises an operating unit, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 55, a communication unit 65, and a control unit 50. The operating unit performs an operation to generate an image using a medium M. The display unit 13 is configured to display a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating an image. The operation unit 14 is configured to allow operation of the setting screen. The storage unit 55 stores one or more first display data D1 that can display a first setting screen NS, which is one display mode of the setting screen. The communication unit 65 is configured to be connectable via a network NW to a server 20 that stores one or more second display data D2 that can display a second setting screen BS, which is another display mode of the setting screen. The display control method for the electronic device 11 includes the following (A1) and (A2). (A1) When the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 is displayed on the display unit 13, the operation unit 14 accepts the first operation in which the selected part in the second setting screen BS is selected. (A2) When the first operation is received, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 associated with the first operation are displayed simultaneously on the display unit 13. This method allows both the second settings screen (BS) and the first settings screen (NS) to be displayed simultaneously, even if the content displayed on the second settings screen (BS) is insufficient compared to the content displayed on the first settings screen (NS). The first settings screen (NS) can compensate for any shortcomings in the second settings screen (BS), and since both screens can be viewed at the same time, user experience is improved.

[0131] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 19. In this second embodiment, when the display unit 13 is displaying the first setting screen NS, and the selected unit receives a second operation, the second setting screen BS is added in a split display. The basic configuration of the electronic device 11 and the display system 10 is the same as in the first embodiment. Also, the contents of the first program PG1 shown in the flowchart in Figures 13 to 15 are basically the same, except that the display order of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS is reversed.

[0132] When a user uses the electronic device 11, they perform an authentication process to log the electronic device 11 into the server 20. As a result, the electronic device 11 displays a first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 read from the first storage unit 55 on the display unit 13. In addition, the function control unit 51 within the electronic device 11 can call the server 20 and control the electronic device 11 under the control of the server 20. In other words, the display unit 13 of the electronic device 11 can display the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 in full screen, the second setting screen BS based on the second display data D2 in full screen, and a split display that simultaneously displays the first setting screen NS and the second display data D2.

[0133] The display unit 13 of the electronic device 11 displays a home screen (not shown) belonging to the first setting screen NS. The home screen has multiple icons that allow the user to select a save location for scanned data. The multiple icons allow the user to select "Computer," "Network Folder," "Email," and "Cloud" as save locations. For example, when the user presses the "Network Folder" icon, the control unit 50 displays the save location specification screen NS4 (save location selection screen), which belongs to the first setting screen NS as shown in Figure 16, on the display unit 13. The save location specification screen NS4 includes an input field 92 for entering the save location address, a confirmation button 93 for determining the save location address, a direct input selection button 94, and an address book selection button 95, etc.

[0134] When the control unit 50 receives confirmation from the user that the input field 92 of the save destination specification screen NS4 shown in Figure 16 is, for example, empty, it displays the save destination details screen NS5 shown in Figure 17 on the display unit 13. As a result, the display content of the display unit 13 switches from the save destination specification screen NS4 to the save destination details screen NS5. The save destination details screen NS5 includes a message MS3 prompting the user to enter a save destination and an add destination button 96. When the control unit 50 receives confirmation from the user that the add destination button 96 has been pressed, it displays the save destination specification screen NS6 (add destination screen) shown in Figure 18 on the display unit 13. The save destination specification screen NS6 includes a direct input selection button 94, an address book selection button 95, and a destination screen display button 97.

[0135] In this embodiment, the first setting screen NS, which includes the selected section, is the destination selection screen NS6 (Figure 18). The destination selection screen NS6 includes, as an example of the selected section, a destination screen display button 97, which is an example of a destination selection section that allows the user to specify the destination for saving image data (scan data) generated by the electronic device 11. The destination selection screen NS6 has a transparent area 98 at its periphery through which the background is transparent.

[0136] In this second embodiment, the electronic device 11 also includes a display unit 13 capable of displaying a setting screen visible to the user when setting image generation conditions, and an operation unit 14 capable of selecting a selected portion on the setting screen. Furthermore, the electronic device 11 includes a first storage unit 55 that stores one or more first display data D1 capable of displaying a first setting screen NS, which is one display mode of the setting screen, and a communication unit 65 that can be connected via a network NW to a server 20 that stores one or more second display data D2 capable of displaying a second setting screen BS, which is another display mode of the setting screen.

[0137] Furthermore, the electronic device 11 is connected to a terminal device 45 (see Figure 1) via a network NW and is capable of communication with the server 20. The server 20 is also connected to the terminal device 45 via the network NW and is capable of communication with the terminal device 45. The server 20 is also accessible from the terminal device 45. The terminal device 45 has a folder that the user can specify as the storage location for the scanned data obtained when the image reading device 12 reads the original document M1.

[0138] The screens NS4, NS5, and NS6 shown in Figures 16 to 18 all belong to the first setting screen NS. The first storage unit 55 stores multiple first display data D1 for displaying the screens NS4, NS5, and NS6 that belong to the first setting screen NS.

[0139] The control unit 50 displays the split setting screen SS3 shown in Figure 19 on the display unit 13 by executing the first program PG1 stored in the first storage unit 55. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the same type of display control as shown in the flowcharts in Figures 13 to 15 is performed. The difference from the first embodiment is, for example, in Figure 13, the first operation is changed to the second operation, and since there is only one type of split pattern, the processing in steps S16 and S18 is deleted. The second operation is the operation of selecting the destination screen display button 97, which is an example of the selected part, on the save destination specification screen NS6 belonging to the first setting screen NS. In this embodiment, the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS that are split and displayed in step S17 are a part of the save destination specification screen NS4 (Figure 16) and the folder selection screen BS5. Thus, only the necessary part of the first setting screen NS that is subject to split display may be displayed.

[0140] For example, the user performs a second operation by pressing the destination screen display button 97, which is an example of a selected section, on the destination specification screen NS6 shown in Figure 18. When the destination specification screen NS6, which belongs to the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1, is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 receives the second operation in which the destination screen display button 97 in the destination specification screen NS6 is selected by the operation unit 14. Upon receiving the second operation, the control unit 50 sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server 20, and displays the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, based on the second display data D2 received from the server 20 as a response to the second operation position information, simultaneously on the display unit 13. In other words, when the control unit 50 receives the second operation in which the destination screen display button 97 is selected, it uses the second display data D2 received from the server 20 as a response to the transmission of the second operation position information related to that second operation to display the split setting screen SS3 shown in Figure 19 on the display unit 13. The split setting screen SS3 includes a save destination specification screen NS4 belonging to the first setting screen NS, and a folder list screen 100 based on new second display data D2 acquired by the server 20 from the terminal device 45. Specifically, the control unit 50 splits the display unit 13 to display the save destination specification screen NS4 after processing and the folder selection screen BS5, which includes the folder list screen 100, simultaneously. The split setting screen SS3 includes the save destination specification screen NS4 after cutting and the folder selection screen BS5 as an example of processing. The folder list screen 100 includes multiple folders 101 that the user can select.

[0141] Furthermore, the server 20 of the second embodiment has the following features in its configuration. Similar to the first embodiment, the server 20 includes a server-side display control unit 22 and a second storage unit 24. In addition, the server 20 includes a second split display control unit 23 that receives second operation position information from the electronic device 11 via the network NW.

[0142] The second split display control unit 23 performs image acquisition processing linked to the second operation position information to acquire new second display data D2 that is different from the second display data D2 stored in the second storage unit 24 before this image acquisition processing. The second split display control unit 23 sends a display instruction to the electronic device 11 to display the second setting screen BS based on the new second display data D2 on the display unit 13, along with the new second display data D2. As a result, the second split display control unit 23 instructs the control unit 50 of the electronic device 11 to display the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS based on the new second display data D2 on the display unit 13 simultaneously. As an example of image acquisition processing linked to the second operation position information, the second split display control unit 23 accesses the terminal device 45 via the network NW and acquires a folder list image of the terminal device 45. The second split display control unit 23 converts the acquired folder list image into new second display data D2 in a format that can be handled by the browser of the second display control unit 62, for example.

[0143] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first setting screen NS that is the target of split display is a different destination specification screen NS4 from the destination specification screen NS6 which has a destination screen display button 97, which is an example of the selected section. Thus, the destination specification screen NS6 which has the selected section and the destination specification screen NS4 that is the target of split display may be different, as long as both belong to the first setting screen NS.

[0144] Furthermore, the split-screen display processing routine of the second embodiment differs from that of Figure 14 in the first embodiment in the following ways: First, the first operation position information is changed to second operation position information, which is the position coordinates on the screen where the second operation was performed. Second, in step S172, the second display data D2, which is associated with the second operation position, is received from the server 20 along with a display instruction. The second split-screen display control unit 23 in the server 20 communicates with the terminal device 45 based on address information obtained from the electronic device 11 or terminal device 45 and requests the provision of a folder list image. In response to this request, the second split-screen display control unit 23 obtains a folder list image from the terminal device 45. The second split-screen display control unit 23 sends the folder list image obtained from the terminal device 45 to the electronic device 11 along with a display instruction as second display data D2 that can be handled by the browser. Step S172 is changed to a process in which the control unit 50 receives a display instruction from the server 20 along with second display data D2, which consists of a folder list image associated with the second operation position information. Furthermore, in step S173, the control unit 50 changes to a processing process in which it processes the second display data D2 based on the display instruction to the size of the split display. In addition, in step S174, the control unit 50 changes to a processing process in which it processes the first display data D1 to the size of the split display. In the second embodiment, since the configuration involves using a part of the first setting screen NS that is the target of the split display, or generating a new second setting screen BS, the processing process may be a process of cutting out a part of the first display data D1, or a process of resizing the second display data D2 to a predetermined display size. In this way, the split display control unit 63 in the control unit 50 updates the display buffer 64 with a part of the first display data D1 and the second display data D2, thereby displaying the split display on the display unit 13 (step S175).

[0145] In the second embodiment as well, when a user touches the split setting screen SS3 or the like, the display control is performed by the control unit 50 executing the same touch display control routine as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 15. For example, if the folder list screen 100 is larger than the display area of ​​the split setting screen SS3, the entire folder list screen 100 may be made visible by scrolling.

[0146] The display control method for the electronic device 11 in the second embodiment includes the following (B1) and (B2). (B1) When the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 is displayed on the display unit 13, when the operation unit 14 receives a second operation in which the selected part in the first setting screen NS is selected, second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation is sent to the server 20, (B2) The first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, based on the second display data D2 received from the server 20 as a response to the second operation position information, are displayed simultaneously on the display unit 13, Includes.

[0147] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to the electronic device 11 and display system 10 of the second embodiment, although the first operation in the first embodiment is changed to the second operation, the same effects as those obtained in the first embodiment (1-3) to (1-13) can be obtained, as well as the following further effects.

[0148] (2-1) The electronic device 11 includes an operating unit that performs the operation of generating an image using a medium M. The electronic device 11 includes a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 55, a communication unit 65, and a control unit 50. The display unit 13 is configured to display a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting the image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating an image. The operation unit 14 is configured to allow operation on the setting screen. The storage unit 55 stores one or more first display data D1 that can display a first setting screen NS, which is one display mode of the setting screen. The communication unit 65 is configured to be connectable via a network NW to a server 20 that stores one or more second display data D2 that can display a second setting screen BS, which is another display mode of the setting screen. When the destination specification screen NS6 belonging to the first setting screen NS based on the first display data D1 is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 50 receives a second operation in which the destination screen display button 97 in the destination specification screen NS6 is selected by the operation unit 14. When the control unit 50 receives a second operation, it sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server 20, and displays the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, which is based on the second display data D2 received from the server 20 as a response to the second operation position information, simultaneously on the display unit 13. With this configuration, display content that cannot be displayed on the first setting screen NS can be supplemented by the second setting screen BS, improving user convenience. For example, user-specific display content that cannot be provided as the first setting screen NS can be displayed simultaneously on the display unit 13 as the second setting screen BS, thereby improving user convenience.

[0149] (2-2) The electronic device 11 is connected to a terminal device 45 via a network NW and server 20 in a communicable manner. The first setting screen NS is a destination specification screen NS6 which includes a destination screen display button 97 as a selectable section, which is an example of a destination specification section that allows the user to specify the storage location for data related to images generated by the electronic device 11. When the control unit 50 receives a second operation in which the destination screen display button 97 in the destination specification screen NS6 is selected, it divides the display unit 13 and displays the destination specification screen NS4 and the folder list screen 100 received from the terminal device via server 20 simultaneously. With this configuration, even if the display content of the destination specification screen NS4 as the first setting screen NS is insufficient for the display content that can be displayed as the second setting screen BS, the destination specification screen NS4 and the folder list screen 100 received from the terminal device 45 via server 20 can be displayed simultaneously by dividing the display unit 13. Therefore, by displaying the destination specification screen NS4 and the folder list screen 100 of the terminal device 45 simultaneously, the user experience is improved.

[0150] (2-3) The server 20 includes a second split display control unit 23 that receives second operation position information from the electronic device 11 via the network NW. The second split display control unit 23 performs image acquisition processing associated with the second operation position information to acquire new second display data D2 that is different from the second display data D2 stored in the second storage unit 24 before this image acquisition processing. The second split display control unit 23 sends a display instruction to the electronic device 11 to display the new second display data D2 along with the second setting screen BS based on the new second display data D2 on the display unit 13. As a result, the second split display control unit 23 causes the control unit 50 of the electronic device 11 to display the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS based on the new second display data D2 on the display unit 13 in a split manner and simultaneously. With this configuration, the server 20 can compensate for any unsupported aspects of either the first setting screen NS or the second setting screen BS on the electronic device 11 (for example, the first setting screen NS) with the other (for example, the second setting screen BS), and both the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS can be viewed simultaneously. Therefore, the user experience is improved.

[0151] <Example of changes> Furthermore, the above embodiment can be modified to a form such as the following modified example. In addition, the above embodiment and the following modified example can be appropriately combined to form a further modified example, and the following modified examples can be appropriately combined to form a further modified example.

[0152] As shown in Figure 20, the electronic device 11 may be an image forming apparatus 110. The image forming apparatus 110 includes an image forming unit as an operating unit that forms an image on a medium M. The image forming apparatus 110 forms an image using the medium M. The image forming apparatus 110 may be, for example, an inkjet printer. The image forming apparatus 110 has a display unit 13 on the upper part of the main body 112. The display unit 13 may be, for example, a touch panel. In this case, the touch panel function of the display unit 13 may configure an operation unit 14 that allows input by touch operation on the display screen. The operation unit 14 may also include an operation unit 14A consisting of mechanical switches in at least part. The image forming apparatus 110 may also have a power button 15 located near the display unit 13. The image forming apparatus 110, which is an example of the electronic device 11, forms an image using the medium M, similar to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 110 includes an image forming unit 115 that forms an image on the medium M. The image forming unit 115 has, for example, an ink ejection head 116 that ejects ink. The image forming unit 115 prints an image on a medium M that is transported along a transport path 117 inside the main body 112. In other words, the image forming apparatus 110 forms an image on the medium M by printing. The image forming apparatus 110, which is an inkjet printer, is also a liquid ejection device that ejects ink, which is an example of a recording material, toward the medium M. The medium M is, for example, paper M2. One or more cassettes 121 are inserted into the lower part of the main body 112 in a removable manner. Inside the cassette 121, multiple sheets of medium M are stored in a stacked state. The image forming apparatus 110 includes a transport unit 118 inside the main body 112 that transports the medium M along the transport path 117. The transport unit 118 includes a plurality of rollers 122, 123 and a transport belt 124 positioned along the transport path 117. The transport unit 118 transports the media M in the cassette 121 one by one along the transport path 117 using multiple rollers 122, 123 and a transport belt 124. The image forming unit 115 forms an image on the media M at an image forming position along the transport path 117. The media M with the image formed on it is discharged into a stacker 125 located on the top of the main body 112. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 20, the image forming apparatus 110 may be a multifunction device equipped with an image reading device 130 on the top of the main body 112.The image reading device 130 includes a feed tray 131 on which originals can be placed, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 132 that transports originals one by one from the feed tray 131. A control box 135 that controls the image forming apparatus 110 is located in a predetermined position within the main body 112. The control box 135 includes a control unit 50, a function control unit 51, a setting unit 52, and a storage unit 55, similar to the first embodiment. The storage unit 55 stores the first program PG1 and the first display data D1, similar to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 110 also includes a communication interface (not shown) that can communicate with a server 20 that stores the second display data D2 via a network NW. The control unit 50 performs display control of the display unit 13, similar to the first embodiment. The image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating an image, are, for example, the printing conditions. The control unit 50 displays a setting screen on the display unit 13 that is visible to the user when setting the printing conditions. The control unit 50 executes the first program PG1 shown in the flowchart in Figures 13 to 15. The control unit 50 displays on the display unit 13 each of the screens shown in Figures 7 to 12, in which the reading conditions in the first embodiment have been replaced with printing conditions. The control unit 50 displays on the display unit 13 a split screen that is visible to the user when setting printing conditions in a display mode corresponding to, for example, the split setting screen SS1 shown in Figure 10 or the split setting screen SS2 shown in Figure 12. With this image forming apparatus 110, when setting image forming conditions (an example of image generation conditions) for forming an image on the medium M, the second setting screen BS and the first setting screen NS can be viewed simultaneously, so that any shortcomings in the second setting screen BS can be compensated for by the first setting screen NS. Therefore, the user experience is improved.

[0153] • In the split-screen settings screens SS1 and SS2, the header area of ​​the settings screen before split-screen display may be the same. In the first embodiment, at least one of the header area and footer area of ​​the first setting screen NS may be used in common with the second setting screen BS when it is in full-screen mode. Also, in the second embodiment, at least one of the header area and footer area of ​​the second setting screen BS may be used in common with the first setting screen NS when it is in full-screen mode. In other words, in each of the above embodiments, the header area or footer area may be used in common with the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS when they are in full-screen mode. For example, the header area may be the same for the second settings screen BS and the first settings screen NS when in full-screen mode. The footer area may be the same for the first settings screen NS and the second settings screen BS when in full-screen mode. Furthermore, the header area and footer area may be the same for the first settings screen NS and the second settings screen BS when in full-screen mode.

[0154] In split display, the help screens NS2 and NS3, which are examples of the first setting screens NS linked to the first operation, may use at least one of the header and footer areas of the second setting screen BS before split display. In this case, the help screen may be displayed in a display area other than at least one of the header and footer areas. For example, in the split setting screen SS1 shown in Figure 10, the horizontal rectangular area including the close button 87 located in the upper part of the help screen NS2 may use the header area of ​​the second setting screen BS. Also, in the split setting screen SS2 shown in Figure 12, the header area, which is a horizontal rectangular area including the list title located in the upper part of the help screen NS3, may use the header area of ​​the second setting screen BS.

[0155] In the split setting screens SS1 and SS2, the display size of the help screens NS2 and NS3, which are examples of the first setting screen NS, may be the same as the display size of the setting change screen BS4, which is an example of the second setting screen BS, or it may be smaller than the display size of the setting change screen BS4. The display size of the help screens NS2 and NS3 may be half the display area of ​​the display unit 13, or less than half.

[0156] The selected item is not limited to the help icon 85 or the destination screen display button 97. The selected item may also be a button that displays a lower-level settings screen, etc. Furthermore, the selected item selected during the second operation is not limited to the destination screen display button 97, but may be any other button.

[0157] In the second embodiment, the destination selection screen NS4 (Figure 16) may include a destination screen display button 97, which is an example of a selected area. Also, the destination selection screen NS6 (Figure 18) may include a confirm button 93. In these cases, the first setting screen NS having a selected area and the split-displayed first setting screen NS may be the same destination selection screen NS4 or NS6.

[0158] In the second embodiment, the split setting screen SS3 may display the first setting screen NS having the selected portion and the second setting screen BS separately. In other words, the first setting screen NS having the selected portion selected during the second operation and the first setting screen NS that is the target of the split display may be the same. The entirety of the first setting screen NS that is the target of the split display may be displayed on the split setting screen SS3.

[0159] The processing performed on at least one of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, which are displayed in any of the split setting screens SS1 to SS3, may include at least one of the following: reduction, enlargement, cropping, partial deletion, transformation, rotation, etc.

[0160] - At least one of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS, which are displayed in any of the split setting screens SS1 to SS3, does not need to be subjected to processing such as unidirectional or size reduction. For example, both the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS do not need to be subjected to processing.

[0161] The first setting screen NS and second setting screen BS displayed in any of the split setting screens SS1 to SS3 are not limited to a total of two, but may be three or more. If the total of three or more first setting screens NS and second setting screens BS are split and displayed in three or more sections on the display unit 13, they may be displayed.

[0162] The electronic device 11 does not necessarily have to include a transport unit 54 for transporting the medium M to generate an image. The electronic device 11 may be a flatbed type image reader 12 without a transport unit, or an image forming apparatus 110 without a transport unit 118. In an image forming apparatus 110 without a transport unit 118, an image is formed on the medium M by the relative movement of the image forming unit 115 with respect to the medium M placed on the table.

[0163] In the first and second embodiments described above, the electronic device 11 is not limited to a sheet-fed image reader 12, but may be a flatbed image reader 12. The flatbed image reader 12 includes a carriage that is movable along the sub-scanning direction and supports the reading unit 53 within the main body which constitutes a document platen to which a document cover is attached so as to be openable and closable. The carriage moves back and forth in the sub-scanning direction using a motor as a power source, so that the reading unit 53 reads the image of the document M1 set on the glass plate of the document platen.

[0164] The image forming apparatus 110, which is an example of an electronic device 11, is not limited to the multifunction printer shown in Figure 20, but may also be a printing apparatus that does not include an image reading device 130. The image forming apparatus 110, which is an example of an electronic device 11, is not limited to business printers used in offices, etc., but may also be a so-called consumer printer used as a home printer in homes, etc. The image forming apparatus 110 may be a line printer in which the image forming unit 115 is a line head, or a serial printer in which the image forming unit 115 is a serial head. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 110 is not limited to an inkjet printer, but may also be an electrophotographic type such as a laser printer that prints on a medium M using toner as ink. The image forming apparatus may also be a textile printer that prints on a medium M such as a fabric, or a printer that prints on a material such as a T-shirt as the medium M. The image forming apparatus may also be a printer that prints on a transfer film that can transfer an image using the DTF (Direct to Film) method as the medium M.

[0165] In the first and second embodiments described above, the operating unit 14A, which consists of a mechanical switch, may be configured to allow scrolling of at least one of the first setting screen NS and the second setting screen BS that constitute the split setting screens SS1 to SS3.

[0166] The operation unit 14, which allows the user to operate on the settings screen displayed on the display unit 13, is not limited to the touch panel function of the display unit 13. The operation unit 14 may utilize both the touch panel function of the display unit 13 and an operation unit 14A consisting of mechanical switches.

[0167] Each functional part of the electronic device 11 is not limited to being implemented by the CPU of a computer, but may also be implemented in hardware using electronic circuits such as ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) and FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays), or it may be implemented using both software and hardware.

[0168] The medium is not limited to paper such as manuscripts or paper documents, but may also be resin-based films or sheets, textiles, metal films, etc. The electronic device 11 is not limited to the image reading device 12 or the image forming device 110, as long as it is a device that includes an image generation function that generates an image using a medium, a display unit 13, and a communication unit 65 that can communicate with the server 20. The electronic device 11 may also be a projector that generates an image on a screen by projection using a screen as an example of a medium. In this case, the screen may be a white wall. Alternatively, the electronic device 11 may also be a 3D printer (3D image forming device) that forms a three-dimensional object by stacking image layers on a substrate sheet, which is an example of a medium, by ejecting droplets containing ultraviolet curing resin.

[0169] The electronic device 11 does not have an image generation function that generates images using a medium, but only needs to have a display unit 13 that can display a setting screen visible to the user when setting setting conditions for operating an operating unit that performs a predetermined operation, a function control unit 51, and a communication unit that can communicate with the server 20. The electronic device 11 may also be a whiteboard device with an electronic blackboard function, an output device such as a digital signage, an imaging device such as a digital camera, an audio device, a sound collection device, a medical device, a networked home appliance, industrial machinery, a manufacturing device, etc.

[0170] <Definition> As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options." As another example, as used herein, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options."

[0171] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and effects derived from the above embodiments and modifications are described below. [1] The electronic device is an electronic device equipped with an operating unit that performs an operation to generate an image using a medium, and comprises a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating the image; an operating unit capable of operating on the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen; a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the setting screen; and, when the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, the operating unit receives a first operation in which a selected part in the second setting screen is selected, and the control unit divides and simultaneously displays the second setting screen and a first setting screen based on one of the first display data associated with the first operation on the display unit. With this configuration, the inability of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen to correspond can be compensated for by the other, and the first setting screen and the second setting screen can be viewed simultaneously. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0172] [2] In the electronic device described in [1] above, when the control unit receives the first operation while the second setting screen is displayed on the display unit, it may switch from the second setting screen to the first setting screen based on one of the first display data associated with the first operation. With this configuration, the inability of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen to correspond can be compensated for by the other, and the first setting screen and the second setting screen can be viewed simultaneously. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0173] [3] The electronic device described in [1] or [2] above is referenced by the control unit that receives the first operation and includes a setting unit that enables either full-screen display or split-screen display. When split-screen display is enabled, the control unit, upon receiving the first operation while the second setting screen is displayed on the display unit, may split the display unit and display the second setting screen and the first setting screen simultaneously. This configuration allows the inability of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen to be compensated for by the other, and allows the first setting screen and the second setting screen to be viewed simultaneously. Thus, user convenience is improved.

[0174] [4] The electronic device described in any one of [1] to [3] above is referenced by the control unit 50 that receives the first operation and includes a setting unit that enables either full-screen display or split-screen display, and when full-screen display is enabled, the control unit may switch from the second setting screen to the first setting screen when it receives the first operation while the second setting screen is displayed on the display unit. With this configuration, the inability of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen can be compensated for by the other, and the first setting screen and the second setting screen can be viewed simultaneously. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0175] [5] In the electronic device described in any one of [1] to [4] above, the first operation is an operation to select the help button in the second setting screen as the selected part, and when the second setting screen is displayed, the control unit, upon receiving the selection of the help button, may split the display unit and simultaneously display the second setting screen and the help screen as the first setting screen associated with the help button. With this configuration, even if the second setting screen does not have second display data for the help screen, it can be supplemented by a help screen using first display data stored in the storage unit of the electronic device, thereby improving user convenience.

[0176] [6] In the electronic device described in any one of [1] to [5] above, the control unit may divide the display area of ​​the help screen into a larger size than the display area of ​​the second settings screen when displaying a divided display on the display unit. With this configuration, the user can more easily check the content by displaying the help screen in a larger size.

[0177] [7] In the electronic device described in any one of [1] to [6] above, if the control unit receives a scroll operation for the second setting screen, it may scroll the second setting screen but not the first setting screen. This configuration makes it easier for the user to operate the second setting screen while checking the first setting screen (for example, the help screen). If the first setting screen scrolls together with the second setting screen, it becomes difficult to check the information on the first setting screen.

[0178] [8] In the electronic device described in any one of [1] to [6] above, if the control unit receives a scroll operation for the first setting screen, it may scroll the first setting screen but not the second setting screen. With this configuration, the display of the second setting screen remains unchanged, and the user can scroll the first setting screen (for example, the help screen) to check other information (for example, help information), which is user-friendly.

[0179] [9] In the electronic device described in any one of [1] to [6] above, the control unit may scroll both the first setting screen and the second setting screen together when it receives a scroll operation on either the first setting screen or the second setting screen. With this configuration, the first setting screen (for example, the help screen) scrolls together, saving the user the trouble of searching for information on the first setting screen (for example, help information), thus improving usability.

[0180]

[10] In the electronic device described in any one of [1] to [9] above, the help screen includes a setting operation unit that allows the user to change the setting content related to the setting change option corresponding to the selected unit selected by the first operation, and the control unit may, when it receives a change in the setting content based on the operation of the setting operation unit on the help screen, reflect the change in the setting content in the setting change option on the second setting screen. With this configuration, the user can change the setting content on the help setting screen, thus improving usability for the user.

[0181]

[11] The electronic device is an electronic device equipped with an operating unit that performs an operation to generate an image using a medium, and comprises a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen visible to the user for setting image generation conditions which are the conditions for generating the image, an operating unit capable of operating the setting screen, a storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen which is one display mode of the setting screen, a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen which is another display mode of the setting screen, and a control unit that controls the display unit, wherein when the first setting screen based on the first display data is displayed on the display unit, the control unit receives a second operation in which a selected part in the first setting screen is selected by the operating unit, sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server, and causes the display unit to display the first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the second display data received from the server as a response to the second operation position information, in a divided manner. This configuration allows the second settings screen to supplement display content that cannot be shown on the first settings screen, thereby improving user experience. For example, user-specific display content that cannot be provided on the first settings screen can be displayed simultaneously on the second settings screen by dividing it into separate display sections. Therefore, the first and second settings screens can compensate for each other's shortcomings, and both can be viewed simultaneously, further improving user experience.

[0182]

[12] In the electronic device described in

[11] above, the electronic device is communicably connected to the server and a terminal device connected via the network, the first setting screen is a storage destination specification screen that includes a storage destination specification section as the selected section, which can specify the storage destination of data relating to an image generated by the electronic device, and when the control unit receives the second operation in which the storage destination specification section in the storage destination specification screen is selected, it may split the display unit and display the storage destination specification screen and the folder list screen received from the terminal device via the server simultaneously. With this configuration, even if the display content of the storage destination specification screen as the first setting screen is insufficient for the display content that can be displayed as the second setting screen, the storage destination specification screen and the folder list screen received from the terminal device via the server can be displayed simultaneously by splitting the display unit. Therefore, the user experience is improved by displaying the storage destination specification screen and the folder list screen of the terminal device simultaneously.

[0183]

[13] In the electronic device described in any one of [1] to

[12] above, the electronic device may be an image reading device equipped with a reading unit for reading a document as the medium as the operating unit. With this configuration, when setting image generation conditions (image reading conditions), the inability of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen to correspond can be compensated for by the other, and the first setting screen and the second setting screen can be viewed simultaneously. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0184]

[14] In the electronic device described in any one of [1] to

[12] above, the electronic device may be an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit as the operating unit for forming an image on the medium. With this configuration, when setting image generation conditions (for example, image forming conditions), the inability of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen to correspond can be compensated for by the other, and the first setting screen and the second setting screen can be viewed simultaneously. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0185]

[15] A server connected via a network to the electronic device described in any one of [1] to

[10] above, comprising: a second storage unit that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen which is another display mode of the setting screen; a server-side display control unit that sends an instruction to the electronic device, along with the second display data, to display the second setting screen based on the second display data on the display unit; and a second split display control unit that, when the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, the control unit of the electronic device receives a first operation in which the selected part in the second setting screen is selected by the operation unit, and receives first operation position information based on the first operation from the electronic device via the network, wherein the second split display control unit sends a display instruction to the electronic device that displays the first setting screen based on the first display data linked to the first operation position information on the display unit, thereby causing the control unit to display the second setting screen and the first setting screen based on the first display data read from the storage unit in accordance with the display instruction, in a split manner and simultaneously on the display unit. With this configuration, the server can compensate for any shortcomings in one of the electronic device's settings screens (e.g., the second settings screen) by using the other (e.g., the first settings screen), and both the first and second settings screens can be viewed simultaneously. Therefore, user experience is improved.

[0186]

[16] A server connected via a network to the electronic device described in

[11] or

[12] above, comprising: a second storage unit that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen which is another display mode of the setting screen; a server-side display control unit that sends an instruction to the electronic device, together with the second display data, to display the second setting screen based on the second display data on the display unit; and a second split display control unit that receives the second operation position information from the electronic device via the network, wherein the second split display control unit performs an image acquisition process associated with the second operation position information to acquire new second display data different from the second display data stored in the second storage unit before the image acquisition process, and sends a display instruction to the electronic device, together with the new second display data, to display the second setting screen based on the new second display data on the display unit, thereby causing the control unit to display the first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the new second display data on the display unit in a split manner and simultaneously on the display unit. With this configuration, the server can compensate for any shortcomings in one of the electronic device's settings screens (e.g., the first settings screen) by using the other (e.g., the second settings screen), and both the first and second settings screens can be viewed simultaneously. Therefore, user experience is improved.

[0187]

[17] The display system comprises the electronic device described in any one of [1] to

[10] above, and the server described in any one of [1] to

[10] and

[15] above. With this configuration, the server can compensate for the inability of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen in the electronic device, and the first setting screen and the second setting screen can be viewed simultaneously. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0188]

[18] The display system comprises the electronic device described in

[11] or

[12] above, and the server described in any one of

[11] ,

[12] , and

[16] above. With this configuration, the server can compensate for the inability of one of the first setting screen and the second setting screen in the electronic device, and the first setting screen and the second setting screen can be viewed simultaneously. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0189]

[19] A method for controlling the display of an electronic device is a method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises: an operation unit that performs an operation to generate an image using a medium; a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions which are the conditions for generating the image; an operation unit capable of operating the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen which is one display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen which is another display mode of the setting screen. (A1) When the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, the operation unit accepts a first operation in which the selected unit in the second setting screen is selected, (A2) When the first operation is received, the display unit is divided and simultaneously displayed the second setting screen and the first setting screen based on one of the first display data associated with the first operation. This method allows the first and second settings screens to compensate for any shortcomings in one of them, and also allows users to view both screens simultaneously. Therefore, user experience is improved.

[0190]

[20] A method for controlling the display of an electronic device is a method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: an operation unit that performs an operation to generate an image using a medium; a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen that is visible to the user when setting image generation conditions which are the conditions for generating the image; an operation unit capable of operating the setting screen; a storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen which is one display mode of the setting screen; and a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen which is another display mode of the setting screen. (B1) When the first setting screen based on the first display data is displayed on the display unit, and the operation unit receives a second operation in which the selected part in the first setting screen is selected, the operation unit sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server, (B2) The first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the second display data received from the server as a response to the second operation position information are displayed simultaneously on the display unit in a divided manner. This method allows the first and second settings screens to compensate for any shortcomings in one of them, and also allows users to view both screens simultaneously. Therefore, user experience is improved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0191] 10…Display system, 11…Electronic equipment, 12…Image reading device, 12A…Main unit, 13…Display unit, 14…Operation unit, 14A…Operation unit, 15…Power button, 16…Document support, 16A…Edge guide, 17…Stacker, 18…Reader, 19…Personal authentication card, 20…First server (server), 21…Server-side control unit (control unit), 22…Server-side display control unit (display control unit), 23…Second split display control unit, 24…Second storage unit, 25…Communication unit, 30…Second server (authentication server), 40…Management computer, 41…Input unit, 45…Terminal device, 46… Display unit, 47...Input unit, 50...Control unit, 51...Function control unit, 52...Setting unit, 53...Reading unit, 54...Transport unit, 55...First storage unit (storage unit), 56...Display drive circuit, 60...Switching display control unit, 61...First display control unit, 62...Second display control unit, 63...Split display control unit, 64...Display buffer, 65...Communication unit, 70...Input field, 71...First option, 72...Second option, 73...Third option, 74...Selection button, 75...Scan setting information, 76...Change setting button, 77...Save button, 78...Scroll bar, 80...Setting change list, 81...Setting change options, 82...Setting information Report, 82A...Slider, 82B...Slider, 83...OK button, 84...Cancel button, 85...Help icon (an example of a selected area), 86...OK button, 87...Close button, 88...Transparent area, 89...Settings operation area, 90...Help list, 91...Help options, 92...Input field, 93...Confirm button, 94...Input selection button, 95...Address book selection button, 96...Add recipient button, 97...Recipient screen display button (an example of a selected area), 98...Transparent area, 100...Folder list screen, 101...Folder, 110...Image forming apparatus, 112...Main unit, 115...Image Forming unit, 116…Ejection head, 117…Conveyor path, 118…Conveyor unit, 121…Cassette, 122…Roller, 123…Roller, 124…Conveyor belt, 125…Stacker, 130…Image reading device, 131…Feed tray, 132…Automatic feed device, 135…Control box, M…Media, M1…Original document, M2…Paper, NW…Network, PG1…First program, PG2…Second program, D1…First display data, D2…Second display data, NS…First setting screen, BS…Second setting screen, BS0…Authentication screen, BS1…Home screen, BS2…Standard scan menu screen,BS3...Scan settings screen, BS4...Settings change screen (an example of the second settings screen), BS5...Folder selection screen (an example of the second settings screen), NS1...Help screen (an example of the first settings screen), NS2...Help screen (an example of the first settings screen), NS3...Help screen (an example of the first settings screen), SS1...Split settings screen, SS2...Split settings screen, SS3...Split settings screen, NS4...Save destination specification screen (an example of the first settings screen), NS5...Save destination details screen (an example of the first settings screen), NS6...Save destination specification screen, HA1...Header area, MS1...Message, MS2...Message, MS3...Message.

Claims

1. An electronic device equipped with an operating unit that performs the operation of generating an image using a medium, A display unit capable of displaying a setting screen visible to the user for setting the image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating the aforementioned image, An operating unit that allows operation on the aforementioned settings screen, A storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen, A communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the aforementioned setting screen, When the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, and the operation unit receives a first operation in which a selected section in the second setting screen is selected, the control unit causes the second setting screen and the first setting screen based on one of the first display data associated with the first operation to be displayed simultaneously on the display unit in a divided manner, An electronic device characterized by having the following features.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control unit receives the first operation while the second setting screen is displayed on the display unit, it switches from the second setting screen to the first setting screen based on one of the first display data associated with the first operation.

3. The control unit, which receives the first operation, has a setting unit that is referenced by the control unit and which enables either full-screen display or split-screen display, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the split-screen display is enabled, the control unit, upon receiving the first operation while the second setting screen is displayed on the display unit, splits the display unit to display the second setting screen and the first setting screen simultaneously.

4. The control unit, which receives the first operation, has a setting unit that is referenced by the control unit and which enables either full-screen display or split-screen display, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the full-screen display is enabled, the control unit, upon receiving the first operation while the second setting screen is displayed on the display unit, switches from the second setting screen to the first setting screen.

5. The first operation is the operation of selecting the help button in the second settings screen as the selected part, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the second setting screen is displayed, the control unit, upon receiving a selection of the help button, divides the display unit and simultaneously displays the second setting screen and the help screen, which is the first setting screen associated with the help button.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the control unit performs a split display on the display unit, it divides the display area of ​​the help screen into a size larger than the display area of ​​the second settings screen.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit receives a scroll operation for the second setting screen, the first setting screen is not scrolled even if the second setting screen is scrolled.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit receives a scroll operation for the first setting screen, the second setting screen is not scrolled even if the first setting screen is scrolled.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit receives a scroll operation for either the first setting screen or the second setting screen, it scrolls both the first setting screen and the setting screen.

10. The help screen includes a setting operation unit that allows the user to change the setting content related to the setting change option corresponding to the selected unit selected by the first operation. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that when the control unit receives a change in the setting content based on the operation of the setting operation unit on the help screen, it reflects the change in the setting content in the setting change selection on the second setting screen.

11. An electronic device equipped with an operating unit that performs the operation of generating an image using a medium, A display unit capable of displaying a setting screen visible to the user for setting the image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating the aforementioned image, An operating unit that allows operation on the aforementioned settings screen, A storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen, A communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the aforementioned setting screen, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the display unit, The control unit, When the first setting screen based on the first display data is displayed on the display unit, if the operation unit receives a second operation in which a selected part in the first setting screen is selected, it sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server. An electronic device characterized by displaying the first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the second display data received from the server as a response to the second operation position information, in a divided manner on the display unit.

12. The electronic device is connected to the server and a terminal device connected via the network in a manner that enables communication. The first setting screen is a storage destination specification screen that includes a storage destination specification unit as the selected unit, which allows the user to specify the storage location for data relating to an image generated by the electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that when the control unit receives the second operation in which the save destination specification unit on the save destination specification screen is selected, it divides and simultaneously displays the save destination specification screen and the folder list screen received from the terminal device via the server on the display unit.

13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the electronic device is an image reading device having a reading unit as the operating unit for reading a document as the medium.

14. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the electronic device is an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit as the operating unit for forming an image on the medium.

15. A server connected via a network to the electronic device described in claim 1, A second storage unit that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the aforementioned setting screen, A server-side display control unit sends an instruction to the electronic device, along with the second display data, to display the second setting screen based on the second display data on the display unit, When the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, and the control unit of the electronic device receives the first operation in which the selected part in the second setting screen is selected by the operation unit, the second split display control unit receives first operation position information based on the first operation from the electronic device via the network, The server is characterized in that the second split display control unit sends a display instruction to the electronic device to display the first setting screen based on the first display data linked to the first operation position information on the display unit, thereby causing the control unit to display the second setting screen and the first setting screen based on the first display data read from the storage unit in accordance with the display instruction, in a split manner on the display unit, simultaneously.

16. A server connected via a network to the electronic device described in claim 11, A second storage unit that stores one or more second display data capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the aforementioned setting screen, A server-side display control unit sends an instruction to the electronic device, along with the second display data, to display the second setting screen based on the second display data on the display unit, The system includes a second split display control unit that receives the second operation position information from the electronic device via the network, The server is characterized in that the second split display control unit performs an image acquisition process linked to the second operation position information to acquire new second display data different from the second display data stored in the second storage unit before the image acquisition process, and sends a display instruction to the electronic device to display the new second display data along with the new second display data, thereby causing the control unit to display the first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the new second display data on the display unit in a split manner.

17. A display system comprising the electronic device described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the server described in any one of claims 1 to 10 and claim 15.

18. A display system comprising the electronic device described in claim 11 or claim 12, and the server described in any one of claims 11, 12, and 16.

19. A display control method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, The aforementioned electronic device is An operating unit that performs the operation of generating an image using a medium, The display unit is capable of displaying a setting screen visible to the user when setting the image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating the aforementioned image, An operating unit that allows operation on the aforementioned settings screen, A storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen, The system includes a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data sets capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the aforementioned setting screen, (A1) When the second setting screen based on the second display data is displayed on the display unit, the operation unit accepts a first operation in which the selected unit in the second setting screen is selected, (A2) A method for controlling the display of an electronic device, characterized in that, upon receiving the first operation, the second setting screen and the first setting screen based on the first display data associated with the first operation are displayed simultaneously on the display unit in a divided manner.

20. A display control method for controlling a display unit of an electronic device, The aforementioned electronic device is An operating unit that performs the operation of generating an image using a medium, The display unit is capable of displaying a setting screen visible to the user when setting the image generation conditions, which are the conditions for generating the aforementioned image, An operating unit that allows operation on the aforementioned settings screen, A storage unit that stores one or more first display data capable of displaying a first setting screen, which is one display mode of the setting screen, The system includes a communication unit that can be connected via a network to a server that stores one or more second display data sets capable of displaying a second setting screen, which is another display mode of the aforementioned setting screen, (B1) When the first setting screen based on the first display data is displayed on the display unit, and the operation unit receives a second operation in which the selected part in the first setting screen is selected, the operation unit sends second operation position information indicating the operation position of the second operation to the server, (B2) The first setting screen and the second setting screen based on the second display data received from the server as a response to the second operation position information are displayed simultaneously on the display unit in a divided manner, A method for controlling the display of an electronic device, characterized by including the following:

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