Image processing device, control method, and program

Abstract

The objective is to provide a method for improving the usability of screen displays. [Solution] An image processing apparatus comprising an image display area for displaying image data, an operation area for performing processing on the image data, and a display control means for displaying a predetermined screen including a predetermined item for performing processing to change the color of the image display area, wherein the display control means changes the color of the image display area and displays it based on the operation of the predetermined item.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there have been efforts to introduce color scheme designs created from the user's perspective to ensure proper information transmission, with consideration for color-deficient individuals (Color Universal Design). For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of providing a mode selection screen for switching a display mode for color-deficient individuals in a system that performs selection and order reception of images for printing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a method for improving usability related to screen display.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] An image processing apparatus comprising display control means for displaying a predetermined screen including an image display region for displaying image data, an operation region for executing processing on the image data, and a predetermined item for executing processing to change the color tone of the image display region, wherein the display control means changes and displays the color tone of the image display region based on an operation performed on the predetermined item.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] Usability related to screen display can be improved.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] Hardware configuration diagram of an image processing device. [Figure 2] Software configuration diagram of an image processing device. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the display unit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example flowchart illustrating the process of changing the reference color settings. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of a flowchart explaining screen display processing. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example flowchart illustrating the process of changing partial color settings. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the display unit. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example flowchart illustrating the process of changing the reference color settings. [Figure 9] This diagram shows an example flowchart illustrating the process of changing partial color settings. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the display unit. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a flowchart explaining screen display processing. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of the display unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not limiting to the scope of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same reference numerals are used for identical components.

[0009] [First Embodiment] (overview) As an image processing device of this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) is known that has functions such as scanning and copying originals, receiving and printing print data, and other functions. The MFP executes the processing of each function based on setting information that has been set in advance by the user on a user interface (UI) available on the display device (display unit, display panel) of the MFP, or on a graphical user interface (GUI) available on a PC that can be connected to the device. In addition, the MFP has a preview function that displays image data read by the scanning function or image data to be printed by the printing function as a preview image on the display unit before output.

[0010] Here, the color information (hues) displayed on the display panel may be difficult for people with color vision deficiencies (such as color blindness, color weakness, color vision deficiency, or color vision impairment) to distinguish from those with normal color vision, potentially hindering their ability to recognize information.

[0011] Therefore, conventionally, a technology has been known that allows color-blind individuals to appropriately recognize information by setting a display mode for the display unit that displays colors in a way that is different from that used by people with normal color vision (moderate color vision mode), as the display mode for the display unit. However, in conventional color-blind modes, it is common for all the information displayed on the display unit to be displayed in a color scheme suitable for color-blind individuals. In this case, as mentioned above, the preview image displayed on the display unit before output will be displayed in a color scheme suitable for color-blind individuals, which may result in a different color scheme from the original document before scanning or the actual output, potentially reducing the usability for color-blind individuals.

[0012] Another possible configuration is to display a mode selection screen that allows users to choose a mode in which a specific area of ​​a given screen is displayed with colors suitable for people with normal color vision, while the rest of the screen is displayed with colors suitable for people with color vision deficiency. However, in such a configuration, users would have to select a mode after the mode selection screen is displayed, which could be cumbersome for them.

[0013] Accordingly, the present embodiment provides a technique for switchably displaying the color tone in a predetermined area of a predetermined screen. Specifically, a predetermined item capable of changing the color tone of an image display area where image data is displayed on the predetermined screen is displayed. For example, when the predetermined item is operated in a state where the color weak person mode is set in the MFP, the color tone of the image display area on the predetermined screen is changed from the color tone for color weak persons to the color tone for normal color vision persons and displayed. Note that areas other than the image display area on the predetermined screen (for example, an operation area for executing processing on image data) are displayed while maintaining the color tone for color weak persons.

[0014] Accordingly, even when the color weak person mode is set in the MFP, the color tone of the predetermined area on the predetermined screen can be easily changed to the color tone for normal color vision persons, and the usability for color weak persons is improved.

[0015] Further, since the predetermined item is displayed on the predetermined screen, it becomes possible to change the color tone of the image display area while viewing the image display area without transitioning to another screen, and usability is improved.

[0016] Note that in the present embodiment, the color tone for normal color vision persons is expressed as "normal color", and the color tone for color weak persons is expressed as "inverted color".

[0017] <Hardware Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus> Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention. Note that the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is not limited to the MFP described above, and various devices such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, and a digital camera may be applied as the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. Further, the printing method of the printer used in the present embodiment may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or any other method.

[0018] The controller unit 100 connects to the image input device, the scanner 117, and the image output device, the printer 118, and also connects to Ethernet (registered trademark) and a public network to input and output image information and device information. The CPU 101 is a controller that controls the image processing device. The RAM 102 is the system work memory for the operation of the CPU 101 and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 109 is a boot ROM and stores the system's boot program. The HDD 110 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, applications, and image data. The operation unit I / F 103 is an interface unit with the operation unit 104, which has a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 104. It also plays a role in transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 104 to the CPU 101. The network I / F 105 connects to the network and performs information input and output. The MODEM 106 connects to the public network and performs information input and output. The SRAM 107 is a high-speed non-volatile recording medium. The RTC112 is a real-time clock that continues to count the current time even when the controller unit 100 is not powered on. These devices are located on the system bus 108. The Image Bus I / F111 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 108 to the image bus 113, which transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 113 is composed of a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are located on the image bus 113. The RIP114 is a raster image processor that expands PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 115 connects to various sensors 116 to acquire device status and connects the controller unit 100 to image input / output devices such as the scanner 117 and printer 118, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit 119 performs correction, processing, and editing of the input image data. The printer image processing unit 120 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, etc. on the print output image data.

[0019] <Software configuration of the image processing device> Figure 2 shows an example of the software configuration of the image processing device 1.

[0020] The image processing device 1 includes a display unit 201, a control unit 202, a display image generation unit 203, a button press reception unit 204, a reference color setting retention unit 205, and a partial color setting retention unit 206. Each of these functional units is realized when the CPU 101, using the boot ROM 109, loads the program installed on the HDD 110 into the RAM 102 and executes that program.

[0021] The display unit 201 is a display among the operation unit 104 described above, which displays information such as screen information. The information displayed is controlled by the control unit 202, which will be described later. The display unit 201 is, for example, a touch panel display.

[0022] The control unit 202 controls the entire system. Specifically, it functions as a display control unit that performs display control to display images generated by the display image generation unit 203 (described later) on the display unit, and updates screen information in response to user operations notified by the button press reception unit 204 (described later).

[0023] The display image generation unit 203 generates an image to be displayed on the display unit 201 based on the reference color setting held by the reference color setting holding unit 205 (described later) and the partial color setting held by the partial color setting holding unit 206.

[0024] The button press reception unit 204 receives user operations (for example, user operations on display buttons) in response to information displayed on the display unit and notifies the control unit 202.

[0025] The reference color setting retention unit 205 retains the reference color setting selected by the user.

[0026] The partial color setting retention unit 206 retains the partial color setting selected by the user.

[0027] Here, the reference color setting held by the reference color setting holding unit 205 is the color setting for the entire screen that corresponds to the color change, as device information. On the other hand, the partial color setting held by the partial color setting holding unit 206 is the color setting for a partial area that is to be colored differently from the reference color setting, such as the preview images (image display areas) 343 (353) of the preview screens 340 and 350 described later.

[0028] Although not required in this embodiment, the image processing device may have an authentication unit (not shown). The authentication unit manages account information and the login / logout status of the image processing device 1 for each user. Here, the authentication unit and the reference color setting retention unit 205 may be configured to work together to retain a reference color setting for each account.

[0029] <Operation screen> Figure 3 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 201 of the image processing device 1.

[0030] Figure 3(a) shows an example of the home screen 300. The home screen is the basic screen of the display unit 201 and is displayed after startup, after an auto-clear process when there has been no operation for a certain period of time, or when the home button 303, which is also displayed on other screens and will be described later, is pressed. On the home screen 300, application buttons corresponding to each function provided by the image processing device 1 (for example, the scan and send button 301) are arranged. In addition, buttons that are shared on other screens, such as the settings / registration button 302, the home button 303, and the login button 304, are also arranged. In this embodiment, the screen transitions of the screens displayed by operation on the application of the "scan and send" function are described, but this is just an example, and other applications may be used as long as they display image data. For example, it may be applied to a form in which a preview image is displayed before copying is performed. The scan and send function is a function that sends the image data of the scanned document to a storage area such as an external device, mail server, or cloud service. When the scan and send button 301 is operated (pressed) by the user, the scan and send screen 320 (Figure 3(c)) is displayed on the display unit 201. When the user presses the Settings / Register button 302, the Settings / Register screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 201. Furthermore, when the user presses any of the item buttons on the Settings / Register screen, the settings screen for that item (for example, the standard color setting screen 310, described later) is displayed. The Home button 303 cannot be pressed by the user when the Home screen is displayed; if the user presses it while another screen is displayed, the Home screen 300 is displayed. When the user presses the Login button 304, an authentication screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 201.

[0031] Figure 3(b) shows an example of the reference color setting screen 310. The reference color setting screen 310 has an ON button 311 for screen color inversion, an OFF button 312 for screen color inversion, a Cancel button 313, and an OK button 314. The process of changing the reference color setting on the reference color setting screen 310 is performed according to the flowchart in Figure 4, which will be described later.

[0032] Figure 3(c) shows an example of the scan and send screen 320. The scan and send screen 320 has setting information areas (buttons) related to various "scan and send" functions. Settings not available on the scan and send screen 320 can be set on the other functions screen 330, which is displayed when the other functions button 321 is pressed.

[0033] Figure 3(d) shows an example of the other functions screen 330. Buttons for various settings (for example, the preview settings button 331) are located on the other functions screen 330. When the preview settings button 331 is pressed by the user, the preview settings button 331 changes to a yellow illuminated indicator to show that the preview setting is ON. When the scan and send function is executed with the preview setting ON, the preview screen 340 or preview screen 350 is displayed when the scan process is completed. That is, the preview screen 340 or preview screen 350 of the image data of the document read (scanned) by the MFP's reading means is displayed.

[0034] Figures 3(e) and 3(f) show examples of the preview screen 340 in the "Scan and Send" application. The preview screen 340 is the preview screen when the reference color setting is set to normal color, according to the flowchart in Figure 5. Figure 3(e) is an example of the preview screen when the normal color button 341 is selected, and Figure 3(f) is an example of the preview screen when the inverted color button 342 is selected. The preview screen 340 includes partial color setting change buttons (normal color button 341, inverted color button 342), a preview image 343, a cancel button 344, and a start transmission button 345. In this embodiment, "normal color" refers to the original color of the image to be displayed, and "inverted color" refers to the color that the display image generation unit 203 has inverted from the original image to be displayed. When the normal color button 341 or the inverted color button 342 is pressed, the color of the preview image 343 is changed according to the flowchart in Figure 6. Note that the normal color button 341 and the inverted color button 342 will not accept user input if they correspond to the currently selected color. For example, in the display state shown in Figure 3(e), the normal color button 341 is in the selected display mode (for example, gray background with white text), and in this case, the normal color button 341 will not accept user input. Alternatively, the normal color button 341 and the inverted color button 342 may be hidden when they correspond to the currently selected color. When the user presses the cancel button 344, the "Scan and Send" job in progress is canceled, and the scan and send screen 320 is displayed on the display unit 201. On the other hand, when the user presses the start send button 345, the preview screen 340 is closed, and the "Scan and Send" job is started to be sent.

[0035] Figures 3(g) and 3(h) show examples of the preview screen 350. The preview screen 350 is the preview screen when the reference color setting is inverted, according to the flowchart in Figure 5. Figure 3(g) is an example of the preview screen when the normal color button 351 is selected, and Figure 3(h) is an example of the preview screen when the inverted color button 352 is selected. The preview screen 350 has the same normal color button 351, inverted color button 352, preview image 353, cancel button 354, and send start button 355 as the preview screen 340. The normal color button 351 and inverted color button 352 will not accept user presses when they correspond to the selected color. Alternatively, the normal color button 351 and inverted color button 352 may be hidden when they correspond to the selected color. When the user presses the Cancel button 354, the ongoing "Scan and Send" job is canceled, and the Scan and Send screen 320 is displayed on the display unit 201. When the user presses the Start Send button 355, the Preview screen 350 is closed, and the "Scan and Send" job is sent.

[0036] <Process to change reference color settings> Figure 4 is an example of a flowchart for the process of changing the reference color settings on the reference color setting screen 310. The process in this flowchart starts when an instruction is given to display the reference color setting screen 310. Each step in the subsequent flowchart is processed by the CPU 101 of the image processing device 1 executing a program. The program to be executed is called from the ROM 109 and executed by the respective functional units in Figure 2.

[0037] In S401, the CPU 101 displays the reference color setting screen 310. The CPU 101 displays either the ON button 311 or the OFF button 312 in a selected state according to the value held by the reference color setting retention unit 205 (for example, the selected button is displayed in yellow). The control unit 202 also holds the value held by the reference color setting retention unit 205 as a reference color setting candidate value. Here, the reference color setting candidate value is a value that the control unit 202 temporarily holds while the reference color setting screen 310 is displayed, without releasing it from the reference color setting retention unit 205 until the OK button 314 is pressed. The process then proceeds to S402.

[0038] In S402, CPU101 accepts a button press from the user. If a button press from the user is accepted, the process transitions to S403.

[0039] In S403, the CPU 101 determines which button was pressed by the user in S402. If it determines that the button pressed by the user was the ON button 311, it proceeds to S404. If it determines that the button pressed by the user was the OFF button 312, it proceeds to S405. If it determines that the button pressed by the user was the Cancel button 313, it proceeds to S407. If it determines that the button pressed by the user was the OK button 314, it proceeds to S406.

[0040] In S404, CPU101 holds a value indicating "inverted color" as a candidate value for the reference color setting and selects the ON button 311. After that, CPU101 transitions to S403.

[0041] In S405, CPU101 holds a value indicating "normal color" as a candidate value for the reference color setting and selects the OFF button 312. After that, CPU101 transitions to S403.

[0042] In S406, the CPU 101 saves the candidate value for the reference color setting as the value (reference color setting) held by the reference color setting retention unit 205. Specifically, the value held by the reference color setting retention unit 205 is overwritten and saved with the candidate value for the reference color setting held in S404 or S405.

[0043] If it is determined that "Cancel" was selected in the process of S406 or S403, in the subsequent S407, the CPU 101 closes (hides) the reference color setting screen 310 and displays the settings / registration screen (not shown). After that, the CPU 101 terminates the process of this flowchart.

[0044] <Screen display processing> Figure 5 shows the flowchart of the screen display process for each screen. The processing in this flowchart starts based on the reception of a screen transition instruction in S501. Each step of the subsequent flowchart is processed by the CPU 101 of the image processing device 1 executing a program. The program to be executed is called from the ROM 109 and executed by the respective functional units in Figure 2.

[0045] In S501, the CPU 101 receives a screen transition instruction. The screen transition instruction may be a button press by the user, or a change in the state of the image processing device 1 (for example, completion of the scan process).

[0046] In S502, the CPU 101 reads the value held by the reference color setting retention unit 205.

[0047] In S503, the CPU 101 determines whether the value read in S502 represents a "normal color" or an "inverted color". If the CPU 101 determines that the value read is a "normal color", it proceeds to S504; if it determines that the value read is an "inverted color", it proceeds to S505.

[0048] In S504, CPU 101 displays the screen in "normal color". For example, if it is the preview screen of the "Scan and Send" application, it displays the preview screen 340 in Figure 3(e) and terminates the processing of this flowchart. Note that the partial color setting of the preview image is retained as normal color, and CPU 101 displays the screen with the normal color button 341 selected.

[0049] In S505, CPU 101 displays the screen in "inverted colors". For example, if it is the preview screen of the "Scan and Send" application, it displays the preview screen 350 in Figure 3(h) and terminates the processing of this flowchart. Note that the partial color setting of the preview image is retained as inverted colors, and CPU 101 displays the screen with the inverted color button 352 selected.

[0050] <Partial color setting change process> Figure 6 shows an example flowchart of the partial color setting change process in preview screens 340 and 350. The process in this flowchart starts in S601 based on the receipt of the instruction to change the partial color setting. Each step of the subsequent flowchart is processed by the CPU 101 of the image processing device 1 executing a program. The program to be executed is called from ROM 109 and executed by each functional unit in Figure 2.

[0051] In the S601, the CPU 101 accepts instructions to change the partial color settings. Specifically, an instruction to change the partial color settings is given by the user pressing the normal color button 341 (351) or the inverted color button 342 (352).

[0052] In S602, the CPU 101 determines which button was pressed by the user. If the CPU 101 determines that the pressed button is a "normal color button 341", it proceeds to S603. If the CPU 101 determines that the pressed button is an "inverted color button 342", it proceeds to S604.

[0053] In S603, the CPU 101 holds a value indicating "normal color" as the value (partial color setting) held by the partial color setting retention unit 206. After that, the CPU 101 transitions to S605.

[0054] In S604, the CPU 101 holds a value indicating "inverted color" as the value (partial color setting) held by the partial color setting retention unit 206. After that, the CPU 101 transitions to S605.

[0055] In S605, the CPU 101 updates the selection state of the partial color setting change button in the control unit 202 based on the partial color setting held in S603 or S604. The display image generation unit 203 also changes the color of the preview image 343 (353) and displays it on the display unit 201. For example, if the "inverted color button 342" is pressed on the preview screen 340 in Figure 3(e), and the CPU 101 holds a value indicating "inverted color" as the partial color setting in S604, and proceeds to S605, then in S605, the preview screen 340 in Figure 3(f) is displayed. Also, if the "normal color button 341" is pressed on the preview screen 340 in Figure 3(f), and the CPU 101 holds a value indicating "normal color" as the partial color setting in S603, and proceeds to S605, then in S605, the preview screen 340 in Figure 3(e) is displayed. Similarly, if the "Invert Color Button 352" is pressed on the preview screen 350 in Figure 3(g), and the CPU 101 retains a value indicating "Invert Color" as a partial color setting in S604 and proceeds to S605, the preview screen 350 in Figure 3(h) is displayed in S605. Also, if the "Normal Color Button 351" is pressed on the preview screen 350 in Figure 3(h), and the CPU 101 retains a value indicating "Normal Color" as a partial color setting in S603 and proceeds to S605, the preview screen 350 in Figure 3(g) is displayed in S605. After that, the CPU 101 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0056] In this embodiment, a technology is provided to enable switching the color tone of a predetermined area on a predetermined screen. Specifically, predetermined items (normal color button 351, inverted color button 352) are displayed on the preview screen that allow the color tone of the image display area where the image data is displayed to be changed. For example, if the predetermined item (normal color button 351) is operated while "inverted color" is set as the standard color tone setting on the MFP, the color tone of the image display area on the preview screen is changed from a color tone for people with color vision deficiency to a color tone for people with normal color vision. Areas other than the image display area on the preview screen (for example, the operation area for performing processing on the image data) are displayed with the color tone for people with color vision deficiency.

[0057] This makes it easy to change the color tone of the image display area in the preview screen to a color tone suitable for people with normal color vision, even if the MFP has "inverted color" (color tone for people with color vision deficiency) set as the default color tone. This makes it easier to compare and confirm the preview image with the original document before scanning and the actual output, improving usability for people with color vision deficiency.

[0058] Furthermore, by displaying designated items on the preview screen, it becomes possible to change the color of the image display area while viewing it without switching to other screens, thereby improving usability.

[0059] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which it is possible to switch between "normal color" and "inverted color" as color settings. However, there are multiple types of color vision deficiency. For example, there is type 1 color vision deficiency in which red is difficult to see, type 2 color vision deficiency in which green is difficult to see, and type 3 color vision deficiency in which blue is difficult to see. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which it is possible to set and change three or more colors as the base color setting and partial color setting.

[0060] Configurations and processes not mentioned in the following description are equivalent to those in the first embodiment and therefore will not be explained.

[0061] <Operation screen> Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 201 of the image processing apparatus 1 in the second embodiment.

[0062] Figure 7(a) shows an example of the standard color setting screen 700. The standard color setting screen 700 has buttons for normal color 701, type 1 color blindness 702, type 2 color blindness 703, and type 3 color blindness 704. The process of changing the standard color setting on the standard color setting screen 700 is performed according to the flowchart in Figure 8, which will be described later.

[0063] Figures 7(b) to 7(j) show examples of the preview screen 710 in the "Scan and Send" application.

[0064] Figure 7(b) shows an example of the preview screen 710 when the standard color setting is a value indicating "normal color" and the partial color setting is also a value indicating "normal color". The preview screen 710 has a normal color button 711, a type 1 colorblind button 712, a type 2 colorblind button 713, and a type 3 colorblind button 714. When any of the normal color button 711, type 1 colorblind button 712, type 2 colorblind button 713, or type 3 colorblind button 714 is pressed by the user, the partial color setting change process is performed according to the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0065] Figures 7(c) to 7(h) show examples of preview screen 710 when the standard color setting or partial color setting differs from that in Figure 7(b). Figure 7(c) is an example of preview screen 710 when the standard color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness" and the partial color setting is a value indicating "normal color". Figure 7(d) is an example of preview screen 710 when the standard color setting is a value indicating "Type 2 color blindness" and the partial color setting is a value indicating "normal color". Figure 7(e) is an example of preview screen 710 when the standard color setting is a value indicating "Type 3 color blindness" and the partial color setting is a value indicating "normal color". Figure 7(f) is an example of preview screen 710 when the standard color setting is a value indicating "normal color" and the partial color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness". Figure 7(g) is an example of the preview screen 710 when the standard color setting is a value indicating "normal color" and the partial color setting is a value indicating "Type 2 color blindness". Figure 7(h) is an example of the preview screen 710 when the standard color setting is a value indicating "normal color" and the partial color setting is a value indicating "Type 3 color blindness". Note that Figures 7(c) to (e) show examples of the preview screen 710 for each case where the partial color setting is a value indicating "normal color" and the standard color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness", "Type 2 color blindness", and "Type 3 color blindness", but are not limited to these. The respective preview screens 710 will also be displayed when the partial color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness", "Type 2 color blindness", or "Type 3 color blindness", and the standard color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness", "Type 2 color blindness", or "Type 3 color blindness". Specifically, if the standard color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness" and the partial color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness," a preview screen 710 will be displayed that combines the area outside the image display area in Figure 7(c) and the image display area in Figure 7(f). In other words, a preview screen 710 will be displayed that combines the hatching indicating the respective colors of the area outside the image display area reflected by the standard color setting and the image display area reflected by the partial color setting in Figure 7.Similarly, Figures 7(f) to (h) show examples of preview screens 710 when the standard color setting is a value indicating "normal color" and the partial color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness," "Type 2 color blindness," or "Type 3 color blindness," but are not limited to these examples. For example, when the standard color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness," "Type 2 color blindness," or "Type 3 color blindness," and the partial color setting is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness," "Type 2 color blindness," or "Type 3 color blindness," the respective preview screens 710 will be displayed.

[0066] Figures 7(i) and 7(j) show an example of preview screen 720, which is an alternative pattern of preview screen 710. On preview screen 720, instead of the normal color button 711, type 1 colorblindness button 712, type 2 colorblindness button 713, and type 3 colorblindness button 714 that are present on preview screen 710, a partial color setting selection dropdown 721 is placed. When the partial color setting selection dropdown 721 is pressed by the user, the options "Normal Color," "Type 1 Colorblindness," "Type 2 Colorblindness," and "Type 3 Colorblindness" are displayed (Figure 7(j)). If any of the options in the partial color setting selection dropdown 721 are pressed, the partial color setting change process is performed according to the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0067] <Process to change reference color settings> Figure 8 is an example of a flowchart for changing the reference color settings on the reference color setting screen 700. The processing in this flowchart starts when an instruction is given to display the reference color setting screen 700. Each step of the subsequent flowchart is processed by the CPU 101 of the image processing device 1 executing a program. The program to be executed is called from the ROM 109 and executed by the respective functional units in Figure 2. Note that the processing in S401, 402, 406, and 407 is the same as in Figure 4, so the explanation is omitted.

[0068] In S801, the CPU 101 determines which button was pressed by the user in S402. If the CPU 101 determines that the button pressed by the user is the "normal color button 702", it proceeds to S802. If the CPU 101 determines that the button pressed by the user is the "Type 1 colorblind button 702", it proceeds to S803. If the CPU 101 determines that the button pressed by the user is the "Type 2 colorblind button 703", it proceeds to S804. If the CPU 101 determines that the button pressed by the user is the "Type 3 colorblind button 704", it proceeds to S805. If the CPU 101 determines that the button pressed by the user is the "cancel button 313", it proceeds to S407. If the CPU 101 determines that the button pressed by the user is the "OK button 314", it proceeds to S406.

[0069] In S802, CPU101 holds a value indicating "normal color" as a candidate value for the reference color setting and selects the normal color button 701. After that, CPU101 transitions to S801.

[0070] In S803, CPU101 holds a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness" as a candidate value for the reference color setting, and selects the Type 1 color blindness button 702. After that, CPU101 transitions to S801.

[0071] In S804, CPU101 holds a value indicating "Type 2 color blindness" as a candidate value for the reference color setting, and selects the Type 2 color blindness button 703. After that, CPU101 transitions to S801.

[0072] In S805, CPU101 holds a value indicating "Type 3 color blindness" as a candidate value for the reference color setting, and selects the Type 3 color blindness button 704. After that, CPU101 transitions to S801.

[0073] Subsequently, the CPU 101 starts the flowchart in Figure 5 based on the fact that it received a screen transition instruction in S501 in Figure 5. Specifically, in S503, the CPU 101 determines whether the value read in S502 is a value indicating "normal color," a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness," a value indicating "Type 2 color blindness," or a value indicating "Type 3 color blindness." If the CPU 101 determines that the value read is a value indicating "normal color," it proceeds to S504. If the CPU 101 determines that the value read is a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness," a value indicating "Type 2 color blindness," or a value indicating "Type 3 color blindness," it proceeds to S505.

[0074] In S504, CPU 101 displays the screen in "normal color". For example, if it is the preview screen of the "Scan and Send" application, it displays the preview screen 710 in Figure 7(b) and terminates the processing of this flowchart. Note that the partial color setting of the preview image is retained as normal color, and CPU 101 displays the screen with the normal color button 341 selected.

[0075] In S505, the CPU 101 displays the screen with a color scheme based on the read value. For example, if the read value indicates "Type 1 color blindness," the CPU 101 displays a preview screen 710 combining the area outside the image display area in Figure 7(c) and the image display area in Figure 7(f) as the preview screen for the "Scan and Send" application, and terminates the processing of this flowchart. If the read value indicates "Type 2 color blindness," the CPU 101 displays a preview screen 710 combining the area outside the image display area in Figure 7(d) and the image display area in Figure 7(g), and terminates the processing of this flowchart. If the read value indicates "Type 3 color blindness," the CPU 101 displays a preview screen 710 combining the area outside the image display area in Figure 7(e) and the image display area in Figure 7(h) as the preview screen for the "Scan and Send" application, and terminates the processing of this flowchart. The partial color settings of the preview image retain the same colors as the standard color settings for each type of color blindness, and the CPU 101 displays the screen with one of the buttons 712 to 714 indicating each type of color blindness selected.

[0076] <Partial color setting change process> Figure 9 is an example of a flowchart for the partial color setting change process in the preview screen 710. The process in this flowchart starts in S601 based on the receipt of the instruction to change the partial color setting. Each step of the subsequent flowchart is processed by the CPU 101 of the image processing device 1 executing a program. The program to be executed is called from ROM 109 and executed by the respective functional units in Figure 2. Note that the processes in S601 and 603 are the same as those in Figure 6, so their explanation is omitted.

[0077] In S901, the CPU 101 determines which button was pressed by the user. If the CPU 101 determines that the pressed button is a "normal color button 711", it proceeds to S603. If the CPU 101 determines that the pressed button is a "Type 1 colorblind button 712", it proceeds to S902. If the pressed button is a "Type 2 colorblind button 713", the CPU 101 proceeds to S903. If the pressed button is a "Type 3 colorblind button 714", the CPU 101 proceeds to S904.

[0078] In S902, the CPU 101 holds a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness" as a value (partial color setting) held by the partial color setting retention unit 206. After that, the CPU 101 transitions to S905.

[0079] In S903, the CPU 101 holds a value indicating "Type 2 color vision" as a value (partial color setting) held by the partial color setting retention unit 206. After that, the CPU 101 transitions to S905.

[0080] In S904, the CPU 101 holds a value indicating "Type 3 color vision" as a value (partial color setting) held by the partial color setting retention unit 206. After that, the CPU 101 transitions to S905.

[0081] In S905, the CPU 101 updates the selection state of the partial color setting change button in the control unit 202 based on the partial color settings held in S603, S902, S903, and S904. Then, the display image generation unit 203 changes the color of the preview image 343 (353) and displays it on the display unit 201. For example, if the "Type 1 color blindness button 712" is pressed on the preview screen 710 in Figure 7(b), and the CPU 101 holds a value indicating "Type 1 color blindness" as the partial color setting in S902, and then proceeds to S905, the preview screen 710 in Figure 7(f) is displayed in S905. Furthermore, if the "Type 2 color blindness button 713" is pressed on the preview screen 710 in Figure 7(b), the CPU 101 retains a value indicating "Type 2 color blindness" as a partial color setting in S903, and then transitions to S905, the preview screen 710 in Figure 7(g) is displayed in S905. Also, if the "Type 3 color blindness button 714" is pressed on the preview screen 710 in Figure 7(b), the CPU 101 retains a value indicating "Type 3 color blindness" as a partial color setting in S904, and then transitions to S905, the preview screen 710 in Figure 7(h) is displayed in S905.

[0082] In the embodiments described above, an example was explained in which three or more color tones can be set and changed as the standard color tone and partial color tone settings. This allows for the display of a screen with color tones that are more compatible with different types of color blindness, improving usability for people with color blindness.

[0083] Furthermore, even if the MFP has a color scheme set for people with color vision deficiency as the default color setting, it is possible to easily change the color scheme of the image display area in the preview screen to a color scheme for people with normal color vision, thereby improving usability for people with color vision deficiency.

[0084] Furthermore, by displaying the specified items on the preview screen, it becomes possible to change the color of the image display area to multiple different colors while viewing the image display area without switching to other screens, thereby improving usability.

[0085] [Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment, even when the reference color setting is "normal color," an example was shown in which partial color setting change buttons (normal color button 341, inverted color button 342) are displayed on the preview screen 340 (350). However, for users with normal color vision, the presence of buttons they do not normally use on the screen may lead to accidental button presses and a decrease in usability. In the third embodiment, an example is described in which the partial color setting change buttons are not included on the preview screen 340 (350) when the reference color setting is "normal color."

[0086] Configurations and processes not mentioned in the following description are equivalent to those in the first embodiment and therefore will not be explained.

[0087] <Operation screen> Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 201 of the image processing device 1.

[0088] Figure 10(a) shows an example of preview screen 1000 when the standard color setting is "Normal Color". The preview screen does not include the partial color setting change button (the dashed line 1001 is for illustrative purposes only and is not actually displayed).

[0089] Figure 10(b) shows an example of the preview screen 1010 when the standard color setting is "inverted color". The preview screen includes a button to change the partial color setting (the dashed line 1002 is for illustrative purposes only and is not actually displayed). Note that even when the normal color button 341 is pressed and the preview image is displayed in normal color, the button to change the partial color setting remains hidden.

[0090] <Screen display processing> Figure 11 is an example of a flowchart of the screen display processing for each screen. The processing in this flowchart starts based on the reception of a screen transition instruction in S501. Each step of the subsequent flowchart is processed by the CPU 101 of the image processing device 1 executing a program. The program to be executed is called from ROM 109 and executed by the respective functional units in Figure 2. Note that the processing from S501 to S503 is the same as the processing in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted.

[0091] In S1101, CPU101 displays the screen in "normal color" and terminates the processing of this flowchart. For example, if it is the preview screen of the "Scan and Send" application, it displays the preview screen 1000 of Figure 10(a) which does not include the partial color setting change button.

[0092] In S1102, the CPU 101 displays the screen in "inverted colors" and terminates the processing of this flowchart. For example, if it is the preview screen of the "Scan and Send" application, it displays the preview screen 1010 of Figure 10(b), which includes a button to change the partial color settings.

[0093] In the embodiment described above, an example was explained in which the preview screen 340 (350) does not include a partial color setting change button when the standard color setting is "normal color". This reduces the usability that would be reduced if a screen containing buttons that are bothersome to users with normal color vision were displayed.

[0094] [Fourth Embodiment] In the first to third embodiments, a configuration was described in which the color of the image display area (the area where the preview image is displayed) is changed by changing the partial color settings. However, depending on the content of the preview image, the outline with the background color may become unclear, and visibility may decrease. In the fourth embodiment, a configuration is described in which the color of the image display area and the area including the background area surrounding the image display area are changed by changing the partial color settings.

[0095] Configurations and processes not mentioned in the following description are equivalent to those in the first embodiment and therefore will not be explained.

[0096] <Operation screen> Figure 12 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 201 of the image processing device 1.

[0097] Figure 12(a) shows an example of the preview screen 1200 when the base color setting and partial color setting are set to "normal color". Figure 12(b) shows an example of the preview screen 1200 when the base color setting is set to "normal color" and the partial color setting is set to "inverted color". Figure 12(c) shows an example of the preview screen 1200 when the base color setting is set to "inverted color" and the partial color setting is set to "normal color". Figure 12(d) shows an example of the preview screen 1200 when the base color setting and partial color setting are set to "inverted color". On the preview screen 1200, there are buttons to change the partial color setting (normal color button 1201, inverted color button 1202), a preview image 1203, and a background area 1204. When the normal color button 341 or the inverted color button 342 is pressed, the color of the preview image 343 is changed according to the flowchart in Figure 6. In S605, the CPU 101 updates the selection state of the partial color setting change button in the control unit 202 based on the partial color setting held in S603 or S604. The display image generation unit 203 then changes the color of the preview image 1203 and the background area 1204 and displays them on the display unit 201. For example, if the inverted color button 1202 is pressed on the preview screen 1200 in Figure 12(a), and the CPU 101 holds "inverted color" as the partial color setting in S604 and proceeds to S605, then in S605, the preview screen 1200 in Figure 12(b) is displayed. Also, if the normal color button 1201 is pressed on the preview screen 340 in Figure 12(b), and the CPU 101 holds "normal color" as the partial color setting in S603 and proceeds to S605, then in S605, the preview screen 1200 in Figure 12(a) is displayed. Similarly, if the inverted color button 1202 is pressed on the preview screen 1200 in Figure 12(c), and the CPU 101 retains "inverted color" as the partial color setting in S604 and proceeds to S605, then the preview screen 1200 in Figure 12(d) is displayed in S605. Also, if the normal color button 1201 is pressed on the preview screen 1200 in Figure 12(d), and the CPU 101 retains "normal color" as the partial color setting in S603 and proceeds to S605, then the preview screen 350 in Figure 12(c) is displayed in S605.After that, CPU 101 terminates the processing of the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0098] In this embodiment, a configuration was described in which the color of the image display area and the surrounding background area are changed by changing the partial color settings. This reduces the blurring of the outline between the content of the preview image and the background color, which can impair visibility.

[0099] In this embodiment, the background area 1204 is represented as a part of the entire screen, but this is not limited to this. Specifically, the background area 1204 may include the entire screen. However, applying partial color setting changes to the entire screen may make other operation buttons (such as the cancel button or the resume send button) difficult to see. Therefore, it is preferable that the operation buttons and text portions, if present, are not affected by the partial color setting change process.

[0100] (Other embodiments) The embodiments described above can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program. The program may be executed on a single computer or executed in conjunction with multiple computers. Furthermore, it is not necessary to realize all of the above processes in software; some or all of the processes may be realized in hardware such as ASICs. Also, the CPU is not limited to one CPU that performs all the processing; multiple CPUs may perform the processing in coordination as appropriate.

[0101] Furthermore, the functionality of the aforementioned embodiment is not only realized by the execution of program code read by the computer. It also includes cases where the operating system running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of that program code, and the functionality of the aforementioned embodiment is realized through that processing.

[0102] This embodiment includes the following items, methods, and programs.

[0103] (Item 1) The system includes an image display area for displaying image data, an operation area for performing processing on the image data, and a display control means for displaying a predetermined screen that includes a predetermined item for performing processing to change the color tone of the image display area. The display control means changes the color of the image display area and displays it based on the operation of the predetermined item. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:

[0104] (Item 2) When the aforementioned predetermined item is operated, the operation area is displayed without any change in color. The image processing apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that it is a picture processing apparatus.

[0105] (Item 3) The display control means, based on the operation of the predetermined item, changes the color of the image display area from a color suitable for people with normal color vision to a color suitable for people with color vision deficiency, or changes it from a color suitable for people with color vision deficiency to a color suitable for people with normal color vision. An image processing apparatus according to item 1 or 2, characterized by the features described herein.

[0106] (Item 4) The image processing apparatus further includes a setting means for setting a first mode in which the information displayed on the display unit is displayed in colors suitable for people with normal color vision, and a second mode in which the information displayed on the display unit is displayed in colors suitable for people with color vision deficiency. An image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that

[0107] (Item 5) The display control means, based on the setting of the second mode and the operation of the predetermined item, changes the color tone of the image display area from a color tone for people with color vision deficiency to a color tone for people with normal color vision and displays the image. The image processing apparatus according to item 4, characterized in that

[0108] (Item 6) When the first mode is set, the predetermined item is not displayed on the predetermined screen. The image processing apparatus according to item 4 or 5, characterized by the features described herein.

[0109] (Item 7) The display control means changes the color of the image display area and the color of the background area, which is the area surrounding the image display area and is different from both the image display area and the operation area, based on the operation of the predetermined item. An image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that

[0110] (Item 8) The display control means displays a plurality of predetermined items. An image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that

[0111] (Item 9) Each of the aforementioned predetermined items is an item capable of changing the image display area to a different color tone suitable for people with color blindness. The image processing apparatus according to item 8, characterized in that

[0112] (Method 1) The system includes an image display area for displaying image data, an operation area for performing processing on the image data, and a display control step for displaying a predetermined screen that includes a predetermined item for performing processing to change the color tone of the image display area. In the display control step, the color of the image display area is changed and displayed based on the operation of the predetermined item. A control method characterized by the following:

[0113] (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an image processing apparatus described in any one of items 1 through 9. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 101 CPU 201 Display section

Claims

1. The system includes an image display area for displaying image data, an operation area for performing processing on the image data, and a display control means for displaying a predetermined screen that includes a predetermined item for performing processing to change the color tone of the image display area. The display control means changes the color of the image display area and displays it based on the operation of the predetermined item. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. When the aforementioned predetermined item is operated, the operation area is displayed without any change in color. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The display control means, based on the operation of the predetermined item, changes the color of the image display area from a color suitable for people with normal color vision to a color suitable for people with color vision deficiency, or changes it from a color suitable for people with color vision deficiency to a color suitable for people with normal color vision. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The image processing apparatus further includes a setting means for setting a first mode in which the information displayed on the display unit is displayed in colors suitable for people with normal color vision, and a second mode in which the information displayed on the display unit is displayed in colors suitable for people with color vision deficiency. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The display control means, based on the setting of the second mode and the operation of the predetermined item, changes the color tone of the image display area from a color tone for people with color vision deficiency to a color tone for people with normal color vision and displays the image. The image processing apparatus according to feature 4.

6. When the first mode is set, the predetermined item is not displayed on the predetermined screen. The image processing apparatus according to feature 4.

7. The display control means changes the color of the image display area and the color of the background area, which is the area surrounding the image display area and is different from both the image display area and the operation area, based on the operation of the predetermined item. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

8. The display control means displays a plurality of predetermined items. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

9. Each of the aforementioned predetermined items is an item capable of changing the image display area to a different color tone suitable for people with color blindness. The image processing apparatus according to feature 8.

10. The system includes an image display area for displaying image data, an operation area for performing processing on the image data, and a display control step for displaying a predetermined screen that includes a predetermined item for performing processing to change the color tone of the image display area. In the display control step, the color of the image display area is changed and displayed based on the operation of the predetermined item. A control method characterized by the following:

11. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the image processing apparatus described in claim 1.

Images