Image processing device, image processing method, and program

Abstract

Effective use of the preview area. [Solution] The image processing apparatus includes an acquisition means for acquiring data containing one or more source images to be displayed in a preview area, a determination means for determining the image size to be displayed in the preview area according to the number of source images, and a display control means for controlling the display of a thumbnail image of the image size determined by the determination means in the preview area based on the data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a preview function is known that confirms images included in data read by an image processing apparatus before transmission, before printing, or the like. The preview function includes a display method of displaying a plurality of thumbnail images in a list in a preview area. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a preview image of a read image and a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the read image on the same screen.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In recent years, effective utilization of the preview area has been demanded.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0005] An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire data including one or more source images to be displayed in a preview area, a determination unit configured to determine an image size to be displayed in the preview area in accordance with the number of the source images, and a display control unit configured to perform control so as to display thumbnail images of the image size determined by the determination unit in the preview area based on the data.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the preview area can be effectively utilized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an image processing system. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] This block shows an example of a file server configuration. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the software configuration of MPF. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a home screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the user interface. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a preview screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the featured preview screen. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a threshold setting screen. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the processing steps performed by the MFP. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of other processing steps performed by the MFP101. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a preview screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a preview screen in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more specific and detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] <First Embodiment> In some cases, a list of thumbnail images is displayed in the preview area on the screen. In this case, the size of the preview area is fixed, and the image size of the thumbnails is also fixed. Therefore, if there are few thumbnail images, a large amount of empty space will be noticeable in the preview area. The following explains an example of how to effectively utilize the preview area.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of an image processing system. The image processing system is connected to a file server 102 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 100, enabling communication between the MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 and the file server 102. The MFP 101 is an example of an image processing device. The file server 102 is an example of a file management device.

[0011] The MFP 101 can transmit image data with a folder in the file server 102 as the destination. For the transmission of image data, for example, SMB (Server Message Block) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used. In addition, the MFP 101 can transmit image data with a folder in a client PC (not shown) as the destination, in addition to the file server 102. Further, the MFP 101 can transmit image data by e-mail via a mail server (not shown). The MFP 101 is connected to the PSTN 110, which is a public telephone line network, and can transmit and receive facsimiles to and from a facsimile apparatus (not shown). The MFP 101 stores an address book indicating a plurality of destinations. The MFP 101 can acquire and use the address book via the LAN 100.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the image processing system includes the MFP 101 and the file server 102, but it is also possible to configure an image processing system that does not include the file server 102 and includes only the MFP 101.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 has a control unit 210. The control unit 210 is a controller that controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, an HDD 214, an operation unit I / F 215, a printer I / F 216, a scanner I / F 217, a modem I / F 218, and a network I / F 219.

[0014] The CPU 211 performs control for realizing various functions of the MFP 101. The CPU 211 includes one or more processors. The CPU 211 performs various processes by executing a program or activating hardware. The execution of the program is performed by loading the program into the RAM 213. The processing by the CPU 211 may be performed in cooperation with a GPU (not shown).

[0015] ROM 212 stores various types of data. For example, the ROM 212 stores programs. These programs include a boot program, a device driver for operating a device, and the like. The RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or a work area of the CPU 211. The HDD 214 stores image data, various programs, and the like.

[0016] The operation unit I / F 215 connects the control unit 210 and the operation unit 220. The operation unit 220 can display various user interfaces on a display area, and can also accept inputs such as instructions in response to user operations on the operation unit 220. The operation unit 220 may be a touch panel having a liquid crystal layer and a touch sensor layer.

[0017] The printer I / F 216 connects the control unit 210 and the printer 221. The printer 221 prints print content based on image data onto a recording medium such as paper. The image data is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216.

[0018] The scanner I / F 217 connects the control unit 210 and the scanner 222. The scanner 222 reads an image of a document to generate image data (image file), and inputs the generated image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. The control unit 210 can perform file transmission or mail transmission of the image data (image file) supplied from the scanner 222.

[0019] The modem I / F 218 connects the control unit 210 and the modem 223. The modem 223 connects the control unit 210 to the PSTN 110. The modem 223 executes facsimile transmission and reception with a facsimile apparatus via a public line network.

[0020] The network I / F 219 connects the control unit 210 to the LAN 100. The network I / F 219 transmits and receives various types of information to and from an external apparatus of the MFP 101 via the LAN 100. This information may include image data transmitted from the control unit 210 to the file server 102.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the file server 102. The file server 102 has a control unit 310. The control unit 310 is a controller that controls the operation of the entire file server 102. The control unit 310 includes a CPU 311, ROM 312, RAM 313, HDD 314, and network I / F 315.

[0022] The CPU 311 controls the various functions of the file server 102. The CPU 311 includes one or more processors. The CPU 311 performs various processes by executing programs or starting hardware. Program execution is performed by loading the program into RAM 313. Processing by the CPU 311 may be performed in cooperation with a GPU (not shown).

[0023] ROM312 stores various types of data. For example, ROM312 stores programs. These programs include boot programs or device drivers for operating devices. RAM313 is used as the main memory and temporary storage area of ​​the CPU311, such as the work area. HDD314 stores image data, various programs, and so on.

[0024] The network interface 315 connects the control unit 310 to the LAN 100. The network interface 315 sends and receives various types of information to and from other devices via the LAN 100.

[0025] Figure 4 shows an example of the software configuration of the MPF101. The software configuration of the MPF101 includes a screen display control unit 401, a screen input control unit 402, an authentication processing unit 403, an application group 404, a start key control unit 405, a time management unit 406, and a job execution button control unit 407. For communication between these functional units, the CPU 211 controls the ROM 212, RAM 213, HDD 214, operation unit I / F 215, printer I / F 216, scanner I / F 217, modem I / F 218, and network I / F 219.

[0026] The screen display control unit 401 manages the screens of each application, processes the transfer of screen information to the display area of ​​the operation unit 220, and processes the notification of events input from the operation unit 220 to the application.

[0027] The screen input control unit 402 receives and analyzes the signals converted by the operation unit I / F 215 in response to operations on the operation unit 220, and converts them into a format that can be transmitted to the application. The screen input control unit 402 also instructs the screen display control unit 401 to notify the application of the event.

[0028] The authentication processing unit 403 displays an authentication screen in the display area of ​​the operation unit 220 and performs user authentication using authentication information such as the ID and password entered by the user. If user authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 403 performs login processing to log the authenticated user into the MFP101. When a logout command is given, the authentication processing unit 403 performs logout processing to log out the logged-in user from the MFP101.

[0029] Application group 404 is a group of applications that run on the MFP101. Each application in application group 404 is executed by the CPU 211. When the CPU 211 receives an instruction input via the screen input control unit 402 in response to a user operation, it runs the application included in application group 404 that corresponds to that instruction. Application group 404 includes, but is not limited to, the following applications. For example, applications that are added later at the user's instruction may also be included in application group 404.

[0030] Application group 404 includes an application that performs the "copy" function. The "copy" function is a function that prints the image data generated by scanning an image of a document with the scanner 222 using the printer 221. Application group 404 includes an application that performs the "print" function. The "print" function is a function that prints an image using the printer 221 based on a print job submitted from an external device such as a PC. Application group 404 includes an application that performs the "scan and send" function. The "scan and send" function is a function that sends the image data generated by scanning an image of a document with the scanner 222 to an external device such as a file server 102. Application group 404 includes an application that performs the "scan and save" function. The "scan and save" function is a function that saves the image data generated by scanning an image of a document with the scanner 222 to external memory. Application group 404 includes an application that performs the "fax" function. The "fax" function is a function that sends the image generated by scanning an image of a document via the PSTN 110.

[0031] When the Start Key Control Unit 405 detects that the Start Key has been pressed by the Screen Input Control Unit 402, it sends a notification to the application corresponding to that Start Key to execute the Start Key. The application that receives the notification to execute the Start Key executes the function corresponding to the Start Key.

[0032] The time management unit 406 manages the current time since the MFP 101 was started and notifies the current time based on instructions from the start key control unit 405 and the job execution button control unit 407.

[0033] The job execution button control unit 407 configures the functions of the application in question based on instructions from the user and stores information indicating the configuration in the HDD 214. The job execution button control unit 407 also detects when a registered job execution button is pressed and executes the application corresponding to that job execution button with the configuration previously registered in the HDD 214.

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example of the home screen. The home screen is displayed on the display area of ​​the control unit 220 by the CPU 211 when the MPF101 is powered on, for example. The home screen displays the operation key 501. The operation key 501 is used to launch the application that performs the "scan and send" function. When the user presses the operation key 501, the CPU 211 accepts the instruction to execute scan and send. In this case, the CPU 211 transitions the display from the home screen to the operation screen.

[0035] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation screen. The operation screen shown in Figure 6 displays the destination item 601. The destination item 601 is used to specify the destination. The destination item 601 specifies the recipient to which the image data will be sent. The destination specified in the destination item 601 is entered using operation key 609 or operation key 610. In addition, the operation screen shown in Figure 6 displays multiple scan setting items. Information indicating the contents set for each scan setting item is stored as scan setting information in the HDD 214 or similar. The scan is performed according to the contents indicated by this scan setting information.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 6, the scan settings include a color item 602 for setting the color used when scanning with scanner 222. The user can set the desired color from the options displayed in a pop-up screen that appears when a button (not shown) is pressed.

[0037] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the scan settings include a resolution item 603 for setting the resolution (scanning resolution) when scanning with the scanner 222. The user can set the desired resolution from the options displayed in a pop-up screen that appears when a button (not shown) is pressed.

[0038] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 6, the scan settings include a size item 604 for setting the scanning size of the document to be scanned by the scanner 222. The user can set the desired scanning size from the options displayed in a pop-up screen that appears when a button (not shown) is pressed.

[0039] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the scan settings include a format item 605 for setting the file format when converting the document scanned by the scanner 222 into electronic data. The user can set the desired file format from the options displayed in a pop-up screen that appears when a button (not shown) is pressed.

[0040] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the scan settings include a scan surface item 606 for setting whether to scan one side or both sides of the document to be scanned by the scanner 222. The user can select one side or both sides from the options displayed on a pop-up screen that appears when a button (not shown) is pressed.

[0041] In addition, the scan settings include a preview item 607 for setting whether or not to check the document being scanned by the scanner 222. The user can set this to "ON" or "OFF" from the options on a pop-up screen that appears when a button (not shown) is pressed. When the preview item 607 is set to "ON", a preview of the scan result by the scanner 222 is displayed. When the preview item 607 is set to "OFF", the preview is not displayed.

[0042] The operation screen shown in Figure 6 displays multiple operation keys as operation objects, which are graphical user interface elements. In the example in Figure 6, operation key 608 is displayed for displaying various settings screens for the document to be scanned by scanner 222. By pressing operation key 608, the user can select the desired setting menu from the displayed screen and make various settings for the document from the screen corresponding to the selected setting menu.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 6, the operation key 609 is displayed to show a screen for selecting a recipient stored on the HDD214 of the MFP101. The user can specify a recipient from the screen displayed by pressing the operation key 609. The recipient specified by the user is displayed in the recipient field 601.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 6, an operation key 610 is displayed for showing the destination input screen for sending image data. The user can enter the desired destination on the screen that appears when they press the operation key 610. The destination entered on the destination input screen is displayed in the destination item 601.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 6, the operation key 611 for executing "Scan and Send" is displayed. When the user presses the operation key 611 while the preview item 607 is set to "OFF", the CPU 211 starts the application that executes the "Scan and Send" function. In this case, the CPU 211 performs the acquisition process and the transmission process. The acquisition process is the process of having the scanner 222 read the document according to the setting information that indicates the contents set in each scan setting item, and acquiring the image data obtained from the scanner 222 as a result of the reading. The transmission process is the process of sending the image data acquired by the acquisition process to the destination specified in the destination item 601.

[0046] When preview item 607 is set to "ON" and the user presses operation key 611, the CPU 211 launches the application that executes the "Scan and Send" function. In this case, the CPU 211 executes the acquisition process described above and transitions the display from the operation screen to the preview screen before the transmission process described above.

[0047] Figure 7 shows an example of a preview screen. The preview screen is a screen for the user to check the image in advance. The preview screen is displayed based on the data acquired by the control unit 210. In this embodiment, the data is image data acquired from the scanner 222 by the acquisition process described above.

[0048] The preview screen is provided with a preview area 700. In this embodiment, the size of the preview area 700 is fixed. The preview area 700 displays a thumbnail image 701, which is a reduced-size version of the source image. In this embodiment, the source image is an image read by the scanner 222. The size of the thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700 varies depending on the number of source images. The size of the thumbnail image 701 will be explained later.

[0049] The preview screen displays multiple operation keys as operation objects, which are part of the graphical user interface.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 7, an operation key 702 is displayed for switching the display from the preview screen to the featured preview screen. The featured preview screen is a screen that focuses on and displays a single thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700. The user can switch the display by pressing the operation key 702. If the number of source images included in the image data is less than or equal to a specified number, the display of the operation key 702 may be changed to a state where the operation is disabled. For example, the display of the operation key 702 may be changed to a hidden state or a grayed-out state. The specified number is fixed at one, but it may be changed to a number entered in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 220.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 7, an operation key 703 for deleting thumbnail image 701 is displayed. The user can delete the selected thumbnail image 701 by pressing the thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700 to select it, and then pressing the operation key 703. The source image of the deleted thumbnail image is removed from the image data and is not included in the image data sent.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 7, an operation key 704 for canceling the transmission of image data being previewed is displayed. When the user presses operation key 704, the CPU 211 accepts the instruction to cancel transmission. In this case, the CPU 211 does not execute the above transmission process. When the user presses operation key 704, the CPU 211 closes the preview screen and displays the home screen shown in Figure 5 in the display area of ​​the operation unit 220.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 7, the operation key 705 is used to initiate the transmission of the image data being previewed. When the user presses the operation key 705, the CPU 211 receives the instruction to start transmission. In this case, the CPU 211 executes the transmission process described above. When the user presses the operation key 705, the CPU 211 closes the preview screen and displays the home screen shown in Figure 5 in the display area of ​​the operation unit 220.

[0054] In this embodiment, the image size of the thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700 varies depending on the number of source images included in the image data. Specifically, when the number of source images is a first number, the image size of the thumbnail image 701 is smaller than when the number of source images is a second number, which is less than the first number.

[0055] Figure 7(a) shows an example of a preview screen when there is one source image. In the example in Figure 7(a), a thumbnail image 701 corresponding to one source image is displayed in the preview area 700. The image size of the single thumbnail image 701 is the largest among the variable image sizes.

[0056] Figure 7(b) shows an example of a preview screen when there are two source images. In the example in Figure 7(b), thumbnail images 701 corresponding to each of the two source images are displayed in the preview area 700. The image size of each of the two thumbnail images 701 is reduced to a smaller size compared to when there is only one thumbnail image 701.

[0057] Figure 7(c) shows an example of a preview screen when there are four source images. In the example in Figure 7(c), a thumbnail image 701 corresponding to each of the four source images is displayed in the preview area 700. The image size of each of the four thumbnail images 701 is reduced to a smaller size compared to when there are two thumbnail images 701. In the example in Figure 7(c), the four thumbnail images 701 are arranged in two columns of two with a gap between them, but other layouts are also possible.

[0058] Figure 7(d) shows an example of a preview screen when there are 8 source images. In the example in Figure 7(d), a thumbnail image 701 corresponding to each of the 8 source images is displayed in the preview area 700. The image size of each of the 8 thumbnail images 701 is reduced to a smaller size compared to when there are 4 thumbnail images 701. In the example in Figure 7(d), the 8 thumbnail images 701 are arranged in two columns of 4 with spacing between them, but other layouts are also possible.

[0059] In this embodiment, the upper limit of the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed in the preview area 700 is set to 8. The display area of ​​the operation unit 220 in the MFP 101 is smaller than that of a PC or other display. Therefore, an upper limit is set to ensure that the thumbnail images 701 can be viewed clearly. If the upper limit is set to 8, and the number of source images included in the image data is 9 or more, it will not be possible to display a list of all thumbnail images in the preview area 700. In this case, the preview area 700 switches to a scrollable display. Figure 7(e) shows an example of the preview screen when the number of source images is 9.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 7(e), operation keys 706 and 707 are displayed in the preview area 700. Operation keys 706 and 707 are operation objects used to move the display range of the preview area 700. By pressing operation key 706 or operation key 707, the user can move the display range of the preview area 700 in a specific direction. In the example shown in Figure 7(e), the specific direction is the up and down direction of the preview screen. Note that the display range of the preview area 700 may move not only in response to pressing operation keys 706 and 707, but also in response to touch operations on the preview area 700.

[0061] When preview area 700 switches to scrollable view, preview area 700 displays the maximum number of thumbnail images 701. Meanwhile, any remaining thumbnail images exceeding the maximum number are displayed as the display range of preview area 700 moves.

[0062] The image size of each thumbnail image 701 when the number of thumbnail images is within the upper limit is reduced to a smaller size than when the number of thumbnail images 701 is less than the upper limit. On the other hand, the image size of the remaining thumbnail images exceeding the upper limit is reduced to approximately the same size as the image size of the thumbnail image 701 when the number of thumbnail images is within the upper limit, but is not limited to this. For example, the image size of the remaining thumbnail images exceeding the upper limit may be reduced to a predetermined image size. Alternatively, the image size of the remaining thumbnail images exceeding the upper limit may be reduced to an image size corresponding to the excess number. The excess number is the number of source images included in the image data minus the upper limit. For example, if the image data includes 10 source images and the upper limit is 8, the excess number is 2. In this case, the image size of the remaining thumbnail images exceeding the upper limit is reduced to an image size corresponding to 2 images. In this case, the image size is larger than the image size corresponding to 3 images and smaller than the image size corresponding to 1 image.

[0063] Figure 8 shows an example of the featured preview screen. When operation key 702 is pressed on the preview screen shown in Figure 7, the display switches from the preview screen shown in Figure 7 to the featured preview screen shown in Figure 8.

[0064] The featured preview screen includes a second preview area 800. A single thumbnail image 801 is displayed in the center of the second preview area 800. A portion of the thumbnail image 801 that precedes thumbnail image 801 is displayed at the left edge of the second preview area 800. A portion of the thumbnail image 801 that follows thumbnail image 801 is displayed at the right edge of the second preview area 800.

[0065] When the operation key 702 is pressed while the thumbnail image 701 in the preview area 700 shown in Figure 7 is selected, a thumbnail image 801 corresponding to the selected thumbnail image 701 is displayed in the center of the second preview area 800. In this case, the image size of thumbnail image 801 will be greater than or equal to the image size of thumbnail image 701.

[0066] If the operation key 702 is pressed while thumbnail image 701 in the preview area 700 shown in Figure 7 is not selected, a thumbnail image 801 corresponding to the first thumbnail image 701 will be displayed in the center of the second preview area 800. In this case, the image size of thumbnail image 801 will be greater than or equal to the image size of thumbnail image 701. Also, since there is no image preceding thumbnail image 801, the left edge of the second preview area 800 will be blank.

[0067] The preview screen displays multiple operation keys as operation objects, which are part of the graphical user interface.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 8, an operation key 802 is displayed for switching the display from the featured preview screen shown in Figure 8 to the preview screen shown in Figure 7. The user can switch the display by pressing operation key 802.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 8, an operation key 803 for deleting thumbnail image 801 is displayed. By pressing operation key 803, the user can delete thumbnail image 801, which is displayed in the center of the second preview area 800. Note that the source image of the deleted thumbnail image is removed from the image data and is not included in the image data sent.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 8, an operation key 804 for canceling the transmission of the image data being previewed is displayed. When the user presses operation key 804, the CPU 211 accepts the instruction to cancel transmission. In this case, the CPU 211 does not execute the above transmission process. When the user presses operation key 804, the CPU 211 closes the featured preview screen and displays the home screen shown in Figure 5 in the display area of ​​the operation unit 220.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 8, an operation key 805 for initiating the transmission of the image data being previewed is displayed. When the user presses operation key 805, the CPU 211 accepts the transmission start command. In this case, the CPU 211 executes the transmission process described above. When the user presses operation key 805, the CPU 211 closes the featured preview screen and displays the home screen shown in Figure 5 in the display area of ​​the operation unit 220.

[0072] Figure 9 shows an example of a threshold setting screen. The threshold setting screen shown in Figure 9 is used to set thresholds. The threshold is the upper limit of the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed in the preview area 700. The threshold setting screen shown in Figure 9 is displayed in the display area of ​​the operation unit 220 when the corresponding item is executed from the menu included in the settings management screen of the MFP101.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 9, the numerical item 900 is displayed on the threshold setting screen. Numerical item 900 is an item for setting a numerical value. The numerical value set in this item 900 becomes the upper limit of the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed in the preview area 700.

[0074] In addition, in the example in Figure 9, the range specification section 901 is displayed on the threshold setting screen. The range specification section 901 is the part that indicates the range that can be set as the upper limit. In the example in Figure 9, the upper and lower limits of the range that can be set as the upper limit are shown in the range specification section 901.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 9, operation key 902 is displayed on the threshold setting screen. Operation key 902 is an operation object used to decrease the value shown in numerical item 900. By pressing operation key 902, the user can decrease the value shown in numerical item 900 by one. The result of the decrease is reflected in the value of numerical item 900. However, if the result of the decrease falls below the lower limit of the configurable range, the value of numerical item 900 is not updated, and the value of numerical item 900 is maintained at the lower limit of the configurable range. If the result of the decrease falls below the lower limit of the configurable range, the display of operation key 902 may be changed to a state where the operation is disabled.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 9, operation key 903 is displayed on the threshold setting screen. Operation key 903 is an operation object used to increase the value shown in numerical item 900. By pressing operation key 903, the user can increase the value shown in numerical item 900 by one. The result of increasing the value is reflected in the value of numerical item 900. However, if the result of increasing the value exceeds the upper limit of the configurable range, the value of numerical item 900 will not be updated, and the value of numerical item 900 will remain at the upper limit of the configurable range. If the result of increasing the value exceeds the upper limit of the configurable range, the display of operation key 903 may be changed to a state where the operation is disabled.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 9, operation key 904 is displayed on the threshold setting screen. Operation key 904 is an operation object used to confirm the setting of the upper limit. When operation key 904 is pressed, the CPU 211 stores the value set in numerical item 900 in a storage unit such as the HDD 214 as information indicating the upper limit of the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed in the preview area 700, and sets the upper limit.

[0078] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the MFP101. The series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 begin when the application that executes the "Scan and Send" function is launched in response to the press of operation key 611 on the operation screen shown in Figure 6.

[0079] The processing of each step shown in the following flowchart is performed by the CPU 211 executing a program stored in the HDD 214 or the like. The program may be stored in a single storage device or distributed across multiple storage devices. Furthermore, the execution of the program is not limited to the CPU 211 alone, but also includes cases where the CPU 211 collaborates with other CPUs or GPUs. Note that some or all of the processing of each step shown in the following flowchart may be implemented in hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Also, the symbol "S" in the following flowchart description represents a step.

[0080] In S1000, the CPU 211 acquires data containing one or more source images. That is, the CPU 211 issues a read request to the scanner 222 according to the setting information indicating the contents set in each scan setting item. The scanner 222 reads the document according to the setting information and converts the obtained signal into image data according to the setting information. The scanner 222 also outputs the converted image data to the CPU 211 as a response to the read request. The CPU 211 acquires the image data output from the scanner 222 as data containing one or more source images. Once data containing one or more source images is acquired, the process proceeds to S1001.

[0081] In S1001, the CPU 211 determines whether the preview display is set to ON. If the CPU 211 determines that the preview item 607 is set to "OFF", it terminates the series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 10. On the other hand, if the CPU 211 determines that the preview item 607 is set to "ON", it displays the preview screen in the display area of ​​the operation unit 220 and proceeds to S1002.

[0082] In S1002, CPU211 compares the number of source images included in the data acquired in S1000 with the upper limit. If the number of source images is less than or equal to the upper limit, the process proceeds to S1003.

[0083] In S1003, the CPU 211 determines the image size to be displayed in the preview area 700 according to the number of source images. Specifically, if the number of source images included in the image data acquired in S1000 is the first number, the CPU 211 determines a smaller image size to be displayed in the preview area 700 compared to the second number, which is less than the first number. Once the image size to be displayed in the preview area 700 is determined, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0084] A table is used to determine the image size to be displayed in the preview area 700. The table is stored in a storage medium accessible by the CPU 211. The accessible storage medium may be the HDD 214, the ROM 212, or an external storage device of the MFP 101. In the table, the image size is associated with the number of images included in the range specified by the range specification unit 901. In other words, the image size corresponding to each of multiple numbers of images is defined in table format for a fixed preview area 700. The table is defined such that the image size decreases as the number of images increases.

[0085] In S1004, the CPU 211 generates a thumbnail image of the size determined in S1003 based on the image data acquired in S1000. That is, the CPU 211 reduces the source image contained in the image data acquired in S1000 to the image size determined in S1003. If there is one source image contained in the image data acquired in S1000, a thumbnail image corresponding to that one source image is generated with an image size appropriate for that one image. If there are multiple source images contained in the image data acquired in S1000, a thumbnail image corresponding to each of the multiple source images is generated with an image size appropriate for the multiple images. Once the thumbnail images are generated, the process proceeds to S1005. In S1005, the CPU 211 displays the thumbnail image generated in S1004 in the preview area 700. After that, the process proceeds to S1009.

[0086] If the comparison result in S1002 indicates that the number of source images exceeds the upper limit, the process proceeds to S1006.

[0087] In S1006, the CPU 211 determines the image size to be displayed in the preview area 700 and the second image size, which is the image size for scrolling display. In this embodiment, the CPU 211 determines both the image size to be displayed in the preview area 700 and the second image size, which is the image size for scrolling display, to be image sizes corresponding to the upper limit. The second image size may be an image size corresponding to the number of excess images. Alternatively, the second image size may be an image size other than the image size corresponding to the upper limit or the image size corresponding to the number of excess images. Once each image size is determined, the process proceeds to S1007.

[0088] In S1007, the CPU 211 generates a thumbnail image of the image size determined in S1006 based on the image data acquired in S1000. That is, the CPU 211 reduces the source image to be displayed in the preview area 700 from among the multiple source images included in the image data acquired in S1000 to an image size corresponding to the upper limit. The CPU 211 also reduces the source image for scrolling display from among the multiple source images included in the image data acquired in S1000 to a second image size. In this embodiment, the CPU 211 reduces the source image for scrolling display to an image size corresponding to the upper limit, similar to the source image to be displayed in the preview area 700. Once the thumbnail image is generated, the process proceeds to S1008.

[0089] In S1008, CPU211 switches preview area 700 to a scrollable display. CPU211 also displays a list of thumbnail images in preview area 700, corresponding to the maximum number of images generated in S1007. The thumbnail images of the second image size generated in S1007 are displayed as the display range of preview area 700 moves. Once the thumbnail images corresponding to the maximum number of images are displayed, processing proceeds to S1009.

[0090] In S1009, the CPU 211 determines whether there are any additional source images to preview. If there are additional source images to preview, the CPU 211 returns to S1002. If there are no additional source images to preview, the CPU 211 terminates the series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 10.

[0091] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of other processing steps performed by the MFP101. The sequence of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 11 begins, for example, when multiple thumbnail images 701 are displayed in the preview area 700.

[0092] In S1100, the CPU 211 determines whether one of the multiple thumbnail images 701 displayed in the preview area 700 has been selected. If the CPU 211 determines that no one of the multiple thumbnail images 701 has been selected, it makes the determination again after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the CPU 211 determines that one of the multiple thumbnail images 701 has been selected, it proceeds to S1101.

[0093] In S1101, the CPU 211 determines whether or not it has received a command to delete the thumbnail image 701. If the CPU 211 has not received a command to delete the thumbnail image 701, it returns to processing S1100. If the CPU 211 has received a command to delete the thumbnail image 701, it proceeds to processing S1102.

[0094] In S1102, the CPU 211 deletes the thumbnail image 701 selected in S1001 from the preview area 700. It also deletes the source image of the thumbnail image 701 selected in S1001 from the image data acquired from the scanner 222. Once the thumbnail image 701 and its source image are deleted, the process proceeds to S1103.

[0095] In S1103, the CPU 211 compares the number of deleted source images included in the image data with the upper limit. If the number of deleted source images included in the image data exceeds the upper limit, the series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 11 terminates. If the number of deleted source images included in the image data is less than or equal to the upper limit, the process proceeds to S1104.

[0096] In S1104, the CPU 211 enlarges the image size of the thumbnail images corresponding to the source images that remain without being deleted. For example, the CPU 211 enlarges the image size of the thumbnail images to be enlarged by a predetermined enlargement ratio. Alternatively, the CPU 211 enlarges the image size of the thumbnail images to be enlarged in the same manner as described in S1003 above. In this case, the CPU 211 determines the image size according to the number of source images after deletion and enlarges the image size of the thumbnail images to be enlarged to the determined image size. Once the image size of the thumbnail images is enlarged, the process proceeds to S1105.

[0097] In S1105, the CPU 211 replaces the thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700. Specifically, the CPU 211 replaces the thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700 before its size is enlarged with the thumbnail image whose size was enlarged in S1104. Once the thumbnail image 701 is replaced, the series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 11 are completed.

[0098] As described above, this embodiment allows for effective utilization of the preview area 700. For example, the CPU 211, acting as an acquisition means, acquires image data from the scanner 222 that includes one or more source images to be displayed in the preview area 700. The CPU 211, acting as a determination means, determines the image size to be displayed in the preview area 700 according to the number of source images included in the acquired image data. The CPU 211, acting as a display control means, controls the display of a thumbnail image of the determined image size in the preview area 700 based on the acquired image data. This makes it possible to increase the amount of the thumbnail image 701 occupies in the preview area 700 compared to when the image size of the thumbnail image is fixed. As a result, the margins of the preview area 700 are reduced, and the preview area 700 can be effectively utilized.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 211, acting as a setting means, sets the upper limit of the number of thumbnail images 701 that can be displayed in the preview area 700. The CPU 211, acting as a determination means, determines the image size up to the upper limit to an image size corresponding to the number of source images. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the preview area 700 while maintaining good visibility.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 211, which acts as a setting means, can change the upper limit setting according to user operation. This ensures visibility according to the user's preferences.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 211, acting as a determination means, determines the image size exceeding the upper limit as the second image size. When the second image size is determined, the CPU 211, acting as a display control means, switches the preview area 700 to a scrolling display and displays thumbnail images of the second image size as the display range of the preview area 700 moves. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the preview area 700 while maintaining good visibility, even if there are a large number of source images.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the CPU 211, acting as a display control means, receives a command to delete a selected thumbnail image, it deletes the selected thumbnail image from the preview area 700. The CPU 211 also enlarges the image size of any thumbnail images that remain in the preview area 700 without being deleted. This allows for effective use of the preview area 700 while maintaining good visibility.

[0103] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, when a thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700 is deleted, the image size of the remaining thumbnail images that were not deleted is enlarged. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the image size of the remaining thumbnail images that were not deleted is not changed. In the following, explanations of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences will be explained mainly.

[0104] Figure 12 shows an example of a preview screen in the second embodiment. Figure 12(a) shows an example of a preview screen when there are 8 source images. In the example of Figure 12(a), a thumbnail image 701 corresponding to each of the 8 source images is displayed in the preview area 700. Also, in the example of Figure 12(a), the 8th thumbnail image 701 is selected and displayed among the thumbnail images 701 displayed in the preview area 700.

[0105] Figure 12(b) shows an example of the preview screen after image deletion. In the example in Figure 12(b), the eighth thumbnail image out of the thumbnail images 701 shown in Figure 12(a) has been deleted from the preview area 700. In this embodiment, the series of processes in the flowchart shown in Figure 11 are not executed. Therefore, in the preview area 700 after image deletion, even though the eighth thumbnail image has been deleted, the image size of the remaining thumbnail images 701 that were not deleted remains unchanged.

[0106] In this embodiment, if a thumbnail image displayed in the preview area 700 is deleted, the image size of the thumbnail images that remain in the preview area 700 without being deleted is maintained. As a result, even if a thumbnail image is deleted, the layout of the thumbnail images displayed in the preview area 700 does not change, allowing the user to quickly understand whether or not that thumbnail image has been deleted.

[0107] <Third Embodiment> This embodiment describes an example in which the image size of a thumbnail image is not changed even when the thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700 is moved. In the following, explanations of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences will be explained mainly.

[0108] Figure 13 shows an example of a preview screen in the third embodiment. Figure 13(a) shows an example of a preview screen when a thumbnail image 701 is being moved. In the example of Figure 13(a), thumbnail images 701 corresponding to each of the three source images are displayed in the preview area 700. Also, in the example of Figure 13(a), the third thumbnail image 701 is being moved to the position of the second thumbnail image among the thumbnail images 701 displayed in the preview area 700. The user can move the desired thumbnail image 701 by performing a drag-and-drop operation using touch controls. In the preview area 700, the image size of the thumbnail image 701 does not change even when the thumbnail image 701 is being moved.

[0109] Figure 13(b) shows an example of a preview screen when a fourth thumbnail image 701 is added while thumbnail image 701 is being moved. In the example in Figure 13(b), the preview area 700 switches to a scrollable display, and a portion of the fourth thumbnail image 701 is displayed below the first thumbnail image 701. That is, the newly added thumbnail image 701 becomes the image that is scrolled, and the image size of the newly added thumbnail image 701 becomes the size of the second image. On the other hand, the image sizes of the first to third thumbnail images 701 already displayed in the preview area 700 do not change.

[0110] In this embodiment, when an operation is performed on the thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700, the CPU 211, acting as a display control means, maintains the image size of the thumbnail image displayed in the preview area 700. As a result, even if the layout of the preview area 700 changes in response to an operation such as moving the thumbnail image 701, the image size of the thumbnail image does not change, thus preventing user errors.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a source image is added to the preview area 700 after a thumbnail image has been displayed in the preview area 700, the image size of the thumbnail image 701 displayed in the preview area 700 is maintained. In this case, the CPU 211, acting as a determination means, determines the image size of the thumbnail image corresponding to the added source image as the second image size. The CPU 211, acting as a display control means, switches the preview area 700 to a scroll display and displays the thumbnail image of the second image size as the display range of the preview area 700 moves. As a result, even if a thumbnail image is added, the image size of the thumbnail image displayed in the preview area 700 does not change, thus preventing user errors.

[0112] <About this disclosure> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0113] For example, in the above embodiment, the size of the preview area 700 was fixed, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The size of the preview area 700 may be changeable. In this case, the CPU 211 as a determination means can determine the image size using, for example, a table that shows the ratio of the image size to the size of the preview area for each number of images. This table is defined such that the ratio of the image size to the size of the preview area becomes smaller as the number of images increases.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image size of the thumbnail images up to the upper limit of the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed in the preview area 700 was determined to be an image size corresponding to the number of images, but this disclosure is not limited to this. Regardless of the upper limit of the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed in the preview area 700, the image size of the thumbnail images may be determined to be an image size corresponding to the number of images. Even in this case, the preview area 700 can be effectively utilized in the same way as in the above embodiment, but the visibility of the thumbnail images will decrease as the number of images increases. To address this, for example, an operation object for switching to a scroll display may be provided on the preview screen. When an operation is received on this operation object, the CPU 211 displays thumbnail images corresponding to the upper limit of the number of source images in the preview area 700 with an image size corresponding to the number of images. The CPU 211 also switches the preview area 700 to a scroll display and displays thumbnail images of a second image size corresponding to the source images exceeding the upper limit as the display range of the preview area 700 moves.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image size of the thumbnail image was determined according to the number of source images, but in the case of a specific number of images, the image size may be common. For example, when the upper limit is set to 8 images, and the number of source images is 6, the CPU 211 determines the image size to be the same as the image size when there are 5 source images. In this case, each thumbnail image corresponding to the 6 source images is displayed in the preview area 700 with an image size corresponding to 5 images. The layout in this case may be the same as the layout when each thumbnail image corresponding to the 5 source images is displayed in the preview area 700 with an image size corresponding to 5 images, or it may be different.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the data including one or more source images to be displayed in the preview area 700 was image data output from the scanner 222, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the data including one or more source images to be displayed in the preview area 700 may be print data supplied from an external device such as a PC. Alternatively, the data including one or more source images to be displayed in the preview area 700 may be data other than image data or print data output from the scanner 222.

[0117] In this disclosure, the program code itself may implement the functions of the embodiments described above. For example, a storage medium containing program code for software that implements the functions of the embodiments described above is supplied to a system or device, and the computer of that system or device reads the program code stored on the storage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself will implement the functions of the embodiments described above. This program code and the storage medium containing the program code will constitute the invention as described in the claims.

[0118] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following example image processing apparatus, example image processing method, and example program.

[0119] (Composition 1) A means for acquiring data that includes one or more source images to be displayed in the preview area, A determination means for determining the image size to be displayed in the preview area according to the number of source images, A display control means controls the display of a thumbnail image of the image size determined by the determination means in the preview area based on the aforementioned data. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

[0120] (Configuration 2) The system further includes a setting means for setting an upper limit on the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed in the preview area. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the determination means determines the image size up to the upper limit to an image size corresponding to the number of source images.

[0121] (Composition 3) The setting means is an image processing apparatus according to configuration 2, which allows the setting of the upper limit number to be changed according to user operation.

[0122] (Composition 4) The determination means determines the image size exceeding the upper limit to be the second image size. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the display control means switches the preview area to a scrollable display when the second image size is determined, and displays a thumbnail image of the second image size as the display range of the preview area moves.

[0123] (Composition 5) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein, after a thumbnail image is displayed in the preview area, if the source image is added as an object to be displayed in the preview area, the determination means determines the image size of the thumbnail image corresponding to the added source image to the second image size.

[0124] (Composition 6) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 4 or 5, wherein the second image size is an image size corresponding to the excess number of images, or an image size corresponding to the upper limit number.

[0125] (Composition 7) The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the determination means determines the image size of the thumbnail image to be smaller when the number of images is a first number compared to when the number of images is a second number which is less than the first number.

[0126] (Composition 8) An image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein, upon receiving a command to delete a selected thumbnail image, the display control means deletes the selected thumbnail image from the preview area and enlarges the image size of any thumbnail images that remain in the preview area without being deleted.

[0127] (Composition 9) The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein, upon receiving a command to delete a selected thumbnail image, the display control means deletes the selected thumbnail image from the preview area and maintains the image size of any thumbnail images that remain in the preview area without being deleted.

[0128] (Composition 10) When an operation is performed on the thumbnail image displayed in the preview area, the display control means maintains the image size of the thumbnail image displayed in the preview area. This is an image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9.

[0129] (Composition 11) The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the display control means controls the display to show an operation object for switching the display from a preview screen including the preview area to a screen that focuses on and displays one thumbnail image displayed in the preview area, and if the number is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the display of the operation object is changed to a state in which the operation is disabled.

[0130] (Composition 12) The aforementioned data is image data output from a scanner, according to any one of configurations 1 to 11 of the image processing apparatus.

[0131] (Composition 13) The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the data is print data supplied from an external device.

[0132] (Composition 14) An image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the size of the preview area is fixed.

[0133] (Composition 15) A data acquisition step that obtains data containing one or more source images to be displayed in the preview area, A determination step of determining the image size to be displayed in the preview area according to the number of source images, A display control step that controls the display of a thumbnail image of the image size determined in the determination step in the preview area based on the aforementioned data, An image processing method characterized by including

[0134] (Composition 16) 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 to 14 of the configuration. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 211 CPU 220 Operation section 222 Scanners 700 preview area 701 Thumbnail Images

Claims

1. A means for acquiring data that includes one or more source images to be displayed in the preview area, A determination means for determining the image size to be displayed in the preview area according to the number of source images, A display control means controls the display of a thumbnail image of the image size determined by the determination means in the preview area based on the aforementioned data. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The system further includes a setting means for setting an upper limit on the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed in the preview area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines the image size up to the upper limit to an image size corresponding to the number of source images.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting means can change the setting of the upper limit number according to user operation.

4. The determination means determines the image size exceeding the upper limit to be the second image size. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control means switches the preview area to a scrollable display when the second image size is determined, and displays a thumbnail image of the second image size as the display range of the preview area moves.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, after a thumbnail image is displayed in the preview area, if the source image is added as an object to be displayed in the preview area, the determination means determines the image size of the thumbnail image corresponding to the added source image to the second image size.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second image size is an image size corresponding to the excess number of images, or an image size corresponding to the upper limit number.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines the image size of the thumbnail image to be smaller when the number of images is a first number compared to when the number of images is a second number which is less than the first number.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, upon receiving a command to delete a selected thumbnail image, the display control means deletes the selected thumbnail image from the preview area and enlarges the image size of any thumbnail images that remain in the preview area without being deleted.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, upon receiving a command to delete a selected thumbnail image, the display control means deletes the selected thumbnail image from the preview area and maintains the image size of the thumbnail images that remain in the preview area without being deleted.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an operation is performed on the thumbnail image displayed in the preview area, the display control means maintains the image size of the thumbnail image displayed in the preview area.

11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means controls the display to display an operation object for switching the display from a preview screen including the preview area to a screen that focuses on and displays one thumbnail image displayed in the preview area, and if the number is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the display of the operation object is changed to a state in which the operation is disabled.

12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is image data output from a scanner.

13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is print data supplied from an external device.

14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the preview area is fixed.

15. A data acquisition step that acquires data containing one or more source images to be displayed in the preview area, A determination step of determining the image size to be displayed in the preview area according to the number of source images, A display control step that controls the display of a thumbnail image of the image size determined in the determination step in the preview area based on the aforementioned data, An image processing method characterized by including

16. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an image processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images