Printing device and program

Abstract

To provide a printer that can reduce the time required for movement of the position of focus.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a control unit that causes a display to display a target area in which at least part of a plurality of images is displayed; operation units having hardware keys for receiving first operations and hardware keys for receiving direction designation operations to designate one or more directions; and a printing unit. In the case in which the target area is not displayed on the display, when receiving the first operations, the control unit executes a first function. In the case in which the target area is displayed on the display, when receiving the direction designation operations, the control unit moves the position of focus on the target area in a direction designated by the direction designation operations and selects an image located at the position of focus from a plurality of images as a selected image, and when receiving the first operations, moves the position of focus to the position of a predetermined first image of the plurality of images and selects the first image as the selected image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Research and development is ongoing into printing devices that print images on print media.

[0003] In this regard, there is known a printing device that displays a software keyboard on a display unit and accepts information input from the software keyboard in response to operations accepted from hardware keys (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-305616 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in a printing device such as that described in Patent Document 1, the number of operations performed on the hardware keys to move the focus position on the software keyboard to the position of the desired key may be large. As a result, in the printing device, it may take a long time for the user to input information using the software keyboard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a printing device comprising a control unit that displays a target area on a display unit in which at least a portion of a plurality of images is displayed, an operation unit having a hardware key that accepts a first operation and a hardware key that accepts a direction designation operation that designates each of one or more directions, and a printing unit, wherein the control unit executes a first function when the first operation is accepted when the target area is not displayed on the display unit, and when the target area is displayed on the display unit, when the direction designation operation is accepted, moves a position of the focus on the target area in the direction specified by the direction designation operation to select an image among the plurality of images located at the position of the focus as a selected image, and when the first operation is accepted, moves the position of the focus to the position of a predetermined first image among the plurality of images and selects the first image as the selected image.

[0007] Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer of an electronic device having an operation unit having a hardware key for accepting a first operation and a hardware key for accepting a direction designation operation for designating each of one or more directions to execute the following steps: a first display step of displaying a target area on a display unit in which at least a portion of a plurality of images is displayed; an execution step of executing a first function when the first operation is accepted if the target area is not displayed on the display unit; a first selection step of moving a position of a focus on the target area in a direction specified by the direction designation operation when the target area is displayed on the display unit and accepting the direction designation operation, thereby selecting an image among the plurality of images located at the position of the focus as a selected image; and a second selection step of moving the position of the focus to a position of a predetermined first image among the plurality of images and selecting the first image as the selected image when the target area is displayed on the display unit and accepting the first operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a printing device 1. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing device 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a target image P1. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the focus position after a first operation is performed in a case where button B5 is selected as the selected image. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a printing device 1. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the printing device 1 when a target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the printing device 1 when the target image P1 is not displayed on the display unit 15. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Printing device overview> First, an overview of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.

[0011] A printing device according to an embodiment includes a control unit, an operation unit, and a printing unit. The control unit displays a target area on the display unit in which at least a part of a plurality of images is displayed. The operation unit has a hardware key for accepting a first operation and a hardware key for accepting a direction designation operation for designating each of one or more directions. Then, when the target area is not displayed on the display unit, the control unit executes a first function upon accepting the first operation. Also, when the target area is displayed on the display unit, the control unit moves the position of the focus on the target area in the direction designated by the direction designation operation upon accepting the direction designation operation, and selects an image located at the position of the focus among the plurality of images as a selected image. Also, when the target area is displayed on the display unit, the control unit moves the position of the focus to a position of a predetermined first image among the plurality of images upon accepting the first operation, and selects the first image as a selected image. This allows the printing device to reduce the time required to move the position of the focus. For example, the printing device can reduce the time to move the position of the focus to the position of the first image. Also, for example, the printing device can reduce the time to move the position of the focus to an image adjacent to the first image among the plurality of images.

[0012] The configuration of the printing device according to the embodiment and the processing performed by the printing device will be described in detail below.

[0013] <Printing device configuration> The configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment will be described below by taking the printing device 1 as an example.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a printing device 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 1.

[0015] The printing device 1 prints an image on a printing medium. The printing device 1 may be any printing device as long as it is capable of displaying an image and accepting an operation from a user while viewing the displayed image. In the following, a case where the printing device 1 is an inkjet printer will be described as an example. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the scanning direction of the print head of the printing device 1 will be described as the lateral direction of the printing device 1. Note that the printing device 1 may be a printer of another type, such as a laser printer or a multifunction device, instead of an inkjet printer. In addition, the printing device 1 may be configured to display an image on a display provided in the printing device 1, or may be configured to display an image on an external display connected to the printing device 1. In the following, a case where the printing device 1 displays an image on a display provided in the printing device 1 will be described as an example. In addition, the printing device 1 accepts operations by hardware keys.

[0016] The printing device 1 includes a processor 11, a memory unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14, a display unit 15, and a printing unit 16. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The printing device 1 also communicates with other devices via the communication unit 14.

[0017] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Instead of a CPU, the processor 11 may be another processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processor 11 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 12.

[0018] The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). Note that instead of being built into the printing device 1, the storage unit 12 may be an external storage device connected via a digital input / output port such as a universal serial bus (USB). The storage unit 12 stores various types of information and various programs processed by the printing device 1.

[0019] Operation unit 13 accepts operations from the user performed while viewing an image displayed on display unit 15. Operation unit 13 has eight operation units, namely operation unit 13A, operation unit 13B, operation unit 13C, operation unit 13D, operation unit 13E, operation unit 13F, operation unit 13G, and operation unit 13H, as hardware keys for accepting operations from the user. Note that these eight operation units are omitted in FIG. 2 to prevent the diagram from becoming too complicated.

[0020] The operation unit 13A is a hardware key, such as a power button, that switches the power of the printing device 1 on and off. Note that instead of a power button, the operation unit 13A may be another type of hardware key that can switch the power of the printing device 1 on and off.

[0021] Operation unit 13B is a hardware key that accepts an operation from a user as a first operation, for example, a button that accepts the first operation. Note that operation unit 13B may be another type of hardware key that can accept the first operation, instead of a button that accepts the first operation.

[0022] The operation unit 13C is a hardware key that accepts an operation from the user as the second operation, for example, a button that accepts the second operation. Note that the operation unit 13C may be another type of hardware key that can accept the second operation, instead of a button that accepts the second operation.

[0023] The operation unit 13D accepts a direction designation operation that designates one or more directions. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 13D has an operation unit 13DU, an operation unit 13DD, an operation unit 13DL, and an operation unit 13DR. In this case, the direction designation operation is an operation on any of the four operation units, namely, the operation unit 13DU, the operation unit 13DD, the operation unit 13DL, and the operation unit 13DR. In this embodiment, four directions are designated by an operation on these four operation units. Note that the direction designation operation may be an operation on two or more of these four operation units. However, the operation unit 13 may be configured with only one operation unit that designates only one direction.

[0024] The operation unit 13DU is a hardware key that accepts a direction designation operation that designates a predetermined first direction on the display area of ​​the display unit 15, and is, for example, a button that accepts the direction designation operation. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the first direction is the positive direction of the Y axis of a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system that indicates a position on the display area, that is, the upward direction on the display area. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the Y axis is an axis parallel to the direction of gravity, but it may be an axis that is not parallel to the direction of gravity. Moreover, instead of a button that accepts the direction designation operation, the operation unit 13DU may be another type of hardware key that can accept the direction designation operation.

[0025] The operation unit 13DD is a hardware key that accepts a direction designation operation that designates a predetermined second direction on the display area of ​​the display unit 15, and is, for example, a button that accepts the direction designation operation. In the following, as an example, a case where the second direction is a direction opposite to the first direction will be described. In this case, the second direction is the negative direction of the Y axis of a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system that indicates a position on the display area, that is, the downward direction on the display area. Note that the operation unit 13DD may be another type of hardware key that can accept the direction designation operation, instead of a button that accepts the direction designation operation.

[0026] The operation unit 13DL is a hardware key that accepts a direction designation operation that designates a predetermined third direction on the display area of ​​the display unit 15, and is, for example, a button that accepts the direction designation operation. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the third direction is the negative direction of the X-axis of a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system that indicates a position on the display area, that is, the left direction on the display area. In this case, the third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the X-axis is an axis parallel to the horizontal direction of the printing device 1, but it may be an axis that is not parallel to the horizontal direction of the printing device 1. Moreover, the operation unit 13DL may be another type of hardware key that can accept the direction designation operation, instead of a button that accepts the direction designation operation.

[0027] The operation unit 13DR is a hardware key that accepts a direction designation operation that designates a predetermined fourth direction on the display area of ​​the display unit 15, and is, for example, a button that accepts the direction designation operation. In the following, as an example, a case where the fourth direction is a direction opposite to the third direction will be described. In this case, the fourth direction is the positive direction of the X-axis of a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system that indicates a position on the display area, that is, the rightward direction on the display area. Note that the operation unit 13DR may be another type of hardware key that can accept the direction designation operation, instead of a button that accepts the direction designation operation.

[0028] The first direction may be any other direction determined in advance on the display area of ​​the display unit 15, instead of the upward direction on the display area, as long as it is a direction different from any of the second, third, and fourth directions. The second direction may be any other direction determined in advance on the display area, instead of the downward direction on the display area, as long as it is a direction different from any of the first, third, and fourth directions. The third direction may be any other direction determined in advance on the display area, instead of the leftward direction on the display area, as long as it is a direction different from any of the first, second, and fourth directions. The fourth direction may be any other direction determined in advance on the display area, instead of the rightward direction on the display area, as long as it is a direction different from any of the first, second, and third directions.

[0029] The operation unit 13E is a hardware key that accepts an operation to confirm the selection of various information, the selection of various functions, etc., selected by the user via various images displayed on the display unit 15, and is, for example, a button that accepts the operation. Note that the operation unit 13E may be another type of hardware key that can accept the operation, instead of a button that accepts the operation.

[0030] The operation unit 13F is a hardware key that accepts an operation to display a setting acceptance image that accepts the setting of the paper to be used as the print medium on the display unit 15, and is, for example, a button that accepts the operation. Note that the operation unit 13F may be another type of hardware key that can accept the operation, instead of a button that accepts the operation.

[0031] Operation unit 13G is a hardware key that accepts an operation to display, on display unit 15, an image that was displayed on display unit 15 before the image currently displayed on display unit 15, instead of the image currently displayed on display unit 15, and is, for example, a button that accepts the operation. Note that operation unit 13G may be another type of hardware key that can accept the operation, instead of a button that accepts the operation.

[0032] The operation unit 13H is a hardware key that accepts an operation to display a predetermined image on the display unit 15, and is, for example, a button that accepts the operation. Note that the operation unit 13H may be another type of hardware key that can accept the operation, instead of a button that accepts the operation. Here, an example of the image is a help image that includes text that describes how to perform a process, procedure, or the like that the user desires.

[0033] Note that operation unit 13 may be configured to include other hardware keys in addition to these eight operation units. Operation unit 13 may be configured to not include some or all of operation units 13F, 13G, and 13H. Operation unit 13 may be configured to include other hardware keys instead of some or all of operation units 13F, 13G, and 13H.

[0034] The communication unit 14 includes, for example, a digital input / output port such as a USB, an Ethernet (registered trademark) port, and the like.

[0035] The display unit 15 displays an image. The display unit 15 is a display device provided in the printing device 1, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display panel, or the like.

[0036] The printing unit 16 prints an image on a print medium by an inkjet method in response to operations received from a user via the operation unit 13. The printing unit 16 has a print head that prints an image on the print medium, various mechanisms for scanning the print head in the scanning direction of the print head, a transport mechanism that transports the print medium, and the like.

[0037] The printing device 1 configured as described above displays a target image P1 on the display unit 15 in response to a received operation. The target image P1 is an image that includes a target area RR. The target area RR is an area in which at least a portion of a plurality of selectable images in the target image P1 is displayed.

[0038] Here, as an example, a case will be described below where all of the multiple images selectable in the target image P1 are displayed in the target area RR. Note that, in the target area RR, when some of the multiple images selectable in the target image P1 are displayed, the multiple images move according to the position of the focus on the target area RR. In other words, in the target area RR, the multiple images scroll according to the position of the focus on the target area RR. As a result, even in this case, each of the multiple images selectable in the target image P1 is displayed in the target area RR.

[0039] In addition, the following will describe, as an example, a case where the target image P1 is a numeric keypad image. In this case, each of the multiple images selectable in the target image P1 is an image selectable in the numeric keypad image. Note that the target image P1 may be an image showing a software keyboard instead of a numeric keypad image. In this case, the multiple images selectable in the target image P1, i.e., the images displayed in the target area RR, are images selectable in an image showing a software keyboard such as images associated with each alphabet. In addition, the target image P1 may be an image showing a photo album in which an image showing a desired photo can be selected from images showing each of a plurality of photos. In this case, the images selectable in the target image P1, i.e., the images displayed in the target area RR, are images selectable in an image showing a photo album such as images showing each of a plurality of photos. In addition, the target image P1 may be another image including a target area RR that displays at least a part of the multiple selectable images.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the target image P1. The arrows shown in FIG. 3 indicate the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction on the target image P1, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the target image P1 includes a target area RR. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the target image P1 includes an area RA along with the target area RR. As shown in FIG. 3, when the target image P1 is a numeric keypad image, the target area RR is an area in which the user selects a number to be input, inputs a selected number, cancels an input number, and confirms an input number, etc., in response to an operation received by the printing device 1 from a user. On the other hand, the area RA is an area in which the numbers input in the target area RR are displayed. For example, when the three numbers "1", "3", and "4" are input in the target area RR in the order of "1", "3", and "4", the three numbers are displayed in the area RA in the order in which they were input, such as "134".

[0041] In the example shown in FIG. 3, 13 buttons are displayed in the target area RR as an example of a plurality of images that can be selected as a selected image by moving the focus position. These 13 buttons are software keys. The target image P1 may include 12 or fewer buttons, or may include 14 or more buttons. Some or all of these 13 buttons may be images other than buttons, as long as they are images that can be selected as a selected image by moving the focus position.

[0042] Here, in FIG. 3, of the 13 buttons displayed in the target area RR, ten buttons B0 to B9 are collectively shown as a number button group Bs. The buttons B0 to B9 are images associated with the ten numbers selectable on the numeric keypad shown by the target image P1. Specifically, the button B0 is an image associated with "0." The button B1 is an image associated with "1." The button B2 is an image associated with "2." The button B3 is an image associated with "3." The button B4 is an image associated with "4." The button B5 is an image associated with "5." The button B6 is an image associated with "6." The button B7 is an image associated with "7." The button B8 is an image associated with "8." The button B9 is an image associated with "9."

[0043] For example, when the printing device 1 accepts an operation via the operation unit 13E while the focus is located at the position of the button B0, "0" is displayed in the area RA. Also, when the printing device 1 accepts an operation via the operation unit 13E while the focus is located at the position of the button B4, "4" is displayed in the area RA. Here, in the target image P1, the position of the focus moves according to the direction designation operation accepted by the printing device 1 via the operation unit 13D. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the frame SA indicates the position of the focus on the target image P1. That is, in this example, the focus is located at the position of the button B5. When the focus is located at the position of the button B5, for example, when the printing device 1 accepts a direction designation operation via the operation unit 13DU, the position of the focus moves in the first direction indicated by the direction designation operation. That is, in this case, the position of the focus moves from the position of the button B5 to the position of the button B2. As a result, the printing device 1 selects the button B2 as the selected image. Furthermore, when the focus is located at the position of button B5, for example, if the printing device 1 receives a direction designation operation via the operation unit 13DL, the position of the focus moves to the third direction indicated by the direction designation operation. That is, in this case, the position of the focus moves from the position of button B5 to the position of button B4. As a result, the printing device 1 selects button B4 as the selected image.

[0044] Moreover, the button B10 included in the target image P1 is an image associated with a function of canceling the number most recently input via the group of numeric buttons Bs. That is, in the target image P1, when the focus is located at the position of the button B10 and the button B10 is selected as the selected image, if the printing device 1 accepts an operation via the operation unit 13E, the one number most recently displayed among the one or more numbers displayed in the area RA is deleted. Therefore, the function associated with the button B10 corresponds to the function assigned to the backspace key on the keyboard.

[0045] Moreover, the button B11 included in the target image P1 is an image associated with a function of canceling all numbers input via the group of numeric buttons Bs. That is, in the target image P1, when the focus is located at the position of the button B11 and the button B11 is selected as the selected image, if the printing device 1 accepts an operation via the operation unit 13E, all of the one or more numbers displayed in the area RA are deleted.

[0046] Moreover, the button B12 included in the target image P1 is an image associated with a function of terminating the input of numbers via the group of numeric buttons Bs. In other words, the button B12 is an image associated with a function of finalizing the input of numbers via the group of numeric buttons Bs. That is, in the target image P1, when the focus is located at the position of the button B12 and the button B12 is selected as the selected image, if the printing device 1 accepts an operation via the operation unit 13E, the input of one or more numbers displayed in the area RA is finalized, and the display of the target image P1 on the display unit 15 is deleted.

[0047] Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the focus is located at the position of the button B5, if the user of the printing device 1 tries to move the position of the focus to the position of the button B12, the user needs to perform a direction specification operation via the operation unit 13D at least three times. When the user wants the printing device 1 to perform a desired process, the user may feel bothered by such an operation involving multiple direction specification operations. Therefore, when the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15, the printing device 1, upon receiving the above-mentioned first operation, moves the position of the focus to a predetermined position of the first image and selects the first image as a selected image. Here, the first image may be any of the 13 buttons selectable in the target image P1. In the following, as an example, a case where the first image is the button B12 will be described. This allows the printing device 1 to reduce the time required to move the position of the focus. More specifically, the printing device 1 can reduce the time required to move the focus to the position of the button B12. As a result, the printing device 1 can improve the operability for the user. In other words, the printing device 1 can prevent the user from having to perform complicated operations.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the position of the focus after a first operation is performed when button B5 is selected as the selected image. As shown in Fig. 4, the position of the focus after a first operation is performed when button B5 is selected as the selected image moves from the position of button B5 to the position of button B12.

[0049] In addition, when the printing device 1 accepts a first operation when the target image P1 is not displayed on the display unit 15, the printing device 1 executes a first function. The first function is a function of displaying an image showing a predetermined home screen on the display unit 15. In other words, the first function is a function of transitioning to a predetermined home screen. For this reason, the operation unit 13B is sometimes referred to as a home button or the like. That is, in the printing device 1, different functions are assigned to the first operation via the operation unit 13B depending on the image displayed on the display unit 15. Here, the image showing the predetermined home screen is, for example, an image showing an operation menu of the printing device 1, but is not limited to this.

[0050] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the focus is located at the position of the button B5, if the user of the printing device 1 tries to move the position of the focus to the button B10, the user needs to perform a direction specification operation via the operation unit 13D at least twice. Therefore, when the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15, the printing device 1, upon receiving the above-mentioned second operation, moves the position of the focus to the position of the predetermined second image and selects the second image as the selected image. Here, the second image may be any of the 13 buttons selectable in the target image P1. That is, the second image may be the same image as the first image in the target image P1, or may be an image different from the second image. In the following, as an example, a case where the second image is a button B11 different from the button B12, which is the first image, will be described. This allows the printing device 1 to reduce the time required to move the position of the focus. More specifically, the printing device 1 can reduce the time required to move the position of the focus to the position of the button B11. As a result, the printing device 1 can improve the operability for the user. In other words, the printing device 1 can prevent the user from performing complicated operations. In this embodiment, the manner in which the focus position moves from the position of button B5 to the position of button B10 is similar to the manner in which the focus position moves from the position of button B5 to the position of button B12, and therefore a description using illustrations will be omitted.

[0051] It should be noted that the printing device 1 executes a second function when it receives a second operation when the target image P1 is not displayed on the display unit 15. The second function is a function for displaying an image on the display unit 15 for confirming whether or not to stop printing by the printing unit 16. For this reason, the operation unit 13C is sometimes referred to as a stop button, a cancel button, or the like. In other words, in the printing device 1, different functions are assigned to the second operation via the operation unit 13B depending on the image displayed on the display unit 15.

[0052] Furthermore, printing device 1 may be configured to execute the first function when a first operation is received, even when target image P1 is displayed on display unit 15. In this case, when printing device 1 receives a second operation, it moves the position of the focus to the position of the second image and selects the second image as the selected image.

[0053] Furthermore, printing device 1 may be configured to execute the second function upon receiving the above-mentioned second operation even when target image P1 is displayed on display unit 15. In this case, upon receiving the first operation, printing device 1 moves the position of the focus to the position of the first image and selects the first image as the selected image.

[0054] Furthermore, printing device 1 may be configured to move the position of the focus to the position of the second image and select the second image as the selected image when a first operation is received while target image P1 is displayed on display unit 15. In this case, printing device 1 may be configured to move the position of the focus to the position of the first image and select the first image as the selected image when a second operation is received while target image P1 is displayed on display unit 15, or may be configured to execute the second operation.

[0055] Furthermore, printing device 1 may be configured to move the position of the focus to the position of the first image and select the first image as the selected image when the second operation is received while target image P1 is displayed on display unit 15. In this case, printing device 1 may be configured to move the position of the focus to the position of the second image and select the second image as the selected image when the first operation is received while target image P1 is displayed on display unit 15, or may be configured to execute the first operation.

[0056] At least one of the first image and the second image may be a button that is located at an initial focus position among the buttons B0 to B12. The button that is located at an initial focus position among the buttons B0 to B12 is, for example, the button B5, but is not limited to this.

[0057] Furthermore, the printing device 1 may be configured to accept the first operation via a hardware key other than operation unit 13B among the hardware keys included in operation unit 13. For example, the printing device 1 may be configured to accept the first operation via operation unit 13F.

[0058] Furthermore, the printing device 1 may be configured to accept the second operation via a hardware key other than operation unit 13C among the hardware keys included in operation unit 13. For example, the printing device 1 may be configured to accept the second operation via operation unit 13F.

[0059] <Functional configuration of the printing device> The functional configuration of the printing device 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the printing device 1.

[0060] The printing device 1 includes a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14, a display unit 15, a printing unit 16, and a control unit 17.

[0061] The control unit 17 controls the entire printing device 1. The control unit 17 includes a display control unit 171 and a print control unit 172. These functional units included in the control unit 17 are realized, for example, by the processor 11 executing various programs stored in the storage unit 12. In addition, some or all of the functional units may be hardware functional units such as LSI (Large Scale Integration) and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0062] The display control unit 171 generates an image according to an operation received via the operation unit 13. The display control unit 171 causes the display unit 15 to display the generated image. For example, the display control unit 171 generates a target image P1 according to an operation received via the operation unit 13. Then, the display control unit 171 causes the display unit 15 to display the generated target image P1. Also, for example, the display control unit 171 switches various displays of the target image P1 according to the operation received via the operation unit 13.

[0063] The print control unit 172 controls the print unit 16 in response to an operation received via the operation unit 13, and prints an image on a print medium.

[0064] <Processing performed by the printing device when the target image is displayed on the display unit> Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 6, a process performed by the printing device 1 when the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the process performed by the printing device 1 when the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15. The printing device 1 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 while the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15. Note that, as an example, the following will describe a case where the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15 at a timing before the process of step S110 shown in Fig. 6 is performed.

[0065] After displaying the target image P1 on the display unit 15 in response to the operation previously accepted, the display control unit 171 waits until an operation is accepted via the operation unit 13 (step S110).

[0066] When it is determined in step S110 that an operation has been received via the operation unit 13 (step S110-YES), the display control unit 171 determines whether or not the operation received via the operation unit 13 in step S110 is a first operation (step S120).

[0067] When the display control unit 171 determines in step S110 that the operation received via the operation unit 13 is the first operation (step S120-YES), the display control unit 171 moves the focus position to the position of the first image and selects the first image as a selected image (step S130). Note that in FIG. 6, the process of step S130 is indicated by "select first image." After the process of step S130 is performed, the display control unit 171 transitions to step S110 and waits again until an operation is received via the operation unit 13.

[0068] On the other hand, if the display control unit 171 determines in step S110 that the operation received via the operation unit 13 is not the first operation (step S120-NO), it determines whether the operation received via the operation unit 13 in step S110 is the second operation (step S140).

[0069] When the display control unit 171 determines in step S110 that the operation received via the operation unit 13 is the second operation (step S140-YES), the display control unit 171 moves the focus position to the position of the second image and selects the second image as a selected image (step S150). Note that in FIG. 6, the process of step S150 is indicated by "select second image." After the process of step S150 is performed, the display control unit 171 transitions to step S110 and waits again until an operation is received via the operation unit 13.

[0070] On the other hand, if the display control unit 171 determines in step S110 that the operation received via the operation unit 13 is not the second operation (step S140-NO), it determines whether the operation received via the operation unit 13 in step S110 is a direction designation operation (step S160).

[0071] When display control unit 171 determines in step S110 that the operation received via operation unit 13 is a direction designation operation (step S160-YES), it moves the focus position to the direction designated by the received direction designation operation (step S170). After the process of step S170 is performed, display control unit 171 transitions to step S110 and waits again until an operation is received via operation unit 13.

[0072] On the other hand, when the display control unit 171 determines that the operation received through the operation unit 13 in step S110 is not a direction designation operation (step S160-NO), it performs other processing according to the operation received through the operation unit 13 in step S110 (step S180). For example, when the operation is an operation received through the operation unit 13E, it inputs a number associated with the image selected as the selected image, executes a function associated with the image selected as the selected image, etc. In this embodiment, a detailed description of the other processing is omitted. After the processing of step S180 is performed, the display control unit 171 transitions to step S110 and waits again until an operation is received through the operation unit 13.

[0073] The display control unit 171 may be configured to execute the first function when the first operation is received with the focus positioned at the position of the first image. The display control unit 171 may be configured to execute the second function when the second operation is received with the focus positioned at the position of the second image. This allows the user to execute the first function by performing the first operation only once with the focus not positioned at the position of the first image, but allows the user to execute the first function by performing the first operation twice with the focus not positioned at the position of the first image. Even if a user who considers that the first operation is an operation for executing the first function wants to execute the first function with a target image displayed on the display unit 15, the user can easily execute the first function by simply repeating the first operation twice. Similarly, the user cannot execute the second function by performing the second operation only once with the focus not positioned at the position of the second image, but allows the user to execute the second function by performing the second operation twice with the focus not positioned at the position of the second image.

[0074] <Processing performed by the printing device when the target image is not displayed on the display unit> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a process performed by the printing device 1 when the target image P1 is not displayed on the display unit 15 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a process performed by the printing device 1 when the target image P1 is not displayed on the display unit 15. The printing device 1 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 while an image different from the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15. Note that, as an example, the following describes a case where an image different from the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15 at a timing before the process of step S110 shown in FIG. 7 is performed. Also, the image different from the target image P1 may be any image that the printing device 1 can display on the display unit 15, so long as it is an image other than the target image P1.

[0075] After causing the display unit 15 to display an image different from the target image P1 in response to the operation previously accepted, the display control unit 171 waits until an operation is accepted via the operation unit 13 (step S210).

[0076] When it is determined in step S210 that an operation has been accepted via the operation unit 13 (step S210-YES), the display control unit 171 determines whether or not the operation accepted in step S210 via the operation unit 13 is a first operation (step S220).

[0077] When the display control unit 171 determines in step S210 that the operation received via the operation unit 13 is the first operation (step S220-YES), the display control unit 171 executes the first function described above (step S230). After the process of step S230 is performed, the display control unit 171 transitions to step S210 and waits again until an operation is received via the operation unit 13.

[0078] On the other hand, if the display control unit 171 determines in step S210 that the operation received via the operation unit 13 is not the first operation (step S220-NO), it determines whether the operation received via the operation unit 13 in step S210 is the second operation (step S240).

[0079] When the display control unit 171 determines in step S210 that the operation received via the operation unit 13 is the second operation (step S240-YES), the display control unit 171 executes the above-mentioned second function (step S250). After the process of step S250 is performed, the display control unit 171 transitions to step S210 and waits again until an operation is received via the operation unit 13.

[0080] On the other hand, when the display control unit 171 determines in step S210 that the operation received through the operation unit 13 is not the second operation (step S240-NO), it performs another process according to the operation received through the operation unit 13 in step S210 (step S260). For example, if the operation is a direction designation operation received through the operation unit 13D, it moves the focus position in the direction designated by the received direction designation operation, executes a function associated with the direction, and so on. In this embodiment, a detailed description of the other process is omitted. After the process of step S260 is performed, the display control unit 171 transitions to step S210 and waits again until an operation is received through the operation unit 13.

[0081] As described above, when the target image P1 is not displayed on the display unit 15, the printing device 1 executes the first function upon receiving the first operation, and when the target image P1 is displayed on the display unit 15, when a direction designation operation is received, the printing device 1 moves the focus position on the target image P1 in the direction designated by the direction designation operation to select an image located at the focus position among multiple images displayed on the target image P1 as a selected image, and when a first operation is received, moves the focus position to a predetermined first image position among the multiple images and selects the first image as the selected image. This allows the printing device 1 to reduce the time required to move the focus position.

[0082] The functions of the printing device 1 described above may be applied to other electronic devices such as a scanner. Although the printing device 1 described above does not include a touch panel that is integrated with the display unit 15, the printing device 1 may include a touch panel that is integrated with the display unit 15.

[0083] As described above, the printing device according to the embodiment includes a control unit that displays a target area on the display unit where at least a part of a plurality of images is displayed, an operation unit having a hardware key that accepts a first operation and a hardware key that accepts a direction designation operation that designates each of one or more directions, and a printing unit. When the target area is not displayed on the display unit, the control unit executes a first function upon accepting the first operation. When the target area is displayed on the display unit, the control unit moves the position of the focus on the target area in the direction designated by the direction designation operation to select an image located at the position of the focus among the plurality of images as a selected image upon accepting the first operation. When the target area is displayed on the display unit, the control unit moves the position of the focus to a predetermined position of a first image among the plurality of images and selects the first image as a selected image upon accepting the first operation. This allows the printing device to reduce the time required to move the position of the focus. Here, in the example described above, the printing device 1 is an example of the printing device. Also, in the example described above, the target area RR is an example of the target area. Also, in the example described above, the display unit 15 is an example of the display unit. Also, in the example described above, the control unit 17 is an example of the control unit. In the example described above, each of operation units 13B and 13C is an example of a hardware key that accepts a first operation. In the example described above, operation unit 13D is an example of a hardware key that accepts a direction designation operation. In the example described above, printing unit 16 is an example of the printing unit. In the example described above, each of buttons B12 and B11 is an example of a first image.

[0084] In addition, in the printing device, a configuration may be used in which the first function is a function of displaying an image showing a predetermined home screen on the display unit.

[0085] The printing device may be configured such that the first image is an image associated with a function of confirming the input of information in the target area.

[0086] In addition, in the printing device, a configuration may be used in which the first function is a function of displaying, on the display unit, an image for confirming whether or not to stop the execution of printing by the printing unit.

[0087] The printing device may also be configured such that the first image is an image associated with a function of canceling information that was previously input in the target area.

[0088] The printing device may be configured such that, when a first operation is received with the focus positioned on the position of the first image, the control unit executes the first function.

[0089] The printing device may be configured such that each of the plurality of images is an image selectable on a numeric keypad image showing a numeric keypad.

[0090] Also, the printing device may be configured such that the operation unit further includes a hardware key that accepts a second operation, and the control unit executes a second function different from the first function when the target area is not displayed on the display unit and accepts the second operation, and when the target area is displayed on the display unit and accepts the second operation, moves the focus position to a predetermined second image position among the multiple images and selects the second image as a selected image. Here, in the example described above, each of the operation units 13C and 13B is an example of a hardware key that accepts a second operation. Also, in the example described above, each of the buttons B11 and B12 is an example of a second image.

[0091] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, etc. without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0092] Also, a program for implementing the functions of any of the components in the device described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by a computer system. Here, the device in question is, for example, the printing device 1. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and compact disks (CDs)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to storage devices that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0093] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above program may be for implementing some of the above functions. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called differential file or differential program that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...printing device, 11...processor, 12...memory unit, 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13DD, 13DL, 13DR, 13DU, 13E, 13F, 13G, 13H...operation unit, 14...communication unit, 15...display unit, 16...printing unit, 17...control unit, 171...display control unit, 172...printing control unit, P1...target image, RR...target area

Claims

1. a control unit that causes a target area in which at least a portion of the plurality of images is displayed on a display unit; an operation unit having a hardware key for accepting a first operation and a hardware key for accepting a direction designation operation for designating each of one or more directions; A printing department; Equipped with The control unit is When the target area is not displayed on the display unit, when the first operation is received, a first function is executed; When the target area is displayed on the display unit, when the direction designation operation is received, a position of a focus on the target area is moved in a direction designated by the direction designation operation, and an image located at the position of the focus among the multiple images is selected as a selected image, and when the first operation is received, the position of the focus is moved to a position of a predetermined first image among the multiple images, and the first image is selected as the selected image; When the first operation is received in a state where the focus is located at a position of the first image, the first function is executed. Printing device.

2. A control unit that causes a target area in which at least a portion of a plurality of images is displayed on a display unit; an operation unit having a hardware key for accepting a first operation and a hardware key for accepting a direction designation operation for designating each of one or more directions; A printing department; Equipped with The control unit is When the target area is not displayed on the display unit, when the first operation is received, a first function is executed; When the target area is displayed on the display unit, when the direction designation operation is received, a position of a focus on the target area is moved in a direction designated by the direction designation operation, and an image located at the position of the focus among the multiple images is selected as a selected image, and when the first operation is received, the position of the focus is moved to a position of a predetermined first image among the multiple images, and the first image is selected as the selected image; The first function is a function of transitioning to a predetermined home screen. Printing device.

3. The first image is an image associated with a function of confirming the input of information in the target area.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A control unit that causes a target area in which at least a portion of a plurality of images is displayed on a display unit; an operation unit having a hardware key for accepting a first operation and a hardware key for accepting a direction designation operation for designating each of one or more directions; A printing department; Equipped with The control unit is When the target area is not displayed on the display unit, when the first operation is received, a first function is executed; When the target area is displayed on the display unit, when the direction designation operation is received, a position of a focus on the target area is moved in a direction designated by the direction designation operation, and an image located at the position of the focus among the multiple images is selected as a selected image, and when the first operation is received, the position of the focus is moved to a position of a predetermined first image among the multiple images, and the first image is selected as the selected image; the first function is a function of displaying on the display unit an image for confirming whether or not to stop the execution of printing by the printing unit; Printing device.

5. A control unit that causes a target area in which at least a portion of a plurality of images is displayed on a display unit; an operation unit having a hardware key for accepting a first operation and a hardware key for accepting a direction designation operation for designating each of one or more directions; A printing department; Equipped with The control unit is When the target area is not displayed on the display unit, when the first operation is received, a first function is executed; When the target area is displayed on the display unit, when the direction designation operation is received, a position of a focus on the target area is moved in a direction designated by the direction designation operation, and an image located at the position of the focus among the multiple images is selected as a selected image, and when the first operation is received, the position of the focus is moved to a position of a predetermined first image among the multiple images, and the first image is selected as the selected image; The first image is an image associated with a function of canceling information input immediately before in the target area. Printing device.

6. Each of the plurality of images is an image selectable from a numeric keypad image showing a numeric keypad. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the operation unit further includes a hardware key for receiving a second operation, The control unit is When the target area is not displayed on the display unit, when the second operation is received, a second function different from the first function is executed; When the target area is displayed on the display unit, when the second operation is received, a position of the focus is moved to a position of a predetermined second image among the plurality of images, and the second image is selected as the selected image. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer of an electronic device including an operation unit having a hardware key for accepting a first operation and a hardware key for accepting a direction designation operation for designating each of one or more directions, a first display step of displaying a target area on a display unit in which at least a portion of a plurality of images is displayed; an execution step of executing a first function when the first operation is received while the target area is not displayed on the display unit; a first selection step of, when the target area is displayed on the display unit, moving a position of a focus on the target area in a direction specified by the direction specification operation upon receiving the direction specification operation, and selecting, as a selected image, an image located at the position of the focus among the plurality of images; a second selection step of, when the target area is displayed on the display unit, moving a position of the focus to a position of a predetermined first image among the plurality of images and selecting the first image as the selected image upon receiving the first operation; a second execution step of executing the first function when the first operation is received with the focus positioned at the position of the first image; A program for executing the above.

Images