Display device, image processing device, and display method

Abstract

To provide a display device and the like that can adjust a display area that displays other device information according to a change in a display area that displays target device information, after individually securing a display area for displaying a plurality of items.SOLUTION: A display device includes; a displayer capable of displaying pieces of information having different screen display priorities in individual display areas; and a controller configured to generate an information display screen by controlling screen display of the display areas. The controller determines, according to an occupation status of a display area for displaying information having the highest priority on the information display screen. a display mode of a display areas for displaying other information with different priority.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In some image processing devices such as multifunction peripherals, a plurality of items such as device information are individually displayed in a permanent display area.

[0003] The information on the device information includes information on the paper feed trays. The number of paper feed trays installed varies depending on the grade of the multifunction device, the option selection status, the actual installation status, etc. Therefore, the amount of information on the paper feed trays displayed in the display area also changes depending on the number of installed trays.

[0004] When there is a change in the installation status of the paper feed tray, if a display area with the maximum display area is secured in order to display all information related to the paper feed tray, there is a problem that when the number of installed paper feed trays decreases, a wasted area is created where nothing is displayed.

[0005] In addition, when the display area is allocated for the paper feed tray, the display area for displaying other adjacent information (e.g., information about the device status) becomes smaller, making it impossible to display sufficient information.

[0006] In order to ensure sufficient display area, for example, Patent Document 1 describes that when there is no data to be displayed in the area on the operation screen of an image forming device that displays the display items of registered jobs, the size of the area is reduced and items that are not normally displayed on the operation screen are displayed in the freed space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-039897 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in conventional technology, a separate display area is reserved for displaying multiple items, and no consideration has been given to adjusting the display area for displaying other device information in response to fluctuations in the display area for displaying device information of interest, such as information about a paper feed tray.

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a display device, etc. that can secure separate display areas for displaying multiple items, and then adjust the display area for displaying other device information in accordance with changes in the display area for displaying device information of interest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the display device of the present disclosure comprises a display unit capable of displaying information with different screen display priorities in separate display areas, and a control unit that generates an information display screen by controlling the screen display of the display areas, and is characterized in that the control unit determines the display mode of the display areas that display other information with different priorities depending on the occupancy status of the display area that displays the information with the highest priority on the information display screen.

[0011] An image processing device according to the present disclosure includes the above-described display device and an image processing unit.

[0012] In addition, the display method of the present disclosure includes a display step of displaying information having different screen display priorities in separate display areas, and a control step of generating an information display screen by controlling the screen display of the display areas, and is characterized in that the control step determines the display mode of the display areas that display other information having different priorities depending on the occupancy status of the display area that displays the information with the highest priority on the information display screen. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device etc. that can secure separate display areas for displaying multiple items, and then adjust the display area for displaying other device information in accordance with changes in the display area for displaying the device information of interest. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a priority information management table. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display layout management table. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, for example, a multifunction peripheral capable of performing jobs related to copying, faxing, image transmission, etc. in one housing will be described as one form of a display device according to the present disclosure or an image processing device equipped with the display device. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0016] [1 First embodiment] The first embodiment is a mode in which the display area for displaying other information with different priorities is increased or decreased depending on the occupancy status of the display area for displaying information with the highest priority on the information display screen.

[0017] In this specification, the term "priority" refers to the priority display order of device information on the information display screen. The information with the highest priority is the device information with the highest display priority on the information display screen, and is synonymous with the device information of interest. In this specification, the display area that displays the information with the highest priority is specifically referred to as the "occupied area," and is distinguished from the display area that displays other information with different priorities.

[0018] In addition, the occupancy status used in this specification is a concept that represents the degree of occupancy of a display area on an information display screen, such as the display status, display state, display ratio, etc., of a display area (occupied area) that displays device information with the highest priority. In this disclosure, a display area that occupies a part or all of an information display screen can be configured by displaying information on a column display that combines one or more columns that can display information in one-row divisions, or on a figure such as a rectangle having a predetermined display area (size) or a straight line having a predetermined length in both the vertical and horizontal directions. In this specification, the occupancy status refers to the degree of occupancy of an occupied area expressed using a column display, figure, etc. on an information display screen.

[0019] [1.1 Functional configuration] The functional configuration of a multifunction device 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view for explaining the overall configuration of the multifunction device 10. Fig. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19 and an image reading unit 21 as image processing units, and a storage unit 23.

[0020] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, with one or more arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units) and the like). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0021] The display unit 13 displays various types of information to a user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display, etc.

[0022] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with hard keys (e.g., a numeric keypad), buttons, and the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method of the touch panel can be a general method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitive method.

[0023] The communication unit 17 has a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN (Local area network), a WAN (Wide area network), the Internet, a telephone line, a fax line, etc.

[0024] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on the image data on paper as a recording medium. The image forming unit 19 feeds paper from a paper feed unit 25, forms an image based on the image data on the paper, and then discharges the paper to a paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, as a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 19 forms an image using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to a toner color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0025] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading an original image to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). There are no limitations on the configuration of the image reading unit 21 as long as it generates image data by reading a reflected light image from an original image with an image sensor.

[0026] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 23 can be configured with a storage device such as a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a read only memory (ROM).

[0027] In the first embodiment, the memory unit 23 stores a control program 231, a display control program 232, a priority information determination program 233, a device information acquisition program 234, an occupancy status determination program 235, and a display mode determination program 236, and reserves a priority information management table memory area 237 and a display layout management table memory area 238.

[0028] The control program 231 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 in order to perform processing based on each function such as copying, faxing, image transmission, etc. The control unit 11 that has read the control program 231 controls the display unit 13, the operation input unit 15, the communication unit 17, the image forming unit 19, the image reading unit 21, etc., to execute jobs based on the copying, faxing, image transmission, etc., functions.

[0029] The display control program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when controlling the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15. The control unit 11 that reads the display control program 232 controls the screen display on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 that reads the display control program 232 performs output control of, for example, a home screen and an information display screen, which will be described later. Note that in this disclosure, the control unit 11 is described as controlling input and output of a touch panel, which is one form of the operation input unit 15, but it is of course possible for the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15 to be configured separately.

[0030] The priority information determination program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining the priority set for the information to be displayed in each display area. The control unit 11 that has read the priority information determination program 233 determines the priority set for each piece of device information by referring to a priority information management table described later. In the first embodiment, information on paper feed trays (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as paper feed tray information) will be described as an example of device information that is given the highest priority for screen display. The number of paper feed trays installed varies depending on the grade of the multifunction device, the option selection status, the actual installation status, and the like. That is, the paper feed tray information is device information that is likely to increase or decrease the number of display items (amount of information) in the display area. As the number of display items increases or decreases, the occupancy status of the display area (occupancy area) displaying the paper feed tray information changes. In the first embodiment, the paper feed tray information is the device information with the highest priority, and a form will be described in which the display area displaying other device information with different priorities increases or decreases depending on the increase or decrease (occupancy status) of the occupancy area displaying the paper feed tray information.

[0031] The device information acquisition program 234 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when acquiring device information to be displayed in each display area. The control unit 11 that has read the device information acquisition program 234 acquires, as paper feed tray information, device status information on the device status such as communication status, device setting information on device settings such as language setting, notification information on notifications to the user, and the like in addition to information on the number of paper feed trays installed and the paper stored in the paper feed trays (paper type, paper size, approximate number of remaining sheets, etc.).

[0032] The occupancy status determination program 235 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining the occupancy status of an occupancy area that displays information with the highest priority in the acquired device information. The control unit 11 that has read the occupancy status determination program 235 determines the occupancy status, such as the display status of the occupancy area on the information display screen (e.g., the number of columns displayed and the display area), the display state (e.g., the display layout on the information display screen (display position, positional relationship with a display area that displays other information with different priorities, etc.)), the display ratio of the occupancy area on the information display screen, etc., based on the acquired device information.

[0033] The display mode determination program 236 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining the display mode of other information with different priorities based on the determination result of the occupancy status of the occupancy area. In the first embodiment, the control unit 11 that has read the display mode determination program 236 determines the display mode of the display area of ​​other information with different priorities by comparing the occupancy area obtained by determining the occupancy status with a predetermined threshold value. For example, when the control unit 11 determines that the occupancy area is larger than the predetermined threshold value, it performs processing to reduce (make smaller) the display area of ​​other information with different priorities. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the occupancy area is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, it performs processing to increase (make larger) the display area of ​​other information with different priorities.

[0034] The priority information management table storage area 237 is a storage area for storing a priority information management table for managing the priorities set for the device information. An example of the data configuration of the priority information management table will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the data configuration of the priority information management table in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the priority information management table, device information (type) is associated with a priority for prioritizing screen display. In FIG. 3, a priority level "1" (first display priority) is associated with "paper feed tray" as device information (type). Here, the display content represents the content of device information displayed on the information display screen. For example, in the display area related to the paper feed tray, paper feed tray information such as "paper size", "paper type", "paper feed method", and "remaining number of sheets" is displayed as the display content. The display area represents the display area of ​​device information on the information display screen. The display area on the information display screen will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0036] 2, the display layout management table storage area 238 is a storage area for storing a display layout management table for managing the display layout on the information display screen. Here, an example of the data configuration of the display layout management table will be described with reference to FIG.

[0037] The display layout management table is a storage area that stores layout numbers and layout patterns in association with each other. The layout number is an identification number for identifying the layout pattern. The layout pattern specifies the display location of the display area by dividing the displayable area where the information display screen can be displayed into a lower right area (1), an upper right area (2), a lower left area (3), and an upper left area (4), and allocating display areas for displaying device information to these four areas. For example, the layout pattern of layout No. 1 is a pattern in which an occupied area (A1) for displaying paper feed tray information is allocated to the lower right area (1), a display area (A2) for displaying device status information is allocated to the upper right area (2), a display area (A3) for displaying device setting information is allocated to the lower left area (3), and a display area (A4) for displaying notification information is allocated to the upper left area (4). In addition, in the image diagram of the information display screen in Figure 4, a cross-shaped dotted line is added to divide the displayable area into upper, lower, left, and right areas. This is added to allow intuitive understanding of the display position of the display area, and the size and shape of the display area for displaying device information are not limited to this notation.

[0038] [1.2 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. This processing is executed by the control unit 11 by reading a control program 231, a display control program 232, a priority information determination program 233, a device information acquisition program 234, an occupancy status determination program 235, a display mode determination program 236, and the like.

[0039] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a display instruction for an information display screen has been input (step S10). For example, the user can input a display instruction for an information display screen by pressing an input button provided on a home screen or the like.

[0040] When an instruction to display the information display screen is input, the control unit 11 initializes the information display screen (step S10; Yes → step S20). When an instruction to display the information display screen is not input, the control unit 11 continues to display the home screen, etc. (step S10; No).

[0041] Next, the control unit 11 reads the priority information determination program 233 to determine the priority set for the information to be displayed in each display area (step S30). The control unit 11 determines the device information with the highest priority by referring to the priority information management table exemplified in Fig. 3, and determines device information other than the determined device information as other device information with different priorities.

[0042] Then, the control unit 11 reads the device information acquisition program 234 to acquire device information to be displayed in each display area (step S40).

[0043] The control unit 11 reads the occupancy status determination program 235 to determine the occupancy status of the occupancy area that displays the information with the highest priority in the acquired device information (step S50).

[0044] Based on the result of the determination of the occupancy status of the occupied area in step S50, the control unit 11 compares the occupied area with a predetermined threshold value to determine the display mode of the display area for other information with different priorities (step S60). If the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area is larger than the predetermined threshold value, it determines to reduce the display area for displaying other information with different priorities (step S60; Yes → step S70). Next, the control unit 11 generates an information display screen based on the determination result in step S70 (step S80), and ends the process by displaying the generated information display screen on the display unit 13 (step S90).

[0045] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area is smaller than the predetermined threshold, it decides to enlarge the display area for displaying other information with different priorities (step S60; No -> step S100).Then, the control unit 11 generates an information display screen based on the result of the decision in step S100 (step S80), and ends the process by displaying the generated information display screen on the display unit 13 (step S90).

[0046] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example of the first embodiment will be described. In this operation example, a mode will be described in which the display area displaying device information such as paper feed tray information is a column display. In addition, as a predetermined threshold value for the occupied area, the predetermined threshold value will be described assuming that the number of columns is two. However, the number of columns as a threshold value is merely an example, and the predetermined threshold value can be changed as appropriate. In addition, in this operation example, the display layout of the display area displayed by the control unit 11 will be described as following the display layout of layout No. 1 exemplified in FIG. 4.

[0047] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a home screen W10 that accepts a display instruction input for a system information screen as an information display screen. The home screen W10 is a basic screen that the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 when the device is turned on, when the device is restored from a sleep state, after a logged-in user logs in, etc.

[0048] The home screen W10 includes a device function selection button area R10 and a system information display button B10. The device function selection button area R10 includes input buttons that represent settings and various information related to device functions such as image input / output, communication, job-related, or maintenance in the form of figures, letters, numbers, or symbols. In the example of FIG. 6, the device function selection button area R10 includes a simple copy button, a simple fax button, a simple scan button, an e-mail button, a recent jobs button, a shared folder button, a scan and save button, and a copy button. A user can select a desired input button from these input buttons and press it to execute a function based on the function.

[0049] The system information display button B10 is an input button that accepts a display instruction input for a system information screen as an information display screen described in the next figure. In response to the display instruction input input by the user pressing the system information display button B10, the control unit 11 displays the system information screen on the display unit 13.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system information display screen W20 that the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 in response to a display instruction input accompanying a user pressing the system information display button B10.

[0051] In the system information display screen W20, in accordance with the display layout of layout No. 1 illustrated in Fig. 4, an occupied area (A1) for displaying paper feed tray information is allocated in the lower right area (1), a display area (A2) for displaying device status information (machine information) is allocated in the upper right area (2), a display area (A3) for displaying device setting information is allocated in the lower left area (3), and a display area (A4) for displaying notification information is allocated in the upper left area (4). Note that a header section (e.g., "paper feed tray", "machine information", etc.) for identifying device information may be provided for each display area, as illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0052] Here, the threshold value of the occupied area (A1) of the lower right area (1) is the number of columns "2" as indicated by the dotted line frame in the figure. However, if the result of occupancy determination indicates that the number of columns of paper feed tray information requires "4", the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area (A1) is larger than the predetermined threshold value and expands the number of columns of the display area (A1) from "2" to "4".

[0053] As the number of columns in the occupied area (A1) increases, the control unit 11 determines to reduce the display area (A2) for displaying vertically adjacent device status information. The control unit 11 reduces the number of columns reserved for the display area (A2) for displaying device status information from "5" to "3."

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the system information display screen W30 when the result of occupancy determination indicates that the paper feed tray information requires a column number of "3."

[0055] If the result of occupancy status determination is that the paper feed tray information requires a column level of "3", the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area (A1) is larger than a predetermined threshold value, and expands the column level of the occupied area (A1) from column level "2" to column level "3".

[0056] As the number of columns in the occupied area (A1) increases, the control unit 11 determines to reduce the display area (A2) for displaying vertically adjacent device status information. The control unit 11 reduces the number of columns reserved for the display area (A2) for displaying device status information from column number "5" to column number "4."

[0057] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the system information display screen W40 when the result of occupancy determination indicates that the paper feed tray information requires a column number of "1."

[0058] If the result of occupancy status determination is that the amount of information in the paper feed tray information requires a column level of "1", the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area (A1) is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and reduces the number of columns in the occupied area (A1) from column level "2" to column level "1".

[0059] As the number of columns in the occupied area (A1) is reduced, the control unit 11 determines to expand the display area (A2) for displaying vertically adjacent device status information. The control unit 11 expands the number of columns reserved for the display area (A2) for displaying device status information from column number "5" to column number "6."

[0060] If the amount of information displayed in the display area (A2) is sufficient and, for example, as shown in Fig. 9, an increase in the number of columns in the display area (A2) results in blank spaces in the columns, it is not necessary to increase the number of columns in the display area (A2). In this case, the control unit 11 can leave the number of columns reserved for displaying the device status information at "5".

[0061] In addition, the number of columns in the display area (A2) can be determined, for example, by setting the total number of columns in the occupied area (A1) and the display area (A2) as the displayable area in advance, and then allocating the number of columns obtained by subtracting the number of columns in the occupied area (A1) from the total number of columns in the displayable area to the display area (A2).

[0062] In the first embodiment, the display area (A2) provided vertically of the occupied area (A1) is described as an example of a display area that increases or decreases depending on the occupancy status of the occupied area (A1). However, it is of course also possible to subject the display area (A3) for displaying device setting information provided horizontally of the occupied area (A1) to an increase or decrease depending on the occupancy status of the occupied area (A1).

[0063] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the display area displaying other information with different priorities is enlarged or reduced depending on the occupancy status of the occupancy area displaying the information with the highest priority on the information display screen, so that after separately reserving display areas for displaying multiple items, the other display areas can be adjusted depending on changes in the display area of ​​interest.

[0064] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the display layout of a display area displaying other information with different priorities is changed according to the occupancy status of an occupancy area displaying information with the highest priority on an information display screen.

[0065] [2.1 Functional configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0066] [2.2 Processing flow] The flow of processing in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. This processing is executed by the control unit 11 by reading the control program 231, the display control program 232, the priority information determination program 233, the device information acquisition program 234, the occupancy status determination program 235, the display mode determination program 236, etc. Note that the same processing as that described in Fig. 5 of the first embodiment will be assigned the same step numbers.

[0067] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an instruction to display the information display screen has been input (step S10). The instruction to display the information display screen can be given, for example, by pressing an input button that is provided on a home screen or the like and that accepts an input to display the information display screen.

[0068] When an instruction to display the information display screen is input, the control unit 11 initializes the information display screen (step S10; Yes → step S20). When an instruction to display the information display screen is not input, the control unit 11 continues to display the home screen, etc. (step S10; No).

[0069] Next, the control unit 11 reads the priority information determination program 233 to determine the priority set for the information to be displayed in each display area (step S30). The control unit 11 determines the device information with the highest priority by referring to the priority information management table exemplified in Fig. 3, and determines device information other than the determined device information as other device information with different priorities.

[0070] Then, the control unit 11 reads the device information acquisition program 234 to acquire device information to be displayed in each display area (step S40).

[0071] The control unit 11 reads the occupancy status determination program 235 to determine the occupancy status of the occupancy area that displays the information with the highest priority in the acquired device information (step S50).

[0072] Based on the result of the determination of the occupancy status of the occupied area in step S50, the control unit 11 compares the occupied area with a predetermined threshold value to determine the display mode of the display area of ​​other information having a different priority (step S60). If the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area is larger than the predetermined threshold value, it determines whether or not a layout change is possible between the display areas of the other information (step S60; Yes→step S110).

[0073] When it is determined that the display layout can be changed between display areas for other information, the control unit 11 changes the display layout (step S110; Yes→step S120).

[0074] Then, the control unit 11 generates an information display screen based on the display layout changed in step S120 (step S80), and displays the generated information display screen on the display unit 13, thereby ending the process (step S90).

[0075] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area is smaller than the predetermined threshold, it decides to enlarge the display area for displaying other information with different priorities (step S60; No -> step S100).Then, the control unit 11 generates an information display screen based on the result of the decision in step S100 (step S80), and ends the process by displaying the generated information display screen on the display unit 13 (step S90).

[0076] If the control unit 11 determines that the display layout cannot be changed between the display areas of the other information, it decides to reduce the display area displaying the other information with a different priority (step S110; No→step S70).Then, the control unit 11 generates an information display screen based on the determination result in step S70 (step S80), and ends the process by displaying the generated information display screen on the display unit 13 (step S90).

[0077] [2.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example of the second embodiment will be described. In this operation example, a layout change is possible between display areas of other information, and the operation corresponding to the processing of step S120 in Fig. 10 will be described assuming that the display layout of layout No. 1 exemplified in Fig. 4 is changed to the display layout of layout No. 2.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system information display screen W50 in which the display layout has been changed in the second embodiment.

[0079] In the system information display screen W50, an occupied area (A1) for displaying paper feed tray information is allocated in the lower right area (1). Here, the threshold value of the occupied area (A1) for displaying the paper feed tray information in the lower right area (1) is the number of columns "2" as indicated by the dotted line frame in the figure. However, based on the determination result of the occupancy status of the occupied area, if the paper feed tray information requires the number of columns "6", the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area (A1) for displaying the paper feed tray information is larger than the predetermined threshold value, and expands the number of columns of the occupied area (A1) from the number of columns "2" to the number of columns "6".

[0080] As the number of columns in the occupied area (A1) increases, the display area (A2) for displaying the vertically adjacent device status information is significantly reduced from the reserved number of columns of "5." Therefore, if it is possible to change the display layout between the display area (A2) for displaying the device status information and the other display areas, the control unit 11 executes the layout change.

[0081] 11 shows a system information display screen W50 in which the display area (A2) is replaced with a display area (A3) that displays device setting information and has a relatively small amount of information to be displayed. The display layout shown here corresponds to the layout No. 2 shown in FIG.

[0082] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the display layout of the display area displaying other information with different priorities is changed depending on the occupancy status of the display area displaying the information with the highest priority on the information display screen. Therefore, even if the information with the highest priority has a large amount of information and occupies a large portion of the display area for displaying it, it is possible to separately secure display areas for displaying multiple items and then adjust the other display areas depending on the change in the display area of ​​interest.

[0083] [3 Third embodiment] When the display area displaying other information with different priorities is reduced depending on the occupancy of the display area displaying the information with the highest priority on the information display screen, input buttons for inputting instructions to enlarge or reduce the display content displayed in that display area or scroll bars for inputting instructions to switch the display content are displayed.

[0084] [3.1 Functional configuration] The functional configuration according to the third embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0085] [3.2 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 12. This processing is executed by the control unit 11 by reading the control program 231, the display control program 232, the priority information determination program 233, the device information acquisition program 234, the occupancy status determination program 235, the display mode determination program 236, and the like. Note that the flow of processing according to the third embodiment can be the same as the processing relating to steps S10 to S50 described in Fig. 5 of the first embodiment, and therefore the description here will be omitted. Also, the same step numbers will be assigned to the same processing as the processing described in Fig. 5.

[0086] If the control unit 11 compares the occupied area with a predetermined threshold value and determines that the occupied area is larger than the predetermined threshold value, it decides to reduce the display area that displays other information with a different priority (step S60; Yes → step S70).

[0087] Next, the control unit 11 judges whether or not all the other information fits within the reduced display area (step S130). If it is judged that all the other information fits within the reduced display area, the control unit 11 generates an information display screen (step S130; Yes→step S80), and ends the process by displaying the generated information display screen on the display unit 13 (step S90).

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined that all other information cannot be accommodated within the reduced display area, the control unit 11 determines to display the zoom in / out buttons (step S130; No→step S140). Next, the control unit 11 generates an information display screen (step S80) and ends the process by displaying the generated information display screen on the display unit 13 (step S90).

[0089] Meanwhile, when the control unit 11 determines that the occupied area is smaller than the predetermined threshold value as a result of comparing the occupied area with the predetermined threshold value, it decides to enlarge the display area for displaying other information with different priorities (step S60; No -> step S100).Then, the control unit 11 generates an information display screen based on the determination result in step S100 (step S80), and ends the process by displaying the generated information display screen on the display unit 13 (step S90).

[0090] [3.3 Example of operation] Fig. 13(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system information display screen W60 that is displayed when the control unit 11 determines in the process related to step S130 in Fig. 12 that other information cannot all fit into the reduced display area. The system information display screen W60 includes an input button B20 that accepts an input for instructing the enlargement / reduction of the display content of the display area (A2).

[0091] The input button B20 is provided at the upper end of the display area (A2) and receives a zoom-in / zoom-out instruction input when pressed by the user.

[0092] FIG. 13(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system information display screen W60 displayed by the control unit 11 upon receiving an enlargement instruction input by pressing the input button B20.

[0093] In response to the enlargement instruction input, the control unit 11 enlarges the display area (A2). The display area (A2) is enlarged and superimposed on the occupied area (A1) indicated by the dotted line frame in the figure, so that information related to "firmware update", which was invisible in Figure 13(a), can be viewed.

[0094] If the display contents cannot be visually recognized by only the enlargement process associated with pressing the input button B20, a scroll bar for switching the display contents may be further provided.

[0095] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an aspect in which a scroll bar SB10 for receiving an input instruction to switch the display contents is provided in the enlarged display area (A2) on the system information display screen W60 illustrated in FIG. 13(b).

[0096] For example, the scroll bar SB10 is provided so as to be operable on the right end side of the display area (A2), and the display contents of the display area (A2) can be changed by moving the bar body up and down. In the example of Fig. 14, information related to "XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX", which was not shown in Fig. 13(b), can be seen.

[0097] As described above, according to the third embodiment, even if the display area displaying other information with different priorities is reduced and all device information cannot be displayed in the display area, by providing input buttons that accept inputs for enlarging or reducing the display content and a scroll bar that accepts inputs for switching the input content, all device information can be viewed in the display area.

[0098] [4 Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment is a form in which the user can set priority information.

[0099] [4.1 Functional configuration] 15 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a multifunction device 30 according to the fourth embodiment. The multifunction device 30 includes a storage unit 33 instead of the storage unit 23 according to the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate members having the same configuration as the multifunction device 10, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment, the memory unit 33 stores a control program 231, a display control program 232, a priority information determination program 233, a device information acquisition program 234, an occupancy status determination program 235, a display mode determination program 236, and a priority information setting program 331, and reserves a priority information management table memory area 237 and a display layout management table memory area 238.

[0101] The priority information setting program 331 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when accepting a setting input of priority information by a user. The control unit 11 that has read the priority information setting program 331 displays a priority information setting screen on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 stores each setting value input via the priority information setting screen in a priority information management table.

[0102] [4.2 Processing flow] The process of setting priority information via the priority information setting screen can be performed at any timing, such as before inputting a display instruction for the system information screen as the information display screen described in the flowcharts of Figure 5, Figure 10, Figure 12, etc. Here, the process of setting priority information will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 16.

[0103] The control unit 11 receives an input of an instruction to display a priority information setting screen from the user (step S200). When the input of the instruction to display the priority information setting screen is received, the control unit 11 displays the priority information setting screen on the display unit 13 (step S210).

[0104] Next, the control unit 11 accepts a setting input of priority information by the user (step S220). When the setting input of priority information is accepted, the control unit 11 stores the input setting value in the priority information management table and ends the process (step S230).

[0105] [4.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a priority information setting screen W70 displayed by the control unit 11.

[0106] The priority information setting screen W70 includes a priority information setting area R20, a display layout pattern selection area R22, an OK button B30, and a cancel button B32.

[0107] The priority information setting area R20 is a selection area for setting the priority, display area, and number of display levels for the column display for the device information (type). Each setting item of priority, display area, and number of display levels is provided with an input box for receiving the input of the respective setting value.

[0108] 17, the priority of the device status information is set to "1." The display area is "A2," and the number of display rows is set to "5."

[0109] The user can set priority information such as priority by inputting a setting value for each setting item in the priority information setting area R20. Note that, although input buttons are shown as setting values, for example, in order to make it easier to input each setting value, selectable setting values ​​may be displayed in a pull-down display format.

[0110] The display layout pattern selection area R22 is a selection area that accepts the selection of the display position of each display area set in the priority information setting area R20. In the display layout pattern selection area R22, a display layout indicating the display position of each display area is displayed so that the display position of each display area can be specified. Note that FIG. 17 is an example showing a display layout pattern related to layout No. 1 illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0111] The OK button B30 is an input button that accepts a decision regarding the setting of priority information in the priority information setting area R20 and the selection of a display layout in the display layout pattern selection area R22. By inputting an instruction accompanying pressing the OK button B30, the control unit 11 stores these setting values ​​and the like in the priority information management table. The cancel button B32 is an input button that accepts an instruction to cancel an operation via the priority information setting screen W70.

[0112] Fig. 18(a) is an example of the configuration of a system information display screen W80 reflecting the priority information setting made via the priority information setting screen W70 of Fig. 17. In Fig. 17, the device status information is set to have the highest priority, and the number of display levels is set to "5". Therefore, in Fig. 18(a), the display related to the occupied area (A2) is given priority, and the paper feed tray information, which was set to have the highest priority in the first embodiment, etc., is set as the other information.

[0113] 18(b) is an example in which the device status information is set to have the highest priority and the number of display levels is set to "4," similar to Fig. 18(a). In this way, in the fourth embodiment, the user can change and set the device information with the highest priority, the number of display levels, the display layout, and the like, through settings made via the priority information setting screen W70.

[0114] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system information display screen W90 displayed by the control unit 11 when an input button B20 for inputting an enlargement / reduction instruction, as described in the third embodiment, is provided in the display area (A1) of paper feed tray information that is set as other information with a different priority, and the input button B20 is received and an enlargement instruction is input by pressing the input button B20.

[0115] In response to an enlargement instruction input by the user, the control unit 11 enlarges and displays the display area (A1). The display area (A1) is enlarged and displayed so as to be superimposed on the occupied area (A2) indicated by the dotted frame in the figure, so that information related to other paper feed trays, which was not visible in Figure 18(a) or 18(b), can be viewed.

[0116] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the user can set priority information, so that display areas for displaying multiple items can be individually secured according to the user's settings, and other display areas can be adjusted according to changes in the display area of ​​interest.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, the technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0118] Although the above-described embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they may be combined and executed within a technically feasible range.

[0119] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and is then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

[0120] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disk, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0121] In addition, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10, 30 multifunction devices 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming section 21 Image reading unit 23, 33 Storage section 231 Control Program 232 Display Control Program 233 Priority Information Judgment Program 234 Equipment Information Acquisition Program 235 Occupancy Status Assessment Program 236 Display mode determination program 237 Priority information management table storage area 238 Display layout management table storage area 331 Priority Information Setting Program

Claims

1. A display unit capable of displaying information having different screen display priorities in separate display areas; a control unit that generates an information display screen by controlling a screen display of the display area; The control unit is A display device characterized in that the display mode of a display area displaying other information with a different priority is determined by comparing the display area displaying the information with the highest priority on the information display screen with a predetermined threshold value.

2. The control unit is 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a display area for displaying the other information is enlarged or reduced based on a result of the comparison with the predetermined threshold value.

3. The control unit is 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a display layout of a display area for displaying the other information is changed based on a result of the comparison with the predetermined threshold value.

4. The control unit is 4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising an input button for enlarging or reducing the display content of the other information.

5. The control unit is The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the display content of the other information cannot be displayed within a display area displaying the other information, a scroll bar is displayed to switch the display content of the other information.

6. The control unit is 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a setting screen for accepting setting of the priority is displayed.

7. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and an image processing unit.

8. The information with the highest priority is 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information is information about a recording medium supplied to the image processing section.

9. The other information with different priorities is 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information is information regarding a state of the apparatus.

10. a display step of displaying information having different screen display priorities in separate display areas; A control step of generating an information display screen by controlling a screen display of the display area, In the control step, A display method characterized by determining a display mode of a display area on the information display screen that displays the information with the highest priority and a predetermined threshold value, thereby displaying other information with different priorities.

Images