Control device and control program

Abstract

To enlarge a display area of an item list when scrolling the item list.SOLUTION: A control device comprises: a display control unit configured to control display of an item selection screen on which an item list including a plurality of items to be selected by a user is scrollably displayed, where a first button superimposed on the item selection screen is displayed, the first button being composed of explanatory characters and an icon that explain the first button, and when the item list is scrolled, the display control unit reduces a display area in which the first button is displayed in a direction orthogonal to a scroll direction, and when the display area is reduced, a description character that has been displayed is not displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a control device and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] As information devices, there are known multifunction devices that perform multiple functions such as copy, scan, fax, and print functions. In order to make it possible to easily and quickly select a function to be executed in such information devices, there are some that display task items executable by the information device as an item list on the display screen of the information device.

[0003] In such an item list, since it is not possible to display all of the multiple task items in one list on the display screen, the task items are displayed sequentially by scrolling. However, in order to quickly select and operate task items, it is desirable to display as many task items as possible on the display screen, but the area of ​​the display screen is limited.

[0004] A technique for increasing the number of items displayed on a display screen is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this disclosed technique, when the item list is scrolled, each item is displayed in a reduced size in order to control the display contents. Note that this disclosed technique does not mention the display of operation buttons and the like other than the item list.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which, when an item list is scrolled, the display area of ​​the item list is enlarged by erasing all other displays than the item list. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-373312 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-219163 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, display areas for displaying operation buttons and the like other than the item list are arranged above and below the item list, and the upper or lower display areas are erased depending on the scroll direction.

[0008] In addition, the operation buttons displayed on the display screen together with the item list may include a list selection button for selecting the item list to be displayed on the display screen, and a function selection button for selecting a function to be executed by the information device.

[0009] An object of the technology disclosed herein is to provide a control device and a control program that are capable of enlarging the display area of ​​an item list when scrolling the item list. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first aspect is a control device that includes a display control unit that controls the display of an item selection screen on which a scrollable item list having multiple items selectable by a user is displayed, and in addition to the item list, the item selection screen displays at least one of a list selection button for selecting the item list displayed on the item selection screen and a function selection button for selecting a function to be executed by the information device, and on the item selection screen, at least one of the list selection button and the function selection button is located on the end side in the scrolling direction of the item list, and the display control unit reduces the display area of ​​at least one of the list selection button and the function selection button on the item selection screen when the item list is scrolled.

[0011] A second aspect is a control device related to the first aspect, in which the list selection button is a button for selecting one item list to be displayed on an item selection screen from multiple types of item lists, and a display control unit reduces the display area of ​​the list selection button when the item list is scrolled.

[0012] A third aspect is the control device according to the first or second aspect, in which the display control unit superimposes the reduced display area on the item list when the item list is scrolled.

[0013] A fourth aspect is a control device relating to any one of the first to third aspects, in which a display control unit displays a list selection button at one end side of the scroll direction of the item list and displays a function selection button at the other end side of the scroll direction of the item list.

[0014] A fifth aspect is a control device according to the fourth aspect, in which a display control unit reduces a display area of ​​the list selection buttons displayed on the item selection screen and hides the function selection buttons when the item list is scrolled.

[0015] A sixth aspect is a control device according to the fifth aspect, in which, when scrolling of the item list is stopped, the display control unit displays a function selection button that was hidden, and then returns the reduced display area to its original display state.

[0016] The seventh aspect is a control program for causing a computer to function as a control device that includes a display control unit that controls the display of an item selection screen on which a scrollable item list having a plurality of items selectable by a user is displayed, and in addition to the item list, the item selection screen displays at least one of a list selection button for selecting the item list displayed on the item selection screen and a function selection button for selecting a function to be executed by the information device, and on the item selection screen, at least one of the list selection button and the function selection button is positioned on the end side in the scrolling direction of the item list, and the display control unit reduces the display area of ​​at least one of the list selection button and the function selection button on the item selection screen when the item list is scrolled. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the technology of the present disclosure, when scrolling the item list, the display area of ​​the item list can be enlarged. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an item selection screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an item selection screen on which a destination list is displayed. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an item selection screen on which a document list is displayed. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which an item list is scrolled on the item selection screen. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a display control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (Multifunction machine 100) Fig. 1 is an external view of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

[0021] The multifunction device 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is a device capable of executing processes related to functions such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile. As shown in Fig. 2, the multifunction device 100 includes a control device 110, a reading unit 102, an image forming unit 103, and a communication unit 104 in a main body unit 150. The multifunction device 100 is an example of an information device. The multifunction device 100 can also perform data communication with information processing devices such as personal computers and servers in an office connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) line or the like, and can perform facsimile communication with communication devices in other offices via public lines such as telephone lines. Therefore, the multifunction device 100 is also an example of an information communication device.

[0022] The operation panel 120, the control device 110 including the storage device 113, the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104 are all connected to one another via a bus 109. Each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 will now be described.

[0023] (Reading unit 102, image forming unit 103, and communication unit 104) The reading unit 102 reads an image of a document. Specifically, the reading unit 102 optically reads the image of the document and converts it into a digital signal to generate image data.

[0024] The image forming unit 103 forms an image on a medium such as paper. Specifically, the image forming unit 103 forms an image on the medium by, for example, an electrophotographic method in which an image is formed by electrostatically attaching toner onto paper. Note that the image forming unit 103 may form an image on the medium by another method such as an inkjet method in which an image is formed by ejecting ink onto paper.

[0025] The communication unit 104 communicates with external devices such as other facsimile machines. Specifically, the communication unit 104 transmits and receives various data to and from external devices through various wired or wireless communication lines. Examples of communication lines include the Internet, an intranet, and a public telephone line.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a document feeder 151 on the top of the main body 150. The document feeder 151 feeds a document to a document reading stage (not shown) arranged on the top surface of the main body 150. Inside the main body 150, the reading unit 102 is arranged at a position facing the reading stage. The document feeder 151 can be lifted up, and by lifting the document feeder 151 upward, the reading stage is exposed, and the reading stage can be used as a so-called flatbed type. This allows the user to directly set a document on the reading stage without going through the document feeder 151.

[0027] The image of the document is read by the reading unit 102, and image data is generated. When a process for the copy function is executed in the multifunction device 100, the image forming unit 103 prints the image of the document on another sheet of paper based on the image data generated by the reading unit 102. The sheet of paper on which the image is printed is discharged to a paper discharge unit 152 provided in the main body unit 150. When a process for the facsimile function is executed in the multifunction device 100, the image data generated by the reading unit 102 is output to the communication unit 104, and transmitted to a destination via the communication unit 104. When a process for the print function is executed in the multifunction device 100, the image forming unit 103 prints an image on a sheet of paper based on image data input from a personal computer or the like. The sheet of paper on which the image is printed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 152.

[0028] Additionally, inside main body 150, there are provided a paper feed section in which paper is set, a paper transport mechanism that transports paper to image forming section 103 and paper discharge section 152, and the like.

[0029] (Operation panel 120) The multifunction device 100 includes an operation panel 120 that enables a user to operate the multifunction device 100. The operation panel 120 is an example of a user interface. A user interface is a device for exchanging information between the multifunction device 100 and a user, specifically, for inputting operation instructions from the user to the multifunction device 100 and displaying information such as the status of the multifunction device 100 to the user.

[0030] In this embodiment, the operation panel 120 specifically includes a display unit 121 and an operation unit 122, as shown in FIGS.

[0031] The display unit 121 displays an operation screen and various messages such as operation guides. The operation unit 122 is a component where the user performs input operations. The display unit 121 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 122 and the display unit 121 are realized by a touch panel display 123 in which both are integrated. The operation unit 122 is a touch panel such as a resistive film type or a capacitive type, and detects a touch operation by the user. In the touch panel display 123, an area where the operation screen of the display unit 121 is displayed and an area where the touch operation of the operation unit 122 can be detected overlap with each other. As a result, when the user touches the operation screen displayed on the display unit 121, the operation unit 122 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the operation screen and the position where the touch operation has been performed on the operation screen, and outputs a detection signal to the control device 110.

[0032] The touch operation of the user includes operations such as tapping, flicking, sliding, and dragging. The tapping operation is an operation of touching the screen of the display unit 121 with a finger. The flicking operation is an operation of touching the screen of the display unit 121 as if sweeping a finger. The sliding operation is an operation of moving a finger while touching the screen of the display unit 121 with the finger. The dragging operation is an operation for moving an image such as an icon displayed on the display unit 121. The dragging operation is an operation of touching an image displayed on the display unit 121 with a finger, moving the finger that touched the image, and then releasing the finger from the image. The operation unit 122, which is a touch panel, outputs the movement trajectory of the finger associated with these touch operations on the operation screen as a detection signal. Note that the touching operation may be not only an operation by the user's finger, but also an operation using a tool such as a touch pen.

[0033] 1, the operation panel 120 has operation keys 124 arranged outside the screen of the display unit 121. The operation keys 124 include a power key for turning on the power of the multifunction device 100, and a cancel key for canceling various executions. In this way, the operation panel 120 of this embodiment has a mechanical operation unit in addition to the touch panel display 123 including the operation unit 122.

[0034] In this embodiment, the display unit 121 can display various operation screens such as an item selection screen 300 shown in Fig. 4 and an execution screen 350 shown in Fig. 5. Details of the item selection screen 300 and the execution screen 350 will be described later.

[0035] (Control device 110) The control device 110 is a device that controls each part of the multifunction device 100 including the operation panel 120. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the control device 110 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a memory 112, and a storage device 113. The control device 110 controls the multifunction device 100 based on information stored in the storage device 113.

[0036] The storage device 113 stores various programs including a control program 130, and various data including function control data 131 and UI (User Interface) control data 132. The control program 130 is a program that causes a computer including a CPU 111 to function as the control device 110. The function control data 131 is data used to control the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104, and includes various setting information and processing parameters. The processing parameters are parameters used when executing image correction processes such as gain correction, contrast correction, white balance correction, and gamma correction.

[0037] The various setting information includes setting information that specifies the processing conditions of the copy function, scan function, print function, and the like, which are realized by the reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the communication unit 104. For example, in the case of the copy function and the print function, the setting information is setting information that specifies processing conditions such as paper size and color setting (e.g., black and white copy or color copy), and in the case of the scan function, the setting information is setting information that specifies processing conditions such as reading resolution and color setting (e.g., black and white reading or color reading). The setting information includes initial setting information as well as user setting information that is set by the user. The various setting information also includes a history of user setting information used by the user in the past.

[0038] The UI control data 132 includes various screen data constituting an operation screen displayed by the display unit 121, and various table data defining various setting items to be displayed on the operation screen. The storage device 113 is specifically realized by a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory.

[0039] The memory 112 is a working area for the CPU 111 to execute various programs, and temporarily records various programs or various data when the CPU 111 executes processing. The CPU 111 reads various programs including the control program 130 from the storage device 113 into the memory 112, and executes the programs using the memory 112 as a working area.

[0040] In the control device 110, the CPU 111 executes the control program 130 to realize various functions for controlling the multifunction device 100. The following describes the functional configuration realized by the cooperation of the CPU 111 as a hardware resource and the control program 130 as a software resource. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the CPU 111, and is mainly a block diagram showing the functional configuration for realizing the control of the operation panel 120.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, in the control device 110, a CPU 111 executes a control program 130 to function as a UI control unit 141 and a function control unit 144.

[0042] Function control unit 144 controls reading unit 102, image forming unit 103, and communication unit 104 while referring to function control data based on an operation instruction input from UI control unit 141. In addition, function control unit 144 outputs execution results and statuses of processes in reading unit 102, image forming unit 103, and communication unit 104 to UI control unit 141.

[0043] The UI control unit 141 receives an operation instruction input from the operation panel 120, and outputs the received operation instruction to the function control unit 144. The UI control unit 141 also controls the touch panel display 123. The UI control unit 141 has a display control unit 142 and an operation receiving unit 143 as functional components.

[0044] Operation reception unit 143 receives operation instructions input by a user through operation panel 120 , including a touch operation by the user detected by operation unit 122 of touch panel display 123 .

[0045] The display control unit 142 refers to the function control data 131 and the UI control data 132 and controls the display of various operation screens on the display unit 121 of the touch panel display 123.

[0046] Specifically, when the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation to turn on the multifunction device 100, the display control unit 142 displays, as an example, an item selection screen 300 (see FIG. 4) as a top screen on the display unit 121. The item selection screen 300 is a screen in which an item list 4 having a plurality of task items 301 (see FIG. 4) selected by the user is displayed in a scrollable manner. On the item selection screen 300, the user selects a task item 301 to be executed by the multifunction device 100. Here, a task is a process that is executed by the multifunction device 100 after the user sets processing conditions for a main function of the multifunction device 100. An item including information indicating the content of this process is called a task item 301. For example, in the case of a copy function, which is one of the main functions of the multifunction device 100, a process that is executed by the multifunction device 100 after the user sets processing conditions such as paper size and color settings is a task of the copy function, and an item indicating the content of this task is the task item 301. Similarly, in the case of the scan function, the process that the user sets processing conditions such as the reading resolution and color settings and then causes the multifunction device 100 to execute is the task of the scan function, and the item indicating the content of this task is the task item 301. Note that the task item 301 is just one example of an item.

[0047] Thus, there are various types of task items 301 indicating tasks and their contents according to the type of function and the processing conditions. A plurality of task items 301 with different types of function and processing conditions are displayed on the item selection screen 300. The item selection screen 300 is a selection screen for selecting one task item 301 from the plurality of task items 301 when causing the multifunction device 100 to execute one task.

[0048] The various setting information of the function control data 131 includes priority list information 11 and history list information 12. The storage device 113 is a priority list recording section in which the priority list information 11 is recorded, and is also a history list recording section in which the history list information 12 is recorded. The priority list information 11 is information in which a plurality of task items 301 that have been set in advance are recorded. The task items 301 included in the priority list information 11 include, for example, task items that have been set in advance because they are frequently executed. The task items 301 included in the priority list information 11 may be initially set at the time of product shipment, or may be set by the user.

[0049] The history list information 12 is information that records the history of task items 301 that have been executed in the past by the multifunction device 100. The priority list information 11 records the name and order of each task item 301. The history list information 12 records the name of each task item 301 and the execution date and time when each task item 301 was executed.

[0050] The display control unit 142 generates a priority list 1 (see FIG. 4) and a history list 2 (see FIG. 4) by referring to the priority list information 11 and the history list information 12. Specifically, when generating the priority list 1, the display control unit 142 arranges the task items 301 in the priority list 1 in order based on the names and arrangement order of the task items 301 included in the priority list information 11 to generate the priority list 1. Furthermore, when generating the history list 2, the display control unit 142 arranges the task items 301 in the history list 2 in order based on the names and execution dates and times of the task items 301 included in the history list information 12 to generate the history list 2. Then, the display control unit 142 displays the priority list 1 and the history list 2 in parallel as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300.

[0051] As a result, as shown in Fig. 4, the display control unit 142 displays, in parallel, a priority list 1, which is a list of preset task items 301, and a history list 2, which is a history of task items 301 previously executed in the multifunction device 100, on the item selection screen 300. In Fig. 4, as an example, the priority list 1 is displayed at the top of the item selection screen 300, and the history list 2 is displayed at the bottom.

[0052] The task items 301 in the history list 2 are displayed in chronological order based on the execution dates and times of the task items 301 recorded in the history list information 12. Specifically, as an example, the task items 301 are displayed in the direction of the arrow X2 starting from the task item 301 with the most recent execution date and time. Therefore, the most recently executed task item 301 is displayed at the top of the history list 2 (i.e., the position closest to the X1 direction).

[0053] As described above, each of the multiple task items 301 included in the priority list 1 or the history list 2 is a task item for any one of the four main functions of the multifunction device 100, that is, the copy function, the scan function, the print function, and the facsimile function. In this way, the task items 301 registered in the priority list 1 or the history list 2 correspond to any one of the four main functions of the multifunction device 100. In other words, supplementary functions of the multifunction device 100 other than the four main functions are excluded from the functions registered in the priority list 1 or the history list 2. Therefore, the task items 301 registered in the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are limited to those related to the main functions that are executed relatively frequently, so that the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are easy for the user to use. It is preferable that at least one of the multiple task items 301 registered in the priority list 1 or the history list 2 includes a task item 301 for the copy function that is considered to be executed relatively frequently among the four main functions.

[0054] In addition, the task items 301 in the priority list 1 can be customized by the user. Specifically, the task items 301 in the priority list 1 can be rearranged, their names can be changed, and task items 301 can be added from the history list 2.

[0055] Furthermore, every time the task item 301 is executed by the multifunction device 100, the function control unit 144 adds data of the executed task item 301 to the history list information 12. Then, when the history list information 12 is updated, the display control unit 142 updates the history list 2 on the item selection screen 300.

[0056] A pinned display 5 is displayed to the right of the task item 301 in the priority list 1, indicating that the task item 301 is in the priority list 1. The pinned display 5 indicates that the task item 301 is one whose display will not be updated even if other task items are executed.

[0057] Then, for example, when the operation unit 122 detects a selection operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) on the task item 301 in the priority list 1 and the history list 2, the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction for the selection operation of the task item 301. When the operation reception unit 143 receives the operation instruction, the display control unit 142 displays an execution screen 350 (see FIG. 5) for executing the selected task on the display unit 121. On the execution screen 350, setting items for performing various settings and an execution button 10 for executing the task are displayed. By operating the setting items, various settings are performed, and then the execution button 10 is operated to execute the task. The execution screen 350 shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a screen when a task of a copy function of "A4 color" is selected as the task item 301.

[0058] In the item selection screen 300 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the item list 4, a list selection button 18 is displayed. In the item selection screen 300, a display area 15 of the list selection button 18 is arranged on the upper end side of the item list 4. Specifically, the display area 15 is arranged on the upper side relative to the priority list 1. The list selection button 18 is a button for selecting one item list 4 to be displayed on the item selection screen 300 from a plurality of types of item lists 4. There are a plurality of types of item lists 4, and the priority list 1 and the history list 2 shown in FIG. 4 are examples of the item list 4. As the plurality of types of item lists 4, there are three types, for example, the priority list 1 and the history list 2 shown in FIG. 4, the destination list 4A shown in FIG. 6, and the document list 4B shown in FIG. 7. In other words, the list selection button 18 is a button for switching the item list 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300. The upper end side of the item list 4 is an example of the end side of the item list 4 in the scroll direction.

[0059] The display control unit 142 refers to the UI control data 132, and displays, as list selection buttons 18, a destination list selection button 18a, a priority list 1 and history list 2 selection button 18b, and a document list selection button 18c on the item selection screen 300 together with the item list 4. As a result, the selection buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c are displayed on the upper end side of the item list 4 (specifically, the priority list 1). The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the display area 15 are made equal to the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the task items 301. The task items 301 have the same vertical and horizontal dimensions. Each of the selection buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c has an icon 16 and an explanatory character 19 indicating the contents of the selectable list.

[0060] 3, various setting information of the function control data 131 includes destination list information 13 and document list information 14 in addition to priority list information 11 and history list information 12. As described above, the priority list 1 and history list 2 are item lists generated based on the priority list information 11 and history list information 12.

[0061] The destination list information 13 is list information of destinations used for the facsimile function etc., and is information that records multiple destinations registered by the user. The destination list 4A shown in Fig. 6 is an item list 4 generated based on the destination list information 13. In the destination list 4A, multiple items 301A indicating multiple destinations respectively are displayed in a list form. The items 301A are items selected by the user in the destination list 4A, similar to the task items 301 in the priority list information 11 and the history list information 12.

[0062] The document list information 14 is information that records document data including documents and images read by, for example, a scan function. The document list 4B shown in Fig. 7 is an item list 4 generated based on the document list information 14. In the document list 4B, a plurality of items 301B each indicating a plurality of documents is displayed in a list form. The items 301B are items selected by the user in the document list 4B, similar to the task items 301 in the priority list information 11 and the history list information 12.

[0063] In this way, information for generating a plurality of types of item lists 4 is recorded in the storage device 113 as various setting information included in the function control data 131, as shown in FIG.

[0064] For example, when the operation unit 122 detects an operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) on any of the selection buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c, the operation acceptance unit 143 accepts an operation instruction for that operation.

[0065] For example, it is assumed that an item list 4 other than the destination list 4A (e.g., a priority list 1 and a history list 2) is displayed as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300. In this state, when the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction of the selection button 18a, the display control unit 142 generates the destination list 4A shown in FIG. 6 with reference to the destination list information 13 based on the operation instruction. Then, the display control unit 142 displays the destination list 4A as the item list 4 in place of the priority list 1 and the history list 2, which are the item lists 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300. Note that when the destination list 4A is already displayed as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300, if the selection button 18a is operated, the display of the destination list 4A is maintained.

[0066] Also, for example, assume that an item list 4 other than the document list 4B (e.g., a destination list 4A) is displayed as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300. In this state, when the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction of the select button 18c, the display control unit 142 generates the document list 4B shown in FIG. 7 with reference to the document list information 14 based on the operation instruction. Then, instead of the destination list 4A, which is the item list 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300, the document list 4B is displayed as the item list 4. Note that when the document list 4B is already displayed as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300, if the select button 18c is operated, the display of the document list 4B is maintained.

[0067] Also, for example, it is assumed that an item list 4 (e.g., a destination list 4A) other than the priority list 1 and the history list 2 is displayed as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300. In this state, when the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction of the selection button 18b, the display control unit 142 displays the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as the item list 4, instead of the destination list 4A, which is the item list 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300, based on the operation instruction. Note that when the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are already displayed as the item lists 4 on the item selection screen 300, if the selection button 18b is operated, the display of the priority list 1 and the history list 2 is maintained.

[0068] In the item selection screen 300 of this embodiment, a display area 25 in which a function selection button 24 is displayed is further disposed at the bottom end of the item list 4. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the display area 25 is disposed so as to overlap with a task item 301 at the bottom end of the history list 2. The function selection button 24 is a button for the user to select a function to be executed by the multifunction device 100. The function selection button 24 is used, for example, when a desired task that the user wants the multifunction device 100 to execute is not present in the priority list 1 or the history list 2, and the user selects a function to be executed by the multifunction device 100. The bottom end side of the item list 4 is an example of the end side of the item list 4 in the scroll direction.

[0069] The display control unit 142 refers to the UI control data 132, and displays the selection button 24a for selecting the copy function, the selection button 24b for selecting the scan function, the selection button 24c for selecting the print function, and the selection button 24d for selecting the facsimile function as the function selection buttons 24 on the item selection screen 300 together with the item list 4. As a result, the selection buttons 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are displayed superimposed on the lower end of the item list 4 (the history list 2 in the example shown in FIG. 4). In this manner, in this embodiment, the function selection buttons 24 can execute each of the four main functions of the multifunction device 100, that is, the copy function, the scan function, the print function, and the facsimile function. The vertical dimension of the display area 25 is set to be equal to the vertical dimension of the task item 301, and the horizontal dimension of the display area 25 is set to be smaller than the horizontal dimension of the task item 301.

[0070] Unlike the list selection button 18, each of the selection buttons 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d does not have the explanatory text 19 and is composed of only an icon. For example, when the operation unit 122 detects an operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) on any of the selection buttons 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction for that operation.

[0071] When the operation reception unit 143 receives the operation instruction, the display control unit 142 displays an execution screen 350 (see FIG. 5 as an example) for executing the selected function on the display unit 121. The execution screen 350 displays setting items for making various settings and an execution button 10 for executing the function. By operating the setting items, various settings are made, and then the execution button 10 is operated to execute the function.

[0072] As described above, the item list 4, the list selection button 18, and the function selection button 24 are displayed on the same item selection screen 300. Note that Fig. 4 shows an example in which the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are displayed on the item selection screen 300 as the item list 4.

[0073] When the operation unit 122 detects a scroll operation on the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300, the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction for the scroll operation. This operation instruction is input to the display control unit 142. The display control unit 142 scrolls the item list 4 based on the input operation instruction for the scroll operation. Specifically, the scroll operation is a flick operation in the direction of the arrow X1 or the direction of the arrow X2 (see FIG. 4).

[0074] In this embodiment, when the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are displayed on the item selection screen 300 as the item list 4, the display control unit 142 handles the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as an integrated list. In other words, when scrolling, the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are not distinguished from each other, but are scrolled together as one integrated list.

[0075] In the item selection screen 300, in the state shown in Fig. 4, scrolling is possible only in the X1 direction in which the number of displayed task items 301 in the priority list 1 decreases. Therefore, in the item selection screen 300, in the state shown in Fig. 4, only a flick operation in the X1 direction is valid. After scrolling the priority list 1 and the history list 2 in the X1 direction, scrolling in the X2 direction is also possible.

[0076] The priority list 1 and the history list 2 are scrolled by moving the priority list 1 and the history list 2 in the X1 direction or the X2 direction in which the flick operation is performed. As a result, the task items 301 that were not displayed are sequentially displayed on the item selection screen 300.

[0077] Furthermore, when the operation reception unit 143 receives an operation instruction of a scroll operation on the item list 4, the display control unit 142 reduces the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed on the item selection screen 300, and hides the function selection buttons 24, as shown in FIG. 8. Note that the reduction of the display area 15 and the hiding of the function selection buttons 24 are executed regardless of the scroll direction of the scroll operation received by the operation reception unit 143. Specifically, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the display area 15 are reduced to 1 / 3. That is, the display area 15 is reduced in the scroll direction (vertical direction) and the orthogonal direction (horizontal direction). At this time, the explanatory characters 19 of the list selection buttons 18 are hidden, and only the icons 16 are displayed. Furthermore, the reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item list 4. Therefore, the list selection buttons 18 displayed in the display area 15 are displayed superimposed on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300. The reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the task items 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300, so that the priority list 1 is displayed extending to the top edge of the item selection screen 300. In this embodiment, the display area 25 in which the function selection buttons 24 are displayed is erased, and the function selection buttons 24 are hidden. As a result, the task items 301 arranged at the bottom of the item selection screen 300 are displayed in their entirety.

[0078] Furthermore, when the scrolling of the item list 4 is stopped, that is, when the operation unit 122 does not detect a scroll operation on the item list 4, the display control unit 142 redisplays the hidden function selection buttons 24 and then returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state. Specifically, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling of the item list 4 was stopped, the display control unit 142 redisplays the hidden function selection buttons 24 and then returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state. At this time, the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 and the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 return to their original display states. The passage of the predetermined time is measured, for example, by a timer or the like.

[0079] (Action of this embodiment) Next, an example of the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0080] When the multifunction peripheral 100 is started by turning on the power, the CPU 111 executes the control program 130 read from the storage device 113. As a result, the CPU 111 functions as a UI control unit 141 and a function control unit 144, and starts the control process.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 9, the UI control unit 141 displays an item selection screen 300 (see FIG. 4) as a top screen on the display unit 121 of the touch panel display 123 (step S301), for example. In this example, the item list 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300 is the priority list 1 and history list 2 shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the UI control unit 141 reads out the priority list information 11 and history list information 12 included in the function control data 131, and the UI control data 132, generates the priority list 1 and history list 2 including a plurality of task items 301, and displays the priority list 1 and history list 2 in parallel as the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300. The UI control unit 141 also refers to the UI control data 132 and displays the selection buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c in the display area 15. Furthermore, the UI control unit 141 refers to the UI control data 132 and causes the selection buttons 24 a , 24 b , 24 c , and 24 d to be displayed in the display area 25 .

[0082] The UI control unit 141 waits for input of a touch operation on the item selection screen 300 displayed on the display unit 121. First, in step S302, the UI control unit 141 determines whether or not a scroll operation has been performed on the item list 4 (for example, the priority list 1 and the history list 2) displayed on the item selection screen 300. If the task item 301 desired by the user is not displayed on the item selection screen 300, the user performs a scroll operation on the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300 via the touch panel display 123 in order to display the hidden task item 301. As an example, the scroll operation is a flick operation in the direction of the arrow X1.

[0083] If a scroll operation is performed on item list 4 on item selection screen 300 (step S302: YES), UI control unit 141 proceeds to step S303, and if a scroll operation is not performed on item list 4 (step S302: NO), UI control unit 141 repeats step S302 until a scroll operation is performed on item list 4.

[0084] In step S303, the UI control unit 141 reduces the display area 15 in which the list selection button 18 is displayed. Specifically, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the display area 15 are reduced to 1 / 3. At this time, the explanatory characters 19 of the list selection button 18 are hidden, and only the icon 16 is displayed. The reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the task item 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300. Therefore, the list selection button 18 displayed in the display area 15 is superimposed on the task item 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300. By superimposing the reduced display area 15 on the task item 301 arranged at the top of the item selection screen 300, the priority list 1 is displayed reaching the top of the item selection screen 300.

[0085] Furthermore, the UI control unit 141 hides the function selection button 24 (step S304). This causes the task items 301 arranged at the bottom of the item selection screen 300 to be displayed in their entirety. Note that, in this embodiment, step S304 is executed after step S303, but step S303 may be executed after step S304 or may be executed simultaneously with step S304.

[0086] Furthermore, the UI control unit 141 scrolls the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as the item list 4 (step S305). Specifically, in step S305, the UI control unit 141 handles the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as one integrated list, and scrolls the priority list 1 and the history list 2 integrally. For example, when performing a scroll operation, even if the user's finger touches either the display area of ​​the priority list 1 or the history list 2 on the touch panel display 123, both the priority list 1 and the history list 2 are scrolled because they are handled as one integrated list. The user performs such a scroll operation to search for a desired task item 301 from the item selection screen 300.

[0087] Next, the UI control unit 141 determines whether the scrolling operation on the item list 4 has been stopped (step S306). If the scrolling operation on the item list 4 has been stopped (step S306: YES), the UI control unit 141 stops scrolling the priority list 1 and the history list 2 as the item list 4 (step S307) and proceeds to step S308. If the scrolling operation on the item list 4 has not been stopped (step S306: NO), the UI control unit 141 proceeds to step S303.

[0088] In step S308, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling operation on the item list 4 was stopped. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling operation on the item list 4 was stopped (step S308: YES), the UI control unit 141 displays the function selection buttons 24 (step S309). That is, the UI control unit 141 rearranges the display area 25 displaying the function selection buttons 24 so as to overlap with the task items 301 at the bottom end of the item list 4. In this way, the UI control unit 141 stops hiding the function selection buttons 24 and returns the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 to the original display state.

[0089] Next, the UI control unit 141 returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state (step S310). In this manner, in this embodiment, the reduced display area 15 is returned to its original display state after the hidden function selection buttons 24 are redisplayed. Note that if a scroll operation on the item list 4 is performed before a predetermined time has elapsed since the scroll operation on the item list 4 was stopped (step S308: NO), the UI control unit 141 proceeds to step S303.

[0090] In step S311, the UI control unit 141 determines whether or not the display of the item selection screen 300 has ended. For example, it determines whether or not the item selection screen 300 has been switched to another screen. The UI control unit 141 repeats the processes in steps S301 to S310 described above until the display of the item selection screen 300 has ended (step S311: NO).

[0091] 9, when an operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) is performed on the selection button 18a, the UI control unit 141 displays, as the item list 4, a destination list 4A (see FIG. 6) used for a facsimile function or the like, regardless of which step is being executed. When an operation (specifically, a flick operation or a tap operation) is performed on the selection button 18c, the UI control unit 141 displays, as the item list 4, a document list 4B (see FIG. 7) including data of documents and images read by the scan function, regardless of which step is being executed. When the type of item list 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300 is switched, the UI control unit 141 monitors the operation on the displayed item list 4 and executes the control process shown in FIG. 9.

[0092] Furthermore, the control process shown in FIG. 9 ends, for example, when the power of the multifunction device 100 is turned off, regardless of which step is being executed.

[0093] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300 (step S302: YES), as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the UI control unit 141 reduces the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed (step S303) and hides the function selection buttons 24 (step S304).

[0094] In this way, when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4, the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed is reduced, so that the display area of ​​the item list 4 is enlarged compared to a configuration in which the display state of the display area 15 is maintained even when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4.

[0095] Furthermore, since the display area 15 is reduced when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4, operation of the list selection buttons 18 is possible, compared to a configuration in which the display area 15 is erased, even when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, when scrolling the item list 4, it is possible to expand the display area of ​​the item list 4 while maintaining a state in which operation of the list selection buttons 18 is possible. By expanding the display area of ​​the item list 4, the number of task items 301 displayed on the item selection screen 300 increases, and therefore the task item 301 can be selected quickly.

[0096] In this embodiment, the list selection button 18 is a button for selecting one of the multiple types of recorded item lists 4 (specifically, three types: a priority list 1 and a history list 2, a destination list, and a document list) to be displayed on the item selection screen 300. Therefore, when scrolling the item lists 4, the item lists 4 displayed on the item selection screen 300 can be switched among three types: the priority list 1 and the history list 2, the destination list 4A, and the document list 4B.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the topmost task item 301 of the item list 4. Therefore, the priority list 1 is displayed extending to the top edge of the item selection screen 300. This allows the display area of ​​the item list 4 to be enlarged. By enlarging the display area of ​​the item list 4, the number of items displayed on the item selection screen 300 (such as the task item 301 shown in FIG. 4, item 301A shown in FIG. 6, and item 301B shown in FIG. 7) increases, so that the selection of items, etc. can be performed quickly.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, the list selection button 18 is displayed at the upper end of the item list 4 (specifically, the priority list 1), and the function selection button 24 is displayed superimposed on the lower end of the item list 4 (specifically, the history list 2).

[0099] In this way, the list selection buttons 18 and the function selection buttons 24 are distributed above and below the item list 4, so that the item list 4 is disposed at the center in the scroll direction on the item selection screen 300. This makes it easy to scroll the item list 4. Also, by distributing the list selection buttons 18 and the function selection buttons 24 above and below the item list 4, when the display area 15 of the list selection buttons 18 is reduced and the function selection buttons 24 are hidden, the display area of ​​the item list 4 is expanded vertically.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, when a scroll operation is performed on the item list 4 on the item selection screen 300 (step S302: YES), the UI control unit 141 not only reduces the display area 15 (step S303), but also hides the function selection button 24 (step S304).

[0101] In this way, since the function selection button 24 is hidden, the display area is enlarged at the bottom end side of the item list 4 compared to a configuration in which the display area 25 including the function selection button 24 is reduced. By enlarging the display area of ​​the item list 4, the number of items (task item 301, item 301A, item 301B, etc.) displayed on the item selection screen 300 increases, so that the item selection work can be performed quickly. Note that in this embodiment, the scroll operation of the item list 4 is regarded as an operation for searching for an item (task item 301, item 301A, item 301B, etc.) that the user selects, and the function selection button 24 is hidden as it is unlikely that the user will select the function selection button 24.

[0102] In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling operation on the item list 4 was stopped (step S308: YES), the UI control unit 141 re-displays the function selection buttons 24 that were hidden (step S309), and then returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state (step S310).

[0103] In this way, the hidden function selection buttons 24 are displayed first, and then the reduced display area 15 is returned to its original display state. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 is returned to its original display state first, the operation on the function selection buttons 24 can be performed more quickly after the scrolling operation of the item list 4 is stopped.

[0104] In this embodiment, although the display area 15 is reduced, the display of the list selection buttons 18 itself is maintained, so that the list selection buttons 18 can be operated, while the function selection buttons 24 are hidden. Therefore, by displaying the function selection buttons 24 before returning the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18 to the original display state, it is possible to quickly operate the function selection buttons 24 after the scrolling operation of the item list 4 is stopped.

[0105] (Modification) In this embodiment, when the item list 4 is scrolled, the display area 15 in which the list selection buttons 18 are displayed is reduced, but this is not limited to the above. For example, instead of or in addition to reducing the display area 15, the display area 25 in which the function selection buttons 24 are displayed may be reduced. When reducing the display area 25 in which the function selection buttons 24 are displayed, the display state of the list selection buttons 18 may be maintained without reducing the display area 15, or the display area 15 may be erased to hide the list selection buttons 18.

[0106] In the present embodiment, when the item list 4 is scrolled, the function selection buttons 24 are hidden, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the item list 4 is scrolled, the display state of the function selection buttons 24 may be maintained.

[0107] In the present embodiment, the display area 15 including the list selection button 18 is arranged on the upper end side of the item list 4, but is not limited to this, and may be arranged on the lower end side of the item list 4. In addition, in the present embodiment, the display area 25 including the function selection button 24 is arranged on the lower end side of the item list 4, but is not limited to this, and may be arranged on the upper end side of the item list 4. Therefore, the display area 15 including the list selection button 18 may be arranged on the lower end side of the item list 4, and the display area 25 including the function selection button 24 may be arranged on the upper end side of the item list 4. In addition, both the display area 15 including the list selection button 18 and the display area 25 including the function selection button 24 may be arranged on the upper end side or the lower end side of the item list 4. Furthermore, it is sufficient that one of the display area 15 and the display area 25 is arranged on the upper end side or the lower end side of the item list 4, and the other of the display area 15 and the display area 25 may be arranged, for example, on the center side of the item list 4.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, there is the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18, and the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24, but the configuration may not include the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the display area 25 including the function selection buttons 24 is reduced when the item list 4 is scrolled, the configuration may not include the display area 15 including the list selection buttons 18.

[0109] In addition, in the present embodiment, the reduced display area 15 is superimposed on the topmost task item 301 of the item list 4, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the reduced display area 15 may be configured to be disposed above the topmost task item 301 of the item list 4.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, the UI control unit 141 re-displays the hidden function selection buttons 24 after a predetermined time has elapsed since scrolling of the item list 4 was stopped, and then returns the reduced display area 15 to its original display state, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the reduced display area 15 may be returned to its original display state, and then the hidden function selection buttons 24 may be re-displayed, or the display area 15 may be returned to its original display state and the function selection buttons 24 may be re-displayed at the same time.

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, the task items 301 in the item list 4 are arranged in the vertical direction, and the item list 4 is scrolled in the vertical direction, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the task items 301 in the item list 4 may be arranged in the horizontal direction, and the item list 4 may be scrolled in the horizontal direction. In this case, the display area 15 including the list selection button 18 and the display area 25 including the function selection button 24 are arranged at the left and right ends of the item list 4.

[0112] In the above embodiment, various processors shown below can be used as the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes various processes, such as the UI control unit 141, the display control unit 142, the operation reception unit 143, and the function control unit 144. The various processors include the CPU 111, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, as well as dedicated electric circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processes, such as a PLD (programmable logic device) such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can change the circuit configuration after manufacture, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0113] The above-mentioned various processes may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a plurality of FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). A plurality of processing units may be configured by a single processor. An example of configuring a plurality of processing units by a single processor is a form that uses a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including a plurality of processing units by a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, such as a system on chip (SoC).

[0114] In this way, the various processing units are configured as a hardware structure using one or more of the various processors described above.

[0115] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0116] In addition to the control program of the control device, the technology of the present disclosure also extends to a computer-readable storage medium (such as a USB: Universal Serial Bus) memory or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory)) that non-temporarily stores the control program of the control device.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0118] In this embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 100 is used as an example of an information device, but is not limited to this. Examples of information devices may include telephone line devices such as mobile phones and facsimiles, copiers and printers that do not have a communication function, and image forming devices other than multifunction peripherals may also be used.

[0119] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-239028, filed on December 27, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The technology disclosed herein can expand the display area of ​​an item list in an information device by displaying selection buttons in a reduced size, and the reduced selection buttons can be used even while scrolling the item list. This allows for quick selection of an item list or function, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 4. List of Items 110 Control device 142 Display control section 300 Item selection screen

Claims

1. a display control unit that controls display of an item selection screen on which an item list having a plurality of items to be selected by a user is scrollably displayed; a first button is displayed on the item selection screen at an end of the item list in a scrolling direction; the first button is composed of explanatory characters and an icon for explaining the first button, the display control unit reduces a display area in which the first button is displayed in a direction perpendicular to a scroll direction when the item list is scrolled; when the display area is reduced, the explanatory characters that were displayed are hidden, and the first button is displayed superimposed on the item list; When the display area is reduced, the first button is operable. Control device.

2. When displaying the explanatory text, the display control unit displays the explanatory text below the icon. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. A second button is further displayed before the scrolling is performed; The display control unit hides the second button when the item list is scrolled. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display control unit, after the scrolling is stopped, simultaneously returns the first button to its original display and redisplays the second button. The control device according to claim 3.

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