Image processing device and control method for image processing device

Abstract

To provide a display device or the like that can provide information on optimal device functions by controlling representation on a screen of an icon, an identification tab, a transition button or the like related to a detailed screen.SOLUTION: A display device includes: a display capable of displaying a function display screen based on device functions; and a controller that controls displaying of the function display screen. The function display screen includes a fixed area where displayed content is fixed and a non-fixed area other than the fixed area. The controller determines a display format of the fixed area in accordance with a display format of the non-fixed area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a technique is known for expressing information relating to apparatus functions such as image input / output, communication, job-related functions, or maintenance as graphical information that is easily associated with the user.

[0003] These graphic information are called icons, and can be displayed and used, for example, on a touch panel that combines a display device that displays information to the user and an operation device that accepts user input. The user can perform various processes by referring to the icons arranged on the touch panel or by actually tapping the icons.

[0004] There is a limit to the display area that a display device such as a touch panel can provide. To alleviate the lack of display area, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of hiding low-priority icons when it is not possible to arrange all icons within a predetermined area. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of changing the display size of icons depending on the frequency of use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-118456 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-102001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the conventional technology, it is not possible to refer to all information about related device functions. To refer to all information about device functions, for example, it is possible to (1) display a separate screen (hereinafter referred to as a detailed screen) on which all information can be referred to, or (2) provide an input means (transition button) that enables transition to the detailed screen in addition to the configuration of the detailed screen.

[0007] In this case, if an icon that evokes the details screen or a transition button for transitioning to the details screen is displayed while the details screen is being displayed, this would be redundant and could confuse the user.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to provide a display device, etc., that is capable of providing information regarding optimal device functions by controlling the on-screen display of icons, identification tabs, transition buttons, etc. related to detailed screens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the display device of the present disclosure comprises a display unit capable of displaying a function display screen based on device information, and a control unit that controls the display of the function display screen, wherein the function display screen has a fixed area in which the display content is fixed and a non-fixed area other than the fixed area, and the control unit determines the display form of the function identification information to be displayed in the fixed area depending on the display form in the non-fixed area.

[0010] An image processing device according to the present disclosure is characterized by including the display device and an image processing unit that processes images as a device function.

[0011] In addition, the display method according to the present disclosure includes a display step of displaying a function display screen based on device information and a control step of controlling the display of the function display screen, wherein the function display screen has a fixed area in which the display content is fixed and a non-fixed area other than the fixed area, and the control step is characterized in that it determines the display form of the function identification information to be displayed in the fixed area according to the display form in the non-fixed area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device etc. that can provide information regarding optimal device functions by controlling the on-screen representation of icons, identification tabs, transition buttons, etc. related to detailed screens. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display icon management table. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 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 a single housing will be described as a form of a display device or an image processing device equipped with such a display device. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description set forth in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0015] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment is a mode in which the display mode of an icon serving as function identification information is determined when a home screen is displayed as the display mode of a non-fixed area.

[0016] [1.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view that schematically explains the overall configuration of the multifunction peripheral 10. Fig. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral 10. The multifunction peripheral 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The display unit 13 displays various types of information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display, or the like.

[0019] 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 (for example, a numeric keypad), buttons, etc. 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, for example, a general method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0020] The communication unit has a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, a fax line, etc.

[0021] Image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data on paper as a recording medium. Image forming unit 19 feeds paper from paper feed unit 25, forms an image on the paper based on the image data, and then discharges the paper to paper discharge unit 27. Image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer that uses an electrophotographic method. In this case, image forming unit 19 forms an image using toner supplied from toner cartridges (not shown) that correspond to toner colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).

[0022] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading the document 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 is configured to generate image data by reading a reflected light image from the document image with an image sensor.

[0023] 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 RAM (Random access memory), an HDD (Hard disk drive), an SSD (Solid state drive), or a ROM (Read only memory).

[0024] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a control program 231, a display control program 232, a display determination program 233, and an operation determination program 234, and reserves a display icon management table storage area 235 and a display icon etc. storage area 236.

[0025] The control program 231 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 to perform processing based on each function, such as copying, faxing, image transmission, etc. The control unit 11 that reads the control program 231 realizes each function by controlling the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, image forming unit 19, image reading unit 21, etc.

[0026] The display control program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when controlling the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15. The control unit 11 that reads out the display control program 232 controls the display of icons on the screen as function identification information related to the detailed screen. In the first embodiment, the icons related to the detailed screen are configured to be displayable in a fixed area in which the display content is fixed and a non-fixed area other than the fixed area in a displayable area of ​​the touch panel (in this disclosure, the display screen related to this area is referred to as a function display screen). Specific aspects of the fixed area and the non-fixed area will be described later. Note that in the first embodiment, 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.

[0027] The display determination program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining the display position of an icon before controlling the expression of the icon on the detail screen. After reading the display determination program 233, the control unit 11 determines the display position and display form of the icon based on parameters set for each icon in accordance with the display form in the non-fixed area.

[0028] The operation determination program 234 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when a screen operation by the user is accepted. After reading the operation determination program 234, the control unit 11 detects a touch, tap operation, etc. by the user and determines the operation content.

[0029] The display icon management table storage area 235 is a storage area for storing parameters set for each icon. Here, a configuration example of the display icon management table according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0030] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a display icon management table. The display icon management table includes, as management parameters, an icon ID, a display icon, a device function, content, fixed area coordinates (display position 1), non-fixed area coordinates (display position 2), a fixed area display flag, a priority, and a display flag.

[0031] The icon ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying each icon. The display icon represents the graphic information (file name) of the icon. In addition to the file name, the display icon can also include path information to the display icon storage area 236 where the file is stored.

[0032] The device function indicates the device function represented by the icon. The device function is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, image output 1 (image formation for forming an image on paper based on image data), image output 2 (output of image data), image input 1 (image reading by a scanner device or the like), image input 2 (input from an external (storage) device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory), communication, job-related, maintenance-related, etc. In the first embodiment, a mode of setting parameters for icons classified by each device function will be described.

[0033] The content indicates the specific content that each icon represents. For example, icon ID "0010" is an example of an icon whose content represents "Toner is empty."

[0034] The fixed area coordinates (display position 1) represent the display coordinates of the icon to be displayed in the fixed area. The display of an icon in the fixed area can be set by selecting the icon via a setting screen, which will be described later. In the first embodiment, the number of icons that can be displayed in the fixed area is described as three, but the number of icons that can be displayed can be changed as appropriate depending on the displayable area. When an icon to be displayed in the fixed area is selected, it is assigned one of the display positions (a1, b1), (a2, b1), or (a3, b1) according to the selected priority. Figure 3 shows an example in which icon IDs "0040," "0022," and "0050" are set as icons to be displayed in the fixed area, and (a1, b1), (a2, b1), and (a3, b1) are assigned as the display positions of each icon.

[0035] The non-fixed area coordinates (display position 2) represent the display coordinates of the icon to be displayed in the non-fixed area. All icons with the display flag set to "y" can be displayed in the non-fixed area. Figure 3 shows an example in which (t1,s1), (t2,s1), (t3,s1), (t4,s1), (t5,s1), (t6,s1), (t7,s1), and (t8,s1) are assigned as the display positions of the icons with icon IDs "0010", "0011", "0021", "0022", "0030", "0040", "0050", and "0060", whose display flags are set to "y", respectively.

[0036] The fixed area display flag indicates whether or not an icon can be displayed in the fixed area. Icons whose parameter of the display flag is set to "y" are displayed in the fixed area.

[0037] The priority indicates the display priority of the icon to be displayed in the fixed area. Fig. 3 shows an example in which priorities "1", "2", and "3" are set for icons associated with icon IDs "0040", "0022", and "0050", respectively. The icons with icon IDs "0040", "0022", and "0050" are displayed in the fixed area in order of priority. For example, if the fixed display flag of an icon whose priority parameter is set to "3" is set to "n", the icon whose priority parameter is set to the next highest priority "4" will be displayed in the fixed area.

[0038] The display flag indicates whether the icon can be displayed. In the non-fixed area, an icon whose display flag parameter is set to "y" is displayed.

[0039] The display icon etc. storage area 236 is a storage area for storing graphic files of icons. In addition to graphic files of icons, the display icon etc. storage area 236 can also store graphic files of input buttons (e.g., transition buttons related to screen transitions) that accept operation inputs by the user.

[0040] [1.2 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing in the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of registering parameters in the display icon management table. This process is executed by the control unit 11 reading out the control program 231, the operation determination program 234, etc.

[0041] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a display icon setting instruction has been input by the user (step S10).

[0042] If it is determined that a display icon setting instruction has been input by the user, the control unit 11 accepts the display icon setting input (step S10; Yes→step S20). On the other hand, if it is determined that a display icon setting instruction has not been input, the control unit 11 ends the process (step S10; No→end).

[0043] When the control unit 11 receives the display icon setting input, it registers the input value as a parameter in the display icon management table, and ends the process (step S20 to step S30).

[0044] Next, the display process of icons as function identification information will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. This process is executed by the control unit 11 reading out the control program 231, the display control program 232, the display determination program 233, the operation determination program 234, or the like.

[0045] First, the control unit 11 receives a display instruction input for a home screen (step S40). The home screen is a setting reception screen that aggregates and arranges input buttons that represent various information and settings related to device functions such as image input / output, communication, job-related, or maintenance using graphics, letters, numbers, or symbols. The home screen is displayed in a non-fixed area, for example, when the device is powered on, when the device is restored from a sleep state, before a login user logs in to the device, when login authentication is turned off, etc.

[0046] Next, the control unit 11 acquires parameters of the display icon management table (step S50).

[0047] The control unit 11 determines whether the parameter for display icon setting is “Yes.” In this case, the control unit 11 refers to the parameter for the display flag in the display icon management table (step S60).

[0048] If the control unit 11 determines that the parameter for the display icon setting is "Yes", it determines whether the icon is to be displayed in a fixed area (display position 1) (step S60; Yes → step S70). In this case, the control unit 11 refers to the parameters of the fixed area coordinates and the fixed area display flag in the display icon management table.

[0049] If it is determined that the icon is to be displayed in the fixed area, the control unit 11 displays the icon in the fixed area (step S70; Yes→step S80).

[0050] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the display in the fixed area is completely filled (step S90). If it is determined that the display in the fixed area is completely filled, the control unit 11 displays a reduced version of the system information button that accepts an instruction to display a detailed screen (step S90; Yes → step S100). Then, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S110) and ends the process.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined that the display icon setting is "No" (step S60; No), or if the icon is not displayed in a fixed area (step S70; No), the control unit 11 performs a process of hiding the icon (step S120). Then, the control unit 11 displays the system information button in the normal size (step S130), displays the home screen (step S110), and ends the process.

[0052] If it is determined that the display in the fixed area is not completely filled, the control unit 11 determines whether or not all the acquired parameters have been referenced (step S90; No → step S140). If it is determined that all the acquired parameters have been referenced, the control unit 11 displays a reduced version of the system information button (step S140; Yes → step S100). Then, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S110) and ends the process.

[0053] On the other hand, if it is determined that all of the acquired parameters have not been referred to, the control unit 11 checks the next display icon setting (step S140; No→step S150), and returns the process to step S60.

[0054] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 shows an example of the screen configuration of a function display screen W10 according to the first embodiment. The function display screen W10 displays a setting reception screen, so-called a home screen, in a non-fixed area R20, which is displayed when the device is powered on, when it is restored from a sleep state, before a login user logs in to the device, when the login authentication function is off, etc. Note that Fig. 6 corresponds to the processing related to step S60 (No), step S120, step S130, and step S110 in Fig. 5, and shows an example of operation when all display icon settings are set to "No."

[0055] The function display screen W10 has a fixed area R10 and a non-fixed area R20. The fixed area R10 is formed above the function display screen directly above the non-fixed area R20, and is an area where the display content is fixed. The fixed area R10 of the function display screen W10 includes a system information button B10 that accepts input to display a detailed screen. The user can display the detailed screen by pressing the system information button B10.

[0056] The non-fixed area R20 includes a device function selection button area R30 that constitutes the home screen. The device function selection button area R30 includes input buttons that represent settings and various information related to device functions such as image input / output, communication, job-related, or maintenance using graphics, letters, numbers, or symbols. In the example of FIG. 6, the device function selection button area R30 includes a simple copy button, a simple fax button, a simple scan button, a print resource button, a setting history button, a shared folder button, a scan and save button, and a display icon setting button B20. The user can select and press a desired input button from these input buttons to execute a function based on the selected function.

[0057] Here, the display icon setting button B20 is an input button that accepts the display icon setting instruction input described in the flowchart of Fig. 4. When the display icon setting button B20 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays a display icon setting screen that will be described in the next figure.

[0058] 7 shows an example of the screen configuration of the display icon setting screen W20. The display icon setting screen W20 is a setting screen that is displayed superimposed on the function display screen W10 when the display icon setting button B20 in the device function selection button area R30 is pressed.

[0059] The display icon setting screen W20 includes a device function selection tab T10 that accepts the setting of a display icon for each device function, which is one of the management parameters of the display icon management table illustrated in Fig. 3. For example, when the user selects the "Image Output 1" tab of the device function selection tab T10, the display icon setting screen W20 that accepts the setting of an icon related to "Image Output 1" is displayed. Here, the setting items of the display icon will be explained using the display icon setting screen W21 related to the "Communication" tab, in which the display setting in the fixed region R10 is set to "Yes."

[0060] The display icon setting screen W21 includes an icon display area R40, an icon ID display area R41, a content display area R42, a fixed area selection area R43, a priority selection area R44, and a display setting selection area R45.

[0061] The icon display area R40 is a display area that displays the icon figure (information). The icon ID display area R41 is a display area that displays the icon ID. The content display area R42 is a display area that displays the specific content represented by the icon. The user can configure the display settings for each icon while checking the items displayed in the icon display area R40, icon ID display area R41, or content display area R42.

[0062] The fixed area selection area R43 includes an input box for accepting the selection of an icon to be displayed in the fixed area. When "y", indicating display in the fixed area R10, is set in the input box, the fixed area display flag in the display icon management table is set to "y". The priority selection area R44 includes an input box for accepting the selection of the display priority of the icon to be displayed in the fixed area R10. When a parameter indicating the priority (priority "1" in the example of FIG. 7) is set in the input box, the priority in the display icon management table is set to that parameter. The display setting selection area R45 includes an input box for accepting the selection of the display setting of the icon. When "y", indicating display in the non-fixed area R20, is set in the input box, the display flag in the display icon management table is set to "y".

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram summarizing the display modes of icons when a home screen is displayed as a display mode of a non-fixed area.

[0064] When the display icon setting is "Yes", the icon set to be displayed in the fixed region R10 (fixed region icon) is displayed in the fixed region (display position 1) and is not displayed in the non-fixed region R20. Then, due to the display of the fixed region icon, the system information button is displayed in a reduced size.

[0065] On the other hand, if the display icon setting is "No," the fixed area icons and non-fixed area icons are hidden. Since the fixed area icons are hidden, the system information button is displayed in normal size.

[0066] 9 shows an example of the screen layout of the function display screen W11 that is displayed when the display icon setting is "Yes." The screen layout example of the function display screen W11 is substantially the same as that of the function display screen W10 shown in FIG. 6, so the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0067] If the display icon setting is "Yes", as described with reference to FIG. 8 and other figures, the fixed area icon is displayed in the fixed area R10, and the system information button is displayed in a reduced size.

[0068] That is, the function display screen W11 in FIG. 9 includes a fixed area icon display area R50 and a reduced-sized system information button B11 instead of the system information button B10 in the fixed area R10 of the function display screen W10 in FIG.

[0069] The fixed area icon display area R50 is a display area that displays fixed area icons. The fixed area icon display area R50 can display three icons (icon IDs "0040", "0022", and "0050") based on the settings in the display icon management table. The system information button B11 is one of the display forms when the system information button B10 is displayed in a reduced size, and is functionally identical to the system information button B10.

[0070] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if the display format in the non-fixed area is not a screen that directly displays information about device functions, such as a home screen, and the displayable area is limited, by placing icons related to device functions and a system information button that accepts instructions to display a detailed screen in the fixed area, it is possible to provide the user with information about optimal device functions.

[0071] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is a mode in which the display mode of an icon as function identification information is determined when a details screen is displayed as the display mode of a non-fixed area.

[0072] [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.

[0073] [2.2 Processing flow] Next, a processing flow according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the display processing of icons as function identification information. This processing is executed by the control unit 11 reading out the control program 231, the display control program 232, the display determination program 233, the operation determination program 234, etc.

[0074] First, the control unit 11 receives an input command to display a detailed screen (step S160). The detailed screen is a screen for referring to all information on related device functions. The detailed screen can be displayed by pressing the system information button B10 on the function display screen W10 or the system information button B11 on the function display screen W11, as exemplified in the first embodiment.

[0075] Next, the control unit 11 acquires the parameters of the display icon management table (step S170).

[0076] The control unit 11 determines whether the parameter for display icon setting is “Yes.” In this case, the control unit 11 refers to the parameter for the display flag in the display icon management table (step S180).

[0077] If it is determined that the parameter for setting the display icon is "Yes", the control unit 11 displays the icon in the non-fixed area (display position 2) (step S180; Yes→step S190).

[0078] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not all the acquired parameters have been referred to (step S200). If it is determined that all the acquired parameters have been referred to, the control unit 11 changes the display of the system information button to a close button (step S200; Yes → step S210). Then, the control unit 11 displays a details screen (step S220) and ends the process.

[0079] Incidentally, when the control unit 11 has not received an input of an instruction to display the details screen (step S160; No), it can execute the processes relating to steps S40 to S150 in FIG. 5, for example.

[0080] If the display icon setting is determined to be "No", the control unit 11 performs a process of hiding the icon (step S180; No → step S230). Then, the control unit 11 displays the system information button in the normal size (step S240), displays the details screen (step S220), and ends the process.

[0081] If it is determined that all of the acquired parameters have not been referred to, the control unit 11 checks the next display icon setting and returns the process to step S180 (step S200; No→step S250).

[0082] [2.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of the operation of the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram summarizing the display modes of icons when a detailed screen is displayed as a display mode of a non-fixed area.

[0083] When the detailed screen display is "Yes", the fixed area icon set to be displayed in the fixed area R10 is displayed in the non-fixed area R20, and the non-fixed area icon set to be displayed in the non-fixed area R20 is also displayed in the non-fixed area R20. In addition, the display of the system information button is changed to a close button.

[0084] On the other hand, if the detailed screen display is "No", the processing relating to steps S40 to S150 in Fig. 5 can be executed. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the fixed area icons are displayed in the fixed area R10, and the non-fixed area icons are hidden. Then, due to the display of the fixed area icons, the system information button is displayed in a reduced size.

[0085] Fig. 12 shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W30 that is displayed when the detailed screen display is "Yes." Note that Fig. 12 shows an example of the operation corresponding to the processing relating to steps S180 (Yes) to S220 in Fig. 10.

[0086] Like the function display screens W10 and W11, the function display screen W30 includes a fixed area R10 and a non-fixed area R20. The fixed area R10 includes a close button B13 that accepts an input to end the display of the details screen. The close button B13 prevents overlapping with icons displayed in the non-fixed area R20, making the button for closing the details screen stand out.

[0087] The non-fixed area R20 includes a machine information display area R60 and a notice display area R70, which constitute the details screen.

[0088] The machine information display area R60 is a display area that displays information related to the machine status (for example, communication settings, communication status, etc.). The machine information display area R60 according to the second embodiment also includes a non-fixed area icon display area R61. The non-fixed area icon display area R61 is a display area that displays all fixed area icons and non-fixed area icons that have been set for display (display flags set to "y") in the display icon management table of FIG. 3.

[0089] The notification display area R70 is a display area that displays notifications to the user. For example, the notification display area R70 displays relatively urgent information that requires a prompt response from the user before image processing can continue. If the content of the notification matches the content represented by an icon, the corresponding icon is also displayed, as shown within a dashed frame in the figure. In this case, to avoid overlapping icon display, it is also possible to limit the display of the icon displayed in the notification display area R70 in the non-fixed area icon display area R61, as shown in the example of FIG. 12.

[0090] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the display format in the non-fixed area is a format that displays information about device functions such as a details screen, it is possible to provide the user with all of the information about the device functions. Furthermore, instead of arranging icons in the fixed area, a close button for terminating the display of the details screen is provided, which prevents overlapping of icons and makes the button for closing the details screen stand out.

[0091] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is a form in which a multifunction peripheral has a function for displaying a detail screen as a main screen or a sub-screen. In this disclosure, the screen displayed at the bottom when multiple images are displayed in an overlapping manner is referred to as the main screen. In this disclosure, a screen displayed superimposed on the main screen is referred to as a sub-screen. Typically, the main screen is assigned an operation screen for copying, faxing, image transmission, etc., or a home screen, taking into account frequency of use and operability. In contrast, the detail screen is often assigned as a sub-screen because of its secondary role as a means of transmitting information about device functions. However, for users who want to always display a detail screen, providing a function for displaying the detail screen as the main screen can satisfy the user's needs. The third embodiment is a form in which, when a detail screen is displayed as a main screen or a sub-screen, the display of an identification tab for the detail screen and transition buttons related to screen transitions is controlled.

[0092] [3.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction device 30 according to the third embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to designate parts having the same configuration as the multifunction device 10, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] 13 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 30. The multifunction device 30 includes a storage unit 33 instead of the storage unit 23 of the multifunction device 10.

[0094] The storage unit 33 stores a control program 231, a display control program 232, a display determination program 333, and an operation determination program 234, and reserves a display icon management table storage area 235 and a display icon etc. storage area 236.

[0095] The display determination program 333 includes a screen determination program 3331. The screen determination program 3331 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 at the timing of displaying a detailed screen, such as when there is a screen transition from an operation screen for copy, fax, image transmission, or the like to a detailed screen, or conversely when there is a screen transition from a detailed screen to an operation screen. Having read the screen determination program 3331, the control unit 11 determines whether the detailed screen is to be displayed on the main screen or on the sub-screen.

[0096] [3.2 Processing flow] Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing according to the third embodiment. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing for determining the display mode of the identification tab of the detail screen and the transition button related to the screen transition depending on whether the detail screen is displayed as the main screen or not.

[0097] First, the control unit 11 determines whether the detailed screen being displayed in the non-fixed area is being displayed as a main screen or a sub-screen at the timing of displaying the detailed screen (step S260).

[0098] When it is determined that the details screen being displayed in the non-fixed area is being displayed as the main screen, the control unit 11 displays a system information tab in the fixed area as an identification tab for the details screen (step S260; Yes→step S270).

[0099] Next, the control unit 11 assigns an operation identifier (for example, an underline) to the system information tab, indicating that the details screen is a screen being operated (selected) by the user (step S280).

[0100] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has selected an operation screen relating to a desired device function (step S290).

[0101] If it is determined that the desired operation screen has been selected by the user, the control unit 11 displays the operation screen (selection operation screen) as a sub-screen (step S290; Yes → step S300). If it is determined that the user has not selected an operation screen, the control unit 11 continues to display the details screen as the main screen (step S290; No).

[0102] With the display of the selection operation screen, the control unit 11 stops assigning the operation identifier to the system information tab and assigns the operation identifier to the tab representing the selection operation screen (step S310).

[0103] Then, when the operation via the selection operation screen is completed or no operation via the selection operation screen is performed for a specified time, the control unit 11 returns to the display with the details screen as the main screen (step S320; Yes→step S330).

[0104] The control unit 11 stops assigning the operation identifier to the tab representing the selection operation screen, assigns the operation identifier to the system information tab (step S340), and ends the process.

[0105] Incidentally, if the detail screen being displayed in the non-fixed area is not displayed as the main screen, the control unit 11 assigns an operation identifier to the tab representing the operation screen being displayed on the main screen (step S260; No→step S350).

[0106] Next, the control unit 11 displays a close button in the fixed area as a display end button that accepts an input to end the display of the details screen (step S360).

[0107] When the user presses the close button, the control unit 11 ends the display of the details screen as a sub-screen and resumes display of the operation screen as the main screen (step S370; Yes → step S380). Note that the control unit 11 continues to display the details screen as a sub-screen until the close button is pressed (step S370; No).

[0108] [3.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example of the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when a detail screen is displayed as a main screen in non-fixed region R20. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when a detail screen is displayed as a sub-screen in non-fixed region R20. Note that Fig. 15 is an operation example corresponding to the processing from step S260 (Yes) to step S340 in Fig. 14, and Fig. 16 is an operation example corresponding to the processing from step S260 (No) to step S380 in Fig. 14.

[0109] 15(a) is an example of the screen configuration of a function display screen W40 that displays a details screen as the main screen. The function display screen W40 can have substantially the same configuration as the function display screen W30 described in FIG. 12 of the second embodiment. The function display screen W40 differs from the function display screen W30 in that it displays a system information tab T20 in the fixed area R10.

[0110] The system information tab T20 functions as identification information for indicating that the screen displayed as the main screen is a details screen. In addition, an operation identifier L10 (underlined) may be added to the bottom of the system information tab T20 to indicate that the details screen is being operated (selected).

[0111] Fig. 15(b) shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W50 when the user selects the Simple Copy tab T30 from the state shown in Fig. 15(a) and the operation screen for Simple Copy is displayed as a sub-screen. In the example of Fig. 15(b), the selection tabs for Simple Fax and Simple Scan are omitted for ease of explanation.

[0112] As the operation screen for simple copy is displayed, the operation identifier L10 assigned to the bottom of the system information tab T20 is assigned to the bottom of the simple copy tab T30, indicating that the operation screen for simple copy is being operated (selected).

[0113] If the operation via the operation screen related to the simple copy is completed or a specified time has passed without any operation from the state shown in Figure 15(b), the operation screen related to the simple copy will return to the state of the function display screen W40 shown in Figure 15(a) (Figure 15(c)).

[0114] Fig. 16(a) shows an example of the configuration of a function display screen W60 that displays as its main screen the operation screen for simple copy shown in Fig. 15. The function display screen W60 can have substantially the same configuration as the function display screen W50. The function display screen W60 differs from the function display screen W50 in that it displays a system information button B15 in the fixed area R10.

[0115] The system information button B15 is an input button that accepts an instruction input to display the details screen as a sub-screen. An operation identifier L10 (underlined) is attached below the simple copy tab T30, indicating that the operation screen is currently being operated (selected). Note that, for ease of explanation, the selection tabs for simple fax and simple scan are omitted from the example in FIG. 16(a).

[0116] FIG. 16(b) shows an example of the screen configuration of the function display screen W70 when the user presses the system information button B15 from the state shown in FIG. 16(a) and the details screen is displayed as a sub-screen.

[0117] The function display screen W70 differs from the function display screen W40 in that it displays a close button B17 in the fixed area R10. The user can close the display of the details screen by pressing the close button B17.

[0118] In this case, since the operation screen for simple copy is the main screen, there is no change in the display of the operation identifier L10 that is added below the simple copy tab T30 and indicates that the operation screen for simple copy is being operated (selected).

[0119] When the close button B17 is pressed in the state of FIG. 16(b), the details screen as a sub-screen is closed and the screen returns to the state of the function display screen W70 exemplified in FIG. 16(a) (FIG. 16(c)).

[0120] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when a details screen is displayed as a main screen or a sub-screen, by controlling the display of the identification tab of the details screen and the transition buttons related to screen transitions, it is possible to provide the user with information regarding optimal device functions.

[0121] In the first and second embodiments, the display settings of the icons are described as being selected by the user, but it is also possible to configure the icons to be displayed to be set based on (machine) learning results that use parameters such as the number of times the icon is referenced and the importance of the display content.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0123] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0124] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0125] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, 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) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described 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.

[0126] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored on 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]

[0127] 10, 30 multifunction devices 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23, 33 Storage section 231 Control Program 232 Display Control Program 233, 333 Display Judgment Program 234 Operation Judgment Program 235 Display icon management table storage area 235 Display icon storage area 3331 Screen Judgment Program

Claims

1. a display unit that displays a display screen; a control unit that controls the display of the display screen, the display screen has a first area that displays a first button for accepting a first instruction to display a screen including information about the device, and a second area that displays a screen including information about the device when an operation on the first button is accepted, The control unit An image processing device characterized in that, when an operation on the first button is accepted, a second button for accepting a second instruction different from the first instruction is displayed at the position where the first button was displayed.

2. The control unit The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when an operation on the first button is accepted, the first button is made non-displayable.

3. The second button is 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the button is for accepting an instruction to end display of the screen including the information about the device.

4. The control unit 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information about the apparatus is displayed in a list on a screen including the information about the apparatus.

5. A screen containing information about the device may include:

5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the device includes at least one of information relating to a network and information relating to a transfer error.

6. The display screen includes:

6. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: the first area; and the second area other than the first area.

7. The second region is 7. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first area is an area where a display content corresponding to a button that has been operated is displayed.

8. a display unit that displays a display screen; a control unit that controls the display of the display screen, the display screen has a first area that displays a first button for accepting a first instruction to display a screen for confirming at least information related to a network, and a second area that displays the screen for confirming at least information related to the network when an operation on the first button is accepted, The control unit An image processing device characterized in that, when an operation on the first button is accepted, a second button for accepting a second instruction different from the first instruction is displayed at the position where the first button was displayed.

9. The control unit 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when an operation on the first button is accepted, the first button is made non-displayable.

10. The second button is 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the button is for accepting an instruction to end display of the screen for confirming at least information related to the network.

11. The screen for confirming at least information about the network includes:

11. The image processing device according to claim 8, wherein the screen also serves as a screen for checking information relating to a transfer error.

12. The display screen includes:

12. The image processing device according to claim 8, further comprising: the first area; and the second area other than the first area.

13. The second region is 13. The image processing device according to claim 8, wherein the first area is an area where a display content corresponding to a button that has been operated is displayed.

14. a display unit that displays a display screen; A control method for an image processing device including a control unit that controls display on the display screen, the display screen has a first area that displays a first button for accepting a first instruction to display a screen including information about the device, and a second area that displays a screen including information about the device when an operation on the first button is accepted, The control unit A control method for an image processing device, characterized in that when an operation on the first button is accepted, a second button for accepting a second instruction different from the first instruction is displayed in the position where the first button was displayed.

15. a display unit that displays a display screen; A control method for an image processing device including a control unit that controls display on the display screen, the display screen has a first area that displays a first button for accepting a first instruction to display a screen for confirming at least information related to a network, and a second area that displays the screen for confirming at least information related to the network when an operation on the first button is accepted, The control unit A control method for an image processing device, characterized in that when an operation on the first button is accepted, a second button for accepting a second instruction different from the first instruction is displayed in the position where the first button was displayed.

Images