Information processing device, image processing device, control method and program for information processing device

Abstract

To maintain operability of operation buttons displayed together with a software numeric keypad while preventing an erroneous operation using the software numeric keypad.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus includes: an application control unit 303 which determines whether a screen displayed in a display 119 is a destination input screen for inputting a destination; and a software numeric keypad control unit 305 which controls display of a software numeric keypad 202 displayed in the display 119. When the screen displayed in the display 119 is the destination input screen, the software numeric keypad control unit 305 displays the software numeric keypad 202 by enlarging it as compared with the case where the screen is not the destination input screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a control method of an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In an image processing apparatus having a scan function, a print function, etc., as an operation unit for receiving an operation from a user, in addition to a hardware key such as a start key, an apparatus provided with a touch panel is becoming common. Note that the start key is a key for executing the image processing apparatus. On the other hand, for the purpose of cost reduction and design improvement due to miniaturization of the operation unit, there is a demand for an image processing apparatus that eliminates hardware keys and enables all inputs to be performed on a touch panel. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a start key that has been provided as a hardware key is displayed on a display as a software key, and thus an input from a touch panel can be received. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a numeric keypad used for numeric input is superimposed and displayed on an existing screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if the software numeric keypad is too small for the user's finger size, errors may occur, such as selecting the wrong key. One way to prevent these errors is to enlarge the software numeric keypad. However, in a configuration where the software numeric keypad is superimposed on the existing screen, as in Patent Document 2, there is a risk that all or part of the existing screen may be obscured by the enlarged software numeric keypad.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an image processing device that prevents erroneous operations using a software numeric keypad while maintaining the operability of the operation buttons displayed together with the software numeric keypad. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is: The display unit shows a first screen that includes a destination area where the entered destination is displayed, and a software numeric keypad of a first size. Display control Step The display control means is provided, When displaying a pop-up area superimposed on the destination area, the display unit displays a second screen including the pop-up area and a second software numeric keypad of a smaller size than the first size software numeric keypad. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent accidental operation using the software numeric keypad while maintaining the operability of the operation buttons displayed together with the software numeric keypad. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the software configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of a home screen. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example screen of a fax application. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example screen of a fax application. [Figure 6]This flowchart shows the process of changing the size of the soft numeric keypad depending on whether or not it is a screen for entering a destination address. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a table on the recipient input screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a destination input function table. [Figure 9] This is an example of the copy function screen. [Figure 10] This is an example of a fax machine's function screen. [Figure 11] This shows an example of a settings screen for setting the initial size of the soft numeric keypad. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a table that manages the initial settings of a soft numeric keypad. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the process of switching the size of the software numeric keypad depending on the type of application being launched. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates an example of changing the display size of the soft numeric keypad and other operation buttons. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device to which each embodiment of the present invention can be applied. As an example of an information processing device, an image processing device 101 will be described. The image processing device 101 includes a control unit 103, an operation unit 123, an external memory 121, a printer 125, a scanner 127, and a line I / F 129. The control unit 103 includes a CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, HDD 117, an input unit I / F 114, a display unit I / F 115, an external memory I / F 120, a communication I / F controller 122, a printer I / F 124, a scanner I / F 126, and a modem 128. These are connected to each other via a system bus 110, and can exchange data with each other via the system bus 110. In addition, a touch panel 116 is connected to the input unit I / F 114, a display 119 is connected to the display unit I / F 115, and an external memory 121 is connected to the external memory I / F 120. Furthermore, the printer 125 is connected to the printer I / F 124, the scanner 127 to the scanner I / F 126, and the line I / F 129 to the modem 128. Each component connected to the system bus 110 is configured to exchange data with each other via the system bus 110.

[0010] ROM 113 is a non-volatile memory in which image data, other data, and various programs for the operation of the CPU 111 are stored in designated areas. RAM 112 is a volatile memory used as the main memory and temporary storage area of ​​the CPU 111, such as the work area. RAM 112 is also used as a storage area to hold information for screen display. HDD 117 is a read / write non-volatile storage device in which various data are stored, such as programs for controlling the entire image processing device 101, various application programs, and setting information. The CPU 111 controls each part of the image processing device 101 using RAM 112 as work memory, according to the programs stored in ROM 113, HDD 117, and external memory 121.

[0011] The operation unit 123 is an interface for allowing the user to operate the image processing apparatus 101 via the input unit I / F 114 and the display unit I / F 115. The operation unit 123 is constituted by, for example, a combination of a touch panel 116 and a display 119. By associating the input coordinates and the display coordinates on the touch panel 116, a GUI can be configured as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the touch panel 116. The user gives instructions such as job execution instructions to the image processing apparatus 101 on the user interface screen displayed on the touch panel 116.

[0012] The input unit I / F 114 receives an operation from the user, generates a control signal corresponding to the operation, and supplies it to the CPU 111. For example, the input unit I / F 114 has, as an input device for receiving the user's operation, a device for inputting and processing character information such as an operation button or a keyboard and a device for giving an instruction to execute processing, or a pointing device such as a mouse or the touch panel 116.

[0013] The touch panel 116 is an input device configured such that coordinate information corresponding to the position where it is touched is output to, for example, a planar input unit. The CPU 111 controls each unit of the image processing apparatus 101 according to a program based on the control signal generated and supplied by the input unit I / F 114 in response to the user operation performed on the input device. Thereby, the image processing apparatus 101 can be made to perform an operation corresponding to the user operation. This may be replaced with a mouse (not shown).

[0014] The display unit I / F 115 outputs a display signal for causing the display 119 to display an image. The CPU 111 supplies a display control signal generated according to a program to the display unit I / F 115. The display unit I / F 115 causes the display 119 to display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on this display control signal.

[0015] In this embodiment, the touch panel 116 is integrated with the display 119. The touch panel 116 is configured such that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display 119, and is mounted on the upper layer of the display surface of the display 119. The CPU 111 then associates the input coordinates on the touch panel 116 with the display coordinates on the display 119. This makes it possible to configure a GUI that makes it appear as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display 119.

[0016] The external memory interface 120 allows for the insertion of external memory devices 121, such as hard disks, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, USB drives, and memory cards. Based on the control of the CPU 111, the external memory interface 120 reads data from the inserted external memory devices 121 and writes data to the external memory devices 121.

[0017] The image processing device 101 connects to the network 102 via the communication I / F controller 122. The communication I / F controller 122 communicates with the network 102 based on the control of the CPU 111. The network 102 is a so-called communication network, which is realized by one or a combination of a LAN, WAN, telephone line, dedicated digital line, cable television line, wireless line for data broadcasting, etc., such as the Internet.

[0018] The printer interface 124 is an interface for connecting the printer 125 and the system bus 110. Image data to be printed by the printer 125, such as print data received from an external source via the network 102, is transferred from the system bus 110 via the printer interface 124 and printed on the recording medium (paper) by the printer 125.

[0019] The scanner I / F 126 is an interface for connecting the scanner 127 and the system bus 110. The scanner 127 reads the image on the document, generates image data, and inputs it to the system bus 110 via the scanner I / F 126.

[0020] MODEM128 connects to the public telephone network 131 via line I / F129 and performs communication processing with other external devices such as image processing devices, facsimile machines, and telephones (not shown). The line I / F129 and the public telephone network 131 are generally connected by telephone lines 130 or the like.

[0021] Figure 2 shows the software configuration of an information processing device to which each embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In this embodiment, the illustrated software module is realized by the CPU 111 controlling the RAM 112, ROM 113, input I / F 114, display I / F 115, printer I / F 124, and scanner I / F 126.

[0022] The image processing device 101 includes an application 304, a screen display control unit 301, a screen input control unit 302, an application control unit 303, and a soft numeric keypad control unit 305. The screen display control unit 301 manages the screen for the entire application. Specifically, the screen display control unit 301 mainly performs the process of transferring screen information to the display 119 and the process of notifying the application of events input from the touch panel 116. The soft numeric keypad control unit 305 controls the display of the software numeric keypad (hereinafter referred to as the soft numeric keypad) on the display 119. The screen display control unit 301 and the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 function as display control means.

[0023] The screen input control unit 302 converts operations from the touch panel 116 into input signals in the input I / F 114, receives and analyzes the input signals, and converts them into an event format that can be sent to the application. The screen input control unit 302 then notifies the screen display control unit 301 of the input signals. The application control unit 303 starts or switches the application 304, described later, in response to the input from the touch panel 116. The application control unit 303 also displays the application 304 on the display 119 via the screen display control unit 301.

[0024] Applications 304 are a group of applications that run on the image processing device 101. The CPU 111 operates each application based on instructions from the user via the screen input control unit 302. Representative examples of applications 304 on the image processing device 101 are as follows: • Copy function 310: Scanner 127 reads an image from the document, and the resulting image data is printed by printer 125. • Print function 311 that prints image data on printer 125 based on print jobs submitted from external devices such as PCs. • Scan and transmit function 313: Scans the image on the document using scanner 127 and transmits the generated image data to an external device via communication I / F controller 122. Scan and save function 314: Scans an image on a document using scanner 127 and saves the generated image data to external memory 121. • Fax function 316 that reads an image from a document using scanner 127 and sends the generated image data to an external source via MODEM 128 or line I / F 129. • Function 315 for using saved files to print image data stored in external memory 121 using printer 125 or to send it externally via communication I / F controller 122. • Browser functionality 312 for viewing, printing, and saving data on a web server via a web browser. Furthermore, the applications available to the image processing device 101 are not limited to those mentioned above, and additional applications can be added later.

[0025] Figures 3 to 5 show examples of screens displayed on the display 119. Figure 3 shows an example of the home screen for selecting an application 304 of the image processing device 101. The home screen displays, for example, buttons (icons) for selecting an application, a login button, a settings button, and a timeline that shows the recent operating status of the image processing device 101. The fax button 201 is a button for calling up the fax function 316 application. When the screen input control unit 302 detects that the user has pressed the fax button 201, the screen display control unit 301 transitions the screen to Figure 4(A).

[0026] Figure 4(A) shows an example of the fax application screen. The fax application screen displays, for example, setting buttons for various fax settings, set settings, a soft numeric keypad 202, and a start key 204. The soft numeric keypad 202 is a keypad used for numerical input. When the soft numeric keypad 202 is pressed, the number entered by the user by pressing the soft numeric keypad 202 is entered into fax number 203. When the fax number of the fax recipient is entered into fax number 203 and the start key 204 is pressed, the image data generated by scanning with scanner 127 is sent to the destination of fax number 203 via MODEM 128 and line I / F 129. In this case, depending on the size of the user's fingers, the display on the soft keypad 202 may not be large enough, potentially leading to incorrect destination settings or other operational errors due to accidental presses on the soft keypad 202.

[0027] Figure 4(B) is a diagram showing an example screen of a fax application, similar to Figure 4(A). In Figure 4(B), the soft keypad 202 is displayed in a larger size than in Figure 4(A). By displaying the soft keypad 202 larger on the screen for entering fax destinations in this way, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of pressing the wrong key. In addition, in the example in Figure 4, even if the soft keypad 202 is displayed enlarged, a blank area is provided between the soft keypad 202 and other operation buttons, as shown in Figure 4(A), so that it does not overlap with other operation buttons.

[0028] Figure 5(A) shows an example screen where Pop-up 206 is displayed in the fax application screen. For example, when Menu 205 is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 4(B), Pop-up 206 is displayed. Pop-up 206 is a group of buttons for setting fax-related functions. The Back button 207 is a button that closes the display of Pop-up 206 and returns to Figure 4(B) before Pop-up 206 was opened.

[0029] In this case, if the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed in a large size as shown in Figure 5(A), it may overlap the back button 207, potentially causing the user to not notice the back button 207. Furthermore, even if the user notices the back button 207, they may mistakenly press the soft numeric keypad 202 when trying to press the back button 207, resulting in an incorrect operation.

[0030] Figure 5(B) shows an example screen where the pop-up 206 is displayed in the fax application. The soft keypad 202 shown in Figure 5(B) is displayed smaller than the soft keypad 202 shown in Figure 5(A), and the soft keypad 202 is not superimposed on the back button 207 of the pop-up 206. Therefore, there is no risk of the user not noticing the back button 207 or accidentally pressing the back button 207 instead of the soft keypad 202.

[0031] Thus, on the screen where the destination is entered (Figure 4(B)), that is, the screen where the soft numeric keypad 202 is used, displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 in a larger size can prevent accidental operation. On the other hand, on the screen where the destination is not entered (Figure 5(B)), that is, the screen where the soft numeric keypad 202 is not used, displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 in a smaller size allows the user to configure functions without the soft numeric keypad 202 interfering with other operations.

[0032] The process for displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 without enlarging it, and ensuring that it does not overlap with other screens that accept operations, on screens that do not use the soft numeric keypad 202, will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the size of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on whether or not it is a screen for destination input. Each process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6 is realized by the CPU 111 of the image processing device 101 reading a control program stored in the ROM 113 or external memory 121 into the RAM 112 and executing it. This flow starts when the CPU 111 detects the startup of the image processing device 101.

[0033] In step S601, the application control unit 303 determines whether or not a screen transition to the settings screen of application 304 will occur. The application control unit 303 determines whether or not a screen transition to the settings screen of application 304 will occur based on whether or not the user input operation received by the screen input control unit 302 via the touch panel 116 is an instruction to display the settings screen of application 304. If a transition to the settings screen of application 304 occurs, the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if a transition to the settings screen of application 304 is not performed, step S601 is repeated.

[0034] The screen transition will be explained using the fax application, one of the applications 304, as an example. The application control unit 303 determines that if the user input operation received via the touch panel 116 is the press of the fax button 201 on the home screen (Figure 3), the screen will transition to the settings screen of application 304. The screen input control unit 302 also determines that the screen will transition to the settings screen of application 304 if the user input operation is a screen transition on the settings screen of application 304, such as pressing the menu 205 to display the pop-up 206.

[0035] In step S602, the application control unit 303 determines whether the screen to be transitioned to is a screen for entering a destination (hereinafter also referred to as the destination input screen). If the screen to be transitioned to is a screen for entering a destination, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if the screen to be transitioned to is not a screen for entering a destination, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0036] The method for determining whether the transitioning screen is a destination input screen will be explained below. For example, the application control unit 303 refers to the destination input screen table 701 shown in Figure 7 and determines whether the transitioning screen is a destination input screen based on whether the transitioning screen exists in the destination input screen table 701. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a destination input screen table. The destination input screen table 701 is stored in RAM 112. The destination input screen table 701 is a list of screens displayed when entering a destination. For example, the fax basic screen and the fax number input screen are stored in the destination input screen table 701 as screens displayed when entering a destination. When the application control unit 303 transitions to a screen listed in the destination input screen table 701, it determines that the transitioning screen is a destination input screen.

[0037] Furthermore, the application control unit 303 may refer to the destination input function table 801 shown in Figure 8 to determine whether the screen to be transitioned to is a destination input screen based on whether the screen exists in the destination input function table 801. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a destination input function table. The destination input function table 801 is stored in RAM 112. The destination input function table 801 is a table that associates each function screen (application screen) with information indicating that it is a screen for entering a destination. The function screens indicate the functions of each application, such as "copy" and "fax". In the destination input function table 801, whether or not it is a screen for entering a destination is associated and stored for each function screen, that is, for each application screen. For example, the function screen for "fax" and the function screen for "scan and send", which have "○" for "screen for entering a destination", are determined to be destination input screens in step S602.

[0038] If the screen to transition to is a destination input screen, in step S603, the soft keypad control unit 305 enlarges the soft keypad 202 and displays it on the display 119. On the other hand, if the screen to be transitioned to is not a destination input screen, in step S604, the soft keypad control unit 305 displays the soft keypad 202 on the display 119 in a reduced size (or as a soft keypad 202 of normal size).

[0039] In step S601, a determination was made as to whether or not a screen transition to the settings screen of application 304 occurs. However, the determination is not limited to this, and a determination may also be made as to whether or not a screen transition occurs for the screen to be displayed on display 119. In this case, step S602 determines whether or not the screen to be displayed on display 119 is the destination input screen. Furthermore, in step S602, it was determined whether or not it was a screen for entering a destination, but this is not the only method of determination; other methods such as whether or not it is a screen for using a software numeric keypad may also be used.

[0040] Using Figures 4 to 6, we will explain how, in screens where a destination is not entered, i.e., screens where the soft numeric keypad 202 is not used, the soft numeric keypad 202 can be displayed without being enlarged so that it does not overlap with screens that accept other operations, but this is not the only way to do so. In order to prevent the soft numeric keypad 202 from interfering with other operations such as the popup 206, for example, the soft numeric keypad 202 may be hidden on screens where it is not used. That is, in step S604, which explains an example of displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 at a reduced size or at its normal size, the soft numeric keypad 202 may be hidden.

[0041] As described above, on the screen where the recipient is entered, displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 in a larger size can prevent accidental operation. On the other hand, on screens where the recipient is not entered, displaying the soft numeric keypad 202 in a smaller size than when enlarged, or even hiding it, allows for setting functions without the soft numeric keypad 202 interfering with other operations.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the soft numeric keypad 202 was automatically displayed larger on screens where a destination was entered, and smaller on screens where a destination was not entered. In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which the user can set whether or not to enlarge the display of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0043] For example, in the copy function, the setting is configured not to enlarge the display of the soft keypad 202, while in the fax function for entering destinations, the setting is configured to enlarge the display of the soft keypad 202. Figure 9 is an example of the copy function screen. Figure 9(A) is an example of the copy function screen displayed when the copy application is launched. In the copy function, the setting is configured not to enlarge the display of the soft keypad 202, so in Figure 9(A), the soft keypad 202 is displayed in a small size (reduced size or normal display). Above the small display of the soft keypad 202, there is an enlarge button 901 for enlarging the display of the soft keypad 202. When the enlarge button 901 is pressed by the user, the soft keypad 202 is displayed in an enlarged size, as shown in Figure 9(B). Above the enlarged display of the soft keypad 202, there is a reduce button 902 for reducing the display of the soft keypad 202 (or returning to normal display).

[0044] Figure 10 shows an example of the fax function screen displayed when the fax application is launched. In the fax machine, the setting is to display the soft keypad 202 in an enlarged state, so the soft keypad 202 is displayed in an enlarged state. Above the enlarged soft keypad 202, a reduce button 902 is displayed to reduce the display of the soft keypad 202 (or return it to its normal display).

[0045] In this way, by switching the default display size of the software numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application being launched, it is possible to display only applications that frequently use the software numeric keypad 202 in a larger size. Furthermore, the display size of the software numeric keypad 202 can be switched according to the user's instructions using the enlarge button 901 or the reduce button 902, which are toggle buttons for the user to control the display size of the software numeric keypad.

[0046] Figure 11 shows an example of a settings screen for setting the initial size of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application being launched. The initial state setting screen 1101 displays a screen that allows the user to select whether the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 should be enlarged or reduced for each application. When an application is launched, the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed in the initial state set on the initial state setting screen 1101. For example, in the copy function 1102, the reduce button 1104 is selected from the enlarge button 1103 and the reduce button 1104, so when the copy application is launched, the soft numeric keypad 202 is set to be displayed in a reduced state. Note that the initial state setting screen 1101 may be displayed only when the user logged into the image processing device 101 has administrator privileges, or it may be displayed for each user.

[0047] The settings configured on the initial state setting screen 1101 are stored in the initial state setting table 1201 shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is an example of a table that manages the initial state settings of the soft numeric keypad when the application is launched. The initial state setting table 1201 is stored in RAM 112. The initial state setting table 1201 stores the application name and the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 configured on the initial state setting screen 1101 in association with each other. The initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 is updated according to the settings on the initial state setting screen 1101.

[0048] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the process of switching the size of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application being launched in the second embodiment. Each operation shown in the flowchart of Figure 13 is realized by the CPU 111 of the image processing device 101 reading a control program stored in the ROM 113 or external memory 121 into the RAM 112 and executing it. This flow starts when the CPU 111 detects the startup of the image processing device 101.

[0049] In step S1301, the application control unit 303 determines whether the screen input control unit 302 has received an instruction from the user to switch applications 304 via the touch panel 116. For example, if the screen shown in Figure 3(A) is displayed and a button for launching application 304, such as the fax button 201, is pressed, the application control unit determines that an instruction to switch applications 304 has been received. If an instruction to switch applications 304 has been received, the process proceeds to step S1302. On the other hand, if no instruction to switch applications 304 has been received, step S1301 is repeated.

[0050] In step S1302, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 determines whether the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304, which was instructed to be switched in step S1301, is the enlarged state. Specifically, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 refers to the initial state setting table 1201 to determine whether the initial state setting of the soft numeric keypad 202 corresponding to the application 304, which was instructed to be switched in step S1301, is the enlarged state. If the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304, which was instructed to be switched, is the enlarged state, the process proceeds to step S1303. On the other hand, if the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304, which was instructed to be switched, is not the enlarged state, the process proceeds to step S1304.

[0051] If the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304 to be displayed is in the enlarged state, in step S1303, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 enlarges the soft numeric keypad 202 and displays it on the display 119. If the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 of the application 304 to be displayed is not in the enlarged state, in step S1304, the soft numeric keypad control unit 305 reduces the size of the soft numeric keypad 202 and displays it on the display 119.

[0052] Furthermore, the initial state settings of the soft numeric keypad 202 may be maintained for each authenticated user. Also, in the second embodiment, the user set the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202, but the initial state of the soft numeric keypad 202 may be pre-set for each application at the time of shipment. In addition, although an example of switching the display size of the soft numeric keypad 202 depending on the type of application to be launched has been described, the soft numeric keypad 202 may be set to be hidden in applications where it is not used frequently.

[0053] Alternatively, the system can store the frequency of input to the soft numeric keypad 202 and switch its initial state according to that frequency. For example, the number of times the soft numeric keypad 202 is pressed for each application 304 can be counted and stored in RAM 112. Only when the stored number of times the soft numeric keypad 202 is pressed for each application 304 exceeds a threshold will the soft numeric keypad 202 be displayed in a larger state when the application 304 is launched.

[0054] As described above, by switching the display size of the Soft Numeric Keypad 202 depending on the type of application being launched, it is possible to enlarge the display of the Soft Numeric Keypad 202 from the start only for specific applications where the Soft Numeric Keypad 202 is frequently used. This prevents accidental operation of the Soft Numeric Keypad 202, and in applications where the Soft Numeric Keypad 202 is not frequently used, other functions can be configured without being hindered by the Soft Numeric Keypad 202.

[0055] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, examples were described in which only the soft numeric keypad 202 was enlarged or reduced in size among the soft numeric keypad 202 and the other operation buttons. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the display area of ​​the other operation buttons is enlarged or reduced in size according to the size of the displayed soft numeric keypad 202.

[0056] Figure 14 illustrates an example of changing the display size of the soft numeric keypad 202 and other operation buttons. In Figure 14(A), the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed enlarged. To prevent the enlarged soft numeric keypad 202 from overlapping with the operation button area 1401, which is the area for displaying other operation buttons, the screen display control unit 301 reduces the size of the operation button area 1401. The screen display control unit 301 reduces the size of the operation button area 1401 in conjunction with the processing of enlarging the soft numeric keypad 202 in steps S603 and S803, for example. In Figure 14(B), the soft numeric keypad 202 is displayed normally (or reduced). The screen display control unit 301 enlarges the operation button area 1401 compared to the example in Figure 14(A), to the extent that it does not overlap with the soft numeric keypad 202. The screen display control unit 301 enlarges the size of the operation button area 1401 in conjunction with the processing of reducing the soft numeric keypad 202 in steps S604 and S804, for example.

[0057] As described above, according to this embodiment, the size of the display of other operation buttons can be changed according to the size of the display of the soft numeric keypad 202. This prevents the soft numeric keypad 202 from overlapping with other operation buttons, which would make it difficult for the user to operate them.

[0058] In each embodiment, an image processing device 101 having multiple functions such as a copy function and a scanner function was described as an example, but the present invention is also applicable to image processing devices having only some of these functions. Furthermore, it may be applied to other information processing devices such as personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, fax machines, cameras, video cameras, and other image viewers.

[0059] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0060] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 101 Image Processing Device 111 CPU 119 displays 301 Screen display control unit 303 Application Control Unit 304 Application

Claims

1. A display control means that displays a first screen on a display unit, which includes a destination area that is an area where the entered destination is displayed and a software numeric keypad of a first size, The information processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the display control means displays a popup area superimposed on the destination area, it displays a second screen on the display unit that includes the popup area and the software numeric keypad of a second size which is smaller than the first size software numeric keypad.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the first screen including the destination area and the first size software numeric keypad on the display unit when the pop-up areas do not overlap.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display control means controls the size of the software numeric keypad to differ depending on whether or not the screen includes the destination area.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the second screen, the destination area is not displayed and the software numeric keypad does not overlap with the pop-up area.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the size of the area other than the software numeric keypad on the first screen is smaller than the size of the area other than the software numeric keypad on the second screen.

6. The display control means displays the second screen by a specific operation on the first screen, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the aforementioned specific operation is an operation on a specific display item included in the first screen.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pop-up area includes soft keys for setting functions related to an application in which the destination can be entered.

8. The display unit further comprises a determination means for determining whether or not the screen displayed on the display unit is a screen that includes the destination area, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the display control means displays the software numeric keypad of the first size when the determination means determines that the screen displayed on the display unit includes the destination area, and displays the software numeric keypad of the second size when the determination means determines that the screen displayed on the display unit does not include the destination area.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the determination means determines that the screen displayed on the display unit is a screen that includes the destination area when the screen is included in a destination screen table that shows screens that include the destination area.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the determination means determines that the screen displayed on the display unit is a screen that includes the destination area when the screen is a screen of an application in which the destination can be entered.

11. The software includes setting means for setting the initial state of the display of the numeric keypad for each application, The setting means sets the initial state of the software numeric keypad display as the software Set the size of the keypad to display it. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the display control means controls the display of the software numeric keypad according to the initial state set by the setting means when the application is started.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the setting means sets the initial state in accordance with instructions received from the user.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the setting means sets the initial state according to the frequency of use of the software numeric keypad for each application, and when the frequency of use of the software numeric keypad is greater than a threshold, the initial state of the display size of the software numeric keypad is set to the first size.

14. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the display control means displays a toggle button on the screen on which the software numeric keypad is displayed, for the user to instruct on switching the size of the display of the software numeric keypad.

15. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the display control means controls the display of other operation buttons on the software numeric keypad so as not to overlap with the software numeric keypad, in accordance with the size at which the software numeric keypad is displayed.

16. The information processing device has a fax function, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the screen including the destination area includes an area in which the destination of the entered fax is displayed.

17. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising the information processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A control method for an information processing device, The system includes a display control step which displays a first screen on the display unit that includes a destination area, which is an area where the entered destination is displayed, and a software numeric keypad of a first size. A control method characterized in that, in the display control step, when a pop-up area is displayed superimposed on the destination area, a second screen including the pop-up area and the software numeric keypad of a second size, which is smaller than the first size, is displayed on the display unit.

19. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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