JP4645982B2 - Information processing apparatus and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program for performing control to lay out a parameter setting widget for setting parameters corresponding to functions in a predetermined area of a display unit such as a display.

  In recent years, multifunction devices having various functions such as a copy, a scanner, a printer, a facsimile, and an electronic mail have been widely used. Such a multifunctional multifunction peripheral requires many operation steps before executing a desired function.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the number of operation steps by arranging frequently used functions on the basic screen of the touch panel display. However, it is not efficient to redesign the buttons according to the screen. Further, since the parameter added later in option development does not consider the arrangement in the initial design, there is a problem that the parameter cannot be arranged unless the basic screen design is reconsidered.

  Conventionally, only a certain customization of function arrangements can be provided to a user, and a function arrangement adapted to the usage situation of each individual user is not necessarily achieved. In this regard, there is a system that rearranges the layout according to certain rules when the window size is changed, but when rearranging to a place smaller than the original size, it is arranged so that a scroll bar etc. is attached, To use hidden functions, you need to operate the scroll bar.

  Further, Patent Document 1 describes conversion of a platform-specific graphical user interface widget between different device platforms. This technology aims to convert GUI widgets in order to adapt to the display screen size of platforms of different devices, and conversion rules are used as a way to map platform-independent GUI widgets to platform-specific widgets. Use it to convert.

JP 2003-330713 A

  However, in such a conventional technique, a conversion rule has to be given for each widget category, and there is a problem that an appropriate widget cannot be assigned because the arrangement location on each screen is not taken into consideration. In particular, when considering application to the conversion and arrangement of function parameter widgets in a digital multi-function peripheral, there arises a problem that the widget switching function according to the arrangement space cannot be performed.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. That is, the present invention supports various functions and various sizes of displayable areas of the display means in an information processing apparatus that performs control to lay out a parameter setting widget for setting parameters corresponding to functions in a predetermined area of the display means. Widget information storage means for storing a plurality of parameter setting widgets, layout information acquisition means for receiving layout information and functions specified by the user, and a plurality of parameter setting widgets corresponding to the functions received by the layout information acquisition means A widget reading means for reading out the parameter setting widget corresponding to the size of the displayable area obtained from the layout information from the widget information storage means, and the parameter setting widget read by the widget reading means. And a layout determining section for laying the corresponding displayable area of the display means and.

  Further, the present invention provides an information processing program for executing control for laying out a parameter setting widget for setting a parameter corresponding to a function in a predetermined area of a display means by a computer in advance, various functions and displayable areas of the display means. Storing a plurality of parameter setting widgets corresponding to various sizes of the widget information storage means, a step of receiving layout information and functions specified by the user, and a plurality of parameter setting widgets corresponding to the received functions. The step of reading out the parameter setting widget corresponding to the size of the displayable area obtained from the layout information from the widget information storage means, and laying out the read parameter setting widget in the corresponding displayable area of the display means And a step is to run by a computer.

  In the present invention, when the user specifies layout information and a function, a parameter setting widget corresponding to the size of the displayable area obtained from the layout information is selected from the plurality of parameter setting widgets corresponding to the specified function. Since it is automatically determined and laid out in the displayable area corresponding to the display means, the user only needs to specify which function is assigned to which position on the display means, and fits the size of the displayable area corresponding to the assigned position. The selected parameter setting widget is automatically selected.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily replace the parameter setting widgets laid out on the display device and add the parameter setting widgets corresponding to the new functions. In addition, since the parameter setting widget that matches the size of the displayable area is automatically selected even with the same function, it is possible to easily lay out the most convenient parameter setting widget that matches the size.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Usually, in an information processing apparatus having a display device such as a touch panel display, when placing a parameter setting widget (hereinafter referred to as “View”) in a limited display range, when changing to a display device of a small size In order to prevent the button from being hidden as much as possible and to change to a large display device, it is necessary to arrange the options directly so that the number of operation steps by the user can be minimized. The information processing apparatus and the information processing program according to the present embodiment are such that, for example, when changing to a display device having a different size, the view can be easily switched by switching the view in consideration of operability. There are features.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an external view of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is mainly composed of a copying machine or a multifunction peripheral, and includes an image input unit 1 for reading a document image, a read document image, and an image transmitted from the outside. The main components are an image output unit 2 that prints and outputs data on paper, and an operation panel 4 that includes a touch panel display 40 that accepts function display to the user and instructions from the user.

  In executing a desired function, the user refers to a parameter setting widget (View) corresponding to the function displayed on the touch panel display 40 of the operation panel 4, designates a parameter by a button operation, numerical input, or the like, and starts a button. Press to start the process.

  As shown in FIG. 1, as an internal configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, an image input unit 1, an image output unit 2, and an operation panel 4 are connected around a controller 100 provided in the main body, and the main CPU 10. It is controlled by the program executed in

  The controller 100 includes an input unit I / F (interface) 1a that sends image data captured by the image input unit 1 to the common bus B, an output unit I / F 2a that passes image data from the common bus B to the image output unit 2, An initial value storage unit 3 that stores initial values, a panel I / F 4a that is an interface between the operation panel 4 and the common bus B, a previous initial value storage unit 5 that stores initial values before change, and a common bus B A system memory 6 to be connected, a system memory 7 to be connected to the input unit I / F 1a, and a main CPU 10 for controlling each unit are provided.

  In this embodiment, when a view corresponding to the function displayed on the touch panel display 40 of the operation panel 4 is allocated according to the user's preference, the touch panel display 40 is added, or the size of the touch panel display 40 is changed. Thus, when performing the work of allocating the necessary views according to the panel size, by arranging to reduce the number of operation steps, you can freely set function widgets to suit users in various usage environments. The arrangement by combination can be realized.

  Therefore, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes widget information storage means for storing a plurality of widgets corresponding to various functions and various sizes of the displayable area of the touch panel display 40, and layout information and functions specified by the user. Layout information acquisition means for receiving, widget reading means for reading out the widget corresponding to the size of the displayable area obtained from the layout information from the plurality of widgets corresponding to the function received by the layout information acquisition means, from the widget information storage means, Layout determining means for laying out the widget read by the widget reading means in a corresponding displayable area of the touch panel display 40.

  Here, the widget information storage means for storing a plurality of views is a storage means provided in the apparatus main body, a storage means connected to the outside, or a storage means (for example, a server) connected via a network. ). The layout information acquisition means is realized by a panel I / F 4 a that receives data input by the user using the touch panel display 40 or a program executed by the main CPU 10. The widget reading unit and the layout determining unit are realized by a program executed by the main CPU 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The parameter setting widget (View) composed of widgets has a plurality of forms, and has a placement space as a container according to each form. The arrangement space is passed to the widget reading means 11 as size information D1. A basic widget is arranged on the container, and the widget is linked to a function parameter to be determined.

  The size comparison unit 11a of the widget reading unit 11 compares the size of the displayable area obtained from the layout information D2 specified by the user with the sizes of a plurality of views, and performs layout management (rules) on the placement destination pane. According to), the View that matches the container space is determined from the placement space information. Then, the view read by the widget reading unit 11 is arranged in the displayable area corresponding to the display unit 13 (for example, the touch panel display 40) by the layout determining unit 12.

  When a plurality of widgets can be arranged, a selection rule such as selecting a maximum container that can be arranged or preferentially selecting a widget defined in a style sheet can be applied.

  It is also possible to apply a composite widget having a container that imports and arranges a view of a widget having a plurality of views into its own widget. For example, Popup's View has an area so that another composite widget can be placed within itself, and an external composite widget that can be placed in that space.

  As a result, by importing functions that are relevant to the user, for example, multiple external widgets can be placed in a widget that has a Popup View, and the values of multiple functions can be directly set in one Popup screen. Can be selected. As a result, the number of operation steps by the user can be reduced.

  According to such an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, even when the resolution and screen size of the display device are different, it is possible to implement the widget arrangement according to the space and easily customize the layout. Can do. As a result, the user can easily perform customization such as increasing the number of function arrangements on the basic screen or reducing the number of functions to be selected directly. In addition, for example, a layout in which everything is arranged in, for example, Popup View is limited to only necessary functions, and the operability of individual users can be improved.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the main operation of the information processing program according to this embodiment. The main operation of the information processing program described here corresponds to the operation of the widget reading unit 11 and the layout determining unit 12 described above.

  First, when a function widget arrangement operation is instructed by the user (step S1), the size comparison unit of the widget reading unit acquires the size of the arrangement space from the layout information (step S2).

  Next, the size comparison unit obtains the size of each function widget view pattern (step S3). That is, each size of the View pattern prepared as a plurality of widgets corresponding to the function that the user wants to lay out is acquired.

  Next, it is determined whether or not an arrangement condition is designated (step S4). If there is designation, a comparison is made as to whether or not the designated view enters the arrangement space (step S5). Here, when entering the arrangement space (Yes in step S6), the process proceeds to step S8, and when not entering (No in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, a process of selecting the largest view pattern that can be placed in the arrangement space is performed. That is, the widget reading unit selects the maximum view pattern that matches the size of the displayable area (arrangement space) obtained from the layout information specified by the user.

  Thereafter, a process of drawing the selected view pattern in the arrangement space is performed (step S8). This drawing is performed by the layout determining means.

  By such processing, the user can automatically assign a widget of a size that fits the specified space in that function simply by specifying the function to be displayed and the layout information to which space to assign. Become.

  Next, a specific example will be described. 5 to 8 are diagrams illustrating examples of each view in the magnification selection function. 5 shows the Window Bearing Type, FIG. 6 shows the Closed Type, FIG. 7 shows the Semi-Open Type, and FIG. 8 shows the Popup Type.

  Here, the Window Bearing Type shown in FIG. 5 is a view that can specify one (100%) as a magnification selection. Also, Closed Type shown in FIG. 6 is a view in which buttons that can specify two types (for example, 00% and 70%) for magnification selection are prepared. Alternatively, 100% may be in the 0FF state and 70% may be in the ON state, so that a numerical value can be directly input to the 70% magnification designation portion.

  In addition, the Semi-Open Type shown in FIG. 7 is a view that has a plurality of buttons that can select a standard magnification according to the relationship between the document size and the paper size as a magnification selection, and a widget that displays the set magnification. Is also available. Further, Popup Type shown in FIG. 8 is a view that can be set in the most detail. In the example shown in (a), all buttons determined by the relationship between the document size and the paper size are prepared by standard scaling, and (b) is shown in (b). The example shown is a zoom setting in which the magnification can be specified directly by using the numeric keypad.

  Each of these views holds space information as a container necessary for arrangement. Each view is a composite widget composed of generally different widgets as shown in the figure.

  On the other hand, each view is also associated with information on the size of the arrangement space. The basis of the arrangement space is the resolution of the display, and the resolution may differ depending on the display device.

  Table 1 below shows the correspondence with each view.

  The container's inclusion relation is Closed <Window Bearing <Small-Semi-Open <Semi-Open <Popup, and any container that is larger than the size of the View container can be placed. Each View widget is linked to one common magnification data object, and the value determined by each widget is stored in this magnification data object and used as a read parameter for copy jobs and scan jobs. The

  The user selects layout information and functions on the specification setting screen in order to customize the arrangement of the view having widgets of various functions. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing layout information to be selected on the specification setting screen and the state after the view allocation. 9 shows an example in which four Semi-Open Types are arranged, and FIG. 10 shows an example in which three Semi-Open Types, one Closed Type, and one Small-Semi-Open Type are arranged. 11 is an example in which two Semi-Open Types and seven Closed Types are arranged, and FIG. 12 is an example in which twelve Window Bearing Types are arranged. In each figure, (a) shows layout information and (b) shows the display state after arrangement of the selected View.

  For example, if a layout with four Semi-Open Types shown in Fig. 9 is selected, selecting a function corresponding to each placement space will automatically select the Semi-Open Type View for that function. Drawn in the placement space. In the example shown in FIG. 9, since the magnification selection function is provided in the leftmost arrangement space, the magnification-selection Semi-Open Type View is automatically selected and laid out in this arrangement space. .

  When the layout information shown in FIG. 10 is selected, the Semi-Open Type view for the function selected corresponding to each placement space is automatically selected as the Semi-Open Type placement space. The Closed Type view of the selected function is automatically selected in the Closed Type placement space, and the Small-Semi-Open Type placement space in the lower right is automatically selected in the Small-Semi-Open Type placement space. The Type view is automatically selected.

  The same applies to the layout information shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and a view corresponding to the type of each arrangement space is automatically selected.

  Thus, since the size of the view type is designated for each layout information, the view of each function corresponding to this size can be automatically assigned. Therefore, the user can select the desired layout information and simply assign the desired function to the placement space in the layout information, and the view of the optimum size is automatically assigned to the placement space, so that the layout can be easily done. Changes can be made.

  It is also possible for a composite widget to import and place other composite widgets into its placement space. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining import of mixed-size document feed into View. As shown in FIG. 13A, the user can designate another arrangement space in the inner area of the view of Popup Type for mix size document feeding, for example. Here, the placement space of Semi-Open Type is specified, but other types may be used.

  FIG. 13B shows a state in which a view for specifying the original set direction is assigned to the designated arrangement space. Corresponding View size is automatically assigned according to the size of the user specified layout space.

  In such a view import, even if the view is not arranged on the screen for specifying the function, the parameters can be selected directly by importing as needed, and the number of operation steps by the user can be reduced. Customization to reduce is possible.

  14 to 15 are diagrams for explaining the layout selection screen. Of these, FIG. 14 shows an example of 10 function display, and FIG. 15 shows an example of 7 function display. The user selects a layout corresponding to a desired screen (for example, a basic copy screen, an image quality adjustment screen, a reading method screen, an output format screen, and a job editing screen) from the specification setting screen, and designates function assignment here.

  For example, when the 10 function display shown in FIG. 14 is selected, layout information for assigning functions is displayed in the center of the screen, and functions assigned to the right side of the screen are displayed. The number in the layout information at the center of the screen corresponds to the number in the function displayed on the right side of the screen, indicating that the function having the same number is assigned to the layout space corresponding to the number in the layout information. In the 10 function display, a total of 10 functions can be assigned. Similarly, in the seven function display shown in FIG. 15, a total of seven functions can be assigned. In addition, you may limit the arrangement | positioning space which a user can allocate by specification.

  When assigning a favorite function, the user first selects a layout information arrangement space number. When this selection is made, a function selection screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. FIG. 16A shows buttons corresponding to function screen display, and FIG. 16B shows buttons corresponding to direct selection. The user selects the button of the function to be assigned. As a result, the function selected corresponding to the selected arrangement space is assigned.

  As shown in the screen of FIG. 14 (or FIG. 15), since the arrangement space number and the function number correspond to each other, it is possible to grasp which function is assigned to which arrangement space. In this embodiment, the view of the function corresponding to the size of the placement space is automatically selected according to the placement space and function specified by the user, so the user can easily set the layout of the view by simple designation. become able to.

  When customizing the screen, depending on the layout space, button options may not be able to be arranged in the screen, but assigning a button to display the Popup screen without displaying some of the selection items, Popup screen You may comprise so that the choice which was not able to be displayed inside is displayed.

  In addition, when the button text cannot be displayed due to the arrangement space, it is also possible to switch composite widgets such as switching the button display to a style in which the text is displayed in the button.

  In addition, the container may be operated by distinguishing between a container that can be customized only by a machine administrator and a container that can be customized only by a general user. In addition, when you try to place a composite widget on a container, check the access rights to confirm the placement permission, and then place it in the actual layout. Can prevent the layout from being inadvertently changed even with a simple product.

  Such an embodiment makes it easy to change the arrangement order of functions. Thereby, a thing with high use frequency for a user can be arranged in a favorite position. In addition, the change in the function layout is not limited to simply changing the order, the size of the layout space can be changed, and the corresponding View is automatically selected according to the changed layout space. become. Therefore, it is possible to customize the optimum UI (user interface) for each user.

  By applying the information processing program of the present embodiment described above, for example, even if there is a function that was additionally provided later as a software option after the product is completed, a View corresponding to that function can be freely displayed in the existing screen. It becomes possible to arrange.

  In addition, for any function parameter, the Closed Type button operation can be changed to a Type widget that can directly select individual parameter values. As a result, it is possible to customize the screen display with a small number of operation steps. Furthermore, for example, only buttons that can directly select parameters can be arranged on the basic screen, which makes it possible to make the UI more customer-centered.

  Further, even when the display device is changed to a display device with a small display space, it can be automatically changed to a button layout corresponding to the display space. Furthermore, it can be customized so that the user does not need to scroll through the choices. For example, if a widget that arranges a label on the right side of a button is switched to a widget that arranges a label in the button, the arrangement space can be reduced.

  Also, since the composite widget can import and arrange other composite widgets in its own arrangement space, for example, a plurality of function parameters desired by the user can be arranged on the same pane. As a result, functions that are closely related can be arranged on the same screen using an open type view, so that the number of operation steps can be reduced and the usability can be improved.

It is a block diagram explaining the information processor concerning this embodiment. 1 is an external view of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the principal part of the information processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the main operation | movement of the information processing program which concerns on this embodiment. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of each View in a magnification selection function. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of each View in a magnification selection function. It is FIG. (3) which shows the example of each View in a magnification selection function. It is FIG. (4) which shows the example of each View in a magnification selection function. It is the figure (the 1) which shows the layout information selected in a specification setting screen, and the state after View allocation. It is the figure (the 2) which shows the layout information selected on a specification setting screen, and the state after View allocation. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating layout information to be selected on the specification setting screen and a state after View allocation. FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 4) illustrating layout information to be selected on the specification setting screen and a state after the View allocation. It is a figure explaining the import to View of mix size manuscript feeding. FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a layout selection screen. It is FIG. (2) explaining a layout selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a function selection screen.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image input part, 1a ... Input part 1 / F, 2 ... Image output part, 2a ... Output part I / F, 3 ... Initial value memory | storage part, 4 ... Operation panel, 10 ... Main CPU, 11 ... Widget reading means 12, layout determining means

Claims (6)

In an information processing apparatus that performs control to lay out a parameter setting widget for setting a parameter corresponding to a function in a predetermined area of a display unit,
Corresponding to various functions and various sizes of displayable areas of the display means, widget information storage means for storing a plurality of parameter setting widgets having different setting methods ,
Layout information storage means for storing a plurality of layout information patterns in which a plurality of displayable areas are arranged, and the sizes, arrangements, and numbers of the displayable areas are different from each other;
Layout information receiving means for receiving one layout information selected by the user from the plurality of layout information stored in the storage means;
Function accepting means for accepting a function associated with each displayable area arranged by the layout information accepted by the layout information accepting means;
Compatible from a plurality of parameter setting widget, to the size of the displayable area associated with being positioned by the layout information received the function by selection of the user corresponding to the respective functions accepted by the function accepting means Widget reading means for reading the parameter setting widget from the widget information storage means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: layout determining means for laying out the parameter setting widget read by the widget reading means in a displayable area corresponding to the display means. The parameter setting widget
A first widget for operation to select one function;
A second widget for the operation of setting the value of the parameter;
A third widget including the first widget and the second widget;
Including
The widget information storage means stores one or more of the first widgets, one or more of the second widgets and one or more of the third widgets, or one or more of these,
The widget reading means reads one or more of the first widgets, one or more of the second widgets or one or more of the third widgets from the widget information storage means;
The layout determining means includes the one or more first widgets read by the widget reading means, the one or more second widgets, and the one or more third widgets, or one or more thereof. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is laid out in a displayable area corresponding to the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout information includes information in which another displayable area is incorporated inside one displayable area in the display unit. In an information processing program for executing control by a computer to lay out a parameter setting widget for setting parameters corresponding to functions in a predetermined area of the display means,
A plurality of parameter setting widgets having different setting methods corresponding to various functions and various sizes of displayable areas of the display means, in advance stored in widget information storage means;
Storing a plurality of layout information patterns in which a plurality of displayable areas are arranged, and the sizes, arrangements, and numbers of the displayable areas are different from each other;
Receiving one layout information selected by the user among the plurality of stored layout information;
Receiving a function associated with each displayable area arranged by the accepted layout information;
From a plurality of parameter setting widget corresponding to the accepted functional, the widget compatible parameter setting widget to the size of the displayable area associated with arranged the function by the layout information received by the selection of the user Reading from the information storage means;
A step of laying out the read parameter setting widget in a displayable area corresponding to the display means by a computer. The parameter setting widget
A first widget for operation to select one function;
A second widget for the operation of setting the value of the parameter;
A third widget including the first widget and the second widget;
Including
The step of storing the parameter setting widget in the widget information storage means includes one or more of the first widget, one or more of the second widgets, and one or more of the third widgets, or these Remember one or more,
The step of reading out the parameter setting widget from the widget information storage means includes one or more first widgets, one or more second widgets, or one or more third widgets as the widget information storage means. Read from
The step of laying out the read parameter setting widget in a corresponding displayable area of the display means includes the read one or more first widgets, one or more second widgets and one 5. The information processing program according to claim 4 , wherein the third widget or one or more of these are laid out in a displayable area corresponding to the display means . The information processing program according to claim 4, wherein the layout information includes information in which another displayable area is incorporated inside one displayable area in the display unit.

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