JP6417817B2 - Display control apparatus, display control method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control apparatus for displaying various screens on a display unit, a display control method, and a recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method is recorded.

  For example, as a device capable of executing various functions such as a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile function, a specific function based on a specific setting value is registered as a shortcut, and registered by a simple operation (for example, pressing a shortcut execution key). An apparatus capable of executing the function is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-104340 A

  When the above function is executed, a plurality of operation procedures by the user may be required, but by registering such a function as a shortcut, the user can easily execute the function.

  On the other hand, it is convenient for the user who executes the function of the apparatus that the specific operation can be easily executed not only in the shortcut for executing the function as described above but also in other various operations. For example, in order to set a setting item for a certain function, it may be necessary to display the setting screen for the setting item while sequentially changing the screen from the initial standby screen. In such a case, each time the user wants to display the setting screen, the user needs to reach the setting screen through a plurality of screen transitions from the standby screen.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the user for displaying a specific screen and to easily display the specific screen.

  The display control apparatus of the present invention made to solve the above problems includes a display unit capable of displaying an image, a storage unit storing data of a plurality of types of screens, and a screen stored in the storage unit. A control unit that performs control to be displayed on the display unit. The control unit executes a display switching process, a history holding process, a final transition display process, and a screen transition process.

  The display switching process switches the screen to be displayed on the display unit to another screen associated with the selected specific image when a selection operation is performed on the specific image in the screen displayed on the display unit. It is processing. The history holding process is the final screen that is the last screen when a specific history holding condition is satisfied in the final screen after the switching of the screen of the display unit by the display switching process at least once. This is processing for holding information indicating a screen as a final history. The final transition display process is a process for displaying on the display unit a final transition image for making a direct transition to the final screen held as the final history by the history holding process. In the screen transition process, when the final transition image is displayed on the display unit by the final transition display process and the final transition image is selected, the screen to be displayed on the display unit is displayed on the selected final screen. This is a process for making a direct transition to the final screen corresponding to the transition image.

  In the display control apparatus having the above configuration, the final screen in the image switching process is held as the final history. Thereafter, when the final transition image corresponding to the held final history is selected, the screen displayed on the display unit is directly transitioned to the corresponding final screen. Therefore, by holding a specific screen as the final history, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user for displaying the screen, and it is possible to easily display the specific screen.

  The control unit may execute registration processing, selection display processing, and shortening execution processing. Registration processing is processing that accepts registration of a shortened execution function that causes a specific function to be executed through a processing procedure that is less than a normal processing procedure using execution information that is specified in advance necessary for the execution of the specific function. is there. The selection display process is a process of causing the display unit to display a selection screen on which a shortened function image for each shortened execution function registered by the registration process is displayed. The shortening execution process executes a shortening execution function corresponding to the shortening function image when a selection operation of the shortening function image in the selection screen is performed when the selection screen is displayed on the display unit by the selection display process. It is processing. The control unit may display the final transition image together with the shortened function image in the selection screen by executing the final transition display process when the selection display process is performed.

  In the display control device configured as described above, both the shortened function image and the final transition image are displayed in the same single selection screen. Therefore, the shortened execution function can be executed or the transition to a specific final screen can be executed using the same one selection screen as a starting point.

  A plurality of image display areas may be assigned to the selection screen, and a shortened function image and a final transition image may be displayed in one image display area. In that case, in the selection display process, the control unit gives priority to the shortened function image with respect to the final transition image and displays it in each image display area in the selection screen. When there is a certain empty area, the final transition image may be displayed in the empty area.

  In the display control device configured as described above, a plurality of image display areas are allocated in the selection screen, and either the shortened function image or the final transition image can be displayed for each image display area. However, the shortened function image is displayed with priority. Therefore, when there are many shortened function images (that is, when many shortened execution functions are registered), there is a possibility that all the image display areas in the selection screen are filled with the shortened function images. On the other hand, for example, when there is an empty area where the shortened function image is not displayed due to various factors such as a small number of registered shortening execution functions, the final transition image is displayed in the empty area.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the shortened function image from being displayed on the selection screen due to the influence of the final transition image. Such a configuration is particularly useful for a user who makes heavy use of the shortening execution function.

  As the selection display process, a new display process and a mixed display process may be included. The new display process is a process of displaying a new registration image for accepting new registration of the shortening execution function for each empty area. The mixed display process is a process for displaying the final transition image corresponding to the final history in the empty area together with the newly registered image when the final history is held by the history holding process.

In the display control apparatus configured as described above, since the final transition image and the newly registered image are displayed together in one free area on the selection screen, the free area is effectively used.
In the final transition display process, when at least one final transition image can be displayed on the display unit, the maximum number of the final transition images that can be displayed is set as the upper limit for each final history stored in the history holding process. Of these final transition images, at least one determined based on a specific priority display criterion may be displayed on the display unit.

  When a plurality of final histories are held, all final transition images may not be displayed at the same time. In view of this, it is possible to display the final transition image practically and efficiently by predetermining a priority display criterion and preferentially displaying the final transition image determined based on the priority display criterion. Can be done.

  On the other hand, in the history holding process, the final history may be held with a predetermined maximum holding number as an upper limit in descending order of holding priority determined based on a preset priority holding criterion.

  In other words, the final history itself may not be unconditionally executed (held), but a restriction may be provided. Specifically, the final history is held in descending order of holding priority, with the maximum holding number as the upper limit. In this way, by setting the upper limit and setting the priority for the final history to be retained, it is possible to retain a highly useful final history while reducing the area necessary for retaining the final history (for example, memory storage area). Can be made.

The priority holding criterion may be such that the holding priority becomes higher as the timing when the history holding condition is satisfied is newer.
Various priority holding criteria for determining the holding priority are conceivable. For example, the holding priority becomes higher as the timing when the history holding condition is satisfied is higher. By setting the priority retention criteria in this way, the final history reflecting the user's most recent usage history is preferentially retained, and the user can easily reproduce relatively new operation contents from the past operation history. can do.

  The history holding condition may be that a specific process execution operation for executing a specific process associated with the displayed screen is performed. The fact that a specific process execution operation has been performed is considered likely to require a transition to the same screen in order to perform the same process execution operation again. Therefore, by holding the final history when a specific process execution operation is performed, wasteful holding of the final history can be suppressed.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing system of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen transition from a basic standby screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of a favorite waiting screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen transition from a favorite standby screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows a screen information table, a favorite information table, and an operation history information table. It is a flowchart of a function execution process. It is a flowchart which shows the favorite standby screen display process of S140 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the favorite standby screen process of S150 of FIG.

Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a multifunction machine 10 and a PC (Personal Computer) 30. The multifunction machine 10 and the PC 30 can perform data communication with each other through a LAN (Local Area Network) 3.

  The multi-function device 10 has an image reading function for reading an image of a document, a scan data processing function for processing read image data (hereinafter referred to as “scan data”) by various processing methods, and printing image data (including scan data). It has multiple functions, such as an output copy function. The scan data processing function includes a plurality of types of functions depending on a method for outputting scan data to the outside of the multifunction machine 10 and an output destination, and one of them is a fax function for performing facsimile transmission.

  The multifunction machine 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an NVRAM 14, an image reading unit 15, a printing unit 16, an operation unit 17, a display unit 18, a network interface 19, a USB interface 20, and a line connection unit 21.

  The CPU 11 executes control of various parts in the multifunction machine 10 and various calculations in accordance with various programs stored in the ROM 12, the NVRAM 14, and the like. The RAM 13 is used as a main memory that is directly accessed from the CPU 11. The NVRAM 14 is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory. The NVRAM 14 stores various setting information related to the multifunction machine 10. The screen information table shown in FIG. 5A (described later) and the programs for the processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are stored in the ROM 12 or the NVRAM 14. Each table of FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C described later is stored in the NVRAM 14 and updated as appropriate.

  The image reading unit 15 includes an image sensor, reads an image of a document, and generates image data representing the image. The printing unit 16 has a function of printing various image data including image data read by the image reading unit 15 on a print medium. The operation unit 17 is an input device that receives an input operation by a user. The operation unit 17 includes various input means such as a touch panel 22 and operation buttons (not shown). The display unit 18 includes a display (for example, a liquid crystal display) 23 as a display device capable of displaying information. A touch panel 22 is superimposed on the display area of the display 23. The network interface 19 is a communication interface for connecting the multifunction machine 10 to the LAN 3. The USB interface 20 is an interface for performing data communication according to the well-known USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard.

  The PC 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) 34, an operation unit 35, a display unit 36, and a network interface 37.

  The CPU 31 controls each unit of the PC 30 and external devices (including the multifunction device 10) by executing various programs stored in the ROM 32 and the HDD 34. The ROM 32 stores various programs executed by the CPU 31, data, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a main storage device for the CPU 31 to execute various processes. In the HDD 34, an OS (Operating System), various device drivers, various application software, and the like are installed. The operation unit 35 includes a keyboard and various pointing devices. The display unit 36 includes various display devices such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display. The network interface 37 is a communication interface for connecting the PC 30 to the LAN 3.

  An FTP server 400 is connected to the LAN 3. The LAN 3 is connected to the Internet 300. A plurality of information processing apparatuses including a server 310 are connected to the Internet 300. The multifunction machine 10, the PC 30, and the FTP server 400 can perform data communication with each other through the LAN 3. Further, the multifunction machine 10, the PC 30, and the FTP server 400 can perform data communication with various information processing apparatuses connected to the Internet 300.

  When a predetermined activation process is performed after turning on the power of the multi-function device 10, a basic standby screen 40 shown at the top of FIG. 2 is displayed on the display 23. The basic standby screen 40 displays date and time information in the center, and also displays a fax mode key 41, a copy mode key 42, a scan mode key 43, a menu key 44, a left switch key 45, a right switch key 46, and the like. Is done.

  Various screens illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4 and other various screens (not shown) including the basic standby screen 40 are displayed on the display 23 according to a user operation or according to the operation state of the multifunction machine 10. The Information about each screen that may be displayed on the display 23 is stored in advance as a screen information table in the ROM 12 or the NVRAM 14. FIG. 5A is an example of the screen information table.

  In the screen information table, a screen ID, a screen name, a function classification, and screen configuration information are stored for each screen. In the present embodiment, the screen information of the basic standby screen 40 is set as the screen ID 1 (that is, as the first screen ID) in the screen information table. 2 is set as the screen ID 102 in the screen information table. In addition, the next screen that transitions (that is, switches) when the selection operation on the copy mode key 42 in the basic standby screen 40 is performed is set as the screen ID 4 in the screen information table. In addition, the next screen that transitions when a selection operation is performed on the fax mode key 41 in the basic standby screen 40 is set as screen ID 5 in the screen information table.

  Note that various methods can be adopted as the selection operation for various images and keys displayed on the screen. In this embodiment, the operation object is pressed (specifically, the operation object is displayed on the touch panel 22). An explanation will be given by taking (pressing of the area) as an example.

  In the screen information table, the function classification is information indicating which function the screen mainly relates to among the various functions of the multifunction machine 10. The screen configuration information is information regarding the specific contents of the screen. For example, display character information regarding characters to be displayed on the screen, component images as various images to be displayed, and display coordinates of each component image on the display 23 When linked to each component image or character, when it is pressed, the transition destination screen ID, which is the screen ID of the screen to be displayed next, when linked to each component image or character, when it is pressed There is start function information indicating a function to be started.

  Each of the keys 41 to 46 displayed on the basic standby screen 40 is one of the component images. The screen information of the screen ID 1 corresponding to the basic standby screen 40 is associated with the transition destination screen ID for each of these keys 41 to 46, and when any key is pressed, it is associated with that key. The screen is switched to the transition destination screen ID. Note that the transition destination screen ID and start function information are not necessarily set for all displayed keys.

  When the basic standby screen 40 is displayed, for example, to scan a document, the scan mode key 43 may be pressed. When the scan mode key 43 is pressed, various setting screens and confirmation screens necessary for scan execution are displayed, and the user performs necessary input operations for each screen to finally execute a specific scan data processing function. be able to.

  More specifically, when the scan mode key 43 on the basic standby screen 40 is pressed, a list screen of scan data processing functions is displayed, from which the user can select and operate a specific scan data processing function. Here, for example, when scan to USB is selected, the screen is sequentially switched to a screen for setting and confirming setting values of various setting items necessary for execution of scan to USB. Finally, a confirmation screen 110 (or a screen similar to this) shown in the center of FIG. 4 is displayed. When the user presses the start key 112, the scan-to-USB function is started. It should be noted that a screen such as a confirmation screen 110 that has a key for starting a function of the multifunction device 10 such as a scan, copy, or facsimile function, and the function is executed when the key is pressed. Hereinafter, they are also collectively referred to as “function execution screens”. In addition, keys for starting a function displayed on the function execution screen such as the start key 112 in the confirmation screen 110 are hereinafter collectively referred to as “function start key”.

  When the function start key in the function execution screen is pressed, the execution of the corresponding function is started, and various information related to the function execution screen at that time is a series of screen transitions until the function starts. Is stored as operation history information (corresponding to an example of the final history of the present invention) indicating the final screen. Specifically, the operation history information is stored in the NVRAM 14 as an operation history information table. FIG. 5C shows an example of the operation history information table.

  In the operation history information table, for each stored operation history information, the screen ID of the corresponding final screen, the screen name, the use date and time when the function start key is pressed on the corresponding final screen, and the final screen are displayed. The number of uses, which is the number of times a history call key for direct display (details will be described later) is pressed, function setting information indicating setting values of various setting items set on the final screen, and the like are stored.

  For example, when the above-described confirmation screen 110 is displayed as the function execution system screen, various setting values (for example, reading resolution, file type, color setting, USB memory port information, etc.) for executing scan to USB are set. It is in a state. When the start key 112 as a function start key is pressed in this state, the setting state of various setting values at that time is stored in the operation history information table as function setting information corresponding to the confirmation screen 110. For example, when the function start key is pressed on the function execution screen for executing the copy function, the number of copies and the copy image quality set at that time are also stored as function setting information. Further, for example, when a function start key is pressed on a function execution screen for executing a facsimile function, the facsimile number set at that time is also stored as function setting information.

  In the present embodiment, the operation history information stored in the operation history information table is 10 at maximum. In the present embodiment, the operation history information is preferentially stored as the usage date is newer. That is, the operation history information with the newest use date and time is stored as history number 1, and the history numbers 2, 3, 4,. Therefore, each time a function start key is pressed on a new function execution screen, the function execution screen is newly saved in the operation history information table as operation history information of history number 1. Accordingly, the operation history information of the original history numbers 1 to 9 is decremented by one, and the operation history information of the original history number 10 is deleted from the operation history information table.

  When the operation history information of the final screen is stored in the operation history information table, one key press operation is performed on the final screen corresponding to the operation history information from the favorite standby screen 80 (FIG. 3), as will be described later. You can go directly to the final screen with.

  The operation history information is not stored in the operation history information table only when the function start key is pressed on the function execution screen. As will be described later, when a specific setting confirmation operation is performed on a screen for setting various setting items or confirming the setting state of the multifunction machine 10 (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “menu screen”). In addition, information related to the menu screen displayed when the setting confirmation operation is performed is stored in the operation history information table as operation history information indicating the final screen. A sleep mode setting screen 70 (lowermost part in FIG. 2) described later is one of menu-related screens.

  In the state where the basic standby screen 40 is displayed, if it is desired to set various setting items related to various functions of the multifunction machine 10 or check various setting states, the menu key 44 may be pressed. When the menu key 44 is pressed, the menu screen 50 shown in the second row from the top in FIG. 2 is displayed.

  The menu screen 50 lists a plurality of keys for allowing the user to select a setting target. When the user presses a specific key, the screen switches to a lower hierarchy screen corresponding to the key, and corresponds to the key. It is possible to proceed to the setting item setting operation.

  Of the keys displayed on the menu screen 50, for example, the basic setting key 51 is a key for setting, confirming, etc., basic various setting values of the multi-function device 10 without being limited to a specific function. When the basic setting key 51 is pressed, a basic setting screen 60 shown in the third row from the top in FIG. 2 is displayed. On the basic setting screen 60, keys of various basic setting items in the multifunction machine 10 are listed. Among them, the sleep mode setting key 61 is a key for setting a transition time for causing the MFP 10 to transition to the sleep mode.

  The multifunction machine 10 of the present embodiment is configured to shift to the sleep mode when a non-operation state in which no user operation is performed continues for a predetermined transition time. The sleep mode is a function for reducing power consumption in an unused state by narrowing down the processing functions of the CPU to a necessary minimum and stopping other functions.

  The transition time for shifting to the unused state is configured so that the user can arbitrarily select from a plurality of types of transition times. Specifically, when the sleep mode setting key 61 displayed on the basic setting screen 60 is pressed, a sleep mode setting screen 70 shown at the bottom of FIG. 2 is displayed. The sleep mode setting screen 70 displays a plurality of keys for selecting a transition time. For example, when the user presses the 5-minute setting key 71 on the sleep mode setting screen 70, the transition time is set to 5 minutes. Then, the screen displayed on the display 23 returns to the basic standby screen 40. Alternatively, a predetermined confirmation screen (for example, a screen for notifying the user that the transition time is set to 5 minutes) may be displayed for a short time, and then the basic standby screen 40 may be returned.

  As described above, in order to set the transition time to the sleep mode, the sleep mode setting screen 70 is finally displayed through a plurality of screen transitions from the basic standby screen 40 and specified in the sleep mode setting screen 70. It is necessary to press the key corresponding to the transition time. Not only the setting of the transition time to the sleep mode, but also other various setting items, a screen for setting is finally displayed through a plurality of screen transitions from the basic standby screen 40, and a setting value is selected there. It is necessary to perform an operation for confirming (setting confirmation operation).

  When the setting confirmation operation is performed on the menu screen, various information related to the menu screen at that time is the operation history information table (the operation history information indicating the final screen in a series of screen transitions up to that screen) ( It is stored in FIG. The contents of the operation history information stored here are basically the same as the contents of the operation history information for the function execution system screen. That is, the operation history information on both the function execution screen and the menu screen is mixed in the operation history information table.

  When the sleep mode setting screen 70 is saved as operation history information by selecting a specific transition time on the sleep mode setting screen 70, the next time the favorite standby screen 80 is displayed, an example is shown in FIG. Thus, a history call key 94b corresponding to the stored operation history information is displayed. The history call key will be described in detail later.

  In the present embodiment, there are three types of standby screens that are normally displayed on the display 23 and can be arbitrarily selected by the user. One of the three types of standby screens is the basic standby screen 40 shown in FIG. 2, and the other is the favorite standby screen 80 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the basic standby screen 40 is set as the base screen.

  In the present embodiment, even if the screen is switched by various operations, the screen can be returned to the base screen (the basic standby screen 40 in the present embodiment) by pressing a home button (not shown). In addition, as described above, the screen displayed after a predetermined activation process is performed after the MFP 10 is turned on is also the base screen. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the screen is switched due to a user's operation, if no operation is performed for a certain period of time (but shorter than the transition time to sleep mode), it is automatically performed. The base screen 40 is returned to.

  Each time the right switch key 46 is pressed on the basic standby screen 40, the displayed base screen is switched from the basic standby screen 40 to another standby screen. Specifically, when the right switch key 46 is pressed, the screen is switched to the second basic standby screen (not shown), and when the right switch key is further pressed, the screen is switched to the favorite standby screen 80 (FIG. 3). In addition, by pressing the left switch key 45 on the basic standby screen 40, the base screen can be switched sequentially in the reverse order from when the right switch key 46 is pressed.

  Here, the favorite standby screen 80 will be described in detail. When using various functions of the multifunction device 10, it is usually necessary for the user to perform a plurality of procedures (specifically, through screen transitions as many times as necessary). For example, in order to use the scan-to-USB function, an input operation for designating a USB port as a storage destination, setting / checking of various setting values at the time of scanning, and the like are required. For this reason, it is very troublesome to execute a specific function in a normal procedure.

  On the other hand, in the multifunction machine 10 of the present embodiment, shortcut registration can be performed for various functions of the multifunction machine 10. Then, by executing the shortcut process based on the registered shortcut, it is possible to execute a specific function while reducing the number of users.

  In the multifunction machine 10 of the present embodiment, at least 72 types of shortcuts can be registered in total. In order to register or execute the shortcut, it is necessary to display the favorite standby screen 80 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a tab display area 101 and a plurality (9 in this embodiment) of key display areas 81 to 89 are assigned to the favorite standby screen 80. In the tab display area 101, eight tabs from the first tab to the eighth tab are displayed, and one tab selected by the user is displayed as a selected state. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the leftmost first tab is selected.

  In each of the key display areas 81 to 89, keys corresponding to the selected tab are displayed. That is, nine keys are assigned to one tab. When the tab is switched, the keys in the key display areas 81 to 89 are also switched to keys corresponding to the tab after switching.

  There are a plurality of types of keys displayed in the key display areas 81 to 89. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, shortcut execution keys 91, 92, 95, 96, 99, which are assigned with specific registered shortcuts and can execute shortcut processing based on the shortcuts, There are shortcut registration keys 93a, 94, 97, 98, etc. that have not been assigned yet. Furthermore, there is a history call key 93b for making a direct transition to a screen stored as operation history information. When an input operation for selecting a shortcut execution key is performed, a shortcut process based on the shortcut assigned and registered to the shortcut execution key is executed. On the favorite waiting screen 80, a menu key 102 is displayed in the upper right corner.

  In the initial state where the multifunction machine 10 is not yet used, for example, when the product is shipped, no shortcut is registered. For this reason, the key display areas 81 to 89 in all the tabs are empty areas where no shortcut execution key is displayed. In the present embodiment, a shortcut registration key is displayed for an empty area. Therefore, when the favorite standby screen 80 is displayed for the first time after the product is shipped, the shortcut registration keys are displayed in all the key display areas 81 to 89. The user can register a shortcut in a specific key display area in a specific tab. When a shortcut is registered by pressing a shortcut registration key in a specific key display area, a shortcut execution key corresponding to the registered shortcut is displayed in the key display area. Thereafter, when the shortcut execution key is pressed, shortcut processing based on the registered shortcut is executed.

  By registering the shortcut, it is possible to execute a specific function with a small number of steps, and by simply pressing the shortcut execution key, all the registered functions can be completed without requiring any user operation. However, depending on the user or the type of function, there is a case where it is desired to temporarily stop the process and confirm the processing content before the execution is started or before the completion. For example, in the case of scan-to-email, there may be a user who wants to display a transmission destination address at least before transmission and to perform transmission after address confirmation work in order to prevent erroneous transmission of scan data.

  Therefore, the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a one-touch function that can set whether the registered function is executed in a normal procedure or a simple procedure for each function registered as a shortcut. The normal procedure is a processing procedure including processing for requesting the user to confirm the processing content. The simple procedure is a processing procedure that does not require the user's confirmation work or the like, that is, a processing procedure in which the function is automatically executed to the end when the shortcut execution key is pressed. In the present embodiment, the one-touch function can be set to be valid or invalid. When the one-touch function is set to invalid, the normal procedure is executed, and when the one-touch function is set to valid, the simple procedure is executed.

  In the favorite standby screen 80 illustrated in FIG. 3, the one-touch function is set to be valid for the shortcut assigned to the shortcut execution key 96 displayed in the sixth key display area 86. On the other hand, the shortcuts assigned to the shortcut execution keys 91, 92, 95, 99 displayed in the first, second, fifth, ninth key display areas 81, 82, 85, 89 are: The one-touch function is disabled. The one-touch function can be enabled or disabled individually for each shortcut.

  The keys to be displayed in each key display area on the favorite standby screen 80 are managed by the favorite information table shown in FIG. In the favorite information table, each key display area 81 to 89 of each tab 1 to 8 (that is, every 72 key display areas in total) is used (shortcut is registered) or not used (shortcut is not used). Information), key display area position, shortcut name, one-touch activation enable / disable setting information, various setting values used for shortcut execution, and other related information are saved. Is done. The related information includes a transition destination screen ID that is an ID of a next screen to be transitioned when a key displayed in the key display area is pressed.

  Therefore, when the favorite standby screen 80 is displayed, the screen information table of FIG. 5A and the favorite information table of FIG. 5B are referred to, and the favorite standby screen 80 is created based on the information of each table. Is displayed on the display 23.

  In the favorite standby screen 80, one key is basically displayed in one key display area. However, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the shortcut registration key is displayed, both the shortcut registration key and the history call key may be displayed at the same time in one key display area. The history call key is a key for making a direct transition to the final screen stored as operation history information in the operation history information table.

  FIG. 3A shows an example in which both the shortcut registration key 93 a and the history call key 93 b are displayed in the third key display area 83. The history call key 93b shown in FIG. 3A is a key for making a direct transition to a menu screen on which a setting confirmation operation related to the volume of a speaker (not shown) provided in the multifunction machine 10 can be performed. When the history call key 93b is pressed, a menu screen that has been displayed at the time of volume setting in the past can be directly displayed, whereby the volume setting can be easily changed.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the transition time to the sleep mode can be set by changing the screen sequentially from the basic standby screen 40 and displaying the sleep mode setting screen 70. The mode setting screen 70 is stored in the operation history information table as operation history information. As a result, when the favorite standby screen 80 is displayed next, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, any one of the key display areas in which only the shortcut registration key is displayed (example in FIG. 3B). Then, a history call key 94b for making a direct transition to the sleep mode setting screen 70 is added to the fourth key display area 84).

  Note that it is possible to appropriately determine which operation history information corresponding to which operation history information among the operation history information stored in the operation history information table is to be displayed on the favorite standby screen 80. In the present embodiment, the history call key corresponding to the operation history information is displayed with priority on the newest use date among the operation history information stored in the operation history information table with the number of free areas as the upper limit. It is comprised so that.

  An outline of the operation when a key in the favorite waiting screen 80 is pressed will be briefly described with reference to FIG. When the menu key 102 is pressed on the favorite standby screen 80, the screen transitions to the menu screen 50 shown in FIG.

  When the history call key 94b displayed in the fourth key display area 84 is pressed on the favorite waiting screen 80, the display screen of the display 23 is the final screen corresponding to the history call key 94b, that is, the lowermost stage in FIG. Transitions directly to the sleep mode setting screen 70.

  When the shortcut execution key 96 of a shortcut for which one-touch activation is enabled is pressed on the favorite standby screen 80, the shortcut is executed in a simple procedure. That is, the registered function is automatically executed according to the registered various setting information without requiring a user operation. During execution, the function executing screen 120 is displayed on the display 23.

  When the shortcut execution key 99 for a shortcut for which one-touch activation is disabled is pressed on the favorite standby screen 80, the registered shortcut is executed in a normal procedure. Specifically, first, a confirmation screen 110 is displayed. On the confirmation screen 110, various setting information necessary for executing the registered shortcut is displayed. In addition, an option key 111 and a start key 112 are displayed on the confirmation screen 110. When the option key 111 is pressed, the setting contents can be changed. When the start key 112 is pressed, the registered functions are automatically executed according to the registered various setting information. During execution, the function executing screen 120 is displayed on the display 23.

  When a shortcut registration key whose shortcut has not been registered (for example, the shortcut registration key 94a in the fourth key display area 84, the shortcut registration key 98 in the eighth key display area 88, etc.) is pressed on the favorite waiting screen 80, the shortcut is displayed. Proceed to the procedure for newly registering. Specifically, first, a screen for selecting a function to be registered as a shortcut is displayed, and a function to be registered can be selected from scan, copy, fax, and other various functions. When a function is selected, it is possible to proceed to various detailed setting screens related to the function and finally register a shortcut. When registering a scan function shortcut, an individual function selection screen 130 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed in the registration process, and a specific scan data processing function to be registered can be selected.

  A function execution process executed by the CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 to realize the various screen transitions described above will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 executes the function execution process of FIG. 6 to realize various screen transitions and function executions described with reference to FIGS. When the CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 is activated by turning on the power, the function execution process program of FIG. 6 is read from the ROM 12 or the NVRAM 14 and executed through a predetermined activation process.

  When the function execution process is started, the CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 reads screen information from the screen information table (FIG. 5A) in S110. In S120, based on the read screen information, a screen corresponding to the first screen ID (that is, screen ID 1) in the screen information is displayed on the display 23. In this embodiment, a basic standby screen 40 is displayed.

  In S130, it is determined whether or not a transition operation to the favorite standby screen has been performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the left switch key 45 is pressed once or the right switch key 46 is pressed twice on the basic standby screen 40. If the transition operation to the favorite standby screen has not been performed, the process proceeds to S160.

  In S160, it is determined whether or not the function start key is pressed on the function execution system screen. When the function start key is pressed, in step S170, the operation history information of the currently displayed screen is newly saved in the operation history information table. In S180, the operation history information stored in the operation history information table is sorted in the latest history order (that is, the order of use date and time), and history numbers are assigned from 1 in the latest history order.

  In S190, the corresponding functional operation is started. In S200, in accordance with the transition destination screen ID assigned to the pressed function start key, the screen configuration information of the screen to be transitioned next is read. In S210, the next screen is created and displayed based on the screen configuration information read in S200. After the screen is changed in S210, the process returns to S130.

  If the function start key is not pressed on the function execution screen in S160, the process proceeds to S220. In S220, it is determined whether a setting confirmation operation (for example, pressing any setting key on the sleep mode setting screen 70) has been performed on the menu screen. If a setting confirmation operation has been performed, the operation history information of the currently displayed screen is newly saved in the operation history information table in S230. In S240, the operation history information stored in the operation history information table is sorted in the latest history order, and history numbers are assigned from 1 in the latest history order. In S250, the screen configuration information of the screen to be transitioned next is read according to the transition destination screen ID assigned to the key pressed as the setting confirmation operation. In S260, the next screen is created and displayed based on the screen configuration information read in S250. After the screen is changed in S260, the process returns to S130.

  If the setting confirmation operation on the menu screen is not performed in S220, the process proceeds to S270. In S270, it is determined whether or not a transition key to another screen has been pressed. Here, the “transition key to other screen” basically includes all key operations not corresponding to the key operations determined in S130, S160, and S220. For example, an operation of pressing any one of the mode keys 41 to 43 on the basic standby screen 40, a key operation on the menu screen 50 or the basic setting screen 60, a key operation on the individual function selection screen 130, etc. This corresponds to the operation of “Transition key to screen”.

  If the transition key to another screen is not pressed in S270, the process returns to S130. If the transition key to another screen is pressed, the process proceeds to S280. In S280, the screen configuration information of the screen to be transitioned next is read according to the transition destination screen ID assigned to the pressed transition key. In S290, the next screen is created and displayed based on the screen configuration information read in S280. After the screen is changed in S290, the process returns to S130.

  If the operation for transition to the favorite standby screen is performed in S130, the process proceeds to the favorite standby screen display process in S140. Details of the favorite standby screen display process in S140 are as shown in FIG. When the process proceeds to the favorite standby screen display process of FIG. 7, the favorite information is read from the favorite information table (FIG. 5B) in S410. In S420, it is determined whether or not there is a free area that is a key display area to which no shortcut is assigned in a display scheduled tab (for example, the first tab) that is a tab to be displayed first on the favorite standby screen 80. If there is no empty area, that is, if shortcuts are assigned to all nine key display areas, the process proceeds to S440. If there is a free area, the process proceeds to S430. In S430, operation history information is read from the operation history information table (FIG. 5C).

  In S440, a key name to be displayed is assigned to each of the nine key display areas of the first tab to be displayed. Specifically, first, a shortcut execution key is assigned to a key display area to which a shortcut is assigned. Next, a shortcut registration key is assigned to a key display area to which no shortcut is assigned. The shortcut execution key and the shortcut registration key are assigned based on the favorite information table of FIG. Subsequently, a history call key is assigned to an empty area to which no shortcut is assigned, that is, a key display area to which a shortcut registration key is assigned, based on the operation history information table of FIG. Specifically, history call keys are assigned in order from history number 1, with the number of free areas as the upper limit.

  In S450, according to the screen ID of the favorite standby screen, the screen configuration information of the favorite standby screen is read from the screen information table (FIG. 5A). In S460, a favorite standby screen 80 is created based on the processing results of S440 and S450, and is displayed on the display 23. After the favorite standby screen display process in FIG. 7 ends, the process proceeds to S150 (FIG. 6).

  In S150, favorites waiting screen processing is executed. The details of the processing in the favorite standby screen in S150 are as shown in FIG. When the process proceeds to the favorite standby screen process of FIG. 8, it is determined in S510 whether a tab other than the currently displayed tab has been pressed. That is, for example, if each key of the first tab is currently displayed, it is determined whether any of the second to eighth tabs has been pressed.

  If a tab other than the currently displayed tab is pressed, the process proceeds to S520, the favorite standby screen display process (FIG. 7) is executed, and the process returns to S510. That is, the favorite standby screen display process of FIG. 7 is executed for the pressed tab.

  If no tab other than the currently displayed tab is pressed in S510, the process proceeds to S530. In S530, it is determined whether or not the shortcut registration key has been pressed. If the shortcut registration key is pressed, in S540, the screen configuration information of the screen to be transitioned next is read in accordance with the transition destination screen ID assigned to the pressed shortcut registration key. In S550, the next screen is created and displayed based on the screen configuration information read in S540. In S560, the favorite registration process is executed. Specifically, a shortcut is newly registered by accepting a selection operation of a function to be registered as a shortcut and setting operations such as various setting information necessary for executing the function. Thereby, the shortcut execution key of the registered shortcut is displayed in the key display area of the pressed shortcut registration key.

  If the shortcut registration key is not pressed in S530, the process proceeds to S570. In S570, it is determined whether or not the shortcut execution key has been pressed. If the shortcut execution key is pressed, the process proceeds to S580. In S580, it is determined whether the one-touch activation is set to valid or invalid for the shortcut assigned to the pressed shortcut execution key.

  If the one-touch activation is disabled, the process proceeds to S600. If the one-touch activation is set to be valid, a shortcut function operation is started in S590, and the process proceeds to S600. In S600, the screen configuration information of the next screen to be transitioned is read according to the transition destination screen ID assigned to the pressed shortcut execution key. In S610, the next screen is created and displayed based on the screen configuration information read in S600. Here, for example, when the one-touch activation is set to be effective, a screen corresponding to the function executing screen 120 in FIG. 4 is displayed, for example. For example, when the one-touch activation is set to be invalid, for example, a screen corresponding to the confirmation screen 110 in FIG. 4 is displayed.

  If the shortcut execution key is not pressed in S570, the process proceeds to S620. In S620, it is determined whether or not the history call key has been pressed. If the history call key has not been pressed, the process returns to S510. If the history call key is pressed, the process proceeds to S630.

  In S630, the operation history information corresponding to the pressed history call key is read from the operation history information table (FIG. 5C). Then, based on the read operation history information, the processes of S600 and S610 are executed. In this case, in S600, the screen ID registered as the operation history information is the transition destination screen ID. In S610, the final screen stored as operation history information is displayed. At that time, the past setting information stored as the operation history information is reflected.

  According to the MFP 10 of the present embodiment described above, a screen on which the function start key has been pressed or a setting confirmation operation has been performed in the past is stored as operation history information, and thereafter, the screen can be changed directly to that screen. it can. Therefore, when it is desired to display the screen again, the burden on the user for displaying the screen can be reduced, and a specific screen can be easily displayed.

  Further, both the shortcut execution key and the history call key are displayed in the same one favorite waiting screen 80. For this reason, it is possible to execute shortcut processing or execute direct transition to a specific screen with the same one favorite standby screen 80 as a starting point.

  Further, the history call key is not displayed while occupying one free area (one key display area), but is displayed together with the shortcut registration key in one free area. Therefore, history call keys can be mixed without affecting the number of displayed shortcut execution keys and shortcut registration keys.

[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can take a various form, without being limited to the said embodiment.

  (1) In the above embodiment, when a function start key is pressed on a function execution screen or when a setting confirmation operation is performed on a menu screen, the screen at that time is saved as operation history information. However, the timing and conditions for saving the operation history information can be appropriately determined.

  For example, when shifting to the sleep mode, the screen displayed immediately before the transition may be stored as operation history information. In addition, for example, in the MFP 10 of the above-described embodiment, the screen is automatically returned to the base screen (standby screen) when the non-operation state continues for a certain time, but when returning to the base screen, The screen displayed immediately before returning to the base screen may be stored as operation history information.

  Further, in the MFP 10 of the above-described embodiment, regardless of what screen is displayed on the display 23, when a home button (not shown) is pressed, the screen is forcibly switched to a standby screen, but the home button is pressed. In this case, the image displayed immediately before the button is pressed may be saved as operation history information.

  In addition, a key for saving the screen as operation history information may be displayed on each screen, and when the key is pressed, the screen may be saved as operation history information. By doing in this way, for example, the screen of the intermediate layer displayed while the screen is changed from the upper layer to the lower layer can be stored as the operation history information.

  Further, for example, when the number of times the information stored as the operation history information is used exceeds a specific number, the information may be permanently stored so that the information is not deleted unless an erasing operation by the user is executed.

  (2) The history call key may be displayed not only on the favorite standby screen 80 but also on any of various other screens. For example, the basic standby screen 40 may be displayed. At that time, the number of history call keys to be displayed may be reduced (for example, the latest one or two).

  In addition, for a screen desired by the user, such as a screen with many opportunities to be displayed, a history call key for the screen transition may be always displayed somewhere on the screen so that the screen can be transited directly to the screen at any time.

  (3) Where to display the history call key can be determined as appropriate. For example, any one of the first tab to the eighth tab may be a tab dedicated to the history call key, and the history call key may be displayed only on the dedicated tab.

Further, for each tab, information capable of visually recognizing the number of history call keys that can be displayed on the tab may be displayed.
(4) In addition, the functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed as a plurality of components, or the functions of a plurality of components may be integrated into one component. Further, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be replaced with a known configuration having the same function. Moreover, you may abbreviate | omit a part of structure of the said embodiment. In addition, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of the other embodiment. In addition, all the aspects included in the technical idea specified only by the wording described in the claim are embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image processing system, 3 ... LAN, 10 ... Multifunction machine, 11, 31 ... CPU, 12, 32 ... ROM, 13, 33 ... RAM, 14 ... NVRAM, 15 ... Image reading part, 16 ... Printing part, 17, 35 ... operation unit, 18, 36 ... display unit, 19, 37 ... network interface, 20 ... USB interface, 21 ... line connection unit, 22 ... touch panel, 23 ... display, 30 ... PC, 34 ... HDD, 40 ... basic standby Screen, 41 ... Fax mode key, 42 ... Copy mode key, 43 ... Scan mode key, 44, 102 ... Menu key, 45 ... Left switch key, 46 ... Right switch key, 50 ... Menu screen, 51 ... Basic setting key, 60 ... Basic setting screen, 61 ... Sleep mode setting key, 70 ... Sleep mode setting screen, 71 ... 5 minute setting key, 80 ... Favorites Machine screen 81-89 Key display area 91, 92, 95, 96, 99 ... Shortcut execution key, 93a, 94, 94a, 97, 98 ... Shortcut registration key, 93b, 94b ... History call key, 101 ... Tab Display area 110 ... Confirmation screen 111 ... Option key 112 ... Start key 120 ... Function execution screen 130 ... Individual function selection screen 300 ... Internet 310 ... Server 400 ... Server

Claims (9)

A display unit capable of displaying an image;
A storage unit storing data of multiple types of screens;
A control unit that performs control to display the screen stored in the storage unit on the display unit;
With
The controller is
A display for switching a screen to be displayed on the display unit to another screen associated with the selected specific image when a selection operation is performed on the specific image on the screen displayed on the display unit. Switching process,
When the screen of the display unit is switched at least once by the display switching process, if a specific history holding condition is satisfied in the final screen after the switching, the final screen that is the final screen is displayed. History holding processing for holding the information shown as the final history;
A final transition display process for displaying on the display unit a final transition image for making a direct transition to the final screen held as the final history by the history holding process;
When the final transition image is displayed on the display unit by the final transition display process and the final transition image is selected, a screen to be displayed on the display unit is displayed. Screen transition processing for directly transitioning to the final screen corresponding to the image for use;
A registration process for accepting registration of a shortened execution function, which causes a specific function to be executed through a processing procedure less than a normal processing procedure using pre-designated execution information necessary for the execution of the specific function;
A selection display process for causing the display unit to display a selection screen on which a shortened function image for each of the shortened execution functions registered by the registration process is displayed;
When the selection screen is displayed on the display unit by the selection display processing and the selection operation of the shortening function image in the selection screen is performed, the shortening execution function corresponding to the shortening function image is executed. Abbreviated execution processing,
Run
The control unit displays the final transition image together with the shortened function image in the selection screen by executing the final transition display processing when the selection display processing is performed.
A display control device characterized by that. The display control device according to claim 1 ,
A plurality of image display areas are assigned to the selection screen, and the shortened function image and the final transition image are configured to be displayed one in the image display area,
In the selection display process, the control unit preferentially displays the shortened function image with respect to the final transition image in each image display area in the selection screen, and there is no shortened function image to be displayed. The display control apparatus, wherein when there is an empty area as the image display area, the final transition image is displayed in the empty area. The display control device according to claim 2 ,
As the selection display process,
New display processing for displaying a new registration image for accepting new registration of the shortened execution function for each empty area,
A mixed display process for displaying the final transition image corresponding to the final history in the empty area together with the newly registered image when the final history is retained by the history retention process;
A display control device comprising: The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
In the final transition display process, when at least one of the final transition images can be displayed on the display unit, the maximum number of the final transition images that can be displayed is set as the upper limit, and is held by the history holding process. A display control device that causes the display unit to display at least one of the final transition images for each final history determined based on a specific priority display criterion. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
In the history retention process, the final history is retained with a predetermined maximum retention number as an upper limit in descending order of retention priority determined based on a preset priority retention criterion. The display control device according to claim 5 ,
The display control apparatus, wherein the priority holding criterion is set such that the holding priority becomes higher as the timing when the history holding condition is satisfied is newer. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The history holding condition is that a specific process execution operation for executing a specific process associated with a displayed screen is performed. A display switching step of switching a screen to be displayed on the display unit to another screen associated with the selected specific image when a selection operation is performed on the specific image in the screen displayed on the display unit; ,
When the screen is switched by the display switching step at least once, and when a specific history retention condition is satisfied in the final screen after the switching, information indicating the final screen as the final screen is finalized. A history retention step to retain as history,
A final transition display step for causing the display unit to display a final transition image for making a direct transition to the final screen held as the final history by the history holding step;
When the final transition image is displayed on the display unit by the final transition display step, if the final transition image is selected, a screen to be displayed on the display unit is displayed. A screen transition step for directly transitioning to the final screen corresponding to the image for use;
A registration step for accepting registration of a shortened execution function, which causes a specific function to be executed through a processing procedure less than a normal processing procedure using pre-designated execution information necessary for the execution of the specific function;
A selection display step of displaying on the display unit a selection screen on which a shortened function image for each of the shortening execution functions registered in the registration step is displayed;
When the selection screen is displayed on the display unit in the selection display step and the selection operation of the shortening function image in the selection screen is performed, the shortening execution function corresponding to the shortening function image is executed. A shortened execution step;
I have a,
When the selection display step is executed, the final transition display step is executed to display the final transition image together with the shortened function image in the selection screen.
A display control method characterized by the above. A display switching process for switching a screen to be displayed on the display unit to another screen associated with the selected specific image when a selection operation is performed on the specific image in the screen displayed on the display unit; ,
When the screen switching by the display switching process is performed at least once, and when a specific history holding condition is satisfied in the final screen after the switching, information indicating the final screen that is the final screen is displayed. History retention processing to retain as the final history,
A final transition display process for displaying on the display unit a final transition image for making a direct transition to the final screen held as the final history by the history holding process;
When the final transition image is displayed on the display unit by the final transition display process and the final transition image is selected, a screen to be displayed on the display unit is displayed. Screen transition processing for directly transitioning to the final screen corresponding to the image for use;
A registration process for accepting registration of a shortened execution function, which causes a specific function to be executed through a processing procedure less than a normal processing procedure using pre-designated execution information necessary for the execution of the specific function;
A selection display process for causing the display unit to display a selection screen on which a shortened function image for each of the shortened execution functions registered by the registration process is displayed;
When the selection screen is displayed on the display unit by the selection display processing and the selection operation of the shortening function image in the selection screen is performed, the shortening execution function corresponding to the shortening function image is executed. Abbreviated execution processing,
When the selection display process is executed, the final transition display process is executed to execute the final transition image together with the shortened function image in the selection screen. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program configured to be displayed is recorded.