Information processing apparatus for displaying operation screen on console section based on contents received from external device, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

An information processing apparatus improved in operability when a user operates forms (buttons) displayed on a web page and in display quality of the forms (buttons) displayed on the web page. An HDD stores a plurality of form images different in size. The form images are provided for displaying a button on an operation screen. A network section, a modem, or a communication section receives data including instruction information for instructing the button to be displayed and size information representing a size of an area for detecting that the button has been touched by the user. One of the form images stored in the HDD is selected based on the instruction information and the size information. A console section displays the button with the selected form image on the operation screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for displaying an operation screen on a console section based on contents received from an external device via a network, a method for controlling the information processing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a program for implementing the method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a web browser is widely known which accesses a web server, which is an example of an external device, on a network to thereby receive contents in the web server to display the contents. The web browser interprets the contents (HTML data, for example) received from the web server, thereby creating a web page. Some contents received from the web server include a command for displaying, on a web page, images of form elements (hereinafter referred to as “forms”), such as a radio button and a check box, for a user to click using a mouse or the like (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-87398). In this case, for the images of forms (hereinafter referred to as “form images”), there are used images originally provided for the web browser. Note that each form image is stored in bitmap data format, and is uniquely determined irrespective of the settings of the font of a displayed web page, an enlargement or reduction ratio, and so forth.

Further, there has been known a technique which causes contents received from the web server to include designation of the size of forms such that form images originally provided for the web browser are displayed in the designated size. For example, in a case where the web browser receives contents shown inFIG. 9from the web server and displays the contents, the web browser displays a web page which has form images shown inFIG. 10Aarranged thereon. In the illustrated example, three radio buttons, i.e. forms of one kind, are displayed. The contents received from the web server designate a class of “size_set” for the radio button of “Candidate3”, and hence the form image of the radio button of “Candidate3” is zoomed to a size designated by “size_set” (a width of 36 points and a height of 36 points) and is displayed.

Further, another technique is also known which displays form images according to the sizes of the form images held by the web browser, even when contents received from the web server include designation of the sizes of forms. Note that when a web page having forms arranged thereon is displayed by such a method, areas for detecting a user's click or touch with a finger on a form disposed on the displayed web page (touch detection area) is determined according to the designation of the sizes of the forms, which is included in the contents. For example, assuming that theFIG. 9contents (HTML data) are received from the web server, when the web browser displays a web page based on the contents, form images shown inFIG. 10Bare displayed on the web page. At this time, the touch detection areas of the respective forms displayed on the web page are indicated by dotted lines inFIG. 100. Note that these dotted lines are not displayed on the web page.

There has been proposed a conventional technique in which when contents received from the web server include designation of the sizes of forms, form images held by the web browser are increased or reduced in size according to the designated sizes. In this conventional technique, however, form images become rough to degrade display quality, as shown by a radio button displayed on the left side of Candidate3inFIG. 10A.

Further, there has also been known a technique, in which when contents stored in the web server include designation of the sizes of forms, form images are displayed according to the sizes of the form images held by the web browser, without increasing or reducing the sizes of the form images to prevent such degradation of display quality as mentioned above. In this technique, however, as shown inFIGS. 10B and 10C, the size of the radio button appearing on the left side of Candidate3inFIG. 10Bdoes not match the touch detection area (size) set on the left side of Candidate3inFIG. 10C. This can cause the apparatus to erroneously recognize that the radio button has been touched by the user although the user has not intended to touch the button.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus which is improved in operability when a user operates forms (buttons) displayed on a web page, and is improved in display quality of the forms (buttons) displayed on the web page, a method of controlling the information processing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a program for implementing the method.

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising a storage unit configured to store a plurality of form images different in size from each other, for displaying a button on an operation screen, a reception unit configured to receive data including instruction information for instructing the button to be displayed, and size information representing a size of an area for detecting a touch on the button by a user, a selection unit configured to select one of the plurality of form images stored in said storage unit based on the instruction information and the size information included in the received data, and a display unit configured to display the button with the selected form image on the operation screen.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an information processing apparatus including a storage unit configured to store a plurality of form images different in size from each other, for displaying a button on an operation screen, comprising receiving data including instruction information for instructing the button to be displayed, and size information representing a size of an area for detecting a touch on the button by a user, selecting one of the plurality of form images stored in the storage unit based on the instruction information and the size information included in the received data, and displaying the button with the selected form image on the operation screen.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-executable program for causing a computer to execute a method of controlling an information processing apparatus including a storage unit configured to store a plurality of form images different in size from each other, for displaying a button on an operation screen, wherein the method comprises receiving data including instruction information for instructing the button to be displayed, and size information representing a size of an area for detecting a touch on the button by a user, selecting one of the plurality of form images stored in the storage unit based on the instruction information and the size information included in the received data, and displaying the button with the selected form image on the operation screen.

According to the present invention, the operability in the case where a web page is operated on a console section is enhanced, and display quality of forms (buttons) displayed on the web page is improved.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments thereof. Note that in the present embodiment, a description will be given of an embodiment in which an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus, denoted by reference numeral500, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 1, the image forming apparatus500includes a controller unit100, a console section112, a scanner123, and a printer125.

The controller unit100controls a copy function using the scanner123, a printer function for printing out data supplied from the outside via a LAN113using the printer125, and input and output of image information and device information, and controls the overall operation of the apparatus. Further, the controller unit100also controls a communication function including a facsimile function via a public communication line114.

The controller unit100has a CPU (central processing unit)101that executes various control programs.

The CPU101starts up a system by a boot program stored in a ROM (read only memory)103, and reads control programs stored in an HDD (hard disk drive) (storage unit)104, to execute predetermined processes using a RAM (random access memory)102as a work area. The HDD104stores the above-described various control programs and stores image data and information on all of wireless communication units (including specifications of the wireless communication units) included in a communication section111, described hereinafter.

The RAM102, the ROM103, and the HDD104are connected to the CPU101via a system bus107. Further, a console section interface (I/F)105, a modem110, a network section109, and an image bus interface (I/F)106are connected to the CPU101via the system bus107.

The console section interface105provides interface with the console section (user interface) (display unit)112, and executes transfer of image data to be displayed on the console section112to the console section112, transfer of a signal generated by an inputting operation via the console section112to the CPU101, and like processing. The console section112includes a display section for displaying current settings of functions concerning image processing, information input screens for inputting configuration information on the functions, and so forth, and an input section including e.g. keys for a user to input configuration information on the functions.

The network section109is connected to the LAN113, for input and output of information via the LAN113. More specifically, the image forming apparatus500is configured to be capable of performing communication via a network. In a case where the web server is connected to a LAN line, it is possible to acquire contents from the web server via the LAN113. Further, it is also possible to connect the network section109to the Internet e.g. via a proxy server in the LAN line to acquire contents from the web server on the Internet. The communication section111is connected to a wireless communication network115. At least one of the network section109, the modem110, and the communication section111corresponds to a reception unit for receiving contents.

The modem110is connected to the public communication line114, and inputs and outputs information via the public communication line114.

The image bus interface106is a bus bridge that connects between the system bus107and an image bus108and converts data structure. The image bus108is implemented e.g. by a PCI bus that is capable of transmitting image data at a high speed or by a bus conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard. To the image bus108are connected a RIP (raster image processor)116, a device interface (I/F)117, a scanner image processor118, a printer image processor119, an image rotation unit120, and an image processor121.

The RIP116rasterizes a PDL code into a bitmap image.

The device interface117connects between the scanner123as an image input device and the printer125as an image output device, and the controller unit100, and performs synchronous-asynchronous conversion of image data. In the present embodiment, the device interface117and the scanner123are connected to each other via a cable122, and the device interface117and the printer125are connected to each other via a cable124.

The scanner image processor118corrects, processes and edits input image data.

The printer image processor119performs the correction and resolution conversion of image data to be printed out by the printer125. The image rotation unit120rotates image data. The image processor121performs JPEG compression/expansion for multivalued image data, and JBIG, MMR or MH compression/expansion for binary image data.

As described above, the CPU101of the controller unit100performs centralized control over access to and from a variety of devices connected to the system bus107based on control programs, and reads image information from the scanner123via the device interface117. Further, the CPU101performs a control operation for executing predetermined processing on the read image information, and then delivering the image information to the printer125via the device interface117, and like other control operations. Furthermore, the CPU101carries out image conversion of image data and document files acquired via the network section109and the modem110, and stores the image data and the document files subjected to the image conversion in the HDD104or outputs the same to the printer125.

FIG. 2shows the arrangement of the console section112and the console section interface105appearing inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 2, the console section112comprises a key group202, a touch panel203, an LED (light emitting diode)205, and an LCD (liquid crystal display)206. Further, the console section interface105comprises an input port201, and an output port204.

The touch panel203and the key group202of hard keys of the console section112are connected to the CPU101via the input port201of the console section interface105. Further, position information indicative of a touched position on the touch panel203, and key information associated with touching on a key of the key group202are input to the CPU101via the input port201.

The LED205and the LCD206(operation screen) of the console section112are connected to the CPU101via the output port204of the console section interface105, and turn-on of the LED205and display of the LCD206are controlled by the CPU101. Normally, the touch panel203is a transparent sheet-like pressure sensing device, and is disposed on the LCD206in an overlapping manner. When the user directly touches an operation object, such as an imaginary button, displayed on the LCD206, the touch panel203detects position information of the operation object.

When the touch panel203detects the position information, the CPU101detects what operation object has been designated (touched) by the user, based on the operation object currently displayed on the LCD206and information on position coordinates thereof. Then, the CPU101determines a command to be executed when the detected operation object is touched, out of commands stored in advance in the ROM103or the HDD104, and executes the command. This creates screen data to be displayed on the LCD206. The screen data is transmitted from the CPU101to the LCD206via the output port204, whereby the display on the console section112can be changed. Note that such internal processing responsive to a user operation on the LCD206is common to all types of operation-responsive processing in the following description, and hence description thereof is omitted hereinafter. Further, it is assumed that in the following description, unless otherwise specified, executions of processing and determinations are all performed by the CPU101, and settings, results of the executions of processing, and states of the system are all stored in the HDD104.

FIG. 3is a view showing an example of a display on the LCD206of the console section112appearing inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 3, the console section112displays not only buttons for configuring settings but also a button301for switching the display screen to a configuration screen for using the copy function. Further, the console section112also displays a transmission/fax button302for switching the display screen to a configuration screen for using a transmission/facsimile function. Further, the console section112also displays a box button303for switching the display screen to a configuration screen for using a box function (function for storing data in a box). Further, the console section112also displays a web browser button304for switching the display screen to a screen for using a web browser function. Furthermore, the console section112also displays a system status/stop button305for switching the display screen to a screen for displaying a system status of the image forming apparatus and a currently operating job. Note thatFIG. 3shows the configuration screen for using the web browser function which is displayed when the user touches the web browser button304. Further, the buttons301to305are always displayed, and display areas306and307display different contents depending on which of the buttons301to305and a button309has been touched.

The display area306is a content display area. Contents acquired from a web server on the network are interpreted by the CPU101, and are displayed in the display area306as a web page. It is assumed in the present embodiment that contents received from the web server are described using HTML (hypertext markup language). Unless otherwise specified, processing for HTML interpretation and displaying a web page based on the results of the interpretation is the same as performed by a general web browser, and hence detailed description thereof is omitted.

The display area307is for displaying operation items. This display area307displays buttons308to317indicative of items for operating the web browser.

The button309is a URL input history display button. When the button309is touched, a screen for use in designating one of URL addresses input by the user in the past is displayed on the button308(not shown). This makes it possible to easily instruct designation of a URL address input in the past again.

The button310is a back button. By touching the button310, it is possible to go back to and display contents having been displayed in the display area306so far sequentially in a reverse order to a displayed order in which they were originally displayed.

The button311is a forward button. After going back to and display contents displayed in the past using the back button310, by touching the button311, it is possible to go forward to and display contents in the displayed again.

The button312is a stop button. By touching the button312, it is possible to suspend reading of contents during reading of the contents from the web server.

The button313is a re-read button. When the button313is touched, the contents currently displayed in the display area306can be acquired from the web server again, for being displayed.

The button314is a home button. A predetermined single URL address is registered in advance in the HDD104as a home address. By touching the button313, the contents of the home address can be displayed in the display area306through one-touch operation.

The button315is a print button. By touching the button315, a print instruction screen for use in printing the contents currently displayed in the display area306is displayed.

The button316is a favorite button. By touching the button316, a screen for use in selecting a URL address desired by the user from a plurality of URL addresses registered by the user in advance (not shown) is displayed. When the URL address is selected on this screen, it is possible to acquire associated contents from a web server at the URL address and display the contents in the display area306.

The button317is a menu button. By touching the button317, a screen for use in configuring various settings concerning the web browser (settings concerning e.g. display, printing, and other operations of the web browser function) is displayed.

Next, a description will be given of a process for displaying form images in the display area306.

Each form image to be displayed in the display area306is designated, in contents, i.e. in the description of an HTML file, simply by a form name thereof, for example, as <input type=“radio” . . . >. Therefore, when interpreting received contents, the web browser retrieves images (form images) associated with form names designated by the received contents, from the HDD104, and displays the images in the display area306. Although in a normal web browser, images associated with respective forms are uniquely determined, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, referred to hereinafter, a database of forms each listed with a plurality of different sizes together with images thereof is stored in advance in the HDD104, and optimum images to be displayed are retrieved with reference to the database.

FIG. 4shows the database of forms each listed with a plurality of different sizes together with images thereof.

Referring toFIG. 4, an item “form name” indicates the name of a form designated in contents, and represents attributes of the form designated by “<input type=” etc. of the contents. An item “size” represents the display size of an image of the form (form image). An item “image to be displayed” indicates the file name of a form image stored in the HDD104. An item “default” represents which of form images is to be displayed if no display size of a form is designated in received contents. If received contents do not designate the display size of a form, an image to be displayed is selected and displayed from a line indicated by a circle in an associated box of the item “default”. Note that each image to be displayed which is listed on a line having a circle in the associated box of the item “default” will be hereinafter referred to as a “default image”.

Each form image retrieved from the HDD104is displayed on the console section112as a portion (element) of a web page. Further, when the user selects (touches) a form image on the web page, the CPU101detects the coordinates of the form image touched by the user on the console section112. Further, the CPU101reads and executes a program module of a process corresponding to the touched form image, from the HDD104, based on the screen displayed on the console section112and the coordinates of the touched form image. Hereinafter, internal processing to be executed when a form image (accurately, an image representing a control component corresponding to a form) is touched on the console section112will be omitted.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of a display process executed by the image forming apparatus500shown inFIG. 1.

The display process inFIG. 5is executed by the CPU101of the image forming apparatus500shown inFIG. 1.

When the CPU101detects that a URL has been input by the user using the button308, the CPU101acquires contents from a web server at the input URL (step S101). In the illustrated example, it is assumed that contents of http://www.ooo.co.jp are received, and the contents received at this time are shown inFIG. 6.

Then, it is determined whether or not the received contents have a description designating a form (step S102). It is assumed that in the step S102, the description of the received contents is checked from its top to determine whether or not there is a description starting with <form>. In the case of the contents shown inFIG. 6, there is a description starting with <from>, and hence it is determined that the contents have a description designating a form (include an image identifier).

If it is determined in the step S102that the contents have no description designating a form (NO to the step S102), a web page is created, similarly to the general web browser, and the display area306is caused to display the web page (step S110).

If it is determined in the step S102that the contents have a description designating a form (YES to the step S102), it is further determined whether or not the size of the form is designated (step S103). Specifically, It is determined in the step S103whether or not the description of a <form> tag includes a description that means an attribute of width or height. In the case of the contents shown inFIG. 6, a class of “size_set” is designated by the form of a radio button (input type=“radio”), and a style for this class defines attributes of width and height. Therefore, it is determined that the form size is designated (a size identifier is included).

If it is determined in the step S103that the size of the form is not designated (NO to the step S103), the CPU101proceeds to a step S108, whereas if it is determined in the step S103that the size of the form is designated (YES to the step S103), it is determined whether or not the designated form size is suitable for display on the console section112(step S104). Here, to designate the size of a form is that to display an associated form image in an enlarged size is designated in the contents. Further, the size suitable for display is determined in advance according to at least one of the size and the resolution of the console section112so as to display the form image in the display area306, and is stored in the HDD104. Therefore, in order to determine whether or not the designated form size is suitable for display, the CPU101compares the form size stored in the HDD104and the form size designated by the contents.

If it is determined in the step S104that the designated form size is suitable for display (YES to the step S104), the CPU101retrieves a form image closest in size to the form size designated by the contents from the HDD104(step S105), and increases or reduces the retrieved form image to make the size thereof coincident with the form size designated by the contents (step S106). Then, the CPU101causes the console section112to display the resultant image in the display area306as an element of a web page (step S110), and then the CPU101proceeds to a step S111.

If it is determined in the step S104that the designated form size is not suitable for display (NO to the step S104), the CPU101retrieves an optimum form image the size of which is not smaller than a “size suitable for display” and at the same time is closest to the “size suitable for display” from the HDD104(step S107). Then, the CPU101causes the console section112to display the optimum form image in the display area306as an element of a web page (step S110), and then proceeds to the step S111.

If it is determined in the step S103that the size of the designated form is not designated (NO to the step S103), the CPU101determines a display mode of the web browser (step S108). The display mode includes two types: One is an “MFP (multifunction peripheral) display mode” for displaying a large form image on a web page assuming that the user performs operation by finger on the touch panel203of the console section112, and the other is a “normal display mode” for displaying a web page according to a designation in the contents, similarly to display e.g. on a personal computer. This display mode of the web browser can be set on a screen displayed when the button317is touched. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a screen701as shown inFIG. 7is displayed, and the display mode is set on the screen701. Further, it is assumed that the setting of the display mode is stored by the CPU101in the HDD104, and is not changed until the user intentionally changes it.

If it is determined in the step S108that the display mode is the MFP mode (YES to the step S108), the CPU101proceeds to the above-described step107, wherein the CPU101causes the console section112to display the form image in the display area306as an element of a web page (step S110).

If it is determined in the step S108that the display mode is not the MFP mode (the display mode is the normal display mode) (NO to the step S108), the CPU101retrieves the default image of the form (step S109), and causes the console section112to display the default image in the display area306as an element of a web page (step S110). For example, in a case where the form is a radio button, by searching for the default image of the radio button from the database appearing inFIG. 4, it is possible to retrieve an image of “radio.png”.

As described above, even when the size of the designated form is not designated, by performing processing for displaying a form image having a larger size according to the display mode, it is possible to display a large-sized form image which can be easily selected by the user, thereby making it possible to improve operability.

When the CPU101detects a print instruction given by user's touching on the button315(step S111), the CPU101determines whether or not a web page is to be printed as displayed, based a print mode of the web browser (step S112). This print mode includes two types: One is a “display print mode” for printing a web page as displayed in the display area306, and the other is a “normal print mode” for printing a web page obtained by replacing all form images by default images. The print mode can be set on a screen displayed when the button317is touched. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a screen801as shown inFIG. 8is displayed, and the print mode is set on the screen801. Further, it is assumed that the setting of the print mode is stored by the CPU101in the HDD104, and is not changed until the user intentionally changes it.

If it is determined in the step S112that the print mode is the display print mode, i.e. if the web page is to be printed as displayed (YES to the step S112), the web page displayed in the display area306is printed as it is (step S114), followed by terminating the present process.

If it is determined in the step S112that the print mode is the normal print mode, i.e. if the web page is not printed as displayed (NO to the step S112), a web page obtained by replacing the form images by the default images of the forms (step S113), and this web page is printed by the printer125(step S114), followed by terminating the present process.

As described hereinabove, by performing processing, depending on the print mode, for printing default images in place of form images changed when displaying a web page, it is possible to display the web page with improved operability and maintain quality of images as viewed when the web page is printed.

According to theFIG. 5process, when received contents include information for displaying a form, and at the same time designate a size for displaying the form (YES to the step S103), it is determined whether or not the designated size is a predetermined size for display on the console section112(step S104). If it is determined that the designated size is the predetermined size (NO to the step S104), an image to be displayed in place of the form image of the designated size is retrieved from the database (step S107), and the console section112is caused to display the retrieved image (step S110). This makes it possible to improve the quality of display of the form included in the contents.

According to the present embodiment, when received contents include information for displaying the size of a form image (YES to the step S103), the CPU101retrieves a form image closest in size to the designated form size, from a plurality of form images of different sizes (step S105), and increases or reduces the retrieved form image to the designated form size, to display the resultant form image (steps S106and S110). As a consequence, it is possible to display a form image having the same size as the designated size included in the received contents. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the size of the form image displayed on an operation panel from mismatching the size of a detection area for detecting that the user has touched the form image on the operation panel, and thereby markedly enhance the operability. Further, by retrieving a form image closest in size to the designated form size, it is possible to minimize degradation of the quality of the form image, caused by enlargement or reduction of the form image, and thereby markedly improve the quality of display when the contents are displayed.

The acquisition of contents in the step S101can be achieved not only by the button308but also by the button309, the button314or the web browser button304. When the web browser button304is touched, similarly to the case where the button314is touched, contents are acquired from a web server at a URL registered in advance in the HDD104.

Next, a description will be given of an example of the determination in the step S104. For example, in a case where the contents shown inFIG. 6are to be displayed when a form size suitable for display on the console section112is not smaller than 33 pt, the values of the width and the height of the radio button are both 36 pt, and hence it is determined that the designated form size is suitable for display on the console section112. Note that instead of determining whether or not both the values of the width and the height of the radio button are suitable for display on the console section112, it may be determined whether or not one of the values of the width and the height or the average value of the values of the width and the height is suitable for display.

Next, a description will be given of an example of a case where the console section112is caused to display a web page in the display area306in the step110following the step S106. Here, a case where the contents inFIG. 6are displayed using the database inFIG. 4will be described by way of example. First, since the width and height of form designated in the contents are both 36 pt, the CPU101determines that the form has a size of 36 pt. Here, the determination may be performed not by using one of the values of the width and the height by using the average value of the values of the width and the height. After that, the CPU101detects that the form image designated by the contents is a radio button (detects from input type=“radio”). Further, the CPU101retrieves, with reference to the database shown inFIG. 4, “radio30.png” (size 30) as a form image closest in size to 36 pt of all the form images of the radio button. Furthermore, since the form size designated by the contents is 36 pt, the CPU101increases the size of “radio30.png”, which is a form image of the size of 30 pt, to 1.2 times its original size, and displays the resultant form image as an element of a web page in the display area306.

Note that a form image may be retrieved by a method of retrieving a form image which is closest in size to a form size designated in the contents and at the same time larger in size than the designated form size. This takes into account the fact that a method of reducing the size of a form image can prevent degradation of display quality in comparison with a method of increasing the size thereof. If the above-described retrieval method is employed, since the form size designated by the contents is 36 pt in the above-described example, a form image “radio50.png” (size 50), the size of which is closest to 36 pt, and at the same time is larger than 36 pt, is retrieved. Further, since the form size designated by the contents is 36 pt, the CPU101reduces the size of “radio50.png”, which is a form image of the size of 50 pt, to 0.72 times its original size, and displays the resultant form image as an element of a web page in the display area306. This makes it possible to further reduce the degradation of quality of display, caused by zooming.

Next, a description will be given of an example of a case where the console section112is caused to display a web page in the display area306in the step S110after the CPU101proceeds through the steps S104and S107. Here, a case will be described by way of example in which a form size suitable for displaying a form image is set to be not smaller than 40 pt and is stored in advance in the HDD104, and the contents shown inFIG. 6are displayed using the database shown inFIG. 4. In this case, with reference to the database inFIG. 4, the CPU101retrieves a form image “radio50.png” having a size of 50 pt as a form image the size of which is not smaller than 40 pt and at the same time is closest to 40 pt.

As described above, by retrieving a form image closest in size to a form size designated by contents and creating a web page including an associated element formed based on the form image, it is possible to prevent degradation of quality of the web page as viewed, in comparison with a case where the web page is always created based on the same form image. Further, by displaying a form image close in size to the form size designated by the contents, the displayed form image and a detection area where touching on the form image is to be detected coincide with each other, whereby it is possible to prevent degradation of operability.

Next, a description will be given of an example of a case where the console section112is caused to display a web page in the display area306in the step S110after the CPU101proceeds through the steps S108and S107. Here, a case will be described by way of example in which the radio button is displayed using the database inFIG. 4, when a form size suitable for displaying a form image is set to be not smaller than 33 pt and is stored in advance in the HDD104and contents include information for displaying the radio button. In this case, with reference to the database inFIG. 4, the CPU101retrieves the form image “radio50.png” having a size of 50 pt as a form image the size of which is not smaller than 33 pt and at the same time is closest to 33 pt.

Although in the above-described embodiment, in the step S104inFIG. 5, a predetermined form size is used as a form size suitable for displaying a form image, the display process may be configured such that the user can designate the suitable form size during execution of the step S104or at timing other than this. Further, form sizes suitable for display may be the same between forms, or the form sizes may be set to have respective different values on a form-by-form basis.

Further, although in the step S107, an optimum form image is retrieved without being selected by the user, the display process may be configured such that the user can select a form image to be displayed during execution of the step S107or at timing other than this.

Further, although in the step S109, a default image of a form is retrieved without being selected by the user, the display process may be configured such that the user can select a form image to be displayed during execution of the step S109or at timing other than this.

Further, although in the step S113, form images replaced in the step S105, S106or S107are replaced by default images of the forms, the display process may be configured such that only the form images replaced in the step S107are replaced by the default images.

Further, although in the step S113, form images are replaced by default images without being selected by the user, the display process may be configured such that the user can select form images used for replacement during execution of the step S113or at timing other than this.

Further, although in the steps S105, S107, and S109, form images are retrieved from the HDD104, new form images may be generated. For example, vector data items or the like, which are used as bases for generating form images to be displayed in a web page, are stored in the HDD104. Then, when the web page is displayed, form images associated with form sizes designated by contents or with predetermined sizes are generated using the vector data items stored in the HDD104. This can increase a processing time period for creating the form images, but it is only required that a single vector data item is stored in the HDD104on a form-by-form basis, and hence it is possible to reduce the amount of data stored in the HDD104. Further, the process for increasing or reducing the size of the form image in the step S106becomes unnecessary.

Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out and executes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiment, and by a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiment. For this purpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via a network or from a recording medium of various types serving as the memory device (e.g., computer-readable medium).

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-016005 filed Jan. 28, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.