INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An information processing apparatus having a plurality of functions includes a display unit configured to display a predetermined area where a software key indicating any one of the plurality of functions is arrangeable, an acceptance unit configured to accept a first operation for selecting the predetermined area where the software key is not arranged and a second operation for selecting a destination of the predetermined area where the software key is not arranged and selected through the first operation, and a relocation unit configured to relocate the predetermined area where the software key is not arranged and selected through the first operation, to the destination selected through the second operation.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

An information processing apparatus such as a smartphone displays contents having predetermined functions on a screen. Further, a technique which allows a user to adjust layout to change positions of the contents displayed on a screen of the smartphone has been known (Japanese Application Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-88440).

Furthermore, there has been a demand for improved operability in adjustment of layout of the contents displayed on a screen of the information processing apparatus.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus having a plurality of functions includes a display unit configured to display a predetermined area where a software key indicating any one of the plurality of functions is arrangeable, an acceptance unit configured to accept a first operation for selecting the predetermined area where the software key is not arranged and a second operation for selecting a destination of the predetermined area where the software key is not arranged and selected through the first operation, and a relocation unit configured to relocate the predetermined area where the software key is not arranged and selected through the first operation, to the destination selected through the second operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the appended drawings. Further, the embodiments described hereinafter are not intended to limit the content of the present disclosure described in the appended claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the exemplary embodiments are essentially required as the solutions of the present disclosure.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus1described as one example of the information processing apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the image processing apparatus1is a printer serving as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having the functions described below. The image processing apparatus1does not have to be the MFP, and can be a printer serving as a single function peripheral (SFP). In addition, a printing method of the image processing apparatus1can be an electrophotographic printing method, an ink-jet printing method, or other printing methods. Further, the information processing apparatus does not have to be the image processing apparatus, and can be another apparatus such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

The image processing apparatus1includes a control unit10, an operation unit12, an image processing unit13, a scanner109, and a printing unit110. The control unit10controls the operations of respective units of the image processing apparatus1. The control unit10includes a central processing unit (CPU)100, a communication unit101, a random access memory (RAM)102, a hard disk drive (HDD)103, a read-only memory (ROM)104, a timer105, a fax unit106, a scanner interface (I/F)108, and a printer I/F107.

The CPU100controls the entirety of the control unit10. The RAM102functions as a work memory of the CPU100. The HDD103stores application programs and image data. The HDD103may be a storage medium such as an optical medium or a flash memory. The ROM104stores a program such as a boot program read by the CPU100. The HDD103may be provided as an external storage device attachable to and detachable from the image processing apparatus1. The timer105manages time, and the CPU100refers to the timer105to acquire time information.

The communication unit101is connected to a local area network (LAN)11and controls data transmission/reception executed via the LAN11. The fax unit106is connected to a telephone line14and controls data transmission/reception executed via the telephone line14.

The operation unit12includes a display unit120to which a touch panel sheet is attached and an input unit121such as a hardware key. The operation unit12displays a screen and accepts the operation performed by a user.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a liquid crystal display is described as an example of the display unit120. However, the display unit120may be a display of another type. In the present exemplary embodiment, a touch panel is described as an example of the input unit121. However, the operation performed by the user may be accepted by another interface such as a mouse.

The image processing unit13is controlled by the control unit10, and includes an image analysis unit130and an image generation unit131. The image analysis unit130analyzes a structure of a document image and extracts necessary information from the analysis result. The image generation unit131generates image data by reading a document and digitizing an image of the document through the scanner109. The generated image data is stored in the HDD103. The image generation unit131can also generate document image data of another format by using the information analyzed by the image analysis unit130.

The image processing apparatus1has a copy function, a scan function, and a print function. The copy function is a function which allows the image processing apparatus1to read document image data through the scanner109and to print an image on a sheet through the printing unit110based on the read document image data. The scan function is a function which allows the image processing apparatus1to transmit image data the scanner109has generated by reading a document image, through the communication unit101. The print function is a function which allows the image processing apparatus1to print an image on a sheet through the printing unit110based on print data received from an information processing apparatus such as an external PC via the communication unit101.

FIG.2is a schematic diagram of the operation unit12inFIG.1.

Herein, a touch panel200is a liquid crystal display on which a touch panel sheet is attached. The touch panel200displays an operation screen and objects such as software keys, and transmits positional information of a displayed object to the CPU100when the object is selected by a pointer such as a user's finger. With this configuration, the CPU100can determine which object is selected by the user. Accordingly, in this case, the touch panel200functions as the display unit120as well as the input unit121illustrated inFIG.1. In the present exemplary embodiment, although a constituent element having the function of the touch panel200is described as the display unit120, the display unit120does not have to have the function of the touch panel200. For example, the display unit120may display a screen shifted through an operation of a cursor performed via a pointing device such as a mouse.

Next, various keys and buttons operated by the user will be described. A start key201is used when the user inputs an instruction to start reading a document by the scanner109.

The start key201has a light emitting diode (LED)202for emitting light of two colors, green and red, at a central part thereof, and a usable/non-usable state of the start key201is indicated by the colors. A stop key203is used for stopping the operation that is being executed. A numeric keypad204includes numeric keys and symbol keys. The numeric keypad204is used when the user sets the number of copies and/or inputs an instruction for changing a screen displayed on the touch panel200. A user mode key205is used for calling a user mode. In the user mode, the user performs setting of the image processing apparatus1.

FIGS.3A to3Fare diagrams illustrating screen transition caused by the processing for changing layout of buttons (hereinafter, called “application buttons”) indicating applications displayed on a home screen307. An upper diagram in each ofFIGS.3A to3Fillustrates a first page of the home screen307, and a lower diagram illustrates a page next to the first page (hereinafter, called “next page”).

The home screen307is a screen displayed first on the display unit120when power is supplied to the image processing apparatus1, and the user can customize the application buttons displayed thereon. In addition, the home screen307may be displayed when the user performs an operation on a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit120.

The application buttons are buttons (contents or icons) for executing respective functions provided by the image processing apparatus1. For example, when an application button representing a copy function is selected by a user operation, a setting screen for executing the copy function is displayed thereon (i.e., a function corresponding to that application button is activated). In addition, each of the application buttons illustrated inFIGS.3A to3Fmay indicate another function.

In the present exemplary embodiment, screen display is described with respect to a case where an application button arranged on a next page is arranged on a first page through the operation for changing a position of the application button. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the present disclosure is also applicable to a case where an application button arranged on a first page is arranged on a next page through a drag-and-drop operation. For example, the operation for changing a position of the application button is a drag-and-drop operation. Further, the present disclosure is also applicable to a case where an application button arranged on another page (i.e., a third page or a page subsequent to the third page) included in the home screen307is arranged on a first page or a next page through a drag-and-drop operation. Furthermore, the present disclosure is also applicable to a case where a predetermined application button arranged on a position within one page is relocated to another position within the same page through a drag-and-drop operation.

The home screen307is described specifically with reference toFIG.3A.

An upper diagram inFIG.3Aillustrates a display example of the first page of the home screen307displayed on the touch panel200. The home screen307includes a menu300including application buttons301to305for activating applications and a blank area323. The application buttons301to305and the blank area323are arranged and displayed on the menu300in juxtaposition. Based on the information about a log-in user, application buttons customized by the user are displayed as the application buttons301to305in layout determined by the user.

Herein, the blank area323is an area having a size similar to a size of the application button arranged on a background of the menu300(i.e., an area where the application button is arranged and overlapped with). In a visual sense, the blank area323is an area of the background of the menu300, where the application button is not arranged. The background of the menu300is an area where the application button and the blank area323are arranged. Although a dotted frame indicating the blank area323is displayed as illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.3A, this frame does not have to be displayed thereon. In other words, the blank area323may simply be displayed in a color similar to a color (background color) of the background of the menu300, e.g., a color similar to the color of an area between the application buttons301and304inFIG.3A. In addition, the blank area323may be created when a blank area creation button for creating the blank area323is pressed. For example, the blank area323is displayed on the menu300when the blank area creation button displayed on the home screen307is pressed. Further, for example, the blank area323may be displayed on the menu300when a predetermined operation for creating the blank area323is performed in a button relocation phase state described below. In the button relocation phase state, the blank area323may be displayed in a display mode indicating the blank area323, (e.g., a dotted frame indicating the blank area323is displayed), whereas in a normal state other than the button relocation phase state, the blank area323may simply be displayed in a color similar to the background color. Further, when application buttons one piece less than the maximum number of application buttons arrangeable on a predetermined page are arranged thereon, an area corresponding to a position where a last application button is to be lastly arranged when the maximum number of application buttons are arranged on that predetermined page may be regarded as the blank area323. In this case, the area where application buttons have not been arranged is regarded as a background until the application buttons one piece less than the maximum number of application buttons arrangeable on a predetermined page are arranged thereon. Further, when application buttons two pieces less than the maximum number of application buttons arrangeable on a predetermined page are arranged thereon, an area corresponding to a position where a last application button is to be arranged last when the maximum number of application buttons are arranged on that predetermined page may be regarded as the blank area323, and this condition can be changed through a setting.

A name and an icon (i.e., a diagram) indicating a function of the application button are displayed on each of the application buttons. In addition, at least one or both of the name and the icon indicating the function of the application button may be displayed thereon. In the present exemplary embodiment, the layout change processing is described by taking an application button having a predetermined function as an example. However, the present exemplary embodiment is also applicable to contents having predetermined functions in addition to the application button.

A home icon306is an icon which represents the home screen307. A name of the currently logged-in user is displayed in an area308. Each ofFIGS.3A to3Fillustrates a state where a user A is logged in. A log-out button may separately be provided, although the user can log out by pressing the area308. One or a plurality of functions which the image processing apparatus1has executed in the past and a history of setting contents are automatically registered and displayed on a consolidated history309provided as a timeline area. The user can call executed functions and setting contents by pressing an area (not illustrated) describing the executed functions and the setting contents displayed on the consolidated history309. When the user slides a slider bar315to the right or to the left, for example, another page before or after the current page is displayed on the menu300. When the user performs an operation for displaying a page before or after the current page, the CPU100calls a screen (page) including predetermined application buttons from the HDD103according to the operation (input) and displays the screen on the menu300. For example, the operation for displaying a page before or after the current page is any one of an operation for sliding the slider bar315in a predetermined direction, an operation for pressing an arrow314for changing the current page to a page before the current page, an operation for pressing an arrow316for changing the current page to a page after (next to) the current page, and an operation for flicking or scrolling the current page displayed on an area within the menu300to a next page or a previous page. A lower diagram inFIG.3Aillustrates an example of the screen displayed when the first page displayed on the home screen307is changed to a next page through the flick operation for displaying a page next to the current page. As illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.3A, the menu300which includes the application buttons310,311,312, and313is displayed on the home screen307.

When the user presses and holds the application button311illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.3A, a context menu317is displayed on the home screen307as illustrated inFIG.3B. In a case where the display unit120does not have a touch panel function, for example, an operation (i.e., a display instruction) for displaying the context menu317may be input through a right-click of a pointing device.

When the user presses an open button318included in the context menu317, a function corresponding to the long-pressed application button is activated. When the user presses a button relocation button319, the home screen307is brought into a state (button relocation phase state) where the application buttons displayed thereon can be relocated on the home screen307as illustrated inFIG.3C. In the button relocation phase state, a guidance320which describes that the home screen307is brought into a button relocation phase state and an end button321for confirming a button position are displayed thereon. A message indicating that the user can change the layout of the menu300by relocating the application buttons is displayed as the guidance320. Messages such as “A button position can be relocated by drag-and-drop.” and “Press ‘END’ to confirm the position.” are displayed thereon. In addition, the home screen307that is brought into a state other than the button relocation phase state (i.e., a button relocation phase disabled state), illustrated in any one ofFIGS.3A,3B, and3F, is also called the home screen307in a normal state. In other words, the button relocation phase state refers to a state of the home screen307where the user is allowed to change (or relocate) the arrangement (or the position) of the application button included in the menu300. In the button relocation phase state, the user is allowed to perform an operation for changing the arrangement of the application button included in the menu300.

For example, in a case where the user moves a pointer in a state where a predetermined application button is being pressed by the pointer in the button relocation phase state, the predetermined application button is displayed while following the pointer. In other words, the user can drag a predetermined application button through a drag operation. Further, in a case where a predetermined application button is brought into a non-pressed state from a pressed state where the application button is pressed by a pointer, the application button is arranged and displayed at a position where the application button is released from the pressed state. In other words, the user can drop a predetermined application button through a drop operation.

In addition, a trigger which causes the home screen307to be brought into a button relocation phase state does not have to be a press of the button relocation button319displayed on the context menu317. For example, the home screen307may be brought into a button relocation phase state when the user presses and holds the application button. In this case, for example, the open button318included in the context menu317may be displayed at a predetermined position on the home screen307instead of being included in the context menu317.

Furthermore, the open button318does not always have to be displayed on the home screen307.

FIG.3Dillustrates a state where the application button311displayed on the next page illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.3Cis dragged through a drag operation and dropped into a space between the application buttons302and303displayed on the first page illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.3Cthrough a drop operation. Specifically,FIG.3Dillustrates a state (dragged state) where the application button311which the user firstly starts dragging (i.e., the application button311dragged through a drag operation) is displayed while following the user's drag operation (a position (coordinates) of the user's finger). The application button311displayed thereon in the lower diagram inFIG.3Cis not displayed on the next page illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.3Dbecause the application button311is relocated to the first page through the drag operation performed by the user. Specifically, the application button312that had been arranged next to the application button311on the right side thereof is arranged at a position where the application button311had been previously arranged, and the application button313that had been arranged at a leftmost position on a stage next to a stage of the application button312is arranged at a position where the application button312had been arranged previously. In other words, as illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.3D, each of the application buttons312and313is relocated in a direction opposite to the Z-direction by an area corresponding to one application button and arranged on the next page. The Z-direction will be described below.

FIG.3Eillustrates screen transition of the home screen307when the dragged application button311illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.3Dis dropped into a space between the application buttons302and303. Similar to the home screen307inFIG.3C, the home screen307inFIG.3Eis also in a button relocation phase state. Through the drop operation performed on the application button311, the application button311is inserted to and arranged at a position between the application buttons302and303, so that each of the application buttons303,304, and305is relocated in the Z-direction by an area corresponding to one application button and arranged on the first page.

Herein, relocation in the Z-direction is described. Relocation in the Z-direction is described by taking relocation of an application button as an example. When an uppermost stage (row) and a next stage in the menu300are respectively called a first stage and a second stage, an application button arranged at a leftmost position of the first stage of the first page is relocated in a direction toward a rightmost position of the first stage. Further, an application button arranged at a leftmost position of the second stage is relocated in a direction toward a rightmost position of the second stage. In other words, an application button arranged on a predetermined stage is relocated in a right direction of the predetermined stage. Further, an application button arranged at a rightmost position of the first stage is relocated to a leftmost position of the second stage. In other words, an application button arranged at a rightmost position of a predetermined stage is relocated to a leftmost position of a stage next to (or under) the predetermined stage in a lower left direction. Further, an application button arranged at a rightmost position of the second stage is relocated to a leftmost position of the first stage of the next page. In other words, an application button arranged at a rightmost position of a last stage of a predetermined page is relocated to a leftmost position of the first stage of a page next to the predetermined page. Relocation of the application button is similarly executed with respect to the subsequent pages. In addition, the menu300displayed on the home screen307has the first and the second stages in one page, and each of the stages has three positions where application buttons are to be arranged. Therefore, a maximum of six application buttons can be arranged in a predetermined page, although the configuration thereof is not limited thereto. For example, a predetermined page may have two or more stages, and three or more application buttons may be arranged on a predetermined stage. With this configuration, six or more application buttons can be arranged in a predetermined page. In this configuration, an application button is similarly relocated in the Z-direction as described above.

Further, relocation in a direction opposite to the Z-direction is described. An application button arranged on a predetermined stage is relocated in a left direction of the predetermined stage. Further, an application button arranged on a leftmost position of a predetermined stage is relocated to a rightmost position of a stage ahead of the predetermined stage. Furthermore, an application button arranged at a leftmost position of an uppermost stage of a predetermined page is relocated to a rightmost position of a last stage of a page ahead of the predetermined page. Relocation of the application button in a direction opposite to the Z-direction is executed in a case where an operation for changing a position of a predetermined button is performed as illustrated inFIG.3D. In this case, the application button subsequent to the predetermined application button in the Z-direction is arranged in an area where the predetermined application button had been arranged before the predetermined application was relocated by the above-described operation.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.3E, in a case where a predetermined application button is dragged through a drag operation and inserted into a position between a first application button and a second application button through a drop operation, one or a plurality of application buttons arranged subsequent to the second application button in the Z-direction is relocated in the Z-direction.

In the first page illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.3E, an application button305is arranged at a position of the blank area323next to the application button305on the right side thereof, displayed on the first page illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.3C. Further, similar to the state illustrated in each ofFIGS.3A to3D, the application button310is arranged and displayed at a leftmost position of the first stage of the next page illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.3E. In other words, the blank area323is regarded as an unnecessary area, and is not included in the menu300. Further, a direction the application button is to be relocated does not have to be the Z-direction.

FIG.3Fillustrates the home screen307in a normal state displayed when the user disables the button relocation phase state by pressing the end button321in a state (button relocation state) illustrated inFIG.3E.

As illustrated inFIGS.3A to3F, an area other than an area where application buttons included in the menu300of the home screen307are arranged, i.e., the blank area323, is regarded as an unnecessary area. For example, in a case where a predetermined application button displayed on a page other than a predetermined page is relocated to the predetermined page through the drag-and-drop operation, a blank area323is not displayed on the predetermined page for the area corresponding to the predetermined application buttons arranged on the predetermined page. As described above, in a case where a predetermined application button displayed on a page other than a predetermined page is arranged on the predetermined page through a drag-and-drop operation, application buttons corresponding to the maximum number of application buttons arrangeable on the predetermined page are displayed on the predetermined page, so that the blank area323is not included in the menu300in that predetermined page.

However, there is a case where the user wishes to utilize the blank area323included in the predetermined page. For example, in a case where an application button group1which includes a plurality of application buttons having similar functions and an application button group2which includes a plurality of application buttons having functions different from those of the application button group1are displayed thereon, the user can display the application button groups1and2in a distinguishable manner by inserting a blank area323between the application button groups1and2.

Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, in order to allow the user to utilize the blank area323, in a case where the information processing apparatus accepts an operation for relocating an application button, an area having a size similar to a size of an area indicating the application button is relocated and displayed as the blank area323(hereinafter, expressed as “display a blank area323). Specifically, in a case where a predetermined application button is dragged through a drag operation and inserted into a space between the first application button and the second application button (or the blank area323) through a drop operation, not only one or a plurality of application buttons arranged subsequent to the second application button in the Z-direction but also the blank area323are controlled and relocated in the Z-direction. In other words, when the home screen307is in a button relocation phase state, the blank area323is also regarded as a button area and relocated in a same way as the application buttons. In this way, the blank area323can be displayed thereon, so that convenience of the user can be improved. In addition, the blank area323is a transparent area within the menu300, where an application button is not arranged, and a color thereof is similar to a color (background color) of an area other than the blank area323, e.g., an area between the application buttons301and304inFIG.3A. However, a frame or a color can be applied to the blank area323, and any display mode which enables the user to recognize the blank area323can be employed.

FIGS.4A to4Fare diagrams illustrating screen transition caused by the processing for changing the layout of application buttons displayed on the home screen307. A upper diagram in each ofFIGS.4A to4Fillustrates a first page of the home screen307, and a lower diagram illustrates a page next to the first page (hereinafter, called “next page”). Descriptions ofFIGS.4A to4Fsimilar to descriptions ofFIGS.3A to3Fare omitted.

FIG.4Aillustrates an example of the screen displayed when the first page of the home screen307is changed to a next page. As illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.4A, the menu300includes the application buttons310,311,312,313and the blank area323is displayed on the next page of the home screen307. Herein, the blank area323refers to an area between the application buttons310and311.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the user is allowed to perform a setting for bringing a predetermined application button into a non-display state through a setting screen (not illustrated) displayed based on a predetermined operation performed on the display unit120. The application button with a non-display setting is not displayed on the home screen307in a state other than the button relocation phase state (i.e., a normal state), and is displayed on the home screen307in the button relocation phase state. Further, it is assumed that an application button322brought into a non-display state through the non-display setting is actually arranged in the blank area323between the application buttons310and311in the lower diagram inFIG.4A.

FIG.4Cillustrates the home screen307in a button relocation phase, and the application button322with a non-display setting is displayed on the screen illustrated in the lower diagram. In other words, a blank area such as the blank area323illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.4C(i.e., a true blank area) and a blank area corresponding to an application button with a non-display setting (i.e., a blank area with a non-display setting) are provided as the blank areas. A name and an icon for indicating a function of the predetermined application button are not displayed on the true blank area323even when the home screen307is brought into a button relocation phase state. In other words, the true blank area323is an area within the menu300which does not correspond to a predetermined application, and an application button is not displayed thereon. On the other hand, when the home screen307is brought into a button relocation phase state, a name and an icon for indicating a function of the predetermined application button are displayed on the blank area323with a non-display setting, in a display mode different from a display mode of the application button without a non-display setting.

For example, in the same manner as the application button322illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.4C, a name and an icon for indicating a function of the application button322with a non-display setting and a frame which surrounds the name and the icon are displayed translucently.

FIG.4Dillustrates a state where the application button311displayed on the next page illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.4Cis dragged through a drag operation and dropped into a space between the application buttons302and303displayed on the first page illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.4Cthrough a drop operation. Specifically,FIG.4Dillustrates a state (dragged state) where the application button311which the user firstly starts dragging (i.e., the application button311dragged through a drag operation) is displayed while following the user's drag operation (a position (coordinates) of the user's finger). The application button311displayed thereon in the lower diagram inFIG.4Cis not displayed on the next page illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.4Dbecause the application button311is relocated to the first page through the drag operation performed by the user. As illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.4D, another application button is not arranged at a position where the application button311is arranged before the operation for relocating a position of the application button311is performed. However, another application button may be arranged at the position of the application button311based on a drag operation performed on the application button311. Specifically, the application button312arranged at a leftmost position on a stage next to a stage of the application button311may be arranged at a position where the application button311is previously arranged, and an application button313may be arranged at a position where the application button312is arranged previously. In other words, each of the application buttons312and313is relocated in a direction opposite to the Z-direction by an area corresponding to one application button and arranged on the next page.

FIG.4Eillustrates screen transition of the home screen307when the dragged application button311illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.4Dis dropped into a space between the application buttons302and303. Similar to the home screen307inFIG.4C, the home screen307inFIG.4Eis also in a button relocation phase state. Through the drop operation performed on the application button311, the application button311is inserted to and arranged at a position between the application buttons302and303, so that each of the application buttons303,304,305, the blank area323, the application button310, a blank area323with a non-display setting corresponding to the application button322, and the application buttons312and313is relocated in the Z-direction by an area corresponding to one application button and arranged thereon.

Screen transition is described more specifically. The blank area323on the right side of the application button305, displayed on the first page illustrated in the upper diagram inFIG.4C, is arranged and displayed at a leftmost position of the first stage of the next page illustrated in a lower diagram inFIG.4E. In other words, instead of making the application button310be arranged at a leftmost position of the first stage of the next page by considering the blank area323as an unnecessary area, the blank area323which does not correspond to the application button is also considered as one button area and relocated in the Z-direction.

FIG.4Fillustrates the home screen307in a normal state displayed when the user disables the button relocation phase state by pressing the end button321in a state (button relocation state) illustrated inFIG.4E. Because a button relocation phase state is ended when the user presses the end button321, a frame of the application button322which includes the name and the icon for indicating the function of the application button322corresponding to the blank area323with a non-display setting, is brought into a non-display state.

FIG.5is an information table illustrating a display position of each of the application buttons displayed on the home screen307.

An information table410includes pieces of information about an application name401, a button position402, and a non-display setting403for describing whether an application is displayed on the home screen307. The button position402describes a display position of a corresponding application name401, and a left numeral indicates which row a predetermined application button is arranged when counted from the top of the home screen307, whereas a right numeral indicates which column the predetermined application button is arranged when counted from the left side of the home screen307. In other words, these numerals indicate what position the predetermined application button is arranged when counted from the left side of a predetermined stage. For example, “1-1” indicates a position of the application button301having the application name “Copy” inFIG.3A. The non-display setting403describes information indicating whether an application button is to be displayed on the home screen307. This information is set by the user or the manager through a setting screen included in a setting icon (not illustrated) displayed on the home screen307. When the CPU100displays the home screen307, the CPU100refers to the information table410to determine whether to display a predetermined application button.

If “ON” is set to the non-display setting403, the CPU100displays a blank space on the home screen307instead of displaying the application button of the corresponding application even when the corresponding application is installed. When the home screen307is in a button relocation phase state, the application button of the corresponding application is displayed translucently. If “OFF” is set to the non-display setting403, the CPU100displays the application button of the corresponding application on the home screen307. Further, as in the case of information416, in a case where information has empty spaces for the application name401and the non-display setting403, a corresponding application does not exist in that position. Therefore, an application button is not arranged and displayed at a button position1-6.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating the processing for changing the layout of the application button displayed on the home screen307. A program according to the present exemplary embodiment is stored in the HDD103of the image processing apparatus1, read to the RAM102, and executed by the CPU100.

The processing illustrated in this flowchart is started when the CPU100detects the above-described operation for displaying the context menu317performed on the application button included in the menu300of the home screen307.

In step S501, the CPU100displays the context menu317.

In step S502, the CPU100detects that the button relocation button319displayed on the context menu317is pressed.

In step S503, the CPU100determines whether a blank area323with a non-display setting is included in the menu300of the home screen307. In a case where a determination result in step S503is “YES” (YES in step S503), the processing proceeds to step S504. In a case where a determination result in step S503is “NO” (NO in step S503), the processing proceeds to step S505.

In step S504, the CPU100executes processing for displaying the blank area323with a non-display setting in a display mode different from a display mode of the application button without a non-display setting. For example, in the same manner as the application button322illustrated in the lower diagram inFIG.4C, a name and an icon for indicating a function of the application button322with a non-display setting and a frame which surrounds the name and the icon are displayed translucently.

In step S505, the CPU100brings the home screen307into a button relocation phase state in which the user is allowed to change (or relocate) the arrangement (or the position) of the application button included in the menu300.

In step S506, the CPU100detects the operation for changing a position of a predetermined application button. Specifically, the CPU100detects that a predetermined application button is selected and dragged through a drag operation and dropped into a position different from the current position through a drop operation. For example, the CPU100detects a drag-and-drop operation for inserting the predetermined application button into a space between the first application button and the second application button (or a blank area323).

In step S507, the CPU100relocates each of the application button and the blank area323subsequent to the position of the above-described inserted predetermined application button in the Z-direction by an area corresponding to the predetermined application button in the Z-direction, and arranges the application button and the blank area323thereon. Then, the CPU100ends the processing described in this flowchart.

Further, either of these steps S503and S505of this flowchart can be executed first.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, in order to allow the user to utilize the blank area323, in a case where the information processing apparatus accepts an operation for relocating an application button, an area having a size similar to a size of an area indicating the application button is relocated and displayed as the blank area323. Specifically, in a case where a predetermined application button is dragged through a drag operation and inserted into a space between the first application button and the second application button (or the blank area323) through a drop operation, not only one or a plurality of application buttons arranged subsequent to the second application button in the Z-direction but also the blank area323are controlled and relocated in the Z-direction. In other words, when the home screen307is in a button relocation phase state, the blank area323is also regarded as a button area and relocated in a same way as the application buttons. In this way, the blank area323can be displayed thereon, so that convenience of the user can be improved in changing of layout of the application button.

In the first exemplary embodiment, in order to allow the user to utilize the blank area323included in the menu300of the home screen307, in a case where the information processing apparatus accepts an operation for relocating an application button, an area having a size similar to a size of an area indicating the application button is relocated and displayed as the blank area323.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus can also accept an operation for relocating the blank area323in addition to executing the processing described in the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, screen transition is described with respect to a case where the operation for relocating the blank area323is performed.

FIGS.7A to7Fare diagrams illustrating screen transition caused by the operation for relocating the blank area323included in the menu300of the home screen307.

The operation for relocating the blank area323inFIGS.7A to7Fcorresponds to the operation for relocating the application button311inFIGS.3A to3ForFIGS.4A to4F, so thatFIGS.7A to7Fillustrate screens similar to those illustrated inFIGS.3A to3ForFIGS.4A to4F. InFIGS.7A to7F, screen transition is described with respect to a case where the operation for relocating the true blank area323is performed. However, similar screen transition is also applicable to a case where the operation for relocating the blank area323corresponding to the application button322with a non-display setting is performed.

When the user presses and holds the blank area323illustrated inFIG.7A, a context menu317is displayed on the home screen307as illustrated inFIG.7B. In a case where the display unit120does not have a touch panel function, for example, an operation (i.e., a display instruction) for displaying the context menu317may be input through a right-click of a pointing device. In a case where an operation for displaying the context menu317is performed on the blank area323, the blank area323may be displayed in a recognizable state. For example, as illustrated inFIG.7B, the blank area323may be displayed on the menu300, in a color different from a color of an area different from the blank area323, i.e., a background area, where application buttons are not displayed. Further, a frame line indicating a frame of the blank area323may be displayed thereon.

When the user presses an open button318included in the context menu317, a function corresponding to the long-pressed blank area323is activated. When the user presses a button relocation button319, the home screen307is brought into a state (button relocation phase state) where the application buttons displayed thereon can be relocated on the home screen307as illustrated inFIG.7C. The open button318is displayed when the user performs an operation (a long-press operation) on the blank area323with a non-display setting in order to relocate that blank area323with a non-display setting. In other words, a function of the application corresponding to the blank area323with a non-display setting is activated. In a case where the user performs the operation on the true blank area323in order to relocate the true blank area323, the information processing apparatus displays only the button relocation button319without displaying the open button318.

In the button relocation phase state, a guidance320indicating that the home screen is brought into a button relocation phase state and an end button321for confirming a button position are displayed thereon. A message describing that the user can change the layout of the menu300by relocating the application buttons is displayed as the guidance320. Messages such as “A button position can be relocated by drag-and-drop.” and “Press “END” to confirm the position.” are displayed thereon. In addition, the home screen307that is brought into a state other than the button relocation phase state (i.e., a button relocation phase disabled state), illustrated in any one ofFIGS.7A,7B, and7F, is also called the home screen307in a normal state. In other words, the button relocation phase state refers to a state of the home screen307where the user is allowed to change (or relocate) the arrangement (or the position) of the application button or the blank area323included in the menu300. In the button relocation phase state, the user is allowed to perform the operation for changing the arrangement of the application button or the blank area323included in the menu300. For example, in a case where the user moves a pointer in a state where the predetermined application button or the blank area323is being pressed by the pointer in the button relocation phase state, the predetermined application button or the blank area323is displayed while following the pointer. In other words, the user can drag the predetermined application button or the blank area323through a drag operation. Further, in a case where the predetermined application button or the blank area323is brought into a non-pressed state from a pressed state where the application button or the blank area323is pressed by a pointer, the application button or the blank area323is arranged and displayed at a position where the predetermined application button or the blank area323is released from the pressed state. In other words, the user can drop the predetermined application button or the blank area323through a drop operation.

FIG.7Dillustrates a state where the blank area323displayed on the first page of the home screen307illustrated in the diagram inFIG.7Cis dragged through a drag operation and dropped into a space between the application buttons302and303displayed on the first page through a drop operation. Specifically,FIG.7Dillustrates a state (dragged state) where the blank area323which the user firstly starts dragging (i.e., the blank area323dragged through a drag operation) is displayed while following the user's drag operation (a position (coordinates) of the user's finger). In the button relocation phase, the blank area323may be displayed in a recognizable state. For example, a frame line indicating a frame of the blank area323may be displayed, or a color may be added thereto. Further, in a case where the blank area323is displayed in a recognizable state when a display instruction of the context menu317is input to the blank area323, the home screen307may be brought into a button relocation phase state while maintaining the recognizable state of the blank area323.

FIG.7Eillustrates screen transition of the home screen307when the dragged blank area323illustrated inFIG.7Dis dropped into a space between the application buttons302and303. Similar to the home screen307inFIG.7C, the home screen307inFIG.7Eis also in a button relocation phase state. Through the drop operation performed on the blank area323, the blank area323is inserted to and arranged at a position between the application buttons302and303, so that each of the application buttons303,304, and305is relocated in the Z-direction by an area corresponding to one application button and arranged on the first page.

FIG.7Fillustrates the home screen307in a normal state displayed when the user disables the button relocation phase state by pressing the end button321in a state (button relocation state) illustrated inFIG.7E. Further, in a case where the blank area323is displayed in a recognizable state when a display instruction of the context menu317is input to the blank area323or when the home screen307is brought into a button relocation phase state, the blank area323is displayed in a transparent state at a timing when the end button321is pressed. In other words, the blank area323is displayed on the menu300, in a color similar to a color of an area different from the blank area323, i.e., a background area, where application buttons are not displayed.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating the processing for changing the layout of the application button displayed on the home screen307. A program according to the present exemplary embodiment is stored in the HDD103of the image processing apparatus1, read to the RAM102, and executed by the CPU100.

The processing illustrated in this flowchart is started when the CPU100detects the above-described operation for displaying the context menu317performed on the application button or the blank area323included in the menu300of the home screen307.

The processing in steps S501to S505and S507is similar to the processing in steps S501to S505and S507inFIG.6.

In step S701, the CPU100detects an operation for changing a position of a predetermined application button or the blank area323. Specifically, the CPU100detects that a predetermined application button or the blank area323is selected and dragged through a drag operation and dropped into a position different from the current position through a drop operation. For example, the CPU100detects a drag-and-drop operation for inserting a predetermined application button or the blank area323into a space between the first application button and the second application button (or the blank area323).

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus can accept the operation for relocating a blank area in addition to the operation for relocating an application button. With this configuration, operability of the blank area is improved, so that convenience of the user can be improved further.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-025858, filed Feb. 22, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.