Abstract:
An image-displaying device includes a storing unit, a displaying unit, a controller. The storing unit stores a first correlation data and a second correlation data. The first correlation data indicates a plurality of first thumbnails including a plurality of first display thumbnails and also indicates a sequence of the plurality of first thumbnails. The second correlation data indicates a plurality of second thumbnails including a plurality of second display thumbnails and also indicates a sequence of the plurality of second thumbnails. The displaying unit includes a first display configured to display a plurality of first display thumbnails as a first thumbnail row extending in a predetermined direction based on the first correlation data, and a second display configured to display a plurality of second display thumbnails as a second thumbnail row extending in the predetermined direction based on the second correlation data. The controller controls the first display to change a first display thumbnail in the first thumbnail row and to control the second display to maintain displaying the plurality of second display thumbnails in response to the first changing instruction, and the controller controls the second display to change a second display thumbnail in the second thumbnail row and to control the first display to maintain displaying the plurality of first display thumbnails in response to the second changing instruction.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-145155 filed May 31, 2007. The entire content of each of these priority applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an image-displaying device for maintaining the display state of thumbnail images in either a first or a second thumbnail row, while allowing the user to shift the thumbnail images displayed in the other thumbnail row. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    An image-displaying device including displaying means for displaying thumbnail images created from data for a plurality of images is well known in the art. One such image-displaying device disclosed in Japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2005-109907 displays a prescribed number of thumbnail images in an image selection menu (a window for selecting images to be printed) based on image data recorded on a storage medium  202  (for example, the menu may be sized to display twelve thumbnail images simultaneously). A Previous button BT 5  and a Next button BT 6  are displayed below the thumbnail images for shifting the display to the previous twelve thumbnail images or the next twelve thumbnail images. When the user selects the Previous button BT 5 , the image-displaying device replaces the currently displayed thumbnail images with the previous prescribed number of thumbnail images. When the user selects the Next button BT 6 , the image-displaying device replaces the currently displayed thumbnail images with the next prescribed number of thumbnail images. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    However, when displaying both a first thumbnail row including a plurality of thumbnail images displayed in a row and a second thumbnail row including a plurality of images displayed in a row parallel to the first thumbnail row, the technology disclosed in Japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2005-109907 described above cannot meet the needs of a user wishing to maintain the display of either the first thumbnail row or the second thumbnail row while maintaining the display state of the other thumbnail row unchanged. 
         [0005]    In view of the above-described drawbacks, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an image-displaying device capable of maintaining the display state of one thumbnail row among first and second thumbnail rows, while allowing the user to shift thumbnail images displayed in the other thumbnail row. 
         [0006]    In order to attain the above and other objects, the present invention provides an image-displaying device including a storing unit, a displaying unit, a receiving unit, a detecting unit, and a controller. The storing unit stores a first correlation data and a second correlation data. The first correlation data indicates a plurality of first thumbnails including a plurality of first display thumbnails and also indicates a sequence of the plurality of first thumbnails. The second correlation data indicates a plurality of second thumbnails including a plurality of second display thumbnails and also indicates a sequence of the plurality of second thumbnails. The displaying unit includes a first display configured to display a plurality of first display thumbnails as a first thumbnail row extending in a predetermined direction based on the first correlation data, and a second display configured to display a plurality of second display thumbnails as a second thumbnail row extending in the predetermined direction-based on the second correlation data. The receiving unit includes a first receiving unit configured to receive a first changing instruction, and a second receiving unit configured to receive a second changing instruction. The detecting unit detects that the first receiving unit has received the first changing instruction and the second receiving unit has received the second changing instruction. The controller controls the first display to change a first display thumbnail in the first thumbnail row and to control the second display to maintain displaying the plurality of second display thumbnails if the detecting unit detects that the first receiving unit has received the first changing instruction, and the controller controls the second display to change a second display thumbnail in the second thumbnail row and to control the first display to maintain displaying the plurality of first display thumbnails if the detecting unit detects that the second receiving unit has received the second changing instruction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The particular features and advantages of the invention as well as other objects will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of a multifunction device; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the general structure of a controller in the multifunction device; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an explanatory diagram showing (a) a thumbnail image display according to a first embodiment, and (b) a coordinate table according to the first embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating steps in a thumbnail shifting process according to the first embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is an explanatory diagram showing (a 1 -a 3 ) the thumbnail image display according to the first embodiment, and (b 1  and b 2 ) a thumbnail list according to the first embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is an explanatory diagram showing (a) a thumbnail image display according to a second embodiment, and (b) a coordinate table according to the second embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating steps in a thumbnail shifting process according to the second embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is an explanatory diagram showing (a 1 -a 3 ) the thumbnail image display according to the second embodiment, and (b 1  and b 2 ) a thumbnail list according to the second embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is an explanatory diagram showing a thumbnail image display according to a variation of the second embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating steps in a thumbnail shifting process according to a third embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is an explanatory diagram showing (a 1 -a 3 ) the thumbnail image display according to the third embodiment, and (b 1  and b 2 ) a thumbnail list according to the third embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating steps in a thumbnail shifting process according to a fourth embodiment; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is an explanatory diagram showing (a 1 -a 3 ) the thumbnail image display according to the fourth embodiment, and (b 1  and b 2 ) a thumbnail list according to the fourth embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the outer structure of a multifunction device  1  according to the preferred embodiments. A feature of the present invention is that the multifunction device  1  can maintain the display state of one thumbnail row among a presorted thumbnail row and a sorted thumbnail row, while allowing the user to shift thumbnail images (hereinafter also referred to simply as “thumbnails”) displayed in the other thumbnail row. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the multifunction device  1  is integrally configured of a printer  2  occupying the lower section, a scanner  3  occupying the upper section, and a control panel  4  provided on the front surface of the scanner  3 . The multifunction device  1  has a scanner function, copier function, and facsimile function. 
         [0023]    In addition to the above functions, the multifunction device  1  has a function for connecting to external devices, such as a USB memory device, a digital camera, and a personal computer and for recording data received from these external devices on a recording paper K; and a function for displaying data received from the external devices on a liquid crystal display (LCD)  41  provided on the control panel - 4 . 
         [0024]    The control panel  4  is disposed on the front surface side of the multifunction device  1  and is used for operating the printer  2  and scanner  3 . The control panel  4  includes various operating keys  40  ( 40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d , and  40   e ), and the LCD  41 . 
         [0025]    The LCD  41  is rectangular in shape and elongated in the direction indicated by an arrow A in  FIG. 1  (width direction of the multifunction device  1 ) and has a vertical-to-horizontal ratio of 3:8, where the width direction is the horizontal. More specifically, the LCD  41  is integrally configured of two independent rectangular LCDs having a vertical-to-horizontal ratio of 3:4 and juxtaposed in the direction A, although the LCD  41  is not shown to scale in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0026]    The LCD  41  is also integrally configured of a direct touch panel well known in the art. By directly touching thumbnails, icons, and the like displayed on the LCD  41 , the user can select such images and icons located at the touched coordinates of the LCD  41 . In addition to directly touching a specific region of the display, the user can trace a desired path on the LCD  41 , at which time the touch panel also recognizes the final coordinates in the path traced on the LCD  41 . 
         [0027]    When the user inputs a desired command into the multifunction device  1 , a controller  20  (see  FIG. 2 ) controls operations of the multifunction device  1  based on the inputted data. In addition to commands inputted via the control panel  4 , the multifunction device  1  can be operated based on commands transmitted from a computer via a printer driver, scanner driver, and the like. 
         [0028]    A connection panel  70  is provided below the control panel  4 . A USB terminal  71  is provided in the left side of the connection panel  70 . The USB terminal  71  allows the multifunction device  1  to be connected with a USB cable to an external device so that the external device and the multifunction device  1  can communicate with each other. 
         [0029]    A slot section  72  is disposed in the right side of the connection panel  70 . The slot section  72  is provided with a plurality of card slots in which memory cards (card-like memory) may be inserted. When a memory card is inserted into a card slot, the controller  20  described later can read image data from the memory card. 
         [0030]    Next, the overall structure of the controller  20  that controls operations of the multifunction device  1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the overall structure of the controller  20 . The controller  20  controls overall operations of the multifunction device  1 , including the printer  2 , scanner  3 , and control panel  4 . 
         [0031]    The controller  20  is configured of a microcomputer primarily including a central processing unit (CPU)  21 , a read-only memory (ROM)  22 , an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM)  23 , and a random access memory (RAM)  24 , all of which are connected to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  26  via a bus  25 . 
         [0032]    The CPU  21  performs overall control of the multifunction device  1  based on programs stored in the ROM  22 . The ROM  22  stores programs for controlling various operations of the multifunction device  1 , including a thumbnail shifting program  22   a  for implementing an thumbnail shifting program shown in the flowchart of  FIGS. 4 ,  7 ,  10 , and  12 . The thumbnail shifting process functions to maintain the displays state of thumbnails in one of the presorted thumbnail row and the sorted thumbnail row, while allowing the user to shift thumbnails displayed in the other thumbnail row. 
         [0033]    The EEPROM  23  is a rewritable nonvolatile memory and includes a display region memory area  23   a . The display region memory area  23   a  stores display regions S 1 -S 5  of thumbnails, display regions B 1  and B 2  of icons, and the like displayed on the LCD  41  in association with their coordinates relative to the LCD  41 . 
         [0034]    The display region memory area  23   a  will be described here in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3(   a ) illustrates the display positions of thumbnails and icons on the LCD  41  when displaying the thumbnail image display according to the first embodiment on the LCD  41 .  FIG. 3(   b ) conceptually illustrates a coordinate table according to the first embodiment stored in the display region memory area  23   a.    
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 3(   a ), the thumbnail image display according to the first embodiment includes two thumbnail rows displayed in parallel on the LCD  41 . The thumbnail rows are a presorted thumbnail row having thumbnails corresponding to image data arranged in the original presorted order, and a sorted thumbnail row having thumbnails for image data arranged in a modified order. 
         [0036]    The presorted thumbnail row includes thumbnails for image data stored in an image data memory area  24   a  described later displayed in a prescribed order (according to the modified date, size, or the like). The sorted thumbnail row includes the same thumbnails displayed in the presorted thumbnail row after the display order has been rearranged according to user instructions. 
         [0037]    The presorted thumbnail row in the thumbnail image display includes a maximum of five pages worth of thumbnails in their original unmodified order juxtaposed horizontally beginning from the character string “Presorted.” Display regions S 1 -S 5  for displaying the five pages worth of thumbnails are stored in the coordinate table in association with coordinates on the LCD  41 . 
         [0038]    For example, as indicated in  FIG. 3 , the leftmost display region S 1  in the presorted thumbnail row is stored in association with two points A and B on the LCD  41  having coordinates ( 9 ,  12 ) and ( 16 ,  19 ), respectively. The coordinates for these two points define a rectangular region corresponding to the display region S 1 . Similarly, each of the display regions S 2 -S 5  in the presorted thumbnail row is stored in association with coordinates for two points on the LCD  41 , enabling a touch panel or the like configuring the LCD  41  to detect direct input for each of the display regions S 1 -S 5 . 
         [0039]    The sorted thumbnail row is displayed below the presorted thumbnail row in the thumbnail image display and also includes a maximum of five pages worth of thumbnails juxtaposed horizontally in a modified order beginning from the character string “Sorted.” The display regions S 1 -S 5  for displaying the five pages worth of thumbnails are stored in the coordinate table in association with coordinates on the LCD  41 . 
         [0040]    For example, as indicated in  FIG. 3 , the leftmost display region S 1  in the sorted thumbnail row is stored in association with two points C and D on the LCD  41  having coordinates ( 9 ,  4 ) and ( 16 ,  11 ), respectively. The coordinates for these two points define a rectangular region corresponding to the display region S 1 . Similarly, each of the display regions S 2 -S 5  in the sorted thumbnail row is stored in association with coordinates for two points on the LCD  41 , enabling a touch panel or the like configuring the LCD  41  to detect direct input for each of the display regions S 1 -S 5 . 
         [0041]    A first scroll bar  50  is displayed in a display region B 1  above the presorted thumbnail row. The first scroll bar  50  is an icon that accepts instructions for scrolling the thumbnails displayed in the presorted thumbnail row left and right. 
         [0042]    The display region B 1  in which the first scroll bar  50  is displayed is divided uniformly in the longitudinal direction by the total number of the presorted image data to be displayed, and each divided section of the display region B 1  is stored in the coordinate table in association with corresponding coordinates on the LCD  41 . That is, the total length of the first scroll bar  50  in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the total number of presorted images and indicates each page worth of data in order from the left side. For example, if the total number of presorted images is  30 , the left longitudinal edge of the first scroll bar  50  indicates the first page, the middle position indicates the fifteenth page, and the right edge indicates the thirtieth page. 
         [0043]    More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3(   b ), the display region B 1  of the first scroll bar  50  is stored in the coordinate table in association with two points E and F on the LCD  41  having coordinates ( 11 ,  21 ) and ( 41 ,  22 ), respectively. The display region B 1  is also divided uniformly in the longitudinal direction by the total number of presorted images to be displayed, and each divided section of the display region B 1  is stored in association with coordinates for two points on the LCD  41 . 
         [0044]    For example, a divided section for the first page is stored in association with the two coordinates E and G on the LCD  41  having coordinates ( 11 ,  21 ) and ( 13 ,  22 ), respectively, which coordinates define a rectangular region corresponding to the divided section for the first page. In this way, the touch panel configuring the LCD  41  can detect when direct input is received for one of the divided sections of the display region B 1 . 
         [0045]    Further, a second scroll bar  52  is displayed in a display region B 2  below the sorted thumbnail row. The second scroll bar  52  is an icon that accepts instructions for scrolling the thumbnails displayed in the sorted thumbnail row left and right. 
         [0046]    The display region B 2  in which the second scroll bar  52  is displayed is divided uniformly in the longitudinal direction by the total number of the sorted images to be displayed, and each divided section of the display region B 2  is stored in the coordinate table in association with corresponding coordinates on the LCD  41 . That is, the total length of the second scroll bar  52  in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the total number of sorted images and indicates each page worth of data in order from the left side. For example, if the total number of sorted images is  10 , the left longitudinal edge of the second scroll bar  52  indicates the first page, the middle position indicates the fifth page, and the right edge indicates the tenth page. 
         [0047]    More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3(   b ), the display region B 2  of the second scroll bar  52  is stored in the coordinate table in association with two points H and I on the LCD  41  having coordinates ( 11 ,  1 ) and ( 41 ,  2 ), respectively. The display region B 2  is also divided uniformly in the longitudinal direction by the total number of sorted images to be displayed, and each divided section of the display region B 2  is stored in association with coordinates for two points on the LCD  41 . 
         [0048]    For example, a divided section for the first page is stored in association with the two coordinates H and J on the LCD  41  having coordinates ( 11 ,  1 ) and ( 21 ,  2 ), respectively, which coordinates define a rectangular region corresponding to the divided section for the first page. In this way, the touch panel configuring the LCD  41  can detect when direct input is received for one of the divided sections of the display region B 2 . 
         [0049]    The RAM  24  of the controller  20  shown in  FIG. 2  is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU  21  executes the above programs and as a work area for the CPU  21 . The RAM  24  includes an image data memory area  24   a , a presorted thumbnail list memory area  24   b , and a sorted thumbnail list memory area  24   c.    
         [0050]    The image data memory area  24   a  stores image data of thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail image display. The image data stored in the image data memory area  24   a  is read from a memory card, internal memory such as the EEPROM  23 , or the scanner  3 . 
         [0051]    The presorted thumbnail list memory area  24   b  stores a list of the presorted thumbnails. Thumbnails are displayed in the presorted thumbnail row according to this list of presorted thumbnails. 
         [0052]    The list of presorted thumbnails will be described here with reference to  FIG. 5(   b   1 ).  FIG. 5(   b   1 ) conceptually illustrates the list of presorted thumbnails in an initial state according to the first embodiment. 
         [0053]    The list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 5(   b   1 ) associates a page number  55 , an image filename  56 , and an in-screen flag  57  with each thumbnail image (each image data). 
         [0054]    The page number  55  indicates the order in which each thumbnail image is displayed in the presorted thumbnail row. The image filename  56  indicates the filename of the image data corresponding to each thumbnail image. The image filename  56  can be used to identify the image data corresponding to the thumbnail. The in-screen flag  57  indicates whether the thumbnail image is displayed on the LCD  41  and is set to “1” when displayed and “0” when not displayed. 
         [0055]    In the preferred embodiment, the in-screen flag  57  is initially set to “1” for thumbnails having a page number  55  of “1-5”. The thumbnails having a in-screen flag  57  set to “1” are displayed from left to right in the presorted thumbnail row in increasing order of the page numbers  55 . 
         [0056]    Hence, if the list of presorted thumbnails is in the state shown in  FIG. 5(   b   1 ), thumbnails corresponding to the image filenames “aaa.pdf,” “b2b2.pdf,” “333c.pdf,” “4ddd.pdf,” and “V.pdf” in order from left to right in display regions S 1 -S 5  of the presorted thumbnail row shown in  FIG. 3(   a ). 
         [0057]    The sorted thumbnail list memory area  24   c  stores a list of sorted thumbnails. Thumbnails are displayed in the sorted thumbnail row according to this list of sorted thumbnails. Since the list of sorted thumbnails is identical to the list of presorted thumbnails described above, a detailed description of this list will not be repeated. 
         [0058]    The ASIC  26  controls operations of the printer  2 , scanner  3 , control panel  4 , slot section  72 , and the like based on instructions from the CPU  21 . 
         [0059]    The ASIC  26  is connected to a panel gate array  27  for receiving commands inputted from the operating keys  40 , an LCD controller  28  for controlling the display on the LCD  41 , a parallel interface  29  for exchanging data with a computer via a parallel cable or a USB cable, the USB terminal  71 , and a speaker  74  via a amp  73 . The ASIC  26  is also connected to a network control unit (NCU)  31 , and a modem  32  is connected to the NCU  31 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating steps in a thumbnail shifting process according to the first embodiment. This process serves to maintain the display state of either the presorted thumbnail row or the sorted thumbnail row and to rearrange and display thumbnails in the other thumbnail row based on user instructions. The process is executed when the user inputs an instruction. 
         [0061]    In S 401  of the thumbnail shifting process shown in  FIG. 4 , the CPU  21  displays the thumbnail image display in its initial state on the LCD  41 . Specifically, when the user issues an instruction to display the thumbnail image display, the CPU  21  creates the list of presorted thumbnails based on image data stored in the image data memory area  24   a  and stores this list of presorted thumbnails in the presorted thumbnail list memory area  24   b . The CPU  21  also stores a list of sorted thumbnails in the same state as the list of presorted thumbnails in the sorted thumbnail list memory area  24   c.    
         [0062]    At the same time, the CPU  21  divides the display region of the first scroll bar  50  based on the total number of image data included in the presorted thumbnail row, assigns coordinates on the LCD  41  to each divided section, and stores the divided sections and assigned coordinates in the coordinate table. Similarly, the CPU  21  divides the display region of the second scroll bar  52  based on the total number of image data included in the sorted thumbnail row, assigns coordinates on the LCD  41  to each divided section, and stores the divided sections and assigned coordinates in the coordinate table. 
         [0063]    Next, the CPU  21  displays the presorted thumbnail row based on the list of presorted thumbnails and the sorted thumbnail row based on the list of sorted thumbnails together with the scroll bars  50  and  52  on the LCD  41 . 
         [0064]    The initial state of the thumbnail image display according to the first embodiment will be described here in detail with reference to  FIGS. 5(   a   1 ) and  5 ( b   1 ).  FIG. 5(   a   1 ) shows the initial state of the thumbnail image display according to the first embodiment, and  FIG. 5(   b   1 ) is a list of presorted thumbnails in the initial state according to the first embodiment. 
         [0065]    The presorted thumbnail row shown in  FIG. 5(   a   1 ) is displayed based on the list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 5(   b   1 ). Specifically, thumbnails having an in-screen flag  57  set to “1” in the list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 5(   b   1 ) are displayed in increasing order of the page numbers  55  from left to right in the presorted thumbnail row. Further, a roman numeral (I, II, III, etc.) corresponding to the page number  55  of each thumbnail is displayed in association with each thumbnail displayed in the presorted thumbnail row. 
         [0066]    Further, the sorted thumbnail row is displayed based on the list of sorted thumbnails (not shown). Since the list of sorted thumbnails is set to the same state as the list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 5(   b   1 ) initially, as described above, the same thumbnails as those in the presorted thumbnail row are initially displayed in the sorted thumbnail row in the same order. 
         [0067]    Icons for each of the scroll bars  50  and  52  are also displayed in the thumbnail image display based on the coordinates for the LCD  41  stored in the coordinate table. Pointers  51  and  53  that move along the scroll bars  50  and  52  are displayed at the left end of the scroll bars  50  and  52 , respectively. The order for displaying the presorted thumbnail row, sorted thumbnail row, scroll bars  50  and  52 , and pointers  51  and  53  is not necessarily limited to the order given above. 
         [0068]    Since the first scroll bar  50 , presorted thumbnail row, sorted thumbnail row, and second scroll bar  52  are arranged in order from top to bottom in the thumbnail image display, the user can easily recognize that the first scroll bar  50  corresponds to the presorted thumbnail row and the second scroll bar  52  to the sorted thumbnail row, thereby reducing the chance of incorrect operations. 
         [0069]    Returning to the flowchart in  FIG. 4 , after displaying the thumbnail image display in its initial state in S 401 , in S 402  the CPU  21  determines whether a divided section in one of the scroll bars  50  and  52  has been touched. If a divided section has not been touched (S 402 : NO), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. However, if one of the divided sections was touched (S 402 : YES), in S 403  the CPU  21  updates the in-screen flags  57  in the list of thumbnails corresponding to the touched divided section in order to display thumbnails corresponding to the touched divided section. Specifically, the CPU  21  sets in-screen flags  57  for five thumbnails, including the in-screen flag  57  of the thumbnail corresponding to the touched divided section to “1” and sets all other in-screen flags  57  to “0”. 
         [0070]    In S 404  the CPU  21  shifts the display of thumbnails in the thumbnail row corresponding to the touched scroll bar, while leaving the display of the other thumbnail row unchanged. Subsequently, the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. 
         [0071]    This process will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5(   a   2 ) shows the initial state of the thumbnail image display in  FIG. 5(   a   1 ) when the user touches the first scroll bar  50 .  FIG. 5(   a   3 ) shows the thumbnail image display after the CPU  21  shifts the presorted thumbnail row.  FIG. 5(   b   2 ) shows the list of presorted thumbnails after the in-screen flags  57  have been updated from the initial state shown in  FIG. 5(   b   1 ). 
         [0072]    Hence, while the thumbnail image display is in its initial state shown in  FIG. 5(   a   1 ), the user touches the fifth divided section from the left in the first scroll bar  50  (indicated by the point of the arrow in the drawing), as shown in  FIG. 5(   a   2 ). 
         [0073]    At this time, the CPU  21  detects the coordinates of the LCD  41  touched by the user and determines which divided section of which scroll bar was touched by referencing the coordinate table with the detected coordinates. In this example, the CPU  21  detects that the fifth divided section from the left in the first scroll bar  50  was touched. Accordingly, the CPU  21  updates the in-screen flags  57  in the list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 5(   b   1 ) to the state shown in  FIG. 5(   b   2 ). Specifically, the CPU  21  sets the in-screen flags  57  corresponding to page numbers  55  “5-9” to “1” and sets all other in-screen flags  57  to “0”. 
         [0074]    Next, the CPU  21  updates the thumbnail image display from the state shown in  FIG. 5(   a   1 ) to the state shown in  FIG. 5(   a   3 ) based on the updated list of presorted thumbnails. That is, the CPU  21  displays the five thumbnails corresponding to page numbers  55  of “5-9” (roman numerals V-IX) in order from left to right in the presorted thumbnail row, while leaving the sorted thumbnail row unchanged. 
         [0075]    Further, when the CPU  21  detects the touched coordinates in the first scroll bar  50 , the CPU  21  displays the pointer  51  at the detected coordinate position, as shown in  FIG. 5(   a   3 ). In this way, the user can readily determine the general position in the overall thumbnail order to which the currently displayed thumbnails belong. 
         [0076]    Through the thumbnail shifting process according to the first embodiment described above, the multifunction device  1  can maintain the display state of one of the presorted thumbnail row and sorted thumbnails row, while shifting the display of thumbnails in the other thumbnail row according to the user&#39;s instructions. Further, the user can predict which thumbnails will be displayed on the LCD  41  based on the first scroll bar  50  or second scroll bar  52  and can input instructions for displaying thumbnails through the simple operation of touching the corresponding part of the first scroll bar  50  or second scroll bar  52 . 
         [0077]    While the above embodiment describes the case of shifting the display in the presorted thumbnail row, the user may also touch a desired position on the second scroll bar  52  in the same way to shift the display in the sorted thumbnail row while leaving the presorted thumbnail row unchanged. 
         [0078]    Further, while the thumbnail corresponding to the divided section touched by the user is displayed in the leftmost region of the thumbnail row, the thumbnail corresponding to the touched divided section may be displayed at any position in the thumbnail row and is not restricted to the leftmost position. 
         [0079]    Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 through 8 . In the second embodiment, first and second scrolling regions are provided for each of the presorted thumbnail row and sorted thumbnail row in place of the scroll bars  50  and  52  described in the first embodiment. 
         [0080]      FIG. 6(   a ) is an explanatory diagram corresponding to  FIG. 3(   a ) of the first embodiment and shows display positions of thumbnails and icons on the LCD  41  when the thumbnail image display of the second embodiment is displayed.  FIG. 6(   b ) corresponds to  FIG. 3(   b ) of the first embodiment and conceptually illustrates the coordinate table according to the second embodiment stored in the display region memory area  23   a.    
         [0081]    As described in the first embodiment, the thumbnail image display according to the second embodiment includes the presorted thumbnail row and the sorted thumbnail row, as shown in  FIG. 6(   a ). In addition, a first scrolling region B 1  indicated by a dotted line is provided adjacent to the left end of the presorted thumbnail row, and a second scrolling region B 2  indicated by a dotted line is provided adjacent to the right end of the presorted thumbnail row. Similarly, a first scrolling region C 1  indicated by a dotted line is provided adjacent to the left end of the sorted thumbnail row, and a second scrolling region C 2  indicated by a dotted line is provided adjacent to the right end of the sorted thumbnail row. In  FIG. 6(   a ), these display regions are left blank without any icons visible to the user. 
         [0082]    The first scrolling region B 1  is assigned as a region for accepting an instruction to scroll thumbnails in the presorted thumbnail row rightward in the drawing, while the second scrolling region B 2  is assigned as a region for accepting an instruction to scroll thumbnails in the presorted thumbnail row leftward in the drawing. Similarly, the first scrolling region C 1  is assigned as a region for accepting an instruction to scroll thumbnails in the sorted thumbnail row rightward in the drawing, while the second scrolling region C 2  is assigned as a region for accepting an instruction to scroll thumbnails in the sorted thumbnail row leftward in the drawing. 
         [0083]    The coordinate table shown in  FIG. 6(   b ) stores the display regions S 1 -S 5  for displaying thumbnails in each of the thumbnail rows in association with coordinates on the LCD  41 , as described in the first embodiment. In addition, the coordinate table shown in  FIG. 6(   b ) stores the first scrolling region B 1 , second scrolling region B 2 , first scrolling region C 1 , and second scrolling region C 2  in association with their respective coordinates on the LCD  41 . 
         [0084]    More specifically, the first scrolling region B 1  is stored in the coordinate table in association with two points E and F on the LCD  41  having coordinates ( 5 ,  12 ) and ( 8 ,  19 ), respectively, which coordinates define a rectangular region corresponding to the first scrolling region B 1 . Similarly, the second scrolling region B 2 , first scrolling region C 1 , and second scrolling region C 2  are also stored in the coordinate table in association with coordinates for two points on the LCD  41 . 
         [0085]    In this way, a touch panel or the like configuring the LCD  41  can detect when one of the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2  has been touched. 
         [0086]    Further, since the first scrolling region B 1  is provided adjacent to the left end of the presorted thumbnail row and the second scrolling region B 2  adjacent to the right end of the same row, the user can easily recognize that both scrolling regions B 1  and B 2  correspond to the presorted thumbnail row. Similarly, since the first scrolling region C 1  is provided adjacent to the left end of the sorted thumbnail row and the second scrolling region C 2  adjacent to the right end of the same row, the user can easily recognize that both scrolling regions C 1  and C 2  correspond to the sorted thumbnail row. 
         [0087]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating steps in a thumbnail shifting process according to the second embodiment. In S 701  of this process, the CPU  21  displays the thumbnail image display in its initial state on the LCD  41 . For example, the thumbnail image display in the initial state shown in  FIG. 8(   a   1 ) may be displayed in S 701 . Since the process in S 701  is identical to that in S 401  of  FIG. 4 , a detailed description of this process will not be repeated. However, CPU  21  displays no icons in the thumbnail image display for the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2 , leaving these areas blank, as shown in  FIG. 8(   a   1 ). 
         [0088]    After displaying the initial state of the thumbnail image display in S 701 , in S 702  the CPU  21  determines whether one of the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2  has been touched. If none of the scrolling regions have been touched (S 702 : NO), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. However, if one of the scrolling regions has been touched (S 702 : YES), in S 703  the CPU  21  updates the in-screen flags  57  in the thumbnail list based on the touched scrolling region. More specifically, the CPU  21  shifts the five consecutive in-screen flags  57  set to “1” one page higher or lower. In S 704  the CPU  21  changes the display of thumbnails in the thumbnail row corresponding to the touched region, while leaving the thumbnail row corresponding to the untouched region unchanged. 
         [0089]    In S 705  the CPU  21  detects whether the contact in the touched scrolling region has been released. If the CPU. 21  does not detect that the touched scrolling region has been released (S 705 : NO), the CPU  21  repeats the process from S 703 . In this way, the thumbnail images displayed in one thumbnail row are continually shifted while the user continues to touch the scrolling region. However, when the CPU  21  detects that the scrolling region is no longer touched (S 705 : YES), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. 
         [0090]    The process shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 7  will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8(   a   2 ) shows the initial state of the thumbnail image display in  FIG. 8(   a   1 ) when the user is touching the second scrolling region B 2 .  FIG. 8(   a   3 ) shows the thumbnail image display after the presorted thumbnail row has been scrolled.  FIG. 8(   b   2 ) is the list of presorted thumbnails after the in-screen flags  57  corresponding to the initial state shown in  FIG. 8(   b   1 ) have been updated. 
         [0091]    Hence, while the thumbnail image display is in its initial state shown in  FIG. 8(   a   1 ), the user touches the second scrolling region B 2  indicated by the point of the arrow in  FIG. 8(   a   2 ). 
         [0092]    At this time, the CPU  21  detects the coordinates of the LCD  41  touched by the user and determines which of the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2  was touched by referencing the coordinate table with the detected coordinates. In this example, the CPU  21  detects that the second scrolling region B 2  was touched. 
         [0093]    Next, the CPU  21  updates the list of presorted thumbnails shown in the initial state of  FIG. 8(   b   1 ) to the state shown in  FIG. 8(   b   2 ). Specifically, the CPU  21  changes the in-screen flag  57  corresponding to the page number  55  “1” from “1” to “0” and the in-screen flag  57  corresponding to the page number  55  “6” from “0” to “1”. 
         [0094]    Next, the CPU  21  updates the thumbnail image display from the state shown in  FIG. 8(   a   1 ) to the state shown in  FIG. 8(   a   3 ) based on the updated list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 8(   b   2 ). That is, the CPU  21  scrolls the thumbnails displayed in the presorted thumbnail row shown in  FIG. 8(   a   1 ) one page to the left, displaying the five thumbnails corresponding to page numbers  55  “2-6” (roman numerals II-VI) from left to right in the presorted thumbnail row in increasing order of page numbers  55 , as shown in  FIG. 8(   a   3 ). 
         [0095]    Through the thumbnail shifting process according to the second embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment described earlier, the multifunction device  1  can maintain the display of one of the presorted thumbnail row and sorted thumbnail row, while shifting the display of thumbnails in the other thumbnail row according to the user&#39;s instructions. 
         [0096]    While the second embodiment describes the case of shifting the display in the presorted thumbnail row, the user may also touch the first scrolling region C 1  or second scrolling region C 2  to shift the display in the sorted thumbnail row while leaving the presorted thumbnail row unchanged. 
         [0097]    Further, while the multifunction device  1  according to the second embodiment described above continually scrolls a row of thumbnails while the user continues to touch one of the scrolling regions, the multifunction device  1  may be configured to scroll one page worth each time a scrolling region is touched, whether or not the user continues to touch the scrolling region. 
         [0098]    Next, a variation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  is an explanatory diagram corresponding to  FIG. 8(   a   1 ) and shows the thumbnail image display in its initial state. In the second embodiment described above, no icons are displayed in the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2  of the thumbnail image display, as shown in  FIG. 8(   a   1 ). 
         [0099]    However, in this variation of the second embodiment, icons A 1 -A 4  may be displayed at positions corresponding to the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Displaying icons in this way enables the user to easily recognize positions corresponding to the scrolling regions. 
         [0100]    Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In the third embodiment, common scrolling regions are set for and shared by the presorted thumbnail row and the sorted thumbnail row. The user designates a thumbnail row by touching one of the thumbnails therein, and subsequently touches the common scrolling regions to scroll the designated row. The multifunction device  1  shifts the thumbnail row in which the thumbnail was touched based on the instructions received by the scrolling regions. 
         [0101]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating steps in the thumbnail shifting process according to the third embodiment. In S 1001  of this process, the CPU  21  displays the thumbnail image display in its initial state on the LCD  41 . For example, the thumbnail image display in the initial state shown in  FIG. 11(   a   1 ) may be displayed in S 1001 . In the initial state of the thumbnail image display according to the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 11(   a   1 ), the CPU  21  displays a first scrolling icon A 1  adjacent to one longitudinal end of the presorted and sorted thumbnail rows and displays a second scrolling icon A 2  adjacent to the other longitudinal end. As described earlier, coordinates indicating where the scrolling icons A 1  and A 2  are displayed on the LCD  41  are stored in the coordinate table. 
         [0102]    The display region in which the first scrolling icon A 1  is displayed is assigned as a region for accepting an instruction to scroll thumbnails in either the presorted thumbnail row or the sorted thumbnail row rightward in the drawing, while the display region in which the second scrolling icon A 2  is displayed is assigned as a region for accepting an instruction to scroll thumbnails in either the presorted thumbnail row or the sorted thumbnail row leftward in the drawing. 
         [0103]    After displaying the initial state of the thumbnail image display in S 1001 , in S 1002  the CPU  21  determines whether one of the thumbnails has been touched. If a thumbnail has not been touched (S 1002 : NO), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. However, if one of the thumbnails was touched (S 1002 : YES), in S 1003  the CPU  21  identifies the thumbnail row containing the touched thumbnail. In other words, determines whether the user touched a thumbnail belonging to the presorted thumbnail row or the sorted thumbnail row. 
         [0104]    In S 1004  the CPU  21  determines whether one of the scrolling icons A 1  and A 2  was touched. If neither of the scrolling icons was touched (S 1004 : NO), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. However, if one of the scrolling icons A 1  and A 2  was touched (S 1004 : YES), in S 1005  the CPU  21  updates the in-screen flags  57  in the thumbnail list corresponding to the thumbnail row identified in S 1003  based on the instruction indicated by the scrolling icon touched in S 1004 . More specifically, the CPU  21  shifts the five consecutive in-screen flags  57  set to “1” one page higher or lower. 
         [0105]    In S 1006  the CPU  21  scrolls the thumbnails in the relevant thumbnail row one page based on the updated in-screen flags  57 , while leaving the untouched thumbnail row unchanged. In S 1007  the CPU  21  detects whether the contact in the touched scrolling icon has been released. If the CPU  21  does not detect that the touched scrolling icon has been released (S 1007 : NO), the CPU  21  repeats the process from S 1005 . In this way, the thumbnail images displayed in one thumbnail row are continually shifted while the user continues to touch the scrolling icon. However, when the CPU  21  detects that the user is no longer touching the scrolling icon (S 1007 : YES), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. 
         [0106]    The process shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 10  will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11(   a   2 ) shows the initial state of the thumbnail image display in  FIG. 11(   a   1 ) when the user is touching the fourth thumbnail from the left in the presorted thumbnail row.  FIG. 11(   a   3 ) shows the thumbnail image display when the user has touched the second scrolling icon A 2  after touching the thumbnail in the presorted thumbnail row.  FIG. 11(   b   2 ) is the list of presorted thumbnails after the relevant in-screen flags  57  have been updated from the initial state shown in  FIG. 11(   b   1 ). 
         [0107]    Hence, while the thumbnail image display is in its initial state shown in  FIG. 11(   a   1 ), the user touches the fourth thumbnail from-the left in the presorted thumbnail row, as indicated by the arrow point shown in  FIG. 11(   a   2 ). At this time, the CPU  21  detects the coordinates of the LCD  41  touched by the user and identifies the thumbnail row containing the touched thumbnail by referencing the coordinate table with the detected coordinates. In this example, the CPU  21  identifies the touched thumbnail to belong to the presorted thumbnail row. 
         [0108]    Subsequently, the user touches the second scrolling icon A 2  as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 11(   a   3 ). At this time, the CPU  21  detects the coordinates of the LCD  41  touched by the user and determines which of the scrolling icons A 1  or A 2  was touched by referencing the coordinate table using the detected coordinates. In this example, the CPU  21  detects that the second scrolling icon A 2  was touched. 
         [0109]    Next, the CPU  21  updates the list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 11(   b   1 ) to the state shown in  FIG. 11(   b   2 ). Specifically, the CPU  21  changes the in-screen flag  57  corresponding to the page number  55  “1” from “1” to “0” and the in-screen flag  57  corresponding to the page number  55  “6” from “0” to “1”. 
         [0110]    Next, the CPU  21  updates the thumbnail image display from the state shown in  FIG. 11(   a   1 ) to the state shown in  FIG. 11(   a   3 ) based on the updated list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 11(   b   2 ). That is, the CPU  21  scrolls the thumbnails displayed in the presorted thumbnail row shown in  FIG. 11(   a   1 ) one page to the left, displaying the five thumbnails corresponding to page numbers  55  “2-6” (roman numerals II-VI) from left to right in the presorted thumbnail row in increasing order of page numbers  55 , as shown in  FIG. 11(   a   3 ). 
         [0111]    With the third embodiment described above, the thumbnail row including the initially touched thumbnail is identified as the thumbnail row to be scrolled, enabling the user to easily specify the thumbnail row to be scrolled. Further, since regions indicating scrolling instructions need not be provided for each thumbnail row, the display area of the LCD  41  can be used more efficiently. 
         [0112]    While the third embodiment describes the case of shifting the display in the presorted thumbnail row, the user may also shift the display in the sorted thumbnail row in the same manner described above, while maintaining the display in the presorted thumbnail row unchanged, by first touching one of the thumbnails in the sorted thumbnail row and subsequently touching one of the scrolling icons A 1  and A 2 . 
         [0113]    Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 14 . As in the second embodiment described above, the multifunction device  1  according to the fourth embodiment provides the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2  in the thumbnail image display. When the user touches a thumbnail in one of the thumbnail rows and subsequently traces a prescribed path to one of the scrolling regions, the multifunction device  1  scrolls the corresponding thumbnail row according to the instruction given by the touched scrolling region. 
         [0114]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating steps in the thumbnail shifting process according to the fourth embodiment. In S 1201  of this process the CPU  21  displays the thumbnail image display in its initial state on the LCD  41 . For example, the thumbnail image display in the initial state shown in  FIG. 13(   a   1 ) may be displayed in S 1201 . As described in the second embodiment, coordinates indicating where the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2  are displayed on the LCD  41  are stored in the coordinate table. 
         [0115]    After displaying the initial state of the thumbnail image display in S 1201 , in S 1202  the CPU  21  determines whether one of the thumbnails has been touched. If a thumbnail has been touched (S 1202 : YES), in S 1203  the CPU  21  identifies the touched thumbnail. 
         [0116]    In S 1204  the CPU  21  determines whether the touched position has moved. If the touched position has not moved (S 1204 : NO), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. However, if the touched position has moved (S 1204 : YES), in S 1205  the CPU  21  displays a virtual thumbnail identical to the thumbnail selected prior to movement. In S 1206  the CPU  21  determines whether the touched position has halted. If the touched position has not halted (S 1206 : NO), the CPU  21  repeats the process from S 1204 . When the touched position has halted (S 1206 : YES), in S 1207  the CPU  21  detects the coordinates at the halted position and determines whether the detected coordinates correspond to one of the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2 . 
         [0117]    If the halted position does not correspond to a scrolling region (S 1207 : NO), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. However, if the halted position corresponds to one of these scrolling regions (S 1207 : YES), in S 1208  the CPU  21  updates the in-screen flags  57  in the thumbnail list based on the touched scrolling region. More specifically, the CPU  21  shifts the five consecutive in-screen flags  57  set to “1” one page higher or lower based on the touched scrolling region. 
         [0118]    In S 1209  the CPU  21  scrolls the thumbnails in the relevant thumbnail row one page based on the updated in-screen flags  57 , while leaving the untouched thumbnail row unchanged. In S 1210  the CPU  21  detects whether the contact in the touched scrolling region has been released. If the CPU  21  does not detect that the touched scrolling region has been released (S 1210 : NO), the CPU  21  repeats the process from S 1208 . In this way, the thumbnails displayed in one thumbnail row are continually shifted while the user continues to touch the scrolling region. However, when the CPU  21  detects that the user is no longer touching the scrolling region (S 1210 : YES), the CPU  21  ends the thumbnail shifting process. 
         [0119]    The process shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 12  will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 13(   a   2 ) shows the initial state of the thumbnail image display in  FIG. 13(   a   1 ) when the user touches the third thumbnail from the left in the presorted thumbnail row and subsequently moves the touching position, as indicated by the arrows.  FIG. 13(   a   3 ) shows the thumbnail image display after scrolling the presorted thumbnail row.  FIG. 13(   b   2 ) is the list of presorted thumbnails updated from the initial state shown in  FIG. 13(   b   1 ). 
         [0120]    Hence, while the thumbnail image display is in its initial state shown in  FIG. 13(   a   1 ), the user touches the third thumbnail from the left in the presorted thumbnail row, as indicated by the arrow shown in  FIG. 13(   a   2 ), subsequently moves the touching position, and halts the touching position at a position in the second scrolling region B 2 . 
         [0121]    At this time, the CPU  21  detects the coordinates of the LCD  41  touched by the user and identifies the touched thumbnail by referencing the coordinate table with the detected coordinates. In this example, the CPU  21  identifies the thumbnail having the page number  55  “3” as the touched thumbnail. 
         [0122]    If the touched position of the user&#39;s finger moves subsequently, the CPU  21  detects the coordinates of the new position and displays a thumbnail similar to the initially touched thumbnail at the detected coordinates, as shown in  FIG. 13(   a   2 ). 
         [0123]    If the position touched by the user stops moving, the CPU  21  detects the coordinates at the halted position and determines whether the user&#39;s finger halted at a position within one of the scrolling regions B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , and C 2  by referencing the coordinate table with the detected coordinates. In this example, the CPU  21  detects that the user&#39;s finger halted at a position within the second scrolling region B 2 . 
         [0124]    Next, the CPU  21  updates the list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 13(   b   1 ) to the state shown in  FIG. 13(   b   2 ). Specifically, the CPU  21  changes the in-screen flag  57  corresponding to the page number  55  “1” from “1” to “0” and the in-screen flag  57  corresponding to the page number  55  “6” from “0” to “1”. 
         [0125]    Next, the CPU  21  updates the thumbnail image display from the state shown in  FIG. 13(   a   1 ) to the state shown in  FIG. 13(   a   3 ) based on the updated list of presorted thumbnails shown in  FIG. 13(   b   2 ). That is, the CPU  21  scrolls the thumbnails displayed in the presorted thumbnail row shown in  FIG. 13(   a   1 ) one page to the left, displaying the five thumbnails corresponding to page numbers  55  “2-6” (roman numerals II-VI) from left to right in the presorted thumbnail row in increasing order of page numbers  55 , as shown in  FIG. 13(   a   3 ). 
         [0126]    Through the thumbnail shifting process according to the fourth embodiment described above, when the user touches a thumbnail, the CPU  21  displays a thumbnail image identical to the initially touched thumbnail at the touching position so as to move along with the touching position until the user&#39;s finger separates from the LCD  41 . Accordingly, the user can visually follow the movement of the initially touched thumbnail at all times. 
         [0127]    While the fourth embodiment describes the case of shifting the display in the presorted thumbnail row, the user may also shift the display in the sorted thumbnail row, while maintaining the display in the presorted thumbnail row unchanged, by touching one of the scrolling regions C 1  and C 2 . 
         [0128]    Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0129]    For example, when the scroll bars  50  and  52  are displayed in the first embodiment described above, numbers indicating the display order may be displayed in the divided sections of the scroll bars, providing the user with a guideline to determine which divided section of the first scroll bar  50  or second scroll bar  52  to touch. 
         [0130]    Further, while a touch panel is used in the preferred embodiments to identify a display region on the LCD  41  touched by the user, the present invention is not limited to a touch panel method in which the user directly touches the LCD  41 , but may employ a touch panel capable of detecting coordinates on the LCD  41  based on physical proximity to the LCD  41  or the like. 
         [0131]    Further, the thumbnails may be scrolled by only touching the thumbnail row.