Abstract:
An image processing apparatus includes a display device that displays a plurality of windows having hierarchy levels in such a manner that a low-level window overlaps a high-level window, each of the plurality of windows containing a first object to close the subject window and one or more second objects to select items; an extraction portion that extracts, from one or more second objects in the high-level window, a selection candidate object that is likely to be selected by a user after the low-level window is closed; and a control portion that controls, when the extraction portion extracts the selection candidate object, the display device in such a manner that the first object in the low-level window overlaps the selection candidate object, or the first object in the low-level window is disposed close to the selection candidate object.

Description:
[0001]    This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2010-166344 filed on Jul. 23, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an operational panel equipped in an image processing apparatus or the like. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Functions of copiers have recently been expanded. Multi-Functional Peripherals (MFP&#39;s) configured to integrate, thereinto, a variety of functions such as faxing and printing have become the mainstream of copiers installed in offices. 
         [0006]    Expanding functions of an MFP brings convenience to users because they can operate only one MFP to use many functions thereof. On the other hand, expanding functions of an MFP often makes the operation thereof complicated. To be specific, because the size of an operational panel of the MFP is limited, it is difficult to display, at one time, letters, diagrams, and the like representing all the available functions and setting items thereof in such a manner that users can easily recognize the indication on the operational panel. 
         [0007]    In such a case, the operational flexibility of the MFP is improved by using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) configured to display setting screens (windows) by switching from one setting screen to another. The operational flexibility of the MFP is also improved by using the GUI or the like for providing a scrolled display in which letters and the like that do not fit on a screen are displayed by scrolling through the letters vertically or horizontally across the screen. 
         [0008]    In a GUI configured to display setting screens by switching from one setting screen to another, a user probably needs to make item settings by switching successively, from one setting screen to another depending on settings desired by him/her. In view of this, there has been proposed a technique in which the number of times of operation to switch from one setting screen to another is reduced as much as possible by classifying setting items and disposing the setting items separately on the individual setting screens; thereby to improve the operational flexibility of an operating unit (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2005-182071). 
         [0009]    However, since the size of a setting screen is limited, it is sometimes necessary to dispose items separately on a plurality of setting screens. In such a case, a user must perform operation to switch from one setting screen to another. As a hierarchy of setting screens becomes deeper, a user needs to close the opened screens in succession to return to the original indication on the display, which often gives the user a burdensome task. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present disclosure is directed to solve the problems pointed out above, and therefore, an object of an embodiment of the present invention is to enable a user to perform operation for changing the indication on a display from one setting screen to another in a quick and stress-free manner in a GUI configured to display setting screens by switching from one to another. 
         [0011]    According to an aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus includes a display device that displays a plurality of windows having hierarchy levels in such a manner that a low-level window overlaps a high-level window, each of the plurality of windows containing a first object to close the subject window and one or more second objects to select items; an extraction portion that extracts, from one or more second objects in the high-level window, a selection candidate object that is likely to be selected by a user after the low-level window is closed; and a control portion that controls, when the extraction portion extracts the selection candidate object, the display device in such a manner that the first object in the low-level window overlaps the selection candidate object, or the first object in the low-level window is disposed close to the selection candidate object. 
         [0012]    These and other characteristics and objects of the present invention will become more apparent by the following descriptions of preferred embodiments with reference to drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an overall schematic diagram of an MFP. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an operational panel and a display example thereon. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a diagram showing a display example of a touchscreen portion for a case where a “basic function_ 1 ” switching button is selected; and  FIG. 4B  is a diagram showing a display example of a touchscreen portion for a case where a “basic function_ 2 ” switching button is selected. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5A to 5C  are diagrams showing a conventional example of item setting windows in which item details for a “finishing” functional icon are set. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A to 6C  are diagrams showing the movement of user&#39;s finger for a case where he/she closes item setting windows according to a conventional example. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A to 7C  are diagrams showing an example of item setting windows in which item details for a “finishing” functional icon are set according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 8A to 8C  are diagrams showing the movement of user&#39;s finger for a case where he/she closes item setting windows according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a case in which the positions of buttons to close pop-up windows and the position of a button presumed to be touched subsequently are displayed one above the other. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 10A to 10C  are diagrams showing a conventional example of an “image preview” item setting window. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 11A to 11C  are diagrams showing an example of an “image preview” item setting window according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 12A to 12C  are diagrams showing a case in which items for a plurality of functional icons are set successively. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an MFP. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a diagram showing an example of the structure and details of a subsequent operation information table. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 15A to 15C  are diagrams depicting an example of a method for disposing a pop-up window. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 16A to 16C  are diagrams depicting an example of a method for changing the size of a pop-up window. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 17A to 17C  are diagrams depicting an example of a method for changing the display position of a button to close a pop-up window. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 18A to 18C  are diagrams depicting an example of a method for changing the display position of a pop-up window. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 19A to 19C  are diagrams depicting an example of a method for changing the positions of buttons in a pop-up window. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart depicting an example of a process for displaying an item setting window. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 21A and 21B  are diagrams showing examples of screens in which the positions of functional icons have been changed according to a modified example. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 22A to 22D  are diagrams showing the movement of user&#39;s finger in a conventional example in which the positions of functional icons are not changed. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 23A to 23D  are diagrams showing the movement of user&#39;s finger in an embodiment of the present invention in which the positions of functional icons have been changed. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments 
       [0036]    Descriptions are provided below of a user interface function equipped in an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment, descriptions are given of a user interface function equipped in an MFP  1000 , which is one type of the image processing apparatus, with reference to drawings. The image processing apparatus is not limited to an MFP (multifunction device), and may be a device having one function of scanning, faxing, printing, or the like. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is an overall schematic diagram of the MFP  1000 . 
         [0038]    The MFP  1000  is provided with an operational panel  20   f  by means of which the user interface function is implemented. The MFP  1000  controls units as discussed below depending on items specified by a user through the operational panel  20   f,  and performs printing or the like in accordance with a request made by the user. 
         [0039]    The MFP  1000  includes an image forming unit for forming a black (K) image. The image forming unit is provided with an image carrier  1  called a photoconductor drum, a charging device  2  for charging the surface of the image carrier  1  at a uniform potential, an image exposure device  3  for applying light to the surface of the charged image carrier  1  and forming a predetermined electrostatic latent image, and a developing device  4  for developing by electrostatically adsorbing toner, which is a powdered color material, in an area where the electrostatic latent image is formed. An image forming unit for forming images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) has a structure similar to that of the image forming unit for forming a black (K) image. 
         [0040]    The MFP  1000  also includes a primary transfer device  6  for transferring (primary transferring of) the toner developed on the surface of the individual image carriers  1  onto a transfer belt  5  as an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer device  7  for transferring (secondary transferring of) the toner, which has been primarily transferred onto the transfer belt  5 , onto a recoding medium  11  such as recording paper or a resin film, and a fusing unit  8  for fixing the toner which has been secondarily transferred onto the recording medium  11 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP  1000 . 
         [0042]    The MFP  1000  is configured of a Central Processing Unit (CPU)  20   a,  a Random Access Memory (RAM)  20   b,  a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  20   c,  a hard disk  20   d,  a control circuit  20   e,  an operational panel  20   f,  a communication interface (I/F)  20   g,  a printing unit  20   h,  a scanner  20   i,  and so on. 
         [0043]    The control circuit  20   e  is a circuit for controlling the hard disk  20   d,  the operational panel  20   f , the communication interface  20   g,  the printing unit  20   h , the scanner  20   i,  and so on. 
         [0044]    The operational panel  20   f  is provided with a touch-sensitive panel, and is operable to display, for example, a screen for giving a message or the like to a user, a screen for the user to enter desired processes or the like. The user can make desired settings on the MFP  1000  by touching a predetermined position of the touch-sensitive panel. 
         [0045]    The communication interface  20   g  is a Network Interface Card (NIC) for communicating with another device such as an authentication server and a user terminal, both of which are not shown, according to Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) via a communication line, or a modem. 
         [0046]    The printing unit  20   h  serves to print, onto paper, an image based on image data stored in a memory, e.g., the RAM  20   b  or the hard disk  20   d,  or image data transmitted by the user terminal and the like. 
         [0047]    The scanner  20   i  is a so-called image scanner, and is operable to scan a diagram and a photograph printed on paper and to store the image, as image data, into the memory of the MFP  1000 . The MFP  1000  implements a copy function by causing the scanner  20   i  to scan an image on a document and causing the printing unit  20   h  to print an image based on the scanned image. 
         [0048]    [Operational Panel and Scroll Screen] 
         [0049]    Descriptions are provided below of an example of the configuration of the operational panel  20   f  and display made thereon with reference to  FIGS. 3 through 4B . The descriptions are given with reference to display made on the operational panel  20   f  for a case where a copy key  22   c  (see  FIG. 3 ) of an operational key portion  22 , described later, is pressed. 
         [0050]    The operational panel  20   f  is configured of a touchscreen portion  21  and the operational key portion  22 . 
         [0051]    The touchscreen portion  21  is a touch-sensitive panel and is operable to display a screen for informing a user of the state of the MFP  1000 , a screen for the user to give a command to the MFP  1000  by touching the touch-sensitive panel with his/her finger, and the like. 
         [0052]    A message region  50 , switching buttons  51 , and functional icons  30  that seem like badges are displayed on the touchscreen portion  21 . 
         [0053]    A user is provided a visual indication, in the message region  50 , of a message indicating the details of operation, an error message, a remaining amount of toner, and so on. 
         [0054]    The switching buttons  51  are buttons to change the indication on the touchscreen portion  21 . 
         [0055]    It is assumed that three switching buttons  51  are provided in this embodiment. To be specific, the three switching buttons  51  are a “basic function_ 1 ” switching button  51 , a “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51 , and an “applied function” switching button  51 . Descriptions of the individual buttons are given later. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a pentagon drawn with a solid line around the “basic function  1 ” switching button  51  denotes a cursor  52 . The cursor  52  indicates a switching button  51  currently selected from among the “basic function_ 1 ” switching button  51 , the “basic function  2 ” switching button  51 , and the “applied function” switching button  51 . 
         [0057]    The functional icons  30  are images indicating functions of the MFP  1000 . One functional icon  30  corresponds to one function of the MFP  1000 . The functional icon  30  includes a function type  301 , an illustration  302 , and an item detail  303 . The function type  301  represents the name of a function corresponding to the functional icon  30 . The illustration  302  is to help a user to visually recognize a function corresponding to the functional icon  30 . The item detail  303  indicates a current setting value (item details) for a function corresponding to the functional icon  30 . 
         [0058]    A user touches a functional icon  30  to set item details for a function corresponding to the functional icon  30 . An example of a method for setting item details is a method for making settings by touching a functional icon  30  to switch between “ON” and “OFF”. This is a so-called toggle key. Another example is a method for displaying a screen for items setting, e.g., a pop-up window, and setting items therein. The displayed window is also called a screen in the description below. 
         [0059]      FIG. 4A  shows a display example of the touchscreen portion  21  for a case where the “basic function_ 1 ” switching button  51  is selected; and  FIG. 4B  shows a display example of the touchscreen portion  21  for a case where the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51  is selected. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , when the “basic function_ 1 ” switching button  51  is selected, seven functional icons  30  are displayed. As shown in  FIG. 4B , when the “basic function  2 ” switching button  51  is selected, four functional icons  30  are displayed. 
         [0061]    While not shown in the drawing, when the “applied function” switching button  51  is selected, a screen on which a plurality of functional icons  30  are scroll-displayed is represented. The scroll-display means as follows: Displaying a part of the functional icons  30  corresponding to all the functions of the MFP  1000  on the touchscreen portion  21 , moving the functional icons  30  displayed thereon horizontally or vertically in accordance with operation by a user; and thereby, displaying, on the touchscreen portion  21 , functional icons  30  that have not been displayed thereon before the movement. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the operational key portion  22  is provided with hard keys by means of which the user gives the MFP  1000  a command to perform basic functions thereof such as copying or faxing. The hard keys are, for example, a reset key  22   a  by means of which a command to reset item details of the functional icons  30  is given, a copy key  22   c  by means of which the use of a copy function is specified, and a numeric keypad. Another configuration is possible in which the hard keys of the operational key portion  22  are displayed on the touchscreen portion  21 . 
         [0063]    [User Interface Function] 
         [0064]    Descriptions are provided below of the user interface function of the MFP  1000  with reference to  FIGS. 5A to 12C , prior to giving descriptions of the functional configuration of the MFP  1000  ( FIG. 13 ). 
         [0065]    As functions of the MFP  1000  increase and the number of items to be set also increases, the hierarchy of pop-up windows for displaying items often becomes deeper. Stated differently, a user needs to open a plurality of pop-up windows one after another prior to reaching the target item. At this time, a pop-up window having a deeper hierarchy level is displayed in front of other windows. In other words, a pop-up window having a deep (low) hierarchy level is displayed above a pop-up window having a shallow (high) hierarchy level. The open pop-up windows are closed in order basically from the deepest pop-up window. 
         [0066]    In addition to such item settings, the user often opens a pop-up window in order to check the current setting details. For checking the current setting details, the user repeats operation for opening a pop-up window until the target item is displayed. After checking the current setting details, the user repeats operation for closing a pop-up window. 
         [0067]    It is therefore desirable for the user to quickly open a pop-up window where an item to be checked is displayed, quickly close windows in order from the deepest window, return to the highest-level window, and to perform subsequent operation. 
         [0068]    Thus, the display position of a button to close a pop-up window (hereinafter, also called a “close button”) is determined in such a manner to improve the flexibility in user operation for opening (displaying) or closing (disappearing) pop-up windows displayed hierarchically. 
         [0069]    Such a close button is, for example, a “stop (cancel)” button, an “OK” button, a “confirmed” button displayed in a pop-up window. The “stop (cancel)” button is to instruct the MFP  1000  to, at the time of closing a pop-up window, remain item setting details unchanged from those at the time of opening the pop-up window. Each of the “OK” button and the “confirmed” button is to instruct the MFP  1000  to, at the time of closing a pop-up window, specify, as item setting details, those at the time of closing the pop-up window. 
         [0070]    The MFP  1000  determines the display position of a button to close a pop-up window according to the following two methods. 
         [0071]    The first method is to display a close button in such a position as to reduce the movement distance of user&#39;s finger for touching the operational panel  20   f . According to the first method, the user can operate pop-up windows without moving his/her finger greatly. 
         [0072]    The second method is to display a close button in such a position that erroneous operation can be prevented. A close button is displayed in such a position that a user does not press an unintended button erroneously, for example, even if he/she presses a plurality of close buttons successively to return to the highest-level window from the deepest window. Further, for example, if a touchscreen malfunctions, or if a touchscreen has excessive high-sensitivity, the MFP  1000  detects that a user has touched the screen twice even if he/she intended to touch a button only once. In view of this situation, the second method is to display a close button in such a position that the foregoing situation is prevented. 
         [0073]    Descriptions are given below, with reference to  FIGS. 5A through 9 , of the first determination method, i.e., the method for determining the display position of a close button with the movement distance of user&#39;s finger reduced. The descriptions are provided by comparing the case where the first determination method is used to determine the display position of a close button with the case where the first determination method is not applied to determine the display position of a close button, i.e., a conventional example in which the display position of a close button remains unchanged. 
         [0074]    Operational flexibility according to the conventional example is described with reference to  FIGS. 5A to 6C . Operational flexibility according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the display position of a button is changed is described with reference to  FIGS. 7A to 8C . 
         [0075]      FIGS. 5A to 5C  are diagrams showing an example of an item setting window  100  functioning as a pop-up window used for setting details for an item related to a “finishing” functional icon  30 . Such an item is sometimes referred to as an “item for a functional icon  30 ” below.  FIG. 5  shows transition of the indication on the touchscreen portion  21 , in order from the top, i.e., a screen  901  to a screen  903 . The same is similarly applied to the case of  FIGS. 6A to 6C , and so on. 
         [0076]    When a user touches the “finishing” functional icon  30  (see the hatched functional icon  30 ) in the screen  901  of  FIG. 5A , an item setting window  100 A appears as shown in the screen  902  of  FIG. 5B . 
         [0077]    When the user touches an item of “paper folding saddle stitching” in the item setting window  100 A on the screen  902 , an item setting window  100 B is displayed above the item setting window  100 A as shown in the screen  903  of  FIG. 5C . From the viewpoint of hierarchy level, the item setting window  100 A is a superior screen (parent screen or parent window) of the item setting window  100 B, and the item setting window  100 B is a subordinate screen (child screen or child window) of the item setting window  100 A. 
         [0078]    The user makes item settings by touching the item “middle folding” in the item setting window  100 B on the screen  903 . 
         [0079]      FIGS. 6A to 6C  show the movement of user&#39;s finger for a case where he/she closes, from the state of the screen  903  of  FIG. 5C , the item setting window  100 B and the item setting window  100 A, and touches the “basic function  2 ” switching button  51 . 
         [0080]    When a user touches an “OK” button (see the hatched part) of the item setting window  100 B in the screen  904  of  FIG. 6A , the item setting window  100 B is closed as shown in the screen  905  of  FIG. 6B . 
         [0081]    Subsequently, as shown in the screen  905 , the user moves his/her finger from the position at which he/she touched the “OK” button in the item setting window  100 B (see the finger shown by the dotted line) to the position of the “OK” button in the item setting window  100 A (see the bold arrow). Then, when the user touches the “OK” button, the item setting window  100 A is closed as shown in the screen  906  of  FIG. 6C . 
         [0082]    Then, as shown in the screen  906 , the user moves his/her finger from the position at which he/she touched the “OK” button in the item setting window  100 A (see the finger shown by the dotted line) to the position of the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51  (see the bold arrow). The user, then, touches the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51 . 
         [0083]      FIGS. 7A to 7C  show an example of an item setting window  101  for a case where a close button is displayed at a display position determined by a determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0084]    When a user touches the “finishing” functional icon  30  (see the hatched functional icon  30 ) in the screen  911  of  FIG. 7A , an item setting window  101 A appears as shown in the screen  912  of  FIG. 7B . 
         [0085]    When the user touches an item of “paper folding saddle stitching” in the item setting window  101 A on the screen  912 , an item setting window  101 B is displayed above the item setting window  101 A as shown in the screen  913  of  FIG. 7C . 
         [0086]    The user makes item settings by touching the item “middle folding” in the item setting window  101 B on the screen  913 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 8A to 8C  show the movement of user&#39;s finger for a case where he/she closes, from the state of the screen  913  of  FIG. 7C , the item setting window  101 A and the item setting window  101 B related to the “finishing” functional icon  30 . 
         [0088]    When a user touches an “OK” button (see the hatched part) of the item setting window  101 B in the screen  914  of  FIG. 8A , the item setting window  101 B is closed as shown in the screen  915  of  FIG. 8B . 
         [0089]    Subsequently, as shown in the screen  915 , when the user touches the “OK” button (see the hatched part) in the item setting window  101 A without moving his/her finger from the position at which he/she touched the “OK” button in the item setting window  101 B, the item setting window  101 A is closed as shown in the screen  916  of  FIG. 8C . 
         [0090]    Then, as shown in the screen  916 , the user touches the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51  without changing the position of his/her finger that touched the “OK” button in the item setting window  101 A. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , buttons to close pop-up windows are displayed in a manner to overlap with a button that is presumed to be touched subsequently (see the dotted lines). This enables a user to operate pop-up windows with little movement of his/her finger. Here, the “button presumed to be touched subsequently” is a button that is presumed to be touched after the user closes the pop-up window. 
         [0092]    To be specific, if it is presumed that a user presses the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51  immediately after setting an item for the “finishing” functional icon  30 , then the item setting window  101 A is displayed in such a manner that a button to close the item setting window  101 A, i.e., a “stop/OK” button therein, is above the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51  (see the screen  914 ). Stated differently, the “stop/OK” button is displayed in the foreground while the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51  is displayed in the background. 
         [0093]    After the item setting window  101 B is closed, if it is presumed that a user closes the item setting window  101 A without touching any items, then the indication is made in such a manner that a button to close the item setting window  101 B is above a button to close the item setting window  101 A (see the screen  915 ). Stated differently, the button to close the item setting window  101 B is displayed in the foreground while the button to close the item setting window  101 A is displayed in the background. 
         [0094]      FIG. 9  shows an example of displaying buttons one above the other. Instead of the illustrated example, however, the buttons may be displayed adjacent to each other, provided that the movement of user&#39;s finger is reduced. 
         [0095]    Further, which button is to be touched subsequently may be presumed by keeping the operation history, or may be presumed depending on items to be set. 
         [0096]    Descriptions are given below, with reference to  FIGS. 10A to 11C , of the second determination method, i.e., the method for determining the display position of a close button in order to prevent erroneous operation. The descriptions are provided by comparing case where the second determination method is used to determine the display position of a close button with a case where the second determination method is not applied to determine the display position of a close button, i.e., a conventional example in which the display position of a close button remains unchanged. 
         [0097]    Operational flexibility according to the conventional example is described with reference to  FIGS. 10A to 10C . Operational flexibility according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the display position of a button is changed is described with reference to  FIGS. 11A to 11C . 
         [0098]      FIGS. 10A to 10C  are diagrams showing an example of an item setting window  200  for displaying the details or the like of an item related to an “image preview” functional icon  30  (see the hatched part of the screen  920 ). 
         [0099]    When a user touches the “image preview” functional icon  30  (see the hatched functional icon  30 ) in the screen  920  of  FIG. 10A , an item setting window  200 A appears as shown in the screen  921  of  FIG. 10B . 
         [0100]    When the user checks the image preview and set item details displayed in the item setting window  200 A on the screen  921 , and touches a button to close the item setting window  200 A, i.e., a “confirmed” button (see the hatched part), the item setting window  200 A is closed as shown in the screen  922  of  FIG. 10C . 
         [0101]    Referring to the screen  922 , if the “image preview” functional icon  30  is provided below the “confirmed” button in the item setting window  200 A, then it is probable that the user unintentionally touches the “image preview” functional icon  30 . In such a case, the item setting window  200 A is opened again. 
         [0102]      FIGS. 11A to 11C  show an item setting window  201 A for a case where a close button is displayed at a display position determined by the determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0103]    An item setting window  201 A is displayed in such a manner that a “confirmed” button in the item setting window  201 A is above a non-response region  60 , which is shown as a lattice-pattern rectangle in the screen  930 . 
         [0104]    Even if a user touches a certain region, the MFP  1000  does not operate in response thereto. Such a region is the non-response region  60 . In the screen  930  of  FIG. 11A , the non-response region  60  is a region where no functional icons  30  and no switching buttons  51  are displayed. 
         [0105]    As shown in the screen  931  of  FIG. 11B  and the screen  932  of  FIG. 11C , even if user&#39;s finger that touched the “confirmed” button in the item setting window  201 A touches a region therebelow, the touched position corresponds to the non-response region  60  as shown in the screen  932 . It is, therefore, possible to prevent erroneous operation. 
         [0106]      FIGS. 12A to 12C  show a case in which item settings for a plurality of functional icons  30  are made successively by using the first determination method described earlier, namely, the method for determining the display position of a close button with the movement distance of user&#39;s finger reduced. 
         [0107]    As discussed earlier,  FIGS. 8A to 8C  show an example in which, after setting items for the “finishing” functional icon  30 , a user touches the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51 .  FIGS. 12A to 12C  show an example in which, after setting items for a functional icon  30 , a user subsequently sets items for another functional icon  30 . 
         [0108]    Suppose the following case: It is presumed that, after setting items for a “full color” functional icon  30 A, subsequently, a user sets items for a “density” functional icon  30 B, and does not make any further settings thereafter. 
         [0109]    When a user touches the “full color” functional icon  30 A (see the hatched part) in the screen  940  of  FIG. 12A , an item setting window  300 A for the “full color” functional icon  30 A appears as shown in the screen  941  of  FIG. 12B . A “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  300 A is displayed to overlap with the “density” functional icon  30 B which is presumed to be touched subsequently. 
         [0110]    The user can thus touch the “density” functional icon  30 B with little movement of user&#39;s finger as shown in the bold arrow of the screen  941 . It is, therefore, possible to set items for the plurality of functional icons  30  smoothly. 
         [0111]    Then, an item setting window  400 A for the “density” functional icon  30 B is displayed as shown in the screen  942  of  FIG. 12C . A “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  400 A is displayed above a non-response region (see the non-response region  60  of  FIG. 11C ). The reason is that it is presumed that there are no further buttons to be touched because item settings are made only for the “full color” functional icon  30  and the “density” functional icon  30 . 
         [0112]    [Configuration] 
         [0113]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the MFP  1000 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 13  focuses on functional portions relating to the user interface function of the MFP  1000 . The MFP  1000  is also provided with functions similar to those of an ordinary multifunction device; however, the description of these functions is omitted herein. 
         [0115]    The MFP  1000  is configured of the operational panel  20   f,  an entirety control portion  1100 , a screen display control portion  1200 , a window generating portion  1300 , a scanner processing portion  1500 , a print processing portion  1600 , a subsequent operation information storage portion  1700 , an item setting window storage portion  1750 , an item setting details storage portion  1800 , an item initial value storage portion  1900 , a screen structure storage portion  1950 , and the like. 
         [0116]    The CPU  20   a  executes programs stored in a memory such as the hard disk  20   d  of the MFP  1000 ; thereby the whole or a part of functions of the individual portions of the MFP  1000  are implemented as described below. 
         [0117]    The entirety control portion  1100  performs overall control of the operation of the MFP  1000 . The entirety control portion  1100  is operable to detect operation performed by a user on the operational panel  20   f , and to perform control corresponding to the user operation. In the case, for example, where the reset key  22   a  (see  FIG. 3 ) is pressed, the entirety control portion  1100  gives a reset command to a functional portion for which the reset operation is necessary, and so on. 
         [0118]    The screen display control portion  1200  is operable to display functional icons  30 , pop-up windows, and so on in the touchscreen portion  21  of the operational panel  20   f.  For example, when the MFP  1000  is turned ON, the screen display control portion  1200  refers to initial values stored in the item initial value storage portion  1900 , and displays a screen (see  FIG. 3 ) depending on the initial values. 
         [0119]    The screen display control portion  1200  is also operable to display or disappear item setting windows in a hierarchical manner in accordance with a command given by a user. Stated differently, the screen display control portion  1200  stores and manages, therein, which functional icon  30  an item setting window currently displayed relates to, the display order of item setting windows, and the display positions thereof. 
         [0120]    When receiving a “reset” command from the entirety control portion  1100 , the screen display control portion  1200  resets the item details for all the functional icons  30  to the initial values stored in the item initial value storage portion  1900 , and changes the item details  303  (see  FIG. 3 ) to reflect the details indicated in the initial values. 
         [0121]    The window generating portion  1300  is operable to determine the position at which an item setting window is displayed, the size thereof, and so on, and to generate image data on the item setting window depending on the determination. A method for determining the position and size of an item setting window is described later in the section of [Geometric arrangement of pop-up window]. 
         [0122]    In response to a command from the entirety control portion  1100 , the scanner processing portion  1500  scans a drawing or the like on a paper document, generates image data thereof, and store the image data into a memory. 
         [0123]    In response to a command from the entirety control portion  1100 , the print processing portion  1600  prints an image onto paper based on the image data stored in the memory. 
         [0124]    For example, when detecting that a “start” key of the operational key portion  22  has been pressed, the entirety control portion  1100  instructs the scanner processing portion  1500  and the print processing portion  1600  to perform a copy process. In response to the instructions, the scanner processing portion  1500  scans text or the like on a paper document, generates image data thereof, and conveys the generated image data to the print processing portion  1600  through the memory, and the print processing portion  1600  prints an image onto paper based on the received image data. 
         [0125]    The subsequent operation information storage portion  1700  is operable to store, therein, information on operation that is presumed to be performed subsequently by a user. The window generating portion  1300  determines the position at which an item setting window is to be disposed, or the like based on the information stored in the subsequent operation information storage portion  1700 . Descriptions of the information are provided below in the section of [Data]. 
         [0126]    The item setting window storage portion  1750  is operable to store, therein, image data serving as the basis of an item setting window. Descriptions of the image data are provided below in the section of [Geometric arrangement of pop-up window]. 
         [0127]    The item setting window storage portion  1750  stores image data for item setting window in association with a button to open a pop-up window or the like. The item setting window storage portion  1750  stores image data for item setting window in association with a button to open an item setting window, e.g., a functional icon  30  or a switching button  51 , or items in the item setting window. 
         [0128]    The item setting details storage portion  1800  is operable to store item details set by a user by touching a functional icon  30 , item details automatically set, and so on. The item details automatically set are item details that the MFP  1000  changes automatically depending on the item details set by the user. The item details stored in the item setting details storage portion  1800  are referred to by the print processing portion  1600 , for example, when the print processing portion  1600  performs a print process. 
         [0129]    The item initial value storage portion  1900  is operable to store, therein, the initial values of item details of the functional icons  30 . The initial values herein mean setting details of the functional icons  30  at a time when the MFP  1000  starts up. 
         [0130]    The screen structure storage portion  1950  is operable to store, therein, the structure of screens displayed in the touchscreen portion  21 . To be specific, the screen structure storage portion  1950  stores, therein, the structure of screens displayed in the touchscreen portion  21  when the individual switching buttons  51  are selected. For example, the screen structure storage portion  1950  stores the structure in which seven functional icons  30  such as an “original image quality” functional icon  30  and a “color” functional icon  30 , three switching buttons  51 , and the message region  50  are displayed (see  FIG. 4A ) when the “basic function_ 1 ” switching button  51  is selected. The screen structure storage portion  1950  also stores, therein, information necessary for display, e.g., positions, colors, and so on. 
         [0131]    [Data] 
         [0132]    Descriptions are provided below, with reference to  FIG. 14 , of data used when the MFP  1000  implements the user interface function. 
         [0133]      FIG. 14  is a diagram showing an example of the structure and details of a subsequent operation information table  1700 . 
         [0134]    The subsequent operation information storage portion  1700  stores, therein, the subsequent operation information table  1710  in advance. 
         [0135]    The subsequent operation information table  1710  is a table in which a pop-up window to be displayed is associated with operation performed by a user after he/she closes the pop-up window, i.e., a button to be touched by him/her after he/she closes the pop-up window. 
         [0136]    The subsequent operation information table  1700  is created in advance, for example, by an administrator of the MFP  1000 . 
         [0137]    To be specific, if a user closes an item setting window and there is any other button to be touched subsequently, then a button to close the item setting window is associated with a button to be touched subsequently or the like. Note that the button to be touched subsequently does not include a close button. 
         [0138]    Alternatively, when a user closes an item setting window, if there is no button to be touched subsequently, and if there is a parent window, then a button to close the item setting window is associated with a button to close the parent window. Yet alternatively, when a user closes an item setting window, if there is no button to be touched subsequently, and if there is no parent window, then a button to close the item setting window is associated with a non-response region (see the non-response region  60  of  FIG. 11C ). 
         [0139]    The “button to be touched subsequently” is estimated based on item details settable in that item setting window. For example, it is presumed that after an item for the “color” functional icon  30  is set, an item for a “density” functional icon  30  is probably set. In such a case, a button to close a “color” item setting window is associated with the “density” functional icon  30 . 
         [0140]    The details of the subsequent operation information table  1710  may be created as discussed below, instead of being created by the administrator or the like. To be specific, the MFP  1000  automatically keeps the operation history, and creates the subsequent operation information table  1710  automatically by associating operation that has been often performed successively with each other. Yet alternatively, the administrator or the like may create the subsequent operation information table  1710  by associating operation desirable to be performed successively with each other. 
         [0141]    The window generating portion  1300  determines, with reference to the subsequent operation information table  1710 , the size and position of a window to be generated in such a manner that a button to be touched subsequently by a user and a button to close the window to be generated are displayed one above the other, and generates image data in accordance with the determination. 
         [0142]    The subsequent operation information table  1710  includes a number  1711 , a parent window  1712 , and a child window  1713 . Each of the parent window  1712  and the child window  1713  contains a window identifier and a button. 
         [0143]    The number  1711  is the number of a record registered in the subsequent operation information table  1710 . 
         [0144]    The “window identifier” of the parent window  1712  indicates an identifier for identifying a parent window. In the illustrated example, the name of a function identified by a functional icon  30  is indicated as the “window identifier”. 
         [0145]    The “button” of the parent window  1712  is an item or button displayed in the subject parent window, and indicates an item or button to be displayed to overlap with a button to close a child window. 
         [0146]    In some records, the “window identifier” of the parent window  1712  is denoted by “-” which means that no parent window is displayed, i.e., an item or button denoted in the “button” of the parent window  1712  is displayed in the highest-level window. 
         [0147]    The “window identifier” of the child window  1713  indicates an identifier for identifying a child window. 
         [0148]    The “button” of the child window  1713  indicates a button to close the subject child window, which means that the button is to be displayed to overlap with a “button” of the parent window  1712 . 
         [0149]    A “non-response region” specified in the “button” represents a non-response region (see the non-response region  60  of  FIG. 11C ). 
         [0150]    For example, referring to a record specified as “1” in the number  1711 , the “window identifier” and the “button” of the child window  1713  are “paper folding saddle stitching” and a “stop/OK button” respectively, and the “window identifier” and the “button” of the parent window  1712  are a “finishing icon” and a “stop/OK button” respectively. Suppose that, for example, when an item setting window for a “paper folding saddle stitching” functional icon  30  is displayed, an item setting window for a “finishing icon” functional icon  30  is displayed as a parent window. In such a case, the item setting window for the “paper folding saddle stitching” functional icon  30  is displayed in such a manner that the “stop/OK” button in the item setting window is displayed to overlap with a “stop/OK” button in the parent window, namely, in the item setting window for the “finishing icon” functional icon  30  (see the screen  914  of  FIG. 8A ). 
         [0151]    [Geometric Arrangement of Pop-Up Window] 
         [0152]    The following is a description as to how the window generating portion  1300  determines the position at which a pop-up window is to be disposed, with reference to  FIGS. 15A to 19C . 
         [0153]    A conventional example of a geometric arrangement of a window is described with reference to  FIGS. 15A to 15C . A geometric arrangement of a window according to an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to  FIGS. 16A to 19C . 
         [0154]    The screen  950  of  FIG. 15A  is a screen for a case where the “basic function_ 1 ” switching button  51  is selected. The coordinate axes (X, Y) of the touchscreen portion  21  are also shown therein. The coordinates represented in the coordinate system are hereinafter called screen coordinates. 
         [0155]    The screen coordinates (x 1 , y 1 ) of the screen  950  are coordinates serving as the reference for the case of displaying a pop-up window, i.e., the reference coordinates. The reference coordinates may be defined for each pop-up window, or may be common to all pop-up windows. The reference coordinates may be changed depending on the hierarchy level of a pop-up window. 
         [0156]    An item setting window  500  of  FIG. 15B  is an item setting window for the “color” functional icon  30 , and the coordinate axes (X′, Y′) are also indicated in the drawing. As shown in the item setting window  500 , the item setting window  500  has its own coordinate system, and other item setting windows have their own coordinate systems. The coordinates represented in such a coordinate system are hereinafter called local coordinates. Further, it is assumed that the item setting window for the “color” functional icon  30  is simply called a “color item setting window”. The same is similarly applied to the other functional icons  30 . 
         [0157]    The MFP  1000  has the following two display modes: A mode corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention in which a display position of a close button is changed; and a mode corresponding to the conventional technique in which a display position of a close button is not changed. In the description, the former is called an automatic change mode, and the latter is called a normal mode. The MFP  1000  is such configured that any one of the two modes is selected in accordance with the setting made by a user. 
         [0158]    The item setting window storage portion  1750  (see  FIG. 13 ) stores, therein, image data on, for example, the item setting window  500  corresponding to the normal mode. 
         [0159]    The screen  951  of  FIG. 15C  is a screen displaying the item setting window  500  of which the local coordinates ( 0 ,  0 ) correspond to the position of the screen coordinates (x 1 , y 1 ) of the screen  950 . The “stop/OK” button on the item setting window  500  is displayed above (in front of) the “density” functional icon  30 . This is because, in the normal mode, image data on the item setting window  500  stored in the item setting window storage portion  1750  is displayed as-is on the touchscreen portion  21 . 
         [0160]      FIG. 16B  shows an example of a “color” item setting window  501  according to an embodiment of the present invention (automatic change mode). 
         [0161]    The screen  952  of  FIG. 16A  is similar to the screen  950  shown in  FIG. 15A . 
         [0162]    The size of the item setting window  501  is large by “y 2 ” in the Y′ axis direction as compared to that indicated in the image data on the item setting window  500  (see  FIG. 15B ) stored in the item setting window storage portion  1750 . Hereinafter, image data on an item setting window stored in the item setting window storage portion  1750  is called “original image data”. 
         [0163]    The screen  953  of  FIG. 16C  is a screen displaying the item setting window  501  of which the local coordinates ( 0 ,  0 ) is adjusted to the position of the screen coordinates (x 1 , y 1 ) of the screen  952 . The item setting window  501  is displayed in such a manner that the “stop/OK” button therein is displayed above the “finishing” functional icon  30 . 
         [0164]    The MFP  1000  refers to the subsequent operation information table  1710 , generates image data in which the size of the “color” item setting window  501  is changed, and shows a display accordingly. 
         [0165]    To be specific, referring to a record specified as “color” in the “window identifier” of the child window  1713 , if “finishing icon” is set as the “button” of the parent window  1712  of that record, the position at which the item setting window  501  is disposed, the size thereof, and the like are determined in such a manner that the “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  501  is displayed above the “finishing” functional icon  30  (see the hatched part of the screen  953 ). 
         [0166]    In this example, the position of the “stop/OK” button is shifted without changing the reference point (x 1 , y 1 ) on the screen coordinates for displaying a pop-up window. Thereby, the “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  501  is overlapped with the “finishing” functional icon  30 . 
         [0167]    As just described, the reference point on the screen coordinates is not changed. This is because the unchanged positions of items on the item setting window in the screen coordinates make it easy for a user to find a target item in many cases. For example, when the indication is made in which only a button to close the “color” item setting window is shifted (see the screen  953 ), the item “automatic color” is always displayed around the upper left of the touchscreen portion  21 . When the positions of items are not changed in this way, the work to look for an item is unnecessary. 
         [0168]    The item setting window  501  shown in the screen  952  and the screen  953  is longer in the Y-axis direction than that of the original data. Instead of this arrangement, however, the position of a close button may be changed depending on the position of a functional icon  30  or the like that is presumed to be touched subsequently. For example, if it is presumed that after a user sets an item on the “color” item setting window, he/she touches a “paper tray” functional icon  30 , then the position of a “stop/OK” button is changed with the size of the item setting window  501  remaining unchanged. 
         [0169]      FIGS. 17A to 17C  show an example of a “color” item setting window  503  according to an embodiment of the present invention (automatic change mode). 
         [0170]    The screen  956  of  FIG. 17A  is similar to the screen  950  shown in  FIG. 15A . 
         [0171]    The size of the item setting window  503  of  FIG. 17B  is the same as that of the original data, and the position of a “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  503  is changed as compared to that of the original data. 
         [0172]    The screen  957  of  FIG. 17C  is a screen displaying the item setting window  503  of which the local coordinates ( 0 ,  0 ) correspond to the screen coordinates (x 1 , y 1 ) of the screen  956 . The item setting window  503  is displayed in such a manner that the “stop/OK” button therein is displayed above the “paper tray” functional icon  30 . 
         [0173]    Another configuration is possible in which the “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  500  is displayed above the “finishing” functional icon  30  which is presumed to be touched subsequently, by changing the reference point without changing the size of the item setting window  500 . Since the overall structure of the item setting window  500 , e.g., the size thereof, is not changed, it is sometimes a case where a user easily uses the item setting window  500  depending on the structure thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to determine, for each item setting window, whether only the position of a close button of the item setting window is changed, or the geometric arrangement of the item setting window itself is changed. 
         [0174]      FIGS. 18A to 18C  show an example of a “density” item setting window  504  according to an embodiment of the present invention (automatic change mode). 
         [0175]    The screen  958  of  FIG. 18A  is similar to the screen  950  shown in  FIG. 15A . 
         [0176]    The item setting window  504  of  FIG. 18B  is the same as that of the original data. 
         [0177]    Referring to the screen  959  of  FIG. 18C , the “density” item setting window  504  is displayed in such a manner that the “stop/OK” button therein is above (in front of) the “finishing” functional icon  30  without positioning the local coordinates ( 0 ,  0 ) of the item setting window  504  on the screen coordinates (x 1 , y 1 ) of the screen  958 . This is because, in the “density” item setting window  504 , whether or not a user easily sets the density is less related to the position of the window since a low gradation level is set on the left of the window and a high gradation level is set on the right of the window. 
         [0178]      FIG. 19B  shows an example of an item setting window  502  according to an embodiment of the present invention (automatic change mode). 
         [0179]    Suppose that it is presumed that, after item setting is made on the item setting window  500 , a button to be touched subsequently is not present. Stated differently, suppose that a “non-response region” is specified as the “button” of the parent window  1712  in the subsequent operation information table  1710 . In such a case, the window generating portion  1300  determines, for example, the position at which the item setting window  500  is disposed and the size thereof in such a manner that the “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  500  is above the non-response region. 
         [0180]    The screen  954  of  FIG. 19A  is similar to the screen  950  of  FIG. 15A . The lattice pattern rectangle shows a non-response region  60 . 
         [0181]    The item setting window  502  is a “color” item setting window having a size determined by the window generating portion  1300 . The position of the “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  502  is changed from the position of the “stop/OK” button in the original image data (see the item setting window  500  of  FIG. 15B ), and the size is increased in the y-axis direction accordingly. 
         [0182]    The screen  955  of  FIG. 19C  is a screen displaying the item setting window  502  of which the local coordinates ( 0 ,  0 ) are positioned on the screen coordinates (x 1 , y 1 ) of the screen  954 . The item setting window  502  is displayed in such a manner that the “stop/OK” button in the item setting window  502  overlaps with the non-response region  60 . 
         [0183]    At this time, the window generating portion  1300  determines the position of the “stop/OK” button in such a manner that the “stop/OK” button overlaps with the non-response region  60 , and at the same time, the “stop/OK” button is close to the position of the “stop/OK” button in the original image data as much as possible (see the item setting window  500 ). This is because it is probably easier for a user to find the “stop/OK” button as the position thereof is closer to the position of the “stop/OK” button in the original image data. 
         [0184]    [Operation] 
         [0185]    The following is a description of operation of the MFP  1000  for a case where the MFP  1000  implements the user interface function according to an embodiment of the present invention (automatic change mode), with reference to  FIG. 20 . 
         [0186]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart depicting an example of a process for displaying an item setting window depending on user&#39;s operation in a screen displayed on the operational panel  20   f.    
         [0187]    For example, when a user presses a “copy” key provided in the operational key portion  22  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the operational panel  20   f,  the MFP  1000  displays the initial screen shown in  FIG. 4A  on the operational panel  20   f.    
         [0188]    The user touches a functional icon  30  displayed on the screen. 
         [0189]    When detecting, through the operational panel  20   f,  that the functional icon  30  has been touched (Step S 100 ), the screen display control portion  1200  instructs the window generating portion  1300  to generate an item setting window for the touched functional icon  30 . 
         [0190]    Along with the instructions, the screen display control portion  1200  conveys, to the window generating portion  1300 , an identifier of a parent window of the item setting window for the touched functional icon  30 . If the parent window is the highest-level window, then the screen display control portion  1200  conveys, to the window generating portion  1300 , a message that no further parent window is present. 
         [0191]    In response to the instructions, the window generating portion  1300  determines which button of a window to be opened newly is to overlap with which button in the parent window, or with a non-response region. 
         [0192]    To be specific, if there is any other button to be touched by the user after he/she closes the new window, then the window generating portion  1300  determines that a button to close the new window overlaps with the button to be subsequently touched by him/her (process corresponding to Steps S 108  and  112  discussed later). The button to be subsequently touched by the user is displayed in the parent window or the highest-level window. 
         [0193]    If there is no other button to be subsequently touched by the user, but if there is a parent window, then the window generating portion  1300  determines that a button to close the new window overlaps with a button to close the parent window (process corresponding to Step S 106  discussed later). 
         [0194]    Alternatively, if there is no other button to be subsequently touched by the user, and if there is no parent window, then the window generating portion  1300  determines that a button to close the new window overlaps with a non-response region (process corresponding to Step S 114  discussed later). 
         [0195]    In order to make such a determination, the window generating portion  1300  first determines the presence or absence of a parent window (Step S 102 ). If being informed that there is no parent window from the screen display control portion  1200 , then the window generating portion  1300  determines that there is no parent window (Step S 102 : No). If receiving an identifier of a parent window from the screen display control portion  1200 , then the window generating portion  1300  determines that there is a parent window (Step S 102 : Yes). 
         [0196]    Subsequently, the window generating portion  1300  determines whether or not there is another button to be operated subsequently, or the like. 
         [0197]    To be specific, if determining that there is a parent window (Step S 102 : Yes), then the window generating portion  1300  searches in the subsequent operation information table  1710  for a record in which an identifier of a window to be opened newly is specified as the “window identifier” of the child window  1713 , and, at the same time, the identifier of the parent window conveyed from the screen display control portion  1200  is specified as the “window identifier” of the parent window  1712  (Step S 104 ). 
         [0198]    If such a record is found out by the search (Step S 104 : Yes), then the window generating portion  1300  determines that a button specified as the “button” of the child window  1713 , i.e., a button to close a window to be opened newly, overlaps with a button or the like specified as the “button” of the parent window  1712  (Step S 108 ). 
         [0199]    To be specific, if determining that there is no parent window (Step S 102 : No), then the window generating portion  1300  searches in the subsequent operation information table  1710  for a record in which an identifier of a window to be opened newly is specified as the “window identifier” of the child window  1713 , and “-” is specified as the “window identifier” of the parent window  1712  (Step S 110 ). 
         [0200]    If such a record is found out by the search (Step S 110 : Yes), then the window generating portion  1300  determines that a button specified as the “button” of the child window  1713 , i.e., a button to close a window to be opened newly, overlaps with a button or the like specified as the “button” of the parent window  1712  for that record, i.e., a button or the like displayed in the highest-level window (Step S 112 ). 
         [0201]    In Step S 104 , if no records are found out by the search (Step S 104 : No), then the window generating portion  1300  determines that there is no button or the like to be operated subsequently, and that a button to close a window to be opened newly overlaps with a button to close a parent window (Step S 106 ). 
         [0202]    In Step S 110 , if no records are found out by the search (Step S 110 : No), then the window generating portion  1300  determines that there is no other button or the like to be operated subsequently, and that a button to close a window to be opened newly overlaps with a non-response region (Step S 114 ). 
         [0203]    After determining which button of a window to be opened newly is to overlap with which button in the parent window, or overlap with a non-response region in this manner, the window generating portion  1300  reads out image data on the window to be opened newly from the item setting window storage portion  1750 . In accordance with the determination, the window generating portion  1300  generates image data on an item setting window to be displayed based on the read-out image data (Step S 116 ). 
         [0204]    The window generating portion  1300 , then, conveys the generated image data to the screen display control portion  1200 . 
         [0205]    Upon the receipt of the image data on the item setting window, the screen display control portion  1200  displays the item setting window on the operational panel  20   f  (Step S 118 ). 
       Specific Example 
       [0206]    An example is described below in which a user touches the “finishing” functional icon  30  in Step S 100 . 
         [0207]    When detecting, through the operational panel  20   f,  that the “finishing” functional icon  30  has been touched (Step S 100 ), the screen display control portion  1200  instructs the window generating portion  1300  to generate a “finishing” item setting window. 
         [0208]    Along with the instructions, the screen display control portion  1200  conveys, to the window generating portion  1300 , an identifier of a parent window of the “finishing” item setting window. Since the “finishing” item setting window is a window to be displayed at the beginning, the screen display control portion  1200  informs the window generating portion  1300  that no further parent window is present. 
         [0209]    In response to the instructions, the window generating portion  1300  determines that there is no parent window (Step S 102 : No) because the window generating portion  1300  is informed that no further parent window is present. 
         [0210]    Subsequently, the window generating portion  1300  searches in the subsequent operation information table  1710  (see  FIG. 14 ) for a record in which an identifier of the “finishing” item setting window is specified as the “window identifier” of the child window  1713 , and “-” is specified as the “window identifier” of the parent window  1712 . As a result of the search, a record is found out in which “3” is specified as the “number”  1711  of the subsequent operation information table  1710 . 
         [0211]    Since the record is found out by the search (Step S 110 : Yes), the window generating portion  1300  determines that the button to close the “finishing” item setting window overlaps with the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button that is specified as the “button” of the parent window  1712  in the found record (see Step S 112 , and the screen  915  of  FIG. 8B ). 
         [0212]    The window generating portion  1300  reads out image data on the “finishing” item setting window from the item setting window storage portion  1750 . In accordance with the determination, the window generating portion  1300  generates image data based on the read-out image data (Step S 116 ). Such image data to be generated is image data on the “finishing” item setting window having the close button displayed above a button identified as the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button (Step S 116 ). 
         [0213]    The window generating portion  1300 , then, conveys the generated image data on the “finishing” item setting window to the screen display control portion  1200 . 
         [0214]    Upon the receipt of the image data on the item setting window, the screen display control portion  1200  displays the “finishing” item setting window on the operational panel  20   f  (Step S 118 ). 
         [0215]    The image processing apparatus having the structure discussed above makes it possible for a user to perform operation for changing the indication on a display from one window to another in a quick and stress-free manner in a GUI configured to display windows by switching from one to another. 
         [0216]    [Modification] 
         [0217]    In the embodiment described above, switching between one window and another window can be performed quickly by displaying a button to close a pop-up window above a functional icon  30  that is presumed to be operated subsequently. In a modified example, switching between one window and another window can be performed more quickly by displaying a functional icon  30  that is presumed to be operated subsequently next to the currently operated functional icon  30 , in addition to displaying a button to close a pop-up window above the functional icon  30  presumed to be operated subsequently. 
         [0218]      FIG. 21A  shows an example of a screen for a case where the “basic function_ 1 ” switching button  51  is selected. The numerals ( 1 )-( 5 ) denote the order based on which a user often touches functional icons  30  and switching buttons  51 . 
         [0219]    To be specific, the user often performs a series of operation as follows. First, the user touches ( 1 ) “color” functional icon  30  to open an item setting window, performs item setting operation thereon, and closes the item setting window. The user, then, touches ( 2 ) “density” functional icon  30  to perform operation on an item setting window corresponding thereto. Subsequently, he/she operates an item setting window for ( 3 ) “N-in- 1 ” functional icon  30 , and then, operates an item setting window for ( 4 ) “finishing” functional icon  30 . At last, he/she touches ( 5 ) “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51 . It is supposed, herein, that the order is determined based on the operation history. The order may be another order, provided that the order is preferable. 
         [0220]      FIG. 21B  shows an example of a screen in which the functional icons  30  and the switching buttons  51  are rearranged in the order of ( 1 )-( 5 ) of  FIG. 21A . 
         [0221]    To be specific, the functional icons  30  and so on are disposed in the order of the “color” functional icon  30 , the “density” functional icon  30 , the “N-in- 1 ” functional icon  30 , the “finishing” functional icon  30 , and the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51 . 
         [0222]    An administrator of the MFP  1000  changes the geometric arrangement order of the functional icons  30  and so on appropriately based on user&#39;s operation history. It is possible for the MFP  1000  to automatically change the geometric arrangement order of the functional icons  30  and the switching buttons  51  based on user&#39;s operation history. 
         [0223]      FIGS. 22A to 22D  show the movement of user&#39;s finger in a conventional screen in which the functional icons  30  are disposed as shown in  FIG. 21A , i.e., in which the positions of the functional icons  30  are not changed. Further,  FIG. 23  shows the movement of user&#39;s finger for a case where the display positions of the functional icons  30  are changed as shown in  FIG. 21B  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0224]    A solid white arrow denotes the movement of a finger to close a pop-up window and touch a subsequent functional icon  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , a button to close a pop-up window is displayed in a manner to overlap with a functional icon  30  to be touched subsequently. The finger movement distance denoted by the solid white arrow is equal between the case of  FIG. 22  and the case of  FIG. 23 . 
         [0225]    A bold arrow denotes the movement of a finger to touch a subsequent functional icon  30  and to close a pop-up window that has been opened in response to the toched operation. 
         [0226]    Referring to the screen  960  of  FIG. 22A , as shown in the solid white arrow, a user hardly moves his/her finger in order to close a “color” item setting window  600  and to touch a subsequent “density” functional icon  30 . 
         [0227]    However, the “stop/OK” button in a “density” item setting window  601  is above a “N-in- 1 ” functional icon  30  to be touched subsequently. The user, thus, needs to move his/her finger by a long distance as shown in the bold arrow on the screen  961  of  FIG. 22B . 
         [0228]    In contrast, referring to the screen  970  of  FIG. 23A , a user hardly moves his/her finger in order to close a “color” item setting window  700  and to touch a subsequent “density” functional icon  30  as shown in the white solid arrow, as with the case of the screen  960  of  FIG. 22A . 
         [0229]    Referring to the screen  971  of  FIG. 23B , the “stop/OK” button in a “density” item setting window  701  is above a “N-in- 1 ” functional icon  30  disposed next to the “density” item setting window  701 . The user, thus, only needs to move his/her finger by a short distance as shown in the bold arrow on the screen  971 . 
         [0230]    Referring to the screen  962  of  FIG. 22C  and the screen  963  of  FIG. 22D , the user needs to move his/her finger to the left to touch the “stop/OK” button (see the bold arrow on the screen  962 ), and then, to move his/her finger to the right to touch the “basic function_ 2 ” switching button  51  (see the bold arrow on the screen  963 ). 
         [0231]    In contrast, referring to the screen  972  of  FIG. 23C  and the screen  973  of  FIG. 23D , when the functional icons  30  are disposed next to one another in the order that the functional icons  30  are to be touched, a user only moves his/her finger unidirectionally in order. In the example of  FIGS. 23C and 23D , a user only moves his/her finger to the right. 
         [0232]    Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The following arrangement is possible. 
         [0233]    1) In the modified example, the functional icons  30  are disposed from the left to the right as viewed from a user. The present invention, however, is not limited thereto. For example, the functional icons  30  may be disposed from the right to the left, from the top to the bottom, or from the bottom to the top as viewed from a user. 
         [0234]    2) In the embodiment discussed above, an item setting window is to be opened in response to a functional icon  30  being touched. Instead of this, however, an image or the like may be provided to open an item setting window for a certain function in a certain hierarchy level, i.e., an image showing a so-called short-cut key may be provided. 
         [0235]    3) In the embodiment described above, a case of displaying windows that have a parent-child relation hierarchy is exemplified. Instead of this, however, windows may have other hierarchy, e.g., hierarchy of displayed order. To be specific, a window displayed earlier is deemed as a superior window, while a window displayed later is deemed as a subordinate window, or the like. 
         [0236]    4) According to the embodiment, every time an item setting window is displayed, the original image data is read out from the item setting window storage portion  1750  to generate and display image data on an item setting window in which the position of a close key is changed. Another configuration is possible in which image data on an item setting window having a post-change position of a close key is memorized in advance, and corresponding image data is read out and displayed. 
         [0237]    5) The user interface function of the embodiment may execute a computer program to implement the whole or a part of the individual elements shown in  FIG. 13 , or may implement the whole or a part of the individual elements shown in  FIG. 13  in any other formats. 
         [0238]    In the case of a computer program, a computer is preferably caused to load the computer program written onto a recording medium such as a memory card or a CD-ROM, and to execute the computer program. Alternatively, a computer is preferably caused to download a computer program via a network and to execute the computer program. 
         [0239]    While example embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.