Patent Description:
As an information apparatus, a so-called multi-function peripheral that executes a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a scanning function, a facsimile function, and a printing function is known. A technology in which setting items for setting various functions of an information communication apparatus having a communication function among such multi-function peripherals are displayed in an operation screen in a selectable manner, and an operator is caused to select a desired setting item so that various functions of the information communication apparatus can be set is known. In addition, a technology in which, since there are a wide variety of functions that can be set, items for setting the functions are displayed in a hierarchical manner and are sequentially operated so that various functions can be set, such as additionally displaying relevant setting items related to an arbitrary setting item once the setting item is selected from the setting items displayed in the operation screen, is known.

Examples of a method of additionally displaying a relevant setting item related to an arbitrary setting item once the setting item is selected from the setting items displayed in the operation screen include a method (<NUM>) in which, once the operator selects an arbitrary setting item, a relevant setting item is displayed as transition from an operation screen in which the selected setting item is displayed to an operation screen in which the relevant setting item is displayed is made (that is, a switching display method). In addition, for example, there is a method (<NUM>) in which, once the operator selects an arbitrary setting item, a relevant setting item is popped up at an arbitrary position on a previous operation screen in which the selected setting item is displayed (that is, a pop-up display method). In addition, for example, there is a method (<NUM>) in which, once the operator selects an arbitrary setting item, a relevant setting item is displayed immediately below the selected setting item displayed in a previous operation screen in an interruptive manner (that is, an interrupt display method). For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (<CIT> describes an invention as an example of the method (<NUM>), and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (<CIT>describes an invention as an example of the method (<NUM>). Additional prior art is known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

However, the above-described methods have the following problems.

In the case of the switching display method (<NUM>), once a setting item displayed in an operation screen of a higher layer (for example, a layer in which a selected setting item is display) is selected, switching from the operation screen to an operation screen of a relevant setting item is made. Therefore, it is difficult to understand which layer the currently displayed operation screen is in.

In the case of the pop-up display method (<NUM>), once a setting item displayed in an operation screen of a higher layer is selected, an operation screen of a relevant setting item is displayed in a superimposed manner on the operation screen of the higher layer, whereby it is possible to understand which layer the popped-up relevant setting item is in. However, it is difficult to understand which setting item in the higher layer the relevant setting item is specifically related to. In addition, since the number of display elements in one operation screen increases, there is also a problem that the operator is confused with the operation.

In the case of the interrupt display method (<NUM>), since a relevant setting item is displayed immediately below a selected setting item displayed in an operation screen of a higher layer in an interruptive manner, it is easy to understand which setting item in the higher layer the displayed relevant setting item is related to. However, in a case where the number of setting items displayed in the same layer as that of the selected setting item is large, when the relevant setting item is displayed in an interruptive manner, a setting item displayed below may protrude from the operation screen and be cut off halfway. In a case where the selected setting item is displayed in a lower region of the operation screen, a display space immediately below the selected setting item is narrow, and not all the relevant setting items can be displayed within the operation screen. For example, in a case where a setting item I<NUM> is selected from four setting items I<NUM>, I<NUM>, I<NUM>, and I<NUM> displayed in a list form in an operation screen 321A as illustrated in <FIG>, relevant setting items I<NUM> and I<NUM> are displayed in an interruptive manner, as a result of which the setting item I<NUM> displayed on the lower side protrudes from the operation screen and is cut off halfway. In a case where a selected setting item I<NUM> is displayed in a lower region of an operation screen 321B as illustrated in <FIG>, a relevant setting item I<NUM> protrudes from the operation screen 321B and is cut off halfway. Therefore, it is necessary to perform an additional operation such as a scroll operation to display setting items in order to visually recognize all the setting items in a higher layer and relevant setting items displayed in an interruptive manner, and there is a problem in operability. In addition, since the number of display elements in one operation screen increases, there is also a problem that the operator is confused with the operation.

An object of the technology of the disclosure is to provide a display control device, an information apparatus, and a display control program capable of setting various functions by using an operation screen excellent in visibility and operability by efficiently displaying items for setting the functions in the operation screen.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a display control device is provided as defined in claim <NUM>.

In the display control device, in a case in which the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which the setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden, the hidden setting items may be redisplayed.

In the display control device, in a case in which the hidden setting items are redisplayed, the redisplayed setting items and the selected setting item may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from each other.

In the display control device, the setting item and the relevant setting item may be configured in a hierarchical manner, the setting item and the hidden setting items other than the selected setting item may be setting items in a same layer, and the relevant setting item related to the selected setting item may be a setting item in a lower layer than that of the selected setting item.

In the display control device, the operation screen is an operation screen of an information apparatus having, as main functions, at least two of a copy function of copying a document, a scanning function of reading a document, or a facsimile function of transmitting an image obtained by reading a document as image data, and the plurality of setting items are setting items for setting processing conditions of the main functions.

An information apparatus according to a second aspect includes the display control device according to the first aspect.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory recording medium is provided as defined in claim <NUM>.

In the information apparatus, in a case in which the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which the setting item other than the selected setting item is hidden, processing of displaying the hidden setting item again may be executed.

According to the technology of the disclosure, it is possible to set various functions by using an operation screen excellent in visibility and operability by efficiently displaying items for setting the functions in the operation screen.

An information apparatus of the disclosure will be described with a multi-function peripheral <NUM> as an example. <FIG> is a view illustrating an appearance of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the present example <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multi-function peripheral <NUM>.

The multi-function peripheral <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is a device capable of executing processing for functions such as copying, printing, image scanning, and facsimile (also referred to as FAX). As illustrated in <FIG>, the multi-function peripheral <NUM> includes a control device <NUM>, a reading unit <NUM>, an image forming unit <NUM>, and a communication unit <NUM> in a main body <NUM>. Note that the multi-function peripheral <NUM> is an example of the information apparatus. The multi-function peripheral <NUM> can perform data communication with an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or a server in an office connected to a local area network (LAN) line or the like, or perform facsimile communication with a communication apparatus in another office through a public line such as a telephone line. Therefore, the multi-function peripheral <NUM> is also an example of the information communication apparatus. That is, the information communication apparatus has a function of transmitting a voice or an image by communication. The information apparatus of the disclosure includes, in addition to a telephone line apparatus such as a mobile phone and a facsimile, for example, an information apparatus in which functions of office equipment such as a copier, a printer, an image scanner, and a facsimile are housed in one housing, like the multi-function peripheral <NUM>.

An operation panel <NUM>, the control device <NUM> including a storage device <NUM>, the reading unit <NUM>, the image forming unit <NUM>, and the communication unit <NUM> are mutually connected by a bus <NUM>. Each unit of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> will be described below.

The reading unit <NUM> reads an image of a document. Specifically, the reading unit <NUM> generates image data by optically reading an image of a document and converting the image into a digital signal.

The image forming unit <NUM> forms an image on a medium such as a paper sheet. Specifically, the image forming unit <NUM> forms an image on a medium by, for example, an electrophotographic method in which an image is formed by electrostatically attaching a toner onto a paper sheet. Note that the image forming unit <NUM> may form an image on a medium by another method such as an inkjet method in which an image is formed by ejecting an ink onto a paper sheet.

The communication unit <NUM> communicates with an external device such as another facsimile device. Specifically, the communication unit <NUM> transmits and receives various pieces of data to and from an external device by communication using various wired or wireless communication lines. Examples of the communication line include the Internet, an intranet, and a public telephone line.

For example, the multi-function peripheral <NUM> includes a document feeding device <NUM> provided at an upper portion of the main body <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The document feeding device <NUM> feeds a document to a document reading stage (not illustrated) disposed on an upper surface of the main body <NUM>. The reading unit <NUM> is disposed at a position facing the reading stage in the main body <NUM>. The document feeding device <NUM> can be lifted up. As the document feeding device <NUM> is lifted up, the reading stage is exposed and can be used as a so-called flatbed type. Therefore, a user can directly set a document on the reading stage without using the document feeding device <NUM>.

The multi-function peripheral <NUM> of this example has, as four main functions, a copy function of copying a document, a scanning function of reading a document, a facsimile function of transmitting an image obtained by reading a document as image data, and a printing function of printing an image on a paper sheet. In a case where processing related to the scanning function is executed in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, an image of a document is read by the reading unit <NUM>, and image data is generated. In a case where processing related to the copy function is executed in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, the image forming unit <NUM> prints an image of a document on another paper sheet based on image data generated by the reading unit <NUM>. The paper sheet on which an image is printed is discharged to a paper sheet discharging unit <NUM> provided in the main body <NUM>. In a case where processing related to the facsimile function is executed in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, image data generated by the reading unit <NUM> is output to the communication unit <NUM> and transmitted to a destination via the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where processing related to the printing function is executed in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, the image forming unit <NUM> prints an image on a paper sheet based on image data input from a personal computer or the like. The paper sheet on which an image is printed is discharged to the paper sheet discharging unit <NUM>.

In addition, a feeding unit in which a paper sheet is loaded, a paper sheet transport mechanism that transports a paper sheet to the image forming unit <NUM> and the paper sheet discharging unit <NUM>, and the like are provided inside the main body <NUM>.

The multi-function peripheral <NUM> includes the operation panel <NUM> for a user to operate the multi-function peripheral <NUM>. The operation panel <NUM> is an example of a user interface. The user interface is a device for exchanging information between the multi-function peripheral <NUM> and a user, specifically, for inputting an operation instruction from a user to the multi-function peripheral <NUM> or displaying information such as a status of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> to a user.

In the present example specifically, the operation panel <NUM> includes a display unit <NUM> and an operation unit <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The display unit <NUM> displays an operation screen, various messages such as operation guidance, and the like. The operation unit <NUM> is a component on which a user performs an input operation. The display unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electro luminescence (EL) display, or the like. The operation unit <NUM> and the display unit <NUM> are implemented by a touch panel display <NUM> in which both the operation unit <NUM> and the display unit <NUM> are integrated. The operation unit <NUM> is a resistive type touch panel, a capacitive type touch panel, or the like, and detects a touch operation of a user. A region where an operation screen of the display unit <NUM> is displayed and a region where a touch operation of the operation unit <NUM> can be detected overlap with each other in the touch panel display <NUM>. As a result, once a user performs a touch operation on an operation screen displayed on the display unit <NUM>, the operation unit <NUM> detects the touch operation performed on the operation screen and a position at which the touch operation is performed on the operation screen, and outputs a detection signal to the control device <NUM>.

Examples of the touch operation of the user include operations such as tapping, flicking, sliding, and dragging. The tapping operation is an operation of touching the screen of the display unit <NUM> with a finger. The flicking operation is an operation of touching the screen of the display unit <NUM> in such a way as to flick the screen with a finger. The sliding operation is an operation of moving a finger in a state of touching the screen of the display unit <NUM> with the finger. The dragging operation is an operation for moving an image such as an icon displayed on the display unit <NUM>. The dragging operation is an operation of touching an image displayed on the display unit <NUM> with a finger, then moving the finger touching the image, and then releasing the finger from the image. The operation unit <NUM> that is a touch panel outputs, as a detection signal, a movement locus of a finger associated with these touch operations in an operation screen. Note that the touch operation may be not only an operation using a finger of a user but also an operation using a tool such as a touch pen. An operator can operate the multi-function peripheral <NUM> via an operation image (graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the operation panel <NUM>. Furthermore, the multi-function peripheral <NUM> can be operated via an operation screen displayed on a display included in an external apparatus (not illustrated) in which an operation application for the multi-function peripheral <NUM> is installed.

The operation panel <NUM> further includes an operation key <NUM> disposed outside the screen of the display unit <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Examples of the operation key <NUM> include a power key for supplying power to the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, a cancel key for canceling various executions, and the like. As described above, the operation panel <NUM> according to the present example includes a mechanical operation unit in addition to the touch panel display <NUM> including the operation unit <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can display, for example, various operation screens such as a task item selection screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The "operation screen" of the disclosure only needs to be a screen used for operating the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, and is a concept including not only an operation screen for operation provided in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> itself but also a screen provided in an apparatus for remotely operating the multi-function peripheral <NUM>.

The control device <NUM> is a device that controls each unit of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> including the operation panel <NUM>. Specifically, the control device <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a storage device <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The control device <NUM> controls the multi-function peripheral <NUM> based on information stored in the storage device <NUM>.

The storage device <NUM> stores various programs including a control program <NUM> and various pieces of data including function control data <NUM> and user interface (UI) control data <NUM>. The control program <NUM> is a program that causes a computer including the CPU <NUM> to function as the control device <NUM>. The function control data <NUM> is data used to control the reading unit <NUM>, the image forming unit <NUM>, and the communication unit <NUM>, and includes various pieces of setting information, processing parameters, and the like. The processing parameter is, for example, a parameter used when image correction processing such as gain correction, contrast correction, white balance correction, or gamma correction is executed.

The various pieces of setting information include setting information that specifies processing conditions for each of the copy function, the scanning function, the printing function, and the like implemented by the reading unit <NUM>, the image forming unit <NUM>, and the communication unit <NUM>. For example, in the case of the copy function and the printing function, the setting information is setting information that specifies processing conditions such as paper sheet size setting and color setting (for example, black-and-white copy or color copy), and in the case of the scanning function, the setting information is setting information that specifies processing conditions such as reading resolution setting and color setting (for example, black-and-white reading or color reading). The setting information includes user setting information set by a user in addition to initial setting information. The various pieces of setting information also include a history of user setting information used by a user in the past.

In the control device <NUM>, setting items for setting processing conditions for various functions are stored for each function in various pieces of setting information of the function control data <NUM> and the UI control data <NUM> in order to enable setting of various functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> to be performed sequentially. The "setting item" is an item for performing an operation of setting processing conditions for various functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM>. The multi-function peripheral <NUM> of this example has four main functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> including the copy function, the scanning function, the facsimile function, and the printing function, and a processing condition can be set for each of these four functions. An item for specifying the processing condition is the setting item. For example, in a case where the copy function and the printing function are selected as the functions, a paper sheet size, a color mode (for example, black-and-white copy or color copy), and the like are setting items that are set as processing conditions.

The UI control data <NUM> includes various pieces of screen data for configuring an operation screen displayed by the display unit <NUM> and various pieces of table data defining various setting items and the like displayed in an operation screen. Specifically, the storage device <NUM> is implemented by a recording device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory.

The memory <NUM> is a work area for the CPU <NUM> to execute various programs, and temporarily records various programs or various pieces of data when the CPU <NUM> executes processing. The memory <NUM> includes at least one of a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like as a storage medium. The CPU <NUM> reads various programs including the control program <NUM> from the storage device <NUM> to the memory <NUM>, and executes the program by using the memory <NUM> as a work area.

In the control device <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> executes the control program <NUM> to implement various functions for controlling the multi-function peripheral <NUM>. Hereinafter, a functional configuration implemented by cooperation of the CPU <NUM> as a hardware resource and the control program <NUM> as a software resource will be described. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the CPU <NUM>, and is a block diagram mainly illustrating a functional configuration that implements control of the operation panel <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the control device <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> functions as a UI control unit <NUM> and a function control unit <NUM> by executing the control program <NUM>.

The function control unit <NUM> controls the reading unit <NUM>, the image forming unit <NUM>, and the communication unit <NUM> while referring to the function control data based on an operation instruction input from the UI control unit <NUM>. In addition, the function control unit <NUM> outputs, to the UI control unit <NUM>, a processing execution result in the reading unit <NUM>, the image forming unit <NUM>, and the communication unit <NUM>, a status, and the like.

The UI control unit <NUM> receives an operation instruction input from the operation panel <NUM> and outputs the received operation instruction to the function control unit <NUM>. The UI control unit <NUM> controls the touch panel display <NUM>. The UI control unit <NUM> includes a display control unit <NUM> and an operation receiving unit <NUM> as the functional configuration.

The operation receiving unit <NUM> receives an operation instruction according to a user's operation input from the operation panel <NUM>, the user's operation input including a user's touch operation detected by the operation unit <NUM> of the touch panel display <NUM>.

The display control unit <NUM> performs control to display various operation screens on the display unit <NUM> of the touch panel display <NUM> with reference to the function control data <NUM> and the UI control data <NUM>. The control device <NUM> including the display control unit <NUM> is an example of a display control device according to the technology of the disclosure.

Specifically, once the operation receiving unit <NUM> receives an operation of supplying power to the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, the display control unit <NUM> causes the display unit <NUM> to display the task item selection screen <NUM> (see <FIG>) as a top screen, as an example. As illustrated in <FIG>, the task item selection screen <NUM> is a screen for a user to select and operate a task item <NUM> and the like to be executed by the multi-function peripheral <NUM>. Here, a task is processing executed by the multi-function peripheral <NUM> after a user sets a processing condition for a main function of the multi-function peripheral <NUM>. Then, an item including information indicating the content of this processing is referred to as the task item <NUM>. For example, in the case of the copy function, which is one of the main functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, processing executed by the multi-function peripheral <NUM> after a user sets the processing conditions such as paper sheet size setting and color setting is the task of the copy function, and an item indicating the content of the task is the task item <NUM>. Similarly, in the case of the scanning function, processing executed by the multi-function peripheral <NUM> after a user sets the processing conditions such as reading resolution setting and color setting is the task of the scanning function, and an item indicating the content of the task is the task item <NUM>.

As described above, there are various types of tasks and task items <NUM> indicating the contents of the tasks according to the type of function and the processing condition. A plurality of task items <NUM> for different types of functions and different processing conditions are displayed in the task item selection screen <NUM>. The task item selection screen <NUM> is a selection screen for selecting one task item <NUM> from the plurality of task items <NUM> in the case of causing the multi-function peripheral <NUM> to execute one task. In this example, a plurality of task items <NUM> corresponding to an operation history are displayed in a list form in the task item selection screen <NUM>.

In addition, an icon window <NUM> is displayed in the task item selection screen <NUM> while being superimposed on a portion where the task item <NUM> is displayed. As an example, the icon window <NUM> is displayed in the form of a floating window whose display position can be adjusted in the task item selection screen <NUM>. The icon window <NUM> is disposed at a lower end portion of the task item selection screen <NUM>. An icon <NUM> functions as a selection button for a user to select a function to be executed by the multi-function peripheral <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates icons 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D as the icons <NUM>. These icons correspond to the copy function, the scanning function, the facsimile function, and the printing function, which are the four main functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM>. The icon 202A is a selection button for selecting the copy function, and the icon 202B is a selection button for selecting the scanning function. The icon 202C is a selection button for selecting the facsimile function, and the icon 202D is a selection button for selecting the printing function. The icon <NUM> includes various icons other than the four icons 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D, and the various icons can be displayed by setting, for example. Hereinafter, in a case where there is no need to distinguish the types of the icons <NUM>, the four icons 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D are simply referred to as the icons <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a function selection screen <NUM>. The function selection screen <NUM> is a selection screen for a user to select various functions to be executed by the multi-function peripheral <NUM>. The display control unit <NUM> shifts an operation screen displayed on the display unit <NUM> from the task item selection screen <NUM> to the function selection screen <NUM> by a predetermined operation performed on the task item selection screen <NUM>. The predetermined operation is, for example, a flicking operation performed on a preset region of the task item selection screen <NUM>. The function selection screen <NUM> includes a plurality of sections <NUM> in which the icons <NUM> corresponding to various functions to be executed by the multi-function peripheral <NUM> are disposed, and is a screen for a user to select an icon <NUM>. In <FIG>, a frame <NUM> of a section <NUM> is indicated by a broken line, but the broken line is not actually displayed. It is a matter of course that the frame <NUM> may be displayed.

The icons <NUM> are also displayed in the icon window <NUM> in the task item selection screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, but the icons <NUM> displayed in the icon window <NUM> correspond to part of the icons <NUM> displayed in the function selection screen <NUM>. As described above, the icons <NUM> displayed in the icon window <NUM> correspond to the four main functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> in this example, and as the icon window <NUM> is provided in the task item selection screen <NUM>, it is possible to operate the four main functions without switching to the function selection screen <NUM>.

Once a desired icon <NUM> is operated on the icon window <NUM> of the task item selection screen <NUM> or the function selection screen <NUM>, transition to a setting item selection screen <NUM> (see <FIG>) corresponding to the function of the operated icon <NUM> is made. A processing condition for the function selected by the icon <NUM> can be set in the setting item selection screen <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates setting item selection screens <NUM> that are displayed in a case where the icons <NUM> corresponding to the four main functions are operated from the icon window <NUM> of the task item selection screen <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates setting item selection screens 300A, 300B, and 300D displayed in a case where the icon 202A corresponding to the copy function, the icon 202B corresponding to the scanning function, and the icon 202D corresponding to the printing function among the four icons <NUM> of the four main functions are operated. Data of the setting item selection screen <NUM> is included in the function control data <NUM> of the storage device <NUM>.

Similarly to the icons <NUM>, in a case where it is necessary to distinguish the setting item selection screen <NUM> for each function, an alphabet subdivision code such as "A" or "B" is attached to Reference Sign <NUM>, and in a case where it is not necessary to distinguish the setting item selection screen <NUM> for each function, an alphabet subdivision code is not attached, and the setting item selection screens <NUM> are simply referred to as the setting item selection screens <NUM>. The setting item selection screen <NUM> in <FIG> is schematically illustrated for the purpose of indicating what kind of setting item is present for each function, and the display form of the actual screen is as illustrated in <FIG>, for example, in the case of the setting item selection screen 300A for the copy function.

In a case where the icon 202A for the copy function is operated, the setting item selection screen 300A for the copy function is displayed. The processing conditions for the copy function can be set in the setting item selection screen 300A. Examples of setting items of the processing conditions for the copy function include a setting item (indicated by a scale setting button <NUM> in <FIG>) for selecting a copy scale, a setting item (indicated by a paper setting button <NUM> in <FIG>) for selecting a paper sheet size, a setting item (indicated by a color mode setting button <NUM> in <FIG>) for selecting a color mode such as black-and-white copy or color copy, a setting item (indicated by a double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM> in <FIG>) for selecting whether double-sided printing or single-sided printing is performed, and a setting item (indicated by an N-up setting button <NUM> in <FIG>) of an N-up function (indicated as "pages per sheet (N-up)" in the drawing). The N-up function is a function of collectively copying a plurality of (two, four, or eight) documents on one sheet, and as this function is used, two, four, or eight documents reduced in size can be copied on a selected sheet.

In a case where the icon 202B for the scanning function is operated, the setting item selection screen 300B for the scanning function is displayed. The processing conditions for the scanning function can be set in the setting item selection screen 300B. Examples of setting items of the processing conditions for the scanning function include a setting item for selecting "reading resolution", a setting item "color mode" for selecting a color mode, a setting item "select double-sided/single-sided" for selecting whether to perform double-sided reading or single-sided reading, and a setting item "document type and text/photograph" for selecting a type of a document to be read (whether the document includes characters or a photograph).

In a case where the icon 202D for the printing function is operated, the setting item selection screen 300D for the printing function is displayed. The processing conditions for the printing function can be set in the setting item selection screen 300D. Examples of setting items of the processing conditions for the printing function include a setting item "color mode" for selecting a color mode, a setting item "select double-sided/single-sided" for selecting double-sided printing or single-sided printing, a setting item "select paper" for selecting a paper sheet size, a setting item "select scale" for selecting a print scale, and a setting item for an N-up function (indicated as "pages per sheet (N-up)" in the drawing) for setting whether or not to print a plurality of pages on a paper sheet.

The setting items set in each setting item selection screen <NUM> are hierarchically configured. The setting items shown in each setting item selection screen <NUM> of <FIG> are setting items in a first layer for each function.

In <FIG>, the hierarchical structure of the setting items will be described using the setting item selection screen 300A for the copy function as an example. As illustrated in <FIG>, the setting item selection screen 300A for the copy function includes the setting items in the first layer and setting items in a second layer that are related to the setting contents of the setting items in the first layer and are obtained by subdividing the setting contents of the first layer, and the setting items are hierarchically configured. There are a plurality of setting items in the first layer, and there are a plurality of setting items in the second layer for each setting item in the first layer.

In the example of <FIG>, the setting items in the first layer for the copy function include, as described above, the setting item "select scale", the setting item "select paper", the setting item of "color mode", the setting item "select double-sided/single-sided", the setting item for the N-up function (indicated as "pages per sheet (N-up)" in the drawing), and the like. The setting items in the first layer are displayed in a list form by being arranged in a vertical direction in a first-layer setting item display region <NUM>.

The setting items in the second layer for the copy function include, for example, a setting item for selecting "<NUM>%" which is an actual size, a setting item for selecting "automatic" for automatically determining a scale according to a paper sheet size, and a setting item for selecting a scale such as "<NUM>%" or "<NUM>%", for the setting item "select scale" in the first layer.

The setting items in the second layer include a setting item for selecting "automatic detection" for automatically detecting a paper sheet, and setting items such as "A3 plain paper" for selecting an A3-sized plain paper sheet, "B4 plain paper" for selecting a B4-sized plain paper sheet, "B5 plain paper" for selecting a B5-sized plain paper sheet, and "other trays", for the setting item "select paper" in the first layer,. The setting items in the second layer include setting items such as "automatic" for automatically setting a color mode according to the type of the document, "full color", "black and white", "<NUM>-color (red and black)", "single color (red)", and "other colors", for the setting item "color mode" in the first layer. The setting items in the second layer include setting items such as "single-sided → single-sided", "single-sided → double-sided", "double-sided → double-sided", and "double-sided → single-sided" for the setting item "select double-sided/single-sided" in the first layer.

The setting items in the second layer include a setting item "none" that does not combine pages into one sheet, a setting item "<NUM> pages → <NUM> sheet (<NUM>-up)" to combine two pages into one sheet, a setting item "<NUM> pages → <NUM> sheet (<NUM>-up)" to combine four pages into one sheet, a setting item "<NUM> pages → <NUM> sheet (<NUM>-up)" to combine eight pages into one sheet, and the like, for the setting item for the N-up function (indicated as "pages per sheet (N-up)" in the drawing) in the first layer.

Moreover, setting items in a third layer include a setting item "layout order" for selecting an order of layout (left → right/top → bottom) when two pages are combined into one sheet, a setting item "document setting direction" (see <FIG>), and the like, for the setting item "<NUM> pages → <NUM> sheet (<NUM>-up)" in the second layer.

In a case where a setting item in the first layer is selected, setting items in the second layer are displayed in a second-layer setting item display region <NUM> (see <FIG>). The setting items in the second layer are displayed in a list form by being arranged in the vertical direction in the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>, similarly to the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>. In a case where a setting item in the second layer is selected, setting items in the third layer are displayed in a third-layer setting item display region <NUM> (see <FIG>). The setting items in the third layer are displayed in a list form by being arranged in the vertical direction in the third-layer setting item display region <NUM>, similarly to the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>.

Here, the setting items in the second layer are referred to as "relevant setting items" for the setting items in the first layer, and the setting items in the third layer are referred to as "relevant setting items" for the setting items in the second layer. That is, in a case where setting items for which a setting operation is performed have a hierarchical structure as in the setting item selection screen <NUM>, if an item in a certain layer is set as a setting item, a setting item that is related to each setting item and is in a lower layer than that of each setting item is referred to as a "relevant setting item". Here, the "relevant setting item" is a relative concept. For example, in a case where setting items are configured in two layers, the first layer and the second layer, if items in the first layer are "setting items", items in the second layer are "relevant setting items" as described above. Further, in a case where setting items are configured in three layers, the first layer to the third layer, items in the second layer are "relevant setting items" in relation to items in the first layer, and items in the third layer are also "relevant setting items" in relation to the items in the second layer. That is, the "relevant setting item" is defined in relation to a setting item in the immediately higher layer. The "relevant setting item" is a setting item related to a selected setting item that is an arbitrary setting item selected by an operator from among a plurality of setting items.

The pieces of data of the setting items having the hierarchical structure are recorded in the function control data <NUM> and the UI control data <NUM> while associating the setting items with each other.

More specifically, the setting item selection screen <NUM> is displayed as illustrated in <FIG>. The setting item selection screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is an example of an initial screen of the setting item selection screen 300A in a case where the copy function is selected by the icon 202A. The setting item selection screen 300A illustrated in <FIG> is closer to an actual display form than the setting item selection screen 300A illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is.

A main function display line <NUM> colored in yellow is displayed as an index indicating that the currently selected main function of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> is the copy function on the upper side of the setting item selection screen 300A. The main function display line <NUM> is a line having a preset color that indicates which function is the currently selected main function among the main functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> such as the copy function, the printing function, the scanning function, and the facsimile function, and a line colored in a different color according to the selected main function is displayed. For example, a line colored in a different color for each main function, such as a yellow line for the copy function, a purple line for the printing function, a blue line for the scanning function, and a green line for the facsimile function, is displayed. Here, a setting item that is selected is a selected setting item, and the main function display line <NUM> is an example of an identification portion for identification of the selected setting item.

A selected item display region <NUM> in which the currently selected item is displayed with characters is provided above the main function display line <NUM>, and characters "copy" which indicate the currently selected main function are displayed in the initial screen of the setting item selection screen 300A in a case where the copy function is selected. In the selected item display region <NUM>, characters "print" are displayed in the initial screen in a case where the printing function is selected, characters "scanning" are displayed in the initial screen in a case where the scanning function is selected, and characters "fax" are displayed in the initial screen in a case where the facsimile function is selected.

A return button <NUM> for returning a display state of the setting item selection screen 300A to a display state before an item displayed in the selected item display region <NUM> is selected is provided on the left side of the selected item display region <NUM>. By tapping the return button <NUM>, it is possible to return to a display state before the copy function displayed in the selected item display region <NUM> is selected, for example, a screen for selecting any of the main functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> such as the copy function, the printing function, the scanning function, and the facsimile function, such as the task item selection screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> or the function selection screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The first-layer setting item display region <NUM> in which setting items for setting processing conditions for the copy function, that is, a plurality of setting items associated with the copy function, are displayed in a list form is provided below the main function display line <NUM>. In the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>, setting items "select scale", "select paper", "color mode", "select double-sided/single-sided", and "pages per sheet (N-up)" are displayed as the scale setting button <NUM>, the paper setting button <NUM>, the color mode setting button <NUM>, the double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM>, and the N-up setting button <NUM>, respectively. An operator can select a desired setting item from among the setting items displayed in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM> by tapping any of the scale setting button <NUM>, the paper setting button <NUM>, the color mode setting button <NUM>, the double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM>, and the N-up setting button <NUM>.

A setting state display region <NUM> for displaying an image of the current setting state is provided on the right side of the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>. An initial setting state in which "select scale" is set to "actual size", "select paper" is set to "A4 vertical", "color mode" is set to "full color", "select double-sided/single-sided" is set to "single-sided", and "pages per sheet (N-up)" is set to "none" is displayed in the initial screen in a case where the copy function is selected.

A start button <NUM> for execution of the copy function and a number-of-copies button <NUM> for confirming and changing the number of copies are provided below the setting state display region <NUM>. An arrow "→" is displayed on the start button <NUM>, and in a case where the copy function is desired to be executed, the copy function is executed by touching the start button <NUM> and performing a swipe operation in a direction of the arrow. In a case where it is desired to change the number of copies, a number-of-copies setting screen appears (not illustrated) once the number-of-copies button <NUM> is tapped, and the number of copies can be changed by setting a desired number of copies in the number-of-copies setting screen.

The start button <NUM> can be switched to a slide button or a normal button according to a setting registered in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> in advance. <FIG> illustrates a modified example of the setting item selection screen 300Ain a case where the start button <NUM> is displayed as a normal button. As illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where the start button <NUM> is displayed as a normal button, the copy function is executed by tapping the start button <NUM>. Switching between the slide button and the normal button will be described later.

The display control unit <NUM> performs the following display control in the case of displaying setting items having the hierarchical structure in the setting item selection screen <NUM>. The setting item selection screen <NUM> is an example of an operation screen. The display control performed by the display control unit <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>using a setting operation for the "N-up" function in the copy function of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> as an example.

In a case where it is desired to select "pages per sheet (N-up)" among the setting items displayed in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>, the N-up setting button <NUM> on which characters "pages per sheet (N-up)" are displayed is tapped in the initial screen of the setting item selection screen 300A in a case where the copy function is selected as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a setting item selection screen 300A1 (for example, a screen in a case where a first-layer setting item is selected) in a case where "pages per sheet (N-up)" is selected from the setting items displayed in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, setting items in the first layer other than "pages per sheet (N-up)" which is the selected setting item in the first layer are hidden in the setting item selection screen 300A1 in a case where a first-layer setting item is selected. For example, in this example, the setting item for the N-up function is selected by selecting the N-up setting button <NUM> as the setting item in the first layer. Therefore, among the setting items in the first layer, setting items other than the N-up function, which are indicated by the scale setting button <NUM>, the paper setting button <NUM>, and the like, are hidden in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>. In the setting item selection screen 300A1, "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>), which is the selected setting item in the first layer, is displayed on the upper side of the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>, that is, at a display position of a setting item in the uppermost row of the first-layer setting items that were displayed in a list form. A non-display setting item indicator <NUM> for indicating that there is a setting item (for example, the scale setting button <NUM>, the paper setting button <NUM>, or the like) that is hidden and is in the same layer as that of "pages per sheet (N-up)" is displayed at the right end of "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>) displayed in the setting item selection screen 300A1.

In the setting item selection screen 300A1 in a case where a first-layer setting item is selected, the second-layer setting item display region <NUM> additionally appears below the N-up setting button <NUM>. In the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>, relevant setting items, "none" (that is, a non-N-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, a <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, a <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), and "<NUM>-up" (that is, an <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), are displayed in a list form as second-layer setting items associated with "pages per sheet (N-up)" which is the selected setting item in the first layer. An operator can select a desired relevant setting item from among the relevant setting items displayed in the second-layer setting item display region <NUM> by tapping any of the non-N-up setting button <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, and the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>.

In a case where it is desired to select the setting item "<NUM>-up" among the setting items in the second layer as the relevant setting items displayed in the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> is tapped in the setting item selection screen 300A1 in a case where a first-layer setting item is selected when the copy function is selected as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a setting item selection screen 300A2 (for example, a screen in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected) in a case where "<NUM>-up" is selected from the second-layer setting items displayed in the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, setting items in the second layer other than "<NUM>-up" which is the selected setting item in the second layer are hidden in the setting item selection screen 300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected. For example, the setting item for the <NUM>-up function is selected by selecting the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> as the setting item in the second layer. Therefore, among the setting items in the second layer, setting items other than the <NUM>-up function, which are indicated by the non-N-up setting button <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, and the like, are hidden in the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>. In the setting item selection screen 300A2, "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), which is the selected setting item in the second layer, is displayed on the upper side of the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>, that is, at a display position of a setting item in the uppermost row of the second-layer setting items that were displayed in a list form. A non-display setting item indicator <NUM> for indicating that there is a setting item (for example, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, or the like) that is hidden and is in the same layer as that of "<NUM>-up" is displayed at the right end of "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>) displayed in the setting item selection screen 300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected.

In the setting item selection screen 300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected, the third-layer setting item display region <NUM> additionally appears below the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>. In the third-layer setting item display region <NUM>, the setting items "layout order" (that is, a layout order setting button <NUM>) and "document setting direction" (that is, a document setting direction setting button <NUM>) are displayed in a list form as setting items associated with "<NUM>-up" which is a selected setting item in the second layer. Indicators <NUM> and <NUM> for indicating that transition to a screen for setting each item can be made are displayed at the right ends of the layout order setting button <NUM> and the document setting direction setting button <NUM>, respectively. An operator can select any of setting items displayed in the third-layer setting item display region <NUM> by a tapping operation, thereby selecting a desired setting item from the setting items displayed in the third-layer setting item display region <NUM> and changing the setting in each setting screen (not illustrated) if necessary. In a case where the <NUM>-up function is selected, the initial setting of "layout order" is such that, in a case where pages are arranged in the lateral direction, the first page is positioned on the left, the second page is positioned on the right (left → right), and in a case where pages are arranged in the vertical direction, the first page is positioned on the top, and the second page is positioned on the bottom (top → bottom). In a case where the <NUM>-up function is selected, the initial setting of "document setting direction" is "readable direction".

The display state of "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>) which is the selected setting item in the first layer in the screen in a case where a first-layer setting item is selected is maintained in the setting item selection screen 300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected.

The image display in the setting state display region <NUM> of the screen in a case where a second-level setting item is selected when the <NUM>-up function is selected indicates that the current setting state is the initial setting state of <NUM>-up. Reference Sign <NUM> in the drawing denotes a reset button for resetting a setting operation from when the copy function is selected to the present time and returning to the top screen of the multi-function peripheral <NUM>.

The setting item selection screen 300A2 illustrated in <FIG> as described above is configured such that an operation system for the setting item for the N-up function can be viewed. That is, by viewing the setting item selection screen 300A2, an operator can immediately understand that the current operation status is as follows: "copy" is selected as the main function, "<NUM>-up" is selected in the "pages per sheet (N-up)" function, "layout order" in "<NUM>-up" is set to "left → right/top → bottom", and "document setting direction" is set to "readable direction".

<FIG> is a view illustrating a display state of the setting item selection screen 300A in a case where "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>), which is the selected setting item in the first layer, is reselected by a tapping operation in the setting item selection screen 300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the N-up setting button <NUM> is reselected, thereby reproducing the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>. In this example, the hidden first-layer setting items "select scale" (that is, the scale setting button <NUM>), "select paper" (that is, the paper setting button <NUM>), "color mode" (that is, the color mode setting button <NUM>), "select double-sided/single-sided" (that is, the double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM>), and "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>) are displayed in a list form again in the order in which they were originally displayed.

At this time, "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>) is highlighted in order to display the currently selected setting item in a recognizable manner. Once a desired setting item is selected from the redisplayed first-layer setting items by a tapping operation, setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden, and the selected setting item is displayed on the upper side of the first-layer setting item display region <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The second-layer setting item display region <NUM> appears below the selected setting item, and setting items associated with the selected setting item are displayed in a list form as the setting items in the second layer. That is, the setting item selection screen 300A illustrated in <FIG> is substantially the same as the setting item selection screen 300A illustrated in <FIG>, but is different from the setting item selection screen 300A in that the reselected N-up setting button <NUM> is highlighted, and display of the setting state display region <NUM> is different. The setting state display region <NUM> shows a state in which the <NUM>-up setting is selected.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a display state of the setting item selection screen 300A1 in a case where "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), which is the selected setting item in the second layer, is reselected by a tapping operation in the setting item selection screen 300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second-layer setting item display region <NUM> is reproduced by reselecting the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, and the hidden second-layer setting items "none" (that is, the non-N-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), and "<NUM>-up" (that is, <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>) are displayed in a list form again in the order in which they were originally displayed.

At this time, "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>) is highlighted in order to display the currently selected setting item in a recognizable manner. Once a desired setting item is selected from the redisplayed second-layer setting items by a tapping operation, setting items (excluding the selected setting item in the first layer) other than the selected setting item in the second layer are hidden, and the selected setting item in the second layer is displayed on the upper side of the second-layer setting item display region <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The third-layer setting item display region <NUM> appears below the selected setting item, and setting items associated with the selected setting item are displayed in a list form as the setting items in the third layer. That is, the setting item selection screen 300A1 illustrated in <FIG> is substantially the same as the setting item selection screen 300A1 illustrated in <FIG>, but is different from the setting item selection screen 300A1 in that the reselected <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> is highlighted, and display of the setting state display region <NUM> is different. The setting state display region <NUM> shows a state in which the <NUM>-up setting is selected.

In summary, in a case where an arbitrary setting item is selected from a plurality of setting items displayed in a list form in the setting item selection screen <NUM> which is an example of an operation screen, the display control unit <NUM> hides setting items other than the selected setting item. The display control unit <NUM> displays the selected setting item on the upper side of a display region in which the plurality of setting items were displayed in a list form, and additionally displays a relevant setting item below the selected setting item.

More specifically, in a case where an arbitrary setting item is selected from setting items for setting various functions of the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, the display control unit <NUM> hides setting items other than the selected setting item, the setting items having been displayed as setting items in the same layer as that of the selected setting item. At the same time, the display control unit <NUM> displays the selected setting item on the upper side of a display region for the setting items that were displayed in a list form as the setting items in the same layer as that of the selected setting item, and additionally displays a relevant setting item associated with the selected setting item below the selected setting item.

Here, "hiding setting items other than the selected setting item" means hiding setting items other than the selected setting item among setting items displayed as setting items in the same layer as that of the selected setting item. "Displaying the selected setting item on the upper side of a display region in which the plurality of setting items were displayed in a list form" means displaying the selected setting item on the upper side of a display region in which setting items in the same layer as that of the selected setting item were displayed. For example, in a case where four setting items are displayed in a list form, when a setting item in the third row is selected, setting items other than the setting item in the third row (that is, the selected setting item) are hidden. The selected setting item (that is, the setting item displayed in the third row) is displayed at a position where the setting item in the first row was displayed.

In a case where the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden, the display control unit <NUM> redisplays the hidden setting items.

Here, "redisplaying, in a case where the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden, the hidden setting items" means redisplaying, in a case where the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden as one of a plurality of setting items displayed in a list form is selected, the hidden setting items in the same layer as that of the selected setting item. When the hidden setting items are redisplayed, the selected setting item and the hidden setting items may be again displayed in a list form in the order in which they were originally displayed or may be displayed in a changed order. In short, the hidden setting items are only required to be displayed in a list form again together with the selected setting item.

Next, the operation of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> will be described with reference to flowcharts of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a flow of main function display control processing executed by the CPU <NUM> of the control device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the CPU <NUM> displays a main menu screen as an operation screen on the touch panel display <NUM> (Step S1100). The main menu screen is, for example, an operation screen in which the icons <NUM> are displayed, such as the task item selection screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> or the function selection screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Icons by which the main functions can be selected, such as the copy function icon 202A, the scanning function icon 202B, the facsimile function icon 202C, and the printing function icon 202D, are displayed as the icons <NUM> in the main menu screen.

The CPU <NUM> determines whether or not any of the main functions has been selected from the main menu screen (Step S1200). In a case where any of the main functions has not been selected from the main menu screen (NO in Step S <NUM>), the CPU <NUM> waits until any of the main functions is selected.

In a case where any of the main functions has been selected from the main menu screen (YES in Step S1200), the CPU <NUM> displays a setting item selection screen for the selected main function (Step S <NUM>). For example, in a case where the icon 202A for the copy function has been selected from the main menu screen, the setting item selection screen 300A for setting the processing conditions for the copy function is displayed as illustrated in <FIG>.

The CPU <NUM> executes setting processing for setting items of the processing conditions for the copy function according to a setting operation performed through the setting item selection screen 300A (Step S1400). The setting processing will be described later.

The CPU <NUM> determines whether or not setting based on the setting processing has ended (Step S1500). In a case where the setting based on the setting processing has not ended (NO in Step S <NUM>), the CPU <NUM> returns to the processing of Step S1400.

In a case where the setting based on the setting processing has ended (YES in Step S <NUM>), the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not there is an instruction to execute processing for the selected function such as the copy function (Step S1600). For example, it is determined whether or not there is an execution instruction such as a tapping operation on the start button <NUM> in the setting screen of the copy function illustrated in <FIG>.

In a case where there is an instruction to execute the processing (YES in Step S1600), the CPU <NUM> executes the selected main function according to a setting content (Step S <NUM>). For example, in a case where a tapping operation is performed on the start button <NUM> in the setting screen for the copy function illustrated in <FIG>, processing of the icon 202A for the copy function is executed.

In a case where there is no instruction to execute the processing (NO in Step S1600), the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not the operation has been canceled (Step S1800). For example, after a tapping operation is performed on the start button <NUM>, it is determined whether or not the start of the copy function has been canceled. For example, in a case where a tapping operation is performed on a stop button (not illustrated), it is determined that the start of the copy function has been canceled.

In a case where the operation has not been canceled (NO in Step S1800), the CPU <NUM> returns to the processing of Step S1600.

In a case where the operation has been canceled (YES in Step S1800), the CPU <NUM> returns to the processing of Step S1100.

After the processing of Step S1700, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a power supply has been turned off (Step S1900). In a case where the power supply has not been turned off (NO in Step S1900), the CPU <NUM> returns to the processing of Step S1100.

In a case where the power supply has been turned off (YES in Step S1900), the CPU <NUM> ends the main function display control processing.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the setting processing executed by the CPU <NUM> in Step S1400 of <FIG>. In the setting processing, the CPU <NUM> receives a setting operation through the setting item selection screen <NUM> and sets a processing condition according to the received setting operation. The CPU <NUM> controls display of the setting item selection screen <NUM> according to the setting operation on the setting item selection screen <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the CPU <NUM> executes the setting processing (Step S1400). First, the CPU <NUM> displays a plurality of first-layer setting items in a list form in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM> in the setting item selection screen <NUM> for the selected main function (Step S1401). For example, the setting item selection screen 300A illustrated in <FIG> is displayed in a case where "copy" is selected as the main function. The setting items "select scale", "select paper", "color mode", "select double-sided/single-sided", and "pages per sheet (N-up)" are displayed in a list form as the scale setting button <NUM>, the paper setting button <NUM>, the color mode setting button <NUM>, the double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM>, and the N-up setting button <NUM>, respectively, in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM> in the setting item selection screen 300A.

The CPU <NUM> determines whether or not any of the plurality of setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM> has been selected (Step S1402). For example, an operator performs a tapping operation on any one of the scale setting button <NUM>, the paper setting button <NUM>, the color mode setting button <NUM>, the double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM>, and the N-up setting button <NUM> in the setting item selection screen 300A illustrated in <FIG>. As a result, any of the setting items including "select scale", "select paper", "color mode", "select double-sided/single-sided", and the N-up function ("pages per sheet (N-up)" in <FIG>) is selected.

In a case where none of the plurality of setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM> is selected (NO in Step S1402), the CPU <NUM> waits until any of the plurality of setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM> is selected.

In a case where any of the plurality of setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM> has been selected (YES in Step S1402), the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not there is a relevant setting item in the next lower layer than that of the selected setting item (Step S1403). For example, in a case where the setting item for the N-up function has been selected in the setting item selection screen 300Aillustrated in <FIG>, since relevant setting items are set in the next lower layer (see <FIG>), the CPU <NUM> determines that there is a relevant setting item in the next lower layer than that of the setting item for the N-up function.

In a case where it is determined that there is a relevant setting item in the next lower layer than that of the selected setting item (YES in Step S1403), the CPU <NUM> executes relevant setting item display control processing as illustrated in <FIG>. The relevant setting item display control processing will be described later.

In a case where it is determined that there is no relevant setting item in the next lower layer than that of the selected setting item (NO in Step S1403), the CPU <NUM> receives a setting instruction for the selected setting item in the lowest layer (Step S1404). As a result, the CPU <NUM> ends a series of processings related to the setting item display control processing.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the relevant setting item display control processing executed by the CPU <NUM> of the control device <NUM>.

In a case where it is determined that there is a relevant setting item in the next lower layer than that of the selected setting item (YES in Step S1403 illustrated in <FIG>), the CPU <NUM> hides setting items in the same layer other than the selected setting item as illustrated in <FIG> (Step S1405). For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where the N-up function, which is the selected setting item in the first layer, is selected, the setting items in the first layer other than the setting item for the N-up function are hidden. That is, "select scale", "select paper", "color mode", and "select double-sided/single-sided", which are the setting items in the same layer other than the setting item for the N-up function, are hidden.

The CPU <NUM> displays the selected setting item on the upper side of the setting item selection screen (Step S1406). For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where the setting item for the N-up function is selected, the setting item for the N-up function (the setting item corresponding to the N-up setting button <NUM>), which is the selected setting item in the first layer, is displayed on the upper side of the first-layer setting item display region <NUM> of the setting item selection screen 300A1. Accordingly, in this example, the N-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the selected setting item in the first layer is displayed immediately below "copy" selected as the main function.

The CPU <NUM> adds setting items in the next lower layer below the selected setting item (Step S1407). For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where the setting item for the N-up function is selected, the setting items, "none" (that is, the non-N-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), and "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), which are the setting items in the next lower layer, are added below the N-up setting button <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> sequentially displays the selected setting item and the relevant setting items related thereto in the next layer in a list form from the higher layer (Step S1408). For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the CPU <NUM> sequentially displays, in a list form from the higher layer, the N-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the selected setting item for the N-up function, the non-N-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the setting item "none", the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the setting item "<NUM>-up", the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the setting item "<NUM>-up", and the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the setting item "<NUM>-up".

The CPU <NUM> determines whether or not any of a plurality of setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM> has been selected (Step S1409). For example, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not any of the setting items respectively corresponding to the non-N-up setting button <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, and the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> has been selected in the setting item selection screen 300A1 illustrated in <FIG>.

In a case where none of the plurality of setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM> is selected (NO in Step S1409), the CPU <NUM> waits until any of the plurality of setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM> is selected.

In a case where any of the plurality of setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM> has been selected (YES in Step S1409), the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not a setting item that has been selected once is reselected (Step S1412).

In a case where a setting item that has been selected once is selected (YES in Step S1412), the CPU <NUM> redisplays setting items that are in the same layer as that of the reselected setting item and have been temporarily hidden (Step S1413). For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, due to the N-up setting button <NUM> being reselected, the scale setting button <NUM> corresponding to "select scale", the paper setting button <NUM> corresponding to "select paper", the color mode setting button <NUM> corresponding to "color mode", and the double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM> corresponding to "select double-sided/single-sided", which are the hidden first-layer setting items, and the N-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the N-up function, are redisplayed.

In a case where a setting item that has been selected once is not reselected (NO in Step S1412), the CPU <NUM> proceeds to the processing of Step S1403 illustrated in <FIG>.

After the processing of Step S1413, the CPU <NUM> hides the relevant setting items related to the reselected setting item in the next layer, and returns to a state in which the reselected setting item and setting items in the same layer as that of the redisplayed setting item are displayed in a list form in the original order (Step S1414). For example, the non-N-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to "none", the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to "<NUM>-up", the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to "<NUM>-up", and the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to "<NUM>-up" related to the reselected N-up function (indicated by the N-up setting button <NUM> in <FIG>) in the next layer are hidden as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the N-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the reselected N-up function, and the scale setting button <NUM> corresponding to "select scale" which is a setting item in the same layer as that of the reselected N-up function, the paper setting button <NUM> corresponding to "select paper", the color mode setting button <NUM> corresponding to "color mode", and the double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM> corresponding to "select double-sided/single-sided" are displayed in a list form in the original order.

The CPU <NUM> performs the reselected setting item in an identifiable manner in order to distinguish the reselected setting item from other setting items (Step S1415). For example, the N-up setting button <NUM> corresponding to the reselected N-up function is highlighted to be distinguished from other setting items as illustrated in <FIG>.

The CPU <NUM> proceeds to the processing of Step S1402 illustrated in <FIG>.

As described above, in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, setting items that have not been selected from a plurality of setting items displayed in a list form as setting items in the same layer are temporarily hidden. The selected setting item is displayed on the upper side of a display region in which the plurality of setting items were displayed in a list form, and a relevant setting item related to the selected setting item is additionally displayed below the selected setting item. Therefore, in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, it is possible to secure a wide region for displaying the relevant setting item associated with the selected setting item in the setting item selection screen <NUM> which is an example of an operation screen having a limited display region. In the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, only an operation system for the selected setting item is displayed by hiding setting items that have not been selected. Therefore, it is possible to easily understand an item that is currently being set by an operator. As a result, in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, it is possible to set various functions by using an operation screen excellent in visibility and operability by efficiently displaying items for setting the functions in the operation screen.

In the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, in a case where the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden, the hidden setting items are redisplayed. Therefore, in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, a setting item in the same layer as that of the selected setting item can be confirmed if necessary, or another setting item that has been redisplayed can be selected.

In the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, in a case where the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden, the hidden setting items are displayed, and the selected setting item that has been reselected is highlighted to be distinguished. Therefore, in the multi-function peripheral <NUM>, it is possible to identify a selected setting item that has been reselected.

Here, the slide button illustrated in <FIG> and the normal button illustrated in <FIG> will be described as the start button <NUM> of the multi-function peripheral <NUM>. The start button <NUM> can be switched to a slide button or a normal button according to a setting registered in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> in advance. The slide button is a button on which an operator performs a sliding operation to execute a desired job, and is mainly used as a button for executing a job requiring careful execution, a button in the case of displaying on a relatively large operation screen (that is, an operation screen of a personal computer monitor, a tablet terminal, or the like), or a button in the case of displaying on a touch-panel-type operation screen for preventing erroneous operation.

The normal button is a button on which an operator performs a click operation or a tapping operation to execute a desired job, and is mainly used as a button for executing a job that does not require careful execution or a button in the case of displaying on a relatively small operation screen (that is, an operation screen of a smartphone or the like).

Examples of the job requiring careful execution include the copy function, the printing function, and the facsimile function. For example, the copy function and the printing function requires caution because there is a printing cost related to use of paper sheets. The facsimile function requires caution because data is transmitted to the outside, and an error of data or leakage of information to the outside needs to be prevented. Examples of the job that does not require much caution when executed include the scanning function.

Switching of the display form of the start button <NUM> can be customized by an operator registering the display form in advance in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> if necessary. For example, in a case where the copy function, the printing function, or the facsimile function is selected, the start button <NUM> may be set to be displayed as the slide button. In a case where the scanning function is selected, the start button <NUM> may be set to be displayed as the normal button. The setting may be performed according to the number-of-copies-to-be-printed setting and print color setting in a case where the copy function or the printing function is selected, instead of the setting in the main function unit. For example, the slide button may be used in a case where the number of copies to be printed is <NUM> or more, and the normal button may be used in a case where the number of copies to be printed is <NUM> or less, or the slide button may be used in a case where the print color setting is full color, and the normal button may be used in a case where the print color setting is black-and-white. It is also possible to perform setting such that switching is made according to individual conditions. For example, the slide button may be used in the case of facsimile transmission to the outside of the company or scanning for storage, and the normal button may be used in the case of facsimile transmission to the inside of the company, or scanning for storage.

Next, a control unit used in a multi-function peripheral according to a first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the same components, members, and the like as those of the first example are denoted by the same reference signs, a detailed description thereof is omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

<FIG> are views illustrating a setting item selection screen <NUM> used in a multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment. An example in which "copy" is selected as a main function in the setting item selection screen <NUM> of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment as in the first example will be described.

For example, in the setting item selection screen <NUM> of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first example the "copy" function is indicated by both the main function display line <NUM> and the selected item display region <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In the setting item selection screen <NUM>, a selected setting item in the first layer is displayed on the upper side of the first-layer setting item display region <NUM> below the main function display line <NUM>. With this display state, a region where relevant setting items can be displayed is reduced in size by the size of a region (the N-up setting button <NUM>) for displaying the selected setting item in the first layer. Therefore, in a case where the number of relevant setting items is large, there is a possibility that not all the relevant setting items are displayed in the setting item selection screen <NUM>.

In the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment described below, items for setting functions are displayed more efficiently, so that a wider display region for relevant setting items can be secured.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a setting item selection screen 2300A as an example of an initial screen in a case where the copy function is selected, the initial screen being displayed on a display unit <NUM> of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the initial screen in a case where the copy function is selected has the same configuration as the initial screen of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first example in a case where the copy function is selected. A main function display line <NUM> colored in yellow indicates that the currently selected main function of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> is the copy function, on the upper side of the setting item selection screen 2300A. At the same time, characters "copy" indicating the currently selected main function are displayed in a selected item display region <NUM> above the main function display line <NUM>. A first-layer setting item display region <NUM> in which a plurality of setting items associated with the copy function are displayed in a list form is provided below the main function display line <NUM>. Setting items, "select scale" (that is, a scale setting button <NUM>), "select paper" (that is, a paper setting button <NUM>), "color mode" (that is, a color mode setting button <NUM>), "select double-sided/single-sided" (that is, a double-sided/single-sided setting button <NUM>), and "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, an N-up setting button <NUM>), are displayed in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a setting item selection screen 2300A1 (for example, a screen in a case where a first-layer setting item is selected) in a case where "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>) is selected by a tapping operation in the setting item selection screen 2300A in a case where the copy function of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> is selected as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>) is selected from the five setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen 2300A in a case where the copy function is selected, "pages per sheet (N-up)", which is the selected setting item in the first layer, is displayed in the selected item display region <NUM>, and all the setting items displayed in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM> are hidden. Then, a second-layer setting item display region <NUM> appears below the main function display line <NUM>, instead of the first-layer setting item display region <NUM>. In the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>, relevant setting items, "none" (that is, a non-N-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, a <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, a <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), and "<NUM>-up" (that is, an <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>) which are second-layer setting items associated with "pages per sheet (N-up)" which is the selected setting item in the first layer, are displayed in a list form. In the setting item selection screen 2300A1 illustrated in <FIG>, once a return button <NUM> is tapped, the screen returns to a screen before "pages per sheet (N-up)" is selected (the setting item selection screen 2300A illustrated in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a view illustrating a setting item selection screen 2300A2 (for example, a screen in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected) in a case where "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>) is selected by a tapping operation in the setting item selection screen 2300A1 in a case where a first-layer setting item is selected as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, setting items in the second layer other than "<NUM>-up" which is the selected setting item in the second layer are hidden in the setting item selection screen 2300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected. "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), which is the selected setting item in the second layer, is displayed on the upper side of the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>, that is, at a display position of a setting item in the uppermost row of the second-layer setting items displayed in a list form. A non-display setting item indicator <NUM> for indicating that there is a setting item (for example, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>, or the like) that is hidden and is in the same layer as that of "<NUM>-up" is displayed at the right end of "<NUM>-up" (<NUM>-up setting button <NUM>) displayed in the setting item selection screen 2300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected.

A third-layer setting item display region <NUM> additionally appears below the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>. In the third-layer setting item display region <NUM>, the setting items "layout order" (that is, a layout order setting button <NUM>) and "document setting direction" (that is, a document setting direction setting button <NUM>) are displayed in a list form as relevant setting items associated with "<NUM>-up" which is a selected setting item in the second layer. Indicators <NUM> and <NUM> for indicating that transition to a screen for setting each item can be made are displayed at the right ends of the layout order setting button <NUM> and the document setting direction setting button <NUM>, respectively. An operator can select any of setting items displayed in the third-layer setting item display region <NUM> by a tapping operation, thereby selecting a desired setting item from the setting items displayed in the third-layer setting item display region <NUM> and changing the setting in each setting item selection screen (not illustrated) if necessary.

An operation system for the setting item for the N-up function can be viewed also in the setting item selection screen 2300A2 illustrated in <FIG>. That is, by viewing the setting item selection screen 2300A2, an operator can immediately understand that the current operation status is as follows: "copy" is selected as the main function (referring to the main function display line <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" is selected in the "pages per sheet (N-up)" function, "layout order" in "<NUM>-up" is set to "left → right/top → bottom", and "document setting direction" is set to "readable direction". Since "pages per sheet (N-up)", which is the selected setting item in the first layer, is displayed in the selected item display region <NUM>, it is possible to secure a wider region for displaying third-layer setting items associated with the selected setting item "<NUM>-up" in the second layer than that in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first example.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a display state of the setting item selection screen 2300A1 in a case where "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), which is the selected setting item in the second layer, is reselected by a tapping operation in the setting item selection screen 2300A2 in a case where a second-layer setting item is selected as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM> is reselected, thereby reproducing the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>. The hidden second-layer setting items "none" (that is, the non-N-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>), and "<NUM>-up" (that is, <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>) are displayed in a list form again in the order in which they were originally displayed. At this time, "<NUM>-up" (that is, the <NUM>-up setting button <NUM>) is highlighted in order to display the currently selected setting item in a recognizable manner.

Once a desired setting item is selected from the redisplayed setting items in the second layer in the setting item selection screen 2300A1 illustrated in <FIG>, setting items other than the selected setting item in the second layer are hidden as illustrated in <FIG>. At the same time, the selected setting item in the second layer is displayed on the upper side of the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>, the third-layer setting item display region <NUM> appears below the selected setting item, and setting items associated with the selected setting item are displayed in a list form as the setting items in the third layer.

Next, a flow of display control processing executed by a control device <NUM> used in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment. will be described. The flow of the display control processing executed by the control device <NUM> of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the second embodiment. is basically similar to the flow of the display control processing executed by the control device <NUM> of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first example, but the setting processing (Step S1400) in the flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is different. In the control device <NUM> of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment, in the setting processing, a CPU <NUM> hides the selected main function and further displays an identification portion for identification of the selected main function on the upper side of a display region in which a plurality of setting items were displayed in a list form. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where "pages per sheet (N-up)" (that is, the N-up setting button <NUM>) is selected from the five setting items displayed in the setting item selection screen 2300A in a case where the copy function is selected, "pages per sheet (N-up)", which is the selected setting item in the first layer, is displayed in the selected item display region <NUM>, and all the setting items displayed in the first-layer setting item display region <NUM> are hidden. That is, "copy" which is the main function is hidden. Further, the main function display line <NUM> colored in yellow is displayed below the selected item display region <NUM> as an identification portion indicating that the main function of the multi-function peripheral <NUM> is the copy function.

As described above, in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment, the CPU <NUM> temporarily hides setting items that have not been selected among a plurality of setting items displayed in a list form as first-layer setting items, and displays the selected setting item in the selected item display region <NUM> provided on the upper side of the setting item selection screen 2300A. At the same time, the CPU <NUM> temporarily hides setting items that have not been selected among a plurality of setting items displayed in a list form as second-layer setting items, and displays the selected setting item on the upper side of the second-layer setting item display region <NUM>. As a result, in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment, it is possible to secure a wider region for displaying relevant setting items in the setting item selection screen 2300A having a limited display region. Only an operation system for the selected setting item is displayed, and it is possible to easily understand what kind of item an operator is currently setting.

In the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment, in a case where a setting item corresponding to a main function is selected from a plurality of setting items in which the main functions, which correspond to the highest layer, are displayed in a list form, the CPU <NUM> hides the selected setting item. The CPU <NUM> displays the main function display line <NUM> as an identification portion for identification of the selected setting item on the upper side of a display region in which the plurality of setting items were displayed in a list form. As a result, in the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment, it is possible to secure a wider region for displaying relevant setting items in the setting item selection screen 2300A having a limited display region.

In the multi-function peripheral <NUM> according to the first embodiment, in a case where the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden, the CPU <NUM> redisplays the hidden setting items. Therefore, a setting item in the same layer as that of the selected setting item can be confirmed if necessary, or another setting item that has been redisplayed can be selected.

Hereinabove, an embodiment of the information apparatus according to the disclosure has been described with the display control in the case of a setting operation for the "N-up" function in the copy function of the multi-function peripheral as an example, but the technology of the disclosure is not limited thereto. The technology of the disclosure can also be applied to display control in the case of a setting operation for various functions in other functions (for example, the printing function, the facsimile function, and the scanning function) of the multi-function peripheral, and an information apparatus such as a smartphone or a mobile phone in which items for setting functions of the apparatus are displayed in a hierarchical manner in an operation screen and are sequentially operated, thereby enabling setting of various functions.

In the multi-function peripherals <NUM> according to the first and second embodiments, in a case where the selected setting item is reselected in a state in which setting items other than the selected setting item are hidden, the hidden setting items are displayed, and the selected setting item that is reselected is highlighted. However, the technology of the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the hidden setting items are displayed, another display state may be used as long as the selected setting item that is reselected can be distinguished from the setting items. As the other display state, for example, a method of coloring the selected setting item that is reselected or giving a mark such as a line to the selected setting item may be used.

The multi-function peripherals <NUM> according to the first and second embodiments have the copy function, the scanning function, the facsimile function, and the printing function, but the technology of the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, an information apparatus having two or more of the copy function, the scanning function, the facsimile function, and the printing function may be used. The information apparatus according to the disclosure may have other main functions (for example, telephone communication) other than the copy function, the scanning function, the facsimile function, and the printing function.

A hardware structure of a processing unit that executes various processing in the display control device according to the disclosure is implemented by the following various processors and memories connected to or built in the processors. The various processors include a programmable logic device (PLD) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a dedicated circuitry such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the like in addition to a CPU which is a general-purpose processor that executes software and functions as various processing units.

One processing unit may be implemented by one of these various processors, or may be implemented by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). A plurality of processing units may be implemented by one processor.

In a case where a plurality of processing units are implemented by one processor, for example, one processor may be implemented by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor may function as a plurality of processing units, as represented by a computer such as a client and a server. Alternatively, a processor that implements a function of the entire system including a plurality of processing units with one integrated circuit (IC) chip, as represented by a system on chip (SoC) or the like, may be used. As described above, the various processing units are implemented using one or more of the various processors as a hardware structure.

More specifically, a circuitry obtained by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used as the hardware structure of these various processors.

Claim 1:
A display control device (<NUM>) that comprises a processor (<NUM>) and a memory (<NUM>) coupled to or integrated with the processor and controls display of an operation screen (<NUM>) of an information apparatus (<NUM>),
the operation screen comprising, as main functions, a copy function of copying a document, a scanning function of reading a document, or a facsimile function of transmitting an image obtained by reading a document as image data, and
wherein, in a case in which a selected main function is arbitrarily selected, the processor is configured to display the selected main item above a plurality of first layer setting items displayed in a list form in the operation screen, which are setting items for setting processing conditions of the selected main function,
wherein, in a case in which a selected setting item is arbitrarily selected from the plurality of first layer setting items displayed in a list form in the operation screen, the processor is configured to hide the first layer setting items other than the selected first layer setting item, display the selected first layer setting item on an upper side of a display region in which the plurality of first layer setting items were displayed in a list form and in a region where the selected main function was displayed, and additionally display a list of relevant second layer setting items related to the selected first layer setting item below the selected first layer setting item and wherein further,
in a case in which a second layer setting item is arbitrarily selected from the list of second layer setting items, the processor is configured to hide the second layer setting items other than the selected second layer setting item, display the selected second layer setting item on an upper side of a display region in which the list of second layer setting items were displayed and under the selected first layer setting item, and additionally display a list of relevant third layer setting items related to the selected second layer setting item below the selected second layer setting item.