Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a preview image display device including: a document storage unit that stores document data; an object document data generation unit that generates document data for each object by dividing the document data into areas for each object; a preview image generation unit that generates only a preview image of the entire document or at least a preview image for each object based on either or both of the document data and the document data for each object; a display unit that displays the preview image; and a preview image control unit that causes the preview image generation unit to generate only the entire preview image or at least the preview image for each object based on a display size of the display unit and causes the display unit to display the preview image.

<CIT> discloses a GUI for displaying an enlarged preview image of each of the thumbnail images within a given folder, wherein a user may either select a thumbnail image from a film strip area, or by using control buttons for successively previewing each thumbnail iteratively in a forward and/or backward direction according to the thumbnails in the film strip. <CIT> similarly discloses a preview screen with a preview display unit and a thumbnail display unit, wherein the thumbnail image display unit displays a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the pages of a read document, and one image selected from the plurality of thumbnail images is enlarged and displayed as a preview image in the preview display unit. <CIT> discloses a graphical user interface comprising a preview area for visualisation of an enlarged version of a thumbnail, and another thumbnail area <NUM> displaying the individual pages of a single document/file in the form of thumbnails. The enlarged thumbnail previewed is either the first page when the display program is launched, or the last thumbnail selected from among the plurality available that are selectable accumulatively by a user via touch gesture.

In a file management system, there is a technique of displaying a thumbnail image that is a reduced image such that contents of an image file or a document file can be confirmed before the image file or the document file is opened. Further, in order to confirm the contents of the file in detail, there is a technique of enlarging and displaying the thumbnail image. However, when plural thumbnail images are enlarged and displayed without being overlapped at the same time, each area where the thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed is smaller than an area where one thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed. In this case, since the area where the thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed becomes small, it becomes difficult for a user to confirm the thumbnail image.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to displaying an enlarged thumbnail image in a size larger than that in a configuration in which plural enlarged thumbnail images are displayed without being overlapped at the same time.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the attached drawings. Any "aspect","example" and "embodiment" of the description not falling within the scope of the claims does not form part of the invention and is provided for illustrative purposes only.

Hence, first, the enlarged thumbnail image can be displayed in a size larger than that in a configuration in which plural enlarged thumbnail images are displayed without being overlapped at the same time.

Second, the user can easily compare the plural thumbnail images as compared with a configuration in which one of plural enlarged thumbnail images is always displayed.

Third, the enlarged thumbnail image is prevented from being displayed in a small size.

Fourth, visibility of the enlarged thumbnail image can be improved.

Fifth, an image having a large amount of information can be easily confirmed.

Sixth, control can be performed according to an intention of the user as compared with a case where enlarged thumbnail images are bundled without depending on an instruction from the user.

Seventh, the file corresponding to the displayed enlarged thumbnail image can be grasped.

Eighth, the enlarged thumbnail images can be displayed in the order desired by the user as compared with a configuration in which an order of files for displaying enlarged thumbnail images is not determined by an instruction from the user.

Ninth, the user can easily grasp a file name corresponding to the displayed enlarged thumbnail image.

Tenth, complexity of an operation performed by the user can be reduced.

First, an overview of an image display device <NUM> to which a present exemplary embodiment is applied will be described.

<FIG> are views showing an example of an operation screen.

As shown in <FIG>, a display <NUM> displays an operation screen <NUM>. The operation screen <NUM> is a workspace on file handling software, and is an area where an image related to a file selected by a user, a thumbnail image <NUM> (described later) and the like are arranged. The file handling software is software that digitizes and manages files such as image data and document data, and has a function of promoting unified management of paper and electronic files.

Thumbnail images 410a, 410b, an icon <NUM>, a toolbar <NUM>, and enlarged thumbnail images 411a, 411b are displayed on the operation screen <NUM>.

The icon <NUM> represents various functions such as a program function by a pictorial symbol. The tool bar <NUM> is a set of instruction units configured to receive an instruction from the user.

The thumbnail images 410a, 410b are images for confirming contents of files before opening the files, and the enlarged thumbnail images 411a, 411b are images obtained by enlarging the thumbnail images 410a, 410b.

The "file name" indicated below the thumbnail images 410a, 410b are names of the files respectively corresponding to the displayed enlarged thumbnail images for enabling the user to grasp which files are displayed as the enlarged thumbnail images.

The thumbnail images 410a, 410b are images for confirming at least a part of the contents of the files managed by the file handling software. For example, when a corresponding file is image data, the file is simply displayed as an image obtained by reducing an original image. When a corresponding file is document data of plural pages, the file is displayed as an image obtained by reducing a representative page such as a first page.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the thumbnail images 410a, 410b function as icons for opening corresponding files. For example, by performing a specific operation such as a double click operation on the thumbnail images 410a, 410b, the corresponding file is opened.

The enlarged thumbnail images 411a, 411b are images obtained by enlarging the thumbnail images 410a, 410b instructed to be enlarged by the user, and are displayed without newly starting a program. It is assumed that the enlarged thumbnail image <NUM> is enlarged and displayed to a size that allows the user to understand the contents of the thumbnail image <NUM>. More specifically, it is assumed that the thumbnail image <NUM> is displayed larger than the corresponding thumbnail image <NUM>. Hereinafter, an image obtained by enlarging and displaying a thumbnail image may be referred to as an enlarged thumbnail image. A size of the enlarged thumbnail image to be displayed may be determined, for example, according to an amount of data of an original image of the thumbnail image.

When the thumbnail images <NUM> of plural files are enlarged and displayed, there are two display modes of the thumbnail images to be enlarged and displayed, and there are an individual display mode and a bundled display mode.

Here, the individual display mode is a display mode in which, when enlarged thumbnail images of plural files are displayed, the enlarged thumbnail images are individually displayed for each file. That is, the enlarged thumbnail images of the plural files are displayed on a UI screen for each file. A display mode of the enlarged thumbnail images 411a, 411b displayed in <FIG> is the individual display mode.

The bundled display mode is a display mode in which enlarged thumbnail images of plural files are displayed as if like one file in a pseudo manner. In other words, when an instruction to display the enlarged thumbnail images of the plural files is received, the enlarged thumbnail images of the plural files are bundled and displayed, and one enlarged thumbnail image among the enlarged thumbnail images of the plural files is displayed in the pseudo manner. <FIG> is an example of the enlarged thumbnail images displayed in the bundled display mode. In <FIG>, the enlarged thumbnail images 411a, 411b displayed in the individual display mode in <FIG> are displayed in the bundled display mode. The enlarged thumbnail image 411b is displayed, and the enlarged thumbnail image 411a is not displayed. A page turning button <NUM> is displayed on a right side of the enlarged thumbnail image 411b. The page turning button <NUM> is a display for changing display of the enlarged thumbnail images displayed in the bundled display mode. When the page turning button <NUM> is pressed, the enlarged thumbnail image to be displayed is changed from the enlarged thumbnail image 411b to the enlarged thumbnail image 411a of another file.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image display device <NUM> to which the present exemplary embodiment is applied.

As shown in <FIG>, the image display device <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment functions as an example of an information processing device, and includes an arithmetic processing unit <NUM> that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a predetermined processing program during screen display, an input unit <NUM> that receives an input operation from the user, a secondary storage unit <NUM> realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a display <NUM> including a liquid crystal display panel, an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display panel or the like that displays an image, text information or the like to the user, and a communication unit <NUM> that transmits and receives data via a network.

The arithmetic processing unit <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> that controls the entire device as an example of a processor, a random access memory (RAM) <NUM> that is used as a working memory or the like of the CPU <NUM>, a read only memory (ROM) <NUM> that stores an image display processing program or the like executed by the CPU <NUM>, a non-volatile memory <NUM> such as a static RAM (SRAM) or a flash memory backed up by a battery, which is rewritable and configured to hold data even when power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit <NUM> that controls each unit such as the input unit <NUM> connected to the arithmetic processing unit <NUM>. The nonvolatile memory <NUM> stores image information such as thumbnail images (described later) displayed on the display <NUM>.

In addition to storing image data and the like, the secondary storage unit <NUM> stores an image display processing program executed by the arithmetic processing unit <NUM>, and the arithmetic processing unit <NUM> reads the image display processing program, whereby various types of processing of the image display device <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment is executed.

Here, the program executed by the CPU <NUM> that is an example of the processor is provided to the arithmetic processing unit <NUM> in a state of being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk or the like), an optical recording medium (an optical disk or the like), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program executed by the CPU <NUM> may be downloaded to the image display device <NUM> using a communication unit such as the Internet.

In the exemplary embodiments, the term "processor" refers to hardware in a broad sense. Examples of the processor include general processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit), and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, and programmable logic device).

In the exemplary embodiments, the term "processor" is broad enough to encompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which are located physically apart from each other but may work cooperatively. The order of operations of the processor is not limited to one described in the exemplary embodiments above, and may be changed.

The input unit <NUM> is a device such as a pointing device for the user to input an operation.

For example, when the input unit <NUM> is a mouse or the like, the user may designate a position, a displayed image or the like on the screen of the display <NUM> by performing a moving operation or a click operation on a cursor.

When the input unit <NUM> is a touch panel or the like, the user may designate a position or a displayed image on the screen by performing an operation of bringing a finger or the like into contact with the touch panel or an operation of maintaining a state in which the finger or the like is in contact with the touch panel for a time longer than a predetermined time. In this case, the input unit <NUM> is provided integrally with the display <NUM>.

In addition to the device such as the above-described pointing device, a keyboard or the like that performs a key input operation may be provided as the input unit <NUM>.

Next, a functional configuration of the image display device <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image display device <NUM>. The image display device <NUM> is realized by the arithmetic processing unit <NUM> (see <FIG>), and includes an operation determination unit <NUM>, a display control unit <NUM>, a bundled display determination unit <NUM>, a file order determination unit <NUM>, an enlarged image output unit <NUM>, a selected image output unit <NUM>, a thumbnail image generation unit <NUM>, and a thumbnail image storage unit <NUM>.

The operation determination unit <NUM> is configured to determine whether a user operation via the input unit <NUM> has been performed on the operation screen <NUM> (see <FIG>). The user operation is, for example, an operation of designating an image, an icon, a position or the like on the operation screen <NUM>, a scroll operation, or a key input operation.

The display control unit <NUM> controls display modes and positions of an image, the icon <NUM>, the tool bar <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the like based on contents determined by the operation determination unit <NUM>. The thumbnail image <NUM> is captured from the thumbnail image storage unit <NUM> and is controlled to be displayed as an icon for opening a corresponding file.

When the operation determination unit <NUM> receives an instruction to display enlarged thumbnail images of plural files, the bundled display determination unit <NUM> determines a display mode of the enlarged thumbnail images as to whether the enlarged thumbnail images are collectively displayed.

The file order determination unit <NUM> determines an order of files to be displayed when the enlarged thumbnail images are displayed in a bundled display mode. The order of files may be received from the user or may be determined based on a predetermined order. Here, examples of the predetermined order include an order in which, among the plural files for which an instruction to enlarge and display the thumbnail image is received, the file for which the instruction is received later becomes backward in order, an order determined based on a position where the thumbnail image of the file is displayed, an order determined based on a name of the file, and the like.

The enlarged image output unit <NUM> displays the enlarged thumbnail images on the UI screen based on an instruction from the display control unit <NUM>. The enlarged image output unit <NUM> enlarges and displays the thumbnail image stored in the thumbnail image storage unit <NUM> without newly starting the program. When an instruction to change the enlarged thumbnail image is received in a case where the enlarged thumbnail image is displayed in the bundled display mode, the enlarged thumbnail image is displayed on the display <NUM> (see <FIG>) based on the order of files determined by the file order determination unit <NUM>.

When an instruction to enlarge and display the thumbnail images of the plural files is given, the selected image output unit <NUM> displays an image for selecting the display mode of the enlarged thumbnail images on the display <NUM>.

The thumbnail image generation unit <NUM> generates the thumbnail image <NUM> displayed on the operation screen <NUM> based on a file such as image data stored in the secondary storage unit <NUM>. When the file has plural pages, the thumbnail image generation unit <NUM> generates a thumbnail image for each page.

The thumbnail image storage unit <NUM> acquires and stores the thumbnail image <NUM> generated by the thumbnail image generation unit <NUM>. The thumbnail image storage unit <NUM> is realized by the non-volatile memory <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Next, processing performed by the image display device <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart when the image display device <NUM> receives an instruction to enlarge and display thumbnail images of plural files and displays enlarged thumbnail images. First, the operation determination unit <NUM> receives an instruction to enlarge and display the thumbnail images of the plural files (step <NUM>). An example of the instruction to enlarge and display the thumbnail images of the plural files is an instruction to enlarge and display the thumbnail images of other files when the thumbnail image of one file is already enlarged and displayed.

Next, the bundled display determination unit <NUM> determines whether to display in a bundled display mode (step <NUM>). Display mode determination processing of step <NUM> will be described later in detail with reference to <FIG>. When the bundled display determination unit <NUM> determines "not to display in the bundled display mode" (NO in step <NUM>), the enlarged image output unit <NUM> enlarges and displays the plural thumbnail images in an individual display mode (step <NUM>), and the processing ends. In step <NUM>, when the bundled display determination unit <NUM> determines "to display in the bundled display mode" (YES in step <NUM>), the display control unit <NUM> performs control to display an image for designating an order of files (step <NUM>). Then, when the operation determination unit <NUM> receives designation of the order of files from the user (step <NUM>), the file order determination unit <NUM> determines the order of files of the enlarged thumbnail images displayed in the bundled display mode based on the received order of files (step <NUM>). Thereafter, the enlarged image output unit <NUM> displays the enlarged thumbnail images in the bundled display mode based on the determined order of files (step <NUM>), and the processing ends.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as described above, the file order determination unit <NUM> determines the order of files of the enlarged thumbnail images to be displayed based on the order of files received by the operation determination unit <NUM> from the user. However, the order of files may be determined not only based on an instruction from the user but also based on, for example, display positions of the plural files on the UI screen, or may be determined based on an order of names of the plural files.

Next, the display mode determination processing performed by the bundled display determination unit <NUM> in step <NUM> in <FIG> will be described.

<FIG> is a flowchart of processing in which the bundled display determination unit <NUM> determines whether to display the enlarged thumbnail images in the bundled display mode.

The bundled display determination unit <NUM> calculates a ratio of area of the enlarged thumbnail image that has already been displayed to the UI screen (step <NUM>). When it is determined whether the calculated ratio exceeds a predetermined ratio (step <NUM>), and it is determined that the calculated ratio exceeds the predetermined ratio (YES in step <NUM>), it is determined to display in the bundled display mode (step <NUM>). Then, "to display in the bundled display mode" is transmitted to the display control unit <NUM> as a determination result (step <NUM>), and the processing ends.

In step <NUM>, when the bundled display determination unit <NUM> determines that the calculated ratio does not exceed the predetermined ratio (NO in step <NUM>), the bundled display determination unit <NUM> determines to display in the individual display mode (step <NUM>). Then, "to display in the individual display mode" is transmitted to the display control unit <NUM> as a determination result (step <NUM>), and the processing ends.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as a condition for determining whether to display in the bundled display mode, the ratio of the enlarged thumbnail image that has already been displayed to the UI screen is used. However, as a condition for determining whether to display in the bundled display mode, it is possible to use a condition such as displaying in the bundled display mode in a case where the enlarged thumbnail images overlap each other when the enlarged thumbnail images are displayed in the individual display mode. It is also possible to allow the user to select a display mode.

Next, an example of the operation screen will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> are views showing a state in which a first enlarged thumbnail image is displayed. <FIG> is a view showing a state in which an image for requesting an instruction of the user as to whether to bundle preview images is displayed, and <FIG> is a view showing a state in which the enlarged thumbnail images are displayed in the bundled display mode. <FIG> is a view showing another example of an image for requesting an instruction of the user as to whether to bundle preview images.

<FIG> shows a state before thumbnail images 410a, 410b, 410c are designated. In <FIG>, a cursor <NUM>, the thumbnail images 410a, 410b, 410c, and the tool bar <NUM> are displayed. Hereinafter, the thumbnail images 410a, 410b, 410c may be collectively referred to as the thumbnail image <NUM>. In a lower part of the thumbnail image <NUM>, there is a field for displaying a name of a file corresponding to the thumbnail image <NUM>. In a case where the file has plural pages, a mark <NUM> imitating a clip is displayed at an upper left portion of the thumbnail image, and a page display <NUM> indicating the number of all pages and a page number is displayed at an upper right portion thereof. For example, a file name "file B" is displayed at a bottom portion of the thumbnail image 410b. A mark representing a shape of a clip indicating that a file has plural pages is displayed at the upper left portion. Further, "<NUM>", which is the number of all pages, and "<NUM>", which is a page number corresponding to the displayed thumbnail image 410b, are shown as "<NUM>/<NUM>" at the upper right portion of the thumbnail image 410b.

Triangular thumbnail turning icons 402a, 402b are displayed on left and right sides of the mark <NUM> imitating the shape of the clip, and when the page turning icon 402a or 402b is operated, the operation determination unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) determines an instruction to change a page of the displayed thumbnail image <NUM>, and the display control unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) performs control to change the page of the thumbnail image <NUM>. Specifically, when the triangular icon 402a on the right side of the mark imitating the shape of the clip is clicked, the displayed thumbnail image is changed to a thumbnail image of the next page. When the triangular page turning icon 402b on the left side is clicked, the thumbnail image is changed to the thumbnail image <NUM> of the previous page.

<FIG> shows a state in which a thumbnail image is designated and an enlarged thumbnail image is displayed.

In <FIG>, in addition to <FIG>, the enlarged thumbnail image 411a obtained by enlarging the thumbnail image 410a is displayed. In <FIG>, as a mark displaying the enlarged thumbnail image 411a obtained by enlarging the thumbnail image 410a, a sequence symbol 601a having <NUM> in a circle is displayed so as to be superimposed on the thumbnail image 410a.

<FIG> shows a state in which an instruction to enlarge and display the thumbnail image 410b is given on a screen in <FIG>, and a selection as to whether to display the enlarged thumbnail images in the bundled display mode is displayed.

In <FIG>, in addition to display of <FIG>, an image <NUM> for requesting an instruction of the user as to whether to display the enlarged thumbnail images in the bundled display mode is displayed. In the image <NUM> for requesting the instruction, "<Aggregation of enlarged thumbnail images>" is displayed in a title field <NUM> at an upper center portion, and a message "Collectively display enlarged thumbnail images?" is displayed in a message field <NUM> below the title field <NUM>. Further below, two buttons for instructing the user are displayed, "Yes" is displayed in a button <NUM> for instructing to bundle the enlarged thumbnail images, and "No" is displayed in a button <NUM> for instructing to individually display the enlarged thumbnail images. By selecting the displayed buttons <NUM>, <NUM> by the user, the instruction as to whether to display the enlarged thumbnail images in the bundled display mode may be easily given.

<FIG> shows a state in which the thumbnail images 410a, 410b are displayed in the bundled display mode. The sequence symbol 601a having <NUM> in the circle is displayed so as to be superimposed on the thumbnail image 410a, and a sequence symbol 601b having <NUM> in a circle is displayed so as to be superimposed on the thumbnail image 410b. A number in the circle indicates the order of files in the enlarged thumbnail image displayed in the bundled display mode. A page turning button 301a for turning forward a page and a page turning button 301b for turning back the page are displayed on left and right sides of the enlarged thumbnail image 411b. The page and file whose enlarged thumbnail image is displayed may be changed with the page turning buttons 301a, 301b.

A button <NUM> indicating "order selection" and a button <NUM> indicating "cancel" are displayed on a lower right side of the enlarged thumbnail image displayed in the bundled display mode. When the button <NUM> is pressed, the order of files of the enlarged thumbnail images displayed in the bundled display mode may be changed. For example, display of the symbols superimposed on the thumbnail images 410a, 410b disappears. Then, the user newly selects the order of files. When the button <NUM> is pressed, display of the enlarged thumbnail image disappears.

<FIG> show an image for requesting an instruction of the user as to whether to bundle preview images when an instruction to display enlarged thumbnail images of three or more files is given.

In <FIG>, the image <NUM> for requesting an instruction of the user as to whether to bundle preview images is displayed, "Yes (add to the end)" is displayed in a button <NUM> for instructing to bundle the enlarged thumbnail images, "Yes (edit in order)" is displayed in a button <NUM> for instructing to bundle the enlarged thumbnail images, and "No" is displayed in a button <NUM> for instructing to individually display the enlarged thumbnail images. When the button <NUM> displayed as "Yes (add to the end)" is pressed, the enlarged thumbnail images are displayed in the bundled display mode in which the file for which the instruction to display the enlarged thumbnail image is given last becomes last in the order of files. Thereby, the user may instruct processing of adding a new enlarged thumbnail image to the end without designating the order of files. When the button <NUM> displayed as "Yes (edit in order)" is pressed, the user may designate the order of files, and bundle and display the enlarged thumbnail images of different files.

Next, another example of the operation screen will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

<FIG> are views showing another example of display of the operation screen. <FIG> is a view showing a state in which a thumbnail image is selected. <FIG> is a view showing a state in which a selected thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed. <FIG> is a view when plural files are selected as files whose enlarged thumbnail images are to be displayed, and <FIG> is a table showing a relationship between a designated order and a display order of the files.

In <FIG>, the display <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment displays an operation screen <NUM>. In a second display example, the same components as those in the first display example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. On the operation screen <NUM>, the cursor <NUM> pointing at a position, an image or the like on the screen, the thumbnail image <NUM>, and the toolbar <NUM> are displayed.

In <FIG>, the display <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment displays an enlarged thumbnail image 411c of the thumbnail image 410c in <FIG>, the page turning button 301a for turning forward a page of the displayed enlarged thumbnail image, and the page turning button 301b for turning backward the page. With the page turning buttons 301a, 301b, the page and file whose enlarged thumbnail image is displayed may be changed. A "multiple selection" button <NUM> for enlarging and displaying thumbnail images of plural files, and a "cancel" button <NUM> for ending display of the enlarged thumbnail images are displayed.

In the second display example, the enlarged thumbnail image <NUM> is controlled to be displayed over the entire display screen.

<FIG> shows a screen that is displayed when the multiple selection button <NUM> is pressed in <FIG> and that is used to sequentially select files whose thumbnail images are to be displayed. <FIG> is a table showing a display order of the enlarged thumbnail images when the order of files is designated.

In <FIG>, the user gives an instruction to display the preview images in an order of file names "file A", "file B" and "file C". Here, the thumbnail image <NUM> is displayed in the same manner as in <FIG>, and a button <NUM> indicating "display" and the button <NUM> indicating "cancel" are displayed on a lower right side. Then, sequence symbols 601a, 601b, 601c are displayed on the thumbnail images in an order in which the user selects the files. When the button <NUM> indicating "display" is clicked, the order of files is determined, and the enlarged thumbnail images of the plural files are displayed in the bundled display mode. When the button <NUM> indicating "cancel" is pressed, a screen shifts to a screen on which the thumbnail image as shown in <FIG> is displayed.

The table of <FIG> shows "designated order", "file name", "page number", and "display order". Here, the "designated order" represents the order of files designated by the user. The "file name" corresponding to the designated order is shown on a line the same as that of the designated order. The "page number" is a page number determined for each file. The "display order" is an order determined through the plural files displayed in the bundled display mode.

Here, an example of a correspondence relationship between the designated order and the display order of the plural files displayed in the bundled display mode will be described.

In the designated order of files, a first page of a first file is set to "<NUM>" in the display order, and a next page of the first file is set to "<NUM>" in the display order. When the display order is associated up to a last page of the file, the next in the display order is associated with a first page of a file next in the designated order. In this way, the display order is associated with the pages of all the designated files.

Specifically, in the table in <FIG>, a page number <NUM> of the file name "file A" is associated with "<NUM>" in the display order. Since the file of "file A" has only one page, a first page of the file of "file B", which is a second file in the designated order, is associated with "<NUM>" in the display order. In addition, "<NUM>" to "<NUM>" in the display order are associated with second to tenth pages of the file of "file B", respectively. Further, "<NUM>" to "<NUM>" in the display order are associated with first to fifth pages of the file of "file C", respectively.

Here, an operation in a case where an instruction, to change a page of the preview image displayed in the bundled display mode in which the display order is determined as described above, is given will be described. For example, in a case where the page turning button 301a is selected when an image whose display order is "<NUM>", that is, the first page of the "file A" is displayed as the preview image, an image whose display order is "<NUM>", that is, an enlarged thumbnail image of the first page of the "file B" is displayed. In a case where the page turning button 301b is selected when the image whose display order is "<NUM>", that is, the first page of the "file A" is displayed, the preview image of the fifth page of the "file C" whose display order is "<NUM>", which is the last in the display order, is displayed. Here, the last in the display order, "<NUM>", is adopted as the display order immediately before the display order "<NUM>".

Although the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment. For example, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the enlarged thumbnail image is changed page by page when the page turning button is clicked. However, two buttons, "page turning" button and a "file changing" button, may be displayed, and when the "file changing" button is clicked, an enlarged thumbnail image of the next file may be displayed.

Claim 1:
An information processing device (<NUM>) comprising a processor (<NUM>) configured to:
display a plurality of thumbnail images (<NUM>) each representing one of a plurality of files on a screen (<NUM>, <NUM>);
receive an enlargement instruction for a file among the plurality of files to display an enlarged thumbnail image (<NUM>) for the file, the enlarged thumbnail image being an image obtained by enlarging the thumbnail image (<NUM>);
bundle, in response to receiving enlargement instructions for two or more files among the plurality of files (<NUM>), the enlarged thumbnail images of the two or more files into a single multi-page enlarged thumbnail comprising a page for each of the two or more files, and display one page of the multi-page enlarged thumbnail as the enlarged thumbnail image together with one or more page turning buttons (<NUM>) which, with user selection, enable to turn forward or back through the pages of the multi-page enlarged thumbnail receive, via the one or more page turning buttons, a change instruction to display an enlarged thumbnail image of another page corresponding to one file among the plurality of files; and
display the enlarged thumbnail image of the another page instead of the enlarged thumbnail image of the one file.