JP6107246B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing apparatus control method, and image processing apparatus control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus control method, and an image processing apparatus control program, and more specifically, an image for generating an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area and an animation non-operation area. The present invention relates to a processing device, an image processing device control method, and an image processing device control program.

  In recent years, portable terminals having a user interface using a touch panel, such as iPad (registered trademark), an electronic book, or iPhone (registered trademark), have been widely used. These portable terminals are called smartphones. Even in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), cooperation with a portable terminal is required.

  In order to meet the above requirements, a remote operation panel function (remote panel function) has been proposed for image forming apparatuses. The remote operation panel function displays an operation screen on a mobile terminal connected to the image forming apparatus via a network or the like, accepts an operation of the image forming apparatus, sends information on the operation from the mobile terminal to the image forming apparatus, This is a function of performing processing based on the operation information in the image forming apparatus and transmitting information on an update screen accompanying the processing to the mobile terminal. According to the remote operation panel function, the portable terminal can be used as a remote operation panel of the image forming apparatus, and the operation panel of the image forming apparatus can be operated from the portable terminal.

  The operation screen (panel image) displayed on the remote operation panel is normally generated on the image forming apparatus side. That is, the image forming apparatus generates an operation screen such as a BMP (bitmap) format, compresses the file of the operation screen into a JPEG format, and transmits the compressed file to the remote operation panel.

  By the way, the image forming apparatus may operate an animation (reproduce the animation) on the operation screen displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. For example, when a flick operation by a user is accepted on the operation screen displayed on the operation panel, the image forming apparatus moves an animation indicating the operation screen being scrolled, and then moves the position corresponding to the flick speed. Display the operation screen on the operation panel.

  When the same animation as the operation panel operation screen is operated on the operation screen of the remote operation panel, the image forming apparatus remotely operates JPEG format files on a plurality of operation screens including images (frame images) constituting the animation. It will be sent continuously to the panel.

  However, when animation is operated on the operation screen of the remote operation panel, there is a problem that the visibility of the operation screen of the remote operation panel is lowered. This is because the amount of data to be transmitted to the remote control panel increases, and transmission takes time.

  As a method for improving the visibility of the operation screen, a method of shortening the transmission time of the file on the operation screen by increasing the compression rate of the file on the operation screen and reducing the size of the file can be considered. However, when the compression rate of the operation screen file is increased, the image quality naturally deteriorates, so this method is not effective.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for processing a region of high interest with a low compression rate and storing the other with a high compression rate, storing them, and combining and displaying them. When performing compression processing on image data, the image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 below extracts a region of interest including a subject to be diagnosed, and performs reversible compression processing on the extracted region of interest to perform first compression. Compressed data is generated, and irreversible compression processing is performed on the entire medical image at a higher compression rate than the region of interest to generate second compressed data. Then, the image processing apparatus associates the first compressed data and the second compressed data and transmits them to each apparatus.

JP 2005-287927 A

  When the technique of Patent Document 1 is used to generate the operation screen of the remote operation panel, images in the animation motion area are compressed at a low compression rate (high image quality), and images in the animation non-motion area are compressed at a high compression rate (low It is possible to reduce the size of the entire file while maintaining the image quality of the animation operation area by compressing the image with the image quality and combining these images.

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to generate two images for one operation screen, the image forming apparatus side needs to transmit information such as a composite position of the two images together with the operation screen file. There was also a need to synthesize two images on the remote control panel side. As a result, it takes time to process the animation, and the visibility of the operation screen during the animation operation cannot be improved. In addition, since the process for operating the animation requires time, the operability of the remote control panel during the animation operation has been reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus control method, and an image processing apparatus capable of improving the visibility of an operation screen during an animation operation. Is to provide a control program.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a control method for the image processing apparatus, and a control program for the image processing apparatus that can suppress a decrease in the operability of the remote operation panel during animation. It is.

An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including animation. An image processing device for generating, comprising operation screen generation means for generating each of a plurality of operation screens including an image in motion of an animation based on an original image, wherein the operation screen generation means is an animation non-operation area of the original image Image generation means for generating each of the plurality of operation screens as an image of the first file format by changing at least some of the parameters, and each of the images generated by the image generation means as a first file format Can reduce the file size of multiple operation screens by converting to a different second file format And a conversion means that.

An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an operation screen of an image forming apparatus that includes an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen that does not include animation. An image processing apparatus for generating, comprising: an operation screen generating means for generating each of a plurality of operation screens including an image during an animation operation based on an original image; and a speed acquisition means for acquiring an operation speed of the animation. The screen generation unit generates each of the plurality of operation screens by changing a change amount of at least a part of the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the original image according to the operation speed acquired by the speed acquisition unit.

An image processing apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention provides an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including animation. An operation screen generating means for generating each of a plurality of operation screens including an image during animation operation based on the original image, and a ratio of the animation operation area to the entire operation screen comprises a ratio acquisition means for acquiring operation screen generating means, according to the ratio obtained by the ratio acquisition means, by changing the change amount of at least part of the parameters of the animation inoperative area in the original image, a plurality of operation Generate each of the screens.
Preferably, in the image processing apparatus, the parameter includes at least one of contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution.

  Preferably, in the image processing device, the operation screen generation unit is configured such that the change amount of the at least one parameter in at least one of the upper end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end in the animation non-operation area is Each of the plurality of operation screens is generated so as to be larger than the amount of change of the at least one parameter of the portion other than at least one of the above portions.

  Preferably, in the image processing apparatus, the operation screen generation unit is configured such that the change amount of the portion relatively distant from the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region is the change amount of the portion relatively close to the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region. Each of the plurality of operation screens is generated so as to be larger.

  Preferably, in the image processing apparatus, one of the plurality of operation screens is changed by changing all parameters of contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution of the entire animation non-operation area in the original image to the maximum change amount. When the data amount of one operation screen when the image is generated is larger than the set upper limit value, the operation screen generation means sets the at least one parameter of at least a part of the animation motion area in the original image. By further changing, one operation screen is generated.

An image processing apparatus control method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including animation. The operation screen generation method includes: an operation screen generation step for generating each of a plurality of operation screens including an image during an animation operation based on an original image, wherein the operation screen generation step includes: by changing at least some of the parameters of the animation inoperative area in the original image, to generate each of the plurality of operation screens as a first file format of the image, and the each of the generated image first file format By converting to a different second file format, the file size of multiple operation screens It is reduced.
An image processing apparatus control method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including animation. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus for generating an operation screen, wherein an operation screen generating step for generating each of a plurality of operation screens including an image during an animation operation based on an original image, and an operation speed of the animation are acquired In the operation screen generating step, each of the plurality of operation screens is generated by changing a change amount of at least a part of the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the original image in accordance with the acquired operation speed.
An image processing apparatus control method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including animation. A control method for an image processing apparatus for generating an operation screen, wherein an operation screen generation step for generating each of a plurality of operation screens including an image during an animation operation based on an original image, and animation for the entire operation screen A step of acquiring a ratio occupied by the motion area, and a plurality of operation screens by changing a change amount of at least a part of parameters of the animation non-motion area in the original image according to the acquired ratio in the operation screen generation step. Generate each of
Preferably, in the control method, the parameter includes at least one of contrast, saturation, lightness, and resolution.
Preferably, in the control method, in the operation screen generation step, at least one parameter change amount of at least one of the upper end portion, the lower end portion, the left end portion, and the right end portion in the animation non-operation area is at least one of them. Each of the plurality of operation screens is generated so as to be larger than the amount of change of at least one parameter of the part other than the part.
Preferably, in the above-described control method, in the operation screen generation step, the change amount of the portion relatively distant from the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region is greater than the change amount of the portion relatively close to the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region. Each of the plurality of operation screens is generated so as to be larger.
Preferably, in the above control method, the data amount of one operation screen when a single operation screen is generated among the plurality of operation screens by changing the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the original image is a set upper limit value. If it is larger, at least one parameter of at least a part of the animation motion area in the original image is further changed in the operation screen generation step to generate one operation screen.

An image processing apparatus control program according to still another aspect of the present invention includes an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including animation. The above control method for generating the operation screen is executed .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the visibility of the operation screen during the animation operation. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operability of the remote operation panel during the animation operation.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image forming system in a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically the state in which the basic screen D1 is displayed on the remote control panel. It is a figure which shows typically the state by which the application screen D2 is displayed by pop-up on the remote control panel 200. It is a figure which shows typically a mode that the remote control panel 200 receives scroll operation. It is a figure which shows typically the application screen D2 after scroll completion. 6 is a diagram schematically showing processing performed by MFP 100 and remote operation panel 200 when a remote operation screen is displayed on remote operation panel 200. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the remote control panel 200 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a scrolling remote operation screen displayed by MFP 100 on remote operation panel 200 when a flick operation at speed V1 is accepted in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 schematically shows a remote operation screen during scrolling that MFP 100 displays on remote operation panel 200 when a flick operation at a speed V2 (> V1) is accepted in the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically a mode that the function key FK1a is pressed down by the user. It is a figure which shows typically the state which the pop-up display of the screen D3 was completed on the remote control panel 200. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a remote operation screen in progress of pop-up display that MFP 100 displays on remote operation panel 200 when pressing of function key FK1a is accepted in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically a mode that the function key FK1b is pressed down by the user. It is a figure which shows typically the state which the pop-up display of screen D4 was completed on the remote control panel 200. FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a remote operation screen in progress of pop-up display that MFP 100 displays on remote operation panel 200 when pressing of function key FK1b is accepted in the third embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a remote operation screen in progress of pop-up display that is displayed on the remote operation panel by the MFP 100 when the pressing of the function key FK1a is accepted in the first modification of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 100 in a second modification of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a remote operation screen in progress of pop-up display that is displayed on the remote operation panel 200 by the MFP 100 when the pressing of the function key FK1b is accepted in the second modification example of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically the parameter change amount determination table in the 2nd modification of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  An image forming system according to the following embodiment includes an image forming apparatus and a remote operation panel. The image forming apparatus may be, for example, an MFP, a facsimile machine, a copier, or a printer. The remote operation panel is a device that can display various types of information and communicates with the image forming apparatus. The terminal may be, for example, a tablet, a PC (Personal Computer), or a mobile phone.

  In the following embodiments, the contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution of an image may be referred to as “parameters” of the image. An area occupied by a screen including animation in the remote operation screen may be referred to as an “animation operation area”. Furthermore, an area occupied by a screen that does not include animation in the remote operation screen may be referred to as an “animation non-operation area”.

  In the following embodiments, the BMP format image on the remote operation screen may be referred to as a “BMP image”. An image in the JPEG format on the remote operation screen may be referred to as a “JPEG image”. An animation indicating a state in which the remote operation screen is being scrolled may be referred to as “scroll animation”. Furthermore, an animation showing how a new screen is gradually popped up on the remote operation screen may be referred to as a “popup animation”.

  [First Embodiment]

  First, the configuration of the image forming system in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system in the present embodiment includes an MFP 100 (an example of an image processing apparatus) and a remote operation panel 200. MFP 100 and remote operation panel 200 can communicate with each other through network 300.

  MFP 100 includes an operation panel 190. The operation panel 190 includes a display unit 191 and various hardware keys 192. The display unit 191 is a touch panel. MFP 100 notifies the user of MFP 100 of various types of information by displaying an operation screen on display unit 191. MFP 100 accepts an operation from the user of MFP 100 through hardware key 192 or software key 193 on the operation screen displayed on display unit 191.

  The remote operation panel 200 includes a touch panel 201. The remote operation panel 200 notifies the user of the remote operation panel 200 of various information. Remote operation panel 200 accepts an operation from a user of remote operation panel 200 through touch panel 201.

  The network 300 is a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The network 300 is connected using a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol. Devices connected to the network 300 can exchange various data with each other. Instead of the network 300, each device may be connected using a wide area network such as the Internet or a dedicated line.

  Specifically, MFP 100 is connected to network 300 by, for example, a wired LAN. Remote operation panel 200 is wirelessly connected to network 300 through, for example, a wireless LAN access point (not shown).

  The MFP 100 has a remote panel function. For example, the MFP 100 displays a remote operation screen (an example of an operation screen) when a remote panel application is activated on the remote operation panel 200 that can communicate with the MFP 100 or when user authentication of the remote operation panel 200 is completed. It is generated and displayed on the touch panel 201 of the remote operation panel 200.

  MFP 100 displays on touch panel 201 a remote operation screen similar to the operation screen displayed on display unit 191 of operation panel 190, for example. The remote operation screen includes various software keys 202. The remote operation screen may be in any form, and may further include software keys corresponding to the hardware keys 192 of the operation panel 190.

  Remote operation panel 200 transmits operation information received through the remote operation screen to MFP 100. When MFP 100 receives an operation received on the remote operation screen, MFP 100 performs processing based on the operation (for example, updating of the remote operation screen, execution of a print job receiving an instruction through the remote operation screen, or the like).

  Note that the image forming system may further include devices other than the MFP 100 and the remote operation panel 200, or may include a plurality of remote operation panels 200 that communicate with the MFP 100. The MFP 100 and the remote operation panel 200 may communicate with each other using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the image forming system in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes main controller 110, operation screen generation unit 120, print engine 130, image processing unit 140, operation display unit 150, data input / output unit 160, and storage unit 170. Is included. The main controller 110, the operation screen generation unit 120, the print engine 130, the image processing unit 140, the operation display unit 150, the data input / output unit 160, and the storage unit 170 are connected to each other by, for example, a bus.

  The main controller 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, and the like. CPU 111 reads a necessary program from ROM 112 and performs overall control of MFP 100 according to the program. The ROM 112 stores various programs for operating the MFP 100 and various fixed data. The RAM 113 temporarily stores data necessary for the CPU 111 to execute the control program.

  The operation screen generation unit 120 includes a BMP file generation unit 121 and a file conversion unit 123. The BMP file generation unit 121 generates a BMP format image file of the remote operation screen based on the original image of the operation screen. The file conversion unit 123 compresses the file size of the remote operation screen by converting the BMP format image generated by the BMP file generation unit 121 into a JPEG format image file.

  The print engine 130 performs a printing process on a sheet or the like based on the print data created by the image processing unit 140. The print engine 130 is roughly composed of a toner image forming unit, a fixing device, a paper transport unit, and the like. The print engine 130 forms an image on a sheet by, for example, electrophotography. The toner image forming unit combines four color images by a so-called tandem method, and forms a color image on a sheet (recording medium). The toner image forming unit includes a photoconductor provided for each color of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), and an intermediate in which a toner image is transferred (primary transfer) from the photoconductor. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt and a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt to a sheet (secondary transfer). The fixing device has a heating roller and a pressure roller. The fixing device conveys the sheet on which the toner image is formed between the heating roller and the pressure roller, and heats and presses the sheet. As a result, the fixing device melts the toner adhering to the paper and fixes it on the paper to form an image on the paper. The paper transport unit includes a paper feed roller, a transport roller, and a motor that drives them. The paper transport unit feeds paper from the paper feed cassette and transports the paper inside the housing of MFP 100. The paper transport unit discharges the paper on which the image has been formed from the housing of the MFP 100 to a paper discharge tray or the like.

  When receiving a print job from the remote control panel 200 or the like, the image processing unit 140 converts the image data of the received print job into a raster image (print data) under the control of the main controller 110.

  The operation display unit 150 receives various operations from the user through the operation panel 190. The operation display unit 150 displays various information on the operation panel 190.

  The data input / output unit 160 transmits / receives data to / from the remote operation panel 200 through the network 300.

  Storage unit 170 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and the like, and stores various data related to the operation of MFP 100 such as an application program. In particular, the storage unit 170 stores an original image of an operation screen displayed on the operation panel 190. This original image is also used when the BMP file generation unit 121 generates a BMP format image of the remote operation screen.

  Remote operation panel 200 includes control unit 210, operation display unit 220, data input / output unit 230, and storage unit 240. Control unit 210, operation display unit 220, data input / output unit 230, and storage unit 240 are connected to each other by, for example, a bus.

  The control unit 210 controls the entire remote operation panel 200. The control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, and the like. The CPU 211 executes a control program stored in the ROM 212. The ROM 212 stores various programs for operating the remote control panel 200 and various fixed data. The RAM 213 temporarily stores data necessary for the CPU 211 to execute the control program. The CPU 211 reads data from the RAM 213 and the storage unit 240 and writes data to the RAM 213 and the storage unit 240 by performing predetermined processing.

  The operation display unit 220 receives various operations from the user through the touch panel 201. The operation display unit 220 displays various information on the touch panel 201.

  Data input / output unit 230 transmits and receives data to and from MFP 100 through network 300.

  The storage unit 240 is an HDD, for example, and stores various data related to the operation of the remote operation panel 200. The storage unit 240 also stores a remote panel application program.

  Next, the screen configuration of the remote operation screen displayed on the remote operation panel 200 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the basic screen D1 is displayed on the remote operation panel 200.

  Referring to FIG. 3, basic screen D <b> 1 is an operation screen for basic functions of MFP 100, and includes menu items for basic functions for jobs of MFP 100 (here, copy jobs).

  The basic screen D1 includes a plurality of function keys FK1 and screen switching keys KY1 and KY2. Each of the plurality of function keys FK1 is arranged in the horizontal direction at the lower part of the basic screen D1. The function key FK1 is a function key of a basic function that constitutes a menu item of the basic function. MFP 100 accepts the setting of the function of MFP 100 (here, the setting of the basic function related to the copy job of MFP 100) through function key FK1.

  Screen switching keys KY1 and KY2 are arranged at the lower right of the basic screen D1. The screen switching key KY1 is a key for changing the menu item to be set from the menu item of the applied function to the menu item of the basic function. Since basic menu items are displayed on basic screen D1, MFP 100 does not accept pressing of screen switching key KY1. The screen switching key KY2 (application setting key) is a key for changing the menu item to be set from the basic function menu item to the application function menu item.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the application screen D2 is pop-up displayed on the remote operation panel 200.

  Referring to FIG. 4, for example, when screen switching key KY2 is pressed, MFP 100 pops up application screen D2 on basic screen D1. Application screen D2 is an operation screen for application functions of MFP 100, and includes menu items of application functions for jobs of MFP 100 (here, copy jobs). In this case, the basic screen D1 displays only a portion that does not overlap with the application screen D2.

  The application screen D2 includes a function key display area RG1 and an icon display area RG2. For example, the function key display area RG1 is provided in the upper part of the application screen D2, and the icon display area RG2 is provided in the center of the application screen D2 adjacent to the function key display area RG1.

  When the application screen D2 is displayed, the MFP 100 may gray out the basic screen D1, and may not accept the operation of the basic setting function key included in the basic screen D1. The MFP 100 closes the application screen D2 when receiving a press of the screen switching key KY2 or KY3 ("Close" key), and displays the display state of the remote operation panel 200 only on the basic screen D1 shown in FIG. Return to the default state.

  In the function key display area RG1, a plurality of function keys FK2 are arranged in the horizontal direction in a scrollable state. The function key FK2 is a function key of an applied function that constitutes a menu item of the applied function. MFP 100 accepts function settings of MFP 100 (here, settings of application functions related to copy jobs of MFP 100) through function key FK2.

  The function keys FK2 are grouped according to function attributes. In the state of FIG. 4, seven function keys FK2 belonging to the group “A) Basic setting” and one function key FK2 belonging to the group “B) Document” are moved from left to right on the application screen D2. They are displayed in this order. The function keys other than the above among the function keys of the applied functions are not displayed in the state of FIG. These function keys are displayed when the function key display area RG1 is scrolled to the right.

  The function keys belonging to the group “A) Basic Settings” are “Color”, “Density”, “Original Image Quality”, “Paper”, “Magnification”, “Duplex / Page Aggregation”, and “Finish” function keys, respectively. It is. The function keys belonging to the “b) document” group are the “document setting” function keys.

  Icon display region RG2 is a region for displaying a list of application functions installed in MFP 100 as a map. In the icon display area RG2, a plurality of icons IC corresponding to all (or almost all) function keys displayed in the function key display area RG1 are grouped according to function attributes. The icon display area RG2 is arranged from left to right in the same order as the function keys displayed in the function key display area RG1.

  A cursor 13 is displayed above the icon display area RG2. The cursor 13 overlaps with a plurality of icons. Specifically, the cursor 13 overlaps a part of the plurality of icon ICs displayed in the icon display area RG2 (the icon IC that exists immediately below the cursor 13). In this case, eight function keys FK2 corresponding to the eight icon ICs on which the cursor 13 overlaps are displayed in the function key display area RG1.

  The function keys and icons are not necessarily arranged in the horizontal direction, and may be in any direction. The display form of the application screen D2 is arbitrary, and the display positions of the function key display area RG1, the icon display area RG2, and the cursor 13 are arbitrary.

  Next, processing performed by MFP 100 when animation is operated on remote operation panel 200 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the remote operation panel 200 accepts a scroll operation.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when MFP 100 receives a flick operation from the right to the left on the menu item of the applied function as indicated by arrow AR1, MFP 100 scrolls the menu item of the applied function to the right and scrolls. Accordingly, the cursor 13 is moved in the right direction. Also, as shown by the arrow AR2, the MFP 100 scrolls the menu item of the application function to the right even when the operation of moving the cursor 13 to the right is received (hereinafter, the flick on the menu item of the application function is flicked). The operation and the operation of moving the cursor 13 may be collectively referred to as “scroll operation”).

  In the state shown in FIG. 5, the cursor 13 is positioned at the left end, and the eight function keys FK2 existing at the left end among the function keys of the application function are displayed. Do not scroll in the direction.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the application screen D2 after scrolling is completed.

  Referring to FIG. 6, MFP 100 scrolls the menu item of the applied function by a distance based on the speed of the flick operation or the like (or a distance corresponding to the moving distance of cursor 13). As a result, in the state of FIG. 6, three function keys FK2 belonging to the group “C) Image quality / density”, three function keys FK2 belonging to the group “D) color editing”, and “E) layout. Are displayed in this order from the left to the right of the application screen D2. In addition, MFP 100 moves cursor 13 to a position corresponding to displayed function key FK2.

  The MFP 100 operates an animation (scroll animation) indicating a state during scrolling of the menu item of the applied function from the start of scrolling of the menu item of the applied function to the completion of scrolling.

  The application screen D2 is a screen including a scroll animation. When the scroll animation operates, the area where the application screen D2 is displayed on the remote operation screen is an animation operation area occupied by the screen including the scroll animation. On the other hand, the basic screen D1 is a screen that does not include a scroll animation. When the scroll animation operates, the area where the basic screen D1 is displayed on the remote operation screen is an animation non-operation area occupied by a screen not including the scroll animation.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing processing performed by MFP 100 and remote operation panel 200 when a remote operation screen is displayed on remote operation panel 200. In FIG. 7, the plurality of function keys FK2 and the cursor 13 are indicated by rectangles. In addition, portions where parameters are changed on the remote operation screen are indicated by hatching. The characters “original image” described in the image shown in FIG. 7 mean that the image is an original image, and the characters “BMP” or “JPEG” indicate the file format of the image. I mean.

  Referring to FIG. 7, upon receiving an operation from the user, remote operation panel 200 transmits information on the operation to MFP 100. The MFP 100 generates a JPEG format image of the remote operation screen based on the operation received by the remote operation panel 200 and transmits the image to the remote operation panel 200. When receiving the file of the remote operation screen, the remote operation panel 200 displays the remote operation screen on the remote operation panel 200. Hereinafter, this process will be described in detail.

  When MFP 100 displays a remote operation screen before starting scrolling (a still image remote operation screen that does not include scroll animation) on remote operation panel 200, MFP 100 and remote operation panel 200 perform the following processing. The MFP 100 generates an image BI1 that is a BMP format image (BMP image) of the remote operation screen based on the original image OI1 of the operation screen. Next, the MFP 100 compresses the file size of the remote operation screen by converting the image BI1 into an image JI1 that is a JPEG format image (JPEG image). Subsequently, MFP 100 transmits image JI 1 to remote operation panel 200. When receiving the image JI1, the remote operation panel 200 displays the image JI1 on the touch panel 201 as a remote operation screen.

  When the image BI1 is generated, the MFP 100 maintains (without changing) all the parameters of the original image OI1 and generates the image BI1. The image BI1 may be the original image OI1 itself.

  When MFP 100 receives scroll operation information from remote operation panel 200, MFP 100 and remote operation panel 200 perform the following processing after determining the scroll direction and distance based on the received scroll operation information. MFP 100 generates image BI2 based on original image OI2 of the operation screen. The image BI2 is a BMP image including the first frame image FI1 during the scroll animation operation (while scrolling). Next, the MFP 100 compresses the file size of the remote operation screen by converting the image BI2 into an image JI2 that is a JPEG image. Subsequently, the MFP 100 transmits the image JI2 to the remote operation panel 200.

  After transmitting the image JI2, the MFP 100 generates the image BI3 based on the original image OI3 on the operation screen. The image BI3 is a BMP image including the second frame image FI2 during the scroll animation operation. Next, the MFP 100 compresses the file size of the remote operation screen by converting the image BI3 into an image JI3 that is a JPEG image. Subsequently, the MFP 100 transmits the image JI3 to the remote operation panel 200.

  The MFP 100 sequentially generates remote operation screens including the remaining frame images (excluding the last frame image) during the scroll animation operation by the same method as described above, and transmits the generated remote operation screens to the remote operation panel 200.

  When the MFP 100 generates a plurality of BMP images including a frame image during the scroll animation operation (excluding the last frame image), the MFP 100 changes (decreases) the parameters of at least a part of the animation non-operation area in the original image. ) Specifically, MFP 100 changes (decreases) the image parameters in the area (the hatched portion in FIG. 7) where basic screen D1 is displayed in each of original images OI2 and OI3. Each of BI2 and BI3 is generated.

  Note that the compression rate when converting a BMP image into a JPEG image is constant for the entire image, and is constant between a plurality of BMP images. The MFP 100 may change the image parameters of the entire animation non-operation area in the original image.

  The parameter of the original image to be changed may be at least one of contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution. Specifically, when the contrast of the original image is lowered, the image is not sharp. When the brightness of the original image is lowered, the image becomes dark. When the saturation of the original picture is lowered, the color part becomes close to monochrome. When the resolution is lowered, the image becomes blurred. When it is important to reduce the file size after image compression, it is effective to change the contrast, brightness, resolution, or the like. When importance is attached to maintaining the visibility of an image, it is effective to change the saturation.

  The amount of change of each parameter of the contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution of the original image may be set by the user of the remote operation panel 200, the administrator of the MFP 100, or the like. For example, when an image quality priority setting is received, MFP 100 sets a small change amount of each parameter, and when a speed priority or operability priority setting is received, MFP 100 sets a large parameter change amount. May be. The MFP 100 may accept settings such as image quality priority, speed priority, and operability priority through the remote operation panel 200 and the operation panel 190, for example.

  Next, MFP 100 generates image BI4 based on original image OI4 on the operation screen. The image BI4 is a BMP image including the last frame image FI3 during the scroll animation operation. Next, the MFP 100 compresses the file size of the remote operation screen by converting the image BI4 into an image JI4 that is a JPEG image. Subsequently, the MFP 100 transmits the image JI4 to the remote operation panel 200.

  When generating the image BI4, the MFP 100 maintains (without changing) all the parameters of the original image OI4 and generates the image BI4. The image BI4 may be the original image OI4 itself.

  Each time the remote operation panel 200 receives a JPEG image (images JI1, JI2, JI3, JI4, etc.), the remote operation panel 200 displays the received JPEG image on the touch panel 201 as a remote operation screen. As a result, the images JI2, JI3, and JI4 are continuously displayed on the remote operation panel 200 in a short time, and the scroll animation operates on the remote operation panel 200. During the scroll animation operation on the remote operation panel 200, the basic screen D1 becomes partially unclear, and when the scrolling is completed, the unclearness of the basic screen D1 is eliminated.

  MFP 100 may generate a BMP image based on one original image on the remote operation screen. For example, each of the images BI1 to BI4 may be generated by cutting out necessary portions from an image in which all the function keys FK2 are continuous in the horizontal direction in FIG.

  When MFP 100 receives scroll operation information from remote operation panel 200, MFP 100 may create images JI 2, JI 3, and JI 4, and then sequentially transmit each of images JI 2, JI 3, and JI 4 to remote operation panel 200. Alternatively, after the images BI2, BI3, and BI4 are created, each of the images JI2, JI3, and JI4 may be created in this order and sequentially transmitted to the remote control panel 200.

  When the MFP 100 generates the image BI4 that is a BMP image including the last frame image during the scroll animation operation, the MFP 100 may reduce the parameter of the basic screen D1 in the image BI4 than the parameter of the basic screen D1 in the original image OI4. Good. In this case, the parameter of the basic screen D1 in the image BI4 may be set to the same value as the parameter of the basic screen D1 in each of the images BI2 and BI3.

  When the scroll distance determined based on the received scroll operation information is short, MFP 100 does not have to operate the animation.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of MFP 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when CPU 111 of MFP 100 receives a flick operation information from remote operation panel 200 when a remote operation screen is displayed on remote operation panel 200 (S <b> 1), the received scroll operation information is received. After determining the scroll direction and distance based on the above, it is determined whether or not the updated remote operation screen displayed on the remote operation panel 200 by the flick operation is accompanied by an animation operation (S3).

  If it is determined in step S3 that the updated remote operation screen is accompanied by an animation operation (YES in S3), the CPU 111 determines whether or not operability priority setting is accepted (S5).

  If it is determined in step S5 that operability priority setting is accepted (YES in S5), the CPU 111 determines whether or not the next screen to be generated is a remote operation screen including the last frame image during the animation operation. Is determined (S7).

  If it is determined in step S7 that the next screen to be generated is not a remote operation screen including the last frame image during the animation operation (NO in S7), the CPU 111 determines the frame image during the animation operation (the last frame image). A BMP image including the above is generated. That is, the CPU 111 generates a BMP image by changing (decreasing) the parameter of at least a part of the image in the animation non-operation area (here, the basic screen D1) (S15). Subsequently, the CPU 111 converts the generated BMP image into a JPEG image (S17), transmits the converted image to the remote control panel 200 (S19), and proceeds to the process of step S7.

  When it is determined in step S3 that the updated remote operation screen is not accompanied by an animation operation (NO in S3), or in step S5, it is determined that operability priority setting is not accepted (NO in S5). Alternatively, if it is determined in step S7 that the next screen to be generated is a remote operation screen including the last frame image during the animation operation (YES in S7), the CPU 111 maintains all parameters of the original image. To generate a BMP image (with initial parameters) (S9). Subsequently, the CPU 111 converts the generated BMP image into a JPEG image (S11), transmits the converted image to the remote operation panel 200 (S13), and ends the processing.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control panel 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 211 of remote operation panel 200 determines whether or not an operation is accepted on touch panel 201 when a remote operation screen is displayed on touch panel 201 (S1001).

  If it is determined in step S1001 that an operation has been accepted (YES in S1001), the CPU 211 transmits information on the accepted operation to the MFP 100 (S1003), and the process proceeds to step S1005.

  If it is determined in step S1001 that the operation is not accepted (NO in S1001), the CPU 211 proceeds to the process of step S1005.

  In step S1005, the CPU 211 determines whether an image is received from the MFP 100 (S1005).

  If it is determined in step S1005 that an image has been received (YES in S1005), the CPU 211 displays the received image on the touch panel 201 (S1007), and the process proceeds to step S1001.

  If it is determined in step S1005 that an image is not received (NO in S1005), the CPU 211 proceeds to the process in step S1001.

  When scroll animation is performed by a flick operation, many images need to be updated in a short time, so that the amount of data transmitted from the MFP 100 to the remote operation panel 200 increases as compared to a case where a still image is transmitted. Generally, when a BMP format image is converted into a JPEG format image at a certain compression rate, the data amount of the JPEG format image decreases as the parameter in the BMP format image decreases. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of data on the remote operation screen during scrolling is reduced, so the amount of data transmitted from MFP 100 to remote operation panel 200 is reduced, and an image is displayed smoothly on remote operation panel 200. be able to. As a result, the visibility of the operation screen during the scroll animation operation can be improved.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to synthesize two images with different compression ratios on the remote control panel side, the time required for processing the animation is shortened, and the operability of the remote control panel during animation operation is reduced. Can be deterred.

  Further, during the operation of the scroll animation, the visibility of the basic screen D1 that is the animation non-operation area is lower than the visibility of the application screen D2 that is the animation operation area. Thereby, the user's attention can be attracted to the scroll animation, and the visibility of the remote operation screen is improved.

  [Second Embodiment]

  In the present embodiment, MFP 100 acquires (calculates) the motion speed of the animation, and changes at least some parameters in the animation non-motion area in the original image with a change amount that increases as the acquired motion speed increases. Then, each of a plurality of BMP images including an image during the animation operation is generated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a remote operation screen during scrolling that is displayed on the remote operation panel 200 by the MFP 100 when a flick operation at a speed V1 is accepted in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  10 and 11, the cursor 13 is positioned at the left end, and eight function keys FK2 existing at the left end among the function keys of the application functions are displayed, as indicated by an arrow AR3. It is assumed that a flick operation from the right to the left is accepted on the menu item of the applied function.

  In FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 15, FIG. 18, FIG. 20, and FIG. 22, the change amount (decrease amount) of the parameter is expressed using the density of hatching lines. In other words, the higher the hatching line density is, the greater the parameter change amount (decrease amount) is based on the original image.

  Referring to FIG. 10, when MFP 100 receives information on the flick operation at speed V1, MFP 100 calculates an operation speed V11 of the scroll animation based on speed V1. Then, the MFP 100 operates the scroll animation of the menu item of the applied function on the remote operation panel 200 at the operation speed V11 corresponding to the speed V1 from the scroll start of the menu item of the applied function to the completion of the scroll.

  When the MFP 100 generates a plurality of BMP images including a frame image during the scroll animation operation (excluding the last frame image), the animation non-operation in the original image by the change amount Q1 corresponding to the scroll animation operation speed V11. The parameter of at least a part of the image (here, the basic screen D1) is changed (decreased).

  FIG. 11 schematically shows a remote operation screen during scrolling that MFP 100 displays on remote operation panel 200 when a flick operation at speed V2 (> V1) is accepted in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when MFP 100 receives information on the flick operation at speed V2, MFP 100 calculates an operation speed V12 of the scroll animation based on speed V2. Then, the MFP 100 operates the scroll animation of the menu item of the applied function on the remote operation panel 200 at the operation speed V12 (> V11) corresponding to the speed V2 from the scroll start of the menu item of the applied function to the completion of the scroll. .

  When the MFP 100 generates a plurality of BMP images including the frame image during the scroll animation operation (excluding the last frame image), the MFP 100 changes the original image by the change amount Q2 (> Q1) corresponding to the scroll animation operation speed V12. The parameter of at least a part of the image in the animation non-operation area (here, the basic screen D1) is changed (reduced).

  Each time the remote operation panel 200 receives an image of a remote operation screen, the remote operation panel 200 displays the received image on the touch panel 201 as a remote operation screen. Thereby, a scroll animation operates on the remote operation panel 200. When a slow flick operation is performed on the remote operation panel 200 (when the operation speed of the scroll animation is slow), the basic screen D1 during the operation of the scroll animation becomes unclear. When a fast flick operation is performed on the remote operation panel 200 (when the operation speed of the scroll animation is fast), the basic screen D1 during the operation of the scroll animation becomes more blurred than when the slow flick operation is performed.

  Although the case has been described with the present embodiment where the operation speed of the scroll animation is calculated according to the flick speed, the MFP 100 may acquire the operation speed of the scroll animation by any method. For example, a value calculated based on the distance at which the flick operation is performed, the communication speed between the MFP 100 and the remote operation panel 200, or the like may be acquired, or the operation speed itself of the scroll animation may be obtained from the remote operation panel 200. You may receive directly.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, when it is determined in step S5 in the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8 that operability priority setting is accepted (YES in S5). , Steps S201 and S203 are different from the first embodiment in that the processes are performed before Step S7.

  Specifically, if it is determined in step S5 that operability priority setting has been received (YES in S5), the CPU 111 calculates the motion speed of the animation based on, for example, the flick speed (S201). Subsequently, the CPU 111 determines a parameter change amount (decrease amount) based on the calculated motion speed of the animation (S203). This change amount is a change amount of the parameter of at least a part of the image in the animation non-operation area in the original image when the BMP image is generated in step S15. Thereafter, the CPU 111 proceeds to the process of step S7.

  Since the configuration and operation of the image forming system other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

  According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  Generally, the operation speed of the scroll animation is determined by the flick speed (user's intention), and the number of remote operation screens that the MFP 100 transmits to the remote operation panel 200 per unit time as the operation speed of the scroll animation increases ( The amount of remote operation screen generation) increases. According to the present embodiment, the parameter of at least a part of the animation non-operation area in the original image is changed and the BMP image is generated with the change amount that increases with the increase in the operation speed of the scroll animation. Therefore, as the number of remote operation screens transmitted to remote operation panel 200 per unit time increases, the amount of data on the remote operation screen per MFP that MFP 100 transmits to remote operation panel 200 decreases. As a result, an image can be smoothly displayed on the remote operation panel 200 even when the operation speed of the scroll animation is fast. In addition, it is possible to generate a remote operation screen with good operability while suppressing image quality deterioration.

  Also, information displayed in the animation non-operation area during the scroll animation operation may be required by the user. According to the present embodiment, the slower the speed of the scroll animation, the closer the contrast of the animation non-operation area is to that of the original image. Therefore, even during the operation of the scroll animation, the user displays in the animation non-operation area. The read information is easy to read. As a result, the file size can be optimized while considering the visibility of the user.

  [Third Embodiment]

  In the present embodiment, MFP 100 acquires the ratio of the animation motion area to the entire remote operation screen, and changes at least some parameters of the animation non-motion area in the original image with the amount of change that increases as the ratio increases. By changing, each of the plurality of BMP images including the image during the animation operation is generated.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the function key FK1a is pressed by the user. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where the pop-up display of the screen D3 is completed on the remote operation panel 200.

  Referring to FIG. 13, among a plurality of function keys FK1 included in basic screen D1, detailed settings relating to function key FK1 are displayed when pressed by the user, such as function keys FK1a and FK1b. There are some which generate a new screen to accept.

  For example, when the function key FK1a related to “color” of the copy job is pressed by the user, the MFP 100 displays a screen D3 for accepting color settings on the basic screen D1 (application screen) as shown in FIG. When D2 is displayed, a pop-up is displayed on the basic screen D1 and the application screen D2. The screen D3 includes keys for accepting color settings such as “auto color”, “full color”, “black”, “two color”, and “single color”.

  The MFP 100 operates an animation (pop-up animation) indicating that the screen D3 is gradually popped up from the start of pop-up display of the screen D3 to the completion of the pop-up display.

  When the pop-up animation of the screen D3 operates, the region where the screen D3 is displayed on the remote operation screen is an animation operation region occupied by the screen including the pop-up animation. On the other hand, when the pop-up animation on the screen D3 operates, the region excluding the screen D3 on the remote operation screen is an animation non-operation region occupied by a screen not including the pop-up animation.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a remote operation screen in progress of pop-up display that is displayed on the remote operation panel 200 by the MFP 100 when the press of the function key FK1a is accepted in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is.

  Referring to FIG. 15, when MFP 100 receives information on pressing of function key FK1a, MFP 100 calculates ratio PR1 occupied by screen D3 with respect to the entire remote operation screen. Then, MFP 100 generates a remote operation screen during the operation of the pop-up animation on screen D3 and transmits it to remote operation panel 200.

  When the MFP 100 generates a plurality of BMP images including a frame image during the operation of the pop-up animation (excluding the last frame image), at least the animation non-operation area in the original image by the change amount Q3 corresponding to the ratio PR1. The parameters of some images (here, the basic screen D1) are changed (lowered).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the function key FK1b is pressed by the user. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the pop-up display of the screen D4 is completed on the remote operation panel 200.

  Referring to FIG. 16, for example, when function key FK1b related to “magnification” of a copy job is pressed by the user, MFP 100 displays a screen D4 for accepting setting of the magnification, as shown in FIG. Pop-up is displayed on the basic screen D1 (when the application screen D2 is displayed, on the basic screen D1 and the application screen D2). The screen D4 includes keys for increasing or decreasing the magnification, and a plurality of keys for setting the magnification when enlarging or reducing the standard size to another standard size.

  The MFP 100 operates a pop-up animation indicating that the screen D4 is gradually popped up from the start of pop-up display of the screen D4 to the completion of the pop-up display.

  When the pop-up animation of the screen D4 operates, the area where the screen D4 is displayed on the remote operation screen is an animation operation area occupied by the screen including the pop-up animation. On the other hand, when the pop-up animation on the screen D4 operates, the region excluding the screen D4 on the remote operation screen is an animation non-operation region occupied by a screen not including the pop-up animation.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating a remote operation screen in progress of pop-up display that is displayed on the remote operation panel 200 by the MFP 100 when the pressing of the function key FK1b is accepted in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is.

  Referring to FIG. 18, when MFP 100 receives information on pressing of function key FK1b, MFP 100 calculates a ratio PR2 (> PR1) occupied by screen D4 with respect to the entire remote operation screen. Then, MFP 100 sequentially generates a remote operation screen during and after the operation of the pop-up animation on screen D4, and transmits it to remote operation panel 200.

  When the MFP 100 generates a plurality of BMP images including a frame image during the operation of the pop-up animation (excluding the last frame image), the MFP 100 does not animate the original image by the change amount Q4 (> Q3) corresponding to the ratio PR2. The parameter of at least a part of the image in the operation area (here, the basic screen D1) is changed (lowered).

  Each time the remote operation panel 200 receives an image of a remote operation screen, the remote operation panel 200 displays the received image on the touch panel 201 as a remote operation screen. Thereby, a pop-up animation operates on the remote operation panel 200. When a screen with a small area is displayed as a pop-up, a portion other than the screen displayed as a pop-up becomes unclear during the operation of the pop-up animation. When a screen with a large area is displayed in a pop-up, during the operation of the pop-up animation, a portion other than the screen that is displayed as a pop-up is more blurred than when a screen with a small area is displayed in a pop-up.

  In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the ratio of the pop-up display screen to the entire remote operation screen is calculated each time, but MFP 100 obtains this ratio by any method. Also good. For example, the ratio associated with the screen for pop-up display of the screen may be stored in the storage unit 170 or the like in advance, and when the function key is pressed, the ratio associated with the key may be read from the ROM 112.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, step S301 is performed instead of step S1 in the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and in the first embodiment shown in FIG. In step S5 in the flowchart, when it is determined that operability priority setting is accepted (YES in S5), the process of steps S303 and S305 is performed before step S7. Is different.

  Specifically, when the remote operation screen is displayed on the remote operation panel 200, the CPU 111 receives information on the touch operation (pressing) of the function key from the remote operation panel 200 (S301), and the process of step S3 Then, it is determined whether or not the updated remote operation screen displayed on the remote operation panel 200 by a touch operation is accompanied by an animation operation (S3).

  If it is determined in step S5 that operability priority setting has been accepted (YES in S5), the CPU 111 displays a screen (an animation operation area that appears as a pop-up) by touching a function key on the entire remote operation screen. The ratio occupied with respect is obtained (S303). Subsequently, the CPU 111 determines a parameter change amount (decrease amount) based on the obtained ratio (S305). This change amount is a change amount of the parameter of at least a part of the image in the animation non-operation area in the original image when the BMP image is generated in step S15. Thereafter, the CPU 111 proceeds to the process of step S7.

  Since the configuration and operation of the image forming system other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

  According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  According to the present embodiment, the parameter of at least a part of the animation non-operation area in the original image is changed by the change amount (decrease amount) that increases as the ratio of the animation operation area to the entire remote operation screen increases. Therefore, even when the pop-up screen is large (when the parameter changing portion is small), the data amount per remote operation screen can be reduced. As a result, an image can be smoothly displayed on the remote operation panel 200 even when the animation operation area is large. In addition, it is possible to generate a remote operation screen with good operability while suppressing image quality deterioration.

  In addition, when the area of the pop-up screen is small, most of the remote operation screen on the background of the screen is visible to the user, and thus the user can easily look at the background remote operation screen. Therefore, when the area of the pop-up screen is small, reducing the amount of parameter change on the base remote operation screen makes it easier for the user to check the keys etc. included in the base remote operation screen. Will be better. On the other hand, when the area of the pop-up screen is large, the majority of the remote operation screen on the background of the screen is not visible to the user, so it is difficult for the user to look at the background remote operation screen. There is less need for the user to check the keys included in the remote operation screen. Therefore, when the area of the pop-up display screen is large, an increase in the amount of data of the remote operation screen transmitted to the remote operation panel 200 can be suppressed by increasing the parameter change amount of the underlying remote operation screen. it can.

  [First Modification]

  Then, the 1st modification of the above-mentioned embodiment is demonstrated.

  In the present modification, the MFP 100 changes the parameter change amounts of the upper, lower, left, and right end portions of the remote operation screen in the animation non-operation area, and the parameter change amounts of the other portions in the animation non-operation area. Each of the plurality of BMP images including the image during the animation operation is generated so as to be larger than that.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a remote operation screen in progress of pop-up display that is displayed on the remote operation panel 200 by the MFP 100 when the press of the function key FK1a is accepted in the first modification of the present invention. is there.

  Referring to FIG. 20, when generating a plurality of BMP images including a frame image (except for the last frame image) during the pop-up animation operation, MFP 100 excludes the original image screen D3 (animation non-operation). The change amount of the parameters at the upper end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end in (region) is larger than the parameter change amount of the other portion in the region excluding the screen D3 (the portion close to the screen D3 (animation operation region)). So that at least a part of the animation non-operation area on the remote operation screen (here, a part other than the screen D3 on the remote operation screen) is generated.

  Among the areas excluding the screen D3 on the remote operation screen, the upper end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end are portions where the user is less likely to look than the portion close to the screen D3. For this reason, if the parameters of the upper end, lower end, left end, and right end are set lower than those of other parts, these parts will be difficult to see, but it will have little effect on the visibility of the entire remote operation screen. It is done. According to this modification, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data of the remote operation screen transmitted to the remote operation panel 200 while minimizing a decrease in the visibility of the remote operation screen during the animation operation.

  Note that in this modification, the MFP 100 determines that the amount of parameter change in at least one of the upper end, lower end, left end, and right end of the remote operation screen in the animation non-operation area is the above in the animation non-operation area. The BMP format image of the animation non-operation area may be generated so as to be larger than the parameter change amount of the other part.

  In addition, MFP 100 is configured so that the parameter change amount in a portion relatively distant from the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region is larger than the parameter change amount in a portion relatively close to the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region. Each of a plurality of BMP images including an image during the animation operation may be generated.

  [Second Modification]

  Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described.

  In this modification, each of the remote operation screens including the image during animation operation is changed by changing all the parameters of contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution of the entire animation non-operation area in the original image to the maximum change amount. When the data amount of the remote operation screen is larger than the set upper limit value, the MFP 100 further changes at least a part of the parameters of the animation operation area in the original image, thereby Generate a screen. In the embodiment and the modification described above, when generating a BMP image including a frame image during the animation operation, the parameter of the animation operation area in the original image is not changed. Change the parameters as well.

  Specifically, the MFP 100 changes the parameter so that the data amount of the JPEG image on the remote operation screen is equal to or less than the set upper limit value, and at least a part of the animation non-operation area in the original image. A BMP image is generated by changing the parameters. Even if the MFP 100 changes all the parameters of contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution of the entire animation non-operation area in the original image to the maximum change amount, the data amount of the JPEG image does not become the set upper limit value or less. In this case, the BMP image is generated by further changing at least a part of the parameters of the animation operation area in the original image. Then, the MFP 100 converts the generated BMP image into a JPEG image, and transmits the converted image to the remote operation panel 200.

The set upper limit value is an upper limit value of the data amount of one remote operation screen transmitted from MFP 100 to remote operation panel 200, and is stored in storage unit 170, for example. This upper limit is set by the administrator, manufacturer, or user of MFP 100.
Further, in MFP 100 or remote operation panel 200, the remote operation screen resolution setting (high resolution (high image quality) or low resolution (low image quality)) may be received in advance from the user, and the upper limit value may be set according to the setting. Further, MFP 100 or remote operation panel 200 may calculate the upper limit value based on the update speed of the image constituting the animation and the current communication speed between MFP 100 and remote operation panel 200.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 100 according to the second modification of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 21, in the present modification, the processing subsequent to step S17 in the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is different from that in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in step S17, after converting a BMP image including an image during animation operation into a JPEG image (S17), the CPU 111 measures the data amount of the converted image (S401). Next, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the data amount of the converted image is equal to or less than the set upper limit value (S403).

  If it is determined in step S403 that the measured data amount is equal to or less than the set upper limit value (YES in S403), the CPU 111 transmits the converted image to the remote control panel 200 (S19), and the process in step S7. Proceed to processing.

  If it is determined in step S403 that the measured data amount exceeds the set upper limit value (NO in S403), the CPU 111 determines whether or not the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the BMP image can be changed (generated). In the BMP image, it is determined whether or not all the parameters of contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution of the entire animation non-operation area of the original image have already been changed up to the maximum change amount (S405).

  If it is determined in step S405 that the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the BMP image cannot be changed (YES in S405), the CPU 111 further changes the parameter of the animation operation area of the original image to generate the BMP image. (S407). Subsequently, the CPU 111 converts the generated BMP image into a JPEG image (S409), transmits the converted image to the remote operation panel 200 (S19), and proceeds to the process of step S7.

  If it is determined in step S405 that the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the BMP image is not changeable (NO in S405), the CPU 111 proceeds to the process of step S15, and at least a part of the image of the animation non-operation area in the original image is displayed. A BMP image is generated by changing (decreasing) the parameter by a larger change amount (S15).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing a remote operation screen in progress of pop-up display that is displayed on the remote operation panel 200 by the MFP 100 when the pressing of the function key FK1b is accepted in the second modification example of the present invention. is there.

  Referring to FIG. 22, here, a BMP image is generated by changing all the parameters of contrast, saturation, lightness, and resolution of the entire area where the basic screen D1 in the original image is displayed to the maximum change amount. It is assumed that the data amount when the BMP image is converted into a JPEG image is larger than a set upper limit value. In the remote operation screen shown in FIG. 22, the background (basic screen D1) is completely dark.

  In this case, MFP 100 generates a BMP image by changing the parameter of the entire area where basic screen D1 is displayed up to the maximum change amount and further changing the parameter of the area where screen D4 is displayed in the original image. . Then, MFP 100 displays an image obtained by converting the BMP image into JPEG format on remote operation panel 200.

  If the data amount of the moving image in the animation operation area is large, the data amount of the JPEG image to be transmitted may still be large even if the parameter of the non-animation area in the BMP image is changed to the maximum change amount. It is done. According to the present modification, when the data amount of the JPEG image to be transmitted is large, the parameters of the animation target area in the BMP image are changed, so that the data amount of the JPEG image to be transmitted can be reduced.

  In this modification, instead of comparing the data amount of the JPEG image and the upper limit value as described above, a parameter change amount determination table as described below is used, The amount of change of each parameter in the animation non-operation area may be determined.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing a parameter change amount determination table in the second modification of the present invention. In FIG. 23, the animation motion speed (number of frames / s) or the ratio (%) of the animation motion area to the entire remote operation screen (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as the animation grade). The numerical values shown are indicated by alphabets, and the relationship of A <B <C <D <E <F is established between these alphabets.

  Referring to FIG. 23, this parameter change amount determination table is stored in advance, for example, in storage unit 170 or the like. In the parameter change amount determination table, the change amount of each parameter of the animation non-operation area and the animation operation area when generating a BMP image is set for the animation grade.

  Specifically, when the animation grade is A, B, C, and D, the amount of change in the parameter of the animation non-operation area when generating the BMP image is 25% as the animation grade increases. , 50%, 70%, and 100%. When the animation grades are A, B, C, and D, the parameters in the animation operation area when generating the BMP image are not changed.

  When the animation grade is E or F, the parameter of the animation non-operation area when generating the BMP image is changed to the upper limit value (100%). Further, when generating a BMP image, the parameters of the animation operation area are further changed, and the amount of change increases to 15% and 30% as the animation grade increases. When the animation grade is E or F, when the BMP image is generated by changing the parameters of the entire animation non-operation area in the original image to the maximum change amount, the data of the JPEG image converted from the BMP image This corresponds to a state in which the amount is larger than the set upper limit value.

  When MFP 100 receives information of an operation for operating an animation (such as a flick operation or an operation for popping up a screen), MFP 100 identifies the animation to be operated based on the operation, and calculates the grade of the animation. Then, based on the calculated grade, MFP 100 determines a parameter change amount for each of the animation non-operation area and the animation operation area using the parameter change amount determination table.

  [Others]

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, when generating an image of the remote operation screen, a case where a BMP format image is generated first and then the image is converted into a JPEG format image has been shown. However, the image processing apparatus of the present invention only needs to generate an image in a format that reduces the file size when any one of the image contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution is changed. The file format of the image to be performed is arbitrary. For example, MFP 100 reduces the file size of the remote operation screen by generating the remote operation screen as an image of the first file format and converting the image to a second file format different from the first file format. It may be allowed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where MFP 100 itself is an image processing apparatus that generates a remote operation screen of MFP 100 has been described. However, an image processing apparatus that is separate from MFP 100 (for example, an image connected to MFP 100 via a network). Processing device) may generate an operation screen of MFP 100. In this case, the image processing apparatus may be, for example, a tablet, a PC, or a mobile phone.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where MFP 100 generates a remote operation screen to be displayed on remote operation panel 200 has been described. However, the image processing apparatus may generate a remote operation screen to be displayed on a PC or the like. In this case, the image processing apparatus may generate an updated remote operation screen based on an operation received by the PC through a pointing device such as a mouse.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the animation to which the present invention is applied is a scroll animation or a pop-up animation is shown. However, the animation to which the present invention is applied may be arbitrary, for example, It may be a video.

  The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate. For example, when the first embodiment and the third embodiment are combined to generate a BMP image including an image during the operation of scroll animation based on the original image, it increases with an increase in the ratio occupied by the animation operation area At least a part of the parameters of the animation non-operation area in the original image may be changed with the change amount to be changed.

  The processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or may be performed using a hardware circuit. It is also possible to provide a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment, and record the program on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk, hard disk, ROM, RAM, memory card, etc. You may decide to do it. The program is executed by a computer such as a CPU. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  The above-described embodiment is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

13 Cursor 100 MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)
110 Main controller 111, 211 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
112,212 ROM (Read Only Memory)
113,213 RAM (Random Access Memory)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 Operation screen generation part 121 BMP (bitmap) file generation part 123 File conversion part 130 Print engine 140 Image processing part 150,220 Operation display part 160,230 Data input / output part 170,240 Storage part 190 Operation panel 191 Display part 192 Hardware key 193, 202 Software key 200 Remote operation panel 201 Touch panel 210 Control unit 300 Network BI1-BI4 BMP format image D1 Basic screen D2 Application screen D3, D4 screen FI1-FI3 Frame image FK1, FK1a, FK1b, FK2 Function key IC icon JI1 to JI4 JPEG image KY1 to KY3 Screen switching keys OI1 to OI4 Original RG1 Function key display area RG2 Icon display area

Claims (15)

An image processing apparatus that generates an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including the animation,
An operation screen generating unit configured to generate each of the plurality of operation screens including an image in motion of the animation based on an original image;
The operation screen generating unit, by changing at least some of the parameters of the animation inoperative area in the original, and an image generating means for generating each of said plurality of operation screen as the first file format of the image, Conversion means for reducing the file size of the plurality of operation screens by converting each of the images generated by the image generation means into a second file format different from the first file format. Processing equipment. An image processing apparatus that generates an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including the animation,
Operation screen generating means for generating each of the plurality of operation screens including an image during the operation of the animation based on an original image;
A speed acquisition means for acquiring the motion speed of the animation;
The operation screen generating unit, depending on the operating speed obtained by said speed obtaining means, by changing the change amount of at least part of the parameters of the animation inoperative area in the original image, the plurality of operation screen An image processing device that generates each. An image processing apparatus that generates an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by a screen not including the animation,
Operation screen generating means for generating each of the plurality of operation screens including an image during the operation of the animation based on an original image;
A ratio acquisition means for acquiring a ratio of the animation motion area to the entire operation screen;
The operation screen generating unit changes each of the plurality of operation screens by changing a change amount of at least a part of the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the original image according to the ratio acquired by the ratio acquisition unit. An image processing apparatus that generates The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter includes at least one of contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution.   The operation screen generating means has a change amount of the at least one parameter of at least one of the upper end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end in the animation non-operation area other than the at least any part. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of operation screens is generated so as to be larger than a change amount of the at least one parameter in the portion.   The operation screen generating means is configured such that the change amount in a portion relatively distant from the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region is greater than the change amount in a portion relatively close to the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of operation screens is generated so as to be larger. By changing the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the original image, the data amount of the one operation screen when generating one operation screen among the plurality of operation screens is larger than a set upper limit value. When larger, the operation screen generating means generates the one operation screen by further changing the at least one parameter of at least a part of the animation motion area in the original image. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. A control method of an image processing apparatus for generating an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by the screen not including the animation. ,
An operation screen generating step of generating each of the plurality of operation screens including an image in motion of the animation based on an original image;
In the operation screen generating step, by changing at least some of the parameters of the animation inoperative area in the original, each of said plurality of operation screens to generate a first file format of the image, the generated image A method for controlling an image processing apparatus that reduces a file size of the plurality of operation screens by converting each of the above to a second file format different from the first file format . A control method of an image processing apparatus for generating an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by the screen not including the animation. ,
An operation screen generating step for generating each of the plurality of operation screens including an image during the animation based on an original image;
Obtaining a motion speed of the animation,
In the operation screen generation step, each of the plurality of operation screens is generated by changing a change amount of at least a part of a parameter of the animation non-operation area in the original image according to the acquired operation speed. A method for controlling a processing apparatus. A control method of an image processing apparatus for generating an operation screen of an image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by the screen not including the animation. ,
An operation screen generating step for generating each of the plurality of operation screens including an image during the animation based on an original image;
Obtaining a ratio of the animation motion area to the entire operation screen,
In the operation screen generating step, image processing for generating each of the plurality of operation screens by changing a change amount of at least a part of the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the original image according to the acquired ratio. Device control method. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the parameter includes at least one of contrast, saturation, brightness, and resolution. In the operation screen generation step, the change amount of the at least one parameter in at least one of the upper end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end in the animation non-operation area is other than the at least any part The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of operation screens is generated so as to be larger than a change amount of the at least one parameter in the portion. In the operation screen generation step, the change amount of the portion relatively distant from the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region is greater than the change amount of the portion relatively close to the animation motion region in the animation non-motion region. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of operation screens is generated so that the length of the operation screen is also increased. By changing the parameter of the animation non-operation area in the original image, the data amount of the one operation screen when generating one operation screen among the plurality of operation screens is larger than a set upper limit value. When larger, in the operation screen generation step, the one operation screen is generated by further changing the at least one parameter of at least a part of the animation motion area in the original image. A control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The operation screen of the image forming apparatus including an animation operation area that is an area occupied by a screen including an animation and an animation non-operation area that is an area occupied by the screen not including the animation is generated . A control program for executing the control method for the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images