JPH0830427A - Graphical user interface device and image input system using same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce user's unnecessary operation and lighten the load on an application program etc. CONSTITUTION:A usable condition storage part 1 stores usable conditions of objects. When displaying an object, a decision part 2 compares the state of an electronic computer system corresponding to the usable conditions with the usable conditions to decide whether or not the object is usable. When the decision part 2 decides that the object is not usable, a display of the object is quit or input operation to the object is invalidated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a graphical user interface device for providing an easy-to-use operating environment and an image input system using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the improvement of window system technology in the field of computers, an increasing number of application programs have a graphical user interface that allows various operations to be performed by operating buttons on the window instead of inputting commands.

Conventionally, documents requiring a seal stamp have been handled by a computer, and an authentication system for confirming whether the person is who he / she is by matching a password instead of pushing the stamp on a paper document is also realized. Has been done.

As a first conventional example, an example of this conventional authentication system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
3 is a system configuration diagram of a conventional authentication system. 15
Reference numeral 01 is a graphical user interface, 1502 is an event analysis unit for performing event analysis on an object such as a button, 1503 is an operation instruction unit for instructing an operation to an application program in response to an event, 1504 is an application program, and 1505.
Is a stamping program, and 1506 is an authentication program.

For example, when the display by the graphical user interface 1501 is as shown in FIG. 2, which will be described in detail later, the user presses the button 2 to perform the stamp.
When 1 is clicked with a pointing device such as a mouse, the event of click and the information of the clicked position are transmitted to the event analysis unit 1502. The event analysis unit 1502 learns from the event that the user clicked and the position where the user clicked that the user is trying to perform the stamp, and notifies the operation instruction unit 1503 of the fact. Then, the operation instructing unit 1503 gives an instruction to the application program to activate the stamping program. If the stamping program is not a program that can be used by all users, the authentication program 1506 is activated and the password entered by the user is verified to check whether the user is a user who can perform stamping using the stamping program.

On the other hand, the number of search systems for searching databases from a remote place using a client / server model system for searching databases is increasing.

As a second conventional example, an example of this conventional search system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of a conventional search system.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 1601 is a search server machine for searching a database, and 1602 is a search server machine.
It is a client machine for issuing a search request to the server machine 1601 and displaying and outputting the search result. Generally, the client machine 1602 is a graphical user interface 160 that prompts for user input.
3, search request unit 1605, search result receiving unit 1606
have. Graphical user interface 16
03 includes an event analysis unit 1604, an operation instruction unit 1612 that gives an instruction to start a search process including a search request, and a search result display unit 1607. Further, generally, the server machine 1601 includes a search request receiving unit 1608, a search unit 1609, and a search result sending unit 1610. In FIG. 14, 1611 is a communication line.

Conventionally, even when the database search service is not provided, the client machine 16
On the 02 side, a button for accepting a user's search request, such as a “patent search” button 24 shown in FIG. 2 described in detail later, is displayed. Then, when the user clicks this button, the event is analyzed by the analysis unit 1604, the operation instruction unit 1612 issues an instruction to activate the search program, and the search program is activated on the client machine 1602 side.

As a result, the search request unit 1605 issues a search request to the server machine 1601 via the communication line 1611. The server machine 1601 is the reception unit 1
Although the 608 accepts the search request, if the search service is not provided, the client machine 1
Information that the search service is not provided is returned to 602. As a result, it takes a long time to send and receive information through the communication line 1611, and after waiting a long time after the user clicks the button,
A message indicating that the search service is not provided is displayed on the client machine 1602 as shown in FIG. In this case, you can't get the search service at all,
Since communication is performed with a remote place, communication charges are wasted and user operations are also wasted.

As a third conventional example, a conventional example of a graphical user interface for an original (image) input system will be described. There are various types of reading parameters (contrast, threshold, etc.) used for inputting a document. Even if you change the value of the reading parameter a little, there will be a considerable difference in the read image,
Setting read parameters requires considerable experience.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a display by a conventional graphical user interface for setting a read parameter group (a set or combination of individual read parameters). In FIG. 16, reference numeral 1801 is an object for setting individual read parameters, 1802 is a list displaying names assigned to each read parameter group, and 1803 is a name for inputting a name assigned to the read parameter group to be set. An object for text input, 1804, stores a read parameter group currently set on the window (that is, corresponding to the display by the object 1801) with the name input to the object for text input 1803 and adds it to the list. A “Save” button 1805 is used to reflect the read parameter group saved under the name selected by the user from the list 1802 on the window (that is, display the saved read parameter group on the object 1801). Setting button ", 18 6 is a "Load start" button for instructing the user to read the image by reading parameters set on the window.

In this conventional example, a text input object 180 is added to the read parameter group on the window.
The user gives a name by typing 3
Click the "Save" button in 4 to save. And
Next time you use this image input system,
Judging from the name displayed in 2, the list that seems to be most suitable for the manuscript you are trying to read is List 1
Select from 802 and then click the "Set" button 180
Click 5 to set the parameters on the window.

[0014]

In the above-mentioned first and second conventional examples, a user who cannot perform a predetermined process such as a stamping program or a search program by an electronic computer system, or an electronic computer which can perform a predetermined process. Even in a situation that cannot be performed by, an object such as a button for starting the process is displayed and an input operation can be performed on the object. For this reason, useless input operation by the user, user confirmation by the application executed by the electronic computer system, useless communication, and the like have occurred.

Further, in the third conventional example, as described above, the setting of the reading parameter group in the image input system is performed by judging the reading parameter group named by the word by the name and selecting it. Was there.
For this reason, because the subtle feeling of the manuscript cannot be expressed well in words, when deciding which name to select when selecting the reading parameter group suitable for that manuscript when inputting the next manuscript, However, there is a problem that it is difficult to set the reading parameter group suitable for the manuscript because the meaning of the setting name given to the reading parameter group by another person is unknown.

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a graphical user interface device capable of reducing unnecessary input operations by the user and reducing the load of application programs and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a graphical user interface device and an image input system capable of easily setting a reading parameter group indicating a reading condition when reading an image.

[0018]

In order to solve the above problems, a graphical user interface device according to the first aspect of the present invention displays an object and responds to the object in response to an input operation on the object. In a graphical user interface device that issues an instruction to start a predetermined process in an electronic computer system, a storage unit that stores a usable condition of the object, and the electronic device that corresponds to the usable condition when the object is displayed. The state of the computer system is compared with the availability condition, determining means for determining whether the object is usable, and when the determining means determines that the object is not usable, Display of the object is canceled or the object is And means for disabling the input operation against is obtained by a configuration with a.

A graphical user interface device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the graphical user interface device according to the first aspect, wherein the storage means indicates a user who can use the object as the availability condition. The user information is stored, and the determination unit compares the user identification information for identifying the user who is using the electronic computer system with the user information as the state of the electronic computer system, and the object can be used. It is configured to determine whether or not

A graphical user interface device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the graphical user interface device according to the first aspect, wherein the storage means sets, as the availability condition, a time period during which the object is available. Storing the time zone information shown, the determination means compares the current time as the state of the computer system with the time zone information, and determines whether the object is usable or not. It was done.

A graphical user interface device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the graphical user interface device according to the first aspect, wherein the storage means indicates a user who can use the object as the availability condition. User identification information that stores user information and time zone information indicating a time zone in which the object can be used, and the determination means identifies the user who is using the computer system as the state of the computer system. And the current time are compared with the user information and the time zone information, respectively, and it is determined whether or not the object is usable.

A graphical user interface device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an electronic computer according to the graphical user interface device according to the first aspect, wherein the storage means can use the object as the availability condition. System determination information indicating the system configuration of the system is stored, the determination means compares the information indicating the actual system configuration of the computer system as the state of the electronic computer system with the system configuration information, and This is a configuration for determining whether or not the object is usable.

A graphical user interface device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a graphical user interface device for setting a reading parameter group indicating a reading condition when reading an image, and the graphical user interface device is preliminarily read according to each predetermined reading parameter group. A means for displaying an image as a sample image, a storage means for storing each of the predetermined reading parameter groups, and a selecting means for selecting a sample image suitable for reading by a user from the displayed sample images. Setting means for setting a read parameter group stored in the storage means, which corresponds to the sample image selected by the user, as a read parameter group for newly reading an image,
Is provided with.

A graphical user interface device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the graphical user interface device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the individual read parameters of the read parameter group set by the setting means are changed to perform the setting. The reading parameter group set by the means is reset, and the reading parameter group is reset.

An image input system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention comprises a graphical user interface device according to the sixth and seventh aspects, and a scanner device for reading an image according to the set reading parameter group. It is what

In the image input system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a first storage means for storing a read parameter group indicating a read condition for reading an image and a user stored in the first storage means. Means for changing individual parameters of the read parameter group, a scanner device for reading an image in accordance with the read parameter group stored in the first storage means, and a sample of an image read by the user by the scanner device Means for selecting whether or not to save as an image, second storage means for storing the selected image when saved as a sample image, and the reading parameter used when reading the selected image when saved as a sample image A third storage means for storing the group, and a sample image stored in the second storage means. Means for displaying a di, from among the displayed sample images, and selection means for selecting a sample image that the user meets the read object, corresponding to a sample image selected by the user, the third
And a means for storing the read parameter group stored in the storage means in the first storage means.

[0027]

According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the display of the object of the graphical user interface in the unusable user or the unusable scene, or to invalidate the input operation to the object. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load of application programs and the like and reduce unnecessary operations by the user. Further, it is not necessary to incorporate an authentication function into an application program or the like, or to incorporate a process when it is activated outside the service time.

According to the sixth to ninth aspects of the present invention, the reading parameter group when the sample image is read by selecting the sample image while observing the displayed sample image Since it is possible to select, the reading parameter group suitable for the original to be read can be set much more easily than in the case of the third conventional example described above.

[0029]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a graphical user interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This graphical user interface device includes an availability condition storage unit 1 and a determination unit 2.
A display data generation unit 3, a display data storage unit 4, a display control unit 5, a display unit 6 such as a CRT, an input operation unit 7 such as a pointing device such as a mouse, an event analysis unit 8, and an operation. It is composed of an instruction unit 9.

For convenience of explanation, the graphical user interface device is essentially provided with four buttons 21, 22, 23, as a plurality of objects as shown in FIG.
24 can be displayed, and each button 21, 22, 2
The graphical user interface device will be described in detail below as being capable of generating an operation instruction for initiating a predetermined process corresponding to the button to the computer system in response to an input operation to the buttons 3 and 24. .

The usable condition storage unit 1 stores usable conditions of the buttons 21, 22, 23 and 24. As the availability condition, for example, for each button 21, 22, 23, 24, user information (user name etc.) indicating a user who can use the button, time zone information in which the button can be used, and the button are specified. The storage unit 1 stores system configuration information (one or any combination of a machine name, a memory capacity, an OS type, etc.) indicating a system configuration of a computer system that can be used. The types of usable conditions are the buttons 21,
22, 23, and 24 may be the same or different. For example, the usable condition of the button 21 may be user information only, the usable condition of the button 22 may be time period information and system configuration information, and the usable condition of the button 23 may be user information, time period information and system configuration information. . The types of usable conditions are not limited to the user information, the time zone information, and the system configuration information, and other types of usable conditions may be adopted.

FIG. 4 shows the flow of processing of the judging section 2.
The determination unit 2 displays the buttons 21, 22, 23, 24 (when the graphical user interface device is activated in response to a command from the computer system, that is, in-house system as shown in FIG. 2). Buttons, 22, 22, 23, 2, etc.)
The state of the computer system corresponding to the availability condition of No. 4 is compared with the availability condition of each button 21, 22, 23, 24 to determine whether each button 21, 22, 23, 24 is available. Or (that is, each button 21, 22, 2,
Whether or not the usage conditions for 3 and 24 are met)
To judge.

For example, when the usable condition is user information, the determination unit 2 is using the electronic computer system as the state of the electronic computer system (for example, the above-mentioned condition). User identification information identifying the user who activated the graphical user interface device) is obtained from the computer system. The user identification information is input in advance to the electronic computer system by the user inputting a password or the like in advance. When the usable condition is time zone information, the determination unit 2 correspondingly obtains the present time from the computer system as the state of the computer system. This current time may be obtained from a separate timer.

When the usable condition is system configuration information, the determination unit 2 correspondingly provides information indicating the actual system configuration of the electronic computer system as the state of the electronic computer system. Obtained from the electronic computer system. This information is registered in advance in the computer system or is automatically detected by the computer system. The status of the computer system is
It may be stored in a predetermined memory in advance.

When there are a plurality of types of usable conditions defined for a button, it is determined that the button is usable only when all the usable conditions of the plurality of types are satisfied, and If even one of the plurality of types of usable conditions is not satisfied, it is determined that the button is not usable.

Then, the judging section 2 uses the buttons 21, 2
As a result of determining whether or not 2, 23, and 24 are available, for example, display attributes are set for the respective buttons 21, 22, 23, and 24. There are two possible display attribute values, "display" and "non-display". For buttons that are determined to be usable, "display" is set as the display attribute and it is determined that they are not usable. "Hide" is set as the display attribute for the selected button.

Based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 2, the display data generation unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 displays only the button whose display attribute is "display" and does not display the button whose display attribute is "non-display". Generate display data such as

All the buttons 21, 22,
When it is determined that 23 and 24 are available and the display attributes for all the buttons 21, 22, 23, and 24 are “display”, the display data generation unit 3 displays a display corresponding to the display shown in FIG. Data is generated, this display data is stored in the display data storage unit 4, the display control unit 5 controls the display of the display unit 6 based on this display data, and the display unit 6
The display shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on all buttons 21, 2
2, 23, 24 are displayed. Then, the display data is also supplied from the display data storage unit to the event analysis unit 8 as information indicating the positions of the buttons 21, 22, 23, 24 and the like. When an input operation (for example, clicking with a mouse) is performed on the buttons 21, 22, 23, and 24 by the input operation unit 7, the event analysis unit 8 analyzes the event and operates that there is the event. The operation instructing unit 9 notifies the instructing unit 9 and issues an instruction to cause the electronic computer system to start a predetermined process corresponding to the input-operated button.

In this case, which one of the buttons 21, 2
Input operations can be performed on 2, 23, and 24, and the processing corresponding to any of the buttons 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be started by the computer system. Figure 2
It is a display example of objects by a graphical user interface device of an in-house system in a state where all objects can be used. Button 21 is processing as a stamping system, button 22 is processing as an asset management system, button 23 is processing as a purchasing system, button 2
4 corresponds to processing as a patent search system. Click the button to start each application program.

On the other hand, for example, the determination unit 2 causes the button 2
Buttons 2 and 23 and 24 are determined to be available
When the display attributes for 2, 23, and 24 are “display”, and the determination unit 2 determines that the button 21 is not usable and the display attribute for the button 21 is “non-display”, the display data generation unit 3, display data corresponding to the display shown in FIG. 3 is generated, this display data is stored in the display data storage unit 4, and the display control unit 5 controls the display of the display unit 6 based on this display data, The display shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the section 6, and the buttons 22, 23, 24 are displayed.
Is displayed but the button 21 is not displayed. The display data is stored in the display data storage unit to the event analysis unit 8 as information indicating the positions of the buttons 22, 23 and 24.
Is also supplied. When an input operation (for example, clicking with a mouse) is performed on the buttons 22, 23, 24 by the input operation unit 7, the event analysis unit 8 analyzes the event and notifies the operation instruction unit that there is the event. 9, the operation instruction unit 9 issues an instruction to cause the electronic computer system to start a predetermined process corresponding to the input-operated button. In this case, buttons 22, 23, 24
Input operation is possible for buttons 22, 23,
The processing corresponding to 24 can be started by the electronic computer system, but since the button 21 is not displayed, the input operation for this cannot be performed, and the processing corresponding to the button 21 cannot be started.

For example, regarding the stamping system corresponding to the button 21 in FIG. 2, the user names that can be used are yuko and ri.
e, when the usable condition that the usable time period is from 7 am to 9 pm is stored in the storage unit 1,
The user ryoko activates the graphical user interface device at 3:00 pm, and the computer system obtains information that the user name of the graphical user interface device is ryoko and the activation time is 3:00 pm. The case will be described. At this time, the start time can be cleared because the usable time for 3:00 pm is from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm, but the availability condition for the start user name cannot be cleared (the start user name is ryoko. In contrast, the user names that can be used are yuko and rie). As a result, the display attribute of the button 21 in FIG. 2 is set to “non-display”, the display by the graphical user interface device of the activated in-house system is as shown in FIG. 3, and the button 21 for the stamp system is not displayed. It becomes a display state and cannot be used. Similarly, even if the startup user name is yuko, if the startup time is 6:00 am, the display by the graphical user interface device becomes as shown in FIG.

Note that, in FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the graphical user interface device is shown as if it is a device completely different from the electronic computer system, but in reality, it is a part of the electronic computer system. Can be configured as. Further, the determination unit 2, the display data generation unit 3, the display control unit 5, the event analysis unit 8 and the operation instruction unit 9 in FIG. 1 can be realized by software.
Further, although the button is given as an example of the object, various other objects may be adopted as the object. Furthermore, in the above example, the number of objects (buttons) that can be originally displayed was four, but the number can be any number of 1 or more. Furthermore, in the above example, the processing by the application program is adopted as the predetermined processing corresponding to the object, but the processing is not limited to the processing by the application program.

Further, in the above example, each button 2
The display attributes of 1, 22, 23, and 24 were "display" and "non-display", but the display attributes of any or all of those buttons are "display (active)" and "display (inactive)". You may In this case, “display (active)” is the same as “display” in the above example, and is set for the button when the determination unit 2 determines that the button is available. On the other hand, “display (inactive)” is set for the button when the determination unit 2 determines that the button is not usable. For the button whose display attribute is "display (inactive)", the display data generation unit 3 may display the button in a shaded state (a display state different from the "display (active)" display state, The display data is stored in the display data storage unit 4, and the display control unit 5 controls the display of the display unit 6 based on this display data. , The button is displayed in a shaded state on the display unit 6.

The display data is also supplied from the display data storage section to the event analysis section 8 as information indicating the position of the button, etc., and the event analysis section 8 is operated by the input operation section 7 to "display (inactive)". Even if an input operation is performed on a button set to "", the operation instruction unit 9 does not notify that the event has occurred, and the operation instruction unit 9 performs a predetermined process corresponding to the button on the computer system. No instructions can be generated to start. As described above, the button set as “display (inactive)” is displayed, but the object is shaded and cannot be used.

In this case, the display data generation unit 3, the display data storage unit 4, and the event analysis unit 8 constitute a means for invalidating the input operation for the button. When the determination unit 2 sets the display attribute of the button button to "display (inactive)" instead of "non-display" when the usable condition cannot be cleared,
When activated under the same conditions as in the above-mentioned example, the display by the graphical user interface device is displayed with the button 21 shaded as shown in FIG. If the buttons that cannot be used are not displayed at all, the user cannot know whether or not the buttons were originally there. However, with such a display method, the user will not be able to confirm that their activation condition is You can know that it did not meet the availability conditions.

As in the present embodiment, restrictions such as the user to be used and the time period of use are given to each object of the graphical user interface at the time of start-up, and the usage restriction to the user who cannot use or in the situation where the user cannot use the graphical user interface. By doing so, it is not necessary to confirm the user by the application program started from the graphical user interface, which is conventionally performed, and a simple authentication function can be easily realized. For application programs that require strict security, the user who can use the application program should be checked strictly in the application program as well. In that case as well, the graphical user interface is displayed to prevent the operation by the user who cannot use the application program. You can reduce the number of confirmations or double check.

For an application program whose service time is determined in advance due to maintenance reasons or the like, by adapting the time limitation to the graphical user interface, an attempt is made to start the application program even if it is not running. It is possible to easily remove such useless operations. In particular, when the application program communicates in a remote place, it is possible to avoid unnecessary payment of communication charges.

On the application program side, there is no need to incorporate an authentication function for checking the user or a process for starting after the service time, and the man-hour can be reduced also in the program development. Also,
In the graphical user interface for activating a plurality of application programs as shown in FIG. 2, since the management of the user and the time of use for each application program can be centrally managed, the management becomes easy.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, a file (setting file) is adopted as the available condition storage unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and each file is used as an available condition by the graphical user interface device. Only the user name that can be used for the object is described, and the determination unit 2 reads this file. Then, the determination unit 2 compares the read user name that can use each object with the activation user name that is obtained from the electronic computer system or stored in a predetermined memory to use each object. Whether or not it is determined, and the display attribute is set for each object as the determination result.

The graphical user interface device of the present embodiment is essentially capable of displaying four buttons 21, 22, 23, 24 as a plurality of objects as shown in FIG. 2, and each button 21, 22 is displayed. , 23, 24
FIG. 6 shows an example of the description content of the setting file in the case where an operation instruction for starting a predetermined process corresponding to the button to the electronic computer system can be generated in response to the input operation for. In this file, user names that can be used for the respective buttons 21, 22, 23, 24 are described. However, users with '#' indicate that they cannot be used.

That is, the buttons 21 are yuko, rie, and yoshik.
o, button 22 is yuko and ryoko, button 24 is yuriko and yo
Indicates that only shiko can be used. Button 23
Indicates that it can be used by people other than rie because the rie has a '#' at the beginning.

Since the operation of the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted. However, the usable condition is only the activation user name.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by giving the limitation of the starting user to each object of the graphical user interface by the setting file, not the confirmation of the user by the application program but the limitation of the use of the user who cannot use the application program. By performing the operation on the graphical user interface, it is possible to inform the user whether the service is available before performing the operation. Also, a simple authentication function can be easily realized. This is effective for a document stamping system in a company.

In general, the right to perform a stamp is not given to all users. When only a certain officer has the right, only the user name of the officer is described as the user name that can use the button for the stamping system. In that case, since the button for the stamping system is displayed only when the officer uses it, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized stamping by the user who does not have the right to stamp.

A memory such as a ROM can be used as the usable condition storage unit 1, but in the second embodiment, since a file is used as the usable condition storage unit 1, it can be used. You can easily respond to user changes simply by rewriting the file.

(Embodiment 3) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, a file (setting file) is adopted as the available condition storage unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and each file is used as an available condition by the graphical user interface device. Only the time zone that can be used for the object (the time when the application that is activated by clicking the object (button) for each object can be used) is described, and the determination unit 2 reads this file. Then, the determining unit 2 compares each of the read objects with the time zone in which the objects can be used, and the activation time and the current time obtained from the electronic computer system or stored in a predetermined memory, and the objects are used by each object. Whether or not it is possible is determined, and the display attribute is set for each object as the determination result. The graphical user interface device of the present embodiment essentially has four buttons 21, 22 as a plurality of objects as shown in FIG.
23, 24 can be displayed, and each button 21, 2,
An example of the description content of the setting file in the case where an operation instruction to start a predetermined process corresponding to the button to the computer system can be generated in response to an input operation to 2, 23, 24 It shows in FIG.
The grammar of the description is the same as in FIG. Button 21 has a '#' at the beginning of sat and sun, so it is used from 7:00 (7:00 am) to 13:00 (1:00 pm) on days other than sat (Saturday) and sun (Sunday). Yes, button 22 is 12
From 7:00 (7:00 am) on the 5th, 15th and 25th of the month excluding the month
Until 21:00 (9 pm) and 21:30 (9:30 pm) to 23: 3
It shows that it can be used until 0 (11:30 pm).

Since the operation of the third embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted. However, the available condition is only the time period when it can be used.

In this embodiment, not only when the object is displayed (when the graphical user interface device is started), but also while the object is displayed.
The determination unit 2 compares the current time with the time zone in which each object can be used. In this case, the object that was being displayed when the object was first displayed is hidden when it becomes a time when it cannot be used, and the object that was not displayed initially is displayed when it becomes a time that it can be used. Since the user may be confused when suddenly hidden, it is desirable to warn the user before the time when it is hidden when it is hidden. For example, if the available time period of the application program that is started by clicking an object is 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and the time from the warning to disappearing is 15 minutes, the application program will be displayed at 2:45 pm. Notify the user that the object will be hidden after 15 minutes.

Not only the usable time zone but also the usable machine name, the user name as in the second embodiment, etc. are described together in one setting file, and each object is satisfied for all the described usable conditions. It is also possible to determine whether or not is available.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the limitation of the usable time zone is given to each object by the setting file when the graphical user interface device is started, so that the application program is tried to start even if it is not started. It is possible to easily remove useless operations that would otherwise occur. Also,
Even if there is a change in the usable time of the application program due to maintenance reasons, it can be easily handled by rewriting the file.

(Embodiment 4) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fourth of the present invention
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image input system according to the embodiment.

This image input system comprises a graphical user interface device for setting a reading parameter group indicating a reading condition for reading an image, and an image reading unit for reading an image according to the set reading parameter group. There is.

As shown in FIG. 8, the graphical user interface device includes an input operation section 61 such as a pointing device such as a mouse and an event analysis section 62.
A control unit 63, a sample read parameter group storage unit 64, a read parameter group storage unit 65, a sample image storage unit 66, a display data generation unit 67, a display data storage unit 68, and a display control unit 69. , A display unit 70 such as a CRT, and the like.

The image reading unit includes the control unit 63,
The read control unit 71, the scanner device 72, and the read image storage unit 73 are included.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a display (for example, a window) displayed on the display section 70. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1101 denotes a read parameter group for reading a document (image) (individual read parameters (brightness,
An object for setting individual parameters of a set or combination) of contrast, filters, etc.) 1102 represents each sample image (six types in this example) which is each image previously read in accordance with each predetermined read parameter group. The displayed list 1103 is a scroll bar that scrolls the display when there are many images. Reference numeral 1104 denotes a button for setting a read parameter group (used when the sample image is read) corresponding to the sample image selected by the user as a read parameter group when newly reading an image, 11
Reference numeral 05 is a button for starting the reading of a new image according to the set reading parameter group.

The object 1101 is adapted to display the setting status (setting value etc.) of each read parameter of the currently set read parameter group.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the sample image storage section 66 stores in advance sample images (six types in this example) which are images that have been read in advance according to predetermined read parameter groups. Then, each reading parameter group when each sample image is read is stored in advance in the sample reading parameter group storage unit 64. The read parameter group storage unit 65 stores one read parameter group, and this read parameter group is used as a read parameter group when newly reading an image.

Further, the display data generating section 67 includes a control section 6
Under the control of No. 3, based on each sample image stored in the sample image storage unit 66 and the read parameter group stored in the read parameter group storage unit 65, as shown in FIG.
Display data corresponding to the display shown in is created. This display data is stored in the display data storage unit 68, the display control unit 69 controls the display unit 70 based on the display data, and the display unit 70 displays the display shown in FIG. The display data is also supplied from the display data storage unit 68 to the event analysis unit 62 as information indicating the position of the object and the like.

Since the display data generating section 67 generates the display data based on each sample image stored in the sample image storage section 66, the six types of sample images stored in the sample image storage section 66 are , And 6 types of sample images in FIG. 9, respectively. Further, since the display data generation unit 67 generates the display data based on the read parameter group stored in the read parameter group storage unit 65, each read of the read parameter group stored in the read parameter group storage unit 65 is performed. The value of the parameter is the object 1101
Is displayed by.

Next, the operation of the image input system will be described. First, when the image input system is started, that is, when the window shown in FIG. 9 is started,
As shown in, each sample image is displayed in the list 1102. The user directly selects one of the displayed sample images that suits his or her purpose by using the input operation unit 61 or by operating the object 1103. For example, a user who is trying to read a photo selects from a sample image a photo that has been beautifully read, and a user who is trying to read a document of characters will select one that has beautifully read a character.

Then, the user clicks the "Set" button 1104.
When is clicked on the input operation section 61, these events are analyzed by the event analysis section, and the control section 63 is informed what the sample image selected by the user is. Then, under the control of the control unit 63, the read parameter group corresponding to the sample image selected by the user among the six types of read parameter groups stored in the sample read parameter group storage unit 64 is the read parameter group storage unit 65. (Ie, set as a read parameter group when a new image is read). At the same time, the values of individual parameters of the read parameter group corresponding to the sample image selected by the user are displayed by the object 1101 in FIG.

Then, the user presses the "start reading" button 1
When 105 is clicked on the input operation unit 61, the event is analyzed by the event analysis unit 62, and a read command is given to the read control unit 71 via the control unit 63. In response to the command, the read control unit 71 controls the scanner device 72 so that the scanner device 72 reads the document according to the read parameter group stored (that is, set) in the read parameter group storage unit 65. . As a result, the image read by the scanner device 72 is
The image is read into the read image storage unit 73.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the reading parameter group, which has been difficult to understand in the past, is selected by clicking the sample image instead of the name of the setting, so that the reading parameter group can be intuitively and easily understood. Also, since the image is the same no matter who captures it, you don't have to worry about which setting to choose by naming the subjectivity of others.

In the present embodiment, when an input operation is performed on the object 1101 by the input operation section 61, the event is given to the control section 63 via the event analysis section 62 and read by the read parameter group storage section 65. Each read parameter of the parameter group is changed (that is, reset) to a value or the like according to the input operation under the control of the control unit 63. Therefore, after the read parameter group is once set by selecting the sample image, the read parameter group can be changed and reset by using the object 1101 as needed. By such resetting, it is possible to set the reading parameter group in a more detailed manner. In this way, even if there is no sample image that suits your purpose, you can easily change the reading parameter of a close sample image, so you can reduce the operation to set the value of the parameter that suits your purpose. it can.

However, in the present invention, means for performing such resetting is not always necessary. It should be noted that the above-described respective constituent elements 62, 63, 67, 69, 71 in FIG. 8 can be actually realized by software.

(Fifth Embodiment) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fifth of the present invention
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image input system according to the embodiment.

In addition to achieving the same function as the image input system shown in FIG. 8 described above, this image input system is configured so that the image read by the user can be saved as a sample image. There is.

The image input system shown in FIG. 10 includes an input operation unit 16 such as a pointing device such as a mouse.
1, an event analysis unit 162, a control unit 163, a sample read parameter group storage unit 164, a read parameter group storage unit 165, and a sample image storage unit 166.
A display data generation unit 167 and a display data storage unit 16
8, a display control unit 169, and a display unit 170 such as a CRT.
A read control unit 171, a scanner device 172, a read image storage unit 173, and a storage image storage unit 1
And 74.

An example of a display (for example, a window) displayed on the display unit 170 when setting the read parameter group is exactly the same as that shown in FIG. 9 described above.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the display displayed on the display unit 170 when the reading of the original is completed. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1301 is a “save” button for simply saving the read image as a sample image, and 1302 is a set with the read parameter group used for reading, and the read image is used as a sample image. It is a "save sample" button for saving. Reference numeral 1303 is the read image.

Next, the operation of the image input system shown in FIG. 10 will be described. First, when the image input system is activated, the display shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 170. Then, the components 161 to 173 in FIG.
The read parameter group operates in exactly the same manner as each of the constituent elements 61 to 73 in the read parameter group storage unit 1
The read image is set to 65 and the image read according to the read parameter group is stored in the read image storage unit 173.

Upon completion of this reading, the display data generating unit 167 under the control of the control unit 163, based on the image read in the read image storage unit 173, as shown in FIG.
The display data corresponding to the display as shown in is generated. This display data is stored in the display data storage unit 168,
The display control unit 169 controls the display unit 170 based on the display data, and the display unit 170 displays the display shown in FIG. Further, the display data is stored in the display data storage unit 1 as information indicating the position of the object.
It is also supplied from 68 to the event analysis unit 162. The image read in the read image storage unit 173 corresponds to the image 1303 in FIG.

When the user clicks the "Save" button 1301 on the input operation unit 161, the event is transmitted to the control unit 163 via the event analysis unit 162, and the read image is read under the control of the control unit 163. The image read in the storage unit 173 is stored in the storage image storage unit 174, and the display shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 170, similar to that at the time of startup, and the reading parameter group setting and the new image are displayed. It will be in a state of waiting for reading.

On the other hand, when the user clicks the “save sample” button 1302 instead of the “save” button 1301, the event is transmitted to the control unit 163 via the event analysis unit 162, and under the control of the control unit 163, The image (or part of it) read into the read image storage unit 173 is registered in the sample image storage unit 166. At the same time, the read parameter group stored in the read parameter group storage unit 165, which is the read parameter group used when the image stored in the read image storage unit 173 is read, is changed to the sample read parameter group storage unit. Register in 164. After that, the control unit 16
Under the control of No. 3, the same display as that shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 170 by the same operation as at the time of start-up, and a state of waiting for the setting of the reading parameter group and reading of a new image .

In this case, since the sample image is newly registered, the display shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display section 170. The list 1102 that was in the state shown in FIG. 9 before the registration of the sample image this time is changed to the state shown in FIG. 12, and the image newly stored as the sample image is the list 1102 as the sample image.
Has been added to.

It is obvious that this embodiment can obtain the same advantages as those of the above-mentioned fourth embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the user can freely register the sample image, so that the sample image suitable for the reading purpose of the user can be prepared. Therefore, the reading parameter group can be set more easily than in the fourth embodiment.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce unnecessary input operation by the user and reduce the load of application programs.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily set a reading parameter group indicating a reading condition when reading an image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a graphical user interface device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a display screen diagram showing an example of display by the graphical user interface device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a display screen view showing another example of display by the graphical user interface device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a processing procedure diagram of a determination unit in the graphical user interface device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a display screen diagram showing still another example of the display of the graphical user interface device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a setting file in a graphical user interface device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a setting file in a graphical user interface device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image input system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a display screen view showing an example of display by the image input system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image input system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a display screen diagram showing an example of display by the image input system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a display screen view showing another example of display by the image input system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a conventional authentication system.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a conventional search system.

FIG. 15 is a display screen diagram showing an example of a message window when the service is activated outside the service hours by the conventional search system.

FIG. 16 is a display screen diagram showing an example of display by a conventional image input system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Usable Condition Storage Section 2 Judgment Section 3 Display Data Generation Section 4 Display Data Storage Section 5 Display Data Control Section 6 Display Section 7 Input Operation Section 8 Event Analysis Section 9 Action Instructing Section 61 Input Operation Section 62 Event Analysis Section 63 Control Section 64 sample read parameter group storage unit 65 read parameter group storage unit 66 sample image storage unit 67 display data generation unit 68 display data storage unit 69 display control unit 70 display unit 71 read control unit 72 scanner device 73 read image storage unit 161 input operation Part 162 Event analysis part 163 Control part 164 Sample read parameter group storage part 165 Read parameter group storage part 166 Sample image storage part 167 Display data generation part 168 Display data storage part 169 Display control part 170 Display part 171 Read control part 172 Scanner device 173 Read image storage unit 174 Save image storage unit

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical display location G06T 1/00 (72) Inventor Takayuki Suzuki 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. The use of the object in a graphical user interface device for displaying the object and, in response to an input operation on the object, generating an instruction for causing a computer system to start a predetermined process corresponding to the object. Whether or not the object is usable by comparing the state of the computer system corresponding to the availability condition with the storage means storing the condition and the availability condition when displaying the object And a means for stopping the display of the object or invalidating the input operation for the object when the determination means determines that the object is not usable. A graphical user interface device characterized by: 2. The storage means stores user information indicating a user who can use the object as the usable condition, and the determination means stores the user information indicating the state of the computer system.
2. The graphical representation according to claim 1, wherein user identification information for identifying a user who is using an electronic computer system is compared with the user information to determine whether or not the object is usable. User interface device. 3. The storage means stores time zone information indicating a time zone in which the object can be used as the availability condition, and the determination means stores the current time as the state of the computer system, the time zone information. The graphical user interface device according to claim 1, further comprising: determining whether the object is usable by comparing the object with the graphical user interface. 4. The storage means stores user information indicating a user who can use the object and time zone information indicating a time zone in which the object can be used, as the availability condition, and the determination means is an electronic computer. As the system state, the user identification information for identifying the user who is using the computer system and the current time are compared with the user information and the time zone information, respectively, and whether the object is usable or not is determined. The graphical user interface device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined. 5. The storage means stores, as an available condition, system configuration information indicating a system configuration of an electronic computer system in which an object can be used, and a determination means stores the electronic computer as a state of the electronic computer system. The graphical user interface device according to claim 1, wherein information indicating an actual system configuration of a computer system is compared with the system configuration information to determine whether or not the object is usable. 6. A graphical user interface device for setting a reading parameter group indicating a reading condition when reading an image, a means for displaying each image pre-read in accordance with each predetermined reading parameter group as a sample image, and the predetermined number. Storage means for storing each read parameter group, selection means for selecting a sample image that suits the reading purpose by the user from among the displayed sample images, and the sample image selected by the user, A graphical user interface device comprising: a reading parameter group stored in a storage unit; and a setting unit that sets the reading parameter group as a reading parameter group when newly reading an image. 7. The method further comprising means for changing individual read parameters of the read parameter group set by the setting means and resetting the read parameter group set by the setting means. Item 6. A graphical user interface device according to item 6. 8. An image input system comprising: a scanner device for reading an image according to a set reading parameter group; and a graphical user interface device according to claim 6 or 7. 9. A first storage means for storing a read parameter group indicating a read condition when an image is read, and a user changes individual parameters of the read parameter group stored in the first storage means. Means, a scanner device for reading an image according to a read parameter group stored in the first storage device, and a device for selecting whether or not the user saves the image read by the scanner device as a sample image. A second image storing the selected image when saved as a sample image
Storage means, third storage means for storing the read parameter group used when reading the selected image to be saved as a sample image, and means for displaying the sample image stored in the second storage means. A selection means for the user to select a sample image suitable for the reading purpose from the displayed sample images, and the sample image selected by the user.
An image system comprising: a means for storing the read parameter group stored in the third storage means in the first storage means.