JP2004072563A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes: a main body and a screen displayed on an external terminal connected to the image forming apparatus; Plan.
For a user connected to a multifunction peripheral, a past job list managed by a past job management unit is searched to determine whether there is a past job list. If there is no past job list for the user, error processing is performed. If there is a past job list for the user, the operation mode that is frequently used by the user is considered to be desired by the user, and the operation mode is determined by the determination unit 8. judge. Based on the result of the judgment by the judging means 8, a screen relating to an operation mode which is frequently used for the user is configured to be displayed, thereby improving operability.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of switching a display screen according to an operation mode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When using a multifunctional image forming apparatus that integrates image forming apparatuses such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile apparatus, and a scanner, the user connects to the image forming apparatus from his / her own external terminal, and connects the image forming apparatus. Performing operations has become commonplace.
[0003]
In such a usage form of the image forming apparatus, for example, there is a Web (world wide web) page (top page) for an external terminal set in advance in the image forming apparatus main body, and each external terminal uses a Web browser. By connecting to the image forming apparatus, a top page for the external terminal is displayed, and by switching from the top page displayed on the external terminal to a Web page (operation screen) corresponding to each operation mode of the image forming apparatus, The operation of the image forming apparatus has been performed.
[0004]
Alternatively, the screen that was displayed when the power was turned off is stored in the screen of the image forming apparatus or the like, and the screen that was displayed when the power was turned off is displayed next time power is supplied. Thus, the operation of the image forming apparatus was performed.
[0005]
Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-306204 discloses an apparatus for improving the operability by registering the layout of operation buttons and the like for each user in a setting sharing file. The publication also discloses an apparatus for changing a button layout according to the frequency of use of the buttons.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even when the top page is set in advance, or when the screen displayed when the power is turned off is stored, the same screen is displayed for all users. In some cases, an unintended screen may be displayed, and a complicated operation is required to open a screen desired by the user.
[0007]
Further, in the invention described in the above publication, the setting shared file needs to be set in advance by the user, and when the frequency of button operation and the frequency of function use are different, the desired screen is displayed first. There was a disadvantage that it was not done.
[0008]
For example, when a user frequently receives a facsimile document, the user simply receives the facsimile document automatically at an external terminal, and rarely performs a button operation. Therefore, even if the frequency of use of the receiving function increases, the frequency of button operation may not increase very much.
[0009]
In other words, in the case of the above-mentioned publication, the screen is reflected not on the screen of the facsimile mode, which is the screen expected to be desired by the user, but on the screen of another operation mode (for example, the scanner mode) in which the button is operated. However, there is a problem that a screen (facsimile screen in this example) expected to be desired cannot be displayed first.
[0010]
That is, since the device lacks a means for automatically determining the information of the currently connected user, it is not possible to cope with the current work state, and further improvement in operability is desired in this regard. Had been rare.
[0011]
Further, in the above-mentioned publication, setting work of a setting shared file has to be performed, and thus it has been desired to reduce labor of setting work of a setting shared file.
[0012]
Therefore, the present invention determines the screen desired by the user and automatically displays the screen considered to be desired by the user without setting the setting shared file and requiring only minimal settings such as user identification. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that performs the following.
[0013]
In addition, by performing a determination corresponding to information such as a user who is an administrator or a user who is connecting to the image forming apparatus for the first time, and a job that is waiting to be executed, an appropriate screen is displayed in accordance with the current usage status. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can automatically display an image.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a determination unit for determining an operation mode based on user information, and displaying a screen corresponding to the operation mode determined by the determination unit.
[0015]
According to the above configuration, the determination means makes a determination based on the user information, thereby determining an operation mode (for example, each function of the multifunction peripheral such as a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, etc.) expected to be desired by the user, A screen corresponding to the determined operation mode can be displayed on a display unit attached to the image forming apparatus main body.
[0016]
Further, by displaying a screen corresponding to the operation mode, it is possible to perform an operation corresponding to the operation mode from the screen as necessary.
[0017]
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the user to perform the switching operation to the desired screen, and as a result, it is possible to improve the operability.
[0018]
The above-mentioned user information is identified and managed for each user, and is information obtained by using the image forming apparatus or information obtained by setting registration.
[0019]
Further, the present invention includes a determination unit that determines an operation mode based on user information, and displays a screen of an external terminal connected to the main body in accordance with the operation mode determined by the determination unit. Image forming apparatus.
[0020]
According to the above configuration, the determination unit makes a determination based on the user information, so that a user connected to the image forming apparatus from an external terminal (for example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a mobile phone, or the like) is determined as desired. Then, the predicted operation mode is determined, and a screen corresponding to the determined operation mode can be displayed on the display unit of the external device connected to the image forming apparatus main body.
[0021]
Further, by displaying a screen corresponding to the operation mode, it is possible to perform an operation corresponding to the operation mode from the screen as necessary.
[0022]
Therefore, even when the user operates the image forming apparatus from the external terminal, the trouble of switching the screen to the desired screen by the user can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.
[0023]
Further, the present invention includes a determination unit that determines an operation mode based on user information, and can execute a function related to the operation mode in response to the operation mode determined by the determination unit. Image forming apparatus.
[0024]
According to the above configuration, the determination unit makes a determination based on the user information, thereby determining the operation mode expected to be desired by the user, and also changing the mode of the image forming apparatus to the operation mode (already set). When the operation mode is set, there is no need to change the operation mode), and an operation corresponding to the operation can be performed.
[0025]
Therefore, when the screen corresponding to the operation mode is displayed and the operation corresponding to the operation mode is performed from the screen, the image forming apparatus can quickly perform the desired operation, and the user can easily perform the operation. Environment can be realized.
[0026]
Further, the present invention is the image forming apparatus, wherein the user information is obtained based on a user job processed in a predetermined period.
[0027]
According to the above configuration, the screen expected to be desired by the user can be determined from the frequency of use of the user job for each operation mode (printer, scanner, facsimile, etc.) by making minimum settings such as user registration. can do.
[0028]
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the sharing setting for displaying the screen expected to be desired by the user, and to improve the operability.
[0029]
In addition, although the operation mode itself is often used, the operation mode that is often operated with default settings (for example, the printer mode and the facsimile mode) does not change the display screen according to the operation frequency, but the operation mode. Judgment is made based on the frequency of use (based on user jobs), and the display screen is changed.
[0030]
Therefore, since the user can accurately determine the target screen and change the screen, operability can be improved.
[0031]
Further, the present invention is the image forming apparatus, wherein the user information is obtained based on a user job which is in an execution waiting state.
[0032]
According to the above configuration, the operation mode relating to the user job in the execution waiting state is considered to be the operation mode in which the user wants to know the situation, so that the operability is improved by displaying the screen relating to the operation mode. Can be done.
[0033]
For example, when a user executes a job, it is possible to check the processing status of the job or check an error of the apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to respond according to the work state of the user, so that operability can be improved.
[0034]
Further, the present invention is the image forming apparatus, wherein the user information is used to determine whether the user is a special user.
[0035]
According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the user is a special user, such as when the user is an administrator of the image forming apparatus or when the user connects to the image forming apparatus for the first time. Since a corresponding screen can be displayed, operability can be improved.
[0036]
The special user may include a maintenance worker who performs maintenance, in addition to a case where the user is an administrator or a case where the user connects to the image forming apparatus for the first time.
[0037]
That is, the special user includes a user who needs to display a screen that is not displayed simply by using each operation mode of the image forming apparatus and a screen that is not suitable for display.
[0038]
For example, a screen for a special user such as a screen for an administrator or a maintenance screen is unnecessary for a normal user, so if the screen for the special user is displayed, the normal user is It is necessary to switch the screen, and the operation becomes cumbersome.
[0039]
Therefore, for a screen that is not required by a normal user, operability can be improved by performing processing different from the normal screen (the processing content will be described later). Inappropriate screens are distinguished from users who need them as special users, improving operability.
[0040]
Further, the present invention is the image forming apparatus, wherein the user information is identified for each user group and used for the determination.
[0041]
According to the above configuration, the user group, which is a group of users who use the image forming apparatus in a certain usage, can be identified and managed not only for each user but also for each user group. Can be reflected in the determination of screen change, so that operability can be improved.
[0042]
For example, if the operation mode used for each group differs depending on the department in the workplace, etc., instead of changing the screen based on personal information, it is based on information on each user group (in this example, on each department). If you change the screen, you can better reflect the actual situation.
[0043]
Therefore, a screen predicted to be desired as a user group can be accurately determined, and a display screen can be changed, so that operability can be improved.
[0044]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a so-called multifunction device is employed as the image forming device. However, the image forming device is not limited to the multifunction device, but may be a single image forming device (for example, a copying machine). Or an information processing device or the like.
[0046]
Further, instead of the image forming apparatus, an image forming system to which an external terminal having a display unit is connected may be used.
[0047]
(Basic configuration of the present invention)
As a basic configuration of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an MFP 1 includes an operation unit 2, a communication unit 3 that can be connected to an external terminal, a scanner unit 4, a printer unit 5, and a facsimile unit 6 ( FAX unit 6), CPU (central processing unit) 7 including determination means 8, and image memory 9.
[0048]
Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which a plurality of external terminals 13 to 15 (PC-A to C) are connected to one multifunction device 1, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this.
[0049]
That is, external terminals such as PC-A and PC-B may be connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The number of external terminals such as PC-A and PC-B can be arbitrarily changed. Naturally, a configuration in which one external terminal is connected to one image forming apparatus may be employed.
[0050]
Since the number of image forming apparatuses and external terminals can be changed in this way, it is possible to flexibly cope with the number of image forming apparatuses and external terminals owned by the user and the functions to be used.
[0051]
The operation unit 2 is provided in the multifunction peripheral 1 so that a user can control the operation of the multifunction peripheral 1 and includes, for example, a touch panel, a numeric keypad, and the like. Note that the operation unit 2 may also have a function as a display screen that displays a work state in the multifunction peripheral 1.
[0052]
That is, by having the function as the display screen, the work state can be confirmed not only from the external terminal but also from the image forming apparatus main body, and the operability is improved.
[0053]
The communication unit 3 is for making the MFP 1 communicate with the external terminals PC-A, PC-B, and PC-C (symbols 13 to 15) via the network 16.
[0054]
The scanner unit 4 realizes a scanner mode of the multifunction peripheral 1, reads an image on an input document using a charge-coupled device (CCD) or the like, and generates image data of the input document.
[0055]
The printer unit 5 realizes a printer mode of the multifunction peripheral 1 and prints image information on a recording medium such as paper. The printer unit 5 can use various systems such as an electrophotographic system, a thermal system, and an inkjet system.
[0056]
The facsimile unit 6 realizes the facsimile mode of the multifunction device 1, and is connected to a public telephone line (telephone line 17) in the example of FIG. The FAX unit 6 can transmit and receive a facsimile document via the telephone line 17 or the like.
[0057]
The CPU 7 serves as a control unit that controls various operations in the multifunction peripheral 1. Further, time management corresponding to the operation may be included by a clock unit or the like. That is, by including time management, consistency between various operations can be ensured, and the MFP 1 can be stably operated.
[0058]
The CPU 7 inputs, for example, image information read by the scanner unit 4 to the image memory 9 and acquires input information from the external terminals PC-A to PC-C (reference numerals 13 to 15) via the communication unit 3, Based on the input information, the control of the printer unit 5, the FAX unit 6, the past job management unit 10, which will be described later, and the like is performed. The details of the input information and the past job management unit 10 will be described later.
[0059]
The determination unit 8 is included in the CPU 7 and determines user usage information based on information from the past job management unit 10, job management unit 11, user list management unit 12, and the like, which will be described later.
[0060]
Then, the CPU 7 controls the display screen of the operation unit 2 based on the determination by the determination unit 8. In addition, a screen is displayed on the external terminals 13 to 15 via the communication unit 3.
[0061]
The image memory 9 stores image information read by the scanner unit 4, image information sent from the external terminals 13 to 15, and image information sent via the FAX unit 6.
[0062]
Note that the image memory 9 may be provided in the main body of the multifunction peripheral 1 or may be provided outside the multifunction peripheral 1. When the image memory 9 is provided outside, it is easy to carry image information, and it is easy to add a memory.
[0063]
Next, data exchange according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and FIG. 12 are continuous with each other, where (1) in FIG. 11 and (1) in FIG. 12 indicate the same location, and (2) in FIG. 11 and (2) in FIG. 12 indicate the same location. In FIG. 11, (3) in FIG. 11 and (3) in FIG. 12 indicate the same part.
[0064]
In the following description, a specific one of a plurality of terminals connected to the MFP 1 will be described as a “host PC”.
[0065]
First, in the host PC, an operation screen for operating the multifunction device 1 is started (S1). Next, the host PC transmits a connection request signal to the multifunction device 1 so as to connect the host PC to the multifunction device 1 (S2).
[0066]
Thereby, the multifunction device 1 receives the connection request signal from the host PC (S3), and if connection is possible, returns a signal indicating that connection is possible to the host PC (S4).
[0067]
The host PC determines the response status of the signal in S4 (S5), and if it determines that there is no response, processes it as a connection error (S6). On the other hand, if it is determined in S5 that there is a response, the host PC transmits the user ID to the multifunction device 1 (S7).
[0068]
Here, the user ID is information for identifying a user using the host PC. Further, a machine ID, which is information for identifying the host PC itself, may be transmitted instead of the user ID, and may be used as user identification information. Further, a user group may be used instead of the user.
[0069]
By using the machine ID instead of the user ID, the trouble of inputting the user ID can be saved, and the operability can be improved.
[0070]
Further, when a dedicated external terminal for executing a specific operation mode (for example, a dedicated scanner mode terminal) is included in the plurality of external terminals, a plurality of users may use the terminal. In this case, since the dedicated operation mode of the terminal should be emphasized rather than the usage status of each user, operability can be improved by identifying each terminal.
[0071]
Therefore, by using a machine ID instead of a user ID, it may be possible to identify each terminal and improve operability.
[0072]
Further, when there is a tendency for the operation mode to be used for each user group, the above tendency can be dealt with by performing the identification by the user group rather than the identification for each user, thereby improving operability. be able to.
[0073]
The multifunction device 1 receives the user (machine) ID transmitted in S7 as user identification information (S8).
[0074]
The multifunction device 1 changes the configuration of the display screen based on the user identification information received in S8 (S9). Of course, if there is no need to change, the screen configuration that has not been changed may be used. The processing in S9 will be described later.
[0075]
Subsequently, the multifunction peripheral 1 transmits data on the display screen configured by the processing in S9 to the host PC (S10).
[0076]
Thereafter, the host PC receives the data on the configuration of the display screen transmitted from the multifunction device 1 (S11), and displays the screen based on the received data (S12). A display example of the screen in S12 will be described later.
[0077]
When the screen is displayed in S12, by automatically displaying the screen, the user's labor can be reduced.
[0078]
In addition, in conjunction with displaying the screen in S12, the image forming apparatus can also execute the operation mode related to the screen displayed in S9, and can perform an operation corresponding to the operation.
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
[0079]
(First embodiment of the present invention)
The present embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 2, and a past job management unit 10 is added to the basic configuration shown in FIG. The same components as those in the basic configuration shown in FIG. The same applies to the following embodiments.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, a user job (past job) processed during a predetermined period is used as user information. However, other user information may be used. It is not limited.
[0081]
The past job management unit 10 manages jobs performed in the past in the MFP 1, and FIG. 7 shows an example of information (past job list) managed by the past job management unit 10.
[0082]
In the example of FIG. 7A, rows denoted by reference numerals 101 to 104 indicate operation modes of the multifunction peripheral 1, and a column denoted by reference numeral 105 indicates the number of times each operation mode has been used in the past five days. ing. That is, as an example, reference numeral 106 indicates that the scanner mode has been used 48 times in the past five days.
[0083]
In the example of FIG. 7B, rows denoted by reference numerals 107 to 110 indicate users who use the multifunction peripheral 1, and columns denoted by reference numerals 111 to 114 indicate use of each operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 1. Shows the number of times. That is, as an example, reference numeral 115 indicates that the user, YAMADA, used the printer mode 10 times, the scanner mode 1 time, the FAX mode 3 times, and the copy mode 20 times in the past 5 days. Is shown.
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the past job management unit 10 sets the operation modes (here, the scanner mode, the printer mode, the copy mode, and the FAX mode) that can be executed by the image forming apparatus to a predetermined period (a predetermined period) in the past. For example, five days), how many times it was used is managed.
[0085]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 7B, the past job management unit 10 may manage which operation mode has been used and how many times for each user who uses the image forming apparatus.
[0086]
That is, by performing the management shown in FIG. 7B, it is possible to cope with a case where a plurality of users use the multifunction peripheral 1, and as an example of the user information, it is possible to know the use frequency of each operation mode for each user. it can.
[0087]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display screen predicted to be desired by the user can be determined by the determination unit 8 from the past job list managed by the past job management unit 10.
[0088]
That is, when the user operates the multifunction peripheral 1, it can be considered that there is a high probability that the user desires the most frequently used job. By performing the search and displaying the screen of the operation mode relating to the job that is used most frequently, the trouble of switching the screen can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.
[0089]
For example, in the case of Mr. YAMADA with reference numeral 115, since the copy mode has been used 20 times the most in the past 5 days, since YAMADA has a high probability of desiring the copy mode, the screen related to the copy mode is displayed. By doing so, the trouble of switching to the screen related to the copy mode can be saved, and operability can be improved.
[0090]
Next, the display screen configuration processing in S9 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The process of changing the configuration of the display screen is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8.
[0091]
First, the CPU 7 searches a past job list managed by the past job management unit 10 (S101), and determines whether or not there is a past job list related to the user connected to the MFP 1 (S102).
[0092]
If there is no past job list related to the user based on the determination result of the past job list in S102, error processing is performed (S103).
[0093]
The error processing here is processing for prompting the user to perform the operation again, processing for displaying a help screen, and the like.
[0094]
Also, if there is a past job list for the user based on the result of the determination of the past job list in S102, it is considered that the user desires an operation mode frequently used for the user, and the operation mode is determined. The determination is made by the means 8 (S104).
[0095]
Based on the result of the determination by the determination means 8, a screen related to the frequently used operation mode is displayed for the currently connected user (S105).
[0096]
When displaying a screen of a function related to the frequently used operation mode in S105, the function related to the above operation mode is enabled for the MFP 1 as necessary.
[0097]
For example, when the determination unit 8 determines that the currently connected user has used the most printer jobs of the multifunction peripheral 1 in the past, a screen related to the printer mode is configured. Also, in the multifunction device 1, the printer is made executable so that it can respond to user operations.
[0098]
Thereby, the trouble of switching the screen can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.
[0099]
Here, the phrase "make the function relating to the operation mode executable" means, for example, in terms of a printer, not only enabling the printer printing but also preparing the printer for warm-up and initial alignment adjustment. It also includes enabling the processing of stages.
[0100]
Further, the above-described process of enabling the function related to the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the change of the display screen may be performed not only in the present embodiment but also in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the description is omitted.
(Second embodiment of the present invention)
The present embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 3, and a job management unit 11 is added to the basic configuration shown in FIG.
[0101]
The job management unit 11 manages jobs that are waiting to be executed in the multifunction peripheral 1. For example, the job type (copy, printer, facsimile, etc.) is changed to the job name or the name of the user who designates the job. They are managed in association with each other.
[0102]
FIG. 8 shows an example of information managed by the job management unit 11. Rows indicated by reference numerals 116 to 120 indicate jobs that are waiting to be executed, and ID numbers are assigned by columns indicated by reference numeral 121. The columns denoted by reference numerals 122 to 124 indicate items characterizing the job.
[0103]
That is, as an example, reference numeral 125 indicates that Mr. YAMADA intends to execute double-sided copying.
[0104]
In this way, as shown in FIG. 8, the job management unit 11 executes the processing while executing the jobs related to the operation modes (here, copy, printer, facsimile, and scanner) that can be executed by the image forming apparatus. Manages jobs that have not been completed and are waiting to be executed.
[0105]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display screen predicted to be desired by the user can be determined by the determination unit 8 from the information managed by the job management unit 11.
[0106]
That is, when the user executes a certain job and the processing of the job is not completed, it is considered that there is a high probability that the user desires information on the job (a job waiting to be executed).
[0107]
Therefore, by displaying the screen of the operation mode related to the job in the execution waiting state, the trouble of switching the screen can be omitted, and the operability can be improved.
[0108]
For example, in the case of Mr. YAMADA at reference numeral 125, since a duplex copy job is being executed, YAMADA is interested in whether the copy has been completed or whether the copy has been error-processed. Therefore, by displaying the screen related to the copy mode, the trouble of switching to the screen related to the copy mode can be saved, and the operability can be improved.
[0109]
Next, the process of configuring the display screen in S9 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The process of changing the configuration of the display screen is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8.
[0110]
First, the CPU 7 searches a job list waiting for execution managed by the job management unit 11 (S106). Thereafter, the CPU 7 determines whether there is job data relating to the connected user (S107).
[0111]
If there is no job data relating to the connected user, error processing such as processing for prompting the user to perform the operation again and processing for displaying the help screen is performed (S108).
[0112]
If there is job data related to the user, the CPU 7 is configured to display an operation mode screen related to the job of the user (S109).
[0113]
For example, if there is job data in the scanner mode as job data relating to the connected user, a job list screen in the scanner mode is configured.
[0114]
When there are a plurality of jobs (currently processing jobs, printers, scanners, and faxes) by the same user, a screen of a currently processing job list is formed. A mode job list screen may be configured.
[0115]
For example, by constructing and displaying a screen for a job list that is currently being processed, it is possible to check the progress of processing and the like for a job that the user is trying to process.
[0116]
On the other hand, by constructing and displaying the job list of the operation mode relating to the job with the newest date, for example, if the operation mode executed last is the scanner mode, it is determined that the user desires the information relating to the scanner mode. Considering that the job list related to the scanner mode is displayed, it is possible to cope with the situation, so that the operability can be improved.
(Third embodiment of the present invention)
The present embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 4, and a user list management unit 12 is added to the basic configuration shown in FIG.
[0117]
The user list management unit 12 manages identification information of a user who uses the multifunction peripheral 1, and manages, for example, a user name and an IP address in association with each other.
[0118]
In addition, the user list management unit 12 also realizes a user authentication function by ID card authentication, fingerprint authentication, or the like.
[0119]
FIG. 9 shows an example of information (user management list) managed by the user list management unit 12. Rows indicated by reference numerals 126 to 129 indicate users connected to the multifunction device 1, and columns indicated by reference numerals 130 to 132 indicate various items included in the user information.
[0120]
That is, as an example, reference numeral 133 indicates that the IP address of Mr. YAMADA is “192.168.10.2”, indicating that Mr. YAMADA is the administrator of the MFP 1. .
[0121]
Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, the user list management unit 12 stores information for identifying each user (here, the IP address) and whether the user is a special user such as an administrator. Manage information on whether or not.
[0122]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display screen expected to be desired by the user can be determined by the determination unit 8 from the user identification information (user management list) managed by the user list management unit 12.
[0123]
In other words, when the user needs a screen for a special purpose, not a screen related to a normal operation mode realized by a multifunction peripheral such as a printer mode or a scanner mode, by displaying the screen for the special purpose, The trouble of switching screens can be saved, and operability can be improved.
[0124]
For example, in the case of Mr. YAMADA at reference numeral 133, since Mr. YAMADA is the manager, it is considered that the manager's screen is desired, and the screen for the manager is displayed by switching the screen for the manager. Can be saved, and operability can be improved.
[0125]
Next, the display screen configuration processing in S9 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The process of changing the configuration of the display screen is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8.
[0126]
First, the CPU 7 searches the user connected to the MFP 1 for a user management list managed by the user list management unit 12 (S110).
[0127]
Thereafter, based on the search result in S110, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the user is an administrator of the image forming apparatus (S111).
[0128]
If it is determined in S111 that the user is an administrator, the CPU 7 is configured to display an administrator screen (S112). The screen for the administrator will be described later.
[0129]
On the other hand, if it is determined in S111 that the user is not an administrator, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the user is a user who has connected to the multifunction device 1 for the first time based on the user management list (S113).
[0130]
If it is determined in S113 that the user is the first user to connect to the multifunction device 1, the CPU 7 is configured to first display a help screen explaining how to use the multifunction device 1 (S114). ). The help screen will be described later.
[0131]
In this way, the processing when the user is a special user such as an administrator is performed a plurality of times (in the case of FIG. 15, the processing of the administrator and the processing of the user connecting for the first time are performed twice). It can be repeated, and the number of times can be arbitrarily determined. Of course, it may be once.
[0132]
In the case where the user is the first user to connect to the MFP 1, in the first embodiment, it is determined that there is no connection history from the past job list managed by the past job management unit 10 and processing is performed. It may be.
(Fourth embodiment of the present invention)
This embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 5, and a past job management unit 10, a job management unit 11, and a user list management unit 12 are added to the basic configuration shown in FIG.
[0133]
The present embodiment is a combination of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, and is configured to be easy to use for the user. Another combination such as the first and third embodiments and the second and third embodiments may be used.
[0134]
The configuration processing of the display screen in S9 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0135]
16 and 17 are continuous with each other, where (4) in FIG. 16 and (4) in FIG. 17 indicate the same location, and (5) in FIG. 16 and (5) in FIG. 17 indicate the same location. ing. The process of changing the configuration of the display screen is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8.
[0136]
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, first, the CPU 7 searches a job list in an execution waiting state managed by the job management unit 11 (S115), and determines whether there is job data relating to the connected user. Is determined (S116).
[0137]
If there is job data relating to the user, the CPU 7 is configured to first display an operation mode screen relating to the job of the user (S117).
[0138]
If there is no job data for the user in S116, the CPU 7 searches for a user management list managed by the user list management unit 12 (S118).
[0139]
Thereafter, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the user is an administrator of the image forming apparatus based on the search result in S118 (S119).
[0140]
When it is determined in S119 that the user is an administrator, the CPU 7 is configured to first display an administrator screen (S120).
[0141]
On the other hand, if it is determined in S119 that the user is not an administrator, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the user is a user who has connected to the multifunction device 1 for the first time based on the user management list (S121).
[0142]
In S121, when it is determined that the user is the first user to connect to the MFP 1. The CPU 7 is configured to first display a help screen explaining how to use the multifunction device 1 (S122).
[0143]
On the other hand, if it is determined in S121 that the user is not the first user to connect to the MFP 1, the CPU 7 searches the past job list managed by the past job management unit 10 (S123).
[0144]
Thereafter, based on the search result in S123, the operation mode that is frequently used for the user is considered to be intended by the user, and the display screen related to the operation mode is determined by the determination unit 8 (S124).
[0145]
Based on the result of the determination by the determining means 8, a screen relating to the operation mode frequently used for the user is configured to be displayed (S125). For example, if the determination unit 8 determines that the user has used the most printer jobs of the multifunction peripheral 1 in the past, a screen related to the printer mode is configured.
[0146]
As described above, in the present embodiment, by combining the first, second, and third embodiments, the configuration of the first, second, and third embodiments is reduced in a series of processes. The processing corresponding to each can be performed, and the processing corresponding to each can be performed without contradiction.
[0147]
Therefore, for example, even when a user who desires the first embodiment and a user who desires the second embodiment coexist, the user can display a desired screen in a normal operation without having to be conscious of the embodiment. Operability can be improved.
(Fifth embodiment of the present invention)
This embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 6, and a user list management unit 12 is added to the embodiment shown in FIG.
[0148]
Note that the present embodiment shows a case where a user group is applied instead of a user with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but an embodiment where a user group is applied is limited to this case. However, other embodiments may be used.
[0149]
The data management in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, user identification performed by the user list management unit 12 is performed not for each user but for each user group, and the information identified as a result is managed by the past job management unit 10.
[0150]
FIG. 10A shows an example of information for each user group managed by the past job management unit 10. Rows denoted by reference numerals 134 to 136 indicate user groups (departments in this example), and columns denoted by reference numerals 137 to 140 use respective operation modes of the multifunction peripheral 1 for a predetermined period (for example, the past five days). It shows the number of times that it has been performed.
[0151]
FIG. 10B shows the usage status of the multifunction peripheral 1 for each user belonging to the technical department shown in FIG. In FIG. 10B, rows indicated by reference numerals 141 to 144 indicate users belonging to the technical department, and columns indicated by reference numerals 145 to 148 indicate the number of times of use of each operation mode of the MFP 1.
[0152]
That is, the total number of times of use of each user in FIG. 10B is the same as the number of times of use of the technical unit in FIG.
[0153]
Note that the information shown in FIG. 10B is managed by the past job management unit 10, but need not be managed if there is only management for each user group.
[0154]
In the example of FIG. 10A, the MFP 1 is used for each department in a usage method having a certain tendency. That is, the general affairs department tends to use copies frequently, the accounting department tends to use printers frequently, and the engineering department tends to use scanners.
[0155]
Looking at the usage status of the engineering department shown in FIG. 10B, HAYASHHI, SATO, and KIMURA use the scanner most frequently, and by displaying the screen of the scanner, the user group Therefore, in this example, it is desirable to display a screen relating to the scanner mode.
[0156]
That is, the display screen of the user group is determined based on the management tendency (in this case, the use of a scanner) of each user group (in this case, the technical department) in FIG. Thus, a display that is easy to use can be realized.
[0157]
More strictly, as in the case of SUZUKI shown in FIG. 10 (b), while the user group uses the scanner most, SUZUKI uses the user group like the copy user. It is also conceivable that the desired screen differs between the user and the user.
[0158]
However, if the usage of each user group tends to be strong, SUZUKI will use the scanner more and more. Therefore, the screen is not determined for each user but for each user group. By doing so, operability can be improved in some cases.
[0159]
(Example of display screen on external terminal)
Next, a display screen on an external terminal (13 to 15) connected to the multifunction peripheral 1 will be described. Note that the description of the display screen, which will be described later, may be a description of a screen on a display unit attached to the image forming apparatus main body. Accordingly, the following operations and confirmation can be performed on any screen of the external terminal and the image forming apparatus main body, and the operability can be improved.
[0160]
FIG. 18 shows an example of a display screen relating to the printer mode. The display screen illustrated in FIG. 18 is divided into two frames denoted by reference numerals 201 and 202. In the frame 201, buttons 203 to 210 for manually switching the display screen in operation mode units are displayed.
[0161]
In the frame 202, a display unit 214 for operating and confirming each operation mode is displayed, and a title 213 indicating a type of the operation mode displayed on the display unit 214 is displayed.
[0162]
The display unit 214 can be switched by the tags 211 and 212 according to the type of display content required (for example, function setting, a job being processed, and the like).
[0163]
As specific printer settings, the number of prints can be entered in the text box 215, and the items indicated by reference numerals 216 to 219 can be set by radio buttons.
[0164]
Further, since the above settings can be registered with the button 220, the settings relating to the printer mode can be performed by a simple operation.
[0165]
By the way, for example, when it is determined by the determination unit 8 that the user connected to the multifunction device 1 in S105 has used the print job most in the past, the printer job is usually transmitted from the host PC. Only the operation of sending a print job to the machine 1 and printing it out is performed, and there is almost no operation on the display screen of the image forming apparatus except for confidential printing or the like.
[0166]
That is, since the setting items having the contents shown in FIG. 18 are usually set by the printer driver and the data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus in a form in which the setting contents are included in the printer job, FIG. In practice, there is almost no printer setting in the main body.
[0167]
Therefore, as in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-306204, if the execution content simply changes the layout of the display screen based on the operation frequency of the user, even if the printer job is processed most often, the operation is not performed. A screen of a scanner or the like that is frequently performed is displayed, and a complicated operation is required to display a printer screen required by the user.
[0168]
Therefore, by using the frequency of use of a job as a criterion as in the present invention, it is possible to display a screen related to an operation mode that is actually being processed most often, thereby further improving operability. be able to.
[0169]
FIG. 19 is a display example of a list of jobs that are waiting to be executed in the MFP 1. Here, items characterizing the job are displayed on the display unit 214. That is, for the job numbered by reference numeral 221, items such as the job type, job name, user name, and job status are displayed by reference numerals 222 to 225.
[0170]
By pressing the button 226, the information can be updated to the newest information, the job for which the work has been completed is no longer displayed on the screen, and the job which is in a waiting state for execution is displayed.
[0171]
FIG. 20 is a display example when the printer mode of the multifunction peripheral 1 is used. As shown in FIG. 20, print job information stored in the image forming apparatus main body and the server can be confirmed.
[0172]
The job numbered by reference numeral 227 is described and displayed along with the job name and the user name by reference numerals 228 and 229. At this time, a radio button is attached to the number indicated by the reference numeral 227 so that the number can be selected.
[0173]
Pressing the button 230 or the button 231 after selecting an arbitrary job with the radio button attached to the reference numeral 227 causes the selected job to be printed (reprinted if the job was printed in the past) or deleted. Can be.
[0174]
The difference between FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 shown in this example is that FIG. 19 shows a currently executed job list, and FIG. 13 is a screen for displaying a stored job list.
[0175]
FIG. 21 is a display example of a setting page when using the scanner mode of the MFP 1.
[0176]
As shown in FIG. 21, on the scanner setting page, the list of image data read by the scanner unit 4 includes a list of destination names to which the image data is transmitted (reference numeral 234), a transmission method type (E-mail, FTP). Etc.) (reference number 235), the destination address (
236).
[0177]
These transmission destination lists can be selected by radio buttons (reference numeral 233).
[0178]
That is, by selecting the image data with the radio button 233 and pressing the button 237, the selected image data is transmitted to the address specified by the code 236. By pressing the button 238, the selected image data can be deleted. With the button 232, the destination can be registered.
[0179]
FIG. 22 is a display example of a screen for transmitting the scan data stored in the main body or the external server when the scanner mode of the multifunction peripheral 1 is used.
[0180]
As shown in FIG. 22, the image data read by the scanner unit 4 is numbered by reference numeral 239 and displayed together with a job name (reference numeral 240) and a user name (reference numeral 241).
[0181]
By selecting a job to be transmitted by using a radio button 239 and pressing a button 242, the selected image data is transmitted to an address specified by a method described later. By pressing the button 243, the selected image data can be deleted.
[0182]
In this method, a destination address is specified. When a button 245 is pressed, a screen of an address book is opened and a destination can be selected. Also, by directly inputting the address in the text box 244, the destination can be specified.
[0183]
In addition, the text box 244 can be used as a display unit for confirming whether the destination address is correct.
[0184]
That is, even when an address of a transmission destination is selected from the address book, when the address is selected, the address is displayed in the text box 244. As a result, the destination of the image data can be reliably specified.
[0185]
FIG. 23 is an example of a display screen for the administrator of the multifunction device 1 to manage the settings of the multifunction device 1. The administrator can restrict the use of the operation mode of the multifunction device 1, such as restricting the use of the scanner and the printer.
[0186]
As shown in FIG. 23, items that can be managed by the administrator are indicated by reference numeral 246 on the display screen for the administrator, and the set values can be set by radio buttons or the like indicated by reference numeral 247.
[0187]
For example, reference numeral 248 denotes a setting for prohibiting the use of the scanner mode. By selecting a radio button, the use of the scanner mode can be prohibited. Further, by selecting the reference numerals 249 and 250, the use of the printer mode and the use of the double-sided printing function can be prohibited.
[0188]
Further, the operation of the MFP 1 from the external terminal can be restricted (Web access restriction) by reference numeral 251.
[0189]
Reference numeral 252 is a text box, and the administrator inputs a password. Thus, operations such as the above-mentioned use restriction can be performed only by the administrator, and the safety of the image forming apparatus can be improved.
[0190]
In addition, the setting in FIG. 23 can be registered and saved by using the button 253, and the trouble of setting by the administrator can be simplified.
[0191]
FIG. 24 is an example of a help screen displayed when a user using the multifunction peripheral 1 is a user using the multifunction peripheral 1 for the first time.
[0192]
As shown in FIG. 24, when it is determined that the user who uses the image forming apparatus is a user who uses the multifunction device 1 for the first time, a screen describing a method of using the multifunction device 1 is displayed.
[0193]
Further, by pressing the button 254, the page of the display unit 214 can be switched, and the description can be continued. Therefore, even a user who uses the multifunction device 1 for the first time can know the operation method of the multifunction device 1, realize an easy-to-operate environment, and improve operability.
[0194]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is an advantage that operability can be improved in switching the display screen of the image forming apparatus.
[0195]
In addition, there is an advantage that an easy-to-use display screen can be provided for each user or each user group by the minimum user setting.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a connection state with an external terminal, and shows a basic configuration of the embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and a connection state with an external terminal.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a connection state with an external terminal.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a connection state with an external terminal.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and a connection state with an external terminal.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a connection state with an external terminal.
7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of data managed by the past job management unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5; FIG. 7A illustrates data that manages the number of times each operation mode has been used in the past five days; (B) is data in which the number of times each operation mode is used in the past five days is managed for each user.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data managed by the job management unit 11 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data managed by the user list management unit 12 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5;
10 is a diagram showing an example of data managed by the past job management unit 10 shown in FIG. 6, wherein (a) manages the number of times each operation mode has been used in the past five days for each user group; (B) is a breakdown of the data of the technical department in (a), and is data for each user.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing data exchange between the host PC and the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing data exchange between the host PC and the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of configuring a display screen, which is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8 in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of configuring a display screen, which is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8 in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of configuring a display screen, which is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8 in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation of configuring a display screen, which is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8 in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation of configuring a display screen, which is performed by the CPU 7 including the determination unit 8 in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 18 is an example of a screen when using the printer mode among screens displayed on the external terminals (13 to 15) and the display unit attached to the multifunction device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a job list among screens displayed on the external terminals (13 to 15) and a display unit attached to the main body of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. is there.
FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen when using the printer mode among screens displayed on the external terminals (13 to 15) and the display unit attached to the multifunction apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 21 shows an example of a screen when using the scanner mode among screens displayed on the external terminals (13 to 15) and the display unit attached to the main body of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 22 shows an example of a screen when using the scanner mode among screens displayed on the external terminal (13 to 15) and a display unit attached to the main body of the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
23 and FIG. 23. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, among the screens displayed on the external terminals (13 to 15) and the display unit attached to the MFP 1, the administrator manages the settings of the MFP 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for the following.
24 and FIG. 24, among the screens displayed on the external terminal (13 to 15) and the display unit attached to the main body of the multifunction device 1, the user connecting to the multifunction device 1 for the first time is the multifunction device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a help screen displayed when using No. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MFP
2 Operation unit
3 Communication section
4 Scanner section
5 Printer section
6 Facsimile part (FAX part)
7 CPU
8 Judgment means
9 Image memory
10 Past Job Management Department
11 Job Management Department
12 User List Management Department
13-15 External terminal
16 Network
17 telephone line
201 Menu selection frame
202 Main screen frame
203-210 Menu selection button
211 Setting tag
212 server tag
213 Menu title
214 display

Claims (7)

A determination unit for determining an operation mode based on the user information;
An image forming apparatus displaying a screen corresponding to the operation mode determined by the determination means. A determination unit for determining an operation mode based on the user information;
An image forming apparatus for displaying a screen of an external terminal connected to the main body in accordance with the operation mode determined by the determination means. A determination unit for determining an operation mode based on the user information;
An image forming apparatus, wherein a function related to an operation mode determined by the determination unit is executable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is obtained based on a user job processed during a predetermined period. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is obtained based on a user job that is in an execution waiting state. 5. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is used to determine whether the user is a special user. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is identified for each user group and used for the determination.

Images