JP6634477B2 - System and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system in which a server, a multifunction peripheral, and an external terminal are communicably connected, and a control method thereof.

  In recent years, convenience stores (hereinafter referred to as “CVS”) have been connected to the network in various situations such as issuance of pre-reserved box office tickets, issuance of coupons, and purchase of electronic payment items. A multifunction device is used. On the other hand, in recent years, the distribution amount of portable terminal devices equipped with a local interface or a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) interface has been increasing. Examples of such a mobile terminal device include a mobile phone (including a so-called smart phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a mobile PC (personal computer). And, in the use case where the user connects to the multifunction peripheral as described above, the use of such a portable terminal device is increasing.

  In addition, each company not only provides quick services to customers by cooperating with network compatible devices in cloud computing (hereinafter simply referred to as “cloud”), but also Developments are being made to improve the functions of the appliance by linking and linking to the aggregation of various information.

  The end user reserves and registers necessary functions from a network-compatible device such as a mobile terminal device in advance, and enjoys the functions such as acquiring and purchasing information and tickets in accordance with a prescribed procedure in CVS. . Similarly, not only in CVS, but also in public offices such as shops and universities in the company, it is used for student IDs and employee IDs as a trigger for acquisition and purchase of pre-registered information and tickets. In many cases, a short-range wireless device such as an integrated circuit (IC) card is used.

  In the cloud, identification information for identifying a user is used for extracting various information (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 4). Patent Literature 1 discloses an information device incorporating a function of adding an ID (Identification) code to digitized distribution information, distributing it as distribution information with an ID code on a broadcast or communication network, and incorporating an ID code identification function. There is disclosed a technique in which only a personal user who owns an ID and whose ID code matches can see the distribution information, and a reply returned from the individual user is stored in a database as a set with the ID code. .

  Patent Literature 2 discloses a technique for managing user authentication and service approval and accessing a plurality of networks existing in a plurality of domains with only one piece of identification information.

  Patent Document 3 includes a procedure for converting a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) variable into personal information of a client user in a distributed environment in which a client requesting a resource service and a server providing the resource service are connected in a network. By using a URL described in a private format, a technology is disclosed in which even a resource provider who does not manage personal information uses the personal information to provide a resource customized for the user to the user. I have.

  Patent Literature 4 discloses that a server receives usage history information indicating a time-series operation state of each appliance recorded in a remote controllable terminal device, and uses the usage status of each appliance based on the usage history information. There is disclosed a technique of analyzing the usage information and providing recommended information based on the analyzed usage status to the terminal device.

  In addition, a technique for customizing an operation panel of a multifunction peripheral or the like according to a user has been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 5 and 6). Patent Document 5 discloses a program-type operation display device that is connected to an external device and enables display corresponding to a change in the state of the external device. A technology that enables display and operation of corresponding contents is disclosed.

  Patent Document 6 discloses a technique for performing such user customization in a management system in which an OA device and a management device are connected via a network. In the management system described in Patent Document 6, an OA device reads identification information from an IC card and transmits it to a management device, and the management device transmits panel information stored in association with the identification information to the OA device. The device displays a panel image different from the panel image set for itself according to the panel information.

JP 2002-108741 A JP 2008-506139 A JP 2000-242658 A JP-A-2002-203168 JP 2002-366248 A JP 2004-282573 A

  According to the technology described in Patent Literature 6, a user interface that matches a user based on user identification information registered in advance by the user is provided by the multifunction peripheral without depending on the environment such as the location of a CVS store using a cloud function. Can be provided. In other words, this technology makes it possible to provide a user interface customized to the user from the cloud server to the multifunction peripheral. For example, based on the usage history up to now, one-time printing function, facsimile transmission function, Internet facsimile transmission function, etc. It is also possible to provide a user interface that allows a user to execute a desired function by clicking.

  However, first of all, the fact that all stores always use the same type of multifunction device means that even in the same series of CVS stores, the time required for system introduction, the time to replace equipment, the production period of the manufacturer, etc. Is not realistic in light of this. Second, in fact, the user does not always use the store where the same type of multifunction peripheral is installed. Third, even if the MFPs of the same manufacturer are not the same model, the display capability of the operation panel and the content that can be displayed on the operation panel may be different if they are not the same model.

  Under such circumstances, in order to always use the user interface desired by the user using the technology described in Patent Literature 6, the pre-registration work for the image output service must be performed at a store to go to a different model. The same must be done each time. Then, from the viewpoint of usability, since it is necessary to perform such a registration operation even for previously registered information, the convenience of quickly providing an image output service on the spot at any CVS store is obtained. Absent.

  In the future, it is also desired that the cloud server provide the MFP with user customization information such as print setting information such as image quality and paper size desired by the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to be able to use a cloud service by operating a multifunction peripheral with a user interface image customized by a user from a portable terminal device. .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first technical means of the present invention is a system in which a server, a multifunction peripheral, and an external terminal device are communicably connected to each other, wherein user identification information input from the external terminal device is provided. An authentication processing unit for requesting user authentication to the server based on user information including at least: the multifunction peripheral specified in accordance with the user identification information transmitted from the server when the user authentication is successful. A control unit for displaying a user interface image on the external terminal device side display unit for operating the user, and the user specified according to the user identification information transmitted from the server when the user authentication is successful. If the interface image cannot be displayed, the interface image of the initial screen is displayed on the display unit of the multifunction device, and the user interface is displayed. While viewing the image on the external terminal device-side display unit, and an image output unit that executes image output, a system.

  A second technical means is the image processing device according to the first technical means, wherein the image output section outputs an image in accordance with a user operation received from the external terminal device.

  A third technical means is the first technical means or the second technical means, wherein the control unit changes the interface image displayed on the external terminal device side display unit according to a user operation received from the external terminal device. .

  A fourth technical means is the control device according to the second technical means, wherein the control unit changes a user interface image displayed on the external terminal device side display unit according to the history of the user operation.

A fifth technical means is a control method for a system in which a server, a multifunction peripheral, and an external terminal device are communicably connected, based on user information including at least user identification information input from the external terminal device, An external terminal device that requests user authentication from the server and transmits a user interface image for operating the multi-function device, which is specified according to the user identification information and is transmitted when the user authentication is successful from the server. Displayed on the side display unit, transmitted when the user authentication is successful from the server, specified according to the user identification information, when the user interface image can not be displayed, the interface image of the initial screen Displayed on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral, with the user interface image displayed on the external terminal device side display unit Performing an image output, a control method.

  According to the present invention, a cloud service can be used by operating a multifunction peripheral with a user interface image customized by a user from a portable terminal device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image output system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of the multifunction peripheral in the image output system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display panel of a mobile terminal device in the image output system of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display panel of the mobile terminal device in the image output system of FIG. 1, and is a diagram illustrating an example in which a user different from the example of FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow when a user performs image output using the image output system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the multifunction peripheral in the image output system of FIG. 1.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image output system according to the present invention. The image output system illustrated in FIG. 1 (hereinafter, referred to as “the present system”) includes a server and a plurality of multifunction peripherals (hereinafter, referred to as “MFPs”) 1 connected to the server via a cloud network N. This is a system comprising:

  Hereinafter, an example in which the authentication server 2, the cloud server 3, and the content server 4 are distributed and arranged on the cloud network N will be described as an example of such a server. However, the servers need not be distributed. Further, the MFP 1 is installed in each store of the CVS, and at least stores of the same franchise are installed at a certain ratio for convenience. However, the description will be made on the assumption that the MFP 1 is installed in a CVS store, but the system can be installed in various places such as government offices and schools.

  This system improves usability including ease of use in outputting an image by linking the MFP 1 and a cloud system. More specifically, the present system uses an MFP 1 installed in a CVS store to provide an image processing service for outputting an image of the content to be processed by the MFP 1 (providing the content to be processed). Services (which may include services) are provided using a cloud network. In this system, no matter where the MFP 1 is used in cooperation with the cloud system, the system immediately cooperates with the user customization information (operation panel customization information) related to the operation once set by the user, and is troublesome. It is to make it disappear.

  Here, the image output includes printing of the target content (including printing of FAX reception data), FAX transmission via the Internet (Internet FAX transmission), USB (Universal) attached to the portable terminal device 5 or the MFP 1. This corresponds to copying to a portable recording medium such as a Serial Bus memory. This copy corresponds not only to the copy of the content purchased by the content purchase function, but also to the content registered by the user himself / herself, which will be described later, because data may be required suddenly. This system is sometimes called a network print system when printing is included as image output.

  The MFP 1 includes an operation panel 12 including a display unit and an operation unit, and an image output unit 14 in addition to the main control unit 10 that controls the entire MFP 1. The MFP 1 used in the present system also includes, as its main features, a wireless communication unit 11 and an authentication processing unit 13 described later.

  Hereinafter, the description will be given on the assumption that the operation panel 12 has a touch panel and also functions as a part of the operation unit. However, the operation based on the displayed UI image may be performed only by separately provided operation buttons. The image output unit 14 corresponds to, for example, a printing unit, a network adapter, and the like. The main control unit 10 may be configured by hardware and a program (firmware). The hardware includes a general-purpose integrated circuit / chipset such as a microcomputer and a programmable IC chip. The program (firmware) controls the MFP 1 according to the present invention, including the processing of the authentication processing unit 13, while controlling the units 11, 12, and other parts (not shown) by the hardware. The program is applicable. The main control unit 10 may be configured only with hardware. In this case, a dedicated microcomputer or a dedicated integrated circuit that controls the units 11 to 14 and other parts (not shown) in the MFP 1 according to the present invention. What is necessary is just to mount a circuit / chip set etc.

  In the present invention, the MFP 1 is configured to be operable by the portable terminal device 5. Examples of the mobile terminal device 5 include a mobile phone (including a smart phone), a mobile information terminal, a mobile PC, and the like. The mobile terminal device 5 includes a display panel 52 exemplified by a display panel 52, an operation unit for receiving a user operation, and a wireless communication unit 51 to be described later, in addition to the main control unit 50 for controlling the whole.

  Hereinafter, the description will be given on the assumption that the display panel 52 is a touch panel and also serves as an operation unit. However, an operation button is separately provided, and an operation based on the UI image displayed on the display panel 52 is performed by the operation button. You may. The main control unit 50 may be configured by hardware and a program similarly to the main control unit 10. The program (firmware or software) corresponds to a program for executing processing on the mobile terminal device 5 side according to the present invention while controlling the units 51 and 52 and other parts (not shown) by the hardware. Also, the main control unit 50 may be configured only by hardware, similarly to the main control unit 10. In this case, the control of the units 51 and 52 and other parts (not shown) in the portable terminal device 5 according to the present invention is performed. May be mounted on a dedicated microcomputer or a dedicated integrated circuit / chipset for executing the above.

  Further, the authentication server 2, the cloud server 3, and the content server 4 have a main control unit. This main control unit may be configured by hardware and a program similarly to the main control unit 10. The program (software) corresponds to a program for executing processing on each server according to the present invention while controlling each unit (to be described later) and other parts (not shown) in the server by the hardware. The main control unit may be configured only with hardware, similarly to the main control unit 10. In this case, the main control unit executes control of each unit (to be described later) of each server according to the present invention and other units (not shown). A dedicated microcomputer or a dedicated integrated circuit / chipset may be mounted. However, a general-purpose computer such as a PC can be applied as the server computer.

  The present system generally has such a configuration. Hereinafter, the configuration and function of each device in the present system will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel of the MFP in the image output system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display panel of the portable terminal device in the image output system of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display panel of the mobile terminal device in the image output system of FIG. 1, and is a diagram illustrating an example in which a user different from the example of FIG. 3 uses the display panel.

  First, the wireless communication unit 11 of the MFP 1 is an interface that wirelessly communicates with the mobile terminal device 5. The other party of this communication is the wireless communication unit 51 provided on the portable terminal device 5 side, and this wireless communication unit 51 is also an interface for performing wireless communication.

  The wireless communication unit 11 and the wireless communication unit 51 only need to be able to communicate at least indoors where the MFP 1 is installed or on the floor where the MFP 1 is installed, but communication that cannot be performed unless approaching a position close to the MFP 1 The system may be used. For example, a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a near field communication (NFC: Near Field Communication) such as infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used. Note that a wired I / F and a cable may be used instead of the wireless communication unit 11 and the wireless communication unit 51, but wireless communication is more practical because it saves time and effort for cable connection.

  Authentication processing unit 13 of MFP 1 includes at least user identification information (hereinafter, referred to as “user ID”) input from portable terminal device 5 or an operation unit (operation panel 12 in FIG. 1) provided in MFP 1. Based on the user information, it requests user authentication from a server (the authentication server 2 in this example). For communication with the authentication server 2, the cloud server 3 and the content server 4, a network adapter (not shown) may be provided in each device.

  The processing of the authentication processing unit 13 will be described more specifically. When accepting a connection request by wireless communication from the mobile terminal device 5, the authentication processing unit 13 requests user information such as a user ID from the mobile terminal device 5, and the user input from the display panel 52 of the mobile terminal device 5. It requests user authentication to the authentication server 2 based on user information such as an ID. Alternatively, when receiving an operation of a connection request from the operation panel 12, the authentication processing unit 13 displays a UI image requesting user information such as a user ID on the operation panel 12, and displays the user ID or the like input from the operation panel 12. Requests the authentication server 2 for user authentication based on the user information. The authentication processing unit 13 may enable only one of these processes, or may enable both processes. In any case, the authentication result as a result of the request may be returned to the requesting side, and it is preferable to display not only the authentication result but also the user so that the authentication result can be understood.

  The authentication server 2 has a user authentication unit 21 that performs user authentication in response to a request from the MFP 1. The user authentication unit 21 stores a user ID and a password in association with each other for user authentication. Although the user ID and the password are examples of the user information, an address, a telephone number, and the like may be used as the user information. In the case of a simple system and the image output target of the present system is only the content provided by the present system, the password may not be used.

  In addition, the server (the cloud server 3 in this example) in the present system has the interface instruction unit exemplified in the UI instruction unit 31, and preferably also has a history storage unit 32 described later. When the user authentication by the user authentication unit 21 succeeds, the UI instruction unit 31 displays a UI image for displaying on a display unit (hereinafter, exemplified by the display panel 52) of the portable terminal device 5 and operating the MFP 1 by the user. The MFP 1 is designated according to the ID, and instructs the MFP 1 to display the UI image on the portable terminal device 5.

  As this instruction, (a) the UI image may be transmitted to the MFP 1 and provided, or (b) which UI image stored in advance in the MFP 1 may be instructed in which procedure. Then, (c) the user may instruct via the MFP 1 which of the UI images stored in the portable terminal device 5 in advance and in which procedure. As for the procedure, it is sufficient if there is a series of UI images and data on what UI images are changed by a user operation.

  Here, in the case of (b), an item such as an icon as an element may be stored in the MFP 1 and such an item may be stored so as to be readable by firmware. In the case of the above (c), items such as icons as elements may be stored in the portable terminal device 5, or such items may be stored so as to be readable by firmware or software. In any of the cases (a) to (c), the UI instruction unit 31 stores the user ID and the UI image corresponding to the user (or information for specifying the UI image) in association with each other. For example, designation according to the user ID is possible.

  In accordance with the above-described instruction from the UI instruction unit 31, the main control unit 10 of the MFP 1 transmits the instruction to the mobile terminal device 5 by wireless communication. The display and the display example on the side of the mobile terminal device 5 according to this instruction are one of the main features of the present invention, and the details will be described later.

  At this time, if the UI image according to the instruction can be displayed on the operation panel 12 due to the performance of the operation panel 12 of the MFP 1 or the like, the display on the operation panel 12 as illustrated in the UI image 60 of FIG. It is preferable to display the information in the section. However, such display does not need to be performed, and in this case, a UI image of a basic screen of the MFP 1 or a UI image of a predetermined screen may be displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 12.

  The operation panel 12 in the example of FIG. 2 is also provided with a start button 65 for executing image output in the color mode and a start button 66 for executing image output in the monochrome mode. The operation panel 12 also includes an infrared transmitting / receiving unit, an antenna unit of a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, or an antenna unit 67 of a Wi-Fi (registered trademark), which corresponds to the wireless communication unit 11.

  The UI image 60 is an example of a UI image when the user aaaaaa performs image output using a service (service name is ○), and has an operation area 61 customized for the user aaaaaa. The UI instruction unit 31 is configured so that the order of functions can be set from the mobile terminal device 5 or another information processing device (PC or the like) and the UI image itself can be selected. The operation area 61 is in the order of the functions set by the user aaaaaa in advance in the UI instruction unit 31 or determined based on the operation history as described later, and also determined in advance based on the operation history. One of the functions has been selected in advance.

  Further, each function corresponds to an image output setting similarly set in advance by the user aaaaaa or determined based on the operation history. When one function (for example, “Copy 1”) is selected, a transition is made to a setting screen UI (not shown). Then, the image output setting of the function can be changed on the spot. When one of the functions (exemplified by "Copy 1") is selected and grayed out and the start button 65 or 66 is selected, the function and image output setting (for example, setting for 2 in 1 layout printing on A4 paper) are performed. Print in color or monochrome. Such image output can be performed by the MFP 1 installed in any CVS store. However, if the MFP 1 is a device that does not support color, only monochrome may be supported.

  In addition, since the operation panel 12 is also provided with start buttons 65 and 66, it is preferable that a description 62 suggesting a final image output instruction method be displayed on the UI image 60 in FIG. The content server 4 may also display content information 63 on the content provided for image output and discount information 64 on the content. The user selects a desired selection area from the selection areas included in the content information 63, in this example, advantageous information, live information, and sightseeing spots, transitions to the lower layer of the UI image, and finally determines the image output target. Content to be selected can be selected.

  As the UI image such as the UI image 60, in the case of the same user, the same pre-setting, etc., it is preferable that the same MFP 1 can provide the same image as much as possible. It is often difficult to rewrite firmware for processing. As described above, when the MFP 1 does not have a function of performing such display, the default screen image (for example, a UI image of the initial screen) itself may be used. Only the description 62 may be eliminated.

  In order to make up for such a difference in the model of the MFP 1, the present system issues an instruction to the portable terminal device 5 as described above, and as described below, a portable device to which a more general-purpose device is distributed as described below. A UI image corresponding to the user is displayed on the display panel 52 of the terminal device 5.

  In the mobile terminal device 5, the main control unit 50 displays the UI image on the display panel 52 according to the above-described instruction from the MFP 1. Also, the resolution of the UI image may be specified, but in that case, the resolution may be set to a resolution that can be displayed on a portable terminal device with a general-purpose display unit. Of course, the resolution does not need to be specified, and can be adjusted on the mobile terminal device 5 side, such as displaying the display panel 52 in an enlarged or reduced manner so as to fill the display panel 52.

  Thus, the UI image 60 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display panel 52 of the mobile terminal device 5. The UI image 60 in FIG. 3 is basically the same as the UI image 60 in FIG. However, the first purpose is to display the UI image 60 of FIG. 3 on the display panel 52, and if the display is possible, the user can operate the MFP 1 from the portable terminal device 5. As described above, FIG. It is not always necessary to display the same UI image on the operation panel 12.

  Then, based on the instruction from the UI instruction unit 31, the MFP 1 displays the UI image (that is, the UI image corresponding to the user ID) 60 as illustrated in FIG. Image output is performed on the content acquired from the server (the content server 4 in this example) according to the operation of the user received from the mobile terminal device 5 via the mobile terminal device 5.

  Accordingly, as described above, printing of the target content (including printing of FAX reception data), Internet FAX transmission of the target content, and transmission of the target content to a portable recording medium attached to the portable terminal device 5 or the MFP 1 are performed. Copying can be performed. From the UI image 60, in addition to the setting of the destination of the Internet FAX and the display of the address book, the reception setting of the Internet FAX (this corresponds to the printing of the received facsimile image as content or the copying to a portable recording medium) and the like. Internet FAX transmission settings are possible, and the contents of these settings are also determined by the user in advance, and can be changed from the UI image 60.

  The UI image 60 in FIG. 3 will be described. Since the UI image 60 in FIG. 3 is provided with the start buttons 65 and 66 on the operation panel 12 and executes image output by selecting one of them, a description suggesting a final image output instruction method is given. What is necessary is just to display the sentence 62 on the UI image 60 of FIG. Thus, the processing is executed by finally pressing the start buttons 65 and 66 on the operation panel 12. Alternatively, the UI image 60 may include icons such as the start buttons 65 and 66. By pressing the start buttons 65 and 66 on the operation panel 12 or selecting the icons of the start buttons 65 and 66 displayed on the display panel 52 in addition to the UI image 60 in FIG. Image output is performed by performing a final start operation on any of the mobile terminal devices 5. Either method allows the user to execute image output without hesitation.

  Further, in the UI image 60 in FIG. 3, the same content information 63 and discount information 64 as those in the UI image 60 in FIG. 2 may be displayed. The user can transition to a lower layer of the UI image 60 and finally select the content to be output.

  The UI image 60a illustrated in FIG. 4 displays functions and image output settings set by the user bbbbb in advance or determined based on the operation history, and is different from the UI image 60 in FIG. In this example, an example is given in which the order of “Copy1,” “Copy2,” “Print1,” and “Print2” in the operation area 61 is simply changed to “Print1,” “Print2,” “Copy1,” and “Copy2.” However, not only such a simple difference, but also the arrangement of the selection area of each function according to the user ID, and whether or not to display the content information 63 and the discount information 64 according to the user ID also depend on the user ID. You may decide.

  Further, in the content information 63 of the UI image 60a of FIG. 4, the store name is different from the content information 63 of the UI image 60 of FIG. 3, but this can simply be set in advance in the UI part for providing the content for each user. It is possible. For example, the content purchase function may be set in advance, and the function may be set to take advantage of the function. In addition, as described later, even if a preferable store is displayed according to the history of browsing and using the Web store by the user, the store can be changed according to the history.

  Regarding the timing at which the MFP 1 determines the content to be image-outputted, the plurality of contents in the case where a plurality of users have registered the content, and the content provided by the store on the content server 4 as a service, are the image-output-targeted contents. What is necessary is just to display the UI image for selecting the content and determine the image output target according to the user operation. If the user has registered the content and there is only one registered content, it can be automatically determined as the image output target, and the user can confirm the file name once in advance and perform the confirmation operation May be determined at the stage when the is received.

  The timing at which the MFP 1 obtains the content to be image-output is determined when the start buttons 65 and 66 are pressed on the MFP 1 or when the same button is also displayed on the display panel 52, the button is touched. When is good. When the content to be image-outputted is the content stored in the content server 4, the content may be transmitted directly from the content server 4 to the MFP 1. The terminal device 5 may transmit the data to the MFP 1.

  As described above, since the user operates the MFP 1 with the portable terminal device 5 to output an image while viewing the UI image, even if the MFP does not have a high-performance operation panel, it is as if the MFP has a high-performance operation panel. 12 can be operated with the mobile terminal device 5. Further, for example, based on a user's pre-setting, a UI is provided which can execute a function desired by a user with one click of a start button 65 or 66 among image output functions such as a print function and an Internet FAX transmission function. Also becomes possible.

  Next, the history storage unit 32 provided in the cloud server 3 will be described. The history storage unit 32 acquires a history of user operations (operation history) from the mobile terminal device 5 from the MFP 1 for each user operation or after a series of user operations is completed, and stores the history in association with the user ID. Then, the UI instruction unit 31 changes the UI image specified according to the user ID according to the stored user operation history, that is, automatically learns. As a history to be referred to when changing, a function with high frequency and image output setting with high frequency may be adopted, or the latest function and image output setting may be adopted.

  By providing the history storage unit 32 in this way, the UI image specified by the UI instruction unit 31 can be changed according to the user operation, and the usage history of the user's operation on the MFP 1 until now can be changed. -The UI image can be customized based on the tally. For example, based on the user's usage history, a UI is provided that allows the user to execute a desired function with one click of the start buttons 65 and 66 among image output functions such as a print function and an Internet FAX transmission function. It is also possible to do. Further, the UI instruction unit 31 displays the UI image by referring not only to the user operation on the MFP 1 but also to the browsing history and purchase history at a sales site on the Web provided by a company that manages the store where the MFP 1 is installed. Is designated, the content information 63 can be presented based on the browsing history and the purchase history, for example, as shown in FIGS.

  Further, it is preferable that the present system includes a server that provides contents (the contents server 4 in this example), and the contents server 4 will be described. The content server 4 has a content registration unit 41. The content registration unit 41 receives a content registration process performed from the mobile terminal device 5 or an information processing device (PC or the like) different from the mobile terminal device via the network N and specifying user information such as a user ID. , And stores the content in association with the user ID. Thereby, the MFP 1 can acquire the content from the content server 4 and execute image output for the acquired content.

  It is preferable that the content registration unit 41 register the image output setting related to the content in association with the content at the time of the registration process, that is, it is preferable that the user can also register the image output setting when registering the content. As a result, the paper size information and color information (density, resolution, etc.) finely adjusted by the user are managed in a state where they can be accessed from the cloud server 3, and the same information is obtained and printed regardless of the store accessed by the user. Can be out.

  Here, an example in which the image output settings are managed by the content server 4 is described. However, the image output settings may be managed by the cloud server 3. In this case, the image output settings are associated with not only the user ID but also information indicating the content (content ID or the like). If so, the UI image can be displayed by applying the content registered on the content server 4 when outputting the image. Also, an example is described in which the user has also registered the image output settings for the content registered in the content server 4, but the content obtained or created by a user other than in the cloud system is not only a registration target.

  Other contents are also registered, and can be registered as image output settings. The image output settings described above are basically the same as the image output settings described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, but the image output settings described to be registered by the content registration unit 41 are registered by the user. The difference is that the image output setting is for uniquely determined content. The image output setting described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 is an image output setting that can be generally used. The user can set the UI output in advance in the UI instruction unit 31 and read it out. The determination may be made based on the history with reference to the history storage unit 32. The advance setting can also be realized by virtually registering “arbitrary content” in the content registration unit 41 and performing image output setting on the content. Based on the same idea, the content registration may be performed by specifying the content provided by the store, and the image output setting may be registered for the content registration.

  As described above, according to the present system, any type of MFP can provide a user-customized UI image from the cloud server 3 to the MFP 1 and can easily operate the user-customized UI image. To be possible. Furthermore, if an image output setting is registered in advance for each function, an image output that matches the setting can be performed. The manufacturer can easily add the function by simply upgrading the firmware of the main control unit 10 by the common specification that the MFP 1 can be easily developed and the wireless communication unit is simply provided. . In particular, even in a lineup in which the size of the operation panel differs depending on the model, this service can be provided without concern.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in this system, even if the model (at least the display performance) of the MFP 1 is made uniform, the user can use the cloud function to pre-register without depending on the environment such as the location of the CVS store. It is also possible to provide a UI image matching the user on the operation panel 12 of the MFP 1 based on the user ID or the like. That is, the present system enables the user to provide a user-customized UI image from the cloud server 3 to the MFP 1. For example, based on the usage history of the user, image output such as a print function and an Internet FAX transmission function is performed. It is also possible to provide a UI that allows a user to execute a desired function with one click.

  Next, an example of the flow of image output in the present system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow when a user performs image output using the image output system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is an example of an operation of the MFP in the image output system of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating.

  First, a user's work flow will be described with reference to FIG. The user registers as a member of a service provided by the present system on a dedicated Web site (for example, a site provided on the cloud server 3) (step S1). At that time, for example, a user ID such as a 10-digit alphanumeric character is issued, or the user decides to avoid duplication. The user ID has been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, and the registered content is stored in the user authentication unit 21 or the like.

  At the time of member registration or at a later date, the user sets the content service to be used (step S2). The setting here sets, for example, a service that may be used. In the case of a fee, the price may vary depending on the number of services. At the same time as step S2 or at a later date, the user sets in advance a function that is most likely to be used (a printing function, that is, a printing function in this example) (step S3). At this time, the content to be printed is also registered.

  The user goes to the CVS store where the cloud-linked MFP 1 is installed (step S4), and if the user has already registered with the cloud service (YES in step S5), performs the operations in steps S7 to S11. On the other hand, if registration has not been performed in step S1 or the like (NO in step S5), it is determined whether to register with the cloud service (step S12), and if registration is to be performed (YES in step S12). , The same operation as steps S2 to S3 is performed from the MFP 1 or the portable terminal device 5 possessed (steps S13 to S15). In the case of NO in step S12, after at least obtaining a temporary ID from the cloud server 3 to use the service (step S16), the operations of steps S14 and S15 are performed. After step S16, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, an operation to display a network setting screen, which is a login screen, on the operation panel 12 of the MFP 1 or on the display panel 52 of the portable terminal device 5 since the cloud service has already been registered or provisionally registered at that stage. Is performed (step S6). If it is determined that the user ID is directly input to the MFP 1 ("direct input" in step S7), the user ID is input from the operation panel 12 to perform user authentication (step S8). On the other hand, when it is determined that the user ID is to be input from the mobile terminal device 5 (in the case of “wireless communication” in step S7), the user ID is input from the mobile terminal device 5 near the operation panel 12 and the wireless communication is performed. User authentication is performed (step S10). After the processing in steps S8 and S10, the UI image corresponding to the input user ID is displayed on the display panel 52 (and the operation panel 12), and the user operates the UI image to print the registered content (step S8). S9, S11). Step S9 and step S11 are described separately but are the same processing.

  Next, based on FIG. 6, a description will be given mainly of the processing in the MFP 1 as the processing in the present system.

  First, the MFP 1 displays a network setting screen on the operation panel 12 corresponding to step S6, and also displays it on the display panel 52 by wireless communication (step S21). The MFP 1 determines whether the user ID has been directly input on the operation panel 12 or the display panel 52 of the mobile terminal device 5 (step S22), and executes the processing of steps S23 to S25 in the former case, In the case of, the processing of steps S29 to S31 is executed.

  In step S23, the input of the user ID is accepted, and the authentication server 2 is requested to perform user authentication. Then, in response to this request, the cloud system performs cloud coordination, whereby the authentication server 2 performs user authentication. If the authentication fails, the cloud server 3 notifies the user of the failure. The user designates an image and gives a display instruction to the MFP 1 (step S24). Next, if possible, the MFP 1 displays the UI image on the operation panel 12 and displays the UI image on the display panel 52 of the portable terminal device 5 (step S25).

  For the UI image displayed in step S25 and step S31 described later, a function to display the UI image based on the settings in steps S2 and S3 in FIG. (The printing function in this example) will be determined. However, when the history of the user operation is considered, after the UI image is displayed, if the function selected by the user is different, the selected function may be displayed next time at the place where the user can easily select the function. .

  Subsequent to step S25, the MFP 1 outputs an image according to a user operation received from the operation panel 12 or the display panel 52 (step S26). Further, the MFP 1 transmits the use history of the function in the UI image and the access history (what kind of content has been accessed) in the content providing service to the cloud server 3 (step S27). Then, the cloud server 3 compiles the history by the cloud cooperation (step S28).

  In step S29, the input of the user ID is accepted by wireless communication, and a request for user authentication is made to the authentication server 2. Then, in response to this request, the cloud system performs cloud coordination, whereby the authentication server 2 performs user authentication. If the authentication fails, the cloud server 3 notifies the user of the failure. An image is designated and a display instruction is given to the MFP 1 (step S30). Next, the MFP 1 displays the UI image only on the display panel 52 without displaying the UI image on the operation panel 12 because the user has already requested the operation from the display panel 52 of the portable terminal device 5 ( Step S31). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S26.

  Through such processing, the user can operate the MFP 1 with the UI image customized by the user from the mobile terminal device 5 to use the cloud service. In addition, since it is possible to cooperate with the collection of information on the functions used by the user and the services accessed by the cloud server via the network, user needs are immediately collected and tabulated to enhance customer satisfaction. Data.

  As described above, the present system can be applied to a service in which usability is improved and a simple start can be performed at a store or facility such as a CVS. Here, assuming that it is placed in the CVS as the main, services that can be used at CVS stores, such as providing frequently used content information and similar content information from the user operation history, coupon information, point expiration information, etc. Can also be provided. This is as illustrated in the content information 63 and the discount information 64 in FIGS. In addition, since the cloud server 3 can cooperate with the content server 4 of various contents provided by the store, it is possible to provide the user with information desired by each user according to the totaled access frequency, As a result, it is also possible to create new functions by catching up the demands of users. In addition, from the history of these user operations, information can be totaled for a certain number of days or for each user, which can be useful for maintenance by a serviceman or extraction of user needs. As described above, the information provided by the store as a service can be used for the needs analysis at each CVS store and the needs analysis of the entire CVS, and these are collectively managed by the cloud server 3 or the like. Can be configured.

In addition, the history of user operations such as functions used by the user can be used as sales record information, particularly when content provided by the store from the content server 4 is output as an image. Therefore, when this service is enjoyed by the user, the acquired information (eg, age information that determines the age of the user) is supplied from a store or the like to a POS (Point Of Sale) server. If the information of the history of the user operation is automatically supplied to the POS server, the sales result information can be stored in the POS server.

  Further, in the MFP 1, maintenance may be performed by a serviceman, but it is sufficient that a user can transmit a serviceman call to the cloud system side directly from the MFP 1 or via the mobile terminal device 5. Then, similarly to the user, the UI image customized for the serviceman is also configured to be displayed, and when the serviceman performs the maintenance, the maintenance panel is informed that the maintenance is in progress for the operation panel 12 or similar serviceman. The transmitted UI image is transmitted to the cloud server 3. In response to this transmission, the cloud server 3 compiles alert information such as serviceman calls that have occurred up to that point, and immediately identifies consumables required for the MFP 1 and parts requiring maintenance, etc. on the operation panel 12. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which a reply is sent to the MFP 1 so as to be displayed on the display panel 52.

  As described above, the server (the content server 4 in the example of FIG. 1) according to the present invention has been described on the assumption that the content to be image-outputted is stored. However, the present system is not limited to such an example. The content may be stored in the mobile terminal device 5.

  That is, when performing image output, the MFP 1 performs image output on the content acquired from the mobile terminal device 5. Of course, in this case as well, the user operation is received by the mobile terminal device 5 with the UI image displayed on the display panel 52, and the MFP 1 outputs the image of the content according to the user operation. The content may be requested to be obtained from the MFP 1, or may be transmitted from the portable terminal device 5 to the MFP 1.

  Alternatively, the content to be image-outputted may be content read from a portable recording medium such as a USB memory mounted on the MFP 1, for example. Also in these examples, the image of the content may be output by a user operation from the operation panel 12 of the MFP 1.

  As described above, the image output system according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention can also adopt a mode as an image output method for outputting an image in the above-described system. The method and application examples are as described for the image output system, and description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the present invention can also take the form of a program to be executed by a computer in each device in such an image output method. As the computer in each device, various types of computers such as a microcomputer and a programmable general-purpose integrated circuit / chipset as described above can be applied. As described above, a general-purpose computer can be applied as the server computer. Further, these programs can be distributed via a network such as the Internet, via broadcast waves, and via a portable recording medium.

N: network, 1: MFP, 2: authentication server, 3: cloud server, 4: content server, 5: portable terminal device, 10: main control unit of MFP, 11: wireless communication unit of MFP, 12: operation panel, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Authentication processing part, 14 ... Image output part, 21 ... User authentication part, 31 ... UI instruction part, 32 ... History storage part, 41 ... Content registration part, 50 ... Main control part, 51 ... Wireless communication part, 52 ... Display panel, 60, 60a UI image, 61 operation area, 62 description, 63 content information, 64 discount information, 65, 66 start button, 67 antenna section.

Claims (5)

A system in which a server, a multifunction peripheral, and an external terminal device are communicably connected,
An authentication processing unit that requests user authentication to the server based on user information including at least user identification information input from the external terminal device,
A control unit which is transmitted when the user authentication is successful from the server, and which is specified according to the user identification information, and displays a user interface image for operating the multifunction peripheral on an external terminal device side display unit. ,
When the user authentication is successful from the server, specified in accordance with the user identification information, when the user interface image cannot be displayed, an interface image of an initial screen is displayed on a display unit of the multifunction peripheral. A system that includes an image output unit that executes image output with the user interface image displayed on the external terminal device side display unit.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit outputs an image according to a user operation received from the external terminal device.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the interface image displayed on the external terminal device side display unit according to a user operation received from the external terminal device.   The system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes a user interface image displayed on the external terminal device side display unit in accordance with the history of the user operation. A method of controlling a system in which a server, a multifunction peripheral, and an external terminal device are communicably connected,
Requested user authentication to the server, based on user information entered at least from the external terminal device, including user identification information,
When the user authentication is successful from the server, specified in accordance with the user identification information, a user interface image for operating the multi-function peripheral is displayed on the external terminal device side display unit,
When the user authentication is successful from the server, specified in accordance with the user identification information, when the user interface image cannot be displayed, an interface image of an initial screen is displayed on a display unit of the multifunction peripheral. And outputting an image in a state where the user interface image is displayed on the external terminal device side display unit.