JP7558686B2 - IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, a control method for an image processing device, and a program.

It is conceivable that user information can be linked and managed with the functions (applications) of an image processing device such as a scanner or MFP and a combination (shortcuts) of multiple setting values related to the functions. Even if user management is not performed by the MFP, it is conceivable to link any card information (e.g., serial number, card ID, etc.) to the shortcuts and manage them. In that case, by reading the card with the MFP, the shortcut linked to the card information can be easily called up (Patent Document 1). Various types of IC cards are expected to be used, such as transportation IC cards and IC cards used for entering and leaving an office.

JP 2018-186517 A

However, as in Patent Document 1, if only one shortcut can be registered on an IC card, this may restrict the user's usability of the shortcut and the operability of the MFP.

The present invention aims to provide an image processing device that can associate and manage multiple shortcuts with a single IC card.

In order to solve the above problem, the image processing device of the present invention has a storage means for storing a combination of a function provided by the image processing device and a plurality of settings as a shortcut, a registration means for registering the shortcut so as to be stored in association with card information that can be read from a card by the image processing device, and a provision means for calling the shortcut when the shortcut is selected by a user or when the card information is read, and providing the function with the combination of a plurality of settings corresponding to the shortcut. When another shortcut is associated with card information to which a shortcut already assigned with an immediate execution setting is associated, the registration means invalidates the assigned immediate execution setting .

The present invention provides an image processing device that can associate and manage multiple shortcuts with a single IC card.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the image processing apparatus. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a copy screen. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a scan and send screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a shortcut management table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating added shortcuts. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of registering a shortcut and an IC card in association with each other. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an IC card management table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen that appears when the number of registered shortcuts exceeds an upper limit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a shortcut list display screen. 10 is a flowchart showing a registration process for associating an IC card with a shortcut in the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a shortcut calling process using an IC card in the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a registration process for associating an IC card with a shortcut in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a shortcut calling process using an IC card in the second embodiment;

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing device 101. The image processing device 101 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) equipped with multiple functions such as a printer function, a copy function, and a scan function. The functions such as the printer function, the copy function, and the scan function are provided as, for example, applications. The image processing device 101 includes a system bus 110, a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an input control I/F 114, a display control I/F 115, a storage device I/F 116, a communication I/F controller 117, and an IC card control I/F 130. The image processing device 101 further includes a touch panel 118, a display 119, a storage device 120, a scanner 121, a printer 122, and an IC card reader 131. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example for the purpose of explanation of this embodiment, and may include other components or may have a configuration having the same effect as this embodiment.

Connected to the system bus 110 are a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an input control I/F 114, a display control I/F 115, a storage device I/F 116, a communication I/F controller 117, and an IC card control I/F 130. Also connected to the system bus 110 are a scanner 121 and a printer 122. Each part connected to the system bus 110 can exchange data with each other via the system bus 110.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 controls the entire image processing device 101 and calculates and processes data. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 is a volatile memory and is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 111. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 113 is a non-volatile memory in which various programs for the operation of the CPU 111, image data, and other data are stored in respective predetermined areas. The CPU 111 controls each part of the image processing device 101 using the RAM 112 as a work memory according to the program stored in the ROM 113, for example. Note that the storage location of the program for the operation of the CPU 111 is not limited to the ROM 113, and may be stored in the storage device 120.

The input control I/F 114 accepts user operations, generates control signals corresponding to the operations, and supplies them to the CPU 111. The input control I/F 114 is connected to, for example, a pointing device such as a touch panel 118, a character information input device such as a keyboard (not shown), and hard keys for directly inputting numerical values, as input devices that accept user operations. The touch panel 118 is an input device that has an input section configured in a planar manner and outputs coordinate information corresponding to the position where the user's finger touches the input section. In this embodiment, a case is described in which the user's input operation is performed on the touch panel 118, but the input device is not limited to the touch panel 118. The CPU 111 controls each part of the image processing device 101 according to a program based on the control signal generated and supplied by the input control I/F 114 in response to the user operation performed on the touch panel 118. This allows the image processing device 101 to perform an operation corresponding to the user operation.

The display control I/F 115 outputs a display signal for displaying a screen on the display 119. Specifically, the display control signal generated by the CPU 111 is supplied to the display control I/F 115, which generates a display signal based on the display control signal from the CPU 111 and outputs the display signal to the display 119. For example, the display control I/F 115 causes the display 119 to display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on the display control signal generated by the CPU 111. The display 119 connected to the display control I/F 115 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various screens to the user.

The touch panel 118 and the display 119 may be constructed as one unit. For example, the touch panel 118 is constructed so that the light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display 119, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display 119. Then, input coordinates on the touch panel 118 correspond to display coordinates on the display 119. By constructing the touch panel 118 and the display 119 as one unit, it is possible to construct a GUI that gives the user the impression that he or she can directly operate the screen displayed on the display 119.

The storage device I/F 116 reads data from the storage device 120 and writes data to the storage device 120 under the control of the CPU 111. The storage device I/F 116 is connected to the storage device 120. The storage device 120 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage device 120 may also be a device that can read/write data by loading an external medium such as a memory card or a flash memory such as a USB memory. The storage device 120 may also be used in place of the RAM 112 or ROM 113.

The communication I/F controller 117 communicates with the network 102 under the control of the CPU 111. The network 102 is a so-called communication network realized by, for example, a LAN such as the Internet, a WAN, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, a cable television line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, or a combination of these. In addition to the image processing device 101, various devices such as PCs, other MFPs, printers, and servers are connected to the network 102 so as to be able to communicate with the image processing device 101. In addition, a connection to an external authentication server (described later) is also made via the communication I/F controller 117.

Scanner 121 reads an original document and generates image data under the control of CPU 111. Specifically, CPU 111 instructs scanner 121 to execute a scan process in response to a user instruction input via input control I/F 114. Scanner 121 reads an original document placed on a platen or ADF (Auto Document Feeder), digitizes the original document, and generates image data. Scanner 121 then stores the generated image data in storage device 120 via storage device I/F 116.

Printer 122 prints image data stored in storage device 120 under the control of CPU 111. Specifically, CPU 111 instructs printer 122 to execute printing process in response to user instructions input via input control I/F 114 or commands input from an external device via communication I/F controller 117. Printer 122 reads image data from storage device 120, converts it into a printable data format, and prints and outputs it on a paper document.

The IC card control I/F 130 is connected to the IC card reader 131 and outputs an IC card read instruction signal to the IC card reader 131. The IC card control I/F 130 also outputs the IC card read result obtained from the IC card reader 131 to the CPU 111. Here, the IC card in this embodiment is a contactless IC card equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) or the like. When reading an IC card, the CPU 111 supplies the generated IC card control signal to the IC card control I/F 130 according to a program. The IC card control I/F 130 generates an IC card read signal based on the control signal of the CPU 111 and outputs it to the IC card reader 131. Based on the IC card reading signal, the IC card reader 131 uses the NFC function to read information from the IC card held over the IC card reader 131, and outputs a signal of the reading result to the IC card control I/F 130.

Next, the software configuration of the image processing device 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image processing device 101. Note that FIG. 2 shows an example for the purpose of explaining this embodiment, and it may include other components, or may have a configuration that has the same effect as this embodiment. Each control unit in FIG. 2 is stored in ROM 113, and is deployed to RAM 112 as necessary, such as at the time of startup or when a function is used, and is controlled by CPU 111.

The image processing device 101 includes a control bus 200, a display operation control unit 201, an authentication control unit 202, a network control unit 203, a transmission control unit 204, a copy control unit 205, a fax control unit 206, a document usage control unit 207, and a document storage control unit 208. The image processing device 101 further includes an IC card control unit 209 and a shortcut control unit 210. The image processing device 101 has one or more functions such as copying and scanning, and each function has its own control unit. As an example, FIG. 2 shows the transmission control unit 204 and document storage control unit 208 that control the scan function, the copy control unit 205 and document usage control unit 207 that control the copy function, and the fax control unit 206 that controls the fax function.

The control bus 200 is connected to each of the control units, from the display operation control unit 201 to the shortcut control unit 210. The control bus 200 transfers information between each of the control units under the control of the CPU 111. For example, the control bus 200 sends display information received from each of the control units to the display operation control unit 201, and the display operation control unit 201 displays on the display 119 according to the acquired display information.

The display operation control unit 201 controls the input control I/F 114 and the display control I/F 115. For example, the display operation control unit 201 displays on the display 119 via the display operation unit 115 based on instructions from other control units. The display operation control unit 201 also accepts information input by the user to the touch panel 118 via the input control I/F 114. The display operation control unit 201 notifies each control unit of the accepted information via the control bus 200 as necessary.

The authentication control unit 202 performs authentication processing to identify a user and determines whether or not the operator of the image processing device 101 is a legitimate user of the image processing device 101. Performing user authentication processing and starting a session if the user is a legitimate user is called logging in. On the other hand, terminating a user's session after using the image processing device 101 is called logging out.

The authentication control unit 202 also controls a user information database (not shown) that stores user information. The user information database may be stored in the storage device 120 or in an external authentication server. When the user information database is stored in an external authentication server, the authentication control unit 202 connects to the external authentication server via the communication I/F controller 117 and uses the authentication result of the external authentication server. The authentication information is exchanged between the authentication control unit 202 and the external authentication server using a known technique.
The network control unit 203 controls the communication I/F controller 117 to perform processing for connecting to external devices on the network 102 .
The transmission control unit 204 scans an original document using the scanner 121 and converts the scanned document into a predetermined file format. The transmission control unit 204 also transmits the document to a mail server or the like on the network 102 via the network control unit 203 using a protocol such as email. An example of a function (application) that uses the transmission control unit 204 is a scan and send application.

The copy control unit 205 scans an original using the scanner 121, performs designated processing such as stapling, and outputs the scanned image to the printer 122. One example of a function (application) that uses the copy control unit 205 is a copy application.
The FAX control unit 206 uses a public line network of the network 102, an Internet line, or the like, and uses a known FAX transmission protocol such as G3 to transmit a document to a destination via the network control unit 203. An example of a function (application) that uses the FAX control unit 206 is a fax application.

The document usage control unit 207 performs processing using documents stored in the storage device 120 of the image processing device 101, an external file server, memory media, cloud storage, etc. Processing using documents includes, for example, printing processing by the printer 122 and displaying a preview on the display 119. When using a document stored in the storage device 120, the document usage control unit 207 accesses the storage device 120 via the storage device I/F 116, acquires the specified document, and performs processing. When using a document stored in an external file server or cloud storage, the document usage control unit 207 acquires the document from the storage destination on the network 102 via the network control unit 203 using an appropriate protocol, and performs processing.

The document storage control unit 208 stores the document file in the storage device 120 inside the image processing device 101, a memory medium such as a USB memory, a file server on the network 102, a cloud storage, etc. For example, the document storage control unit 208, like the transmission control unit 204, scans an original from the scanner 121, converts the scanned document into a predetermined file format, and stores it. When storing a document file in a file server on the network 102 or cloud storage, the document storage control unit 208 uses an appropriate communication protocol to access the storage destination via the network control unit 203 and stores the document. An example of the communication protocol is SMB (Server Message Block). When storing a document file in the storage device 120 or a memory medium loaded in the image processing device 101, the document storage control unit 208 accesses the storage destination via the storage device I/F 116 and stores the document. Examples of functions (applications) that use the document usage control unit 207 and the document storage control unit 208 include a scan and store app and a cloud app.

The IC card control unit 209 accesses the IC card reader 131 via the IC card control I/F 130, reads information from the IC card, and returns the read result to the requesting control unit. The card information that the IC card control unit 209 can read from the IC card records a number that uniquely identifies the IC card written in the IC chip; hereinafter, the number that uniquely identifies the IC card will be referred to as a card ID. In addition, in this embodiment, the IC card control unit 209 links shortcuts to IC cards, registers them, and manages them. The shortcut control unit 210 stores, manages, and provides shortcuts, which will be described later.

<Home screen>
Next, the home screen of the image processing device 101 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. The home screen 340 has four areas: a control area 300, a tab area 310, a selection area 320, and an information area 330. The display of the tab area 310, the selection area 320, and the information area 330 changes depending on the function being executed. On the other hand, the control area 300 is always displayed regardless of the function being executed.

The control area 300 displays a login button 301 for logging in to the image processing device 101, a setting button 302 for displaying a setting screen, and a home button 303 for returning to the home screen from an active function. Furthermore, the control area 300 displays a keypad 304 for inputting numerical values, etc., a clear button, a reset button, a start button, a stop button, etc.
The information area 330 is an area that displays predetermined information to the user, such as the current date and time, or an error message if an error occurs.

The tab area 310 displays a number of tabs for switching the selection area 320. When a tab in the tab area 310 is selected, a screen corresponding to the selected tab is displayed in the selection area 320. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, tab 1 is selected, and a screen corresponding to tab 1 is displayed in the selection area 320.

In the selection area 320, a plurality of function execution buttons for executing functions are displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, buttons such as a copy button 321 for executing a copy function, and a scan and send button 322 for executing a scan function and a send function are displayed. When a function execution button or the like is pressed by the user, a screen corresponding to each function is displayed in the area corresponding to the tab area 310 and the selection area 320. For example, when the copy function is executed, a copy application screen is displayed, and when the scan and send function is executed, a scan and send application screen is displayed. Also, when the setting button 302 is pressed by the user, a setting screen of the image processing device 101 is displayed in the area corresponding to the tab area 310 and the selection area 320.

An add button 323 is displayed on buttons in the selection area 320 for which no function has been registered. In the places in the selection area 320 where the add button 323 is displayed, it is possible to install a new application on the image processing device 101 to add a function execution button or to register a shortcut, which will be described later.

<Application screen>
Next, a description will be given of the application screen displayed by selecting a function execution button on the home screen 340. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a copy screen. When the user selects the copy button 321 on the home screen 340, a copy screen 400 for executing the copy function is displayed. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a scan and send screen. When the user selects the scan and send button 322 on the home screen 340, a scan and send screen 500 for executing the scan function and the send function is displayed.

<Shortcuts>
In addition, a shortcut registration button 401 for registering a shortcut is displayed on each application screen in this embodiment. A shortcut is a function that allows frequently used settings (favorite settings) to be registered in advance in each application, and allows the frequently used settings to be easily called up. The frequently used settings registered as shortcuts include combinations of multiple settings. A function (application) to be called and a setting to be restored for that function are stored (registered) in the shortcut. The shortcuts allow the user to avoid making the same settings every time. When the shortcut is executed, the application registered in the shortcut is started, and the frequently used settings of the application are simultaneously restored. Note that if the frequently used settings are not registered in the application set in the shortcut, the application is started with the default settings. The shortcuts are stored in, for example, the storage device 120 and controlled by the shortcut control unit 210.

The copy screen 400 displays a number of copies setting to specify the number of copies to print, setting buttons for various print settings, and a shortcut registration button 401. The number of copies to print is specified, for example, using the keypad 304. Setting buttons displayed on the copy screen 400 include, for example, an imposition setting button, a double-sided printing setting button, and a color setting button. The imposition setting button specifies the number of pages to be assigned to one sheet of paper. The double-sided printing setting button specifies single-sided or double-sided printing. The color setting button specifies whether printing will be in color, black and white, or grayscale. The number of copies setting and each setting button display the currently set value. Pressing each setting button displays a screen for changing the corresponding setting value, and the setting can be changed.

Default settings are used for settings that are not specified by the user. For example, the default settings for the copy function are number of copies: 1, imposition setting: 1 in 1, duplex printing setting: single-sided, and color setting: color. If the user sets the imposition setting to 2 in 1, duplex printing setting: double-sided, and color setting: black and white, the default setting of number of copies: 1 will be used for the number of copies that is not specified.

The shortcut registration button 401 is a button for registering frequently used settings as shortcuts. When the shortcut registration button 401 is pressed, the state of the settings displayed at that time is registered as a shortcut. For example, if the imposition setting is often set to 2 in 1, the double-sided printing setting is set to double-sided, and the color setting is set to black and white in order to save paper in the copy function, the combination of settings "Number of copies: 1, imposition setting: 2 in 1, double-sided printing setting: double-sided, color setting: black and white" is registered as a shortcut. Information on the registered shortcut is stored in the shortcut management table shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the registered shortcut is displayed as a shortcut button 710 in the selection area 320 of the home screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. When the copy function is called, the default settings are usually displayed for each setting, but when the registered shortcut button 710 is pressed, the settings registered in the shortcut are restored. By restoring the settings registered in the shortcut, the copy settings become "Number of copies: 1, imposition setting: 2 in 1, double-sided printing setting: double-sided, color setting: black and white". Users can make copies using their usual settings simply by pressing the shortcut button 710, placing the original, and starting.

The Scan and Send screen 500 displays setting buttons for setting the destination and various scan settings, and a shortcut registration button 401. In the destination setting, the destination can be set, such as an email address to which the scanned document is sent or a path to a file server. The setting buttons displayed on the Scan and Send screen 500 include, for example, a format setting button, a resolution setting button, and a color setting button. The format setting button specifies the format in which the scanned document is saved. The resolution setting button specifies the scan resolution. In the color setting, the document is read in color, black and white, grayscale, or automatically determined. The currently set values are displayed in the destination setting and each setting button. Note that FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are examples of application screens, and settings other than those described may be possible, or the configuration may not allow the settings described.

Default settings are used for settings that are not specified by the user. For example, the default settings for the scan and send function are: destination is blank, format is jpeg, resolution is 300 dpi, and color is automatically determined. If the user sets the destination to SMB \\172.20.83.168\folder, the format to jpeg, and the resolution to 300 dpi, the default automatically determined color settings will be used for any settings that are not specified.

In addition, the scan and send screen 500 displays a shortcut registration button 401. For example, assume that a user frequently uses the scan and send function with the settings of SMB 172.20.83.168 folder as the destination, jpeg as the format, and 400 dpi as the resolution, and the default color setting is set to automatic determination. The user presses the shortcut registration button 401 after setting the frequently used settings on the scan and send screen 500. This allows "Destination: SMB 172.20.83.168 folder, format: jpeg, resolution: 400 dpi" to be registered as a shortcut. The information of the registered shortcut is stored in the shortcut management table shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the registered shortcut is displayed as a shortcut button 710 in the selection area 320 of the home screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. When the registered shortcut button 710 is pressed, the settings registered in the shortcut are restored. By restoring the settings registered in the shortcut, the user's settings for the scan and send function will be "Destination: SMB \\172.20.83.168\folder, Format: jpeg, Resolution: 400 dpi, Color: Auto." The user can send scanned documents to the usual destination with the usual settings by simply pressing the shortcut button 710, placing the original, and starting.

The shortcut settings are stored in the shortcut management table shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the shortcut management table. The shortcut management table is managed by the shortcut control unit 210. In the shortcut management table, the shortcut ID 601, function 602, setting 603, and immediate execution 604 of each shortcut are managed.

In Shortcut ID 601, a unique identifier for identifying the registered shortcut is stored. In Function 602, which function (application) the shortcut is for is stored. In Settings 603, a combination of multiple settings registered as a shortcut is stored. In Immediate Execution 604, a setting for whether or not to immediately execute the corresponding function/setting when the shortcut button is pressed is stored. In Immediate Execution 604, for example, either "ON" or "OFF" is registered. When "ON", the function/setting of the shortcut is called and then executed immediately without user operation. On the other hand, when "OFF", the function/setting of the shortcut is simply called.

Shortcut 610 is an example of a favorites management table corresponding to a shortcut for the copy function described above. The shortcut ID 601 of shortcut 610 stores "F0001", the function 602 stores "Copy", the settings 603 stores "Number of copies: 1, Imposition setting: 2 in 1, Duplex printing setting: Duplex, Color setting: Black and white", and the immediate execution 604 stores "OFF". Shortcut 611 is an example of a favorites management table corresponding to a shortcut for the scan and send function described above. The shortcut ID 601 of shortcut 611 stores "F0005", and the function 602 stores "Scan and send". The settings 603 of shortcut 611 store "Destination: File server \\172.20.83.168\folder, Format: jpeg, Resolution 400 dpi, Color setting: Automatic", and the immediate execution 604 stores "ON".

Figure 7 is a diagram explaining shortcuts added to the home screen. A shortcut registered by pressing the shortcut registration button 401 on each application screen is additionally displayed as a shortcut button 710 in the selection area 320 of the home screen. Note that multiple shortcut buttons 710 can be registered, and the name of the shortcut button can be set arbitrarily when registering the shortcut.

<Registering/calling shortcuts using an IC card>
Next, the relationship between shortcuts and IC card information will be described. The shortcut control unit 210 registers and manages IC card information in association with shortcuts. By registering an IC card corresponding to a shortcut in advance, the shortcut corresponding to the IC card can be executed simply by holding the IC card over the IC card reader 131.

In this embodiment, the shortcut can be registered in association with card information linked to user information, but it can also be registered in association with card information not linked to user information of the logged-in user, independent of the user information of the logged-in user. For example, the user may hold any card not linked to user information, such as a transportation IC card, in addition to an IC card linked to user information used to log in to the image processing device 101. By registering a shortcut in association with card information such as a transportation IC card not linked to user information, the user can easily call up a shortcut associated with card information without logging in. In this way, when associating a shortcut with card information not linked to user information, it is not necessary to further associate and register user information with the shortcut. In addition, it is also possible to restrict the registration of user information for the card information of an IC card linked to user information when associating card information with a shortcut and registering it, or when registering by importing a shortcut.

Here, an example of registering a shortcut and an IC card in association with each other will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of registering a shortcut and an IC card in association with each other. As an example of registering an IC card to a shortcut, there is a method of displaying an IC card registration operation screen by pressing and holding the registered shortcut button. An example of registering an IC card to shortcut button 710 will be described. When shortcut button 710 shown in FIG. 7 is pressed and held, IC card registration operation screen 800 shown in FIG. 8(A) is displayed. An IC card registration button 801, an IC card deletion button 802, and a cancel button for terminating the operation are displayed on IC card registration operation screen 800.

When the user presses the IC card registration button 801, the IC card registration screen 810 shown in FIG. 8 (B) is displayed. When the user holds an IC card over the IC card reader 131 while the IC card registration screen 810 is displayed, the card information of the held IC card is read. Then, a shortcut corresponding to the shortcut button 710 is registered in association with the read card information. Note that in this embodiment, an example is described in which shortcut information is registered in association with a card ID among the card information, but it may be associated with other card information. On the other hand, when the user presses the IC card deletion button 802, the card ID of the IC card registered in that shortcut is deleted.

The correspondence between the registered shortcuts and IC cards is stored in the IC card management table shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the IC card management table. The IC card management table is managed by the IC card control unit 209. In the IC card management table, the correspondence between the card ID 901 and the shortcut ID 902 is managed as IC card information. In the card ID 901, a unique card ID recorded on the IC card to be registered is stored as card information. In the shortcut ID 902, the shortcut ID of the shortcut to be called corresponding to the IC card is stored. The shortcut ID 902 in the IC card management table corresponds to the shortcut ID 601 in the shortcut management table (FIG. 6).

When a user holds an IC card over the IC card reader 131 while the home screen or an application screen is displayed, the IC card control unit 209 reads out the card ID of the IC card. The shortcut control unit 210 then checks whether the read card ID exists in the card ID 901 in the IC card management table. If the read card ID exists in the IC card management table, the shortcut control unit 210 reads out the shortcut ID 902 corresponding to that card ID, and executes the shortcut specified by the shortcut ID 902.

The IC card information 910 shown in the IC card management table (Figure 9) is an example in which an IC card with a card ID of "03BAF394AE277C80" is registered to the shortcut button 710. "03BAF394AE277C80" is stored in the card ID 901 of the IC card information 910, and the shortcut ID "S0001" registered to the shortcut button 710 is stored in the shortcut ID 902. By registering and managing the card information of the IC card in this way in association with the shortcut, the user can execute the shortcut corresponding to the IC card simply by holding the IC card over the IC card reader 131.

In this embodiment, it is possible to register a different shortcut to an IC card that already has a shortcut registered in the same manner. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to register multiple shortcuts to one IC card. The IC card information 911 shown in the IC card management table (Figure 9) shows an example in which a shortcut is registered to an IC card that already has a shortcut registered. The card ID "03BAF394AE277C80" in the IC card information 911 is the same as the card ID in the IC card information 910. As shown in the IC card information 910, a shortcut with shortcut ID "S0001" is registered in the IC card with card ID "03BAF394AE277C80". When a shortcut with shortcut ID "S0019" is registered to the IC card with card ID "03BAF394AE277C80", the IC card information 911 is stored in the IC card management table.

In addition, there is a limit to the number of shortcuts that can be registered on one IC card. Since it is not possible to register shortcuts on an IC card that exceed the limit, an error screen is displayed if an attempt is made to register shortcuts beyond the limit. The error screen may, for example, display a message indicating that the number of shortcuts that can be registered has reached its limit, or it may allow the user to select a shortcut to delete from those already registered.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen that appears when the number of shortcuts registered exceeds the upper limit. Error screen 1000 displays a shortcut list 1001, an OK button 1002, and a cancel button 1003. Shortcut list 1001 displays a list of shortcuts registered on the IC card in a selectable format. For each shortcut in shortcut list 1001, the function and settings registered with the shortcut are displayed. The user selects a shortcut to delete from the shortcuts displayed in shortcut list 1001. Note that multiple shortcuts can be selected for deletion. When OK button 1002 is pressed with a shortcut selected, the selected shortcut is deleted and a new shortcut can be added and registered. When cancel button 1003 is pressed, the shortcut addition registration process ends and the screen returns to the home screen.

In the case where multiple shortcut buttons are registered on one IC card, for example, when the IC card is held over the IC card reader 131 while the home screen is displayed, a list of shortcuts registered on the IC card is displayed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a shortcut list display screen. A shortcut list 1101, an OK button 1102, and a cancel button 1103 are displayed on the shortcut list display screen 1100. The shortcut list 1101 displays a list of multiple shortcuts registered on the IC card. For each shortcut in the shortcut list 1101, the function and settings registered for the shortcut are displayed. The user selects one shortcut to be executed from the shortcut list 1101, and executes the selected shortcut by pressing the OK button 1102. If the cancel button 1103 is pressed, the screen returns to the original screen.

In addition, when an IC card is held over IC card reader 131 while a specific application screen is being displayed, only shortcuts to functions related to the application screen being displayed may be displayed in a list among the shortcuts registered on the IC card. For example, when an IC card is held over IC card reader 131 while copy screen 400 is being displayed, only shortcuts related to the copy function are displayed in a list. Note that if only one shortcut related to the copy function is associated with the IC card, the shortcut for the copy function may be called without displaying the list.

Next, the registration process for associating an IC card with a shortcut in order to call up a shortcut by holding the IC card over the device will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the registration process for associating an IC card with a shortcut in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, it is possible to associate multiple shortcuts with one IC card. The registration process for associating an IC card with a shortcut is executed by the display operation control unit 201, IC card control unit 209, and shortcut control unit 210. This process is realized by the CPU 111 controlling a program stored in ROM 113.

This flowchart starts when it is detected that the user has pressed the IC card registration button 801. For example, when registering an IC card in association with a shortcut corresponding to the shortcut button 710, the user presses and holds the shortcut button 710 and selects the IC card registration button 801 on the displayed IC card registration operation screen 800 (Figure 8 (A)).

In step S1201, the shortcut control unit 210 obtains the shortcut ID registered in the shortcut from the shortcut management table (Figure 6). For example, when registering shortcut 610 as a shortcut to be associated with an IC card, the IC card control unit 209 obtains the shortcut ID "S0001" from the IC card management table.

In step S1202, the IC card control unit 209 acquires the card ID of the IC card to be associated with the shortcut. Specifically, first, the IC card control unit 209 instructs the display operation control unit 201 to display the IC card registration screen 810 (FIG. 8(B)). The display operation control unit 201 displays the IC card registration screen 810 on the display 119 via the display control I/F 115. Then, when the user holds the IC card over the IC card reading device 131, the IC card reading device 131 reads IC card information including the card ID from the IC card. The IC card control unit 209 acquires the card ID of the IC card from the IC card reading device 131 via the IC card control I/F 130.

In step S1203, the IC card control unit 209 determines whether the card ID corresponding to the shortcut ID acquired in step S1201 is unregistered. The IC card control unit 209 can determine whether the card ID corresponding to the shortcut ID acquired in step S1201 is unregistered based on whether the shortcut ID is registered in the IC card management table (FIG. 9). If the card ID corresponding to the shortcut ID is unregistered, that is, if the shortcut ID is not registered in the IC card management table, the process proceeds to step S1205. On the other hand, if the card ID corresponding to the shortcut ID has been registered, that is, if the shortcut ID is registered in the IC card management table, the process proceeds to step S1204.

If the card ID corresponding to the shortcut ID has already been registered, no more IC cards can be registered. Therefore, in step S1204, the IC card control unit 209 instructs the display operation control unit 201 to display an error message indicating that an IC card cannot be registered. The display operation control unit 201 then displays an error message indicating that an IC card cannot be registered on the display 119 via the display control I/F 115.

In step S1205, the IC card control unit 209 determines whether the number of shortcuts that can be associated with the IC card read in step S1202 has reached the upper limit. Specifically, the IC card control unit 209 acquires how many card IDs acquired in step S1202 are registered in the IC card management table (FIG. 9). The IC card control unit 209 then compares the number of acquired card IDs with a predetermined upper limit that can be registered. If the number of shortcuts that can be associated with the IC card has reached the upper limit, that is, if the number of card IDs acquired in step S1202 is equal to the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S1206. On the other hand, if the number of shortcuts that can be associated with the IC card has not reached the upper limit, that is, if the number of card IDs acquired in step S1202 is less than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S1207.

In step S1206, the IC card control unit 209 performs error processing due to the fact that the number of shortcuts registered to the IC card has reached the upper limit. For example, the IC card control unit 209 instructs the display operation control unit 201 to display an error message indicating that the number of shortcuts that can be associated with the IC card has reached the upper limit. The display operation control unit 201 then displays an error message on the display 119 via the display control I/F 115 indicating that the number of shortcuts that can be associated with the IC card has reached the upper limit.

As another example of error processing, the IC card control unit 209 may instruct the display operation control unit 201 to display an error screen 1000 (FIG. 10) that allows a registered shortcut to be selected and deleted. Specifically, the IC card control unit 209 acquires all shortcut IDs in which the card ID acquired in step S1202 is registered from the card management table. Then, the IC card control unit 209 acquires the functions and settings of the shortcuts registered in each shortcut ID from the shortcut management table and displays them in a list in the shortcut list 1001 of the error screen 1000. When the user selects a shortcut to be deleted from the shortcut list 1001 and presses the OK button 1002, the IC card control unit 209 deletes the combination of the shortcut ID and card ID of the selected shortcut from the IC card management table. Then, the IC card control unit 209 registers the shortcut ID acquired in step S1201 and the card ID acquired in step S1202 in the IC card management table in association with each other. This means that even if the maximum number of shortcuts that can be registered on an IC card has been reached, you can simultaneously delete unnecessary shortcuts and register necessary shortcuts.

In step S1207, the IC card control unit 209 associates and registers the shortcut ID acquired in step S1201 and the card ID acquired in step S1202 in the IC card management table. Through the above processing, it is possible to associate and register the IC card and the shortcut. It is also possible to register multiple shortcuts for one IC card.

Next, the process of calling a shortcut using an IC card will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of calling a shortcut using an IC card in the first embodiment. The process of calling a shortcut using an IC card is executed by the display operation control unit 201, the IC card control unit 209, the shortcut control unit 210, and the control units of each application. This process is realized by the CPU 111 controlling a program stored in the ROM 113. Note that the control unit of an application refers to a control unit that controls an application corresponding to each function, such as the copy control unit 205 and the transmission control unit 204.

This flowchart starts when it is detected that an IC card is held over IC card reader 131 .
In step S1301, IC card control unit 209 acquires the card ID of an IC card held over IC card reading device 131. Specifically, when a user holds an IC card over IC card reading device 131, IC card reading device 131 reads IC card information including the card ID from the IC card. Then, IC card control unit 209 acquires the card ID of the IC card from IC card reading device 131 via IC card control I/F 130.

In step S1302, the IC card control unit 209 determines whether the card ID acquired in step S1301 exists in the IC card management table (Figure 9). If the card ID acquired in step S1301 does not exist in the IC card management table, this process ends. On the other hand, if the card ID acquired in step S1301 exists in the IC card management table, the process proceeds to step S1303.

In step S1303, the IC card control unit 209 determines whether the screen being displayed is a home screen. The IC card control unit 209 obtains information about the screen being displayed on the display 119 from the display operation control unit 201 and determines whether the home screen is being displayed. If the screen being displayed is a home screen, the process proceeds to step S1305. On the other hand, if the screen being displayed is not a home screen, the process proceeds to step S1304.

In step S1305, the IC card control unit 209 obtains all shortcut IDs associated with the card ID obtained in step S1301 from the IC card management table. The IC card control unit 209 then obtains the functions and settings of the shortcuts corresponding to the obtained shortcut IDs from the shortcut management table (Figure 6).

In step S1304, the IC card control unit 209 acquires only shortcuts for functions related to the currently displayed screen. Specifically, the IC card control unit 209 first acquires all shortcut IDs associated with the card ID acquired in step S1301 from the IC card management table. The IC card control unit 209 then acquires the functions and settings of the shortcuts corresponding to the acquired shortcut IDs from the shortcut management table (FIG. 6). Next, based on the information of the screen currently displayed on the display 119 acquired in step S1303, the IC card control unit 209 selects only shortcuts for functions related to the currently displayed screen from all the acquired shortcuts. For example, if the currently displayed screen is a copy settings screen, only shortcuts related to the copy function are selected.

In step S1306, the shortcut control unit 210 displays and calls up a shortcut list corresponding to the IC card. First, the shortcut control unit 210 instructs the display operation control unit 201 to display the shortcut list display screen 1100 (FIG. 11). The shortcut list 1101 of the shortcut list display screen 1100 displays all shortcuts acquired in step S1305 or shortcuts related to the displayed screen selected in step S1304. Then, the shortcut control unit 210 calls up the shortcut selected by the user on the shortcut list display screen 1100. Calling a shortcut means providing a function with a combination of multiple settings corresponding to the shortcut. The shortcut control unit 210 instructs the control unit of the application corresponding to the function of the selected shortcut to display the application screen with the settings corresponding to the shortcut. Note that if there is only one shortcut acquired in step S1305 or one shortcut related to the displayed screen selected in step S1304, the shortcut list display screen 1100 may not be displayed. In this case, the shortcut may be called without displaying the list, and if immediate execution is set, the function of the shortcut may be executed immediately. As a result, even if multiple shortcuts are registered on one IC card, you can call up the desired shortcut from among the multiple shortcuts.

As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to register and manage multiple shortcuts on a single IC card.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, an example of registering a shortcut associated with an IC card and calling the shortcut by an IC card according to ON/OFF of the immediate execution of the shortcut will be described. Note that various screens displayed in the second embodiment and information managed (shortcut management table and IC card management table) are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The registration process for associating an IC card with a shortcut in the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the registration process for associating an IC card with a shortcut in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, processing is performed according to the setting for immediate execution of a shortcut that has already been associated with an IC card. The registration process for associating an IC card with a shortcut is a process executed by the display operation control unit 201, IC card control unit 209, and shortcut control unit 210. This process is realized by the CPU 111 controlling a program stored in ROM 113.

This flowchart starts when it is detected that the user has pressed the IC card registration button 801. For example, when registering an IC card in association with a shortcut corresponding to the shortcut button 710, the user presses and holds the shortcut button 710 and selects the IC card registration button 801 on the displayed IC card registration operation screen 800 (FIG. 8(A)). The processing from step S1401 to step S1406 is similar to the processing from step S1201 to step S1206 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The processing from step S1407 onwards will be described below.

In step S1407, the IC card control unit 209 determines whether one or more shortcuts have already been registered on the IC card to be registered. Specifically, the IC card control unit 209 refers to the IC card management table and determines whether there is a shortcut ID associated with the card ID acquired in step S1402. If there is one or more shortcuts already registered on the IC card, that is, if there is a shortcut ID associated with the card ID, the process proceeds to step S1408. On the other hand, if there is no shortcut already registered on the IC card, that is, if there is no shortcut ID associated with the card ID, the process proceeds to step S1411.

In step S1408, the IC card control unit 209 and the shortcut control unit 210 determine whether the shortcuts already registered in the IC card to be registered include a shortcut with the immediate execution setting set to ON. Specifically, the IC card control unit 209 and the shortcut control unit 210 refer to the shortcut management table (FIG. 6) and check the immediate execution setting corresponding to the shortcut ID associated with the card ID acquired in step S1402. If the shortcuts already registered in the IC card to be registered include a shortcut with the immediate execution setting set to ON, that is, if there is a shortcut ID with the immediate execution setting set to ON, proceed to step S1409. On the other hand, if the shortcuts already registered in the IC card to be registered do not include a shortcut with the immediate execution setting set to ON, that is, if the immediate execution setting is OFF for all shortcut IDs, proceed to step S1411.

In step S1409, the shortcut control unit 210 issues a notification to disable the instant execution setting. Specifically, the shortcut control unit 210 instructs the display operation control unit 201 to display a screen to ask the user whether to change the instant execution setting from ON to OFF. The shortcut control unit 210 then accepts a response from the user via the input control I/F 114 and the display operation control unit 201. If the user selects to change the instant execution setting from ON to OFF, that is, if disabling of instant execution is permitted, the process proceeds to step S1410. On the other hand, if the user selects not to change the instant execution setting from ON to OFF, the process proceeds to step S1411.

In step S1410, the shortcut control unit 210 changes the real-time execution setting of the shortcuts that are set to ON in the shortcut management table to OFF.
In step S1411, the IC card control unit 209 registers the shortcut ID acquired in step S1401 and the card ID acquired in step S1402 in the IC card management table in association with each other. In this step, if a shortcut ID has already been registered for the card ID to be registered, the IC card control unit 209 registers the shortcut ID by setting the immediate execution setting to OFF for the shortcut ID to be newly registered.

In FIG. 14, an example is described in which, when associating another shortcut with an IC card to which a shortcut already has been assigned an instant execution setting, the user is prompted to select whether to change the instant execution setting of the existing shortcut from ON to OFF. The embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, the instant execution settings of all existing shortcuts may be automatically disabled without the user being prompted to select the instant execution settings of the existing shortcuts. When the instant execution settings are automatically disabled, the user can be notified of the change in settings by displaying on the display 119 that the instant execution settings are to be disabled. When associating another shortcut with an IC card to which a shortcut already has been assigned an instant execution setting, the management of multiple shortcuts can be simplified by disabling the instant execution settings of all existing shortcuts.

The above process makes it possible to register multiple shortcuts to one IC card. In addition, when associating multiple shortcuts to one IC card, the immediate execution setting can be automatically disabled or the user can be notified to disable it, thereby preventing multiple immediate execution shortcuts from being registered.

Next, the process of calling a shortcut using an IC card in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 15. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of calling a shortcut using an IC card in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, processing is performed according to the setting for immediate execution of a shortcut associated with an IC card. The process of calling a shortcut using an IC card is a process executed by the display operation control unit 201, the IC card control unit 209, the shortcut control unit 210, and the control units of each application. This process is realized by the CPU 111 controlling a program stored in the ROM 113.

This flowchart starts when it is detected that an IC card is being held over the IC card reader 131. The processing from step S1501 to step S1505 is similar to the processing from step S1301 to step S1305 in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Below, the processing from step S1506 onwards will be described.

In step S1506, the shortcut control unit 210 determines whether or not any of the shortcuts selected in step S1504 or acquired in step S1505 has the immediate execution setting set to ON. Specifically, the shortcut control unit 210 refers to the shortcut management table (FIG. 6) for the shortcuts selected in step S1504 or acquired in step S1505, and checks the immediate execution setting. If any shortcut has the immediate execution setting set to ON, the process proceeds to step S1507. On the other hand, if no shortcut has the immediate execution setting set to ON, that is, if the immediate execution setting is OFF for all of the target shortcuts, the process proceeds to step S1509.

In step S1507, the shortcut control unit 210 determines whether there are multiple shortcuts for the shortcut selected in step S1504 or the shortcut acquired in step S1505. If there are multiple shortcuts, the process proceeds to step S1509, where the multiple shortcuts are displayed in a list. On the other hand, if there is only one shortcut, the process proceeds to step S1508.

If step S1506 is Yes and step S1507 is No, i.e., if there is one shortcut associated with the IC card that has the immediate execution setting ON, proceed to step S1508. In step S1508, the shortcut control unit 210 calls the shortcut associated with the IC card that has the immediate execution setting ON, and immediately executes the function with a combination of multiple settings that correspond to the shortcut.

Step S1509 is the same process as step S1306 in the first embodiment. In step S1509, the shortcut control unit 210 displays and calls up a shortcut list corresponding to the IC card. First, the shortcut control unit 210 instructs the display operation control unit 201 to display the shortcut list display screen 1100 (FIG. 11). The shortcut list 1101 on the shortcut list display screen 1100 displays all shortcuts acquired in step S1505 or shortcuts related to the displayed screen selected in step S1504. Then, the shortcut control unit 210 calls up the shortcut displayed to the user on the shortcut list display screen 1100, and instructs the display operation control unit 201 to display an application screen with settings corresponding to the selected shortcut.

By processing steps S1506 to S1509, when multiple shortcuts are registered in association with one IC card, it is possible to manage the shortcut so that the immediate execution setting does not operate effectively when calling up the shortcut via the IC card. This makes it possible to call or execute the shortcut according to the immediate execution setting even when multiple shortcuts are registered to one IC card.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when multiple shortcuts can be registered to one IC card, it is possible to manage the appropriate shortcuts according to the immediate execution settings.

Other Embodiments
The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

Claims (10)

a storage means for storing a combination of a function provided by the image processing device and a plurality of settings as a shortcut;
a registration means for registering the shortcut so as to associate and store card information that can be read from a card by the image processing device with the shortcut;
providing means for calling the shortcut when the shortcut is selected by a user or when the card information is read, and providing the function with a combination of a plurality of settings corresponding to the shortcut;
When another shortcut is associated with card information to which a shortcut already set to be executed is associated, the registration means invalidates the assigned setting for execution.
13. An image processing device comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user that the immediate execution setting is to be invalidated. The apparatus further includes a receiving means for receiving a response from a user to the notification,
3 . The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the registration means disables the real-time execution setting only when a user permits the real-time execution setting to be disabled. 4 . 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration means manages an upper limit on the number of shortcuts that can be associated with one piece of card information. The image processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when associating another shortcut with card information which has already reached the upper limit of the number of shortcuts, a list is displayed for selecting a shortcut to delete, and the registration means deletes the shortcut selected in the list and associates the other shortcut with the card information. 6. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that displays a list for selecting a shortcut to be called when card information associated with a plurality of shortcuts is read. 7. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein, when the screen displayed when the card information is read is a screen related to a specific function, the control means displays only shortcuts related to the specific function in the list. An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that even if multiple shortcuts are registered in association with one card information, if the screen displayed when the card information is read is a screen related to a specific function and there is one shortcut related to the specific function, the providing means manages the setting for immediate execution so that it operates effectively when calling up the shortcut associated with the card information. A control method for an image processing device, comprising:
a storing step of storing a combination of a function provided by the image processing device and a plurality of settings as a shortcut;
a registration step of registering the shortcut so that card information that can be read from a card by the image processing device is associated with the shortcut and stored;
a providing step of calling up the shortcut when the shortcut is selected by a user or when the card information is read, and providing the function with a combination of a plurality of settings corresponding to the shortcut;
In the registration step, when another shortcut is associated with card information to which a shortcut already set to be executed immediately is associated, the assigned setting to execute immediately is invalidated.
A control method comprising: 9. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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