JP6221729B2 - Image forming apparatus, display method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying a web page provided by an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses called MFPs or multi function peripherals (MFPs) equipped with functions such as a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, a network printer, and a document server have become widespread.

  The image forming apparatus further has a web server function. Then, a web page indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, a web page for managing document data stored in a storage area called “box” or “personal box”, a web page for managing an address book, etc. are distributed. It was way. The user can access these web pages by using the web browser of the terminal device, and can confirm various items or cause the image forming apparatus to perform various processes.

  Conventionally, a web page can be configured by combining a plurality of frames (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  By combining a plurality of frames, for example, the following web page can be configured.

  A web page is composed of a first frame as a main frame and a second frame as a sub frame. A list of document data stored in the box is displayed in the first frame. In the second frame, a menu for processing (for example, printing, transmission, uploading, etc.) for the document data is displayed.

  When the user selects document data from the first frame and selects a process from the second frame, the image forming apparatus executes the selected process on the selected document data.

JP 2011-90384 A JP-A-10-171755

  However, if a frame is prepared for the menu, the display area for this frame is wasted when it is not necessary to present the menu to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to more effectively use a region for displaying a web page than in the past.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a web server function, and generates state page data for displaying a state page indicating a state in the image forming apparatus. And menu data for displaying the menu of the processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus on the status page so that the menu data is displayed so as to be superimposed on the position when the client is notified of the position. If the margin for placing the menu is on the status page, it is generated so as to be displayed over the margin, otherwise it is displayed at the position of the object where a part of the status page is hidden. The menu data generation means, and the generated status page data and the menu data are sent to the client. A transmission means for, the.

  According to the present invention, an area for displaying a web page can be used more effectively than before.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of a network system. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance and an internal example of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure implement | achieved by a web server application. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure implement | achieved by the web browser. It is a figure which shows the example which superimposes a superimposition layer on a basic page. It is a figure which shows the example of the form of a top page. It is a figure which shows the example of the form of a top page. It is a figure which shows the example of the form of a top page. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a position determination process. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the object in a 3rd frame. It is a figure which shows the example of the form of a top page. It is a figure which shows the example of the positional relationship of a top page and a web page display area. It is a figure which shows the example of the form of a top page. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process in a terminal device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow in the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the network system 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance and an internal example of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration realized by the web server application 10WS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration realized by the web browser 20WB.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a terminal device 2, a communication line NW, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 can communicate with each other via a communication line NW. As the communication line NW, a public line, a dedicated line, the Internet, a so-called LAN (Local Area Network) line, or the like is used.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an image processing apparatus that is generally called an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) or a multifunction peripheral, and is an apparatus that integrates functions such as copying, PC printing (network printing), fax, scanning, and boxes.

  The box function is a function for giving a storage area called “box” or “personal box” for each user, and for each user to save and manage document data (document data) in his / her storage area. A box corresponds to a “folder” or “directory” in a personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10c, a mass storage device 10d, a scan unit 10e, A NIC (Network Interface Card) 10f, a modem 10g, a connection interface board 10h, a print unit 10i, a post-processing device 10j, an operation panel unit 10k, and the like.

  The scan unit 10e reads images such as photographs, characters, pictures, charts, and the like written on the paper and generates image data. Specifically, the scan unit 10e includes an image sensor 10e1, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 10e2, a reading slit 10e3, a platen glass 10e4, and the like.

  The ADF 10e2 conveys the set sheets one by one to the reading slit 10e3. Then, when the paper passes through the reading slit 10e3, the image sensor 10e1 reads an image from the paper and generates electronic data of the image. When the user sets a document on the platen glass 10e4, the image sensor 10e1 scans the platen glass 10e4 to read an image from a sheet and generate electronic data of the image.

  The NIC 10f communicates with a device such as the terminal device 2 using a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The modem 10g communicates with a fax terminal using a protocol such as G3 via a fixed telephone network.

  The connection interface board 10 h is a device for connecting peripheral devices to the image forming apparatus 1. For example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) board or an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 board is used as the connection interface board 10h.

  The print unit 10i prints an image read by the scan unit 10e or an image input via the NIC 10f, the modem 10g, or the connection interface board 10h on a sheet. Specifically, the print unit 10i includes an engine unit 10i1, a paper feed tray 10i2, a large-capacity paper feed tank 10i3, a paper transport mechanism 10i4, and the like.

  One or a plurality of paper feed trays 10i2 are provided in the print unit 10i. Each of them stores paper (white paper) of a predetermined size. The large-capacity paper feed tank 10i3 also stores paper of a predetermined size (white paper), but has a larger capacity than the paper feed tray 10i2. Therefore, the most commonly used size paper is usually stored.

  The paper transport mechanism 10i4 transports paper one by one from the paper feed tray 10i2 or the large capacity paper feed tank 10i3 to the engine unit 10i1. The engine unit 10i1 prints an image on a sheet. Then, the paper transport mechanism 10i4 carries out the paper on which the image is printed to the paper discharge tray or the bin. Note that when post-processing (such as stapling or punching) is necessary, the paper on which the image is printed is conveyed to the post-processing device 10j.

  The post-processing device 10j appropriately performs the post-processing described above on one or a plurality of sheets on which images are printed.

  The operation panel unit 10k is a user interface unit, and includes a hard key panel 10k1, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 10k2, a touch panel 10k3, and the like.

  The hard key panel 10k1 is an input device including keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, a reset key, a power key, and a function key. These keys are generally called “hard keys” or “hardware keys” in order to distinguish them from keys (so-called software keys) displayed on the liquid crystal display 10k2.

  On the liquid crystal display 10k2, a screen showing a message to the user, a screen showing the result of processing, a screen for the user to input an instruction or condition to the image forming apparatus 1, and the like are displayed.

  The touch panel 10k3 is fixedly provided so as to cover the entire display surface of the liquid crystal display 10k2, detects the touched position, and notifies the main CPU 10a of the position. As the touch panel 10k3, for example, a capacitive touch panel, a surface acoustic wave touch panel, or an electromagnetic induction touch panel is used.

  The ROM 10c or the large-capacity storage device 10d stores a program for realizing the functions such as copying and PC printing described above. Further, a web server application 10WS is stored. The web server application 10WS is an application that provides a web page for the user to remotely operate the image forming apparatus 1 using the web browser of the terminal device 2.

  According to the web server application 10WS, the request reception unit 101, the basic source code generation unit 102, the menu position determination unit 103, the superimposed layer source code generation unit 104, the web page file generation unit 105, and the web page file transmission unit 106 illustrated in FIG. And the job execution unit 107 and the like are realized.

  These programs are loaded into the RAM 10b as necessary and executed by the CPU 10a. A hard disk drive, SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used as the mass storage device 10d.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the terminal device 2 is a client for the user to remotely use various services provided by the image forming apparatus 1. As the terminal device 2, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like is used. Hereinafter, a case where a notebook personal computer is used as the terminal device 2 will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device 2 includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, a mass storage device 20d, a liquid crystal display 20e, a keyboard 20f, a pointing device 20g, a NIC 20h, and the like.

  The large-capacity storage device 20d stores a driver, a web browser 20WB, and the like as programs for using the service of the image forming apparatus 1. These programs are loaded into the RAM 20b as necessary and executed by the CPU 20a.

  According to the web browser 20WB, functions such as the web server request unit 201, the response reception unit 202, the web page display unit 203, and the menu position storage unit 204 illustrated in FIG. 6 are realized. An existing web browser can be used as the web browser 20WB. The missing functions can be realized by add-ins.

  Hereinafter, the web server application 10WS of FIG. 4 and the web browser 20WB of FIG. 6 will be described.

[Functions of each part]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the superimposition layer 3B is superimposed on the basic page 3A.

  The web server application 10WS and the web browser 20WB exchange data such as requests and responses based on a protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

  Moreover, the web server application 10WS and the web browser 20WB correspond to the specifications of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, a layer made up of objects such as buttons can be overlaid on the basic web page and handled as one web page. Hereinafter, the basic web page is referred to as “basic page 3A”, and the layer superimposed thereon is referred to as “superimposed layer 3B”.

  In the web browser 20WB, the web server request unit 201 transmits an HTTP request to the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with an operation performed by the user.

  In the web server application 10WS, the request reception unit 101 receives an HTTP request from the web browser 20WB.

  The basic source code generation unit 102 or the job execution unit 107 executes processing according to the accepted HTTP request.

  The basic source code generation unit 102 generates source code 6A indicating the structure and content of the basic page 3A. The menu position determination unit 103 and the superimposed layer source code generation unit 104 generate source code 6B indicating the structure and content of the superimposed layer 3B. The generation method will be described later.

  The web page file generation unit 105 generates a file (hereinafter referred to as “web file 7”) for displaying a web page, using the generated source code 6A or source code 6B. There may be one web file 7 per web page or a plurality of web files 7. The main web file 7 is a file in which a script is described (so-called script file). In addition, an image file or a moving image file is used as the web file 7 as appropriate. The script file is described in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), or the like.

  The web page file transmission unit 106 transmits the generated web file 7 to the terminal device 2 as an HTTP response.

  The job execution unit 107 executes a job such as printing a document or moving document data.

  In the terminal device 2, the response receiving unit 202 receives an HTTP response from the web server application 10WS.

  The web page display unit 203 displays a web page on the liquid crystal display 20e based on the web file 7 when the web file 7 is received as an HTTP request.

  The menu position storage unit 204 stores information regarding the position of the object in the superimposed layer 3B. How to use this information will be described later.

[Procedure for displaying the web page with the overlay layer superimposed on the basic page]
8 to 10 are diagrams showing examples of the form of the top page 5. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the position determination process. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of objects in the third frame 53. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the form of the top page 5.

  Next, the processing procedure of each part of the web server application 10WS and the web browser 20WB will be described by taking as an example the case where the user uses the document data stored in the box of the image forming apparatus 1 remotely from the terminal device 2. .

  The user operates the keyboard 20f or the pointing device 20g of the terminal device 2 to activate the web browser 20WB and designates a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a predetermined web page. In this example, the URL of the top page 5 (see FIG. 8) of the image forming apparatus 1 is designated.

  Then, in the terminal device 2, the web server request unit 201 requests the image forming device 1 for the top page 5 of the image forming device 1 based on the URL.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the request reception unit 101 receives a request from the terminal device 2.

  The basic source code generation unit 102 generates the source code of the basic page 3A of the top page 5 in the initial state by appropriately editing data prepared in advance based on the request.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the top page 5 is divided into a first frame 51, a second frame 52, and a third frame 53. Therefore, the basic source code generation unit 102 generates a source code indicating the entire structure of the top page 5 and a web page source code embedded in each frame as the source code 6A of the basic page 3A. The control bar 20WBa is for operating the web browser 20WB, and is not an area for displaying a web page (hereinafter referred to as “web page display area”).

  As shown in FIG. 8, nothing is arranged in the second frame 52 and the third frame 53 by default. Therefore, here, the basic source code generation unit 102 generates the source code indicating the entire structure of the top page 5 and the source code of the web page embedded in the first frame 51 as the source code 6A.

  Further, the top page 5 does not have the superimposed layer 3B. Therefore, the first menu position determination unit 103 and the superimposed layer source code generation unit 104 do not perform processing here.

  The web page file generation unit 105 generates the web file 7 by converting the source code 6A generated by the basic source code generation unit 102 into a file. When an image such as a photograph or an illustration is arranged on the web page, an image file is prepared. However, since there is no image on the top page 5 in the initial state, no image file is prepared here.

  The web page file transmission unit 106 transmits the generated web file 7 to the terminal device 2 as a response.

  In the terminal device 2, the response reception unit 202 receives the web file 7 from the image forming apparatus 1 as a response.

  The web page display unit 203 displays the top page 5 on the liquid crystal display 20e based on the web file 7.

  In the top page 5, the first frame 51 has a plurality of buttons 51Ta to 51Te. The user selects the button 51Tc corresponding to box management.

  Then, the web server request unit 201 requests the image forming apparatus 1 for a web page associated with the button 51Tc.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the request reception unit 101 receives a request, the basic source code generation unit 102 appropriately edits data prepared in advance based on the request, thereby operating the box as the source code 6A. Generate web page source code.

  Even at this time, since the superimposed layer 3B is not superimposed, the menu position determining unit 103 and the superimposed layer source code generating unit 104 do not perform processing.

  The web page file generation unit 105 generates the web file 7 by converting the generated source code 6A into a file, and the web page file transmission unit 106 transmits this to the terminal device 2 as a response.

  In the terminal device 2, when the response reception unit 202 receives the web file 7, the web page display unit 203 displays the second frame 52 based on the web file 7 as shown in FIG. Update so that ~ 52Td is placed. Here, the user selects the button 52Ta.

  Then, the web server request unit 201 requests the image forming apparatus 1 for a file associated with the button 52Ta.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the request receiving unit 101 receives a request, the basic source code generating unit 102 selects a box by checking a box provided in the image forming apparatus 1 based on the request. The source code of the web page is generated as source code 6A.

  Even at this time, since the superimposed layer 3B is not superimposed, the menu position determining unit 103 and the superimposed layer source code generating unit 104 do not perform processing.

  The web page file generation unit 105 generates the web file 7 by converting the generated source code 6A into a file, and the web page file transmission unit 106 transmits this to the terminal device 2 as a response.

  In the terminal device 2, when the response reception unit 202 receives the web file 7, the web page display unit 203 includes the third frame 53 based on the web file 7 and the box name of each box as shown in FIG. 10. Update so that the box list 53S is arranged. Here, the user selects a box name of a box to be opened.

  Then, the web server request unit 201 requests the image forming apparatus 1 for a web page of a list of files (document data) stored in the box having the selected box name. The web page setting data 67 may be stored in the menu position storage unit 204. In this case, the setting data 67 is further transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. The setting data 67 indicates the position of the menu object 53M. The menu object 53M is an object composed of a plurality of buttons for selecting processing for document data (see FIG. 12).

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the request reception unit 101 receives a request, the basic source code generation unit 102 searches the document data stored in the box based on the request, and the like as the source code 6A. A web page source code indicating an icon (operation button) and a data name (file name) of each document data is generated.

  When displaying a list of document data, the superimposition layer 3B is superimposed. Therefore, the menu position determination unit 103 and the superimposed layer source code generation unit 104 execute the following processing.

  The menu position determination unit 103 determines the position of the menu object 53M in the superimposed layer 3B according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  When the setting data 67 is received (Yes in # 801), the menu position determination unit 103 determines the position indicated by the setting data 67 as the position of the menu object 53M (# 802).

  When the setting data 67 is not received (No in # 801), the menu position determination unit 103 uses the source code 6A to generate the third frame based on the source code 6A generated by the basic source code generation unit 102. It is checked whether or not there is a space (margin) where the menu object 53M can be placed at the bottom of the web page reproduced in 53 (# 803).

  For example, when there is a space as shown in FIG. 12A (Yes in # 804), the menu position determining unit 103 determines the position of this space as the position of the menu object 53M (# 805). The position of the menu object 53M is represented by the height from the lower end of the superimposed layer 3B and the distance from the left end.

  On the other hand, for example, when there is no space (No in # 804) as shown in FIG. (Hereinafter, referred to as “ineffective area”) is determined (# 805).

  In the fourth line from the top in FIG. 12B, a part of the icon appears, but the file name does not appear. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to determine which document data icon. Therefore, the menu position determination unit 103 determines that such an area where icons and file names are arranged is an ineffective area.

  Then, the menu position determining unit 103 determines the position of the ineffective area as the position of the menu object 53M (# 806).

  When the top page 5 is scrolled, the ineffective area moves. In this case, the position of the menu object 53M is changed as appropriate. The method of changing will be described later.

  The superimposed layer source code generation unit 104 generates the source code 6B of the superimposed layer 3B so that the menu object 53M is placed at the determined position.

  The web page file generation unit 105 generates the web file 7B by converting the generated source code 6B into a file. A web file 7A is generated by embedding the generated source code 6A into a file by embedding a code for calling the web file 7B. Further, an image file 7C for each icon is prepared by reading it from a predetermined directory.

  The web page file transmission unit 106 transmits the web files 7A and 7B and the image file 7C as the web file 7 to the terminal device 2.

  In the terminal device 2, when the response reception unit 202 receives the web file 7, the web page display unit 203 arranges the third frame 53 based on the web file 7 so that an icon and a file name for each document are arranged. Update. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the overlapping layer 3B is overlapped. Thereby, the top page 5 is updated as shown in FIG.

  When the top page 5 is updated, the user selects an icon of the document data to be processed, and selects a button corresponding to the process from the menu object 53M.

  Then, the web server request unit 201 makes a request by notifying the image forming apparatus 1 of the processing corresponding to the document data and the button corresponding to the selected icon.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the request reception unit 101 receives a notification (request) from the terminal device 2, the job execution unit 107 executes processing related to a document based on this notification. For example, when “report01” and “print” are notified from the terminal device 2, the document data “report01” is read from the box, and the document (document) of this document data is printed on a sheet of paper or the like. To control.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the top page 5 and the web page display area. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the form of the top page 5.

  By the way, the third frame 53 will be described more specifically. As shown in FIG. 14, the title 53H is arranged at the upper part of the third frame 53, and the table 53L indicated by a dotted line is arranged therebelow. . In addition, a dotted line is described for description and is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 20e. The table 53L includes 4 × N cells, and one document data icon and file name are arranged in one cell.

  If a large number of document data is stored in the box, these icons may not fit in the third frame 53 at a time. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 15, the web browser 20WB displays an icon or the like of some document data among these document data. Then, when the user operates the scroll bar 20WBb, the top page 5 is scrolled accordingly, and the remaining document data icons and the like are sequentially displayed. That is, the part of the top page 5 to be entered in the web page display area indicated by the alternate long and short dashed line in FIG.

  When the top page 5 is scrolled, the position of the ineffective area is changed. Therefore, the process of changing the vertical position of the menu object 53M is performed as follows.

  When the operation for scrolling the top page 5 up and down is performed while the superimposed layer 3B is displayed, the web server request unit 201 displays the scroll direction and distance (amount and the number of pixels) and the current web page display area. Is notified to the image forming apparatus 1.

  When the request reception unit 101 receives the notification, the menu position determination unit 103 determines the position of the menu object 53M in the superimposed layer 3B as follows.

The menu position determination unit 103 calculates the maximum value of the value DH that satisfies the following equation (1).
(ST + SH) ≧ (AH + TH + DH) (1)

However, as shown in FIG. 14, the value ST is a distance from the upper end of the top page 5 to the upper end of the web page display area. This is determined by the vertical scroll distance notified from the terminal device 2. The value SC is the height of the web page display area, and is notified from the terminal device 2. The value AH is the height of the first frame 51. The value TH is the distance from the upper end of the second frame 52 to the upper end of the table 53L. The value AH and the value TH can be known from the source code 6A. The value DH is the product of the number of vertical cells in the table 53L and the height of one cell. The height of one cell can also be known from the source code 6A.

The menu position determination unit 103 calculates the maximum value of the value DH, and calculates the value MH by substituting it into DH in the following equation (2). In the example of FIG. 14, the maximum value is “5”.
MH = (ST + SH) − (AH + TH + DH) (2)

Then, the menu position determination unit 103 determines the calculated value MH as the vertical position of the menu object 53M. This position is often the position of an object (icon or document name) that is partially hidden.

  The superimposed layer source code generation unit 104 generates the source code 6B of the superimposed layer 3B so that the menu object 53M is placed at a newly determined position.

  The web page file generation unit 105 generates the web file 7B by converting the generated source code 6B into a file.

  The web page file transmission unit 106 transmits the generated web file 7B to the terminal device 2.

  In the terminal device 2, when the response reception unit 202 receives the web file 7B, the web page display unit 203 displays the new superimposed layer 3B again based on the web file 7B instead of the old superimposed layer 3B.

  Through the above processing, the position of the menu object 53M is changed. The expressions (1) and (2) can be used even at the beginning of displaying a list of document data on the third frame 53 (step # 806 in FIG. 11).

  The user can change the position of the menu object 53M by dragging the menu object 53M. In this case, processing is performed as follows.

  The web server request unit 201 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the drag direction and distance.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the request receiving unit 101 receives the notification, the menu position determining unit 103 determines the position of the menu object 53M based on the current position of the menu object 53M and the notified contents. For example, when the current position is (Px, Py) and the notified direction and distance are upward and L, respectively, it is determined as (Px, Py + L).

  Hereinafter, as in the case of scrolling, the superimposed layer source code generation unit 104 generates the source code 6B of the superimposed layer 3B so that the menu object 53M is placed at the newly determined position, and the web page file generation unit 105 The web file 7B is generated by converting this into a file. The web page file transmission unit 106 transmits the web file 7B to the terminal device 2. Then, when the web file 7B is received in the terminal device 2, the web page display unit 203 redisplays the new superimposed layer 3B based on the web file 7B instead of the old superimposed layer 3B.

  The menu position storage unit 204 stores setting data 67 indicating the position of the menu object 53M. As the setting data 67, for example, Cookie is used. Then, the next time the menu object 53M is displayed, the image forming apparatus 1 is notified.

  When the menu object 53M is displayed based on the setting data 67, the position of the menu object 53M is changed after the drag is performed. However, it is desirable that the position is not changed even when the top page 5 is scrolled. .

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow in the terminal device 2. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow in the image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, an overall processing flow regarding the display of the menu object 53M in each of the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 will be described with reference to flowcharts.

  In FIG. 16, when a box name is selected from the box list 53S (see FIG. 10), the terminal device 2 forms an image of a web page of a list of document data stored in the box with the selected box name. A request is made to the device 1 (# 801). At this time, if the setting data 67 is included (# 802), the setting data 67 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (# 803).

  When the web files 7A and 7B and the image file 7C are received as a response to the request (# 804), as shown in FIG. 13, the third frame 53 is updated based on these and the superimposed layer 3B is displayed in an overlapping manner. (# 805).

  When the user performs a scroll operation on the top page 5 (Yes in # 806), the image forming apparatus 1 is notified of the scroll direction and distance (# 807). Then, the new web file 7B is received (# 808), and based on this, the new superimposed layer 3B is displayed instead of the old superimposed layer 3B (# 809). Thereby, the menu object 53M moves according to the scroll.

  Alternatively, when the user tries to move the menu object 53M to an arbitrary position by dragging or the like (Yes in # 810), the terminal device 2 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the direction and distance (# 811). . Then, the new web file 7B is received (# 812), and based on this, the new superimposed layer 3B is displayed instead of the old superimposed layer 3B (# 813). As a result, the menu object 53M moves to a position desired by the user. Further, setting data 67 indicating the position of the menu object 53M after the movement is stored (# 814). If there is old setting data 67, it is deleted.

  In FIG. 17, when the image forming apparatus 1 is requested for a web page of a list of document data stored in the box (# 821), the position of the menu object 53M is determined (# 822). The setting data 67 may be transmitted when making a request. Then, the web file 7B of the superimposed layer 3B in which the menu object 53M is arranged is generated, the web file 7A of the list web page is generated, and the image file 7C for icons is generated (# 823). The method for determining the position is as described above with reference to FIG. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the generated files to the terminal device 2 (# 824).

  Thereafter, when a notification about scrolling is received from the terminal device 2 (Yes in # 825), the position of the menu object 53M is determined again (# 826), the web file 7B is generated again and transmitted to the terminal device 2 ( # 827, # 828).

  Alternatively, when a notification about dragging is received from the terminal device 2 (Yes in # 829), the position of the menu object 53M is determined again (# 830), the web file 7B is generated again and transmitted to the terminal device 2 ( # 831, # 832).

  According to the present embodiment, since the menu object 53M can be displayed without a menu frame, the web page display area can be used more effectively than before.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the menu object 53M is calculated by the web server application 10WS, but may be calculated by the web browser 20WB.

  The superimposition layer 3B may be hidden or displayed again according to a user operation. Switching between display and non-display may be performed every time a user operates a button for switching. Alternatively, it may be performed each time the user long taps the last (most recent) operated frame. Alternatively, it may be performed when the scroll operation starts. Alternatively, it may be hidden by default and displayed when the user selects any icon.

  When the menu object 53M is arranged in the lower margin of the third frame 53, the position of the menu object 53M relative to the web page display area may be fixed even if the top page 5 is scrolled. Alternatively, it may be displayed at the bottom regardless of the presence or absence of a margin. Or you may display on margins other than the lower part.

  In the present embodiment, the list of document data managed by the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed as the state of the image forming apparatus 1. However, the state of consumables of the image forming apparatus 1 may be displayed. The address book managed by 1 may be displayed. In this case, instead of the menu object 53M, a menu object corresponding to the menu is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the source code 6B conforms to CSS has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where it conforms to XHTML, JavaScript, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the position of an object (icon or document name) that is partially hidden is calculated by the above-described equations (1) and (2), but may be calculated by other methods. For example, the calculation may be performed based on the positional relationship between the position of each object and the portion of the top page 5 currently displayed in the web page display area. If there is no object that is partially hidden, the menu object 53M may be arranged immediately below the object in the second row from the bottom among the displayed objects.

  In addition, the entire network system 100, the image forming apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 2, or the configuration of each unit, the processing content, the processing order, the screen configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 102 Basic page source code generation part (status page data generation means)
103 Menu position determining unit (menu data generating means)
104 Superimposition layer source code generator (menu data generator)
105 Web page file generation section (status page data generation means, menu data 106 Web page data transmission section (transmission means)
Generation means)
2 Terminal device (client)
6A Source code (status page data)
6B Source code (menu data)
7A Web file (status page data)
7B Web file (menu data)

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus having a web server function,
Status page data generating means for generating status page data for displaying a status page indicating a status in the image forming apparatus;
Menu data for displaying the menu of the process to be executed by the image forming apparatus over the status page is generated so that the menu is displayed when the position is notified from the client. If the margin to be placed is on the status page, it is generated so that it is displayed over the margin, otherwise it is generated so that a part of the status page is displayed at the position of the hidden object. Menu data generation means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the generated status page data and the menu data to a client;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus having a web server function,
Status page data generating means for generating status page data for displaying a status page indicating a status in the image forming apparatus;
Menu data generating means for generating menu data for displaying a menu of processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus overlaid on a margin of the status page;
Transmitting means for transmitting the generated status page data and the menu data to a client;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus having a web server function,
Status page data generating means for generating status page data for displaying a status page indicating a status in the image forming apparatus;
Menu data generating means for generating menu data for displaying a menu of processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus overlaid on the position of an object in which a part of the status page is hidden;
Transmitting means for transmitting the generated status page data and the menu data to a client;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus having a web server function,
Status page data generating means for generating status page data for displaying a status page indicating a status in the image forming apparatus;
Menu data generating means for generating menu data for displaying the menu of the processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus overlaid on the position notified from the client of the status page;
Transmitting means for transmitting the generated status page data and the menu data to a client;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The status page is a page showing a list of document data managed by the image forming apparatus,
The menu is a menu indicating processing using the document data as the processing.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The status page is a page showing a list of document data managed by the image forming apparatus,
The object is an icon for selecting the document data,
The menu is a menu indicating processing using the document data as the processing.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 3. The status page is a page indicating the status of consumables used in the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The status page is a page indicating an address book managed by the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A display method for causing a client to display a state in an image forming apparatus,
Generating status page data for displaying a status page indicating the status;
Menu data for displaying a menu of processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus overlaid on the status page is generated so as to be displayed over the position when the client is notified of the position. Is generated so that it is displayed over the margin when it is in the state page, otherwise it is displayed over the position of the object in which a part of the state page is hidden. Generate and
Based on the generated state page data and the menu data, the client displays the state page in an overlapping manner on the menu.
A display method characterized by that. A computer program used in an image forming apparatus having a web server function,
In the image forming apparatus,
A first generation process for generating state page data for displaying a state page indicating a state in the image forming apparatus;
Menu data for displaying the menu of the processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus on the status page is generated so that the menu is displayed when the client is notified of the position, and the menu is displayed. If the margin to be placed is on the status page, it is generated so that it is displayed over the margin, otherwise it is generated so that a part of the status page is displayed at the position of the hidden object. The second generation processing is executed, and the transmission processing for transmitting the generated state page data and the menu data to the client is executed.
A computer program characterized by the above.

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