JP6658856B2 - Image processing device, information processing device, program and system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing device and an information processing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for displaying a setting screen related to image processing for an image processing apparatus capable of restricting execution of image processing for each user.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions relating to image processing, having a list for storing whether each function is available for each user, and responding to a login user who is a user who has logged in to the image processing apparatus. Therefore, a technique for restricting the execution of image processing is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to a screen for inputting an image processing execution instruction or setting for an image processing apparatus capable of restricting use. Patent Literature 1 discloses an image processing apparatus that stores a plurality of application programs and that provides a user interface that allows a user to select a screen transition of an application program whose use is permitted according to an authenticated user. Have been.

JP 2014-56592 A

  Recent image processing apparatuses have a large number of functions, and require a plurality of input operations to execute desired image processing. It is troublesome for the user if the user performs these input operations from 1 every time the user uses the input operation. Therefore, the image processing apparatus stores at least one of the information input by the plurality of input operations as shortcut information, and by reading out the shortcut information, an input operation corresponding to the shortcut information can be omitted. desired.

  However, when the shortcut function is applied to an image processing apparatus whose use can be restricted, the following problem occurs. That is, when the use of the function stored in the shortcut information is restricted, the image processing device cannot execute the image processing based on the shortcut information. Therefore, a configuration that disables the selection of the shortcut information or disables a shortcut function such as displaying an initial screen when the shortcut information is read out is considered. However, if the shortcut function is invalidated, all the input operations must be restarted from 1 and the user's labor increases.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of reducing the trouble of a user for executing a desired image processing for an image processing apparatus capable of restricting the execution of the image processing for each user.

  An image processing apparatus provided for solving the problem is an image processing apparatus including a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the storage unit includes identification information of a user and the image processing device. One of the plurality of options includes usage information in which a plurality of options for a specific setting item included in a specific function, which is one of a plurality of functions executed by the device, are associated with the availability of each option. And a shortcut information for storing information to be specified. The control unit receives an input of user information which is information for specifying the user, and displays the first screen for selecting any of the plurality of functions. On the condition that the specific function is selected, a screen displayed on the display unit is switched to a second screen for selecting any of the plurality of options for the specific setting item, On the condition that the first option, which is one of the number options, is selected, a screen to be displayed on the display unit is displayed on a third screen on which information indicating that the first option is selected is displayed. When the shortcut information in which the information for specifying the first option is stored is read while the first screen is being displayed, the usage information of the user specified by the input user information is displayed. It is determined whether or not the first option is available, and if the first option is unavailable, a second available option other than the first option among the plurality of options is determined. It is determined whether or not the first option is available. If it is determined that the first option is available, the third screen is displayed on the display unit, and the first option is unavailable and the If there are two options If the request is rejected, the second screen is displayed on the display unit, and if it is determined that the first option is not available and the second option is not present, the first screen is displayed. It is characterized by being left as it is.

  The image processing apparatus disclosed in the present specification includes a first screen, a second screen displayed when a specific function is selected, and a third screen displayed when a first option is selected. Are switched to the display unit. Further, the image processing apparatus restricts the use for each user for each option of a specific item of a specific function. In the image processing apparatus, one of options of a specific item is stored as shortcut information. If the image processing apparatus reads the shortcut information in which the information specifying the first option is stored even though the use of the first option is restricted, the image processing apparatus may select the option that substitutes for the first option. If there is a second option available, a second screen is displayed. In this case, there is no need to perform an operation to select a specific function from the first screen. Therefore, the user's labor can be reduced as compared with the case where the first screen is displayed, that is, the case where the shortcut information is invalidated and the selection operation is restarted from 1.

  The storage unit stores count information in which user identification information is associated with the executable count of each function or option, and the control unit stores the function or option whose executable count was 0. May be determined to be unavailable. The use restriction may include the setting of the number of executable times. If the number of executable times is 0, the control unit preferably determines that the use is impossible even if the use information is stored as usable. .

  Further, the control unit restricts the selection of the first option when the second screen is displayed by determining that the first option is unavailable and the second option is present. It is good to let. If the first option can be selected on the second screen, the user may misunderstand that the first option is executable. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the selection of the first option.

  Further, the control unit, when displaying the second screen by determining that the first option is unavailable and has the second option, disables the first option. It is recommended to display an icon, or gray out or hide the icon, which indicates that the above is true. By explicitly indicating that selection is not possible, user misunderstanding can be avoided.

  Further, the control unit restricts the use of the first option when displaying the second screen by determining that the first option is unavailable and the second option is present. It is preferable to display a message to the effect that the message is displayed on the display unit. By displaying the usage restriction message, the user can recognize that the selection is not possible and can avoid the misunderstanding.

  Further, the control unit accepts the screen setting of a screen to be displayed on the display unit, the screen setting being a screen to be displayed next when the specific function is selected from the first screen. When the third screen is set as the screen setting, the shortcut information for storing the first option is stored in the storage unit, and the specific function is selected on the first screen. Then, the shortcut information in which the first option is stored may be read. When a shortcut for a screen is selected, the function associated with the screen is stored as shortcut information, so that the present invention can be applied.

  Further, the control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen including the specific image associated with the shortcut information stored in the storage unit, and inputs the first screen to the specific screen. If there is, the shortcut information corresponding to the specific screen may be read. Displaying the specific screen corresponding to the shortcut information facilitates selection of the shortcut information.

  The present specification also provides an image processing apparatus including a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the storage unit includes identification information of a user and a plurality of pieces of information executed by the image processing apparatus. Use information in which functions and options of setting items of each function are associated with each other, and shortcut information for storing functions to be executed by the image processing apparatus and setting contents of setting items included in the functions are stored. The control unit, when receiving input of user information that is information for specifying a user and receiving the read instruction on a read screen that receives a read instruction of the shortcut information, reads the shortcut information from the storage unit; The setting content stored in the shortcut information is referred to by referring to the usage information of the user specified by the input user information. Judge whether the setting is available, and if the setting is not available, judge whether there is an alternative setting that can be used other than the setting, and judge that the setting is usable If the setting has been made, a first setting screen displaying information indicating that the setting content is set is displayed on the display unit, and it is determined that the setting content is unavailable and the alternative setting is present. In this case, an input as to whether or not to permit the change to the alternative setting is accepted. If an input to permit the change is accepted, information indicating that the alternative setting has been set is displayed. 2. When the setting screen is displayed on the display unit and an input that does not permit the change is received, or when it is determined that the setting content is not available and the alternative setting is not present, the read screen or the read screen is displayed. Migrate to To display the previous screen on the display unit, another image processing apparatus is disclosed, wherein a.

  According to another image processing apparatus disclosed in this specification, when the setting content stored in the shortcut information is unavailable, if there is an alternative setting that replaces the setting content stored in the shortcut information, The input of whether or not the change to the alternative setting is accepted is received, and when the change permission is input, a second setting screen corresponding to the alternative setting is displayed. As a result, the user's labor can be reduced as compared with the case where the alternative setting is selected from the beginning.

  Further, when the control unit receives an input for permitting the change, the control unit may store the shortcut information for storing the alternative setting in the storage unit. By storing the shortcut information in which the alternative setting is selected, it is not necessary to input the change to the alternative setting again in the next use, and the user's labor can be reduced.

  The control unit may cause the display unit to display the readout screen including a button associated with each piece of shortcut information stored in the storage unit. Then, the shortcut information corresponding to the button may be read. Displaying the button corresponding to the shortcut information facilitates selection of the shortcut information.

  A control method for realizing the function of the image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

  According to the present invention, for an image processing apparatus capable of restricting the execution of image processing for each user, a technique capable of reducing the user's labor for executing desired image processing is realized.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral (MFP) according to the embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a user registration table of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a user restriction table of the MFP. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating screen transitions of the operation panel when scanning is performed when there is no screen setting. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen transition of the operation panel when a shortcut button is pressed. It is a figure showing the setting screen which performs screen setting. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen transition of the operation panel when a scan is selected when there is a screen setting. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure (first half) of a function selection process according to the embodiment; 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure (second half) of a function selection process according to the embodiment; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the shortcut function selection processing concerning embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) having an image reading function and an image forming function.

[MFP Configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 of the present embodiment includes a controller 30 having a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM). Further, the MFP 100 includes a printing unit 10, a reading unit 20, an operation panel 40, a network interface 37, a USB interface 38, and a telephone line interface 39, and these are controlled by the CPU 31. Note that the controller 30 in FIG. 1 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the MFP 100, such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 100.

  The ROM 32 stores firmware, which is a control program for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing image data. The NVRAM 34 is also used as a storage area for storing various information used in the MFP 100. The NVRAM 34 is an example of a storage unit.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 in accordance with a control program read from the ROM 32 or a signal sent from various sensors, while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34. The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. Note that the controller 30 may be a control unit.

  The printing unit 10 prints an image based on the image data on a sheet. The printing unit 10 only needs to be able to print an image on a sheet, and may be an inkjet system or an electrophotographic system. Further, color printing or monochrome printing may be used.

  The reading unit 20 reads an image of a document and outputs image data. The reading unit 20 only needs to be able to read an image of a document, and may be a CIS type or a CCD type. Further, it may be either color readable or monochrome only.

  The network interface 37 is hardware for communicating with an external device 200 connected to a network via a LAN cable or the like. For example, a personal computer (PC), a cloud server, and a smartphone correspond to the external device 200. The USB interface 38 is hardware for communicating with a device connected via a USB cable or the like. For example, a flash memory or a media card corresponds to the device. The telephone line interface 39 is hardware for communicating with another facsimile (FAX) device connected to the telephone network via the telephone line.

  The operation panel 40 includes a button group including various buttons such as a start key, a stop key, and a numeric keypad, and a touch panel. The buttons and the touch panel make it possible to display an operation status and accept an input operation. The operation panel 40 is an example of a display unit.

  MFP 100 has functions that can be executed, such as copy, facsimile, and scan. Copy is a function that causes the reading unit 20 to read an image of a document and causes the printing unit 10 to print the image of the document. FAX is a function of causing the reading unit 20 to read an image of a document and transmitting FAX data based on the image of the document to another FAX device via the telephone line interface 39. Scanning is a function of causing the reading unit 20 to read an image of a document and storing image data based on the image of the document in a specified storage destination. A user using MFP 100 selects a function to be used and inputs an execution instruction through operation panel 40. The functions that can be executed by MFP 100 are not limited to these, and other functions may be provided. Other functions include, for example, printing, that is, a function of causing the printing unit 10 to print an image of data acquired from an external device.

  Further, MFP 100 has a restriction function for restricting use of the apparatus for each user. In the usage restriction, the availability may be set for each function, or the availability may be set for each option of a function setting item. MFP 100 performs user authentication for specifying a user who uses the apparatus, and allows the authenticated user to execute a function or a setting item option that is permitted.

  In order to implement the above-described restriction function, the MFP 100 stores a user registration table 341 as shown in FIG. 2 in the NVRAM 34 as information for performing user authentication. Specifically, the user registration table 341 stores a record including two items of a user ID and a password. The structure of the record in the user registration table 341 is not limited to these, and may include other items. Also, it is only necessary to include information that can identify the user, and it is not always necessary to store the password.

  Further, the MFP 100 stores a user restriction table 342 as shown in FIG. 3 in the NVRAM 34 as information for determining whether or not the option of the function or the setting item can be used. Specifically, the user restriction table 342 stores a record including two items of a user ID and restriction information. The user ID is associated with the user ID in the user registration table 341. Furthermore, the restriction information stores information on availability of use for each function of copy, facsimile, and scan.

  Specifically, the limit information stores the maximum number of pages permitted in one job, the number of sheets that can be color-copied in one day, and the number of sheets that can be monochrome-copied in one day, as copy restrictions. You. The number of sheets that can be color-copied and the number of sheets that can be monochrome-copied are reduced by one each time printing of one sheet is completed, and are returned to the initial values every 24 hours. These numbers may be returned to the initial values by the administrator. If the number is 0, it cannot be used. In each information, “unlimited” means that there is no limit on the number of copies, and “x” means that the information cannot be used from the beginning. That is, the copy function executable by the MFP 100 includes a copy mode as a setting item, and color copy and monochrome copy as copy mode options. The restriction information stores information on the availability of each copy mode option.

  In the restriction information, the feasibility is stored as a facsimile restriction. In other words, "○" indicates that FAX transmission can be used, and "X" indicates that FAX transmission cannot be used. For FAX, the availability of the function is stored. If the function is not available, no option is available for the setting item of the function. In other words, disabling the use of a function means disabling use of all of the setting items of the function.

  The restriction information includes, as a restriction on scanning, “file” for storing image data of the read result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34, “transfer” for storing the image data in an external device connected via the network interface 37, and a USB interface 38. Whether or not each storage mode of “USB storage” to be stored in a device connected via the Internet and “e-mail” to be attached to an e-mail and transmitted is stored. That is, the scan has a save mode as a setting item, and options of the save mode include file, transfer, USB storage, and e-mail. The restriction information stores information on the availability of each option in the storage mode.

  The record configuration of the user restriction table 341 is not limited to these, and may include other items. The configuration of the restriction information is not limited to these, but may include other items.

[MFP Authentication Operation]
Next, the authentication operation of MFP 100 will be described. In MFP 100, user information is registered in user registration table 341 by an administrator in advance. In addition, restriction information for each user is set in the user restriction table 342 by the administrator in advance.

  A user who uses the MFP 100 logs in the MFP 100 when causing the MFP 100 to execute image processing. The login to MFP 100 is performed by inputting a user ID and a password from a login screen displayed on operation panel 40. That is, MFP 100 accepts input of user information via operation panel 40. Note that MFP 100 may display a list of user IDs registered in user registration table 341 on operation panel 40, allow the user to select a user ID from the list, and then request only a password input. The input method of the user ID or the like is not limited to the input operation on the operation panel 40, and the IC card in which the user information is stored may be read by the IC card reader included in the MFP 100.

  After the user information is input, MFP 100 performs user authentication based on the input user information. Specifically, MFP 100 refers to user registration table 341 shown in FIG. 2 to determine whether or not a record that matches the input user ID and password is registered. If a matching record is registered, the MFP 100 determines that the user authentication has been successful, and permits login. On the other hand, if no matching record is registered, it is determined that the user authentication has failed, and login is not permitted.

  When the MFP 100 permits the login, the MFP 100 stores the user ID of the login user who is the user permitted to log in in the RAM 33. Note that if login is permitted, MFP 100 does not display a login screen until logout is performed. That is, a plurality of users cannot log in to MFP 100 at the same time. Further, MFP 100 refers to the user restriction table 342 shown in FIG. 3 to acquire login user restriction information, and enables image processing within a range permitted by the login user.

  The user authentication may be performed by an apparatus other than the MFP 100. For example, when MFP 100 is connected to an authentication server via a network, MFP 100 transmits the input user information to the authentication server, receives an authentication result from the authentication server, and determines whether to log in based on the authentication result. May be determined.

  Further, MFP 100 may acquire user restriction information from an external device. For example, when the MFP 100 is connected to an external server that stores the user restriction table 342, the MFP 100 transmits the user ID of the login user to the external server, and receives restriction information corresponding to the user ID from the external server. May be.

[Screen Transition of Operation Panel of MFP]
Next, an example of screen transition of the touch panel of the operation panel 40 of the MFP 100 will be described. In this example, a screen transition of the operation panel 40 when a scan execution instruction is input will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that login to MFP 100 has already been successful.

  If the login is successful, MFP 100 first displays a screen set as the home screen. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, it is assumed that a function selection screen 50 for selecting a function is set on the home screen. The home screen can be set by screen setting described later. The function selection screen 50 includes a function list section 51 for displaying a list of functions as icons, a shortcut button 53 for shifting to selection of a shortcut, and a user section 54 for displaying the name of a login user. . The function selection screen 50 is an example of a first screen.

  On the function selection screen 50, the icon of the provisionally selected function is surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line frame. Then, MFP 100 accepts selection of a function corresponding to the icon when the icon is touched in a state where the icon is surrounded by a dashed-dotted line frame, that is, in a state where the icon is provisionally selected. Further, if the icon is touched in a state where the icon is not surrounded by the dashed-dotted line frame, the MFP 100 sets the icon to the tentatively selected state, and deletes the dashed-dotted line frame of the icon that was previously the tentatively selected state. To cancel the temporary selection.

  For example, when a scan selection is received on the function selection screen 50, the MFP 100 displays a save mode selection screen 60 as a screen for selecting a scan save mode, as shown in FIG. 4B. The storage mode selection screen 60 includes a storage mode list section 61 that displays a list of storage modes by icons, and a function selection button 62 that is a button for shifting to the function selection screen 50 described above. In the storage mode list section 61, an icon of a storage mode (not shown) is displayed by scrolling the screen in the left-right direction. The storage mode selection screen 60 is an example of a second screen.

  In the storage mode selection screen 60, similarly to the function selection screen 50, the icon of the temporarily selected storage mode is surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line frame. Then, when the icon is further touched in a state where the icon is surrounded by a dashed-dotted frame, MFP 100 accepts the selection of the storage mode corresponding to the icon.

  For example, when USB storage is selected on the storage mode selection screen 60, the MFP 100 displays a USB storage screen 70 that is a screen for displaying detailed USB storage settings, as shown in FIG. 4C. The USB storage screen 70 includes an item list section 71 that displays a list of USB storage setting items, a storage mode selection button 72 that is a button for shifting to the above-described storage mode selection screen 60, and setting items other than the storage mode. An option button 73 which is a button for shifting to a screen to be set, a shortcut save button 74 which is a button for saving the currently set contents as a shortcut, and a start button 75 which is a button for inputting an execution instruction are included. It is. The USB storage screen 70 is an example of a third screen.

  When the start button 75 is touched, the MFP 100 starts executing a scan according to the settings. Further, when the shortcut save button 74 is touched, the MFP 100 saves, in the NVRAM 34, the shortcut information for storing the scan settings currently displayed on the USB save screen 70. That is, the shortcut information stored when the shortcut save button 74 is touched stores at least that the save mode is USB save, and may further store setting contents other than the save mode.

  Note that even when a storage mode other than USB storage is selected, the MFP 100 displays a screen corresponding to each storage mode. Also, MFP 100 displays a screen corresponding to each function even when a function other than scanning is selected.

  Next, the screen transition of the operation panel 40 based on the shortcut information stored in the NVRAM 34 will be described. MFP 100 accepts an instruction to use shortcut information by touching shortcut button 53 on function selection screen 50, which is the home screen shown in FIG. 5A.

  When the instruction to use the shortcut information is received on the function selection screen 50, the MFP 100 displays a shortcut selection screen 80 as a screen for selecting the shortcut information, as shown in FIG. On the shortcut selection screen 80, a shortcut list section 81 for displaying a list of icons associated with each of the shortcut information stored in the NVRAM 34, and a function selection button 82 which is a button for shifting to the function selection screen 50 described above. And a detail button 83 which is a button for displaying the setting content of the selected shortcut information. In FIG. 5B, the icon displays only the number. However, if the name assigned to each piece of shortcut information is stored, the name may be displayed. The shortcut selection screen 80 is an example of a read screen.

  On the shortcut selection screen 80, as with the function selection screen 50, the icon of the temporarily selected shortcut information is surrounded by a one-dot chain line frame. Then, when the icon is further touched in a state where the icon is surrounded by a dashed line frame, MFP 100 accepts selection of shortcut information corresponding to the icon.

  Upon receiving the selection of the shortcut information, MFP 100 reads the selected shortcut information into RAM 33. Then, based on the restriction information stored in user restriction table 342, MFP 100 logs in the setting content of the function or setting item (hereinafter, the function or setting item is referred to as “function”) stored in the shortcut information. Determine whether the user is available. If the login user can use the set contents, the screen shifts to a screen displaying the set contents such as functions stored in the shortcut information.

  For example, shortcut information is stored in which the setting content is set to copy, the setting items are set to 100%, no duplex printing, color copy, and the first tray are used, and the login user can use the setting content. If there is, the MFP 100 displays a copy setting screen 701 as shown in FIG. The copy setting screen 701 includes an item list portion 711 for displaying a list of copy setting items, a copy setting button 712 for shifting to a screen for setting the setting items, and a setting content currently set as a shortcut. A shortcut save button 714 as a save button and a start button 715 as a button for inputting an execution instruction are included. The copy setting screen 701 is an example of a first setting screen.

  When start button 715 is touched, MFP 100 starts executing copy according to the set contents. Further, when the shortcut save button 714 is touched, the MFP 100 saves the shortcut information for storing the setting content currently displayed on the copy setting screen 701 in the NVRAM 34.

  On the other hand, if the login user cannot use the setting contents, MFP 100 determines whether there is a function or the like that can substitute the function or the like that was unavailable, and if there is a function or the like that can be substituted, A screen for selecting a function to be performed is displayed.

  For example, if the login user cannot execute both color copy and monochrome copy, and can execute fax and scan, it can be determined that there is an alternative function. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5C2, the MFP 100 displays an alternative selection screen 720 that accepts a selection of a function change. The alternative selection screen 720 includes an alternative list section 721 that displays a list of alternative functions. Also, an option to select not to change is displayed. When a function other than unchanged is selected, the MFP 100 shifts to a screen corresponding to the selected function. For example, when a scan is selected on the alternative selection screen 720, the storage mode selection screen 60 is displayed. As a result, although the read result cannot be output on a sheet in the form of printing, it can be output and left as data. In this case, the storage mode selection screen 60 is an example of a second setting screen. On the other hand, if “no change” is selected, the screen is not shifted and the shortcut selection screen 80 is kept displayed. Note that a function selection screen 50 that is a home screen may be displayed.

  Further, for example, when the login user cannot execute color copy and can execute monochrome copy, it can be determined that there is an option of a substitute setting item. In this case, MFP 100 displays an alternative selection screen that accepts a change to monochrome copy. Then, when a change to monochrome copy is accepted on the alternative selection screen, a screen in which the copy setting items of the item list section 711 of the copy setting screen 701 shown in FIG. Is displayed. In this case, the copy setting screen 701 changed to the monochrome copy is an example of the second setting screen.

  Further, for example, when the number of color copies permitted by the login user is 1, the number of monochrome copies is 100, and the number of copies is set to 10, it can be determined that there is an alternative setting item option. In this case, MFP 100 displays an alternative selection screen that accepts a change to monochrome copy or a change in the number of copies. Then, for example, when the change to monochrome copy is accepted on the alternative selection screen, the copy setting item of the item list section 711 on the copy setting screen 701 shown in FIG. 5C1 is changed from color copy to monochrome copy. Display the screen that was changed. In this case, the copy setting screen 701 changed to the monochrome copy is an example of the second setting screen. Also, for example, when a change in the number of copies is received on the alternative selection screen, a screen in which the number of copies is changed in the copy setting screen 701 is displayed. In this case, the copy setting screen 701 in which the number of copies has been changed is an example of the second setting screen.

  Next, the screen transition of the operation panel 40 based on the screen setting will be described. MFP 100 accepts an instruction to change screen settings by pressing a setting button on operation panel 40.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the MFP 100 receives an instruction to change the screen setting while the function selection screen 50 is being displayed, the MFP 100 sets the screen setting as shown in FIG. 6B. A screen setting screen 90 is displayed. The screen setting screen 90 includes an item list section 91 that displays a list of setting items for screen setting, and a home button 92 that is a button for shifting to a home screen. The items on the home screen in the item list section 91 mean an initial screen displayed immediately after the login to the MFP 100 is successful. The items of the copy screen and the scan screen in the item list section 91 mean screens displayed when respective functions are selected on the function selection screen 50. For example, as the setting of the scan screen, a screen corresponding to the storage mode can be set. The setting contents of the screen setting are stored in the NVRAM 34. The information to be stored may be any information that can specify the screen to be displayed, and may be identification information of an option such as USB storage or identification information of a screen such as the USB storage screen 70. Good.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the USB storage screen 70 is set as the scan screen on the screen setting screen 90, the scan selection is made on the function selection screen 50 as shown in FIG. Upon receipt, MFP 100 determines whether the login user can use USB storage, which is a storage mode corresponding to USB storage screen 70. If the login user can use the USB storage, a USB storage screen 70 is displayed as shown in FIG. 7 (b1). That is, since the USB storage has already been selected by the screen setting, the display of the storage mode selection screen 60 described with reference to FIG. 4B is omitted, and the USB storage screen 70 is displayed. That is, the screen setting also functions as a form of the shortcut, and the setting content of the screen setting stored in the NVRAM 34 is also an example of the shortcut information.

  On the other hand, if the login user cannot use the USB storage, the storage mode selection screen 60 is displayed as shown in FIG. 7B2. Here, since the scan is selected on the function selection screen 50, it is not necessary to return to the function selection screen 50, and the storage mode selection screen 60 which is a screen when the scan is selected on the function selection screen 50. Move to That is, the screen does not return to the function selection screen 50 which is the home screen, but is in a higher hierarchy than the USB storage screen 70 on the screen transition shown in FIG. A certain storage mode selection screen 60 is displayed.

  However, since the USB storage cannot be used as the storage mode, the MFP 100 clearly indicates on the storage mode selection screen 60 that the USB storage cannot be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B2, an icon with an “X” mark is displayed. In addition, the icons may be grayed out or the icons may be hidden. Further, a message indicating that the use of USB storage is restricted may be displayed on the storage mode selection screen 60. By explicitly indicating that USB storage is not available, the possibility of misunderstanding that USB storage is available can be reduced. If there is a storage mode that cannot be used other than USB storage, it may be clearly indicated that the storage mode cannot be used.

  When a storage mode other than USB storage is selected, a screen corresponding to the selected storage mode is displayed. Thereafter, when an execution instruction is input on a screen corresponding to the selected storage mode, the screen setting may be switched to the selected storage mode.

[MFP function selection process]
Next, a function selection process for realizing the screen transition of the operation panel 40 of the MFP 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9. The function selection process is executed by the CPU 31 when the conditions for displaying the function selection screen 50 are satisfied, such as when the login is successful. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the function selection screen 50 is set on the home screen.

  In the function selection process, the CPU 31 first displays a function selection screen 50 on the operation panel 40 as shown in FIG. 8 (S101). At this time, by referring to the user restriction table 342, it is possible to clearly indicate that the function that cannot be used by the login user is not available.

  After S101, the CPU 31 determines whether a selection of a function has been received (S111). If the function selection has not been received (S111: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the shortcut button 53 has been pressed (S112). If the shortcut button 53 has not been pressed (S112: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether a logout instruction has been input (S113). If the logout instruction has not been input (S113: NO), the process returns to S111, and the CPU 31 waits for various inputs. The inputs that the CPU 31 waits include selection of a function in the function list unit 51, pressing of the shortcut button 53, and input of a logout instruction, but the description is omitted.

  When the selection of the function is received (S111: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the selected function is a scan (S121). If a scan has not been selected (S121: NO), the CPU 31 outputs an instruction to display a screen corresponding to a function other than the selected scan on the operation panel 40 (S122). When an instruction to display a screen corresponding to a function other than scanning is output, the CPU 31 starts execution of processing for displaying the screen on the operation panel 40. Specifically, in step S122, even when copying or FAX is selected, determination is made as to whether or not use is possible, and a screen is displayed according to the determination result, depending on whether the screen setting shown in FIG. 6 is performed. . That is, the screen transition is similar to that of the scan. A description of a case where a function other than scanning is selected will be omitted. After S122, the screen of the operation panel 40 is switched from the function selection screen 50 to a screen corresponding to a function other than scanning. Therefore, the function selection processing ends.

  When the scan is selected (S121: YES), the process proceeds to FIG. 9, and the CPU 31 determines whether there is a screen setting (S201). If there is no screen setting (S201: NO), the CPU 31 outputs an instruction to display the save mode selection screen 60 on the operation panel 40 (S231). When an instruction to display the storage mode selection screen 60 is output, the CPU 31 starts execution of processing for displaying the storage mode selection screen 60 on the operation panel 40. The details of the process of displaying the storage mode selection screen 60 on the operation panel 40 will be omitted.

  If there is a screen setting (S201: YES), the CPU 31 reads and acquires the screen setting from the NVRAM 34 (S202). Further, referring to the user restriction table 342, restriction information of the login user is acquired (S203). S202 and S203 may be in reverse order.

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the storage mode corresponding to the screen set in the screen setting is available to the login user (S211). If the login user is available (S211: YES), the CPU 31 outputs an instruction to display a screen for displaying the detailed settings of the storage mode set in the screen settings on the operation panel 40 (S212). When an instruction to display a screen for displaying detailed settings of the storage mode, for example, the USB storage screen 70 is output, the CPU 31 starts execution of processing for displaying the screen on the operation panel 40. The details of the process of displaying a screen for displaying the detailed settings of the storage mode on the operation panel 40 will be omitted.

  If the login user is not available (S211: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether a storage mode other than the storage mode corresponding to the screen set in the screen setting can be used, that is, an alternative storage mode. It is determined whether or not there is (S221). If there is a save mode that can be replaced (S221: YES), the CPU 31 displays a function selection screen, which is a home screen, which is a higher layer on the screen transition shown in FIG. 4 than the screen selected in the screen setting. An instruction to display the storage mode selection screen 60, which is a lower layer than 50, on the operation panel 40 is output (S231). In this case, the storage mode selection screen 60 clearly indicates that the storage mode set in the screen setting is unavailable.

  The storage mode selection screen is satisfied by satisfying the condition that the storage mode corresponding to the screen set in the screen setting cannot be used (S211: NO) and there is an alternative storage mode (S221: YES). When 60 is displayed, the screen setting may be changed to no. Further, when the storage mode selection screen 60 is displayed because the above condition is satisfied, the screen corresponding to the selected storage mode may be set as the screen setting by accepting the selection of the storage mode. Alternatively, the screen corresponding to the selected storage mode may be set as the screen setting by receiving an execution instruction on the screen displayed by receiving the selection of the storage mode.

  If there is no alternative storage mode (S221: NO), the CPU 31 notifies an error that the use of the storage mode corresponding to the screen set in the screen setting is restricted (S222). As the notification method, a message may be displayed on the touch panel of the operation panel 40, or voice guidance may be given.

  After S222, the process returns to S111 in FIG. 8, and the CPU 31 waits for various inputs. In other words, it does not switch the screen of the operation panel 40 and waits for various inputs. Note that the screen setting screen 90 may be displayed to accept a change in the screen setting. On the other hand, after S212 or after S231, the screen of the operation panel 40 is switched from the function selection screen 50 to another screen. Therefore, the function selection processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the shortcut button 53 is pressed (S112: YES), the CPU 31 outputs an instruction to display the shortcut selection screen 80 on the operation panel 40 (S131). When an instruction to display the shortcut selection screen 80 is output, the CPU 31 starts execution of processing for displaying the shortcut selection screen 80 on the operation panel 40. After S131, the screen of the operation panel 40 is switched from the function selection screen 50 to the shortcut selection screen 80. Therefore, the function selection processing ends. Note that, even when a predetermined shortcut is selected on the shortcut selection screen 80, as shown in FIG. 5, a determination is made as to whether or not each can be used, and a screen corresponding to the determination result is displayed.

  If a logout instruction has been input (S113: YES), the CPU 31 logs out (S141). Further, the CPU 31 outputs an instruction to display a login screen for receiving information for login and input of a login instruction on the operation panel 40 (S142). When the instruction to display the login screen is output, the CPU 31 starts execution of the processing for displaying the login screen on the operation panel 40. The details of the process of displaying the login screen on the operation panel 40 will be omitted. After S142, the screen of the operation panel 40 is switched from the function selection screen 50 to the login screen. Therefore, the function selection processing ends.

[MFP shortcut selection process]
Next, a shortcut selection process for realizing the screen transition of the operation panel 40 of the MFP 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The shortcut selection processing is executed by the CPU 31 when the conditions for displaying the shortcut selection screen 80 as shown in FIG. 5B are satisfied, such as when the shortcut button 53 of the function selection screen 50 is pressed. .

  In the shortcut selection process, the CPU 31 first displays a shortcut selection screen 80 on the operation panel 40 (S301). Note that the shortcut information displayed on the shortcut selection screen 80 does not include the setting content of the screen setting.

  After S301, the CPU 31 determines whether or not selection of shortcut information has been received (S302). If the selection of the shortcut information has not been received (S302: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the function selection button 82 has been pressed (S303). If the function selection button 82 has not been pressed (S303: NO), the process returns to S302, and the CPU 31 waits for various inputs. The input that the CPU 31 waits includes selection of shortcut information in the shortcut list section 81, pressing of the function selection button 82, and pressing of the detail button 83, for example, but the description is omitted.

  When the selection of the shortcut information is received (S302: YES), the CPU 31 reads and acquires the selected shortcut information from the NVRAM 34 (S311). Further, referring to the user restriction table 342, restriction information of the login user is acquired (S312). S311 and S312 may be in the reverse order.

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the setting contents of the function and the like stored in the read shortcut information can be used by the login user (S313). If the login user is available (S313: YES), the CPU 31 outputs an instruction to display on the operation panel 40 a screen for displaying the setting contents such as functions stored in the shortcut information (S314). After S314, the screen of the operation panel 40 is switched from the shortcut selection screen 80 to a screen for displaying setting contents such as functions stored in the shortcut information. Therefore, the shortcut selection processing ends.

  If the login user is not available (S313: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is an alternative setting that is an available setting other than the setting contents such as the function stored in the shortcut information (S321). . If there is an alternative setting (S321: YES), the CPU 31 causes the operation panel 40 to display an alternative selection screen 720 for receiving selection of an alternative setting, and receives a change in a function or the like (S322).

  After S322, the CPU 31 determines whether a change in a function or the like has been received (S323). If a change in the function or the like is received (S323: YES), that is, if an option other than not changing is selected on the alternative selection screen 720, the CPU 31 changes the content of the shortcut information received in S302 after the change. (S324). Then, the CPU 31 outputs an instruction to cause the operation panel 40 to display a screen displaying the settings stored in the shortcut information after the change (S325). After S325, the screen of the operation panel 40 is switched from the shortcut selection screen 80 to a screen displaying the settings stored in the changed shortcut information. Therefore, the shortcut selection processing ends.

  When accepting not to change the function or the like (S323: NO), or when there is no alternative setting (S321: NO), the CPU 31 issues an error indicating that the use of the function or the like stored in the shortcut information is restricted. Is notified (S331). After S331, the process returns to S302, and the CPU 31 waits for various inputs. In other words, it does not switch the screen of the operation panel 40 and waits for various inputs. After S331, the process may return to S341 without returning to S302, and output an instruction to display the function selection screen 50 on the operation panel 40. That is, the home screen before shifting to the shortcut selection screen 80 may be displayed.

  On the other hand, when the function selection button 82 is pressed (S303: YES), the CPU 31 outputs an instruction to display the function selection screen 50 on the operation panel 40 (S341). When an instruction to display the function selection screen 50 is output, the CPU 31 starts executing the above-described function selection processing. After S341, the screen of the operation panel 40 is switched from the shortcut selection screen 80 to the function selection screen 50. Therefore, the shortcut selection processing ends.

  As described in detail above, for example, even if the use of USB storage is restricted, the MFP 100 sets USB screen as the scan screen setting and selects scan on the function selection screen 50, That is, when the shortcut information in which the information for specifying the USB storage is stored is read out, if there is another available storage mode as an alternative to the USB storage, the storage mode selection screen 60 is displayed. In this case, there is no need to perform an operation to select a scan from the function selection screen 50. Therefore, the user's labor can be reduced as compared with the case where the function selection screen 50 is displayed, that is, the case where the shortcut information is invalidated and the selection operation is restarted from 1. That is, when the function corresponding to the screen set in the screen setting, the function or the setting item set in the shortcut is restricted, the MFP 100 does not display the home screen which is the initial screen, and performs the setting from the home screen. The upper-layer screen is displayed until the screen reaches the destination screen, which is a screen for displaying the selected content. Therefore, the number of times of operating the screen is reduced, which is convenient for the user.

  In addition, when the setting content stored in the shortcut information is unavailable, if there is an alternative setting to substitute for the setting content stored in the shortcut information, the MFP 100 inputs an input indicating whether the alternative setting can be changed. Accept. When the change permission is input, a screen corresponding to the substitute setting is displayed. As a result, the user's labor can be reduced as compared with the case where the alternative setting is selected from the beginning.

  Note that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, naturally, the present invention can be variously modified and modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the embodiment, the present invention is applied to the MFP. However, any device having a function of performing image processing and outputting image data may be used, such as a printer, a scanner, a facsimile device, and a copier. You may.

  Further, in the embodiment, MFP 100 specifies a user by inputting a user ID and a password to MFP 100 and performing user authentication. However, MFP 100 inputs a user ID alone and performs user authentication without performing user authentication. May be specified.

  Further, in the embodiment, the user availability is stored in the user restriction table 342. For example, a plurality of users may be registered as a group and the availability may be stored in a group unit.

  Further, in the function selection screen 50, the storage mode selection screen 60, and the shortcut selection screen 80 of the embodiment, the selection is accepted after the temporary selection is once performed, but the temporary selection is not performed, and the selection is performed by one touch. May be adopted.

  In the embodiment, the screen setting is accepted by pressing a button on the operation panel 40. However, a button for accepting the screen setting is selected on the screen selected as the home screen such as the function selection screen 50. It may be displayed and screen settings can be accepted by pressing the button. Alternatively, screen settings may be received from a screen displayed by pressing the button.

  In the embodiment, when there is no screen setting, when a scan is selected on the function selection screen 50, the storage mode selection screen 60 is displayed. However, the storage mode selection screen 60 is displayed via another setting screen. May be. That is, the function selection screen 50 may be any screen that is displayed before the storage mode selection screen 60 on the screen transition without screen setting. Similarly, in the embodiment, when USB storage is selected on the storage mode selection screen 60, the USB storage screen 70 is displayed. However, the USB storage screen 70 may be displayed via another setting screen. That is, the save mode selection screen 60 may be any screen that is displayed earlier than the USB save screen 70 on a screen transition without screen settings.

  In the embodiment, the present invention is applied to display control of a screen displayed on the operation panel 40 of the MFP 100. However, the present invention is applied to control of a screen displayed by a driver program incorporated in a PC, for example. You may. That is, the present invention may be applied to control of a screen displayed on the display of the PC when the MFP 100 is controlled by the PC.

  When the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus such as a PC, each screen such as a function selection screen 50 is displayed on a display of the information processing apparatus, and shortcut information is stored in a memory of the information processing apparatus. Further, the information for specifying the user is information of a login user who has logged in to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus may store the login user restriction information in the memory of the PC or obtain the restriction information from the MFP 100. Alternatively, it may be obtained from a printer server that manages the MFP 100. Then, a function selection process and a shortcut selection process are executed by a driver program incorporated in the information processing device.

  Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processes.

34 NVRAM
40 operation panel 50 function selection screen 60 storage mode selection screen 70 USB storage screen 80 shortcut selection screen 90 screen setting screen 100 MFP
341 User registration table 342 User restriction table 720 Alternative selection screen

Claims (11)

A display unit,
A storage unit,
A control unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising:
In the storage unit,
User identification information that is information for specifying a user, availability of a plurality of options for a specific setting item included in a specific function that is one of a plurality of functions executed by the image processing apparatus, And usage information that associates
Shortcut information, which is information for specifying one of the plurality of options,
Is memorized,
The control unit includes:
Receiving input of the user identification information,
Information indicating that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option is received on condition that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option that is one of the plurality of options is received. The displayed screen is displayed on the display unit,
When the shortcut information specifying the first option is read, it is determined whether or not the first option is available by referring to the usage information associated with the input user identification information. When the first option is available, the display unit displays the screen on which information indicating that the selection of the icon for receiving the selection of the first option is received is displayed on the display unit, and the first option is displayed. Is unavailable, the display unit displays a screen on which an icon for accepting selection of a second option available from the plurality of options other than the first option is displayed,
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit includes:
If there is no second option, a screen for selecting any of the plurality of functions is displayed on the display unit;
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The plurality of functions include copying,
In the storage unit,
Number information relating the user identification information and the number of copies that can be copied is stored,
The control unit includes:
If the number of copies that can be made is 0, it is determined that the copy cannot be used.
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit includes:
When displaying the screen on which an icon for accepting the selection of the second option is displayed, the screen on which the icon for accepting the selection of the second option is displayed indicates that the first option is not available. An icon that clearly indicates that there is, or an icon that accepts the selection of the first option is grayed out, or an icon that accepts the selection of the first option is not displayed,
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The control unit includes:
A screen setting which is a setting of a screen to be displayed on the display unit, wherein a selection of an icon for receiving the selection of the specific function is received from a screen for receiving a selection of any of the plurality of functions by selecting an icon. Accepts the screen setting of the screen to be displayed next,
When the screen that displays information indicating that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option has been received is set as the screen setting, the shortcut information that specifies the first option is replaced with the shortcut information. Memorize it in the storage unit,
When the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the specific function is received on the screen that receives the selection of one of the plurality of functions by the selection of the icon, the shortcut information in which the first option is specified is displayed. read out,
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The control unit includes:
Causing the display unit to display a screen including a specific image icon associated with the shortcut information stored in the storage unit;
When the selection of the icon of the specific image is received , reading the shortcut information corresponding to the specific image;
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The control unit includes:
When the selection of the icon for receiving the selection of the second option is received, the shortcut information for specifying the second option is stored in the storage unit.
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The control unit includes:
On condition that the selection of icons for accepting the selection of the specific function in a display screen for receiving a selection of one of the plurality of functions is received, the plurality of choices for the specific setting item by selecting the icon A screen for accepting any of the following selections is displayed on the display unit,
Showing of the screen by selecting the icon receives a selection of one of the plurality of options, the condition that the selection of icons for accepting the selection of the first option is accepted, the selection of the first alternative Displaying the screen on which information indicating that the selection of the icon to be received has been received is displayed on the display unit;
An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A display unit,
Communication unit,
A storage unit,
A control unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
In the storage unit,
Shortcut information, which is information that specifies one of a plurality of options for a specific setting item, which is included in a specific function that is one of a plurality of functions executed by the image processing apparatus connected via the communication unit, is stored. And
The control unit includes:
Receiving input of user identification information which is information for identifying a user,
Receiving, from the image processing apparatus via the communication unit, usage information in which the input user identification information is associated with availability of each option of the specific setting item,
Information indicating that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option is received on condition that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option that is one of the plurality of options is received. The displayed screen is displayed on the display unit,
When the shortcut information for specifying the first option is read, it is determined whether or not the first option is available by referring to the received usage information, and the first option is available. In the case of, the screen displaying information indicating that the selection of the icon for accepting the selection of the first option is received is displayed on the display unit, and when the first option is unavailable, Causing the display unit to display a screen on which an icon for accepting selection of a second option available from the plurality of options other than the first option is displayed;
An information processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A program executable by a computer of an information processing device including a display unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit includes an image processing device connected to the information processing device via the communication unit. Shortcut information, which is information that specifies one of a plurality of options for a specific setting item and is included in a specific function that is one of a plurality of functions to be executed, is stored.
In the computer,
A reception process for receiving an input of user identification information that is information for identifying a user;
A receiving process of receiving, from the image processing apparatus via the communication unit, usage information in which the input user identification information and availability of each option of the specific setting item are associated;
Information indicating that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option is received on condition that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option that is one of the plurality of options is received. First display processing for displaying a screen to be displayed on the display unit;
When the shortcut information for specifying the first option is read, it is determined whether or not the first option is available by referring to the received usage information, and the first option is available. In the case of, the screen displaying information indicating that the selection of the icon for accepting the selection of the first option is received is displayed on the display unit, and when the first option is unavailable, A second display process for displaying, on the display unit, a screen on which an icon for accepting selection of a second option available from the plurality of options other than the first option is displayed;
To execute,
A program characterized by that: A display unit,
A storage unit,
A control unit;
An image processing device;
A system comprising
In the storage unit,
Shortcut information, which is information that specifies one of a plurality of options for a specific setting item, which is included in a specific function that is one of a plurality of functions executed by the image processing apparatus, is stored.
The control unit includes:
Receiving input of user identification information which is information for identifying a user,
Acquiring usage information in which the input user identification information is associated with availability of each option of the specific setting item,
Information indicating that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option is received on condition that the selection of the icon that receives the selection of the first option that is one of the plurality of options is received. The displayed screen is displayed on the display unit,
When the shortcut information that specifies the first option is read, it is determined whether or not the first option is available by referring to the obtained use information, and the first option is available. In the case of, the screen displaying information indicating that the selection of the icon for receiving the selection of the first option is received is displayed on the display unit. Displaying, on the display unit, a screen on which an icon for accepting selection of a second option available from the plurality of options other than the first option is displayed,
A system characterized in that:

Images