JP6977012B2 - Information processing device, control method of information processing device, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device for displaying an initial screen, a control method for the information processing device, and a program.

An image processing device having basic functions such as a print function, a copy function, an image data transmission function, and a storage function is known. In addition to the above basic functions, some such image processing devices can be added with new functions later. Furthermore, the image processing device displays a main menu screen for selecting the above basic functions and new functions added later at the start of use on the display unit of the image processing device, and accepts operations from the user.

Further, there is known an image processing device in which an administrator can preset a screen to be displayed at the start of use of the image processing device as an initial screen of the image processing device (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses that either a copy function or an image data transmission function is selected and set as an initial screen to be displayed at the start of use of the image processing apparatus. When the initial screen is set, the set initial screen is displayed at the start of using the image processing device.

Further, it is known that the image processing apparatus is provided with a user authentication function. In such an image processing device, the user is requested to input authentication information such as a user ID and a password at the start of use, and user authentication is performed based on the input authentication information. When the above-mentioned initial screen is set, the initial screen is displayed according to the success of user authentication.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-124068

Patent Document 1 indicates that a screen to be displayed at the start of use of an image processing device is set as an initial screen, but in addition to this, an image processing function is provided in which an initial setting value can be set for each user. It is conceivable to install it in the device. The customization function is a function that allows the initial value and behavior of the image processing device to be changed for each user according to the personal setting value by setting the personal setting value for each user.

As one of the customization functions, it is conceivable to set an initial screen to be displayed for each user at the start of using the image processing device. As a result, the user can set a screen corresponding to a frequently used function as an initial screen in advance so that the screen is displayed at the start of use of the image processing device.

On the other hand, as a request from the administrator, there is a request to always display the initial screen set as common information of the image processing device. For example, no matter which user uses the image processing device, there is a desire to display a screen corresponding to the function of notifying the user of the number of printed and copied images as the initial screen.

In this way, even if the administrator wants to display the image processing device at the beginning of use and sets the initial screen, if the initial screen set for each user is displayed, the administrator will be able to display it. There is a problem that the intended initial screen is not displayed. On the other hand, if the initial screen set by the administrator is always displayed, the convenience of the customization function cannot be utilized and the usability is reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for appropriately determining an initial screen to be displayed at the start of use of an image processing apparatus.

An information processing device, the first storage means for storing a setting including a plurality of setting values corresponding to each of a plurality of setting items in association with user information, and a plurality of settings corresponding to each of the plurality of setting items. A second storage means for storing a setting including a value as a common setting of the information processing device that can be used by a plurality of users, and an operation screen displayed based on the user logging in, wherein the first operation screen is displayed. The first display control means for displaying the operation screen whose display content is determined based on the setting saved in association with the user information of the user by the storage means of the above, and the user information of the first storage means. Display the operation screen using the first setting value corresponding to at least one of the plurality of setting items among the setting values included in the settings saved in association with each other, or display the operation screen or the second saving. It is a setting screen that can set whether to display an operation screen using a second setting value corresponding to at least one setting item, which is a setting value included in the setting saved by the means, and is the information processing. The storage means has a second display control means for displaying a setting screen for an administrator having management authority of the device, and a storage means for storing the administrator settings received on the setting screen. When the administrator setting for displaying the operation screen using the second setting value is stored, the first display control means may be used.
When the user logs into the information processing apparatus, the setting value included in the setting of the stored in association with the user information in the second set value and said first storage means corresponding to the at least one setting item An information processing apparatus for displaying an operation screen using at least a setting value corresponding to a setting item other than the at least one setting item among the plurality of setting items.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine the initial screen to be displayed at the start of use of the image processing apparatus.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the MFP 101 in the Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of the MFP 101 in the Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data model of the authentication information storage part of the MFP 101 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data model of the setting information storage part of the MFP 101 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101 in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the login operation of the MFP 101 in the Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101 in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the login operation of the MFP 101 in the Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the login operation of the MFP 101 in the Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101 in embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the means for solving the invention.

<First Embodiment>
First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101. The MFP 101 is an example of an information processing device. In the present embodiment, the MFP will be described as an example of the information processing device, but the information processing device may not be an MFP as long as it is an information processing device having a user authentication function.

The control unit 110 including the CPU 111 controls the operation of the entire MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 and performs various controls such as read control and print control. The RAM 113 is the main storage memory of the CPU 111, and is used as a temporary storage area for developing various programs stored in the work area or the storage 114. The storage 114 stores image data, various programs, and various setting information. Further, in the present embodiment, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD is assumed as the storage 114, but a FLASH DISK such as an SSD may be used.

In the MFP 101, one CPU 111 uses one memory (RAM 113) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, a plurality of RAMs, ROMs, and storages may be linked to execute each process shown in a flowchart described later. Further, a hardware circuit may be used to execute a part of the processing.

The operation unit I / F 115 connects the operation unit 116 and the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like, and functions as a reception unit that receives instructions from the user and a display unit that displays information to the user.

The printer I / F 117 connects the printer 118 and the control unit 110. The image data to be printed by the printer 118 is transferred from the control unit 110 to the printer 118 via the printer I / F 117, and the image based on the image data is printed on a sheet such as paper.

The scanner I / F 119 connects the scanner 120 and the control unit 110. The scanner 120 reads the document set in the MFP 101, generates image data (image file), and transfers the original to the storage 114 of the control unit 110 via the scanner I / F 119. The MFP 101 can transfer the image data generated by the scanner 120 to the printer 118 and print it (copy function). Further, the image data generated by the scanner 120 can be transmitted using various transmission protocols (transmission function). Further, the image data generated by the scanner 120 can be saved in a storage area that can be read and written by the MFP 101 (save function).

The network I / F 121 connects the control unit 110 (MFP101) to the LAN 100. The network I / F 121 transmits image data and information to an external device (mail server, file server, PC, etc.) on the LAN 100, and receives information from the external device on the LAN 100. Further, the MFP 101 has a modem (not shown) and can perform fax transmission / reception via the PSTN (FAX function).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a part of the software configuration of the MFP 101. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates a part of the software provided in the MFP 101 in order to explain the present embodiment, and other software may be included.

The program for realizing the application software 210 and the system software 211 in FIG. 2 is stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114. The above program is expanded in the RAM 113 as needed, such as when the power of the MFP 101 is turned on or when the function is used, and is executed by the CPU 111.

The system control unit 200 is system software for controlling the entire MFP 101, and realizes each step in the flowchart described later in cooperation with the application software and the system software.

The authentication management unit 201 is system software for controlling access to the authentication information storage unit 202, which is a database that stores user information on the storage 114. The setting management unit 203 is system software for controlling access to the setting information storage unit 204, which is a database that stores the setting information on the storage 114.

The application software 210 is software for realizing the functions provided by the MFP 101 to the user. The MFP 101 in this embodiment includes application software corresponding to the following functions.

The system control unit 200 provides each function to the user by executing and managing the application software 210 corresponding to the above-mentioned copy function, transmission function, and storage function.

Further, the application software 210 has functions such as a help function for displaying a help screen, a main menu function for displaying a list of functions available in the MFP 101 in a selectable manner, and a print number management function for notifying the user of the usage status. To the user. The function shown in this embodiment is an example of the function provided by the MFP 101 to the user, and the MFP 101 may have other functions. For example, the MFP 101 of the present embodiment can later install application software that provides new functions on the device main body. These new functions are also included in the functions provided by the MFP 101 to the user. Further, the MFP 101 is provided with a Web browser, and a Web application can be used from a Web server (not shown) on the LAN 100 via the network I / F 121. The functions provided by these Web applications may also be included in the functions provided by the MFP 101 to the user.

6 and 7 are examples of screens displayed on the operation unit 116 when the function of the MFP 101 is activated. FIG. 6A is an example of a main menu screen displayed when the main menu function is activated, and FIG. 6B is an example of a copy setting screen displayed when the copy function is activated. Further, FIG. 6C is an example of a transmission setting screen displayed when the transmission function is activated. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are examples of management screens displayed when the number of prints management function is activated. A screen corresponding to the function activated in this way is displayed in the area 610, and each function is in a state of accepting input or operation by the user via the operation unit 116.

The application software 210 cooperates with the system control unit 200 to control each hardware via each I / F of the control unit 110. Further, if necessary, the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 202 and the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 204 are accessed in cooperation with the authentication management unit 201 and the setting management unit 203. Can be done.

<Overview of authentication process>
The MFP 101 can authenticate the user by collating the authentication information (user name and password) input by the user with the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 202. As a result of collation, if the authentication information matches, the user is allowed to log in to the MFP 101 as authentication OK, and if the authentication information does not match, the user is not allowed to log in to the MFP 101 as authentication NG.

Further, a plurality of users are registered in the database of the authentication information storage unit 202, and it is possible to register new users, delete users, and update user information. Furthermore, a plurality of users can be managed as a group. By updating the above-mentioned user information, the user can be made to belong to the group or the user can be withdrawn from the group. The group information is also stored in the database of the authentication information storage unit 202.

Further, when authenticating a user, the user is connected to an external authentication server via the network I / F121 instead of the authentication using the authentication information storage unit 202 inside the MFP 101 (hereinafter referred to as local authentication), and is external. You may use the authentication result of the authentication server. In this case, the exchange of authentication information with an external authentication server is performed using a known technique such as LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the authentication information storage unit 202. The authentication information storage unit 202 manages information 301 and 302 necessary for authenticating a user in association with information 303 to information 306 regarding the user for each user. Information 301 is a user name (user ID) that uniquely indicates a user. FIG. 3 shows user data corresponding to the user name "AAA".

Information 302 indicates a password for authenticating the user of "AAA". Information 303 indicates that the name of the user of "AAA" is "Taro Tanaka". Information 304 indicates that the user of "AAA" belongs to the groups "Group 1" and "Group 4". It should be noted that the user can belong to one or more groups, and can not belong to any group. The information 305 indicates whether or not the password managed as the information 302 can be changed by the user of "AAA". When the information 305 is "impossible", the password of the information 302 can be changed only by the administrator.

Information 306 indicates the expiration date of the password managed as information 302. When the information 306 is "indefinitely", the password of the information 302 can be used indefinitely. If the information 306 has a deadline set, the user will be required to change the password when the deadline is approaching.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen for accepting a login process displayed on the operation unit 116 when user authentication is performed. The user can enter the authentication information required to log in to the MFP 101 on the screen of FIG. Information 400 is a message notifying the user to enter the user name and password. The area 401 is an area for inputting a user name, and the area 402 is an area for inputting a password.

Further, the area 403 is a login destination selection area, and the user can select an authentication destination from the drop-down list. When performing local authentication using the authentication information storage unit 202 of the MFP 101 described above, the user selects this device as the login destination. On the other hand, when performing authentication using an external authentication server, the user selects the name of the external authentication server and performs authentication via the selected authentication server. The external authentication server can be selected only when the administrator has set in advance to use the external authentication server.

The operation key 404 is an operation key for starting authentication. When the operation key 404 is pressed by the user, it is collated whether the authentication information input to the area 401 and the area 402 is correct. As a result of collation, if the authentication information is correct, login to the MFP 101 is permitted as authentication OK, and if the authentication information does not match, login to the MFP 101 is not permitted as authentication NG.

Further, the case where the user authentication is performed in the present embodiment is the case where the administrator has set to execute the user authentication. If this setting is not made (disabled), user authentication will not be performed.

Further, there are two timings for executing user authentication, one is when the operation of the MFP 101 is started and the other is when the function is selected. When the user authentication is performed at the start of the operation, the user authentication is executed at the timing when the user starts using the MFP 101. If the authentication is successful, the user can use various functions of the MFP 101.

On the other hand, it is also possible to perform user authentication when each function provided in the MFP 101 is selected (when the function is selected), not when the operation of the MFP 101 is started (hereinafter, referred to as function-specific authentication). When performing function-based authentication, the administrator sets a function that requires user authentication, and performs user authentication at the timing when the function is used.

Here, as an example of authentication by function, a case where authentication is set to be performed when the "scan and send" function and the "FAX" function are used will be considered. In this case, functions other than the "scan and send" function and the "FAX" function can be used without user authentication. At the timing when the user starts using the MFP 101, for example, a main menu function that can select each function is activated. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a main menu screen for accepting selection of each function included in the MFP 101 displayed on the operation unit 116. The area 610 is an area for displaying the operation screen corresponding to each function. The user can select each function via the main menu screen displayed in the area 610. When the user selects the operation key 601 via the operation unit 116, the "copy" function is activated, and when the user selects the operation key 604, the "print" function is activated.

On the other hand, when the "scan and send" function or the "FAX" function of the operation key 602 or the operation key 603 is selected, user authentication is executed. If the authentication is successful, the function selected by the user is activated.

<Overview of customization process>
When the user logs in to the MFP 101, the customization process of the MFP 101 is performed. The customization process is a process of acquiring personal setting information to be described later stored in the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203 and reflecting it in the setting of the MFP 101. Further, when the user logs out from the MFP 101, the device setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 204 is read via the setting management unit 203 and reflected in each setting of the MFP 101.

In these customization processes, the MFP 101 is set based on the device setting information, the personal setting information, and the group setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 204.

The user can register personal setting information when using the MFP 101 in advance. Further, the administrator of the MFP 101 can register and change the device setting information, the personal setting information, and the group setting information via the management screen of the MFP 101. Since the device setting information is common to the MFP 101, only one setting information is registered. On the other hand, as the user setting information, individual setting information (personal information) is registered for each user. As for the group setting information, individual setting information is registered for each group.

First, the device setting information is one setting information (common information) common to the MFP 101. For example, it includes setting information such as a language used by the MFP 101, an initial screen to be displayed at the start of using the MFP 101, and address book information commonly used by all users. Further, the device setting information can also be used as the initial setting of the MFP 101 when the above-mentioned authentication function is not set.

Next, the personal setting information stores the setting information for each user. For example, setting information such as the language used by the user, the initial screen to be displayed at the start of use, and the address book information for each user is included.

Group setting information is setting information provided to users belonging to each group, for example, an address book common to the group, a language used by users belonging to the group, an initial screen to be displayed at the start of use, and the like. Settings information is included.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the setting information storage unit 204.

First, the target 501 is information for specifying the type of setting information, and stores information indicating any of device setting information, personal setting information, and group setting information. Further, in the case of personal setting information, a user name for specifying a user is stored, and in the case of group setting information, a group name for specifying a group is stored.

The key 502 is information for specifying the setting item, and the setting value 503 is the setting value corresponding to the setting item. By combining the target 501 and the key 502, the setting management unit 203 can acquire and store the setting value 503 set in the setting item.

Next, each setting item will be described. FIG. 5 exemplifies "device" as information for specifying a device, "AAA", "BBB", and "CCC" as a user name for specifying a user, and "group 1" as a group name for specifying a group. .. It is assumed that the personal setting information of "AAA" and "BBB" has been set in advance by the administrator or the user, and the personal setting information corresponding to the setting information storage unit 204 is stored. Further, it is assumed that the personal setting information of "CCC" is not set by the administrator or the user, and the personal setting information corresponding to the setting information storage unit 204 is not stored.

For example, the setting management unit 203 has a setting value of "Japanese" set as the display language of "AAA" by accessing the setting information storage unit 204 with the target "AAA" and the key "display setting-display language". Can be obtained. Further, as in the case of "AAA", "Chinese" set as the display language of "BBB" by accessing the setting information storage unit 204 with the target "BBB" and the key "display setting-display language". You can get the setting value.

Further, when the target is "BBB" and the key "personal address book-personal address 1" setting information storage unit 204 is accessed, "ccc @ abc." Which is the first transmission destination of the personal address book of "BBB". com "can be obtained.

If the target is "device", the setting value "English" set as a common display language can be acquired by accessing the device setting information with the key "display setting-display language".

In this way, the setting management unit 203 can refer to the device setting information, the personal setting information, and the group setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 204 by using the information for identifying the target 501 and the key 502.

When the user authentication is successful, the system control unit 200 appropriately refers to each setting value 503 via the setting management unit 203 and changes the setting of the MFP 101. For example, when the user authentication of "BBB" is successful, the display language setting is referred to, and the display language setting to be displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101 is set to "Chinese" set by the user. Further, referring to the setting of the initial screen of "BBB", the transmission function is activated after login, and the operation screen corresponding to the transmission function is displayed on the operation unit 116.

Further, the application software corresponding to each function can appropriately refer to each setting value 503 via the setting management unit 203. For example, consider a case where the user authentication of "AAA" is successful and the transmission function is activated as a function corresponding to the initial screen (hereinafter referred to as an initial function). The transmission function can select a destination from the address book when specifying a destination. As shown in FIG. 5, the address book includes a shared address book that can be used by all users, an individual address book that can be used for each user, and a group address book that can be used for each group. When the application software corresponding to the transmission function is started, the personal address book of the user AAA is acquired by accessing the personal setting information with the target "AAA" and the key "personal address book". In addition, the shared address book is acquired by accessing the device setting information with the target "device" and the key "shared address book". Further, the group setting information of "Group 1" and "Group 4" to which the user AAA belongs is referred to, and the group address book of "Group 1" and "Group 4" is acquired. In this way, the sending function provides the user with an address book customized for each user.

In addition, the application software corresponding to each function can also refer to the setting history set in the past by the user.

<Display of initial screen during login processing>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the display of the initial screen at the time of login in the MFP 101. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 111 of the MFP 101 executing a program for realizing the system software and the application software stored in the storage 114 or the ROM 112.

As described above, the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed when authentication (login) is requested either when the operation of the MFP 101 is started or when the function is selected. In the following, the case where the authentication information is collated by the MFP 101 is described, but the authentication information may be collated by the external server.

In step S801, the system control unit 200 receives the input of authentication information and the instruction of authentication via the login screen of FIG. 4 described above.

When it is detected that the user has pressed the operation key 404, the process proceeds to step S802.

In step S802, the authentication information acquired in step S801 is collated with the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 202. As a result of the collation, if the authentication is OK (OK in step S802), the process proceeds to step S804, and if the authentication is NG (NG in step S802), the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the user is notified via the operation unit 116 that the login has failed, and the process returns to the reception of the authentication instruction in step S801.

In step S804, the system control unit 200 acquires the user name input from the user as the user identification information.

In step S805, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not the authentication method is function-based authentication. If the authentication method is function-based authentication, the process proceeds to step S813. In step S813, the function selected by the user is activated, the screen corresponding to the function is displayed, and the login process is terminated. If the authentication method is not functional authentication, the process proceeds to step S806.

In step S806, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not to give priority to the initial screen set by the user.

As described above, the setting information storage unit 204 may have two initial screens, one is an initial screen registered as personal setting information by each user, and the other is an initial screen registered as device setting information of the MFP 101.

For example, consider a case where the device setting information is set as a screen initial screen corresponding to the print number management function as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. The print number management function sets the maximum number of printable sheets for a certain period (for example, one month) for each user, records the number of prints for each user, and displays it on the operation unit 116 (. FIG. 7 (A)) Function. The operation key 710 is an operation key used when closing the screen displayed by the print number management function.

Furthermore, the print number management function limits the use of the print function when the number of printable sheets of the logged-in user has reached the upper limit (Fig. 7 (C)), or limits color printing and only monochrome printing. Can also be restricted so that it can be executed. The operation key 711 is an operation key used when closing the screen displayed by the print number management function. The operation key 712 is an operation key used when the use of the MFP 101 is terminated (logged out).

It is also possible to notify the user that the number of printable sheets of the user has decreased (for example, 50 or less) (FIG. 7 (B)).

In this way, if the initial screen set by each user is displayed when the administrator has set the initial screen, the screen that the administrator wants to display is not displayed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the priority setting of which of the initial screen set in the device setting information and the initial screen set in the personal setting information should be prioritized can be set in advance by the administrator. There is. In this embodiment, for example, the home screen of each function such as a copy function, a transmission function, a fax function, a print function, and a print number management function can be set as an initial screen. The home screen here refers to the screen that is first displayed when the user uses each function.

Further, the main menu screen may be set as the initial screen. Further, the home screen corresponding to the function provided by the new application software installed in the device main body and provided to the user can be set as the initial screen. Further, the home screen provided by the Web application executed via the Web browser can also be set as the initial screen. Further, in the present embodiment, when the initial screen is set for the device setting information or the personal setting information, for example, a list of items that can be set as the initial screen is displayed as a drop-down list or the like, and one screen is selected. However, it is not limited to this.

For example, for the setting of the initial screen of the device setting information, the user name and the like are displayed in a list, and by selecting the user name, the initial screen corresponding to the selected user is acquired, and the above initial screen is the initial screen of the device setting information. You may set it as a screen. Further, not only the user name but also the initial screen of the device setting information may be set from the screen displaying the list of the initial screens set by the user.

FIG. 9A is an example of a management setting screen displayed on the operation unit 116 by the MFP 101. FIG. 9A shows a case where the radio button 911 is designated. The administrator can set a priority initial screen via the screen of FIG. 9A. When the radio button 910 is specified, the function corresponding to the initial screen registered in the personal setting information is activated, and the setting is set to display the set initial screen. When the radio button 911 is specified, the function corresponding to the initial screen registered in the device setting information is activated, and the set initial screen is displayed.

Information about the contents set on the screen of FIG. 9A is stored as a setting item of the device setting information of the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203.

Returning to the description of FIG. 8, in step S806, the system control unit 200 acquires the priority setting of the initial screen from the device setting information of the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203. If the setting gives priority to the initial screen set by the user, the process proceeds to step S807. On the other hand, if the setting does not give priority to the initial screen set by the user (if the setting gives priority to the initial screen of the device setting information), the process proceeds to step S810.

In step S807, the system control unit 200 acquires the setting value of the initial screen of the logged-in user via the setting management unit 203 using the user identification information acquired in step S804 and the initial screen as keys.

In step S808, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not the initial screen is set based on the acquired initial screen setting value. If the setting value corresponding to the initial screen can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S809, the function corresponding to the initial screen set by the user as the initial screen is activated, the set initial screen is displayed, and the login process is completed. do.

On the other hand, if the setting value corresponding to the initial screen cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S810. If the personal setting information corresponding to the user identification information is not registered, or if the personal setting information is registered but the setting item corresponding to the initial screen is not set, the setting value of the initial screen is set. Since it is not stored, it is determined that the initial screen is not set.

In step S810, the system control unit 200 acquires the setting value of the initial screen from the device setting information of the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203. In step S811, it is determined whether or not the initial screen is set based on the acquired initial screen setting value. If the setting value corresponding to the initial screen can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S812, the initial function corresponding to the initial screen set by the administrator is started, the set initial screen is displayed, and the login process is completed. do. On the other hand, if the setting value corresponding to the initial screen cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S814. In step S814, for example, the main menu function is activated and the main menu screen (FIG. 6A) is displayed on the operation unit 116, as in the case where the user authentication is not performed.

In the actual login process, not only the initial screen displayed in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is displayed, but also other personal settings such as switching the language setting used in the MFP 101 to the language registered as the personal setting by the logged-in user. Perform processing to reflect.

Further, in the present embodiment, the activation of the function corresponding to the initial screen is defined as the activation of the program that realizes the application software corresponding to the initial screen, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the application software may be started in the background when the MFP 101 is started to be used. In this case, in step S1013, the application software running in the background is changed to the foreground process, and the home screen corresponding to the function is displayed on the operation unit 116. The application running in the foreground can accept the operation input via the home screen displayed on the operation unit 116.

Further, the "initial screen" of the present embodiment may be the screen that is displayed first when the MFP 101 becomes available after user authentication, or transitions between several screens when the MFP 101 becomes available. However, it may be the screen that is finally displayed. Further, one of the above several screens may be set as the initial screen.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when displaying the initial screen at the start of using the MFP 101, priority is given to either the common initial screen set by the administrator or the initial screen registered in advance by the user. You can set whether to display it. As a result, if there is an initial screen that the administrator wants to display, the initial screen set by the administrator can be displayed. On the other hand, when giving priority to the initial screen registered in advance by the user (Yes in step S706), the initial screen set by the user can be displayed. Further, when the authentication method is function-based authentication, even if the initial screen is set, the home screen corresponding to the function selected by the user can be displayed without displaying the initial screen. With these mechanisms, it is possible to display the initial screen, which is highly convenient for the user and the administrator.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when giving priority to the initial screen that the administrator wants to display, an example of displaying the initial screen set by the administrator has been described. In the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, login control for displaying the initial screen set by the user after the initial screen to be displayed by the administrator is closed will be described.

FIG. 9B is an example of a management setting screen displayed on the operation unit 116 by the MFP 101. FIG. 9B shows a case where the radio button 911 is designated. The administrator can set a priority initial screen via the screen of FIG. 9B. When the radio button 910 is specified, the initial screen registered in the personal setting information is displayed. When the radio button 911 is specified, it is set to display the initial screen registered in the device setting information.

Item 920 is a further setting for radio button 911. When the radio button 911 is specified and the item 920 is checked, the initial screen set by the user is displayed after the initial screen to be displayed by the administrator is closed.

The priority setting set via the screen of FIG. 9B is stored as a setting item of the device setting information of the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203.

For example, the setting information of FIG. 5 will be used as an example to explain how to display the initial screen. The user AAA has not set the initial screen, and the user BBB has set the home screen of the transmission function as the initial screen. Further, it is assumed that the home screen of the print number management function is set as the initial screen of the device.

When the user AAA logs in, the home screen of the print number management function, which is the initial screen of the device, is displayed. When the user AAA closes the screen of the print number management function shown in FIG. 7, the main menu is activated because the initial screen of the user AAA is not set, and the main menu screen shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the operation unit 116. Is displayed.

On the other hand, when the user BBB logs in, the home screen of the print number management function is displayed as in the case of the user AAA. When the user closes the screen of the print number management function shown in FIG. 7, the home screen (FIG. 6 (C)) of the transmission function, which is the initial screen of the user BBB, is displayed. If the user gives an instruction to activate another function while displaying these initial screens, the function based on the user's instruction is activated instead of the initial screen of each user, and the function is supported. The home screen is displayed on the operation unit 116.

For example, the user can directly access the main menu screen or other functions associated with the hard key by pressing the main menu key provided as an off-screen hard key and a hard key for directly calling another specific function. Can be started.

In this case, priority is given to the activation of other functions, and the user's initial screen is not displayed.

<Display of initial screen during login processing>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a login process according to the second embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is realized by the CPU 111 of the MFP 101 executing a program for realizing the system software and the application software stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114.

In steps S1001 to S1003, user authentication is performed. If the login is successful in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1004.

In step S1004, the system control unit 200 acquires a user name that has successfully logged in as user identification information.

In step S1005, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not the authentication method is function-based authentication. When the authentication method is function-based authentication, the process proceeds to step S1021, the function selected by the user is activated, the home screen corresponding to the function is displayed, and the login process is terminated. If the authentication method is not functional authentication, the process proceeds to step S1006.

In step S1006, the CPU 111 acquires the priority setting from the device setting information of the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203. If the personal setting is prioritized by the priority setting or the personal setting is set to be displayed after the device setting is displayed, it is determined that the display of the initial screen set by the user is permitted, and the process proceeds to step S1007. On the other hand, if the device setting is prioritized and the personal setting is not set to be displayed after the device setting is displayed, it is determined that the display of the initial screen set by the user is not permitted, and the step is taken. Proceed to S1018. In steps S1018 to S1020, as in steps S810 to S812 described above, the function corresponding to the initial screen is activated based on the initial setting information of the device, the set initial screen is displayed, and the login process is completed. do. If it is determined in step S1019 that the initial screen is not set, the process proceeds to step S1022, and as in the case where user authentication is not performed, for example, the main menu function is activated and the main menu screen (on the operation unit 116) is displayed. Figure (A)) is displayed.

On the other hand, in step S1007, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not the initial screen set by the user is prioritized. If the setting gives priority to the initial screen set by the user, the process proceeds to step S1008, and if the setting does not give priority to the initial screen set by the user (if the setting gives priority to the device setting information), the process proceeds to step S1011.

In step S1008, the system control unit 200 acquires the setting value of the initial screen of the logged-in user via the setting management unit 203 using the user identification information acquired in step S1004 and the initial screen as keys.

In step S1009, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not the initial screen is set based on the acquired initial screen setting value. If the setting value corresponding to the initial screen can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1010, the function corresponding to the initial screen set by the user as the initial screen is activated, the set initial screen is displayed, and the login process is completed. do. On the other hand, if the setting value corresponding to the initial screen cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1018, and the initial screen based on the device setting information in steps S1018 to S1020 is displayed. If the personal setting information corresponding to the user identification information is not registered, or if the personal setting information is registered but the setting item corresponding to the initial screen is not set, the setting value of the initial screen is set. Since it is not stored, it is determined that the initial screen is not set.

On the other hand, if the setting does not give priority to the user setting information (No in step S1007), the process proceeds to step S1011. In step S1011, the setting value of the initial screen is acquired from the device setting information of the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203. In step S1012, it is determined whether or not the initial screen is set based on the acquired initial screen setting value. When the setting value corresponding to the initial screen can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1013, the initial function corresponding to the initial screen set by the administrator is activated, and the set initial screen is displayed. On the other hand, if the setting value corresponding to the initial screen cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1015, and the initial function based on the user setting information shown in steps S1015 to S1017 is displayed.

In step S1014, it is determined whether or not the execution of the function corresponding to the activated initial screen based on the device setting information is completed. When the CPU 111 detects that the display screen of the initial function is closed by the user operation via the operation unit 116, or detects the completion of the job execution by the initial function, the execution of the function corresponding to the initial screen is normal. It is determined that the process is completed, and the process proceeds to step S1015.

On the other hand, if an instruction to start another function (application software) is detected by a user operation via the operation unit 116 while the function corresponding to the initial screen based on the device setting information is being executed, the initial screen is supported. It is determined that the use of the function has ended halfway. If it is determined that the function corresponding to the initial screen is terminated halfway, another function based on the instruction is activated, the home screen corresponding to the function is displayed, and the login process is terminated. On the other hand, if the function corresponding to the initial screen is being executed, the execution is completed or the execution is stopped.

The detection of these instructions is realized by the cooperation of the system software that realizes the system control unit 200 and the application software that corresponds to the initial function. For example, the application software corresponding to the initial function notifies the system control unit 200 of the status at the end of execution. When the application software detects that the function is closed by a user operation via the screen displayed on the operation unit 116, or when the execution of the job executed by each function is completed, the system control unit 200 is normally notified. Notify the end. On the other hand, the application software notifies the termination in other cases. In this case, the system control unit 200 proceeds to step S1015 when it receives a normal end as the status at the end of execution of the application software corresponding to the initial function. On the other hand, when the halfway termination is received, the process proceeds to step S1021, the application software corresponding to the function selected by the user is started, and the login process may be terminated.

In step S1015, the system control unit 200 acquires the setting value of the initial screen of the logged-in user. In step S1016, the system control unit 200 proceeds to step S1017 if the initial screen is set based on the acquired initial screen setting value, displays the initial screen according to the set value, and performs a login process. To finish. On the other hand, if the initial screen is not set, the process proceeds to step S1022. In step S1022, for example, the system control unit 200 activates the main menu function and displays the main menu screen (FIG. (A)) on the operation unit 116.

According to this embodiment, the initial screen set by the administrator is preferentially displayed after login, and the initial screen set by the user is displayed after the execution of the function corresponding to the initial screen set by the administrator is completed. Can be done. With these mechanisms, it is possible to display the initial screen, which is highly convenient for the user and the administrator, while further enhancing the convenience of the user from the first embodiment.

<Third embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the initial screen set by the administrator is preferentially displayed after login, and the initial screen set by the user is displayed after the execution of the function corresponding to the initial screen set by the administrator is completed. explained. In the present embodiment, in addition to the initial screen based on the device setting information and the initial screen based on the user setting information, the order of displaying the initial screen based on the group setting information is determined based on a preset priority, and the initial screen is displayed. The control will be described.

As mentioned above, a user can belong to a plurality of groups. In addition, each group can set an initial screen as a setting item.

In the present embodiment, the administrator sets in advance the priority of which of the initial screens of the device setting information, the personal setting information, and the group setting information should be prioritized.

FIG. 12A is an example of a management setting screen displayed on the operation unit 116 by the MFP 101. The information 1210 notifies the information of the priority of the initial screen in the MFP 101. The user can select the target (setting information) displayed in the information 1210 via the operation unit 116. Note that FIG. 12A shows a case where "Group 3" is selected.

The operation key 1211 is an operation key used when the priority of the selected target and the target one above the selected target are exchanged. When the operation key 1211 is pressed while "Group 3" is selected, "Group 3" is moved to the priority 2 column and "Device" is moved to the priority 3 column, and the priorities are switched. .. Further, when the operation key 1211 is pressed, the priorities of "group 3" and "group 1" are switched. On the other hand, the operation key 1212 is an operation key used when the priority of the selected target and the target one below the selected target are exchanged. By selecting the target and pressing the operation keys 1211 and 1212 in this way, it is possible to set which of the initial screens of the device setting information, the personal setting information, and the group setting information should be displayed with priority. can. The list of priorities set via the screen of FIG. 12A is stored as a setting item of the device setting information of the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203.

<Display of initial screen during login processing>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a login process according to the third embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 111 of the MFP 101 executing the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 and the application program corresponding to each function.

In steps S1101 to S1103, user authentication is performed. If the login is successful in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1104.

In step S1104, the system control unit 200 acquires the name of the user who has successfully logged in and the name of the group to which the user belongs as user identification information.

In step S1105, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not the authentication method is function-based authentication. When the authentication method is function-based authentication, the process proceeds to step S1117, the function selected by the user is activated, the home screen corresponding to the function is displayed, and the login process is terminated. If the authentication method is not functional authentication, the process proceeds to step S1106.

In step S1106, the system control unit 200 acquires a list of priorities stored in the device setting information of the setting information storage unit 204 via the setting management unit 203. The timing of acquisition of steps S1104 and S1106 is not limited to this. For example, the list of priorities acquired in step S1106 may be acquired when performing user authentication. Further, the group name acquired in step S1104 may be acquired at any timing as long as it is after the authentication is successful (Yes in step S1102).

In step S1107, the system control unit 200 generates a priority display list based on the group name to which the logged-in user belongs acquired in step S1104 and the priority list acquired in step S1106. In addition, the address information in which the item with the highest priority is stored as an access pointer for accessing the priority display list is acquired.

FIG. 12B is a priority display list of the initial screen generated in step S1107, and shows a priority display list when the user AAA belongs to the group 1 and the group 4 as an example.

In step S1108, the system control unit 200 refers to the priority display list based on the access pointer and acquires the target information. In step S1109, it is determined whether or not the initial screen is set based on the acquired initial screen setting value. If the setting value corresponding to the initial screen can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1110. On the other hand, if the setting value corresponding to the initial screen cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1112.

In step S1110, the system control unit 200 activates the initial function corresponding to the initial screen based on the initial screen corresponding to the target information acquired in step S1108, and displays the set initial screen.

In step S1111, the system control unit 200 performs the same processing as in step S1014, and determines whether or not the function corresponding to the initial screen is completed. If it is determined that the execution of the function corresponding to the initial screen is normally completed, the process proceeds to step S1112. On the other hand, if an instruction to activate another function is detected while the function corresponding to the initial screen is being executed, it is determined that the function corresponding to the initial screen has been terminated halfway, and the function based on the instruction is activated and the instruction is activated. Display the home screen corresponding to the function and end the login process. On the other hand, if the function corresponding to the initial screen is being executed, the execution is completed or the execution is stopped.

In step S1112, the system control unit 200 increments the access pointer for referring to the priority display list. In step S1113, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not there is an initial screen that is not displayed. If there is an initial screen that is not displayed, the process returns to step S1108 to display the initial screen that is not referenced in the priority display list. On the other hand, if there is no initial screen that is not displayed, the login process ends.

If the initial screen is not displayed in steps S1108 to S1112, that is, if the initial screen is not registered in any of the user setting information, the device setting information, and the group setting information to which the user belongs, the following Is processed. In this case, for example, when the initial screen is displayed in step S1110, a flag indicating that the initial screen is displayed is set. If No in step S1113, it is determined whether or not the flag is set, and if the flag is set, the login process is terminated. On the other hand, when the flag is not set, for example, the main menu function is activated and the main menu screen (FIG. 6A) is displayed on the operation unit 116.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the initial screen based on the device setting information and the initial screen based on the user setting information, the initial screen is displayed based on the order of the priority list preset by the administrator for the initial screen based on the group setting information. can do. With these mechanisms, even when there are a plurality of initial screens to be displayed, the initial screens can be appropriately displayed based on the priority.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

In the present invention, the MFP has been described as an example of the information processing device according to the first to third embodiments described above, but if the information processing device has a user authentication function, it is not an MFP. It doesn't matter.

Further, the "initial screen" in the present invention may be regarded as indicating the entire display sequence when a plurality of screens are sequentially displayed when the information processing apparatus becomes available. For example, when the information processing device becomes available, such as when the sequence is displayed in the order of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen, or when the sequence is displayed in the order of the first screen, the third screen, and the second screen. , It is also applicable when setting different display sequences. Alternatively, in the case of the normal screen mode, only the second screen is displayed in sequence after the first screen, and in the detailed screen mode, the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen are displayed in sequence. It can also be applied when changing the number of transition screens according to the settings. In this case, it is possible to set which of the common display sequence set by the administrator and the display sequence registered in advance by the user is prioritized for display. When the display sequence is set by the administrator as a result, the information processing apparatus can be started to be used by the screen transition set by the administrator.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications are made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Can be changed.

101 MFP
110 Control unit 116 Operation unit 120 Scanner 201 Authentication management unit 204 Setting management unit

Claims (6)

It is an information processing device
A first storage method for saving settings that include multiple setting values corresponding to each of multiple setting items in association with user information.
A second storage means for storing a setting including a plurality of setting values corresponding to each of the plurality of setting items as a common setting of the information processing apparatus that can be used by a plurality of users.
An operation screen displayed based on the user logging in, and the operation screen whose display content is determined based on the setting saved in association with the user information of the user by the first storage means is displayed. The first display control means to be used,
An operation using the first setting value corresponding to at least one of the plurality of setting items in the setting value included in the setting saved in association with the user information by the first saving means. Set whether to display the screen or display the operation screen using the second setting value corresponding to at least one setting item in the setting value included in the setting saved by the second storage means. A second display control means for displaying a setting screen for an administrator who has the management authority of the information processing apparatus, which is a possible setting screen.
A storage means for storing the administrator settings received on the setting screen, and
Have,
When the storage means stores an administrator setting for displaying an operation screen using the second setting value.
The first display control means is
When the user logs into the information processing apparatus, the setting value included in the setting of the stored in association with the user information in the second set value and said first storage means corresponding to the at least one setting item An information processing apparatus characterized in that an operation screen is displayed by using at least a setting value corresponding to a setting item other than the at least one setting item among the plurality of setting items. On the setting screen,
When the administrator setting for displaying the operation screen using the first setting value is stored in the storage means, the first display control means may be used.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation screen is displayed by using at least the plurality of set values stored in association with the user information by the first storage means. The at least one setting item is
The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, which is a setting item for designating an initial screen to be displayed immediately after the user logs in to the information processing device. The information processing device is
It is possible to realize multiple functions including at least the print function,
The screen that can be specified as the initial screen is
The information processing according to claim 3, wherein the information processing is a menu screen displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to each of the plurality of functions, or a setting screen for executing one of the plurality of functions. Device. The first storage method for saving settings including multiple setting values corresponding to each of multiple setting items in association with user information.
A second storage means for storing a setting including a plurality of setting values corresponding to each of the plurality of setting items as a common setting of an information processing device that can be used by a plurality of users.
An operation screen that is displayed based on the user logging in, and the display content is determined based on the setting saved in association with the user information of the user by the first storage means. The first display control means to display and
An operation using the first setting value corresponding to at least one of the plurality of setting items in the setting value included in the setting saved in association with the user information by the first saving means. Set whether to display the screen or to display on the operation screen using the second setting value corresponding to at least one setting item with the setting value included in the setting saved by the second storage means. A second display control means for displaying a setting screen for the administrator of the information processing apparatus, which is a possible setting screen, and
It is a program for functioning as an information processing device having a storage means for storing the administrator settings received on the setting screen.
When the storage means stores an administrator setting for displaying an operation screen using the second setting value.
The first display control means is
When the user logs in to the information processing apparatus, the second setting value corresponding to the at least one setting item and the setting value included in the setting stored in association with the user information by the first storage means. A program for displaying an operation screen by using at least a setting value corresponding to a setting item other than the at least one setting item among the plurality of setting items. The first save step to manage and save the settings that include multiple setting values corresponding to each of the multiple setting items in association with the user information.
A second saving step of saving a setting including a plurality of setting values corresponding to each of the plurality of setting items as a common setting of an information processing device that can be used by a plurality of users.
An operation screen that is displayed based on the user logging in, and the display content is determined based on the settings saved in association with the user information of the user in the first saving step. The first display control step to display and
An operation using the first setting value corresponding to at least one of the plurality of setting items in the setting value included in the setting saved in association with the user information in the first saving step. Set whether to display the screen or display the operation screen using the second setting value corresponding to at least one setting item in the setting value included in the setting saved in the second save step. A second display control step for displaying a setting screen for the administrator of the information processing apparatus, which is a possible setting screen, and
It is a control method of an information processing apparatus having a storage step for storing the administrator settings received on the setting screen.
When the administrator setting for displaying the operation screen using the second setting value is stored in the storage step.
In the first display control step,
When the user logs in to the information processing apparatus, the setting included in the second setting value corresponding to the at least one setting item and the setting saved in association with the user information in the first saving step. A control method for an information processing apparatus, characterized in that an operation screen is displayed by using at least a setting value corresponding to a setting item other than the at least one setting item among the plurality of setting items.

Images