JP7005189B2 - Image processing device, its control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

In recent years, "digital signage" that transmits information using a display connected to a network has become widespread in all places such as outdoors, storefronts, public spaces, and transportation facilities. The use of digital signage is also attracting attention in offices such as companies for the purpose of supporting information sharing for employees and controlling information in companies.

Also in an image processing device such as a multifunction device, there is known a technique of acquiring content from a content distribution device connected via a network and displaying the content on an operation unit of the image processing device. In Patent Document 1, when a predetermined event occurs, the time required to acquire the latest content from the content distribution device is shortened and efficiently by changing the content acquisition frequency according to the event type. Technology for displaying content is disclosed.

JP 2016-218706

However, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to acquire the content from the content distribution device connected by the network every time, and there is a problem that an excessive load is applied to the network especially when the content acquisition frequency is high. On the other hand, if the content acquisition frequency is low, the latest content cannot be posted and the signage function may not be effectively utilized.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device capable of reducing the network load applied when acquiring content and displaying appropriate content.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention uses a registration means for registering content stored in a content server connected via a network as content to be displayed, a receiving means for receiving an event, and the receiving means. It has a display control means for displaying the content registered by the registration means on the operation unit according to the reception of a specific event, and a generation means for generating and storing a cache of the content registered by the registration means. If the communication protocol for acquiring the content from the content server is the first protocol , the display control means acquires the content from the content server when the specific event is received, and transfers the content to the operation unit. If the communication protocol for performing the first display process for display and acquiring the content from the content server is the second communication protocol, the generation means generates and stores a cache of the content acquired from the server in advance. When the specific event is received, the second display process of displaying the cache of the saved content on the operation unit is performed.

According to the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, it is possible to reduce the network load applied when acquiring the content and to display the optimum content.

It is an overall view of the system. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a flow chart which shows the processing procedure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen of the content setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen of the content setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen of the content setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the content setting management table 306. It is a figure which shows the screen example for making the setting about user authentication. It is a figure which shows the flow of the screen which is displayed when the display of the signage application 300 is OFF, and the setting to display the authentication screen at the start of an operation is set. It is a figure which shows the flow of the screen which is displayed when the display of the signage application 300 is OFF, and the setting to display the authentication screen at the time of function selection is set. It is a figure which shows the flow of the screen which is displayed when the display of a signage application 300 is set to OFF, and the user authentication function is set to OFF. It is a figure which shows the screen example when the content registered in advance by a signage application 300 is displayed. It is a figure which shows the flow of the screen which is displayed when the display of a signage application 300 is ON, and the setting to display an authentication screen at the start of an operation is set. It is a figure which shows the flow of the screen which is displayed when the display of the signage application 300 is ON, and the setting to display the authentication screen at the time of function selection is set. It is a figure which shows the flow of the screen which is displayed when the display of a signage application 300 is set to ON, and the user authentication function is set to OFF. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen for setting the auto clear transition time. It is a figure which shows the example of the error screen. It is a flow chart which shows the cache update processing procedure. It is a flow chart which shows the cache generation judgment processing procedure. It is a flow chart which shows the cache generation processing procedure. It is a flow chart which shows the cache deletion processing procedure. It is a figure which shows the example of the cache information.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall view of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing device 100 is connected to the Internet 110 via the LAN 101. The client PC 102 connects the LAN 101 to the image processing device 100. The content server 120 stores various contents and is connected to the Internet 110 via the LAN 121. The image processing device 100 can acquire the content described later from the content server 120 via the Internet 110. Here, the case where the image processing device 100, the client PC 102, and the content server 120 are one by one will be described as an example, but a plurality of these devices may be present. Further, instead of the content server 120, the content may be stored in the image processing device 100, and the content may be acquired and displayed internally.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 200 including the CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire image processing device 100. The CPU 201 reads a control program stored in the ROM 202 and performs various controls such as read control and transmission control. ROM 202 is a boot ROM and stores a system boot program. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area for the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201. The HDD 204 stores image data, various programs, and various information tables. Further, it is also possible to store the contents described later in the HDD 204. The operation unit I / F 205 is an interface for connecting the operation unit 209 and the control unit 200. The operation unit 209 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like.

The printer I / F 206 is an interface for connecting the printer 210 and the control unit 200. The image data to be printed by the printer 210 is transferred from the control unit 200 via the printer I / F 206, and is printed on the recording medium (paper) by the printer 210.

The scanner I / F 207 is an interface for connecting the scanner 211 and the control unit 200. The scanner 211 reads an image on a document to generate image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit 200 via the scanner I / F 207.

The network I / F 208 is an interface for connecting the control unit 200 to the LAN 101. The network I / F 208 transmits and receives information to and from an external device connected to the Internet 110 via the LAN 101.

Among the functions (applications) of the image processing apparatus 100, typical ones are as follows.
-"Copy" function that reads the image on the document with the scanner 211 and prints the generated image data on the printer 210.-Prints the image data on the printer 210 based on the print job input from the outside such as the client PC 102. "Print" function-The image data generated by scanning the image on the document with the scanner 211 is transmitted to the outside via the network I / F 208 "Scan and send" function-The image on the document is scanned by the scanner 211. "Scan and save" function to save the image data generated in HDD 204-"Use of save file" to print the image data saved in HDD 204 with the printer 210 or send it to the outside via the network I / F 208. Function-A "browser" function that allows you to browse, print, and save data on a web server via a web browser.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the entire system including the image processing device 100. Each functional unit shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU 201 in the image processing device 100 reading and executing the control program stored in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204.

The image processing device 100 has the functions of the signage application 300, the authentication processing unit 308, and the auto-clear processing unit 309.

The signage application 300 is an embedded software program mounted on the image processing device 100. The signage application 300 has an external communication unit 301, a content display unit 302, a display control unit 303, a content setting unit 304, a content management unit 305, a content setting management table 306, an event reception unit 307, and a content cache management unit 310.

The external communication unit 301 communicates with the content server 120 and acquires the content managed by the content server 120 and the content setting management table. Further, the communication protocols for communicating between the external communication unit 301 and the content server 120 are SMB, WebDAV, and HTTP. SMB is an abbreviation for Server Message Block, and WebDAV is an abbreviation for Web-based Distributed Understanding and Versioning. In addition, HTTP is an abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. Other communication protocols such as e-mail and file transfer protocol (FTP) may be used.

The content display unit 302 reads the cache of the content generated in the content server 120 or the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and outputs the cache to the operation unit 209. The content refers to data that can be viewed with a Web browser such as text data, HTML, image files (JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, etc.), video files, and the like.

The display control unit 303 switches the screen managed for each application and outputs it to the operation unit 209.

The content setting unit 304 sets the content to be displayed. Specifically, the Web browser of the client PC 102 is used to access the Web server of the image processing device 100, and the user is made to set the content to be displayed when a specific event occurs. When the content setting is completed, the content setting unit 304 transmits the content setting update event to the event receiving unit 307.

5-1 to 5-3 are diagrams showing an example of a screen for setting contents. As described above, these screens are displayed by accessing the Web server of the image processing apparatus 100 using the Web browser of the client PC 102.

FIG. 5-1 (a) is a diagram showing a screen example of an authentication screen for inputting authentication information. When the user inputs a user name and password through this authentication screen and presses the login button, the authentication processing unit 308 performs user authentication and login processing. Here, when a user with administrator authority logs in, the screen shown in FIG. 5-1 (b) is displayed.

FIG. 5-1 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen for allowing a user having administrator authority to make various settings related to the image processing device 100. When one of the setting items is selected from the menu located on the left side of the screen, the corresponding detailed setting items are displayed on the right side of the screen. For example, when the user selects the setting item “License / Other” 501, the screen of FIG. 5-2 (a) is displayed.

FIG. 5-2 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a screen for making detailed settings regarding license / others. Each setting item including the setting item 502 is a hyperlink, and when selected, a Web page corresponding to the setting item is displayed. When the user selects the setting item 502, the setting screen of the signage application 300 shown in FIGS. 5-3 (a) to (c) is displayed.

On the other hand, in FIG. 5-1 (a), when a user who does not have the administrator authority logs in, the screen of FIG. 5-2 (b) is displayed.

FIG. 5-2 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen for allowing a user who does not have administrator authority to make various settings related to the image processing device 100. Since the setting item 501 displayed on the screen of FIG. 5-1 (b) is not displayed on this screen, a user without administrator authority cannot display the setting screen of the signage application 300. In this way, by displaying the setting screen of the signage application 300 only to the user having the administrator authority, the user who can set the content can be limited to the administrator. In the present embodiment, the users who can set the contents are limited to the users who have the administrator authority of the entire image processing apparatus 100, but even if the general users who do not have the administrator authority can be set. good. Further, apart from the administrator authority of the entire image processing apparatus 100, the administrator authority unique to the signage application 300 may be provided so that only the user having that authority can set the content.

5-3 (a) to (c) are views showing an example of a setting screen of the signage application 300. The check box 503 is a setting item for switching ON / OFF of the display of the signage application 300. If the check box 503 is not checked, other setting items are shaded and cannot be input as shown in FIG. 5-3 (a). When the check box 503 is checked, the items that can be set are displayed in an unshaded state as shown in FIGS. 5-3 (b) and (c).

The radio button 504 is a button for selecting a communication protocol between the external communication unit 301 and the content server 120. When the radio button 504 is selected for the SMB, the shading of the setting items related to the SMB is canceled and each setting item can be input as shown in FIG. 5-3 (b). When the radio button 504 is selected for HTTP / WebDAV, the shading of the setting items related to HTTP / WebDAV is canceled as shown in FIG. 5-3 (c), and each setting item can be input.

The text box 505 is an input field for inputting the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to SMB. The path is a character string indicating the storage location of the content, and in the case of SMB, the computer name, folder name, file name, etc. are shown separated by \ (yen symbol) or \ (backslash). The text box 506 is an input field for inputting a user name used when accessing the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to SMB.

The text box 507 is an input field for inputting a password used when accessing the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to SMB.

The text box 508 is an input field for inputting the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to HTTP / WebDAV. In the case of HTTP / WebDAV, the path indicates the computer name, folder name, file name, etc. indicating the storage location of the content, separated by / (slash).

The text box 509 is an input field for inputting a user name used when accessing the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to HTTP / WebDAV.

The text box 510 is an input field for inputting a password used when accessing the content path displayed when the communication protocol is set to HTTP / WebDAV.

Check boxes 511 and 512 are setting items for inputting settings for performing encrypted communication when the communication protocol is set to HTTP / WebDAV.

The OK button 513 is a button for storing the items set in 503 to 512 in the content setting management table 306 described later. When the OK button 513 is pressed, the settings of 503 to 512 are stored in the content setting management table 306, and the screen returns to the screen of FIG. 5-2 (a).

The cancel button 514 is a button for returning to the screen of FIG. 5-2 (b) without storing the items set in 503 to 512 in the content setting management table 306.

In this way, the user can set and register specific information for specifying the content to be displayed on the signage application 300 via the setting screens shown in FIGS. 5-1 to 5-3. Although the example in which the content is set from the client PC 102 is shown here, the content may be set by using the operation unit 209 of the image processing device 100.

Returning to the description of FIG. The content management unit 305 stores the content path and the like in the content setting management table 306 based on the content set by the content setting unit 304. Further, the content management unit 305 acquires the settings stored in the content setting management table 306 and notifies the content display unit 302.

The content setting management table 306 is a management table for managing the setting values of the signage application 300 set by the content setting unit 304.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the content setting management table 306. Here, the content setting management table 306 generated / updated based on the content input via the setting screen shown in FIG. 5-3 (c) is shown. The content setting management table 306 may be stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 100, or may be stored in the content server 120.

601 indicates a key corresponding to each setting item of the signage application 300. Reference numeral 602 indicates a value corresponding to a key of each setting item of the signage application 300. The content management unit 305 acquires the setting value 602 for each setting item by referring to the content setting management table 306 based on the key 601.

Reference numeral 603 is an item indicating ON / OFF of the display of the signage application 300, and 0 indicates OFF and 1 indicates ON. When the setting of the check box 503 in FIG. 5-3 is updated, this value is updated.

Reference numeral 604 is an item indicating a communication protocol between the external communication unit 301 and the content server 120, where 0 indicates SMB and 1 indicates HTTP / WebDAV. When the setting of the radio button 504 in FIG. 5-3 is updated, this value is updated.

Reference numeral 605 is an item indicating the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to SMB. When the setting of the text box 505 in FIG. 5-3 is updated, this value is updated.

Reference numeral 606 is an item indicating a user name used when accessing the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to SMB. When the setting of the text box 506 in FIG. 5-3 is updated, this value is updated.

607 is an item indicating a password used when accessing the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to SMB. When the setting of the text box 507 in FIG. 5-3 is updated, this value is updated.

Reference numeral 608 is an item indicating the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to HTTP / WebDAV. When the setting of the text box 508 in FIG. 5-3 is updated, this value is updated.

609 is an item indicating a user name used when accessing the path of the content displayed when the communication protocol is set to HTTP / WebDAV. When the setting of the text box 509 in FIG. 5-3 is updated, this value is updated.

Reference numeral 610 is an item indicating a password used when accessing the content path displayed when the communication protocol is set to HTTP / WebDAV. When the setting of the text box 510 in FIG. 5-3 is updated, this value is updated.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 are items indicating settings for performing encrypted communication when the communication protocol is set to HTTP / WebDAV. When the settings of the check boxes 511 and 512 in FIG. 5-3 are updated, this value is updated.

Returning to the description of FIG. The event receiving unit 307 receives various events notified from the content setting unit 304, the authentication processing unit 308, the auto clear processing unit 309, and the like.

The authentication processing unit 308 displays the authentication screen on the operation unit 209 or the client PC 102, and performs user authentication using authentication information such as a user ID and password input by the user. If the user authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 308 performs a login process for logging the user into the image processing device 100. When the logout instruction is given, the authentication processing unit 308 performs logout processing for logging out the logged-in user from the image processing device. The logout instruction is issued when the logout button displayed on the operation unit 209 is pressed by the user, or when the auto-clear process described later is executed. When the login process and the logout process are performed, the authentication processing unit 308 transmits an event (login event, logout event) indicating that the processes have been performed to the event receiving unit 307.

Further, the authentication processing unit 308 controls the display timing of the authentication screen based on the display setting of the authentication screen, as will be described later.

The auto-clear processing unit 309 executes the auto-clear processing when the operation for the operation unit 209 is not performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as an auto-clear transition time). The auto clear process is a process of clearing the set value / set state on the displayed screen and returning it to the initial value. For example, if the user leaves the image processing device 100 while making settings via the copy screen for making various settings related to copying, and the auto-clear transition time elapses, the set values set halfway are set. Is cleared and returns to the default setting. With the auto clear function, you should not use it immediately before and inadvertently take over the user's setting state and execute copying etc. with unexpected settings, and do not disclose it to the next user. It is possible to prevent the settings from being visible. The auto-clear processing unit 309 transmits an auto-clear event to the event receiving unit 307 when the auto-clear processing is performed. Further, when the auto-clear process is performed, the authentication processing unit 308 executes a logout process for logging out the logged-in user.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the auto-clear transition time setting screen 1100 for setting the auto-clear transition time. The auto-clear transition time display area 1101 is an area for displaying the currently set auto-clear transition time. The auto-clear transition time change buttons 1102 and 1103 are buttons for setting a decrease or increase in the auto-clear transition time. When the auto-clear transition time change button 1102 is selected, the auto-clear transition time can be reduced to 0 minutes (no setting). Further, when the auto-clear transition time change button 1103 is selected, the auto-clear transition time can be increased up to 9 minutes.

It is also possible to set a screen that transitions during the auto-clear process via a screen (not shown). When the initial screen is set as the screen to be transitioned at the time of auto clear, the screen of the operation unit 209 is switched from the screen displayed up to that point to the initial screen. The initial screen is a screen preset by the user as a screen to be displayed at startup. For example, a main menu screen for selecting a function to be used from a plurality of functions (applications, functions) possessed by the image processing apparatus 100, a screen corresponding to each function, and the like can be set. In the following description, an example in which the initial screen is set as the screen to be transitioned at the time of auto-clearing and the main menu screen is set as the initial screen will be described.

When it is necessary to generate the content cache, the content cache management unit 310 generates the content cache stored in the content server 120 and stores it in the HDD 204. If the content cache is not required, the cache stored in the HDD 204 is deleted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for making settings related to user authentication. The screen shown in FIG. 7 is a screen that can be displayed only when a user having administrator authority logs in.

FIG. 7A is a screen for setting whether or not to use user authentication. The button 701 is a button for enabling user authentication, and when this button is selected, an authentication screen is displayed, and user authentication is required in order to use each function of the image processing device 100. The button 702 is a button for invalidating the user authentication. When this button is selected, the authentication screen is not displayed and each function of the image processing device 100 can be used without the user authentication. ..

7 (b) and 7 (c) are screens for switching the display setting of the authentication screen, and the timing at which the user authentication is performed is determined according to the setting of this screen. FIG. 7B is a screen when the button 703 is selected, and FIG. 7C is a screen when the button 704 is selected.

The button 703 is a button for setting to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation of the image processing device 100. When this button is selected, the authentication screen is displayed when the user starts the operation, and the user Authentication is required. In other words, if the authentication screen is set to be displayed at the start of operation, user authentication is required first regardless of which function is used.

The button 704 is a button for setting to display the authentication screen when each function is selected. When the button 704 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), a screen 705 for selecting a function or the like that requires user authentication is displayed in a pop-up. Here, when the button 706 is selected, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. 7 (d).

FIG. 7D is a screen for selecting a function that requires user authentication from a plurality of functions possessed by the image processing device 100. For the function selected as the function requiring user authentication through the screen of FIG. 7D, the authentication screen is displayed when the function is used. On the other hand, for a function that is not selected as a function that requires user authentication, the function can be used without performing user authentication. In FIG. 7D, each of the "copy", "use of saved file", and "print" functions is selected as a function that requires user authentication. On the other hand, each function of "scan and save", "scan and send", and "browser" does not require user authentication. As described above, when the button 704 is selected, the authentication screen is not displayed at the start of the operation of the image processing device 100, and when the user uses each function, the authentication screen is displayed depending on the selected function. User authentication is required.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of a screen displayed on the operation unit 209 when the screen display of the signage application 300 is set to OFF.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are diagrams showing a screen flow when the button 701 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7 (a), that is, when the user authentication function is set to ON.

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a screen flow when the button 703 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7B, that is, when the authentication screen is set to be displayed at the start of the operation. When the user turns on the power of the image processing device 100 and starts the operation, the authentication screen 801 is displayed first, and the user needs to input the authentication information. When the user authentication based on the authentication information input by the user via the authentication screen 801 is successful and the login process is completed, the main menu screen 802 for selecting a desired function from the plurality of functions of the image processing device 100. Is displayed. When the user presses any function selection button on the main menu screen 802, a screen corresponding to that function is displayed. For example, when the "copy" button is selected, the copy application screen 803 for making various settings related to copying is displayed. When the "scan and save" button is selected, the "scan and save" application screen 804 for selecting the save destination of the scanned image data is displayed. If the auto-clear transition time elapses without the user operating the operation unit 209, the auto-clear process is performed. When the auto clear process is performed, the user is automatically logged out and the authentication screen 801 is displayed again. For example, if the auto-clear transition time elapses without the user operating the operation unit 209 while displaying any of the screens 802, 803, and 804, the auto-clear process and the log-out process are performed, and the authentication screen 801 is displayed. Switch to.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a screen flow when the button 704 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7C, that is, when the authentication screen is set to be displayed when the function is selected. Further, as shown in FIG. 7D, it is assumed that the "copy", "use of saved file", and "print" functions are selected as the functions that require authentication. When the user turns on the power of the image processing device 100 and starts the operation on the operation unit 209, the main menu screen 802 is displayed first. If the function selected by the user on the main menu screen 802 is a function selected as a function requiring authentication, the authentication screen 801 is displayed before transitioning to the application screen corresponding to the function. For example, when the "copy" button is selected, the authentication screen 801 is displayed. When the user inputs the authentication information and the user authentication is successful, the copy application screen 803 is displayed. On the other hand, if the function selected on the main menu screen is a function that does not require authentication, the screen transitions to the application screen corresponding to the selected function without displaying the authentication screen. For example, when the "Save Scanned" button is selected, the screen 804 is displayed. Further, when the auto-clear transition time elapses without the user operating the operation unit 209 and the auto-clear process is performed, the user is automatically logged out and the screen returns to the main menu screen 802.

FIG. 8 (c) is a diagram showing a screen flow when the button 702 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7 (a), that is, when the user authentication function is set to OFF. When the user turns on the power of the image processing device 100 and starts the operation on the operation unit 209, the main menu screen 802 is displayed first. When the user presses any function selection button on the main menu screen 802, the application screen corresponding to the selected function is displayed. For example, when the "copy" button is selected, the screen 803 is displayed, and when the "scan and save" button is selected, the screen 804 is displayed. If the auto-clear transition time elapses without the user operating the operation unit 209, the auto-clear process is performed and the screen returns to the main menu screen 802 set as the initial screen.

In this way, by setting whether or not to authenticate the user via the screen of FIG. 7A, it is possible to switch whether or not to display the authentication screen. Further, by setting via the screen of FIG. 7B, it is possible to switch whether to display the timing of displaying the authentication screen at the start of the operation or when each function is selected. In addition, the screen displayed at the time of auto clear is also switched according to the settings related to these user authentications.

Next, the screen displayed on the operation unit 209 when the screen display of the signage application 300 is set to ON will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when preset contents are displayed by the signage application 300. The content 901 displays the content acquired from the content server 120. Here, from the content setting management table 306 of FIG. 6, the HTML file indicated by "https://gest_webdav/signage.html" is displayed. When the user presses the close button 902, the content 901 is hidden. In addition, in FIG. 9, the notice of the disaster prevention drill is displayed. In this way, by registering the notification items for employees as contents and displaying them on the image processing device 100 using the signage application 300, it can be utilized for supporting information sharing for employees, information control of companies, and the like. ..

Next, the display timing of the content, which is a feature of the signage application 300, will be described. As described above, the flow of the displayed screen differs depending on the setting related to user authentication via the screen of FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, in order to effectively utilize the image processing device 100 as signage, the content is displayed at an appropriate timing according to the setting related to user authentication in consideration of the difference in the screen flow.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of a screen displayed on the operation unit 209 when the screen display of the signage application 300 is set to ON. By assigning the same reference numerals to the same screens as those in FIG. 8, the difference from the screen flow shown in FIG. 8 will be clarified.

10 (a) and 10 (b) are diagrams showing a screen flow when the button 701 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7 (a), that is, when the user authentication function is set to ON.

FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a screen flow when the button 703 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7B, that is, when the authentication screen is set to be displayed at the start of the operation. As compared with FIG. 8A, when the user authentication succeeds based on the authentication information input by the user via the authentication screen 801 and the login process is completed, the screen 1001 of the signage application 300 is displayed. This screen 1001 is the same as the screen shown in FIG. Here, when the close button is pressed, the screen 1001 is hidden and the main menu screen 802 is displayed.

In this way, when the authentication screen is set to be displayed at the start of the operation, the content is displayed by the signage application 300 at the timing when the user's login is completed. Therefore, since the content is displayed when the user starts using the image processing device 100, it is possible to attract the user's attention and effectively inform the user of the internal notification matters and the like. Become.

FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a screen flow when the button 704 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7C, that is, the authentication screen is set to be displayed when the function is selected. Further, as shown in FIG. 7D, it is assumed that the "copy", "use of saved file", and "print" functions are selected as the functions that require authentication.

In this case, the screen of the signage application 300 is not displayed even if the user authentication and the login process are completed based on the information input via the authentication screen 801. Instead, when the auto-clear transition time elapses without the user operating the operation unit 209 and the auto-clear process is performed, the screen 1001 of the signage application 300 is displayed. Then, when the close button is pressed, the screen 1001 is hidden and the main menu screen 802 is displayed.

In this way, when the authentication screen is set to be displayed when the function is selected via FIG. 7B, the content is not displayed at the timing when the user logs in, but the content is displayed at the timing when the auto clear occurs. Is displayed. Even if the content is displayed at the time of login, the content will be displayed if the user selects a function that requires user authentication, as if the authentication screen was set to be displayed at the start of the operation. Will be done. On the other hand, when a function that does not require user authentication is selected, the content is not displayed because the login is not performed. For example, users who frequently use the "scan and save" feature and rarely use the "copy" feature will have little chance of seeing the content. On the other hand, by setting the display timing of the content when the auto-clear occurs, the user who uses the image processing device 100 after the auto-clear will see the content when he / she first operates the operation unit 209. Therefore, regardless of the function used, it can be used as a terminal for promotion while the image processing device 100 is on standby, and it is possible to effectively inform the user of notification items and the like.

10 (c) is a diagram showing a screen flow when the button 702 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7 (a), that is, when the user authentication function is set to OFF.

In this case, as in the case of FIG. 10B, the screen 1001 of the signage application 300 is displayed at the timing when the auto clear occurs.

As described above, even when the user authentication function is not used, the image processing device 100 can be effectively used as signage by displaying the content at the timing when the auto clear occurs.

By registering the content to be displayed as described above, the registered content can be displayed at the timing when a specific event occurs. In particular, by determining the display timing of the signage application 300 according to the setting related to user authentication, the information can be shown to the user at an appropriate timing, and the information can be transmitted to the user more effectively. .. Specifically, in the case of setting to display the authentication screen at the start of operation, that is, in the case of setting requiring user authentication regardless of which function is used, the content is displayed at the timing when the user's login is completed. As a result, the user who uses the image processing device 100 will surely see the content. On the other hand, in the case of the setting to display the authentication screen when the function is selected, that is, the setting in which it is decided for each function whether or not the user authentication is required, and the setting in which the user authentication is not performed, the auto clear is performed. Display the content at the timing when As a result, the user who uses the image processing device 100 next after the auto-clear occurs will surely see the content. In this way, if the information that you want to inform employees etc. is registered in advance as content, the display timing of the content will be changed automatically according to the user authentication settings, so it is necessary to set the display timing separately. However, the convenience of the user is improved.

As described above, when the screen display of the signage application 300 is set to ON, the image processing device 100 displays the content stored in the content server 120 when the user logs in or automatically clears. Here, when the size of the content stored in the content server 120 is large, it takes time to acquire the content, and it takes time to display the content. In addition, if the network load due to content acquisition is large, it may interfere with the processing of other functions such as the "scan and send" function that uses the network. Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, a cache of the content arranged in the external content server 120 is prepared in advance in the image processing device 100, and a process of acquiring and displaying the cache at the time of displaying the content will be described. ..

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a content cache update process executed by the CPU 201.

In the example of FIG. 13, a case where SMB, HTTP, or WebDAV is used as a communication protocol for communicating with the content server 120 on the network will be described. For example, by using SMB, files can be shared among a plurality of computers on a network, and there is a feature that it is easy to manage contents such as image files and video files. However, there is also a problem that a network load is applied by frequently accessing the content server 120 when acquiring the content. Therefore, when displaying the content stored in the content server 120 by using the SMB, a cache of the content is generated in advance in the storage area in the image processing device, and this cache is acquired and displayed.

On the other hand, when HTTP and WebDAV are used, the content stored in the content server 120 is often an HTML file such as a Web page. The HTML file may be associated with an image file stored in another location, and the content may not be displayed correctly when the content cache is generated. Therefore, when displaying the content stored in the content server 120 using HTTP or WebDAV, the content is directly acquired from the content server 120 and displayed without generating a cache.

Based on the above, in FIG. 13, the type of the communication protocol is identified, if the communication protocol is SMB, it is determined whether or not the content cache update is necessary, and if necessary, the cache generation process is performed. On the other hand, if the communication protocol is other than SMB, the content cache is not updated.

The content cache is generated at the time of setting / registering the content described in FIG. 5-3, and then the cache is updated every time the content is reset. As a result, the latest content will be displayed the next time the content display timing comes. Further, the administrator may replace the content on the content server 120 on the way without changing the content path as it is. In that case, it is assumed that the content is not reset via the screen shown in FIG. 5-3, but even in such a case, it is necessary to display the latest content. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the cache update is necessary at the time of logging out and auto-clearing in addition to the content setting, and if it is necessary, the cache is updated.

In S1301, the CPU 201 determines whether the event receiving unit 307 has received the content setting update event, the logout event, and the auto clear event from the content setting unit 304, the authentication processing unit 308, and the auto clear processing unit 309. If the CPU 201 determines that any of the events has been received, the process proceeds to S1302. If the CPU 201 determines that no event has been received, the process returns to S1301 and waits for the event to be received.

In S1302, the CPU 201 acquires the setting value corresponding to the key 603 from the content setting management table 306 by the content management unit 305, and determines whether the display on the screen of the signage application 300 is ON. When the CPU 201 determines that the display is OFF, the process ends. If the CPU 201 determines that the display is ON, the process proceeds to S1303.

In S1303, the CPU 201 determines whether the event received in S1301 is a content setting update event by the event receiving unit 307. If the CPU 201 determines that the event is a content setting update event, the process proceeds to S1308. If the CPU 201 determines that it is not a content setting update event, the process proceeds to S1304.

In S1304, the CPU 201 determines whether the event received in S1301 is a log-out event or an auto-clear event by the event receiving unit 307. If the CPU 201 determines that it is a log-out event, the process proceeds to S1305. If the CPU 201 determines that the event is an auto-clear event, the process proceeds to S1306.

In S1305, the CPU 201 determines, by the authentication processing unit 308, whether or not the display setting of the authentication screen is the setting to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation. If the CPU 201 determines that the setting is not to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation, the process ends. If the CPU 201 determines that the setting is to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation, the process proceeds to S1308.

In S1306, the CPU 201 determines, by the authentication processing unit 308, whether the display setting of the authentication screen is the setting to display the authentication screen when the function is selected, or whether the user authentication is invalid. If the CPU 201 determines that the user authentication is not invalid instead of the setting to display the authentication screen when the function is selected, that is, if the setting is to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation, the process ends. If the setting is to display the authentication screen when the function is selected, or if the CPU 201 determines that the user authentication is invalid, the process proceeds to S1307.

In S1307, the CPU 201 refers to the content setting management table 306 by the content management unit 305.

In S1308, the CPU 201 refers to the setting value corresponding to the key 604 from the content setting management table 306, and determines whether or not the communication protocol with the content server 120 is set in the SMB. If it is determined that the communication protocol is SMB, the process proceeds to S1309. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication protocol is other than SMB, the process is terminated.

In S1309, the CPU 201 performs a cache generation determination process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a content cache generation determination process executed by the CPU 201.

In S1401, the CPU 201 refers to the setting value corresponding to the key 605 from the content setting management table 306, and determines whether or not the content corresponding to the set path exists on the content server 120. If the content exists, the process proceeds to S1402. If the content does not exist, the process proceeds to S1408, and "cache deletion" is set in the cache generation determination result.

In S1402, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the size of the content is within 10 MB. If the content size is within 10 MB, the process proceeds to S1403. On the other hand, if the content size exceeds 10 MB, the process proceeds to step S1408. This is to set an upper limit on the size of the content for the convenience of generating a cache.

In S1403, the CPU 201 acquires cache information 1700 regarding the cache of the contents stored in the HDD 204.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of cache information 1700. The cache information 1700 stores the cache update date and time 1701, the content path 1702 referred to when the cache is generated, the cache path 1703 indicating the cache storage destination, and the cache size 1704. The generation / update of the cache information 1700 will be described in the cache generation process of FIG. 15 described later.

In S1404, the CPU 201 refers to the cache path 1703 from the cache information 1700 acquired in S1403, and determines whether or not the cache file corresponding to the cache path exists in the HDD 204. If the cache file exists, the process proceeds to S1405. On the other hand, if the cache file does not exist, the process proceeds to S1410 and the cache generation determination result is set to "cache generation". If the cache information 1700 does not exist, that is, even if the cache has not been generated, it is determined that the cache does not exist, and the process proceeds to S1410.

In S1405 to S1407, the content specified in the content path 605 of the content management table 306 and the content path, size, and update date / time of the previously generated cache specified in the cache path 1703 of the cache information 1700 are compared. As a result of comparison, if there is a difference in any of them, it means that the content has been updated, so it is judged that cache generation should be performed. On the other hand, if there is no difference in any of them, it is determined that the cache is not generated (skip) because the content is not updated. Details of S1405 to S1407 will be described.

In S1405, the CPU 201 compares the specified content with the previously generated cache content path. If there is a difference in the content path, the process proceeds to S1410. On the other hand, if there is no difference in the content path, the process proceeds to S1406.

In S1406, the CPU 201 compares the specified content with the size of the previously generated cache. If there is a difference in size, proceed to S1410. On the other hand, if there is no difference in size, the process proceeds to S1407.

In S1407, the CPU 201 compares the specified content with the update date and time of the previously generated cache. If there is a difference in the update date and time, the process proceeds to S1410. On the other hand, if there is no difference in the update date and time, the process proceeds to S1409.

In S1409, the CPU 201 determines that the content has not been updated, and sets the cache generation determination result to "cache generation skip".

Returning to the description of FIG.

In S1310, the CPU 201 receives the result of the cache generation determination process of S1309 and acquires the cache generation determination result.

In S1311, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cache generation is skipped based on the cache generation determination result acquired in S1310. If the cache generation determination result is "cache generation skip", the process ends. On the other hand, if the cache generation determination result is not "cache generation skip", the process proceeds to S1312.

In S1312, the CPU 201 determines whether the cache generation determination result is "cache generation" or "cache deletion" based on the cache generation determination result acquired in S1310. If the cache generation determination result is "cache generation", the process proceeds to the cache generation process of S1313. The details of the cache generation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15 described later. On the other hand, when the cache generation determination result is "cache deletion", the process proceeds to the cache deletion process of S1314. The details of the cache deletion process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16 described later.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a content cache generation process executed by the CPU 201. FIG. 15 describes a process of generating a cache from the specified content when the cache generation determination result is determined to be “cache generation” by the cache generation determination process of FIG.

In S1501, the CPU 201 refers to the content setting management table 306 by the content management unit 305.

In S1502, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the content corresponding to the content path 605 referenced from the content setting management table 306 exists in the content server 120. If the content exists, the process proceeds to S1503. On the other hand, if the content does not exist, the process proceeds to the cache deletion process of S1508. The details of the cache deletion process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16 described later. After the cache deletion process of S1508, the process proceeds to S1509, and the CPU 201 sets the cache generation result to "error". The reason for the error may also be set.

In S1503, the CPU 201 acquires the content from the content server 120, generates a cache file from the acquired content, and stores it in the cache file storage area of the HDD 204.

In S1504, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cache generation of S1503 is successful. If the cache generation is successful, the process proceeds to S1505. If the cache generation fails, the process proceeds to S1508 and the cache deletion process is performed.

In S1505, if the previously generated cache file exists, the CPU 201 deletes the previously generated cache file.

In S1506, the CPU 201 generates / updates the cache information 1700 based on the information used when the cache of the S1503 is generated. The information to be updated is the update date and time 1701, the content path 1702 of the content that is the cache generation source, the cache path 1703 that stores the generated cache, and the size 1704 of the generated cache.

In S1507, the CPU 201 sets the cache generation result to "success".

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a content cache deletion process executed by the CPU 201. In the example of FIG. 16, when the cache cannot be generated for some reason, the process of deleting all the cache files existing at that time will be described.

In S1601, the CPU 201 deletes the cache file stored in the cache storage area of the HDD 204.

In S1602, the CPU 201 deletes the cache information 1700 stored in the HDD 204.

In S1603, the CPU 201 sets the cache generation result to "error". The reason for the error may also be set.

As described above, by performing the processes shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, when using SMB, the cache is generated and updated when the content is set, and the cache is updated as necessary when the user logs out or automatically clears. conduct. As a result, the cache file of the latest content stored in the content server 120 is stored in the HDD 204.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a content display process executed by the CPU 201.

In the example of FIG. 4, in the same environment as the process described with reference to FIG. 13, the process of acquiring the content at the content display timing and displaying the content on the screen of the signage application 300 will be described. Specifically, when the communication protocol is SMB, the cache of the content stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device is acquired and displayed on the screen of the signage application 300. On the other hand, when the communication protocol is other than SMB, the content is acquired from the content server 120 and displayed on the screen of the signage application 300. In S401, the CPU 201 determines whether the event receiving unit 307 has received the login event and the auto-clearing event from the authentication processing unit 308 and the auto-clearing processing unit 309. If the CPU 201 determines that any of the events has been received, the process proceeds to S402. If the CPU 201 determines that neither event has been received, the process returns to S401 and waits for the event to be received.

In S402, the CPU 201 acquires the setting value corresponding to the key 603 from the content setting management table 306 by the content management unit 305, and determines whether the display on the screen of the signage application 300 is ON. When the CPU 201 determines that the display is OFF, the process ends. If the CPU 201 determines that the display is ON, the process proceeds to S403.

In S403, the CPU 201 determines whether the event received in S401 is a login event or an auto-clear event by the event receiving unit 307. If the CPU 201 determines that it is a login event, the process proceeds to S404. If the CPU 201 determines that the event is an auto-clear event, the process proceeds to S405.

In S404, the CPU 201 determines, by the authentication processing unit 308, whether or not the display setting of the authentication screen is the setting to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation. If the CPU 201 determines that the setting is not to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation, that is, if the setting is to display the authentication screen when the function is selected, the process ends. If the CPU 201 determines that the setting is to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation, the process proceeds to S406.

In S405, the CPU 201 determines, by the authentication processing unit 308, whether the display setting of the authentication screen is the setting to display the authentication screen when the function is selected, or whether the user authentication is invalid. If the CPU 201 determines that the user authentication is not an invalid setting instead of the setting to display the authentication screen when the function is selected, that is, if the setting is to display the authentication screen at the start of the operation, the process ends. If the setting is to display the authentication screen when the function is selected, or if the CPU 201 determines that the user authentication is invalid, the process proceeds to S406.

In S406, the CPU 201 refers to the content setting management table 306 by the content management unit 305.

In S407, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the communication protocol with the content server 120 is set in the SMB from the setting value corresponding to the key 604 of the content setting management table 306. If it is determined that the communication protocol is SMB, the process proceeds to S408. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication protocol is other than SMB, the process proceeds to S413.

In S408, the CPU 201 acquires the cache generation result set at the time of cache generation. The cache generation result is set by any one of S1507 and S1509 in FIG. 15 and S1603 in FIG.

In S409, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cache generation result acquired in S408 is successful. If the cache generation result is successful, the process proceeds to S410. On the other hand, if the cache generation result is unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S414, and an error screen indicating a state in which the content cannot be displayed is displayed.

FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of an error screen displayed on the operation unit 209. When an error occurs in cache generation by the content management unit 305 or an error occurs when the content is read by the content display unit 302, the error type is determined, and the message 1201 suitable for the content of the error is displayed. Here, an example is shown in which a message indicating that the content cannot be displayed and that the file to be displayed does not exist or the path to the set file is incorrect is displayed.

In S410, the CPU 201 refers to the cache information stored in the HDD 204.

In S411, the CPU 201 acquires the cache of the content stored in the HDD 204 based on the cache path 1703 of the content referred to in S410 by the content display unit 302, and reads the cache into the RAM 203. Then, the process proceeds to S412. In S413, the CPU 201 acquires the content from the content server 120 based on the path referred to in S407 by the content display unit 302, and reads the content into the RAM 203.

In S412, the CPU 201 switches to the display of the screen of the signage application 300 by the display control unit 303. On the screen of the signage application 300, the cache content acquired in S411 or the content acquired in S413 is output by the content display unit 302, and the content is displayed on the operation unit 209.

In S415, the CPU 201 determines whether the close button on the signage application 300 has been pressed by the user via the operation unit 209. If the CPU 201 determines that the close button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S416. If the CPU 201 determines that the close button has not been pressed, the process returns to S415.

In S416, the CPU 201 hides the screen of the signage application 300 by the display control unit 303.

As described above, when the communication protocol is SMB, the image processing device 100 of the present embodiment generates / updates a cache when the content is set, and displays the content using the cache at the content display timing. Therefore, since it is not necessary to acquire the content again from the content server 120, the load on the network can be reduced and the time required for displaying the content can be reduced.

Further, the image processing device 100 of the present embodiment updates the content cache not only at the time of setting the content but also at an appropriate timing after the content of the content server 120 is replaced. Therefore, even if the content file on the content server 120 is replaced by the administrator, the latest content can be displayed. In particular, when the content is displayed at the time of user login as shown in FIG. 10A, the presence / absence of cache update is determined at the time of the immediately preceding user logout, and the cache is updated when necessary. Therefore, when the content on the content server 120 is replaced, the cache file of the latest content is stored in the HDD 104 and displayed at the time of user login. As a result, the latest content is displayed immediately when the user's login is completed, so that it is possible to provide a highly convenient signage system without making the user wait until the content is displayed.

On the other hand, when the communication protocol is HTTP / WebDAV, the content is acquired from the content server 120 and displayed at the content display timing without generating a cache. As a result, even if the content stored in the content server 120 is an HTML file associated with an image file stored in another location, the content can be reliably displayed.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, when the authentication screen is set to be displayed when the function is selected, or when the user authentication is disabled, it is determined whether or not the cache update is necessary when the auto clear event is received. (S1306 to S1309 in FIG. 13). Here, if the auto-clear transition time is set short, the frequency of accessing the content server 120 increases, and the network load may increase. Therefore, if the set value of the auto-clear transition time preset on the auto-clear transition time setting screen 1100 is less than a predetermined threshold value, the process may be terminated without performing the cache update process. If the process of FIG. 13 ends without updating the cache, the latest content may not be properly displayed when the auto-clear event is received. Therefore, if the preset value of the auto-clear transition time is less than a predetermined threshold value, the content may not be displayed. For example, when the auto-clear transition time is set to less than 1 minute, the cache update process may not be performed and the content may not be displayed. Specifically, after it is determined to be Yes in S1306 of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the auto-clear transition time is 1 minute or more, and the process proceeds to S1307 only when it is 1 minute or more, and processing is performed when it is less than 1 minute. finish. Further, after it is determined as Yes in S405 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the auto-clear transition time is 1 minute or more, and if it is 1 minute or more, the process proceeds to S406, and if it is less than 1 minute, the process proceeds to S414 and an error occurs. Display. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of an error screen displayed at this time. Here, the message 1202 indicating that the content cannot be displayed is displayed because the auto-clear transition time is less than 1 minute. By displaying the above message, the user who wants to use the signage application 300 can notice that the auto-clear transition time needs to be set to 1 minute or more.

Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the cache is generated only when the communication protocol with the content server 120 is SMB and the cache is not generated when the communication protocol is other than SMB is described, but the cache is generated even when the communication protocol is other than SMB. You may. As a result, the same processing can be performed regardless of the type of communication protocol, so that it is possible to construct a highly convenient signage system with a simpler configuration.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which user authentication is performed based on a user ID and password input by the user has been described, but the authentication information for authenticating the user is not limited to these. Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the user manually inputs these authentication information has been described, but the authentication information may be input by using another method. For example, by holding a non-contact communication card in which authentication information is stored over an image processing device, the image processing device may read the authentication information and perform user authentication. Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the authentication processing unit 308 performs the user authentication process and performs the login process when the authentication is successful has been described, but the image processing device itself may not perform the user authentication process. In that case, an authentication server is provided externally, the image processing device transmits the authentication information input from the user to the authentication server, and the authentication server performs user authentication. Then, the image processing device receives the authentication result from the authentication server, and if the authentication is successful, the user logs in.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example of displaying the content stored in the content server 120 connected via the network has been described, but a part of the area of the HDD 104 in the image processing device 100 is operated as the content server. You may. Then, depending on the usage environment of the image processing device 100, both the content on the external content server 120 and the content in the HDD 104 may be registered. In that case, when the content on the external content server 120 is registered, the cache is generated as described above. On the other hand, when the content in the HDD 104 is registered, the content file may be directly acquired from the HDD 104 and displayed without generating the cache, or the cache may be generated and the generated cache may be acquired and displayed. You may do so. By controlling whether or not to generate a cache according to the storage location of the content file as in the former case, unnecessary cache generation can be reduced. On the other hand, by generating the cache regardless of the storage location of the content file as in the latter case, it is not necessary to identify the storage location of the content file.

Further, in the above embodiment, the cache may be generated and the content may be displayed at the time of another event generated in the image processing device 100. For example, even if the signage application 300 is displayed at the time of printing, at the start of copy execution, at the start of execution of the function of transmitting image data generated by the scanner to the outside (scan and transmission function), or at the start of execution of use of a saved file. good. Further, the signage application 300 may be displayed when the state of the image processing apparatus 100 changes, such as when a maintenance event such as no toner occurs.

Further, in the above embodiment, the image processing device 100 having a plurality of functions such as a copy function and a scanner function has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an image processing device having only a part of the functions. .. Further, it may be applied to other information processing devices such as personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, FAXs, cameras, video cameras, and other image viewers.

The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads the program. This is the process to be executed. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium in which the computer program is stored constitutes the present invention.

201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 HDD
208 Network I / F
209 Operation unit 210 Printer 211 Scanner

Claims (18)

A registration method for registering content stored in a content server connected via a network as content to be displayed, and
Receiving means to receive the event and
A display control means for displaying the content registered by the registration means on the operation unit according to the reception of a specific event by the reception means, and a display control means.
It has a generation means for generating and storing a cache of contents registered by the registration means.
If the communication protocol for acquiring the content from the content server is the first protocol, the display control means acquires the content from the content server when the specific event is received and displays the content on the operation unit. If the communication protocol for performing the first display process and acquiring the content from the content server is the second communication protocol, the generation means generates and stores a cache of the content acquired from the server in advance, and specifies the above. An image processing apparatus comprising a second display process of displaying a cache of the stored contents on the operation unit upon receiving the event of. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means performs the second display process of displaying the content stored in the image processing device based on the cache generated by the generation means. It has a determination means for determining whether or not to generate a cache of the content registered by the registration means.
The image according to claim 2, wherein the determination means determines whether or not to generate a cache based on a difference between the content stored in the content server and the cache generated by the generation means. Processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the generation means generates a cache of the content when the content is registered by the registration means. It has an authentication processing means for performing a login process for logging a user into the image processing device and a logout process for logging out a user logged in to the image processing device.
Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display control means displays the content registered by the registration means on the operation unit in accordance with receiving a login event notified from the authentication processing means. The image processing apparatus according to item 1. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the generation means generates a cache of the content registered by the registration means in accordance with receiving a logout event notified from the authentication processing means. It has an auto-clearing processing means for performing an auto-clearing process of returning the screen displayed on the operation unit to the initial screen according to the fact that the operation on the operation unit has not been performed for a predetermined time.
Claims 1 to 6 are characterized in that the display control means displays the content registered by the registration means on the operation unit in accordance with receiving an auto-clear event notified from the auto-clear processing means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above items. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the generation means generates a cache of the content registered by the registration means in accordance with receiving an auto-clear event notified from the auto-clear processing means. .. It has a time setting means for setting the predetermined time, and has
When the predetermined time set by the time setting means does not reach a predetermined threshold value, the display control means does not display the content registered by the registration means on the operation unit, and an error screen indicating an error. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the image processing apparatus is displayed on the operation unit. When the communication protocol used for communication with the content server is the second communication protocol, the generation means generates a cache of the content, and the display control means receives the specific event. The cache generated by the generation means is displayed on the operation unit, and the cache is displayed on the operation unit.
When the communication protocol used for communication with the content server is the first communication protocol, the generation means does not generate a cache of the content, and the display control means receives the specific event, so that the content The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the content is acquired from a server and the acquired content is displayed on the operation unit. It has a setting means for setting user authentication for authenticating a user, and has a setting means.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the specific event that is the display timing of the content is determined according to the setting related to user authentication set by the setting means. The registration means is characterized in that it is possible to register the content to be displayed based on the information input by using the Web browser of the information processing device connected to the image processing device via the network. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the content that can be registered by the registration means is content that can be viewed with a Web browser. A reading means that reads an image on a document and generates image data,
A printing means that prints an image on paper based on image data,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the image processing apparatus is provided. Claims 1 to 14 are characterized in that the display control means switches between performing the first display process and performing the second display process based on a communication protocol for acquiring content. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above items. Each time the display control means receives the specific event, the display control means inquires about the difference between the content stored in the content server and the stored content, and if there is a difference, acquires the content from the content server and the content. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second display processing is performed. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the specific event is at least one of a login event and an auto-clear event. A program for operating a computer as the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

Images