JP2007150749A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor which can improve operability for hard keys on a console panel and even for a user. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor compares the hard keys arranged on a console panel 201 of its device with hard keys arranged on another image processor, and displays a soft key corresponding to a hard key which is not arranged on its device, but arranged on the other image processor, for example, a program key 2112 at a liquid crystal display part 2017 of its device in such a case. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a facsimile machine, and more particularly to an improvement in a technique for customizing keys of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus.

  As such a customization technique, Patent Document 1 discloses the following configuration. That is, for example, when the user a sets the layout of input keys displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the operation unit in the copying machine A according to his / her preference, the setting contents are stored in the copying machine A as panel setting information. Is done. When the user a tries to perform an operation such as copying in another copying machine B, the copying machine B acquires panel setting information related to the user a from the copying machine A, and based on the acquired panel setting information, the copying machine B A screen having the same layout as that of the copying machine A is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit B.

Thus, if the display screen is customized to the layout that is most convenient for the copying machine A that is frequently used in the office, for example, the user a can customize the display screen even when using another copying machine B. It can be easily operated while looking at the screen.
JP 2003-333234 A

  By the way, in most cases, a so-called hard key that is fixedly arranged separately from the liquid crystal display unit is provided on the operation unit of a copying machine or the like. It has not been. Therefore, for example, when a hard key is arranged on the operation unit of the copier A but not on the operation unit of the copier B, the user a Since the hard key is not arranged, it is not known how the function of the hard key can be executed, resulting in a problem of poor operability.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can improve operability for a user even with respect to hard keys.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention executes an image processing function corresponding to a key by operating an input key on a screen displayed on the own device operation unit. An acquisition unit that acquires information about a hard key arranged in an operation unit of another image processing apparatus, and a hard key having the same function as the hard key of the other image processing apparatus is operated by the own apparatus from the acquired information. An image corresponding to a hard key of another image processing apparatus on the screen when it is determined by the determining means that a hard key having the same function does not exist. Display control means for displaying an input key for executing a processing function.

In this way, for example, even when the user uses the image processing apparatus for the first time, a simple operation of operating an input key displayed on the screen can be used as a hard key on the operation unit of another image processing apparatus. The same function as the corresponding image processing function can be executed, which is convenient for the user and can improve operability.
Further, the display control means determines whether or not the image processing function can be executed by the device itself, and if it is determined that the image processing function cannot be executed, the display control means displays on the screen that the execution cannot be performed instead of the input key. It is characterized by being displayed.

In this way, the user can easily understand that the image processing apparatus cannot execute the image processing function corresponding to the hard key of the other image processing apparatus.
Further, a hard key is arranged in the own device operation unit, and the hard key is operated to execute an image processing function corresponding to the key, and the information includes a hard key in another image processing device. The display control means, when the determination means determines that there is a hard key having the same function, the display control means Determining whether or not the arrangement positions of the hard keys on the operation unit of the other image processing apparatus are substantially the same, and when determining that they are not substantially the same, displaying the fact on the screen. And

In this way, the user can easily understand that the arrangement positions of the hard keys having the same function are different between the image processing apparatus and the other image processing apparatus, and the operation is facilitated.
In addition, a hard key is arranged in the own device operation unit, and when the hard key is operated, an image processing function corresponding to the key is executed, and the determination unit includes a hardware key of the own device operation unit. The functions of the key and the hard key of another image processing apparatus are compared, the determination is made based on the comparison result, and the display control means displays the comparison result on the screen.

In this way, the user can easily understand the difference between the image processing functions corresponding to the hard keys of the image processing apparatus and the other image processing apparatus, and the usability is improved.
Further, the information processing apparatus is connected to the other image processing apparatus via a network, and the acquisition means acquires the information via the network.
In this way, it is possible to save the user from inputting the hard key information and to improve usability.

In addition, a receiving unit that receives designation of the other image processing device from a user is provided, and the acquisition unit obtains the information from the other image processing device using the designated device as the other image processing device. It is characterized by that.
This is convenient because the user can specify the desired device.
Further, the information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives an input of identification information from a user, and the acquisition unit permits use of a user identified by the input identification information among a plurality of devices connected to the network. The information is acquired from the other image processing apparatus, using the apparatus as the other image processing apparatus.

This is convenient because the user can use the image processing function corresponding to the hard key of the other image processing apparatus that is always used in the image processing apparatus.
The present invention also provides an image processing apparatus that executes an image processing function corresponding to a key by operating an input key on a screen displayed on the own apparatus operation unit. An acquisition unit for acquiring information indicating an image processing function corresponding to a hard key arranged in the operation unit, and an image processing function corresponding to a hard key of another image processing device on the screen based on the acquired information. Display control means for displaying an input key for execution.

  In this way, even if a hard key having the same function as that of another image processing apparatus does not exist in the image processing apparatus, the function can be executed by operating the input key on the screen. Improvements can be made.

Embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image processing system 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing system 1 includes a multi-function digital copier (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multiple Function Peripheral)”) 10 and 20 and client terminals 50 and 60 as image processing apparatuses. Here, they are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 2.

  The MFP 10 receives a scan function for reading an image of a set document and obtaining image data, a copy function for printing (printing) a document image based on the image data, and a print job execution instruction from the client terminal 50 or the like. A print function for performing printing can be executed. Also, a scan-to-mail function that sends image data obtained by scanning to a specified destination by e-mail, an A3 printing function that prints on A3 size paper, and A4 that prints on A4 size paper Various functions such as printing function, double-sided printing function that prints on both sides of paper, single-sheet integration (2in1) printing function that prints images of two originals on a single sheet, and image data obtained by scanning function An HDD storage function for storing data in the storage unit 115 (FIG. 2) in accordance with a user instruction, a program function for collectively registering arbitrary job execution conditions such as the number of copies, magnification, paper size, and duplex printing as one function, It is possible to execute image processing functions such as a setting confirmation function that displays a confirmation screen for confirming execution conditions such as copy settings.

  Further, it is possible to execute a customization function for customizing the layout of the key input reception screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1017 of the operation panel 101 (FIG. 3) to a desired one for each user. Since this customization function is described in Patent Document 1 described above, description thereof is omitted here. In summary, the MFP 10 accepts and sets a screen layout desired by the user for each user. The stored contents are stored as panel setting information in association with the identification code (user ID) of the user, and when the user ID is input by the user, the panel setting information corresponding to the user ID is read out. This is a function of causing the liquid crystal display unit 1017 to display a key input screen having a layout corresponding to the read information.

The client terminal 50 or the like is a general-purpose personal computer (PC), which has a network communication program installed therein, and is connected to other terminals, MFPs 10 and the like by an existing communication protocol (TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)). Connected to send and receive data.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the MFP 10.

As shown in the figure, the MFP 10 includes an operation panel 101 (operation unit), a scanner unit 102, a printer unit 103, and a control unit 104 as main components.
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 101 includes a numeric keypad 1011, a start key 1012, a clear key 1013, a reset key 1014, a program key 1015, a setting confirmation key 1016, and a liquid crystal display unit 1017.

A numeric keypad 1011 is a key for directly setting the number of copies, a copy magnification, and the like, and a start key 1012 is a key for instructing the start of a job such as copying. The clear key 1013 is a key for returning the set number of copies to “1”, and the reset key 1014 is a key for returning the set job execution conditions such as copying to the initial state.
The program key 1015 is a key for executing a program function, and the setting confirmation key 1016 is a key for executing a setting confirmation function.

The liquid crystal display unit 1017 has a touch panel laminated on the surface thereof, displays a necessary screen according to an instruction from the control unit 104, accepts a touch input by a user, and transmits the received information to the control unit 104.
A screen 1110 in the same figure shows an example of a screen customized by a certain user (hereinafter referred to as “user A”). This customization screen 1110 executes a “2-in-1” key for executing the single sheet printing function, a “double-sided” key for executing the duplex printing function, a “scan” key for executing the scanning function, and an HDD function. "HDD" key for executing, "A3" key for executing A3 printing function, "A4" key for executing A4 printing function, "Scan To Mail" for executing scan-to-mail function The layout is such that the keys are displayed in two horizontal rows. Hereinafter, an input key displayed on the screen may be referred to as a “soft key”, and a fixedly arranged key such as a program key 1015 may be referred to as a “hard key”.

  User A can execute a function corresponding to the key by pressing the hard key and touching the soft key. Here, when a key is operated, another menu screen (not shown) indicating what conditions can be executed as a function corresponding to the key is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1017. The user A can select and specify desired conditions from the menu screen. Specifically, when the double-sided printing key is touched, the screen is switched to a double-sided printing menu screen, and two conditions such as “single-sided original printing on both sides” and “double-sided original printing on both sides” are displayed on the menu screen. Is displayed. The user A can select the condition by touching any display portion.

  Note that a list display key (not shown) for displaying a list of all functions executable by the MFP 10 is also displayed on the menu screen. The user A can execute a function of another key not displayed on the customization screen 1110 by touching the list display key and selecting a desired function from the functions displayed in the list. The same applies to the MFP 20.

Returning to FIG. 2, the scanner unit 102 is an apparatus that obtains image data by reading an image of a set original. The printer unit 103 prints an image on a sheet based on image data of a document read by the scanner unit 102 and data supplied for printing sent from the client terminal 50 or the like by a known electrophotographic method.
The control unit 104 includes, as main components, a CPU 111, an interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113 that stores a program necessary for control, a RAM 114 that serves as a work area during program execution, and a storage unit 115. .

The interface unit 112 is an interface for connecting to the LAN 2 such as a LAN card or a LAN board.
The storage unit 115 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a hard disk drive. The storage unit 115 is provided with a storage area (not shown) for storing image data, a user information table 119 in which user information is written, and function information. A function information table 120, a hard key information table 121 into which hard key information is written, and a soft key information table 122 into which soft key information is written are provided.

  The user information table 119 is not illustrated here, but for each user, information in which an identification number (user ID) for identifying the user and a password for authenticating the user is associated with the user is shown. It is written as information. This user information is read out and used in the log-in process described later, and is registered in advance via the operation panel 101 by each user or a network administrator. Here, it is assumed that the user ID “1111” and the password “1234” have already been registered for the user A.

4A is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the function information table 120, FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the hard key information table 121, and FIG. 4C is a soft key. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of an information table 122. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the function information table 120 is provided with a number (No) column and a function name column, and names of image processing functions that can be executed by the own apparatus (MFP 10), specifically, Information indicating a print function, a scan function,... Is written as function information.

  Here, no. The monochrome printing function 4 is a function for printing in black. No. The sort function No. 12 is a function that prints out the printed matter with the same page alignment as the original for each set number of copies. The job history reference function 13 is a function for causing the liquid crystal display unit 1017 to display a screen indicating the execution history of a past job, specifically, the execution date and time of the job, the number of output sheets, the number of copies, and the like for each job. No. The counter display function No. 14 is a function for causing the liquid crystal display unit 1017 to display a screen indicating the total number of sheets that have been printed so far (total count). The help function 17 is a function for causing the user to display an operation guide (guide) on the liquid crystal display unit 1017. A specific example of this operation guidance will be described later. Note that the numeric keypad 1011, start key 1012, clear key 1013, and reset key 1014 are omitted here.

  In the hard key information table 121, as shown in FIG. 4B, the function names (image processing corresponding to the hard keys) of the program key 1015 and the setting confirmation key 1016 as hard keys arranged on the operation panel 101 are displayed. Information indicating a function), an arrangement position on the operation panel 101, and a related number indicating the image processing function corresponding to the key (corresponding to a number in the number column of the function information table 120) are associated with hardware. It is written as key information. The information indicating the image processing function is not limited to the function name itself. It is only necessary to know which image processing function the hard key corresponds to. For example, numerical values, symbols, and the like that are predetermined for identifying the function for each function may be used.

  As for the key arrangement position, when the user views the operation panel 101 from the front, a position that outlines in which direction the key is located with respect to the center of the operation panel 101 is “upper right part” or the like. It is shown. Of course, any information indicating the position of the key may be used, and a coordinate position or the like may be used. The function information and hard key information are written in advance at the time of manufacture or the like as unique to the apparatus. Note that the numeric keys 1011 to 1014 are omitted as in the function information.

In the soft key information table 122, as shown in FIG. 4C, information indicating the screen layout customized by the user having the user ID is written as soft key information for each user ID. The specific example in the figure corresponds to the customization screen 1110 by the user A.
The soft key information includes a function name of the soft key, an arrangement position of the soft key on the liquid crystal display unit 1017, and a related number indicating an image processing function corresponding to the soft key (corresponding to a number in the number column of the function information table 120). Are associated with each other. As for the arrangement position of the keys, when the liquid crystal display unit 1017 is viewed from the front, the upper left corner point 1018 (FIG. 3) is set as the origin (0.0), and an axis extending rightward from the origin is set. An X-Y coordinate axis is configured with the X axis and the axis extending downward as the Y axis, and information corresponding to the position on the coordinate axis is shown for each key. The soft key information is overwritten when customization is executed for each user. Thus, the function name and the related number are associated between the function information and the hard key information for the hard key, and are associated between the function information and the soft key information for the soft key.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the CPU 111 controls the operation of each unit of the scanner unit 102 and the printer unit 103 based on the control program of the ROM 113, and realizes job operations such as smooth copying and scanning. In addition, an operation (pressing, touch input) of a key (hard key, soft key) by the user is accepted via the operation panel 101, and an image processing function corresponding to the key is executed. In addition, a necessary screen or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1017. When a soft key on the display screen is touched by the user, the coordinate position of the touched soft key is detected, and the detected coordinate position is selected from among the soft keys included in the soft key information corresponding to the user ID. By detecting which key corresponds to the coordinate position, it is specified which function the touched soft key corresponds to. Further, customization processing, login processing described later, authentication acceptance processing, and the like are performed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the MFP 20.
As shown in the figure, the MFP 20 includes an operation panel 201, a scanner unit 202, a printer unit 203, and a control unit 204 as main components.
The MFP 20 has substantially the same configuration as the MFP 10, but cannot execute two functions that the MFP 10 can execute (double-sided printing and scan-to-mail), and conversely, performs printing in two functions that the MFP 10 cannot execute, that is, color. The color printing function is different in that it can execute a user assist function that displays a screen showing an operation method necessary for a job such as copying to the user. The functions other than these can be executed in common.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the operation panel 201 includes a numeric keypad 2011, a start key 2012, a clear key 2013, a reset key 2014, a user auxiliary key 2015, a setting confirmation key 2016, and a liquid crystal display unit 2017.
The ten key 2011 to reset key 2014 and the setting confirmation key 2016 have the same functions as the ten key 1011 to reset key 1014 and the setting confirmation key 1016 of the MFP 10. The user auxiliary key 2015 is a key for executing a user auxiliary function.

  A screen 2110 shown in the figure shows an example of a screen (standard state screen) before being customized by the user in the MFP 20. The screen 2110 includes, as soft keys, a “scan” key for executing a scan function, a “job history reference” key for executing a job history reference function, and a “color” key for executing a color printing function. The layout is such that a “counter display” key for executing the counter display function and a “sort” key for executing the sort function are arranged in three horizontal rows.

Returning to FIG. 5, the scanner unit 202 has the same function as the scanner unit 101 of the MFP 10. The printer unit 203 has the same configuration as that of the printer unit 103 except that double-sided printing cannot be performed and color printing can be performed.
The control unit 204 includes, as main components, a CPU 211, an interface unit 212, a ROM 213 storing a program necessary for control, a RAM 214 serving as a work area during program execution, and a storage unit 215.

The interface unit 212 and the RAM 214 have the same functions as the interface unit 112 and the RAM 114 of the MFP 10.
Similar to the storage unit 115 of the MFP 10, the storage unit 215 is a non-volatile storage unit, and is provided with a storage area (not shown) for storing image data, as well as a user information table 219, a function information table 220, a hard key. An information table 221 and a soft key information table 222 are provided.

The user information table 219 has basically the same configuration as the user information table 119 of the MFP 10, but the user ID and the like of user A are not registered.
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the function information table 220, FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the hard key information table 221, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of an information table 222. FIG.

As shown in each figure, the function information table 220 and the like have basically the same configuration as the function information table 120 and the like of the MFP 10, but the contents are different with respect to parts different in function and hard keys from the MFP 10. ing.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the function information does not include the double-sided printing function and the mail function, but is included as a function that can execute the color printing function and the user assistance function. As shown in FIG. 7B, the hard key information does not include a program key but includes a user auxiliary key.

As for the soft key information, as shown in FIG. 7C, information indicating the layout of the screen 2110 in the standard state is shown as a specific example corresponding to the user ID “0000”. Here, the user ID “0000” indicates an ID shared by a plurality of users in the office, and when this ID is input, the screen 2110 is controlled to be displayed.
Returning to FIG. 5, the CPU 211 controls the operation of each unit of the scanner unit 202 and the printer unit 203 based on the same function as the CPU 111 of the MFP 10, that is, the control program of the ROM 213, and performs job operations such as smooth copying. Realize. In addition, a key input or the like by the user is accepted via the operation panel 201 and a necessary screen or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2017. Furthermore, customization processing, login processing, and the like are performed.

In such a system configuration, a case where the user A uses the MFP 20 for the first time instead of the always-used MFP 10 will be described as an example with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13. .
(1) Processing of MFP 20 FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of login processing executed by the MFP 20.

As shown in the figure, the MFP 20 displays a login screen (not shown) on the liquid crystal display unit 2017 (step S201). This login screen is a screen that accepts input of a user ID and a password from each user. User A can input a user ID and password by operating the numeric keypad 2011.
When an input such as a user ID from the user A is received (step S202), it is determined whether or not the user is managed by the own apparatus (step S203). This determination is made based on whether or not the input user ID is registered in the user information table 219.

  If it is determined that the user who is not managed, that is, the input user ID is unregistered (“NO” in step S203), the MFP 10 is requested to authenticate the user (step S204). Specifically, information indicating the input user ID and password is transmitted via the LAN 2 to inquire whether the user may be permitted to use. For example, when three or more MFPs are connected to the LAN 2, the request destination may be all MFPs except the MFP itself.

As will be described later, when the MFP 10 is authenticated in response to the authentication request from the MFP 20, the function information, hard key information, and the user A who is the object of authentication are stored in the MFP 10 itself. Information (ID and password) and soft key information corresponding to the user A are transmitted to the MFP 20, and if the authentication is impossible, the processing is terminated as it is.
In step S205, the MFP 20 determines whether function information or the like has been received from the MFP 10 that is the authentication request destination. Here, if it is determined that it has not been received (“NO” in step S205), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed (step S206). Time measurement is started from the time of request in step S204, and it is determined whether or not the time has reached a predetermined time.

  If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed ("NO" in step S206), the process returns to step S205. Until the predetermined time elapses, the MFP 10 waits for function information or the like to be sent from the MFP 10. If it is determined that the predetermined time has passed (“YES” in step S206), it is determined that the user A has not been authenticated in the MFP 10, and login is not permitted (step S207), and the login process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if function information or the like is received from the MFP 10 until the predetermined time has elapsed (“YES” in step S205), it is determined that the user A has been authenticated in the MFP 10, and each information is stored in the RAM 214 (step S208). A setting process is executed (step S209). In this sense, the control unit 204 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the hard key from another device when executing the processing in step S205 and the like, and the other device includes a plurality of devices connected to the network. Among these devices, it can be said that it corresponds to a device that is permitted to be used by a user identified by a user ID or the like as identification information.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for display layout setting processing.
As shown in the figure, the display layout setting process is a process of executing a hard key setting process (step S221) and a soft key setting process (step S222) in order, and returning to the main routine of the login process. The contents of the hard key setting process and the soft key setting process will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of a hard key setting subroutine.
As shown in the figure, a screen corresponding to the received layout information is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2017 (step S231). The display here is a temporary display. This is because the login is permitted in step S210, which will be described later, and at the present time, the acceptance of input from the user is prohibited. As this display, for example, a gray display with a lower luminance than normal can be used.

  At this time, a screen having the same layout as the customization screen 1110 of the user A is displayed. For example, when the size (area) of the liquid crystal display unit 2017 of the MFP 20 is only about half that of the liquid crystal display unit 1017 of the MFP 10, the screen to be displayed does not fit within the display area of the liquid crystal display unit 2017. Can take a method of reducing the size of the customization screen or dividing and displaying the screen so as to extend over a plurality of pages. When the magnitude relationship of the liquid crystal display unit is reversed, for example, the customization screen may be enlarged and displayed.

Next, the functions of the hard keys of the own apparatus (MFP 20) and MFP 10 are compared (step S232). Specifically, the hard key information written in the hard key information table 221 is read for the own device, the hard key information stored in the RAM 214 is read for the MFP 10, and the functions of both hard keys are read. The names are compared.
From the comparison result, it is determined whether there is a hard key that exists only in the MFP 10 (step S233). Here, the program key is determined as the hard key.

  If it is determined that there is a hard key that exists only in the MFP 10 (“YES” in step S233), it is determined whether or not the function can be executed by the own apparatus (step S234). This determination is made based on whether or not the function name of the key that exists only in the MFP 10 is included in the function information written in the function information table 220. If the key is a program key, it is determined that the program function is executable because the program function is included in the function information.

  If it is determined that it can be executed (“YES” in step S234), the key is additionally displayed on the current screen 2111 (step S235). Here, as shown in FIG. 6B, the program key 2112 is additionally displayed. At that time, in order to make it easier for the user A to notice that the key has been added, it is desirable to perform display control such as making the outer frame thicker than other keys or changing the display color. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, if the display position of the program key 2112 is the position (upper right part) corresponding to the position of the program key 1015 on the screen 2111, it is easier for the user A to see. Information on the arrangement position stored in the RAM 114 is referred to for the arrangement position of the program key 1015. When another soft key is displayed at that position, the program key 2112 is displayed on the screen 2111 in an area where no key is displayed.

If a program key is already displayed on the screen 2111, the program key 2112 may not be added, or the displayed key may be turned off to additionally display the program key 2112.
On the other hand, if it is determined that execution is impossible (“NO” in step S234), a guide message indicating that, for example, “Program function cannot be executed” is displayed in the balloon 2200 (step S236). The process moves to S237. In this sense, it can be said that the control unit 204 functions as a display control means for displaying that instead of the input key when the image processing function cannot be executed when executing step S236 or the like.

If it is determined that there is no hard key that exists only in the MFP 10 (“NO” in step S233), the process directly proceeds to step S237.
In step S237, it is determined whether there is a hard key that exists only in its own device. Here, the user auxiliary key 2015 is determined as the hard key.
When it is determined that there is a hard key that exists only in its own device (“YES” in step S237), a guide message indicating that fact, for example, “Availability of user assistance key” is displayed in a balloon 2200 ( Step S238), the process proceeds to step S239.

If it is determined that there is no hard key that exists only in its own device (“NO” in step S237), the process directly proceeds to step S239.
In step S239, it is determined whether there is a hard key having the same function in both the self apparatus and the MFP 10. Here, the setting confirmation key 2016 is determined as the hard key. If it is determined that a hard key of the same function exists (“YES” in step S239), if the arrangement position is different, a guide message indicating that, for example, “setting confirmation key is moving” is displayed. Display in the balloon 2200 (step S240), and return. The determination as to whether or not the hard key placement positions are different is made by writing the position information written in the hard key information placement position field of the device itself and the hard key information placement position field of the MFP 10 stored in the RAM 214. This is done by comparing the positional information. If it is determined that there is no hard key of the same function (“NO” in step S239), the process returns as it is.

  In this sense, the control unit 204, when executing the processing of steps S233, S237, etc., serves as a determination means for determining whether a hard key having the same function as a hard key of another device exists in the own device operation unit. It can be said that it functions as a display control means for displaying an input key for executing an image processing function corresponding to a hard key of another device when the function is executed and the processing of step S235 or the like is executed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for soft key setting processing.
As shown in the figure, the function of the own apparatus (MFP 20) is compared with the function of the soft key existing on the currently displayed screen 2111 (corresponding to the customization screen 1110 by user A) (step S251).
Specifically, the function information written in the function information table 220 is read for the own apparatus, the soft key information stored in the RAM 214 is read for the MFP 10, and the function names of both are compared. .

From the comparison result, it is determined whether or not there is a soft key that cannot be executed by the own device (step S252). Here, it is determined that the “double-sided” key and the “Scan To Mail” key are applicable.
If it is determined that there is a soft key that cannot be executed (“YES” in step S252), the soft key is deleted (step S253), and the process proceeds to step S254. Here, the “both sides” and “Scan To Mail” keys are deleted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no soft key that cannot be executed (“NO” in step S252), the process directly proceeds to step S254.
In step S254, it is determined whether there is a function that cannot be executed by the MFP 10 but can be executed only by the own apparatus. This determination is made based on the comparison result obtained by comparing the function information written in the function information table 220 of the own apparatus with the function information of the MFP 10 stored in the RAM 214. Here, the color printing function and the user assistance function are applicable.

  If it is determined that there is a function that can be executed only by the own apparatus (“YES” in step S254), a guide message indicating that, for example, “Full color copy is possible” as shown in FIG. (Step S255), and the process proceeds to step S256. For the user assistance function, a key for execution is assigned in advance as the hard key 2015, and a guide message to that effect has already been displayed in the hard key setting process. That is not done.

  The display of the balloon 2200 is based on the help function. Here, the display is turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed from the display or when the display portion is touched by the user, and instead the help is displayed as shown in FIG. A key 2210 is displayed. Help key 2210 is a key for redisplaying balloon 2200. Information of the message in the balloon 2200 is stored in the storage unit 215, and the stored information is read out when redisplaying.

As a help function, a comparison result of the functions of the MFP 10 and the MFP 20, for example, a message indicating that the MFP 10 has a program key for the hard key but is not in the own apparatus (MFP 20), or a key change is displayed. The location may be displayed. This can be realized by storing the comparison result and the like.
If it is determined that there is no function that can be executed only by the device itself (“NO” in step S254), the process directly proceeds to step S256.

In step S256, user A's user information and soft key information stored in the RAM 214 are written (added) to the user information table 219 and soft key information table 222 of the own device as a new user, and the process returns. .
FIG. 12 shows the contents of the soft key information table after the addition.
As shown in the figure, “1111” of the user A is added to the user ID column, and “1111” of the user A is added to the function name column of the soft key information with respect to the soft key information (FIG. 4) of the original customization screen 1100. "Double-sided" is deleted, and information with "Program" and "Help" added is written. Further, the arrangement position for each key and the information in the related number column are rewritten to the arrangement position corresponding to the MFP 20 or the like. As a result, the function name, arrangement position, and related number of the new key are associated between the function information and the soft key information.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S <b> 210, the user A is permitted to log in, and the prohibition of key input acceptance is canceled (acceptance is permitted), and then the login process is terminated. By canceling the prohibition, the gray display on the screen is changed to a normal display form. The user A can perform an input operation for executing copying or the like on the MFP 20 while viewing a screen 2111 (a screen having the same layout as the own customization screen 1110) shown in FIG. In the above description, the customization screen itself is displayed in gray in step S231. However, instead of displaying the customization screen, for example, the screen data is two-dimensionally expanded in the storage area of the RAM 214, and keys are added or deleted on the data. It is also possible to take a method of displaying the screen 2111 such as FIG. 6B using the processed data.

  If it is determined in step S203 that the user is a managing user, it is determined in step S211 whether or not the passwords match. The managed user means that since the user ID and password are written in the user information table 219, it is determined whether the written password matches the entered password. It is.

If it is determined that the passwords do not match (“NO” in step S211), the process moves to step S207, and login is not permitted.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the passwords match (“YES” in step S211), the process proceeds to step S210. In this case, soft key information corresponding to the input user ID is read, and a screen having a layout indicated by the read soft key information is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2017.

  As a result of customization of the screen 2111 in the MFP 20 by the user A, when the layout is changed, for example, when the “A3” key is deleted or another soft key is added, the contents of the change are shown. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the change information is transmitted to the MFP 10 and the MFP 10 performs a process of rewriting its own soft key information in accordance with the change information. In this way, when the user A uses the MFP 10 next time, the user A can operate while viewing the changed screen, which is convenient.

(2) Processing of MFP 10 FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of authentication acceptance processing executed when the MFP 10 accepts an authentication request from the MFP 20.
As shown in the figure, when the MFP 10 receives a user authentication request from another device (MFP 20) (step S101), the user managed by the user (user A) subject to authentication in the own device Whether or not (step S102). This determination is made based on whether or not the received user ID is registered in the user information table 119. If it is determined that the user is a managed user, that is, the user has been registered (“YES” in step S102), it is determined whether or not the received password matches the registered password ( Step S103).

  If it is determined that they match ("YES" in step S103), it is assumed that the function has been authenticated, the function information, the hard key information, the user A soft key information, and the user A user information (user ID "1111" and password " 1234 ") from the function information table 120, the hard key information table 121, the soft key information table 122, and the user information table 119, and these are transmitted to the requesting MFP 20 (step S104). Exit.

  When it is determined that the user who is the subject of the authentication request is a user that is not managed by the own device (“NO” in step S102), or when it is determined that the passwords do not match (in step S103) If "NO"), the process is terminated as it is. Instead of ending the process as it is, error information indicating that may be returned. In this case, the MFP 20 may be configured to display a message to that effect and notify the user A when the error information is received.

As described above, since the MFP 20 displays a screen having the same layout as the screen customized by the MPP 10 on the liquid crystal display unit of the own apparatus, the user using the MFP 20 is familiar with the user as when using the MFP 10. It can be operated while viewing the screen, improving usability.
Further, when the MFP 20 has a hard key that is not provided in the own device but is provided in the MFP 10, a soft key having the same function as the hard key is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the own device. Even if the hard key is not provided on the operation unit of the MFP 20 (including the case where the hard device itself is not provided at all), the function can be performed only by inputting the soft key instead. Can be executed.

  Therefore, as before, when the user stands in front of the MFP for the first time, the MFP hard key that is always used does not exist on the operation unit of the MFP, and the corresponding soft key does not exist. Since it is not found, it can be prevented that the function of the hard key cannot be executed and it is possible to improve operability. Note that the above keys, function names, and the like are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto.

  The present invention is not limited to the image processing apparatus described above, and may be a key display method in the display layout setting process. Furthermore, the method may be a program executed by a computer. The program according to the present invention includes, for example, a magnetic disk such as a magnetic tape and a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, and PD, and a flash memory recording medium. It can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium, wired and wireless various networks including the Internet in the form of programs, In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via broadcasting, telecommunication lines, satellite communications, or the like.

  Further, the program according to the present invention does not have to include all modules for causing the computer to execute the processing described above. For example, a separate information process such as a communication program or a program included in an operating system (OS) is performed. You may make it make a computer perform each process of this invention using the various general purpose programs which can be installed in an apparatus. Accordingly, it is not always necessary to record all the modules on the recording medium of the present invention, and it is not always necessary to transmit all the modules. Further, there are cases where predetermined processing can be executed using dedicated hardware.

(Modification)
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications may be considered.
(1) In the above embodiment, as a method for specifying a user (operator), the method is used in which the operator inputs his / her user ID on the login screen. However, the method is limited to this method as long as the operator can be specified. There is nothing. For example, when the operator has an identification card in which his / her ID or the like is written, a method of reading the ID or the like from the card can be considered.

(2) In the above embodiment, each MFP accepts user authentication from another MFP and performs authentication. However, for example, another MFP for performing user authentication is connected to the network, and each MFP is connected. May be configured to make an authentication request to the server.
(3) In the above embodiment, the display layout setting process is not executed when the user authentication can be performed in the login process. However, even in this case, the function information or the like is acquired from another MFP and the display layout setting process is executed. It is good also as composition to do. This can be realized if the MFP makes a request for transmission of function information or the like to another MFP, and the other MFP transmits function information or the like as a response to the request.

  Further, the MFP may be configured to perform display layout setting processing by acquiring the function information and the like from another MFP designated by the user without identifying the user (without user authentication). For example, even if the apparatus cannot be customized by another MFP, the MFP can display a screen having the same layout as the operation panel of the other MFP. Therefore, if the user designates a frequently used MFP, the user can perform an input operation on another MFP while viewing the same screen as that of the frequently used MFP. For example, the processing of steps S201 to S204 is not performed, but instead, designation of another MFP is accepted from the reception screen or the like by an IP address or the like (corresponding to a reception unit for receiving the designation) This can be realized by making a transmission request and executing a process of receiving the function information in step S205 (corresponding to an acquisition means for acquiring hard key information).

  (4) In the above embodiment, the MFP 20 acquires necessary information such as function information from the MFP 10 via the network. However, the MFP 20 is not limited to this method as long as the information can be acquired. For example, a slot may be provided in which a recording medium in which the information is recorded can be inserted, and when the recording medium is inserted into the slot, the information is obtained by reading the information from the recording medium.

  (5) In the above embodiment, when the MFP 20 determines that a hard key having the same function as the hard key arranged in the MFP 10 is not arranged in the own apparatus (MFP 20), the MFP 20 replaces the hard key. Is displayed on the screen, for example, all the hard keys arranged in the MFP 10 may be displayed as soft keys on the screen. In this case, the determination process can be omitted, and the process can be simplified.

  (6) In the above embodiment, an example in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an MFP has been described. However, when an input key (soft key) on the screen displayed on the operation unit is operated, Any image processing apparatus that executes a corresponding image processing function is not limited to an MFP. For example, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a FAX, a scanner, and the like. Further, the above embodiment and the above modification examples may be combined.

  The present invention can be widely applied to image processing apparatuses including an operation unit.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP 10 included in an image processing system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel 101 of the MFP 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a function information table 120, a hard key information table 121, and a soft key information table 122 provided in a storage unit 115 in the control unit 104 of the MFP 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP 20 included in the image processing system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel 201 of the MFP 20. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a function information table 220, a hard key information table 221 and a soft key information table 222 provided in a storage unit 215 in the control unit 204 of the MFP 20. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of login processing executed by the MFP 20. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the display layout setting process contained in a login process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the hard key setting process contained in a display layout setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the soft key setting process contained in a display layout setting process. It is a figure which shows another example of the content of the soft key information table. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of authentication acceptance processing executed when the MFP 10 accepts an authentication request from the MFP 20.

Explanation of symbols

2 LAN
10, 20 MFP
101, 201 Operation panel 104, 204 Control unit 1015 Program key (hard key)
1017, 2017 Liquid crystal display part 1110, 2110 Screen 2112 Program key (input key on the screen)

Claims (8)

An image processing device that executes an image processing function corresponding to a key by operating an input key on a screen displayed on the own device operation unit,
Acquisition means for acquiring information on hard keys arranged in an operation unit of another image processing apparatus;
Determination means for determining from the acquired information whether a hard key having the same function as a hard key of another image processing apparatus exists in the own apparatus operation unit;
Display control for displaying, on the screen, an input key for executing an image processing function corresponding to a hard key of another image processing apparatus when the determination unit determines that a hard key having the same function does not exist Means,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The display control means includes
It is determined whether or not the image processing function can be executed by the device itself, and when it is determined that the image processing function cannot be executed, the fact that the image cannot be executed is displayed on the screen instead of the input key. Item 8. The image processing apparatus according to Item 1. Hard key is arranged in own device operation part,
By operating the hard key, the image processing function corresponding to the key is executed,
The information includes information indicating a hard key arrangement position in another image processing apparatus,
The display control means includes
When it is determined by the determination means that a hard key having the same function exists, a hard key arrangement position on the own apparatus operation unit and a hard key arrangement position on the operation unit of another image processing apparatus are 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not they are substantially the same is determined, and if it is determined that they are not substantially the same, the fact is displayed on the screen. Hard key is arranged in own device operation part,
By operating the hard key, the image processing function corresponding to the key is executed,
The determination means includes
Compare the function of the hard key of its own device operation unit and the hard key of the other image processing device, make the determination from the comparison result,
The display control means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the comparison result is displayed on the screen. Connected to the other image processing apparatus via a network;
The acquisition means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is acquired via the network. Receiving means for accepting designation of the other image processing apparatus from the user;
The acquisition means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information is acquired from the other image processing apparatus using the designated apparatus as the other image processing apparatus. Comprising a receiving means for receiving input of identification information from a user;
The acquisition means includes
Of the plurality of devices connected to the network, a device that is permitted to be used by the user identified by the input identification information is the other image processing device, and the information is received from the other image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image processing apparatus acquires the image processing apparatus. An image processing device that executes an image processing function corresponding to a key by operating an input key on a screen displayed on the own device operation unit,
Obtaining means for obtaining information indicating an image processing function corresponding to a hard key arranged in an operation unit of another image processing apparatus;
Display control means for displaying an input key for executing an image processing function corresponding to a hard key of another image processing device on the screen based on the acquired information;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

Images