JP2008258696A - User interface screen customizing device, screen display controller and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To actualize efficient customization of a UI screen. <P>SOLUTION: A customization executing section 25 generates customization information by customizing initially set information among pieces of screen display information for displaying a plurality of UI screens forming a hierarchical structure according to operation by a user who has skill in customization. A tag information generator 26 generates tag information associated with the generated customization information. The customization information, the tag information, a customization ID of the customization information, an ID of a user who uses the customization information, and registration time and date are registered in a customization information storage section 31 while being made to correspond to one another. A customization support processing section 27 retrieves tag information by using a keyword input by a user who does not have skill in customization , and registers a duplicate of the customization information corresponding to the matching tag information as customization information of the user into the customization information storage section 31. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for customizing one or a plurality of user interface screens having a hierarchical structure displayed on a screen.

  In recent years, multifunction devices equipped with various functions cannot display all the operation buttons on the operation panel, so multiple display screens are prepared and the user can display them on the operation panel. The target operation button is displayed and selected while switching the screen to be changed.

  By the way, in recent years, in user interfaces such as multifunction devices, the user interface can be customized by changing the arrangement of setting items on the screen for each user, changing the display order of items, switching the display / non-display of items, etc. It is becoming possible. Therefore, it is convenient to customize so that operation buttons for functions frequently used in business are arranged on a shallow screen.

  Various techniques related to user interface customization have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

JP 2006-133520 A JP 2005-018165 A JP-A-2005-050062

  However, not all users can easily customize the user interface screen, and more than a certain level of skill and knowledge is required to improve the work efficiency. In addition, work and costs required for customization also occur. However, on the other hand, it is considered that some users who are familiar with the work contents have customization skills, so it would be convenient if such user skills could be used effectively.

  An object of the present invention is to realize efficient customization of a user interface screen.

  The user interface screen customizing apparatus according to the present invention is a screen display stored in initial setting screen information storage means as initial setting screen information among screen display information for displaying one or a plurality of user interface screens having a hierarchical structure. Customization information that customizes the information according to the user's operation and registers the screen display information generated by the customization in the customization information storage means as the customization information of the user, and the specific information of the customization information generated by the customization execution means Tag information generating means for generating tag information including and registering in the tag information storage means, and selecting customization information associated with tag information that matches the search conditions input by the user from the customization information storage means, The selected Characterized in that duplicates the Tamaizu information and a customized support processing means for registering the copy customization information storage means as the customizing information for the user.

  The tag information generation means includes a keyword indicating a feature item of the customization information generated by the inputted customization execution means in the tag information, and the customization support processing means includes the keyword included in the tag information as a search condition. It is characterized by having a user input.

  In addition, the tag information generation unit includes, in the tag information, information related to the user who has generated the customization information generated by the customization execution unit as a keyword, and the customization support processing unit includes the keyword included in the tag information as a search condition. It is characterized by having a user input.

  Further, when the customization information registered in the customization information storage means is changed, a change notification means for notifying the user of the customization information that is a copy of the customization information before the change as its own customization information It is characterized by having.

  Further, the customization support processing means associates the customization information registered in the duplicate customization information storage means with specific information of the customization information of the copy source selected from the customization information storage means, and the change notification means The user's customization information is updated with the changed customization information in response to an update instruction from the user who has received the notification from.

  Further, when customization information determined to be similar to existing customization information by satisfying a predetermined similarity criterion is registered in the customization information storage means, the user can use the existing customization information as his / her customization information. On the other hand, it is characterized by having a similarity notification means for notifying that similar customization information exists.

  Further, the customization support processing means associates the customization information registered in the duplicate customization information storage means with the specific information of the customization information selected from the customization information storage means, and the notification from the similarity notification means The customization information of the user is updated with similar customization information in response to an update instruction from the user who has received the request.

  A screen display control apparatus according to the present invention includes a user interface screen customization apparatus according to each of the above inventions, a user screen display information for causing the display means to display screen display information, the initial setting screen information storage means, and the customization information. And display control means for taking out from either the storage means or the copy customization information storage means and displaying on the display means.

  In addition, when the user customization information is registered in the customization information storage unit or the duplicate customization information storage unit, the display control unit extracts the customization information from the registration destination storage unit, and If the information is not registered in either the information storage means or the duplicate customization information storage means, the initial setting screen information registered in the initial setting screen information storage means is extracted and displayed.

  The program according to the present invention includes screen display information stored in initial setting screen information storage means as initial setting screen information among screen display information for causing a computer to display one or a plurality of user interface screens having a hierarchical structure. Is customized according to the user operation, the screen display information generated by the customization is registered in the customization information storage means as the user's customization information, and the tag information including the specific information of the generated customization information is generated to store the tag information. The customized information associated with the tag information that matches the search condition entered by the user is selected from the customized information storage means, and the selected customized information is duplicated as the customized information of the user. Replica customization information storage Characterized in that to register the.

  In addition, the screen display information of the user who displays the screen display information on the display means is taken out from any of the initial setting screen information storage means, the customization information storage means, or the duplicate customization information storage means and displayed on the display means. Features.

  According to the present invention, a user interface screen created by customization work by another person can be effectively used. As a result, for example, by using a user interface screen customized by a person who performs the same job as its own user interface screen, operation buttons that are frequently used in the job can be displayed at a shallow position in the hierarchy. As a result, it is possible to improve work efficiency associated with a reduction in the number of operations.

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

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including an embodiment of a user interface screen customizing apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 20 is assumed to be a multi-function machine having at least functions such as a copy function, a print function, and a scanner function and having a built-in computer. In FIG. 1, the CPU 1 controls the operation of various mechanisms installed in the apparatus such as the scanner 4 and the printer engine 6 in accordance with a program stored in a read only memory (ROM) 9. The address data bus 2 is connected to various mechanisms to be controlled by the CPU 1 and performs data communication. The operation panel 3 is a user interface (hereinafter, “UI”) that receives instructions from the user and displays information. The scanner 4 reads a document set by a user and accumulates it as electronic data in a hard disk drive (HDD) 5 or the like. The HDD 5 stores an electronic document read using a scanner. The confidential box used in the present embodiment is provided in the HDD 5. The printer engine 6 prints an image on output paper in accordance with an instruction from a control program executed by the CPU 1. A network interface (I / F) 7 is connected to the network 11 for transmitting electronic data generated by the apparatus, receiving an electronic mail transmitted to the apparatus, and accessing the apparatus via a browser. Used. A random access memory (RAM) 8 is used as a work memory during program execution and a communication buffer during electronic data transmission / reception. The ROM 9 stores various programs relating to control of the apparatus, encryption of electronic data, and transmission / reception of electronic data. By executing various programs, each component described later exhibits a predetermined processing function. An external media interface (I / F) 10 is an interface with an external memory device such as a USB memory or a flash memory.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 20 in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows only the configuration necessary for the description of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a login processing unit 21, a display control unit 22, a display unit 23, an initial setting screen information storage unit 30, and a customization function processing unit 24 that is a feature of this embodiment. The login processing unit 21 authenticates a user who uses the image forming apparatus 20. The display unit 23 corresponds to the operation panel 3 and displays a UI screen. The display control unit 22 performs display control of the UI screen.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the screen display information is information defined to display one or a plurality of UI screens having a hierarchical structure. Specifically, the screen display information is displayed on the operation panel 8. Items necessary for screen switching display such as GUI parts such as operation buttons and input areas included in each screen, screen layout, screen hierarchy, and the like are defined. The image forming apparatus 20 is generally equipped with screen display information by a manufacturer. This standardly installed screen display information is registered in advance in the initial setting screen information storage unit 30 as initial setting screen information. Further, as will be described later, screen display information generated by customization by the user is registered in the customization information storage unit 31 as customization information. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that screen display information is described in an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) language.

  The customization function processing unit 24 according to the present embodiment includes a customization execution unit 25, a tag information generation unit 26, a customization support processing unit 27, a change notification unit 28, a similarity notification unit 29, and a customization information storage unit 31. The customization executing unit 25 reads the screen display information stored in the initial setting screen information storage unit 30 as the initial setting screen information, customizes it according to the user operation, and customizes the screen display information generated by the customization. Information is registered in the customization information storage unit 31 as information. Of course, the customization execution unit 25 can also update the customization information by editing the screen display information created by the customization according to the user operation, that is, the customization information. The customization execution unit 25 exhibits the same function as the previous customization function, but in this embodiment, a person who has customization skills as a user who gives an operation instruction to the customization execution unit 25 is selected. Assumed.

  The tag information generation unit 26 generates tag information including specific information of the customization information generated by the customization execution unit 25 and registers the tag information in the customization information storage unit 31 in association with the customization information. The customization support processing unit 27 selects customization information associated with tag information that matches the search condition input by the user from the customization information storage unit 31, and duplicates the selected customization information to customize the user. Information is registered in the customization information storage unit 31 as information. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user who gives an operation instruction to the customization support processing unit 27 has no customization skill.

  When the customization information that is the copy source registered in the customization information storage unit 31 is changed, the change notification unit 28 is changed for the user who uses the copy of the customization information before the change as its own customization information. Notify that. If the customization information determined to be similar to the existing customization information by satisfying a predetermined similarity criterion is registered in the customization information storage unit 31 by new or update, the similarity notification unit 29 displays the existing customization information. Notify the user who uses his / her customization information that similar customization information exists.

  Each of the components 21 to 29 in the image forming apparatus 20 described above is realized by a cooperative operation of a computer mounted on the image forming apparatus 20 and a program operating on the CPU 1 mounted on the computer. The storage units 30 and 31 are realized by the HDD 5.

  The customization information storage unit 30 according to the present embodiment includes customization information generated by customization, tag information for specifying the generated customization information, and customization information generated by duplicating the generated customization information. However, these pieces of information may be associated with information such as a customization ID and stored in different storage units. Further, although it is assumed that the storage units 30 and 31 are realized by the HDD 5, the storage units 30 and 31 may be provided in the server 12 or the like accessible via the network 11.

  Further, the program used in this embodiment can be provided not only by communication means but also by storing it in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. The program provided from the communication means or the recording medium is installed in the computer, and various processes are realized by the CPU of the computer sequentially executing the installation program.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data configuration of the customization information storage unit 31 in the present embodiment. The data configuration of the customization information storage unit 31 and information used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to this figure. As shown in FIG. 3, in the customization information storage unit 31, a user ID, customization ID, customization information, registration (update) date, tag information, and replication source customization ID are registered in association with each other. Customized information means that, as described above, initial setting screen information or screen display information generated by customizing existing customization information by a user with customization skill, or a user with customization skill by a user without customization skill This is screen display information generated by duplicating the generated screen display information (customization information). In the customization information shown in FIG. 3, description data in XML language is registered as customization information. Alternatively, information indicating the storage location of the description data file may be registered. The customization ID is identification information of registered customization information. The customization information is generated in association with each user. In the user ID, a login user ID is registered as identification information of a user who is a user of the generated customization information. As the registration (update) date, the date updated by new registration or editing is registered in the customization information storage unit 31.

  The tag information is information added to the customization information. By searching for the tag information, the customization information that matches the search condition specified by the user can be found. The tag information is composed of user information and additional information, each serving as a search keyword. The user information is information for specifying a user of customization information, and includes a name and a department name. Since the customization information is set for each user, the user information is also information for specifying the customization information. The additional information includes information indicating the characteristic items of the customization information by the user who has generated the customization information such as the purpose of use, business contents, priority items, colors, and formats. In the additional information, information that is not basically set in the user information is set. Since tag information is set when searching for customization information suitable for its own use, the tag information field of the customization information generated by duplication is blank. When the customization information is generated by duplication, the customization ID of the duplication source customization information is registered in the duplication source customization information. Therefore, since the customization information registered by the customization execution unit 25 is not a duplicate, this field is blank.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described. First, screen display information customization processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the login processing unit 21 stands by displaying a login screen on the operation panel 3. To be precise, when the display control unit 22 is instructed to display a login screen, the display control unit 22 displays the instructed screen on the display unit 23. For the sake of convenience, a description will be given by expressing “display” when a display screen is designated and a display request is made to the display control unit 22.

  When a user with customization skills inputs a user ID and password from the login screen to perform customization, the login processing unit 21 performs user authentication based on the input user ID and the like (step 101).

  In this embodiment, after the user logs in, the screen display information of the user is displayed on the screen. More specifically, when the customization information of the logged-in user is registered in the customization information storage unit 31, this corresponds to screen display information on which the corresponding customization information is displayed. When the user's customization information is not registered in the customization information storage unit 31, this corresponds to screen display information on which the initial setting screen information registered in the initial setting screen information storage unit 30 is displayed. Normally, an operation button having a desired function is selected and executed while switching the displayed UI screen.

  The user activates the customization tool by performing a predetermined operation after logging in. In response to this user operation, the customization function processing unit 24 starts an operation (step 102). The customization function processing unit 24 displays a function selection screen that allows the user to specify whether to create new customization information by customization or to create customization information by duplication. Here, when the user selects new creation (Y in step 103), execution of a predetermined customization function is started. That is, the customization executing unit 25 reads the screen display information registered as the initial setting screen information from the initial setting screen information storage unit 30 and displays it on the screen, and changes the description of the initial setting screen information according to the user operation. In this way, customization is executed (step 104). When the change of the description is completed and a predetermined end button is pressed, the customization executing unit 25 generates the changed screen display information (step 105). Subsequently, the tag information generation unit 26 displays a predetermined tag information setting screen and causes the user to input necessary information. At this time, the tag information generation unit 26 is data included in the tag information. Data that can be automatically collected is acquired (step 106). For example, the user's department name and the like are collected from known storage locations of various information databases such as a user ID acquired at the time of login and a personal information database. Then, the automatically collected data is displayed in a predetermined area of the tag information setting screen. In this way, the convenience of tag information input work is facilitated. In the case of editable information, the information is displayed on the screen so that it can be edited.

  When the user finishes inputting predetermined item data, the customization execution unit 25 receives the tag information set on the tag information setting screen (step 107). Then, the user ID acquired in step 101, the customization information generated in step 105, the customization ID assigned along with the generation, and tag information are associated with each other and registered in the customization information storage unit 31 (step 108). At this time, the registration (update) date and time is also set and registered at the current time. In this way, customization information is newly generated, and information related to the customization information is set and registered in the customization information storage unit 31.

  Next, when the user selects editing from the function selection screen displayed on the screen (N in step 103, Y in step 109), the customization executing unit 25 executes the editing process as follows (step 120).

  That is, the customization execution unit 25 reads the customization information registered corresponding to the user ID of the user from the customization information storage unit 31 and displays it on the screen, and changes the description of the customization information according to the user operation in the same manner as the new generation process. To do. When the content of the customization information is changed in this way, the customization information storage unit 31 is updated with the customization information. At this time, the setting (update) date and time is also updated with the current time.

  By the way, the customization process described above assumes that a user having customization skills is using the image forming apparatus 20 so as to change the description of the screen display information. Here, users who have customization skills can naturally use, but assuming that a user who does not have customization skills uses the image forming apparatus 20, the user can copy from the function selection screen displayed on the screen. When the customization process is selected (N in both steps 103 and 109), the customization process by duplication executed by the customization support processing unit 27 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the user selects a customization process by duplication from the function selection screen, the customization support processing unit 27 displays a condition setting screen for setting a search condition for selecting desired customization information. On this condition setting screen, an input area is provided so that a keyword can be designated for each item constituting the tag information. For users who do not have customization skills, use customization information created by others who are likely to perform the same operation as themselves, such as members of the same department or performing the same work, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of operations etc. Convenient. For this purpose, the user inputs one or a plurality of keywords from the condition setting screen so as to find suitable customization information.

  When a keyword is input, the customization support processing unit 27 receives this keyword (step 121), and searches the tag information set in the customization information storage unit 31 using this keyword as a search condition (step 122). Then, tag information that matches the search condition is selected, and customization information corresponding to the selected tag information is selected (step 123). Then, the customization support processing unit 27 displays, for example, a main screen of the selected customization information as a thumbnail on the display unit 23 and allows the user to confirm, and then customizes the user according to an operation instruction such as a user's thumbnail selection operation. Information is determined (step 124). Here, the customization support processing unit 27 displays the thumbnail of the main screen as the confirmation of the content of the customization information selected by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the display screen of the display unit 23 may be actually transitioned in a state where the mode is set so that the image forming apparatus 20 is not actually operated, such as invalidating operations on the operation buttons except for screen switching. That is, only screen transition is enabled. In this way, the contents of the customization information can be confirmed.

  Here, if the customization information that matches the search condition is not selected, the user performs an operation so that the customization information is selected by changing the keyword designation or the like. On the other hand, when a plurality of pieces of customization information that match the search conditions are selected, the customization support processing unit 27 displays the main screen of the selected customization information on the display unit 23 as a thumbnail, and allows the user to select one ( Step 124).

  In this way, when one piece of customization information is specified, the customization support processing unit 27 duplicates the specified customization information. Then, the user ID acquired in Step 101, the customization information generated by copying, the customization ID assigned along with the generation, and the customization ID of the customization information of the copy source are associated and registered in the customization information storage unit 31 (Step 125). . At this time, the registration (update) date and time is also set and registered at the current time.

  Note that tag information is not generated in the customization process by duplication. This is because the tag information is information added to the customization information as information searched for keywords. Further, the customization information generated by duplication (duplication customization information) is the same as the duplication source customization information, and therefore it is not necessary to set tag information of the duplication customization information. Further, the search process can be speeded up by leaving the field blank without generating tag information. On the other hand, if tag information is set, the same customization information is selected by search. Of course, if the same customization information exists when displayed, it is possible to avoid multiple displays of the same customization information by processing only one to display on the screen. Becomes complicated. In the present embodiment, for this reason, tag information is not generated for copy customization information. Of course, since the department name of the user is not necessarily the same, tag information may be added and registered in the customization process by duplication. In other words, if you want to place importance on the information indicating the feature items of the customization information, tag information may be added, or a part of the tag information may be searched, and keywords and feature items are indicated. Information may be handled separately. Even if the tag information is not blank, since the duplication source customization ID of the duplication source customization information is blank, the discrimination between the duplication source customization information and the duplication customization information can be easily performed.

  In this way, the customization information can be generated by duplication corresponding to the user, so that even a user without customization skill can easily use the customized UI screen.

  Next, additional function processing provided by the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the customization information update process provided by the present embodiment. The customization information update process is mainly performed by the change notification unit 28. When the copy source customization information is changed as described below, the user customizes the customization information before the change and uses it as his own customization information. In response to the request, the self-customization information is updated with the changed copy-source customization information in response to the request.

  First, when a user inputs a user ID and a password from the login screen in order to use the image forming apparatus 20, the login processing unit 21 performs user authentication using the input user ID or the like (step 131). After the user authentication, the customization function processing unit 24 searches the customization information storage unit 31 using the user ID key acquired at the time of login, and specifies the customization information of the user (step 132). If the specified customization information is not information created by duplication (N in step 133), the existing screen display information is displayed on the screen as it is. Here, when the specified customization information is not information created by duplication, the customization information of the user is not generated by duplication because the duplication source customization ID of the customization information storage unit 31 is blank. And the case where it is determined that the initial setting screen information is used as its own screen display information because the user's customization information is not registered in the customization information storage unit 31. In this case, screen display is performed using the existing screen display information as it is (step 139).

  On the other hand, when the specified customization information is information created by duplication (Y in step 133), it is confirmed whether the duplication source customization information has been changed after the duplication customization information is generated. This can be confirmed by comparing the registration (update) date and time set for each of the copy customization information and the copy source customization information. If it is determined that the replication source customization information has not been changed after the replication customization information is generated (N in step 134), the customization function processing unit 24 displays the screen using the existing replication customization information as it is (step S112). 139).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the copy source customization information has been changed after the copy customization information is generated (Y in step 134), the change notification unit 28 notifies the login user of the change, In the present embodiment, the change contents of the changed copy source customization information are displayed on the screen to notify the user (step 135). Specifically, for example, display attributes such as color and luminance are changed and displayed so that the change point of the display content can be visually recognized. When the UI screens have a hierarchical relationship, the display on the display unit 23 is set in a state in which the mode is set so that the image forming apparatus 20 does not actually operate, for example, the operation on the operation buttons except for screen switching is disabled. The screen may be actually changed. That is, only screen transition is enabled. In this way, it is possible to confirm the change contents of the customization information.

  When the user who has confirmed the change content selects not to reflect the change by performing a predetermined operation (N in step 136), the change notification unit 28 displays the screen using the existing copy customization information as it is. (Step 139).

  On the other hand, when the user selects to reflect the change by performing a predetermined operation (Y in step 136), the change notification unit 28 updates the login user customization information with the changed copy source customization information ( Step 137). At this time, the registration (update) date and time is also updated at the current time.

  After the update, the updated customization information becomes valid, and thereafter, the UI screen is displayed according to the new customization information (step 138).

  As described above, when the copy source customization information is changed, the user is notified of the change, and when the user desires, the change content can be reflected in the customization information of the user. .

  When the user selects not to reflect the change content in step 136 described above, the change content presentation process (step 135) is displayed every time the user logs in. Accordingly, when it is desired to avoid this, for example, it is possible to set not to display this, or not to display until n (n: automatically set by the system or designated by the user) days. In addition, since it is sufficient that the update of the copy source customization information can be reflected before the user logs in and the use is started, in the present embodiment, the change is notified as described above immediately after the login. In addition, this makes it possible to avoid forgetting to update. However, the change may be made using other means such as an electronic mail. In this case, it is necessary to make settings so that the update processing of the self-customization customization information can be selected manually from the function selection screen.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing similar customization information proposal processing provided by the present embodiment. The similar customization information proposal process is mainly performed by the similarity notification unit 29. When customization information similar to the copy customization information is registered in the customization information storage unit 31 as described below, the registered customization information is registered. This is a process of notifying a user who has customized information similar to the above as his own customized information, and updating his customized information with customized information similar to his own customized information upon request.

  First, when a user inputs a user ID and password from the login screen in order to use the image forming apparatus 20, the login processing unit 21 performs user authentication using the input user ID or the like (step 141). After the user authentication, the customization function processing unit 24 searches the customization information storage unit 31 using the user ID key acquired at the time of login, and specifies the customization information of the user (step 142). Subsequently, the similarity notification unit 29 searches for customization information similar to the specified customization information (step 143). The criteria for determining whether or not they are similar are determined in advance. For example, the criteria for comparing the tag information of each customization information are similar if the number of matching keywords or the matching rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. judge. Alternatively, for example, when the business content and the department name match at least, the keyword is weighted and the degree of similarity is calculated for determination. This may be set as appropriate depending on the operation. As described above, when tag information is not set in the copy customization information, tag information corresponding to the copy source customization information is used in this similarity determination.

  As a result of the above processing, when it is determined that there is no customization information (similar customization information) similar to its own customization information (N in step 144), the customization function processing unit 24 uses the existing screen display information as it is. Screen display is performed (step 149).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that similar customization information exists (Y in step 144), the similarity notification unit 29 notifies the login user that similar customization information exists. In this embodiment, similar customization information is provided. Is displayed on the screen to inform the user (step 145). The subsequent processing (steps 146 to 149) is basically the same as the customization information update processing (steps 136 to 139) for notifying that the change has been made. That is, as a result of confirming the similar customization information, if the user selects not to use the similar customization information (N in Step 146), the similarity notification unit 29 displays the screen using the existing duplicate customization information as it is. (Step 149).

  On the other hand, when the user selects to use the similar customization information by performing a predetermined operation (Y in step 146), the similarity notification unit 29 updates the login user's customization information with the registered similar customization information. (Step 147). At this time, the registration (update) date and time is also updated at the current time.

  After the update, the updated customization information becomes valid, and thereafter, the UI screen is displayed according to the new customization information (step 148).

  As described above, when similar customization information exists, the user is notified of the fact, and when the user desires, the user's customization information can be updated with the similar customization information.

  The customization information update process described above is an additional service for users who use the copy customization information. The similar customization proposal process has been described as an additional service for users who similarly use the copy customization information. However, the similar customization proposal process can be used not only for the user but also for a user who uses the initial setting screen information to search for new customization information. It can also be used when a user who has created customization information as a copy source wants to find customization information created by a third party. That is, the similar customization proposal process can be used according to the purpose by any user using any screen display information.

  By the way, the customization information update process and the similar customization proposal process have been removed from the flowchart of the main customization process shown in FIG. 4 because they are additional service functions. Of course, at least one of the processes is a flow of the customization process. Can be incorporated into. Specifically, the login process (steps 101, 131, 141) can be shared and is preferably automatically executed before the process of step 102 in which the user activates the customization tool. Further, although the customization information update process and the similar customization proposal process have been described separately, a process flow may be formed so that these processes are executed together.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 20 such as a multifunction peripheral has been described as an example, but screen display information for displaying one or a plurality of UI screens having a hierarchical structure is used. As long as the apparatus has a user interface that allows the user to select an operation button while switching the UI screen, the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus 20 and can be applied.

1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including an embodiment of a user interface screen customization apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus in the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed the data structure of the customization information storage part in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the customization process of the screen display information in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the customization process by duplication in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the customization information update process which this Embodiment provides. It is the flowchart which showed the similar customization information proposal process which this Embodiment provides.

Explanation of symbols

  1 CPU, 2 address data bus, 3 operation panel, 4 scanner, 5 hard disk drive (HDD), 6 printer engine, 7 network interface (I / F), 8 RAM, 9 ROM, 10 external media interface (I / F) , 11 network, 12 server, 20 image forming apparatus, 21 login processing unit, 22 display control unit, 23 display unit, 24 customization function processing unit, 25 customization execution unit, 26 tag information generation unit, 27 customization support processing unit, 28 Change notification unit, 29 Similar notification unit, 30 Initial setting screen information storage unit, 31 Customization information storage unit.

Claims (11)

The screen display information stored in the initial setting screen information storage means as the initial setting screen information among the screen display information for displaying the screen of one or a plurality of user interface screens having a hierarchical structure is customized according to the user operation. Customization execution means for registering the screen display information generated by the user in the customization information storage means as customization information of the user,
Tag information generating means for generating tag information including specific information of the customization information generated by the customization executing means and registering it in the tag information storage means;
The customization information associated with the tag information that matches the search condition input by the user is selected from the customization information storage means, the selected customization information is duplicated, and the duplicate customization information storage means as the user customization information Customization support processing means to register with,
A user interface screen customization device characterized by comprising: The tag information generation means includes in the tag information a keyword indicating the characteristic items of the customization information generated by the input customization execution means,
The user interface screen customization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the customization support processing unit causes the user to input a keyword included in the tag information as a search condition. The tag information generation means includes, in the tag information, information about a user who has generated the customization information generated by the customization execution means as a keyword,
The user interface screen customization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the customization support processing unit causes the user to input a keyword included in the tag information as a search condition.   When customization information registered in the customization information storage means is changed, a change notification means is provided for notifying a user who uses a copy of the customization information before the change as his / her customization information. The user interface screen customizing apparatus according to claim 1. The customization support processing means includes
The customization information registered in the duplicate customization information storage means is associated with the specific information of the customization information of the copy source selected from the customization information storage means,
5. The user interface screen customization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the customization information of the user is updated with the customized information after the change in response to an update instruction from the user who has received the notification from the change notification means.   When customization information determined to be similar to existing customization information by satisfying a predetermined similarity criterion is registered in the customization information storage means, for users who use the existing customization information as their own customization information The user interface screen customization apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising similarity notification means for notifying that similar customization information exists. The customization support processing means includes
The customization information registered in the duplicate customization information storage means is associated with the specific information of the customization information selected from the customization information storage means,
7. The user interface screen customization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the customization information of the user is updated with similar customization information in response to an update instruction from the user who has received the notification from the similarity notification unit. The user interface screen customization device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Display control means for displaying screen display information of a user who displays screen display information on the display means from any of the initial setting screen information storage means, the customization information storage means, or the duplicate customization information storage means, and to display on the display means; ,
A screen display control device comprising:   If the user customization information is registered in the customization information storage unit or the duplicate customization information storage unit, the display control unit extracts the customization information from a registration destination storage unit, and stores the customization information 9. The initial setting screen information registered in the initial setting screen information storage means is taken out and displayed when it is not registered in any of the means and the copy customization information storage means. The screen display control device described. On the computer,
The screen display information stored in the initial setting screen information storage means as the initial setting screen information among the screen display information for displaying the screen of one or a plurality of user interface screens having a hierarchical structure is customized according to the user operation. The screen display information generated by the above is registered in the customization information storage means as the customization information of the user,
Generate tag information including specific information of the generated customization information and register it in the tag information storage means,
The customization information associated with the tag information that matches the search condition input by the user is selected from the customization information storage means, the selected customization information is duplicated, and the duplicate customization information storage means as the user customization information Let me register,
A program characterized by that.   Screen display information of a user who displays screen display information on a display means is extracted from any of the initial setting screen information storage means, the customization information storage means, or the duplicate customization information storage means, and is displayed on the display means The program according to claim 10.

Images