JP2009301336A - Image forming system, display screen generation program and display screen generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a display screen with operation buttons or the like desired by a user on a display part of an electric apparatus such as an image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: In this image forming system 10, a PC 31 has: a part designation reception part 3121 receiving designation of a part to be displayed in the display screen; a layout instruction reception part 3122 receiving a layout instruction of the part to be displayed; an action setting part 3123 setting an action corresponding to the part; a generation part 3124 generating screen data of the display screen; and an output part 314 outputting the screen data of the display screen. In the image forming system 10, a multi-function machine 1 has: the display part 50; a registration part 153 registering the screen data of the display screen; and a Script Interpreter 151, a Business Logic 152, a browser 16 and a controller 11 for displaying the screen data of the display screen registered in the registration part 153 on the display part 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, a display screen generating program, and a display screen generating device, and in particular, a technique for displaying a display screen generated with contents in accordance with an instruction from a user on an electric device such as an image forming device. About.

Conventionally, in an electrical apparatus such as an image forming apparatus that receives an instruction from a user and performs an operation indicated by the instruction, a display unit including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on an operation panel on the front surface of the apparatus. A technique is adopted in which an operation execution instruction corresponding to each operation button in a display screen displayed on the display unit is received from a user by a touch panel function provided on the display unit (see Patent Document 1 below).
JP 2007-232908 A Publication

  However, the image forming apparatus cannot display a display screen on which operation buttons or the like are arranged as desired by the user on the display unit, and the user can display the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus and each operation. There was no choice but to input operation execution instructions according to the buttons. For this reason, it is desired to adopt a new technique that enables a display screen on which operation buttons and the like are arranged as desired by a user to be displayed on a display unit of an electrical device such as an image forming apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and enables a display screen on which operation buttons or the like as desired by a user are arranged to be displayed on a display unit of an electrical apparatus such as an image forming apparatus. Objective.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display screen generating device for generating screen data of a display screen with contents in accordance with an instruction from a user, and image formation for displaying a display screen composed of the generated screen data. An image forming system having an apparatus,
The display screen generation device includes:
A parts designation receiving unit that accepts designation of display target parts to be displayed in the display screen from a user;
A layout instruction receiving unit that receives a layout instruction from the user for instructing the placement of the designated display target part in the display screen;
An action setting unit for associating and setting an action corresponding to the display target part for the specified display target part;
A generating unit that generates screen data of the display screen with the contents specified in the display target part designation, the layout instruction, and the action setting;
An output unit that outputs screen data of the display screen generated by the generation unit,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A display unit for displaying screen data of the display screen;
A registration unit that registers screen data of the display screen from the output unit as display data of the display unit;
A display control unit for displaying the screen data of the display screen registered in the registration unit on the display unit.

The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit of the display screen generation device receives the screen data of the generated display screen via a network line. Output to the image forming apparatus,
The registration unit of the image forming apparatus registers screen data of the display screen received via the network line.

The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit of the display screen generating device generates the generated display screen by e-mail via a network line. Output screen data to the image forming apparatus,
The registration unit of the image forming apparatus registers screen data of the display screen received by the electronic mail via the network line.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the output unit of the display screen generation device receives the screen data of the generated display screen via a local port. Output to the image forming apparatus,
The registration unit of the image forming apparatus registers screen data of the display screen received via the local port.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit of the display screen generating device receives the screen data of the generated display screen via a public line. Output to the image forming apparatus,
The registration unit of the image forming apparatus registers screen data of the display screen received via the public line.

The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit of the display screen generation device is generated in the external memory loaded in the display screen generation device. Output the screen data of the displayed screen,
The registration unit of the image forming apparatus reads and registers screen data of the display screen from the external memory.

  According to these inventions, the display target part whose specification is received by the parts specification unit, the layout instruction received by the layout instruction reception unit, and the content determined by the action set by the action setting unit, the image Since the generation unit generates screen data of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the forming apparatus, a display screen on which display target parts as desired by the user, such as operation buttons for receiving operation instructions, are generated is generated. It is possible to improve user convenience. Further, when the display screen is generated, the output unit of the image forming apparatus outputs screen data of the generated display screen, and the screen data of the display screen is displayed on the display unit by the registration unit of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to display a display screen on which operation buttons and the like as desired by the user are arranged on the display unit of the image forming apparatus.

The invention described in claim 7 is a display screen generation program for causing a computer to function so as to generate screen data of a display screen to be displayed on a display unit of an electric device according to instructions from a user. ,
A parts designation receiving unit that accepts designation of display target parts to be displayed in the display screen from a user;
A layout instruction receiving unit that receives a layout instruction from the user for instructing the placement of the designated display target part in the display screen;
An action setting unit for associating and setting an action corresponding to the display target part for the specified display target part;
A generating unit that generates screen data of the display screen with the contents specified in the display target part designation, the layout instruction, and the action setting;
The computer is made to function so as to include an output unit that outputs screen data of the display screen generated by the generation unit to the electric device.

The invention according to claim 8 is a display screen generating device that generates screen data of a display screen to be displayed on a display unit of an electric device with contents according to an instruction from a user,
A parts designation receiving unit that accepts designation of display target parts to be displayed in the display screen from a user;
A layout instruction receiving unit that receives a layout instruction from the user for instructing the placement of the designated display target part in the display screen;
An action setting unit for associating and setting an action corresponding to the display target part for the specified display target part;
A generating unit that generates screen data of the display screen with the contents specified in the display target part designation, the layout instruction, and the action setting;
An output unit that outputs screen data of the display screen generated by the generation unit to the electric device.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the display screen generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output unit generates a screen of the generated display screen via a network line with respect to the electrical device. Data is output.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the display screen generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output unit generates the display by electronic mail via a network line to the electric device. The screen data of the screen is output.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the display screen generating device according to claim 8, wherein the output unit is configured to display the generated display screen through a local port with respect to the electric device. Data is output.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the display screen generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output unit is configured to display the generated screen on the display screen via a public line. Data is output.

  According to these inventions, the contents specified by the display target part whose specification is received by the parts specification unit, the layout instruction received by the layout instruction reception unit, and the action set by the action setting unit, Since the generation unit generates screen data of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the device or the image forming apparatus, a display screen on which display target parts as desired by the user, for example, operation buttons for receiving operation instructions are arranged. It is possible to improve the convenience for the user. Further, when the display screen is generated, the output unit outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the electric device or the image forming apparatus, so that the display screen generation is performed on the electric device side or the image forming apparatus side. The screen data of the display screen output from the apparatus can be captured as display data for the display unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display a display screen on which operation buttons and the like as desired by a user are arranged on a display unit of an electrical apparatus such as an image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an image forming system, a display screen generation program, and a display screen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration showing an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. An image forming system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one multifunction device 1 and at least one personal computer (a server computer SV2 and at least one of the PCs 31 to 34).

  The multifunction machine 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus also has functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function. Further, the multifunction device 1 includes document data of a document read by the scanner unit, an internal storage device of the multifunction device 1, a server computer SV2 connected to the multifunction device 1 via a LAN (local area network), etc., and each personal computer ( Hereinafter, the data is stored in a storage unit or the like in the PC (31) to 34, and the print target data stored in the internal storage device of the multifunction machine 1, the server computer SV2, and the storage unit in each of the PCs 31 to 34 is read out and printed out. It has a document management function that performs such operations.

  Further, the multi-function device 1 is provided with a display unit 50 composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Further, at least one of the server computer SV2 or the PCs 31 to 34 can generate screen data of a display screen (hereinafter referred to as display screen data) displayed on the display unit 50 of the multi-function device 1. The multifunction device 1 receives the screen data from the server computer SV2 or the PCs 31 to 34 that can generate the display screen data and displays the screen data on the display unit 50 in order to display the display screen on the display unit 50. The display screen data generation processing by the server computer SV2 or the PCs 31 to 34, and the configuration and processing for displaying the display screen in the multifunction machine 1 will be described later.

  Next, the internal configurations of the server computer SV2, the PCs 31 to 34, and the multi-function device 1, which are necessary for the display screen data generation processing and display processing, will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration necessary for display screen generation processing and display processing for the PC and the multifunction peripheral 1. Since the server computer SV2 and the PCs 31 to 34 have the same configuration necessary for display screen generation processing, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the PC 31.

  The PC (an example of a display screen generation device) 31 includes a control unit 310 and a storage unit 311. The storage unit 311 includes an HDD or the like, and stores a display screen generation program. The control unit 310 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the overall operation of the PC 31 and operates according to the display screen generation program stored in the storage unit 311, so that the panel creator unit 312, the panel simulator unit 313, , Functioning as the output unit 314.

  The panel creator unit 312 is a tool that generates a script file on the display screen data displayed on the display unit 50 of the multifunction device 1 on the PC 31 using, for example, XML (Extensible Markup Language) format data. The panel creator unit 312 functions as a parts designation receiving unit 3121, a layout instruction receiving unit 3122, an action setting unit 3123, and a generating unit 3124.

  The part designation receiving unit 3121 designates display target parts such as operation buttons, icons, and character strings to be displayed on the display screen from the user via a not-shown operation unit (mouse or keyboard) provided in the PC 31. Accept. The parts designation receiving unit 3121 holds image data of a plurality of display target parts that can be designated by the user in advance. For example, when a display screen generation start instruction is input to the operation unit by the user, the part designation receiving unit 3121 displays the held display target part on a display such as an LCD provided in the PC 31 and displays the display. When a user-desired display target part is designated by the operation of the operation unit from among the display target parts, the designation of the designated display target part is accepted.

  The layout instruction receiving unit 3122 receives from the user a layout instruction for instructing the arrangement of the display target parts specified by the part specification receiving unit 3121 on the display screen. For example, the layout instruction accepting unit 3122 displays a background image of the display screen in a pseudo manner on a display provided in the PC 31, and an arbitrary portion in the background image is designated by the user using the operation unit. The designated location is received as the placement location of the designated display target part.

  The action setting unit 3123 sets the action corresponding to the display target part in association with the display target part specified by the part specification receiving unit 3121. That is, in the part designation receiving unit 3121, the type of the display target part to be arranged in the display screen is designated by the user, but the action setting unit 3123 applies the display target part to the designated display target part. The operation of the corresponding multifunction device 1 is set in association with each other. For example, when the display target part “original size A3 button” is designated by the user, the action setting unit 3123 sets “original size A3 button” as an action associated with the “original size A3 button” in advance. “Operation for accepting an instruction to feed recording paper from a paper feeding cassette in which recording paper is stored” is set in association with the “original size A3 button”.

  The generation unit 3124 generates a display screen with the content determined by the display target part specification in the part specification reception unit 3121, the layout instruction in the layout instruction reception unit 3122, and the action setting in the action setting unit 3123. Process. That is, when the user performs the display target part designation in the part designation receiving unit 3121, the layout instruction in the layout instruction receiving unit 3122, and the action setting in the action setting unit 3123, a display screen generation process by the generation unit 3124 is performed. Thus, the display screen to be displayed on the display unit 50 of the multifunction device 1 can be customized and created as desired. In the present embodiment, the generation unit 3124 exports display screen data to a Script file.

  The panel simulator unit 313 reads the display screen data composed of the above Script file exported by the panel creator unit 312 on the PC 31, analyzes the contents, and displays the HTML to enable display on the display provided in the PC 31. This is a tool for converting the data into the format data and displaying the display screen file in the HTML format on the browser on the PC 31.

  The output unit 314 outputs the display screen data of the Script file generated by the generation unit 3124 to the multifunction device (the multifunction device 1 in this embodiment) designated by the user.

  The output unit 314 outputs the display screen data to the multifunction device 1, for example, (1) outputs the display screen data to the multifunction device 1 via the LAN. (2) outputs to the multifunction device 1 via the local port. (3) Output via the public line, (4) Output from the external memory slot provided in the PC 31 to the external memory loaded in the slot (in the multifunction device 1, the display screen is displayed from the external memory. Data is read out), and (5) the data is output to the multi-function device 1 in the e-mail format via the LAN. In the present embodiment, the PC 31 has all the configurations (1) to (5) described above, and outputs the display screen data to the multifunction device 1 by the output method selected by the instruction from the user. It has become. However, as a display screen generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the PC 31 only needs to have a configuration capable of output by at least one of the methods (1) to (5).

  On the other hand, the multifunction machine 1 includes a controller 11, a storage unit 12, a platform 13, an extended application 15, and a browser 16. The controller 11 governs overall operation control of the multifunction machine 1. The controller 11 is provided as firmware and executes basic functions such as scan data transmission, printing, data access, system setting, network communication, job control, and data registration that the multifunction device 1 has.

  The platform 13 is a base on which an API (Application Program Interface) and the extended application 15 operate. The platform 13 is also responsible for relaying between the controller 11 and the API.

  The API is an interface for executing the basic function of the multi function device 1 executed by the controller 11 from other than the firmware. The API accesses the controller 11 in the firmware through the platform 13 and executes the basic function of the multifunction device 1. In order to execute, for example, the scanner function of the multifunction device 1, the extension application 15 calls the scanner function API.

  The extended application 15 is not a standard firmware installed in the multifunction machine 1 but an application that can be additionally installed later. The extended application 15 mainly includes a script interpreter 151, business logic 152, and a registration unit 153.

  The registration unit 153 registers the display screen data of the Script file sent from the output unit 314 of the PC 31 (or read from the external memory) as display data for the display unit 50 and stores it in the storage unit 12. Let In the present embodiment, an XML format script file is used as the data file for the display screen. However, other markup languages other than the XML format may be used in terms of the system configuration.

  The Script Interpreter 151 reads the file of the Script file that is the display screen data registered in the storage unit 12 by the registration unit 153 and analyzes the contents. Script Interpreter 151 is expanded into Business Logic 152 for executing HTML conversion processing for displaying a display screen on display unit 50 and actions associated with display target parts such as operation buttons arranged in the display screen. Process. The Script Interpreter 151 passes the data subjected to the HTML conversion processing for display to the browser 16 via the API.

  The Business Logic 152 controls the action (the operation of the multifunction device 1) based on the information (information indicating the action associated with the display target part) that is expanded by the Script Interpreter 151 by the analysis of the Script file and passed from the Script Interpreter 151. To do. That is, when a display target part such as an operation button displayed on the display screen displayed on the display unit 50 by the browser 16 is operated by the user, the Business Logic 152 is based on the information passed from the Script Interpreter 151. The action associated with the operated display target part is analyzed, and the scanner transmission API is called to execute the analyzed scanner function, for example.

  The storage unit 12 includes an HDD or the like, and stores an operation control program for operating as the controller 11, a program for the extended application 15, a program for the browser 16, and the like. The CPU that is the central control unit of the multi-function device 1 functions as the controller 11, the extended application 15, the browser 16, and the like by operating according to each program stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 also stores a script file that is the registered display screen data.

  The browser 16 is a web browser, and causes the display unit 50 to display the Script file (display screen data transmitted from the PC 31) that has been subjected to HTML conversion processing by the Script Interpreter 151. In the present embodiment, the browser 16 displays a display screen on the display unit 50 in accordance with the screen configuration indicated by the file after the HTML conversion process converted by the extended application 15, and during the display of the display screen, This is an interface that accepts an instruction input operation from the touch panel function of the display unit 50.

  Next, display screen generation by the panel creator unit 312 and output processing to the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing display screen generation and output processing to the multifunction device 1 by the panel creator unit 312. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 50, and FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen created by the generation process by the panel creator unit 312. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the customization acceptance screen.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the display unit 50 of the multifunction device 1 has the application unit (for example, a hard key) not shown on the operation panel pressed by the user when the power of the multifunction device 1 is turned on. Sometimes, the first display screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 50 under the control of the controller 11. For example, when the user presses the “easy scan” button 511 on the first display screen 51, the controller 11 activates the extended application 15. For example, the Business Logic 152 of the extended application 15 changes the display of the display unit 50 to the workflow selection screen 52 illustrated in FIG. In the workflow selection screen 52, when the user selects the “introduction letter” button 521 and presses the “details” button 522, the Business Logic 152 sets the workflow corresponding to the “introduction letter” button 521. The display of the display unit 50 is shifted to the detail setting screen 53. For example, the extended application 15 (Script Interpreter 151 or the like) has a plurality of display screen templates, button templates, and character string data as shown in FIG. 4B, and is customized by the user. In accordance with the number of keys to be displayed in the screen indicated by the script file, a screen or button is used by using data such as a screen template as shown in the detailed setting screen 53 shown in FIG. A character string is applied to and displayed.

  In the panel creator unit 312, for example, customization of each display target part such as a device button constituting the detailed setting screen 53 is received from the user and a display screen is generated.

  When performing the display screen generation process, for example, the user operates the operation unit (not shown) of the PC 31 to activate the panel creator unit 312. When the panel creator unit 312 is activated, the control unit 310 of the PC 31 displays a customization acceptance screen 54 as shown in FIG. 5 on the display (S1).

  A user operates an operation instruction input unit such as a mouse on the customization reception screen 54 to select a desired one from a plurality of operation buttons 541 to 555 and message displays 556 to 562 displayed as selectable display target parts. When a desired operation button or message display is selected and specified by pressing the operation button or message display, the parts designation receiving unit 3121 displays the selected operation button or message display on the display screen (that is, the multifunction device 1). As a display target part to be displayed on the display screen). Further, when the user drags and drops the mouse to drag the selected operation button or message display to a desired position in the default screen 570 displayed on the customization reception screen 54, the position The layout instruction accepting unit 3122 receives a layout instruction for arranging the selected operation button or the like (S2).

  Subsequently, the action setting unit 3123 performs an action corresponding to each display target part instructed to be specified and arranged by the user as described above (that is, reception of an execution instruction for each operation executed in the multifunction machine 1). Are set in association with each selected display target part (S3). For example, when the user designates a resolution “600 × 600 dpi” button 541, the action setting unit 3123 scans an original with a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi in the scanner unit during the scanning operation using the “600 × 600 dpi” button 541. Assign an action of inputting an execution instruction for the operation to be performed. Alternatively, when the “return” button 554 is designated, an instruction to change the display on the display unit 50 is assigned to the workflow selection screen 52 in FIG. In this way, corresponding actions are stored in advance in each display target part, and corresponding individual actions are assigned by the action setting unit 3123.

  In the processes of S2 and S3, the user designates and arranges the display target part buttons to be displayed in the default screen 570, clicks the confirmation button 58 in the customization reception screen 54 with a mouse or the like, The process is executed for each display target part until a designation and arrangement end instruction is input (S4).

  When the specification and arrangement of the display target part by the user is completed (YES in S4), the generation unit 3124 converts the display screen data into a script with the contents determined by the display target part specification, the layout instruction, and the action setting. The file is generated (S5). At this time, the panel simulator unit 313 reads the data of the Script file exported by the panel creator unit 312 and analyzes the content, and converts the data into HTML format data so that it can be displayed on the display of the PC 31. .

  Thereafter, the output unit 314 outputs (sends) the display screen data formed by the script file generated by the panel creator unit 312 to the multi-function device 1 by the communication method via the LAN or the like (S6).

  Next, the data output processing of the display screen to the multifunction device 1 by the panel creator unit 312 will be described in more detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing display screen data output processing to the multifunction device 1 by the panel creator unit 312. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output format selection screen.

  After the display screen data is exported to the Script file by the generation unit 3124 of the panel creator unit 312 (that is, after the display screen data is generated), the output unit 314 displays an output format selection screen 57 as shown in FIG. Display on the display. This display control may be handled by a display control unit (not shown). While the output format selection screen 57 is being displayed, a “LAN” button 571, an “email” button 572, a “USB” button 573, a “public line” button 574, When one of the “external memory” 575 is pressed and an output method and an output instruction are input (YES in S61), the output unit 314 displays the display screen data exported to the Script file in the instructed output method. Is output to the multi function device 1 (S63 to S67). In other words, in the present embodiment, the PC 31 has a configuration that can be connected to the MFP 1 by any of LAN connection, local port connection, and public line connection, and an external memory device slot. However, as a display screen generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the PC 31 can output only by any of the methods (1) to (5) described above, the output can be performed. Any one of the configurations (1) to (5) may be provided, and the output format may be selectable from the configuration provided.

  In this embodiment, since the image forming system 10 includes one multifunction device 1, the output unit 314 outputs the display screen data to the multifunction device 1. For example, the image forming system 10 includes a plurality of image forming systems 10. For example, when the output unit 314 provides an output destination selection button on the output format selection screen 57 and a button corresponding to the multifunction device to be output is pressed by a user's mouse operation or the like. The output unit 314 may receive the output destination of the display screen data, and output the display screen data to the received multifunction device.

  In S62, when the user designates the output via the LAN as the output method of the display screen data by pressing the “LAN” button 571 (“LAN” in S62), the output unit 314 displays, for example, a composite In accordance with the IP address assigned to the device 1, the display screen data exported to the Script file is transmitted to the multifunction device 1 (S63).

  In S62, when the user designates the output via the LAN as the output method of the display screen data by pressing the “Email” button 572 (“Email” in S62), the output unit 314 For example, the display screen data exported to the Script file is transmitted to the multifunction device 1 using the mail address assigned to the multifunction device 1 (S64).

  In S62, when the “USB” button 573 is pressed, the output from the USB port as the local port is specified by the user as the display screen data output method for the multifunction machine 1 connected to the PC 31 with the USB cable. In the case of “local port” in S62, the output unit 314 transmits the display screen data exported to the Script file to the multifunction device 1 connected to the PC 31 via USB (S65). An output using a parallel port as the local port may be used.

  In S62, by pressing the “public line” button 574, as the output method of the display screen data, the output using the public line is designated by the user for the MFP 1 connected to the PC 31 via the public line. In this case (“public line” in S62), the output unit 314 transmits the display screen data exported to the Script file to the multi function device 1 using the public line (S66).

  In S62, when the user designates a method via the external memory as the display screen data output method by pressing the “external memory” button 575 (“external memory” in S62), the output unit 314 The display screen data exported to the Script file is output to an external memory such as a USB memory, CF (Compact Flash), or SD memory card (Secure Digital memory card) loaded in the external memory slot (S67).

  Next, the display screen data registration process in the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the registration process of the display screen data in the multifunction machine 1.

  The registration unit 153 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether the display screen data exported to the Script file has been transmitted from the PC 31 (S71). Here, for example, the registration unit 153 (A) via LAN, (B) via e-mail via LAN, (C) using a local port such as a USB cable, or (D) via a public line When the display screen data is received (YES in S71), the received display screen data is registered as display data on the display unit 50 and stored in the storage unit 12 (S72).

  If there is no reception of display screen data by any of the above methods (NO in S71), the registration unit 153 determines whether or not the external memory is loaded in the external memory slot or USB slot provided in the multifunction device 1. Is determined (S73).

  Here, if the registration unit 153 determines that the external memory is loaded in the external memory slot or the USB slot (YES in S73), the display exported from the loaded external memory to the Script file. The screen data is read (S74), and the read display screen data is registered as display data on the display unit 50 and stored in the storage unit 12 (S72). If the registration unit 153 determines that no external memory is loaded (NO in S73), the process of S71 is repeated.

  Next, a display process in the display unit 50 of a display screen generated by the PC 31 and a process for receiving an operation execution instruction from the user in the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a display process in the display unit 50 of the display screen generated by the PC 31 and a process for receiving an operation execution instruction from the user in the multifunction machine 1.

  For example, when the user inputs an instruction to shift the display screen to the next layer by pressing the “detail” button 522 on the workflow selection screen 52 shown in FIG. 4B, the Script Interpreter 151 stores The script file which is the display screen data is read from the unit 12 (S82). If there are a plurality of script file files that are the display screen data in the storage unit 12, the script interpreter 151 is a file of a script file registered as a transition destination screen of the display screen that has been displayed so far. Is read. Then, the Script Interpreter 151 goes to Business Logic 152 for executing an HTML conversion process for displaying the display screen on the display unit 50 and an action associated with the display target part such as an operation button arranged in the display screen. Is performed (S83).

  Subsequently, the Business Logic 152 analyzes the data after the HTML conversion processing obtained from the Script Interpreter 151 so that it can be displayed on the display unit 50, and passes it to the browser 16 (S84).

  The browser 16 displays the display data received from the Business Logic 152 on the display unit 50 (S85). Thereby, the display screen (for example, the display screen 53 shown in FIG. 4C) generated by the panel creator unit 312 of the PC 31 is displayed on the display unit 50. In this respect, the Script Interpreter 151, the Business Logic 152, the browser 16, and the controller 11 function as a display control unit in the claims.

  While the display screen is displayed by the browser 16, for example, any display button on the detailed setting screen 53 shown in FIG. 4C is pressed by an operation using the touch panel function by the user, and an operation execution instruction is issued from the user. Is input (YES in S86), the Business Logic 152 analyzes the action associated with the operated display button based on the information passed from the Script Interpreter 151 (S87). For example, when the “600 × 600 dpi” button 541 on the detailed setting screen 53 is pressed by the user, the Business Logic 152 causes the functional operation corresponding to the “600 × 600 dpi” button 541 to be performed by the scanner unit at 600 × 600 dpi. It is analyzed based on the information passed from the Script Interpreter 151 that it is an input of an execution instruction for an operation for reading a document at a resolution of.

  Subsequently, in order to execute the analyzed function, the Business Logic 152 calls an API corresponding to the function and causes the controller 11 to execute the analyzed function (S88). For example, when the “600 × 600 dpi” button 541 is pressed by the user while the detailed setting screen 53 is being displayed, the Business Logic 152 causes the functional operation corresponding to the “600 × 600 dpi” button 531 to be performed during the scanning operation. Is input based on the information passed from the Script Interpreter 151, and the “the scanner unit reads the document at a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi”. “Input of execution instruction for operation to be performed” is accepted. Then, Business Logic 152 calls an API corresponding to “an operation that causes the scanner unit to read a document at a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi” in order to execute “an operation that causes the scanner unit to read a document at a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi”. .

  The controller 11 performs the instructed operation according to the API (S89). For example, the controller 11 performs an operation of causing the scanner unit to read a document with a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi. That is, the Business Logic 152 sets the controller 11 to read the document with a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi via the API.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the display screen generated by the panel creator unit 312 and the panel simulator unit 313 of the PC 31 is described as being displayed on the multifunction device 1. However, the generated display screen is displayed on the multifunction device 1. The display is not limited to the above display, and can be applied to display on other electric devices.

  The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the above embodiment, the configuration and processing of the embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, but the configuration and processing are merely examples of the embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration illustrating an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a structure required for the production | generation process of a display screen, and a display process about PC and a multifunctional device. 5 is a flowchart showing display screen generation and output processing to the multifunction device 1 by a panel creator unit. (A) (b) is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed on a display part, (c) is a figure which shows the example of the display screen produced by the production | generation process by a panel creator part. It is a figure which shows an example of a customization reception screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a data output process of a display screen on a multifunction peripheral by a panel creator unit. It is a figure which shows an example of an output format selection screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process of the display screen data in a multifunction machine. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing for receiving an operation execution instruction from a user when a display screen generated by a PC is displayed on a display unit in a multifunction peripheral.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP 10 Image Forming System 11 Controller 12 Storage Unit 13 Platform 13
15 Extended application 151 Script Interpreter
152 Business Logic
153 Registration unit 16 Browser 50 Display unit 58 Confirm button 31 PC
310 control unit 311 storage unit 312 panel creator unit 3121 part designation receiving unit 3122 layout instruction receiving unit 3123 action setting unit 3124 generating unit 313 panel simulator unit 314 output unit SV2 server computer

Claims (12)

An image forming system comprising: a display screen generating device that generates screen data of a display screen according to instructions from a user; and an image forming device that displays a display screen including the generated screen data.
The display screen generation device includes:
A parts designation receiving unit that accepts designation of display target parts to be displayed in the display screen from a user;
A layout instruction receiving unit that receives a layout instruction from the user for instructing the placement of the designated display target part in the display screen;
An action setting unit for associating and setting an action corresponding to the display target part for the specified display target part;
A generating unit that generates screen data of the display screen with the contents specified in the display target part designation, the layout instruction, and the action setting;
An output unit that outputs screen data of the display screen generated by the generation unit,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A display unit for displaying screen data of the display screen;
A registration unit that registers screen data of the display screen from the output unit as display data of the display unit;
An image forming system comprising: a display control unit that causes the display unit to display screen data of the display screen registered in the registration unit. The output unit of the display screen generation device outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the image forming device via a network line,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit of the image forming apparatus registers screen data of the display screen received via the network line. The output unit of the display screen generation device outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the image forming device by electronic mail via a network line,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit of the image forming apparatus registers screen data of the display screen received by the electronic mail via the network line. The output unit of the display screen generation device outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the image forming device via a local port,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit of the image forming apparatus registers screen data of the display screen received via the local port. The output unit of the display screen generation device outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the image forming device via a public line,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit of the image forming apparatus registers screen data of the display screen received via the public line. The output unit of the display screen generation device outputs screen data of the generated display screen to an external memory loaded in the display screen generation device,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit of the image forming apparatus reads and registers screen data of the display screen from the external memory. A display screen generation program for causing a computer to function so as to generate screen data of a display screen to be displayed on a display unit of an electric device according to instructions from a user,
A parts designation receiving unit that accepts designation of display target parts to be displayed in the display screen from a user;
A layout instruction receiving unit that receives a layout instruction from the user for instructing the placement of the designated display target part in the display screen;
An action setting unit for associating and setting an action corresponding to the display target part for the specified display target part;
A generating unit that generates screen data of the display screen with the contents specified in the display target part designation, the layout instruction, and the action setting;
A display screen generation program that causes a computer to function so as to include an output unit that outputs screen data of the display screen generated by the generation unit to the electric device. A display screen generation device that generates screen data of a display screen to be displayed on a display unit of an electric device with contents according to an instruction from a user,
A parts designation receiving unit that accepts designation of display target parts to be displayed in the display screen from a user;
A layout instruction receiving unit that receives a layout instruction from the user for instructing the placement of the designated display target part in the display screen;
An action setting unit for associating and setting an action corresponding to the display target part for the specified display target part;
A generating unit that generates screen data of the display screen with the contents specified in the display target part designation, the layout instruction, and the action setting;
A display screen generation apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs screen data of the display screen generated by the generation unit to the electrical device.   The display screen generation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output unit outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the electric device via a network line.   The display screen generation device according to claim 8, wherein the output unit outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the electric device by an electronic mail via a network line.   The display screen generation device according to claim 8, wherein the output unit outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the electric device via a local port.   The display screen generation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output unit outputs screen data of the generated display screen to the electric device via a public line.

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