JP2011176606A - Help display device, image forming apparatus, and help display system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a help display device, along with an image forming apparatus and a help display system, capable of improving the use convenience of a user. <P>SOLUTION: A message memory 401 stores help messages to be displayed on a display 201. A display data acquisition unit 402 newly acquires display data to be displayed as a help message, and a message generation unit 403 generates the help message including the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402. A message registration unit 404 registers the help message generated by the message generation unit 403 to the message memory 401. A display message selection unit 405 selects the help message to be displayed at a display unit from the help messages stored in the message memory 401. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a help display device, an image forming apparatus, and a help display system.

  In recent years, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) having functions such as scanners, facsimiles, printers, and copiers have been used in offices and the like. A multifunction machine is often used in a situation where it is connected to an information processing terminal such as a personal computer through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Then, it functions as an image forming device that prints image data input from the information processing terminal on paper, functions as an image reading device that acquires image data used in the information processing terminal, and searches document image data. It functions as a document management device that accumulates as possible.

  Since such a multifunction peripheral has various functions, it is often used in accordance with a workflow in which a plurality of functions are combined. For example, in a multifunction device having a box function and an e-mail transmission function, image data of a document is acquired using a scanner, the image data is stored in a storage area called a box, and the stored image data is sent to a specific user. A series of work of sending an email is an example of a workflow.

  On the other hand, it is difficult for the user to understand the usage and operation method of all functions in a multifunction device with various functions, so a help message indicating the usage and operation method of the function is requested by the user. A help function is provided to display the response. Various proposals have been made to improve the convenience of use of such a help function.

  For example, Patent Document 1 prepares various functions, operation methods, operation procedures, and various keywords corresponding to the printer, and when a user inputs various keywords, the printer used for printing has a purpose. Even if a name different from the keyword is used for a function to be performed, a help function for switching to a setting screen for the function or the like is disclosed. According to the technology, even in an environment in which printers of various manufacturers are connected via a network, settings and the like can be performed for printers of various manufacturers using a common name. In addition, although not limited to the help function, Patent Document 2 discloses image formation in which image data captured from a communication means such as e-mail or an external storage medium is processed into a predetermined size and used for an icon or the like. An apparatus is disclosed. Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming apparatus that can easily customize a user interface screen.

JP 2004-145774 A JP 2005-221634 A JP 2007-249863 A

  In general, the help messages displayed by the help function are various, such as introduction of various functions, explanation of setting methods, and troubleshooting. Further, in an electronic device such as a multifunction peripheral, it is difficult to secure an unlimited storage area for storing a help message, so the content of the help message is almost always simple. Therefore, the content of the help message is not always easy for the user to understand.

  In addition, when performing work using a workflow that sequentially uses a plurality of functions as described above, in order to refer to the help message for each function, the order and contents of each step constituting the workflow should be understood. You must refer to the help message for the function of each step. For this reason, it is often the case that procedures such as the order of each step making up the workflow are prepared and attached to the multifunction device or attached to the wall around the multifunction device. . Also, when working with reference to such a procedure manual, it is complicated to display a help message for the function of each step, etc., so the operation method and precautions for the work are described in the procedure manual etc. It is often done. However, in such correspondence, there is a problem that the installation place and posting place of the procedure manual and the like are limited in area, and the beauty of the office and the like is impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and makes it easy to understand the content of a help message, or displays a help message about work by a workflow that sequentially uses a plurality of functions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a help display device, an image forming apparatus, and a help display system that can be used and can further improve the user's convenience.

  In order to achieve the above object, the help display apparatus according to the present invention employs the following technical means. That is, a help display device that displays a help message according to the present invention includes a display unit, a message storage unit, a display data acquisition unit, a message generation unit, a message registration unit, and a display message selection unit. The display unit displays a help message. The message storage unit stores a help message. The display data acquisition unit newly acquires display data to be displayed as a help message. The message generation unit generates a help message including the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit. The message registration unit registers the help message generated by the message generation unit in the message storage unit. The display message selection unit selects a help message to be displayed on the display unit from the help messages stored in the message storage unit.

  In the help display device, a help message having a desired content can be displayed on the display unit. Accordingly, it is possible to display a content that matches the user's needs as a help message. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, there is no need to install or post a procedure manual created uniquely, and the aesthetics of the office and the like are not impaired.

  The help display device may further include a related message designation unit that designates an existing help message stored in the message storage unit that is associated with the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit. In this case, the message generation unit generates a help message including the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit and a link to the existing help message specified by the related message specification unit. In this configuration, the existing help message can be referred to through the help message newly registered by the user, and the usability can be further improved.

  The help display device may further include a template storage unit and a template selection unit. The template storage unit stores a template including an area where display data is arranged and a link button associated with a link to an existing help message. The template selection unit selects a template to be used when the help message generation unit generates a help message from the templates stored in the template storage unit. In this configuration, the user can easily create a help message that refers to an existing help message.

  Furthermore, the present invention can also provide an image forming apparatus including the above help display device and an image reading device that reads an image of a document. In this case, the display data acquisition unit acquires image data read by the image reading device as display data. According to this configuration, the user can create a help message very easily.

  On the other hand, in another aspect, the present invention can provide a help display system applied to an electronic device having a function of displaying a help message. The help display system includes a help message generation device and an electronic device. The help message generation device includes a display data acquisition unit and a message generation unit. The display data acquisition unit newly acquires display data to be displayed as a help message. The message generation unit generates a help message including the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit. The electronic device includes a display unit, a message storage unit, a display message selection unit, and a message registration unit. The display unit displays a help message. The message storage unit stores a help message. The display message selection unit selects a help message to be displayed on the display unit from the help messages stored in the message storage unit. The message registration unit registers the help message generated by the help message generation device in the message storage unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display a content that matches a user's needs as a help message, and there is no need to install or post a procedure manual created uniquely as in the past, such as an office. There is no loss of aesthetics.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation panel of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows an example of the help message registration procedure which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention implements The figure which shows an example of the display data input method selection screen which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention displays FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document reading screen displayed by the multifunction machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the acquisition image confirmation screen which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention displays The figure which shows an example of the link setting screen which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention displays The figure which shows an example of the title input screen which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention displays The figure which shows an example of the help selection screen which the multi-function device in one Embodiment of this invention displays. The figure which shows an example of the original help selection screen which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention displays The figure which shows an example of the help message screen which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention displays. The figure which shows the other example of the help message screen which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention displays.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the present invention is embodied as a digital multi-function peripheral having a document management function.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a main body 101 including an image reading unit 120 and an image forming unit 140, and a platen cover 102 attached above the main body 101. A document table 103 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 101, and the document table 103 is opened and closed by a platen cover 102. The platen cover 102 includes a document conveying device 110, a document tray 111, and a paper discharge tray 112.

  An image reading unit 120 is provided below the document table 103. The image reading unit 120 reads an image of a document and generates digital data (image data) of the image. The image data is subjected to designated image processing as necessary. The document can be placed on the document table 103. A scanning optical system 121 is disposed below the document table 103. The scanning optical system 121 includes a first carriage 122, a second carriage 123, and a condenser lens 124. The first carriage 122 is provided with a linear light source 131 and a mirror 132, and the second carriage 123 is provided with mirrors 133 and 134. The light source 131 illuminates the document. The mirrors 132, 133, and 134 guide reflected light from the document to the condenser lens 124, and the condenser lens 124 forms an optical image on the light receiving surface of the line image sensor 125. In the scanning optical system 121, the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 are provided so as to be able to reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction 135. By moving the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 in the sub-scanning direction 135, the image of the document placed on the document table 103 can be read by the image sensor 125.

  Further, the document can be placed on the document tray 111. The document transport device 110 transports the documents set on the document tray 111 one by one to the image reading position. When reading an image of a document set on the document tray 111, the image reading unit 120 temporarily fixes the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 according to the image reading position. When the document passes through the image reading position, the light source 131 illuminates the document. The light from the light source 131 is reflected by the original that passes through the original table 103 and passes through the original reading position, and is guided to the image sensor 125 by the mirrors 132, 133, and 134 and the condenser lens 124. The document that has passed the image reading position is discharged to the paper discharge tray 112.

  For example, the image sensor 125 generates image data corresponding to each color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) based on the received light. The generated image data can be printed on paper in the image forming unit 140. It can also be transmitted to other devices via the network 162 via the network adapter 161 or the like. In FIG. 1, only the information processing terminal 171 is illustrated as another device.

  The image forming unit 140 prints image data obtained by the image reading unit 120 or image data received from another device connected to the network 162 via the network adapter 161 on a sheet. The image forming unit 140 includes a photosensitive drum 141. The photosensitive drum 141 rotates in one direction at a constant speed. Around the photosensitive drum 141, a charger 142, an exposure unit 143, a developing unit 144, and an intermediate transfer belt 145 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. The charger 142 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 141. The exposure device 143 irradiates the surface of the uniformly charged photoconductor drum 141 with light according to the image data, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 141. The developing device 144 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 141. The intermediate transfer belt 145 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 141 onto a sheet. When the image data is a color image, the intermediate transfer belt 145 transfers each color toner image onto the same sheet. The RGB color image is converted into C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) format image data, and the image data of each color is input to the exposure unit 143.

  The image forming unit 140 feeds paper from the manual feed tray 151, the paper feed cassettes 152, 153, and 154 to the transfer unit between the intermediate transfer belt 145 and the transfer roller 146. Various sizes of paper can be placed or stored in the manual feed tray 151 and the paper feed cassettes 152, 153, and 154. The image forming unit 140 selects a sheet specified by the user or a sheet corresponding to the automatically detected document size, and pulls out the selected sheet from the manual feed tray 151 and the cassettes 152, 153, and 154 by the feeding roller 155. The pulled-out paper is sent to the transfer unit by the conveyance roller 156 and the registration roller 157. The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 148 by the conveyance belt 147. The fixing device 148 has a fixing roller 158 and a pressure roller 159 with a built-in heater, and fixes the toner image on the sheet by heat and pressing force. The image forming unit 140 discharges the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 148 to the discharge tray 149.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an operation panel included in the multifunction peripheral. The user can use the operation panel 200 to give the MFP 100 a start of copying and other instructions, and to confirm the status and settings of the MFP 100. On the operation panel 200, a display 201 with a touch panel and operation buttons 203 are arranged. The user can perform input through the display 201 using, for example, the touch pen 202.

  The display 201 displays an operation screen having a setting unit 204 and a message display unit 205. A plurality of tabs 206 are prepared in the setting unit 204. The “Basic” tab is used to set the paper size and orientation, copy magnification, density, and the like. The “Basic” tab has various elements such as buttons for setting. For example, when the user performs an operation of pressing the “density setting” button 207, a window for designating a numerical value of density is displayed over the tab. In the example of FIG. 2, in addition to the “basic” tab, a “user function”, “function list”, and “program” tab are also provided. The user can switch the display of these tabs by performing an operation of selecting (touching) the tab button 208. While one tab is selected, other tabs and their elements are hidden on the operation screen.

  The message display unit 205 displays a message that informs the user of settings such as the state of the multifunction peripheral, such as whether copying is possible or whether paper supply is necessary, and the number of copies. In this display, detection results of various sensors included in the multifunction peripheral 100 and user operation results are reflected.

  The operation keys 203 include a main power key 209, a numeric keypad 210, a start key 211, a clear key 212, a help key 213, and the like. For example, the main power key 209 is used to switch the main power supply of the multifunction peripheral 100 on and off. The numeric keypad 210 can be used for specifying the number of copies and setting the copy magnification. When the user makes these settings, the multi-function device 100 displays a message such as “Can be copied (with settings)” on the message display unit 205 to notify the user that the settings have been made. The start key 211 is used for a start instruction for copying or image printing. The user operates the clear key 212 when canceling the setting made by the user. Since whether or not the machine accepts the setting by the user can be determined by the above-described message, the clear key 212 may be operated if the setting becomes unnecessary. A help key 213 is used to display on the display 201 an introduction / explanation of the usage of the function of the copying machine 100 and the operation method.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control system in the multifunction machine. The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 302, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, an original transport device 110, and an image reading unit 120. A driver 305 corresponding to each drive unit in the image forming unit 140 is connected via an internal bus 306. The ROM 303, the HDD 304, and the like store programs, and the CPU 301 controls the multifunction peripheral 100 in accordance with the instructions of the control program. For example, the CPU 301 uses the RAM 302 as a work area, and controls the operation of each driving unit by exchanging data and commands with the driver 305. The HDD 304 is also used to store image data obtained by the image reading unit 120 and image data received from other devices through the network adapter 161.

  An operation panel 200 and various sensors 307 are also connected to the internal bus 306. The operation panel 200 receives a user operation and supplies a signal based on the operation to the CPU 301. The display 201 displays the above-described operation screen according to a control signal from the CPU 301. The sensor 307 includes various sensors such as an open / close detection sensor for the platen cover 102, a document detection sensor on the document table 103, a temperature sensor for the fixing device 148, and a detection sensor for the conveyed paper or document. The CPU 301 executes, for example, a program stored in the ROM 303 to realize each of the following means (functional blocks) and controls the operation of each means according to signals from these sensors.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a message storage unit 401, a display data acquisition unit 402, a message generation unit 403, a message registration unit 404, and a display message selection unit 405.

  The message storage unit 401 stores a help message indicating the application of the function of the multi-function device 100 and an introduction / explanation of the operation method. The display message selection unit 405 selects a help message to be displayed on the display unit from the help messages stored in the message storage unit 401. In the present embodiment, the above-described display 201 functions as a display unit. For example, the display message selection unit 405 classifies the selection buttons associated with the help message stored in the message storage unit 401 into categories and displays them on the display 201, and the help corresponding to the selection button selected by the user. A message is displayed on the display 201.

  The display data acquisition unit 402 newly acquires display data to be displayed as a help message. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the display data acquisition unit 402 reads image data read by the image reading unit 120 or image data input from the information processing terminal 171 connected to the network 162 via the network adapter 161. Etc. are acquired as display data. Although text data can be input as display data, it is particularly preferable to input image data as display data from the viewpoint of facilitating registration. Here, the image data is not limited to image data acquired by a scanner or the like, but includes print data output from the information processing terminal 171 or the like to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The message generation unit 403 generates a help message including the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402. As will be described later, when the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402 is combined with the link button, the message generation unit 403 creates a help message including the display data and the link button. The link button includes a link to an existing help message stored in the message storage unit 401. When the message storage unit 401 stores the help message in a unique data format (data format) for display on the display 201, the message generation unit 403 displays the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402. Is converted to the data format.

  The message registration unit 404 registers the help message generated by the message generation unit 403 in the message storage unit 401. When registering the help message, the message registration unit 404 registers the help message in association with the title shown on the help message selection button displayed on the display 201 in order to request the user to select by the display message selection unit 405. . That is, in the present embodiment, the help message is stored in the message storage unit 401 in association with the title shown on the help message selection button.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 100 of the present embodiment further includes a related message designation unit 406, a template storage unit 407, and a template selection unit 408.

  The related message designation unit 406 designates an existing help message stored in the message storage unit 401 and associated with the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402. For example, when the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402 is combined with a link button, the related message specifying unit 406 specifies an existing help message to be included as a link in the link button based on a user instruction.

  The template storage unit 407 stores a template used for generating a help message in the message generation unit 403. The template includes an area in which the display data acquired by the display data acquiring unit 402 is arranged, and a link button to which a link to an existing help message specified by the related message specifying unit 406 is associated. The template is selected by the user through the template selection unit 408.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a help message registration procedure executed by the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. The procedure proceeds with the activation of the help message registration function as a trigger (step S501 Yes). The help message registration function can be activated, for example, by selecting a “help registration” button included in the “function list” tab of the operation screen displayed on the display 201.

  When the help registration function is activated, first, the display data acquisition unit 402 requests input of display data (step S502). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display data input method selection screen displayed on the display 201 by the display data acquisition unit 402 at this time. In this example, the display data input method selection screen 601 includes a “document reading” button 602, a “network” button 603, a “file selection” button 604, an “other” button 605, and a “cancel” button 606.

  The “read original” button 602 is selected when image data read by the image reading unit 120 is acquired as display data. A “network” button 603 is selected when display data is acquired from an external device (for example, the information processing terminal 171) connected to the network 162. Here, obtaining display data from an external device means obtaining image data such as print data output by the external device as display data, and obtaining a data file stored in the external device as display data. Including. A “file selection” button 604 is selected when a data file stored in the multifunction peripheral 100 is acquired as display data. The “other” button 605 is selected when display data is acquired from other than these. The multi-function device 100 of this embodiment includes an interface (USB interface or memory card reader) to which a portable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card is connected, and data is transferred from the portable storage medium. Can be obtained. When the “other” button 605 is selected, a plurality of buttons for selecting these interfaces are displayed, and the portable memory connected to the interface corresponding to the button by selecting any one of the buttons is displayed. A data file stored in the medium can be acquired as display data. A “cancel” button 606 is selected when the operation is canceled and the display data input method selection screen 601 is closed. In addition, when acquiring a data file as display data, it cannot be overemphasized that the file selection screen used as selection object is displayed. Since such a file selection screen is publicly known, description thereof is omitted here.

  Hereinafter, the case where the user selects the “image read” button 602 will be described, but only the display data acquisition procedure is different, and the “network” button 603, the “file selection” button 604, and the “other” button 605 are selected. The same applies to the case.

  When the user selects the “image read” button 602, the display data acquisition unit 402 requests the user to read a document (designation of acquisition target data). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a document reading screen displayed on the display 201 by the display data acquisition unit 402 at this time. In this example, the original reading screen 701 is a “read complete” button 702 that is selected when the original reading is completed, and “cancel” used to cancel the original reading and display the display data input method selection screen 601. "Button 703. The document read by the image reading unit 120 is placed on the document tray 111 or the document table 103, and the document reading starts when the start key 211 on the operation panel 200 is pressed. Image data generated by the image reading unit 120 from when the document reading screen 701 is displayed until the “reading complete” button 702 is selected is acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402 as display data.

  In this embodiment, when the user selects the “reading completion” button 702 on the document reading screen 701, the document image acquired by the data acquisition unit 402 is displayed on the display 201. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the acquired image confirmation screen displayed at this time. In this example, the acquired image confirmation screen 801 includes an image data display field 802, an “edit” button 803, a “link setting” button 804, a “template” button 805, a “register” button 806, and a “reread” button 807. .

  In the image data display field 802, image data generated by the image reading unit 120 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 8, the display range of the image data can be moved in the vertical direction by a scroll bar provided at the right end of the image data display field 802.

  In this embodiment, when the user selects the “edit” button 803, an editing screen is displayed on the display 201, and the image data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402 can be arbitrarily enlarged, reduced, trimmed, or the like. It is configured to be able to edit. Note that image data editing (image processing) is not limited to these examples, and can be executed using a known method. In the present embodiment, the edited image data becomes the above-described display data instead of the image data before editing. In addition, an editing completion button is provided on the editing screen, and an acquired image confirmation screen 801 is displayed on the display 201 by selecting the button.

  When the user selects a “reread” button 807, the document is requested to be placed on the document tray 111 or the document table 103. When the user presses the start button 211 after placing the document, the image of the document is read, and instead of the previously acquired image data, the newly acquired image data is acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402 as display data. The

  On the other hand, when the user selects the “link setting” button 804, the display data acquisition unit 402 notifies the related message designation unit 406 to that effect. At this time, the related message designation unit 406 requests the user to designate an existing help message stored in the message storage unit 401, which is associated with the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402 (steps S503 Yes, S504 No, S506). ).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a link setting screen displayed on the display 201 by the related message specifying unit 406 at this time. In this example, the link setting screen 901 displays a list of existing help messages stored in the message storage unit 401 and confirms the user's selection in the list display column 902 and the list display column 902 that accept selection by the user. A “decision” button 903 selected at the time, and a “cancel” button 904 used to cancel the link setting and display the acquired image confirmation screen 801. This figure shows a state in which the user has selected “box registration” in the list display field 902. Similar to the image data display field 802 described above, the display range of the existing help message list can be moved up and down by a scroll bar provided at the right end of the list display field 902.

  When the user selects the “OK” button 903 in this state, the related message designation unit 406 requests the user to designate the arrangement position of the link. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the acquired image confirmation screen 801 is displayed at this time, and the arrangement position of the link is designated by pressing the image data display field 802. The related message designation unit 406 holds the designated link destination “box registration” and the designated arrangement position. When a plurality of link destinations are designated for the display data, the above operation is repeated.

  Here, in order to make the understanding easier, the above-mentioned case is described using a more specific example in which a user registers a workflow for distributing conference materials by e-mail in advance to attendees of a regular meeting as a help message. Processing will be described. This workflow includes a step of converting paper-based meeting materials into electronic data, and a step of transmitting the electronic data to a predetermined attendee by e-mail.

  Such a workflow can be realized by using the box function and the e-mail transmission function of the MFP 100. That is, a procedure for reading paper-based meeting materials with the image reading unit 120 and storing them in a predetermined document box, and electronic data stored in the document box with a plurality of pre-registered mail addresses (mailing lists) as destinations The transmission procedure may be executed in the multi-function device 100. Therefore, it is only necessary to cause the display data acquisition unit 402 to acquire a document describing these procedures as display data as described above.

  However, for example, when a user (expert) who knows how to use the box function and the e-mail transmission function executes the above workflow, if the user can know the name of the document box to be used and the name of the mailing address to be used. It is enough. On the other hand, when a user (beginner) who does not know how to use the box function and the e-mail transmission function executes the above workflow, the registration procedure to the box, the mailing list selection procedure, and the e-mail attachment procedure It is necessary to be described. In other words, the amount of information of the former is insufficient for beginners and the execution of the workflow is difficult, and the amount of information for the expert is excessive, and it takes time to search for necessary information. . In addition, since beginners gradually become skilled, it is not practical to use the latter information for the amount of information in the help file to be registered. In the present embodiment, as described above, the registration procedure to the box, the selection procedure of the mailing list, the attachment procedure of the electronic data to the e-mail are included as the links, and the name of the document box to be used and the name of the mailing address to be used are displayed. Such a problem can be solved by registering the help message included as data.

  The user can use a template when performing the above-described link setting. In other words, when the user selects the “template” button 805 on the acquired image confirmation screen 801, the display data acquisition unit 402 notifies the template selection unit 408 to that effect. Receiving the notification, the template selection unit 408 requests the user to select a template stored in the template storage unit 407 (steps S503 Yes, S504 Yes, S505). At this time, the template selection unit 408 displays on the display 201 a template to be selected and a selection screen that accepts a selection by the user. Since such a selection screen is publicly known, description thereof is omitted here. In addition, it is preferable that a thumbnail or the like indicating the configuration of the template is displayed as a selection target on the selection screen.

  As described above, the template includes an area in which the display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit 402 is arranged, and a link button to which a link to the existing help message specified by the related message specifying unit 406 is associated. . For example, use a template in which a band area for arranging link buttons is added to the right side (or the left side) of a band area for arranging display data, or a template in which link buttons are arranged over the band area for arranging display data. Can do. Note that the template is preferably configured such that the link button can be added or deleted, and the link button placement position can be changed. Moreover, it is preferable that the template in which the link button is arranged so as to overlap the band-like region where the display data is arranged can be printed by the image forming unit 140 in a state where the position of the link button can be recognized at least. In this configuration, for example, a help message can be created by a simple procedure in which the user reads help text on the printed template and then causes the image reading unit 120 to read the document. .

  When the user selects an arbitrary template on the template selection screen, the template selection unit 408 acquires the template from the template storage unit 407 and inputs the template to the related message designation unit 406. The related message designation unit 406 displays a link setting screen 901 shown in FIG. 9 on the display 201, requests the user to designate a link destination for each link button included in the template, and sets the input link destination information as a link button. The information is held in association (step S506). When these operations are completed, an acquired image confirmation screen 801 is displayed on the display 201.

  When the user selects the “Register” button 806 on the acquired image confirmation screen 801, the display data acquisition unit 402 notifies the message generation unit 403 to that effect. The message generation unit 403 that has received the notification generates a help message based on the display data held by the display data acquisition unit 402 (step S507). That is, when a link is not specified (No at Steps S503 and S507), the message generation unit 403 generates a help message based on the display data held by the display data acquisition unit 402. When a link is specified without using a template (steps S503 Yes, S504 No, S506, S507), the message generation unit 403 displays the display data held by the display data acquisition unit 402 and the related message specification unit 406 holds. A help message is generated based on the specified information (link destination and link arrangement position). When a link is specified using a template (steps S503 Yes, S504 Yes, S505, S506, S507), the message generation unit 403 holds the display data held by the display data acquisition unit 402 and the related message designation unit 406 holds. A help message is generated based on the template information (the template and the link destination of each link button).

  Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, when a link is specified without using a template, the help message includes a band-like area where display data is arranged and a link added to the right end of the band-like area. (See FIG. 13). The link including the link destination designated by the user is the same height as the placement position designated by the user in the link placement area (position where the designated placement position has been moved to the right to the link placement area). Placed in.

  The message generation unit 403 that has generated the help message as described above inputs the help message to the message registration unit 404.

Receiving the input, the message registration unit 404 requests the user to input the title of the operation button used to call the help message (step S508). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a title input screen displayed on the display 201 by the message registration unit 404 at this time. In this example, the title input screen 1001 includes a title input field 1002, a “keyboard display button” button 1003, a “register” button 1004, and a “cancel” button 1005. The title input field 1002 displays the title when the user inputs the title using the software keyboard displayed on the display 201 or the numeric keypad 210. A “keyboard display button” button 1003 is used to display a software keyboard on the display 201. In this case, the title input field 1002 is displayed at the same time (for example, upward) with the software keyboard.
A “register” button 1004 is used to register a help message with the title input in the title input field 1002. A “cancel” button 1005 is used to cancel the help registration process.

  When the user selects the “Register” button 1004 on the title input screen 1001, the message registration unit 404 registers the help message in the message storage unit 401 in association with the input title (Yes in steps S509 and S510). If the user selects the “Cancel” button 1005, the message registration unit 404 does not register the help message, and the help registration process ends (No in step S509).

  Next, how to use the help message registered as described above will be briefly described. When the user presses the help key 213 on the operation panel 200, the display message selection unit 405 displays a help selection screen on the display 201. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a help selection screen displayed on the display 201 by the display message selection unit 405 at this time. In this example, the help selection screen 1101 includes a button group 1102 used for selecting a category of a help message, and a “return” button 1103 used for canceling the operation and returning to the normal operation screen. In the present embodiment, the help message registered as described above belongs to the category of “original help”.

  When the user selects “original help” on the help selection screen 1101, the display message selection unit 405 displays the original help selection screen on the display 201. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an original help selection screen displayed on the display 201 by the display message selection unit 405 at this time. In this example, the original help selection screen 1201 includes a button group 1202 used to select a help message to be displayed on the display 201, and a “return” button 1203 used to cancel the operation and return to the help selection screen 1101. Prepare.

  When the user selects the “B material pre-distribution” button corresponding to the above-described specific example workflow on the original help selection screen 1201, the display message selection unit 405 displays a help message corresponding to the “B material pre-distribution” button. The data is read from the message storage unit 401 and displayed on the display 201. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a help message screen displayed on the display 201 by the display message selection unit 405 at this time. In this example, the help message screen 1301 includes a message display field 1302 for displaying a help message, and a “return” button 1303 used to cancel the operation and return to the original help selection screen 1201. In this example, a help message including a link button 1304 to “box registration” and a link button 1305 to “e-mail transmission” is displayed in the message display field 1302. When the user selects the link button 1304, the display message selection unit 405 reads a help message corresponding to “box registration” from the message storage unit 401 and displays it on the display 201. When the user selects the link button 1305, the display message selection unit 405 reads a help message corresponding to “e-mail transmission” from the message storage unit 401 and displays it on the display 201. Here, the title registered in advance in the message storage unit 401 is displayed as the title of the link buttons 1304 and 1305. However, the title may be arbitrarily changed by the user. In the example of FIG. 13, the display range of the help message can be moved up and down by a scroll bar provided at the right end of the message display field 1302.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the link button is displayed in the help message display field has been described. However, any configuration can be adopted as long as the help message includes a link. For example, FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of the help message screen. Such a help message screen is stored in the template storage unit 407 as a template. In this example, the help message screen 1401 is arranged outside a message display field 1402 for displaying a help message, a “return” button 1403 used for canceling the operation and returning to the original help selection screen 1201, and the message display field 1402. In addition, a link button 1404 for “box registration” and a link button 1405 for “e-mail transmission” are provided. Even if it is the said structure, there can exist an effect similar to the help message screen 1301 shown in FIG.

  As described above, the multifunction device 100 can display a desired content that matches the user's needs as a help message. Therefore, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to install or post a procedure manual or the like created independently around the multifunction peripheral 100, and the aesthetics of the office or the like is not impaired. Further, since a link can be included in the help message, the existing help message can be referred to through the help message newly registered by the user. As a result, information corresponding to the skill level of the user can be shown in stages, and the convenience of use can be further enhanced. Furthermore, by using the template, the user can easily create a help message that refers to an existing help message. Further, since the display data acquisition unit 402 can acquire the image data read by the image reading unit 120 as display data, a handwritten manuscript can be used, and a help message can be created very easily. it can. Even in a configuration that does not include a template storage unit, a template selection unit, and a related message designation unit, it is possible to obtain an effect that at least desired contents that meet the user's needs can be displayed as a help message.

  The above-described embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various modifications and applications other than those already described are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the description has been made based on an operation through the operation panel of the multifunction device. However, an operation is performed on the multifunction device via an information processing terminal such as a personal computer that is communicably connected to the multifunction device. May be. In this case, the function of the display 201 of the operation panel 200 in the above-described embodiment is provided by display means such as a display and input means such as a keyboard provided in the information processing terminal. This configuration is particularly suitable when, for example, print data is output from the information processing terminal to the multifunction peripheral 100 and a help message is created using the print data.

  Further, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the order of the steps can be appropriately changed within a range where the equivalent action is achieved. For example, the title input step S508 may be performed at any timing before the registration step S510, and the step of selecting a template (S504, S505) is performed after the related message specifying step (S506). It may be broken.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is embodied as a digital multifunction peripheral. However, the present invention is not limited to a digital multifunction peripheral, and the present invention is applied to any electronic apparatus including an arbitrary image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus. It is also possible to do. That is, an effect can be obtained as a help display device.

  In addition, in the above description, the multi-function device that is an electronic device has been described to include a display data acquisition unit, a message generation unit, a display unit, a message storage unit, a display message selection unit, and a message registration unit. The help display system may be configured as a separate unit as appropriate and connected through a network or the like. For example, in the case where the help message generation device including the display data acquisition unit and the message generation unit described above is configured separately from an electronic device including a display unit, a message storage unit, a display message selection unit, and a message registration unit. Even if it exists, the effect similar to the multifunctional device of the said embodiment can be acquired. In such a help display system, for example, a help message generation device can be shared by a plurality of electronic devices.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily understand the content of a help message, or to display a help message about work by a workflow that sequentially uses a plurality of functions. As a help display device, an image forming device, and a help display system, Useful.

100 MFP 200 Operation Panel 201 Display 401 Message Storage Unit 402 Display Data Acquisition Unit 403 Message Generation Unit 404 Message Registration Unit 405 Display Message Selection Unit 406 Related Message Specification Unit 407 Template Storage Unit 408 Template Selection Unit

Claims (5)

A help display device for displaying a help message,
A display for displaying a help message;
A message storage unit for storing a help message;
A display data acquisition unit for newly acquiring display data to be displayed as a help message;
A message generation unit for generating a help message including display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit;
A message registration unit for registering the help message generated by the message generation unit in the message storage unit;
A display message selection unit for selecting a help message to be displayed on the display unit from help messages stored in the message storage unit;
A help display device comprising: A related message designating unit for designating an existing help message stored in the message storage unit, which is associated with the display data obtained by the display data obtaining unit;
The help display according to claim 1, wherein the message generating unit generates a help message including display data acquired by the display data acquiring unit and a link to an existing help message specified by the related message specifying unit. apparatus. A template storage unit for storing a template including an area for arranging the display data and a link button associated with a link to the existing help message;
A template selection unit for selecting a template used when the help message generation unit generates a help message from templates stored in the template storage unit;
The help display device according to claim 2, further comprising: The help display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image reading device for reading an image of a document;
With
The display data acquisition unit is an image forming apparatus that acquires image data read by the image reading apparatus as the display data. A help display system applied to an electronic device having a function of displaying a help message,
A display data acquisition unit for newly acquiring display data to be displayed as a help message,
A message generation unit that generates a help message including display data acquired by the display data acquisition unit;
A help message generating device comprising:
A display for displaying help messages,
A message storage for storing help messages,
A display message selection unit for selecting a help message to be displayed on the display unit from help messages stored in the message storage unit;
A message registration unit for registering the help message generated by the help message generation device in the message storage unit;
An electronic device comprising:
A help display system.

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