JP2017039317A - Data processing apparatus, setting information management method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve availability of setting information even when a mode transitions to a power saving mode.SOLUTION: An MFP 1 has a power saving mode for implementing at least either stop or reduction of supply of electric power to each principal part, an input screen is displayed on an operation panel 27 of an operation unit 20, and setting information is input to the input screen. A CPU 11 stores the input setting information in a hard disk 14 as long as a detection unit 18 detects an operator when a power saving transition condition is satisfied and the MFP transitions to the power saving mode and the detection unit detects the operator even in the power saving mode. The CPU 11 reflects the setting information in the hard disk 14 on the input screen of the operation panel 27 when the MFP returns to a normal power mode from the power saving mode. However, when the detection unit 18 stops detecting the operator, the CPU 11 rewrites the setting information in the hard disk 14 to default information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a data processing device, a setting information management method, and a program, and more particularly, to a data processing device, a setting information management method, and a program that perform data processing based on setting information.

  In a data processing device that performs data processing on the data to be processed based on the setting information that has been set and input, for example, in a copying machine, a composite machine, a computer, etc., setting is made from a UI (User Interface) such as an operation display unit. Information is entered and set.

  On the other hand, in recent years, data processing apparatuses have a power saving mode in order to save power. For example, when a state in which an input operation is not performed for a certain waiting time occurs, the data processing apparatus shifts to a power saving mode in which power supply to each unit is cut off or reduced.

  The conventional data processing apparatus having such a power saving mode discards the setting information in the middle of input when the user interrupts the input operation for a predetermined time while inputting the setting information. Then, it was supposed to shift to the power saving mode.

  Therefore, when the user returns the data processing apparatus from the power saving mode in an attempt to continue the setting, the setting information input halfway is erased, and it is necessary to input the setting information again from the beginning. There was a problem of being bad.

  In the conventional image processing apparatus, the detection unit for detecting a human body, the authentication unit for user authentication, and the user authentication by the authentication unit shifts to the logon state by the authenticated user from the operation unit. Control means for accepting the operation of the image processing apparatus, the control means, in the logon state, when the detection state of the detection means has changed from detection to non-detection, while maintaining the state of the image processing apparatus, An image for prohibiting operations other than the authentication while requesting authentication by the authentication means, and returning the image processing apparatus to the held state when a currently logged-in user is authenticated in response to the authentication request A processing apparatus has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  That is, this prior art holds the state of the image processing apparatus when the user enters the non-detection state in the logon state, and allows the user authentication only, and maintains the state when the user authentication is normally performed. Has returned to.

  However, the prior art described in the above publication does not consider the saving of the setting information when shifting to the power saving mode, and improves the usability of the setting information when returning from the power saving mode. There was a need for improvement.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the usability of setting information even when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode.

  In order to achieve the above object, the data processing apparatus according to claim 1 is a data processing apparatus having a power saving mode for performing at least one of stopping and reducing power supply to each main part, wherein Display means for displaying and outputting an input screen for setting information relating to the operation of the data processing apparatus, setting information input means for setting and inputting the setting information in accordance with the input screen, and information for storing stored contents even in the power saving mode The storage means and the power source power mode are shifted to the power saving mode when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined return condition is satisfied, the power saving mode is changed to the normal power mode capable of normal operation. Mode control means for returning, and input from the setting information input means when the mode control means shifts the power source power mode to the power saving mode Setting information management that causes the setting information stored in the information storage means to be reflected in the input screen of the display means when the power saving mode is restored to the normal power mode. And means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability of the setting information even when shifting to the power saving mode.

1 is an example of a block diagram of an MFP to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. 1 is an example of a software configuration diagram of an MFP. FIG. 6 is an example of another block configuration diagram of an MFP. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of an MFP. An example of the flowchart figure which shows a setting information management process. An example of a functional block diagram of an MFP (second embodiment). An example (Example 2) of the flowchart figure which shows a setting information management process. An example of an operation reset confirmation screen.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The range of this invention is unduly limited by the following description. However, not all the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

  1 to 5 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a data processing apparatus, a setting information management method, and a program according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a data processing apparatus, a setting information management method, and a program according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 1 to which an example is applied.

  In FIG. 1, the MFP 1 includes a main body unit 10 and an operation unit 20, and the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 are connected by a communication path 2. As the communication path 2, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard communication path, a wired or wireless communication path of any standard can be used.

  The main body 10 is a part that executes basic functions of the MFP 1, such as a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, and a facsimile function, and the operation unit 20 receives various commands by a user (operator) operation and is necessary. It is a part that outputs various information. The main body 10 operates based on the setting information received by the operation unit 20, but also operates based on setting information from an external device such as a connected computer.

  The main unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a hard disk (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 14, a communication I / F 15, a connection I / F 16, an engine. Unit 17 and detection unit 18. Each part of the main body 10 is connected by a bus 19.

  The ROM 12 stores a basic program for the main body 10 of the MFP 1, a program such as a program for the setting information management method of the present invention, and necessary system data.

  The RAM 13 is used as a work memory of the CPU 11 and is used for program development, temporary storage of data, development of image data, and the like.

  Based on the program in the ROM 12, the CPU 11 uses the RAM 13 as a work memory to control each part of the MFP 1, particularly each part of the main body 10, and executes basic functions as the MFP 1. Further, the CPU 11 executes a setting information management method for storing and managing setting information even in the power saving mode based on the program of the setting information management method of the present invention stored in the ROM 12.

  The hard disk 14 writes and reads image data to be processed under the control of the CPU 11. The MFP 1 may store the basic program and the setting information management method program of the present invention in the hard disk 14. However, in the following description, the MFP 1 is assumed to be stored in the ROM 12. In particular, the hard disk 14 stores setting information input from the operation unit 20.

  The communication I / F 15 is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and performs communication with other MFPs and external devices such as computers on the network.

  The connection I / F 16 is connected to the operation unit 20 via the communication path 2, and exchanges signals and information with the operation unit 20 under the control of the CPU 11.

  The engine unit 17 is a scanner unit that scans and reads an image of a document, a printer unit that prints an image on a sheet material such as paper by an appropriate printing method (inkjet method, electrophotographic method, etc.), a facsimile unit that performs facsimile communication, and the like It has. The engine unit 17 is a finisher that performs post-processing such as sorting processing and punching processing on a sheet material that has been printed by the printer unit, an ADF (automatic document feeder) that automatically feeds a document to a reading position of the scanner unit, and the like. Optional units may be provided. The engine unit 17 executes various single functions such as a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like, and functions of the MFP 1 as each MFP.

  The detection unit 18 includes, for example, an LED as a light emitting element, a phototransistor as a light receiving element, and the like, detects the presence or absence of a human body as a detection object, and outputs the detection result to the CPU 11. In addition, as LED of the detection part 18, infrared LED is used from the human body detection performance, and the presence or absence and direction of the user (operator) of the predetermined range from the installation position of the detection part 18 are detected.

  The operation unit 20 includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, flash memory 24, communication I / F 25, connection I / F 26, operation panel 27, and the like.

  The ROM 22 stores a basic operation program for realizing basic functions as the operation unit 20 and necessary system data.

  The CPU 21 executes processing as the operation unit 20 by controlling each unit of the operation unit 20 using the RAM 23 as a work memory based on a program in the ROM 22.

  The RAM 23 develops a program in the ROM 22, temporarily stores input data input from the operation panel 27, and temporarily stores display data displayed on the operation panel.

  Similar to the RAM 23, the flash memory 24 performs program expansion, temporary storage of input data input from the operation panel 27, and temporary storage of display data displayed on the operation panel.

  The communication I / F 25 is wired and wirelessly connected to an external operation terminal (for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like), and exchanges operation data and display data with the external operation terminal.

  The connection I / F 26 is connected to the connection I / F 16 of the main body 10 through the communication path 2, and exchanges signals and information such as operation information and display information with the main body 10.

  The operation panel 27 includes various hard keys and a display panel necessary for operating the MFP 1. As the display panel, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel with a touch panel is used. The operation panel 27 displays, for example, a setting screen (input screen) for setting the operation of the MFP 1 on the display panel under the control of the CPU 21, and the user can perform a touch operation on the display panel according to the display of the input screen. The setting information is entered by operating the hard key. Note that the display panel of the operation panel 27 is not limited to an LCD with a touch panel, and may be, for example, an organic EL display panel with a touch panel function or a display panel without a touch panel function.

  The CPU 21 transmits the setting information input on the input screen of the operation panel 27 to the main body 10 via the connection I / F 26 and the communication path 2, and the main body 10 receives the setting information sent by the CPU 11. Is stored in the hard disk 14.

  The MFP 1 has a software configuration as shown in FIG. The main body 10 includes an OS (Operating System) layer 31, a service layer 32, an application layer 33, and a detection layer 34. The operation unit 20 includes an OS layer 41, a service layer 42, and an application layer 43. The communication I / F 25 is connected.

  In the MFP 1, the main unit 10 and the operation unit 20 are connected via a communication path 2. In FIG. 2, the main body 10 is connected to a network 50 such as a LAN, and a wireless LAN AP (access point) 51 is connected to the network 50. Such a configuration is not essential in the present invention. In the case of FIG. 2, the wireless LAN AP 51 connected to the main body unit 10 via the network 50 performs wireless communication with a wireless device connected to the communication I / F 25.

  The OS layer 31, the service layer 32, and the application layer 33 of the main body 10 are constructed by various software stored in the ROM 12, the hard disk 14, etc., and the detection layer 34 is constructed by the detection unit 18.

  The main body 10 provides various functions by the CPU 11 executing these software.

  The software of the application layer 33 is application software (hereinafter simply referred to as an application) for operating a hardware resource of the main body unit 10 to provide a predetermined function. For example, the application includes a copy application that provides a copy function, a scanner application that provides a scanner function, a facsimile application that provides a facsimile function, a printer application that provides a printer function, and the like.

  The software of the service layer 32 is software that is interposed between the application layer 33 and the OS layer 31 and provides an interface for using hardware resources of the main body unit 10 for the application. Specifically, the service layer 32 provides functions for receiving operation requests for hardware resources and arbitrating operation requests. The service layer 32 accepts an operation request such as document reading by the scanner unit or image printing by the printer unit.

  The interface function by the service layer 32 is provided not only to the application layer 33 of the main body unit 10 but also to the application layer 43 of the operation unit 20. That is, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2, the application layer 43 of the operation unit 20 also realizes a function using hardware resources (for example, the engine unit 17) of the main body unit 10 through the interface function of the service layer 32. can do.

  The software of the OS layer 31 is basic software (operating system) for providing a basic function for controlling hardware included in the main body unit 10. The software of the service layer 32 converts the use request of the hardware resource from various applications into a command interpretable by the OS layer 31 and passes it to the OS layer 31. When the software of the OS layer 31 executes a command from the service layer 32, the hardware resource performs an operation according to the request of the application.

  The detection layer 34 detects a user within a predetermined range and notifies the service layer 32 of detection information.

  The operation unit 20 includes an OS layer 41, a service layer 42, and an application layer 43, and the hierarchical structure of these layers is the same as that on the main body unit 10 side. However, the functions provided by the applications in the application layer 43 and the types of operation requests that can be accepted by the service layer 42 are different from those on the main body 10 side. The application of the application layer 43 may be software for operating a hardware resource included in the operation unit 20 to provide a predetermined function, but mainly includes a function (copy function, scanner function, facsimile) included in the main body unit 10. This is software for providing a UI (user interface) function for performing operations and display related to functions and printer functions.

  As an application of the application layer 43 of the operation unit 20, a printer application that provides a UI function for performing an operation and display related to a printer function, a copy application that provides a UI function for performing an operation and display related to a copy function, A fax application or the like that provides a UI function for performing operations and display related to the fax function is not limited thereto.

  In the present embodiment, the software of the OS layer 31 of the main body unit 10 and the software of the OS layer 41 of the operation unit 20 are different from each other in order to maintain the independence of functions. That is, the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 operate independently of each other with different operating systems. For example, it is possible to use Linux (registered trademark) as the software of the OS layer 31 of the main unit 10 and Android (registered trademark) as the software of the OS layer 41 of the operation unit 20.

  As described above, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 operate on different operating systems. Therefore, communication between the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 is a process in a common apparatus. This is not communication between devices but communication between different devices. The operation (command communication) for transmitting the input (instruction content from the user) received by the operation unit 20 to the main body unit 10 and the operation for the main body unit 10 notifying the operation unit 20 of an event correspond to this. Here, the function of the main body 10 can be used when the operation unit 20 performs command communication to the main body 10. The event notified from the main unit 10 to the operation unit 20 includes the execution status of the operation in the main unit 10 and the contents set on the main unit 10 side.

  In the MFP 1 of this embodiment, power is supplied to the operation unit 20 from the main unit 10 via the communication path 2, and the power control of the operation unit 20 is performed separately from the power control of the main unit 10. Can be done (independently). The MFP 1 includes a power source power unit in the main body unit 10, and supplies necessary power power from the power source power unit to the operation unit 20 via the main body unit 10 and the main body unit 10. The MFP 1 also has a power saving mode in which at least one of the stop and reduction of the supply of power to main components is implemented. Under the control of the CPU 11, the MFP 1 shifts to a power saving mode when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied. In the power saving mode, when a predetermined return condition occurs, the MFP 1 returns to a normal power mode in which normal operation is possible. To do. The power saving transition condition is, for example, that there is no operation request operation or an operation request command input from an external device during a preset standby time. The return condition is an operation request operation, an input of an operation request command from an external device, or the like.

  In the MFP 1 of this embodiment, the configuration of the operation unit 20 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, as illustrated in FIG. The structure provided only with F26 may be sufficient.

  In this case, since the operation unit 60 does not include a CPU, the operation panel 27 displays and outputs the display data received by the connection I / F 26 from the main body unit 10 on the display panel. In addition, the operation panel 27 transmits the operation content received with the operation keys and the function buttons on the touch panel of the display panel to the main body unit 10 via the connection I / F 26.

  The MFP 1 includes a ROM, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM, a flash memory, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), and a DVD (Digital Versatile). A program for executing the setting information management method of the present invention recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a disk (USB), a universal serial bus (USB) memory, a secure digital (SD) card, or a magneto-optical disc (MO). Is read and installed in the ROM 12 or the hard disk 14 to construct a data processing apparatus that executes a setting information management method that improves the usability of setting information even when the mode is shifted to a power saving mode to be described later. The program for executing this setting information management method is a computer-executable program written in a legacy programming language such as assembler, C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), an object-oriented programming language, or the like. It can be stored in a medium and distributed.

  In the MFP 1, a function block as shown in FIG. 4 is constructed by introducing a program for executing the setting information management method. That is, the MFP 1 introduces the program, and as shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 71, the setting information input unit 72, the information storage unit 73, the setting information management unit 74, the mode control unit 75, and the operator detection Part 76 is constructed.

  The display unit 71 is constructed by the display panel of the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20, and displays and outputs an input screen for setting information related to the operation of the MFP 1 serving as the data processing apparatus. Therefore, the display unit 71 functions as a display unit.

  The setting information input unit 72 is constructed by the keys of the operation unit 20, the touch panel of the display panel, and the like, and setting information is set and input according to the input screen. Accordingly, the setting information input unit 72 functions as setting information input means.

  The information storage unit 73 is constructed by the hard disk 14. The information storage unit 73 stores the stored contents even in the power saving mode, and particularly stores the setting information set and input on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. Therefore, the information storage unit 73 functions as information storage means.

  The mode control unit 75 is constructed by the CPU 11. The mode control unit 75 shifts the power source power mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined return condition is satisfied, the normal power mode capable of normal operation from the power saving mode. Return to. This power saving mode is a power mode for stopping or reducing the supply of power to main components of the MFP 1. Therefore, the mode control unit 75 functions as mode control means.

  The setting information management unit 74 is constructed by the CPU 11. The setting information management unit 74 stores the setting information input from the setting information input unit 72 in the information storage unit 73 when the mode control unit 75 shifts the power supply power mode to the power saving mode. The setting information management unit 74 reflects the setting information in the information storage unit 73 on the input screen of the display unit 71 when returning from the power saving mode to the normal power mode. Therefore, the setting information management unit 74 functions as setting information management means.

  The operator detection unit 76 is constructed by the detection unit 18 and detects whether or not the user (operator) is within a predetermined range of the MFP 1 that is the data processing apparatus. Therefore, the operator detection unit 76 functions as an operator detection unit. In this case, the setting information management unit 74 stores predetermined initial setting information (in the information storage unit 73) when the operator detection unit 76 does not detect the operator when shifting to the power saving mode or during the power saving mode. Store default screen information). In addition, the setting information management unit 74 inputs from the setting information input unit 72 to the information storage unit 73 when the operator detection unit 76 is detecting an operator when shifting to the power saving mode and during the power saving mode. Store the configured information.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The MFP 1 of this embodiment improves the usability of the setting information even when shifting to the power saving mode.

  In other words, the MFP 1 includes a power saving mode in which at least one of stopping and reducing the supply of power to the main units is performed when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied as the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, the MFP 1 returns from the power saving mode to the normal power mode in which the normal operation can be performed when a predetermined return condition is satisfied.

  Further, the MFP 1 displays an input screen for instructing operation setting contents in the printer operation, the copy operation, the scanner operation, and the like on the display panel of the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20, and the hard keys of the operation panel 27 and the touch panel of the display panel. Setting information can be set by operation.

  During the setting information setting operation, if for some reason the setting input operation by the user satisfies the power saving transition condition, the mode control unit 75 shifts the power source power mode of the MFP 1 to the power saving mode.

  Conventionally, in a data processing apparatus such as the MFP 1, when the setting information is shifted to the power saving mode in the middle of inputting the setting information, the setting information being input is deleted, and when returning from the power saving mode, the setting information is input again from the beginning. There was a problem that usability was poor.

  Therefore, even if the MFP 1 of this embodiment shifts to the power saving mode in the middle of inputting the setting information, the input setting information is stored in the information storage unit 73, and when the MFP 1 returns to the normal power mode, the display unit 71 The setting information of the information storage unit 73 is reflected on the input screen. Further, in order to maintain confidentiality of the setting information, the MFP 1 notifies the information storage unit 73 that the operator detection unit 76 does not detect the operator when shifting to the power saving mode or during the power saving mode. Store the initial setting information. Further, the MFP 1 sets the setting information input from the setting information input unit 72 to the information storage unit 73 when the operator detection unit 76 is detecting the operator when shifting to the power saving mode and during the power saving mode. Keep.

  When the MFP 1 shifts to the power saving mode in the middle of inputting the setting information from the setting information input unit 72, the MFP 1 performs setting information management processing shown in FIG.

  In other words, the MFP 1 displays an input screen on the display unit 71, and the setting information management unit 74 sets the mode control unit 75 to the power saving mode while the setting information is input from the setting information input unit 72. It is checked whether or not it is determined to shift (step S101). That is, the setting information management unit 74 checks whether the mode control unit 75 determines that the power saving mode is satisfied and the mode is changed to the power saving mode.

  When the process does not shift to the power saving mode in step S101 (NO in step S101), the setting information management unit 74 performs normal operation processing (step S102), and the mode control unit 75 again performs the power saving mode. It is checked whether or not to move to (step S101). This normal operation process is an operation process such as a reception operation process for an input operation of setting information from the setting information input unit 72.

  When shifting to the power saving mode in step S101 (YES in step S101), the setting information management unit 74 checks whether the operator detection unit 76 detects a user (operator) (step S103). .

  If the operator detection unit 76 detects a user in step S103 (YES in step S103), the setting information management unit 74 uses the setting information input by the setting information input unit 72 as the information storage unit 73. And the flag is turned on (step S104). This flag is a flag for instructing that the input setting information input and stored in the information storage unit 73 is read from the information storage unit 73 and reflected on the input screen of the display unit 71 when ON. . When the flag is off, the flag instructs the input screen of the display unit 71 to reflect the default screen.

  In step S103, if the operator detection unit 76 does not detect the user (NO in step S103), the default screen information (initial setting information) is stored in the information storage unit 73, and the flag is turned OFF. Setting is performed (step S105).

  Next, the setting information management unit 74 checks whether the mode control unit 75 satisfies the return condition and returns from the power saving mode to the normal power mode (step S106).

  When the process does not shift to the power saving mode in step S106 (NO in step S106), the setting information management unit 74 checks whether the operator detection unit 76 detects the user (step S107).

  If a user is detected in step S107 (YES in step S107), the setting information management unit 74 determines that the user who has input the setting information is near the MFP 1, and turns on the flag. (Step S108), and the process proceeds to Step S106.

  If no user is detected in step S107 (NO in step S107), the setting information management unit 74 turns off the flag (step S109). Next, the setting information management unit 74 stores the information on the default screen as the information on the input screen (step S110), returns to step S106, and confirms whether or not the power saving mode is restored (step S106).

  If it is not a return from the power saving mode in step S106, the setting information management unit 74 repeatedly performs the above processing (steps S107 to S110). However, once the setting information management unit 74 turns off the flag and saves the default screen, the setting information management unit 74 does not turn on the flag even if the operator detection unit 76 detects the operator thereafter.

  If it is a return from the power saving mode in step S106 (YES in step S106), the setting information management unit 74 reads the setting information corresponding to ON / OFF of the flag from the information storage unit 73 and displays it. It is reflected on the input screen of the panel (step S111).

  Accordingly, when the user is in the predetermined range of the MFP 1 when shifting to the power saving mode and the user is in the predetermined range even during the power saving mode, the setting information management unit 74 subsequently returns from the power saving mode. The setting information in the middle of input is reflected on the input screen of the display panel. As a result, the user can perform setting input of setting information from the middle of the input, and the usability can be improved.

  In addition, when the user is not in the predetermined range of the MFP 1 at the time of shifting to the power saving mode or when there is no user in the predetermined range during the power saving mode, the setting information management unit 74 subsequently returns from the power saving mode. The default setting information is reflected on the input screen of the display panel. As a result, it is possible to prevent the setting information input by the user halfway from being leaked, and to ensure confidentiality.

  In the first embodiment, the MFP 1 that protects the setting information that the user has input halfway when shifting to the power saving mode has been described. In contrast, the MFP 1 may have an operation reset function using a timer (hereinafter referred to as an operation reset timer). The operation reset function refers to a function for returning the input screen of the display panel to default setting information when the operation reset timer detects that an input operation is not performed for a certain waiting time. The default setting information is predetermined setting information, which is setting information displayed in a state in which no operation is performed by the user immediately after the screen is displayed. The default setting information may be referred to as initial setting information. Default setting information is determined for each screen.

  Therefore, even if the user is within the predetermined range from the MFP 1, in a situation where the operation is interrupted for some reason, the operation reset function by the operation reset timer may be activated, and the setting information set halfway by the user disappears. There was a problem.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the user is within a predetermined range from the MFP 1 when the operation reset function by the operation reset timer is activated, the setting information input by the user halfway is not activated without operating the operation reset function by the operation reset timer. The MFP 1 that continuously displays as it is will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the components denoted by the same reference numerals in the description of the first embodiment perform similar functions, and therefore, only the main components of the present embodiment may be mainly described. For example, in the present embodiment, the function of the MFP 1 will be described using the block diagram of the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, the software configuration diagram of the MFP 1 in FIG. 2, and another block configuration diagram of the MFP 1 in FIG. To do.

  In the MFP 1 of this embodiment, a function block as shown in FIG. 6 is constructed by introducing a program for executing the setting information management method. That is, the MFP 1 introduces the program, and as shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 71, the setting information input unit 72, the information storage unit 73, the setting information management unit 74, the operation reset unit 77, and the operator detection Part 76 is constructed.

  The operation reset unit 77 (one mode of the operation reset unit) is constructed by the CPU 11. When the operation reset timer expires, the operation reset unit 77 discards the user setting information received by the setting information input unit 72 and causes the display unit 71 to display a default screen based on the default setting information (hereinafter, this Such processing is called “operation reset”). That is, the setting information input by the user is discarded and a predetermined screen is displayed. A specific example of the operation reset will be described later.

  Originally, the operation reset function makes it easy for another user to set the setting information when another user operates the MFP 1 after leaving the MFP 1 in the middle of setting the setting information (the set number of copies). Etc.) so that there is no remaining. Or it is a function for protecting the setting information of the previous user who set the setting information halfway from another user.

  However, if there is a user who has set the setting information halfway around the MFP 1, the operability may be lowered if the operation reset unit 77 resets the setting information. Therefore, when the operation reset unit 77 resets the operation, the setting information management unit 74 checks whether or not the operator detection unit 76 has detected the user. Allow reset.

  When the user is detected, the setting information management unit 74 causes the display unit 71 to display an operation reset confirmation screen. The setting information input unit 72 receives an input from the user of Yes or No on the operation reset confirmation screen and notifies the setting information management unit 74 of the input. The setting information management unit 74 permits the operation reset unit 77 to reset the operation when the user inputs “Yes”. When the user inputs No, the operation reset unit 77 sets the operation reset timer, and thus the time until the operation is reset is counted again.

  In this way, since the MFP 1 is inquired whether the operation can be reset before the operation reset function is activated, it is possible to prevent the setting information set halfway by the user from being reset without the user's permission.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart showing the setting information management process of this embodiment. The process of FIG. 7 starts when a new screen is displayed in accordance with a user operation. That is, the display unit 71 notifies the setting information management unit 74 that a new screen has been displayed, and the setting information management unit 74 notifies the operation reset unit 77. The operation reset unit 77 starts the process of the operation reset function.

  First, the operation reset unit 77 sets an operation reset timer (S10). That is, the measurement of the reset time until the operation is reset is started. The reset time is a threshold time for determining whether or not there is a possibility of being operated continuously. Note that the reset time until the operation reset timer expires may be constant, may vary depending on the screen, or may be changed according to repeated display on the same screen. The operation reset timer may be constructed by software or may be implemented by hardware. The processing in FIG. 7 will be described as being constructed by software.

  Next, the operation reset unit 77 determines whether or not the setting information input unit 72 has received a user operation (S20). Since the setting information input unit 72 notifies the setting information management unit 74 that the user's operation has been accepted, the operation reset unit 77 can detect the presence or absence of the operation.

  When operated (Yes in S20), the operation reset unit 77 sets an operation reset timer to count the reset time from the beginning (S10).

  When the operation is not performed (No in S20), the operation reset unit 77 performs a time measurement process of the operation reset timer (S30). That is, the elapsed time from the setting of the operation reset timer is counted. The operation reset timer may be a count-up type or a count-down type.

  Next, the operation reset unit 77 determines whether or not the operation reset timer has expired (S40).

  If the time has not expired (No in S40), the process returns to step S20, and the operation reset unit 77 continues to monitor whether or not it has been operated.

  When the time is up (Yes in S40), the operation reset unit 77 determines whether or not the operator detection unit 76 has detected the user when the time is up (S50). That is, the setting information management unit 74 is inquired as to whether or not the operator detection unit 76 has detected the user.

  When the user is not detected (No in S50), it is determined that there is no possibility of continuing the operation, and the operation reset unit 77 resets the operation (S80). That is, it requests the setting information management unit 74 to reset the operation. Thereby, since the screen is newly displayed, the processing after step S10 is started.

  When the user is detected (Yes in S50), it is determined that there is a possibility that the operation is continued, and the operation reset unit 77 displays an operation reset confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the operation can be reset. It is displayed on the unit 71 (S60). That is, the operation reset unit 77 requests the setting information management unit 74 to display a pop-up screen for confirming whether or not the operation reset may be performed on the currently displayed setting screen. The operation reset confirmation screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user inputs an operation for resetting the operation (Yes in S70), the operation resetting unit 77 resets the operation (S80). That is, it requests the setting information management unit 74 to reset the operation. Thereby, since the screen is newly displayed, the processing after step S10 is started.

  When the user operates not to reset the operation (No in S70), the operation reset unit 77 sets an operation reset timer to count the reset time from the beginning (S10). Accordingly, if there is setting information set up to that point, the reset time is counted from the beginning while keeping it. The operation reset unit 77 requests the setting information management unit 74 to erase the operation reset confirmation screen.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation reset confirmation screen. The operation reset confirmation screen 501 in FIG. 8 shows an example in which the operation reset confirmation screen 501 is displayed in a pop-up state in a state where the user has set the resolution that is one of the scanning conditions for the scanner function. The operation reset confirmation screen 501 has a message 502 “Do you want to reset the operation”, a Yes button 503 and a No button 504.

  When the Yes button 503 is pressed, the operation reset unit 77 discards the setting information that has been set halfway as the scanning condition for the scanner function, and displays the default screen together with the default setting information. When the No button 504 is pressed, the operation reset unit 77 deletes the operation reset confirmation screen 501 and counts the reset time from the beginning. Therefore, when the user explicitly inputs that the setting information can be discarded, the setting information can be discarded and the default setting information or the default screen can be displayed.

  Thus, when the user is detected when there is no reset time and no operation, the operation is not reset, and when the user is not detected, the operation is reset. Therefore, the operability is unlikely to deteriorate for the user who is operating. In addition, when another user operates the MFP 1, there is a high possibility that the default screen is displayed together with the default setting information. Therefore, it is easy to set the setting information when another user operates the MFP 1. Furthermore, it is easy to prevent another user from acquiring the setting information of the previous user who has set the setting information halfway.

  Next, a specific example of operation reset will be described. The operation reset is a general term for a function for resetting an operation up to the middle, and there are various modes for specific operations to be reset. Accordingly, the default setting information and the default screen can also differ depending on the operation reset function. That is, what the default setting information and the default screen are when the operation reset function is activated differs depending on the function of the MFP 1 operated by the user.

  As an example, the operation reset function includes a priority application transfer function, a reservation list screen transfer function, an auto logout function, and various application auto reset functions. The contents of each function and the default screen are as follows.

(i) Priority application transition function The priority application transition function is a function that preferentially displays a specific application screen when there is no reset time or operation while a screen of an arbitrary application is displayed. For example, when there is no reset time or operation during operation of a scanner application (an application for setting scanner function setting information), the copy application screen is preferentially displayed.

(ii) Reservation list screen transfer function The reservation list screen transfer function is a function that closes the job list screen when there is no reset time or operation during the display of the reserved job list screen. The default screen is a screen that accepts an operation for displaying a job list.

(iii) Auto logout function The auto logout function is a function that automatically logs out the user when there is no reset time or operation after the user logs in. For example, a login screen is displayed as the default screen.

(iv) Various application auto-reset function Various application auto-reset function resets the setting information set halfway if there is no reset time or operation while the screen of any application is displayed, and the top of the displayed application This is a function to display the screen. The top screen is a screen that is displayed first among several screens, although some screens may change in one application in the process of setting the setting conditions.

  Thus, although the default setting information and the default screen that are displayed are different, the operation conditions of any operation reset function are described in the process of the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the MFP 1 can reset the screen displayed by the user or the operation being operated, and appropriate default setting information and the default screen can be displayed.

  <Summary>

  As described above, the MFP 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a power saving mode in which at least one of the stop and reduction of power supply to the main units is performed, and the display unit that displays and outputs the setting information input screen related to the operation of the MFP 1. (Display means) 71, a setting information input section (setting information input means) 72 for setting and inputting the setting information according to the input screen, and an information storage section (information storage) for storing stored contents even in the power saving mode Means) 73 and the power source power mode is shifted to the power saving mode when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied, and a normal power mode in which normal operation is possible from the power saving mode when the predetermined return condition is satisfied. A mode control unit (mode control means) 75 for returning to the power supply mode, and when the mode control unit 75 shifts the power source power mode to the power saving mode, the setting information When the setting information input from the input unit 72 is stored in the information storage unit 73 and is returned from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, the setting information in the information storage unit 73 is stored in the display unit 71. A setting information management unit (setting information management means) 74 to be reflected on the input screen.

  Therefore, even if the mode is shifted to the power saving mode in the middle of inputting the setting information, the input setting information can be stored and the setting information can be reflected on the input screen when returning to the normal power mode. As a result, the availability of the setting information can be improved even when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode.

  In addition, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment has a power saving mode in which at least one of the stop and reduction of power supply to each main unit is implemented, and the setting information input screen regarding the operation of the MFP 1 is displayed and output to the display unit 71. A display processing step, a setting information input processing step in which the setting information is set and input in accordance with the input screen, an information storage processing step for storing stored contents in the information storage unit 73 even in the power saving mode, and a power supply power mode. Mode control processing step for shifting to the power saving mode when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied, and returning to the normal power mode in which the normal operation can be performed from the power saving mode when the predetermined return condition is satisfied. The setting information input processing step is performed when the power control mode is shifted to the power saving mode in the mode control processing step. When the setting information input in the step is stored in the information storage unit 73 in the information storage processing step and the normal power mode is returned from the power saving mode, the setting information in the information storage unit 73 is displayed in the display mode. A setting information management method including setting information management processing steps to be reflected on the input screen of the unit 71 is executed.

  Therefore, even if the mode is shifted to the power saving mode in the middle of inputting the setting information, the input setting information can be stored and the setting information can be reflected on the input screen when returning to the normal power mode. As a result, the availability of the setting information can be improved even when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode.

  Furthermore, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment includes a power saving mode for executing at least one of stopping and reducing power supply to each main unit, and a control processor such as the CPU 11 has a setting information input screen regarding the operation of the MFP 1. Display processing for display output on the display unit 71, setting information input processing for setting and inputting the setting information in accordance with the input screen, and information storage processing for storing stored contents in the information storage unit 73 even in the power saving mode When the predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied, the power supply mode is shifted to the power saving mode, and when the predetermined return condition is satisfied, the mode is restored from the power saving mode to the normal power mode capable of normal operation. Input in the setting information input process when the power supply power mode is shifted to the power saving mode in the control process and the mode control process. When the setting information stored in the information storage unit 73 is stored in the information storage process and the normal power mode is restored from the power saving mode, the input screen of the display unit 71 displays the setting information in the information storage unit 73. The setting information management process to be reflected in the program is executed and the program is installed.

  Therefore, even if the setting information is shifted to the power saving mode in the middle of inputting the setting information, the inputted setting information is stored in the information storage unit 73, and the setting information is reflected on the input screen when returning to the normal power mode. Can do. As a result, the availability of the setting information can be improved even when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode.

  The MFP 1 of this embodiment further includes an operator detection unit (operator detection unit) 76 that detects whether or not the operator is within a predetermined range of the MFP 1, and the setting information management unit 74 includes the saving information. When the operator detection unit 76 does not detect the operator during the transition to the power mode or during the power saving mode, the information storage unit 73 stores predetermined initial setting information (default information), When the operator detection unit 76 is detecting the operator during the transition to the power saving mode and during the power saving mode, the setting information input from the setting information input unit 72 is stored in the information storage. Store in part 73.

  Therefore, the input setting information is stored in the information storage unit 73 only when the operator (user) who is inputting the setting information is near the MFP 1, and when the operator leaves the MFP 1, the initial setting information is stored as information. Store in the storage unit 73. As a result, it is possible to prevent setting information that has been set and input from leaking to others, and to improve the usability of the setting information.

  Further, in the MFP 1 of this embodiment, a main body unit 10 that performs various operation processes and an operation unit (operation display unit) 20 are connected by a communication path (predetermined communication means) 2, and the main body unit 10 includes the information The storage unit 73, the mode control unit 75, and the setting information management unit 74 are provided, and the operation unit 20 includes the display unit 71 and the setting information input unit 72.

  Accordingly, the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 can be operated using different OSs, and the versatility of the system configuration can be expanded to improve the usability.

  Further, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment performs image processing as the data processing based on the setting information set and input from the setting information input unit 72.

  Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to image processing apparatuses such as a composite apparatus, a copying apparatus, a printer apparatus, and a scanner apparatus that perform image processing based on setting information.

  Further, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment includes a display unit 71 (display unit) that displays and outputs a setting information input screen relating to the operation of the data processing apparatus, and a setting information input unit that receives the setting information setting according to the input screen ( Setting information input means) 72, an operator detection unit (operator detection means) 76 for detecting whether or not the operator is within a predetermined range of the data processing device, a threshold time after a predetermined screen is displayed, An operation reset unit (operation reset unit) 77 that discards the setting information when the setting information input unit does not accept an operation, and when the threshold time elapses, the operator detection unit When the operator is detected, the operation reset means does not discard the setting information, and the operator detection means does not detect the operator when the threshold time has elapsed. The operating reset means discards the setting information.

  Therefore, when there is a user around the MFP 1, the setting information is not discarded, so that the operability is hardly lowered.

  Further, in the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, when the operator detection unit detects the operator when the threshold time has elapsed, the operation reset unit determines whether or not to discard the setting information. When the operation information is displayed on the operation display unit and the setting information input unit accepts an operation not to discard the setting information from the screen, the operation reset unit does not discard the setting information, and the setting information input unit Receives an operation for discarding the setting information from the screen, the operation resetting unit discards the setting information even if the operator detecting unit detects the operator.

  Therefore, when the user explicitly inputs that the setting information can be discarded, the setting information can be discarded.

  Further, in the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the operation resetting unit is a threshold time during display of an arbitrary application screen, and when the setting information input unit does not accept an operation, the operation resetting unit replaces the arbitrary application screen with a specific time. If the setting information is discarded by displaying the application screen, or if the setting information input means does not accept the operation during the display of the reserved job list screen, the setting information can be closed by closing the job list screen. If the information is discarded, or if the setting information input means does not accept the operation after the user logs in, the setting information is discarded, or the setting information is discarded by logging out the user, or an arbitrary application screen is displayed. When there is no operation for a threshold time, the setting information is discarded by displaying the top screen of an arbitrary application being displayed.

  Accordingly, it is possible to reset the screen being displayed by the user or the operation being operated, and display appropriate default setting information and the default screen.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.

1 MFP
2 Communication path 10 Body 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Hard disk 15 Communication I / F
16 Connection I / F
17 Engine part 18 Detection part 19 Bus 20 Operation part 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 Flash memory 25 Communication I / F
26 Connection I / F
27 Operation Panel 28 Bus 31 OS Layer 32 Service Layer 33 Application Layer 34 Detection Layer 41 OS Layer 42 Service Layer 43 Application Layer 50 Network 51 Wireless LAN AP
60 Operation Unit 71 Display Unit 72 Setting Information Input Unit 73 Information Storage Unit 74 Setting Information Management Unit 75 Mode Control Unit 76 Operator Detection Unit 77 Operation Reset Unit

JP, 2015-003449, A

Claims (9)

A data processing apparatus having a power saving mode for performing at least one of stopping and reducing power supply to each main part,
Display means for displaying and outputting an input screen for setting information relating to the operation of the data processing device;
Setting information input means for setting and inputting the setting information according to the input screen;
Information storage means for storing stored contents even in the power saving mode;
A mode control that shifts the power supply mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied, and returns to the normal power mode in which the power saving mode can be normally operated when the predetermined return condition is satisfied. Means,
When the mode control means shifts the power supply power mode to the power saving mode, the setting information input from the setting information input means is stored in the information storage means, and the normal power is transferred from the power saving mode. When returning to the mode, setting information management means for reflecting the setting information of the information storage means on the input screen of the display means;
A data processing apparatus comprising: The data processing device includes:
An operator detecting means for detecting whether or not the operator is within a predetermined range of the data processing device;
The setting information management means includes
When the operator detection unit does not detect the operator at the time of transition to the power saving mode or during the power saving mode, the information storage unit stores predetermined initial setting information, and the power saving mode When the operator detection unit is detecting the operator at the time of shifting to the power saving mode, the setting information input from the setting information input unit is stored in the information storage unit. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The data processing device includes:
The main body unit that performs various operation processes and the operation display unit are connected by a predetermined communication means,
The body part is
The information storage means, the mode control means and the setting information management means;
The operation display unit
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: the display unit and the setting information input unit.   4. The data processing according to claim 1, wherein the data processing device performs image processing as data processing based on the setting information set and input from the setting information input unit. 5. apparatus. Display means for displaying and outputting an input screen for setting information relating to the operation of the data processing device;
Setting information input means for receiving the setting information according to the input screen;
Operator detection means for detecting whether the operator is within a predetermined range of the data processing device;
A threshold time after a predetermined screen is displayed, and an operation reset means for discarding the setting information when the setting information input means does not accept an operation, and
If the operator detection means detects the operator when the threshold time has elapsed, the operation reset means does not discard the setting information,
When the threshold time has elapsed, if the operator detection unit does not detect the operator, the operation reset unit discards the setting information. If the operator detection unit detects the operator when the threshold time has elapsed, the operation reset unit causes the operation display unit to display a screen for accepting whether or not to discard the setting information. ,
When the setting information input means accepts an operation not to discard the setting information from the screen, the operation reset means does not discard the setting information,
When the setting information input unit accepts an operation of discarding the setting information from the screen, the operation reset unit discards the setting information even if the operator detection unit detects the operator. Item 6. The data processing device according to Item 5. The operation reset means includes
Whether the setting information is discarded by displaying a specific application screen instead of the arbitrary application screen when the setting information input means does not accept the operation for a threshold time during the display of the arbitrary application screen ,
If the setting information input means does not accept an operation during the display of the reserved job list screen, the setting information is discarded by closing the job list screen,
After the user logs in, if the setting information input means does not accept the operation for a threshold time, the setting information is discarded by logging out the user,
Or
The data processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein when there is no operation for a threshold time during display of an arbitrary application screen, the setting information is discarded by displaying a top screen of the arbitrary application being displayed. A setting information management method executed by a data processing apparatus having a power saving mode for performing at least one of stopping and reducing power supply to each main part,
A display processing step of displaying and outputting an input screen for setting information relating to the operation of the data processing device to a display means;
A setting information input processing step in which the setting information is set and input according to the input screen;
An information storage processing step for storing the stored contents in the information storage means even in the power saving mode; and
A mode control that shifts the power supply mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied, and returns to the normal power mode in which the power saving mode can be normally operated when the predetermined return condition is satisfied. Processing steps;
When the power control mode is shifted to the power saving mode in the mode control processing step, the setting information input in the setting information input processing step is stored in the information storage means in the information storage processing step, A setting information management processing step of reflecting the setting information of the information storage means on the input screen of the display means when returning from the power saving mode to the normal power mode;
A setting information management method characterized by comprising: A program installed in a data processing apparatus having a power saving mode for performing at least one of stopping and reducing power supply to each main part,
To the control processor,
Display processing for displaying and outputting a setting information input screen relating to the operation of the data processing device to a display means;
A setting information input process in which the setting information is set and input according to the input screen;
Information storage processing for storing the stored contents in the information storage means even in the power saving mode;
A mode control that shifts the power supply mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied, and returns to the normal power mode in which the power saving mode can be normally operated when the predetermined return condition is satisfied. Processing,
When the power control mode is shifted to the power saving mode in the mode control processing, the setting information input in the setting information input processing is stored in the information storage means in the information storage processing, and the power saving A setting information management process for reflecting the setting information of the information storage means on the input screen of the display means when returning from the mode to the normal power mode;
A program characterized by having executed.

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